tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26105099091973022302024-03-19T05:34:48.674-05:00Our life, a JigsawNeerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-898256586390302812013-05-27T22:41:00.000-05:002013-05-27T22:41:31.287-05:00Blue Man Group Announces Expanded Summer Schedule<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>SHOWCASES CRITICALLY HAILED ORIGINAL, VISUALLY STRIKING MATERIAL TO THRILL AUDIENCES AS IT CONTINUES ITS OPEN RUN AT</strong> <strong>CHICAGO</strong><strong>’S BRIAR STREET THEATRE</strong><br /><br /> <u>Cool Off With Blue Man Group During Additional Performances in </u></div>
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<u>June, July and August for Summer Vacationers</u></div>
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<br />CHICAGO – <strong>Blue Man Group</strong> is a critically hailed theatrical phenomenon on stage at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted Street. Blue Man Group’s production provides its audience with a unique and thrilling multi-sensory experience that blends innovative theatrical spectacle and dynamic original music with hilarious comedy, art, technology and science to create a performance experience unlike any other.<br /><br /><u>Additional performances have been added in June, July and August to accommodate summer visitors to Chicago. For a full show schedule, visit <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpJNwL5HT-2BJTsTA4cH63pV8qnCvonGCCfG-2B6YgtuDjjn3GE9wHsaX-2BmkOI14zxlhglsWtPf4D6Cn3xzCsz34h7qclTJyrYwrd-2Fv-2FgBaNndtADqHgbHCXMgc-2BI6jJlR5eqRA-3D-3D_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqzR7-2FllgOx0l9seoaJ8d4td2ITj-2FPgPRLfdNrylLnqLbh-2Bq1IR-2FOCY2zXjwuhAnSwn4uJNXSrbqIrRHqM9vs5GdUrtAf3zih3NSV6nz9BHXeOuE1jO3gRQI-2BvtThSdwppduWivDUDxTextBDVoF6NixEk4UwoxtH-2BmfYu3YxwM7nJC4ukTl5yFHkdMK4d4Br4BUl8nI0HwsfLPAdm9L2PnvI8-2B36HDgD8-2FX9zbO0XrGtd0BTPKTiI7IN1P0eBRwls68x7FfEveAEJ2nFXNGC6e1jI62g-2FuWGp2CkViLx8dmDBaeDk4u7SwudOvLeLuDVKU-3D" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.blueman.com/chicago</a>.</u><br /><br />Group rates are available for 15 or more. To request information, please email <a href="mailto:chicagogroups@blueman.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">chicagogroups@blueman.com</a>.<br /><br /><strong>The New York Times said of the show “People from all over the world, from all walks of life and from all age groups have become fans!” The Chicago Tribune called Blue Man Group “The perfect entertainment” while The Los Angeles Times designated the Blue Men as “the most tantalizing boundary-pusher(s) afoot” and E! Entertainment Television dubbed the show “what every performance aspires to be!” <br /> </strong><br />In the show, the Blue Men encounter a variety of environments to discover, engage with and explore of-the-moment situations with cutting-edge technology. Many of the signature scenes that have made Blue Man Group one of today’s best-loved theatrical productions have been in the show since its opening, though new material has been integrated regularly. Newer passages include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads;” a funny and perceptive look at contemporary communication vehicles; and a pulsating finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score.<br /><br />Currently, Blue Man Group theatrical shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, and on tour throughout the U.S. Blue Man Group can also be seen onboard the Norwegian Epic by Norwegian Cruise Line – the Official Cruise Line of Blue Man Group.<br /><br />The company’s music, featuring custom made instruments and signature, percussive sound, can be heard on five albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Audio,” as well as<br />various film and television projects. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.<br /><br />Blue Man Group’s appeal is multi-generational, with several projects specifically designed for young people, including “Making Waves,” a popular touring exhibit for children, and the national “Invent an Instrument” competition. <br /><br /><strong>BLUE MAN GROUP TICKET INFORMATION </strong><br />Tickets are available from $49-$99. Tickets may be purchased at the Briar Street Theatre by calling the box office at (773) 348-4000; by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787; at all Ticketmaster ticket centers or via the Internet at <em><a href="" style="color: #1155cc;">www.ticketmaster.com/<wbr></wbr>bluemanchicago</a>. </em> For more information, visit <em><a href="" style="color: #1155cc;">www.blueman.com/chicago</a></em></div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-21561338765557292322013-05-27T22:18:00.001-05:002013-05-27T22:29:36.734-05:00Cirque Shanghai: Dragon's Thunder is on at Navy Pier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong> “CIRQUE SHANGHAI: DRAGON’S THUNDER” </strong><br /><strong>COMES TO</strong><strong> NAVY PIER<sup>®</sup> PEPSI<sup>®</sup> SKYLINE STAGE </strong><br /><strong>MAY 22 – SEPTEMBER 2</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12px;">CHICAGO – <strong><em>Cirque Shanghai</em></strong> returns to Chicago’s Navy Pier this summer with a magnificent new show<strong>“Cirque Shanghai: Dragon’s Thunder”</strong> beginning Wednesday, May 22, 2013. The production will run through September 2, 2013 (Labor Day), rain or shine, at the Navy Pier<sup>®</sup> Pepsi<sup>®</sup> Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.<br /><br /><u>Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or<a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpO6l44g31dvrJfwSSw7iZUzxPvKaThXEsWnYeKl6vfb2bg8psqRAPTBagZnQqCWXQ-2Fse0CWNcFsv3EcLtsK4gGfYBqg8TzzOUlOzsClr0eCq-2FKamYt1BeCgUe7yI7TKSMA-3D-3D_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqwKEw46u4fzbWSVTYTEVQMyZryUFsUtPac4XYbMbfjWpcVxJ3r4CsM3f4o9oodMXq4tq10z33uCK2Q4ASvcgua8FnYLA37Wkm9-2BEreKNrcgSTmdswZwK6M1lJc-2BgipH8WrrDG7Hn-2F72bYiYD8vVsInp23EXza3HKgLGXGGNp0PCyvBJ-2FcC827-2F2HbiZvFFpm1YW0-2FsQaMTw73v1wNTXNPLzTg42Cr63tOifovwUxDXRl8tGHWBmRrFOrecj6hy59tRNiljhDB8OqbOCCj3lfX969ALgL3v0Wn-2FPEi5O-2BoehZazrRBEmotDuJQlZCUFu6tI-3D" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai</a>.</u><br /><br /><strong>“Cirque Shanghai: Dragon’s Thunder”</strong> is a spectacle for audiences of all ages, featuring performers direct from China who are leaders in their craft of tumbling, juggling, balancing and more. With a total of 36 troupe members, “Dragon’s Thunder” is the largest <em>Cirque Shanghai</em> cast to ever visit the U.S.<br /><br />This year’s production features an incredible line up of awe-inspiring acts, including <strong>“The Chinese Flex Bar,”</strong>the heart stopping <strong>“Gravity Swings,”</strong> and the awesome sounds of the traditional Chinese <strong>“Dragon Drums.”</strong>For the first time in Cirque Shanghai’s North American engagement, the traditional Chinese drums will be an integral part of the production.<br /><br />Back from last year’s show is the fate tempting <strong>“Wheel of Destiny,”</strong> and China’s finest daredevil motorcycle troupe, <strong>“Imperial Thunder</strong>,<strong>” </strong>returns with not two, not four, but five motorcyclists riding at break-neck speeds within a steel globe.<br /><br />Audiences and critics alike have raved about last year’s production, <strong>“Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon.”</strong> The Chicago Sun-Times says “No doubt about it, this ‘Dragon’ breathes fire,” and Newcity regarded the production as “athletically mind-blowing.” Chicago Parent believes “This is one of those rare shows that works for everyone,” and Northwest Indiana Times raved that “This season's Cirque Shanghai show can be summed up in three words: ‘Seeing is Believing.’”<br /><br />Directed by Miao Miao Chen, <strong>“Cirque Shanghai: Dragon’s Thunder”</strong> is presented in this exclusive U.S. engagement by Navy Pier in conjunction with International Special Attractions, Ltd. (ISA) production headquarters in Shanghai, China.<br /><br /><strong><u>PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION</u></strong><br /><br /><strong>“Cirque Shanghai”</strong> will perform May 22 – Sept. 2, with regular run performances as follows:</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px;">Wednesday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. </li>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />There will be additional performances on Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday May, 23 at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 26 at 8 p.m., Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Thursday, July 4 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.<br /><br /><u>Tickets go on sale May 3</u> and will be available by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting<a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpO6l44g31dvrJfwSSw7iZUzxPvKaThXEsWnYeKl6vfb2bg8psqRAPTBagZnQqCWXQ-2Fse0CWNcFsv3EcLtsK4gGfYBqg8TzzOUlOzsClr0eCq-2FKamYt1BeCgUe7yI7TKSMA-3D-3D_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqwKEw46u4fzbWSVTYTEVQMyZryUFsUtPac4XYbMbfjWpRoGoDegFI9CIuoIUapCkMgPT-2BPTMo71TFEW2tTAwZ-2Btl-2FpEqCzrJYyyJWlX73497qTui5VilVacwH4p1YlN7Qn1edrPvOBfs6MbWS7ksLeKYMkJz0FAT3nGEW0DQOHGs9f-2Fj-2BkQlUA-2FKbj5O43CvyraQmG0-2FIA2oG5fksYaizGXMwjlot5eeAihBGS3nR9Dj3icYiMG9Sywu5vUwjvlZyzQdjz350nEIaP4hj6IZWgwzPJxCChUd1-2BtvB3TmSf5scrRTaQ4DygNVJBQD2vJlfE-3D" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai</a>. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are currently available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpPkWcoG0guOZHNmtI0BVn2yYi9iSjCZRfntGgOVOm03chAcRuFG-2FoNosizSSa8lIe-2Fr81XJlJNPQsOPSoXVQQ3u0EnDOQXhPIrmh8qFnXRDO_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqwKEw46u4fzbWSVTYTEVQMyZryUFsUtPac4XYbMbfjWpZkkx8A4LyXLQBGDVKriUovgD-2B8xZ0hYQuuuJBUEh1mx9afDipruYIANZmnSDXbWTsM2zU80M3C7HabUWFU3ad90KaKrv1OWVBCdqLHczDM1XaDAHbUKLF2TC0Rg-2FfIJdAUBgntwnAecQLlY2Ws8kNKWfuSRME3B3CrivVQTVTrgDzw2De8p01fKTqdInLSGPWCDrPuwZngMwa-2FIu-2BXmmFXm1J7oIPLK9-2BNBUu1A5y-2BEQgjr1cgfazOKs5XEtn6W-2FM0YG-2BGnKzwZC3Q1BfLH1cM-3D" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.grouptix.net</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.81818199157715px;"><i>I have been going to Cirque Shanghai's performances for two consecutive years the past years and have been awestruck each time. Read up my posts from previous years <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/search?q=cirque+shanghai" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><br />
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-20212583085445774812013-05-27T16:26:00.001-05:002013-05-27T16:26:53.259-05:00Rosemont: MB Financial Park to Host Summer Concert Series<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>MB FINANCIAL PARK AT ROSEMONT ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>‘ROCKIN’ IN THE PARK’</strong><br /><strong>FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Free Outdoor Music Festival All Summer Long <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177867" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 6-August 15</span></span></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: 14px;">ROSEMONT, IL – After last year’s successful inaugural celebration, the Village of Rosemont announces the return of their free summer concert series,<strong> ‘Rockin’ in The Park.’ </strong>Expanding upon last year’s series, the 2013 festival will be a summer-long concert series, <b>beginning on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177868" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, June 6</span></span> and continuing through <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177869" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, August 15</span></span></b>. The festival, sponsored by WXRT, will feature eleven live bands, fireworks and food and beverage tents <b>on the great lawn in the center of new MB Financial Park at Rosemont, located at 5501 Park Place, Rosemont.</b><br /><br />Throughout June, July, and August, there will be a variety of live music including <b>7<sup>th</sup>Heaven, Hi Infidelity, Kashmir, Spazmatics, Arra, Libido, Funk Circus, 16 Candles, American English, Modern Day Romeos, Infinity and Breakfast Club. On <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177870" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 6</span></span>, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177871" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 3</span></span>, and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177872" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 8</span></span>, a spectacular fireworks show will directly follow the accompanying music act. Admission is free, parking is free</b> with validation and outside coolers cannot be brought into the park.<br /><br /><span style="line-height: 1;"> </span><br /><strong><u>All shows are from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177873" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7- 9:45 p.m.</span></span>, and a full schedule can be found below: </u></strong><br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177874" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, June 6</span></span></u></strong><strong>: 7th Heaven & Fireworks</strong> – A rock band based in Chicago, 7<sup>th</sup>Heaven is sure to kick the summer off right with a high-energy show. 7th Heaven has charted #1 on the Midwest Billboard Charts twice in the past two years with their hits "Better This Way" and "Sing.” A fireworks show will follow this concert.<br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177875" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, June 13</span></span></u></strong><strong>: Hi Infidelity </strong>- For six consecutive years, this Chicago-based band was voted as the Best Rock Cover Band, vocalist Dave Mikulskis was voted Best Vocalist and, in 2010, Bobby Scumaci was voted Best Keyboardist in Suburban NiteLife Magazine's Best of the Burbs contest.<br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177876" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, June 20</span></span></u></strong><strong>: Kashmir</strong> – Seeking to re-create the experience of a 70's Zeppelin show utilizing authentic vintage stage gear, costumes and special effects, Kashmir prides themselves on playing Zeppelin as it was. They only use the equipment from the era with songs reproduced with great respect and admiration for the legendary band."It's not about us, it's about Led Zeppelin.”<br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177877" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, June 27</span></span></u></strong><strong>: Spazmatics</strong> – Bringing all the awesome sounds, styles and way cool dance steps from the 1980's, the Spazmatics recapture all the best of the worst. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and style makes for an evening of pure energy and entertainment, complete with skinny ties, Brill Creamed-hair and horn-rimmed glasses.<br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177878" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, July 3</span></span></u></strong><strong>: Arra & Fireworks</strong> - Arra is one of the best and largest-drawing classic rock cover bands in the Chicago area. Performing the biggest hits by the biggest bands of all time with precision and excellence, they have also headlined or performed at many of the area’s largest summer festival events. A fireworks show will follow this concert. <br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177879" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, July 11</span></span></u></strong><strong>: Libido Funk Circus</strong> - Originally formed as an over-the-top tribute to the Disco music of the 70s, Libido Funk Circus has been entertaining a wide range of audiences since its inception. From the hits of the good ole' Motown days to the bass-thumping beats of today's dance music; from the always danceable Disco grooves to the new wave rock of the 80’s, Libido Funk Circus has something for everyone.<br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177880" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, July 18</span></span></u></strong><strong>: 16 Candles</strong> - Established in 2003, 16 Candles brings all the great 80′s songs you love to life in full force. The members are five fun-loving guys with a simple love for the music of years past and a mission to fuse nostalgia and style to create a sight/sound spectacular unlike any other.<br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177881" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, July 25</span></span></u></strong><strong>: American English </strong>- This Beatles tribute show was voted “number one” by thousands of Beatles fans as winners of sound-a-like contests at Beatlefest® for three consecutive years. They have also won Illinois Entertainer of the Year and have been voted "Best Tribute Band" three of the last four years by their fans in the Chicago area.<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177882" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, July 31</span></span></u></strong><strong>: Modern Day Romeos</strong> - Based out of Chicago's suburbs, the band’s six members have come together from different musical backgrounds to create the most fun and high-energy show you can experience. Modern Day Romeos has<br />been endorsed and praised by many in the media including: 95.1 WIIL Rock, STAR 105.5, 102.3 WXLC and 1220 WKRS along with countless newspaper and magazine publications.<br /><br /><strong><u> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177883" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, August 8</span></span></u></strong><strong>: INFINITY & Fireworks</strong> – With a following that makes them one of the top cover bands in Chicago, INFINITY lights up the stage with their unique vocals and instrumentals performing hits from Boston, Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, Styx, Queen, REO Speedwagon and Journey. They are genuine entertainers, and everyone in the audience, no matter what age, will become part of this show. A fireworks show will follow this concert. <br /><br /><strong><u><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177884" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, August 15</span></span></u></strong><strong>: Breakfast Club </strong>- A high energy rock and dance 80's tribute band, every song Breakfast Club plays is a hit that brings down the house. Moonwalk down memory lane with Breakfast Club as they spin you right round to all the radical sounds, styles and way cool dance steps from the 1980s in over-the-top retro 80s attire.<br /><br /><strong>About The Village of Rosemont, Illinois</strong><br />Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently located five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Rosemont is home to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, the Allstate Arena, the Rosemont Theatre and a host of entertainment and retail venues including MB Financial Park at Rosemont. Rosemont continues to grow and evolve based on the new vision of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. The newest addition to the Rosemont community, set to open in August 2013, will be the Fashion Outlets of Chicago For more information visit <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpEiZ54jFlNie0nsFgba8a-2FpRqvLvr3pP1i-2BplxZSoxwcZA2ul727Q9pWDFd4uVlwh1u0uGj2tSkYZmI803xdqTVX-2F24RVx6nea53yWVK7vU8_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqySkgX2-2FN3UyiwNcINuT0V0YYvnsy614b-2BEVcyBIgeu1Z8GPt53C5phpDKB6gLbC-2BEeXIhp1ZNkXJ44aeaN-2FUVXnWGJtoUULb-2Fsasu8Iiz2LOrcK3-2BsbzF82jZQ8pOa2xk7hwf5pbvsCpLMbhoJlnu7R-2BG0qIqnYgxoPR-2FyrDlVS2l8vFJLqbXumhYVa3hn-2FlrwXhxuCKQoWfGPzFtN-2Fc8tjeapsWkU-2BIQyR83bXsb4z-2B3VFL3hiF98e-2BLLUG3ey5s6r62aCFUe4khDDVsmSIYmxDtnlKwvC75MEgSCoB-2BwXIYBJB3MRnolRpgkpZouKXY-3D" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.rosemont.com</a>.<br /><br /><strong>About The MB Financial Park at Rosemont</strong><br />MB Financial Park at Rosemont is a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and dining complex that will house eight venues offering upscale international cuisine, live music and comedy, state-of-the-art film, bowling and more. Conveniently located near O’Hare International Airport, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is easily accessible from Chicago as well as the suburbs. The address is 5501 Park Place, a new looping street situated west of River Road between Bryn Mawr and Balmoral Avenues. A 20-minute drive from Chicago’s Loop, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is walking distance from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the CTA Blue Line Rosemont station and Rosemont Theatre. Convenient parking is available.</span></span></div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-9589701976413428912013-05-27T16:14:00.000-05:002013-05-27T16:14:39.466-05:00WATCH US GROW: MONARCH BUTTERFLIES EXHIBIT AT KOHL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>KOHL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM SOARS INTO SUMMER WITH ITS</strong><br /><strong><em>WATCH US GROW: MONARCH BUTTERFLIES</em></strong><strong> EXHIBIT</strong></div>
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<u>Dynamic Live Insect Exhibit Gives Visitors an Up-Close View of the Four Stages of Butterfly Development, from Egg to Adult</u></div>
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<br /><br />GLENVIEW, Ill. – Visitors to the Kohl Children’s Museum will have the awe-inspiring experience of watching live monarch butterflies grow from eggs to fully developed adults this summer when the <strong><em>Watch Us Grow: Monarch Butterflies</em></strong> exhibit was launched <b>May 21, and continuing through <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177865" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday, September 1</span></span>.</b> The dynamic and interactive exhibit will give kids a chance to get up close to one of nature’s most beautiful and fascinating beings.<br /><br />The live insect exhibit will show visitors the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, the Illinois state insect. Chicago’s youngest museum-goers will be able to view four stages of butterfly development; eggs, caterpillars, pupas, and adult butterflies; explore how animals change and adapt through the metamorphosis process; and determine whether a butterfly is male or female by examining its wing shape and pattern.<br /><br />The monarchs will be exhibited in a specially designed habitat for chrysalises and butterflies where they will be free to explore, while providing visitors with an unforgettable learning experience. Exhibit signage explains the egg and caterpillar stages of butterfly growth, and live specimens of pupa and adult butterflies demonstrate the final two stages of growth.<br /><br />Anderson Pest Solutions, the largest family-owned pest solutions company in the Midwest, has once again generously underwritten the exhibit. Anderson is dedicated to environmental protection and committed to reducing and eliminating the use of pesticides in favor of natural solutions to pest problems.<br /><br />“The Museum is very grateful to Anderson for their ongoing support of the <em>Watch Us Grow</em> exhibit,” said Sheridan Turner, President and CEO of the Kohl Children’s Museum. “Children have the special opportunity to witness nature’s stunning life cycle happening in front of their very eyes. These insects are beautiful to look at, but they also teach children an appreciation for the life of something as small and magical as a butterfly.”<br /><br /><strong>About Kohl Children’s Museum</strong><br /><br />In recognition for its outstanding exhibits and impact on Chicagoland families, Kohl Children’s Museum was recently named one of the country’s Ten Best Children’s Museums by <em>Parents</em> Magazine. The Museum was ranked sixth out of more than 300 children’s museums nationwide and was the only Chicago area museum recognized.<br /><br />Offering 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to 8, the Museum’s mission is to encourage young children to become effective learners through self-directed complex play. Kohl Children’s Museum is located at 2100 Patriot Blvd., in Glenview, Ill. at the corner of Patriot Blvd. and W. Lake Ave. in the newly redeveloped area known as The Glen. The Museum can be easily reached by public transportation, including Pace bus and Metra trains.<br /><br />For more information, visit the Museum’s website at <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpOgRAuUFOTHoYYgf5Zbs06qO4Ss7npv6EAdtQCCoWijfWhHtqgzyUPELjkEzX0BV6j4M5T-2BXvtP3w-2FG0dM1v-2BXZJ0Oz1R9vk8f0hKLFncjaikUMgS13X4CyeArskwN3Hbg-3D-3D_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqwyIqNw-2Btnvk5mrIH86wurxSIT3waRB3Py7n6WXXtB9p06uuQmutHbMnQv1WclxZluCswUSUxvpTEHh5BL3xFcHGrzoEb7xi-2FfrmF6PG2DK-2BX3QBf-2Bo4HftFdOvciwJ-2BxMTtqnpcvIcmEOOfxZFlkkuqf5uJY-2BUFVhMiguSTN-2FsGugu4DAWqbuqj-2Bas8OkSftQzP320J0nYRWmez-2BEDlP-2FLnRsuYlSG2z3igPiQ96POuUPxXvPINb2S0v45pPM3aBYlT-2FBZflCM27vkECf5ThSpqz4TBveQV0VX3cBjR2vmzyG2Dt8HDRyheFtZHAYWMLN5aiFsQTV2PCijKBZhFTW-2B" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org</a> or call (847) 832-6600. The Museum is open on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special members-only hours are from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1683177866" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Admission prices are $9.50 for children and adults and $8.50 for senior citizens. Children under 1 year old and members are admitted free of charge. </div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-78307572339114369692013-01-29T22:30:00.000-06:002013-01-29T22:31:46.554-06:00Another new innings...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...started for me this week. Having held the Illinois Teaching Certificate for almost a year and a half, applying in school districts and not hearing back from them, I finally got a break in the same school district as Nino and Chica's. Lesson learnt - knowing people in the system works as much here as anywhere else in the world! So even though the hiring right now has been as a <strike>paltry</strike> substitute teacher, its exciting nevertheless for a variety of reasons. Getting back into a profession very close to my heart even if its a baby step towards that; getting the opportunity of experiencing teaching, first hand, in a country other than my own; being able to step out after another long stint at home to name a few. And the good part is its working well with my schedule. Nino returns at 4:00 and I am able to return before that. Chica who still goes half day has been lucky to get a loving babysitter in a dear friend. And mornings just got better. Every morning Nino wakes up with the question if I got a call from some school to see if he would be able to don his 'responsible child cum caring older brother' hat today :) I had been counseling the kids since last week about all they would have to remember to do as I would have to leave, on some days, almost an hour and a quarter before they leave for school. Which is typically the time they are ready to go for the bathroom 'works' after having gulped down their milk. And A more often than not has office calls during that time, which essentially leaves the kids on their own to get ready, fold their clothes, make their beds, eat their breakfast, make sure everything that's supposed to be in the bags actually is (yeah we are last minuters) and biggest of all KEEP AN EYE ON THE CLOCK! And I am proud to say that on the very first day, I am a proud mom of kids who got ready 20 minutes before their scheduled time and were the first ones to reach the bus stop! Yeah, Chica wore pink and green socks with a black and white shirt and red leggings, but I am ready to overlook that because she did look amusingly cute nevertheless :)<br />
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So now notes from the first day of work. I spent my time laughing over this video with A last night and hoping my day went better than this ;)<br />
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I substituted for a Math/Science teacher in a middle school today. Some of the things that impressed me -<br />
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1. The day started with select News being broadcast for the students to watch throuhgout the school in the homeroom period. Such a great idea!<br />
2. Outside every teacher's room, along with their name was a sign which stated "Mr/Mrs XYZ is reading <u> . </u>" (followed by the name of the book). How inspiring!<br />
3. 6th graders were working on a presentation in groups of 4 on National Parks. The roles taken up by each group member were Geologist/Animal and Plant researcher/Historian/Tour Guide. They made slides according to their role and shared it on Google Docs with their group members which the Tour Guide then adjusted to, well guide the audience. Such a great project!<br />
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So that's the latest from my end. Tomorrow is another exciting day as I get to visit the young Kindergartners. My kids are more excited than I am about this one :)<br />
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-39597523914769783752013-01-18T11:46:00.001-06:002013-01-18T11:46:33.097-06:00I am thankful for Basque athlete Iván Fernández Anaya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few weeks back Nino read a book about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Armstrong" target="_blank">Lance Armstrong</a> and as is natural for a child his age, was so impressed by the feats he had achieved. He couldn't help marveling at the fact that a person could win the Tour de France seven times in a row. He was deeply moved by the fact that in spite of battling cancer, which he knew to be a deadly disease, he returned to cycling and by his will power and hard work went on to achieve all that he did. The book was obviously written before February 2011 when Lance Armstrong was charged by the United Stated Anti Doping Agency for using and distributing performance enhancing drugs and stripped of all his medals since August 1998. Very unfortunately we had to shatter the bubble he had created and bring down the cyclist from the larger than life pedestal the child had placed him on. The look on his face was not a pleasant one to see as he battled confusion, contempt, distrust. While it was a meaningful lesson in doing the right thing and the huge consequences following your choice of actions, still as a parent I felt a tug at my heart hoping that somehow everything could be undone and Lance Armstrong to go back to being the hero my son had just imagined him to be.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/69666_456447927743095_658900420_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/69666_456447927743095_658900420_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
So today when I read about the Basque athlete Iván Fernández Anaya, I felt so heartened. I quote his glorious action<br />
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<blockquote>
<i>Very little has been said about this…..On December 2, Basque athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was competing in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarre. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai - bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics. As they entered the finishing straight, he saw the Kenyan runner - the certain winner of the race - mistakenly pull up about 10 meters before the finish, thinking he had already crossed the line.<br />Fernández Anaya quickly caught up with him, but instead of exploiting Mutai's mistake to speed past and claim an unlikely victory, he stayed behind and, using gestures, guided the Kenyan to the line and let him cross first.<br />Ivan Fernandez Anaya, a Basque runner of 24 years who is considered an athlete with a big future (champion of Spain of 5,000 meters in promise category two years ago) said after the test:<br />"But even if they had told me that winning would have earned me a place in the Spanish team for the European championships, I wouldn't have done it either. I also think that I have earned more of a name having done what I did than if I had won. And that is very important, because today, with the way things are in all circles, in soccer, in society, in politics, where it seems anything goes, a gesture of honesty goes down well."<br />He said at the beginning: unfortunately, very little has been said of the gesture. And it's a shame. In my opinion, it would be nice to explain to children, so they do not think that sport is only what they see on TV: violent kicks in abundance, posh statements, fingers in the eyes of the enemy ... </i></blockquote>
<br />
I can't wait to share this with Nino today to give him back hope, the trust that honest people still do exist and are recognized and the belief that no matter how 'big' you are, you really are only as big as your actions!<br />
<br />
Like Ivan says, please do share this with your children and show them the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRTfbULx6TU" target="_blank">video</a> here.</div>
Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-20929964253075467162013-01-16T22:38:00.000-06:002013-01-16T23:01:17.033-06:00Sesame Street Live Brings "Elmo Makes Music" to Chicago Area in May<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Elmo Makes Music”</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<u><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Fun & Furry
Musicians Arrive in Chicagoland on May 1!</span></u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
<b>ROSEMONT, Ill., MERRILLVILLE, Ind. & JOLIET, Ill.</b> –
Mark your calendar for a musical event like no other—monsters making
music! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all their <i>Sesame
Street</i> friends are taking to the stage to share their love of
music in Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” at Akoo Theatre from
Wednesday, May 1 through Sunday, May 5, the Star Plaza Theatre from
Wednesday, May 8 through Sunday, May 12 and the Rialto Square Theatre
Tuesday, May 14 through Wednesday, May 15. Tickets for all 21 performances
are on sale now!<br />
<br />
Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to
discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny’s new Muppet friends
quickly come to the rescue and discover ‘instruments’ they never knew
existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo,
Abby Cadabby and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy
beautiful music together.<br />
<br />
Like television’s <i>Sesame Street,</i> each <b>Sesame
Street Live</b> production features timeless lessons for all
ages. Through the razzle-dazzle of this Broadway-quality musical
production, children learn about patience, acceptance and teamwork.
The universal appeal of a <b>Sesame Street Live</b> production
continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>stagecraft, cleverly written
scripts, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such
as “The Hustle,” “You Should Be Dancing” and “Rockin’ Robin.” “Elmo
Makes Music” features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that
children will love to sing along with such as “C Is for Cookie” and “The
Alphabet Song.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Elmo Makes Music: Schedule for Akoo
Theatre at Rosemont </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What: </span></b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music"<br />
<br />
<b>When: </b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Wednesday May 1 7 p.m.
(*Exclusive WTTW Benefit Performance)</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thursday May
2 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. (*Opening Night Offer)</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Friday
May 3 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.<br />
Saturday May 4 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m.
& 5:30 p.m.<br />
Sunday May 5 1 p.m.
& 4:30 p.m.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
<b>Where: </b><br />
Akoo Theatre at Rosemont<br />
5400 N. River Rd.<br />
Rosemont, IL 60018</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Tickets:</span></b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
$15, $25 and $30. A limited number of $40 Gold Circle seats and $90 Sunny
Seats** are also available. *Opening Night, all seats (excluding Gold
Circle and Sunny Seats) are $15. A facility fee of $2 will be
added to all ticket prices. Additional fees and special offers may apply.<br />
<br />
**Special $90 Sunny Seat packages are available at all shows. Sunny
Seats feature VIP seats and a pre-show Meet & Greet with two Sesame
Street Live friends.<br />
<br />
<i>**** Join WTTW11 on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Call <span style="color: #1155cc;">773-588-1111</span> for ticket prices and more
information.</i><br />
<br />
For more information, call <span style="color: #1155cc;">847-671-5100</span>.
To charge tickets by phone, please call Ticketmaster at <span style="color: #1155cc;">800-745-3000</span>. Tickets may also be purchased
online at <u>www.ticketmaster.com</u>. For information online, please
visit <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpKC86vD7AkkMsfn4ojsrmpGg1zvPcGTjD34rS3e5CWywEWU2qfdxRst26zywAo9fyQqM8esGfZK9aaKFi7PQMtuFutpWk6-2BSxfn4eN9NLyHQW7qaCz2AVBDh-2FHSB5aB1-2Fg-3D-3D_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqyeUsfJ1DWmLE8vBONBctzYQ-2FX1V4s7odkH8hQLG-2F3q4-2FC-2Fq-2Bh3dcFmGK-2FAmJdMUALDcSWCY8USDY1ZuJEFDClYa2AK6hKdMW9wVbQxKTC8D2L6Y25aUSqzi4SOiBFNUQ4VS3UccarVL1rs7D0DmiCSqJNsdG5ZC0spAPbK7AiklflzaXLT3q8hnmlnM93-2Ba6V5dV1BfzriucHzu6uKN7okcyvgjxapvv0qdVJLHSpVHY-2BqhZPyN4m5XCBrOjkYsZ-2FfMScKmGea6aIiyUEx-2B4jqExbpSuQ-2BnGu9SgwOxXCVlvMZX6pPn1AA2oIzsIxqsfY-3D" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.sesamestreetlive.com</span></a>.
Become a fan of Sesame Street Live on <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpLqzSuAFgcubUTo1Ih5pyoP6jhkrofjeijXvp8z-2BpCyEZG3FHh4VcHNpjK7hwdJetPqcjCZZCkKxeOJXuWZZ2-2F7okZyknfcMamNybGrb4PT2Jfg2lOeIUamnGZtm-2FkuzzRNon8RF1f8e3EGypGbRk6pX7yKZ1vUAzGHz5Z6mQ0ey_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqyeUsfJ1DWmLE8vBONBctzYQ-2FX1V4s7odkH8hQLG-2F3q480IBhxwtDy6D-2Bs-2BXDweOdBhv9GFxcqhSxsuokT9Cmr29V7RXHokwLJMeP0rWP0n2gPNxD4HNRGWZooc13WCeXT3AS1KJf1nVh3yfPbg2il36sURoxnmqLch6WgUS8Xy8ZqPc7hCkFlhzxTW-2B4aMmr2gTtFrgLkxqOKyzGIbRVubDhy5W4xGo5kJ-2BMjvwDb88a2jFWrQ6PVqoTgMhTyGQYrqu6WBp4l0UGH56Q0QSNoMVHhA76F9nnTOzv8-2BHRhePIV6B9d6qSEqJ5B7CfUFumA-3D" target="_blank" title="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpLqzSuAFgcubUTo1Ih5pyoP6jhkrofjeijXvp8z-2BpCyEZG3FHh4VcHNpjK7hwdJetPqcjCZZCkKxeOJXuWZZ2-2F7okZyknfcMamNybGrb4PT2Jfg2lOeIUamnGZtm-2FkuzzRNon8RF1f8e3EGypGbRk6pX7yKZ1vUAzGHz5Z6mQ0ey_WG0npOCdaX"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Facebook</span></a>. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Elmo Makes Music: Schedule
for other Chicagoland Locations</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What:</span></b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music"<br />
<br />
<b>When:</b><br />
Wedneasday May 8 7 p.m. (*Oepning Night
Offer)<br />
Thursday May 9 10:30
a.m. & 7 p.m.<br />
Friday May 10
10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.<br />
Saturday May 11 1 p.m.
& 4:30 p.m.<br />
Sunday May 12 1
p.m. & 4:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
<b>Where:</b><br />
Star Plaza Theatre<br />
8001 Delaware Place<br />
Merrillville, IN 46410<br />
<br />
<b>Tickets: </b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">$13, $18 and $28. A limited
number of $35 Gold Circle seats and $65 Sunny Seats** are also
available. *Opening Night, all seats (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny
Seats) are $13. A facility fee of $2 will be added to all ticket
prices. Additional fees and special offers may apply.<br />
<br />
**Special $65 Sunny Seat packages are available at all shows.
Sunny Seats feature VIP seats and a pre-show Meet & Greet with
two Sesame Street Live friends.<br />
<br />
For more information or to charge tickets by phone, please call
Ticketmaster at <span style="color: #1155cc;">800-745-3000</span>.
Tickets may also be purchased online at <u>www.ticketmaster.com</u>.
For information online, please visit<a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpKC86vD7AkkMsfn4ojsrmpGg1zvPcGTjD34rS3e5CWywEWU2qfdxRst26zywAo9fyQqM8esGfZK9aaKFi7PQMtuFutpWk6-2BSxfn4eN9NLyHQW7qaCz2AVBDh-2FHSB5aB1-2Fg-3D-3D_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqyeUsfJ1DWmLE8vBONBctzYQ-2FX1V4s7odkH8hQLG-2F3q4xZ66Ju49yy7ykv1Qmrm08VhhSz2ZwrLVSQlVBMDUvSPcvDDxuQz6akxX-2BtEX2T1vwpLe-2Fq4oqGbEussYRuxQEq3ccTnLqmDm0VKaFBMeoL3dvtV8HjQ2WKtxN84-2Bab-2BNeLCri8lJoRZ-2FbJB25mxT-2BX6TL-2BsDDHT-2Bz0HiwWVx9IFs-2BDurQ8B3fYUlf6goXhJmM9WA0wRYR7uhwUuQto4oGM5XuttzLQNprePHpuRzjb72FFi4AFmIgnQVfwyvsPjwip7xThojVOrqCX3Fl1Fmvw-3D" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.sesamestreetlive.com</span></a>.
Become a fan of Sesame Street Live on <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpLqzSuAFgcubUTo1Ih5pyoP6jhkrofjeijXvp8z-2BpCyEZG3FHh4VcHNpjK7hwdJetPqcjCZZCkKxeOJXuWZZ2-2F7okZyknfcMamNybGrb4PT2Jfg2lOeIUamnGZtm-2FkuzzRNon8RF1f8e3EGypGbRk6pX7yKZ1vUAzGHz5Z6mQ0ey_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqyeUsfJ1DWmLE8vBONBctzYQ-2FX1V4s7odkH8hQLG-2F3q4yfOEky6tkwCXg3dJMJ-2BXEd1nX1P56Lbnj9X8GuZvPVqi7fB2VzIy3JFx2bq-2F9TDRPgFLYFKR-2BwOxnVlsyqlRbCYIo3bEyPn7xzq4-2B7XgqW-2F-2FjFRB-2F-2BZXRQ7EBk1XcCrLr42UpBBQ0-2BLl29RABzy0lGbA4BRunbpW3SksSqCDsd7nSrE7B0Lt1QWNCX8apL9XGWmVrsI0xmLqW-2BEOLaJjjm3EZns6h17vxGja6K9R8T12O69yb8RVkiXtxWdV6ntKySUH1ePP0scnHYP9zRWPyE-3D" target="_blank" title="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpLqzSuAFgcubUTo1Ih5pyoP6jhkrofjeijXvp8z-2BpCyEZG3FHh4VcHNpjK7hwdJetPqcjCZZCkKxeOJXuWZZ2-2F7okZyknfcMamNybGrb4PT2Jfg2lOeIUamnGZtm-2FkuzzRNon8RF1f8e3EGypGbRk6pX7yKZ1vUAzGHz5Z6mQ0ey_WG0npOCdaX"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Facebo</span></a><b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sesame-Street-Live/126939419084" target="_blank" title="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sesame-Street-Live/126939419084"><span style="color: #1155cc;">ok</span></a>.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What:</span></b><span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music"<br />
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<b>When:</b><br />
Tuesday May 14 7p.m.<br />
Wednesday May 15 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.<br />
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<b>Where:</b><br />
Rialto Square Theatre<br />
120 North Chicago Street<br />
Joliet, IL 60432<br />
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<b>Tickets: </b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">$10, $13 and $17. A limited
number of $27 Gold Circle seats and $52 Sunny Seats* are also
available. A facility fee of $3 will be added to all ticket prices.
Additional fees and special offers may apply.<br />
<br />
*Special $52 Sunny Seat packages are available at all shows. Sunny
Seats feature VIP seats and a pre-show Meet & Greet with two
Sesame Street Live friends.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">For more information, call <span style="color: #1155cc;">815-726-6600</span>. To charge tickets by phone,
please call Ticketmaster at <span style="color: #1155cc;">800-745-3000</span>.
Tickets may also be purchased online at <u>www.ticketmaster.com</u>.
For information online, please visit <a href="http://sg.carolfoxassociates.com/wf/click?upn=vuRFHzTxfcKQnkGWizvvpKC86vD7AkkMsfn4ojsrmpGg1zvPcGTjD34rS3e5CWywEWU2qfdxRst26zywAo9fyQqM8esGfZK9aaKFi7PQMtuFutpWk6-2BSxfn4eN9NLyHQW7qaCz2AVBDh-2FHSB5aB1-2Fg-3D-3D_WG0npOCdaXBlOw5gcbhTTkEtM3g8kG3zsZcb-2BjvdJqyeUsfJ1DWmLE8vBONBctzYQ-2FX1V4s7odkH8hQLG-2F3q46NqTS3zGf1bYHGvGcM5gOd6GpLv30ETqoZg4qWQ3NyVOqUCp9mv2nACP-2FDFysbN27-2F-2B0HYEmL6e7LQ6Bjl2vgtrOVXPQgI0oQoEC1raFBUahRRN4DLSFvCmFHdGfXqHKmwtAMd6UNa3FD6mTee6JCQi-2Fo8D4iUNVxQhsejgaNVKJQ6-2F-2BMgWjZbil7VIYAxGVaAYYyfW5TKGLYeWTIcMigAE430A4u-2BrfrQvYJokxhE1hO0x9tI53gyNkR9YNMWmz25esk-2BI0r3-2B7HSIxdY4Df4-3D" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.sesamestreetlive.com</span></a>.
Become a fan of Sesame Street Live on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sesame-Street-Live/126939419084" target="_blank" title="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sesame-Street-Live/126939419084"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Facebook</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-30889387068216206222013-01-15T15:30:00.000-06:002013-01-16T22:58:22.350-06:00A day of implementing ideas - linked to some great resources<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So it takes some effort, well a lot to get a 7 year old on task, especially if the said 7 yo happens to be a boy. Man, I never would have believed the difference between boy and girl personalities if I didn't experience them first hand at home! So while, I have to be on my toes to get resources for Chica as she finishes one worksheet/activity after another asking for more, the ones for Nino lie around untouched for months on end because well he is just content sitting on the couch and breathing! Yeah, if he could outsource that too, he would!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqZZUv1QEkEpFJdE8OkG8XZaZtQGybNHfy_ePJV9X8wtXTeG_bRM9QhsKw2vn1jCIPQLcpYK1dkLm0KcLgRiEdQ532MrGmqmq5GJGtGledtBgQhPpDOO5oPH6rAyjTQ1lmhxziG3Ef1Y/s1600/IMG_8245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqZZUv1QEkEpFJdE8OkG8XZaZtQGybNHfy_ePJV9X8wtXTeG_bRM9QhsKw2vn1jCIPQLcpYK1dkLm0KcLgRiEdQ532MrGmqmq5GJGtGledtBgQhPpDOO5oPH6rAyjTQ1lmhxziG3Ef1Y/s200/IMG_8245.JPG" width="177" /></a>So some ideas from pinterest, which is my new best friend, which had been floating around in my head, I finally put to practice last night. So the kids helped me in making a list of tasks which would help them in earning coupons. The tasks include things like practicing their Math from some workbooks they have; some Hindi reading and writing; reading paired with some <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Responses" target="_blank">reading responses</a>. (Please do click on the link, it is a great great packet - each worksheet addresses a key reading skill and there are worksheets for fiction as well as non fiction books and it is FREE! The resources available on the internet these days just amazes me, I mean just think about all the talent in the world!) And everytime they finish a task, they put a tick against it on their task list. 5 completed tasks(all different) gives them the opportunity to pick a <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6OonPh6u4c0a04xaVpPRjJNTDg/edit" target="_blank">coupon</a>. I tried to encourage them to work quickly when they have the time (on no school home work days or weekends) and so if they complete 3 tasks in one day, they get to pick a coupon. Nino wanted me to add that 5 tasks in a day gets them 2 coupons. Coupons, some I made myself and others the duo told me what they wanted. So some of the coupons entitle them to a treat at McDonald's or a Family Game Night where the coupon winner picks games of his/her choice; or choosing a favorite movie for Movie Night, getting to play Wii for 20 extra minutes, an Ice Cream outing, calling a friend for playdate, an extra story at bedtime and the likes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhhsNSEQ5Qjq0lCPppa4BnHmpeqOOdVTNZcuu22eI1aHjoK_TPte9URO2U2o2ubyh1I4x6plMw8zB9sOyyTzyCHmLhJidi21PGfVEJ21zvZZDhPin8MaQNXOvUudRyPTmpjyfiEAe0e4/s1600/IMG_8243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhhsNSEQ5Qjq0lCPppa4BnHmpeqOOdVTNZcuu22eI1aHjoK_TPte9URO2U2o2ubyh1I4x6plMw8zB9sOyyTzyCHmLhJidi21PGfVEJ21zvZZDhPin8MaQNXOvUudRyPTmpjyfiEAe0e4/s320/IMG_8243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hah! So the first day, in spite of the fact that the system got up and running at 7:15 pm, we saw a whirlwind of academic activity in the household :). Frantic working, then getting back to the task chart to see what could be done next and then back to working. It was quite an amusing sight! And the siblings did in fact earn one coupon each :). Why, of course, I don't expect each day to be like that. But I do hope that it does instill some motivation to be on task when time permits! Last night Chica was able to earn another coupon where as Nino brought back a good share of home work from school so he could complete one task from the list.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwlqIX2XC9q81wyh-ThZugv1V1cfvpfbNoi3Cbiy8iZdBfMHd9n1uDQ8zJqTnujfZM1RmKgG2BvohK_LT98uqTRT8Hu3uC59XWtCX1NO464uhEHdWHWRzFG3bGhKbAuhMY_NOHCbvlPA/s1600/IMG_8248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwlqIX2XC9q81wyh-ThZugv1V1cfvpfbNoi3Cbiy8iZdBfMHd9n1uDQ8zJqTnujfZM1RmKgG2BvohK_LT98uqTRT8Hu3uC59XWtCX1NO464uhEHdWHWRzFG3bGhKbAuhMY_NOHCbvlPA/s320/IMG_8248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Another idea is that of this box which I am calling the Mom Box. Anything the kids don't put back at their proper place goes in the box and then in order to claim back their rights on it, they need to complete a <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6OonPh6u4c0azAzVm1DTkpadms/edit" target="_blank">chore</a>. I like the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6OonPh6u4c0NFEtaVE2ZXpWOTg/edit" target="_blank">rhyme</a> that goes with it. Much excitement ensued when the idea was announced. Even to the extent of deliberately leaving things out of place to be able to experience it. I had to tell Chica she could just pick a chore, she didn't have to leave something out to do it :) So she asked me for a wipe moistened with Windex because she wanted to clean the big patio glass door. He, he..sometimes I come close to knowing what it feels like to hit the Jackpot ;) The chores include things like folding some laundry, wiping the coffee and dining table, making their toy room clean by picking up anything lying on the floor. </div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-71062209263410868202013-01-08T15:43:00.000-06:002013-01-08T15:43:34.172-06:00Time to retire? May be not!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So we went on a rather sudden trip to India in November. Among the many other adventures, a couple of them were these two. While just doodling around one day which is Chica's favorite pastime, this is what she came up with. I think its time to retire from this parenting gig when your 5 year old has the circle of love and life this clear in her head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI_MY1kU9J8wqlLS8VT4_lgRFZd4FT3NLbaI_aTBQn6k7hyphenhyphenj5cVFZue8Pe4Zwc2aaERkOuH6sFmQ34lB2QGAmXaCN9vD9omtXLe_emcwjyGfSXz4B3H86PbB6n5YYUQ5mRMBsfeihh24/s1600/IMG_8043-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI_MY1kU9J8wqlLS8VT4_lgRFZd4FT3NLbaI_aTBQn6k7hyphenhyphenj5cVFZue8Pe4Zwc2aaERkOuH6sFmQ34lB2QGAmXaCN9vD9omtXLe_emcwjyGfSXz4B3H86PbB6n5YYUQ5mRMBsfeihh24/s320/IMG_8043-002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Or may be not because if your 7 year old comes up with this when asked to do his homework, retirement would have to wait some!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R2e7Kk4YpxCrWvqXVrVjOORrtpiprzQSO0LsAArQtfYmUXIdQd_4UiZ3ai-zKPkbrNCILlgENaaAxRq4NvBBafIp4bPeVWpoh1betuzLPgGKN0GPgREnOR-368r6TAGmWFk6TKayULo/s1600/IMG_7990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R2e7Kk4YpxCrWvqXVrVjOORrtpiprzQSO0LsAArQtfYmUXIdQd_4UiZ3ai-zKPkbrNCILlgENaaAxRq4NvBBafIp4bPeVWpoh1betuzLPgGKN0GPgREnOR-368r6TAGmWFk6TKayULo/s320/IMG_7990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-33400414126685389962012-12-11T22:54:00.000-06:002012-12-11T22:54:38.616-06:00A round up of a couple of great events and activities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...going on in Chicagoland currently!<br />
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<b>Holiday Magic Comes to Life November 23 - December 31 as Passengers Explore The Christkindlmaket, Zoo Lights, The Magnificent Mile, and More</b><br />
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Chicago Trolley Co. celebrates the holiday season with their enchanting “Holiday Lights Tour,” bringing the magic of the city to life as passengers experience the thrilling lights and sights of Chicago. <b>Running Friday - Sunday evenings Nov. 23 – Dec. 23, and daily Dec. 26 – 31</b>, Chicago’s version of a caroling sleigh ride whisks passengers through the festive lights and holiday spectacles of wintertime in Chicago, including views of <b>the Magnificent Mile, State Street & Macy’s Holiday Windows, the John Hancock Plaza tree, Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest; and stops at two of Chicago’s favorite holiday sights—the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and Lincoln Park’s Zoo Lights.</b> Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online at www.chicagotrolley.com. Tickets are on sale now.<br />
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We took the tour last year and it was so wonderful. For a review and pictures, read my blog post <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/after-holiday-lights-tour.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>SKATING IN THE PARK HAS OFFICIALLY OPENED NOV. 23 </b><br />
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Free Skating continues through Feb. 24, 2013<br />
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Rosemont, IL – <b>MB Financial Park at Rosemont</b> is once again hosting Skating in the Park beginning Friday, Nov. 23. The lawn has been turned into an NHL-sized outdoor skating rink for the winter months and visitors can skate under the lights for a magical experience during the holiday season.<br />
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With festive music, refreshments, convenient on-site skate rental for $8, free parking (with validation) and more, this ice rink, presented by the Village of Rosemont, offers fun for the entire family.<br />
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Skating in the Park at Rosemont Hours<br />
Monday-Thursday: 4- 9 p.m.<br />
Friday: 4-10 p.m.<br />
Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.<br />
Sun: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.<br />
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December 21- January 6: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.<br />
Extended hours when students are out for winter break.<br />
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-48426332671211702812012-10-22T12:41:00.001-05:002012-10-22T12:42:10.452-05:00A few Chica updates...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...filling up our days the past few weeks.<br />
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Chica is being this rather outspoken girl at home, in an entertaining way, with an amusing answer/opinion on almost anything that is being talked about :) So we were playing this word game while having dinner and she thought of a word and was giving clues to Niño for him to guess the word. Now Niño always likes to team up with his dad, just to make it easy for himself. After a couple of hints, the 'team' guessed the word and it happened a few times in a row. Niño expressed his pride on playing so well, to which she remarked so casually "<i><span style="color: red;">So what are you doing about it bhaiya, its all papa's work!</span></i>" The way she speaks, its hard to suppress a smile. :)<br />
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The other day, she was telling me about her teacher at school who spells is as 'iz'. I told her that I don't blame her because that's how it 'sounds' actually to which pat came the reply "<i><span style="color: red;">But mom, we know in English, its not always about the sound!</span></i>" Again said in a rather straightforward, matter of fact kind of way from a little girl, it sounded rather funny. While still on the topic of spellings, which she is currently taking a lot of interest in, she sometimes, just for fun and silliness, asks me spellings of words like UPS, USA, TV, etc. The other day, she asked me to spell OK for her. I told her its o.k.a.y. May be she expected it to be O.K. or may be I had spelled it as that the last time, she said as much. I replied saying that both of those are valid spellings. "<i><span style="color: red;">Why</span></i>" was the next question to which I halfheartedly (more out of tiredness on answering such questions) replied "<i><span style="color: blue;">I don't know</span></i>". "<span style="color: red;"><i>Well then why didn't nani (grandma) teach you why?</i></span>" Uff, the persistent interrogator sure managed to bring a smile to my face again.<br />
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So she is being this buoyant little girl, happy in her skin, wearing a beautiful dress because she feels like dressing up with clips to match, dancing, looking at herself in the mirror, humming "I am the most beautiful girl in the world" with gay abandon. At other times, not caring how she looks with paint on her face or tears, previously shed, because she had a fight with her brother, now making trails on her soiled face, just drawing for hours on end, still humming "I am the most beautiful girl in the world". I love your confidence baby and I love your free spirit. Stay the same!<br />
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-12730097435531394372012-10-09T23:04:00.002-05:002012-10-09T23:04:52.230-05:00Oct. 28: Halloween Magic 2 at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">CELEBRATE THE HAUNTED HOLIDAY WITH “HALLOWEEN MAGIC 2” AT THE AKOO THEATRE AT ROSEMONT (Formerly Rosemont Theatre) OCTOBER 28</strong></div>
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<u>Dr. Mark Kaschube brings tricks and treats to the Akoo Theatre</u></div>
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<u>to raise money for local veterans<br />Special Appearance by “Quick Change” Artists David Mass and Dania Kaseeva</u></div>
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The Magic Dentist, Dr. Mark Kaschube, is putting on a show full of spooky Halloween tricks along with his ensemble of mischievous tricksters when <b>“Halloween Magic 2” comes to the Akoo Theatre (formerly Rosemont Theatre) 5400 N. River Road, Sunday Oct. 28 at 3 p.m</b>. Presented by Orange Crush, the Village of Rosemont and the Grand Dental Group, this show is guaranteed be a fun-filled Halloween experience for the entire family. Also on the program is one of the most original and astounding magic acts ever seen on the stage, “Quick Change,” featuring the astoundingly quick costume change act of David Mass and Dania Kaseeva.</div>
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<u>All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Salute, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides financial support for military men and women and their families. Last year’s event drew over 3,000 people and raised over $40,000 for Salute, Inc.</u></div>
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“Last year’s Halloween Magic was a tremendous success,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “As always, <b>the show offers thrills and chills for the entire family and benefits a terrific cause right here in our community</b>. We are proud and honored to recognize the incredible contributions and sacrifice members of the military and their families make every day.”</div>
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Dr. Kaschube has been practicing dentistry for more than 20 years and has maintained a dedication to community service throughout his career. He regularly puts on magic shows at preschools, participates in parades, and has even started a magic program for children that are deaf and hearing impaired.</div>
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David Maas and Dania Kaseeva are the stars of “Quick Change,” <b>a non-stop, dynamic and superbly choreographed dance exhibition that astounds audiences with staggeringly rapid costume transformations in fractions of a second.</b> It has been hailed as the most exciting and magnetic magic/dance act in the world today.</div>
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Whether presented on stage, on-court, or in a circus ring, their elegant metamorphosis are simply unbelievable. Since “Quick Change” debuted in 1996, audiences have responded to their incredible illusions with tremendous ovations—and left the theatre every night, wondering if they had not just dreamed what they saw.</div>
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<b>Ticket prices range from $25 to $35 for adults ages 13 and older, and $15 for children ages 12 and younger.</b> There are also a limited amount of a $99 VIP Meet and Greet package that includes one VIP ticket and an exclusive backstage after show with the performers and animals used in the production. For tickets and more information please, visit the Akoo Theatre Box Office, or purchase online at <a href="http://www.akootheatre.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.akootheatre.com</a>. </div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-1222813584945538062012-08-31T22:36:00.000-05:002012-08-31T22:36:28.303-05:00Back to School ...Excitement Galore!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So the siblings marched out the door, after having waited all these years, to go to the same school, finally! The younger one's excitement over the past few days had to be seen to be believed. Incidentally, we were also going camping the day after their schools re-opened and were to set up tent and sleep in sleeping bags and were to go with 7 more families, all the kids' friends from the complex that we stay in and with whom they literally spent almost every waking moment with during their summer break. Needless to say, they were way too excited about that as well. So one day Chica, after thinking for a while, asked me "Mom, guess what I am more excited about ... our camping trip or starting school?" To give you an idea of just how excited she was, she told me I was wrong when I answered "our camping trip".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7om5cuHzXs7v3WfDWwJwSSIw-A94eSGsk4Usdo4M4-K-Dfh1Ay3M5KztWuFdnYLyphWX4DMzs89Dbs-SSmFNYlkxMkPttx55zmroRUOFJT4YeVDDYDt18U8rpdw56fgxtZA6kFoO-L0/s1600/IMG_7237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7om5cuHzXs7v3WfDWwJwSSIw-A94eSGsk4Usdo4M4-K-Dfh1Ay3M5KztWuFdnYLyphWX4DMzs89Dbs-SSmFNYlkxMkPttx55zmroRUOFJT4YeVDDYDt18U8rpdw56fgxtZA6kFoO-L0/s320/IMG_7237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This picture sums up their feelings pretty well on the first day. Niño felt like a very responsible big brother and wanted me to drop them to school on their first day so that I could guide Chica as to where the Kindergartners need to stand to get in the building, which he otherwise considered his responsibility. Chica, on the other hand didn't want to delay getting in the bus by even one more day and told us that I and Niño were welcome to come by car, but she was way too excited to take the bus and was unfazed and sure there would be teachers to tell her exactly where she should enter from! </div>
Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-73740543763332729562012-08-14T15:26:00.000-05:002012-08-15T09:18:07.496-05:00Back to School Fun Photo Labels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">A quick picture post to share with you the first craft of the summer this year. Yeah we had a craftily lazy summer vacation this year :) But today the kids were extremely excited with this activity that took up our morning when we had originally intended to finish off all the labeling of school supplies. But I guess in the last few days of the kids home, one could give themselves and myself this much leeway :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dC1yCXH8SJErE1Auoh0p2Syr7TY2J8wx5-SpeBDm4a0L5tZrbN75z_1N-DdhuYPq3eMaemrzJr8Ie22d5eWH5qp8rMhf0-ol191j5FqgU2Prq-lKgsLNgIYgXqQPOmpDbmMGsW67N0k/s1600/IMG_7197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dC1yCXH8SJErE1Auoh0p2Syr7TY2J8wx5-SpeBDm4a0L5tZrbN75z_1N-DdhuYPq3eMaemrzJr8Ie22d5eWH5qp8rMhf0-ol191j5FqgU2Prq-lKgsLNgIYgXqQPOmpDbmMGsW67N0k/s320/IMG_7197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Work in progress ...I took printouts of letters of the kids' names from these <a href="http://www.craftjr.com/printable-bubble-letters/" target="_blank">Alphabet Printables</a> and stuck them onto different colored construction paper. The kids then cut them out and decorated those with crayons and stickers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoFHacrU09XDwvXYvCZ10AevID4UxvP7p7uh6_4QX6oqxxcCdAzZR6hs1EYjfvxryIEK1RH5Uy1CtvO29vZ7Ybq1wroZd2pTsfokqYl9lo2vpftSyrt184JBgRdWoXOAZVYXK4N-2HoU/s1600/IMG_7210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoFHacrU09XDwvXYvCZ10AevID4UxvP7p7uh6_4QX6oqxxcCdAzZR6hs1EYjfvxryIEK1RH5Uy1CtvO29vZ7Ybq1wroZd2pTsfokqYl9lo2vpftSyrt184JBgRdWoXOAZVYXK4N-2HoU/s320/IMG_7210.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxxtQyOSM6jBcH-wspiBeBss8efnThm5RYV2_Ff3EQgOhV1E0ZnmdK7vwMCFvkTdvgutgJu9IgCdigO_WTIUbGXIlUTOceK-wVsdEib7zHfpUAa8I_G5uwDli-I3B0W-3RMGszcKpU1I/s1600/IMG_7200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxxtQyOSM6jBcH-wspiBeBss8efnThm5RYV2_Ff3EQgOhV1E0ZnmdK7vwMCFvkTdvgutgJu9IgCdigO_WTIUbGXIlUTOceK-wVsdEib7zHfpUAa8I_G5uwDli-I3B0W-3RMGszcKpU1I/s320/IMG_7200.JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
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Then came the posing against different backgrounds! A brown tree trunk, green grass, blue sky!</div>
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I then put the 4 pictures to together on Picasa, made a collage, copy, pasted 4 of them on a Word Document and took printouts. And lo and behold, we have among us a lovely label and an extremely proud and happy soon to be Kindergartner! </div>
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The older sibling made it quite excitedly but doesn't want to have to do anything with it at all thereafter. "No way am I carrying it to school!" Well he is just a growing boy, I suppose.</div>
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The idea came from one of my absolute favorite activity blog <a href="http://innerchildfun.com/2010/08/back-to-school-photo-name-labels.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-78805666483197652172012-08-09T23:25:00.000-05:002012-08-12T21:06:36.917-05:00Part 1 of Summer 2012 - The London Olympics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Niño has been dreaming big and imagining even bigger. My only regret is I am no longer as prompt with the camera as I was last year. But the Olympics have been playing big on his heart and mind as he watched the opening ceremony with wide eyed awe and wonder. And then went on to make Michael Phelps his hero and Gabby Douglas his heroine ;)
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So he planned an opening ceremony with all the props at hand. A gun shot was fired with his toy gun to mark the beginning of the ceremony. He then switched off all the lights and switched on the light of his toy projector and started rotating a Rubik cube in front of the projector light in order to get a flashing disco lights effect; realized that the cube is opaque and only gets him shadows, got some Ikea translucent kind of different colored bowls and got the desired effect. He had then orchestrated a band with the instruments they have which included him on the violin and Chica on the piano and I and A were handed over maracas and tambourines. I was then duly asked to play some marching music on youtube as he handed us handouts of names of countries with their flags - which he had carefully drawn beforehand. I was to represent India, the father son duo were from USA and the sister was from Russia because she is a good gymnast. The Atlas was seen outside and this was the time I realized it had been taken out to draw Russia's flag. Finally I was asked to play the British National Anthem and the climax had to be a self done Light Saber show because of course he can't let his absolute favorite thing down by not including it in the ceremony.<br />
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And ever since Swimming competitions have been going on in the home and outside - never mind that a swimming race just means running inside the pool from the 3 feet end to the 4 feet end :) (Swimming has eluded him by far). Plans are made as the Big gang of children meet every evening either in the pool or while biking for the next day's events of their very own Olympics. Tennis, Basketball, Track and Field have all been held in one way or the other.<br />
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While I wish I had taken pictures of Niño doing all this, this year; I will share here pictures from his fascination with the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi while we were there in Oct 2010.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weightlifting - a hot favorite! Don't miss the expressions and the weight - 225 kgs, in case you are wondering ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 11.199999809265137px; text-align: left;">He's a pro at getting the body language and the expressions just right!</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">And these are the current cool dudes and wannabe Olympic swimmers!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-69964866602887369242012-08-08T17:15:00.000-05:002012-08-08T17:15:14.826-05:00Soon enough...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You know what, after months of being away from the blog, except blogging about the events or the places we have enjoyed, currently I am in a frame of mind where I want to savor my kids wholeheartedly and completely and delight in the joy they bring to my life. Because now is the time with the new school year beginning, children of relatives and friends who are ready to fly the proverbial nest, to pursue their studies away from home, often cross country now, the things their parents have to say, the feelings they describe they are going through, the emptiness which is so evident in their hearts and minds, the few more days they are longing to spend with their children who are soon going to be far far away, it tugs at your heart, especially if you are mother with kids who are growing at lightning speed. The first thing you do is place yourself in those parents' shoes and feel what they feel, knowing that soon enough you will be them. Knowing that soon enough the very fights with your kids you crib about will exactly be the ones you'll crave; soon enough the physical and the mental work it takes being a mom of two young children that seems too much now would be the one you'll realize to be the sweetest, most enriching and most satisfying thing you have experienced in your life; soon enough the hugs and the kisses that are now so abundant that you often take them for granted would become rare luxuries because soon enough its going to be your kids leaping and taking flight out of your nests and eventually making their own.<br />
Why don't I write about all these moments more often when I started this blog for just that, a tether to hold on to for just those 'soon enough' times. Well, as of now I resolve to and I will. I just want to keep the tone of this post philosophical, so whats been up with us would be the content of the next post which will come up pretty soon!</div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-53232085995966216382012-07-24T07:51:00.000-05:002012-07-24T08:01:07.021-05:00Kids drive the Action in "Improv Extravaganza Explosion!"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnYaLkxxir1G-ihZH-DM3bMSjqWequdCuuRgRgGHzeu6_qGOOZeA8gXKIcKUyYdvOAWgetpaNLt3xYwHn_jkKqd_MEP5mqpTqE2_sb2iL8T-0Bk3ZJRiqJXmTE1tev32j-u3QhUpXjLY/s1600/UP_IMPROV_EXPLOSION_PR_001+Photo+by+Clayton+Hauck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnYaLkxxir1G-ihZH-DM3bMSjqWequdCuuRgRgGHzeu6_qGOOZeA8gXKIcKUyYdvOAWgetpaNLt3xYwHn_jkKqd_MEP5mqpTqE2_sb2iL8T-0Bk3ZJRiqJXmTE1tev32j-u3QhUpXjLY/s320/UP_IMPROV_EXPLOSION_PR_001+Photo+by+Clayton+Hauck.jpg" width="320" /></a>We caught Second City Theatricals' "Imrov Extravaganza Explosion!" at UP Comedy Club in Chicago city this past Saturday. High energy and hilarious, the show, featuring The Second City's performers, is an hour of interactive, family-friendly improvisation and sketch comedy pulled from ideas straight from the audience, and made up on the spot. So while a part of the audience said their favorite movie to watch was let's say Cars and favorite thing to do was listen to Justin Bieber, the performers came up with a catchy rap right there with just those ideas. There were impromptu short skits, pretend video games played on stage with the audience as the participants, all in all a lot of hilarious fun. Members of the audience were invited on stage too for a couple of items again leading to rip roaring entertainment. Some of the acts were so innovative like this one act where a group of pre-teens were invited on stage to participate as two actors talked about their visit to a history museum and the focus alternated between them and the pictures they took there depicting hilarious scenes acted out by the pre-teens. It was so funny to see those kids barely contain their own laughter as they froze acting out those photographs. Kids starting from 5 to those in their teens seemed to be enjoying it as also the adults. Lunch was available during and after the show for an additional charge (kids and regular menus are available). It was a very fun experience to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday in the city famous for its shows and theater.<br />
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The actors on the day we watched the show, actually from a rotating cast of 10 actors, included<br />
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· Ross Bryant<br />
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· Chelsea Devantez<br />
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· John Hartman<br />
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· Hans Holsen<br />
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· Becky Poole<br />
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To know more about the very funny and the very talented actors and to catch a video, click <a href="http://upcomedyclub.com/show_right.cfm?id=131254" target="_blank">here</a>. Also available on the link is ticket information. Second City Theatricals' G-rated "Imrov Extravaganza Explosion!" runs at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor, Chicago, Saturday's at 12 noon now through Dec 29. Tickets are $11. Doors open at 11 am.<br />
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<b>Parking info</b> - Metered parking is available on both North Avenue and Wells Street in either direction. Parking is also available for a fee at Piper's Alley Self Park Garage - 230 West North Ave. Other paid options include Treasure Island – 1639 N. Wells St and Public Parking – Corner of North Ave and North Park. We were able to find street parking on North Ave without too much difficulty.<br />
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<br /></div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-27155063994573284592012-07-20T07:02:00.001-05:002012-07-20T07:02:49.504-05:00Have you been to the Cirque Shanghai yet?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
..If not, next <b>Wednesday, July 25th</b> may be the day you would want to hit the Navy Pier. Not only is the <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/be-ready-to-gape-for-hour.html" target="_blank">Cirque Shanghai absolutely stunning this year</a>, in addition <span style="background-color: white;">Navy Pier will be hosting a wonderful firework display that is dedicated and inspired by Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon. This will take place during Navy Pier’s regularly scheduled fireworks Wednesday, July 25 at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks will be set to the Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon music and incorporate themes from the show.</span><br />
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In addition to the fireworks Navy Pier has a couple of special offers that are a great way to experience Cirque Shanghai, especially the Navy Pier Fun Pack. The package is a great way for a family to get a taste of what Navy Pier has to offer. Since Cirque Shanghai will be at Navy Pier’s Pepsi Skyline Stage until September 3, there is still time left this summer to make great use of this package.<br />
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<b>Package Details</b><br />
<b>The Navy Pier Fun Pack</b> — Includes Cirque Shanghai Emperor’s Court ticket, Ferris wheel ride, Shoreline Sightseeing Skyline Lake Tour and a $5 Pepsi® Skyline Stage concession voucher. Only $26.50 kids/$41.50 adults. To purchase the Navy Pier Fun Pack, visit Ticketmaster.<br />
<b>One (1) Cirque Shanghai Emperor’s Court Ticket</b>. This premium seat gives you an unforgettable, up-close and exhilarating theatrical experience!<br />
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<b>One (1) Ferris wheel Voucher</b>. View Chicago’s beautiful skyline from Navy Pier’s 15-story Ferris wheel. Visitwww.navypier.com for more information.<br />
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<b>One (1) Shoreline Sightseeing Skyline Lake Tour Voucher</b>. Relax and enjoy all of Chicago’s fabulous lakefront sights with a convenient half-hour boat ride from either of our two Navy Pier docks. Visitwww.shorelinesightseeing.com for more information.<br />
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<b>One (1) $5 Pepsi® Skyline Stage Concession. </b></div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-35119243862167730692012-06-18T23:32:00.001-05:002012-06-20T20:13:09.088-05:00Be ready to gape for an hour...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_Y-FWiMd51tfVWbHkW9Fo84lyh2eWDlijRRlYy-9MCxYaZTred4Aw2masKKlVVLtiDAWpK977yz77mEjzTnN2c16l06kPyPJbPI-5ZeuPDYgl_-Ip6CTMmtQ8jqmcGwpwAwi6JR6plA/s1600/Cirque+Shanghai+2012_GroupChairStack_PhotoCreditPaulNatkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_Y-FWiMd51tfVWbHkW9Fo84lyh2eWDlijRRlYy-9MCxYaZTred4Aw2masKKlVVLtiDAWpK977yz77mEjzTnN2c16l06kPyPJbPI-5ZeuPDYgl_-Ip6CTMmtQ8jqmcGwpwAwi6JR6plA/s320/Cirque+Shanghai+2012_GroupChairStack_PhotoCreditPaulNatkin.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_Y-FWiMd51tfVWbHkW9Fo84lyh2eWDlijRRlYy-9MCxYaZTred4Aw2masKKlVVLtiDAWpK977yz77mEjzTnN2c16l06kPyPJbPI-5ZeuPDYgl_-Ip6CTMmtQ8jqmcGwpwAwi6JR6plA/s1600/Cirque+Shanghai+2012_GroupChairStack_PhotoCreditPaulNatkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_Y-FWiMd51tfVWbHkW9Fo84lyh2eWDlijRRlYy-9MCxYaZTred4Aw2masKKlVVLtiDAWpK977yz77mEjzTnN2c16l06kPyPJbPI-5ZeuPDYgl_-Ip6CTMmtQ8jqmcGwpwAwi6JR6plA/s320/Cirque+Shanghai+2012_GroupChairStack_PhotoCreditPaulNatkin.jpg" width="0" /></a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">...at the Cirque Shanghai this year. That's what I did this time, mouth wide open is how Chica saw the entire show and gasps of disbelief is what one heard several times among the audience as the Cirque Shanghai crew continued to amaze and live upto expectations they set last year and in fact go beyond as they defied all gravity and twisted and turned and flew and tumbled and juggled. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I mean just look at the picture below and tell me how can one possibly balance all those chairs with a person next to every chair handing out her hand so casually for the next one as if asking for a cupcake to set on a plate. And then performing all kinds of handstands and other gymnastic moves on top of these chairs. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">My kids felt another of the coolest acts was when these acrobats kept jumping and tumbling through these different hoops, one at a time at first, then in well co-ordinated two's and three's and finally bodies twisted together. Awesome and cool and wow is what was heard all the time!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Very lively stage, dazzling costumes, an affable crew and the breathtaking acts - I recommend the Cirque Shanghai very very highly!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">For a preview of some of the acts, check out the following video</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqJigphynPgkTXNFt115WQ4tEh6Y-hf_fYtjdHTCrb_KN_azMO2b7Yt4mvtNn0FDSmrd3yzvWSIBKlIsxeXA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<b>PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION</b></div>
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“Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon” performs May 24 – Sept. 3, with regular run performances as follows:</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wednesday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. </div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thursday at 2 and 8 p.m. </div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Friday at 2, 7 and 9 p.m. </div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saturday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. </div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.</div>
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<u>The schedule on Wednesday, July 4 is 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, </u><span style="background-color: white;"><u>since the Navy Pier fireworks will begin at 9 p.m</u></span><span style="background-color: white;">.There will be additional performances Tuesday, July 3 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.</span></div>
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Tickets are $15.50 - $29.50 and are available by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting <a href="http://www.grouptix.net/">www.grouptix.net</a>. </div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">A Tip</u> : With kids' summer vacation on, plan on going on a weekday if possible for considerably cheaper tickets!</div>
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</span></div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-39703576256403818182012-06-16T07:37:00.001-05:002012-06-16T07:37:24.444-05:00Chagall for Children Opening at Kohl with Cirque Shanghai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Tuesday June 19, cast members from Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon will be attending the Kohl Children’s Museum opening of “Chagall for Children” for a special performance celebrating Marc Chagall’s famous painting “At The Circus”<br />
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I had written about Kohl Children's Museum's one of the most popular exhibits in history - <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/chagall-for-children-at-kohl-childrens.html" target="_blank">Chagall for Children</a> starting June 18. Seems like a fabulous, very hands on exhibit for children already interested in art and even better to get them more interested with all <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/chagall-for-children-at-kohl-childrens.html" target="_blank">these interactive, multi-sensory stations</a>.<br />
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Also <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/line-up-of-some-great-events.html" target="_blank">Cirque Shanghai</a> which continues to thrill audiences of all ages at Navy Pier since May 24 and impressed us last year with their charming and amiable crew. My kids can't wait to go back to watch it tonight.<br />
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So a rendezvous of the two, to me, sounds like a perfect outing with kids out from school on a hot summer day.<br />
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The schedule for the day is as follows:<br />
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9:45am – Children are invited to participate in the creation of a large sidewalk mural echoing Marc Chagall’s paintings.<br />
10:00am – Opening of the “Chagall for Children” exhibit.<br />
10:30am – Performance from Cirque Shanghai cast members including Contortion, Juggling and the “Roly Poly.”<br />
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“Chagall for Children” runs through September 2.<br />
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“Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon” runs through September 3.<br />
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</div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-75492216967297949512012-06-07T17:08:00.003-05:002012-06-07T17:08:41.847-05:00NOW is the time to vote to end Female Foeticide!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friends, please take a minute and vote for an extremely noble cause! To empower the girl child! To educate them! To empower women to earn a living and their dignity! To raise award money for a dear friend's NGO which does all this and more! Spare a minute for a noble cause!</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
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<strong><a forcediv="true" forceinline="true" href="http://www.gwln-contest.strutta.com/entry/265634?=f2y26u" original_target="http://www.gwln-contest.strutta.com/entry/265634?=f2y26u" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" verdict_1d60ack="OK">The Beginning to an End to female foeticide</a><div mcballoonconfig="{IsPremium:false,unratedSubmitText:"Submit for testing",resoureBaseUrl:"sacore:",siteReport:{requestArgs:"pip=false&premium=false&client_uid=3862528812&client_ver=3.4.1.195&client_type=IEPlugin&suite=true&aff_id=606&locale=en_us&ui=1&os_ver=6.1.1.0",siteReportBaseUrl:"http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/",linkText:"Read site report"},balloonSetup:{},CCHeader:"Site Content:",features:{highlite:false,showIcons:true},upsellInfo:{display:false},uid:"",HeaderText:""}" mclinkinfo="{linkConfig:{filterLink:false,disableLink:false,icon:"green.gif",highlightColor:"#CCFFCC",iconWidth:16,iconHeight:16},hackerSafe:false,domain_specifier:"strutta.com",popularity:"LESS_POPULAR",dossierUrl:"http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/strutta.com?pip=false&premium=false&client_uid=3862528812&client_ver=3.4.1.195&client_type=IEPlugin&suite=true&aff_id=606&locale=en_us&ui=1&os_ver=6.1.1.0",balloonConfig:{CCUpsell:"",popFunc:"pocpop",adjustLeft:0,adjustTop:0,adjustZ:0,localescale:"1.0"},base_domain:"strutta.com",recommendation:"We tested this site and didn't find any significant problems.",score:"OK",facets:{annoyance:{recommendation:{0:"When we browsed this site we didn't receive any pop-ups.",1:"0 pop-ups"},score:"OK"},link:{recommendation:{0:"When we visited this site, we found that most of its links are to sites which are safe or have only minor safety/annoyance issues.",1:"Linked to green sites"},score:"OK"}},linkTitleEncoded:"&#84&#104&#101&#32&#66&#101&#103&#105&#110&#110&#105&#110&#103&#32&#116&#111&#32&#97&#110&#32&#69&#110&#100&#32&#116&#111&#32&#102&#101&#109&#97&#108&#101&#32&#102&#111&#101&#116&#105&#99&#105&#100&#101&#32"}" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline; float: none; height: 16px; margin-left: 2px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 16px;">
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<span class="caption" data-ft="{"tn":"L"}" style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;">Impact Award 2012</span><div class="mts uiAttachmentDesc translationEligibleUserAttachmentMessage" data-ft="{"tn":"M"}" style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin-top: 5px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
Help support this entry, The Beginning to an End to female foeticide, in Impact Award 2012.</div>
</div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-50729463575032488302012-05-24T16:24:00.001-05:002012-05-24T16:25:03.481-05:00Chagall for Children at the Kohl Children's Museum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Kohl Children’s Museum is bringing back one of the most popular exhibits in its history when “<a href="http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/exhibits/rental/chagall" target="_blank">Chagall For Children</a>,” a multi-sensory, hands-on exploration of one of the best-known and best-loved artists of the 20th century, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Chagall" target="_blank">Marc Chagall</a>, returns June 18 – September 2.<br />
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“Chagall for Children,” is a world-class exhibit that showcases 14 multi-sensory exploration stations, each incorporating a high-quality reproduction of one of Marc Chagall’s works. Developed by Kohl Children’s Museum, the exhibit features interactive components that offer hands-on activities and an audio description of each work specifically geared to children. Following its debut at Kohl in 1996, the exhibit has been on continuous tour, visiting children’s museums throughout North America.<br />
“’Chagall for Children’ is one of the best-loved exhibits in our history, and we are tremendously proud of it,” said Kohl Children’s Museum President and CEO Sheridan Turner. “Chagall’s bold use of color and fantastical imagination make his works particularly compelling to children, providing an introduction to specific art principals including color, light, texture and composition. It is an exhibit that children and adults enjoy equally.”<br />
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The exhibit is designed to engage children in the exploration of both art and the artist through interactive, multi-sensory components. The stations include:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio5sOatStBoSr8XYTeJQJhloWXhD5xco-vQD5wSUL-qLK8r2NFl6_30K7GhSeDiW_Cks-BszZdeVgF-VzrbXJ4Cv6ChkNkM4cv3gRu9aGGLFtUlxUMXpNNA0d5nj17qFSHij_M0ZrI8U/s1600/Component+-+At+the+Circus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio5sOatStBoSr8XYTeJQJhloWXhD5xco-vQD5wSUL-qLK8r2NFl6_30K7GhSeDiW_Cks-BszZdeVgF-VzrbXJ4Cv6ChkNkM4cv3gRu9aGGLFtUlxUMXpNNA0d5nj17qFSHij_M0ZrI8U/s200/Component+-+At+the+Circus.jpg" width="132" /></a>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>America Windows: Guests explore the effect of light upon stained glass by adjusting the light levels behind the work and creating their own version of Chagall’s “America Windows” by rearranging puzzle-like pieces of the work.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the Circus: Utilizing role-play – a key component in the creative development of young children – children see themselves as part of a Chagall painting via a video camera and monitor. They don silk-screened capes to become part of the painting as they pose and play on a circus stage.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Birthday: Comparing art forms, visitors examine a reproduction of this oil painting and compare it to the tactile experience of touching the bas relief. Guests can also create a “rubbing” from a steel engraving of the bas relief.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJxfBTNHpH4VCgJDgCG8ssStXMVpbehrMQzZxjfXHJJ4R5v31omCSTfQKsO04JHqeBidAU5QbKre1efKIzspMoNxn340UFS63LCFiyfY_vX5-p6cIEd0nH2DCO2RlvagTLbVwbl-2SFc/s1600/Component+-+Blue+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJxfBTNHpH4VCgJDgCG8ssStXMVpbehrMQzZxjfXHJJ4R5v31omCSTfQKsO04JHqeBidAU5QbKre1efKIzspMoNxn340UFS63LCFiyfY_vX5-p6cIEd0nH2DCO2RlvagTLbVwbl-2SFc/s200/Component+-+Blue+House.jpg" width="200" /></a>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Blue House: Studying form and structure, kids and parents can create their own three-dimensional house using blue Lincoln Logs™ against the backdrop of this painting.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Concert: Museum attendees select musical instruments represented in this painting and blend sounds the way Chagall artistically blended colors.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Flowers: Guests create their own flower arrangements inspired by this colorful work and experiment with floral scents.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Flying Sleigh: In a digital activity, visitors explore the art of narrative form by manipulating main figures and details of this Chagall piece to tell a different story.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Green Violinist: This station has two interactive activities; one encourages attendees to listen and choose music they feel best describes the piece; while an innovative computer program focuses on the impact of color as participants capture and alter the color of their face on a computer screen.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I and the Village: Children learn about the concept of symmetry and explore the different ways people view the world by rotating this painting.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Job Tapestry: Tapestry provided Chagall with yet another form of artistic expression. Guests cooperatively create their own tapestry by weaving a variety of materials.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Juggler: Children explore the role of detail in this work by using a touch screen to animate elements of the painting.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Paris Through the Window: By experimenting with composition using magnetized pieces, visitors create their own picture of Paris.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Poultry Yard: In a creative approach to form and structure, children experiment with brightly-colored, three-dimensional, soft sculptural animals to create fantasy creatures and scenes.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Rooster: A rich tactile experience occurs when guests touch and rearrange the beautiful feathers in the tail of a soft sculpture copy of Chagall’s rooster.<br />
Many stations are accompanied with audio descriptions, highlighting information about the artwork upon which the interactive is based.<br />
An extensive selection of books about Marc Chagall is provided to encourage further exploration and to stimulate literacy learning.<br />
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</div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-39914073813592389792012-05-10T22:47:00.000-05:002012-05-10T22:47:30.680-05:00Recycle all those crayons lying around ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WZAs2MErvdKG0dZ7gNE3QOEB7nKBTyLivv2KZYYWqXavE8kOm7lFH2nF0fTIRwdFFbENg938Pv6orNxRNaesL1ayTGWw7hFB8nrwb482uTWrsFZwKhPqaxNXgrASiJxCiaclIwWPxBk/s1600/IMG_6138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WZAs2MErvdKG0dZ7gNE3QOEB7nKBTyLivv2KZYYWqXavE8kOm7lFH2nF0fTIRwdFFbENg938Pv6orNxRNaesL1ayTGWw7hFB8nrwb482uTWrsFZwKhPqaxNXgrASiJxCiaclIwWPxBk/s320/IMG_6138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
... and make these beautiful pieces that can be used to be worn as necklaces, bracelets or whatever you can imagine them to be.<br />
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Super easy steps :<br />
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1. Peel the crayons' wrappers.<br />
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2. Break them into small pieces and fill muffin trays (fill the molds about halfway) - You can make multicolored or combine a dark and a light color for great effects.<br />
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3. Bake at about 200 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Take out the muffin tray and let cool. After cooling for a few minutes at room temperature, the trays can be put in the freezer for quicker results.<br />
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4. Once the trays are cool enough, the disc of wax just slips out easily.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0F7ZmkmsCNGhQBnNKUMt82XnOZYqvyOupXSv0jMsnD2iQ835lP80X48_S3VTQ9dkSDafWNpScZt7WVSYEqOZbM9gLlMQT5-VKnkvwhgl6nOa4mr3LTE4tTOa-hXb4ZCqZLtph81gtHE/s1600/IMG_6139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0F7ZmkmsCNGhQBnNKUMt82XnOZYqvyOupXSv0jMsnD2iQ835lP80X48_S3VTQ9dkSDafWNpScZt7WVSYEqOZbM9gLlMQT5-VKnkvwhgl6nOa4mr3LTE4tTOa-hXb4ZCqZLtph81gtHE/s320/IMG_6139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
5. Heat a pointed knife on a candle to make a hole in the discs and pass yarn/ribbon through it to make into colorful necklaces.<br />
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<br /></div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-43063584759410014982012-04-30T23:46:00.001-05:002012-05-01T10:23:24.807-05:00Science in Everyday Conversations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The amount of water Niño drinks during the course of the day has been a cause of concern for me for a while. The Delhi summer took care of the problem itself when the scorching heat even inside the house or his school made sure he drank bottles full but here with the majority of the time being the cold season, he barely drinks any if left to himself. During this past weekend, I made it a point to literally thrust those 270 ml bottles in him every 2 hours. He was delighted to be peeing out white fluid which I keep telling him is so good as opposed to the yellow one which he passes out rarely during the day otherwise. So after one such elated trip to the bathroom, I asked him to recall why after all is water so essential for our human bodies. I had told him a couple of times but then that's my other concern, how much really do 7 year olds actually listen and pay attention to. My answer would be 5%, without exaggerating. Anyways, that's not the topic for this post, probably for another one!<br />
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So the first very obvious reply was to make us pee white pee which is good and not the yellow pee which is bad. I told him he was right but still I was looking for an even more vital function of water in our bodies which I had mentioned to him and he would earn 7 stickers for if he could recall. And without us realizing, it became a kind of a game. He asked for a hint. I think it would be interesting to narrate the conversation the way it happened after that<br />
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Myself: <i><span style="color: red;">Okay, here's the deal for you! You guess the answer after 1 hint, you get 6 stickers; after 2 hints, you get 5, 4 stickers after 3 hints and so on ..and his interest was piqued!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red;">So your first hint is why do we eat food?</span></i><br />
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Niño: <i><span style="color: lime;">To get all the proteins and vitamins! Oh I know</span></i> (at which point I was so proud of my son having figured it out right after one hint) - <i><span style="color: lime;">so the food goes through the food pipe and there is another wind pipe and one time I was laughing really loudly while eating my food and the food entered the wind pipe and made me cough so badly!</span></i><br />
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Myself: (This is what I thought - Duh? So what about the water dude? ) But this is what I spoke (I am the Mother after all, I remembered) - <i><span style="color: red;">I know you did and that was pretty unpleasant. Okay, so how do you think water helps?</span></i><br />
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Niño: <i><span style="color: lime;">Ohhh!</span></i> (making the face that he makes when he realizes he is far from his goal) <span style="color: lime;"><i>So the water also goes down the food pipe and not down the wind pipe that is why you tell us not to talk or laugh while drinking water!</i></span><br />
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Myself: <i><span style="color: red;">Absolutely! Are you ready for the second hint?</span></i><br />
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Niño: <i><span style="color: lime;">Okay</span></i><br />
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Myself: <span style="color: red;"><i>So where do you think all the food and the good nutrients go?</i></span><br />
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Niño: <i><span style="color: lime;">They go down the food pipe and the ones that are not needed, we potty them out! So the water helps to potty out what is not needed?</span></i><br />
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Myself: <span style="color: red;"><i>Yes it does. Good job figuring that out! We are still looking for the most important function though. So where does the food pipe take the food?</i></span><br />
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Niño: (Touches his stomach and says) <i><span style="color: lime;">Here! And I know so the water mixes with all the food in the stomach and becomes muck! But Oh! We are trying to figure out why water is a good thing, not why it is bad!</span></i><br />
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Myself: <i><span style="color: red;">No it does mix around with the food and helps digest it in the digestive system. Even if it seems like its mucky, that's the way food is digested! Okay, so all the food and all the good nutrients have been accumulated in our stomach and our digestive system. So are these the only places in our body which need all the good nutrients?</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03w9eGQax9VcYxBQBMTgTV1Z-dq8cspn6Ps6VdWvi3L64f0t9NOLXFyWo9kQtNLHgCk4LECcjoxSQ4xr1mZxKnmXwrEok80J398SsagQ7V7iiOLGMBKFqI3v21lpxu5mJbwDVZ1IGQtU/s1600/IMG_6071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03w9eGQax9VcYxBQBMTgTV1Z-dq8cspn6Ps6VdWvi3L64f0t9NOLXFyWo9kQtNLHgCk4LECcjoxSQ4xr1mZxKnmXwrEok80J398SsagQ7V7iiOLGMBKFqI3v21lpxu5mJbwDVZ1IGQtU/s320/IMG_6071.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>
Niño: <i><span style="color: lime;">No our growing bones need them too! Oh I know - so there are like pipes from the stomach to the bones.</span></i><br />
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By this time he is beyond himself with excitement with hands making out the pipes and the bones in thin air which is when I pick up a scrap paper and draw a rough sketch of a human body with just a box for the mouth and a circle for the digestive system we have been talking about. We pick up some brownie crumbs still left over on the table from the brownies we had just had before this (yeah we are that creative ;) !) and assume them to be the nutrients packed with all the goodness! So Niño draws the pipe from the mouth bringing the food into the digestive system and figures there must be a pipe taking the nutrients to the bones. We then pick up a straw and put some brownie crumbs to see if they would move to reach somewhere else and Eureka!<br />
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Niño: <i><b><span style="color: lime;">Oh so of course they need water to reach the bones, to be able to flow in the pipes!</span></b></i><br />
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Very rough I know but the joy of self discovery! At the end of it, he doesn't care how many hints he took or how many stickers he earned but the fact that he discovered something for himself! How he thought and how mesmerized he was with his own thoughts! How 'cool' the commonest of drinks really is, after all!<br />
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That's the first thing he treats his dad to when he returns home from outside! And he has been asking for more such 'Discovery Projects', as he called them, ever since! We did shorter versions on conservation of water today. But I still need to think of other such topics which can give him the joy of discovering and which can be done in this impromptu manner. Suggestions? Experiences? Please do share :)<br />
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And I was inspired to pen down this post because of the super smart kid KB who was sure he'll be able to make <a href="http://wondernoon.blogspot.com/2012/04/warm-ice.html" target="_blank">warm ice</a> if he put warm water in the freezer and <a href="http://wondernoon.blogspot.com/2012/04/warm-ice.html" target="_blank">learnt the second law of thermodynamics in the process</a>. :)<br />
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<br /></div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2610509909197302230.post-10760208499788954252012-04-30T15:49:00.001-05:002012-04-30T15:57:19.555-05:00Line up of some great events ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
... coming up in the next few weeks. Chicagoland does keep us all mighty busy, hanh :)<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>A wide array of fun events are coming up at <b>Kohl Children's Museum</b> in the coming weeks. They include:</li>
</ol>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><img height="104" src="http://static.sendgrid.com/uploads/3e8d9335a21e5c32d21e5a443bf79f3a/49bb9954a193cdd3a66e653d62bbee15" width="200" /> The <b>"Super Moms"</b> from every family will be celebrated at a special benefit party on <b>Friday, May 11 from 6 - 8:30 p.m.</b> Capes and costumes are welcome!</li>
<li>Sheridan Turner, Kohl's popular president and CEO, will introduce kids to <b>Michael Bond's beloved "Paddington" books</b>, along with a visit from the marmalade-loving, always-in-trouble bear himself. Readings are on <b>May 4 and 18, and June 8 and 22 from 2-3 p.m.</b></li>
<li>Kohl's popular spring-time family event, <b>"Touch A Truck,"</b> brings vehicles of all shapes and sizes to Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge, 670 Frontage Road in Northfield, <b>May 6 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.</b></li>
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For more details, visit the <a href="http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Kohl Children's Museum website</a>. Also while you are at the Museum, be sure to check out their <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/our-experience-at-eggs-to-chicks.html" target="_blank">Eggs to Chicks Exhibit</a> which runs<b> through May 14, 2012</b>. To the astonishment of Museum workers and guests alike, Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago’s <b>current exhibit Eggs to Chicks hatched a seldom-seen Auburn Java chick, one of the rarest breeds in existence</b>. The strain, common in the 1800s, actually disappeared over time, but the recessive gene has remained dormant in the Black Java variety, and recently new chicks of this exceedingly uncommon breed have been hatched. Approximately 300 Auburn Javas are currently known to be in existence in the world.</div>
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The Auburn chick, “Aubrey,” was hatched on April 25 in the early morning. The Museum contacted the Museum of Science and Industry and Chicago’s Baby Chick Hatchery exhibit, which later verified it as an Auburn Java.</div>
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Aubrey will stay on display at Kohl Children’s Museum until May 7 at which point which she will move to her new home at the Museum of Science and Industry which is dedicated to the repopulation of the Auburn Java species. Lambs Farm in Libertyville will be taking other chickens hatched during the exhibit.</div>
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2. <b>Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO)</b> continues its 65th anniversary season with a concert by the organization’s 130-member Symphony Orchestra at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, (220 S. Michigan Ave.), <b>Mother’s Day, May 13, at 7:30 p.m</b>. Joining the <a href="http://cyso.org/concertsevents/seasoncalendar/tabid/85/vw/3/itemid/1870/d/20120513/Symphony-Orchestra-Concert.aspx" target="_blank">CYSO Symphony Orchestra</a> will be the CYSO Concert Orchestra and guest artists and CYSO alumni Demarre McGill, principal flute with the Seattle Symphony, and Anthony McGill, principal clarinet for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.</div>
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The concert will include the following:</div>
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• Bedřich Smetana (1924-1884)</div>
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“Má vlast”</div>
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ii. Vlatava (The Moldau”)</div>
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Performed by the Concert Orchestra, conducted by CYSO Associate Conductor Terrance Malone Gray</div>
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• Jonathan Newman (b. 1972)</div>
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“Blow It up, Start Again” – WORLD PREMIERE</div>
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Commissioned by the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras</div>
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Performed by the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by CYSO Music Director</div>
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Allen Tinkham</div>
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• Joel Puckett (b. 1977), CYSO 2010-2012 Composer in Residence</div>
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Concerto Duo for Flute, Clarinet and Orchestra – WORLD PREMIERE</div>
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i. The Great American Scream Machine (The Tallest Wooden Roller-coaster in the World; for Roya)</div>
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ii. Mama Dee’s Song for Joel (for Little A)</div>
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iii. For Audrey</div>
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Guest artists CYSO alumni Demarre McGill, principal flute with the Seattle Symphony,and Anthony McGill, principal clarinet for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra</div>
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Performed by the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by CYSO Music Director</div>
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Allen Tinkham</div>
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• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)</div>
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Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, op. 64</div>
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Performed by the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by CYSO Music Director</div>
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Allen Tinkham</div>
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Tickets for the May 13 concert are $20-$50 and are on sale through the Symphony Center Box Office (312-294-3000 or <a href="http://www.cso.org/">www.cso.org</a>). For more information, visit <a href="http://www.cyso.org/">www.cyso.org</a> or call 312-939-2207 x31.</div>
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3. <b>Cirque Shanghai</b> returns to Chicago's Navy Pier this summer with a magnificent new show <b>"Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" beginning Thursday, May 24, 2012.</b> The production will run through September 3, 2012 (Labor Day), rain or shine, at the Navy Pier Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.</div>
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<b>Tickets are $15.50 - $29.50 and will go on-sale Tuesday, May 1 at 10 a.m.</b> via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai">www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai</a>. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting <a href="http://www.grouptix.net/">www.grouptix.net</a>.</div>
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"Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" is a spectacle for audiences of all ages, featuring performers direct from China who are leaders in their craft of tumbling, juggling, balancing and more. This year's production features an incredible line up of awe-inspiring acts, including favorites such as Bike Balances and Hoop Diving, as well as an all-new Group Chair Stack, Teeterboard act and the Wheel of Death. China's finest daredevil motorcycle troupe, "Imperial Thunder," returns with not two, not four, but five motorcyclists riding at break-neck speed within a steel globe - more than ever before in this death-defying feat. </div>
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Last year, we went to watch <a href="http://ouralmosteverydayblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/cirque-shanghai-extreme.html" target="_blank">Cirque Shanghai Extreme</a> at Navy Pier and were mesmerized. I watched the video I have attached above and it looks like its going to be even bigger and better than last year.</div>
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So go out there and enjoy the great events in the great city that you are a part of :)</div>
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<br /></div>Neerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908239217422161292noreply@blogger.com0