Treat

Want to know why Chicago lost the bid?

I was originally really excited about the possibility of the Olympic games coming to Chicago, but I never quite felt the spirit of the city's support. And, after considering the rough economic times the U.S. has been going through, I wasn't quite sure that I was ready to fork over additional funds. People are saying that they don't quite understand why Chicago wasn't chosen. After viewing the presentations by Chicago and Rio de Janeiro, it seems pretty clear to me. Rio gave solid reasons of how Rio is different from any other bidding city. Chicago's presentation, sorry to say, seemed a bit flat to me. It didn't quite represent what Chicago has to offer that you can't find anywhere else. It seemed to speak more to an American audience than an international audience. I would want to know, what makes Chicago different enough for me to fly half way across the world to want to visit. There are so many people in Chicago that speak different languages. Why wasn't that represented in the videos? Based on purely the videos—which I admit, isn't the best way to pick—I'd have picked Rio too. Check out Rio de Janeiro Blue by Randy Crawford on iTunes.

Anyway, I love Chicago, but unfortunately, I think it came up a bit short on the presentation. Check out Chicago's as well as the presentation of the other bidding cities to see how they compare/contrast from ABC 7 Chicago.

Here's one of several of Chicago's bidding presentations. They're not that much different from each other, but you can view the others at ABC 7 Chicago. The bidding presentation for Rio de Janeiro. This is at least an hour long video, but is interesting.You can also skip ahead within the video.

Wow! It's already changed on Wikipedia!

Michelle Obama advocates for the Arts

Target...on Michigan Avenue?

Yep! You read it right! In an attempt to create marketing buzz (which it is—obviously), Target will be on Michigan Avenue. For those of you who don't know much about Michigan Avenue, a.k.a. the Magnificent Mile, this avenue of luxury retailers and plush hotels is located in downtown Chicago, and well, Chicago isn't too kind to big retailers downtown. Keep those in the burbs! Luckily, it will be a temporary pop-up store for three days, May 7–9. The temporary store will be called Bullseye Bazaar and will be located next to the Tribune Tower at 455 Michigan Avenue (in the space where the Freedom Museum used to be).

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech

Learn more about Dr. King at these websites:

1. If you're in Washington, D.C, visit the Newseum.

2. Read more biographical information about Dr. King at Nobelprize.org.

Quick Facts:

—  led the Montgomery Bus Boycott at the age of 26.

—  finished writing his I have a Dream speech at the Willard in Washington, DC.

—  was born Michael Luther King, Jr. and later changed his name to Martin.

—  was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, at age 35.

—  inspired by Ghandi's non-violent activism

Quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr.:

— An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
— A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.

— Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

— We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.

— Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Election Day

Rock your vote today! The lines will be long, but please be patient. This event is historic.

Obama and McCain's position on the Arts

Attention all Designers, Artists, Creatives, or supporters of the arts! Here's one more issue to consider—or just one to know about—when you go to the polls (if you haven't already).

I've tried so hard to not put anything political on my blog, but the information that I'm about to provide for you is something that is near and dear to my heart.

As you may know—or suspect—I am a supporter of the arts. Because the arts have been such a big part of my life, I was curious to know Obama and McCain's position.

Originally, I had written a long paragraph outlining one simple reason why the arts is so important, but I think putting it simply can be just as justifiable as writing several pages. Here are just a few to think about: 1. To foster innovation 2. To ease our tensions 3. To remind us to be compassionate 4. To connect and to help us understand ourselves and the world. 5. To learn the stories of our past.

Americans for the Arts provides some other reasons why the arts are important.

Now, I must say, that whatever I write on my blog about politics are either my own ideas, or views that I personally support. It does not mean that the people, businesses, or anything else within my blog support these same views. Some may, some may not.

Ok. Considering we all have limited time these days, I was hoping to find the candidate's arts policies on their respective campaign web-sites;however, I only found information about Barack Obama's position on the arts. According to Arts Vote, a program of the Americans for the Arts, John McCain does not have an Arts platform. Here's a little information about how the candidates stand on the arts. Click here. Please read Barack Obama's full plan on the arts by clicking the link below.

Barack Obama's position on the arts:

Arts—Our nation's creativity has filled the world's libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling books – Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope – Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression.  Read the full plan (source: barackobama.com).

I have already voted. I hope you have too, or that you will be voting November 4.

National Start! Walking Day!

Just wanted to let you know that today is National Start! Walking Day! Take out your sneakers, and start walking for better health.

Newseum in D.C. Opens Friday, April 11

Photo credit: Maria Bryk

Washington, D.C. has added another hot spot to its list of places to visit—the Newseum, an interactive museum dedicated to five centuries of news history. Located between the White House and Capitol building, the Newseum spans 250,000 square feet, up to 137 feet high, and has 14 main exhibition galleries—from the News Corporation gallery that includes 30,000 historical newspapers to the Internet, TV and Radio Gallery that traces the history of the news aired by radio and TV in the late 40s to late 60s. Learn more about 9/11, the Berlin Wall, and so much more.