This summer, I hope to read more and what better way to motivate me than the local public library’s Summer Reading Program for adults?  For every book I read, I will be entered in a weekly drawing to win a $5 Starbucks gift card.   And if five books get read, I’ll be able to [...]]]>

This summer, I hope to read more and what better way to motivate me than the local public library’s Summer Reading Program for adults?  For every book I read, I will be entered in a weekly drawing to win a $5 Starbucks gift card.   And if five books get read, I’ll be able to get even more goodies.  Read instructions above (click to enlarge) for the Crowell Public Library in San Marino’s adult program.  As you can see by the jar below, the competition does not look too stiff.

Most public libraries hold summer reading programs – just ask at the reference desk.  Prizes vary by library.

I’m here in Chicago again for my annual June pilgrimage.  Here are some new observations of Chicago (It might help to read my ones from last year to compare.  Also put Chicago into my search box above.):

1.  [...]]]> ~~Note – I wrote this a few weeks ago, but am too lazy to change the verbs. ~~

I’m here in Chicago again for my annual June pilgrimage.  Here are some new observations of Chicago (It might help to read my ones from last year to compare.  Also put Chicago into my search box above.):

1.  Downtown Chicago has great "walk" signs.  The most I’ve had to wait at one was 20 seconds.  I walked blocks and blocks without nary a break. 

2.  Fancy galoshes are popular here.  I saw many women sporting these rain boots in many different patterns.  It was supposed to thunderstom today, but luckily it didn’t. 

3.  Smoking is prevalent in the city.  People of all ages were puffing while walking and taking smoke breaks outside of buildings.  That was very weird for me to see because in L.A., I just don’t see too many smokers.  Then again, I don’t really see lots of people together either because I am not walking around with crowds of people – I am driving.  In downtown Chicago though with lots of people walking together, I frequently would have to hold my breath whenever a smoker passed by.  If I did not hold my breath long enough, I’d get a whiff of the second-hand smoke cloud.  Smoking just seemed like an anachronism, so 70s or 80s.  I really don’t experience second or first-hand smoke in L.A., just smog.

4.  Steak houses are everywhere and froyo still has not taken over the Midwest yet.  No Pinkberries in sight, but there are froyo knock-offs. 

5.  People in Chicago are as nice and helpful as ever.  Chicago is a cosmopolitan city allright but it just doesn’t have any of the ‘tude NYC has.   That’s pretty cool.

6.  Paper toilet seat covers are still not often used here.  Why, Chicago, why?  It’s like the city has a boycott against them. 

7.  Cloth towel hand driers still exist! 

8.  Cellulite is A-okay here!  It’s hot and humid – women are wearing shorts and tanks tops with no shame.  This definitely is not L.A. where toned bodies are everywhere.  I find it hard to believe Michelle Obama came from these parts because the majority of women I’ve seen here decidedly do not have Michelle arms.  I think I’m primarily looking at Midwestern tourists though.  I like it that people are not fixated by appearance here.  It’s a relief. 

UP NEXT – Riding the Chicago Water Taxi

For listing of free things to do for the 4th, go here:

http://www.freefunguides.com/?page_id=4

Sierra Madre’s 4th activities sound pretty happening!

And this Friday begins Free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park. http://www.independentshakespeare.com/box-office/box-office.html

You can picnic at both of these places.  When I first started this blog, I was majorly enamored by both these events and wrote about them here and here.  The Levitt Pasadena is [...]]]> Tonight kicks off the Levitt Pavilion’s free outdoor concert series in Pasadena.  http://www.levittpavilionpasadena.org/summer-calendar-2009.html

And this Friday begins Free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park. http://www.independentshakespeare.com/box-office/box-office.html

You can picnic at both of these places.  When I first started this blog, I was majorly enamored by both these events and wrote about them here and here.  The Levitt Pasadena is the Hollywood Bowl without the Bowl.  Both series are a great way to have fun on a dime. 

Mark your calendar – August 21 is Bollywood Night at the Levitt!!!

Summer Movie Camp – $1.00 movies, Wednesdays at 10 am for kids.  July 1st will be Madagascar Escape 2.  The money goes to charity. My sister tells me these movie days are a madhouse [...]]]> We saw Up today at the AMC Barrington 30 in South Barrington, Il.  While there, I noticed two flyers for special screenings:

Summer Movie Camp – $1.00 movies, Wednesdays at 10 am for kids.  July 1st will be Madagascar Escape 2.  The money goes to charity. My sister tells me these movie days are a madhouse because summer camps come to them.  Still, it’s a great deal.   AMCEntertainment.com/smc   I just went to its site and see this deal is nationwide too. 

Sensory-Friendly showing of Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs on Saturday, July 11th at 10 am. "With Sensory-Friendly Films, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and and the sound turned down."  This screening is for autistic children and is co-sponsored by the Autism Society of America.

Petco

7262 N. Rosemead Blvd.

www.mybunny.org

(626) 576 – BUNI

Just don’t let your Easter bunnies wind up here.

Could the Long Beach bunnies ever reach this rabbit’s 4-foot stature?

Thanks to Super Punch for the link.