What are you reading this summer?

Libraries all over the State of Illinois are kicking off their Summer Reading Programs this month. Developed through a partnership between iRead and the Illinois Library Association and with the support of Illinois librarians, this summers reading program is Get in the Game, Read! Libraries will offer incentives to participate such as prizes for reading, playing games and attending programs. Local businesses support their area libraries and patrons by donating coupons and gifts for the program.
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading and what better way to support your library than by signing up for their Summer Reading Program.

Flash Back Friday #8

Because it's summer and you're getting back in the water. And because this movie still scares the sh*t out of me.
Enjoy the original trailer from Steven Spielberg's Jaws.

Fun Way to Stay Fit

Last evening I hosted a bellydancing party in my backyard. My friend Jenny who is a dance teacher and performer taught us a bit of background on the middle eastern style of dance and showed us some of the basic moves. It was a fantastic workout and a ton of fun. I'm sure my neighbors will be asking me for weeks what all the women were doing throwing scarves around, shaking their hips and laughing in my yard.
The dance style has become a popular form of fitness and there are classes offered through many park districts and dance schools. My library system has multiple books and DVD's on getting in shape by bellydancing and there are many websites devoted to the style.
For more information on Jenny's teachings, visit her site at:
http://www.namastedance.com/

6 Year old Saves Friend From Drowning

The best reporting I have read all week.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/16479379/detail.html

Create a Music Video at Animoto

One of the websites I have discovered through my current Tech Tools class is Animoto. This very cool website allows you to upload pictures, chose music (either from their music selection or by upload)and a customized music video is created for you. You need to sign up for an account and short videos of up to 30 seconds are free, longer videos can be made by upgrading to a $30 yearly membership. I have made numerous videos and each one has turned out great. For more information check out Animoto at their website:
http://animoto.com/

Who Watches Dr. Who

Ok so seriously I tried to watch the latest Dr. Who. After 15 years between Dr.s I netflixed Season 1 with Christopher Eccleston as the Dr. and the lovely Billie Piper as Rose (she is one of my favorite British actresses). My son and I sat down and barely got through the first episode. It was absolutely the dumbest crap I have seen in years. Because the preview for the 2nd episode looked interesting with all sorts of aliens, we sat through the 2nd episode and that was all we could handle. I love a good sci-fi, deranged madness type of show, but this was not only ridiculous but mind alteringly stupid. I returned the entire 1st season and am going to give it a try with the 2nd season when the Dr. is replaced by actor David Tennant.
I really wanted to like the new series because I was a big fan of previous Dr.s, especially Dr. #4 portrayed by Tom Baker (love the scarf)and I enjoyed the show in the 80's. I am a complete addict to British television series and regularly pop in a DVD of either: (click for more info on each show)
Rosemary and Thyme
Absolutely Fabulous (Edina & Patsy are 2 of the best characters EVER, I've been obsessed since college)
The Vicar of Dibley
Robin of Sherwood (my favorite series of all time)
We will see how the second season goes, but I am afraid my kid is turned off the Dr. for good....shame really.

Wedding Season is Here

I attended an interesting program the other day, a fashion show of wedding gowns from 1900 to 1991. Most of the gowns were beautiful and timeless with the exception of the mini skirts from the 60's, the long shapeless dresses from the 70's and the Princess Diana look from the 1980's. This weekend starts the beginning of wedding season for most brides and the frenzy for those of us either in weddings or attending them. I have 4 weddings to attend this summer, 1 next weekend, 1 two weeks after that, 1 in July and 1 in August. All 4 are completely different in size and style, 1 is a Friday evening at a large hotel, another is a wedding for hundreds of guests in a backyard, another is in a small Evanston hotel and the 4th is a small party since the bride is British, the groom is Nepalese and they already married in India! Where ever the location and whatever the style, I love a wedding and look forward to the traditional and non-traditional aspects of each couple's special day. Now I just have to start printing out each wedding registry and get shopping.