While the physical doors of Chicago's many wonderful cultural institutions are closed, kids and families can enjoy the virtual options provided by museums around the city. Adler Planetarium From accounts of the Apollo 13 crew’s mission to the history of women in astronomy and space exploration, Adler's virtual exhibitions are not to be missed. Gather…
Top Picks: Tyler Perry
Actor, director and writer Tyler Perry turns 50 September 13. While the New Orleans native is well-known for his portrayal of Mabel Simmons (aka "Madea"), his path to success was wrought with adversity. Perry got his start as a playwright whose first stage production flopped, but you wouldn't guess it now. In honor of his…
Shark Week: “Fin”-tastic Films
It's time to celebrate the most "fin"-tastic week of the year…Shark Week! The Discovery Channel's week of special programming celebrating these majestic creatures begins Sunday, June 26. Can't get enough sharks? Here are a few "jaw"-some DVD picks. In Shark Week: Jawsome Encounters and Shark Week: the 25th Anniversary, the Discovery Channel presents footage from around…
Out of This World Movies for Kids!
Encounter aliens or take a trip into outer space with these movies budding space explorers are sure to enjoy. Mars Needs Moms: Clean your room, take the dog for a walk, do your homework. Arrgh! Milo thinks he's heard more than enough from his mom until she's abducted by aliens from Mars. Race to Witch Mountain: When two aliens…
Sounds of Sabor!
From samba to cumbia to norteñas to merengue, Latin music is filled with upbeat cadences and robust sounds that tantalize the senses, transporting listeners on an exquisite auditory journey. Here are a few biographies, recordings and movies about and from some of my favorite Latin musicians. Born in Havana, Cuba, Celia Cruz (affectionately known as…
Celebrating the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon
In celebration of William Shakespeare's 450th birthday, I thought it only apropos to write a post honoring the author who penned the works from which my parents bestowed my name. (That's correct, the name "Portia" is found in two of Shakespeare's works, The Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar.) In unison with Shakespeareans around the…
Discover Spring
In just a few days, Chicagoans will celebrate the arrival of a long-awaited friend.....SPRING!!! That's right! The first day of spring is March 20, an escape from the grips of this winter's unrelenting polar vortex. Although not much encouragement will be needed to inspire gleeful thoughts of warmer temperatures, the following items are great selections…
Get Your Eat On: Super Bowl XLVIII
Ahhh…the smell of savory tidbits, the taste of creamy dips with crudites, the festive feasting on detectable dishes and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. It's Super Bowl Sunday XLVIII! Tailgaters unite! Tailgating is a time-honored tradition that celebrates fans' undying support of their team combined with feasting that would rival an…
Snow Much Fun!
Out of the bosom of the Air, Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken, Over the woodlands brown and bare, Over the harvest-fields forsaken, Silent, and soft, and slow Descends the snow. —An excerpt from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem "Snow-flakes" Chicago has been transformed into a swirling snowglobe over the last few weeks, and…
Building a Generation of Learners One Brick at a Time
If the sole of your bare foot has ever come in contact with misplaced Legos on the floor, it is improbable that your immediate thought would be to celebrate the creative genius of the aspiring architect residing in your home. As you and your traumatized sole seek a moment's reprieve, please consider the following: in…
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