Blogs

Here are your choices for Saturday, April 13:

At 11 a.m., volunteers from the Fairmount Heritage Foundation present The Civil War at Riverside Cemetery at the Sam Gary Branch. Riverside is home to more than 1,200 Civil War veterans, including three Medal of Honor recipients, soldiers who fought with the "Colored Troops," and even some Confederates. Come learn some of their stories!

The Scribes, Scholars & Storytellers series is in full swing....our next featured authors for April include:

Watching a movie doesn't usually make me want to fill up my car with items for the Goodwill, unless that movie is The Queen of Versailles. Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield started out wanting to tell the story of billionaire David Siegel and buxom third wife Jackie's quest to build the largest and most expensive house in the country. In the middle of filming, though, the housing crisis nearly wiped out Siegel and his predatory timeshare business.

While you’re here you might get inspiration for your own art project or something to try with your children.

For more inspiration check out these books about art and artists:

Picture Books:

Andrew Drew and Drew by Barney Satlzberg

Art by Patrick McDonnell

Aspiring Artist by Jane O'Connor

In high school, I was a Dave Matthews fan. Of course being in a suburban, middle class high school, almost everyone was a Dave Matthews fan and DMB's concerts at the local, grassy amphitheater were the peak of summer socializing. By the end of high school, I'd discovered punk and obligatorily disavowed any interest in Dave Matthews.

Yes, it's true, it turns out Dave Grohl can make movies, too, and this debut is exceptional. Utilizing studio footage and interview commentary from many of the greatest rock musicians of our time, the film brings to life a golden era of music that is in many ways becoming a thing of the past. Although a strong message is presented about authenticity and the human element in music, the film decisively stops short of being preachy or tiresomely adherent to a bygone past.

Come again on that last bit? Pilgrimage? Well, yes, if you were a medieval person with a) a guilty conscience, b) the means to travel, and c) the ability to leave family and work for months at a time, you might view April as prime time to hit the road and get thyself to the nearest holy site for redemption. Given the general lawlessness of 14th century England, it would be preferable to find a group of well-armed, like-minded souls heading in your direction. Along the way, you might share your history and tell a few stories to pass the time.

Roger Ebert ‏@ebertchicago 2 Apr

My Leave of Presence: An update http://j.mp/YRRHq8

"So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I'll see you at the movies."

--

The official announcement of his passing:

Suntimes ‏@Suntimes 4 Apr

It is with a heavy heart we report that legendary film critic Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) has passed away

We played LEGO bingo, skee-ball and decorated bookmarks with LEGO bricks!
Thanks to all that participated! And thanks to The Tattered Cover, Chipotle, Jolyon Yates and the Colorado Mills LEGO Store for providing our prizes.
Check out the books that the winning entries were based on:

Turn any image into a keepsake piece of jewelry by glazing it onto a glass tile. Talented jewelry maker, Mitzi Loffelmacher (who creates under the name Little Sister Jewelry), guides this workshop. Perfect as a gift for Mother's Day or as a remembrance of someone you love or miss, making these chic lockets are a crafter's dream. 

Mitzi will share all her tips and techniques for creating a professional jewelry piece. Register now and join us for Crafts for the Masses: