Seeing as how days seem to be flying by, I thought I would take this opportunity to talk a little baseball before it all ends. This season has once again proved disappointing for our two ball clubs. First, let’s talk about the Cubs, who for whatever reason just looked uninterested in baseball this year. Here was a club that should have been a contender in the weak division that is the National League Central. Instead, you got bad fundamental baseball, another Carlos Zambrano meltdown, a manger who after a while just seemed to give up, and of course the trading off of some of your best players. This was supposed to be Year One of the new regime. You were on your way, this wasn’t supposed to be a rebuilding year. Yet with just 2 weeks left in the season with nothing on the line you have the call-ups playing and now you are winning some ball games. I would say overall a D for this year. Now, on to the White Sox. This team was picked to finish third in their division and for a while it seemed like that’s were they ‘d end up. They started out awful. Then interleague play started and they caught fire. They couldn’t lose. Then it happened they had to face their dreaded rival the Twins who beat them this year 13 times. You can look at this as the reason the sox will finish second about 9 or 10 games out. They simply can’t beat Minnesota. As you can see both teams battled different issues this year, but the end result is the same. No postseason in Chicago. Thank God it’s football season and the bears are 2-0, otherwise I’d be pulling my hair out right now.
Exploring Comic Con
Whenever I heard about Comic Con, I would immediately think of kids who don’t really play outside much and who are really into Dungeons & Dragons. Now is that a completely fair assessment? No. So what better way to break a stereotype than to educate and go check it out for oneself…and I’m so glad that I did! The variety of people & celebrities was fantastic; and the costumes….The COSTUMES! So much fun; people watching galore!
I found out that Comic Con isn’t just for comic books, it’s the largest pop culture festival that celebrates the best in comics, collectibles, movies, celebrities, toys, video games, tv and more! Check out some of the characters and celebrities that I bumped into along the way during my self-education of this 3 day exhibition!
[nggallery id=8]
Robert Downey Jr. in Chicago
Hey this is Gina Ferraro! I’m so thrilled because I got chat with actor Robert Downey Jr., and director Todd Phillips. You’ve probably see some of Phillip’s films: The Hangover, and Old School to mention a few.
The boys were in town because The Gene Siskel Film Center paid tribute to actor Robert Downey Jr., presenting him with the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award.
You never know what you’re going to get when you meet a new celebrity– let alone TWO coming down the Red Carpet together like Robert and Todd did. BUT! I’m happy to say to they were both a lot of fun. I still haven’t seen Iron Man, but after meeting Downey I’ve gotta check it out.
As for Phillip’s films, they are some of my favs. If you haven’t seen them I totally suggest watching them if you want a good laugh.
Look out for the Downey’s new film directed by Phillips called, “Due Date.” It should be out this fall/winter and also stars the hilarious Zach Galifianakis.
.
The Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N. State St
Chicago, IL 60601-3505
(312) 846-2600
Website: Click on The Gene Siskel Film Center
Mark Giangreco (Raw Archive Footage)
Nick Rosario coming at ya! If I were to make a list of the best sportscasters in town; Mark Giangreco would be at the top of my list. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark back in 1998 for the first time and believe me I am still laughing today at some of the things he said. I found him to be the same off camera as he is on camera. He is light hearted and quick witted. Mark was definitely one of my favorite interviews. He even admitted to watching General Hospital. Now there’s a guy who is not afraid to share.
Steppin’ Out on the Skydeck
Hey! It’s Gina Ferraro here. My trip to The Skydeck Ledge at the Willis Tower was unforgettable. Randy Stancik, the GM of the Skydeck was kind enough to hold my hand as I walked out onto the glass bottomed-Skydeck. What a rush!! There’s only 6 inches of glass separating me from the streets of Chicago. It is a heart stopping experience, but I highly suggest you do it. Everything told me “don’t step out there,” but Randy eased my mind and did it with me.
When you go, be sure and kneel on the glass. That’s an entirely different feeling than just standing. Plus, after you conquer the Skydeck make sure to show everyone the photos. Your friends and family will be so impressed– or they will get queasy, like my Dad did!!
This is a MUST-SEE in Chicago tourism… even if you are afraid of heights, it’s an unbelievable out-of-body experience that can’t be duplicated. I dare you to take the plunge 🙂 and if you need a hand to hold I’ll go out on the ledge with you!
Willis Tower Skydeck: 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Phone Contact: (877) 759-3325
Website: Click here for more info!