One of my favorite places in Chicago is the Shedd Aquarium. It’s like living in the sea. The ocean creatures are so fascinating and I can sit there and watch them for hours. The Shedd is celebrating it’s 80th Anniversary May 30th. Congrats, we should all be so proud that it’s one of the greatest attractions this city has to offer .This summer marks the first full summer for the renovated Oceanarium and new aquatic show, Fantasea. I’ve seen it. It’s terrific. The Shedd also recently completed a 50 million dollar facelift. Jazzin at the Shedd starts in late June and my pal Roger Germann, Senior Director of Public Realtions says there is discounted admission, food, and drink . Plus you can relax while jazz bands play on the north terrace overlooking the lake, and even take in the fireworks display over Navy Pier.
But here’s my favorite part. The Penguin encounters begin on June 7th. Yes Roger says I can meet a penguin face to face , nose to beak. That’s a reason to put on my Happy Feet.
Hoop It Up.
Friday was the anniversary of my father’s death. And to honor his memory I hit the basketball court with my niece and nephew because bball was his passion. I grew up going to Knicks games with my dad in New York City. Those days we watched Earl The Pearl Monroe, and Walt Frazier. My dad had me dribbling as a toddler and practiced with me all the way through High School. It was our special bond and one I am so proud to share with Alex and Joey, the best kids on the planet. My dad was at every game, made me shoot a hundred foul shots even after practice to improve and we aways laughed.
I know he would be so proud today to see that his favorite sport is still a Cohn tradition and that oh yeah I still got game. Not to mention how that talent has been passed on to the next generation. I see star power.
Chicago Lakefront Rocks
It doesn’t get better than this. A Warm sunny day with a cool breeze and hanging out at the beach along Chicago’s lakefront. People are exercising, sunbathing, laughing and some are even swimming in what still is a cold Lake Michigan. It’s the perfect kick-off to the holiday weekend. The Windy City got it right when its forefathers had the vision to develop the lakefront as public property after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and it keeps getting better.
As I took a long walk today from Oak Street Beach all the way to Fullerton and back I reflected on why I love this city. Yes we have many nasty winters, plenty of cold months, endless days with rain. This day makes it all worth enduring. I’ve lived in many cities but few have this skyline, and scenery.
Now I can’t wait for the palm trees to go back up, Castaways to rock out cool tunes, the hunks of Pro Beach Volleyball to return, and yes the official start of summer. Plus that means months of fun filled music, art, and food festivals. Get out and Enjoy Chicago. Have a great Holiday weekend.