Love Chicago!

The Poker Club the movie Thursday, August 13, 2009

Summer in Chicago is fantastic!  The city is alive with music, art, shopping, eclectic dining, boating, all with a hint of European flair.  Our first stop of the day was for Miss Olivia.  She has been waiting her ‘whole life’ to visit an American Girl Store.  And so it was.  The American Girl Place on Michigan Ave.

Moon Zero Two

  Two stories of nothing but dolls and all that they needed to survive!  I must admit, if I get past the unnecessary spending that occurs to keep an American Doll outfitted – the message in the American Girl stories, and history that can be learned through their fictional lives – is worth the exploration into their world.

After a Chicago Red Hot, WaterIsLife.com had the opportunity to spend time at Rotary International World Headquarters, and had a very productive meeting with Jim Grumley, a long-time Rotarian who has worked for years on water projects in Nigeria.  Also, we had the opportunity to connect with the Public Relations department – and we will move forward to work together on Rotary Water Projects in the US and Internationally.  Each Rotary Club is autonomous, and Rotary International exists to motivate and guide each of these clubs.  Bingo rip There are over 250,000 Rotary Clubs around the world – with many currently working on water projects as a priority.  If your not sure what a Rotary Club or Rotarian does – Google or Bing, I think you will be surprised!  Below is a shot of the Rotary International Board room, where Board Members from all over the globe convene to make a difference in the lives of millions.

Gangland move

With the continuous help and support from Lola, our trusty GPS unit and friend, she timely directed us to 110 N. Carpenter Street.  For those not aware this is Harpo Studios, The Oprah Winfrey Show!  Taping doesn’t start until late August, but a fantastic Associate Producer of the show had invited us to come for a visit.  We were able to take photos outside – but not inside…it’s the rules!

As we entered the building and checked in with security, we were given Harpo Studios name badges. That, in and of itself, was cool!   Inside there is a grand staircase, which leads to a wonderful portrait of Oprah, from The Color Purple.  We met a wonderful gentleman – Senior Producer Joe, for a tour of the Studios. We visited the green rooms, took in the captivating photos along the studio halls – Nelson Mandela’s visit, girls from the South African school, which Oprah Foundation built, as well as every celebrity that you could imagine.  We retraced Oprah’s steps – as she would come from make up to the stage.  Before heading out to the stage her last stop is a mirror near the production room.  She touches up – a little hand sanitizer, which of course we felt it necessary to have a squirt, maybe some of her favorite Lancome Hand Lotion, shoes on – ready to roll. 

In the room where Oprah tapes audio/voiceovers sat a box of Earl Grey Tea – Mark’s favorite since 1985!   Yes Mark, you and Oprah DO have something in common! The Tiger’s Tail move   Down Periscope trailer

We were able to share the WaterIsLife.com story – and talked about an upcoming initiative for WaterIsLife.com – soon to be announced on www.waterislife.com.

It may seem naïve of me, but if you remove the celebrity element and money from the equation – the company and legacy that Oprah has built is astounding.

The staff is diligently, and secretly, working on the premier show to air on Monday, Sept 14.  This is our first day back home from the Coast 2 Coast Journey – and we will all be glued to the tube that afternoon!

 

It was a very successful few days for WaterIsLife.com in Chicago, and Mark and I celebrated with a buffet at the Empress Casino – Woohoo!

On to Detroit, and looking forward to it!