May 8: Melissa Ann Pinny Book Party at Bookends & Beginnings

Please come to Bookends & Beginnings on Friday, May 8th, for a celebration and discussion of TWO, award-winning photographer Melissa Ann Pinney’s new book.  Gwen Macsai, award-winning writer, producer, humorist, and host of  Re:sound, the Third Coast Festival’s weekly program on WBEZ, will join Melissa in a lively conversation about the photographs. TWO is an exquisite collection of captivating and thought-provoking photographs that contemplate the essence of duality in our relationships and in the world that surrounds us. Edited and introduced by New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett, whose enthusiasm for Pinney’s vision helped bring this project to fruition, this compelling book also includes remarkable essays about the nature of two written by some of the best authors at work today.   Bookends & Beginnings 1712 Sherman Ave. (in the alley, behind Saville Florist) Evanston, Illinois 60201 224-999-7722 Friday, May 8th, 5:30-7:30pm 6:00pm Discussion with Gwen and Melissa  Light refreshments will be served Books will be available for purchase and signing throughout the event.

Breaking: Evanston Tops List of 10 Suburbs that Don’t Suck!

I was driving south on Lake Shore Drive this morning and caught some of WBEZ’s 848 (a show I should be hosting because I would be so good at it, more on that later) and I heard a great interview with travel writer Dave Seminara who was talking about 10 Chicago suburbs worth visiting and Evanston made it on the list! That’s right, Evanston is on the top of the list of 10 Suburbs that Don’t Suck and I’m excited on so many levels, here’s 2; #1 I love a headline with the word “sucks” in it, #2 I’m thrilled to have chosen such an awesome suburb.

Here’s what Seminara has to say about Evanston:

This big, diverse community directly north of the city along Lake Michigan belongs on the itinerary of every visitor to Chicago. It's home to Northwestern University, some 61 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and six sandy beaches. The pedestrian friendly downtown is filled with nice bookstores, cafés, shopping and restaurants and there are beautiful homes scattered among several historic districts within the town. Evanston also has an amazing library, which allows patrons to take out up to 75 books a time (seriously).

Click here to read the full story

and find out what the 9 other suburbs are. What’s so great about this article is that I plan to print it out and go visit all 10 suburbs. In case you forgot, I’m still a newbie in that there are endless places, stores, beaches, etc., I’ve yet to visit. Just the other day I visited Tamales lo Mejor de Guerrero on Clark Street for the FIRST time and I’ve been in town since June 2011 – someone is not doing their homework!

Keep the ideas coming and get me ingrained in this new locale!

p.s. I took this photo on Dempster Street beach. Feel free to use it as your screensaver.