Literacy—Read, Write and Think!

This past summer I went to Open Books for a volunteer orientation. Open Books is all about promoting literacy in Chicago and elsewhere. They work hard, utilizing volunteers, to make young and old literate through social events, programs and field trips.

This is taken from The New York Times article by Jessica Reaves. It is estimated that about 23% of American adults do not have basic reading skills—they are unable to read directions (medications), look for employment or take care of their finances. Chicago’s illiteracy suffers with “53% of adults having low or limited literacy skills”. The numbers might not be exact  but the fact is this city and country should not have a problem with illiteracy.

Since I’m unemployed I decided to do some volunteer work, and what better place to volunteer at than with books. Today I woke up early, got ready and drove to the Open Books warehouse. It has definitely been a long time since I woke that early and had to look presentable. LOL! Anyways, when I walked into the place it was full of boxes of books donated by people. The guys working there set me up on a computer to scan the books for resale. It’s amazing how many people donate, and what is even more amazing are the books people buy. There were old 60's and 70's cook books, travel books and 80's workout books. Do you remember Susan Powter? “Stop the Insanity!” I guess this catchphrase can be used for illiteracy. 

I enjoyed my volunteer work and wanted to share my experience with you, continue volunteering and hopefully I can pay it forward. Aside from the bookstore on Institute Place, they resell books on different websites—Amazon being one of them. (The bookstore is setup so cute. The picture of the fireplace on this post is from the store.) On Amazon, the books are sold under used. So if you are ever browsing for a book, click on used and search for Open Books to help fund literacy.

My next topic has nothing to do with literacy and everything to do with winning.

Did you watch the Bears vs. Green Bay game? The outcome of this game really makes me mad because a) I don’t like Green Bay and b) the Bears could have won the game if offense knew how to block and catch, and Devin Hester learned how to keep his temper in check. *rant over*

Have a great day!

ROAR VS. CHEESE!

The Chicago Bears are the NFC Division Champions and tomorrow are set to play their 90-year rivals, Green Bay Packers, for a spot in the Super Bowl. My family has been Chicago Bears’ fans since I can remember, and my mom had the pleasure of going to Super Bowl XX: Bears vs. Patriots. The love of Da Bears starts at a very young age.

But that was many years ago and many changes. The team we have now is low key than the 85-86 Bears, and our present coach’s blood pressure doesn’t shoot through the roof during bad plays, penalties or poor calls from the refs. That’s all right though I’m still a Ditka fan. Anyways, don’t misconstrue their low key temperament as weakness. The Bears have worked their way through playing issues and are prepared to take on the cheese heads.

Yes folks, you too can be a cheese head if you’re cheering for the Green Bay Packers—a hat with a very large wedge of cheese on top. I think that explains it all when it comes to their fans. What can I say, Bears’ fans dislike Green Bay and vice versa—no love loss.

So come tomorrow, 5,000 miles away, I’ll be cheering for my beloved Bears with my Love and his brother. I think I got them interested in American football and they enjoy watching Da Bears. I’ll be making Cranberry Turkey Burgers, fresh vegetable salad and mashed sweet potatoes. After that we’ll have wine, beer and popcorn.

What are your football plans?

GO BEARS—DEFENSE—OFFENSE—SPECIAL TEAMS—CUTLER (who I just want to kiss)—HESTER (Bring us more of this)