All You Can Be: Kerry Wood’s New Book
Rumor has it that later today, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood will announce his retirement today. This news comes from Bruce Levine and ESPN. This may or may not come as a surprise for most fans, since Wood is in his 14'th season and has been plagued with injuries, forcing him to leave his role as a starter. Regardless, retirement would give Wood more time to focus on his new book.
Titled "All You Can Be", Wood reaches out to children by telling them how sports influenced his learning and growth as a youth. From when he was just a kid, Wood was already determined to make it to the Major Leagues and become a professional baseball player. He never stopped working to achieve his goal, and he wants children to see that they can really make their dreams a reality with hard work, determination, and a bit of sacrifice. Some other principles Wood hopes to teach include building character and accepting responsibilities. This is sure to provide life lessons for any child whose dreams may seem impossible for them right now.
Wood is scheduled to appear at the Barnes & Noble (55 Old Orchard Center) on Tuesday, May 29, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm for a book signing. He also has another book signing scheduled at The Cubs Store (Clark & Addison), across from Wrigley Field, on Wednesday, May 30 after the Cubs game. Wood also has a meet and greet with the 30 children who helped provide illustrations for his book. They will get a tour of Wrigley and tickets to see the Cubs take on the San Diego Padres. However, with rumors of his retirement, it is uncertain as of now if these events will still occur.
What do you think, fans? If Wood retires today, would this cause problems for his book-related events?
2012 Printers Row Lit Fest
Mark your calendars, because this year's Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest is June 9th and 10th, from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is free for all, but some events will require tickets (also free). Some ticket-only events are at the Harold Washington Library Center and the University Center.
Originally called "Printers Row Book Fair", the Printers Row Lit Fest was started by the Near South Planning Board in 1985 to bring visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood, which was once Chicago's bookmaking hub. By 2002, the event expanded to five city blocks, which attracted over 200 booksellers from across the country. These sellers proudly showed off new, used and antiquarian books, as well as offering over 100 free literary programs on seven different stages. The main focus of Printers Row Lit Fest is to preserve commitment to the written word and support literacy. In 2002, the Chicago Tribune purchased the Printers Row Book Fair from the Near South Planning Board and renamed it the Printers Row Lit Fest. Today, it is considered the largest free outdoor literacy event in the Midwest. Just ask the 125,000 book lovers who come to the two-day event.
Not only do booksellers and publishers attend the event, but cultural and literacy organizations who distribute information will be present as well. Panels and exhibits are also at the event for guests to observe. For children, they can can enjoy the Lil' Lit Fest Park, where there will be storytelling, characters in costumes, sing-alongs, and other activities. There's something for everybody, so check it out!
Printers Row Lit Fest is located by Deerborn Street, the site of Printers Row, and stretches from Congress to Polk street.
Shameless Plugs In Sports?
Where there are professional sports, there will always be advertisements, but there is a time and place for everything. Sure, fans have gotten used to the occasional product placement during time outs or other down time during games. Yes, depending on what you're watching, you're bound to see jerseys, stadiums, arenas, and even half time show backdrops plastered with advertisements. But to drop a subtle ad at the end of a tennis match?
For those who don't follow tennis continuously, future legend Roger Federer won the 20th Masters Title over Thomas Berdych at the Madrid Open. For Federer, this was his 45th win in his last 48 matches, giving him the ability to gloat about his seven titles in the previous 10 events he participated in. But forget that Federer is the first player to win at least 10 championships on every major surface, or the fact that this achievement earned him the Ion Tiriac trophy. For some reason, the most memorable award Federer received that day was given to him by actor Will Smith. See for yourself:
This comes as a plug for the Men In Black III film, starring Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Federer was awarded a large MIB Agent suit, sans the memory erasing unit to make sure everyone watching would never forget this moment.
Of course, this is hardly a viral campaign compared to last year, when the Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin dunked over a Kia vehicle during the NBA All Star Slam Dunk Contest, which eventually launched Griffin as the new spokesperson for Kia. Maybe Federer has a secret cameo in the new MIB movie?
What do you think, sports fans? Should companies keep their advertisements during sporting events distant from the athletes, or is it fun to see a publicity stunt like this once in awhile?
6-Year-Old Player Accomplishes Rare MLB Feat
Bill Wambsganss completing his unassisted triple play in Game 5 of the 1920 World Series
How young is "too young" to be considered by MLB scouts? There have only been 15 players in MLB history who can say they've made an unassisted triple play. That's right, the entire inning ended with only one player. Those who have pulled off this feat (including Bill Wambsganss of the Cleveland Indians during the 1920 World Series) have earned some pretty impressive bragging rights.
And now this 6 year old can brag too.
The youngster is Ross Bernath, who was playing a youth baseball game in Georgia. You have to give credit to the little guy. For the shortstop to grab the pop-up, tag third base, and then tag the runner from second in about 3 seconds would have meant he hardly had any time to think about what he was doing. Had this been a televised MLB game, you could imagine seeing this play over and over again for a week or two. Baseball analysts would be both amazed and dumbfounded. Critics would chalk this play up to "dumb luck" or give a cliche statement of how this would never happen again. Coaches would be bombarded at press conferences about the significance of this play and how it either motivated or crushed a team's morale.
Instead, Ross is just another of YouTube's many viral video stars. He may be forgotten in the years to come, and this video would just be a small reminder that as a child, he was adored by millions of strangers. When he looks back at this video, perhaps 10 or 20 years from now, he'll be in for a surprise.
But the most surprising part of the video was how cool and collected Dad seemed to be. He must have had a big grin on his face as the words "triple play" escaped from his lips.
What do you think about little Ross? Was his triple play just luck, or is he showing some baseball prowess at a young age?
Feeling Lucky? – Dempster Casino Night
Along with some spectacular dishes and an open bar, activities for the night include a live and silent auction, casino games, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit The Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation and Children's Memorial Hospital.
Some items available for bidding at the auction include:
- An authentic, autographed Chicago Cubs jersey signed by Ryan Dempster
- An experience to be an honorary Chicago Cubs Bat Boy for a day
- A "Man Cave" Electronics package, courtesy of Abt Electronics
- Baseball autographed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
- An autographed and framed photograph of Cubs Hall of Fame Legends
The event is from 7 to 10 pm. General admission tickets are $175 per person, or $300 for two. A pair of VIP tickets are also available for $1,000. Those with VIP tickets will get a special pre-event party from 6 to 7 pm before enjoying the rest of the night.
Ryan and Jenny Dempster's daughter Riley has a disease known as DiGeorge Syndrome, a chromosome abnormality that could possibly cause a range of health and development problems. The Dempster Foundation strives to raise money to combat this disease, and has raised over $1.1 million since January 2010.
Marvel’s The Avengers: A Review
Stan Lee and Marvel have had a brilliant marketing strategy for their superhero franchises. First, introduce characters one film at a time, and if they get lucky, produce a sequel or two (Iron Man, Hulk). Next, make sure to add a teaser at the end of the credits, with cryptic hints about what could possibly be in store for the future. Finally, tie the most important characters together into one giant blockbuster, and you've got The Avengers, a movie that earned about $200.3 million on opening weekend.
What Marvel has created isn't just one gigantic franchise; instead, there are sub-franchises within it. Rather than feature one superhero this time, Marvel presents audiences with six. There's a personality for everyone: The courageous leader in Captain America who follows orders and proudly shows his loyalty and obedience. There's Dr. Bruce Banner aka The Hulk, who is a quiet, reversed being until "The Other Guy" is unleashed. In Tony Stark, Iron Man, we see the billionaire playboy who is cocky, daring, and not afraid to speak his mind. Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, is a cunning femme fetal with a troubled past. Thor is a being from another world who finds peace with Earth and vows to use his strength and ability to defend it. Finally, there's Hawkeye, who seems to have a history with the Black Widow that comes in handy.
Another plus for audiences is that they're not missing much of the story if they haven't seen any of the previous superhero movies. It's always great to know the background of your favorite heroes, but first-time Marvel audiences won't be left in the dark while seeing the Avengers fighting the next biggest threat to Earth. The battle scenes were amazing - you really get swept into the excitement as you kept track of what each hero was doing to help the team. Surprisingly, there's a lot of humor throughout the film, and none of it feels forced. Again, credit to Marvel for slightly moving toward the Action/Comedy route.
The overall message from The Avengers is that heroes don't have to look, act, or think a certain way. Having six different personalities working together shows that we too can collaborate with others in order to do good. We might not be fighting an elite group of alien invaders, but our small actions can lead to bigger and better things, one step at a time.
If you were a superhero, what would your special abilities be?
Twist of Fate: ACL Tears in Sports
Yesterday, the unexpected happened to the all-time saves leader of the New York Yankees. Mariano Rivera twisted his right knee during practice, resulting in a tear of his ACL and meniscus. The 42-year-old Rivera hasn't been on the disabled list in nine years, and he will unfortunately miss the remainder of the season due to the recovery time needed after suffering this injury. Rivera was injured while performing a normal routine of chasing fly balls. Teammates and coaches were very sympathetic, and teammate Derek Jeter said Rivera was someone "you can't replace".
Right knee. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A torn ACL results in limited mobility, with swelling, bruising, and some deformity seen on the knee. Sometimes, an initial examination is difficult for physicians if their patient cannot cooperate and relax their leg. After surgery, the typical recovery time for a sports-related ACL injury is six to nine months. Depending on the sport, an athlete may have time to recover during the offseason, or they may be forced to miss significant time during the regular season.
Rivera isn't the latest victim of an ACL tear this year. Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens suffered a torn ACL while preparing for an upcoming conditioning test, but it will not keep him on the sidelines the entire season. He is expected to return either in late October or November.
In the NBA, this is considered the worst time to suffer an ACL injury. Up-and-coming guard Iman Shumpert of the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls star point guard Derrick Rose both tore their ACL during the start of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. For the Knicks, they still have many pieces to their team who can step up and assist their leader Carmelo Anthony, but for the Bulls, they now face a harsh reality with critics questioning how far they can advance in the postseason.
Despite this being painful not just to individual athletes, but their entire teams as well, experts say that athletes who recover from ACL injuries come back just like their old selves. Look at Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, who missed the 2008 NFL Season tearing his ACL, but came back strong recently leading the Patriots to the Super Bowl last season.
What has been the most significant injury in the sports world this season? What do you think would happen if these athletes remained healthy during the entire season?
Fainting Goat Disease (It’s Not Contagious. Promise.)
Imagine that you were one of the lucky winners of the Mega Millions Jackpot last March. You're standing in front of a large crowd, about to be handed the giant check with your name on it. The adrenaline is rushing through your body. You can feel the excitement. Right as you're about to grab hold of the check, your limbs go stiff and you collapse to the ground.
Not a pretty thought, right? This is what happens to a special type of goat, nicknamed the "Fainting Goat" because of a genetic disorder known as myotonia congenita. When the goats get excited, their muscles become stiff temporarily, causing the poor goats to fall over. It's a quick and painless reaction, though, and within a few seconds, the goats are back on their feet running around.
You can see what happens here (and don't worry, none of the goats get hurt):
While we don't donate Fainting Goats to families, they are still being bred in hopes of preserving the species. There's even an official International Fainting Goat Association that strives to protect the little guys. However, don't forget to help us out with our goal of donating goats to families in developing countries by heading to our main site.
What do you think about these Fainting Goats? Cute? Strange? Weird? Tell us your thoughts down in the comments below!
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Bring The Noise!
We've slowly been making some noise this month, not only being mentioned on ESPN's blog, but there's also been a goat sighting on Tebowing.com! (Check out both links if you haven't seen it yet!) We love that Reverse The Curse Chicago's name is getting out there, but it still isn't enough. We need YOU to help bring the noise and keeping spreading the RTC love. One small act can make a huge difference, and here's some easy ways you can help get involved:
- Like and share our Facebook page with your friends! We want to interact with our fans more and find out what you have to say. Let's make this a two-sided conversation from now on, okay? Leave some comments, even if you're just stopping by to say hello. We want to hear from you!
- Stay up to date with us by following our Twitter page! An occasional Retweet would be appreciated too!
- We're still prepping video content for our YouTube Channel, but you should Subscribe and be the first to see new videos!
And of course, you can always grab a shirt from our main website and help us donate more goats to families in need. Or, if you want to help directly, you can make a donation at World Vision's official site.
What else would you like to see from us? More T-Shirt ideas, stickers, or other goodies? Let us know down in the comments below!
Best Fans Ever?
It probably isn't the greatest idea in the world to bring a book to a baseball game, no matter how poorly your team may be playing. The above photo shows a Kansas City Royals fan reading during a game this past Monday while sitting in $240 seat. I suppose whatever he was reading had to have been more entertaining than watching the Royals lose to the Toronto Blue Jays. On this lovely Thursday, we take a look at a few other notable fans, and if I could, I'd cue up some of that "Wacky Music" ala ESPN's 'Not Top 10'.
This Cubs fan dons a Lucha Libre-style mask and looks ready to fight off any foes. Lucky for him, the Los Angeles Lakers' Metta World Peace isn't in the MLB.
Not exactly sure what that hat is, but this fan doesn't look happy to be wearing it either.
These two would probably get the "Worst Ditchers Ever" award. They might as well be updating their Facebook and Twitter pages while they're at it.
Anybody who thought that being a reporter is easy...well, think again. Luckily, she kept her composure and her journalistic integrity...sort of. Someone should really tell that guy to calm down...the game hasn't even started yet.
He's probably not going to be getting the "#1 Husband" coffee mug any time soon.
What strange antics have you seen at games? Have you ever done anything to grab the camera's attention? Let us know down in the comments below!
Perfection: Flawless Victory
He may be pitching for the South Siders, but regardless, Phillip Humber of the Chicago White Sox made the record books this past weekend by tossing the 21st perfect game in MLB history. Perfection in baseball isn't easy, and Humber proved that to be true near the end of his game against the Seattle Mariners this past Saturday. Here's what you need to know about Chicago's baseball teams and their meetings with perfection:
Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife
- Phillip Humber isn't the only White Sox pitcher who has thrown a perfect game. On July 23rd, 2009, Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Buehrle never imagined it would happen to him, and he even received a phone call from President Barack Obama, who congratulated him on his feat.
- In 1922, White Sox pitcher Charlie Robertson threw the 5th perfect game in MLB history. His feat came against the Detroit Tigers in Navin Field (now known as Tiger Stadium), and Robertson became the first pitcher to throw a perfect game on the road.
- The White Sox were on the receiving end of a perfect game in 1908, when Addie Joss of the Cleveland Naps kept the White Sox scoreless as both teams were battling for the pennant. But who ended up winning the 1908 World Series? The Chicago Cubs.
- The Cubs have only been part of a perfect game scenario once, and unfortunately, the story was not in their favor. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game against the Cubs in 1965. He struck out 14 Cubs batters, which is the most recorded in ever in a perfect game.
- There has only been one perfect game in the MLB postseason, and that was thrown by Don Larsen of the New York Yankees. During Game 5 of the 1956 World Series, Larsen threw a perfect game and was overcome with emotion afterwards. Anyone who happens to have a ticket stub from that game may be pleased to know that it is worth about $2,000, depending on its condition.
How do you feel about the White Sox hogging the perfect game glory from the Cubs? Is there a pitcher on the North Side who you think could throw one eventually? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Taking Things to South Beach
Not only do the Chicago Cubs continue their three game series against the Marlins today, but Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls are also in Miami to take on LeBron James and the Heat. There's just something about South Beach that tends to hit a particular nerve with most Chicago sports fans, and it's not just in recent years.
Going back to December 2, 1985, the Chicago Bears were set to play the Miami Dolphins on the highest-rated telecast of Monday Night Football. The Bears were strutting Buddy Ryan's "46 Defense", a maneuver that allowed only 10 or less points in 9 of the the Bears' last 12 games that season. They were looking to go undefeated that year, but a Miami Quarterback by the name of Dan Marino put an end to those dreams. The Dolphins would stun the Bears in a 38-24 victory, crushing the Bears' chance of a perfect season. It was their only loss that year.
Seal of Miami, Florida, United States Español: Escudo de Miami, Florida, Estados Unidos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat would meet each other during the 1992 and 1996 NBA Playoffs. The Bulls would win both meetings, but the February 23rd regular season meeting in 1996 between the two teams would be remembered in NBA history. The Bulls may have finished the season with an NBA best 72-10 record, but that night in The Miami Arena, a severely short handed Heat roster pulled away with 113-104 win. How short was the Heat roster? After completing a series of trades the previous day, Miami barely had 8 players on their roster. Perhaps the record would seem even more impossible to beat had the Bulls gone 73-9 that season.
And of course, there is the infamous "Steve Bartman Incident" that didn't occur in Miami, but still stung nonetheless. In 2003, while they were still the Florida Marlins, the Chicago Cubs were leading the MLB playoff series against the Marlins 3-2. During Game 6, several fans attempted to catch a foul ball hit by Luis Castillo of the Marlins. Cubs outfielder Moisés Alou had a chance to grab the ball, but Cubs fan Steve Bartman interfered and ended Alou's opportunity. Had Alou been able to catch the ball, the Cubs would have been four outs away from winning the National League pennant and making it to the World Series. Unfortunately, the Cubs ended up surrendering 8 runs in the inning and losing the lead. The Cubs would eventually lose to the Marlins and Bartman would become just as despised as the billy goat who originally cursed the Cubs.
What Chicago-Miami sports moments really sting for you? Any good Chicago triumphs over Miami that are worth mentioning?
Ways To Distract Opposing Teams During Baseball Games
Courtesy of The Washington Post
Forget that the Cubs are off to a slow start in the Win column so far. There were plenty of opportunities for the Cubbies to lock up a win late in games or make a furious comeback to steal a victory. But that just hasn't happened as much as we'd like it to, and who else is there to blame? We can't keep tossing the blame on the players, managers, or owners. Cubs fans may be the reason their team hasn't been on the right track so far this season.
You heard me. Let's look at another sport for a moment, the NHL, where a pair of Canadian fans known as "The Green Men" have taken it upon themselves to distract opposing teams with ridiculous antics in order to give their team a psychological advantage. Remember that sports isn't all physical strength, but mental as well. If we can get into, say Derek Jeter or Albert Pujols' heads, the Cubs would have the upper hand.
Here are a few things you can do the next time you're at a home game:
1. Any time the opposing team hits a foul tip, yell "And 1!" - Bonus points if you can get Carlos Boozer of the Chicago Bulls to yell it with you.
2. Bring a Vuvuzela to the game and come up with a unique chant that gets the crowd going - Just remember to prevent any riots and fires that occur during or after the game.
3. Sing the chorus of "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis after any Cubs home run - After the playoffs, are the Blackhawks really going to need it this summer?
4. Chant "Pitcher's got a big butt" to the opposing team's defense - Of course we shouldn't be acting so juvenile, but then again, have you heard the things that come out of Ozzie Guillen's mouth? (Zing!)
5. Bring a bunch of rowdy NCAA Basketball fans to the game and have them work their magic - Classic chants include the infamous "OHHHHHHH" which is sure to give any pitcher a headache after hearing it multiple times during a game.
What would you be willing to try? And are there any other crazy distractions you can think of?
Help Spread the Word!
During Opening Day, we followed our goat mascot around Wrigley Field and spoke with Cubs fans to get their reactions and see if they knew about Reverse The Curse Chicago and World Vision. Here is a video that explains what we do, who we partner with, and how you can help. Please share this video to help spread the word! We've donated 83 goats so far to date, so let's increase that number!
Also be sure to check out Reverse The Curse Chicago on our official website, Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
Don't let the sight of our goat mascot make you feel uneasy. It's time for Chicago Cubs fans to see goats in a positive light. Cubs fans, let's embrace the goat and help put a positive spin on the so-called "curse".
If you saw our goat mascot wandering around Wrigley Field (probably looking for some grass to feed on), what would your reaction be?
Reverse The Curse Opening Day Recap
Last week during Opening Day, our (not so) little mascot had a pretty busy day! It started with a quick walk around Wrigley Field, where the reactions of Cubs fans were a bit mixed. Some ran right up to the goat to high five and get a picture with him. Others weren't as friendly, and the poor goat had some hecklers asking him why he bothered showing up in front of Wrigley Field.
One fun event of the day was taking a ride on a Bike Taxi and doing laps around Wrigley Field. Fans watching the game from their apartment rooftops took a break from the game to grab their cameras and get a quick snapshot of the goat. Pedestrians walking to and from Wrigley Field got a good laugh while some had to do a double take.
During the 8'th Inning, the goat took his credit card out, walked to the ticket counter and tried purchasing a ticket. Even though he could have gotten one, the employees at the gate still would have refused his entrance. There must be something strange about a guy walking into Wrigley Field with horns on his head. We have faith the Cubs will let hi in this season 
In the end, the Cubs unfortunately didn't come away with the win. Maybe next time, we should get more people to "Tebowing" in front of Wrigley Field.
You can see more photos from Opening Day on our Facebook page! Make sure you Like Reverse The Curse on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to find out when the goat will be back! (Look for a video recap of Opening Day soon!)
Chicago Cubs Opening Day 2012
Courtesy of Prickly City
It's the Chicago Cubs Opening Day 2012 today and already, several people have written the Cubs off this year. It's a bit tough for Cubs fans to defend themselves, though. A disappointing 71-91 season last year put the organization through a huge rebuilding stage. Former Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein made his way from Beantown to the Cubs front offices in the Windy City. Dale Sveum was snatched from rival the Milwaukee Brewers and made into a new manager. Roster changes this year include a surprise with reliever Jeff Samardzija moved to the team's official rotation.
Despite all the moves the Cubs organization have done in the offseason, the first step in measuring the "Cubs Way" involves a meeting with the Washington Nationals. Ryan Dempster gets the start for Opening Day taking on Washington's sluggers opposite to the National's Stephen Strasburg. The game begins at 1:20 pm, Central Time. If you can't make it to Wrigley today, you can catch the game on WGN. (For any concerned Direct TV customers, WGN is now available again.)
What are your predictions for this game, Cubs fans? Easy win or will Washington be able to put up a fight?
Who Is The GOAT?
Reverse The Curse Chicago is adding a new member to the team. Not only is he kindhearted and caring, he's also a man of mystery and sophistication...except he's not really a man. Perhaps you've heard of him? Maybe a little bit of his background information will jog your memory.
Courtesy of Bleacher Report
He can understand several languages...but he only needs to say one word.
He's can be the perfect people person...without actually being a person.
If he put his money where his mouth was...he'd probably end up eating it.
"Billy the Kid" is actually named after one of his sons.
A picture of him...says 1,001 words.
He's made acorns fall far from the tree.
He prefers that he's the one left with something to chew on.
Athletes like Michael Jordan use his name as a title out of respect.
The grass is always greener...on both sides of his fence. Unless he's eaten it.
He doesn't always greet people who drink beer...but when he does, it's at Billy Goat Tavern.
He is...The Most Interesting Mascot in the World. Whether or not the above is true is for you to decide. However, plans are being made for him to make an appearance at Billy Goat Tavern, as well as all around Chicago. Make sure to watch for him soon.
7′th Annual Race To Wrigley 5k Run
On April 14'th, thousands of runners will be participating in the Annual Race To Wrigley 5k Run, a fundraising event that donates its proceeds to different cause each year. This year, proceeds will benefit Children's Memorial Hospital.
The race begins at 8 am starting at Wrigley Field, and the course travels through the streets of the Lakeview neighborhood before returning back to Wrigley. Runners will race through Wrigley Field's ground level concourse and finish at the famed Wrigley Field Marquee at Clark and Addison.
As a bonus, any runner who fundraises over $1,000 will be able to run a lap around the bases.
Courtesy of Race-Cubs.com
There are also other incentives for runners. The top fundraiser will receive four tickets to a Cubs game and be recognized during an on-field ceremony before the game. The 2'nd through 4'th place fundraisers will receive an autographed Cubs jersey, and anyone who raises over $1,000 will receive two tickets to an upcoming Cubs game.
You can register now until April 12 or until the capacity is reached. Registration fees are $40 for the Timed Run and $35 for the Fun Run. It is highly recommended that interested runners register online prior to the event. Click here to be taken to the official registration page.
The Hunger Games Movie Review
I'm one of those people who tries to read the book before thinking of watching a film adaptation. So when the Internet started buzzing about "The Hunger Games", I decided to pick up the book and see what all the commotion was about. The story grabbed me from the start, and surprisingly, I managed to plow through the book in only two days.
Courtesy of Screen Rant
"The Hunger Games" takes place on a post-North American continent known as Panem. It is divided into 12 districts that specialize in providing certain resources such as fishing, coal mining, and carpentry. Each year, the Capital chooses a boy and girl from each District, known as "Tributes" to compete in an event known as the Hunger Games, a brutal fight to the death, in which the winner brings fortune to his or her district. This event is held to remind each District of the rebellion against the Capital years ago, and to show the Capital's control over each District. Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12,has been chosen to compete in the Hunger Games, and we follow her throughout her adventure.
As I watched the film, I immediately noticed how the beginning felt a little rushed compared to the books. I understand that some details needed to be omitted due to time constraints, but the movie jumps right into the middle of the story without taking much time to introduce some key characters. Anyone who read the book is able to fill in details the movie didn't touch on, but I feel like anyone who decided just to watch the movie is being robbed of a full experience.
***Possible Spoilers Ahead***
Some events in the movie were altered to fit the time constraints and to keep viewers from being overwhelmed with new characters constantly being introduced. However, one key event that bothered me was the way the golden pin was given to Katniss. The book and film adaptation's version differs significantly, and in the book, it has more of a symbolic meaning than in the film. Another difference was the ending. I won't give it away here, but I wasn't too thrilled. The end of the book builds up to an emotional climax that wants readers to jump right into "Catching Fire", the second book of the series. The film didn't bring any of that, and anyone who didn't read the books first see a somewhat predictable finish to the movie, and may not even be aware that the series is far from over.
***Possible Spoilers Over***
Visually, I was impressed with the movie. The interpretation of the characters was done well for the most part, minus the fact that it wouldn't have been a bad idea to cast some younger actors to play a few of the main characters. I loved how well the scenery was done, especially the contrasting differences between the Districts and the Capital.
Overall, for audiences who chose not to read the books, "The Hunger Games" is an excellent film in terms of visual elements and storyline. Those who read the books first may not embrace the movie as much due to some changes and missing elements from the plot. If you haven't read the books, you'll enjoy the movie without missing much, but if you're expecting a perfect adaptation from text to film, then don't set your hopes too high.
What are your thoughts on "The Hunger Games"? Did you read the books or jump right into the movie?
Connect With Reverse The Curse’s Social Media Sites
Stay informed with us! Reverse The Curse has some great things planned for the future, and there's plenty of ways to keep in touch with us.
Make sure to connect with Reverse The Curse on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date about future events we'll be hosting around Chicago.
And also make sure to check out our YouTube channel in the future for some interesting adventures, hijinks, and random acts of kindness our goat mascot will have all around the city.
Courtesy of socialmediaplans.com
You can see how your donations are helping provide goats for families by browsing through our Flickr gallery.
Is anyone still using Google+? We are, and you should definitely add Reverse the Curse in your circle.
Our Tumblr blog is a central hub for all our social media sites. There, you can find links to all the aforementioned sites and easily keep track of them. If you need something to help brighten your day or bring some unexpected motivation, our Tumblr blog also posts inspirational quotes and photos. Definitely follow Reverse the Curse on Tumblr, or if you don't want to make an account, we have an RSS feed you can follow as well.
Finally, we want feedback! If you have any questions, comments, or want to find out more, feel free to let us know via any of our social media sites!
Join the “Thundering Herd”
