Category — All things Chicago

The 2016 Olympic Committee is having a video contest encouraging supporters to describe “Why Chicago should host the 2016 Olympics”.

I believe the answer is… Because we have a dance. And it’s called the Chicago-16. With the help of some wonderful friends, I have created a song and dance to answer the question of “Why Chicago?”

Below is a video explaining how to do the dance along with the text directions. We are going to film the dance at Plan B in Chicago’s Wicker Park on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 starting at 6pm. If you would like to be part of the video, please RSVP (jen@jenchicago.com) and show up! It’s all about having fun, not about having a PhD in dance!

Chicago-16 Dance Instructions from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1-4: Starting w your right foot, walk four steps forward. Roll your arms parallel in front of you.

5-6: Step out w your right foot to the right side. Pump right arm and body as if to mimic two heartbeats.

7: Left leg closes to right. Right arm raises straight up.

8: Drop down to a closed-legged squat.

1-4: Pump your body by standing and squatting every other count.

5-8: Pivot turn (step right forward, turn 180 degrees, repeat) Return to the front.

1-3: Kick right front w heel on ground, switching feet every other count.

4: Straighten legs to the side and face left.

5-6: Slap belly with right then left hand.

7: Slide to your left, extending your right arm and dragging right foot.

8: Close.

REPEAT!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Last weekend, my brothers were in town and I wanted to make sure that I showed them a really good time for the short few days they were here. We went to parties, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and more!

I asked friends for suggestions of where to take my brothers and got the Tommy Gun’s Garage recommendation by my good friend, and fellow NBC5 Street Teamer, Jim Grillo (HeresChicago.com) …and what a great suggestion it was!

From the moment we stepped out of the cab we were transported to the Roaring 20’s. We knew the password and were granted access to the speakeasy… er… uh… the “Revival meeting”. In any case, we had a wonderful time and were allowed to film some highlights from the show.

The following video is confidential. That means that YOU can watch it (’cause I trust ya and know where you live), but let’s keep a lid on it around “outsiders”. Kapeesh?

Tommy Gun’s Garage from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

It’s a tough job.

I had to buy new shoes and duds… get ALL dressed up… talk to fantastic people… taste numerous Celebrity Chef prepared food… and THEN dance the night away! Sheesh!

(Can you hear my little violin playing over all the fun that was had at the ball?)

Celebrity Chef Ball presented by Meals on Wheels Chicago from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

Videography: Michelle Molina

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Thursday, October 2nd, marked that one year remains until the IOC’s Host City decision for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Copenhagen.  And you know what that means for us Chicagoans…

That’s right… Parrrr-tay!

The party at Rockit Bar and Grill had hors d’ouerves, cocktails and Olympic spirit in spades!  And I had the opportunity to speak with Olympic and Paralympic peeps, Anjali Forber-Pratt, Matt Grevers, and Bill Scherr.

Keep rooting for the home team, Chicago!  Go 2016!

Chicago 2016: One year to Copenhagen from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

Before the season ended, I was blessed with the experience of sailing on a beautiful sailboat in Chicago.  James, the captain, and the crew of Big Meanie took me out for a glorious Sunday sail!  We competed in the last race of the season and my eyes were open to the majesty of being propelled along the water by nothing more than teamwork and Mother Nature.

Alas, my camera person didn’t show up, and I couldn’t film the race since my new team needed me on the ropes.  There was so much more that happened (two boats collided, a man fell overboard, crazy kooky wind shifts) however my hands were needed more “on deck” than on the camera during the race.

Still… it was another amazing Chicago experience that I will treasure. I found the following quote equally apropos to this post and to my life. Perhaps it will resonate with you as well.

“The sail, the play of its pulse so like our own lives: so thin and yet so full of life, so noiseless when it labors hardest, so noisy and impatient when least effective.” ~Henry David Thoreau

So true.

Sailing in Chicago… oh yeah! from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.