Category — What else I do...

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Let me tell you a little story about a fellow named, Samson…

Okay, we don’t have time for a long drawn out story, but suffice it to say… Samson is my friend, my buddy, my dog. And I love him. Very much.

There are a lot of dog lovers, like me here in Chicago and we all want to take care of our little friends. They need their nails trimmed, teeth brushed, hair cut, la-la-la… One might think it a good idea to buy some clippers, a nail file and toothpaste… and then just have at it, BUT if you have ever tried to groom a squiggly dog, in less than 3 hours, you would know how easy it is to make the little guy look like he just stepped off the set of Fraggle Rock. Trust.

So, as I was searching for a place to groom my best pal, I found Streetervile Pet Spa and Salon. I spoke with the owner, Marion, and was convinced that Samson was going to be in good hands. And, of course, he was!

Beware: If you thought Samson was handsome before… hold on to your socks!

Samson gets a haircut from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

There is something very nostalgic, romantic and captivating about Navy Pier. There is so much to do, ride, see, experience and, of course, eat. All the hard facts about Navy Pier have can be found a thousand places online… so this is simply my experience. My date, if you will.

I have a crush on Navy Pier from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

I want to give Michelle a special “thank you” for filming most of this. She laughs at my jokes and that TOTALLY helps!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

So… it’s like this… Chicago and me (I know it is gramatically correct to say “I”, but “me” sounds more like I’m keeping it real, you know?)

Ahem…

So Chicago and ME kinda got this whole love thing going on… and when the Chicago 2016 Organization asked me to be a part of bringing the Olympics to My Love, I jumped at the chance! After all, Chicago’s Sweetheart WOULD be incredibly supportive, yes?

Yes. (You’re so smart.)

Therefore, expect to see a whole lotta Olympic chatter coming outta JenChicago! Granted, I just moved here, but it sounds like a big ol’ party if you ask me… and well… I sho’ do like a good party!

So far, Beijing is “bringing it” and if ANY city can follow that act it’s… (drumroll, please)

Oh, do I even have to say “Chicago”?

We’re talking culture… and food.. vibrancy… energy… commerce… and some good ol’ fashion Midwest values. (You just can’t quantify people value.) So, I say, inviting the world over for a little shin-dig is like saying,

Hey, Rest of the World (Here forth known as: ROTW)!

Why don’t cha come on down and “peep out” what’s shaking in the US of A!

‘Cause there ain’t no city like this Midwest city, ’cause this Midwest city don’t stop!

(Hmm… I feel a jingle, or a cheer, or a satirical song coming on… eh, I’ll save it… for now.)

Oh, and one more thing, ROTW… Don’t forget to bring your waaaalll-ets. *hehe*

Anyhow, there were some crazy-smart and influential Chicago social media peeps in attendance INCLUDING some of my fellow NBC5 Street Teamers! (Woot-Woot!) We all had some very authentic discussions about the impact of the Olympics and I am extremely anxious to see how we, as a community, will invite the world over for some fun in the Chicago sun.

So, get your megaphone and pom-poms out! We’re gonna need your help.

Bring it, Olympics! from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Tuesdays at sunset in Grant Park. *sigh*

I almost don’t even have to say anything more…. The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival is an amazing gift that everyone is invited to enjoy and many take the city up on it.

Grab a blanket, snacks, your best pals and some sparkling grape juice (because technically… there’s no alcohol allowed. Umm… right.) and head out to enjoy a picnic with about a million (I have no idea how many people… a lot) other friends of Chicago.

Thank you to all of the people that chatted with me. Thank you, Daley for helping to make this happen. I think this video exemplifies so much of what is wonderful about Chicago. Beauty, energy and wonderful people. It’s no wonder we are a candidate city for the 2016 Olympics! (Whoop- whoop!)

Oh, Chicago… I just love your guts!

Ain’t nothin’ wrong with movies in the park from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

Music by Rick Cates, City Lights.

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

As I was finishing up some filming today for the Mackinac Race, at the end of Navy Pier, Samson and I passed a beautiful ship that we had to explore.

Dave Castle was kind enough to talk with me about the history of the ship, its background and how people can get involved. Being a guest crew member seems to be a wonderful way to “get away” on the open water. I may have to add that to the list.

From the website:

Maryland’s PRIDE is a reproduction of an 1812-era Baltimore Clipper privateer. She is Maryland’s working symbol of the great natural resources and spectacular beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region. Her mission is threefold:

• to promote Maryland trade and tourism
• to represent the goodwill of all Maryland’s citizens
• to provide a unique education platform via onboard programs and the Internet for American history and maritime sciences.

The Pride of Baltimore II is owned by the state of Maryland and is run by Pride of Baltimore, Inc., a non-profit.

Pride of Baltimore II from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.