While I was Driving, 7: Baseball License Plates

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and  Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.

-- by Jack Norwoth & Albert Von Tilzer, 1908

What is a Squeeze Play in Baseball

Famous: Do you recognize this 20th century painting?

First, I had almost completely forgotten that this world-famous work of art was located not far from home.  No need for me to go to Paris, NY or LA  for one of the most popular 20th century paintings ever.  

Second, it is instantly recognizable -- many say as recognizable as the MONA LISA and The Scream. Third, the painting's popularity has caused it to be the most parodied painting in American pop culture.  Simply do an internet search and see for yourself. 

So, if you're a Chicagoan, stand proud that  AMERICAN GOTHIC (1930)  is part of the collection at  the Art Institute of Chicago (and, YES, they allow you to photograph this priceless piece as long as you do not use flash, and the picture is for your private use). Its painter, Grant Wood, was a graduate of the school, and had entered it at the institute's art contest.  He won the bronze medal and $300 cash;  the school bought his painting; and Wood became instantly famous.  He modeled the lady after his 32-year old sister, Nan; and the man after their dentist, 62-year-old Byron McKeeby. 

The title of the painting refers to the style of house in the background.  The house is also known as the Dibble House and is located in Eldon, Iowa. Wood only observed the house once in 1930, made an initial sketching, and completed the painting (adding the people) at his studio in Cedar Rapids. 

American Gothic House  via wikipedia

pc: the Art Institute of Chicago




47.9.3.18

Graceland , Part 3

Ready for more of Chicagoland's colorful history of its rich and famous citizens through this world-famous tourist spot/cemetery?  Here we go....

Potter Palmer & Bertha Honore Palmer(pic courtesy of Graceland.com)

Potter Palmer (1826-1902)  & Bertha Honoré Palmer (1850-1918). Erected 1921.

I knew a little bit about Potter Palmer through his partnership with Mr Marshall Field.  I had  heard of and seen the Palmer House Hotel, but I've yet to step into its lobby, LOL. Click  here  for more details on their lives.  Surrounding the two huge sarcophagi, beneath the floor, their loved ones are also buried.

Daniel Hudson Burnham (1846-1912)

Pic courtesy of Graceland.com

Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood."

--DHB

Daniel Hudson Burnham (1846-1912), was a world-famous architect and city planner, Click  here  for more detailson his life and accomplishments.  He's quite famous in the Philippines as the planner of  Baguio City , Philippines.  I love the fact that he is buried on his own ISLAND (a-la Diana, former Princess of Wales).

Inez Clarke

Inez Clark (1873-1880) died at the age of six. She is usually our last stop before we exit the cemetery.  Her monument always makes me feel a little sorrowful, especially after I've had children.  Click  here    for more details on her life and gravesite. 

O, death where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Just a few blocks away from the cemetery is Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs!  Go, Cubbies!!!

The Friendly Confines!