Language & Theater: Blue Men Communicate Without Words

You can find different percentages on how much communication is verbal vs. non verbal.  Consider the 55/38/7 rule of personal communication:  55% of communication as body language, 38% tone of voice, and 7% actual words spoken.  Consider the 60/40 rule:  60% communication as facial and 40% vocal.  Either way, we know that we tell stories through movement, not just words.  We watch facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, and touch.  That explains why artists can create an entire show without spoken words and have a great hit.

We took our kids to the Blue Man show at the Briar Street Theater in Chicago.  They didn't know the show's history, so they didn't know it was an award winning show which began in New York City in 1987.  They feared mom was just taking them to another show.  They loved the show!  Who couldn't love a show that integrates Cap'n Crunch, marshmallows, and Jell-O with humor and expression.

The Blue Men show has three blue men as the stars.  They have talent as percussionists and mimes.  They use non-traditional instruments like plastic pipes to create music.  They comment on contemporary life, science, and technology without using a word.

Clearly the audience had repeat customers.  They knew how to interact with the show before it even began.  Enthusiastic theater attendees wore ponchos in the front rows, anticipating splattered liquids like paint.  Audience members can get pulled out of their seats to participate in a painting skit or dinner serving Twinkies.  After the show, the Blue Men appear in the front entrance for photos.

The blue men represent outsiders to the rest of the world with surprised reactions to modern world items.  Yet the Blue Men have become part of the world beyond New York, performing in 15 countries.  They performed twice at the Latin Grammy awards.  If you want to see a show, look for performances in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York City, and Orlando.

Art Lesson #9: Quad Cities Botanical Center Flamingo Follies

When you combine art and nature, you have an extra special experience.  If you visit Rock Island, Illinois, one of the Quad Cities, you should visit The Quad Cities Botanical Garden located near the Mississippi River with a striking glass building.  If you time it right, you could visit their "Flamingo Follies" event which displays plastic flamingo art.

The art program supports the non-profit.  With a $10 fee, you pick up a plastic flamingo, decorate it, and deliver it to the garden for display.  Participants have an opportunity to win in one of three categories (adult, youth, or professional).  The botanical center utilizes the art to entertain guests and provide a second fund-raiser.  Adult entries raffled off at Art in the Garden help support the non-profit.

We timed one of our visits to the Quad Cities Botanical Garden right.  We were able to see the decorated flamingos amongst the tropical Sun Garden.  This garden has palm trees, fish, coconut and chocolate trees, and orchids.  The 14-foot waterfall adds to the lush environment. 

When you have a nice day, check out the outdoor garden too.  It includes a butterfly garden and places to relax.

Our interest in this botanical garden began before construction began.  At a bridal expo, I learned about the plans for the botanical garden with a banquet facility.  Considering our love for nature, supporting a non-profit with our wedding reception business felt just right.  Without a brick laid, we took a chance and signed a contract.  We had a wonderful experience with guests able to visit the garden prior to the reception, catered dinner, and a dance floor.  Later we donated to buy an engraved brick that was paved as part of the walkway.  You can help the garden by visiting ($7 adult, $4 youth), buying a membership ($70 annual family), buying a 4x6 brick ($150).  If you have a group of 10 or more, you have more options.  You can arrange a tour (self guided $5 each, tropical paradise $7, chocolate tour $12, botanical bliss with essential oil making $15).  The garden location was so right for our reception.  Taking a chance led to a beautiful experience.  Now you can go visit and decide for yourself.

Animal Lesson #11: 7 Aquariums with Shark Viewing

Whale Shark, photo by Krenda

You are more likely to have lightning strike you or get killed by a tornado than get attacked or killed by a shark.  Yet over 100 million sharks get killed each year.  While the world has over five hundred shark species, only a dozen species are known to attack humans.  Sharks are powerful and graceful, using six senses including electroreception through special sensors.

Whale Shark Georgia Aquarium

A friend of mine at work recommended that I swim with whale shark off the shores of Mexico.  Intrigued, I researched the endangered shark to find out where I could view one in the United States.  Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record of the first and only place to keep whale sharks outside of Asia.  The book Amazing Places to Take Your Kids by Laura Sutherland recommends the aquarium and recognizes the amazing exhibit, "They roam the waters of a six-million-gallon tank they share with thousands of other fish, including sawfish, giant grouper, stingrays, and hammerhead sharks.  I've been to a lot of aquariums; this exhibit is spectacular.

Whale sharks hold the record of being the largest known fish species.  The largest stretched 41.5 feet and weighed approximately 47,000 pounds.  Originating approximately sixty million years ago, whale sharks are filter feeders.  Only two other filter feeding sharks, megamouth shark and basking shark, exist.

The whale shark gentle nature and sheer size steals the show at the Georgia Aquarium.  As the largest aquarium in the world, you may easily spend a half day at the other exhibits, touch tanks, and the dolphin show.
You may travel to exotic seas, go diving, and have the opportunity to see a whale shark in the wild.  Whale sharks also live off the Bay Island Honduras, Thailand, the Philippines, the Maldives, Western Australia, Belize, and Puerto Rico.  However, for an easy way to see sharks with your family, consider the following aquariums:

Visitors and Whale Shark Georgia Aquarium

1.  Monterey Bay Aquarium, California, adults $49.95 and child (age 3-12) $29.95
second largest aquarium in the world, offers education including "Project White Shark" 15 min. talk about the threatened white shark, and "Kelp Forest Feeding" diver hand feeds sharks and other animals during 15 minute presentation

2.  Shedd Aquarium, Illinois, adults $39.95 and child (age 3-11) $29.95
90 minute behind the scene to see shark mealtime $89.95

3.  Florida Aquarium Tampa, Florida, adults $28.95 and child $23.95 discounted online pricing
Shark Swim experience allows age 9 and up to snorkel with sand tiger sharks for $110 each
Scuba dive with sharks requires certification and $160 fee

4.  Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada, adult $25, child (4-12) $19
100 sharks including grey reef, blacktip, zebra, sand tiger, sandbar, nurse, and whitetip reef
$650 to dive with sharks

5.  Newport Aquarium, Newport, Kentucky, adults $24.99, child $17.99
Suspended rope bridge takes you inches above sharks, over 12 species including sand tiger, blacktip, California leopard shark, and Port Jackson shark
Private overnight on Mon. Tue. with min. 20 people and $49.99 per person

6.  Florida Keys Aquarium, Florida, adults $20, child (4-12) $15
Predator Reef Tank includes nurse, blacktip, sandbar, blacknose, and bonethead shark,
Big Shark Bay Encounter offers Pet and feed nurse shark $18

 I've also been to the Shedd and Newport Aquarium and recommend these aquariums too.

Gym Class #12: Free or Pay, 5 Free Water Ski Shows

Audience, Photo by Krenda

Waterskiing takes me back to childhood memories growing up in Wisconsin, surrounded by lakes.  My family moved north from the Quad Cities (Iowa/Illinois) to Wisconsin.  I thought we lived quite far north.  However, we would ask neighbors and friends about weekend plans and they would most likely respond "we are going Up North".  It seemed like everyone owned a cabin and boat further north.  I always appreciated invites to a cabin weekend, especially when the family had a boat that could take us water skiing.

Waterskiing has many categories including 1) show skiing, 2) wakeboarding, 3) barefooting, 4) ski racing, 5) hydrofoiling, 6) kneeboarding, 7) slalom, trick, and jump skiing, and 8) adaptive skiing.  My parents took us to the Tommy Bartlett show to see the professional water ski show.  If you have tried skiing, it gives even more appreciation for those who can do tricks.  It felt difficult enough to have the muscle to hold on and stay standing.

I grew up in the right place to appreciate skiing.  The United States has strong show teams.  The USA Water Ski Show Team won the Show Ski World Championships.  Wisconsin earns the title "Show Ski Capital of the World" and holds the largest water ski tournament in the world "Wisconsin State Water Ski Championship."

Some ski shows such as those at Sea World and Cypress Gardens disappeared.  However, the Tommy Bartlett Show still impresses audiences today with it's high energy, high skill shows.  It will cost your family to attend.  Adult tickets cost approximately $21.50 and child tickets cost approximately $12.50.

Good news that you can inspire your kids with a ski show and it might cost you nothing.  We went to the Backwater Gamblers show in Rock Island, IL (Quad Cities) on the Mississippi River.  The National Geographic book 100 Places That Can Change Your Child's Life lists Mississippi River as a must see place and claims waterskiing was invented on the Mississippi River in 1922.  We clapped loudly for the ramp tricks, boat tricks, and impressive human pyramids.  Plus we gave donations and bought concessions.  Here's four other free shows you should consider attending:

1.  Aquanut Water Shows; Lance Park in Twin Lakes, WI (close to IL border), Wed. & Sat. 6PM Memorial to Labor Day
Sponsored by Twin Lakes Marine and Gage Marine; show began in 1973 and now the 2018 National Show Ski Ballet Line Champions, contact them for Learn to Ski opportunities in July and August
2.  Chetek Hydroflites Water Ski Show Team; Chetek, WI (Northwest Wisconsin); Thur. & Sun summer shows
3.  Min-Aqua Bat Water Ski Shows; Minocqua, WI, Sun/Wed./Fri. night in summer
One of the oldest show teams in the U.S., club began in 1950
4.  Waterboard Warriors Water Ski Show; Wrightstown, WI (near Green Bay/Fox Valley); Tue & Thur. Memorial to Labor Day

If your child becomes so enthusiastic that they want to learn to ski, consider a ski school: 1) Bass Cove Ski School (Central Lake MI), 2) Barefoot Brothers Water Ski School (Alva, FL), 3) Collier County Water Ski Center (Naples, FL).

Music Lesson #2: 3 Free Military Concerts in Washington D.C.

When you think of Washington D.C., you likely think of touring government buildings and museums.  Take a moment to enjoy the music.  If you have the fortune of visiting Washington D.C., I especially encourage you to attend a military band concert.  I am biased as my father, father-in-law, uncles, sister-in-law, brother-in-laws, and cousins served in the military.

My kids enjoyed the pageantry of the U.S. Marine Band at Historic Fort Myer in Arlington, VA.  It includes an hour of military pageant featuring the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Drill Team, U.S. Army Blues, and members of the U.S. Army Band Downrange.  Look online for Wed. evening dates and times for this special performance.

Our family enjoyed the U.S. navy Band at the Navy Memorial.  If you attend at this location, you will see all of the units of the Navy Band including the Sea Canters, Commodores, Country Current, and Cruisers.  Both the flag ceremony and the voices were impressive.  The emcee also took a nice break to recognize all the military members in the audience.

Here's three free military concerts in Washington D.C. and area:

1.  U.S. Navy Band June-Aug.
a) Mon. evenings at the Capitol
b) Select Tue. evenings at the Navy Memorial

2.  U.S. Air Force Band
a) Tue. evenings at the Capitol
b) occasional Fri. evenings at the Air Force Memorial
c) occasional Sat. evenings at National Harbor along the waterfront

3.  U.S. Marine Band
a) Wed. and Thur. evenings at the Capitol 8PM
b) Wed. evenings at Historic Fort Myer in Arlington, VA

Here's additional free concerts in Washington D.C. and area:
4.  Local Bands
a) Wed. evening Washington Harbour Georgetown on the plaza along the Potamac River

5.  Jazz Concerts
a) Sat. 6PM Fort Dupont Summer Theatre

6.  The Live! Concert Series July-Sept.
a) lunchtime weekdays, Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Ronald Reagan International Trade Building

Agriculture Lesson #6: From Turkey to US, Cherry Picking Farms & 7 Festivals

Cherry Picking, Photo by Krenda

One of my favorite memories about spending time on my grandparent's farm was picking cherries with grandpa.  Peering from the farm house lace curtain decorated windows, I could see the cherry trees.  If I saw too many birds, I might jump up and run out to scare them away.  Grandpa's nets worked better, but I could help too.  Fresh, sweet, tart cherries meant cherry pie.  What a treat!

Turkey wins the title of the world's largest cherry producing country.  However, you don't need to travel to Turkey to experience cherry picking.  The United States ranks as the second highest producer with Washington, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Michigan as top sweet cherry producing states.  We chose to find a u-pick cherry farm in Wisconsin.  We visited Hyline Orchards in Fish Creek, Wisconsin (Door County).  Nothing too fancy.  You enter the shop, pay for an empty bucket, and begin picking.

Turkey celebrates cherry agriculture with festivals.  The traditional and well known Polonezkoy festival includes concerts and folk dancing in June.  In the US, many festivals also occur in June and your family can celebrate the harvest and try cherry food items.  I'll list a few options, beginning with Traverse City, Michigan because the city calls itself the "Cherry Capital of the World":

1.  National Cherry Festival; Traverse City, Michigan, June/July
Many competitions including turtle race, cherry pie eating contest, diaper derby, cherry pit contest, sand sculpture contest, art competition, and shuffleboard tournament.  Kids may like the cherry teddy bear tea and chalk art.  Everyone will learn at the orchard tour.

2.  Jacksonport Historical Society Annual Cherry Fest; Jacksonport, WI
Kids will enjoy the penny hunt on the beach, face painting, and horse drawn wagon rides.  Indulge your sweet tooth by purchasing cherry kolaches at the bakery booth.

3.  Leona Valley Cherry Parade and Festival; Leona, CA; June
Many choices because over 20 u-pick cherry orchards within driving distance.  Plus enjoy live music, pie eating contest, and crafts.

4.  Whitehouse Cherry Fest; Whitehouse, OH, June
Entertain friends and family at the carnival rides and 5 min. helicopter rides for $35

5.  Emmett Cherry Festival; Emmett, Idaho, June
Active event including fireman hose competition, softball tourney, and run/walk.  Also visit the train show and parade.  Free admission and free contest entry.

6.  Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival; Polson, Montana
Buy from Montana Made Item vendors and listen to the steel drum band.  Traditional events including pit-spitting and pie eating contests.

7.  Paonia Cherry Days Festival; Paonia, CO
Interesting contests including coal shoveling contest and hula contest.  Get moving at the American Legion dance and Zumba event.  Treat yourself at the ice cream social.  Event also includes Church in the Park and Library Book Sale.

Architecture Lesson #2: Chicago Water Taxi and 3 Boat Tours

A trip to a big city gives you an opportunity to showcase architecture.  You can talk about building types and materials and structural concepts.  Before your outing, draw together different structures such as a suspension bridge, arch, column, post and beam, and dome.  Then on your trip, see who finds the structure first.  You can really make the adventure fun by taking a boat ride and viewing the buildings from the river.

Thanks to our cousins for taking us on the Chicago water taxi.  Tickets cost only $10 for an all day pass and you can buy them onsite at 400 North Michigan and Trump Plaza.  If you want to outsource the architecture lessons to an expert, Chicago has several architecture tours:

1.  Chicago's First Lady Cruises - 90 min, $40 daytime, $43 night ride - Riverside Garden site, learn design of 50 buildings; now ranked by Trip Advisor on the list "10 Great US Tours"
http://www.cruisechicago.com/

2.  Wendella Chicago River Architecture - 75 min tour, $30 adult, $15 children under age 11 - dock near Trump Tower, learn about the architects;
https://www.wendellaboats.com/


3.  Shoreline Architecture Tours - 75 min. tour, adult $35 day, child $21 day, $29 adult night tour, $13 child night - see the Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, Marina City and more.  Depart at Navy Pier's Polk Bros Park;
http://shorelinesightseeing.com/


If you prefer to combine sports and architecture, use your muscle and kayak the river with Kayak Chicago: $69/person 
http://www.kayakchicago.com/tours/architectural-tour/


After the trip, talk about the types of building people live in today.  Perhaps you live in a house, but you saw a lot of apartments in the big city.  Ask your kids about other structures from the past (igloo, teepee, log cabin, pyramid).

"The Bean", Photo by Krenda

 We ended the trip walking to Millennium Park and admiring the Cloud Gate sculpture.  The reflective steel sculpture commonly called "The Bean" was the first public artwork in the US by the famous artist Anish Kapoor.