South Michigan Avenue, Lightly Powdered...

Well, is it South Michigan Avenue or East Congress Plaza Drive? Actually, either answer is acceptable, which means we have a winner in this month's photo contest.

The photo was taken looking east across Michigan Avenue at the intersection of Michigan and Congress Parkway, just north of the Auditorium Building. This little bit of park is tucked between Michigan Avenue and Congress Plaza. Just to the south, you'll find Ivan Meštrović's pair of bronze equestrian statues. Directly to the north is the faux Art Nouveau entry to the Metra station, which mimics Paris’s elaborate Metro gateway.

This surprisingly photogenic spot is located across from the Fine Arts Building, where I work. It looks especially beautiful at twilight. To get your own glimpse of the scene, stand in front of the Artist's Cafe at 410 South Michigan Avenue.

Congratulations to our winner, who will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card courtesy of STC Chicago. You'll find the lucky person's name posted on our website.

East Congress Plaza on Michigan Avenue, adjacent to Grant Park (Photo Credit: Zoe Spirra)

Volunteer Appreciation Night 2008

A big thank you to those who braved the winter weather to participate in STC Chicago's recent volunteer appreciation event. An excellent time was had by all.

The evening's entertainment included a tribute to Abbott and Costello by Bill Leavitt and Dan Brantley. Someone grabbed a camera and caught a few snippets of their routine. The video is posted here in response to a member's request. (A complete transcript of the skit can be found online. The original author of this routine is unknown.)

As the video begins, Costello has just called Abbott, who is a clerk at the Super Duper Computer Store.

ABBOTT: Super Duper Computer Store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den, and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou. … (The video begins here.)