86 works of Canadian fiction to read in the first half of 2023

Where To Have Fun For Free In Chicago

Looking for free things to do in the windy city of Chicago? No problem, we have the article you need right here. Pictured: The Chicago skyline.

Whether you're on a business trip, visiting a loved one, or embarking on a solo adventure, you've found yourself with some free time in the "Windy City." You want to have fun, but don't want to break the bank. Between the cost of exclusive speakeasies or scouring the best local spots for deep dish pizza, it can feel impossible to find free things to do in Chicago. Luckily, there are plenty of options for every kind of outing at no cost to you, nor sacrifice of enjoyment. From family-friendly options to a romantic date night, here's how to have fun for free while exploring the heart of America.

Free Things To Do In Chicago A For Date Night Visit Millennium Park

From movie screenings or to sculpture installations displayed by local artists, there's plenty of free programming during the summer and winter months to enjoy in Chicago's beloved 24.5-acre park. While Chicago winters aren't for the weak, you can take a stab at your inner gold medalist at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink— just make sure to reserve your spot online in advance.

Visit an Art Museum

Nothing exudes romance quite like a stroll through enthralling canvases and sculptures, and luckily, there are plenty of museums that make this an ideal date night choice and totally free activity to do in Chicago. From the Smart Museum of Art located on the UC campus, to the National Museum of Mexican Art in the lower west side, to the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago, there's a wide variety of historical and contemporary art to see.

Free Things To Do In Chicago With Kids Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo

A 35-acre zoo with over 200 species of animals— with a totally free admission? That's surely a mistake, right? The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos in the country, and a stellar spot to find yourself marveling at lions, penguins, and crocodiles at no cost. Alongside special holiday hours, the historic zoo is open 365 days a year and was especially designed with accessibility in mind.

Visit the Poetry Foundation Library

During a very special (and totally free!) story time, your little ones can have some fun exploring poetry and their creative expression through interactive readings and crafts at the Poetry Foundation Library, a literary society that seeks to promote poetry and lyricism across all ages and generations. Readings are on Wednesday evenings, but there's something for everyone on any day of the week, including creative writing workshops, panel discussions, and monthly book groups.

Free Things To Do In Chicago With Your Friends Hit the Arcade

No matter what the age, it's never a wrong time to bring your inner child alive, and what better place to do so than at an adult arcade? While the cocktail will cost you, all the games are for free at Replay Lincoln Park, a vibrant bar that was one of the first in the arcade bar movement of Chicago. From the nostalgic pinball machines to vintage arcade games, get lost in the world of Pac-Man, air hockey, and skee ball, all for free.

Hike the 606

You don't need to venture too far out of the city to get in a quick fix of nature. Regardless of being an expert hiker or a casual explorer, this easy 2.7 mile trail located in Humboldt Park is an elevated trail that runs over former railroad tracks through lush green spaces and Chicago's most charming downtown neighborhoods. It's mostly flat, so no robust equipment is necessary, but you can never be too prepared.

Free Things To Do In Chicago By Yourself Visit the Bean

When it comes to things to do for free in Chicago, this very well might be the most iconic. Designed by Frank Gehry, Cloud Gate, aka "The Bean," is one of the world's largest permanent outdoor art installations, located inside Millennium Park. Without a large group en tow, fighting through the other flocking tourists is easy breezy, and you can even get a selfie off the massive block of stainless steel to commemorate the moment.

Picnic at the Park

As long as you bring your own snacks, basking in the sun amongst thriving greenery and buzzing social life is a deeply therapeutic and free thing to do in Chicago. There are plenty of picnic-equipped parks in the city, from the lagoons of Humboldt Park to the Japanese-inspired Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park.

The Windy City Is A Free For All Of Activities

Chicago offers a ton of activities for families, first-time dates, and visits from out-of-town friends … all for free. You do not have to worry about breaking the bank, splitting a bill, or an uncharacteristic meltdown from a child causing you to exit early from a paid venue. These free activities in and around Chicago are perfect at any time of the year. So, what's stopping you? Get that checklist out and start working your way through some of these iconic, free activity spots in Chicago.

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Study Business Communications In India Or Europe

For nearly 15 years, UD Professor Mahasveta (Gitu) Barua (middle row, second from left) has led study abroad programs to India, teaching courses in Written Communications in Business that give students a front-row seat to global organizations.

Article by Artika Casini Photos courtesy of ​Gitu Barua September 01, 2023

Business communication can be learned from textbooks, sure. But the best learning happens while observing and analyzing best practices at businesses themselves.

For nearly 15 years now, University of Delaware Professor Mahasveta (Gitu) Barua has led study abroad programs to India and Europe, teaching courses in Written Communications in Business that give students a front-row seat to global organizations. 

Her students have developed hands-on instructional programs, which a non-profit school has incorporated into its curriculum. They have initiated pen-friend connections with schoolchildren in the U.S. Through English writing exercises. They have even created an arts project in India as a visible reminder of their visit.

"I love teaching business communications in a study abroad setting because every assignment is practical and related to their experience," said Barua. "Students gather data from people they meet and things they experience, so they get the importance of good communication without my having to lecture about it. And we also get to visit some cool businesses."

Barua and her students trek the Himalayas and admire the view from above the clouds.

Barua spent the past summer in Belgium and France, teaching study abroad. This winter, she will lead her first trip back to India since the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed or stopped travel. The adjunct professor of English shares more about her experiences.

Q: What's the difference between teaching material in Delaware vs. Abroad?

Barua: Teaching abroad is more hands-on and experiential. For example, English 312 (Written Communications in Business) in India is a service-learning course where students are involved in designing and running projects for a non-governmental organization in India and writing their assignments based on those. In Europe they are asked to observe, interview, and survey people and norms in the countries, and write a cultural training document.

Q: Fill in the blank. Students who choose this study abroad experience tend to be…

Barua: Curious, adventurous or at least willing to move out of their comfort zones, and more aware of different cultural points of reference.

Q: What's your advice to anyone traveling to India for the first time?

Barua: For travel to India, avoid the stereotypical view by learning a bit about its current culture. India is a secular democracy with the most participated elections in the world, where English is used in business, and various languages are spoken in different states. Don't go in with a savior mentality. Indian women have held positions of power in local and national governments, police departments and nonprofits for decades. Practical advice: Use the official, credible channels for transportation, taxis, tickets, phone cards, etc., and don't go wandering on your own or try to do street deals.

Q: What has India taught you?

Barua: Working with the children and adults in marginalized, poor communities, and seeing their joy and curiosity in simple moments has taught me (and many of my students) that happiness does not depend on material things.

Barua's students befriend elephants at the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q: Any obscure pieces of trivia about India that you love sharing at parties?

Barua: For people who want to do yoga, the sessions at the main center in New Delhi are free. You can donate what you want or simply help tidy up after classes. Two fun facts about the Delhi metro: You must put your bags through a scanner—and no alcohol is allowed through. Also, women can access either the women-only coaches or general coaches, but men can only use the general ones.

Q: What's something from India that you'd love to see America adopt?

Barua: Most pharmacies there offer services to have a compounder or medical assistant visit a patient and take vital signs for a minimal fee. For example, when one of my students had a stomach bug and fever, I called the pharmacy, and they sent someone to assess her. Later, a doctor (attached to that pharmacy) called to prescribe medication. This model could be especially helpful for elderly people who need some monitoring without involving an entire hospital system.

Q: Do you do anything differently now, as a result of your time spent abroad?

Barua: I tend to walk more and carry my own shopping bag. I also tend to talk to people more to discover things of local interest.

Q: What's your most memorable study abroad story? 

Barua: One memorable incident in India was in 2014 when we were stuck on a plane on the runway in a connecting city (Kolkata) because the weather was bad in the place we were going (Darjeeling). We later had to return to our city of origin (Delhi) and leave the next day. However, it was great fun because my students initiated the game of Mafia, and all the passengers played along — even the first class passengers came to the back to join us. Then an Australian school teacher took out his guitar, and everyone sang songs. The stewardesses gave all of us extra snacks and juices. Although we were on that plane for 8-plus hours, it was memorable because all the passengers became like family, and went as one body to negotiate tickets for the next day, and overnight accommodations, which we got.

The class learned among the tea bushes in Darjeeling.

Study abroad

Students who would like to learn more and explore study abroad options for the 2024 Winter Session and beyond should attend the Study Abroad Fair, Sept. 6, 2-4 p.M. In Trabant University Center multipurpose rooms (with free UDairy ice cream).  The Center for Global Programs and Services provides more information about the application process, scholarships and financing. Please also visit the UD Abroad Blog for student perspectives on the study abroad experience.

From Delaware to the World

2023 marks the 100-year anniversary of study abroad, pioneered at the University of Delaware in 1923 when UD language professor and World War I veteran Raymond Kirkbride took eight students to France for their junior year. Today, UD boasts more than 100 study abroad programs in 40-plus countries and has an international student population that hails from over 100 countries. For more, visit udel.Edu/studyabroad100.

Literary Calendar For Week Of Sept. 10

C.M. ALONGI: Graduate of Hastings High School and Hamline University introduces her debut adult sci fi novel "Citadel," about the only city on a planet, which has a holy mission to exterminate demons from the Flooded Forest. When a 19-year-old nonverbal, autistic woman meets one of the "demons," she realizes these are not vicious animals, or unholy, but sentient people. She embarks on a hazardous journey into the Flooded Forest where she faces flesh-eating predators, telekinetic zealot-warriors and demons of her own past. What the author didn't reveal to anyone, until her five-figure contract was signed, is that her mother is bestselling Minnesota author MaryJanice Davidson. 7 p.M. Tuesday, Sept. 12, SubText Books, 6 W. Fifth St., St. Paul.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison introduces his new book, "Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence," Sept. 19, 2023 at Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis. (Courtesy of Hachette Book Group)

KEITH ELLISON: Minnesota attorney general who successfully prosecuted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 murder of George Floyd discusses his new book "Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence." Ellison grappled with the means of bringing justice for Floyd and his family. In his account of Chauvin's trial he takes the reader down the path his prosecutors took, offering different thoughts and revelations for a moment of racial reckoning and social justice understanding. Each chapter examines the roles of prosecutors, defendants, heads of police unions, judges, activists, legislators, politicians, and media figures. He analyzes Floyd's life and in the trial context he gives his thoughts on how lasting change and justice can be achieved. 7 p.M. Tuesday, Sept. 19, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. Registration required at magersandquinn.Com.

DARA MOSKOWITZ GRUMDAHL: James Beard writing award-winner presents "The Essential Dear Dara." 7 p.M. Tuesday, Sept. 12, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

EMILY HANFORD: Senior education correspondent for APM Reports discusses "How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong," based on her investigation of those who embraced a specific way of teaching kids to read that didn't work, launching Westminster Town Hall Forum. Free. Noon Tuesday, Sept. 12, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette Ave., Mpls.; also live-streamed at WestminsterForum.Org.

DAVID LaROCHELLE: Tall Dave signs copies of his new children's books "100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli" and "See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See." 10-11:30 a.M. Friday, Sept. 15, Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake.

MIDSTREAM READING SERIES: Original poetry and prose read by Sigi Leonhard, Kim Alan Chapman, Robert Grunst and Elizbeth Jarrett Andrew. Free. 7:30 p.M. Thursday, Sept. 14, Unity Church-Unitarian, 732 Holly Ave., St. Paul.

MINNESOTA CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL: Eight award-winning authors/illustrators of new books for children and young adults are special guests at the 24th annual festival: Phyllis Alsdurf, Daniel Bernstrom and Heidi Woodward Sheffield, H.M. Bouwman, Drew Brockington, Ty Chapman, Shannon Gibney, Monica Rojas and Emiko Rainbow, and Sarah Warren. Taking place outdoors, the festival offers family fun, including face painting, puppets, activities and literature from the University of Minnesota Kerlan Collection, bookmaking, games, hands-on archaeology and local food trucks. Free. 11 a.M.-4 p.M. Saturday, Sept. 16, Anderson Center at Tower View, Red Wing. More information at andersoncenter.Org/bookfest.

COLIN TOIBIN: Three-time Booker Prize finalist, laureate for Irish fiction, author of 10 novels, poetry, plays and criticism, opens the 27th Pen Pals reading series discussing his work, such as his widely celebrated novel "Brooklyn," and his latest novel, "The Magician," as well as his poetry collection "Vinegar Hill." 7:30 p.M. Thursday, Sept. 14; 11 a.M. Friday, Sept. 15, Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Main St., Hopkins. $49-$59. Ticket information at supporthclib.Org or call 612-543-8112.

ABRAHAM VERGHESE: Practicing physician and bestselling author launches a new season of Talking Volumes discussing his latest novel "The Covenant of Water," which spans the years from 1900 to 1977. Set on India's Malabar Coast, it follows three generations of a family that suffers from a peculiar affliction. In each generation, at least one person dies by drowning. With host Kerri Miller. $30. 7 p.M. Thursday, Sept. 14, Fitzgerald Theater, downtown St. Paul. Tickets and information at mprevents.Org.

CONNIE WANG: Presents "Oh My Mother!." 7 p.M. Wednesday, Sept. 13, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

Mary Ann joined the Dispatch-Pioneer Press in 1961 when there were two papers. She has been a fashion writer, a women's columnist and the women's department editor who brought "society" pages into the 20th century. She was named book editor in 1983, just when the local literary community exploded. She has won the Minnesota Book Awards Kay Sexton Award, a Page One Award and YWCA Leader Lunch Award. She retired in 2001 and works part time. A graduate of Macalester College, she lives on St. Paul's West Side in a money-sucking Victorian house with assorted old animals.

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