Blogs

As I write this blog, the horrific tragedy at the Boston Marathon occurred only 48 hours ago. Our thoughts and hearts are with the residents of Boston, the runners and everyone directly affected by this act of terrorism. The response at the Boston Marathon to the disaster was nothing short of heroic; when the bombings happened, videos and photos show individuals running toward the explosions and helping those injured. It’s also been reported that many of the marathoners continued running to local hospitals to donate blood to those wounded. >>

I’m in the middle of a very engrossing read: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. It’s a historical account of the planning of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The author deftly juxtaposes the stories of the architect behind the fair and a killer who was preying on victims during the same time (the devil in the title).

I find myself drawn more to the story of the architect and the backstory of the trials he faced organizing this colossal, global event. Take for example this excerpt about the chosen site for the fair: >>

Construction is nearing completion on a four-star luxury hotel in Seattle’s popular Ballard neighborhood. Located adjacent to the Olympic Athletic Club, the appropriately named Hotel Ballard will offer 29 guest rooms and suites (including eight rooftop courtyard suites with private terraces), the street-level restaurant Stoneburner, a cozy library with stone fireplace, and private event space on its rooftop pavilion. (More information to come on the restaurant and event space.) >>