Evanston Mash Up- Hang With Those Smarter Than You!

I've been busy guesting at Evanston Live on the Mash Up.

No need to neglect Crier any longer. But, I'm going to make this a concise post.

Quick question- can you spot someone who is smarter than you? If yes, and if this does not cause an existential crisis, then you probably understand that there is much you can learn from these people. The premise is simple: you can learn from people who have knowledge that you don't. Here's a great way to start:

Evanston's Brain Trust Mash Up

• Visit @EvanstonLive and read the post
• Attend the Mash Up- tickets are available as of this writing
• Collaborate with those who are smarter than you- they do exist!

I've spent a good portion of this year seeking opportunities to learn all I can from others. I seek out those I know to be smarter than me, or at least more knowledgeable about a specific topic. Many of them are willing to share their experiences. What do I take from this? That those who are able to bring others together, who can incite them to share their experiences and see how they complement one another stand to gain. Gain what you ask? The collective power, the Groundswell, of talent that when moving in the same direction is an irrestible force.

That's the genius of an event like the Mash Up, and it is unique to a place like Evanston. In short- it's where the people are smarter than you.

A Window to the World- via a Cake Shop

I had two events this weekend which ostensibly should've both been a blog post. Alas, I wasn't feeling either of them to be honest.

The first, a Bootsy Collins concert was rather lacking. The people watching was by far the best-in-show. That was a good mixture of hipsters, peeps like BK and me, and some old-skewl black people. The performance itself, very little Bootsy with bad acoustics, and lots of back-up singers. Maybe that's what one gets with a back-up act?

The second, Andersonville's Midsommarfest. Not much into street fairs so enough said.

Which takes me north to Evanston and Bennison's Bakery with their window. I'm transfixed by this unobtrusively social feature. If you are lucky you can catch one of the master bakers practicing their craft. Bennison's also features a live webcam and a blog- which could use some updating. You could also follow them (@BennisonsBakery), but seeing the window is a must.

Why do I write about this? Well, I find the window to be one of those quirky, yet essential asides from the urban(ish) landscape. If you pass by frequently enough, you may miss it. I love being able to take the time to gawk at the rainbow icings, and if I'm lucky get a glimpse of the expert practitioners. I love watching craftsmen (or women at work). I don't even have a sweet tooth, but I could always enjoy one of the Croque Monsieur's.  I'll file this away under the 'experential collections.'

It is the experience that is essential! Visit Bennison's and enjoy!