Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618
We are very excited to offer a French Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of French in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618
We are very excited to offer an Arabic Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Arabic in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60611
Green festival will showcase more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair-trade and sustainable products. More than 150 visionary speakers appear for standing-room-only panel discussions, presentations, and main stage speaking events.
Where: Downtown Chicago, Columbus Dr. & Balbo Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
The Polish Constitution Day Parade is the largest Polish parade outside of Poland, and celebrates the anniversary of the ratification of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791.
Where: Columbia College Chicago Campus,1001 S Wabash Ave Chicago IL 60605
Manifest is the annual showcase for Columbia College Chicago, the largest arts and media college in the country and one of the largest private colleges in Illinois. With 25 buildings in an urban campus setting where more than 15,000 individuals live, work, and study on a daily basis, Columbia anchors the South Loop innovatively, radiating art and culture throughout the surrounding Loop community. In it’s eleventh year, Manifest has become an unrivaled public cultural event, regularly recommended in TimeOut Chicago and the Chicago Reader. It is a celebration of graduating undergraduate and graduate work representing every department on campus. The festival includes an art walk and sale, live music on three stages, over 75 showcases featuring screenings, readings, live radio broadcasts and webcasts, an alumni celebration and much more.
What: 175 Days to love Chicago : El Alma de la Fiesta
When: January 20, 2012 – August 19, 2012
Where: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Chicago IL 60608
The Chicago Latino Film Festival is one of the city’s biggest and most diverse international cultural events. The Festival is a cultural jewel for Chicago, and over the years has hosted more than 2,000 filmmakers and journalists. The Chicago Latino Film Festival shows over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and many other countries. The growth of the Festival from 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 this year is clear evidence of the great success the Festival has enjoyed over the years.
The successful celebration of the Silver Anniversary of the Chicago Latino Film Festival in 2009 was a milestone that marked our accomplishments; it paved the way to have a spectacular 26th anniversary, and now we are planning an even better 27th anniversary in the spring of 2011. In addition to the films, every year the Festival hosts international and national celebrities, which include filmmakers, actors, journalists and members of the film industry.
Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Chicago IL 60601
The show that revolutionized musical theatre, CATS, is coming to Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre for one week only! In October of 1991 CATS became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. Five continents, 26 countries, over eight and a half million audience members and almost 30 years later, CATS is still America’s most loved family musical. Celebrating not only its Broadway touring legacy but the birth of the musical spectacular, CATS is still revolutionary and awe inspiring. Now that it was been seen by millions of audience members worldwide, it is time to celebrate with the whole family the magic, the mystery, the wonder of CATS. Create a special ‘memory’ one more time.
Where: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St., Chicago IL 60601
A truly Chicago tale, The Improv Playjumps headfirst into the compelling and competitive world of the local improv scene in Chicago. Set in the wake of young Walt Regan’s New York departure to join the writing staff of Saturday Night Live, the play follows three characters on the same improv team as they seek success and validation on Chicago’s comedy stages, but instead discover the hard-edged truths of a life trying to make everyone laugh. Incorporating improvisation, stand-up and sketch comedy with scripted material to create a raucous, cutting, and honest exploration of performance, talent, and ambition, The Improv Play shines a light on the thousands of performers filling out the fringe of the comedy scene.
Where: Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60606
Shen Yun presents colorful and exhilarating performances of classical Chinese dance and music. A performance by Shen Yun is a presentation of traditional Chinese culture as it once was: a study in grace, wisdom, and the virtues distilled from the five millennia of Chinese civilization. Every year, Shen Yun unveils an entirely new lineup of dances, songs, and musical scores. At the core of Shen Yun’s performances is classical Chinese dance with China’s numerous ethnic and folk dance styles rounding out the evening. In a collection of short pieces, audiences travel from the Himalayas to tropical lake-filled regions; from the legends of the culture’s creation over 5,000 years ago through to the story of Falun Dafa in China today; from the highest heavens down to the dusty plateaus of the Middle Kingdom.
Where: Greektown, Halsted St. & Randolph Streert, Chicago, IL 60661
The 48th annual Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade will take place on Halsted Street in Greek Town, the parade commemorates the 192nd Anniversary of Greek Declaration of Independence.
What: Picturing the Past : Imaging and Imagining the Ancient Middle-East.
When: February 7, 2012 – September 2, 2012
Where: The Oriental Institute Museum 1155 E. 58th St. Chicago, IL 60637
The West’s perception of the ancient Middle East has been formed by countless engravings, paintings, architectural reconstructions, facsimiles, models, photographs, and computer-aided reconstructions of monuments and sites. This collection of forty examples of art portraying ancient sites examines how preconceptions, the perceived audience, and artistic conventions have informed us about the ancient Middle East and how some of the more imaginary reconstructions have obscured our understanding of the past.
Where: Chinese-American Museum of Chicago – Raymond B. & Jean T. Lee Center, 238 W. 23rd Street, Chicago IL 60616
My Chinatown: Stories from Within is an exhibition at the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago presented in collaboration with the Chicago History Museum and made possible by generous grants from the Chicago Community Trust. It is a multi-media presentation of the immigration history of the people of Chinatown past and present. The exhibit primarily uses oral histories and storytelling to demonstrate the rich culture of the vibrant Chinese community in Chicago.
175 Days to Love Chicago celebrates Chicago’s 175th birthday with an exciting 175-day-series of programs, promotions, and fun history. Launching on the 175th anniversary of the city’s incorporation on March 4 and continuing through August 26, 2012 this cultural calendar offers visitors and residents exciting opportunities to explore Chicago everyday. From special events to special packages at local hotels, the campaign showcases the breadth and vibrancy of Chicago’s cultural landscape.
Where: Landmark Century Theatres, 2828 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL 60657
The Chicago Latino Film Festival is one of the city’s biggest and most diverse international cultural events. The Festival is a cultural jewel for Chicago, and over the years has hosted more than 2,000 filmmakers and journalists. The Chicago Latino Film Festival shows over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and many other countries. The growth of the Festival from 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 this year is clear evidence of the great success the Festival has enjoyed over the years.
The successful celebration of the Silver Anniversary of the Chicago Latino Film Festival in 2009 was a milestone that marked our accomplishments; it paved the way to have a spectacular 26th anniversary, and now we are planning an even better 27th anniversary in the spring of 2011. In addition to the films, every year the Festival hosts international and national celebrities, which include filmmakers, actors, journalists and members of the film industry.
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618
We are very excited to offer a Spanish Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Spanish in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618
We are very excited to offer a Japanese Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Japanese in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.
The Gene Siskel Film Center and the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM) present the 17th edition of Asian American Showcase, April 6 through 19. The festival encompasses comedies and dramas, probing documentaries, provocative shorts, and an array of special activities, all showcasing a wealth of talent on the Asian American scene.
The art exhibition 100 Years, featuring work by Chicago artists Wang Frank Yefeng, Cheng-Yung Kuo, and noted Chinese brush painter Qigu Jiang opens in our Gallery/Café on Friday, April 6, with a reception from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The exhibition is presented in conjunction with Chicago’s Chinatown Centennial Celebration.
Where: Landmark’s Century Center Cinema, 2828 North Clark Street – Instituto Cervantes, 31 West Ohio Street.
The Latino Film Festival is one of Chicago’s biggest and most diverse international cultural events. The Festival is a jewel for the City of Chicago, and has contributed greatly to its positioning as a world-class city. Over the years, we have hosted more than 2,000 filmmakers and journalists. They have experienced the cultural scene and life of Chicago, and we have appointed them as ambassadors of Chicago to their respective homeland.
Nowadays, the Chicago Latino Film Festival shows over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and many other countries. The growth of the Festival from 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 this year is clear evidence of the great success the Festival has enjoyed over the years.
What: Germania on the Pier (Neighborhoods of the World)
When: Sunday April 15, 2012
Where: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago
Navy Pier is proud to honor Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods and cultural diversity with this weekly performance series. Join us in the Crystal Gardens each Sunday for a lively afternoon of music, dance, colorful costumes, authentic cuisine, and local folk artists.
The Neighborhoods of the World series concludes by honoring the German culture with a nod to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. It’s Oktoberfest in April at Navy Pier!
Entertainment includes Bohemian waltzes, traditional Bavarian dances, and German pop hits of the 50s and 60s performed by the band Pieptone!Featuring performances by Paloma Band, Amazing Mike, The Fanfaren Drum & Bugle Corps, Amazonen Tanzgruppe and Egerlander Tanzgruppe.
What: Chicago Opera Theater : Moscow, Cheryomushki
When: Saturday April 14, 2012
Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago IL 60601
Chicago Opera Theater opens their 2012 season with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Moscow, Cheryomushki, running April 14 – 25, 2012 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park. Recently revived in Europe to blockbuster success, Chicago Opera Theater, under conductor Alexander Platt; director Mike Donahue; and set/costume designer Anya Klepikov, brings its own unique twist to this musical comedy. Renowned Shostakovich scholar Gerard McBurney scores the music for chamber orchestra to capture the operatta’s lighter mood.
In this opera, Sasha and Masha are recently married, but are unable to secure an apartment together because of the housing crisis. Living in separate locations, the newlyweds resort to romantic trysts in museums and the subway. The predicament is played out in a hilarious mix of memorable songs, satire and spectacle – which made the operetta a blockbuster during its premiere in 1959.
Where: Auditorium Theare, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. Chicago IL 60605
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Chicago’s performances April 11 – 15, 2012 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and celebrate Robert Battle’s inaugural season as Artistic Director. The eclectic program features brand new pieces added to the Ailey repertoire including hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris’ “Home,” set to a soul-lifting score of gospel house music and inspired by people living with or affected by HIV; Artistic Director Robert Battle’s bravura solo work “Takademe;” “Arden Court,” the first Paul Taylor work ever danced by the company; Ohad Naharin’s inventive and highly improvised “Minus 16;” as well as classics from Alvin Ailey’s body of work.
Unfortunately, we found out about International Pillow Fight Day too late – though I guess it’s one international event where multilingualism doesn’t come in so handy (when you’re getting smacked in the face with a feather pillow, how much can you really say?).
Regardless, it’s worth checking out some of the pictures and perhaps planning your next international trip around it. And if you do, consider taking a language class so you can at least ask for directions to the pillow fight’s location and politely order a beer afterwards.
It’s no surprise in today’s increasingly global world that being bilingual has its advantages. From a practical perspective, proficiency in a second language opens up a wealth of job opportunities. Across virtually ever industry, there is a need for effectively connecting with a multilingual workforce, and of course the importance of connecting with a multilingual customer base – whether domestic or international – cannot be overstated. From a linguistic perspective, once you’ve studied one foreign language, learning another is significantly easier. From a social perspective, learning a language opens up new worlds and facilitate connections between people.
Beyond the practical, linguistic and social advantages is yet another: cognitive. Being bilingual makes you smarter. As if the first three advantages aren’t enough, new bodies of research are highlighting the very real cognitive advantages, as noted in the recent New York Times Article, Why Bilinguals Are Smarter.
The article notes the shifting perspective on second language learning, initially viewing it as an interference that hindered academic development to quite the opposite:
They were not wrong about the interference: there is ample evidence that in a bilingual’s brain both language systems are active even when he is using only one language, thus creating situations in which one system obstructs the other. But this interference, researchers are finding out, isn’t so much a handicap as a blessing in disguise. It forces the brain to resolve internal conflict, giving the mind a workout that strengthens its cognitive muscles.
Bilingualism not only helps the young in the academic success, but it’s been shown to delay the onset of dementia. Add these to the many other benefits of bilingualism, and it seems that learning another language is a no-brainer.
The only time I watch TV is at the gym, and I’ll admit that that means that I watch very little. But it never fails that whenever I’m there, I always end up seeing a Progressive Insurance commercial. And lately, it’s this one:
I’ve watched the last few seconds a handful of times to try to understand the reason for the Spanish translation of “pants on fire”, but it seems that there’s none. And that’s fine by me, as I like quirky and random. But if you want to increase your chances of understanding this and future Progressive commercials, you might want to consider enrolling in our Spring session that starts the week of March 19. You may even learn more practical language than “No más pantalones”…but then again, practical is relative!
Where: The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60605
Who was Genghis Khan – a ruthless warrior, or a revered statesman? Uncover the amazing story of one of the world’s greatest leaders and most misunderstood conquerors. Discover the essence of his extensive empire and the lasting influence of his legacy. Experience a world of conquest, diplomacy, innovation, and destruction, only at the Field Museum
Where: Navy Pier’s Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL 60611
Following his acclaimed Chicago Shakespeare production ofAs You Like It, Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin takes on Shakespeare’s spectacular tale of fairies and paramours. When a quartet of mismatched lovers and a gaggle of hapless actors cross paths with the king and queen of the fairies beneath the boughs of an enchanted wood, they experience the inexplicable magic of falling in love—and the wonder of waking up from the sweetest of dreams.
Where: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St., Storefront Theater, Chicago IL 60601
An award-winning work by emerging New York playwright Tony Meneses, Las Hermanas Padilla is a poetic, humorous, and fantastical vision of ten sisters-in-law who, while the world is at war, find solace, despair, humor, and grace in their unexpected sisterhood. Chicago Fusion Theatre explores their journey through storyboards and snapshots of the sisters as they discover their own paths, test the limits of their strength, and find the true meaning of family.
What: Afro-Beats ! Fela, Monk and the Roots of American Music.
When: February 25, 2012
Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago IL 60601
Fulcrum Point New Music Project, the city’s leader in new art music and inventive collaborations between traditional music and popular culture, commemorates Black History Month with Afro-Beats! Fela, Monk, and the Roots of American Music in one performance only at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. The concert program, which includes works by Fela Kuti, Thelonius Monk, Paquito D’Rivera, John Coltrane and more, explores West African music and dance, which still dramatically influences American culture today. Recognized for its percussive beat, the West African rhythms and dance are used to show the interconnectedness of different cultures through music. Children of all ages are invited to participate in drumming circles, traditional African dances, and soulful songs in this spirited one-time-only event.
Where: Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL 60611
Navy Pier presents Neighborhoods of the World, a free weekly performance series honoring Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods and cultural diversity every Sunday from February 26 – April 15, 2012. Amazing Indiafeatures performances by Punjabi Cultural Society, Bollywood Rhythm, Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts, and more, and is presented in partnership with the Indo-American Heritage Museum and the Consulate General of India.
The Chicago Park District and South Shore Opera Company of Chicago present THE MARCH, an opera in development that explores people and events surrounding the 1963 March on Washington. This concert is FREE!
What: Uncovered, Rediscovered : Stories of Jewish Chicago
When:September 19, 2010 to December 31, 2012
Where: Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 610 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605
Showcasing archival materials, cultural and fine art objects, and audio and visual recordings from its rich and varied collections, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studiesopens an evolving eight-part exhibit that explores the Chicago Jewish experience. Beginning Sunday, September 19 and continuing through the end of 2012, Uncovered & Rediscovered: Stories of Jewish Chicago will unfold in a series of focused, changing “chapters” (each on display from three to six months) revealing the stories of individuals, places, events, and particular moments from Chicago’s Jewish past. These stories range from the 19th-century romance behind the launch of the Spiegel mail order catalog to the impact of Jewish votes from Lawndale on the election of President Kennedy. The exhibit will tell tales of Chicago’s Jewish pioneers and politicians, artists and anarchists, authors and entrepreneurs, and even Jewish boxers.
Uncovered & Rediscovered is FREE to the public and open 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday – Thursday, in the ground floor vestibule and lobby of the Spertus building. The exhibit will expand to other areas of the building as it progresses, and is augmented by an interactive media center on the 2nd floor, featuring clips of film and television recordings about Chicago Jewish life. In addition, visitors will be able to add their own personal stories of Jewish life to an interactive map of the Chicago area. This “memory map” will be accessible on-line and at Spertus.
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618
We are very excited to offer a French Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of French in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618
We are very excited to offer a Spanish Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Spanish in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618
We are very excited to offer a Mandarin Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Mandarin in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.
What: Black Creativity 2012. Powerful: African Americans in Energy
When: January 25, 2012 to April 15, 2012
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St & Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60637
The Museum of Science and Industry’s 2012 Black Creativity exhibit Powerful: African Americans in Energy, explores the pros and cons of various energy sources and showcases African-American leaders in the energy field through a fun, miniature golf course.
A juried art exhibition of African-American artwork is held in conjunction with the exhibit from Januray25-February 29.
Where: The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605
Margaret Jenkins is known for creating works that are at once physically rigorous, intellectual and psychologically demanding and always imbued with observations about the human character. InLight Moves, Jenkins collaborates with her dancers, along with internationally recognized composer Paul Dresher, Wallace Stevens Award-winning poet Michael Palmer, and critically acclaimed multimedia artist Naomie Kremer.
The City of Chicago turns 175 years old on March 4, 2012! We’re celebrating this momentous occasion with “175 Ways to Love Chicago”, featuring notable Chicagoans’ Windy City favorites! From January 16 to March 4, we will offer notable locals’ unique perspectives on the things they love most about this great city.
Where: Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. & Washington St. Chicago, IL 60602
This February, Millennium Park is transformed into a digital canvas of light and geometrical form with its first-ever site-specific video and sound installation by the Chicago-based artistic ensemble Luftwerk. Created specifically for Millennium Park, the installation will illuminate Cloud Gate – known by many Chicagoans as “The Bean” – and its surrounding AT&T Plaza with dramatic images and colors set to music composed by Owen Clayton Condon, of the local avant-garde classical ensemble, Third Coast Percussion.
Luminous Field will be on view on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 – 10 pm, and Sunday - Thursday evenings from 6 – 9 pm. This groundbreaking winter event will be complemented by fun family activities, including hands-on art projects, musical games and craft activities; and music and dance performances in a heated tent on the Park’s Chase Promenade North.
Bring your own skates and skate for free at most Chicago Park District outdoor rinks!
Rinks open for the season the week of Monday, November 28 and are open through February 2012, weather permitting. Rinks offer skate rentals for various fees and concessions are available at many of the rinks. Hours vary. All rinks are outdoors with the exception of McFetridge in California Park which is open year round except for the month of August. Admission fees apply at McFetridge and the Rink at Wrigley.
For a list of rink locations, hours and fees, click here.
For further information contact the individual ice rinks or the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY (7529).
What: Spread the Word! The Evolution of Gospel from Chicago to the World
When: through May 20, 2012
Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. Chicago, IL 60637
This exhibition at the DuSable Museum of African American History celebrates the rich history of gospel music, from its origins in Chicago to the contributions made to the genre by gospel legends such as Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, Thomas Dorsey, James Cleveland, Sallie Martin and many others. Legendary Chicago choirs, such as Reverend Milton Brunson and The Thompson Community Singers, along with Dr. Charles G. Hayes and The Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir (aka The Warriors) “testify” with the “First Families of Gospel,” The Yancy Family and the Staple Singers. Additionally, the renowned “singing “ preachers such as Reverend Clay Evans and Pastor Maceo Woods “minister” right next to award-winning soloist such as Mahalia Jackson and Albertina Walker, while contemporary artist such as Darius Brooks share the spotlight with Joshua’s Troop.
With the weather getting progressively worse as the day goes on, we’ve decided to cancel our 7 and 8pm classes tonight. For students enrolled these classes, we will have make up classes at the end of the session on March 8th.
If anyone has any questions, they can contact Adrienne.
What: French Bilingual Boot Camp
What: Arabic Bilingual Boot Camp
What: Chicago Green Festival.
What: Cinco de Mayo Parade
What: Polish Constitution Day Parade 
What: Manifest Urban Arts Festival 2012
What: 175 Days to love Chicago : El Alma de la Fiesta 
What: Broadway in Chicago : Cats 
