Media
AADL Talks to Jennifer Pharr Davis
In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Pharr Davis, author of Called Again: A Story of Love And Triumph and 2012 National Geographic Adventurer Of The Year, about her lifelong love of the outdoors and her record-setting thru hike on the Appalachian Trail.
Media
Chess Strategies and Tips With Michigan's Junior Chess Champ Atulya Shetty
Michigan's Junior Chess Champ Atulya Shetty will share some tips, then you can try your skill against other players!Sixteen year old Atulya Shetty is the 2013 United States Chess Federation K-12 national champion and was the US amateur team champion in 2012. He has played youth chess championships in Greece and the Republic of Georgia. Atulya began playing chess when he was four. This event is for adults, teens and pre-teens (grade 4 and up).
Media
Called Again: An Evening with Appalachian Trail Endurance Hiker and 2012 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Jennifer Pharr Davis
In 2011, two-time Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis wanted to test her limits. With the support of her husband Brew and a dedicated group of volunteers dubbed the "Pit Crew," she hiked, stumbled, and sometimes crawled the rugged 2,181 mile Appalachian Trail in 46 days (an average of 47 miles per day), becoming the fastest person to hike the trail and the first woman to ever set the mark.But Jen's story is not about records or numbers; it's about endurance, faith, and most of all, love. Join us as Jennifer Pharr Davis (the 2012 National Geographic Adventurer Of The Year) discusses the many challenges and lessons that presented themselves along the trail of this difficult hike. She will share photos from the over 12,000 miles of long-distance hiking that she has completed on six different continents and will also answer questions about her hiking exploits. After her presentation, Jennifer will sign copies of her new book "Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph," which Kirkus Reviews has called "an inspired exploration of the meaning of commitment." Copies of her book will be for sale at the event.Join us for what is sure to be an exciting and inspiring presentation from this world class athlete and wilderness adventurer.
Media
Author John Miller Discusses The History Of College Football And His New Book "The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football"
John J. Miller, U-M graduate and author of "The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football," will discuss his new book, the history of college football and the social changes in America that made college football popular. This event includes a book signing and books will be on sale.In this fascinating new book, Miller delivers the intriguing, never-before-told story of how Theodore Roosevelt saved American Football--a game that would become the nation's most popular sport. Miller's sweeping, novelistic retelling captures the violent, nearly lawless days of late 19th century football and the public outcry that would have ended the great game but for a crucial Presidential intervention. Teddy Roosevelt's championing of football led to the creation of the NCAA, the innovation of the forward pass, a vital collaboration between Walter Camp, Charles W. Eliot, John Heisman and others, and, ultimately, the creation of a new American pastime.John J. Miller writes for National Review, the Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. He is also the author of "The First Assassin," a historical thriller set during the Civil War. The Chronicle of Higher Education has called him "one of the best literary journalists in the country."
Media
Detroit Derby Girls Rock!
The Detroit Derby Girls, established in early 2005, is an all-female owned and operated flat track roller derby league. Over 60 skaters strong, the Detroit Derby Girls are part of the national rebirth of roller derby. Drew Barrymore's new film 'Whip It' (based on the novel Derby Girl by Shauna Cross) was filmed in Detroit, centers on life on the roller derby track and features several of the actual Detroit Derby Girls! Join us, the evening before the official 'Whip It' nationwide release, as several of the Detroit Derby Girls discuss the rivalries, the spills, and the thrills of life on the rink! The girls will also discuss their part in making this groundbreaking film.
Media
The Art of Movement: Parkour & Freerunning
One of the most popular AADL events last year was the fall lecture (with video footage) on Parkour and Freerunning led by American Ninja Warrior's Levi Meeuwenberg. So we are excited to offer another opportunity to revisit the topic, this time at a facility where experts will present a live demo. Parkour is the art of moving through your environment using only your body and the surroundings to propel yourself. It can include running, jumping, climbing, even crawling, if that is the most suitable movement for the situation. Mike Metze, leader of the UM Parkour Club, will discuss the sport and then offer a live demonstration with Parkour experts at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center (2960 Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor).
Media
The Business of Game Design With Local Game Developer Brian Spence
Learn what it takes to create, design & license board, card and party games with local game designer Brian Spence. Brian has developed over 200 games and licensed 60 games including his most popular, Buzzword (by Patch Products) and Last Word (by Buffalo Games). From the fun and creative side of game design, to the business side of making a prototype and getting Mattel or Hasbro to buy your idea, you'll learn about a little known career path for creative thinkers!
Media
The Fastest Woman In The World!! Hillary Will Discusses Her Career As An Internationally-Known Professional Top Fuel Dragster Driver
Professional drag racer Hillary Will, the fastest woman in the world -- and "one of the top 10 female racers in the world" -- according to Sports Illustrated, will discuss her career in racing and what makes this sport so exciting. Hillary became the fastest woman in the world when she posted a 335-MPH lap down the quarter-mile race track at the first event in the 2008 NHRA season. This event is co-sponsored by the Main Street Area Association, in conjunction with their annual Rolling Sculpture Car Show, which this year will occur on Friday, July 10, 2 - 10pm. You can meet Hillary in the Ann Arbor District Library's 'Local Motion' booth (which celebrates the Library's summer reading program) at the Rolling Sculpture Car Show.
Media
Washtenaw County Bike Rides With Author Joel Howell and Ann Arbor Cyclery's Jon Kieft
What could be more scenic than a bike ride in Washtenaw County in the Spring? If biking is one of your passions then this is the event for you. Start the season right with two of the most knowledgeable local experts. Joel Howell will present highlights from his book- Washtenaw County Bike Rides: A Guide To Road Rides In And Around Ann Arbor- and Jon Kieft will display new models of many styles of bikes and discuss choosing the right one for your needs. This event will include a book signing and books will be on sale courtesy of Nicola's Books.
Media
Capoeira Mandinga Michigan: Afro-Brazilian Dance and Martial Arts
Enjoy Afro-Brazilian dance and martial arts with performers from Capoeira Mandinga Michigan. The only indigenous American martial art, Capoeira was developed by African slaves in Brazil in the 1600s and it became a strong weapon in the life and death struggle against their oppressors. With strong aerobic and dance elements, Capoeira is both an art form and self-defense. Watch performers incorporate aerobic and dance moves that are as graceful as a panther and as treacherous as a snake.