Chicago Ideas Week!

Today is the start of Chicago Ideas Week.  Now what kind of ideas will be discussed? Lots.  And what kind of people will be discussing said ideas? Amazing people.

Here’s a guide of the top events this week to see:

Democracy: State of Our Union TONIGHT at 7pm at the Oriental Theatre.  TIME editors and NBC’s Meet the Press host David Gregory discuss the political issues and the upcoming election.

Sports: The Making of a Champion Wednesday 4:30 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The most decorated female athlete, Natalie Coughlin talks sports with Bob Bowman (Michael Phelps’ coach…have you heard of that swimmer?).

Meaning of Life: What’s it all About Thursday at 7pm at the Oriental Theatre: Mitch Album (writer of Tuesdays with Morrie) and spiritual guru Deepak Chopra discuss one of the hardest questions in the world along with other philosophers and artists. Naturally, this is going to be a deep discussion.

Edison Talks Friday all day at the Chicago Theatre: Amazing inspirational people will be in the Chicago Theatre allday.  People like Diane Von Furstenberg, and Lance Armstrong.  I could just chill at that seminar all day.

Fashion: Why are you Wearing That? Saturday at 4:30pm at Museum of Contemporary Art.  All you need to know is about two people: Elle Macpherson and Brad Goreski.  These fashion reality TV stars will be with designers talking about what’s in, what’s out and what’s the reason why we wear things.

Food: Returning to our Roots, Sunday at 4:30pm, Museum of Contemporary Art.  Claire Robinson’s cooking show is called 5 Ingredient Fix, so naturally she’ll be talking about simplifying food with a local pastry chef and travel and food guru Simon Majumdar.

I love that they’re talking about all genres.  They’re all inspiring, but there’s a great balance between getting intellectual with Deepak and listening about the history of the wrap dress with DVF.  Oh, and there are tons of other events that are smaller and more specific. Check out their website for all the details.