Taste of Chicago - A Popular Food Festival
Posted by on May 14th, 2008 filed in Places and Things
By Waylan Smart - In 1980, a group of restaurateurs approached the Mayor of Chicago with the idea of a food festival on the Fourth of July. It was the birth of Taste of Chicago. Confidence was high that the one-day event could attract 75,000 people. Instead, the event drew nearly 250,000 attendees and forever changed the way Chicago celebrates the Fourth of July.
Due to the overwhelming response from the people of Chicago, the event was moved the next year to Grant Park, considered the city’s “front yard.” The park’s central location with convenient access via public transportation is easily identifiable to citizens and visitors alike. The park is also the center of the Grant Park cultural community which includes the Art Institute, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Oceanarium, Field Museum, Cultural Center, as well as Michigan Avenue and State Street shopping.
For ten days, this free-admission festival infuses the city with a holiday spirit thanks to its impressive festive scene. Colorfully decorated tents surround the outside kitchens of more than 70 restaurants from all over Chicagoland. Exotic aromas permeate the air and no visitor leaves a food booth empty handed.
In fact, during Taste of Chicago 2007, festival goers consumed 127,360 ears of corn, 165,000 lbs of turkey legs, 293,600 slices of pizza - and more than 430,000 glasses of Bud, Bud Light and Bud Select supplied by CITY Beverage-Chicago (CBC).
“The Taste of Chicago is one of the city’s signature events and the Midwest’s largest food festival, drawing people from throughout the community and beyond,” explained CBC General Manager Mike Flynn.
The Mayor’s Office estimates that the 27th annual event drew 3.6 million people to downtown Chicago’s Grant Park between June 29 and July 8, 2007. This staggering crowd sampled over 300 menu items from more than 70 restaurants. Ticket sales for 2007 surpassed all previous year’s on-site sales.
In the spirit of the festival, CBC also distributed a “taste” of a more unique item - Bacardi’s Mojito. The crowd embraced the new flavor, purchasing more than 48,000 12oz cans of the beverage.
While enjoying the culinary experiences, participants were also treated to free concerts from musical headliners, including John Mayer, Cheap Trick, Kenny Rogers, and The Black Crowes, performing to crowds from the Petrillo Music Shell, which affords seating for 5,000. A July 3rd fireworks extravaganza, with accompaniment from the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, awed more than one million spectators.
“Even with extensive previous experience to draw upon, coordinating efforts for this enormous event is always a challenge. CBC and the millions of festival attendees applaud Draught Quality Manager Joe Lombardo and his team for working day and night to ensure the event was a resounding success,” said Flynn.
The 28th Annual Taste of Chicago will be held June 27 through July 6, 2008. The festival is put together for families and others who not only enjoy the food frenzy, but also enjoy the chance to see one or more of their favorite artists perform for free. Other highlights of the festival include the Family Village & Fun Time Stage, International Pavilion, and chef demonstration area.
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Remodeling: Plan It Out To Reduce Stress
Posted by on May 5th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
Planning a kitchen remodel can be a daunting task for any homeowner. This is partly because of the fact that there are so many components to consider such as floors, cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Another reason for the stress over these projects is the important place a kitchen holds in our homes. For many, the kitchen is the heart of the house, and as such, needs to be perfect.
Remodeling projects are more successful when you begin them by taking time to plan for success. Planning can take quite a bit of your prep time but is well worth the effort. It saves time by deciding what work you can and will handle yourself. Knowing which part of a project is beyond your experience or comfort zone can actually save you time and money if you hire it out. Another aspect of successful remodeling planning is to write out the budget for the project. This will help prevent the starting of a project that is only half complete when the money runs out.
Before you begin, you will need to decide how to set-up a temporary kitchen while you are doing the renovation. If you don’t plan ahead you may find yourself with no where to cook and wondering why you started this project in this first place. You need to designate a space in your living room, garage or porch to be your temporary kitchen. Setting up an area with a microwave, hot plate and a table where you can eat, will make you happier in the long run.
In contrast to other rooms, remodeling a kitchen can involve making decisions regarding layout that can be very challenging. Computer programs that allow you to design a virtual kitchen can be very helpful. If you find that you need extra help, there are people that you can hire that are experts in designing layouts that are both visually appealing and, more importantly, functional. A poorly laid out kitchen can turn the joy of cooking into one great big hassle. Therefore, if you are a person you loves to cook, the advice they can give may be worth the charge.
For many people, the real excitement of remodeling is shopping for all the elements that will be in the new room. At this point, it is important not to get overwhelmed and keep your budget close at hand. You need to decide what you want to spend more on and what you can save on. For instance, if you really want granite countertops, it is probably a good idea to shop around and get a better deal on light fixtures and other such small accessories.
With careful planning, your kitchen remodeling experience will be an enjoyable one rather than a stressful chore. If you budget your money well and schedule your tile accordingly, you will be showing off your new beautiful kitchen to everyone you know in no time.
Planning a kitchen remodel can be a daunting task. Thinking ahead can save you a great deal of time and, more importantly, money. Start by deciding what projects you will do yourself and by making a detailed budget. In addition, it is helpful to set up a make shift kitchen area to use during the remodeling. It is wise to spend a considerable amount of time on layout. Use a computer software program or hire a professional to assist you. While shopping, make sure you keep your budget in mind and save when you can. Follow these tips and you will be enjoying your new kitchen in no time.
- Terry Lamb
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Strand Bamboo Flooring Can Make A Beautiful Difference In Your Home
Posted by on April 29th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
So, now it’s trendy to use materials to build your house that are better for the earth and more sustainable, as opposed to the more traditional items. That means there are many options available that are good for the environment, and you can use them in all phases of building your house. Even better, if you have a house right now and just want to update, you can use a lot of these same items and get more environmentally-friendly results.
Strand bamboo flooring is one of the most commonly used environmentally friendly building materials on the market today. Numerous tiny bamboo fibers are pressed together to create planks for this sort of bamboo wood flooring. The way these planks are constructed, and the adhesive used in making them, makes this material tougher than almost all other varieties of wood.
Strand bamboo flooring has many benefits. One of the most notable of all benefits is that it is virtually indestructible. This type of floorings is so hard and tough, that it can take just about anything that you throw at it. Some other bamboo flooring products can be thought of as soft, and will scratch quite easily, but not this woven bamboo flooring.
An additional benefit from this sort of flooring is the great appearance that it will bring to wherever you choose to install it. Since strand bamboo is so sturdy, you can use it indoors or outside, and it is great for anywhere in your home. While it looks like a regular hardwood floor, strand bamboo gives you better durability and is easier to use.
Strand bamboo flooring is considered the latest material to provide the beauty of hardwood floors without the worry about depleting the environment. Bamboo grows rapidly and replenishes itself continually, making this the choice of environmentally aware citizens. If your desire is to “go green” then the unique qualities of bamboo will fill that need. You will be proud of your home when it is enhanced by this kind of flooring.
So, if you are looking around for strand bamboo flooring, check out the Internet first. You’ll locate lots of companies that have all sorts of flooring options that would work for you. Get precise room measurements first, so you can get the best possible estimate. It doesn’t matter where you buy it, with all the beautiful bamboo flooring options available, you can’t go wrong!
Strand bamboo flooring has become one of the more popular green building materials in recent times. To make it, many small fibers are compressed and bound together with adhesive to create planks. The adhesive used in the manufacturing process of this type of bamboo wood flooring makes it harder than almost all other types. The fact that it is almost impossible to destroy these types of floors is a major positive. This material is so durable, it can take almost any amount of abuse. Certain other flooring products may be more fragile, and can be easily damaged, but this woven bamboo flooring is extremely resilient.
- Doug Watson
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Washington Dc Remodeling - Time To Modernize
Posted by on April 29th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
If you are living in Washington DC and looking forward to remodel or renovate either your kitchen or your bathroom, you are in luck when it comes to adding value to your home. While some Washington DC remodeling projects add little or no value whatsoever to a home, fixing up a bathroom or a kitchen remodeling can raise your sale price and can definitely give the best return over other rooms.
If you have only the time and resources for remodeling one room, which is the best choice? Several remodeling experts in Washington DC advise that kitchen remodels have the highest impact, while the addition of a bathroom is almost always a very valuable investment as well.
Convenient, modern, and welcoming: those are words people of today want used to describe their kitchens. Kitchens are probably a high traffic area of your home, which makes it a top priority, especially if you spend any amount of time in it. It makes more sense to begin your remodeling project in the kitchen as opposed to the bathroom. Kitchen remodels will typically have a higher return rate on your investment.
Everyone knows that remodeling your bathroom is more profitable in the long run than renovations in other rooms. For this reason, if you think your bathroom is old fashioned and dull, put it at the top of the list. The basis for your decision should be what’s right for you and the rest of your family.
On the other hand, you should be cautious in picking Washington, DC renovation projects. There are alterations for which you can spend a lot but which will discourage potential purchasers down the road. A particularly negative move as far as market value goes is the installation of a pool. Some people wonder why one wouldn’t want to have a pool, but if you’ve had one before, you recognize that it involves questions of liability and requires too much upkeep.
If you are thinking of renovating your home, you will want to look at different styles of homes in your area. You don’t want your house to stand out among other homes in your area. An over-renovated house can actually lose you just as many good buyers as a home in frantic need of updating. So do your homework before you remodel and make sure that your home will fit in with the rest of neighborhood.
To add value to your Washington DC home, consider remodeling either your kitchen or your bathroom. If your kitchen is cramped, choose to remodel it first, because it adds more value to your house than a bathroom renovation–but kitchen remodeling might not be as lucrative as adding a second bathroom, or making your present bathroom trim and modern. Washington DC remodeling can also reduce your home’s value, especially if you add a high maintenance swimming pool, or enlarge your house too conspicuously. Make sure your house always fits in with the architecture Washington DC.
- Terry Lamb
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Buying Property For Sale Cyprus - A Smart Choice
Posted by on April 22nd, 2008 filed in Real Estate
Sun, sea and sand are what characterises the beauty of Cyprus, a cheerful island with a mix of amazing beauty and free culture. Ravishing luxury villas, hotels, holiday homes and resorts very close to the well-preserved Roman and Greek ruins makes any tourist’s journey, a journey to remember and leave them asking for more. From sensational pools to green gardens to amazing beaches to impressive spas, archeological sites and more, all of these can be easily found in Cyprus. If you are thinking of living on this paradise island let us tell you about buying property for sale, Cyprus having a variaety of homes to suit every taste and budget..
If you are in the market for a vacation home in a romantic setting by the sea, you should be looking at property in Cyprus. The island provides beautiful accommodation including luxury villas, sprawling homes, and deluxe flats. If you prefer a less costly option, inexpensive Cyprus apartments are readily available all along the coast, and provide you with many different options to choose from. If you are looking to holiday in a luxurious setting but without luxurious prices, inexpensive apartments in Cyprus are an excellent choice.
If you wanted to buy or sell Cyprus property then you can find a number of estate agents, brokers and property agents in Cyprus who would be willing to help you do business. There are also a number of different properties in Cyprus including affordable studio apartments allowing you the opportunity to have long relaxing holidays or even to retire. Cyprus has vineyards, winding streets, relaxed lifestyle and much more to entice the visitor.
Latchi is a delightful port of Polis, renowned in Cyprus for its fine seafood. Getaways in Latchi are sought by those who wish to find a tranquil seaside holiday resort rimmed by green fields. The ancient warehouses which once held the carob crops have been turned into seafood restaurants and recreation areas. Leisure time spent in Latchi allows you to unwind and enjoy the seashore without the noise and distraction of a lot of tourists.
If you are looking for Cyprus homes in Latchi, then there is nothing much to worry about. Plenty of inexpensive Cyprus apartments are available here. Also, you will find beautiful and well planned apartments, situated in an eye-catching area on the hillside of Latchi. These developments, comprising of cheap studio apartments situated in Cyprus, usually have impressive unhindered sea views too.
So, if you are buying property for sale Cyprus offers great beauty and an endless variety of things to do. Rugged forest clad mountains and golden sandy sea shores amidst traditional villages with distinctive zigzag streets are distinguished by the carefully terraced olive groves and vineyards which is the specialty of a Cyprus holiday. A place which is carefree for a summer holiday, Cyprus has a sense of timelessness characterised by the charisma, compassion and natural warmth of the local people.
If you are looking for a romantic holiday home or stunning accommodation beside the sea you should consider buying property for sale Cyprus style. Your search will likely end at your dream destination which would surely be one of the luxury villas, grand homes or a new apartment along the sun-kissed coastline of Cyprus. Inexpensive Cyprus apartments with plenty of options are available in almost every region. But if you can afford to lead a luxurious lifestyle, than villas in Cyprus and Cheap studio apartments Cyprus would serve you as your dream destination.
- Ken Morton
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Wealth Creation Is Easy When You Understand It
Posted by on April 18th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
Almost everyone in the world has the same goal. Everyone wants to have enough money and wealth needed to live a happy life. In order to do this, many people work long hours. The online world has made it easier for wealth creation. Anyone can find a way to make money online, and sometimes in less time than a full time job would require.
Check the Internet for all the means at your disposal if you want to begin building wealth. The possibilities are almost limitless with regard to enterprises throughout the world. You have to decide how much time and effort you are willing to put into one. That in turn will determine how much you will derive from it.
When you want to participate in some wealth creation program, you need to do some research. There are lots of scams out there, as it is simple to create a website and collect money, but there are a lot of true programs that can help you make money and gain a better way of life.
Do not just jump into a program because it claims to make you lots of money. This is what you want to hear, and can be your downfall. If you fail to look at the record of the company in question, then you might find yourself handing your hard earned money over for nothing. This makes a lot of people shy away from many of the legitimate opportunities that exist online and in the real world.
If there is any doubt concerning the history and track record of a business, search for independent reviews on the web. Both strongly positive and strongly negative experiences will cause keyboards to fly. Look around, see what other people have had success with, and you might stumble across a gem for wealth creation.
Success secrets are offered by many companies. Always remember they are trying to sell you something. Often hard to read, the fine print is important to read before making the plunge. It is important to avoid scams, but remember that there are many successful and legitimate programs out there that can help you and your family with wealth creation.
Everyone wants wealth to live a happy and prosperous life. However several people work long, hard hours without getting anywhere! If building wealth is something you want to do, there are many excellent wealth creation resources at your disposal. Learn success secrets most people will never know.
- Thomas Turner
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Building Wealth: How To Set Goals And Get The Most Out Of Your Talents
Posted by on April 18th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
We all have things we are good at and the secret to financial success is a personal undertaking. Some people’s success secrets may include personal goal setting, while others may simply work hard at whatever they are doing. While one way may seem more successful or quicker, neither way is wrong
To be really successful at wealth building you must be willing to put a lot of effort into it. Maybe you have a useful product to market that is unique and serves a need. You need to produce and market this idea as you alone can do. Instead, maybe you have a skill that could benefit others; you need to become the best you can be at using this skill.
Setting individual goals is extremely helpful in building wealth. As you begin on your journey to building wealth, setting goals will help you to set your targets. The easiest way to do this is to be truthful with yourself. You will also need to recognize the point that you are currently at in your endeavor. You have to have a practical objective and a practical time frame in order to achieve your milestones.
At this point, the secrets to your personal success have to begin to be set in motion. You must be candid. You also need to set achievable goals to be accomplished along the path. After you have created your milestones, you are now ready to begin accomplishing them. The accomplishment is the real secret.
The truth is that this isn’t a secret at all, it is known by everyone who has ever had even the smallest amount of success in their life. You simply have to set your goals and then start. These rules apply whether you are in the middle of an economic downturn, or in an economic upswing. History will not wait for those who do nothing.
Begin building wealth now, recognize your goals and have a target in mind to work on. You must always be focused and work for this goal. You must apply this focus in building wealth as well as in your family life and being the best that you can be.
In order to become wealthy it is best to focus your efforts on something you are good at. Those who reveal their success secrets will tell you that personal goal setting is a great way to help in building wealth, especially when combined with hard work and determination.
- Thomas Turner
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Holiday Villa In Paphos Cyprus: Now Is The Time!
Posted by on April 18th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
We always dream about wonderful holidays in sunny places. Another favorite dream is of a vacation to a far away country. We also think about owning a villa in a beautiful area with a small plot of land. Then we could lie in the sun and smell the Mediterranean breeze.
Cyprus is such a place. In particular Paphos is a great place to buy a holiday villa. It is so gorgeous and charming that if you visit the region, you will never want to leave. This is why you should look into a holiday villa in Paphos Cyprus. If you consider buying a holiday villa in Paphos Cyprus, you will positively not regret the decision to buy.
It is easy to find your way around Cyprus, just as it is easy to go from Cyprus to other countries. The flights are fairly inexpensive and if you are considering buy a place, Cyprus is the place to buy. It is very economical place to stay and live
When you are researching for your holiday villa in Paphos Cyprus you might want to check for any discounted Cyprus apartments. This will enable you to stay for a smaller amount of money and still see the beautiful country. And the money that you saved can go to help you buy.
Cyprus is a great place to visit on your next vacation. Cyprus has many activities to participate in and also has outstanding sightseeing opportunities. A great place to stay would be a beach villa in Pafos Cyprus. Spend your vacation relaxing in style on right on the beach. Just go online and search for ‘holiday beach villa Pafos Cyprus‘, you will not regret it.
For all these reasons and many more you should really think about buying a holiday villa in Cyprus. It could be the most important decision in your life. If you do buy a divine vacation home villa you will have a striking and wonderful place to rest during your holiday time. You can travel here inexpensively and fairly quickly. It is a great option for a holiday home.
For most of our lives, thoughts of vacations and holidays often fill our days. We fantasize of traveling to exotic lands. Cyprus is such a place. It is so gorgeous and charming that if you visit the region, you will never want to leave. This is why you should look into a holiday villa in Paphos Cyprus. You might get lucky and find a discount Cyprus apartment when you are searching for a place to spend your holiday. The beach is a wonderful and relaxing place to spend your rest and relaxation time. You will not regret going to see a few by searching holiday beach villa Pafos Cyprus online.
- Ken Morton
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Passive Solar Heating Is Environmentally Friendly
Posted by on April 18th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
Most of us don’t live in Southern California where they have climate instead of weather. Because of that our winter heating costs can be astronomical. Who doesn’t want to save energy and money? You get the cachet of energy efficiency in these green-conscious times and you save a little extra money to use however you want. One thing people seldom consider when it comes to alternative home heating is the use of passive solar heating.
A fair bit of solar energy hits the surface of the earth, even in the depth of winter. The surface temperature would actually rise much higher were the days of the same length as in the summer. Imagine the possibilities of collecting power every minute the sun is available. Even better, what if no major alterations to your house would be required?
Here is where the Trombe wall comes in. This wall is made of a thermal mass (such as concrete or stone) that can store the heat built up during the day, and then release it slowly throughout both the night and day. On the outside the wall is insulated by a glass pane and an airspace, thus preventing the loss of heat to the outside during the night. A shade rests above the glass that allows direct light exposure during low winter sun, but acts as a protection during prolonged high summer sun heat, this dual action helps keep cooling bills in the summer low also.
Unless you are doing major renovations to your home, it may not be easy to retrofit your house for passive solar heating. However designing a custom home is very expensive, and so is implementing other energy efficient measures, such as radiant heating. The advantage of passive solar is that once installed, it costs almost nothing to use as opposed to the other alternatives.
Consider also the fact that the concept of the Trombe wall is a 19th century invention that was popularized in the 1960’s and so has been designed into a number of existing homes. So when you’re looking for that new, energy efficient home, know that designs of yesteryear can still be green.
The commonly presented traditional views are viable, but we have all been searching for a long time for ways to economize. Finally nowadays, we have become more ecologically aware and, given the high prices of our usual heat sources, we have begun to think about clever answers found by our forefathers, such as passive solar heating. That allows us to preserve precious, dwindling resources and utilize them alternatively in our struggle to save our beleaguered planet.
One thing people seldom consider when it comes to alternative home heating is the use of passive solar heating. What if you could harness that heating power, even for the short time you get it, without making huge changes to the structure of your home? Enter the Trombe wall. It’s a wall of material used for thermal mass to store the heat of the day and release it slowly through the day and night. It’s insulated on the outside by a pane of glass and an airspace to prevent heat loss to outside at night.
- Ryan McCall
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Greatest Gold-Mine Of Easy “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) Advice Ever Crammed Into One Site
Posted by on April 17th, 2008 filed in Real Estate
Before deciding whether to attempt to sell your home and keep the commission you would pay a real estate agent, consider these important details.
Consulting a Real Estate agent about placing your home For Sale By Owner will probably result in their advising you against it, and they will tell you that it will take you twice as long to sell the home than if they helped you do it.
Despite this advice, consider the course of events that occurred when you purchased your home. Most agents show the property to the buyer, give them forms to complete, and then have the buyers wait while they complete the transaction and take the commission of 5 to 6 or more percent.
I’m not saying the Real Estate Agent has an easy job, but do your homework and you will be in a very good position for a FSBO quick sale.
The first important factor a seller must consider is whether the current real estate market is more conducive to selling or buying. In buyers markets, fewer homes are available to sell, and more buyers are interested in buying those homes. Conversely, in a sellers market, there are more homes available, and the home may sell more slowly, so the cost of an Agent may be less problematic than paying on the mortgage for two or three extra months.
Consider other homes for sale in the immediate area. For what length of time have they been listed? If homes are not selling quickly, it may be wiser not to move until after a buyer is found, which gives you longer to locate a buyer, but less time move out of your home.
Next, make preparations. No experience is more frustrating than encountering numerous questions you are not able to answer. Seek an online home evaluation (which usually costs nothing) to provide evidence of your home’s value. Contract with a Real Estate Attorney to provide the necessary legal documents and close the transaction. The State Real Estate Commission website lists the forms necessary for the transaction.
Locate a reliable Escrow company that can be recommended to hold the good faith deposit, and initiate negotiations with a Title Company. Although the buyers are responsible for locating a Mortgage Broker, as well as a company that will perform Escrow and closing functions, they may not be familiar with any companies who offer these services. Being able to make these suggestions is a kindness that will further your likelihood of appearing experienced, as well as of closing the sale.
Save money by advertising only on the major Real Estate Ad days, and if there are any open houses going on in your neighborhood, have yours at the same time.
If you have done all of these things and still are not encountering potential buyers, you may need to contract with a Discounted or Medium Service Broker, or possibly with a low cost Real Estate Broker (these resources may provide their services through the Internet). By using these agents, a seller might be able to advertise with a Multiple Listing Service. The extra cost required for contributing a picture of the house is well worth the investment. A written advertisement is completely inadequate to effectively list your home.
One final alternative is to evaluate the benefits of contracting with a Buyers Agent. These Agents, who normally work for a buyer, will share their commission with the Sellers Agent. Because you are functioning as the sellers agent, this may benefit you, and you may be able to sell your home for only 2.5 to 3 percent of the contracted price.
In summary, consider the cost of paying an agent versus that of taking longer to sell your home. While a Buyers Agent will perceive a 3 percent commission for a $300,000 house as $9,000 in profit, remember that you are saving another $9,000 by not using an Agent to sell your home as well.
Evelyn Grazini has written a variety of For Sale By Owner (FSBO) advice to help you sell your home fast! - Find resources, articles and a free report on “What to Repair and What to Remodel to Obtain TOP DOLLAR when you sell! www.fsbotactics.com/asale.htm
- Evelyn Grazini