Cheezborger, Cheezborger! No Coke, Pepsi.
Early episodes of Saturday Night Live had a reoccurring skitfeaturung John Belushi, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd paying homage to the Billy Goat Tavern.
This little hole in the wall located under Michigan Avenue on in Front of the Wrigley building has been serving it's limited menu since 1934. Because of it's location Billy Goat has a colorful history as being a hangout to newspaper columnists and reporters.
Billy Goat is located near Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building at 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level
Friday, August 31, 2007
Chicago Marathon
The weekend after MAX is the LaSalle Chicago Marathon. One of the most prestigious marathons in the world the Chicago race will feature over 45,000 runners from across the world.
Because of it's size and attraction, hotel rooms are always hard to come by race weekend. This might explain why you might experience higher hotel rates toward the end of MAX .
However if you are sticking around over the weekend the Chicago Marathon is quite a spectacular event to see. Over one million spectators line the 26.2 miles to cheer on the runners.
Because of it's size and attraction, hotel rooms are always hard to come by race weekend. This might explain why you might experience higher hotel rates toward the end of MAX .
However if you are sticking around over the weekend the Chicago Marathon is quite a spectacular event to see. Over one million spectators line the 26.2 miles to cheer on the runners.
About McCormick Place
McCormick Place is a HUGE facilities, we are talking 2.7 square feet of exhibit halls.
McCormick Place is located just south of Soldiers Field, right on the lake front sort of set off on it's own, a bit isolated. This is why most conferences held there, including MAX, takes advantage of shuttle buses.
The three conference hotels are closer to what most would traditionally consider Chicago. They are the more convenient to enjoying the cities sight, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
So while staying at a hotel other than the McCormick Hyatt may initially seem inconvenient, it is not so convenient for enjoying all that Chicago has to offer. You can figure that most attendees will be relying on the shuttle buses, as well as the fact that you will only require to make the trip once in the AM and back in the evening.
The cost to stay at the McCormick hotel is significantly more expensive than the others, so if you don't want to deal with the
shuttle, you might choose to stay at the cheaper hotel and spend some extra dollars on taking a cab instead.
McCormick Place is located just south of Soldiers Field, right on the lake front sort of set off on it's own, a bit isolated. This is why most conferences held there, including MAX, takes advantage of shuttle buses.
The three conference hotels are closer to what most would traditionally consider Chicago. They are the more convenient to enjoying the cities sight, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
So while staying at a hotel other than the McCormick Hyatt may initially seem inconvenient, it is not so convenient for enjoying all that Chicago has to offer. You can figure that most attendees will be relying on the shuttle buses, as well as the fact that you will only require to make the trip once in the AM and back in the evening.
The cost to stay at the McCormick hotel is significantly more expensive than the others, so if you don't want to deal with the
shuttle, you might choose to stay at the cheaper hotel and spend some extra dollars on taking a cab instead.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lingo Tip #4
If you are not from the midwest, the word "Pop" might not mean anymore that the sound of a often accompanying Sanp and Crackle. But in the nations heartland Pop is a common term for carbonated beverages, AKA Soda.
Either of the fore-mentioned words is acceptable, but if you want to sound like a local give "Pop" a whirl.
Either of the fore-mentioned words is acceptable, but if you want to sound like a local give "Pop" a whirl.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Museums Campus
All within walking distance and just north of the convention center where MAX is being held is the Museum Campus home of three of Chicago's fantastic museums; The Field Museum, The Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium.
The Adler Planetarium was the first planetarium in the western hemisphere. It offers over 35000 square feet of exhibits as well as amazing shows about the Solar System.
The Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. Two of the Shedd's top attractions are the half million gallon Wild Coral Reef the and the Oceanarium where you will find Beluga whales and dolphins in an inifinty style pool looking over the lake.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Buckingham Fountain
If you watched an episode of Married With Children, you have been exposed to Chicago's Buckingham Fountain.
One of Chicago's most popular attractions and one of the largest fountains in the world, was featured in the opening credits along with Frank Sinatra's "Love and Marriage".
Located in Grant Park at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) the 1.5 million gallon fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. The fountain, that date back to 1927, runs from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day.
One of Chicago's most popular attractions and one of the largest fountains in the world, was featured in the opening credits along with Frank Sinatra's "Love and Marriage".
Located in Grant Park at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) the 1.5 million gallon fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. The fountain, that date back to 1927, runs from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Avoid Street Hassles
Like any other major metropolitan area the streets has its share of homeless, beggers, hustlers, and just plain crazy people. If you are not from urban area encountering these sorts of individuals might be unnerving.
Here are a a few tips to deal with these situations.
1. Don't wear your conference badge on the street. At the conference your badge identifies you as a fellow professional. On the street your badge identifies you as a tourist and target and generally someone to hassle.
2. Don't make eye contact. It feels a little unnatural at first, but making eye contact will be perceived A n invitation to approach you.
3. Keep walking, no matter how many time someone calls out "Hey buddy" or "Yo big guy", if you appear not to respond and keep walking, eventually you will be left alone. There perceived persistence will wane pretty quickly.
4. No matter how pathetic the story they recant to you, it is most likely just that, a story. If you hang around long enough chances are you will hear the same one again, so don't take the bait. Better yet don't allow yourself to get cornered into listening to the story in the first place,
5. If you feel obligated to reply/ respond, a polite and respectful "Sorry I cant help you today" is enough, then see tips 2 & 3.
Streetwise
There is a program called Streetwise to help severely impoverished men and women out of poverty. By selling the "Streetwise" newspaper for $1 a copy, each vendor is given an opportunity to learn important business skills, improve his or her confidence, and ultimately earn enough income to become self-sufficient. StreetWise provides people with an opportunity to get started and to help themselves with dignity.
If you want to help someone out, I recommend you support a Streetwise vendor by purchasing a paper from them, look that they are wearing Streetwise identification around their neck.
Here are a a few tips to deal with these situations.
1. Don't wear your conference badge on the street. At the conference your badge identifies you as a fellow professional. On the street your badge identifies you as a tourist and target and generally someone to hassle.
2. Don't make eye contact. It feels a little unnatural at first, but making eye contact will be perceived A n invitation to approach you.
3. Keep walking, no matter how many time someone calls out "Hey buddy" or "Yo big guy", if you appear not to respond and keep walking, eventually you will be left alone. There perceived persistence will wane pretty quickly.
4. No matter how pathetic the story they recant to you, it is most likely just that, a story. If you hang around long enough chances are you will hear the same one again, so don't take the bait. Better yet don't allow yourself to get cornered into listening to the story in the first place,
5. If you feel obligated to reply/ respond, a polite and respectful "Sorry I cant help you today" is enough, then see tips 2 & 3.
Streetwise
There is a program called Streetwise to help severely impoverished men and women out of poverty. By selling the "Streetwise" newspaper for $1 a copy, each vendor is given an opportunity to learn important business skills, improve his or her confidence, and ultimately earn enough income to become self-sufficient. StreetWise provides people with an opportunity to get started and to help themselves with dignity.
If you want to help someone out, I recommend you support a Streetwise vendor by purchasing a paper from them, look that they are wearing Streetwise identification around their neck.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Millennium Park
Like the rest of the world Chicago went through the anticipation of the uneventful Y2K. And to commemorate this occasion Chicago ventured to develop a park which of course wasn't complete until 2004.
This controversial project which was 4 years behind schedule and millions over budget,is now one of the most visited locations of the city, and popular public Gathering space.
Millennium Park is a 24 acres park located s bounded by Michigan Avenue East Randolph Street, Columbus Drive and East Monroe Drive.
Milleniun Park features:
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Frank Gehry designed outdoor concert venue. The Pavilion stands 120-feet high, with a billowing headdress of brushed stainless steel ribbons that frame the stage opening and connect to an overhead trellis of crisscrossing steel pipes. The trellis supports the sound system, which spans the 4,000 fixed seats and the Great Lawn, which accommodates an additional 7,000 people.
The Crown Fountain
Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa the fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens on LED screens and having
Lurie Garden
This 2.5-acre garden pays homage to the City's motto, "Urbs in Horto" (City in a Garden), which refers to Chicago's transformation from its flat and marshy origins to a bold and powerful city. Highlights of the garden include the dramatically lit, 15-foot-high "shoulder" hedge.
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate by British artist Anish Kapoor'sis a 110-ton elliptical sculpture is forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect the city's famous skyline and the clouds above. A 12-foot-high arch provides a "gate" to the concave chamber beneath the sculpture, inviting visitors to touch its mirror-like surface and see their image reflected back from a variety of perspectives.
This controversial project which was 4 years behind schedule and millions over budget,is now one of the most visited locations of the city, and popular public Gathering space.
Millennium Park is a 24 acres park located s bounded by Michigan Avenue East Randolph Street, Columbus Drive and East Monroe Drive.
Milleniun Park features:
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Frank Gehry designed outdoor concert venue. The Pavilion stands 120-feet high, with a billowing headdress of brushed stainless steel ribbons that frame the stage opening and connect to an overhead trellis of crisscrossing steel pipes. The trellis supports the sound system, which spans the 4,000 fixed seats and the Great Lawn, which accommodates an additional 7,000 people.
The Crown Fountain
Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa the fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens on LED screens and having
Lurie Garden
This 2.5-acre garden pays homage to the City's motto, "Urbs in Horto" (City in a Garden), which refers to Chicago's transformation from its flat and marshy origins to a bold and powerful city. Highlights of the garden include the dramatically lit, 15-foot-high "shoulder" hedge.
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate by British artist Anish Kapoor'sis a 110-ton elliptical sculpture is forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect the city's famous skyline and the clouds above. A 12-foot-high arch provides a "gate" to the concave chamber beneath the sculpture, inviting visitors to touch its mirror-like surface and see their image reflected back from a variety of perspectives.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Hoods: Theatre District
Chicago has a vibrant Live Theatre community. Many of Broadways biggest success in recent years premiered here in Chicago First. The Producers, Spam-A-Lot, MamaMia, all played here before moving to New York.
Chicago's Theater District runs along Randolph between State and Franklin. Current productions include Wicked and The Color Purple.
In addition to the big productions there are many small theater troupes throughout the city as well.
To score discount Chicago theater tickets at half price check out Hot Tix:
72 E. Randolph, Chicago (between Michigan and Wabash)
163 E. Pearson, Chicago (just east of Michigan Avenue)
Water Works Visitor Center
Hot Tix, a not-for-profit service that offers a half-price discount on Chicago theater tickets to shows at participating theaters and venues. The tickets inventory updates constantly throughout the day, so a little bit of luck is involved in terms of getting tickets to your desired play/show.
Chicago's Theater District runs along Randolph between State and Franklin. Current productions include Wicked and The Color Purple.
In addition to the big productions there are many small theater troupes throughout the city as well.
To score discount Chicago theater tickets at half price check out Hot Tix:
72 E. Randolph, Chicago (between Michigan and Wabash)
163 E. Pearson, Chicago (just east of Michigan Avenue)
Water Works Visitor Center
Hot Tix, a not-for-profit service that offers a half-price discount on Chicago theater tickets to shows at participating theaters and venues. The tickets inventory updates constantly throughout the day, so a little bit of luck is involved in terms of getting tickets to your desired play/show.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Talk Of The Town: Jerry & Oprah
Believe it the Windy City did not get its name from the hot air generated by talk show hosts, despite the fact that Chicago is home to two of the largest television talk shows in the world, Jerry Springer and Oprah Winfrey.
Both icons in their own right, their appeal could not be more different. But if you have a penchant for either, you might want to see about trying to catch a free taping.
For you can request tickets for The Jerry Springer Show.
To request Oprah tickets.
Or if you just want to get your mug on TV, stop by one of the street side studios during a newscast.
NBC Studios, Pioneer Court 435 N. Michigan Ave.
ABC Studio 190 N State
Both icons in their own right, their appeal could not be more different. But if you have a penchant for either, you might want to see about trying to catch a free taping.
For you can request tickets for The Jerry Springer Show.
To request Oprah tickets.
Or if you just want to get your mug on TV, stop by one of the street side studios during a newscast.
NBC Studios, Pioneer Court 435 N. Michigan Ave.
ABC Studio 190 N State
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Hoods: River North
Because of it's location and abundance of restaurants and clubs, River North is sort of a Mecca for out of town visitors.
River North is aptly named; it lies north of the Loop, west of famed Michigan Avenue and south of Chicago Avenue, with the Chicago River as its boundary on the south and the west.
River North is home to one of the country’s largest collection of gallerie. You will fid many of these along Franklin Avenue, underneath the train tracks.
River North is filled with all genres of food, including American, Brazilian, Chinese, French, Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Spanish, Thai and even Vegetarian.
Rockbottom Brewery
-1 W. Grand Avenue
Ben Pao
-52 W Illinois
Klay Oven (a South Indian restaurant)
-414 N Orleans
Harry Caray’s (Italian)
- 33 W. Kinzie
House of Blues
-329 N Dearborn
Ed Debevic’s (50's Dinner)
-640 N Wells
Hard Rock Café
-63 W Ontario
Rainforest Café.
- 605 N Clark
There are several bars and clubs in the area as well, including
Blue Frog Bar and Grill
-676 N La Sall
Excalibur Night Club
-632 N Dearborn
Red Head Piano Bar
-16 W. Ontario
Andy's Jazz Club
-11 E Hubbard St # 1
Fado's Irish Pub
-100 W Grand
River North is aptly named; it lies north of the Loop, west of famed Michigan Avenue and south of Chicago Avenue, with the Chicago River as its boundary on the south and the west.
River North is home to one of the country’s largest collection of gallerie. You will fid many of these along Franklin Avenue, underneath the train tracks.
River North is filled with all genres of food, including American, Brazilian, Chinese, French, Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Spanish, Thai and even Vegetarian.
Rockbottom Brewery
-1 W. Grand Avenue
Ben Pao
-52 W Illinois
Klay Oven (a South Indian restaurant)
-414 N Orleans
Harry Caray’s (Italian)
- 33 W. Kinzie
House of Blues
-329 N Dearborn
Ed Debevic’s (50's Dinner)
-640 N Wells
Hard Rock Café
-63 W Ontario
Rainforest Café.
- 605 N Clark
There are several bars and clubs in the area as well, including
Blue Frog Bar and Grill
-676 N La Sall
Excalibur Night Club
-632 N Dearborn
Red Head Piano Bar
-16 W. Ontario
Andy's Jazz Club
-11 E Hubbard St # 1
Fado's Irish Pub
-100 W Grand
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Chicago Style: Comedy
When it comes to Comedy, Chicago is no second city. The number of comedy greats that graduated from The Second City comedy troupe is nothing short of amazing. The theatre that launched the careers of such comic greats as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, and the list can go on and on.
Founded in 1958, The Second City continues to offer nightly comedy shows. The Second City is located in Old Town at North & Well in Pipers Alley.
Founded in 1958, The Second City continues to offer nightly comedy shows. The Second City is located in Old Town at North & Well in Pipers Alley.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Chicago Style: Garretts Popcorn
When was the last time you saw a block long line of people waiting to buy popcorn? Along Michigan Avenure it is a regular occurrence at Garrets Popcorn.
Garretts has been popping up their famous cheese and caramel popcorn since 1949, and is a favorite stp for people traveling downtown. You can choose between freshly made caramel and cheese popcorn or go for the "Mini Mix" where cheese and caramel corn are combined in one bag.
Oprah has included it on her listed of "favorite things", and if it is goo enough for Oprah...
Tip; Don't waste time waiting in line at the Michigan Ave store, instead head to one of their other locations and avoid the crowds.
670 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
26 West Randolph
Chicago, IL 60601
4 East Madison
Chicago, IL 60602
Map
2 West Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
Garretts has been popping up their famous cheese and caramel popcorn since 1949, and is a favorite stp for people traveling downtown. You can choose between freshly made caramel and cheese popcorn or go for the "Mini Mix" where cheese and caramel corn are combined in one bag.
Oprah has included it on her listed of "favorite things", and if it is goo enough for Oprah...
Tip; Don't waste time waiting in line at the Michigan Ave store, instead head to one of their other locations and avoid the crowds.
670 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
26 West Randolph
Chicago, IL 60601
4 East Madison
Chicago, IL 60602
Map
2 West Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Hoods: South Loop
McCormick Place, the home of MAX 2007, is located in an area of the city known as the South Loop.
It was not too long ago that the South Loop was a Less than desirable areas. But currently the South Loop is one of the hottest and fastest growing neighborhoods in the nation. Old warehouses are being replace by condos. And with the migration of urban professionals has come a good collection of trendy and acclaimed restaurants.
If you are looking for a good meal you might try one of these restaurants:
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
1401 S. Michigan Ave.
312-786-1401
A 1905 firehouse converted into Dining hotspot.
Gioco
1312 S. Wabash Ave.
312-939-3870
Named one of Chicago Magazines 'Best New Restaurants' Gioco is a hip, Italian eatery.
Cuatro
2030 S. Wabash
312-842-8856
www.cuatro-chicago.com
Latin American and Caribbean cuisines in a modern, yet down-to-earth fashion.
Opera
1301 S. Wabash (on the corner of 13th and Wabash)
Chicago, IL 60605
312.461.0161
Chinese with Modern Presentations
Voted 'Best Chinese in Chicago'
-AOL CITYGUIDE, 2007
Zapatista
1307 S. Wabash Ave.
Nouvo Mexican Food
It was not too long ago that the South Loop was a Less than desirable areas. But currently the South Loop is one of the hottest and fastest growing neighborhoods in the nation. Old warehouses are being replace by condos. And with the migration of urban professionals has come a good collection of trendy and acclaimed restaurants.
If you are looking for a good meal you might try one of these restaurants:
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
1401 S. Michigan Ave.
312-786-1401
A 1905 firehouse converted into Dining hotspot.
Gioco
1312 S. Wabash Ave.
312-939-3870
Named one of Chicago Magazines 'Best New Restaurants' Gioco is a hip, Italian eatery.
Cuatro
2030 S. Wabash
312-842-8856
www.cuatro-chicago.com
Latin American and Caribbean cuisines in a modern, yet down-to-earth fashion.
Opera
1301 S. Wabash (on the corner of 13th and Wabash)
Chicago, IL 60605
312.461.0161
Chinese with Modern Presentations
Voted 'Best Chinese in Chicago'
-AOL CITYGUIDE, 2007
Zapatista
1307 S. Wabash Ave.
Nouvo Mexican Food
Local Talent Showcase #2
Tim Frick runs Mighty Bytes
'Mightybytes is a full-service creative firm that offers design-driven communications solutions to our clients.
www.mightybytes.com
'Mightybytes is a full-service creative firm that offers design-driven communications solutions to our clients.
www.mightybytes.com
Local Talent Spotlight #1
Contract Creatives
Providing creative individuals or teams for interactive and print projects.Contact Ardath Berliant at ardath@contractcreatives.com for more information.
www.contractcreatives.com
847.251.5776
Providing creative individuals or teams for interactive and print projects.Contact Ardath Berliant at ardath@contractcreatives.com for more information.
www.contractcreatives.com
847.251.5776
Chicago Lingo Tip #3
When ever using the word "Coach", unless you explicitly accompanying it with a name, it will be assumed you are referring to Mike Ditka, the last coach to bring Chicago a Super Bowl win.
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