Mar 16, 2009 -
If you live in the Chicago area, I have plans for you this week. The greenest home in Chicago, the redesigned "2009 Smart Home: Green + Wired," a 2,500-square-foot modular home at the Museum of Science and Industry, opens to the public on Thursday. The house features an eco-friendly baby nursery, a DIY "green" garage workshop, countertops made from recycled glass, a recyclable steel dining table, and "art developed with the power of the sun" — interesting!
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Mar 13, 2009 -
The New York based owner for a Chicago based tower has signed a naming-rights deal with a London based insurance broker. Confused? OK here's all you need to know: the Sears Tower will soon be renamed to the Willis Tower.
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Mar 04, 2009 -
Since Barack Obama was elected as president, we've learned a fair amount about the commander in chief's food preferences. He enjoys johnnycakes and peach cobbler, and prefers his burger medium-well with salad on the side. The newest item to add to his list of loves?
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Mar 03, 2009 -
I certainly remember when Oprah lost her beloved Sophie in 2008, prompting a special on puppy mills and a vow to adopt her next dog. Well, nearly a year later, she's made good on her word as an eight-week-old, blond-colored Cocker Spaniel joined her furry family on Sunday.Lisa Nowak, a rep for PAWS Chicago, confirmed to Usmagazine.com that Oprah fell in love with the lil pup – named Amanda by staffers – and was excited to bring the baby home. Not only did she keep that promise, she also has donated money in Sophie's name for a room at the no-kill shelter.
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Jan 18, 2009 -
Obama "the brand" is going strong. In fact, according to an NPR interview, Chicago salon owner Mike Elsheikh purchased Ossama's Hair Design in the South Loop and changed it to the much kinder, gentler-sounding Obama's Hair Design.
Elsheikh, who worked at Ossama's Hair Design as a stylist prior to becoming the owner, said that after the September 11 attacks, he estimates business went down 50 percent or more.
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Jan 16, 2009 -
A recent poll shows Tampa is the most caffeinated city in the United States. In the study, the Florida city is closely followed by Seattle, birthplace of the coffeehouse culture and coffee titan Starbucks, with Chicago placing third. Rounding out the top five are the top two most populated US cities, New York and Los Angeles.
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Jan 15, 2009 -
Although it's named after a city in Massachusetts, Cohasset Punch is a classic concoction native to Chicago. Since the menu of my Inauguration kickoff party is Chicago themed, in honor of Barack Obama's old home, the signature drink should be a cocktail with origins in the Windy City. A favorite since before World War I, Cohasset Punch is a mixture of rum, Grand Marnier, and canned peach syrup.
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Jan 14, 2009 -
Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday. Since Barack Obama was senator in Chicago, the menu has a Chicago theme. After finishing the deep-dish pizzas, wait an hour before serving this decadent dessert.
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Jan 13, 2009 -
Next week Barack Obama will make history when he is sworn in as president. Naturally, this momentous occasion deserves a party! The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, Jan.
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Jan 12, 2009 -
This holiday season, I took a brief hiatus from San Francisco to spend New Year's in Chicago with friends. Being the devoted diner that I am, before I arrived I made sure to score reservations at restaurants that I'd been itching to try, like the James Beard-nominated Spring. Do you do the same?
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