Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Phoenix – The Sweat Shop Capital Of The World?

In celebration of the beginning of summer, Old Spice, the No.1 selling anti-perspirant/deodorant stick and body wash brand with guys, today announced its Seventh Annual Top-100 Sweatiest Cities List — just in time for the season's hot weather. In addition, this year Old Spice is introducing its list of Biggest Sweat Producers, taking into consideration the total sweat produced by entire city populations.

Famed desert city Phoenix burned up the charts again to take the No. 1 spot as America's Sweatiest City in this annual ranking of the nation's heaviest sweaters (based on amount of sweat produced per person). To earn top spot as Sweatiest City, Phoenix's average temperature was 95.1 degrees in June, July and August 2007, resulting in the average Phoenix resident producing 26.4 ounces of sweat per hour (more than 2 cans of soda). With scorching temperatures often in the triple digits, the Valley of the Sun also took this top honor in 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2003. 

"People might be surprised that a city known for its 'dry heat' tops the Sweatiest Cities list," said Dr. Paul Ruscher, associate professor and associate chair of meteorology at Florida State University. "However, sweat tends to evaporate from the skin much more quickly in places like Phoenix and people just don't feel it as much as say in New Orleans or Miami where high humidity leads to that dreaded sticky, 'muggy' feeling. Regardless of where a city falls on this list, there's one thing we can all agree on — hot weather means sweating."

Biggest Sweat Producers

For the first time, Old Spice looked at sweating through the lens of just how much sweat could be produced if the entire population were walking around for one hour on a typical summer day.

New York City leads the list when it comes to Biggest Sweat Producers in the US, even with an average temperature of 73.8 degrees during June, July and August 2007 (that's 20+ degrees cooler than Phoenix). On an average summer day, New Yorkers can produce 1.3 million gallons of sweat per hour — enough to fill the 106-acre Central Park Reservoir in about one summer month (32 days, to be exact!)

The Big Apple is clearly the big winner when it comes to producing the most sweat, more than double the amount than second-place Los Angeles (608,664 gallons of sweat per hour). Our nation's other Biggest Sweat Producers include: Chicago with 449,285 gallons (No. 3); Houston with 387,790 gallons (No. 4); Norfolk, VA with 376,087 gallons (No. 5); Phoenix with 311,629 gallons (No. 6); Philadelphia with 238,869 gallons (No. 7); San Antonio with 229,606 gallons (No. 8); Dallas with 222,420 gallons (No. 9) and San Diego with 184,929 gallons (No. 10).

Other Study Highlights

– On a typical summer day, residents of Los Angeles — the city with the most cars on the road in the nation — can collectively produce enough sweat to fill the gas tanks of 27,667 SUVs in just one hour. With national gas prices soaring past per gallon, it's too bad sweat can't be used as an alternate fuel option!

– Living up to its nickname, the Sunshine State has four cities appearing in the Top 10 Sweatiest Cities, more than any other state — Tallahassee (No. 3), Miami (No. 6), Tampa (No. 8), and Fort Myers (No. 10) — collectively producing enough sweat to fill Shamu's tank in 9.9 hours (that's 6.5 million gallons)!

– This summer, the race for president will be heating up. When it comes to the Sweatiest Party, it's a close contest — however, with slightly warmer temperatures, delegates heading to Minneapolis (No. 79) for the Republican National Convention will be sweating it out more than those heading to the Democratic National Convention in Denver (No. 82).

– When taking a look at what region reigns when it comes to producing sweat, that honor overwhelmingly goes to the South, where residents can collectively produce 3,634,581 gallons in just one hour on a typical summer day. This is nearly double the amount of second-place West region, with 2,088,923 gallons. Next is the Northeast, producing 1,942,536 gallons. The Midwest rounds out the list, with 1,494,856 gallons.

– Like hometown hero Elvis, Memphis burned up the charts, coming in at No. 5 (up from No. 14 last year) and breaking into the Top 10 Sweatiest Cities for the first time since 2002!

– San Francisco is the nation's least sweaty city included on the list, coming in at No. 100. Yet even with an average temperature of just 63.5 degrees during the summer months, each San Franciscan can still produce over 17 ounces of sweat per hour — clear evidence that sweat happens even in cooler weather conditions.

Tips to Stay Cool, Dry and Sweat Free This Summer

– Water — Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lose through perspiration — at least eight to 10 glasses of water per day – more if you're outdoors and very active.

– Replace Salt and Minerals — Sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. If participating in a strenuous activity where you anticipate heavy perspiration, drink fruit juices and sports beverages to replace the lost minerals.

– Choose Clothes Wisely — Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes that breathe easily.

– Reduce Sweat Output and Stay Odor Free — Use an anti-perspirant/deodorant daily, such as Old Spice Pro Strength, the first clinical-strength offering from the brand. Designed with heavy sweaters in mind, Pro Strength is an advanced solid that provides all-day clinical strength odor and wetness protection.

Methodology

The Sweatiest Cities rankings are based on computer simulations of the amount of sweat a person of average height and weight would produce walking around for an hour in the average temperatures during June, July and August of 2007 for each city.

TOP-100 SWEATIEST CITIES IN AMERICA
Brought to You By the Sweat Experts at Old Spice

1. Phoenix, AZ
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Tallahassee, FL
4. Tucson, AZ
5. Memphis, TN
6. Miami, FL
7. Houston, TX
8. Tampa, FL
9. Baton Rouge, LA
10. Fort Myers, FL
11. Huntsville, AL
12. New Orleans, LA
13. Birmingham, AL
14. Jacksonville, FL
15. West Palm Beach, FL
16. Montgomery, AL
17. Orlando, FL
18. Dallas, TX
19. Little Rock, AR
20. Corpus Christi, TX
21. El Paso, TX
22. Waco, TX
23. Austin, TX
24. Columbia, SC
25. Mobile, AL
26. Jackson, MS
27. Nashville, TN
28. San Antonio, TX
29. Honolulu, HI
30. Fresno, CA
31. Savannah, GA
32. Shreveport, LA
33. Charleston, SC
34. Chattanooga, TN
 
35. Louisville, KY
36. Tulsa, OK
37. Raleigh, NC
38. St. Louis, MO
39. Salt Lake City, UT
40. Kansas City, MO
41. Knoxville, TN
42. Oklahoma City, OK
43. Atlanta, GA
44. Wichita, KS (TIE)
Charlotte, NC (TIE)
46. Greensboro, NC
47. Evansville, IN
48. Washington, DC
49. Richmond, VA
50. Norfolk, VA
51. Albuquerque, NM
52. Springfield, MO
53. Roanoke, VA
54. Lexington, KY
55. Omaha, NE
56. Reno, NV
57. Indianapolis, IN
58. Baltimore, MD
59. Cincinnati, OH
60. Des Moines, IA
61. Charleston, WV
62. Philadelphia, PA
63. Springfield, IL
64. Harrisburg, PA
65. Sacramento, CA
66. Cleveland, OH
67. Chicago, IL
68. New York, NY
69. Dayton, OH
70. Asheville, NC
71. Los Angeles, CA
72. Columbus, OH
73. Toledo, OH
74. Detroit, MI
75. Grand Rapids, MI
76. South Bend, IN
77. Providence, RI
78. Hartford, CT
79. Minneapolis, MN
80. Boston, MA
81. Pittsburgh, PA
82. Denver, CO
83. Madison, WI
84. Milwaukee, WI
85. Buffalo, NY
86. Rochester, NY
87. Albany, NY
88. Wilkes-Barre, PA
89. Colorado Springs, CO
90. Flint, MI
91. Syracuse, NY
92. San Diego, CA
93. Youngstown, OH
94. Green Bay, WI
95. Burlington, VT
96. Spokane, WA
97. Portland, ME
98. Portland, OR
99. Seattle, WA
100. San Francisco, CA

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Dress Like a Cow, Get a Free Chick-fil-A Meal on Cow Appreciation Day

Holy cow! It's time to break out your cow suit and leave your wallet out to pasture. On Friday, July 11, the Chick-fil-A(R) chain will celebrate its annual Cow Appreciation Day event by offering a free meal to any customer who isn't “too chicken” to visit any of the chain's stores.

Customers fully dressed as a cow will be rewarded with a free Chick-fil-A Meal, which includes an entree of choice, a side item and a Dr Pepper (or another beverage of choice). And for those who are a little timid to wear spots from head to toe, Chick-fil-A will award a complimentary entree to customers partially dressed in cow attire, such as a cow-spotted scarf, purse, hat or other accessory.

The July 11 event marks Chick-fil-A's fourth annual Cow Appreciation Day celebration. Last year's event — and the resulting turnout — confirmed that Chick-fil-A has a strong following of customers willing to go to great lengths to show their appreciation for cows. Thousands of customers visited Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country dressed in cow-themed costumes, ranging from simple cow-spotted t-shirts to full cow suits complete with furry ears, cow bells and homemade sandwich boards with personalized renditions of Chick-fil-A's “Eat Mor Chikin(R)” Cow messages.

“Cow Appreciation Day is a great barometer of how passionate our customers are,” said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's senior vice president of marketing. “If you're willing to dress up like a cow for a free meal, you're obviously a loyal and even raving Chick-fil-A fan. While the event is a natural tie with our cow-themed marketing campaign, Cow Appreciation Day is intended to be a fun day to reward some of our most loyal customers with free food. We enjoy watching the event grow year after year.”

It was “udder insanity” at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country last year for the Cow Appreciation Day celebration. The Chick-fil-A restaurant in Hendersonville, N.C. hosted a herd of 350 cow-spotted customers from summer camps, daycares and preschools. Another group of ambitious college students — self dubbed “The Herd” — set out on a “cattle drive” from Knoxville, Tenn. to Atlanta, Ga. on a mission to visit 30 Chick-fil-A restaurants in one day.

The excitement around Cow Appreciation Day is further proof that the love for Chick-fil-A's beloved bovines is as strong as ever. For the past 13 years, the renegade “Eat Mor Chikin” Cows have entertained consumers with their desperate, self-preserving antics in an effort to convert beef eaters into chicken fans. The Chick-fil-A Cows and the “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign have enjoyed such widespread public success that the chain has turned the theme into a fully integrated marketing program. In addition to clever roadside billboards, the “Eat Mor Chikin” Cows are the focal point of Chick-fil-A's in- store point-of-purchase materials, promotions, radio and TV advertising, and clothing and merchandise sales.

In 2007, the Chick-fil-A “Eat Mor Chikin” Cows were recognized as one of America's most popular advertising icons in a public vote sponsored by Advertising Week and became the newest members of New York's Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame. A permanent banner to recognize this achievement will be unveiled on Madison Avenue in 2008.

The Cows and their witty messages also have contributed to Chick-fil-A's business, as the chain's sales have more than quintupled since the Cows' first full year as unofficial icons for the brand, from $502 million in 1995 to more than $2.64 billion in 2007.

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Homeland Security Hits New York Nightspots

Last weekend the New York Bar Show gave liquor makers, bar managers and industry professionals the chance to sample new products and roam around the Javits Center. One of the more unique exhibitors is trying to replace the scrutiny of bouncers by pushing a technology that would make it easier for nightclubs and bars to catch fake ID’s.
 

Intelli-Check – SecurityInfo (https://www.securityinfo.com/) is a technology company that has built a business in ID verification and install surveillance cameras. They produce wireless handheld devices that read and analyze the data in barcodes on government issued ID (drivers licenses, passports, etc.). While their products were once confined to military bases, government installations and industrial parks, Mobilisa is now planning to provide the same technology to clubs so they can keep underage drinkers out.

While this might seem like another infringement of big brother into nightlife, systems like this are already developed and there might be a logical reason for clubs to adopt the Mobilisa system. With today’s technology, fake ID’s are not difficult to acquire. Dram shop laws traditionally hold clubs liable for serving drinks to minors and there has been an increased crackdown on fake ID’s in the past year (See Nightlife News Crime 10/19/07) so clubs need something to combat the increased sophistication of forgery. A system like this will work within the new guidelines that the NYPD worked out with the New York Nightlife Association late last year (See Nightlife News Crime 10/19/07).

With all the pressure to keep kids out of clubs, it might make sense to put less trust in a bouncer staring at thousands of ID’s in the dark (and maybe hooking up his friends) and more trust in the barcode. As long as the system doesn’t get abused by the police, telemarketers or hackers, it might help everybody.

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Beauty and the Geek Hottie Jillian Beyor Is the Playboy Special Editions 2008 Model of the Year

Playboy Special Editions fans have crowned Jillian Beyor, 22, their 2008 Model of the Year. Readers chose the Northfield, New Hampshire native from a pool of 50 models who appeared in various Special Editions titles throughout 2007. Jillian is featured in a 7-page nude pictorial in Playboy's Lingerie August/September 2008 issue (on newsstands July 1 until September 1).

Jillian grew up on the East Coast and graduated from Winnisquam Regional High School in New Hampshire. She then migrated south where she attended Daytona Beach Community College and earned a degree in real estate. The brown-eyed beauty's legions of fans first took notice when she appeared in Playboy's College Girls 2006. She then went on to appear in a total of eight Special Editions. She has appeared as Playboy's Coed of the Month, Playboy's Cyber Girl of the Month, and is even a Playmate in the Mexican edition of Playboy.

On the fifth season of the CW's hit show, Beauty and the Geek, Jillian competed alongside eight couples for the ultimate prize of $250,000. Unfortunately, she did not make it past week three, but she did win over dozens of viewers and adoring fans. Jillian currently resides in Miami and runs her own website, http://www.jillian-beyor.com/. In her free time you can find the Model of the Year skiing, riding four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and snow mobiles.

Playboy Special Editions publishes 25 themed pictorial magazines a year, two 96-paged magazines a month, and an extra issue published in the fall. Visit Playboy Special Editions' website at http://www.playboyse.com/ for additional information.

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The Troubled Times at The Washington Examiner

It used to be that in order to survive in the corridors of powers in the local journo establishment you had to work all sides of the aisles – politics, lobbying and the press. But these days, going by the goings-on at The Washington Examiner newspaper, the turnstiles are all about going back and forth between the same employers, or jumping ship even before the vessel has sailed.

Take the famed Pentagon ace Rowan Scarborough as an example. He was a star correspondent for years at the Washington Times snagging exclusives-after-exclusives (he had one yesterday splashed across the top of the front page) but then he got sucked into the Examiner by the newly-minted editor, Stephen Smith (whose married to the more prolific and more successful Vanity Fair chronicler Sally Smith who takes him around the party circuit) and he quit the Times to go work for The Examiner. Part of the deal also was to get his columns to run nationally on the Examiner website (more on that later) and promote a book he was putting to bed.

[PIC CAPTION: Rowan Scarborough's stint at the Examiner was marred by sloppy copy editing and constant clashes with the ME on when to post stories to the web. One day Exec Editor Steve Smith clashed with the online desk on posting Scarborough's stories. The next day Scarborough's desk was empty.]

The honeymoon barely lasted a few months. Sloppy editing of his stories across town where the copy desk sits in Virginia editing both the DC and Baltimore papers, constant clashes with the then Managing Editor, and a showdown with Steve Smith over placement of hot stories on the web, and one fine morning, the newsroom found his desk empty. Rowan had had enough, and he bolted.

After a sabbatical, Scarborough has resurfaced to helm the Pentagon coverage for his old employer: The Washington Times.

He's not the only one not to get a goodbye from Smith and his entourage. Ace Capitol Hill reporter Charlie Hurt also had a turbulent time with Smith at the Examiner. He lasted there but a few months even though his Pork coverage ranked high in online traffic for the paper's website and left without a goodbye party.Not to mention that more than a dozen staffers since Smith took over have quit took over his management style and people began to complain about his mercurial ways and short-temper bursts and quirky monday morning quarterbacking in daily editorial meetings where he's known to shoot suspenders and plot strategy to defeat the online powers-that-be in Denver that run the online arm of the paper. Among Smith's new hires was also a New York-based investigative reporter but the ink was barely dry on his pieces that soon he too was gone. No word on why he left.

But more than anything, Smith's relationship with the then-Managing Editor Nicholas Horrock spoke volumes of the fractures within the newsroom. Just a few months after Smith cemented his boots on the table, he trained his guns on Horrock and he was one of the earlier casualties of the Smith weapon about to be unleashed on the newsroom. Horrock was essentially fired for speaking up against his boss (and sometimes taking power cat naps at his desk). Soon thereafter a bevy of editors left the editing operations in Virginia where a editor was dispatched from the newsroom to clean up copy (and the mess). He also soon departed taking a couple of eds with him. On some days there are a couple of eds scurrying to bed both the DC and Baltimore editions and using AP copy to fill the pages seems the most likeliest exit.

[PIC CAPTION: Charlie Hurt didn't last long enough to make an impression but his stories did get a lot of impressions on the website.] Rubbing elbows with the online team – headed by a now-deposed Dave Schafer who ran the online operations from Denver with three editorial types including Gil Asakawa who was popularly nicknamedDave's Garage Door Opener

– was a royal treat for Smith who rallied against the online team on a daily basis inside the newsroom. Often jockeying for more power to control the online version of the local paper, he found himself at loggerheads with senior Denver management on how best to position local content getting to an excruciating low by cutting off content access to the Denver online team from the local eds. Things got so heated between him and the online team that he cut the cord with Denver. For a while there was a logo for the paper and right next to it a globe-trotting new logo for the online edition that appeared in the paper. Today, you only see one logo on the paper. The globe's been replaced by a link to a local online site he's reportedly developing called DCExaminer.com. So, in a nutshell, you've got a publication within a publication. If you belong to the Denver camp, you visit examiner.com. If you belong to the Smith camp, you visit dcexaminer.com. Nowhere is what more visible than on the website where the co-existing Israeli-Palestinian accord has been carved out where both staffers for examiner.com and dcexaminer.com learn to co-habit. Of course, they don't like talking to each other.

Smith is known to hire cronies and seldom does he like to venture beyond favoritism. There is no meritocracy when it comes to hiring. After Horrock was shown the door, Smith hired a former colleague from the Austin newspaper he felt compelled to leave to take on the job. Michael Hedges, a notorious web-basher , was hired as a hatchet man who put the brakes on any support to the Denver online team. Few weeks into his job, Hedges began to roll back any promises the desk made to the online team in Denver to post stories during the day and also began to question the reach and readership of the online edition as a justification to put the web initiative on the back burner.

Lets just put it this way, said a Denver staffer who quit in disgust: They're not FOOLs out there in DC. By FOOLs just what did he mean? "Friends Of On Line," he quipped as he drove of to a restaurant.

[PIC CAPTION: Mike Hedges was known by Denver as a notorius web-basher.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PIC CAPTION: Then-Publisher Herb Maloney, Patrick Gavin, Executive Editor Vivienne Sosnowski and Jeff Dufour back in the heydays. Maloney quit in no time, Sosnowski was sent upstairs to corporate and the Y&N gossip guys rarely cover the shenanigans within the paper. Pic courtesy of Washington Life. ]

ALSO READ: EXAMINER.COM: NEW REDESIGN, BUT WILL THEY COME?

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Splashlight to Debut Images from India by Award Winning Marc Ecko Photographer

Angkor award-winning photographer and Marc Ecko
Enterprises executive Peter Ruprecht has partnered with Splashlight to debut
his “Monadic Nomad” collection. Splashlight will host a star-studded gala on
July 29th at its new headquarters in SoHo.

The Monadic Nomad-“A Journey of Chance” collection will be on display
through September at Splashlight in its brand new 60,000 square foot space
in Soho.

The exhibition features 40 color and black-and-white images that were taken
on Ruprecht's journey across India in late fall 2006. Notable collectors of
Peter's work include The Marley family in Miami, as well as Marc Ecko,
Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Marc Ecko Enterprises.

Ten percent of all proceeds from the sale of the work will benefit charity:
water, a non profit providing water to people in developing countries. The
collection will specifically fund freshwater wells and sanitation projects
in India. Recognized for its work around the globe, charity: water has
garnered national press coverage, celebrity endorsements and corporate
support.

“By consciously excluding historical references, Peter composes images that
transcend time. His photographs are less bound by material references to
particular eras,” said world-renowned travel photographer James Whitlow
Delano. “As a result, his compositions engage the viewer in direct
relationship with his human subjects. The forms, lines and colors become
organic elements enhancing the subjects. Even perspective and motion are
endowed with intrigue and mysticism. “

The “Monadic Nomad” collection will feature one-of-a-kind pieces printed on
handmade paper from Nepal, as well as environmentally safe canvas. The
eclectic combination of images and printing processes will convey the
complex mix of sights and sensations that Peter experienced while on his
journey and capture the spiritual, mystical essence of India's exotic
culture. Images will be available for presale at www.ruprechtstudios.com.

The invitation-only opening party will feature cuisine inspired by the
country. The press preview will take place on July 29 from 6-8 pm.

Splashlight Soho is located at 1 Hudson Square, on the corner of Varick and
Canal Streets.

The public will be able to view the collection free of charge Monday through
Friday, 9 am to 6 pm through the end of September. For more information
about Splashlight, please visit: www.splashlight.com.

About Peter Ruprecht
Peter Ruprecht is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker and Vice
President of Interactive and New Media for the global lifestyle and fashion
company Marc Ecko Enterprises. In 2004, Peter co-founded Forza Films, a
South American documentary production company that has produced work for
leading networks. Peter has also had a long-standing career consulting
companies of stature, including Merrill Lynch, Price Waterhouse Coopers and
Opera Solutions. Born in Argentina to the great granddaughter of President
Manuel Quintana, Peter was raised in Vermont and attended Dartmouth College.
He was ranked as a top skier in the United States and has traveled the world
extensively.

About Splashlight
Splashlight is a world class resource for photography, offering a full range
of photographic services including studio rentals, state-of-the-art
photographic equipment, digital capture, retouching services, CGI,
production, event space and more. With locations in New York, Los Angeles
and Miami – and the ability to deliver “on location” anytime, anywhere
around the world – Splashlight provides the very best services to meet the
photographic needs of creative agencies, retailers, publishers,
photographers and producers. Splashlight's renowned staff is always on hand
to provide support and management for shoots of any size and complexity.

About charity: water
charity: water is a non-profit providing clean and safe drinking water to
people in developing nations. In less than 2 years, charity: water has
funded more than 600 projects in 11 countries that will provide 250,000
people with clean and safe water. 100% of donations go directly to water
and sanitation projects in Africa, India, and Central America. In March of
2008, charity: water teamed up with Gram Vikas, a non-profit NGO, to help
bring clean water and basic sanitation to poverty-stricken communities in
the state of Orissa, India. Households in this area will receive piped
water supply and toilets, significantly improving health and wellbeing.
charity: water has been profiled in national and local media outlets,
including CBSNews.com, ABC News, Fox News, PEOPLE, USA Today, New York Post,
Travel & Leisure, InStyle and Forbes.com.

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The Devil May Wear Prada – But The Pope Doesn't

The devil may wear Prada – but the pope does not.

According to the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the bright red loafers that Pope Benedict XVI wears are not designed by the Milanese fashion house, as has long been rumored.

"Obviously the attribution was false," the Vatican newspaper said in its Thursday's editions.

"Such rumors are inconsistent with the simple and somber man who, on the day of his election to the papacy, showed to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square and to the whole world the sleeves of a modest black sweater," it said.

Still, Benedict's fashion sense has often drawn media attention.

Three years ago around Christmas, he showed up for his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square wearing a fur-trimmed stocking cap that could have passed for a Santa Claus hat. The hat, as it turned out, is a "camauro," which dates back to the Middle Ages and figures in many papal portraits.

On a separate occasion, Benedict sported a sumptuous red velvet cape trimmed in ermine – another piece of traditional papal attire that had long been abandoned.

L'Osservatore Romano said the pope's interest in clothes has nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with liturgy – what symbolism traditional garments can bring to the Christian liturgy.

"The pope, therefore, does not wear Prada, but Christ," L'Osservatore said.

 

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Zagat Releases New Chicago Restaurants Guide

The annual yum-fest known as the Taste of Chicago is blowing into the Windy City, and in the next two weeks, an estimated 3 million food lovers will sample the best bites in town. Thanks to Zagat's 2008/2009 Chicago Restaurants survey, released today, residents and visitors alike can get the lowdown on the best food the city has to offer either in book form or via ZAGAT.com or the award-winning mobile website, ZAGAT.mobi.

“Chicago's culinary scene is continuing to expand,” said Tim Zagat, co-founder of Zagat Survey. “From fresh fusions to small plates, chefs are raising the bar with unique menu offerings and adventurous food preparations.” Zagat recently served as a guest diner in the finale episode of Bravo's Top Chef Chicago, and along with his wife and Zagat Survey co-founder, Nina, will be present at the Taste of Chicago's opening ceremony.

The survey results, containing signature ratings and reviews of 1,089 eateries, are based on the experiences of more than 5,370 food-savvy residents. The guide also includes ratings and reviews of the best restaurants in Milwaukee.

On average, the Zagat surveyors dined out 3.1 meals per week; thus, this year's ratings and reviews are gleaned from roughly 860,000 annual meals worth of experience. Although the average meal cost in Chicago rose about 2% annually to $35.17, compared to $33.75 two years ago, 81% percent of Chicagoans say that they are eating out as much as or more than they did two years ago. Chicagoans are also tipping more than ever, giving 19.1%, which is slightly above the national average of 19%.

Favorites: The surveyors indicated that they enjoy new fusion and small plate menus, but by a 26% plurality prefer Italian food. American at 16%, French at 12% and Mexican and Japanese each at 11% followed as favorite cuisines.

Surveyors chose Wildfire, Frontera Grill and Tru as their top three most popular restaurants. Charlie Trotter's dropped from the number one favorite last year to the number four place, followed by Gibson's Steakhouse. As for food ratings, Alinea jumped from fifth place last year to first place. Tallgrass came in second, Carlos' third, Les Nomades fourth and Topolobampo fifth.

Newcomers: Among this year's newcomers, in order of food ranking, Old Town Brasserie came in first, followed by TABLE 52, Otom, Sepia, and Bluprint. In the works are venues from a number of celebrity chefs including Terrance Brennan, Alain Ducasse, Todd English, Gordon Ramsay, Joel Robuchon and Marcus Samuelsson.

The following list shows 2008's winners by cuisine type.

By Cuisines:

American (New) – Alinea Italian – Spiaggia
American (Trad.) – Kuma's Corner Japanese – sushi wabi
Asian (Misc.) – Le Lan Mediterranean – Avec
Barbecue – Smoque BBQ Mexican – Topolobampo
Cajun/Creole – Pappadeaux Middle Eastern – Noon-O-Kabab
Chinese – Lao Nuevo Latino – Nacional 27
Coffee Shop/Diner – Manny's Pizza – Spacca Napoli
Eclectic – Lula Seafood – Spring
French – Tallgrass Small Plates – Avec
French (Bistro) – Barrington Country Spanish/Tapas – Meson Sabika/ Tapas
Greek – Artopolis Valencia
Hot Dogs/Burgers – Hot Doug's Steakhouses – Joe's Seafood
Indian – India House Thai – Arun's
Vegetarian – Green Zebra

Not surprisingly, most of the above restaurants tend to be on the pricey side, however the guide also includes 80 best buys, led in order by Potbelly Sandwich, Superdawg, Hot Doug's, Hannah's Bretzel and Margie's Candies.

Greening and Health-Consciousness: Following a national pattern, 64% of Chicagoans indicate that they consider eating locally grown food to be important. Likewise, 65% say they are voting for more low-carb, low-fat, heart-healthy menu items. As for trans fats, 56% feel they should be banned entirely from restaurants' preparation. A majority are so concerned about issues of this kind, they are willing to “pay more” for food that is sustainably raised or organic.

Irritants: As elsewhere in the country, service is by far the biggest complaint among diners. In Chicago this year, 78% of surveyors cite service as the most irritating part of dining out, while cumulatively all other complaints, including noise, food, prices and traffic, amount to only 22% of complaints. Nina Zagat, Co-Chair of Zagat Survey says that service is clearly “the biggest problem facing the restaurant industry today.”

Milwaukee: Just a car ride across the Wisconsin border, Milwaukee's culinary scene is flourishing with unique, high-quality dining options. Residents voted Sanford's New American cuisine an all-around Top Food favorite while Ristorante Bartolotta, The Riversite, Dream Dance and Mangia followed closely behind. In a perfect trifecta, Sanford also received highest honors for Service and Decor.

The Guide in Detail

The guide features expansive ratings and reviews of the best restaurants in Chicago and Milwaukee, broken out by location, cuisine and special features, including Singles Scenes, Quick Bites, Outdoor Dining, Child-Friendly and Celebrity Chefs. The guide also contains useful neighborhood maps for both cities and a convenient wine chart.

The 2008/2009 Chicago Restaurants guide ($14.95) was edited by Alice Van Housen, Ann Christenson and Allison Lynn, and is available at bookstores and other retail outlets, through ZAGAT.com, or by calling 888/371-5440.

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Hottest Networking Events for Women in Atlanta

 

 

 

 

Countdown to Kickoff by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and others

 

Starts: July 7th, 2008 at 8:00am
Ends: July 7th, 2008 at 5:00pm

 

Former University of Georgia football players Jon and Matt Stinchcomb will host the second annual Countdown to Kickoff. Prepare for the football season along with fellow Georgia alumni, and Bulldog fans can take part in a golf tournament, Dawg-themed auction and party, fan festival and autograph session. This fundraiser will benefit the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Georgia Transplant Foundation and the University of Georgia College of Education. The event centers in cincinnati provides opportunities for hundreds of Bulldog fans to meet more than 50 current and former UGA players.               678.514.1185       .

 

 

 

 

Vital Leadership Series by Women in Technology (WIT)

 

Starts: July 9th, 2008 at 7:00am
Ends: July 9th, 2008 at 9:00am

 

Leadership is crucial not only for professional success, but also personal. Join us for our July meeting as Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO of AT&T Mobility, will share his inspirational life story, from his arrival in America from Cuba at the age of 10 without family, friends, or knowledge of English, to becoming the CEO of one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. Maggiano’s Buckhead 3368 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA

 

 

 

2nd Annual Awards Luncheon and Fundraiser by ProWomen.org

 

 

Starts: July 26th, 2008 at 8:00am
Ends: July 26th, 2008 at 4:00pm

 

For our July 26, 2008 Signature Event, we’ve planned a fun-filled day including Celebrity Challenge Tennis and Golf Tournaments for corporate and other professionals to network and learn or just have fun playing tennis or golf at the Chateau Élan Winery and Resort, just 45 minutes outside Atlanta off I-85. The day will kick off with four funtastic hours of golf or tennis if you choose or simply join us for a gourmet luncheon. Register online at www.ProWomen.org or call               866-943-5797        x 7015 for more information.

 

 

 

Maximize Corporate Asset Value through IP Strategy by IP Refinery

 

 

Starts: July 29th, 2008 at 8:30am
Ends: July 29th, 2008 at 1:00pm

 

Atlanta-based, women-owned IP Refinery presents a half day seminar on Maximizing Corporate Asset Value through Intellectual Property Business Strategy. The half-day seminar is designed specifically for investment professionals and executives who oversee one or more of corporate investment, business search, innovation processes, product development, and M&A activities. This is the first and only seminar revealing how IP strategy IS business strategy. Although others claim to show how to use patents for business, patents and other IP (such as trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets) remain in the hands of legal professionals, who, more often than not, treat IP as legal questions divorced from business reality.

 

 

 

 

Driving Success with a Quality Workforce by Toyota

 

Starts: July 31st, 2008 at 7:30am
Ends: July 31st, 2008 at 10:30am

 

Achieving success and profitability begins with recruiting, selecting, and retaining the right people to drive the engine of the business. HR executives will get an “under-the-hood” perspective on Toyota’s success in this arena at “The Toyota Culture: Driving Success with a Quality Workforce,” a complimentary breakfast presentation and business roundtable. Mike Hoseus, former Toyota Executive and Author of the best selling book Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way will be the keynote speaker. The event will be held at the Cobb Galleria and it is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please contact Dana Fox at dana_fox@adp.com or               678-683-9867        to register. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary copy of The Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way signed by Hoseus.

 

 

 

 

Kids Helping Kids by The Marcus Institute

 

Starts: August 9th, 2008 at 9:30am
Ends: August 9th, 2008 at 12:00pm

 

Kids Helping Kids is a youth talent show benefiting The Marcus Institute. The event is being hosted by The Westminster Schools. Open auditions for children age four and up. Open auditions will be held July 12 and July 16 at The Marcus Institute, and finals will be held on August 9. The contest will have four age categories. Audition information, application, and all event details can be found on our website. marcus.org/news/events/2008/kids_helping.html

 

 

 

 

Taste of Asia by Georgia Restaurant Association

 

Starts: August 10th, 2008 at 8:00am
Ends: August 16th, 2008 at 9:00pm

 

Asian food sizzles in Atlanta this summer during a Taste of Asia this Aug. 10-16. Restaurants throughout the city, such as Silk, and Ludacris’ hot new restaurant, Straits, will be featuring entertainment and special offers such as a three-course menu for $28. Casual dining restaurants will offer two dinners for a $28 value. Find the foodie in you during this week long celebration of Asian culture. A portion of the proceeds go to a culinary scholarship focusing on continuing the Asian culinary tradition. For more information and event locations, visit http://tasteofasiaweek.com.

 

 

 

 

Designed for a Purpose Fashion Show by Dress for Success Atlanta

 

Starts: August 17th, 2008 at 5:00pm
Ends: August 17th, 2008 at 7:00am

 

Fashionable Recycling: Dress for Success Atlanta is revealing its green side as it hosts its annual fashion show fundraiser event on August 17th at 5pm. In attempts to raise awareness for the organization and what they do this year designers have pushed their creative abilities to develop a new design ensemble from recycled material or clothing. At Dress for Success Atlanta, one woman’s business suit is purposefully recycled to aid another woman’s future. Please come out and join in an evening of sophisticated fashion, featuring special musical guests and an opportunity to win unbelievable prizes. Visit www.designedforapurpose.org to buy tickets or for more information. Tickets are available now for $30 general admission and $75 VIP.

 

 

 

 

Chopstix for Charity by NAAAP

 

Starts: August 18th, 2008 at 6:00pm
Ends: August 18th, 2008 at 11:00pm

 

The Atlanta chapter of National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP-Atlanta) is set to host the 10th annual Chopstix for Charity event, in conjunction to the NAAAP National Convention,at the beautiful SunTrust Atrium, two walking blocks from Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel, in Downtown Atlanta. The Phoenix, a mythical bird that rebirths itself as a stronger and more beautiful creature, will be the theme of this years gala representing a renewed and recharged spirit for the event. Chopstix for Charity will be celebrating 10 years of raising funds and awareness for the Asian-American Community. info@chopstixforcharity.org.

 

 

 

 

It’s About Time by G-CAPP & IKEA

 

Starts: September 17th, 2008 at 6:00pm
Ends: September 17th, 2008 at 9:00pm

 

“It’s About Time” For A Great Cause. Purchase one-of-a-kind art timepieces designed by celebrities such as Gladys Knight, Big Boi of Outkast, Tyler Perry of Madea, Martina Navratilova, India Arie and nationally known artists to support Jane Fonda’s Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP) during the “It’s About Time” charity auction and reception, September 17, 2008, from 6-9 p.m.at IKEA, 441 16th Street in Atlanta GA. Cost is $100 per ticket. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards G-CAPP’s Second Chance Homes Program, which provides homes throughout Georgia to young mothers with support to become self-sufficient parents.               404.475.6046        or www.gcapp.org

 

 

 

 

Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk by Kaiser Permanente

 

Starts: September 25th, 2008 at 7:00pm
Ends: September 25th, 2008 at 12:00am

 

Atlanta Woman is a proud supporting sponsor of the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk. Produced by U.S. Olympian and running expert Jeff Galloway through Phidippides Runners RRCA, the Kaiser Permanante Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program is a unique workplace organized fitness program that kicks off with the Get Active Atlanta Training Program, which includes a free 8-week training membership, and culiminates in a downtown Corporate 5K Run/Walk and Company Picnic although for those people wanting to try other culinary experiences they can try other restaurants from these online guides at https://www.unlockitlocksmith.com/the-best-foodie-experiences-in-atlanta-georgia/. The Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk is designed to promote health, wellness and fitness among metro Atlanta companies and their employees. Designed to promote health and fitness among metro Atlanta companies and their employees, a portion of proceeds also benefits the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. KPCorporaterunwalk.com

 

 

 

 

Men Stopping Violence Annual Awards Dinner by Men Stopping Violence

 

Starts: October 11th, 2008 at 8:00pm
Ends: October 11th, 2008 at 11:00pm

 

Men Stopping Violence will honor Natasha Trethewey, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, and George McKerrow Jr., philanthropist and restaurant entrepreneur, for their commitment to the work of ending violence against women. The Men Stopping Violence Annual Awards Dinner has become a traditional gathering for allies and supporters of this vital work. Tickets: $150-$200. The Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta, GA               404.270.9894        or menstoppingviolence.org.

 

 

 

 

Numbers Too Big To Ignore by Atlanta Women’s Foundation

 

Starts: October 30th, 2008 at 11:30am
Ends: October 30th, 2008 at 2:00pm

 

The Atlanta Women’s Foundation believes that an investment in women and girls is an investment in healthy families and strong communities. We accomplish this by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations serving women and girls, developing leadership programs for women, educating the public on the challenges faced by women and girls, and advocating on their behalf. Your support of this event will ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to succeed in our community. numbers@atlantawomen.org or               404.577.5000        ext. 108

 

 

 

 

New Beginnings: A Photography Exhibit & Reception by Samaritan House of Atlanta

 

Starts: October 30th, 2008 at 6:00pm
Ends: October 30th, 2008 at 9:00pm

 

New Beginnings: The Story of Homelessness and Lives Transformed, is a pictorial journey of Atlanta’s homeless men and women from the streets to success. The event will also feature a silent auction, raffle, entertainment, food and beverages, and a short presentation about Samaritan House’s impact on homelessness in Atlanta. Through New Beginnings, Samaritan House hopes to heighten awareness of the issue of homelessness in Atlanta while demonstrating a sense of hope for the homeless population and the city of Atlanta. Proceeds from the event will help fund vital services offered to Samaritan House clients, including meals, case management, employment readiness training, transitional employment opportunities and Community Voice Mail. www.SamHouse.org

 

 

 

 

 

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Numbers Too Big To Ignore Hottest Networking Playground for Atlanta Women

Numbers Too Big To Ignore

October 30, 2008

Georgia World Congress Center

Registration at 11:30am, Program at Noon
 

A New Generation: Building On A Promise

Featuring Naomi Tutu and Liz Abzug

in conversation with Soledad O'Brien

               

Read more about our speakers.

Download the brochure with sponsorship information.

Purchase sponsorship packages and single tickets.

If you need additional assistance please call 404-577-5000 x108 or email us at numbers@atlantawomen.org

 

 

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This post is sponsored by: prohormones.co

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Malibu's Hottest (and Greenest) Fourth of July Beach Party

Borden Entertainment and Distinctive Assets will team up with the Environmental Media Association (EMA) and LA.Direct Magazine to throw the coolest party in Malibu on the 4th of July! Entertainment industry elite will enjoy functional water from ACTIVATE Drinks, cocktails from Right Gin, exquisite wine from Bottlenotes, delectable catering from Stone Fire Pizza and sustainable furnishings from Naturescast(R). The event will be styled by J. Gatsby Events, whose clients include the GRAMMYs, Disney and the Hard Rock Hotel.

This eco-fabulous event will be “greened” with the help of Conscious Planet Media, including an eco-friendly red carpet from flor, odor eliminators from Pure Ayre, biodegradable bags from Biobag, soy candles from Soy Basics, hand sanitizer from Handefend, air sanitizers from Germ Guardian, biodegradable umbrellas from Brelli, energy-saving light bulbs from Aero-Tech Light Bulb Company, and recyclable plates/cups/utensils from Preserve. The carbon footprint of the party will be offset thanks to the generous support of Carbonfund.org. The N9NE Group at the Palms Hotel is providing a bevy of fun summer accessories including Playboy Club Frisbees, Ditch Friday hats and Perfecto Las Vegas beach towels. Plus, all of the talent in attendance will receive gifts from Sofft Shoe Company, SHIBUE couture and The Face Shop, among others!

“Our Malibu Beach Parties are all about the chic, fun and socially-conscious Southern California lifestyle,” said Glenda Borden, celebrity party planner and president of Borden Entertainment.

The allure of this particular Malibu Beach House and its blend of social consciousness with traditional beach fun has already drawn the attention of Pink, Matthew McConaughey, Minnie Driver, Elisabeth Rohm, Plain White T's, Paris Hilton, Jeremy Piven and Adrian Grenier.

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