August 2010 Archives

(Chicago) I know this sounds weird, but I'm addicted to Food porn.  That's right.  Food  porn!  Can't stop watching it.  But before you get the wrong impression, we're not talking about anything kinky here.   Foodporn (one word) is a website devoted to voluptuous pictures of mouth-watering food with tons of recipes.  It's a place where "foodies" (in the privacy of their own home) can lust over scantily clad Scallops glistening in Hollandaise sauce - or curvaceous Italian lasagna.  And you don't have to feel guilty afterwards.            

"The point is to get very close to what you are filming," the website creators say.  "So close that you can see an ingredient's pores, which then triggers some kind of Neanderthal reflex. If you're flicking from channel to channel and come upon food that has been shot in this way, you will be hardwired as a human being to stop, look, and bring it back to your cave."

So if you're ready for a heart-racing food experience, visit the Foodporn gallery to see sexy food shots.  visit http://foodporndaily.com/explore/food/   

(Gurnee, IL)  Found myself Cruisin' Lake County yesterday to the bustling village of Gurnee. I was invited to talk to the annual meeting of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau (see LakeCounty,org).

Aside from meeting some very dynamic people (like the mayor of Gurnee, Kristi Kovarik and Lake County Board Chairwoman, Suzi Schmidt, among others), heard some news that I hope could be an indicator of better economic times.    

So far in 2010, hotel occupancy rates are up in Lake County, compared to 2009 & 2008.  You always hear the economists say that consumer spending is crucial to the health of our local and national economy.  

How important is tourism to Lake County?  In an average year, tourism accounts for an estimated $1 billion dollars worth of economic activity.  And it's even bigger in the city of Chicago. 

Let's hope the latest numbers are an indicator that things will finally start to get better and businesses will start growing and adding jobs.