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    Start:
    2008 Oct 31 on 11:52
     
    End:
    2008 Oct 31 on 11:52
     
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    21.12.2008
    “I wanted to create something that would actually put the viewer inside the paintings in a symbolic and real way,” says New Orleans, La.,-born native George Rodrigue. “As a result, the art acts like an ambassador for the city and the people, and as a thank you to various areas in the country that have helped New Orleans with its recovery.”
    He is perhaps best known for his Blue Dog series, but through January 18, 2009, at the Sheraton New Orleans, you have the opportunity to view poignant artwork by Rodrigue. His new and never-before-seen “Reflections of New Orleans” was created on chrome paper, to which he points out that the reflective nature of it (chrome paper) is a symbolic look back at the recovery of the city over the past three years.
    “It reminds us of our resilience in times of crisis.”
    To shape this special effect, he first created large silkscreen dogs on chrome and then hand-painted abstract shapes on top it, using both acrylic and silkscreen paints. Rodrigue left large blank spaces in between so the chrome would so through.
    “As a result, the viewer sees their reflection in the piece itself, and their image becomes part of the artwork and experience.”
    Over the next three years, he hopes to completes 25 of these pieces that will be sent to different museums around the country. Sheraton New Orleans currently displays the first seven. They can be seen from the hotel’s large windows that face Canal Street.
    Rodrigue has raised around $1.5 million for Gulf Coast disaster relief through his Blue Dog Relief organization. This is in addition to donating over $1 million in prints to non-profits along the Gulf Coast. This combined with the publicity from his exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art last spring led to the “Reflections” series.
    “By focusing on the arts, I think it gives the people a new sense of recovery that we can look to for inspiration,” he says. “There’s no doubt the city is receptive and welcoming to visitors. The restaurants, festivals and the arts are in full swing, and the residents are extremely happy to receive tourists.”
    photo credit: courtesy of George Rodrigue Studio/image by Rod Reed
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    21.12.2008
    Enjoy the Wonderful German American Market
    It’s cold outside, but you absolutely must make it to Christkindlmarket by the 24th. This German American Festival is a tradition to visit. Enjoy a drink of hot spiced wine called Glhwein in a mug shaped like someone’s boot. The market has shops and merchants from around the world.
    I love a good market and it’s a great place to get unique Christmas presents that you probably won’t see doubles of. Do you have someone that is hard to buy for? Get them something memorable from one of the craft merchants there.
    Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. December 24th the market is only open till 4pm.
    Tags: Christkindlmarket, Daley Plaza Activities
    20.12.2008
    Yes, its snowing again!
     
    Here are some important resources that you are going to need until this weather improves.

    Washington State Department of Transportation has information about driving conditions for good or bad weather, and is a key source for adverse driving conditions.  Check out pass conditions, ferry service, and any other transportation you might have.  Youll also find them on Twitter at wsdot.
    City of Seattle provides info about a variety of things youll need to know for inclement weather.  From safety alerts, power outages, traffic conditions, to bus routes, and all sorts of other practical information, youll want to refer to their website often.
    School Reports lists the status of schools in Western Washington, including colleges and private schools.  School may be out for winter break, but youll want to file this one away.  I have the feeling we may be using it frequently the winter.
    The Port of Seattle manages Sea-Tac Airport and keeps its website up-to-date with driving conditions, flight status, constructions, and has great links to other services that youll need.

    If the snow keeps up as forecasted, Ill have some photos to share tomorrow!
     
    Photo credit:  flickr
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    Tags: City of Seattle, Department of Transportation, driving conditions, school closures, snow resourcesShare This
    20.12.2008
    After all the preparation that youve gone through, from packing efficiently at home, making sure that you have the important things in your carry on, getting to the airport, and checking your bags, you still have the daunting task of getting through the security screening process.
    After you check your bags, take a deep breath, queue up, and get ready to wait.  The lines are likely to be long this time of year, but there are things you can do to put that time to good use.  Sure you can chat on your phone or with your traveling companions, but do that after you have everything everything else prepared and ready to go.
    Here are my recommendations for breezing through the security process:

    Have your photo ID out of your pocket or purse, and have it tucked together with your boarding pass.  Keep this handy, because youll have to present both to the TSA official when you get to the front of the line, and then again when you go through the metal detector.  Ive mentioned this before, and Ill keep mentioning as long as I see people stalling the process by waiting till theyre asked for ID.
    Once youre at the front of the security line, get off your cell phone.  You need to pay attention to where youre sent, get your things into bins and bags on the conveyor belt.  In other words, youre going to need both hands free.
    Once you get in the line to go through the metal detector, start getting ready.  Remove your shoes and jacket, and place them in a bin again BEFORE you get to the front of the line.  Cell phones and iPods, too.  Ditto for the change in your pockets or any other metal your might have though why you havent packed this away is beyond me!  All this goes is a bin.
    Remove your 3-1-1 liquids and gel bag and put it into a bag as well.  This can go with your jacket and shoes.  If you havent removed them, your bags will be inspected and items removed.  If your liquids are too large they will be confiscated or you will be directed to check your bags.  Dont waste your time, and everyone elses, by not following the regulations.  (I see this happen EVERY SINGLE DAY and cant figure out why people wont comply.)
    Remove your laptop and other large electronic items from your bag and put them into a SEPARATE bin. 

    Much of this can be done before you are at the front of the line, but realizing you cant remove everything, just be ready when its your turn.  Know where everything is so you dont have to fumble around causing delays for everyone behind you.
    If there are crew members or airport employees, they will be in a special line and likely directed to the front of the line in a sanctioned cutting in line.  Some airports have dedicated lines for employees, but most now just put everyone through the same lines, sending employees to the front.  If you have employees cut in front of you, dont become hostile or aggressive.  TSA is on alert for any aggressive behavior, and when its directed to a crew member its likely to cause even more concern.  Well be fast and get through as quickly as we can so you can have your turn.

    Once you get a little closer to the front of the line for the conveyor belt, place your luggage, carry on, purse, packages, etc. directly onto the belt.  These do not need to be in a bin.  Do not carry anything to the x-ray scan, except your boarding pass and ID.
    If, despite all your planning and efforts, you are having problems getting everything together and on the security belt, motion to the person behind you to go ahead.  Its just good manners to keep the line moving.
    After all your bags and stuff is on the conveyor belt, step aside and stand inline to walk through the metal detector.  Line up and walk through AFTER you have been motioned to do so.

     
    But what if the metal detector goes off?  Now what?  Keep reading to find more tips on getting through security.
    Hopefully, by following all previous suggestion, youll walk through the door frame and keep on walking.  But if the alarm goes off, stop and return to the front side of the door frame. 

    TSA officials will have you check your pockets to see if youve forgotten anything.  Step aside from the line to do this, letting people behind you pass through.
    If youve forgotten something in your pocket, place it in a bin and send it on through on the conveyor.  People will be irritated with you.  Theyll wonder why you thought you could get through with the bag of quarters from the slot machine jackpot you won.  Deal with it in a way that allows other people to get through and youll save a little face.

    Sometimes, though, you really have done everything right and the metal detector still goes off.  Dont get angry, just be prepared for a hand wand screen and a pat down by the TSA.  Try to keep a positive attitude about this.  It sucks.  I know.  Certain pieces of my uniform do this too, so I know how it feels.  You cant change it at that point in your travels, so just change your attitude about it and youll have a more pleasant experience.
    Its still not over yet, and theres much you have left to do.

    Once through the metal detector, slide your bags down to the end of the conveyor belt.  You can put your shoes on there out of the way of other people trying to come through behind you as well as lift up your bags and get everything back together.  Keep aware of your environment, and dont block people behind you.  If you need extra time, thats not a problem, just stand to one side so others can pass.
    As you pick up your things, stack up the empty bins.  If you dont theyll just start bunching up and nothing else will get through.  This part of the process is about paying it forward since it helps the people behind you.  Do it!

    Thats it youre finally through and ready to head to your departure gate!  Safe travels!
     
    Photo credit:  wikimedia, conveyor belt; metal detector
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    Tags: airport security, airports, holiday travelShare This
    20.12.2008
    Bundle Up!
    If you are getting ready to check out the Will Downing Concert or one of great Chicago bars, make sure you bundle up. Tonights temperature will be down to 5 degrees. That’s kind of a shock to the system when you leave the club at 2am. The windchill will make it around 20 below. We should get a couple of inches of snow but the big story will be the temperature.
    My motto used to be it’s better to look good than to feel good, but at 20 below… I don’t know.
    Be careful out there.
    Tags: Chicago Bars, chicago cold

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