What makes a good website, to YOU?

Time magazine just published its 50 Best Websites of 2011, which covers websites from varying topics, including entertainment, business, education, news, etc. I’ve never heard of most of them, and it made me think about what criteria Time used to identify these 50 as the best out of the millions of sites that must be on the web.

The common threads seem to be a website’s ability to connect people with similar interests, provide content that users are looking for on demand, or featuring something that anyone can relate to in their own way. One of my favorites was Dear Photograph, a site where users share memories in the form of an old photograph held up against the same background in present day. Although the people in the photographs are total strangers, I like that it feels like you were there, or maybe that you know the person in the photograph.

Chicago Farmer's Markets

Summer in Chicago is amazing. Sure, it can be crazy-hot and swamp-humid, but it’s my favorite season, hands-down. One of my favorite things of summer is the reappearance of farmers markets. Sure they have flowers, veggies, and fruit… but my neighborhood market also has crepes, fresh bread, and a truck called, “Everything’s Better with Bacon.”

There are more than 70 vendors that come out every day of the week throughout the city. If you haven’t been to a market yet, you should go! The people-watching is pretty amazing, and you can find some pretty fantastic, super-fresh produce. As a bonus, you’re supporting local farmers and businesses. I think this weekend I’ll check out the farmers market and look for some strawberries and asparagus… and maybe a crepe!

For more information about Farmer's Markets in Chicago.
To find a Farmer's Market near you, in the city or suburbs, click here.

Image from Free Things To Do In Chicago (Green City Market).

Passing the Baton

Today marks a big day for the city of Chicago. Mayor Richard M. Daley, the city’s longest-serving mayor, steps down and is replaced by former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Whether you love him or hate him, Mayor Daley’s has had some serious staying power here. In 1989, the year he was elected to his first term, I was in the 5^th grade. Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli both had 3 #1 hits on the Billboard charts, and Rain Man won the Oscar for Best Picture. My, how time flies.

Congratulations, Mr. Daley. Welcome, Mayor Emanuel!