The Daily Blagica http://www.blagica.com tech, web, pop culture and other observations in Chicago. get a dose. posterous.com Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:35:14 -0800 Matthew Stafford Gets My NAME Right http://www.blagica.com/matthew-stafford-gets-my-name-right http://www.blagica.com/matthew-stafford-gets-my-name-right
Stafford.mov Watch on Posterous

I had to leave Indy, but my team was able to get Matthew Stafford to do a shout out to me on video.

Yay

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:23:25 -0800 The Next Chapter: Gals' Guide is Back http://www.blagica.com/the-next-chapter-gals-guide-is-back http://www.blagica.com/the-next-chapter-gals-guide-is-back Some of you may recall a project I've been passionately keeping alive when I could. Whether it was during holiday breaks, late hours on the laptop or in between Lily's naps, I wanted to keep Gals' Guide going.

I also faced a challenge. I was a 35 year old woman who still had a lot of news to share about living in the Big City, but writing new content from scratch wasn't easy.  The ladies that initial wrote for Gals' Guide had new projects of their own and the world of 20 something blogs were continuing to surge.

No, I needed to do something different and offer a utility that women fresh out of school could really use. 

I can't remember how many discussions and brainstorms I had with fellow civic minded folks, developers and my husband (he was the ultimate trooper).  Around this time, I discovered the beauty of new data released by not only Chicago, but the federal government.   And that data was dying to be crafted in a way that made sense.

Through relentless asking and luck, I found a fellow civic minded developer, Paul.  I combed through data sets and Paul brought the tables to life.  Once the first versions came back, I was floored.  We only took a few data sets as samples, but I finally saw a map of the type of data I could have used when I moved to Chicago.  

We are pleased to announce the 'Gals' Guide Map App' (working title).

The idea is simple, but we still need your feedback.  Type in an address in Chicago and select various information sets you'd like to learn about.  From there,you can overlay Groupon deals and even see which ward you live in.  This is the first time I've seen a map that not only shows the name of a neighborhood, but demonstrates the number people living there by age.  Wonder how many people walk to work from your neighborhood?  This map will show you.

So go ahead. Play around with the app and let us know your feedback (you can do so by clicking the 'feedback' button on the upper left nag). We have more ideas for what we want to pull in here (think UGC), but it's a solid step to help women move to the city with even more context to their neighborhoods.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:05:04 -0800 Snow angel of hilarity http://www.blagica.com/snow-angel-of-hilarity http://www.blagica.com/snow-angel-of-hilarity

2012-01-14_15-26-26_629.mp4 Watch on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:44:19 -0800 CES, hello from Motorola http://www.blagica.com/ces-hello-from-motorola http://www.blagica.com/ces-hello-from-motorola

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See the full gallery on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:10:56 -0800 Tracking CES with MOTOACTV http://www.blagica.com/tracking-ces-with-motoactv http://www.blagica.com/tracking-ces-with-motoactv

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I'll be using my MOTOACTV to keep track of my workouts, daily calories burned and steps walked around Vegas.

Learn more about this device at MOTOACTV.com.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:03:00 -0800 Real Social Media from 10 Midwest Companies http://www.blagica.com/real-social-media-from-10-midwest-companies http://www.blagica.com/real-social-media-from-10-midwest-companies
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Crain's teamed up with Dachis Group and surveyed the social media activities for the top public and private companies in Chicago. I was proud to see my team at Motorola make the list! It's been an outstanding year of challenges, learning and endless amounts of data, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
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Other companies listed include Kraft, McDonald's, Sears, Walgreen Co., Deere & Co., Boeing & Co., Allstate Corp, Abbott Laboratories and Discover Financial Services.  
If you are curious as to how we track our social media efforts, I'll be providing insight into the topic at the following events:

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:14:00 -0800 NBC Chicago shows off the DROID RAZR and MOTOACTV http://www.blagica.com/nbc-chicago-shows-off-the-droid-razr-and-moto http://www.blagica.com/nbc-chicago-shows-off-the-droid-razr-and-moto

For a closer look into what the RAZR can do, along with the MOTOACTV device, check out the Weekend Web clip here:

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:59:05 -0800 Giving @Posterous a second chance http://www.blagica.com/giving-posterous-a-second-chance http://www.blagica.com/giving-posterous-a-second-chance I spent the bulk of my night rebuilding my entire site.

A database crash at Posterous killed my pages. 

Here's to second chances. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:59:13 -0800 Who wears a Red Wings hat to a Bears game? http://www.blagica.com/who-wears-a-red-wings-hat-to-a-bears-game http://www.blagica.com/who-wears-a-red-wings-hat-to-a-bears-game
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Me!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Sat, 12 Nov 2011 07:41:20 -0800 Annual State of the South Loop Meeting http://www.blagica.com/annual-state-of-the-south-loop-meeting http://www.blagica.com/annual-state-of-the-south-loop-meeting

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See the full gallery on Posterous

Today's agenda:
-Alderman Pat Dowell's update ...3rd ward
-Hyatt Expansion
-Grant Park Conservatory
-East/West University plans to expand student center
-Columbia College branding the south loop
-CAPS update
-Rep. Ken Dunkin
-Alderman Bob Fioretti update, 2nd ward

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:09:37 -0800 Your desk needs a French press http://www.blagica.com/your-desk-needs-a-french-press http://www.blagica.com/your-desk-needs-a-french-press
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Happy to bring a favorite activity back to the office. French press coffee in the pm with my new Motorola red press!

Always enjoy a cup while staring at my gorgeous family, too:).

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:44:48 -0800 We are looking for you.And we will find you. CC @navypier http://www.blagica.com/we-are-looking-for-youand-we-will-find-you-cc http://www.blagica.com/we-are-looking-for-youand-we-will-find-you-cc
2011-11-06_11-52-57_392

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:05:31 -0700 South Loop School Update: Overcrowding http://www.blagica.com/south-loop-school-update-overcrowding http://www.blagica.com/south-loop-school-update-overcrowding Parents,

I just received word that Chicago Public Schools will not be accepting applications for South Loop School's Kindergarten Regional Gifted Program for the 2012-2013 school year. Overcrowding concerns won't enable this to happen.

The Neighborhood K-8 programming and Regional Gifted Center 1-8 will continue to operate as they have before. If you are interested in the next SLES Local School Council meeting, it's on 10/12 at 6:15.

Thanks to Enrique for the news tip.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:59:00 -0700 Be featured in the social pages AND help teachers? Why not? http://www.blagica.com/be-featured-in-the-social-pages-and-help-teac http://www.blagica.com/be-featured-in-the-social-pages-and-help-teac

I always like to open my two cents with a clear disclosure.

I went to public school from kindergarten all the way through college.
I was one of those 'ooh, ooh, ooh' kids who always raised her hand out of turn.
I have a 21 month old babe and have no idea where we will be sending her to school.
My elementary school told my parents that I was too advanced and needed a private girls school in Michigan. My parents told the principal to give me more work.

I stayed in public school.

I've been intrigued by the debate going on in Chicago.  The long and short of it: Mayor Emanuel wants to extend the school day and put Chicago on par with the rest of the country. The Chicago Teachers Union is pushing back on the Mayor's request. Why?  An extended school day by 90 minutes doesn't necessarily equal an increase in pay for those teachers.

So I thought I'd propose an idea.

With so many charity events happening in Chicago in just one year, alot of money exchanges hands for deserving groups.  Ladies will be at Nordstrom, Nieman's and Macy's snatching up gorgeous gowns to get snapped for one our lovely society magazines and newspapers. Heck, there will soon be a $35,000 per plate fundraising dinner to help President Obama's 2012 election campaign.

Should any of these events stop? Of course not.  But it makes me wonder. If there are enough people willing to spend $35k for a fundraiser, imagine if 100 people paid $10K to go to an event that helped fund the salaries of teachers that WANT to work the extra 90 minutes. Then again, are the people who can afford the $10K sending their kids to public school?

A snazzy event with tuxedos and cocktail dresses, your picture snapped for the society magazine and impacting a sea of kids across the city of Chicago? Seems like a no brainer to me.

Then again, what do I know. I was just that kid who liked talking about Nikola Tesla all the time and secured an academic scholarship to a fantastic state school.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:29:00 -0700 VIDEO: Press Conference with Mayor Emanuel and Foursquare http://www.blagica.com/video-press-conference-with-mayor-emanuel-and http://www.blagica.com/video-press-conference-with-mayor-emanuel-and

Earlier today, Foursquare visited Chicago to announce a new partnership with the City of Chicago.  Chicago will be the first city to have a city badge, dubbed the Windy City badge.  20 locations will be part of this program. Visit 5 and get a badge.

You can scroll through the beginning as I was getting the cam set up.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:13:45 -0700 Hello Mayor Emanuel http://www.blagica.com/hello-mayor-emanuel http://www.blagica.com/hello-mayor-emanuel
2011-09-16_11-12-28_950

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:58:29 -0700 Get to know the BIONIC http://www.blagica.com/get-to-know-the-bionic http://www.blagica.com/get-to-know-the-bionic We release a new phone tomorrow.
And it's awesome.

!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:44:53 -0700 The $10 wine challenge http://www.blagica.com/the-10-wine-challenge http://www.blagica.com/the-10-wine-challenge
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Visiting my parents in Michigan. It was a long day and we are shopping at Meijer. I challenged my wino husband to an impromptu $10 wine challenge.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:55:36 -0700 Note: new contact info for Blagica http://www.blagica.com/note-new-contact-info-for-blagica http://www.blagica.com/note-new-contact-info-for-blagica Friends,

Please send all text messages and phone calls to 312.890.BLOG (2564).  I am going to be discontinuing my old phone number as of early next week.

Thanks
Blagica

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:17:00 -0700 The City Parents' Dilemma That Shouldn't Be a Dilemma http://www.blagica.com/the-city-parents-dilemma-that-shouldnt-be-a-d http://www.blagica.com/the-city-parents-dilemma-that-shouldnt-be-a-d

When I was little, I lived 16 houses down from Carlson Elementary School. We had the option to go home for lunch, depending on whether or not you wanted to play on the jungle gym or eat first.  I remember seeing my mom waiting on the driveway for me. I would start walking, then run in a fast clip to greet her. I also used to roller skate with broom sticks down the driveway, acting like I was the 'Agony of Defeat Guy' from the Wide World of Sports.

Today, I'm a mom living in Chicago. My little one is about to turn two in December.  She technically won't enter kindergarten until 2015, but the conversations about schools are already popping up. It's not that I obsess over the school question, but it's a common occurrence in the city.  Whether I like it or not, I can't avoid the question.  It's not like parents pry - they seek out advice from other parents and see who's done what research.

What am I talking about? Private school.

I am a public school kid. Kindergarten through college. It served me well. I learned a lot. I loved it. I didn't miss out on a thing.  So here I am in the city of Chicago and parents of older children are sharing stories of how they moved into one of few neighborhoods where the public school was acceptable (and the homes were AFFORDABLE), how they began volunteering with the PTA before their child was born, how they agonized for years on ensuring their kid tested into one of the top public high schools and how some of them left Chicago because they couldn't deal with the stress. 

Here's another funny thing about me - I actually enjoy paying taxes. Paying taxes is my way of contributing, putting in my time to my neighborhood and supporting the services that my community needs. Here's the kicker: a majority of my property taxes go to the Chicago Public Schools. Awesome. So here is the question: in a city where fantastic startups are getting funded, where are a fraction of those funds for our public schools? Ok, before you blast me, hear me out.

If any of you know me, you know that I'm first in line to celebrate innovation in Chicagoland. It brings jobs, opportunities and keeps this region on the forefront of global leadership. Now, with so much money flowing into new companies and/or other companies, I find it ironic that we still have student to teacher ratios of 35:1 (South Loop School).

Just yesterday, I talked to a neighbor who has two kids.  She had terrific things to say about the Chicago Park District pre-K (age three) program for her older son, but began worrying about what to do for elementary school.  They have two full-time working parents, a nanny (I'm not advocating for hiring a nanny, different strokes for different folks) and can't fathom shelling out $7K a year for one child, let alone two, to attend a private program.  To boot, their 2 bedroom condo is getting too small for them. So they are stuck - real estate owners in a market that isn't ideal for selling. One elementary age child who may be sent  to private school, ensuring a quality student to teacher ratio and a curriculum that promises to be enriching.

By the time little L is of school age, we don't know where we'll be.  It may be Chicago, it may very well be the suburbs. I am so stubborn and believe in raising a kid in the city that we may end up staying here, however, at what cost? How many spreadsheets do I have to make? How many neighborhoods' real estate listings will I need to stalk? 

Some of the thought leaders and young families that the Aldermen and City Council want to stay in the city are actually moving out. As soon as I was engaged, everyone told me to have a plan to move out of Chicago by the time our first child was 3.  It was presented to me like a rite of passage: you move to the city as a single gal, start a career, find a mate, get hitched and leave. 

Mayor Emanuel, your move.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/140432/blagica.jpg http://posterous.com/users/k1uiSQRLz3 Blagica Bottigliero blah-gee-tsa Blagica Bottigliero