Bizzaro World

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Aug.28, 2010

Since I arrived in Central Illinois six years ago, I have had a variety of people from mayors, economic development professionals and state representatives and senators  to private business leaders and owners say something like, “Why don’t Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and Champaign-Urbana get together... [Read more]

More Simple Stuff

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Aug.09, 2010

Looking at the TED web site today I came across a video on simplicity that I though proved my last blog point might I say, quite simply.  George Whitesides is a professor of Bioorganic/Physical Organic Chemistry, Materials Science at Harvard University. Leave it to him to take complex systems and explain... [Read more]

Simply Speaking

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Aug.07, 2010

I woke up this morning thinking about simplicity. Actually I woke up about 4:15. I think I fell back to sleep, but it was still on my mind later as I actually woke up for the day. How do we simplify things and is it a worthy endeavor? I remember in high school one of my favorite classes was Anatomy ... [Read more]

Seek Beauty in Everything

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Aug.05, 2010

The Illinois development council recently had it’s annual conference her in Bloomington Normal. The IDC is a professional group of economic developers in Illinois whose purpose is to provide education to its members and improve the conditions of their individual communities by learning from each... [Read more]

Practice makes Perfect…well, almost

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Aug.03, 2010

When I was in high school I paid little attention to my English classes. I loved to read. I had always been a reader. Every summer my mother took me to the local branch library.  I was required to check-out and read books all summer. Later, I was allowed to ride my bike to the branch, or to the  locally... [Read more]

Eat Local Garlic!

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Aug.03, 2010

Food is important to all of us. I have recently become interested in this thing we call food. I am a bit overweight and need to loose some pounds. I started adding weight about 8 years ago and haven’t quit. My excuse is that I have a tough schedule that requires a lot of eating out for lunch, dinner,... [Read more]

Lift your Cheek!

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Jul.26, 2010

I recently attended a retreat at the Edward Lowe Foundation in Cassopolis, Michigan. The retreat center was created by the same guy who created Kitty Litter and made millions on the product. Fortunately all those cats pooping in boxes of clay got us beautiful retreat center where the foundation spends... [Read more]

The New IDC Year: Message from the Chair

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Jul.22, 2010

This post is for all my economic development friends in Illinois who are members of the Illinois Development Council (IDC). The IDC is a group of voluntary members who are interested in furthering the economic base of the State of Illinois. The IDC has officially started a new year and I am honored and... [Read more]

Go Ahead, Give it a Taste!

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Jul.16, 2010

When I was a kid, my parents insisted that we try new foods. They always taught us that we should try something at least once. “Taste it at least once and if you don’t’ like it you don’t have to eat it”,  they would say. You will never know if you don’t try. I like... [Read more]

City Girl becomes Country Entrepreneur

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Jul.13, 2010

Bishop Hill Tower I went to Bishop Hill, Illinois the other day to see and visit a restaurant of a friend of mine. She has a unique little place that is the highlight of the community and provides visitors with homemade country cooking  along with Swedish favorites. Bishop Hill is situated just east... [Read more]

This Little Piggy Went to Market

Post By: Marty    Posted On: Jul.06, 2010

Note: To my vegetarian friends, you may wish to skip this essay. I am writing this immediately upon finishing some grilled salmon and sauteed Brussels sprouts with garlic and balsamic vinegar. I love to cook and experiment with new foods and food related activities.  Food has always been important... [Read more]