Now in Chicago

The Yelp-Google Conspiracy Update - Something is Fishy

So, the plot thickens. I re-tested the searches I spoke about in my previous post. The search in question was the title, in quotes, of my review I posted to Yelp  on 7/16 about the Kooza Cirque show in Chicago.

Two days later I did some test searches; one, for my blog post about the Kooza show, and the other about the Kooza Yelp review; something was fishy (see original conspiracy post).

Today (note that I contacted Yelp and Google), did the searches again, because Yelp contacted me. Miraculously, the rankings are as they should be. Well, what happened? See for yourself. Below are two links to the same search done two different days.

• Screenshot #1: "Cirque Kooza Road Show a Bore"
• Screenshot #2: "Cirque Kooza Road Show a Bore"

What do you make of it?

Conspiracy Revealed, Yelp and Google are in Bed Together

I recently discovered a disparaging fact, Yelp and Google are manipulating search results for the sake of commercialism, or so it appears.

Yelp boasts itself as; “the ultimate city guide that taps into the community's voice and reveals* honest and current insights on local businesses and services on everything from martinis to mechanics.”

Google says, “Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.**”

So, what is the truth? Let’s start with Yelp. While the Yelp idea sounds great, there is a curious dent in their mantra. It all started with a review I posted about Cirque road show, Kooza, which is now playing in Chicago (see original post). A fellow Yelper discovered this dent;

(Yelper): so if anyone wants to play yelp conspiracy theory for a minute... or rather, just to see what exactly money can buy...context...  kooza is the sponsor of this week's yelp newsletter....now google “Cirque Kooza Road Show a Bore” in quotes (SEE RESULTS);  it doesn't come up in google.  (the text does come up from the "recent conversations" list in the sidebar of items that were indexed, but not a link to the thread itself). Google any other topic name in quotes.  It more than likely comes up.  I was able to find one topic that didn't come up as well... "$4 a day" ...and I have a feeling it has something to do with the $ or just the shortness. (filter google results to only show yelp results if you want by putting site:yelp.com in the search).
 
Yelp-relating Resources: Yelp-Sucks | I Hate Yelp

Is this odd? YES! How is Google involved in this mess? I then decided to Google my blog post (SEE RESULTS) about the Cirque show in Quotes, “Cirque du Soleil Road Show is Boring” (original blog post) and it comes up with a different post. This led me to believe that Google is involved in this conspiracy. I decided to do the same test with other posts on my blog; they all came up high in search rankings on Google.
   
Google Resources: Google Watch | The Biscuit Report
 
So, why has the not-so-positive Kooza post being suppressed? Unfortunately, I can only speculate that Cirque invested money to have these negative posts hard to find, replacing the old search results with more positive listings. But, if Yelp and Google manipulated organic searches that are supposedly built on a foundation of integrity, then we have trouble. Be aware consumers, user-generated content may not exist, as the almighty dollar can seemingly fix anything.

I contacted Yelp and Google about my findings. Yelp has responded (7/24/2008): they did not address the Yelp ranking issue, but spoke to Google's proprietary algorithm.
 
* If it is true, and businesses are allowed to pay and maniuplate organic listings, this comment is false.
** I do not find it universally useful when I input an exact search for a title and it does not appear in the results.

From Ghost Poster Scott E

THANK YOU

Today I left Chicago with a heavy heart and the knowledge that I was doing it for all the right reasons. As I sit here at O'hare I want to thank all the friends I made here in Chicago for embracing me with an open heart and open minds. I was impressed with your kind nature and your inviting ways and this demeanor helped ease my transition to a new city and a new life. Your kindness allowed me to relax and be myself as I tried to find my way in the windy city. Thank you to all of you. Over the next couple of months I look forward to embarking on my life's goal, and to hanging out with you once again on those occasions when I come back to visit. Thank you.

The Motorcycle in Batman Movie

 
I want this motorcycle (larger photo)! If you have not seen the new Batman movie, go check it out, awesome to see all of the Chicago spots in the movie. The story was great, the acting superb. If I had one criticism it would be that it was about 30 minutes longer than it needed to be. See Batman news below;

Dark Knight on IMDB
    Dark Knight Tickets
Dark Knight News

5 Best Chicago Lunch Spots

Finding a place in Chicago to get a quick lunch is not difficult, but what about a place that not only offers quick dining, but good food and good value too? The following is what I consider to be the 5 best Chicago lunch spots (in no particular order);

Bijans Bistro (Erie and State): sit outside, start with the edamame and end with the steak salad with a nice glass of Shiraz. Most notable, Bijan is known for its late-night menu; serving until 2 AM (grilled tenderloin sandwich is phenomenal).

Big Bowl (Ohio and Wabash): with awesome Asian (Kung Pao Shrimp rocks) dishes and superb green tea options and a cool mid-day scene, Big Bowl is a good choice for lunch in Chicago.

D4 (McClurg and Grand): this newly opened Irish Pub/Café offers a cool inside setting, or outdoor dining. If you like to grab a beer at lunch this is the place to get the best Irish suds while chomping on one of their Irish sandwiches, or a cool salad. Try the French onion soup if it is not too hot outside.

Foulton’s (LaSalle and the River): take the water taxi back to work after dining on the Chicago River. Foulton’s has a great menu and the dining experience is even better. This place is a Mecca for dining business people, so if it is networking you are looking for, this is the spot.

OYSY (Grand, between Wabash and State): some of the best sushi in Chicago! OYSY has a great dining room, but offers outdoor seating as well. This place is always packed, so catch a later lunch, or get there nice and early. There is nothing like a little Saki at lunch to make the afternoon go smoother.

What are your favorites?

Cirque du Soleil Road Show is Boring

I have been to many Cirque shows, two in Vegas, which were  spectacular. But, the road shows are not all that.

Last November I went to a show in Dayton, Ohio  and was talking up the show to the people who I was with, as they had not seen  a Cirque show before. To my complete surprise, the show was just simply “ok.”

Last week, I went to the Cirque show in Chicago  and while it was better than the show in Dayton,  it still did not compare to the Vegas shows, and much like the Dayton show although it had a different  title. Hmmm, quite curious.

Don’t get me wrong, the talent in these shows is tremendous,  but for $100/ticket I want to see a little more. Perhaps this Canadian business  is opting for the classic American business model; expand to hit a larger  market and gain more cash flow. It appears to me that Cirque has mirrored the  classic theatre business model, high cost to see the show, then outrageous  markups for drinks and snacks because there is no other option; I paid $4 for Dasani water. I inspected the water for flakes of gold, assuming that was why it cost 300% more than at 711, but did not find any.

In short, save your money and see a show in Vegas, NY, or  Orlando because the road shows are nothing to write home about. If you feel the  need to see a road, just go once, even if the next show has a different name,  it is exactly the same. Broadway Box Reviews

Other Unique Entertainment Options in Chicago
Blue Man Group: I have seen this show twice and was utterly entertained both times. The show was quite similar to the last, but they have a good model and mixed it up slightly.

Bye Bye Liver: if you like to drink and laugh, this show is  for you. If you are visiting Chicago  and want something unique, then check out this BYOB performance.

80s Prom: another interactive show, great for large groups. Be sure to fully participate, dress up 80s prom-like for the full experience.

Smut and Eggs: Twisted Spoke has an interesting concept for those not looking to end the night, Porn and Eggs, I need not say anymore.

You have any additions? SEE LATEST UPDATE

Best Rooftop Lounges in Chicago

One of the most attractive qualities of social life in Chicago during the summer is the rooftop lounge. After a ferocious winter, Chicagoans are looking for every opportunity to be outside. I consider the following to be the best rooftop lounges in Chicago (What is your favorite rooftop lounge in Chicago?); 

• Castaways at North Avenue Beach: this is a great spot right on Michigan Lake. This is the perfect spot of you are looking to cut off from work and hit the beach. Castaways offers music/karaoke at night to feed the happy-go-lucky vibe. GO TO SITE 
 
• Nomi (Michigan and Chicago): next to Ralph Lauren’s restaurant, this is a great spot for those who wish to be seen by the socialites of Chicago. It’s Asian décor and cool drinks make this a great spot for a first date, or to take a relationship to the next level. Be prepared to spend some $ though, this place is not cheap. GO TO SITE 
 
• Rock Bottom (Grand and State): this is a great spot, but watch out for the construction! Rock Bottom is a happy hour hot spot in Chicago. Dawned as a beer garden, this brewery’s rooftop reminds of why you live downtown. GO TO SITE 
 
• ZED 451 (Clark and Superior): this new River North spot did it right when planning their rooftop lounge. While you are there, you may just think you are in Aspen at an Après Ski joint, but once you look up you will know you are in the heart of Chicago. SEE COMPLETE REVIEW 
 
• SushiSamba Rio (Wells and Grand): this has always been a hot spot in Chicago. The rooftop is sometimes called the, “Celebrity Rooftop,” as its chic décor attracts the Chicago’s famous. GO TO SITE
  
  
• Citizen Bar (Erie and Orleans): great Friday night happy hour spot. I happened to check out Citizen Bar this past Friday and the place was hopping with Chicago's finest. If you are looking for the perfect happy hour rooftop top in Chicago to  start the weekend right, Citizen Bar is your stop, crawling with good-looking 30-somethings looking to unwind after the work week. GO TO SITE

Gen Art Chicago Presents Another Gem, August

Last night Gen Art Chicago showed an advanced screening (sponsored by Acura) of the new movie, August, an independent filmed that depicts the fast lane tribulations of an aspiring Internet mogul during the bust of the Internet bubble in the 90s.

Starring Josh Hartnett (Tom Sterling) as a cocky e-mogul (strategically contrasted to his co-starring shy brother character, Joshua Sterling), this film captures an inside view of the reality of the plummeting market value during the end of the “Net” boom, and how two polar-opposite brothers deal with the inevitable demise of their business, Land Shark.

The movie immediately sets the tone, taking the audience back to the late 90s when almost of the dot com businesses where failing. But, there was one rising star, Tom Sterling, an abrasive non-conforming asshole with a brilliant business savvy and a genius for a brother. Sterling’s Land Shark company was somehow rising to the top while all other businesses were failing. But, the rise of Land Shark was heading towards a downward spiral, and soon, a moment-of-truth would confront the seemingly indestructible Tom Sterling.

How Was this Movie Smart?
The characters showed great contrast and the cinematography depicted a dark undertone to the whole story, making it edgy, much like the dot com business itself. Another intelligent nugget in the movie was the man versus himself theme. Hartnett’s character was consistently portrayed as this selfish prick that cared about no one but himself and his image, but in the end Tom Sterling, when faced with the ultimate challenge, proved that there was still a moral thread in his character.

Not Smart?
Personally, the ending did not do it for me. Although, it was unexpected, which is nice change from a lot films today, I would have liked to get a little more conclusion. Beyond that, this was a tight film with some slight acting issues here and there, but overall a good pick.

Go see it! And, check out what Gen Art Chicago has up their sleeve next.

New Hot Spot in Chicago, Zed 451

Clark and Superior
312.266.6691
ADD YOUR EXPERIENCE
 
I first learned of Zed 451 from a friend who was in Chicago on business. She raved about the dining experiencing, expressing that the food was spectacular and the ambiance magnificent. But, through recent discoveries I have learned that there is much more to this new Chicago hot spot.

THE ZED 451 LOUNGE
My second experience with Zed 451 in Chicago (Clark and Superior) was last Saturday night, as I went to check out the nighttime scene. Upon our arrival there was a medium size line that was moving uber-slow. Anyone who knows me, I am not one for lines and my patience was wearing thin, so I decided to bypass the queue and head into the main lounge area; seems everyone was waiting to go to the rooftop lounge.

The main lounge is chic, hip, diverse (age and culture), and full of Chicago’s “finest” patrons. As a Chicagoan you also know that you pay for this kind of atmosphere, drinks were $11 a pop! Well worth it however as this River North spot was the place to be that night.

While the lounge was satisfying our social needs, we were eager to check out the rooftop. As luck would have it, we met one of the managers who was happy to feed our curiosity.

THE ZED 451 ROOFTOP
The Zed 451 Rooftop was hot, making it the hot new Chicago rooftop lounge! This rustic haven dawned a plethora of fashionable urbanites, and the atmosphere created a cool, even vibe. Although the view is mediocre, the décor makes this is a great Chicago rooftop lounge to impress a first date, or just a place to hit when the weather is right.

THE ZED 451 RESTAURANT
Last night, my girlfriend took me to Zed 451 for my birthday. We had an early reservation so much of the staff was free to court us to our table and prepare us for what they call a “dining experience,” seems to be their tagline. Zed 451 pays attention to detail, as the tables surround the focus of the dining experience, the food. Much like a Brazilian steak house, the Zed 451 offering is built in tiers; first, the harvest; a huge variety of creative comestibles to get the palette ready for the second tier, MEAT. We put a river stone on the outside of the table and chefs jaunt over to brag about their unique creation. Zed 451 is big into seasonings, marinating, and stylish cooking methods.

While you are digging in, visitors come by to drop of biscuits, vegetables, potatoes, drinks, etc., making it truly a dining experience, as they so boldly declare. While the food was fantastic, it was the visitors that made the experience. Their wanted to make our time in Zed 451 memorable and were curious to learn of our favorites, if we wanted to try something else, etc. The head chef even escorted my girlfriend to the facility. Needless to say, we had the dining experience they wanted us to have.

IN A NUTSHELL
Go to Zed 451 for drinks, social, dining; anything, just go check it out. If you go for nightlife and see a line, bypass and hangout in the main lounge, then sneak up to the roof top through the restaurant.

What is Your Body Type, and Why Should You Care?

There is an ancient Ayurvedic philosophy called Tri-Dosha, in which the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces called doshas (that which changes, governing principles that every living thing is characterized by dosha, type). Through this philosophy one can discover how their particular dosha is effective by these elements, thus create an algorithm to promote wellness within their life.

Why should you continue reading? Much research has been done to the relationship between your dosha and your personal environment. Hence, if you have a good understanding of your dosha mix you can manipulate your environment/the elements for enhanced well-being.

The Three Doshas
The most important variable in researching your body type is to understand what elements bring balance to your life and what elements disrupt your balance. The brief descriptions below can help you discover your body type and how you can effectively achieve balance in your life. You are a combination of two doshas, but one outweighs the other. Understand that throughout life your body type changes between variances of each and you can change your body type slightly, but never the core of your primary dosha.

Vata Dosha: Vata is made up of the elements of space and air. People characterized in the Vata dosha are often thin, slender frame, and prominent joints. They often have high levels of energy. Learn more about the Vata Dosha.

Pitta Dosha: Pitta is made up for the elements of fire and water. People characterized in the Pitta dosha are often of medium proportions, their frame is neither small, nor large, and they often have fine hair. Pitta people are sharp in thought and quite ambitious. Learn more about the Pitta Dosha.

Kapha Dosha: Kapha is made of the elements of water and earth. People characterized in the Kapha dosha have larger proportions, with large frames and are easy going. Kapha people tend to be quite loyal. Learn more about the Kapha Dosha.

Once you learn about your current dosha mix you can then discover those elements that bring balance to your life for optimal wellness.

A great resource that I have used in the past is a book called, Spiritual Nutrition. This book helps you define your body type then defines a habit of eating that best suits you. Read at Google Books.

  Chicago Ayurveda Resources

 
• Ayurveda Meet UP
 
• UIC Medical Center
 
• Chicago Practioner
 
• Upcoming Event in Chicago