Travels of Jason Ticus

Jason Ticus and the Story of the Cloud Gate

There aren’t many vistas that so wholly scream “CHICAGO!” like the Cloud Gate, the iconic centerpiece of AT&T plaza in Millennium Park. Designed by the British artist, Anish Kapoor, it is often called, “the bean” (for obvious reasons).

The shape and material were purposefully selected to remind visitors of liquid mercury, constructed from 168 stainless steel plates that have been seamlessly welded together. It is at once elegantly simple and decidedly futuristic. Its uniquely reflective properties make it a huge hit with tourists in terms of photo opportunities when visiting the city.

Worth the Wait

But how did this great piece come to be? Many people don’t know that Kapoor’s design was actually selected as a result of a design competition. It beat out another highly impressive proposal in 1999 to become the predominant showpiece sculpture of the park. Millennium Park was officially inaugurated in 2004, which was obviously four years later than intended.

The sculpture ended up costing an extravagant 23 million dollars, which illustrates just how huge of an undertaking it was. Kapoor did not want to unveil an unfinished piece to the public, hence the delay. However, he eventually gave in and it wasn’t until work was completely finished in 2006 and Kapoor’s vision finally completely realized that the public came to fully embrace the statue. Seamless and polished, the finished work is now a beloved touch to one of the country’s most beautiful cities.

 

Jason Ticus – Top 10 Best Travel Gadgets

The old adage, don’t leave home without it, applies to more then a credit card.  With the proliferation of tech devices, there are too many important items to take with you when you travel.  Here are the top 10 in different tech categories.

10. The Best All-Around Camera: Sony a6000

If you haven’t tried switching over from a bulky DSLR to a lightweight new mirrorless (MILC) body, try Sony’s palm-size model. It takes amazingly clear shots, with its big 24.3mp sensor, wide-ranging ISO, and sharp autofocus. $650

9. Best Camera Zoom: PowerShot SX700 HS

Try this ergonomic and pocket-friendly high-performance point-and-shoot, which differentiates itself with a 30x optical zoom. The Creative Shot mode is like Instagram. They offer five color variations and modifications for the crop on any frame automatically. $300

8. Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Laptop: Asus Eeebook X205

Our top pick in a new wave of low-price laptops, this 11-incher cuts out excess bulk (it barely weighs 2 pounds) without sacrificing substance. It features a chiclet-style keyboard, a fast processor, and intuitive controls—with 12 hours of battery life to boot. $179; asus.com.

7. Best All-Around Phone: HTC One (M8)

Equipped with twin stereo speakers, availability in Android and Windows, and a user-friendly interface – this phone is all about being high performance. It’s one of the best- looking—models on the market. From $150

6. Best Tablet for Outdoor Use: Sony Xperia Z2

Available in two colors, jet black or glossy white, this sleek and rugged tablet is dust proof, water-resistant, sturdy. The 10-inch screen is wide enough that your travel companions enjoy along with you. From $500

5. Best Earbuds: MA750i

Even without active noise-canceling, these durable buds block out most ambient noise. What sets them apart? Handmade drivers for true-to-life sound and memory-foam earpieces that stay in place. $130; rha-audio.com.

4. Best Travel Speaker: Soundmatters Dash7

This tiny powerhouse that uses a set of 25 mm speakers to deliver incredible tones from a pencil-box-size body. $199

3. Best Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 25

This the gold standard for over-ear noise-canceling, which has been given a tune up in both performance and design. From $300

2. Best Wearable: Moto 360

Smart watch are new on the market, and not as good as they are going to be. But for Android users, Motorola’s take is amazing.  Its swipe-motion offers helps you get around without looking like a tourist. $250

1. Best E-Reader: Kindle Voyage

This ereader, glare-resistant, hi-resolution, and thinner than ever, Amazon’s newest e-reader means business. It includes a a translation tool to help you conquer foreign documents and the ability to turn pages simply by squeezing the device, thanks to new feedback technology. $199

 

Best Holiday Restaurants in the U.S.

Whatever you’re celebrating, you’ll feel merry indeed when you dine at these restaurants.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best Towns for the Holidays

Twinkling lights, sumptuous meals, and maybe even Santa skiing down the slopes: T+L readers share their favorite towns for the holidays.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

Travel and Leisure Connect

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

 

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best College Towns

Visit these thriving college towns for a crash course in live music, craft beer, art, and history.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

T+L’s Definitive Guide to Madrid

Lay of the Land

Argensola: Tucked between trendy Chueca and the upscale shopping district of Barrio de Salamanca, Calle Argensola is packed with independent boutiques and lively bars.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

Jason Ticus and the Story of the Cloud Gate

There aren’t many vistas that so wholly scream “CHICAGO!” like the Cloud Gate, the iconic centerpiece of AT&T plaza in Millennium Park. Designed by the British artist, Anish Kapoor, it is often called, “the bean” (for obvious reasons).

The shape and material were purposefully selected to remind visitors of liquid mercury, constructed from 168 stainless steel plates that have been seamlessly welded together. It is at once elegantly simple and decidedly futuristic. Its uniquely reflective properties make it a huge hit with tourists in terms of photo opportunities when visiting the city.

Worth the Wait

But how did this great piece come to be? Many people don’t know that Kapoor’s design was actually selected as a result of a design competition. It beat out another highly impressive proposal in 1999 to become the predominant showpiece sculpture of the park. Millennium Park was officially inaugurated in 2004, which was obviously four years later than intended.

The sculpture ended up costing an extravagant 23 million dollars, which illustrates just how huge of an undertaking it was. Kapoor did not want to unveil an unfinished piece to the public, hence the delay. However, he eventually gave in and it wasn’t until work was completely finished in 2006 and Kapoor’s vision finally completely realized that the public came to fully embrace the statue. Seamless and polished, the finished work is now a beloved touch to one of the country’s most beautiful cities.

 

Jason Ticus – Top 10 Best Travel Gadgets

The old adage, don’t leave home without it, applies to more then a credit card.  With the proliferation of tech devices, there are too many important items to take with you when you travel.  Here are the top 10 in different tech categories.

10. The Best All-Around Camera: Sony a6000

If you haven’t tried switching over from a bulky DSLR to a lightweight new mirrorless (MILC) body, try Sony’s palm-size model. It takes amazingly clear shots, with its big 24.3mp sensor, wide-ranging ISO, and sharp autofocus. $650

9. Best Camera Zoom: PowerShot SX700 HS

Try this ergonomic and pocket-friendly high-performance point-and-shoot, which differentiates itself with a 30x optical zoom. The Creative Shot mode is like Instagram. They offer five color variations and modifications for the crop on any frame automatically. $300

8. Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Laptop: Asus Eeebook X205

Our top pick in a new wave of low-price laptops, this 11-incher cuts out excess bulk (it barely weighs 2 pounds) without sacrificing substance. It features a chiclet-style keyboard, a fast processor, and intuitive controls—with 12 hours of battery life to boot. $179; asus.com.

7. Best All-Around Phone: HTC One (M8)

Equipped with twin stereo speakers, availability in Android and Windows, and a user-friendly interface – this phone is all about being high performance. It’s one of the best- looking—models on the market. From $150

6. Best Tablet for Outdoor Use: Sony Xperia Z2

Available in two colors, jet black or glossy white, this sleek and rugged tablet is dust proof, water-resistant, sturdy. The 10-inch screen is wide enough that your travel companions enjoy along with you. From $500

5. Best Earbuds: MA750i

Even without active noise-canceling, these durable buds block out most ambient noise. What sets them apart? Handmade drivers for true-to-life sound and memory-foam earpieces that stay in place. $130; rha-audio.com.

4. Best Travel Speaker: Soundmatters Dash7

This tiny powerhouse that uses a set of 25 mm speakers to deliver incredible tones from a pencil-box-size body. $199

3. Best Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 25

This the gold standard for over-ear noise-canceling, which has been given a tune up in both performance and design. From $300

2. Best Wearable: Moto 360

Smart watch are new on the market, and not as good as they are going to be. But for Android users, Motorola’s take is amazing.  Its swipe-motion offers helps you get around without looking like a tourist. $250

1. Best E-Reader: Kindle Voyage

This ereader, glare-resistant, hi-resolution, and thinner than ever, Amazon’s newest e-reader means business. It includes a a translation tool to help you conquer foreign documents and the ability to turn pages simply by squeezing the device, thanks to new feedback technology. $199

 

Best Holiday Restaurants in the U.S.

Whatever you’re celebrating, you’ll feel merry indeed when you dine at these restaurants.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best Towns for the Holidays

Twinkling lights, sumptuous meals, and maybe even Santa skiing down the slopes: T+L readers share their favorite towns for the holidays.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

Travel and Leisure Connect

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

 

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best College Towns

Visit these thriving college towns for a crash course in live music, craft beer, art, and history.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

T+L’s Definitive Guide to Madrid

Lay of the Land

Argensola: Tucked between trendy Chueca and the upscale shopping district of Barrio de Salamanca, Calle Argensola is packed with independent boutiques and lively bars.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

Jason Ticus and the Story of the Cloud Gate

There aren’t many vistas that so wholly scream “CHICAGO!” like the Cloud Gate, the iconic centerpiece of AT&T plaza in Millennium Park. Designed by the British artist, Anish Kapoor, it is often called, “the bean” (for obvious reasons).

The shape and material were purposefully selected to remind visitors of liquid mercury, constructed from 168 stainless steel plates that have been seamlessly welded together. It is at once elegantly simple and decidedly futuristic. Its uniquely reflective properties make it a huge hit with tourists in terms of photo opportunities when visiting the city.

Worth the Wait

But how did this great piece come to be? Many people don’t know that Kapoor’s design was actually selected as a result of a design competition. It beat out another highly impressive proposal in 1999 to become the predominant showpiece sculpture of the park. Millennium Park was officially inaugurated in 2004, which was obviously four years later than intended.

The sculpture ended up costing an extravagant 23 million dollars, which illustrates just how huge of an undertaking it was. Kapoor did not want to unveil an unfinished piece to the public, hence the delay. However, he eventually gave in and it wasn’t until work was completely finished in 2006 and Kapoor’s vision finally completely realized that the public came to fully embrace the statue. Seamless and polished, the finished work is now a beloved touch to one of the country’s most beautiful cities.

 

Jason Ticus – Top 10 Best Travel Gadgets

The old adage, don’t leave home without it, applies to more then a credit card.  With the proliferation of tech devices, there are too many important items to take with you when you travel.  Here are the top 10 in different tech categories.

10. The Best All-Around Camera: Sony a6000

If you haven’t tried switching over from a bulky DSLR to a lightweight new mirrorless (MILC) body, try Sony’s palm-size model. It takes amazingly clear shots, with its big 24.3mp sensor, wide-ranging ISO, and sharp autofocus. $650

9. Best Camera Zoom: PowerShot SX700 HS

Try this ergonomic and pocket-friendly high-performance point-and-shoot, which differentiates itself with a 30x optical zoom. The Creative Shot mode is like Instagram. They offer five color variations and modifications for the crop on any frame automatically. $300

8. Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Laptop: Asus Eeebook X205

Our top pick in a new wave of low-price laptops, this 11-incher cuts out excess bulk (it barely weighs 2 pounds) without sacrificing substance. It features a chiclet-style keyboard, a fast processor, and intuitive controls—with 12 hours of battery life to boot. $179; asus.com.

7. Best All-Around Phone: HTC One (M8)

Equipped with twin stereo speakers, availability in Android and Windows, and a user-friendly interface – this phone is all about being high performance. It’s one of the best- looking—models on the market. From $150

6. Best Tablet for Outdoor Use: Sony Xperia Z2

Available in two colors, jet black or glossy white, this sleek and rugged tablet is dust proof, water-resistant, sturdy. The 10-inch screen is wide enough that your travel companions enjoy along with you. From $500

5. Best Earbuds: MA750i

Even without active noise-canceling, these durable buds block out most ambient noise. What sets them apart? Handmade drivers for true-to-life sound and memory-foam earpieces that stay in place. $130; rha-audio.com.

4. Best Travel Speaker: Soundmatters Dash7

This tiny powerhouse that uses a set of 25 mm speakers to deliver incredible tones from a pencil-box-size body. $199

3. Best Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 25

This the gold standard for over-ear noise-canceling, which has been given a tune up in both performance and design. From $300

2. Best Wearable: Moto 360

Smart watch are new on the market, and not as good as they are going to be. But for Android users, Motorola’s take is amazing.  Its swipe-motion offers helps you get around without looking like a tourist. $250

1. Best E-Reader: Kindle Voyage

This ereader, glare-resistant, hi-resolution, and thinner than ever, Amazon’s newest e-reader means business. It includes a a translation tool to help you conquer foreign documents and the ability to turn pages simply by squeezing the device, thanks to new feedback technology. $199

 

Best Holiday Restaurants in the U.S.

Whatever you’re celebrating, you’ll feel merry indeed when you dine at these restaurants.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best Towns for the Holidays

Twinkling lights, sumptuous meals, and maybe even Santa skiing down the slopes: T+L readers share their favorite towns for the holidays.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

Travel and Leisure Connect

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

 

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best College Towns

Visit these thriving college towns for a crash course in live music, craft beer, art, and history.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

T+L’s Definitive Guide to Madrid

Lay of the Land

Argensola: Tucked between trendy Chueca and the upscale shopping district of Barrio de Salamanca, Calle Argensola is packed with independent boutiques and lively bars.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

Jason Ticus and the Story of the Cloud Gate

There aren’t many vistas that so wholly scream “CHICAGO!” like the Cloud Gate, the iconic centerpiece of AT&T plaza in Millennium Park. Designed by the British artist, Anish Kapoor, it is often called, “the bean” (for obvious reasons).

The shape and material were purposefully selected to remind visitors of liquid mercury, constructed from 168 stainless steel plates that have been seamlessly welded together. It is at once elegantly simple and decidedly futuristic. Its uniquely reflective properties make it a huge hit with tourists in terms of photo opportunities when visiting the city.

Worth the Wait

But how did this great piece come to be? Many people don’t know that Kapoor’s design was actually selected as a result of a design competition. It beat out another highly impressive proposal in 1999 to become the predominant showpiece sculpture of the park. Millennium Park was officially inaugurated in 2004, which was obviously four years later than intended.

The sculpture ended up costing an extravagant 23 million dollars, which illustrates just how huge of an undertaking it was. Kapoor did not want to unveil an unfinished piece to the public, hence the delay. However, he eventually gave in and it wasn’t until work was completely finished in 2006 and Kapoor’s vision finally completely realized that the public came to fully embrace the statue. Seamless and polished, the finished work is now a beloved touch to one of the country’s most beautiful cities.

 

Jason Ticus – Top 10 Best Travel Gadgets

The old adage, don’t leave home without it, applies to more then a credit card.  With the proliferation of tech devices, there are too many important items to take with you when you travel.  Here are the top 10 in different tech categories.

10. The Best All-Around Camera: Sony a6000

If you haven’t tried switching over from a bulky DSLR to a lightweight new mirrorless (MILC) body, try Sony’s palm-size model. It takes amazingly clear shots, with its big 24.3mp sensor, wide-ranging ISO, and sharp autofocus. $650

9. Best Camera Zoom: PowerShot SX700 HS

Try this ergonomic and pocket-friendly high-performance point-and-shoot, which differentiates itself with a 30x optical zoom. The Creative Shot mode is like Instagram. They offer five color variations and modifications for the crop on any frame automatically. $300

8. Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Laptop: Asus Eeebook X205

Our top pick in a new wave of low-price laptops, this 11-incher cuts out excess bulk (it barely weighs 2 pounds) without sacrificing substance. It features a chiclet-style keyboard, a fast processor, and intuitive controls—with 12 hours of battery life to boot. $179; asus.com.

7. Best All-Around Phone: HTC One (M8)

Equipped with twin stereo speakers, availability in Android and Windows, and a user-friendly interface – this phone is all about being high performance. It’s one of the best- looking—models on the market. From $150

6. Best Tablet for Outdoor Use: Sony Xperia Z2

Available in two colors, jet black or glossy white, this sleek and rugged tablet is dust proof, water-resistant, sturdy. The 10-inch screen is wide enough that your travel companions enjoy along with you. From $500

5. Best Earbuds: MA750i

Even without active noise-canceling, these durable buds block out most ambient noise. What sets them apart? Handmade drivers for true-to-life sound and memory-foam earpieces that stay in place. $130; rha-audio.com.

4. Best Travel Speaker: Soundmatters Dash7

This tiny powerhouse that uses a set of 25 mm speakers to deliver incredible tones from a pencil-box-size body. $199

3. Best Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 25

This the gold standard for over-ear noise-canceling, which has been given a tune up in both performance and design. From $300

2. Best Wearable: Moto 360

Smart watch are new on the market, and not as good as they are going to be. But for Android users, Motorola’s take is amazing.  Its swipe-motion offers helps you get around without looking like a tourist. $250

1. Best E-Reader: Kindle Voyage

This ereader, glare-resistant, hi-resolution, and thinner than ever, Amazon’s newest e-reader means business. It includes a a translation tool to help you conquer foreign documents and the ability to turn pages simply by squeezing the device, thanks to new feedback technology. $199

 

Best Holiday Restaurants in the U.S.

Whatever you’re celebrating, you’ll feel merry indeed when you dine at these restaurants.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best Towns for the Holidays

Twinkling lights, sumptuous meals, and maybe even Santa skiing down the slopes: T+L readers share their favorite towns for the holidays.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

Travel and Leisure Connect

Take Your Photography To The Next Level

 

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

America’s Best College Towns

Visit these thriving college towns for a crash course in live music, craft beer, art, and history.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

T+L’s Definitive Guide to Madrid

Lay of the Land

Argensola: Tucked between trendy Chueca and the upscale shopping district of Barrio de Salamanca, Calle Argensola is packed with independent boutiques and lively bars.

…read more

Via:: Travel News:

      

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Recent Blog Posts

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Apr 21, 2015

Jason Ticus and the Story of the Cloud Gate

There aren’t many vistas that so wholly scream “CHICAGO!” like the...

Nov 21, 2014

Best Holiday Restaurants in the U.S.

Whatever you’re celebrating, you’ll feel merry indeed when you dine at these...

Nov 20, 2014

America’s Best Towns for the Holidays

…read more Via:: Travel News:...

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