Chicago - The Movie Town

Chicago - A City destined to be in the Movies

Chicago is a pretty famous movie city especially with its great architecture and sky line.  The film industry and Hollywood has a long history of filming movies in Chicago as the back drop for blockbuster movies and television shows throughout the years.  Thanks to the Chicago Film Office, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, big time movie productions are attracted to the city and its sites for filming movies.  

The Chicago Film Office has had great success in attracting feature film production, television series, and other film productions including commercials and documentaries to film in the city of Chicago.  More than 1,100 television productions and feature films have been filmed in Chicago since 1980.  Movie titles include The Untouchables, The Dark Knight, The Blues Brothers, Risky Business, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Home Alone and many more.  

Several recent television programs are either partially or entirely filmed in Chicago including Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD.

The Chicago Film Office reports the first film shot in Chicago is The Tramp and the Dog in 1896 and thousands of movies have been filmed in Chicago ever since.  

We developed this guide of film locations for Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and the Chicago Med TV shows and 5 of the best movies filmed in Chicago (The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, The Untouchables and Blue Brothers).

Chicago PD Film Locations

The Pilsen neighborhood around 18th Street is often used in the filming of Chicago PD.  Restaurants and Pubs used in the filming of Chicago PD include:

• Boni Vino Pizza: 111 W. Van Buren St.

• Lou Mitchell’s: 565 W. Jackson Blvd.

• Original Ferrara Bakery: 2210 W. Taylor St.

• Bridgeport Restaurant: 3500 S. Halsted St.

• White Palace Grill:  1159 S. Canal St. 

• Lottie’s Pub: 1924 W. Cortland St.

• Maria’s Packaged Goods And Community Bar: 960 W. 31st St.

• The Village Inn: 4035 S. Wallace St.

District 21 Police Station:  The UIC Police Headquarters at 943 W. Maxwell St. is used as Chicago PD’s District 21.  This is a real working police station so don’t be surprised if you can’t get a tour inside.

Chicago Fire Film Locations

Firehouse 51:  All of the exterior shots of the Chicago Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire are shot on location at the working Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 firehouse located at:   1360 S. Blue Island Avenue.   A must see for fans of the television show and it is quite possible you will catch the stars of the show in action

Chicago Fire Academy:  Located at 558 W. De Koven Street.  This modern building makes many appearances in the television show.  And is nearby the location of where the Great Chicago Fire began in 1871.

Molly’s Pub:  Scenes for Molly’s pub were originally shot inside Lottie’s Pub at 1924 W. Cortland St.  Going into Lottie’s Pub feels like walking on set and the pub has the Chicago Fire burger on the menu.

Chicago Med Film Locations

Graceland Cemetery:  4001 N. Clark St.  The Chicago Med characters found themselves in Graceland Cemetery for a graveside ceremony.  This cemetery is the final resting place for many famous historical people - public figures, architects, famous inventors, and baseball and boxing greats so it is worth the trip to see.

Gaffney Medical Center:  The hospital that stands in for the Gaffney Medical Center in the show is located at 1653 W. Congress Parkway and is part of the Rush University Medical Center. This is the home base for the show.  

The Dark Knight (2008) Movie Locations  

Dark Knight starring Heath Ledger as the Joker, Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes was filmed partly in Chicago.  These are the main film locations.

Wayne Enterprise and Bruce Wayne film locations:

• Wayne Enterprise Headquarters:  Richard J Daley Center, Daley Plaza, Washington Street

• Wayne Enterprise Boardroom:  IBM Building, 330 North Wabash Avenue

• Wayne Enterprises Applied Science Division:  West Building, McCormick Place, 2301 South Indiana Avenue 

• Bruce Wayne's penthouse:  Wyndham Grand, 71 East Wacker Drive 

Harvey Dent Scenes:

• Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes at the opera:  Chicago Theatre, 175 North State Street 

• Harvey Dent fundraiser:  Illinois Center Buildings, 111 East Wacker Drive

• Dent turns up as bartender:  Twin Anchors, 1665 North Sedgwick Street, Old Town 

Gotham General Hospital and Evacuation of Gotham City

• Location of Gotham General Hospital:  401 North Cicero Avenue 

• Evacuation of Gotham City: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue 

Other Movie Scenes:

• Opening Robbery film location:  Chicago Post Office, 404 West Harrison Street 

• Scarecrow Arrested:  Parking Garage, 200 West Randolph Street

• Maroni arrested:  The Berghoff, 17 West Adams Street 

• Dark Knight looks down on the city:  Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive

• Emergence of the Batpod:  Millennium Park Metra Station 

• Truck flipped over:  South La Salle Street 

• Lamborghini chase:  Lake Street, between Upper Wacker Drive and State Street

• Final face-off with Joker:  Trump Tower, 401 North Wabash Avenue 

Home Alone (1990) Movie Locations:

Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin was filmed in Winnetka a north suburb of Chicago.  Here are the main film locations for the movie.

• McCallister Home:  671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Mitch Murphy's home:  656 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Exterior church scene:  Trinity United Methodist Church - 1024 W. Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, USA

• Railroad track bridge scene:  Hubbard Woods Metra Station - 1065 Gage Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Interior church scene:  Grace Episcopal Church - 924 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, USA

• Airport Scene:  O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Pharmacy scene:  Panera Bread Company--formerly Hubbard Woods Pharmacy - 940 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Illinois, USA

The Untouchables (1987) Movie Locations

• Ballroom where Capone kills guy with baseball bat:  Blackstone Hotel - 636 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Front entrance and main lobby used as Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Roosevelt University - 430 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Chase between Ness and Nitt:  Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington Street, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Interior of Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Chicago Theatre - 175 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Ness's house:  2030 W 22nd Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Chicago Board of Trade:  141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604

• Ness meets Malone:  Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago, IL

• Ness meets Malone:  Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica National Shrine - 3121 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Police headquarters:  209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Malone's house:  4600 S Calumet Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• USPS office:  208 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Union Station: Canal St. & Jackson Blvd., Near West Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Street scenes:  South LaSalle St

• The raid:  917 W 19th Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Location of the Untouchables’ office:  Rookery Building - 209 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60604

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Movie Locations

• Cameron's house and Ferrari garage:  370 Beach Street, Highland Park, Illinois, USA

• Katie Bueller's real estate office:  583 Chestnut Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Running home scenes:  Butternut Lane, Northbrook, Illinois, USA

• Chez Quis Restaurant exteriors:  22 West Schiller Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Baseball game:  Wrigley Field - 1060 West Addison Street, Lake View, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Scene in cab next to dad:  300 block S. Financial Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Ferrari jump scene:  1549 S Clark St. Chicago, Illinois, USA

• School exteriors: Glenbrook North High School - 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, Illinois, USA

• Woods Theater is seen in background in shots during the parade sequence:  54 West Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Blue Brothers (1980) Movie Locations

• Elwood’s apartment:  Unfortunately, Elwood’s apartment didn’t stand the test of time. It is a small park, today, that sits in front of 327 S. Plymouth Court.

• Soul Food Café:  807 W. Maxwell St.

• Police car pileup:  Lake St. and LaSalle St., Lower Wacker – around 190 N. LaSalle Street

• Chez Paul Restaurant:  660 N. Rush St

• James Brown church scene:  Pilgrim Baptist on the South Side of Chicago - 9114 S. Burley Ave.

• The nazis take a swim:  Bridge is located at Jackson Park in Chicago - 6401 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

• The finale: Richard J. Daley Plaza and City Hall  at 121 N. LaSalle St.

Other Notable movies filmed in Chicago:

• Risky Business (1982)

• Sixteen Candles (1983)

• The Color of Money (1986)

• A League of Their Own (1991)

• The Fugitive (1993)

• High Fidelity (2000)

• Public Enemies (2008)

• A Nightmare on Elm Street (2009)

Final Thoughts

Chicago is a great city for movie production.  The Chicago Film Office website has a complete list of movies filmed at least in part in Chicago.  The Chicago Film Office website is available here.  Plan in some of these locations on your next trip to Chicago.    

 

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist - Home Ownership series

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Home ownership is rewarding, exciting, and with the proper home maintenance your home will last a long time.  If this is your first time owning a house or you have owned a house for many years, it is important to do regular and preventative maintenance to keep your home in great shape.  The  following Fall home maintenance checklist will help in keeping your house in tip top shape.    

Exterior

Roof

ㅁ Inspect roof, attic, and crawlspace for any signs of damage or moisture

ㅁ Clean Gutters and Downspouts frequently throughout the fall

Lawn Care

ㅁ Fertilize Lawn

ㅁ Trim shrubs and trees

ㅁ Remove outdoor hoses, insulate pipes and faucets if necessary

Exterior Walls, Doors, and Windows

ㅁ Check dryer vent and clean if necessary

ㅁ Replace any light bulbs that have burnt out

ㅁ Check doors and windows for cracks and apply caulking or weather stripping if necessary

Interior

Heating and Cooling

ㅁ Replace air filters as needed

ㅁ Clean Air ducts

ㅁ Inspect heating and furnace system, verify it is in good working order

Attic

ㅁ Verify for proper insulation thickness and ventilation is occurring 

ㅁ Visually inspect attic for mold 

ㅁ Visually inspect for signs of animal or rodent infestation

ㅁ Examine for signs of a roof leak

Fire Safety

ㅁ Confirm expiration dates on fire extinguishers and replace expired ones 

ㅁ Test and maintain fire extinguishers, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms

ㅁ Visually inspect smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms

ㅁ Replace batteries if needed on smoke and CO alarms

Other

ㅁ Check windows and door frames - repair any that are loose or damaged

ㅁ Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors

ㅁ Visually inspect plumbing and ensure pipes are well insulated

ㅁ Clean chimney and fireplace (if applicable)

ㅁ Clean baseboards

ㅁ Donate any unwanted household items or clothing

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Taco Chicago - Best Taco places in Chicago

Chicago Best Tacos

On September 8, 2022, Secret Chicago published an article titled “The 20 Best Places To Get Tacos In Chicago” and it includes a list of the “best of the bunch” taco joints.

The culmination of Chicago's world famous food scene and a large Mexican population blesses Chicago with some fantastically great taquerias.  

Let's take a look at the top twelve (12) in the list which comprise the most reliable, affordable, and unique locations for the best tacos around Chicago.  The list includes small corner venues to upscale locations.

In looking at the Chicago neighborhoods where these taco places are located - Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lower West Side, and Midway Airport area are all fortunate to have 3 of the top 12 taco places each.

Top 12 taco places by Neighborhood:

• Wicker Park (3):  Antique Taco, BIG & Little’s, Big Star
• Lakeview (3):  Rojo Gusano, BIG & Little’s, Big Star
• Lower West Side (3):  5 Rabanitos, Carnitas Don Pedro, Rubi’s
• Midway Airport area (3):  Carnitas Uruapan, BIG & Little’s, Birrieria Zaragoza
• Logan Square (1):  L’ Patron
• Lincoln Square (1):  Taqueria El Asadero
• Lincoln Park (1):  Del Seoul

Taco, Taco, Taco - Top 12 Taco places in Chicago

1.)  Antique Taco

• About:  Farmers market style tacos & margaritas, made from scratch with the best local and seasonal ingredients served up counter service  style
• Top menu pick:  Garlic Shrimp Taco

• Two (2) Locations:
• Wicker Park Neighborhood
• Address:  1360 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
• Phone:  773.687.8697

• Bridgeport Neighborhood
• Address:  1000 W 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
• Phone:  773.823.9410

2.)  Taqueria El Asadero

• About:  Tacos, burritos & homemade chips with salsa draw crowds to this no-frills, cash-only Mexican staple.  Serves only choice beef, the best guacamole, and uses locally grown ingredients
• Top menu pick: Carne Asada Taco (Grilled skirt steak)
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lincoln Square
• Address:  2213 W Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
• Phone:  (773) 583-5563

3.)  Carnitas Uruapan

• About:  Legendary destination for those whose palates crave authentic carnitas from Michoacan, Mexico.  
• Top menu pick:  Tacos De Carnitas
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Gage Park (near Midway Airport)
• Address:  2813 W. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
• Phone:  (773) 424-7617

4.) Rojo Gusano

• About:  Creative tacos & other modern Mexican eats served with mezcal in relaxed, beach-inspired surroundings
• Top menu pick:  Mixed Mushroom Taco (Taco de Hongos)
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lakeview
• Address:  4217 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL  60613
• Phone:  773-360-1628

5.)  L’ Patron

• About:  Laid-back Mexican restaurant featuring tacos & other street food in an industrial setting with a patio.  Always Fresh, Amazing, & Made to Order.
• Top menu pick:  Carne Asada Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Logan Square
• Address:  3749 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• Phone:  (773) 799-8066

6.) Del Seoul

• About: No-frills counter-service eatery with Asian fusion eats like Korean BBQ tacos & banh mi sandwiches. Keeping things fresh and unique.  Del Seoul believes in popular, not trendy and customer-focused and food-focused is the only way to go.  
• Top menu pick:  Sesame Chili Shrimp Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lincoln Park
• Address:  2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 
• Phone:  (773) 248-4227

7.)  BIG & Little’s

• About:  Casual counter-serve eatery featuring seafood & meat tacos, along with po’ boys, burgers & fries.
• Top menu pick:  The BIG & LITTLE’S Taco

• Three (3) Locations:
• Lakeview Neighborhood

• Address: 1034 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
• Phone: (773) 857-6677

• Wicker Park Neighborhood

• Address: 1310 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
• Phone: (773) 698-7777

• Midway Airport Location

• Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave Concourse B, Gate 15, Chicago, IL 60638

8.)  Big Star

• About:  Mexican street food, plus margaritas, bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, lively scene at this funky hangout
• Top menu pick:  Papas Con Rajas Taco

• Two (2)  Locations:

• Wicker Park Neighborhood
• Address:  1531 N Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
• Phone:  773-235-4039

• Lakeview Neighborhood (Wrigleyville area)
• Address:  3640 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL  60613
• Phone:  773-857-7120

9.)  5 Rabanitos

• About:  Mexican cuisine by Chef Alfonso Sotelo.  One block from the National Museum of Mexican Art, and one block from the 18th Street station on the CTA Pink Line.  Mexican classics served in a simple, brightly colored setting.
• Top menu pick:  Grilled Chicken Adobo Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lower West Side
• Address: 1758 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL  60608
• Phone: (312) 285-2710

10.)  Carnitas Don Pedro

• About:  Traditional Mexican cuisine served in bustling, bare-bones quarters.  Prides itself on providing delicious food, great service and a sense of family to each and every customer.
• Top menu pick:  Taco De Carnitas
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lower West Side
• Address:  1113 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
• Phone:  (312) 829-4757

11.)  Rubi’s Tacos 

• About:  Authentic Mexican food at this no frills taco joint.
• Top menu pick:  El Taco Azteca (Al Pastor con huevo)

• Two (2) Locations:
• Near West Side at the New Maxwell Street Market 
• Address:  800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60607

• Lower West Side Neighborhood
• Address:  1316 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
• Phone:  (773) 318-9526

12.)  Birrieria Zaragoza 

• About:  This Mexican institution specializes in a single item—birria—tender stewed goat accompanied by diced onions, cilantro, and house-made salsa.
• Top menu pick:  Birria Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Archer Heights (Near Midway Airport)
• Address:  4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL  60632
• Phone:  (773) 523-3700

Final Thought

Chicago is home to great Mexican food.  These twelve (12) taco places are some of the best venues for flavorful and affordable taco-fare.   So if you are in the Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lower west side, or Midway Airport area you have plenty of the best taco places to choose from.  Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Lincoln Square, and even Bridgeport have at least one of the best taco places in Chicago.  Enjoy!! 

Check out Chicago Best Restaurants for other great Chicago restaurants.

Source Article:   The 20 Best Places To Get Tacos In Chicago

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Chicago Pumpkin Patches

Chicago Area Pumpkin Patches

💀 Halloween 💀 is right around the corner and it is time for Pumpkins.  We are fortunate in the Chicago area to have a variety of pumpkin patches and farms to choose from.  To make it easy to get the perfect pumpkin for Halloween here is a list of pumpkin patches and farms in the Chicagoland area.

Happy Halloween!

Chicago Pumpkin Patches & Farms

Abbey Farms

2855 Hart Road

Aurora, IL

All Seasons Apple Orchard

14510 IL Route 176

Woodstock, IL

Apple Holler

5006 S. Sylvania Avenue

Sturevant, WI

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm

13341 W. 151st St.

Homer Glen, IL

County Line Orchard

200 S. County Line Rd.

Hobart, IN

Dave’s Pumpkins

9112 Algonquin Road

Huntley, IL

Didier Farms

16678 W. Aptakisic Road

Lincolnshire, IL

Dollinger Family Farm

7420 E. Hansel Road

Channahon, IL

Edwards Apple Orchard

7061 Centerville Road

Poplar Grove, IL

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm

40 W. Higgins Road

South Barrington, IL

Johansen’s Farm

710 W. Boughton Road 

Bolingbrook, IL

Jonamac Orchard

19412 Shabbona Road

Malta, IL

Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch

7705 W. 159th Avenue

Lowell, IN

Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm

13236 Townline Road

Waukegan, IL

Kuiper’s Family Farm

For GPS:  1N318 Watson Road (Pumpkins & Tulips)

Maple Park, IL

Odyssey Fun Farm

18900 Oak Park Avenue

Tinley Park, IL

Prairie Sky Orchard

4914 N. Union Road

Union, IL

Royal Oak Farm Orchard

15908 Hebron Road

Harvard, IL

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm

17250 Weber Road

Lockport, IL

Sonny Acres

29W310 North Avenue

West Chicago, IL

Stade’s Farm and Market

3709 Miller Road

McHenry, IL

Woody’s Orchard & Family Fun Farm

3223 Creek Road

Plano, IL

For a list of Apple Orchards in the Chicago area check out Apple Picking Chicago!

(C) 2022 jspublishing.blogspot.com

NIST CSF (Cybersecurity Framework)

NIST CSF Introduction

Version 1.0 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework was issued in February 2014 and provides a framework for improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity.  Version 1.1 released in April 2018 refines, clarifies, and enhances version 1.0 of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).  

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is currently working on version 2.0 of the NIST CSF.  

Find the latest version of the NIST CSF at:  NIST CSF 

This article as an overview of the NIST Cybersecurity framework and is not meant to drill down to deep.  Separate articles drill down on each function in greater detail.

Table of Contents

• Organizational Benefits from NIST CSF
• Intro to the Five (5) NIST CSF Functions
• NIST CSF Identify
• NIST CSF Protect
• NIST CSF Detect
• NIST CSF Respond
• NIST CSF Recover
• NIST CSF Implementation Tiers
• Conclusion

Organizational Benefits from NIST CSF

Based on security practices known to be effective, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), establishes a set of standard security functions and outcomes.  Organizations can use the NIST CSF to improve their cybersecurity posture.  It helps organizations foster communication about cybersecurity internally and externally and allows organizations to integrate and align cybersecurity risk management with enterprise risk management processes.

Introduction to the five (5) NIST CSF Functions

The NIST Cybersecurity framework is organized on 5 key functions:

NIST CSF Function Table

These five (5) functions are a comprehensive view of managing cybersecurity risk over time.  Each function is an important aspect of cybersecurity and all functions are needed to have an effective cybersecurity posture.

NIST CSF Identify

The NIST CSF Identify function helps to develops the ability to manage cybersecurity risk to: systems, assets, data, and capabilities.  It involves inventorying assets, systems, and data to determine what needs protecting.

The NIST CSF Identify function helps to:

1. Identify critical enterprise processes and assets
2. Document information flows
3. Maintain hardware and software inventory
4. Establish policies for cybersecurity that include roles and responsibilities
5. Identify threats, vulnerabilities, and risk to Assets

NIST CSF Protect

The NIST CSF Protect function is focused on putting in place the appropriate safeguards to ensure delivery of services.  So, implementing the protection mechanisms to ensure critical information systems and operational systems are protected and in service.

The Protect function helps to: 

1. Manage access to assets and Information
2. Protect Sensitive data
3. Conduct regular backups
4. Protect devices
5. Manage device vulnerabilities
6. Train Users

NIST CSF Detect

NIST CSF Detect function ensures the appropriate mechanisms and tools are in place to identify occurrences of cybersecurity events.  Detect is all about identifying when a cybersecurity event is happening.

1. The Detect function helps to:
2. Test and update detection processes
3. Know the expected data flows for your enterprise
4. Maintain and monitor logs
5. Understand the impact of cybersecurity events

NIST CSF Respond

The NIST CSF Respond function ensures the appropriate activities and mechanisms are in place to take appropriate actions when a cybersecurity event is detected.  The Respond function is all about taking swift action when a cybersecurity event happens to contain and prevent any further impacts. 

The NIST CSF Respond function helps to:

1. Ensure response plans are tested
2. Ensure response plans are updated
3. Internal and external stakeholder coordination is managed and in place

NIST CSF Recover

The NIST CSF Recover function ensures appropriate activities are in place to maintain plans for resilience and to restore systems, capabilities, or services impaired due to a cybersecurity event.   The respond function is focused on recovery or restoring any services that were impacted due to a cybersecurity event.

The NIST CSF Recover function helps to:

1. Communicate with internal and external stakeholders
2. Ensure recovery plans are updated
3. Manage public relations and company reputation

NIST CSF Implementation Tiers

NIST defines Implementation tiers for the Cybersecurity framework.  The Tiers denote increasing degrees of rigor and maturity regarding cybersecurity risk management practices.  The tier levels help with determining the extent to which cybersecurity risk management is informed by business needs and is integrated into an organization’s overall risk management practices.   

Tiers are defined to support organizational decision making on how to manage cybersecurity risk, as well as helping to determine the dimensions that are higher priority for an organization and should receive additional resources.  Obtaining higher tiers is encouraged when it is determined to be feasible and cost-effective for reduction of cybersecurity risk.

The Tier definitions are as follows:

• Tier 1: Partial
• Tier 2: Risk Informed
• Tier 3: Repeatable
• Tier 4: Adaptive

Conclusion

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is important for increasing an organizations security posture.  The NIST CSF is built based on security practices that are known to be effective.  This is extremely helpful to organization in improving cybersecurity risk management practices.  NIST CSF is organized around 5 functions, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.  The NIST Cybersecurity framework also helps to foster communication across internal and external stakeholders allowing organizations to work more collaboratively to improve the cybersecurity posture across the enterprise.  

Finally NIST CSF establishes four (4) implementation tiers and are defined to help with organizational decision making on how to manage cybersecurity risk.  The four implementation tiers are:  Tier 1: Partial, Tier 2: Risk Informed, Tier 3: Repeatable, Tier 4: Adaptive

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Money.com 50 Best Places to Live in the United States

50 Best Places to Live in the United States

Money.com recently released the "50 best places to live in the United States" rankings based on methodology of analyzing economic opportunities, quality of life, diversity, and more.  

It is important to note that Money.com changed their ranking methodology this year.  Money.com indicates, "Chief among those changes included introducing new data related to national heritage, languages spoken at home and religious diversity."   Money.com, also, prioritized locations with, "more regional diversity" and they "strove to include cities of all sizes by lifting the population limit."  These changes in methodology resulted in a "new tier of larger (and often more diverse) candidates," according to Money.com.

50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Lets take a look at the 2022 - 2023 "50 Best Places to Live in the United States" rankings and analyze the rankings by state.  To do this we will cover the following topics:

1. Primary Ranking factors considered
2. 50 Best Places to Live in the United States list for 2022 - 2023
3. State Analysis of the List
4. Breakdown of States in the List
5. Final Thoughts

Nine (9) Primary Best Places to Live Ranking Factors 

Money.com used these nine primary ranking factors in determining the Best Places to Live in the United States rankings:

1. Cost of living: This looks at how expensive it is to live in a community — factors included costs of transportation, health care, child care, insurance, and housing affordability relative to local income, as well as additional factors.
2. Diversity: Money.com says, "this factor looks at the population with a heavy focus on how well various races are represented and integrated into the community.   Other Diversity factors included age, religious diversity, heritage, and languages spoken at home.  Money.com gave preference toward locations with populations that were less than 80% white.
3. Economic opportunity: This includes indices tracking poverty, if the community employs a healthy mix of different industries,  job growth projections, and employment data.
4. Education: Looks at the percentage of the population with a four-year degree, high school graduation rates, K-12 test scores, and if the area is close to or includes one of our Best Colleges plus other factors.
5. Fun and amenities: This looks at location data to verify the location has interesting things for residents to do and tracks restaurants, parks, farmers markets, gyms, museums,  as well as infrastructure like airports, police departments and fire stations. 
6. Health and safety: This looks at factors that include health expectancy, access to clinics and hospitals, and violent crime indices, as well as, households reporting serious health problems.
7. Housing market: This looks at housing availability, rents, how long for-sale homes stay on the market, home sales prices, and listing prices — focusing on affordability.
8. Income and personal finance: Looks at how well various income groups are represented within an area, household income, and taxes.
9. Quality of life: Looks at accessibility to green space, risk of environmental catastrophe in the area, commute times, how walkable is the area, and weather.

Now lets take a look at the rankings.

50 Best Places to Live in the United States List for 2022 - 2023

1. Atlanta, Georgia
2. Tempe, Arizona
3. Kirkland, Washington
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
5. Rogers Park (Chicago), Illinois
6. Columbia, Maryland
7. Somerville, Massachusetts
8. Ann Arbor, Michigan
9. Tampa, Florida
10. Jersey City, New Jersey
11. Boise, Idaho
12. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
13. Irvine, California
14. Fort Lee, New Jersey
15. Arlington, Virginia
16. Naperville, Illinois
17. Milton, Massachusetts
18. Fremont, California
19. Carmel, Indiana
20. Rockville, Maryland
21. Franklin, Tennessee
22. San Diego, California
23. Hillsboro, Oregon
24. Abington, Pennsylvania
25. San Jose, California
26. Alexandria, Virginia
27. Chanhassen, Minnesota
28. Denver, Colorado
29. Overland Park, Kansas
30. Morristown, New Jersey
31. Lafayette, Colorado
32. Camas, Washington
33. Altamonte Springs, Florida
34. South Burlington, Vermont
35. Marietta, Georgia
36. Kirkwood, Missouri
37. Glen Cove, New York
38. Kaneohe, Hawaii
39. Hutto, Texas
40. Madison, Wisconsin
41. Salt Lake City, Utah
42. Bentonville, Arkansas
43. Sarasota, Florida
44. Nashua, New Hampshire
45. Norman, Oklahoma
46. Greenville, South Carolina
47. Juneau, Alaska
48. Coralville, Iowa
49. Jeffersonville, Indiana
50. Sparks, Nevada

State Representation in the List

Analyzing the list by state the following data can be determined:

• 34 states had at least 1 city ranked in the list.  
• 22 states had 1 city represented in the list.  
• 12 states had 2 or more cities represented in the list.
• 16 states had no representation in the list.

Break down of states with 2 or more cities in 50 Best Places to Live:

California is the state with the most places represented in the list with 4 cities included in the "50 Best Places to Live in the United States".

Florida and New Jersey both had 3 cities in the rankings. 

And Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington states all had 2 cities each in the list. 

Lets take a look at the breakdown of cities by state.

California - 4 cities

• Irvine, California (13)
• Fremont, California (18)
• San Diego, California (22)
• San Jose, California (25)

Florida - 3 cities

• Tampa, Florida (9)
• Altamonte Springs, Florida (33)
• Sarasota, Florida (43)

New Jersey - 3 cities

• Jersey City, New Jersey (10)
• Fort Lee, New Jersey (14)
• Morristown, New Jersey (30)

Breakdown of States with 2 cities in the rankings

North Carolina's 2 cities are both in the top 15.  Illinois, Maryland, and Massachusetts cities are all in the top 20 cities in the list.   

Here is the breakdown of the top 50 Best Places to Live in the Unites States by State having 2 or more cities in the list:

Colorado 

• Denver, Colorado (28)
• Lafayette, Colorado (31)

Georgia

• Atlanta, Georgia (1) 
• Marietta, Georgia (35)

Illinois

• Rogers Park (Chicago), Illinois (5)
• Naperville, Illinois (16)

Indiana

• Carmel, Indiana (19)
• Jeffersonville, Indiana (49)

Maryland

• Columbia, Maryland (6)
• Rockville, Maryland (20)

Massachusetts

• Somerville, Massachusetts (7)
• Milton, Massachusetts (17)

North Carolina

• Raleigh, North Carolina (4)
• Chapel Hill, North Carolina (12)

Virginia

• Arlington, Virginia (15)
• Alexandria, Virginia (26)

Washington

• Kirkland, Washington (3)
• Camas, Washington (32)

It is nice about 70 percent of states are represented in the list of 50 Best places to live in the United States.  9 states have 2 cities in the list, 2 states have 3 cities in the list, and 1 state (California) has 4 cities in the list.

Final Thoughts

With the change in ranking methodology this year, the Money.com "50 Best Places to Live in the United States" list looks different from previous years.  Is the changed ranking methodology better?  Only time will tell.  One result of the changed methodology is that the cities represented in the list are cities or communities that are deemed more diverse than previous rankings.  

It is nice to see about 70% of states represented in the list. California, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina all are well represented in the "50 Best Places to Live" rankings for 2022-2023.   

Some states with the largest population are under represented or not represented at all in the list.  Ohio which is the 7th most populated state in the United States with approximately 11,700,000 people (2020 census data) did not have any cities in the "50 Best Places to Live in the United States" rankings.  Texas and New York the 2nd and 4th most populous states respectively only had 1 city in the list.

Source Article:  Money.com 50 Best Places to Live 2022-2023

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