<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Illinois Blog :: Business &#38; Economy &#187; Illinois</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/tag/illinois/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:32:27 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Fun Things to Do in Kankakee, Illinois</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/fun-things-to-do-in-kankakee-illinois/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/fun-things-to-do-in-kankakee-illinois/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:32:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kankakee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=41</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kankakee is home to one a spectacular park. Kankakee River State Park has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor fun. Kankakee Park is especially popular among hunters. Hunters of all sorts can enjoy hunting deer, duck, pheasant, rabbit and fox just to name a few. If you would rather enjoy a day of leisurely [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<p><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Kankakee is home to one a spectacular park. Kankakee River State Park has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor fun. Kankakee Park is especially popular among hunters. Hunters of all sorts can enjoy hunting deer, duck, pheasant, rabbit and fox just to name a few. If you would rather enjoy a day of leisurely fishing Kankakee Park has plenty of that as well. The Park is also great for picnicking, camping or even snowmobiling during the winter months. And if you happen to injure yourself while doing one of these activities in Kankakee Park you will probably want to go to the Kankakee county hospital.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a great place to take the kids during the summer months, then look no further than Kankakee for a spectacular water park. This water park has everything that your kids could dream of. The park holds a four lane lap pool, three water slides, and a lazy river that you can ride down in an inner tube. The park also has a kiddy pool for the younger children. Children over the age of twelve are actually allowed in the water park without an adult present.</p>
<p>Another point of interest in Kankakee is the Kankakee County Museum. They have exhibits that chronicle Kankakee&#8217;s experiences during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. The Museum also holds the house of an Illinois Governor who was native to Kankakee, Illinois that was built in 1855. There is also a schoolhouse that was built in 1904.</p>
<p>Although the city of Kankakee may be small it still has lots to offer. The Kankakee Park, Water Park, Kankakee County Museum and Kankakee, Illinois healthcare are just a few examples. So whether you are native to the State of Illinois and haven&#8217;t been to the city of Kankakee or are simply driving through on a longer road trip, make sure you put Kankakee on your list of cities to visit. There are many things to keep you entertained in Kankakee as well as plenty of places to make you experience that small town feeling that many of us have never felt.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/fun-things-to-do-in-kankakee-illinois/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Illinois Chiropractic Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/illinois-chiropractic-schools/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/illinois-chiropractic-schools/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:41:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anni</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chiropractic Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=37</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chiropractic schools in Illinois are attracting people who wish to learn how to recognize physical impairment and provide clients with an effective, respected holistic form of recuperative healthcare. There are many Illinois chiropractic schools to choose from, so the serious student needs to make an informed choice. The field of chiropractics is based on the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Chiropractic schools in Illinois are attracting people who wish to learn how to recognize physical impairment and provide clients with an effective, respected holistic form of recuperative healthcare. There are many Illinois chiropractic schools to choose from, so the serious student needs to make an informed choice.</p>
<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<p><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>The field of chiropractics is based on the philosophy that the body is able to restore and maintain health without drugs, providing a satisfying alternative for today&#8217;s patients who seek natural methods of achieving health and wellness. Chiropractic schools prepare future chiropractors to answer the call for more professionals to fill positions in this growing and lucrative field of holistic healthcare.</p>
<p>Students will learn to gather critical information from clients, assess and diagnose conditions, and treat patients with skeletal, muscular, and nervous system problems. Chiropractic schools in Illinois teach students to treat disorders by bringing back natural balance to the body, allowing a return to health without drugs or invasive techniques.</p>
<p>Chiropractic schools espouse holistic philosophies of health, emphasizing the overall physical and mental wellness of each client. Students learn to address patients as individuals and to recommend and perform treatments that return the whole body to a state of health. Aspiring chiropractors will learn to weigh all information gathered from clients, assess all factors and conditions, diagnose, and make adjustments and recommendations that allow the body to return to a natural state of health.</p>
<p>Most chiropractic schools in Illinois will allow students to choose specializations. Students can obtain certification in neurology, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, orthopedics, sports injuries, or diagnostic imaging. Courses in business for those wishing to operate their own private practices may also be provided; however, it is highly recommended that students attend additional business courses to ensure a successful independent business practice.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/illinois-chiropractic-schools/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Guide to Buy Illinois Real Estate</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/guide-to-buy-illinois-real-estate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/guide-to-buy-illinois-real-estate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:39:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anni</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Directories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Buying a home is not an easy task. In fact, for first time buyers, there are few things more confusing than the process of buying a house from start to finish, and many first timers don&#8217;t know exactly where the start of the process actually is. Here are a few tips that will make life [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Buying a home is not an easy task. In fact, for first time buyers, there are few things more confusing than the process of buying a house from start to finish, and many first timers don&#8217;t know exactly where the start of the process actually is. Here are a few tips that will make life easier for the first time home buyer.</p>
<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<p><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Say, for example, that you are interested in investing in Illinois real estate. You either are looking for a new home for yourself and your family, or you just like the investment potential. The very first thing you need to do before looking for the right Illinois real estate investment is take a look at your finances and determine how much you can afford to spend.</p>
<p>There are several resources available to help you calculate your mortgage and figure out what you can afford to spend on your Illinois real estate investment, but for simplicity sake we&#8217;ll stick with the formula of three times your annual income. Of course other factors can affect this formula enabling you to afford more or less, but it is a general rule.</p>
<p>You should also meet with your chosen lending institution to research interest rates on mortgages, find the best rate available, and try to get pre-approved for a loan. Getting pre-approved for a loan is one on the best things you can do going into the house purchasing process, it gives you and your seller confidence knowing you can pay exactly what you say you can.</p>
<p>Once you have determined how much you can afford to spend on a house, you should hire an Illinois real estate agent. Some people chose not to hire a Realtor, believing their services cost too much, and end up struggling through the house searching and purchasing process all by themselves. This is unfortunate because it is not the buyer, but the seller who pays a real estate agent, so there is really no drawback to getting an agent working for you, and you also get the benefit of their expert Illinois real estate advice.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/guide-to-buy-illinois-real-estate/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Walleye Fishing in Illinois</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/walleye-fishing-in-illinois/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/walleye-fishing-in-illinois/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:35:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anni</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Recreation and Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Walleye]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=35</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Illinois is definitely not known for its excellent walleye fishing. Most anglers that live in Illinois will plan their fishing trip to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Canada or Lake Erie when they want to fill their coolers with walleye. There are some places that you can consistently catch walleye and sauger and if you are within a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Illinois is definitely not known for its excellent walleye fishing. Most anglers that live in Illinois will plan their fishing trip to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Canada or Lake Erie when they want to fill their coolers with walleye. There are some places that you can consistently catch walleye and sauger and if you are within a short drive to these waters, you can catch some nice fish for the dinner table.</p>
<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<p><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>When most people think of walleye, they typically think of fishing lakes and rivers farther to the north, but in Illinois, it seems like some of the best walleye waters are to the south. Some of the lakes in the southern part of the state that have plenty of walleye in them are Lake Carlton, Clinton Lake, Kinkaid Lake and Evergreen Lake. Head out to the western Illinois area and you will find Pittsfield City Lake, which is probably the best walleye lake in the state for big fish.</p>
<p>Once you head up north, there are a few lakes to focus on to go along with a few rivers. Lake Shabbona is located a couple of hours west of Chicago and it is mostly known for its state record muskies. People would talk more about the walleye fishing if you were allowed to fish after dark on this lake. There are plenty of walleye in the lake with many trophy-sized fish, but the extremely heavy fishing pressure here makes it difficult to land more than a couple of fish per outing and some anglers that fish out here never catch a walleye.</p>
<p>The Fox Chain of Lakes is a popular boating and fishing destination. The walleye fishing can very good here in the spring and fall. Summers can be tough because the pleasure boaters are all over the lake and they seem to get up earlier and earlier every summer. It is not uncommon to see someone on a jet ski at 8 in the morning during the summer. There are plenty of lakes to fish in this chain and many of them produce healthy populations of keeper-size walleye.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/walleye-fishing-in-illinois/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Real Estate by Region in Illinois</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/real-estate-by-region-in-illinois/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/real-estate-by-region-in-illinois/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:33:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anni</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=34</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are several good reasons that Illinois has become one of the most populous states in the country. First, the state economy is very strong and varied. Second, the weather and the landscape are both beautiful. And third, there is enough diversity throughout the state to attract residents from all walks of life. Before you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are several good reasons that Illinois has become one of the most populous states in the country. First, the state economy is very strong and varied. Second, the weather and the landscape are both beautiful. And third, there is enough diversity throughout the state to attract residents from all walks of life. Before you start looking for Illinois real estate, it would be wise to know a little background information on the three main regions throughout the sate: Northern, Central and Southern Illinois.</p>
<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<p><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Northern Illinois<br />
As home to almost seventy-five percent of the state population, Northern Illinois is definitely the most popular region. This is largely due to the business districts, research facilities and educational institutions in Chicago though. For example, about sixty-six percent of the people in northern Illinois live within the boundaries of Chicago land. Chalk full of employment, entertainment and beautiful beaches, parks and neighborhoods, it isn&#8217;t surprising that Chicago draws such a large crowd.</p>
<p>There are parts of Illinois that cater to country living over city lifestyles though. For example, northwest of Chicago, home buyers will find charming old villages like Galena and Long Grove. Nestled among rolling hills and tiny valleys, these areas are characterized by their historic buildings, small-town atmospheres, covered bridges and scenic landscapes. Some Chicagoans even buy second homes in here.</p>
<p>Central Illinois<br />
The Central region, which is also known as &#8220;the Heart of Illinois,&#8221; is known for its small towns and mid-sized cities. The primary economic industries in this area include manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Wind farms are also starting to sprout up across central Illinois. If you are a fan of Abraham Lincoln, you might be interested to know that Springfield is also located in this area.</p>
<p>Southern Illinois<br />
One of the most attractive characteristics of Southern Illinois is the warmer weather it enjoys. The topography is also more varied than the flat, long plains that cover most of the state&#8217;s geographical area. Small oil deposits and coal mining are the resources that drive economic production in the region.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/real-estate-by-region-in-illinois/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How To Save Money And Get Discount Car Insurance In Illinois</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/how-to-save-money-and-get-discount-car-insurance-in-illinois/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/how-to-save-money-and-get-discount-car-insurance-in-illinois/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:38:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kathy Austin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Discount Car Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=23</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[First of all you should do a lot of comparison shopping both online and with local insurance agencies. The internet is a rich resource of information for those that are looking to find out how to save money on car insurance in Illinois. You can compare several different car insurance plans in a relatively short [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>First of all you should do a lot of comparison shopping both online and with local insurance agencies. The internet is a rich resource of information for those that are looking to find out how to save money on car insurance in Illinois. You can compare several different car insurance plans in a relatively short amount of time. You just need to fill out all your information as accurately as you can in order to get the most accurate car insurance quote. Another route to take is visiting local insurance companies and ask them any questions that you might have regarding, which is the best insurance policy to get for your vehicle. Be absolutely sure to ask any local insurance agent what if any special discounts that they offer to those looking for car insurance. You should have a really good idea of what type of car insurance is going to meet your needs and do not feel pressured to purchase a specific car insurance policy if you feel it is offering more coverage then what you feel that you need. If you do not like how you are being treated by an insurance company then move on to another one, good customer service is just as important as a quality car insurance policy. Should you decide on full coverage car insurance, keep this tip in mind, the larger the deductible is on your car insurance policy the smaller your monthly payment will be. Taking a defensive driving class can also lead to discounts on your car insurance and if you have teenage drivers in your house there are many car insurance companies that offer breaks on automobile insurance if your child has good grades. These are just a few of the great ideas you can put to use while looking to find discount car insurance in Illinois. The more research time that you put in before buying a policy the better the chance that you are going to find just the coverage that you need for your car at a very reasonable price.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/how-to-save-money-and-get-discount-car-insurance-in-illinois/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Have You Tried Illinois Skydiving?</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/have-you-tried-illinois-skydiving/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/have-you-tried-illinois-skydiving/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:57:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tera Warner</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois Skydiving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skydiving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=22</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Illinois skydiving is a great place to go sky diving, whether you are just starting out or whether you have a bit more experience. Also, if you have any fears you can be rest assured because the centres make sure that everything is as safe as possible and the equipment is always thoroughly tested before [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Illinois skydiving is a great place to go sky diving, whether you are just starting out or whether you have a bit more experience. Also, if you have any fears you can be rest assured because the centres make sure that everything is as safe as possible and the equipment is always thoroughly tested before use. The great thing is that Illinois skydiving is the best skydiving provider in Illinois and they offer thrilling and spectacular experiences to everyone who is interested. The professionals that work for them also help to make a person’s jump the best possible experience and maximize the pleasure and excitement that comes with it. It is an extremely popular skydiving center that thousands of people seeking a huge adrenaline rush come flocking to it every single year.</p>
<p>Many people jumping for the first time opt to do a tandem skydive and the best bit is that they are easier, safer, as well as being exciting and you can just relax and enjoy the thrill of a life time. You do not have to worry about landing or anything, as the professional that will be strapped to you will take care of everything. This makes it easier for you and you can just freefall through the air at 120mph and feel the adrenaline rush inside of you. As soon as the parachute opens, you will gently drift through the sky and you will be able to enjoy the view of a lifetime and it will be an experience that you will never forget.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/have-you-tried-illinois-skydiving/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Illinois Casinos</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/illinois-casinos/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/illinois-casinos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:51:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Fred Peters</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Casinos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois Casinos]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Illinois was the 5th state admitted to the union on December 3, 1818. It covers an area of 57,918 square miles. It is a Great Lakes state, and is nicknamed the &#8220;Prairie State&#8221;. The population, as reported in December 2000, is 12,419,293 and it is the 5th most populated state in the U.S. With the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Illinois was the 5th state admitted to the union on December 3, 1818. It covers an area of 57,918 square miles. It is a Great Lakes state, and is nicknamed the &#8220;Prairie State&#8221;. The population, as reported in December 2000, is 12,419,293 and it is the 5th most populated state in the U.S. With the introduction of the Alton Belle, Illinois became only the second state to allow riverboat casinos. All of the casinos offer great gaming from Slots to Blackjack to Roulette, and welcome all guests over the age of 21.</p>
<p>Argosy&#8217;s Alton Belle Casino was the first riverboat casino in Illinois, opening its doors in 1991. It is located at 1 Front Street in Alton. There are three restaurants available for guests. The casino occupies 23,000 square feet and operates from 9am to 5pm every day. It features a 1,200-passenger yacht and a barge. Argosy&#8217;s Empress Casino is located at 2300 Empress Drive in Joliet. There are 85 rooms and 17 suites available at the casino hotel. The casino operates from 10am to 4am on Friday and from 10am to 4am on Saturday. There are three restaurants on site. The casino occupies 50,000 square feet, and has special features like an 80-space RV park and 2,500-passenger barge. Casino Queen is located in East Saint Louis at 200 South Front Street. There are 150 rooms and 7 suites available at the casino as well. The casino operates from 9am to 7am daily. It occupies 27,500 square feet and offers many features. Besides gaming, Casino Queen offers a 2,500-passenger paddle wheeler, a 140-space RV park and easy access to MetroLink light-rail station.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/illinois-casinos/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Boat Storage &#8211; Protecting Your Boat In Central Illinois!</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/boat-storage-protecting-your-boat-in-central-illinois/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/boat-storage-protecting-your-boat-in-central-illinois/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:09:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Henry</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boat Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every boat needs to be protected from the elements much like an automobile. Boats also need a &#8220;garage&#8221; of sorts and though this may not be possible for every boat the Central Illinois boat storage service is a great place to have your boat docked, and rest assured that it is safe and secure from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Every boat needs to be protected from the elements much like an automobile. Boats also need a &#8220;garage&#8221; of sorts and though this may not be possible for every boat the Central Illinois boat storage service is a great place to have your boat docked, and rest assured that it is safe and secure from both, vandalism and the elements. You should look around Illinois for the many storage services offered and decide on the best that suits your pocket. The pricing may vary from place to lace and so a bit of research might be needed before putting your signature on that paper. Central Illinois boat storage facilities offer some of the best storage services around. However, there are a few boat storage services that may not suit you at all. You must decide what is best for your boat and budget. You must also consider the security aspect of a boat storage facility. See for yourself just how accessible is the central Illinois boat storage facility for everyone. Look around and determine how freely people get in and out. The more accessible the boat storage facility is the more the chances of your boat getting damaged and vandalized.</p>
<p>You must inspect the storage facilities dry storage areas. IF there is not adequate dry storage you might consider looking for one that does offer this service. It is not advisable to leave your boat in the water all the time. The elements do a lot of damage tote boat and it does need some dry time. Does the central Illinois boat storage facility have covered storage for your boat or will they just throw a tarp over the boat? This is an important factor to consider. Your boat should have a covered storage or else you will be paying a lot more for insurance. This added premium will add up to an amount over a few years that you could have used for buy your own secured storage for the boat.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/boat-storage-protecting-your-boat-in-central-illinois/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Use an Experienced Illinois Realtor to Find Your New Home</title>
		<link>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/use-an-experienced-illinois-realtor-to-find-your-new-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/use-an-experienced-illinois-realtor-to-find-your-new-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:30:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Wolfgang Jaegel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois Realtors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/?p=18</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most of the population in Illinois is found in the northern region of the state. Winters are colder up there, but the economy, history, and natural beauty of northern Illinois are attractive enough to draw more residents every year. Even outside of Chicago, residents have a wide variety of activities to choose from. Some people [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "a2ca56";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Most of the population in <a HREF="http://www.clickillinois.com/" TARGET="_blank"><strong>Illinois </strong></a>is found in the northern region of the state. Winters are colder up there, but the economy, history, and natural beauty of northern Illinois are attractive enough to draw more residents every year. Even outside of Chicago, residents have a wide variety of activities to choose from. Some people enjoy the small town feel and look of historic districts like Long Grove and Galena. The shops and restaurants in these towns are fun to visit not only because of their wares and menus but because of the settings that the towns create with nineteenth century buildings and covered bridges.</p>
<p>The most beautiful attractions in the region are the natural parks and gardens. There are 18 canyons waiting to be explored in Starved Rock State Park and hikers will also be able to enjoy the beauty of lush forests and several different waterfalls. Anderson&#8217;s Japanese gardens, the Chicago botanical gardens and the Morton Arboretum also display hundreds of acres covered with gardens, waterfalls and wildlife. With so many attractions in the area, it isn&#8217;t surprising that northern Illinois real estate continues to be in high-demand. Unless you have the time and money to make several trips to the area while you are searching for a new home, it would probably be wise to hire an Illinois realtor to help you find which homes are available. A realtor can also give you valuable information on the best school systems, neighborhood appreciation trends and the true market value of any <a HREF="http://www.irealestateglobal.com/" TARGET="_blank"><strong>real estate </strong></a>that you are interested in. If you want to negotiate with buyers, a realtor can also help point out ways to strengthen your arguments. In a competitive market like northern Illinois, having a realtor will also make you seem like a serious and trustworthy buyer to the people who are looking to sell their homes.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.greatillinois.com/blog/use-an-experienced-illinois-realtor-to-find-your-new-home/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
