Angie’s List: An Empire Built on a List

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Angie Hicks, Angie’s List

As many of you know I’m a senior producer for a news network in New York City. I cover everything from surgeries to fitness classes. Recently I was fortunate enough to do a segment about saving money on your medical bills with one of the most famous list makers of all — Angie Hicks — the founder of Angie’s List.

Her consumer review website helps people find doctors, contractors and other local services. Angie’s List now has 1.5 million members across the country — and to think it all started with a list!

Q: Why do you call yourself a compulsive list maker?

A: I wouldn’t necessarily call myself compulsive, but Angie’s List is certainly getting a national reputation as the mother of all lists… Angie’s List started out as just that – my list of the best and worst companies in and around Columbus, Ohio. We’re in more than 200 U.S. cities, now and the list just keeps growing – both of cities served and number of companies rated by consumers in each local market. So I guess I am compulsive about making lists, after all! Read more

Checklist for Perfect Grilling

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Photo Courtesy: Marnely Rodriguez

Socializing with family and friends around the BBQ is an all-American pastime, and it will soon be time to get the grills out once again. If you’re lacking in the cooking department, have a look for the Best george foreman grill, as one of these babies could be a life saver with 4th of July around the corner. This 4th of July you should know what you’re doing around the grill. I’ll be in Miami soaking up the sun — but if you’re “manning” the grill — here’s some tips from grilling expert JoAnn Witherell of Allen Brothers Steaks.

Checklist for Perfect Grilling

by Joann Witherell

There’s No “Right” Grilling Equipment

Some love gas grills for their convenience, while others swear by the unique flavor charcoal provides. But you can grill a great steak on both types of grills – it all comes down to personal preference. Either way sear the meat on high with the lid off, then turning down the temperature and closing the lid to finish cooking. Cooking techniques like this are useful and you can learn different techniques by reading cooking books or watching videos on Youtube. Depending on what you are cooking on, will depend on what cooking techniques to use, you can check out this Grill Types Guide to see different grill types. Once you have chosen the right grill type for you, you can then read about cooking on your grill, and cook the perfect meal for you and your loved ones.

Start with a Clean Slate

Start your grill on high (or over very hot coals if you’re using charcoal) to burn off any residue from previous grilling sessions – you don’t want charred bits of last week’s burgers contaminating your dinner. This simple rule keeps your food clean and also prolongs the life of your grill. Read more

Keeping Pets Happy on 4th of July

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For years my parents would throw a huge 4th of July party in their backyard. There was always great food (thanks mom,) good music (thanks dad,) and lots of friends and family. But one of the things I remember the most is my cousin’s dog, Brody. A happy little beagle who is terrified of fireworks. It has been an ordeal every year to help him deal with this stressful time. This year I sought out a list from the experts at “Pets in the City” — a premiere dog walking and sitting company in Los Angeles.

Keeping Pets Happy on 4th of July

by Aaron Hill

As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, good food and spectacular fireworks, it’s important to take a moment to think about the safety of our four-legged family members.

While fireworks have become a staple of Independence Day, the American tradition can be terrifying for animals. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that everyone – including your pet – enjoys a safe and happy 4th of July.

1. Stay Calm: Before the fireworks and parties begin, owners should know what works best to calm their pet. Read more

A List for Writing Wedding Vows

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New York became the sixth state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage last week. I couldn’t be happier for my gay friends — it’s about time! This historic vote makes me think of my own marriage and one of the most important parts of the day– the vows.

Jay and I wrote our own vows when we got married in Puerto Rico because we wanted our ceremony to be very personal. I’m Catholic and Jay’s Jewish so we blended a bit of both backgrounds into the ceremony along with poems that really spoke to us.

The producer in me knew I should get to work on the vows early. I visited several wedding websites and took a trip to the bookstore to see what I could find out about writing a marriage ceremony script. I write scripts at work all the time – so I tackled this task in a similar way. Research, research, research.

Here’s a list of things to remember when writing your own vows:

1. Be Yourself: As you plan your wedding you will learn that it’s actually not all about you! Your family, friends and other guests will come first in a lot of circumstances. You’re throwing the biggest party of your life – you want to make sure they have a good time! But when it comes to the vows be true to yourself – make it all about you and your partner. If something doesn’t feel right – don’t do it or say it. Read more

The Ultimate Magazine List

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I love reading magazines. It’s my guilty little pleasure and has become a borderline obsession. My husband makes fun of me because our coffee table is always overflowing with the last few months of my favorites. But I have to have them all and reference them to take notes. Eventually I give them to my mother-in-law because she also has this magazine addiction.

As a self-proclaimed magazine connoisseur – here is my list of favorites that you must try:

1. Health Magazine: It has the perfect mix of mind, body and soul – and recipes too! They have great contests and events for their readers. One of my favorite features is the “To-Don’t List,” which highlights tasks overwhelmed women don’t have the worry about. Perfect! I also like the “What the Yuck” column by Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa – I worked with her briefly when we were both at WPIX in New York City. Read more