Blogs, anyone? Do you blog about an aspect of the event business--such as parties, catering, flowers--or use blogs to stay informed about the industry? Let us know about it; we might include your information in an upcoming article. E-mail Special Events Magazine assistant editor Christine Landry with the subject head "Blogs" and include the links to the blogs in the message body. Information on special event-related podcasts also welcome! ...

Travelers to Mexico warned about violence The U.S. State Department issued a warning Sept. 15 about increasing violence in parts of Mexico, especially the city of Nuevo Laredo in the state of Tamaulipas. Drug-related violence and random shootings have claimed the lives of U.S. citizens. The agency urges travelers to stay in well-known tourist areas, use main roads in daylight hours, and avoid displaying jewelry, money and other valuables ...

Special menus for special diets According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, there are more than 12 million people in the United States alone who are affected with one or more food allergies. FAAN also states that 90 percent of food allergies are caused by only eight foods: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Caterers and event planners can avoid the risk of serving foods that can be dangerous to party guests by using some simple techniques, such as asking about food sensitivities on RSVP cards. Event planner Jana Skarnulis offers menu suggestions that are gluten- and casein-free; see the October issue of Special Events Magazine.