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Revisit your past
This is one fo those places I heard about for years before I finally got up there to check it out. It was worth the trip.
This is a recreation of a village in Renaissance times. There are shows,...
This is one fo those places I heard about for years before I finally got up there to check it out. It was worth the trip.
This is a recreation of a village in Renaissance times. There are shows, artists and craftsmen, food, and of course shops and more shops. Most of it sticks to the theme although of course it is pretty loosely interpreted.
As a believer in reincarnation this place had a special resonance. No doubt most of these folks who participate are reliving good times they have experienced before.
It is a total immersion experience. Everyone is in costume, and the environment is pretty convincing.
Worth the trip.
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Last Major free zoo in America
This is a great urban zoo that I have been going to since I was a kid. It has been remodeled half a dozen times over the years, and they just keep making it better.
My favorite place in the zoo is...
This is a great urban zoo that I have been going to since I was a kid. It has been remodeled half a dozen times over the years, and they just keep making it better.
My favorite place in the zoo is the bird room, where birds fly free overhead, perching right in front of you on the bannister of the bridge or wherever.
There is a playground right across Cannon drive which is a great place to take young kids to work off some energy.
The other cool place to visit which is right there is the conservatory. This is a special treat in frigid weather when you can bask in tropical heat and enjoy the greenery and flowers.
And its all free!
http://www.lpzoo.com/index2.html
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Great big suburban Zoo
Lincoln Park is a small zoo that you can cover without breaking a sweat. Brookfield is much larger and more commercial. It has fun rubber- wheeled trains that you can ride around so you don't tire...
Lincoln Park is a small zoo that you can cover without breaking a sweat. Brookfield is much larger and more commercial. It has fun rubber- wheeled trains that you can ride around so you don't tire yourself out if you don't feel like doing a lot of walking.
Of course this place is not free either, like Lincoln Park. It is still worth the cost of admission; you and your kids will enjoy spending a couple of happy hours here on some sunny summer afternoon. Or for a real adventure, go in cold weather. It is open year round.
It is your classic zoo experience. For some reason, as I am remembering it now, I am thinking of the giraffes with their long tongues, grabbing forbidden snacks.
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/
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Great art website
I am an artist and one of the first things I looked for online was visual art. This site is one of my best finds. It is an online museum that is a personal project, motivated by sharing the web...
I am an artist and one of the first things I looked for online was visual art. This site is one of my best finds. It is an online museum that is a personal project, motivated by sharing the web master's love of art.
There are great downloadable collections of art here. I have downloaded tons of art from this site which I have put up on my screen saver. If you don't have a screen saver that can do this, please see my review of webshots.com.
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My absolute favorite website
If you like visual stimulation, eye candy, this website will put you in hog heaven. It is my all time favorite website, and I constantly refer people to it.
It has thousands of wonderful...
If you like visual stimulation, eye candy, this website will put you in hog heaven. It is my all time favorite website, and I constantly refer people to it.
It has thousands of wonderful photographs of every conceivable subject. The first thing you do when you get here and register is to download their free screen saver. Then you can download 5 photos daily from their website, or as many as you want if you get the paid membership.
The best thing about this screensaver is that you can import your own images by a simple drag and drop process.
You're gonna love this!
http://www.webshots.com/
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Space music website
Have you ever listened to Hearts of Space? This Marin county based radio program brings you space music California style. The dj is Mr. mellow and his music is cool and ethereal.
The program can...
Have you ever listened to Hearts of Space? This Marin county based radio program brings you space music California style. The dj is Mr. mellow and his music is cool and ethereal.
The program can usually be found on the far left hand side of the FM dial where the public radio stations hang out. In my area they play it on Sunday mornings; check the website for your local stations and times.
You can also hear samples of the music online but if you want to listen a lot, you gotta subscribe, naturally.
Great for chillin' and spacin' out, dude.
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Good mechanic
Honest mechanic? Some folks think this is a cruel oxymoron but this rare beasty actually still does exist. I found one right when I needed it most.
My old beater had started leaking gas. I would...
Honest mechanic? Some folks think this is a cruel oxymoron but this rare beasty actually still does exist. I found one right when I needed it most.
My old beater had started leaking gas. I would come out to find a small puddle in the vicinity of my gas tank and of course the lovely fragrance which is so instantly recognizable.
I could not afford any repairs and I started doing things like driving around on empty, only putting in $3 at a time. I know it was dangerous to live with this, not to mention expensive.
I was at a local gas station putting in my umpteenth $3 worth and I thought, this is ridiculous. Right across the street there was this garage so I pulled in there to at least get a diagnosis and find out what it would cost to repair.
The place was clean, the help was friendly. I talked to the owner whose name is Eric. Family business, been here for years, all that good stuff.
I took the bus home and waited for the diagnosis. Turned out it was a line next to the gas tank. Eric showed me the ugly pipes which all looked like they were about to dissolve in a pile of rust.
He offered two options. The right way, and the cheap way. He said, considering the condition of the car, the cheap way is probably your best option. With out going into all the gory details, I okayed the repair.
He estimated it would cost around $150; it turned out around $200, mostly labor. He was very kind in arranging payment.
Basically I liked him and his help, I had a good experience with them, and I would recommend them.
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Kind local mechanic
I had a nice experience at this place that makes me want to recommend it. A tire in my car was losing air but I couldn't get to the valve.
I brought it in here. A bearded guy with an accent came...
I had a nice experience at this place that makes me want to recommend it. A tire in my car was losing air but I couldn't get to the valve.
I brought it in here. A bearded guy with an accent came out and asked how he could help. I found out his name was Vlad.
I explained the problem. He filled the tire with air and suggested I buy a valve extension at an auto parts store. I asked him how much? He said, "This is America, no charge".
We are so spoiled; it takes an immigrant to get us to appreciate what we have! And to remind us what kindness and generosity are.
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What fast food should be
Rich Melman's take on lunch is a sure winner. These cafeteria style places are all over the area now and worth a visit if you want a good lunch.
Great salads, soups and sandwiches are the basic...
Rich Melman's take on lunch is a sure winner. These cafeteria style places are all over the area now and worth a visit if you want a good lunch.
Great salads, soups and sandwiches are the basic fare, with all of the regular beverages, good coffee and teas and desserts too. The bread is freshly baked, which provides the theme.
Lettuce Entertain you restaurants have the virtue of consistency; you know you are going to get good food and decent service at a fair price.
What more could you ask?
http://www.cornerbakery.com/
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Old world pastries and dining alfresco
My mother first took me to this place and it is the perfect place to have lunch with your mom or grannie.
The bakery has all the classic old world pastries and choclates done to a fair-thee-well....
My mother first took me to this place and it is the perfect place to have lunch with your mom or grannie.
The bakery has all the classic old world pastries and choclates done to a fair-thee-well. Top notch, excellent quality work. You wouldn't find better in downtown Vienna.
But the real treat is to come here in warm weather and eat lunch or, have tea and crumpets in the dining area outside in the back.
It is a lovely little oasis where you can eat civilized food in a lovely urban garden setting.
Take your mom or grandma here; they will love you for it.
http://www.lutzcafe.com/
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