There will be live racing along with simulcast racing and of course, Miller beer.  Some local Chicago bands are playing and there will also be blues in the evening by Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners. 

Have you learned to play Baggo yet? If so, you are not alone.  I haven’t quite learned it either but there will be games and also some help with instruction.

Photo Credit:  Flickr

By far, the freshest produce comes directly from the farm - in other words, you bought it from the farmer, whether on location or at a weekend farmer’s market.

Here is the view coming down LoganBerry Heritage Farm’s driveway outside of Cleveland (north of Gainesville.)  Sharon Mauney raises herbs, sunflowers, fruits and vegetables. Last year I got the best “creme” peas from her - a variety of field pea that tastes like Lady Peas. (Lady Peas grow better south of Atlanta, so it’s hard to find them here.)

Variety is another advantage of buying at small farms - many grow heirloom vegetables that have subtle differences from what you’re used to. Last weekend I bought these Dragon Tongue beans at the So-Called Farmers Market in Sautee Nacoochee. (283 Hwy. 255 N. 10-12:30 Saturdays.)

To find a farmer near you, check BuyLocalGeorgia.org. You can download a Local Food Guide that lists farmers by county. Georgia Organics lists organic farmers. Buy Appalachian.org is another good source, both of farmers, farmers markets and restaurants and lodges that specialize in local, sustainable food.

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Staples Center

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Downtown’s Staples Center has been selected as the venue for Michael Jackson’s public memorial service on Tuesday, July 7th, at 10 AM. Register online now for an opportunity to attend this extraordinary event. Tickets are free and registration will be open only until July 4th, 6 PM (Pacific Standard Time).

Demand for tickets has been overwhelming. Registration does not guarantee attendance.  Tickets will be issued randomly, with two tickets being given to each selected attendee. Fans may also be selected to view a simulcast of the memorial from the Nokia Theatre across the street. Wristbands will be issued to the selected ticketholders, who must be valid residents of the United States.

As of yet, no details have been released as to what the memorial service will comprise. Do expect blocked streets, humongous crowds, free-flowing tears, and one big “Thriller” of an event.

Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles 90015 (map) Tuesday, July 7th, 10 AM

Post from: The Los Angeles Guide

Here’s a quick look at a few of them.

Foodies will enjoy the…

Those who enjoy the arts will like the…

And then for a little history, there’s the…

Don’t forget about the…

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?????????? ?????????, 191025, ????? ?????-?????????, ??????? ?????.

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Just have a look at the photo gallery of the restaurant  “Tri peskarya” (The three gudgeons) to make it sure that it’s the best place to eat if you want to feel as if you’re travelling in the countryside despite the fact that actually you are at the main street of the 4th largest city in Europe.

The interior is made as a refer to a Russian peasant’s house. The room can host 200 persons, but owing to well-tasted design you do not feel you are in a food-court. The village atmosphere is added up with the help of numerous peasants’ items. The cuisine is Russian and Lithuanian.

To give you the picture about the prices. Salads cost 150-300 rubles, cold dishes are between 120-320, hot dishes — 160-300, dishes for beer cost 340-900. The main features of the restaurant are grilled dishes and specilties from the chef. The grilled ones include such as chicken shashlik, pork shashlik, salmon shashlik, mutton, they are priced between 340-800. The specialties include mutton ridges in a mango sauce with teqila (650 rubles) and beef ridges with a sauce (550).

In addition to an enormous choice of course you can find here a great choice of drinks, for instance beer list includes Celis, Brussels kriek, Boddington’s and others sorts which I never met at other places. The same situation with other alhocols.

Also live music included, which in a couple with a dancing floor can make your rest here unforgiveable!

Address: Nevsky prospect, 70.

Open: 12.00-02.00

phone: +7 (812) 579 99 37

Post from: The St Petersburg Guide

Chef Joe with Voodoo Chicken

When it comes to great restaurants in the area, I like to think I’m on the top of my game. New openings, closings, new chefs coming, menu specials, unique promotions - I sift through hundreds of emails a day telling me about what’s going on and that doesn’t even include my daily reading list. So when I heard about a chef at The Windsor Gardens Hotel in North Palm Beach who’s resume includes spending time at the Versace Mansion and Barton G., I was like, “Why don’t I know about this?”

A friend of mine called me up a few months ago asking me if I’d ever heard of The Windsor Gardens Hotel. Where is that? I quickly called up the restaurant and  was anxious to hear about it. Located just south of PGA Boulevard near the Intracoastal Waterway lies Secrets Piano Bar and Grill and The Windsor Gardens Hotel. With only 90 rooms, the hotel doesn’t jump out at you and I’ve driven by it many times, but the second you go to the restaurant, you will be blown away, just like I was earlier this week.

Chef Joseph Angelucci has created a culinary gem in North Palm Beach. As I mentioned, he has spent time working at the Versace Mansion and Barton G., trained under James Beard Award-winning chef Michael McNally and wows patrons that walk through his door. He’s even had the chance to cook for former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Shaquille O’Neill. Whether you are sitting down at the bar for his incredible $5 bar menu, attending one of his wine dinners, attending a meeting in the conference center or getting ready for a culinary awakening, Chef Joe will wow you. Right now, I’m just sitting here wondering which foodie friends of mine, I can bring back to the restaurant. OK, I was just there for a Happy Hour event, but when you know something is this good, you are craving more.

As I mentioned, I was there for a Happy Hour event. I do these often, but I can say with all certainty that Chef Joe blew everyone else away. From the moment I walked in the door, the tables were cleared out and the spread of food included fresh Mozzarella Caprese Skewers, Hummus, homemade breads, gourmet cheese trays, sweet Maytag Stuffed Mission Figs with Prosciutto, Truffled Shrimp Salad in Cucumber Cups. Plus, they brought out hot hors d’oeuvres throughout the night including my absolute favorite, the smoking Voodoo Chicken - a mix between a grilled chicken skewer and a spring roll with a sweet sauce gave a dynamite flavor, though I must admit it was a bit difficult to eat as I was running around, but worth every bite.

So, how can I rave about this restaurant without even sitting down for dinner there yet? Oh, you will see and I will be back soon to report on my trip. They are located at The Windsor Gardens Hotel, 11360 US Highway 1 in North Palm Beach.  (561) 768-3001

If you want to try out the restaurant soon, you might be interested in their wine dinner on July 16. 5 courses with 5 wines from Opici for only $45++, but you have to reserve in advance by calling 561-768-3001 if you would like to get that special price.

Here’s the menu:

1st Course - Warm Bacon Salad with Crispy Tempura Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Mache, Roma Tomato, Red Onion & Citrus Grilled Shrimp

2nd Course - Swordfish Skewers with Chermoula and Moroccan Couscous

3rd Course - Argentinean Plank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce and Ancho Corn Pudding

4th Course - Lamb Corfu with Kaffir Lime Infused Orzo Salad

5th Course - Grilled Summer Peaches and Cream

Photos from personal collection.

Wherever you are this fourth of July weekend, I hope it is a glorious celebration filled with great people and great fun.  See you back here in a few days.

Photo credit:  stuck in customes@flickr

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Disney Resort hotels are offering a 35% savings on stays in select rooms at all the resorts, beginning August 9 through September, 2009. With  these special rates, Value Resort rooms begin at $69.00; Moderate Resort rooms - $96.00; Deluxe Resort rooms - $149.00 and Deluxe Villas - $169.00.

Along with the magically affordable rates, as a guest at the resort you will receive all the additional benefits:

Click here for more information and reservation assistance. Reservation must be booked by August 8, 2009.

Traditionally, the crowd sizes at the theme parks are smaller during this time as many schools return to classes.  If your school begins after labor day, or if you have pre-schooler, this is a great time to visit.  Say Hello to Mickey for me!

Photo Selection: WDW News

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1025 F St NW

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Madame Tussauds in Washington, DC, has placed a wax figure of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson in their front window.

The Jackson figure will be on display for at least a week and visible from the sidewalk to passersby.

Jackson was one of music’s most unique talents, changing both the music and video music industry as well as redefining the word weird.

With 750 million records sold, and over a dozen Grammy Awards and number one hits,  Jackson became one of the most globally recognized American pop singers. From a child prodigy in the Jackson Five to adult superstar, his 1982 album Thriller, became the highlight of his career.  It is the only album in history to sell over 100 million copies, exceeding the next closest  album by over 50 million copies.

A visit inside Madame Tussauds gets you face to face with wax figures of President Barack Obama and Michelle, George Washington,  Martin Luther King, Jr., Muhammad Ali, Abe Lincoln and many other political and historical figures.  Hollywood icons Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts are just a few of the celebrities also on display inside the museum.

Michael Jackson Wax Figure Madame Tussauds 1025 F Street, NW at 10th Street Washington, DC 20004  (map it)

Dates and Times –  Sunday – Friday - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (last entry), Saturday until 8:00 (last entry).

Tickets – Adults - $20.00, Seniors - $18.00, children 3-12 - $15.00, under 2 – free. Available at the box office or online.

Nearest Metro Subway Station - Metro Center, Blue, Orange and Red lines, then a 2-block walk.

Parking -Metered street and paid garage parking is available in the area.

Images - George Washington - from personal collection - ©2009, Jon Rochetti, Michael Jackson – public domain. 

______________________________________________________

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Mural Amphitheatre

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“In heaven there is no beer, that’s why we drink it here. . . . “

And drink it you can, this weekend at the Seattle Center, with over 150 world class beers, from over 15 countries, at the 2009 Seattle International Beerfest.

This impressive selection of beers will be available for 4-ounce tastings all weekend long.  And if you can’t taste enough on one day, plan on coming back the next.  Your wrist band and glass are all that you need for FREE re-entry all weekend long.

If you’re not into all the tasting, and just want to relax with a cold pint, you can try the Grande Beer Garden, where full pints of Peroni (from Italy) and Pilsner Urquell (from the Czech Republic) are available for only $4.  You don’t have to sit in the beer garden with your pint either, you’re free to walk about with friends and do a little people watching.

Food will be available onsite, provided by local Seattle’s Hot Dog Joe, with gourmet sausages, hotdogs, burgers, chicken, and brisket, along with some vegetarian options.  In other words, perfect food to go with the beer!

Location:  Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater (map)

Dates & Times:  July 3rd – 5th, Friday & Saturday noon – 10 pm, Sunday noon – 7 pm.

Admission:  $20 includes glass and 10 beer tickets.  Additional beer tickets are $1.  Each beer will cost 1-4 tickets, depending on price factor, and around half will be available for only 1 ticket.  $5 admission for non-drinkers and designated drivers includes free non-alcoholic beverages.  Cash only.

This is a 21 and over only event, and proper ID is required.  Please drink with care, and remember that some of these beers have a high alcohol content and may be stronger than they look.  Bring a designated driver, use public transportation, walk, or get a hotel room in the city.

Photo credit: SXC

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La Piazza

La Piazza

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I had a chance last week to pop into La Piazza, an easily missed Italian restaurant in Edinburgh’s West End.

sunset on Shandwick Place

The Venue

I kind of feel like La Piazza is backwards.  The entrance on Shandwick Place itself is totally missable, with no patrons being seated in the window tables and a huge flatscreen television distracting the eye.  Inside it is a narrow portion of the restaurant before opening up into the larger dining area in the back.  Beyond the dining area is a set of those doors that open up to make an open wall; there’s even a small terrace out back.  Like I say, the whole thing is backwards and if they flipped it around they’d have twice the business, but I was there on a Tuesday night and it was packed, so they seem to be doing ok.

The Food

Loving the food here, and we had a full set of courses.  Starters were a fresh Caprese salad - tasty and the buffalo mozarella was fresh.  Out of the group, we had a risotto main, a pizza and a pasta.  Everyone seemed quite pleased with their selection - particularly the spicy sausage pizza which was a real hit.  Portions are decently sized so that you’ll (barely) have room for dessert.  We opted Zabaglione, an eggy/foamy alcoholic dessert that was served with biscuits and was, to put it mindly, fantastic.

The wine menu is short and standard but more than suitable.  The coffee was tasty although pretty large cups - if you’re worried be sure to order decaf.

The Service

Things don’t start off on a great note with the unusual layout of the venue.  But the staff reallly got my back up from the beginning by seating everyone as close as possible together even though the room was half empty.  I never understand why restaurants do this, particular when it’s pairs of couples - do they secretly enjoy having everyone listen to everyone else’s conversation?

Enough ranting - unforutnately things didn’t improve thoughout the meal.  I felt the service was slightly brusque and bordering on off-putting.  It did get slightly busy towards the end of the meal, but it seemed as if we were a pesky fly wandering about the room.

The Prices

I think prices are pretty reasonable value for money - obviously some of the steak dishes are somewhat more pricey, and naturally the wine list runs from the not-that-expensive to cost-more-than-the-rest-of-the-meal.

In Summary

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with La Piazza.  I’d walked by so many times and didn’t even know it was there; they need to refine the edges of the service and really re-think the seating arrangements, but otherwise it was a perfectly enjoyable meal.

Photo courtesy of chatirygirl

Post from: The Edinburgh Guide

This means that roads and Schiphol Airport are extemely busy the weekends of 4, 11 and 18 July. If you can, avoid arriving in or leaving the country on those dates.

A NTCB-Nipo Research survey showed that 8 million Dutch holidaymakers will spend their holiday abroad and 2.7 million will spend their holiday in the Netherlands.

Popular Europe destination for the Dutch are Spain, Italy and France. When the Dutch spend their holidays in their own country, bungolow parks and campings in the provinces Gelderland, Zeeland and Drenthe are favourites.

By 6 September all schools have started again.

The Dutch people like to visit Amsterdam on day trips. They shop, visit museums, stroll along the canals and mix with the visitors from abroad. This means that the city buzzes with activity. Just to reassure you, there are enough places for you to stay, from hostels to 5-star hotels.

So, when will you visit Amsterdam?

photo credit: flickr

Post from: The Amsterdam Guide

4th of July in Barcelona - Put on your dancing shoes!

Let’s take a look:

US-style Fourth of July - celebrate the US’sIndependence Day and mingle with fellow Americans at the American Society Beach party at Mar Bella. From 4 to 8. (Register at their web site)

Or, head over to the Hard Rock cafe where a US passport will get you a free dessert! (Plaza Catalunya)

Montjuic de Nit - Open house at all of the hilltop museum. Entrance is FREE. Wander among participating spaces, including CaixaForum, the Castell, Fundació Joan Miró, Mercat de les Flors, MNAC, Poble Espanyol, Teatre Grec, Teatre Lliure and many more. 8pm to 3am. Simply head to Montjuic and tour around, everything will be open! Metro line - Espanya.

Mataró’s Cruilla de Cultures music festival - On the fourth the Barcelona legend, Manu Chao plays in Mataro, a city just a half hour away from Barcelona. The Wailers and Taj Mahal will also play at later dates at this festival. See web.

web: http://www.cruilladecultures.com/cruilles.html

Post from: The Barcelona Guide

I don’t think it’ll matter how many times I see a shot of Sydney Harbour; the dramatic sails of the Sydney Opera House and the mechanical marvel of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will always blow me away. What I love most is when I see it from a different point of view, as I do here in this photo. The sunset makes the sky glow, launching the buildings into silhouette which makes them look even more striking. Is Sydney an amazing city of what?

Image source: Snapper’s Pics @ Flickr

Here’s a quick glance of what else is happening around the region.

If you’re into history, you can head to Independence Day Celebration in Vicksburg, Miss., Fort Morgan’s Cannon Salute to American Independence in Gulf Shores, Ala., July 4th 1850s Style at Kings Mountain State Park in Blacksburg, S.C., or Governor’s Palace Picnic in Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

Like fireworks? Well, there are numerous displays to choose from, including the 4th of July at Lenox Square in Atlanta, Ga.,  Music City July 4th in Nashville, Tenn., or Baltimore, Md.’s  Fourth of July at the Inner Harbor

There’s something for the entire family at the 4th of July Celebration at Beach Park in Pascagoula, Miss., Tweetsie Railroad’s 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza in Blowing Rock, N.C., or Rumble Over the Rough River Fireworks Show in Falls in the Rough, Ky.

For those who enjoy concerts, there’s Pops on the River in Little Rock, Ark., or  Red, White and Boom! in Lafayette, La.

How about the unique ways to honor the Fourth? Well, you can always attend the Biggest Small Town 4th of July Parade in Seguin, Texas or Clamerica in Cedar Key, Fla.

photo credit: AmericAN FLAG 003, flickr, creative commons by royal19.

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John F. Kennedy Birthplace

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On May 29, 1917, John F. Kennedy was born in the master bedroom of a modest 2 ½ story home on a quiet residential street in Brookline, Massachusetts. The John F. Kennedy  National Historic Site was given to the American people by the Kennedy family in 1969 . Today , Park Rangers take visitors on guided tours of the house.  This was a special project for Mrs. Rose Kennedy, who personally chose the furniture and memorabilia to reflect how the family lived when they occupied the home from 1914-1920.

The focus of the tour is the Kennedy family’s Brookline years and President Kennedy’s early childhood. Throughout the tour you will hear the National Park Rangers refer to President Kennedy as “Jack”, his boyhood name. And  early in the tour, visitors of a “certain age” will be asked where they were when Kennedy was assassinated.

On the first floor, you will see the dining room -set for company. In the living room, the piano has pride of place. Upstairs, you will see the nursery with its bassinet , the master bedroom (with two single beds!), a guest room , Mrs. Kennedy’s office, and the home’s only bathroom!

The best is last- the early 1920’s kitchen is the home’s historically most accurate room -complete with a soapstone sink , a huge enamel stove, and an ice box. The kitchen was the domain of the family’s cook, but you will hear a snippet of an audio recording by Mrs. Kennedy recounting how the family would eat warmed over baked beans with brown bread for Sunday supper. Very Boston!

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site (83 Beals St., Brookline, 617-566-7937, Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-4:30 PM, Admission $3 adults free for children under age 17) (Map). You can reach the site by T- take the C line to Coolidge Corner.

Image Credit- Personal Collection

Post from: The Boston Guide

According to this article in the Inquirer, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has a target of one million OAV’s. So far, only about 118,000 have registered.

The main requirement for OAV registration is Filipino citizenship (including dual citizenship). Filipinos who became naturalized U.S. citizens before 1991 may vote after they apply for (and obtain) dual citizenship and a Philippine passport.

For more information, visit the Comelec website.

Are you registered to vote in 2010?

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San Antonio Market Square

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Freedom Fest is one of the many celebrations taking place in San Antonio to celebrate Independence Day. Come out with your friends and family to enjoy local music, food, activities for kids and much more. Freedom Fest takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 4th and July 5th at Market Square.

Image: sxc.hu

Something new this year, the festivities kick off at 9:00am on Saturday with a Freedom Ride (motorcycle ride) through downtown followed by the Opening Ceremonies at 10:00am. Each rider is asked to make a $5 donation.

Following the ceremonies, there will be a bikers’ breakfast. The motorcycle showcase will be on Saturday with a judged competition taking place on Sunday. If you are interested in learning more about the Bike Ride & Show, visit freedomfestsanantonio.com.

At Market Square, bands, singers and musicians will be performing all day on Saturday and SUnday in a variety of genres - rock, jazz, soul, R&B, country and mariachi. Check out the music schedule for times. Freedom Fest is a family-friendly event that will be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Post from: The San Antonio Guide

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204 W 14th St

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Dirty Bird To-Go Fried Chicken

First of all, this tiny place is half way between a take out joint and sit down restaurant.  If you’re lucky enough to find a seat, of which there are only two tables along with small counters on either side of the door, you’ll get real silver ware, cloth napkins, and a tiny candle.  If it’s packed like usual, you’ll be taking grub to go.  After all, you don’t come to Dirty Bird To-Go for the ambiance, you come here for the fried and rotisserie chicken that’s genuinely finger licking good!

Their free range, non hormone raised birds imported straight from Pennsylvania’s Amish Country are brined, dipped in buttermilk and double-fried in olive oil for extra crunch.  This process produces exceptionally juicy meat and a greaseless coating.  The other mainstay here is rotisserie chicken with a crisp well-seasoned skin.  Even the white meat is moist and succulent right down to the bone.  Every order comes with jalapeno vinegar and honey mustard dipping sauce if you so choose.

Don’t forget the sides…they’re sturdy enough to hold their own with the stellar main dishes.  Just-right helpings of creamy white cheddar mac n’ cheese, seasoned mashed potatoes with real chucks of hearty potato, and veggies like roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli hit the spot.  My favorite, the simmered kale, is marinated in a lightly garlic infused olive oil instead of sopping in butter.

Make sure you try a tall cold glass of their unsweetened organic peach ice tea and for dessert, grab a bag of their homemade chocolate ginger snap or molasses cookies.  Even if you’re too full, tuck them away for your journey home!

204 W 14th St 212-620-4836 Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 to 14th St; L to Eighth Ave

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The Oaks Shopping Center

Huntington Beach Pier

Rose Bowl

Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl, situated north of Hollywood Boulevard on Highland Avenue,

CBS Studio Center

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Fourth of July = Independence Day = Fireworks. But, don’t try them at home or anywhere else outside sanctioned and controlled areas. We definitely don’t need more wildfires! Try some of these safe sites for watching ooh-and-aah sparkling spectacles. Some are free; others are ticketed events.

Photo credit: The Oaks

The Oaks 350 W. Hillcrest Dr, Thousand Oaks 91360 (map) (805) 495-2032

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Pacific Coast Highway & Main St, Huntington Beach 92648 (map) (714) 536-5486

Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena 91103 (map) (626) 577-3101

Hollywood Bowl 2301 No. Highland Ave, Los Angeles 90068 (map) (323) 850-2000

CBS Studio Center (www.studiocitychamber.com): Wear your best tie-dye clothing and peace-symbol jewelry to this 11th Annual Fireworks Festival with a “Woodstock 1969″ theme. How can you possibly resist? Alas, the event lasts only three hours (6 PM-9 PM) rather than three days.

CBS Studio Center 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City 91604 (map) (818) 655-5916

Post from: The Los Angeles Guide