No.... not for President, but for the Cutest Dog. First, I truly believe he is the cutest dog. And second, because with the top prize of $1,000, we will do a lot of good for the dog world.
To vote for him, go to http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Votes.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=4247 Once there, under the search box, type in his name, Charley. Make sure you spell it right, or you won't find him. After you get that page, he is the last one at the bottom.... you know, best for last! We would truly appreciate your vote!
The only tricky part, you have to register to vote. It will show you how to do that. The whole process will take you less than a minute. So... please help us out. Together we can make Charley the Cutest Dog in the Twin Cities, and make a nice donation to the shelter he came from. Thanks for your support.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sin City Reviewed
Wow... what a trip! First, Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate. Now... onto me. :)
My trip was awesome. We truly had a great time and to provide you with every detail from the trip would be impossible. So... below are some highlights, and perhaps a few lowlights too.
Shows:
All three of the shows we saw were incredible. First, we saw Ice, which is essentially Cirque du Soliel on ice. It was absolutely amazing, and what those people can do on skates is truly incredible. I highly recommend this show.
Next up we saw La Cage. It was awesome. Definitely the best drag show I had ever seen, and some of the impressions were so dead on it was astounding. They did people like Bette Midler, Cher, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Madonna, Reba, and so many more. It really was great. We also met two guys there.... Art and his partner whose name I totally forgot. Both great guys!!
The last show we saw was Zumanity. Wow... talk about sexy. It was a Cirque du Soleil show, but what they call the "sensual and sexual side of Cirque." It was pretty hot and again, what those bodies can do is amazing!!!
I highly recommend you see all three of those shows.
Food:
It's Vegas.... for the most part, the food was excellent. A few that need mentioning...
The Steak House - That is actually the name of the restaurant. Oddly enough, it is located inside of Circus Circus, but has been named best steak house in Vegas for the last 25 years. Trust me... they are right. From the bread, to their homemade salad dressing, to the AMAZING garlic mashed potatoes (better than Buca, yes, I said it), to their beef.... this place is outstanding. Definitely go there.
Buffet - And perhaps the most interesting thing is that my worst meal was in the same hotel, Circus Circus. It was their buffet (the only one I ate while there) and it was awful. Worse than Old Country Buffet, if you can imagine. Just gross. Thankfully, because of an issue during check-in, the buffet for us was free.
Cafe Bellagio - It was good, though not the best restaurant in the whole world. Obviously located inside the Bellagio, it was a a good lunch. For those who cannot stop gambling, you can play Keno at your table.
Il Fornaio - Located inside New York, New York, this restaurant is a "must eat." Everyone knows I am picky, and I ordered their Paccheri Gratanati without the peas and mushrooms and substituting chicken instead of ham, but OMG... it was truly the best pasta I have ever had in my life.
Grand Lux Cafe - This delicious treat was located inside of the Venetian. I had a waffle... again, the best one ever. I am not sure what they put in that batter, but it was like a tiny drop of heaven.
Hotels:
Of course the hotels were amazing. My favorite would have to be the Luxor. First, it is just plain cool (shaped like a pyramid), but it is beautiful inside as well. Just a remarkable place. And if you are sneaky enough like we are, you can ride up in the side-ways elevator without actually being a guest there. Also to be noted are the Venetian and Bellagio. Very nice, very classy. I would say my other favorite would be New York, New York. So much fun. It is not "beautiful" like the others... it is just more fun. Tons to do, great places to eat, wonderful shows, etc. Definitely skip Circus Circus unless you have kids. If you do, take them there... they will love it.
Attractions:
There is so much to see and do in Vegas that even the 5 nights I was there was not nearly enough. Here are some things to do, and perhaps some to stay away from...
Gondola - Definitely take a gondola ride at the Venetian. It is just like in Italy with your own gondolier and all. They sing to you and it is just plain fun.
Hoover Dam - The tour was AWFUL, so skip that. Just go to the dam and look at it. That is pretty cool as is Lake Mead across the street. But truly, the best part was just looking at the dam, so save the $11 and skip the BORING tour.
Grand Canyon - That is one GRAND canyon. Wow is it big, but absolutely beautiful. If you have the time, (it will really take you all day to do this and the dam) go for it. I really had no idea how big it was. There was a helicopter that went in it while we were there... it looked like an ant. It was awesome.
Good Hands Massage - Off the strip, but a hell of a deal. For $99 you get an hour of reflexology and then an hour of Swedish massage. You cannot beat a two hour massage for $99!
Lake Las Vegas - About a half hour drive, this is a small village like area with a man made lake. Absolutely beautiful and surrounded by shops, a casino, etc. Nice to look at, but likely not worth the drive again.
The Strip - Get your walking shoes on, or better yet, rent a car for $30/day. The strip is awesome. You go into all of the different hotels and they are truly amazing. You cannot believe they are a building... they look more like a small city. Check out the fountain at the Bellagio, the lions at MGM, the waterfall bar in Mandalay Bay, the roller coaster in New York, New York, and about 10,000 other things I am not going to mention.
As sick of reading this as you are, I am bored with typing. I hope you enjoyed hearing about my trip.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
My trip was awesome. We truly had a great time and to provide you with every detail from the trip would be impossible. So... below are some highlights, and perhaps a few lowlights too.
Shows:
All three of the shows we saw were incredible. First, we saw Ice, which is essentially Cirque du Soliel on ice. It was absolutely amazing, and what those people can do on skates is truly incredible. I highly recommend this show.
Next up we saw La Cage. It was awesome. Definitely the best drag show I had ever seen, and some of the impressions were so dead on it was astounding. They did people like Bette Midler, Cher, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Madonna, Reba, and so many more. It really was great. We also met two guys there.... Art and his partner whose name I totally forgot. Both great guys!!
The last show we saw was Zumanity. Wow... talk about sexy. It was a Cirque du Soleil show, but what they call the "sensual and sexual side of Cirque." It was pretty hot and again, what those bodies can do is amazing!!!
I highly recommend you see all three of those shows.
Food:
It's Vegas.... for the most part, the food was excellent. A few that need mentioning...
The Steak House - That is actually the name of the restaurant. Oddly enough, it is located inside of Circus Circus, but has been named best steak house in Vegas for the last 25 years. Trust me... they are right. From the bread, to their homemade salad dressing, to the AMAZING garlic mashed potatoes (better than Buca, yes, I said it), to their beef.... this place is outstanding. Definitely go there.
Buffet - And perhaps the most interesting thing is that my worst meal was in the same hotel, Circus Circus. It was their buffet (the only one I ate while there) and it was awful. Worse than Old Country Buffet, if you can imagine. Just gross. Thankfully, because of an issue during check-in, the buffet for us was free.
Cafe Bellagio - It was good, though not the best restaurant in the whole world. Obviously located inside the Bellagio, it was a a good lunch. For those who cannot stop gambling, you can play Keno at your table.
Il Fornaio - Located inside New York, New York, this restaurant is a "must eat." Everyone knows I am picky, and I ordered their Paccheri Gratanati without the peas and mushrooms and substituting chicken instead of ham, but OMG... it was truly the best pasta I have ever had in my life.
Grand Lux Cafe - This delicious treat was located inside of the Venetian. I had a waffle... again, the best one ever. I am not sure what they put in that batter, but it was like a tiny drop of heaven.
Hotels:
Of course the hotels were amazing. My favorite would have to be the Luxor. First, it is just plain cool (shaped like a pyramid), but it is beautiful inside as well. Just a remarkable place. And if you are sneaky enough like we are, you can ride up in the side-ways elevator without actually being a guest there. Also to be noted are the Venetian and Bellagio. Very nice, very classy. I would say my other favorite would be New York, New York. So much fun. It is not "beautiful" like the others... it is just more fun. Tons to do, great places to eat, wonderful shows, etc. Definitely skip Circus Circus unless you have kids. If you do, take them there... they will love it.
Attractions:
There is so much to see and do in Vegas that even the 5 nights I was there was not nearly enough. Here are some things to do, and perhaps some to stay away from...
Gondola - Definitely take a gondola ride at the Venetian. It is just like in Italy with your own gondolier and all. They sing to you and it is just plain fun.
Hoover Dam - The tour was AWFUL, so skip that. Just go to the dam and look at it. That is pretty cool as is Lake Mead across the street. But truly, the best part was just looking at the dam, so save the $11 and skip the BORING tour.
Grand Canyon - That is one GRAND canyon. Wow is it big, but absolutely beautiful. If you have the time, (it will really take you all day to do this and the dam) go for it. I really had no idea how big it was. There was a helicopter that went in it while we were there... it looked like an ant. It was awesome.
Good Hands Massage - Off the strip, but a hell of a deal. For $99 you get an hour of reflexology and then an hour of Swedish massage. You cannot beat a two hour massage for $99!
Lake Las Vegas - About a half hour drive, this is a small village like area with a man made lake. Absolutely beautiful and surrounded by shops, a casino, etc. Nice to look at, but likely not worth the drive again.
The Strip - Get your walking shoes on, or better yet, rent a car for $30/day. The strip is awesome. You go into all of the different hotels and they are truly amazing. You cannot believe they are a building... they look more like a small city. Check out the fountain at the Bellagio, the lions at MGM, the waterfall bar in Mandalay Bay, the roller coaster in New York, New York, and about 10,000 other things I am not going to mention.
As sick of reading this as you are, I am bored with typing. I hope you enjoyed hearing about my trip.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
(Snowy) Vegas... Here I Come!
Loyal Readers-
As you know, tomorrow I am headed out for snowy Las Vegas. I am really excited for my trip. It will also mean a halt on my blog. However, check back on Christmas day as I fill you in on how the trip was. Until then... stay warm, Happy Chanukkah, and try not to miss me too much!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
As you know, tomorrow I am headed out for snowy Las Vegas. I am really excited for my trip. It will also mean a halt on my blog. However, check back on Christmas day as I fill you in on how the trip was. Until then... stay warm, Happy Chanukkah, and try not to miss me too much!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Vegas Baby
For those who do not know, I am off to Las Vegas on Friday. I can hardly wait... I have never been. You all know that I love to travel and going to new places make for the best trips of all. A few things I know we are going to do...
- Criss Angel/Cirque show
- Hoover Dam
- Grand Canyon
- Bellagio Light Show
- The Strip
- Pure and Tryst Night Clubs
However, as I said, I have never been. So, if you have any thoughts or places you think I should go, please let me know. I am open to suggestions and would love to hear of places that are "not to be missed" from people who have already gone to Vegas.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
- Criss Angel/Cirque show
- Hoover Dam
- Grand Canyon
- Bellagio Light Show
- The Strip
- Pure and Tryst Night Clubs
However, as I said, I have never been. So, if you have any thoughts or places you think I should go, please let me know. I am open to suggestions and would love to hear of places that are "not to be missed" from people who have already gone to Vegas.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
News Junkie
I am a news junkie... I admit it! I love news and always have. Hell, I got my degree in broadcast news. I worked at four different TV stations, though ultimately left TV news. But that still does not mean I have lost my curiosity.
I love knowing what is going on in the world. I enjoy being able to talk with people about current events. Wednesdays are my big day to "surf the 'net" for good stories. It is the day I hold a current events discussion with my tenants at work and it is the day I teach the same class in the evenings at Temple. Of course the articles are different for the varied audiences, but I still feel as though I am doing my part to educate people about the things going on around them.
It does surprise me how little people know about the world. Watch TV news, read the newspaper, checkout articles online, or come to one of my discussions. However you do it, I think it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about that is happening in the world. You don't have to be an expert on every subject, but have a nice general knowledge that would enable you to strike up a conversation with people around you.
And with that... some of my favorite news sources:
www.kare11.com
www.cnn.com
www.yahoo.com
www.startribune.com
www.twincities.com
www.kstp.com
www.wcco.com
And there are many more out there. Do me a favor... today, check out one of these sites and shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment on something you learned from going to one of these sites.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
I love knowing what is going on in the world. I enjoy being able to talk with people about current events. Wednesdays are my big day to "surf the 'net" for good stories. It is the day I hold a current events discussion with my tenants at work and it is the day I teach the same class in the evenings at Temple. Of course the articles are different for the varied audiences, but I still feel as though I am doing my part to educate people about the things going on around them.
It does surprise me how little people know about the world. Watch TV news, read the newspaper, checkout articles online, or come to one of my discussions. However you do it, I think it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about that is happening in the world. You don't have to be an expert on every subject, but have a nice general knowledge that would enable you to strike up a conversation with people around you.
And with that... some of my favorite news sources:
www.kare11.com
www.cnn.com
www.yahoo.com
www.startribune.com
www.twincities.com
www.kstp.com
www.wcco.com
And there are many more out there. Do me a favor... today, check out one of these sites and shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment on something you learned from going to one of these sites.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Friday, December 5, 2008
'Tis the Season
Damn... it's colder than a witches titty out there. :) However, I still love this time of year. Yes, I hate the cold and yes I hate the snow, and yes, I am Jewish, but I still look forward to this every time of year.
I just got back from the annual Macy's Display downtown and I must say.... it is ADORABLE!!! It is shorter than I remember it, but oh so cute. Some other things I like to do this time of year...
Drink hot chocolate, watch the Holidazzle parade, see a "Christmas" movie, drive around and see the beautiful lights at night, avoid malls... especially THE mall, light a fire, cuddle... if there's someone to cuddle with, watch the snow from indoors, go on vacation, dream about summer, use the heated seats in my car, fondue on New Year's Eve, donate money or gifts, listen to Christmas music, and just enjoy my family and friends.
Whatever holiday you celebrate... make it a good one. Surround yourself with the people you love and enjoy another winter season.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
I just got back from the annual Macy's Display downtown and I must say.... it is ADORABLE!!! It is shorter than I remember it, but oh so cute. Some other things I like to do this time of year...
Drink hot chocolate, watch the Holidazzle parade, see a "Christmas" movie, drive around and see the beautiful lights at night, avoid malls... especially THE mall, light a fire, cuddle... if there's someone to cuddle with, watch the snow from indoors, go on vacation, dream about summer, use the heated seats in my car, fondue on New Year's Eve, donate money or gifts, listen to Christmas music, and just enjoy my family and friends.
Whatever holiday you celebrate... make it a good one. Surround yourself with the people you love and enjoy another winter season.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Work Can Be Sad
For those of you who have ever worked with senior adults, you know what I mean. Working with this population can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be very sad. Many of these people are in a very fragile state.
Sometimes they get sick, and hopefully return to us. But often they don't and they go to a nursing home, or their recovery take so long it is literally months before they come back. Other times their memory is just too exhausted and they need to move to a "memory care" type of place. And in some very extreme circumstances, they die.
I knew that taking this job would be challenging in that way, but I never realized how quickly I would develop such a bond with some of the tenants and become so attached to them. And, it makes me sad each time one of them has to move for one reason or another.
But... work continues and it is my job to make sure those that are still with us have the bast damn time of their lives!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Sometimes they get sick, and hopefully return to us. But often they don't and they go to a nursing home, or their recovery take so long it is literally months before they come back. Other times their memory is just too exhausted and they need to move to a "memory care" type of place. And in some very extreme circumstances, they die.
I knew that taking this job would be challenging in that way, but I never realized how quickly I would develop such a bond with some of the tenants and become so attached to them. And, it makes me sad each time one of them has to move for one reason or another.
But... work continues and it is my job to make sure those that are still with us have the bast damn time of their lives!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
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