If this isn’t a precious moment, then I don’t know what is… Captured by Jason Bechtel while strolling through the Chicago Zoo, this ape seems to be paying no mind to anyone though I’m sure there were many staring with big bright eyes at the sleeping animal. I’d say this is a perfect example of how I’d like to be spending my own Saturday afternoon, but the call of duty keeps me up and awake unlike this ape.
One Night Stand: Salem, Illinois
If I wasn’t sitting in the Super 8 Motel in Olney, Illinois on the eve of my birthday the small town wouldn’t seem like such a bad place, but since I’m sitting in the Super 8 Motel lobby on the eve of my birthday bawling and blogging all in one I haven’t too much to say about the little area. Oh, wait Olney is home of the White Squirrels and great fishing. Otherwise, I don’t know what to tell you folks. There’s a Subway down the road along with a KFC, Burger King, DQ, and family owned Mexican joint. After going with Subway for lunch I figure it’ll be the beans and rice for dinner tonight until I escape in the morning to what has to be a much, MUCH, bigger locale in Illinois – Salem.
That’s right I’m calling all residents of Salem, Illinois with wireless internet, cable, dial-up or whatever you use to connect to the internet to help a girl out. Tell me what makes Salem rock or roll? Or is it Salem has a little more soul? (Sorry for the rhyme, I had to.) I know it’s a bit last minute and even if you don’t make it in time to salvage my birthday (a.k.a. annual day of me, myself and I / cake and eat all the ice cream too / do whatever the heck I want to do day) please, please leave a word or two for other people who may happen to travel thru. So far I’ve found this City of Salem site, which wasn’t too personable or helpful on detailing where the area hot spots a 20-30 something year-old would want to hang out at on any day. Judging from the event calendar I’ll be missing the city pool opening by six days.
Shucks.
Waterpark Hotel in Chi-Town
Must have
been one heck of a cold day in Illinois when creators of the Mayan
Adventure Indoor Waterpark came up with the idea, but regardless of the circumstances the area is pleased to
welcome the new family fun venue and hoping to keep tourism dollars in Illinois. Up until this point residents of the
area had been driving three or more hours to reach a similar attraction in Wisconsin. $30 million went into the new indoor waterpark located in the Holiday Inn Elmhurst at 624 North
York Rd., in Elmhurst. Having just celebrated
the grand opening I’m sure the hotel will generate mucho dinero and a splashing good time for families and children
with spring here and summer around the corner.
Chicago's Gay Games 2006 & Culture
From July 15-22, 2006, Chicago will play
host to the 2006 Gay Games. Chicagoist reports more than
8,000 athletes are preparing for the games and Chi-Town is "thriving" as a gay-friendly city.
Beyond the games there is much for the extremely liberal minded to do in the city aside from the snoring-boring old bar
scene as pointed out in a new book by Kathie Bergquist and Robert McDonald, which is scheduled to hit shelves in May, "The
Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago." Just in time for folks with an interest in the Windy City and taking
part in the games.
The games will offer 30 different sport competitions varying from recreational to elite
levels. The sports villages will be split into five areas for convenience and to help foster camaraderie and support as
noted on the official site. Sports include badminton, basketball, beach
volleyball, ice hockey, rowing, martial arts, power lifting and rugby to name only a few. Sir Elton John, a Gay Games Ambassador, is thrilled to be involved with the
Gay Games and feels a well-deserved spotlight has been turned on athletic and cultural performances by members of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender folks and their friends globally due to the games.
Check out the official website for additional details inlcuding event schedule.