Where can I find discount coupons for the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago?|103463

Looking for a discount for tomorrow. I don_t need the City Pass or anything like that because its a one day thing. I am taking the CTA there and back - just looking for a break on the admission. Please help!

You can check out a free pass from the library

that_s the only coupons that interested me :D

Except for the City pass and their free days I haven_t heard of any discounts for the Shedd.
Check their web site

How close is too close to live near the Harlem and Heights areas?|113682

I am looking for an apartment and have found some I like that are either north of the Upper East Side or north of the Upper West Side, pretty much between the labels of Harlem and Upper ____ Side if you look at it on Google maps. When am I getting too close to either area (I have heard from many people to stay away from those areas)? Can the northern edge of Central Park be used as a good cut-off, or is there a better line?

The _traditional_ dividing line for Harlem was 96th Street. On the West Side, the Morningside Heights/Columbia area extends up to approximately 120th Street. There has also been significant gentrification above 96th Street on the East Side, such that you shouldn_t consider 96th a hard and fast boundary for Harlem, AND you shouldn_t categorically rule out living in Harlem. Come visit and see where you actually feel comfortable.

You wrote, _I have heard from many people to stay away from those areas_

Well, sorry, but those people were misinformed, probably not NYers, and were basing their advice on twenty-year old information.

Nowadays both of those areas are just fine, so don_t worry about it so much, just get the best apartment you can afford in Manhattan without worrying too much about the neighborhood, because today, with all the gentrification and soaring rents, there really aren_t any _bad_ neighborhoods in Manhattan these days. Some areas are nicer than others, of course, but none are what anyone would consider _dangerous_ any more.

Bardley, I clearly disagree with the last post. Both Harlem and the Washington Heights have seeing a lot of change in the last 15 years. In particular Harlem, the crime rate in the area is a lot lower now then in the early 90s and the area is attracting a lot people who would there not travel north of 110th Street a decade or so ago.

Washington Heights is also seeing some improvements, but its getting there. Just give some time.

I been to both areas many times and I have survived. I also have friend living in both Harlem and Washington Heights and they seen thing change for the better.

Good luck

I also agree, they are experiencing some change, but they still are not the best neighborhoods. I don_t know where you are moving from, but for someone who, i_m assuming doesn_t live in the city moves to the city, those aren_t great places to start out. I_m not saying it can_t be done, because it most definitely can, but be careful and insightful.

Since you are looking in that area, I would advise you NOT to look in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. Most of that area is ghetto and noisy... especially in the summer.

Here_s more info on what_s considered to be that area:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_��

How come people pronounce Missouri with an A?|103544

I hear on TV so many people pronounce Missouri as Missoura but thats not how its spelled, so why would they put an A at the end when thats not the way it spelled or pronounced? We have someone from this state running for Governor and can_t pronounce the state right. How can he run this state when he cant pronounce it?

Every state has some unique pronunciations of words and accents. Missouri is no different.

Hutch, the governor elect Jay Nixon says Missourah because he was raised in DeSoto Missouri. That is the way they pronounce it there He is hardly _appealing to the masses_ Duh!
My husband campaigned for him and Jay Nixon is hardly a hick! He is more educated than that rotten Matt Blunt was!

Wow I think I_m going to offend people with this, but it_s a rural hick thing. You_ll notice that when candidates running for office come to St. Louis or Kansas City, they pronounce it Missouri, which is the correct pronunciation.

However, the same candidates will say Missoura, to appeal to the masses who apparently can_t spell or pronounce the name of our state in the outlying areas. Because if they pronounced it correctly there, people would think like you and I do that they didn_t know how it was pronounced.

It_s all political pandering to the voters based on region. It annoys me to no end, but there are probably just as many hicks that pronounce it with an A as there are people in the state who know how it should be said. Of course if they didn_t make this distinction by region, they would likely have trouble winning the election, so I wouldn_t expect it to ever change.

At least people in other states know how to pronounce it.

It��s just an issue of dialect. It��s the same reason that in parts of Missouri (including parts of St. Louis) wash is pronounced ��warsh�� and forty is pronounced ��farty.�� Extra sounds just make their way into words sometimes.

Def of ��dialect��
(the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people

http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?��


Matt Blunt says ��Missoura�� because that��s common in the area of the state where he��s from. Some political candidates will switch up their pronunciation depending on where they��re currently campaigning.

BTW, why is it that some people say ��how come�� when they really mean ��why?��

Usually, southern Missourians pronounce it _Missour-a_, while northern Missourians pronounce it _Missour-i_. There is more than one way to pronounce certain words you know. Just like _colonel_ is pronounced _kernel_-and _Illinois_ isn_t pronounced with the _s_ on the end. I_m quite surprised that you didn_t know that.

It_s a Missouri / Missoura thing. As long as the people in Missouri understand. That_s all that counts. People their know Missouri is pronounced with an (i) but choose to pronouce it with an (a). Go to Boston, MA and listen to how the people there pronounce words.

When I moved her 10+ years ago, I wondered the same thing - I was told it was an _out state_ (outside of the larger cities St. Louis, Kansas City) thing to pronounce it with an A.

I never hear of that.

hes from the wrong side of missouri. Speak to anyone in stl or kansas city and you_ll know the right way to say it.

I don_t know why some people do that, but I wish they would knock that #^%# off!!!!

How soon should I book a hotel for Mardi Gras 2010?|168392

My birthday is the Tuesday before Mardi Gras weekend so some friends and I have decided to go to Louisiana for Mardi Gras next year.
About when should i book the hotel? Also, any recommendations for which hotel i should stay at. Not trying to stay at the most luxurious hotel but also don_t want to stay at a run down place either.

The first answer is correct and now would not be too soon.

Best is to stay in the French Quarter and use your hotel as a base for exploring Carnival. The Central Business District and the Warehouse District (the Convention Center is in the WD) are also good but not as convenient as staying in the FQ.

Note that rooms on lower floors that face a busy street can be very noisy during MG. The best examples are balcony rooms overlooking Bourbon Street - they are great for partying but not good for sleeping. Request an interior or courtyard room to get less noise.

I recommend against staying in the suburbs. Even if you save a bit on the hotel you will have to drive into the City every day and the room savings will be offset by the cost of paying for parking. ....Not even considering the issue of needing a _designated driver_.

Check the travel sites like Expedia _ Orbitz, and check the hotel websites once you narrow your choices. Go to www.frenchquarterhotels.com for some non-chain hotels in the FQ.

Mardi Gras Day in 2010 is February 16th, and the last 5 to 6 days (Thursday to Tuesday) are the height of the season. Most hotels have a multi-night minimum during that time so call the hotel directly (talk to a human) if you have problems booking online.

The weekend of 5,6,7 February will also have parades and won_t be quite as crowded as the weekend of 12,13,14 February.

For more info:

www.mardigras.com
www.mardigrasguide.com

Hope you have a great time!

Book it now!! I recommend staying within the Quarter only because if you stay in the outskirts of town (Metairie, Kenner, etc.) you have to deal with the hassel of driving everyday.
My recommendations are the Hilton Riverwalk and the Sheraton for easy access to all the festivities. These locations are also very safe, something that should always be on ones mind during Carnival!
Enjoy!

book soon-- you will have more choices. the rooms do fill up...but mainly for the big weekend of fat tuesday.

if you want a budget stay, consider a Hotel in metairie or kenner. you_ll spend about half what the quarter or uptown/garden district will charge. then again, location is sometimes the key.

one old rn down place worth a look is corn stalk inn. it is cool-- elvis stayed there many times. it has a great story (fence) and it is in the heart of the quarter. hey, it_s old; but classic.

otherwise, you can get a number of deals by shopping online. let a hotel search site find comp prices for you. International House is a cool, contemp place one block away from qtr that is very nice.

Here is the best option to book a hotel in advance!
Get the CHEAPEST HOTEL DEALS

Visit: http://www.ooaha.com/State/Louisiana.htm
Choose the city and then a hotel of your choice. get in-depth detail and reviews.
Compare LIVE PRICES and pick the cheapest option for yourself!

GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES!
Enjoy your trip!

You can book right now or asap for the best choice. It_s important to do your research before choosing the hotel. Some people like staying in the French Quarter, but that_s too close to the action for me. There are nice hotels that are far enough away so that it_s quiet (if that_s what you want) but walking distance to the action. Here_s a link that should help you.


http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60864��

I visited a couple weeks ago and stayed at the Westin. It was a short walk to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Perfect location, and the room was really nice! It was nice to not be right in the middle of all the partying, but close enough!

NOW!!! haha srsly! im a local. and the best one is in the french quater. expensive but it is so worth it! dont forget to go on burbon! have fun girl.

Now would be good.

NOW!!!!!!!

What is a good, inexpensive and fun hotel to stay in Vegas?|169752

I_m planning to go there in a couple of weeks for Friday to Monday stay.

Affordable, most everything Downtown and off strip is. Safe places Downtown include Fitzgerals, LV Club, The Plaza, 4 Queens, and Golden Nugget (GN is a bit more expensive). Downtown offers cheap food, cheap drinks, cheap gambling, and free entertainment right on Fremont St at night.

If you want to stay on the strip, Circus Circus, Riveria, Imperial Palace, Tropicana are all most affordable. IP is in the center of the strip and near a lot of fun entertainment (there will often be free concerts right outside at night) and near to all of the resorts. The Tropicana is as close to the old Vegas as you will get. Lounge acts, showgirls, no kids, it is old school.

Most places off strip are good deals too. Palms, Rio, and Hard Rock are often a bit more pricey, but you can sometimes find good deals.

An easy way to find a good deal is to sign up for their e-newsletter. They will send you specials every few weeks.

Circus Circus is a good one.

Stay away from :
Circus Circus
Imperial Palace

The Luxor would be great for your stay. Also, check out NY NY.

By the way, there is no more Barbary Coast. It_s Bill_s Gambling Hall now. It_s ok, but you can do much better for that Vegas experience at Luxor.

I agree with lynn I also stayed at the stratosphere and had a great time.

I stayed at the Stratsphere. Great place!

I like the Imperial Palace. It has a great location - center strip, and it is cheaper than most of the surrounding hotels. Sure the Sahara, Circus Circus, and the Stratosphere are cheaper, but the walking distance to places like the Bellagio, Paris, Venetian, Cesears Palace and MGM make it a great bargain.

A few places you may consider are: The Rio (great clubs; off the strip); Hard Rock Hotel; Hooters (formerly San Remo); Harrah_s; Riveria. Whatever you do, stay away from Circus Circus. That place is a super, grade A dive!!!

Well, they are all competing for your business... so they can_t keep the prices extremely high. So as long as you stay in a regular room, they are all relatively affordable. When I went I stayed at the Venetian. All of the rooms are suites, and they have a gondala stream inside, shops, restaurants, theatre, a casino(of course), it_s relatively affordable and it_s right on the strip, so you have access to almost everything. Hope it helps and have a great trip.

Monte Carlo
Excaliber
Sahara

Stay away from Circus Circus unless you love screaming kids all day and night long...the place is a mad house. And not in a good way!!

Stay away from Stratusphere...its cool to visit, (Especially at night) but is really far from the rest of the strip, and not really in a great neighborhood. I would not want to stay there.

Ive been to Vegas 4 times in last years...so I know.

you could try The South Point on the South Strip. the prices are great. it also has a movie theater, bowling alley, pool,and good resturants too. look it up on line.

The further off the strip you go the cheaper it will be. Try the Orleans, the Palms, Hard Rock, or any of the station casinos.......Green Valley Ranch is probably my favorite _off the strip_ casino. The casinos in Old downtown (over by Fremont street) are usually cheaper also. If you want to stay on the strip try New York, New York.....they usually have good rates. Just do a lot of seaching, be patient, and you_ll find the right place.

The Barbary Coast is fairly inexpensive, but no pool or other amenities. But clean, safe and centrally located. The Flamingo can be cheap depending on when you go. I_ve gotten rooms as low as $59 per night, but it_s off season and mid week.

The Orleans - just off strip with free shuttle. GREAT rates and everything you_d want in a casino hotel AND MORE!

check it out: orleanscasino.com

The Golden Nugget on Fremont

cheap and classy

What are some fun family activities in baltimores inner harbor?|179092

I will be in Baltimore_s inner harbor in mid April. My husband and I are there on business but we are bringing our 2 boys ages 7 and 4. We have about 2 and a half days of family time to spend together and i_d like to make the most of it. Any suggestions?

hi there,just a little information for you to look over!!i think you find all that your seeking,,good luck..


http://www.tripadvisor.com/AllReviews-g6��




http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhoto��





http://baltimore.metromix.com/events




http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g��


best regards pops,,enjoy your trip..

ps scroll all the way down on the pages..

thank you..

How are the seats for Cirque Du Soleil Love?|118548

I_m planning on going the last week of december and wanted to know which seats to buy. I_ve been reading that it doesn_t really matter where you sit. Are the category 3 seats any good? It_s looks as though your view would be hindered by the wall next to it.

Also suggestions as to where I can get a discount on the tickets would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!!

It_s a beautiful theater and most seats are good seats. Any seat in the 100_s and 200_s are good seats. Here is a map of the Love theater to give you an idea.

http://www.lasvegas-how-to.com/show.php
(the seating chart is on the right hand column.

As far as getting discount tickets, you can currently get 25% off Love tickets

http://www.lasvegas-how-to.com/discount_��


Great show. Have fun

The theater that the show is in was built in a circle, so that makes it easier to view the show from almost anywhere in the theater. Most prefer the category 1 and 2 seating. I will provide you a link to the seating chart, and prices to the show for category 1 and 2 seating.

One of the great things about Cirque du Soleil is that the theaters aren_t huge so unless you have an obstructed view you really don_t have a bad seat. However, unless I could be in the first couple of rows I wouldn_t want that third level of seating but if you get tickets early you should be able to get them.

The seats are all good.

What places to visit in American states?|169061

Myself and a friend are planning on traveling all the American states in a few years time. Are there any places that anyone thinks we should definitely visit?

Get a book that tell you the most popular tourist attractions and a good map and go for it. There are alot of things to see here. I would want to see Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon and Hollywood and especially Four Corners. Oregon is fantastic as is Colorado. New York City would be good. I took an RV trip with my daughter for a year and we toured the U.S. The only place I wouldn_t bother with is the South. Atlanta and Charleston were pretty but most of it was sad. It was ugly as well as very unkind people who still think and act as they did before the emancipation proclamation. Most of the mid west is just open flat country with very little to see. But if you get a good book you can pick and choose where to go and what to see.

New York and Los Angeles are cool places to visit as far as big cities.
The redwoods in California.

Grand Canyon in Arizona, YellowStone National Park in Wyoming.

Miami, Florida. (the State of Florida has most of
the theme parks like DisneyLand, and so on, but Miami is quite a unique city)

Las Vegas (the oasis in the desert) Great for gambling, and other entertainment.

Chicago, Illinios.

The entire west coast.

The Entire east coast..... but the west coast is nicer and more picturesc in my opinion. Google the Pacific Coast Highway.

If you can afford it, I would recommend renting a car and traveling around to multiple locations throughout the country, but that would also require a ton of time, as well as money.

Plan your trip around National Parks. You_ll get to see a lot of American history and heritage as well as beautiful natural landscapes, etc. They tend to be inexpensive places to visit and you can get a National Parks Passport for 8 bucks and fill it with passport stamps along the trip so you_ll have a souvenir when you_re all done!

A trip visiting all 50 states will take a LONG time - the US is HUGE, and Alaska and Hawaii are very far-flung.

There are guidebooks that will describe the various attractions and sights in all the US states, as well as on-line sources. Each state has a department of tourism, so you could search _[name of state] tourism_ to get leads to info. Fodor_s and Frommer_s have printed and on-line guides to various states and countries.

If you decide to visit New York state, e.g. Niagara Falls, be sure and look into the Finger Lakes region of central NY. It was recently named the best lake destination in the world! It_s beautiful and quiet.

Here is a website that have lots of interesting places in its USA directories. Like list of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Hookah Lounges or Shisha Bar, Nail Salons, Food Paradise Restaurants - The Travel Channel, The Florida Keys and Key West

Michigan. we have the great lakes Lake michigan has the best beaches and a beautiful shore line. we also have over 300 waterfalls. The upper peninsula is breath taking. You need to see the upper Tahquamenon Falls and see Lake Superiors Pictured rocks National Lake Shore you have to do the boat cruise and go see The Porcupine Mountains also known as Lake of the Clouds

I_ll agree, NYC is definitely great to see, but Chicago is also quite amazing. and of course the surf on the oceans. Best places for that - Miami and Santa Monica. I_m quite jealous of your trip but I hope you have the best time!

well, i_ve driven from California to Vermont and i can tell you the west coast is nice, the east coast is nice, New England is nice, and everything in between is a sh!t hole. don_t bother with the mid west, the south, or Florida.

depends what your used to now.
i reccomend new york city though!or los angeles.but those places might be too in-your-face becasue of the fast-pace life.
if you want a laidback trip i reccomend miami

new york city!!! the greatest city in the world

New York City, duh!

How early should I get to a concert at Verizon Wireless Amitheatre in Irvine?|101622

I_ve never been to this venue, and i_m unsure of how early I need to be there. It_s assigned seating, so how much time in advance should I be there before the concert _starts_ according to the tickets?

Get there about an hour early because the line gets pretty long since they search people before entering. Most of the seating is assigned but if you have the lawn seats then they are not. It is just a lawn area at the very top where you stand

If it_s assigned seating, so no worries. I think allowing an hour to park and get to your seat is enought time.

get there anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes beforehand