Fun on the Web May 31 '10 Zipcar

Are you an occasional driver? Do you sometimes need a bigger car? Or a second car? Try Zipcar!
http://www.zipcar.com/

Postscript
BTW ON June 1 there was an $75 million IPO and just so you don't think this is some little company here is the 411 from the Wall Street Journal
http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2010/06/01/the-411-on-the-zipcar-ipo/

Fun on the Web May 30 '10 Clothes Shopping

Fun site I never saw before. Really cute clothes and awesome shoes!
http://www.modcloth.com/

Fun on the Web May 29 '10 Summer Entertainment

Summer Entertainment - what to do, where to go
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,1990393,00.html

Summerfest- My favorite, 11 Days, 11 Stages over 800 bands from June 24th to July 4
http://www.summerfest.com/

May 28 - 31, 2010 Burlington Chocolate Festival - Carnival, four stages of entertainment, chocolate eating contest, chocolate chef demonstrations, chocolate creations, taste of chocolate, chocolate olympics, Chocolate Experience tent, petting zoo, and parade.
http://www.chocolatefest.com/

May 29th and 30th Kite Festival - This family event is FREE to all, with FREE parking. Veterans Park, 1300 N Franklin Pl, Milwaukee, WI http://www.giftofwings.com/

May 28-31 World's Largest Brat Fest - Held rain or shine and filled with music, food and fun in the heart of downtown Madison at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Brats, hot dogs, veggie dogs and other delights await. All proceeds benefit the local charities that help to staff the event. http://www.bratfest.com/

Jazz in the Park 20th Anniversary Schedule (starts Thursday June 3rd)
http://www.easttown.com/media/mediafile_attachments/00/80-onlinejazzschedule.pdf

June 5 - 6, 2010 Outta Sight Kite Flight at Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Ave, Kenosha Enormous kites, kite-making and decorating workshops for kids, stunt kites flown by pro teams, food, kites for sale or bring your own. Free.

River Rhythms (starts Wednesday June 9th)
http://www.westown.org/westown/river+rhythms/default.asp

June 11 - 13, 2010 Milwaukee Bead & Button Show
Learn to make beautiful jewelry with fabulous beginner and intermediate classes. Bead weaving, metal work, glass bead making and professional jewelry techniques. Fabulous shopping - 340+ vendors with pearls, gems, art glass, seed beads and more!
http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/bnbshow/default.aspx

June 18 - 19, 2010 Southeastern Wisconsin Festival of Books UW Waukesha, 1500 N University Dr, Waukesha More than 100 authors of adult and children books will make presentations at this free event. http://www.sewibookfest.com/

June 18 - 20 This is a juried art show: the festival features 189 national artists who display and sell. Sculpture garden, children's art activities, entertainment, artist demonstrations and food/beverage vendors. Lakefront Festival of Art Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee http://www.mam.org/

8th Annual Blues Picnic on Saturday, June 19, 2010 Warner Park, Madison
http://www.madisonbluessociety.com/picnic10.htm

June 20, 2010 Watertown Outdoor Art Festival - Juried fine art, originals and prints of artist: all painting mediums, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, fine wood craft, and metal work join live music, children's play area, children's art booth, and concessions.
http://www.watertownart.com/festival.htm

Lake Mills Town and Country Days June 24 – 27 - This community wide event features a carnival, live music and lots of great food, including the famous Legion Slider. http://www.lakemills.org/
While you are there in Lake Mills wander over to the Rose Gallery and check out my silver and gemstone jewelry or all the other. They are located at 118 S. Main St. 920-648-3973 http://www.therosegallery.net


June 26, 2010 Taste of New Glarus New Glarus restaurants and food shops serve samples of their tantalizing specialties (for a fee) at food stands and outdoor cafes. There are also several small museums, a brewery, and shops to visit.
http://www.swisstown.com/

Bastille Days July 8-11th French food and champagne, Can Can dancers plus other local favorites
http://www.easttown.com/documents/5-entertainment

Lake Mills Arts Festival July 17 - The Lake Mills Main Street Program sponsors this highly regarded juried arts festival. Over 80 Wisconsin artisans showcase their work. Highlights include a Art Yard for kids, artist demos, food & music.
http://www.lakemills.org/

Here is another source for more great events!
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/Fairs_and_Festivals_Events.aspx

Blues and more Blues
http://www.perryweber.com/
http://www.reverendraven.com/
http://www.spiritonerecords.com/mare_news.htm
http://www.walkerblues.com/
http://www.westsideandy.com/

Leroy Airmaster
http://www.songkick.com/artists/2753771-leroy-airmaster

More Madison Blues
http://www.madisonbluessociety.com/bands.htm

Fun on the Web May 28 '10 Protect your Privacy

Get your privacy protected on Facebook with this dandy tool
http://www.reclaimprivacy.org/

Fun on the Web May 27 '10 Census Invasions

Census workers can enter your apartment when you are not at home???
http://blogs.ajc.com/bob-barr-blog/2010/05/26/census-workers-can-enter-your-apartment-in-your-absence/

Fun on the Web May 26 '10 Blue Screen of Death

Blue Screen of Death - a Survival Guide
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/blue_screen_survival_guide

Fun on the Web May 25 '10 Coconut Water

Coconut water???
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1990805,00.html

Fun on the Web May 24 '10 Bible Archeology

Archeology proving the bible is true:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,983854,00.html

Fun on the Web May 23 '10 Awww cute

Beth sent me these cute animal videos
http://purinaanimalallstars.yahoo.com/

Fun on the Web May 22 '10 Free Music and Book Downloads

Don't forget your library has these free too! All you need is a library card.

Thousands of free digital books are out there for Kindle, Iphone, I pad,
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=amb_link_40669842_101/?node=2245146011&rh=n%3A133140011%2Cn%3A!133142011%2Cn%3A2245146011%2Cn%3A154606011&bbn=2245146011

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_kk_3?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Afree+kindle+books&keywords=free+kindle+books&ie=UTF8&qid=1274388623

Get a free ap here
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kinw_dp_pub?docId=1000493771

Free music downloads
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=free+music+downloads&sprefix=free+mu

Fun on the Web May 21 '10 Farmers Markets

In case you never noticed I love Farmers Markets and eating local. If you don't know where there is a Farmers Market near you or would like to find new ones check out these links:
http://www.savorwisconsin.com/events/farmersMarketEvents.aspx
http://www.wisconline.com/attractions/farmmarkets.html
http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/Wisconsin.htm
other states can be navigated there too

A national USDA search
http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/


Farmers that sell direct rather than farmers markets
http://www.wisconsinfreshproduce.org/wimap.htm

Fun on the Web May 20 '10 U Pick

It's that time of the year again. Many U Pick facilities have more than just the crop you are picking so make sure to find out what other farm fresh products are available. Get on their mailing list. Time to find one near you:
http://www.pickyourown.org/statelist.htm#statelist

Fun on the Web May 19 '10 ADD Resources

So where do you find resources to help with ADD or ADHD?
http://www.add.org/
http://www.chadd.org/
http://w3.addresources.org/
http://www.oneaddplace.com/
http://www.addresources.com/
http://www.additudemag.com/

News
http://www.adhdnews.com/

Blogs
http://pillsdontteachskills.com/
http://www.livingwithadd.com/index.html

http://adultaddstrengths.com/

Fun on the Web May 18 '10 School

So this whole school thing is a bit daunting. I'm starting off with a summer session which is every day of the week, and after a bit it becomes full days. It is basic computer stuff, so while I hope to learn something, I don't really expect it to be very hard. I hope it gets me in the mode of going every day so in fall its not too hard when I have more challenging classes and a longer drive to a different campus.

Tomorrow I have another meeting for benefits created by NAFTA and the stimulus package. I hope it turns out that I'm eligible but I don't think I am.

Fun on the Web May 17 '10 Scientology

From time to time I get fascinated by one of the fringe religions this time it's Scientology. I'm not going to recommend more than one site since this one has so many outside references
http://www.holysmoke.org/theta.htm
http://www.holysmoke.org/redux.htm
http://www.holysmoke.org/theta-two.htm
http://www.holysmoke.org/more-theta.htm

Fun on the Web May 15 '10 Sail Around the World at 16

Kudos to Jessica Watson the youngest to sail around the world unassisted.
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/

Fun on the Web May 14 '10 Google Calendar

Things are speeding up with school fast approaching. This week I had clinic duty on two days because next week I can't do it at all, in between two days of orientation and other appointments that don't have flexible times. I'm glad they suddenly have more people volunteering.

To organize myself I'm using Google calendar. It allows for repeating schedules and changes in groups of events which is great for school times. This summer I have classes that change times and some skip days so this can be a big help.
https://www.google.com/calendar/render

Fun on the Web May 12 '10 Tips for Farm Share

Seriously we all know fresh food is best, but after the first few boxes of yummy goodness, just what do you do with it all? Week after week, even if it's only a little more than you normally use, it adds up. What to do with your Farm Share when you are out of ideas:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/05/10-secrets-tips-for-making-the-most-of-your-csa.html

Fun on the Web May 11 '10 Small Gardens

If you have a small space for a garden, plan first for the best result.
http://gardening.about.com/c/ec/1.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Garden-in-a-Small-Space
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/by-size/small-garden-plans/
http://www.ehow.com/how_4818747_plan-small-garden.html

Just pots here:
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/gardening/outdoor/easy-container-gardens-10000001747189/index.html
http://deliciouslivingmag.com/greenliving/3-24-potted-herb-garden-basics/
http://www.ehow.com/how_4422794_care-potted-herb-garden.html
http://www.cheftalk.com/forum/thread/14014/potted-herb-garden

Fun on the Web May 10 '10 Travel Packing

Most of you know I love to travel and have published my packing list before here
http://fun-on-the-web.blogspot.com/2008/05/fun-on-web-january-2-2008.html

I have previously also offered this to help create your own
http://www.packwhiz.com/

but now the NY Times offers tips on what to pack and how here
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/business/06PACK.html

which in turn leads to more travel writing links here
http://hpoole.wordpress.com/

and here
http://dir.salon.com/topics/p_smith/

Here's a slide show to demonstrate the art of clothes rolling (which is very efficient and offers less wrinkles once you unpack)
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/business/businessspecial/20100506-pack-ss.html

Fun on the Web May 9 '10 Free Photography Course

Free photography course
http://www.newbrightapples.com/

Fun on the Web May 8 '10 Online Personal Organizer

Springpad is a free personal organizer to keep your favorite stuff in one place. Save anything you want to remember. Springpad gives you many ways to save — on the web, on your phone or by email. http://springpadit.com/home

It automatically organizes and enhances the data you've stored with useful links and offers to save you time and money. (That does mean cookies following everything. If you have a Facebook account, can it link your identity to things you do or save?)

As you add new things to your Springpad, just choose that you want your data to be private. If you add things from your friends, those things will be Public by default, but you can always change the setting to Private.

• Store and personalize your recipes. Modify recipe ingredients and add cook's notes, photos and video.
  
• Keep track of your favorite restaurants. Yelp reviews, Open Table reservations, and Google maps.
• Love wine? Never forget a vintage. Add picks from Wine Library TV. Find, collect and track all your wines!
• Set up an Event, an Alarm or a Task with a Due date. Then set the reminder & click on the (+) to add email addresses or mobile phone numbers. A confirmation will be sent & needs to be accepted before the new channel is added to your account.
• What else you can do is only limited by your imagination!

http://springpadit.com/home

Fun on the Web May 7 '10 Webby Awards

14th annual nominations and winners
http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php?media_id=96&season=14

Fun on the Web May 6 '10 Ebay Price Structures

As you may or may not know Ebay has once again raised the fees charged to the sellers. This means they must raise the prices they charge you just to remain at the same place they were before!

To demonstrate these changes I am showing just a few of the more outrageous inflation of the fees here:
the cost to the seller of a
$50 item went from $3.06 to $4.50 that is an increase in fee of $1.44 or 47% and for a
$75 item went from $3.94 to $6.75 that is an increase in fee of $2.81 or 71% and for a
$100 item went from $4.81 to $9.00 that is an increase in fee of $4.19 or 87%

If the seller has a store they fare slightly better with only a 43% increase at $50, 37% increase at $75, and 32% at $100 price point. This is in addition to store fees and those can change at anytime too.

Auction Bytes (which has been around for years providing advice and forums to online sellers) has a few interesting choices for alternative venues here
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/pages/sc_venues_10


and Powersellersunite has a day by day listing of who has how many listings and if they are trending up or down which of course is not the only reason to use a particular venue to sell or buy from since ease of use and reliability play such key roles.
http://www.powersellersunite.com/auctionsitewatch.php

Fun on the Web May 5 '10 Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

This celebrates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. A regional holiday in Mexico, it has been embraced in our own melting pot kind of way; many here will explore Mexican cuisine today or enjoy old favorites. As for myself, I'm hoping for homade tamales at our local Farmers Market.

To explore more history on this:
http://www.mexonline.com/cinco-de-mayo.htm

Bilingual history
http://www.nacnet.org/assunta/spa5may.htm

Send a card:
http://www.123greetings.com/events/cinco_de_mayo/
http://www.care2.com/send/Cinco-de-Mayo-eCards.html
http://www.higreetings.com/holiday/cinco_de_mayo/
http://www.cincodemayocards.com/

Activities for kids
http://holidays.kaboose.com/cinco-de-mayo/
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/cinco-de-mayo/

Recipes for your own celebration
http://recipes.suite101.com/article.cfm/cinco-de-mayo-recipes
http://bbq.about.com/od/seasonal/tp/top_10_cinco_de_mayo.htm
http://www.mexican-barbecue-recipes.com/cinco-de-mayo-recipes.html
http://www.tabasco.com/taste_tent/menu_planning/cinco_de_mayo.cfm
http://www.cooksrecipes.com/holiday-recipes/cinco_de_mayo_recipes.html
http://chicagonista.com/featured/cinco-de-mayo-recipes-from-chicago-chefs/
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/cinco-de-mayo/main.aspx

http://www.examiner.com/x-1673-Baltimore-Food-Examiner~y2009m5d4-Celebrating-Cinco-de-Mayo-recipes-for-the-Mexican-holiday

Fun on the Web May 4 '10 Reuse Plastic Bottle

Reuse Plastic Bottle plus links to other recycling ideas
http://www.wikihow.com/Reuse-Empty-Water-Bottles

Fun on the Web May 3 '10 Free Ice Cream May 4th

Use the shop locator to find a Ben & Jerry's near you to get free ice cream samples of BonnarooBuzz and other give-a-ways on May 4th from 5 - 7 pm
http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/feature/bonnaroo/

Fun on the Web May 2 '10 Grammar Girl

Ever wonder about words? Affect vs Effect . . . Farther vs Further
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/

For more general tips try
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/

Fun on the Web May 1 '10 Kentucky Derby

Racing in Louisville started around 1783 when it was reported they raced through the downtown streets. A course was developed around 1805, with many courses in between, but the Churchill Downs was not in evidence till 1883. This info was gleaned from the history section of the Kentucky Derby site which has hours of interesting reading to keep you in the horse race mood until the eighth race is finally run today.

The first Saturday in May is always reserved for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. I have had the privilege of being at several Kentucky Derby's including one where the rain came down so hard the race was almost called and there were tornado sitings the night before the race. (BTW It has rained on 61 of the 136 Derby Days.)

Although its always an amazing spectacle, that occasion was quite different with the fashionable Southern ladies providing comic relief instead of their usual elegance. Virtually all of them had been in the rain and their usual attire in Millionaires Row had dissolved with the running of dye from their huge hats and the ruining of many a pair of Minolo Blahnik's and Jimmy Choo's.

We however, were not in Millionaires Row but in the more casual section right up against the rails. These are truly better seats than the ones in Millionaires Row but without the demands of getting all gussied up. We had brought ponchos and umbrellas (umbrellas were legal then but not now) along with our more usual coolers and cushions since sitting there all day can make their wooden chairs really hard.

The vast majority of the crowd will have done some celebrating, which occurs everwhere in Louisville but particularly around Churchill Downs where people are on their lawns making and selling barbecue meats of all kinds, as well as drinks, desserts, and race paraphernalia. BTW around Derby Day go to the local KMart or WalMart and the imprinted stuff is available for less than you buy it near the track. Hmmm I wonder if I still have those glasses somewhere.

To explore the fashion, the history of the Derby, or just follow the action today see:
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

If you have never been there, then you may not know that it's really celebrated for more than a week with fancy parties, another race day called The Oaks, and now the Taste of the Derby sponsored by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. The 1,480 acre estate, located in the scenic foothills of the Andes, is home to a legendary Thoroughbred breeding farm and some of the best vineyards in South America.

Partial proceeds of the event benefit Dare to Care Food Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme. The event was scattered with celebs including Diane Lane, Andy Cohen from Bravo’s "What Happens Here", Jeff Lewis & Jen Pulos, from Bravo’s "Flipping Out", Dina Manzo, from Bravo’s "Real Housewives of New Jersey", a few Top Chef contestants, and several Derby trainers. For more info on the renowned chefs and how this event combined food and racetracks see http://tickets.churchilldowns.com/kentucky-oaks-derby/2010/taste-of-derby

If you are more interested in the betting side of the races try this site
http://www.kentuckyderby.info/