Empty Voices

Laredo Texas is a booming border town where the main industry is trading and shipping goods between Mexico and the United States. The first town of Laredo was founded in 1755 by Don Tomas Sanchez when it was still a colony of New Spain. In the first hundred years that area with stood many wars for its control. It was the capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande in 1840. Then it became a host town for the Texas Rangers during the Mexican-American War in 1846. The U.S. military set up Fort McIntosh to help manage the area in 1847. This town is one of the largest border crossing areas between the U.S.A. and Mexico.  

There are a few historical sites to see that are markers of these historical events. The old Diocese of Laredo called San Agustin Plaza and Church and the old Republic of Rio Grande building which is now a museum where visitors can learn more details, see photos and artifacts about the development of the town. This is also the place to catch some tours of the city. They have some walking tours and trolley tours that will take people around town and talk about the notable events and places this old historical town has.  

The city has created a wonderful historical neighborhood call the Villa Antigua where the locals and visitors can be educated on the local history and entertained with a hub of shops and restaurants. This is were one can catch a show at the Plaza Theatre . Speaking of theatre’s, you may like a more live entertainment experience and you can see what the local talent is up to at the Laredo Little Theatre.  

Get out and enjoy the local history of this old border town. You can find out more information from any of the hotels laredo has through out the city. There are plenty of places to hang out with the locals and enjoy a cocktail. Lots of wonderful restaurants to have a great meal.

It’s not necessary to live in the past, but in Chicago, it’s an interesting place for sure. While one is distracted by all the pleasant attractions of the present, the past is still very much here. The old neighborhoods have roots to other places and earlier times, and it sometimes makes for interesting juxtapositions.

The theatre in town these days is as remarkable as the live music, and all the art forms have had a pretty lively history in the city. It doesn’t take very long, however, before any discussion of history in Chicago turns toward a very infamous cow. The cow in question was named either Madeline or Gwendolyn, or maybe even Daisy, depending on the version of the story that one hears. This is the cow that kicked over the lantern, that in turn sparked the hay that had been recently stored for winter, on October 8, 1871.

In the ensuing tragedy that engulfed the city of Chicago in flames, 300 people perished, and 100,000 lost their homes. It’s a story so large, and so common in the North American vernacular, that there’s even a children’s song about it.

The connecting thread in all of the stories is one particular figure, a certain Mrs. O’Leary , who was milking the cow when it all went so terribly wrong. At least, that’s how the story goes. But visitors to Chicago these days, from the four star hotels Chicago offers, to the pubs where people gather and discuss the gossip of the day, might discover that the truth might be more complex than it seems.

It’s entirely possible that she was not, in fact, guilty at all, and possibly not even partially responsible. According to her own testimony, she was in bed when the fire broke out. There has also been a lurking suspicion about her neighbor, Daniel “Pegleg” Sullivan , whose testimony has lots of inconsistencies.

He claims that he was at her house, walked across the street, past his own house, turned and saw the fire, then ran back and saved a lot of the animals. The actions he describes are not only a little illogical, but also impossible. He simply didn’t have time. The firemen, likewise, have a complicated story that reveals a lot of dropped balls, and a number of opportunities not taken. This all suggests that she really might be just a scapegoat, a name that’s become a source for bad luck, in order to explain the things that are beyond everyone’s control.

Visitors to the city of Fort Collins are usually struck silent by the incredible life that seems to be taken almost for granted here. It’s a very high standard of living, aside from the apparent wealth of some of the local residents. There is some of the best views, and cleanest air, in the country. The very happening college scene also brings in a great selection in entertainment, and young kids having fun does have a tendency to lively up a place.

But for those first-time guests seeing the city from the vantage point of a local hotel, Fort Collins ‘s past is not always visible. If someone’s coming to town with the intentions of disguising themselves as a local, one way to build certain street cred is to mention how much the Bullhorn is missed.

This was a local, alternative and award-winning weekly that brought news to the people, the way they wanted their local stories to be told. As these ventures usually go, it was started by a group of 20-somethings with their fingers on the pulse of the scene. It was a humble beginning, but one that would prove to be very successful. From 2000 to 2003, it ran as a monthly , and as the readership grew, so did demand for more current information. Pulses do tend to fluctuate rapidly, especially when it’s concerning the rhythms of youth. There is also the musician factor, where bands might produce the mightiest sound on both sides of the rockies, but are not entirely reliable when it comes to organizations.

Bookings come in at the last possible moment, so it became a weekly until it closed in 2006. Apparently it closed after a possible merger fell through, and since then, the editorial staff has moved on in new directions. Some go into politics, and some go to other cities to report on new music and culture in different environments, but the scene in Fort Collins is unique. It’s hard not to imagine that they miss the city as much as the city misses them.

Way back in 1969, along Guadalupe Street, known as ‘The Drag’ in Austin, artisans started to congregate on the sidewalks, which then grew into hundreds of artisans selling their artwork, crafts and a variety of unique handmade items. Finally, in 1973 a formal market was established and the People’s Renaissance Market was created and promoted by the City of Austin Parks and Recreations Department . In 1974, the local artist painted a mural on the wall of the market, which represents a humorous look at Austin’s people and culture. In 2002, the mural was renovated and updated to include current Austin icons. In 1982, the street was permanently closed to auto traffic and is now home to 50 artists and artisans that operate in this beautiful open-air arts and crafts market.

Most visitors and tourists come to Austin for the music and entertainment aspect that Austin is famous for, but when they discover the Renaissance Market, they turn into savvy shoppers of art and don’t leave empty handed. The market offers visitors a unique shopping experience and they will find an incredible array of handmade art, fine art and craft items for sale such as the attractive hand-crafted jewelry, apparel, original art, candles, leather goods, and one-of-a-kind handmade whimsical items like waxed linen, hemp wire and wrap, crochet hats and earrings, Lava bracelets, woodworking, ceramics, metal punching, custom scrap books, greeting cards, painted bottles, artistic flip-flops, beaded art, horse shoe nail jewelry, and soaps; there’s basically no way any tourist can not purchase something either for their homes or for a friend, mainly because each artist at the market is hand-picked for their exquisite, unique and beautiful work. The market is a great foundation not only for well-known established artist, but for beginning artists as well. So, no matter if tthe tourist is looking for the perfect gift, or a piece of art to add to their collection, they will enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of this thriving artist community.

The Renaissance Market is located in the heart of the University of Texas community, nestled on Guadalupe Street at W. 23rd and is open daily from 8am to 10pm. It’s within walking distance from most of the Austin hotels and most of the well known Austin City attractions

The winter chill is leaving the big city of New York and the locals are coming out to enjoy the sunshine. This is the time of year were just being out side feels like being on vacation. After running from one warm sheltered place to another all winter long it is wonderful to take a nice evening stroll wearing only a light sweater. Rather than always having a set plan of events, it is nice to just step outside that posh hotel such as this and let curiosity lead you down the road.  

Some of the things to see and do along the way include a nice walk into the north end of Central Park. This is a tranquil area of the park guaranteed to revive your spirit. Take a light walk into the Conservatory Garden. There are three sections to the garden and they break up into the French garden, the English garden and the Italian garden. It is a wonderful romantic walk to take with a loved one. During the day any open grass area is a great place to just lay out and take in some sun.  

Then there is time for dining. There are some really great places to eat that have out door patios and seating. Head over to Barolo for a wonderful Italian meal in the garden. It can be found on West Broadway and the patio is a magical place and the food is great. Get a taste of some fantastic French dishes at Le Jardin Bistro on Cleveland Place. The outdoor patio is also a great place to take your lover and chat over a wonderful French Bordeaux. The food is really nice and a great value. The spring time activities available in New York are endless, really, so check with your concierge for some other local favorite spring time spots to enjoy.

Bethesda is rightfully named the city of mercy, or the city of justice, as it is a small town in Maryland, just northwest of Washington D.C., the capitol of the United States of America. This small town was named after its local church . This town has made a name for itself by being named in numerous top American cities lists. It made the list of one of America’s most educated small towns. Ladies will appreciate it as the number one Hot Guy city in America. It has also been ranked in top ten lists including most livable cities and top earning towns in America.

Although this city is considered a small town, it is not lacking in things to do. Its location on the east coast of the United States and its proximity to the Nations capital+ alone allow for historical attractions close by. Finding a nice place for the night in Bethesda. Bethesda has a number of local hotels and bed and breakfast inns. Quaint town meets big city.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling pants is a novel loved by girls of all ages. Mothers and daughters can watch this movie, starring Alexis Bledel, from Gilmore Girls, together and feel a sense of bonding and understanding. This series of novels that inspired the trilogy of movies was set in Bethesda Maryland. The author is reported to have certain toes to this town. Other writers have had much success in this town as well. Poet Lore is a poetry magazine that is the longest in American circulation and is published by Writer’s Center.

Bethesda also has two famous Farmer’s Markets, most likely adding to its rank as one of the healthiest cities in America. The Farmer’s Market+http://www.farmwomensmarket.com/ sells everything from fresh organic, local fruits and vegetables, to furniture. The indoor market is open every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Outdoor market is open the same days, plus Sunday, if the weather is agreeable. The Montgomery farm Women’s Cooperative Market has been open since the 1930′s giving its town sustainable economy and a rich history.

This summer the city of Palmdale, California will be re-introducing a favorite local cultural activity to its list of ongoing events. Thursday Night on the Square is a weekly outdoor market in the city and there will be numerous entertainment features and activities that are associated with it. Basic attendance of the event will be free and it is extremely family oriented. There are many activities and entertainment aspects that are specifically directed toward children and they are guaranteed to have as much fun as the adults. This will also be a great way for tourists who happen to be in town to experience some of the local culture and find a free event to attend.

As with many cities in Southern California, Palmdale’s tourist population increases in the summer and many people are always eager to find something new and interesting to do. Hotels in the area will be able to provide information on this and other events that are going on and are also excellent resources for finding great places to eat and getting transportation information. In addition to offering quality accommodations, most of the hotels are excellent information and resource centers and guests should take more advantage of this aspect of there chosen place to stay.

Some of the standard features of the Thursday night market will be great food, music, various arts and crafts and live music. Some of the great activities for children include face painting , craft activities, a great bounce tent, and a popular game garden. This is one of the greatest things residents and tourists can bring their children to as a great deal of the activities are focused on their entertainment and fun. Free family fun events are becoming extremely popular across the nation and when they also provide superior cultural entertainment offerings, they are at most people’s top of the list.

One of the things most people will walk away with a strong impression of after having visited Boston, Massachusetts is the great architecture that is found throughout the city. And while touring all of these amazing buildings is rarely the singular reason for a person’s visit at one of the luxury hotels, Boston is made up of buildings that frequently date back centuries and being somewhat awed by this while you are visiting is just part of the package. For this reason it is strongly recommended that you plan at least one day to tour the sites while you’re in town because there will definitely be many that will catch your attention.

However, what occurs and is offered within the walls of some of these great buildings. The Culter Majestic Theatre at Emerson College is just one example of an incredible building with amazing events taking place in it. The original opening of this ornate theatre occurred in February of 1903. And while that alone would place it among the great historical category for most cities across the nation, for one that exists in Boston, it’s really almost new. That’s an exaggeration of course and intended to stress the amount of history that exists in this city.

John Galen Howard was the architect that designed the incredible theatre. He was one of only 400 American architects that had been trained by the L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in the late nineteenth century. Today the theatre continues to represent the standards of excellent set forth by Emerson College. It is one of New England’s premiere cultural establishments and one of its most beautiful theatre buildings. Great operas and classical productions are stage here as are innovative and provocative new works. Part of the mission of this theatre is to push boundaries of communication through the arts.

Second Honeymoons are so romantic. It is often said that they are better than the first. It may be that the first came on the wave of a love so fresh and young and full of naivete that it is always a reminder of what you thought you were getting. In the end, if you make it to the second one, you learn to understand the person you married. Through the understanding and compromise you fall in love with who that person really is. This is true love, a love than runs deeper than hopes and dreams. A love that is strong and wise. So if you have made it to the second honeymoon , you are truly celebrating each other and the life which you have built.

Hawaii has the excitement of a new love and the calmness of an love tried and true. It is here that the two love birds have chosen for their second honeymoon destination. In an attempt to rekindle a fire they did not want to let burn out, they made reservations at one of the luxury honolulu hotels that had an open room for their 6 night stay. It fell on their seventh year anniversary. After three kids and law school, they deserved it. The road had not been an easy one, but it had been theirs. There were many nights they could not fall asleep and lie awake not looking and not touching, just feeling the empty space between them. It somehow always worked out as they learned something new about the other person each time they stared into that distant space. And each time they felt that space it seemed to bring them that much closer to one another. She remembered that her grandmother had given her some advice once, while twirling her pearls as she did. “The space between you is something that needs to be learned. Do not be afraid of it and for heaven’s sake child do not let it scare you away. If you learn what the space is telling you, you will find that there really is no space at all.” She was remembering this now as she pulled the zipper closed on her brown and green suitcase. A smile crawled across her lips at her grandmother’s wisdom.

Granny had been right. She remembered that first night she lie awake at the edge of the space that felt so wide, wondering what she had gotten herself into. She was convinced that she had never really known this man at all, and had committed the biggest mistake in her life. The next morning, while making breakfast, Granny’s advice crept in from the back of her mind. She decided then and there to learn what the space would teach her and not to let it scare her away. Seven years later she was packing for Hawaii and was deeper in love than she had ever been.

Cowabunga! Summer is here! Time to hang ten and hang out with your friends on your favorite beach. Beaches are a great place to have fun with family, friends, and even that special someone in your life. Whether he is ‘Mr., Right’, or ‘Mr. Right Now’, you have got to make an impression! What better way to make sure your guy will stay lusting after you well after the sun has set, than looking great in a bikini! This summer it is all about the legs and the abs! Find this season’s latest trends in Sana Monica and vamp up your wardrobe. Beach bunny boho is super comfy and super sexy!

Southern California is full of some great beach getaways! Take a romantic drive up Pacific Coast Highway and take in the beautiful scenery. Stop and take a stroll through the sand, or put up a net and play some volleyball! Guys love a girl with an athletic side to them! The fun doesn’t have to stop on the beach, choose from a variety of five star hotels santa monica and stay the night! Wake up to the smell of the ocean and make another great adventure.

Whether you are taking a romantic walk on the beach, shopping on the pier, or braving the waves in the water, looking HOT is a must! Hit the stairs at the Santa Monica pier infamous for getting you into that great J-Loshape! Nothing makes a guy want to keep you around more than the thought of other guys wanting you. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone! So the bikini body is not just for your guys’ eyes only, make sure he catches the other fellas checkin you out as well! And if he gets a little jealous, no worries just let him put his arms around you and remind him that you only have eyes for him! Don’t take the flirting too far though, nothing is worse than an insecure man! Show just enough to be noticed, yet reserved enough to avoid any huge misunderstandings.

The most important thing to remember is that you ARE a catch! If you do not take care of yourself no one else will, and most importantly, no one else will want to! Show your guy that you are wanted and he should be lucky that you have chosen him!