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Traveling to France? Better Learn the Language

Ah, France, the land of romance and beauty. There are many reasons to head to this remarkable country including delicious cuisine, fantastic historic sites, and lush landscapes. Don’t speak French? That’s not a problem when you take a French course at the

”>University of Redlands. Rather than bumbling around the country confused at this lyrical language, take some time to learn the basics. Trust me, the French people you encounter will appreciate your effort.

Enjoy the satisfaction of ordering in French at some of the finest dining establishments when you register for classes at this Los Angeles university.

”>The College of Arts and Sciences.

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Avoid motorized barstool DUI charges while on a Cleveland da

On March 4th, an Ohio man, twenty-eight year old Kile Wygle (that is his real name), was charged with a DUI after he crashed his motorized bar stool. The contraption was basically a barstool attached to old lawn mower parts; the man had added a steering wheel and used it to cruise.  Kile ended up with some injuries, which is not surprising considering he told the police that he had consumed 15 beers that day. He also told police that his motorized barstool could go up to thirty-eight miles an hour!  You can avoid having to DIY and getting a DUI by spending your time on a Cleveland day trip which involves go-karts. Please wait to drink until you are safely at home, not while driving the go-kart; we wouldn’t want a repeat Kile Wygle incident.

Airport Go-karts, which is scheduled to open on April 17th, offers safe go-kart racing fun; there is no need to build your own contraption here. They can be contacted about hours and rates by calling 216-265-0750. The address for this thrilling day trip option is 16208 Brookpark Rd; you can find out more by visiting theirwebsite.

Another option for racing fun is to visit Swings N’ Things; this adventure place will offer more than just fast go-karts. An arcade, batting cages, bumper boats, and laser tag await anyone who comes to Swings N’ Things. Mini-golf, paintball, and a Kid’s Corner round out the offerings at this fun pavilion. Stop by the Ice Creamery for delicious iced treats and scrumptious morsels. Pizza, hotdogs, and the like are served up for you and the family.  You can plan an entire day around this astounding location; kids ands kids-at-heart will love Swings N’ Things.

Swings N’ Things opens with a bang on April 1st. Most days, the park is open from noon to eight pm, other days, including weekends, the park is open from 11am until 9pm, but some weeks, the hours are only from 4pm until 9pm. Visiting the website is the best option before you decide to visit Swings N’ Things. Pricing options vary from individual attraction options to unlimited passes. The best option is to go with the Karts Plus Pass, which includes all day access to nearly all the park has to offer; only the game room, batting cages, and paintball are extra, but those are discounted for individuals with the pass. Other pass options are available too; this is the best bet for racing fun and more in Cleveland. Spend the entire day there with your kids and have lunch or dinner too. An ice cream will be the end to a perfect day.

Easter Cleveland day trips

Easter is the time of year when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians and non-Christians, Easter is also a time to celebrate the renewal of life, which is the hallmark of the spring season. Easter and spring are often depicted by the things that represent a renewal of life. Things such as baby chicks, eggs, bunnies, and grass and flowers, are commonly found on Easter decorations or even in Easter baskets. Many traditions go along with Easter and springtime and below is my list of best activities for you and the kids to do while celebrating Easter and spring in or near Cleveland.

• On Saturday April 4th, from 8:30am until 10:30am, you and the kids can have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Hopefully, you already have tickets or know someone with them, because tickets to the event are sold out. The event will be held in the Primate, Cat, and Aquatics building; included in the price is admission to  both the zoo and rainforest, a scrumptious breakfast buffet, visits with the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. It is the perfect way to spend an Easter Cleveland day trip.

• Easter Brunch is a tradition held at many restaurants throughout Cleveland, each offering their own twist on the traditional holiday. 100th Bomb Group Restaurant, near the airport, John Q’s, Champps Americana, and Claddagh  Irish Pub are all places that host annual Easter brunches.

• Have ice cream with the Easter Bunny at the Rocky River Civic Center. The event takes place from 6pm to 8pm on April 3rd, 2009; the event is designed to cater to children who are three to eight years of age. It is much easier to get a spot if you are a member of the Rocky River Civic Center-if you are not, you may be placed on a wait list.

• Attend the Easter Egg Hunt and Candy Scramble presented by the Westlake Town Criers. Two candy scrambles will be held, one is for ages 4 to 6, and will be held at 1pm, while the other is for ages 7-10 and will begin at 1:30pm. An easy Easter egg hunt will be held for children three and younger as well. The event will include costumed bunnies, a play area, and refreshments.

• Eggstravaganza, which is hosted by the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. The event will occur on Friday, April 10; ages 1-5 with an adult can attend at either  9-10 am, 10-30 - 11:30 am, or 12:30 - 1:30 pm. Ages 5-8, with an adult, can attend the 3:30 - 4:30 pm event. Live bunnies will also be on site.

Family Fun Day Trips at the IX Indoor Amusement Park

Cleveland is an exciting place to be during the summer months; many different activities are available for family diversion. Day trips to various places in Cleveland will keep the whole family entertained. One event that serves up diversion for the whole family is the IX Indoor Amusement Park, which comes to Berea’s IX Center every April.  The IX Center offers carnival-like rides, food, and midways; kids, seniors, and adults will surely enjoy a day spent wandering the aisles at the IX Center.

This year, the IX Indoor Amusement Park takes place from March 27th until April 19th; this year’s event is the twentieth anniversary of the indoor extravaganza.  General Admission for the IX Indoor Amusement Park is $19, children under 48” have an admission of $16, and children three and under are free. Seniors (60+) pay only $9 on the weekend and are free Monday through Friday.  Discount admission tickets are available through Marc’s.

The IX Center offers many thrill rides, indoor coasters, water rides, and other types of amusements. The delicious scent of carnival food wafts through the air in the building, making a trip to a food stand an irresistible temptation.  Game callers beckon you towards them with promises of a big win.  The large Ferris wheel in the center of the building, which is the largest indoor Ferris wheel in the country, will surely be at the top of your list of things to do. The screams and laughs of other riders should help you decide what to ride and what not to ride. All this and more can be found when one visits the IX Center.

Not only will adults be pleased, but so will kids. Kidzville offers children a chance to have fun; kiddie rides, games, activities, and more await the young ones. Celebrity meet and greets, an IX Indoor Amusement Park tradition, continue. This year, kids can meet with Emily Osment from the hit show, “Hannah Montana,” or David Archuleta, from American Idol.

TO FINISH THE ARTICLE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

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Hey everyone, if you love travel, visit my new page at examiner.com to read my articles about day trips in Cleveland, Ohio. Thanks :) Link below.

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Who I Am

A little information for those who happen across my page. My name is Heather. Here are some quick facts about me:

1) I LOVE Harry Potter, please don't diss the books or we'll be at war!

2) I am a nursing student and I work full time, on top of that I am trying to become a writer, so I am super busy!!

3) I live in Cleveland-"The greatest location in the nation," not "The mistake on the lake."

4) I am engaged to a wonderful, smart, sexy man...CJ, I Love you!!

5)David Beckham, if you ever get a divorce, please email me!!

5 Rules For Life

5. Don't be a hypocrite, it's tacky!

4. Don't moan and bit*h about a situation you got yourself into.

3. Definitely try something new every once in a while!

2. Harry Potter Rules!!

1. Being a bit*h for no reason is ugly!

Obama and the new era of responsibility: extended Easter day

Many people, including myself, are happy with Obama as president. I will admit that I was a Hillary supporter at first, but she will be great as Secretary of State. Obama is inspirational in so many ways. He is a man who knows how to express himself eloquently and passionately. I think that will help in the road to rebuilding international ties. Not to mention his international popularity!! The residents of this great country should appreciate that the world was watching as we inaugurated Obama; this shows how important our country is to the rest of the world. They have dealt with the last eight years with us. Aspects of our daily business, such as our economy, our foreign aid policies, and our wars affect the rest of the world. We are a powerful nation; we need to accept the good with the bad and step up to taking responsibility. Not many countries on earth have what we have. Yes, we have problems; every country does. But in our country, as we have seen, opportunity does exist. You just have to “man up” and grab it. Sometimes, it takes unimaginable work, but we're Americans and that is what we do. We pioneer, we invent, and we explore.

 We need to start exploring green energy sources, new economic solutions, and better diplomatic ties with nations of all types. We need to set aside old hostilities and do exactly what Obama says-make government more accountable and more open. It should not have to take a brave whistleblower to reveal the problems in corporations and in government. Greed is a nasty aspect of human nature; people hate to admit it, but it is the truth and it needs to be acknowledged. Corporations need to be regulated because not only do they waste their resources on million dollar corporate entertainment events, and pay billion dollar CEO salaries when companies are failing, but they waste American bailout funds on the same frivolities. Regulations need to be in place to prevent this. This won't limit our free market enterprise, it will protect it from unscrupulous, greedy CEOs and businessmen. The economy affects us all and sometimes it needs guidance; we need to see to the continued growth of our capitalist system. If our economy is prosperous, we can focus on the other pressing problems in our nation and in the world. I truly hope Obama means it when he says this is the "new era of responsibility," as our country's survival as The Land of Opportunity depends on it.

If one is interested in keeping tabs on this new, open government, one should head on down to Washington, D.C., where President Obama works each day. This is an “extended” Cleveland day trip, but a worthwhile trip nonetheless. A drive from Cleveland to Washington D.C. takes about six and a half hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.  Once you make it to D.C., the fun begins.

White House Tours are given to the public at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, which is the address of the White House. To get a tour, the group must have at least ten people; you also need to write to your congressman. You can contact them up to six months in advance of the visit. The tours are self-guided and are available from 7:30 am until 10:00am, on Tuesdays through Saturdays, excluding federal holidays. Make sure you stop at the White House Visitor’s Center to make the most of your time at the White House.

One new feature of the Obama presidency is the fact that this year, tickets to the annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be distributed via the internet. This is a beloved tradition in which children can roll Easter eggs across the White House lawn. More information can be had the White House website.

Visiting Washington D.C. is an amazing chance to witness our country’s government firsthand. You can view famous works and displays at the Smithsonian, visit the Washington Monument, and see Capitol Hill. Other ideas include visiting Ford’s Theater, where Lincoln was assassinated, or the Lincoln Monument. This will be one vacation like no other; once you are done, you can head on home to Cleveland.

Day trips to see Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in

Cleveland is a city with a wealth of sports action. The Football Hall of fame is located within a short drive’s distance, while here at home, we have three professional teams and other semi-professional teams to keep our sports fans satisfied.  Whether you like football, baseball, or basketball, you can find an event to fit your sport needs. The Cleveland Cavaliers, currently number one in the Central Division, the Eastern Conference, and the entire NBA, thanks in large part to Lebron James, make their home here, which is great for Cleveland’s basketball fans.

Spending a day’s activity in Cleveland means a wealth of opportunity for different adventures. One particular way to spend a day is to get tickets to a Cavs’ game.  You can make an entire day of it by going out to dinner or lunch and then taking in a game. The games themselves are exciting, but the Cavs also play host to events throughout the season. Plan your day around an event such as this and you will not be disappointed.

Cavs tickets may be hard to come by right now, since they are doing so well and because it is near playoff season.  However, during regular season games, tickets can be purchased for as little as $10. The Cavs also offer a Mcfamily night special, which comes with four tickets and four McDonald’s meals; this offer comes for as low as $72 on certain nights. Attending games that occur in the day, such as the 1:00pm games, is the perfect way to spend a family Cleveland day trip.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are poised to go to the playoffs; they may bring home the championship this year too. If your wallet is substantial, you may get to be a part of the action. Playoff tickets for the nosebleed seats start at $748 a ticket and good luck getting a hold of any of them. The best way to plan this kind of day trip is either to wait until next year, find a friend with season tickets, or have a ton of money to spend.

While spending your day trip watching the Cavs in action at the Quicken Loans Arena is one of the best options for sports fans, it will be hard to come by tickets. The Cleveland Cavaliers are hot right now, so now is the time that everyone wants to attend the games. Prepare yourself by saving or you can even enter into a payment plan (details at the Cavs website). Either way, if you want to see the Cavs, you had better start planning now.

For more info: 
Cleveland Day Trips
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
IX Indoor Amusement Park
Cedar Point

Cedar Point Vacation Ideas

Day trips at Cedar Point

Sandusky’s Cedar Point, about an hour from Cleveland via I-90W, is home to the world’s largest collection of roller coasters. Other attractions, shows, games, and delicious food await visitors. Cedar Point is the perfect place to spend a family outing or day trip. Family travel fun is a sure bet at Cedar Point.

Cedar Point, located at One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio, is one of the premier amusement parks in the world. They have unparalleled roller coasters, but they also have other fun diversions. Whether you want wet and wild fun at the water park, Soak City, or thrilling adventure onboard a racing coaster, you will surely find it at Cedar Point. Family outings and day trips have never been so fun. Cleveland family travel experts will tell you too; it is an amazing place to experience the adrenaline rush of racing with the wind and many other sensations.

The cost of admission at Cedar Point is reasonable when compared to other similar locations.  A Cedar Point Funday pass is priced at $43.99 and covers ages three to sixty-one. Junior and senior passes, costing only $19.99, cover ages three years and younger and the sixty-two and older crowd. Any child two years or younger gets in for free. Other options combine to give you the maximum fun for the lowest price; a pass for two days of riding and sliding will only set you back $73.99. For other admission information, please click the link.

Cedar Point, as mentioned earlier, is world-famous for its collection of 17 roller coasters; this incredible menagerie will keep you and the whole family busy all day long. Famous coasters include Mantis, Magnum, Millennium Force, and Raptor. Wooden coasters are a park favorite and Cedar Point boasts several, including Cedar Creek Mines, Mean Streak, and Gemini. On a recent Cedar Point trip, the favorite roller coaster, with three repeat visits, was Maverick; other favorites include Top Thrill Dragster, Wicked Twister, and Wildcat.

Carnival-style thrill rides also make up a large part of the park; these fast and furious rides will certainly afford everyone plenty of amusement. Chaos, Demon Drop, and Dodge ‘Em are popular with the crowds. Other perennial favorites include Power Tower and Skyhawk. If you have children with you on your Cedar Point family outing or day trip, you should stop by Planet Snoopy, which caters to kids. Rides include Kite Eating Tree, Flying Ace Balloon Race, Peanuts Road Rally, and Snoopy’s Deep Sea Diver.

Cedar Point rounds things off with shows; there is everything from laser light shows at night to music extravaganzas. Water rides and slides are available at Soak City and other diversions can be found throughout the park. Full service restaurants and carnival-like concession stands can be found throughout the park. Whether you want a full meal, a hot dog, or a Dippin’ Dots ice cream cup, you will be able to acquire it at Cedar Point.
 

While four states have banned smiling in ID photos, scenic b

AP Photo

Arkansas, Indiana, Virginia, and Nevada have adopted legislation which requires people to keep a “neutral expression,” in their ID photos, a move which is said to help reduce identity fraud. Whether or not it is true, people still want to get smiles from having their licenses. In order to experience summer vacation fun on Ohio’s roadways, one should ensure they take the scenic byways of the state sometime this travel season.

Ohio is a land of rolling hills, gently sloping farmland, and wooded wonderlands. Throughout the Cleveland area, many scenic drives can be taken. Take a camera and take the kids along the routes. Pack a picnic lunch or stop at a diner along the way. Either way, many roads pass by scenic panoramas which are definitely worth a stop. Experience the glory of Mother Nature when you traverse the inroads of Ohio’s scenic areas.

The Amish Country Byway covers over seventy-five miles of pasture, meadow, and farmland. Charming towns dot the road, as do old-fashioned horse buggies which carry the Amish residents of the area. Shops along the route provide tourists with amazing souvenirs of their mini-vacation. Purchase Amish goods such as woodwork and fresh foods. Breeze past country barns and pastoral paradises on your road to Nowhere. Day trip vacations from Cleveland involve lovely settings and shops which will please a multitude of visitors.

Commissioned as an act of Congress, the Historic National Road in Ohio, traces part of the state’s history. Passing antique Inns and pastoral settings, this road too has a charm to it. This road represents the broadening of the country’s transportation abilities and the state’s importance to early American infrastructure development. Enjoy the road as you wind your way across Ohio on a day trip vacation.

Along with many other scenic routes through the state, these attractive options provide much in terms of scenery and amusement. Stop for a hike, enjoy a meal at a dining location along the route, take plenty of photos, and then return home satisfied by a day well spent. Learn more about the state in which you live, or if you are not from Ohio, learn about the state you are visiting. A great wealth of history and culture can be experienced along these roads.  Relaxation, nature’s magnificence, and pure Ohio walking excursions can be part of your mini-vacation while driving the scenic byways of the state.

As captain returned home after pirate ordeal, Cleveland day

This past Wednesday, Somali pirates captured the Mearsk-Alabama; the ship carries the flag of the United States. The ship, which was carrying twenty crewmembers, is now a FBI crime scene as a result of the ordeal.  Apparently the courageous crew risked their life and limbs by fighting back; one crew member successfully stabbed a Somali pirate with an ice pick. The heroic captain selflessly gave himself over to the pirates so that his crew would be left unharmed; the pirates left the ship to the crew and boarded a covered lifeboat with their captive. This brave soul, Captain Richard Phillips, also attempted an escape on Friday, but was recaptured by the armed pirates. After days of being held captive at the whim of the pirates, the Captain was rescued after President Obama authorized the use of force and the Navy heeded this directive successfully. As Capt. Phillips relived himself on one side of the boat, the Navy specialists killed three of the pirates and managed to take another hostage, while also saving Phillips.  While Somali high seas pirate action is the last situation anyone wants to be in, fun Cleveland day trips allow for nautical adventures.

There are several places in the Greater Cleveland area that offer nautical fun. With summer coming up, Lake Erie offers the best option for sun, sand, and fun. Walk the pier or hop aboard a ship in the marina down at Edgewater Park.Other lakes, such as Huntington Beach in Bay Village and Wallace Lake in Berea, offer just as much fun in the sun. Wallace Lake also offers paddleboats for water enthusiasts. Swim, sunbathe, or just soak up some fun.

Another nautical adventure awaits visitors to the William G. Mather Steamship and Museum. The museum, located at 305 Mather Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, is the perfect place to go to learn more about shipping and nautical fun.  It opens in May, so get prepared now. The USS Cod Submarine Memorial, a National Historic Landmark, is also docked in Cleveland. Both of the ships could be toured in one day; this would make the perfect Cleveland day trip. The Goodtime III offers narrated river tours, romantic dinner cruises, lunch tours, brunch tours, and more. Take the kids or go on a romantic date. The Goodtime III is an amazing way to spend a nautical Cleveland day trip sans pirates.
 

Cedar Point Information

Costs and Admission and Other Helpful Information

Cedar Point is the ultimate in family fun; small vacations spent at the park will thrill young and old alike. For family gatherings, family outings, or day trips, Cedar point is the best Cleveland day trip. Information about the park can be found below. 2009 prices are listed.

Cost:

Cedar Point Funday: ages 3-61, valid any “operating” day.  $43.99

Cedar Point junior/senior Funday: ages 3 and younger and 62 and older. $19.99

Children 2 and younger are free

Cedar Point Starlight admission is valid after 5pm when Cedar Point closes at 10pm or later or 4pm when the park closes before 10pm. Valid Saturday, May 16-Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009.   $25.99

Halloweekends Starlight Valid any day between Friday, Sept.  18-Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009.   Valid only after 6 p.m. on Fridays, after 5 p.m. on Saturdays and after 4 p.m. on Sundays.  (Also valid after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009.)   $26.99

Ride and Slide 2-day pass allows ages 3-61 to ride and splash (Soak City) for two days. $73.99

Ride and Slide 2-day junior/senior pass allows ages 3 and under and 62 and over two days in Cedar Point and Soak City. $36.99

Visit Cedar Point’s website for more information on season passes

Military (retired and active with military ID) can attend at a discount. $33.99

Misc. Prices:

Vehicle parking: $10

Oversized vehicle parking: $15

Soak City All Day for ages 3-61 allows you to enter Soak City. $29.99

Soak City junior/senior pass is for ages 3 and under and 62 and older. $16.99

Soak City starlight pass is for after 5 p.m. when Soak City closes at 9 p.m.; after 4 p.m. when Soak City closes at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. $15.99

Skyscraper: $20

Ripcord 1 person: $30 each, two people: $22 each, three persons: $15 each

Challenge golf: 18 holes: $5.95, 36 holes: $7.95, junior (under 48” tall): $2.95

Challenge racing: Grand Prix 1 trip (with valid ID): $5, two trips: $8, sprints cart 1 trip $5, two trips: $8

Directions/travel information:

Cedar Point is located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio.  major cities  located closely include Cleveland (60
miles), Toledo (62 miles), Detroit (115 miles) and Columbus (120 miles).  You can take the Ohio Turnpike to Exit 118 (US
250) and follow the signs north, or take Exit 110 (SR 4) and follow Route 4 north. Once you get to Sandusky, just
follow the road signs to the Cedar Point Causeway.

Harry Potter is NOT evil!

 Fundamentalist Christians ( or Muslims for that matter) need a wake-up call. Before I begin discussing why Harry Potter is not evil, I want to start with a note about forcing your religion down someone's throat. For one thing, God does not need people to be forced to abide "His" will. Don't get me wrong, this message is not for all Christians, just those that think theirs is the only opinion that matters. The Lord made us for crying out loud, if he wanted us to all believe the same things, we'd have been born to do that. We weren't. Don't you think a God that is able and intelligent enough to design humanity would know that when good people worship whatever in their language and religion they call "God," that He is the one they are referring to? Just because beliefs about God and behavioral rules differ from religion to religion does not mean God does not hear all of us. Just because a group thinks they are superior does not mean God does. I hope that the God that waits for me in the afterlife is intelligent, reasonable, and fair, not domineering, whiny, and a hypocrite, like some fundamentalists unfairly portray Him through their words and actions towards other human beings. That said, on to HP!

    So, some people think the greatest selling book series EVER is evil. I cannot tell you how wrong that is. Anyone familiar at all with literature can tell you the themes addressed in Harry Potter have nothing to do with becoming a witch or sacrificing anyone! The book is the tale of a boy who discovers the value of friendship and familiy, trust over suspicion and manipulation, the choice between what is right and what is easy, and the age old plot of good vs. evil.

   People claim that it is evil becaue the main characters are witches and wizards. Some simply claim it is evil because it portrays magic. I have some arguments against this opinion I have compiled in a list below.

1) The magic done is not invocational, no spirits are called or summoned, neither is the devil. In fact, I can't think of one instance where he is even mentioned, and I know these books in and out!!

2) The magic done is made to be like abbra-cadabra type magic. People change hair color, or disarm other wizards, turn themselves invisible, or make the dishes do themselves. No one summons a demon to attack anyone and there are no sacrifices. Animals have magic qualities themselves in Harry Potter and for the most part are well cared for and respected.

3) The book actually promotes temperance in severeal areas. "Muggles," or non-magic folk and their magical children, called "mudbloods," are disliked by some "pureblood" families. This is like JK's stance on racism, those who look at the situation this way are the "bad guys" in the book. Hermione creates S.P.E.W. or Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, to help house elves gain rights (they are like magical slave creatures.) In this way, J.K. creates an atmosphere for children or adults reading to think about these real world issues in a fantasy-like setting.

4) Harry Potter is not the only children's tale that uses magic and witchcraft. C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia is beloved by Christians, but has witches and magic! Even Frank L. Baum's The Wizard of Oz uses some of the same things, yet no one bans it!

5) The books feature Christmas and Easter as holidays each year the books cover. The magic is in no way a religion. If the books were anti-christian why would they feature Christian holidays that are in no way treated disrespectfully.

6) So many children today do not like reading; it is simply foolish to try to take the one book so many of them love away. Let your child read this book series. It will inspire them to look for new books to read to be entertained in other worlds of wonder when they run out of Harry Potter pages to read.

   Trust me, the books are great. I have a complete  set of Harry Potter books that is unopened. I plan on them remaining that way until I have a child who is old enough to read along with me so that we can share the magic together. Don't let that oppurtunity slip away because of what you have heard; read them for yourselves and then decide!

Cleveland day trips to see the Cleveland Indians Home Opener

Baseball fans get ready for your season to start; as April approaches, teams start gearing up for Opening Day. This year, the Cleveland Indians home opener will take place on Friday, April 10th, at 4:05pm.  The tribe will start their season at home off by taking on the Toronto Blue Jays.  You can be there as the Tribe begins the 2009 season, or you can plan a day trip for later in the year. People searching for spring and summer family fun and day trip ideas will have to look no further. Seeing a game is just one part of the fun when you visit the Indians at Progressive field. Fireworks, giveaways, events, and more await fans who venture down to the stadium on balmy summer days.

Tickets to the home opener run a bit more than tickets to the regular game, so you can choose to purchase tickets for the home opener starting at $45 apiece, or plan your day trip for later. If you pick tickets for later dates, you can see quite a savings. Nosebleed tickets start at $6-7.50 depending on where you sit and when you go, but if you pick lower field box seats in sections 169 to 174 and 128 to 134, you can get tickets as low as $20 (some go for $20, $25, $30, and $35).  Depending on where you sit, this could be less costly than going to the movies, which now runs about $8.50 a ticket.

Spending a day at Progressive Field also entails eating stadium food. No trip to a baseball game is complete without the traditional hot dog, popcorn, peanuts, and beer. Kids have plenty of snack options at the ballpark, including frozen treats, sweets, and pretzels. Nachos, burgers, and pizza are also served up in the park.

Upcoming events include the Key Bank Kids Fun Day, which takes place on Easter Sunday. Magnet schedule giveaway day is the day of the home opener, and the Rock N’ Roll Fireworks Show takes place on Friday, April 24th, when the Indians take on the Twins. Other fun promotions include the Kerry Wood bobblehead giveaway that will take place on April 25th and Dollar Dog day on April 28th. Fireworks shows take place throughout the season, so make sure to check the Indians’ promotional calendar.

Taking in a game is a great way to spend a Cleveland day trip. Sit back, enjoy the show, the food, and the excitement as the Tribe battles it out with other teams. Spend a lazy day in the ballpark, hoping for a win, or just introduce the younger brood to the game.