"What are YOU doing this weekend?" (Photo by Veronica ML) Ah, the lazy days of summer are here. Wait -- "lazy?" We Americans are lazy enough already, according to this month’s American Journal of Medicine. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and to take advantage of some summertime activities! Nothing on your calendar? No problem! Ours is packed through the season. Here are just a few ideas for just this weekend: In major metropolitan areas, of course, there’s always something going on. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, this weekend is "Taste of Chicago," with free admission and filled with food and music. Speaking of music, everyone in Dallas is likely lined up for the "American Idol" auditions. If you missed registering in Texas, get your plane tickets now for one of the upcoming auditions in Los Angeles, Orlando, or Denver. Are there events geared toward those who want to get or stay fit this summer? Certainly! Remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer swims in the East River because the pool is too constricting? It turns out there's a gaggle of like-minded New Yorkers who are swimming around Liberty Island today. If you can't make it, don’t worry; they have more events scheduled. Of course, you don’t have to live in the big city to find cool things to do. Wherever you are, you can still participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (provided your employer approves, of course!), Some folks in Petaluma, California, however, will be skipping work with their pooches to visit the Sonoma-Marin Fair and enter the "World’s Ugliest Dog Contest." If the thought of big crowds and rats on leashes makes you want to just stay home -- or if you’re just saving all your energy for the Fourth of July weekend -- you can still get involved by watching other people push the limits of hockey, golf, or pure speed. Just don’t say you’re bored!

Directory categories: American Idol, Recreation in Manhattan, Chicago Travel Guides, Activities for Dogs, Sports

Archived under: American Idol, Animals, Boredom, Calendars, Chicago, Cities, Contests, Dogs, Eating, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Health, Outdoors, Pets, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Seinfeld, Sports, Summer, Swimming, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Vacations

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Festivus pole lot, Milwaukee (From FestivusPoles.com) In the "Seinfeld" epsiode "The Strike," a new holiday was introduced to Grinches around the globe: Festivus. On the show, which originally aired on December 18, 1997, George Costanza's ever-so-angry father Frank devised the holiday for his own family, after being let down by the commercial madness of Christmas. "A Festivus for the rest of us!," he proclaimed. In real life, the bizarre celebration was actually invented by Daniel O'Keefe, Sr., the father of Dan O'Keefe, who wrote this "Seinfeld" episode. According to Frank Costanza, Festivus is held annually on December 23. To decorate for Festivus, you need nothing more than a plain aluminum pole. Yup. A pole. For dinner, your favorite comfort food is welcome, except ham or any cooked bird. During the meal, guests can express their deepest disappointments towards one another in The Airing of Grievances. (Seriously, how many times have you wanted to tell that uncle of yours to eat with his mouth closed?) Rounding out the festivities are the Feats of Strength. Once the head of the family has been pinned by a challenger of his or her choice, Festivus is officially over. Happy Festivus, everyone! Suggested Sites... FestivusWeb.com - proof that people besides the characters on "Seinfeld" celebrate the holiday. YouTube: The Story of Festivus - watch the Festivus clips from the "Seinfeld" episode. Wikipedia: Festivus - Wiki details about Frank Costanza's holiday, including Festivus miracles. TV.com: Seinfeld - The Strike - full recap of the episode in which Festivus was introduced, including quotes and trivia. Festivus: A Web Site for the Rest of Us - official site of Allen Salkin's book on Festivus.

Directory categories: Festivus, Seinfeld, Holidays and Observances

Archived under: Entertainment, Festivus, Holidays, Seinfeld, TV

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