Allison Fry
As a Freelance Writer, Allison enjoys Chicago Politics as much as the local cuisine. Living in Lake County Illinois she is well informed on all the news in both Chicago and Milwaukee and also enjoys reviewing and watching movies, current events, shopping, cooking, product reviews, recipes, pets and dining. She is employed in Social Work and works for a local not-for-profit organization.
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- 6/20/2010
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BS in Education, University of CincinnatiInterests
Chicago politics, Chicago and Milwaukee dining, travel, movies, films, entertainment, shopping, cooking, pets, Lake County IllinoisFavorites
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Displaying Results 1 - 102 (of 102) for All Content
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Fiamico in Waukegan Scores C-Fiamico Waukegan has lots of atmosphere and is the only option in fine dining in the city. However, high prices and small portions and mediocre food may still lead to failure for Fiamico.
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Light Keeper Pro – the Easy Fix for Christmas Lights!You can actually heal your broken light sets using this little gun. In about 45 minutes I fixed 5 sets of lights that were destined for the trash.
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Easy Holiday Sweet PotatoesOne of the easiest holiday dishes you can prepare has to be the Sweet Potatoes. Since so many people don’t really know how to make delicious sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving and Christmas this country cook will tell you her secrets.
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Ides of March (2011) Movie Starring Ryan Gosling Scores B-Ides of March is a drama about politics and corruption. It's a can't miss starring George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Marisa Tomei.
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Applebee's New Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara Scores C+I recently tried Applebee's new Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara at dinner and found the dish to be just a little disappointing. -
Golden Retrievers - the Best Dogs Ever!There a so many dog breeds to choose from and for each breed you will find pet owners who say their breed is the best one ever! However, they are all wrong. That is, except for the Golden Retriever fans.
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"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"; Movie Goes Ape at Box OfficeTwentieth Century Fox's remake of Planet of the Apes was a huge hit this weekend at the box office bringing in an estimated $54 million on the opening weekend alone
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Tornado CloudsPhoto taken Sunday evening May 22nd over Round Lake, Illinois. -
Mildred Pierce, HBO Mini-Series, Scores A+One of the signs of a great drama are characters that are unforgettable and in Mildred Pierce there are many unforgettable characters making this mini-series one to remember. -
Chicago High Speed Rail to St. Louis a Bad Idea for Illinois TaxpayersIllinois faces a projected deficit of 12.8 billion dollars but the governor explained his reasoning saying "We want to get Cubs fans down to Busch Stadium faster so they can see better results than they've seen in recent years." -
Limitless (2011) Movie Tops Box Office in Opening WeekendWith limited choices available at the box office during March Madness, Bradley Cooper's newest thriller scored an unexpected $6.5 million at the box office on it's opening night. -
True Grit (2010) Starring Jeff Bridges & Matt Damon Scores A-Jeff Bridges was outstanding throughout, Matt Damon was almost unrecognizable, and Hailee Stienfeld was terrific in True Grit. -
Megabus Express Bus Service Scores B+With gas prices soaring Megabus travel is a great investment and one I would highly recommend -
Facebook Movie, the Social Network (2010) Scores B+I liked the movie The Social Network but didn't love it. It kept my interest and was well acted but for me was a downer. After it was over I was no longer a Facebook fan and that was something I didn't expect. -
The Schoolhouse Restaurant Camp Dennison Ohio Scores A+The Schoolhouse Restaurant scores a solid A+ for great atmosphere and home cooking served family style right inside of an old schoolhouse in the little historic town of Camp Dennison Ohio. -
Groups Seek Single Black Candidate for Chicago MayorBlack leaders in Chicago are seeking to unify African American support of one single black candidate in the race to replace Richard Daley as Mayor of Chicago. Is this just racism or just Chicago Politics?Also published on: -
RED (2010) Movie Starring Bruce Willis Scores A-"RED" is sure to be a hit at the box office and it may be the perfect film for the aging baby-boomers who can readily identify with the slightly older cast who play retired CIA agents who are still skilled assassins. -
UFO's: First China, Now Manhattan - New Planet Supports LifeUFO's have become a common occurrence in China this year. Hundreds witnessed UFO's over Manhattan. A newly discovered planet can support life. Will 2010 be the year we learn the truth about UFO's?
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Pat Quinn Blasts Brady on Condo, Porsche & Income - Fails to Understand American DreamIl Gov. Pat Quinn's TV ads attack opponent Bill Brady for not paying income taxes even though he didn't owe any and for owning a Porsche and condo. Apparently Quinn sees success in America as a bad thing.
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Ben Afflecks "The Town" Scores Big at Box OfficeSometimes a movie surprises you. and though you may be expecting "The Town" to be your run of the mill cops and robbers movie, this film was anything but
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Chicago Needs Police Superintendent Jody WeisLast week 300 union Chicago cops demonstrated outside the office of Superindendt Jody Weis calling for his resignation. However, with Chicago's history of corruption in government and on the force Weis may be just what the city needs.
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The Next Mayor of ChicagoTwo names keep surfacing as possible candidates in the race for Mayor of Chicago. Jesse Jackson Jr. and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel could become candidates in the race to replace Mayor Richard Daley.
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Leno Hosts the Tonight Show but Corny New Bits Losing AudienceThe Tonight Show summer ratings hit an all time low since Leno returned from his firing last fall. As a loyal fan I welcomed his return. Sadly the corny bits, pre-recorded skits, and scripted interviews have nearly ruined the show.
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Oberweis Dairy - Chicago's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shops & DairyWhen you think ice cream in Chicagoland there is one name that comes to mind and that's Oberweis Dairy.
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Five Guys Burgers - the Best Cheeseburgers Ever!The new Five Guys restaurant in Gurnee Illinois serves the best burgers ever! This Saturday there were no french fries available due to a broken fryer but the burgers were so great nobody minded.
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Ace Hardware in Downtown Waukegan, Illinois Scores A+Ace in Waukegan has just about everything you could want in a hardware store including household items, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items and they also have the best prices around on just what you need each season.
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Applying for a Home from Habitat for Humanity in Lake County IllinoisHabitat for Humanity is buiding homes for Lake County Ilinois residents. This guide is designed to answer the common questions about the program criteria and selection proces.
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Ugly Turf in Superdome More Gray Than Green Though Saints Score Victory in Season OpenerWhile watching the New Orleans Saints on my bigscreen TV lastnight I noticed that the new turf was more gray than green. Even with an ugly field, the Saints still scored a 14-9 victory against Minnesota in their season opener.
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Bob Chinn's Crabhouse in Wheeling Illinois - Great Seafood & Chinese Near ChicagoBob Chinn's Crabhouse in Wheeling, Illinois near Chicago is a unique Chinese Seafood Restaurant with possibly the best seafood around, fairly high prices, huge crowds, and an unusual atmosphere including plastic dishes.
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Illinois Raises Speeding Ticket Fees to Remedy Budget DeficitFacing a more than $13 billion budget deficit Illinois is grasping at straws in apparent desperation to find additional funds. The latest solution from the state's leaders is to raise the fees for all speeding tickets in the state.
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Perfect Oatmeal Cookie Recipe Scores A+These oatmeal cookies are simple to make, bake up perfect every time, and they are just the right mixture of crispy and chew. They are never too thick or too thin and you may find one batch just won't be enough.
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Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville - Chicagoland Hospital Scores A+The people of Northern Illinois and particularly those of us in Lake County Illinois are truly lucky to have a facility like Advocate Condell Medical Center available to us in the event we need a hospital.
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Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi in Gurnee Illinois Scores B-If you are in the Gurnee Illinois area craving Japanese food, Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse is not a bad choice. As a Benihana copycat Ichiban does a decent job preparing food at your table and it can be a fun and tasty place to go.
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Accessibility Core Issue in Illinois 8th Congressional DistrictRep. Joe Walsh promises accessibility but opponent Dem. Melissa Bean refuses questions, isn't making public appearances, and while at a town hall last month, had a big thug present to intimidate those who dared ask questions.
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John Cusack Tweets Hostility Against Fox News and GOP LeadersWhen asked about the mosque at Ground Zero, John Cusack announced on Twitter his support "FOR A SATANIC DEATH CULT CENTER AT FOX NEWS HQ AND OUTSIDE THE OFFICES ORDICK ARMEYAND NEWT GINGRICH-and all the GOP WELFARE FREAKS."
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Red Lobster's New Crab Crusted Tilapia Scores A+I recently tried the Crab Crusted Tilapia at Red Lobster and it was absolutely divine.
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Illinois Governor Quinn Plans to Increase State Income Tax 33%- Supports Decrease in Property TaxesIllinois Governor Pat Quinn, facing an enormous budget deficit, has announced plans to increase the state income tax by 33% and appease voters by promising to support future legislation to get school districts to decrease property taxes.
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Quinn's Attack Falls Short on Real IssuesIllinois Governor Pat Quinn recently attacked opponent Sen. Bill Brady for making layoffs in his family owned construction company demonstrating Quinn's lack of understanding on basic issues.
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Preserving Fruits from Your Fall HarvestPreserving fruits from a fall harvest can be fun, economical, healthy, and a delicious!
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'Alligator Bob' Catches Gator in Chicago River'Alligator Bob',an expert in reptiles from the Chicago Herpetological Society caught a 3 foot long alligator today in the Chicago River!
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Moberg's Auto Repair Libertyville Illinois- Honest Affordable Car Repair North of ChicagoIf you are looking for an honest mechanic with top notch skills and service and are anywhere in the Chicago Milwaukee area, Moberg's Automotive Repair in Libertyville Illinois is the place to go.
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Blagojevich Thanks God for Lone Juror - Vows to AppealDespite being convicted of a felony, Rod Blagojevich is still a free man and has returned to talking to the media. The article describes the drama that continues to surround Blago and the case against the former governor of Illinois.
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Breaking News: Obama on Vacation -- Again!President Obama and family are on vacation again. This time they are off to Martha's Vineyard for 10 days while the rest of America faces escalating unemployment and home foreclosures.
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Applebee's New Florentine Ravioli with Chicken Scores B+I really liked the new Florentine Ravioli with Chicken at Applebee's. But after eating it I discovered it has more than 1400 calories. This is not exactly a healthy entree but it was delicious!
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Is a Rod Blagojevich Retrial Worth the Cost?With Rod Blagojevich convicted of only one of the 24 charges against him Illinois taxpayers are asking whether the expense of retrial is worth the cost. This article convincingly demonstrates that the trial is well worth the financial burden.
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Central Auto Body in Grayslake Illinois Scores A+Central Auto Body did a great job fixing my car and matched the custom paint color exactly. They gave great service and then stood behind their work and repainted the car when a problem developed more than a year later!
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - the Best of Chicago's Deep Dish Pizzas Scores A+Lou Malnati's Pizzeria has dozens of locations throughout Chicagoland is the best of the Chicago Style Pizzas.
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Stone Creek Grill Winthrop Harbor Illinois Scores B-The menu at Stone Creek Grill is nice with lots to choose from including pizzas, sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes, salads, steaks, chicken, and pasta dishes. Then I get my order and I'm unimpressed
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The Silo in Lake Bluff Illinois - Making Chicago Pizza Since 1968The Silo's thick crust or deep dish pizza is truly a masterpiece of deliciousness.
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Independence Grove Libertyville - an Extroardinary Park in North ChicagolandOnce an abandoned old quarry Independence Grove is a stunningly beautiful park perfect for picnics, conferences, special events, visiting the beach, fishing, canoe rentals or biking along the Des Plaines River Trail.
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HBO's Hung -Humor & Drama on Sunday Nights!Hung successfully combines family, male prostitution, humor,drama, and reality into an intriguing mix unlike any other TV show you'll find anywhere. But, you'll need to keep an open mind as this is not a show for family hour.
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B & G Cyclery Round Lake Beach Illinois Scores D-B & G Cyclery is located about an hours drive north of Chicago and the same distance south of Milwaukee. The store sells bike accessories and skateboards. They also claim they do bike repairs but the service I got here was a complete failure.
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John Cusack's Hot Tub Time Machine Scores B-Hot Tub Time Machine is not too hot of a movie but there are a few laughing out loud moments where some of the sick humor actually works.
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Jimmy's Charhouse - a Chicagoland Favorite Scores 5 Stars!Jimmy's is a full service, upscale restaurant with a huge menu, plenty of elegant dining space, an awesome bar, and everything you want in a restaurant including some of the best food in the area.
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Scarlett O'Hara's Dresses in RuinThe University of Texas in Austin this week announced that Scarlett O'Hara's dresses from "Gone With the Wind" are in need of repair. They are now fundraising to collect money for restoring this collection.
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How to Cook Fresh Green BeansCooking fresh green beans is a time consuming process but well worth the investment. This is very easy and once you have cooked a pot of fresh green beans you may never want to eat canned green beans again.
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When There is No Money for a FuneralWhat do you do when a loved one of limited means dies without life insurance or any funds that can be contributed toward a funeral service?
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The Outback Steakhouse Scores B-At today's Outback Steakhouse you'll find more affordable menu options, healthier portions and traditional favorites.
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Wendy's New Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Scores A+Wendy's New Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a yummy blend of grilled chicken, apples, pecans, craisens and blue cheese crumbles with a tasty all natural Pomegranate Vinagreatte dressing.
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Lovin Oven Cakery - Best Bakery in Lake County Illinois North Chicagoland!If you are looking for a special cake for a birthday or other event you'll find just what you are looking for and more at Lovin Oven Cakery.
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Holiday Inn Express in Milford Ohio Rates A-Holiday Inn Express in Milford Ohio is conveniently located East of Cincinnati near I 275. Here you'll find extremely clean well appointed rooms, comfy beds, a heated indoor pool, free breakfast and plenty of dining and shopping locations nearby.
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Salt is What Action Movies Are All AboutSalt is what action movies were meant to be! I'm not a huge fan of Angelina Jolie but after watching Salt I definitely want to see her again and next time in the inevitable sequel to Salt.
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Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) Movie Scores B+Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief had enough that was fresh and different that I strongly recommend it and give score it a solid B+.
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Jennifer Aniston & Gerard Butler Score a Disappointing D- in the Bounty Hunter (2010)Don't waste time watching this movie. The action scenes were lame,stale, nothing was fresh, the characters fell flat, there was no chemistry between the actors, the direction was poor and there was nothing funny in the entire film.
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Breaking News! Cell Phone Use in Public Restrooms on the RiseHere are some tips for handling annoying cell phone callers while using a public restroom
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Frisch's Big Boy a Cincinnati Favorite for Over 60 Years!Frish's Restaurants are located throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. This is a Big Boy Restaurant unique to the area serving some items you won't find quite as good no matter where you go!
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Solutions for Eczema Dry Itching SkinThis article describes several remedies for treating eczema that have provided me long term relief so that eczema is no longer a big problem in my life.
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Relive the Sixties Experience with Mad Men on AMCAMC's Mad Men series returns with the Season 4 premier, Sunday July 25 and will surely deliver all of the drama, drinking, and steamy sex scenes that made the series a favorite of fans for the past three seasons.
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Join the Party on Petite Lake North ChicagolandAn hours drive north of Chicago is one of the most unique party destinations in the Midwest. Whether its tossing a beach ball, grilling on the deck of a pontoon boat, taking a dip, or having a wild bikini contest there is always a party on Petite Lake.
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Eczema and MenopauseIf going through Menopause isn't bad enough, some women will get Eczema too! This article describes what I discovered when both of these conditions attacked at once.
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AV Security Suite Virus Removed Easily with MalwarebytesThe AV Security Suite Virus was on my computer but I found this Free Handy Software to remove it. It's called Malwarebytes and it knocked it out quickly and easily when other virus removal programs could not!
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Dinovite Dog Vitamin Supplement Saved My Dog's Life!Dinovite cured our aging Golden Retriever. Once we started giving him this supplement his skin problems healed, his coat grew back beautifully and his energy increased! This is a great product.
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Building Your Family Tree is Free, Fun & Easy with GeniBuilding your Family tree with Geni is free, fun, easy and addictive. This site lets you share what you know with other family members and they can do the same.Watch your family tree grow!
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Lunch at Waukegan Yacht Club North ChicagolandThe Waukegan Yacht Club Restaurant is a great choice for a relaxing lunch on the waterfront in downtown Waukegan, Illinois. Good food & Great Atmosphere!
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Review of Samsung Gravity 2 Cell PhoneThe Samsung Gravity 2 Cellphone comes in two new cool colors, has a slide out keyboard for easy text messaging, a nice camera and I got it free with my phone contract with T-Mobile.
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"From Paris with Love" is a Must See If You like Action MoviesRecently released on DVD, "From Paris with Love", starring John Travolta is a great choice for anyone who likes action movies.
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Easy Blackberry Cobbler RecipeThis perfect blackberry cobbler could not be easier made with Bisquick and Milk.
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Chicago Pizza Authority - CPA Pizza in Round Lake Illinois Scores B+CPA Pizza, Chicago Pizza Authority, in Round Lake Illinois has amazingly delicious thin crust pizza!
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Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry, Illinois - a Rare Treasure Northwest of ChicagoThe large trees and forested walking and biking trails are unlike any others you will find in the region. This is a lovely place to spend a day outdoors whether you prefer to bike, hike or just sit under a shade tree and enjoy nature.
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'Inception' Scores Big at Box Office, Leaves Viewers Wanting More"Inception" lived up to the hype, scoring number one at the box office this weekend and thrilling viewers with the promise of something truly different. In this case, "different" was the idea that dreams can now be invaded and used against us.
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Grayslake Farmers Market, Lake County Illinois- Nice Variety, High PricesGrayslake Farmers Market in Lake County Illinois is a good place to shop for fresh produce but vendors are fetching top dollar here.
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Giordano's Gurnee is Number One for Classic Chicago Deep Dish PizzaGiordano's in Gurnee serves the best classic Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza you will find anywhere.
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Roy Rogers Roast Beef Scores A+ in CincinnatiThis little restaurant is one of last Roy Roger's Restaurants in the country. Fast food is done right at this landmark which is almost just like it was when it opened more than 30 years ago
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Ron's Italian Oven's in Round Lake Beach North Chicagoland Rates A-You can't go wrong at Ron's Italian Ovens in Round Lake Beach for quality, quantity and price.
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Berkley's Bagels and Butchy's Hotdogs - a Good Combination in Gurnee IllinoisBerkley Bagels and Butchy's Hotdogs is a good little combination restaurant in Gurnee Illinois near Six Flags Amusement Park. You'll find the best bagels in the area here and good quality Chicago Hot Dogs.
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Escape to Hayward Lakes Wisconsin - a Great Vacation DestinationIf you desire an escape this summer to a great little summer getaway you may want to consider the Hayward Lakes Area in Hayward, Wisconsin.
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Elly's Pancake House in Mundelein, Illinios, Satisfies the Big AppetiteElly's Pancake house in Mundelien is a good place to go for lunch and breakfast but I don't recommend the pancakes.
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Discovering Chicago Deep Dish PizzaDeciding which Deep Dish Pizza in Chicagoland is the best was a tough choice. Lou Malanati's, Giordano's, Gino's East and Uno are my top four!
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Wild About Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe in Libertyville - North ChicagolandWildberry has the best pancakes I've ever eaten and their egg entrees are amazing in every way!
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Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe - Experience Serenity in North ChicagolandChicago's Botanic Garden is a beautiful, serene, and education experience in any season. You'll find magnificent gardens, walking trails, educational opportunities and peaceful tranquility on every visit
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Battling Migraine and Cluster HeadachesI have developed a battle plan to prepare for and perhaps one day eliminate my migraine and cluster headaches
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Dukas Auto Repair, Zion IllinoisDukas Auto Repair on Lewis Ave in Zion Illinois has been in business since 1978. Dukas Auto Repair mechanics are knowledgable, fast, honest and friendly.
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Our Perfect June Wedding, Amazing Food, Great Band, Beautiful Cake..And A Dead Cat!I was a June bride in 1978. Happily married for 32 years, my husband I still remember that clear, perfect summer day with fond memories. Few of us even remember that poor dead cat!
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Fratello's Hot Dogs in Volo, Illinos - a Good Choice for Fast FoodFratello's Hot Dogs in Volo, Illinois is a good choice if you are in the area for Chicago Dogs, Burgers or Italian Beef.
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Knight and Day (2010) Movie Scores B+I really liked Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. This is a light hearted action movie with plenty of well timed laughs.
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A Review of the Hillside Family Restaurant - Grayslake, IllinoisThe Hillside Family Restaurant is a Greek family owned and operated restaurant in Graylake, Illinois. Although they are open for dinner, this is more of a lunch and breakfast spot due mostly to the lack of anything special in atmosphere.
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Visit Famous Freddies Roadhouse Fox Lake Illinois for Food and Fun on the Fox ChainFamous Freddies Roadhouse is a great place to go for fun on the lake, drinks, scenery and good food!
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Escape to the Beach at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion IllinoisIllinois Beach State Park in Zion Illinois is outstanding in it's natural beauty, sand dunes, beach, picnic area, boating and even a resort!
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Purple DreamsPurple Haiku Entry
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Barnelli's & Portillo's - a Winning Chicagoland Combination!Barnelli's Pasta and Portillo's Hot Dogs, a combination of two restaurants in one location in Vernon Hills Illinois is a delicious and unique combination.
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I Love My Google VoiceGoogle Voice is a great tool to use at home and work to make long distance calls for free using the internet and basic phone service.
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Boating on Fox Lake Chain-Chain O'Lakes State Park North ChicagolandBoating on the Chain O'Lakes has been an ongoing party for more than a century and still going strong.
