Open to ideas

In the past, whenever I've submitted my website to a free directory submission place, I always end up with nothing but spammers. That is so annoying. I'd like to drive more traffic to my site but I don't want more spam clogging everything up. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm open for suggestions. Maybe I should try reviewing more J-Dramas and advertise on those communities. Though TGW is a bit more than that now. ACK!

Play: The Lion King

One of the most popular Disney musicals on Broadway is The Lion King. Most Disney fans know the story by heart. Simba, a lion cub destined to be king of his pride, is tricked by his evil uncle, Scar, into thinking he killed his father, Mufasa. Fearing the wrath of the other lions, Simba runs away. Luckily, he comes upon Pumbaa the warthog and Timon the meerkat. The three best friends live a carefree life until Simba's childhood friend, Nala, tries to eat Pumbaa. Nala convinces Simba to return to Pride Rock and retake his rightful place as king.

There has been a lot of hype around the musical, mostly due to the amazing costumes the actors wear. I will admit that they are absolutely breathtaking. However, that is the best part of the play. If you are already familiar with the animated movie, this show is just a live rehashing of the story. There is nothing new, beyond a few songs. It is pretty much word-for-word a re-enactment of the movie. As such, it's pretty easy to tune out entire scenes. This is unfortunate since the actors, especially the children, are so amazingly talented. I'd like to recommend The Lion King to people but I just can't. Yes, the costumes are great but I think you should get a little more for your money. Though, if you manage to get discounted tickets, snatch them up and be stunned by the beauty of the show.

Saving face

Normally, I'm not the type of person that scrutinizes herself in the mirror. Lately, though, I've been spending way too much time pointing out my flaws. I think I really need a facial. Maybe that will at least get rid of the blackheads. After that, it'll be acne scar removal time. Well, maybe not 'removal' but at least 'fading.' If they aren't as noticeable, that's just as them being gone, right? I should remember to ask the cosmetologist when I have my facial. They should be able to recommend a treatment.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is the last museum I have to talk about. Even though most people are familiar with the monument, it's difficult to truly realize how huge it is until you are standing next to it. It stands approximately 555 feet tall. The building was finished on December 6, 1884. Think about how awesome that is. Way back in the late 1800s, they were able to erect this humongous pillar in honor of the first president of the United States. It almost makes today's buildings look lame.

Admission to the monument is free, but you do need a ticket since they can only let so many people in at one time. It's very tiny at the top. As a note, if you order your tickets online, there is a $1.50 service charge.

At the top of the tower, there are two windows on each of the four sides. While it is a little difficult to fit into the space near the window (unless you are a child), it is possible. You can see about 30 miles in each direction. That means you'll be able to see both Maryland and Virginia. I'm not particularly fond of heights but I did find the view impressive. (I stood in the back by the elevators instead of going right up to the window.)

The longest part of the museum is the elevator ride up and down. If you have a half hour or so to spare during your trip, you should check out the monument. It's just plain neat.

Allergies suck

I've been having a doozy of an allergy attack for the past few days. It always makes it difficult to think when I'm all stuffed up. I'm planning on kicking out the last of my Washington DC posts tomorrow. Sorry to keep you waiting. Until then, it's back to scouring the net for the best acne treatment to get rid of the zits that blowing my nose all the time has caused. *sigh*

Favorite Friday

I don't really understand ATV riding. In my area, there are a lot of fatal accidents involving ATVs. I can sort of understand motorcycles and the love of high speed driving. But where is the joy of ATVing? They seem like they are built to flip over easily. Maybe I only hear about the idiots like these. Maybe there is some fun to be had just riding around slowly.

National Zoo

We're almost to the end of the places I visited in Washington, D.C. One of the last places we saw was the National Zoo. Since it is a part of the Smithsonian group of museums, admission to the zoo is free. Of course, I think that makes it the best zoo ever.

Unfortunately, we happened to go while the elephant enclosures were being upgraded so they was closed. No elephants for us. (Phase One of the exhibit opened September 3.) It was also rather hot out. As a result, most of the animals were just hanging out in the shade. We must be the kings of bad timing. On the other hand, the red pandas were extraordinarily active. I've never seen red pandas wandering around their enclosure. This time, one of them actually walked right next to the glass. It was awesome. We also had a ball in both the bird house and the small mammal house.

Overall, the zoo was well-kept and fairly easy to navigate. The parking can get a bit expensive but I'm willing to forgive that since there is no admission fee. Also, if you become a member, you get free parking. We are definitely planning on going back the next time we are in the area.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

I'm not usually a science person. However, the National Museum of Natural History is an amazing museum. I really think this is a museum that has something for everyone. Not only are there fossils and insects, this is also where the Hope Diamond is on display. (By the way, the Hope Diamond is the centerpiece of the gemstone collection so there are rubies, emeralds, and other gems as well.)

My favorite display was the deep sea creatures. There's a giant squid, which I found pretty interesting. I also highly enjoyed the film about a group of scientists that get to explore the sea floor. As a matter of fact, my daughter even sat still to watch this one! That is a feat in itself.

Usually, I have a difficult time recommending museums to people who aren't the nerdy type. However, I truly feel this is a museum that everyone can enjoy. Between the butterfly enclosure, the gemstone collection, the live insects, and the history of the creatures of the earth...I'm sure everyone can find at least one thing they'll love. I know it was true in our group!