icanhasahotdog.com

http://ihasahotdog.com/

From the creators of the icanhasacheezburger.com website comes a site just for funny dog pictures. Like the site for cats, this site allows users to post cute pictures of dogs. Then, the user "captions" the picture.


see more puppies

wordle.net

http://www.wordle.net/

This is a cool websit that creates tag clouds as art. You can create one from any website or document. It's also really simple to do. There's a gallery of "wordle" art that you can view from this website.

Entertainment On a Budget #8

Although this idea could be placed with festivals, fireworks are one of my favorite things, so I think they deserve their own post. Another tradition in my family, going to see the fireworks every July 4th remains one of my favorite events of the year. In my hometown, they are small and simple, but they are no less beautiful.

It's always fun to gather with all the other people an hour or more before the show just to get a good viewing spot. Over the years, I've made it a goal to find the best view. It's not just an idea for family either. Get a group of friends together with a few blankets and some refreshments. Take sparklers for some pre-show entertainment.

While just going to a fireworks show is free, you can spend a little money and buy some fireworks of your own. Be careful though. They're fun and pretty, but they are just flaming balls of fire that can hurt as well.

Entertainment On a Budget #7

Christmas Decorations

Every year my family and I drive around to different parks in the area looking at the Christmas displays. Usually the displays are donated by local businesses, so there's always a vast array of different kinds of lights and displays. Most parks don't require a fee, but donations of canned goods or a small amount of money are welcome. If there aren't any parks near your area, you can drive around the neighborhoods in your town. They can offer some fun, too! Click on this link for a great display: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLmAPW39uE

This can be a good date idea, as well. Since the decorations are only up once a year, it will be a novelty to go. While you drive around, you can talk and get to know each other better. However, if you're stumped for things to say, the decorations can provide converstation starters.

Entertainment On a Budget #6

Festivals provide cheap--sometimes free--entertainment. Check your local paper or town's website to see if there are any near you. Almost every place, from large cities to small towns, have some kind of yearly festival. Near my area there is an ice cream festival, a blues festival, and a highlands festival.

If you enjoy like the festival, you can easily make it a yearly tradition to attend. This is, also, a great idea for a first date because you can get to know the person better while enjoying the festivities.