Crystal & Jay's Web Place

Humble Opinions - Not to Miss

• Anti-war Protests
• Bristol Renaissance Faire
• Illinois Storytelling Festival
• Chihuly Exhibit

Anti-War Protests

Crystal took these pictures  as she participated in the Anti-War Demonstration in Chicago on March 18, 2006.

This date marked the 3rd anniversary of America's illegal and immoral war and occupation of Iraq.

The march started at 7 p.m. and went down Michigan Avenue for blocks. It drew 7,000 people, all united for peace.

My favorite protester was dressed as Princess Leia and lofted a sign that read "Stop the Empire." There were many other signs, such as "End the Occupation," "Troops Home Now," etc.

Here's a photo of me taken during the March 2005 rally/demonstration that took place in  Federal Plaza in Chicago.

It's sad to say, but I expect to be back at yet another protest in March 2007.

I hope that by then even more people will take it upon themselves to stand up and say NO MORE—STOP THE WAR.

Bristol Renaissance Faire

Every summer for more than 20 years we've headed just north of the Wisconsin border and back about 5 centuries to the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

You have to take in the swordsmen show starring Dirk Perfect and Guido as they teach the secrets of courtly wooing. {Guys, avoid this act - Jay}

The Faire gets larger every year. There is always tons to do, see, eat and buy.

You can watch a 1 man Shakespeare rendition (left), explore the bounds of poor taste at the Mud Show, dress like your favorite Renaissance character, or interact with the in-character actors walking around.

You can find unique items that can't be found anywhere else.

For instance, we bought this metal wall sculpture (right) several years ago for our upstairs hall.

Illinois Storytelling Festival

The Storytelling Festival is always an enjoyable day.

But it moves to fantastic when you win the Liar's contest as Crystal and her friend Margaret did in 2001.

They story had to do with cats surfing the internet and buying stuff with credit cards. Not much of a stretch we admit, but it worked

Sensing dynasty, the judges did not allow Crystal to win in 2002, although she was clearly above the crowd, having actual photos showing the construction of a vacation resort on the dark site of the moon.

Everyone who participates does receive one of these certificates.

The Chihuly Exhibit was a fascinating mixture of exotic plants and glass-blown sculpture temporarily at the Garfield Park Conservatory on the near west side.

The glass resembled a variety of plant forms. (left)

Occasionally, they appeared as something completely different, like these beach balls. (right)

The combinations of glass and foliage continually make you look twice.