Until public-transit officials make our dream of commuting to work by rollycoaster a reality, we'll have to settle for the adrenaline rush of traditional pick-me-ups. Percolate perkiness with today's Groupon: for $5, you get $10 worth of coffee, espresso, and sandwiches at In the Company of Thieves, located on East Johnson Street. This deal is not valid on drinks from the fridge.

In the Company of Thieves satisfies caffeine cravings with French-pressed coffee supplied from regional roasters such as Kickapoo, Anodyne, and Just Coffee. Hustle-and-bustlers can pick up a 16 oz. cup of joe to go ($2.08) and savor the 100% organic flavor as they start their day. Those needing an extra jolt before they host the 36-hour "Save the Gremlins" marathon can imbibe a rich and frothy two-shot latte ($3.75). Enjoy lunch within In the Company of Thieves' comfy storefront or outside with its outdoor seating, as the café's chef puts together hearty sandwiches, such as a scrumptious turkey and brie panini ($6.59). The café also features a wide-array of palatable pastries, meaning you can dip a scone ($2.64) into a cup of java. Iced coffees and chilled smoothies are flavorful ways to cool off on a hot day, and the free WiFi (with purchase) gives college students a chance to study, procrastinate, or write their thesis on procrastination studies.

Groupon Says

Binder Finder

My Trapper Keeper has a picture of the Spice Girls on it with their eyes scratched out by a compass needle.

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For $10, today's side deal gets you $20 worth of goods and services at Cascio Interstate Music, located in New Berlin. This Groupon is valid in-store or by telephone only, and it includes products, instrument rentals, and repairs. This Groupon is not valid for music lessons.

With 40,000 musical instruments in stock, Cascio Interstate Music supplies music lovers with the tools, gears, and repair services needed for any upcoming gig. The 30,000-square-foot retail store is packed to brim with gadgets, sheet music, instructional videos, and other products for rockers and orchestra loyalists alike. Guitar enthusiasts can use Classic Electrics ($14.95) to explore the history of their instrument, and pianists can browse Cascio's sheet music collection of classical masterpieces. Cascio carries any essential musical accessory, from Ernie Ball Regular Slinky guitar strings ($5.01) and Rico Royal Bb Clarinet reeds ($12.94) to viola shoulder rests ($23.85). The shop also features a crack staff of musical repairmen, who can help mend any injured guitar, violin, drum set, or whichever instrument on which you shred.

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Holistic training is much more than detailed instruction on how to dig holes or convert negative fractions into positive thoughts. Achieve your well-rounded goals with today's Groupon: for $20, you get any three classes at Mindful Movement in Big Bend (up to a $51 value). The first class is normally free for new students, which means today's Groupon functions as a three-class supplement (for a total of four classes) for any first-time student.

Providing comprehensive training in Pilates, yoga, and dance, Mindful Movement offers a wide range of holistic classes for the mind, body, and communal soul. The schedule includes hour-long sessions ranging from "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot, Yoga"—a cleansing blend of standing and grounded poses—to "Traeh Funkdafied"—an upbeat fusion of Traeh Pilates and yoga set to a soundtrack of hip-hop, rock, and enthusiastic instruction. Traeh Pilates, Traeh yoga, and tai chi make ample to occasional guest appearances throughout the week.

Mindful Movement isn't just a gym or a studio or a building with walls and a floor and a proportionate amount of ceiling. Instead, the training center is a welcoming place for students to engage with their instructors, all of whom have access to holistic resources such as classes, workshops, and recommendations of trusted healers or Chiclet flavors. Classes are available by reservation only; call to reserve your spot.

Groupon Says

Binder Finder

My Trapper Keeper has a picture of the Spice Girls on it with their eyes scratched out by a compass needle.

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When Eisenhower designed the Interstate Highway system, he envisioned a lawless, death-race arena where only the fastest could avoid being killed by mechanical gulls. Experience a thrilling fraction of his racing dream with today's Groupon to DriveTech Racing School at the Madison International Speedway in Oregon on Saturday, September 18 or Sunday, September 19. Choose from the following two deal options:

• $149 for a 15-lap shootout against other student drivers/participants (a $289 value)
• $39 for a five-lap ride-along package with a professional driver (a $79 value)

DriveTech provides instruction for fledgling racecar drivers on a variety of professional racetracks across the country. Ride shotgun for five laps with a professional driver for a heart-pumping, really fast thrill ride in a safe environment that's completely free of Kurt Russell. Alternately, the 15-lap package lets you actually take the reins of a professional stock car. After a round of basic classroom instruction, you'll get to take the wheel for 4-5 practice laps followed by laps of proper green-flag racing that will leave your hair mussed, eyes bulged, and torso coated in corporate sponsorships. Both experiences eschew straight, open road in favor of high-speed turns, a hallmark of stock-car racing.

Stock-car racing is a grand American tradition, smelling, like most American traditions, of baseball players, McDonald's apple pie, and diesel fuel. Whether you choose to ride along or grasp your own racetrack-based destiny by the rubbery horns, you'll find nothing but professionalism and experience from the DriveTech staff. Drivers are veterans of Busch North, and cars, which include Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix, and more, are meticulously maintained.

All drivers must be 18 or older and have a valid driver's license. Side by side riders must be 14 or older. Reservations will be online and slightly limited, so don't wait to call.

Groupon Says

Driven to Destruction

When you enter an illegal cross-country auto race, the only rule is "don't fall in love."

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Words, often criticized for being too concrete, have been slowly falling out of favor, with authors preferring to tell their tales via pop-ups, photographs, and interpretive ketchup blobs. Share your photographic memories with today's deal: for $10, you get one 20-page 8"x8" hardcover photo book (a $29.99 list-price value) from Shutterfly. This Groupon cannot be used toward tax or shipping and handling, which starts at $7.99; it expires on November 22, 2010, and is limited to one per person.

Photo books contain 20 pages or more (up to 101 pages available for an extra charge) of photographically preserved time, printed on high-quality photo paper and professionally bound in a sturdy hardcover fold. Photo books are constructed online using the simple process of Shutterfly's Storyboard tool—choose your style, edit your pages, customize your cover, and preview your finished book. During the style stage, choose from multiple backgrounds, such as fibrous, flaxen wheat, to vividly complement the portraits in the foreground. The subsequent step provides an opportunity to easily edit photos and add short captions, such as "Billy, Age 2," or "The Velociraptor That Ate My Top Hat." Depending on the chosen layout, up to sixteen photos can fit on some pages, and if 20 pages do not provide enough real estate, additional pages can be added for $1 each. It can take five minutes to create a book; see how easy it is here.

The keepsake compilations are built to last, ensuring their presence will spruce up any coffee table, personal library, or stack of books for a long time to come. Whether the book is a gift for yourself or someone else, it will spellbind all viewers, who will wonder how to navigate its analog pages without a keyboard and mouse. In addition to producing tangible mementos, Shutterfly allows users to store and share any photos in online albums, which can be digitally passed onto friends, family, and Abe Vigoda.

Groupon Says

The Invisible Animal Kingdom

Which branch of the government is working on invisible sharks?

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Words, often criticized for being too concrete, have been slowly falling out of favor, with authors preferring to tell their tales via pop-ups, photographs, and interpretive ketchup blobs. Share your photographic memories with today's deal: for $10, you get one 20-page 8"x8" hardcover photo book (a $29.99 list-price value) from Shutterfly. This Groupon cannot be used toward tax or shipping and handling, which starts at $7.99; it expires on November 22, 2010, and is limited to one per person.

Photo books contain 20 pages or more (up to 101 pages available for an extra charge) of photographically preserved time, printed on high-quality photo paper and professionally bound in a sturdy hardcover fold. Photo books are constructed online using the simple process of Shutterfly's Storyboard tool—choose your style, edit your pages, customize your cover, and preview your finished book. During the style stage, choose from multiple backgrounds, such as fibrous, flaxen wheat, to vividly complement the portraits in the foreground. The subsequent step provides an opportunity to easily edit photos and add short captions, such as "Billy, Age 2," or "The Velociraptor That Ate My Top Hat." Depending on the chosen layout, up to sixteen photos can fit on some pages, and if 20 pages do not provide enough real estate, additional pages can be added for $1 each. It can take five minutes to create a book; see how easy it is here.

The keepsake compilations are built to last, ensuring their presence will spruce up any coffee table, personal library, or stack of books for a long time to come. Whether the book is a gift for yourself or someone else, it will spellbind all viewers, who will wonder how to navigate its analog pages without a keyboard and mouse. In addition to producing tangible mementos, Shutterfly allows users to store and share any photos in online albums, which can be digitally passed onto friends, family, and Abe Vigoda.

Groupon Says

The Invisible Animal Kingdom

Which branch of the government is working on invisible sharks?

Read more...

When Mother and Father Cream brought siblings Icey Cream and Gelato into the wintry world, they educated one stateside while the other was sent overseas to learn within Italian freezers. Today's Groupon traces the European pathway of young Gelato all the way back home to Paciugo: for $5, you get $10 worth of gelato, coffee, and other frozen delicacies. Hundreds of handmade flavors await curious palates at Paciugo's in Brookfield or in Wauwatosa's Mayfair Mall.

Paciugo's Latin motto, Ante Dunio Dessertium —meaning Before Dinner, Dessert—neatly summarizes its liberal three-scoops attitude. Its luscious cold creams contain 70% less fat than premium ice cream, thus making it 130% more okay to consume several consecutive pints' worth. A dessert that meets the FDA's standards for healthfulicious food, Paciugo's Turin recipes employ fresh and all-natural ingredients coupled with the finest fruit, nuts, chocolates, and more to churn up scrumptious orbs of sweet sustenance. The gelaterie's menu ushers taste buds toward small piccolo cups ($3.99) with four scoops and up to four different flavors, such as black raspberry, amaretto chocolate chip, chocolate black-cherry swirl, black-pepper olive oil, Mediterranean sea-salt caramel, chocolate-orange saffron, and many more. The medio size includes four scoops and up to four different flavors in a larger size ($4.71). Go for not really that broke with a smooth gelato shake ($4.50) or a sugar-caffeine epiphany in the form of gelato nestled in espresso or hot chocolate (also $4.50). Each of Paciugo's rich, creamy delights is made from whole milk, soy, and water, and no-sugar-added options are available so that a suitable flavor can match with any dietary need, unless you're allergic to joy.

Groupon Says

The Language of Love and Also Gelato

How does one praise Danny DeVito in Italian?

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Steak is useful for exercising incisors, muffling trumpets, and reducing swelling from black eyes caused by trying to eat steak with one's eye. Put steak to its prototypical use with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of premium protein at SteakHouse 100 in West Allis. This Groupon is not valid on Fridays, but if it is redeemed Monday through Thursday, it includes a complimentary house beverage or house dessert.

SteakHouse 100 satisfies carnivorous cravings with a menu heavy on red meat and sophistication. Start by snacking on nature's easiest prey: escargot in mushrooms and garlic butter ($6.95 for six). Steaks—such as the 25-ounce cowboy steak ($29.95) and the 12-ounce senior New York strip ($23.95)—are cut by hand, not by laser. A quartet of surf 'n' turf options pits land against sea in a culinary cage match, and an array of sandwiches (such as Philly cheesesteak for $10.95 and marinated chicken breast for $7.95) provides meaty delight without the encumbrance of silverware. Because rib, like ministers and meridians, is better when it's prime, SteakHouse 100 also offers a trio of prime-rib options, starting with the 12- to 14-ounce junior prime rib ($19.95) and scaling up to the 16- to 18-ounce king prime rib ($23.95). A large wine list and full bar keep beef-weary jaws well-oiled.

SteakHouse 100 combines an upscale experience with an unpretentious atmosphere more adroitly than a rock 'n' roll yacht club. The lofty dining room has rows of white-tablecothed tables bright with neatly folded black and red napkins, and framed pictures dapple the smooth white walls. Making reservations, like wearing chain mail while wrestling a bear, is recommended (click here to make one online).

SteakHouse 100 is closed on Sundays.

Groupon Says

Hi, Steaks!

What is the best way to ask your waiter to cut up your steak for you?

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Long ago, Scottish polo players longed for a game where they could explore scenic terrain, ride an obedient mechanical horse, and wear more courageously plaid knickers. Marvel in their subsequent invention with today's Groupon: for $16, you get an 18-hole round of golf, a cart rental, and two tokens for the driving range at Kestrel Ridge Golf Club in Columbus (up to a $34 value).

Kestrel Ridge offers more than 6,000 yards of expertly maintained terrain that challenges pupils of the pendulum and guru golfers alike. The course layout, which can be easily navigated behind the wheel of a cart, features long, open fairways, strategically placed sand traps, rolling greens, and water hazards where balls go when feeling down about not being dimply enough. Warm up before playing, or take out post-round frustrations with two driving-range tokens (about 50 balls total), which can be used to whack orbs on a grass area or rubber mat.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a cart.

Groupon Says

The Right Club for the Right Job

Did you know golf shoes were originally worn by American "Fighting Clowns"?

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As the winds of autumn begin to blow, they scatter spores of unwanted hair across the body, often landing in habitats with no natural predators. Deracinate unwanted crabgrass from your private property with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of waxing services at Victoria's Hair Works, located in Jackson Park.

Offering top-notch beautification services, Victoria's Hair Works helps visitors acquire a sleek silhouette, leaving filamentous biomaterials sulking outside skin walls like yesterday's milk bottles. There is no follicle too wispy or fuzz too peachy to avoid the professional waxing maidens at Victoria's. Spiff up facial fuzz with eyebrow waxing ($11), lip waxing ($11), or a combo eyebrow-lip treatment ($20), or impress newfound, unfound, or rebound friends with an aerodynamic half-leg wax ($35) or full-leg wax (starting at $55). You can also fire a barrage of buff to the far nether-reaches of your bionic galaxy with bikini ( $25+) and Brazilian waxing ($50) options.

Victoria's careful and pleasant purveyors of slickness use years of experience and connections with the dark side to target overgrowth sprouts and diligently bid them adieu. All of this takes place in a serene spa setting that is not without a liberal dash of chic elegance, as evidenced by exposed brick, industrial accents, and rotating modern art. Call to schedule an appointment.

Groupon Says

The Wonderful World of Wax

Can wax also help me make friends with the greatest Star Trek Captain?

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