Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

• Finding the Best Travel Insurance

  Saturday, February 19th, 2011

  If you are planning a trip to India, Asia, or other foreign lands, you need to make sure that you purchase comprehensive insurance for your trip. Figuring out whether to buy Bajaj Allianz travel insurance or whether a specific policy is right for you is a matter of determining your actual insurance needs.

  The destination or destinations of your trip is the first consideration. If you are only going to one country, like Japan or India, there may be travel insurance that covers you for that country or its continent. If you are heading to multiple countries, a global policy will be better.

  Next, consider the number of people traveling together and their ages and health status. Family plans are available, but children, pregnant women, and senior citizens will have different health needs . These will affect the health insurance that is part of the policy.

  Lastly, make sure that you understand your specific travel needs. Good travel insurance is going to help with lost or stolen documents, luggage, and even money and credit cards. If your trip will involve lots of travel, make sure that you have insurance to help you if you encounter unexpected delays. You’ll also want to make sure the policy has provisions for things like hijacking and terrorism if you are traveling to more troubled parts of the world.

  A good travel insurance policy is going to be one that meets your specific situation and needs, rather than being a cookie cutter policy.

• Great Seafood with Great Views in Fort Lauderdale

  Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

  It’s a pretty well known fact that college students from all across the country, and even beyond, choose to visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida as their preferred Spring Break destination. And a major reason for this is the beautiful beaches that are found there, as well as the incredible night life. However, an important aspect of any vacation, particularly one that is so full of partying and recreational activities , is getting enough to eat. And in Fort Lauderdale, simply getting enough to eat is never enough. The food must be as great as the beaches and it is one of the highlights for many of the guests in a Fort Lauderdale hotel , regardless of the specific reason you’re visiting.

  Seafood is one of the most popular dining options in the city and people eat it morning, noon and night. Plenty of restaurants offer seafood breakfast options, which is incredibly popular with tourists. Some of the top seafood establishments in the city include the Rustic Inn Crabhouse and Joseph’s on the Water . And as you might easily guess, if you dine at Joseph’s you’re going to have some incredible views in addition to great food. In addition, the restaurant is known for its simple, yet sophisticated atmosphere and couples find it to be an incredibly romantic place to eat.

• Olympic Park in Montreal

  Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

  Montreal continues to rank as one of the world’s most beautiful and livable cities. And while these are some pretty impressive statistics, it is fun to investigate how they are determined. And when it comes to Montreal, the answers might seem obvious. From the incredibly beautiful architectural elements and cultural landmarks to the gorgeous geography and amazing entertainment and artistic genres that exist throughout the city, Montreal not only provides an amazingly beautiful environment but fills it with great cultural attractions. Some of the of the top destinations for many of the tourists in one of the Montreal hotels also happen to be some of the city’s historic buildings.

  One of the great cultural landmarks of the city is also one of the more recently constructed. Olympic Park was built in the early 1970s as part of Olympic Village. The stadium was built to host some of the 1976 Olympic games and this incredible complex continues to serve a diverse variety of purposes. The stadium itself seats over 80,000 people and there are other features of this complex that intrigue and attract people on a daily basis. It is the home of the city’s Botanical Gardens , which is popular not only with residents but also the numerous tourists who visit Montreal every year, and it is also the location of the amazing Biodome and Insectarium.

• Fort Lauderdale Hosts World’s Largest Boat Show

  Saturday, September 25th, 2010

  The 51st Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is coming soon. Billed as the largest boat show in the world, the event will feature over 3 billion dollars worth of yachts, super yachts and all manner of boats as well as the accessories, electronics, and engines that go with them. Every major boat builder and marine manufacturer in the world is expected to fill over 3 million square feet of space, both in the water and on the ground.

  Expect sailors from all over the world to fill the best hotels Ft Lauderdale has to offer to see the most luxurious superyachts and cutting edge boating accessories. In addition to the boats themselves, the Show will include a variety of diving and fishing seminars along with safety and product demos. Hook the Future will be sponsoring the 13h Annual Kids’ Fishing Clinics for ages 5-16. The Blue Wild Dive and Travel Show will include videography and marine art in addition to answering questions about everything from freediving to underwater photograph.

  This year’s show will run from October 28 until November 1 at the Broward County Convention Center and the Bahia Mar/Hall of Fame/Las Olas Marina. The show offers a unique Transportation network of riverboats, bus shuttles, and water taxis to ferry visitors from exhibit to exhibit. Tickets are on sale now on the web.

• Towering Above Sydney

  Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

  Every city has its highest building, whether that’s a quaint city hall in a small mountain community or the world’s tallest structure, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For residents of Sydney, their local point of pride is Centrepoint, also known as Sydney Tower . Rising 1001 feet, the tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the city and the second tallest in Australia. It has the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

  Sydney Tower sits on Centrepoint, a shopping and office center. Three main sections of the tower are open to the public, making it one of the main tourist attractions for those staying in a hotel in Sydney . The observation deck offers stunning views of the city, Harbour and surrounding areas. The Sydney Tower Skywalk offers an open-air viewing platform, but is only accessible with pre-booked and scheduled tours. The Tower also houses two revolving restaurants and a gift shop. Each year it is the site of the Sydney Tower Run-Up in which participants ascend 1504 stairs to the Observation Deck from the Pitt St Mall below. The event is a benefit for the Cancer Council and the two winners can qualify to compete in New York’s Empire State Run-Up.

  Other names for the tower, located at 100 Market Street, include AMP Tower, Centrepoint Tower and AMP Centrepoint Tower. The name Sydney Tower was officially adopted in 2001 when ownership of the property was assumed by the Westfield Group.

• Miniatures in Singapore

  Sunday, September 19th, 2010

  The history of the miniature in art practice is a rather long and fascinating one. The idea of taking a beloved object, such as a house, or even a person, and make them into a miniature version speaks to a childhood impulse for mimicry, and it also speaks of a certain quaint attempt to control what is precious. To see something in miniature means that one can understand it as a whole, to contemplate all of its parts from different angles, and discover new things.

  The miniature has reached a new status in recent art practices, as the rise of the installation has given birth to new innovations by some of the world’s most accomplished artists. It makes perfect sense, then, that this would eventually come to Singapore, where the artists already seem to be a step ahead of everyone else. It has an art scene that attracts visitors to Singapore Hotels from all over the world.

  For now, the best example of the miniature comes from the 1800s . It’s a scene that’s held in the Fuk Tak Chi Musem , a well-established cultural institution in the city. Here one can see a street scene from long ago, and the uncanny effect of seeing a smaller version of something that once was is enough to make any art lover heady with memory and nostalgia.

• Boston in Full Autumn Colors

  Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

  As the mercury begins to move down and autumn is just around the corner, then it’s time to explore a region that offers vibrant foliage at its finest: Boston. Autumn leaves cover the East Coast landscape with colorful splashes of gold, red and green. Boston is the best place to begin a New England drive holiday. Some hotels Boston offer autumn foliage visitors great discounts and some even offer their own autumn foliage tours.

  While Boston is best known for its academic achievements, being home to Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, both by-the-way offer free tours, the city is also known as a hub of culture and historical sites. However, the turning of the foliage is the star attraction in the fall.

  Before driving out of Boston to see even more spectacular autumn foliage or participate in a guided tour, drop by the Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall to sample some of the delicious East Coast seafood offered in the city. Then take as much time as you like and drive through some of the most amazing sea of colors as turning of the leaves begin.

  If you’re traveling with young children, you should stop off at a real-life pumpkin patch. The whole family will have fun choosing a pumpkin, plus the pumpkin patch might just be offering the freshest pumpkin pie to sample, and to buy.

• Old Town Scottsdale

  Sunday, September 5th, 2010

  Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the major cities that is part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan region. It is actually located just northeast of the city of Phoenix and is directly north of Tempe, which is the home of Arizona State University. And while the city of Scottsdale is surrounded by some great cultural centers and significant regional attractions, it also has some major landmarks, entertainment options and cultural establishments. And it is frequently recognized as one of the preferred residential locations in the Valley of the Sun .

  One of the most popular areas of Scottsdale is the Old Town section, which is located pretty much in the center of the city. This part of town is very close to the Scottsdale Center for the Arts and is just south of some of the prime shopping areas. Old Town also has great shopping options and has some of the city’s most popular and prestigious galleries. Southwestern art and jewelry stores are also common as are an assortment of great restaurants and clothing stores. Some of the city’s most popular night clubs are located in and around Old Town area and this is a common point of interest for most of the guests in one of the five star hotels Scottsdale .

• Art and Theatre in Paris

  Friday, September 3rd, 2010

  Paris is full of incredible art museums, galleries, theatres and concert and performance venues. And people come from all over the world to visit places like the Louvre are attend a performance of the Paris Opera. In addition, the residents have always demonstrated a strong support of the theatre and establishments like the Comedie Francaise hold international significance.

  The Louvre is one of the most highly respected and popularly known museums in the world. It also holds among its collection some of the worlds most famous and acclaimed masterpieces. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is one display there and is one of the most famous paintings in the world. The painting’s subject continues to intrigue viewers with her iconic and mysterious smile. Other popular items at the museum include the ancient sculpture of Aphrodite , known as the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s famous sculpture titled Slave.

  The Comedie Francaise is one of the historic theatres of Paris and is also one of its few state theatres. It is the only one to have its own trip and the theatre dates back to the late 17th century. It is believed to have been established in 1680 and presents some of the greatest works from the classical canon as well as contemporary favorites. This is one of the most popular entertainment options for many of the guests at a Paris hotel .

• Hawaii Religion of the Past

  Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

  While vacationing at a beach hotel Hawaii has plenty of, you might be interested to know a little bit about the Hawaiian religion of the past. Most Hawaiians were, and many still are, polytheistic and animistic, meaning they believe spirits dwell in nature and in objects. The Hawaiians have respect for all living things including natural forces, spirits and deities, which could be both benevolent and evil.

  Hawaiians places of worship are called Heiaus , which were sacred locations where prayers, offerings, rituals and even human sacrifices took place. There is still thousands of sacred Ko’a (shrines), and hundreds of Wahi Pana (sacred sites) located throughout all the Islands.

  Centuries ago, Hawaiians strictly followed a legal system known as ‘kapus’ (taboos or cursed things), otherwise known as Kapu or ‘forbidden’, but at the same time carries the meaning of ‘sacred’. Some religious items and certain activities were marked as consecrated and to be only used or touched by certain classes. This legal system originated from the Kahunas (priests) , and if anyone violated a Kapu, even unintentionally, would lead to corporal punishment and sometime death.

  A few examples of a Kapu, or legal system are: men and women could not eat together; women were separated from society during menses; women were forbidden from eating pork, bananas and coconuts; fishing was restricted by season; and people could not look at or touch an Ali’i (a person with spiritual powers) including their shadow.

  So, as you casually enjoy soaking up the Hawaiian sun on the white sandy beaches with your significant other wearing that bikini or Speedo, be thankful that times do change.

• Everyone Loves New Yorks Broadway

  Saturday, August 28th, 2010

  There are so many things to do and see in New York that it is nearly if not totally impossible to experience them all during a single trip there. This, and of course the changing nature of the theatre, art and music scene is one of the main reasons why so many people return to this great city again and again. And sometimes they visit it regularly through the year.

  Of course for those who live upstate or just across the river, this is much easier to do. However, for people who live across the country in say Seattle or Portland, a trip to New York becomes more of a special event and greater care is taken in planning an agenda and decided what all they might do while they are there. And of course, regardless of whether it is your first or one hundredth time in the city you are extremely likely to take in a Broadway play. Or, you might choose some of the more experimental or cutting edge works that are produced in the city.

  Wicked, The Million Dollar Quartet and Rock of Ages continue to be popular hits for guests in a New York hotel though the city has a great deal more to offer in quality stage productions. One of the latest points of excitement is Bernadette Peters’ taking over the role of Desiree in A Little Night Music, which continues its run at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Elaine Stritch , another Broadway icon has also joined the cast.

• Finding Great Sea Food in Hong Kong

  Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

  Hong Kong is one of the historic cities of the world that also represents a great cultural heritage and presents a progressive contemporary atmosphere. It is one of the most popular cities in China for tourists to visit and it also represents some of the most diverse cultural dynamics. In addition, and something that most tourists greatly love about the city, great cuisine and fabulous restaurants exist. And food genres from around the world are available though some of the local traditional based restaurants are among the favorites for the guests in a Hong Kong hotel .

  Among some of the food genres, that represent traditional dishes from Hong Kong as well as relate to some of the world cuisines, seafood always ranks high. And the seafood establishments in Hong Kong are among the best in the world. In addition to some of the restaurants and fine food establishments such as Lei’s Garden and others there are also amazing options in the street. Certain areas in the city have a higher population of foot traffic and it is extremely common for food vendors to be serving up some of the best dishes in town. You can smell grilled fish and other sea food items all the way down the street in some areas, and even if you think you’re going out for a casual stroll it can be difficult not do develop a craving or appetite once you get a sense of the aromatic atmosphere.

• Christian Historical Sites in Jerusalem

  Saturday, July 24th, 2010

  There are really so many religious sites to see in Jerusalem for many faiths. A couple of the most visited sites for Christians include the Notre Dame de Sion Ecce Homo Convent and the Graden Tomb. This is were the punishment was set and the resurrection happened.

  One of the places to start is at the Notre Dame de Sion Ecce Homo Convent where Jesus was brought to Pilate by a mob of angry people. Stand on the steps were Pilate held Jesus in front of the angry mob as they sentenced him to death. This is also the location where the Romans tortured Jesus like it was a sport. Sadly, the Romans were known for their harsh treatment of prisoners in their clutch.

  After the long walk through the city and his death on the cross, Jesus was put into a tomb. The Garden Tomb is were many believe Jesus was placed and where they believe he rose from his death and vanished. Today, people can visit the tomb and enjoy the tranquility of the garden. Visitors can do a self guided tour with an information pamphlet or they can get a guide to walk them through.

  Search through a quality travel directory and pick out a really nice, centrally located hotel in Jerusalem because you’re going to be needing a nice place to rest between the many amazing sites of the city.

• Choosing Domains

  Saturday, July 17th, 2010

  Web design is one of the more exciting areas of commerce and industry today. It’s been booming since the internet went 2.0 , and opened up a realm of possibilities where businesses from all parts of the world could start competing on the same level playing field. Perhaps it’s not entirely level, because eye-catching design and other elements aren’t standard for every domain, but each site has a possibility of visitors, and that means potential sales.

  Finding the right host is one important component to an effective site, and the domains are also crucial to success. It’s essential that the surfers can find what a business is offering, and in many cases, a simple domain name can make a big difference. It can be difficult to find the perfect name, one that’s not already owned by another company or individual, and it deserves time and attention.

  There is a decreasing attention span among internet users, and it’s been decreasing not because of boredom, but because of its opposite. There are so many interesting things to see on the web today, that it’s becoming challenging to get people interested in anything for the amount of time necessary to invite a sale. That’s why the domain name can be essential, and indeed, very effective, because once they’ve landed on the site, customers like to spend some time there.

• Fort Collins’ Pep Squad

  Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

  For all of the great musical innovations coming out today, the scene in Fort Collins, Colorado is absolutely worth paying some attention to. And even the most jaded and critical listener might find themselves turning off their cynicism when they find themselves dancing uncontrollably to Pep Squad. Much of the innovation these days is coming from a media revolution. Software for electronic sounds are much cheaper these days, and with computer platforms that are easy to negotiate, anyone can write a new song.

  It still takes a little brilliance and a lot of connections, however, to get people to actually listen to it. It’s still a question mark whether Pep* Squad has the connections, but with their brilliance, those should be coming any day now. They finally got a chance to play outside of Colorado earlier this year, at Austin’s SXSW Festival , and that’s a great start.

  It’s already a pretty great start, however, and one listen might convince anyone to go ahead and book the hotel. Fort Collins is fun. Even without the music scene, it’s some of the freshest air in the country, and the quality of life is very high, even more so for people on vacation.

  A Pep* Squad concert will be a mix of many things, but the first thing that might strike a new audience member is the level of performance. This isn’t an ordinary rock and roll show, it’s dance music, and it’s meant to get the crowd up and moving. The way they succeed at this suggests that irony is not dead. And celebrating the irony is a great hook, because the music will eventually take over.

  They are masters of quotation, taking in all the tropes of glam bands of the 70s, and performing a level of fake angst that is fun, but also tugs at the heart in the most delightful way. When the singer starts to sound like he might be using a fake accent and riffing on the worst anthem rock singers, it’s because he really is, and it’s not long before one realizes there’s a genius at work somewhere.

• Art Museums and Galleries in West Palm Beach

  Friday, June 25th, 2010

  West Palm Beach is one of the beautiful cities in Florida that is frequently included in vacation fantasies for people across the nation. It is a city with a pleasant atmosphere and incredible views, which makes it a favorite for almost everyone. In addition to the great beaches and all the water sport fun that can be and is had throughout the year there are numerous cultural attractions that appeal to the finer artistic tastes of tourists and residents alike. The city is full of museums and gallery spaces where all genres of art can be found and appreciated.

  Guests in a West Palm Beach luxury hotel are usually eager to start their day and enjoy some quality time on the beach before heading off to a museum or do some shopping, have a wonderful lunch at a patio cafe or any number of other options. And if museums are on the agenda, there are plenty to choose from. The Art of Helga King is a special collection that is viewed by appointment only. A great deal of the artist’s work is based on her life experiences in a concentration camp during the holocaust. Her work is as important historically as it is impressive artistically.

  The Norton Museum of Art is one of the city’s outstanding museums and contains a permanent collection of over five thousand pieces. It is well known for its collection of masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries and the museum features the works of great artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Jackson Pollock , Pablo Picasso and many others. The Amory Art Center is located in a 1939 building that was designed in the art deco style, which is extremely attractive and suited for the exhibits it contains. In addition to the various exhibits there are numerous studio classes and workshops that keep the center engaged with the public.

• Three Restaurants For a Special Night Out in Orlando

  Monday, June 21st, 2010

  People visit Orlando for all kinds of reasons and with all kinds of budgets. Some people can afford to stay in four star hotels. Orlando doesn’t attract all that many of those people though. For the most part it is people with kids, or people on a honeymoon having just spent the majority of the money on their wedding. Many of these people will still budget out a little bit of money to go to a nice restaurant for one evening, even if they can’t afford it for the rest of the vacation. Some of the parents will find someone to watch the kids for the evening, a rare experience while on vacation. That is why it is so important for them to choose the right fine dining restaurant for them to spend a nice night out. As it is the land of resorts and theme parks the majority of these are located in fine resorts.

  Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a great place that you two can go. Victorian-styled restaurant Victoria & Albert’s is easily up there as one of the fanciest restaurants in the United States. It is beautiful and the food matches the atmosphere. If you really want an experience you can reserve the chef’s table for a little extra money and watch from the kitchen as the master chefs work magic with the food and make beautiful meals.

  JW Marriott Orlando has a great little restaurant called Primo. It doesn’t sound like much at first unless you are a fan of James Beard Foundation chef Melissa Kelly. There is a good reason she has gained such world wide acclaim. She is best known for her use of farm-fresh produce and organic gardening. This means that all the food tastes better and is far better for you. She is also a brilliant nutritionist and puts together complete meals that will fill you up and do your body right.

  One of the most recognizable names that you could go to is Emeril’s Orlando. Here you can taste Creole as though it was straight from the city of New Orleans. Besides this one he also has another restaurant in the city that serves Asian and Polynesian flavors.

• A Monkey in Boston Garden

  Saturday, June 19th, 2010

  Since it closed in 1997, Boston Garden is still remembered, and very sorely missed, by scores of fans in the Boston area. It was a remarkable place, and was home to some of the most exciting sports moments in history. While it had its share of sublime moments of fearlessness, along with its share of disappointments and defeats, it also has some rather unusual stories as well.

  Apparently there had been several sightings of a leprechaun in the rafters, and usually not by the tippling fans, but by the Boston Celtics players. No evidence was ever found, but they did find something else in the rubble after the demolition took place. It’s still contested, and even Snopes hasn’t been able to verify it for certain, but the reports seem very clear that they found the bones of a monkey , who’d been living there for quite some time. No one was able to comment decisively on how long the monkey had actually been there.

  The find was a reminder of 1936, when Frank Buck, the great animal wrangler and fearless explorer, hosted his Bring ‘Em Back Alive show here. There were lots of critters that escaped, and some of these were monkeys, but the bones weren’t old enough to be from a time so long ago.

  There was a lot of talk, however, about how this was a true fan, and the monkey’s access to a perfect view of the games, season after season, has made the animal the envy of a few hardcore fans. It’s one of the great things about a city as old and rich as Boston, where stories like this are rather common. Anything can happen here, and it often does. That makes it particularly attractive to anyone who might be looking for a Boston hotel , giving another dozen reasons for making this a perfect place to getaway, and get into some of the local culture.

• Singapore Fanns

  Friday, May 14th, 2010

  Singapore is a place where dreams don’t necessarily come true, but they are certainly visible at moments. There are many exciting and exotic things to see on the streets of the city-state, and it’s possible to catch glimpses of something that might turn into a dream. It could be a perfect meal, a fantastic hotel , or perhaps even a celebrity sighting.

  It’s ironic that such a small country could hold so much, but it’s an attractive place for artists and actors to work. There is a tremendous sense of world culture here, where the pop stars are often made from the home-grown talents. And the youth culture of Singapore is never far from having their fingers on the pulse of the world, with a rare ability to recognize world-class talent.

  A lively place, it can be a perfect setting for a getaway, nestled in a bustling urban center that’s also characterized by its tropical weather. This can create a sense of otherworldliness, and it has been known to cause travelers to feel a strong sense of enchantment. There’s nothing secret at work in the local magic, because it’s a very real charm that gets into the heart and souls of travelers from all over.

  It’s certainly evident in the celebrities, and there are some, like Fann Wong , who have that special magic that can make some celebrities into international stars. She’s had a pretty spectacular career so far, too, having started as a model when she was a teenager. Like many who follow that path, she turned soon to film and television. As if that wasn’t enough, she also decided to cross over into music, and has released albums and contributed her songs to films. Currently married to heartthrob Christopher Lee, and with a new film, Happy Go Lucky just released, there’s plenty of reason for her magic having a special power.

• Boulder the Pub Hub

  Friday, April 2nd, 2010

  Every college town in this great country is filled with some great home made brews and live entertainment and Boulder Colorado is no different. Some of the local breweries send their beer all over the country so come and see what the scene is all about. Not far from the quaint Bolder hotel that you are staying in are many fine breweries and restaurants. Most of them have some sort of live entertainment going on each night. One can definitely find their favorite sport playing on the local pub TV. Check out Dark Horse for some great microbrew beers, many TV’s with sports playing on them and lots of interactive gaming such as darts and pool. You may find that hours go by and you don’t even realize it until you are kicked out at 2am. For an Irish experience, check out Conor O’Neill’s . They have some classic Irish dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef & Hash and Irish Brown Bread Pudding. There is always and endless supply of your favorite beer and a live Irish band playing to keep the beer pitchers thumping on the table tops. For a little bit of history to go with your microbrew check out Boulder Beer . This is the first microbrewery in the state of Colorado. They offer a not so ordinary tour of their brewery. You get to see how they make the beer while you are sipping on a beer. You also get a tray of tasters of all the different styles of beer they make. They will tell you about each beer and what you may want to pair it with at dinner time. Thought this brewery is not far from hotels around Boulder , it is definitely far from being like any other brewery you will ever visit. The original owners of the place made sure of that. So take some time to stop in for this great brew and pub experience.

• Atlantic City and History’s Angels

  Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

  Coming to Atlantic City today can be a heady experience, one with a fantastic kind of sensory overload, where all of the sights and sounds come to entertain the eye and the mind. It’s a place where dreams are made realized, or where anxieties can be put to rest for a time. It’s about fun, and there are attractions here that can appeal to visitors of all ages. It’s not just about the casinos, and in truth, it never was. The city might run on the income earned here, but there are plenty of other reasons for coming.

  The boardwalk is one of these that immediately comes to mind, and guests can step outside their dream hotel and set foot in a very iconic place. This is the boardwalk of teenage romantic dreams, with ice cream and salt water taffy, and speaks of the history of Atlantic City. There is an incredible history here, one that extends beyond the boardwalk, and past the stories of gangsters from another golden age. This was the site of the 1964 Democratic National Convention , famous not only for giving the go ahead of Johnson, but for a rather remarkable and troubling testimony.

  In a remarkable speech given by Fannie Lou Hamer , the country woke up to some of the depth and severity of discrimination, and it opened up the doors for so many changes in Civil Rights in the US. This was one of the highest tides in the history of the movement, and tensions were high all over. Her own story not only highlighted the need for radical change, it also put the issue of voting rights squarely in the center of history’s stage. She also pointed out some of the deep rifts that were still in existence, and gave power to the notion that it was impossible to wait any longer.

• Chicken Art in DC

  Saturday, March 27th, 2010

  Washington, DC is one of the main centers of power in the world. Politics, finance, and technology grow and thrive here, occasionally cross-fertilizing each other, and its scope reaches around the globe. It is also a place for tourists, with excellent hotels , and a host of attractions that the whole family can enjoy. It is also one of the main centers of art, with extremely creative people interrogating multiple realities through various media, like painting, video, and the chicken.

  Until Koen Van Mechelen came along, the chicken was fairly unrepresented in the art world. There were extraordinary instances, of course, but his recent exhibition at Connor Contemporary put the chicken back into the center of things, where it belongs. It seems a little absurd, perhaps, or probably, but after a little while with the material, it starts to make perfect sense. There is a delightful sense of humor about everything, but the heart of it is really very earnest, and also very convincing.

  This exhibition, part of his ongoing Cosmopolitan Chicken Project, stems from the artist’s own experience as a child, raising chickens in Belgium. He was inspired nearly a decade ago by the developments in biodiversity, and that law of nature that tells organisms to grow or die. Things move and evolve through diversity, mixing it up on a cosmic level, and he noticed that chickens had not been subject to a lot of mixing.

  In fact, the research suggests the opposite, that the chicken has been inbred for centuries, and has come to reflect the cultures that raise them. So he decided to cross a Belgian with a French chicken, and then to cross this with one from the US, and so on, until they began to resemble the wild Himalayan chicken. This project, then, is a chance to see the results of his findings, but it’s much more than a science project.

  Through the various media that the artist deftly manipulates, the viewer can observe live and stuffed chickens, life in a chicken coop, and ample opportunity to reflect on life on the planet right now. Looking at the chicken as a metaphor for who we are, and also seeing who we might be when we see the constructed borders as the imaginary lines that they are.

• LA Profile: Ezra Buzzington

  Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

  It takes a bit of stamina to brave the kinds of forces that might come against you in Hollywood, and that doesn’t mean earthquakes and mudslides, but a totally different animal altogether. It might be a cow disguised as the worst agent in the world, and it might be a cow disguised as a true friend who really has your best interests at heart. Really. It’s part of a dream to check into one of the best hotels los angeles has to offer and get discovered while checking out the city for the first time, and although it’s certainly a long shot, but stranger things have happened.

  And one of the strangest things to ever happen, thankfully, is Ezra Buzzington , who happened to Los Angeles long enough ago that he’s part of a scene here. The scene he’s part of, incidentally, is the one that he makes up wherever he goes. This character actor has style, and has a remarkable charm that seems to suggest a world-weariness that’s combined with an unstoppable heart, and all of this is a rather impressive combination for all sorts of roles. One might not be able to place it right away, but when you hear his credentials, it makes sense.

  Camp and horror certainly come to mind with Buzzington , who took his name from his Grandfather, who himself was a mighty presence in Vaudeville. Ezra, the present version, hails from Muncie, and moved to Los Angeles via New York, Chicago, and Seattle, all excellent theatre towns. And although his credits include film, he’s got a very substantial resume for theatre. It would figure, as one of the regular’s at Hollywood’s excellent Theatre of NOTE, as well as experience with plenty of other companies, including Tim Robbin’s Actor’s Gang. It’s really very necessary to note that Ezra is very young, and much younger than he appears, and that’s all part of a very elaborate plot, that might be revealed in the next film or play.

• NY Aqua

  Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

  There’s no better city in the world than the one with its very own mermaid parade. Out of the thousands of reasons to love New York, this has got to be in the top one hundred, because it is an idea that should make sense to an awful lot of people, but not too, too many. Still, this will be one good reason for New York’s hotel ‘s to get full, and it’s a good thing, too. There are many mysteries in this city, with something interesting to offer for every facet of human consciousness, and this would include its very depths, and even some of its widths.

  For anyone looking to discover why it’s such an exciting place to live, it’s definitely recommended to try check it out during the Mermaid Parade . This one opens up the summer at Coney Island, and also offers a slice of naturalism to an otherwise dull pie, and one that is hard to come by without losing a few hours, and wondering what exactly did happen. At the end of the day, we’re all a little bit shorter, and the most inspired among us find themselves taking pen to paper, and getting it ll down for awhile.

  It doesn’t matter that there are too many choices for things to do, and too many ways to honor the aquatic heritage in New York. Aside from the NY Aquarium , there are few real chances ever taken in order to compete with the senses of possibility. New York has it all figured out once again, and it’s not keeping quiet. Sometimes we wonder if the laughing is with us, and sometimes we think they have fallen into a frenzy of their own making. All of these are worthwhile. When there are enough people interested in the way spring moves to summer, that’s when things start up with zest here, but Coney Island will have already opened.

• Bobsledding on San Francisco’s Lombard Street

  Thursday, March 11th, 2010

  Perhaps I still have Olympic fever, but I am starting to believe Lombard Street should be the next training ground for Olympic bobsledding teams. Look at the crazy zigs and zags the street has. Who else in their right mind would tackle it but the bobsled teams? What a great way to increase tourism by having an international bobsled race down Lombard. All of the best california hotels would be packed full. I can hear the Swiss ringing their cow bells already as their team starts the initial push. Bet they could push some serious Gs going down that hill!

  Located in the exclusive Russian Hill district, Lombard is lined with some seriously expensive real estate, mostly Victorian beauties. Everyone says it is best to start at the bottom and walk up but you had better be in shape to master that many stairs. While trekking up what’s known as America’s most crooked street, be sure to stop and smell the flowers. On the crest, at the Hyde Street Cable Car line, expansive vistas open to include Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf , the Bay Bridge and Telegraph Hill.

  Oh yes, mentioning the Wharf made me want to scarf down some delicious San Francisco treats. Why not go from a crooked street to The Slanted Door, widely praised for its fresh Vietnamese cuisine. Yum. Better than dining on Alcatraz. Let’s get back to Lombard. The street runs east and west. East will take you up Telegraph Hill where you will see Coit Tower and west runs through the Marina toward the Golden Gate Bridge. I just can’t get the treats out of my mind. One of the best restaurants in the Russian Hill area is Frascati, a tri-level Mediterranean style bistro. Always busy, you’re guaranteed a fun night dining there.

  So it’s doubtful there will ever be any bobsled teams training on Lombard, but it offers a good challenge for people like me and you.

• Remember New York

  Thursday, February 25th, 2010

  The list places to see and learn about in New York seems to be endless. For hundreds of years people have come to live or visit this amazing metropolis because of the intensity of human life the city has going on all the time. This is were all the latest in many things come from. Human passion and creativity are on super high in New York. Some of the best hotels in New York City are here located in some of the most historical buildings in the world. They are surrounded by generations of skyscrapers that make the skyline of this city so famous.

  On September 11 2001, the skyline had a dramatic change and now people come from all over the world to see what happened on that terrifyingly tragic day. There are hundreds of kinds of tours of the city and the water around it but one of the most important and popular tours is that of ground zero. They have had over eight years of stories being told and photos collected to put in a collection at the Ground Zero Museum Workshop. Many people watched for hours and days the footage of airplanes flying into the World Trade Center buildings with complete shock and heartbreak. Most of the world felt the sadness and came together as one during this time. There were many people lost in this devastation and many of them were working for foreign companies from all over the world so it was not just an attack on America it was an attack on the world.

  The Ground Zero Museum Workshop has some genuine support from all sorts of people including some of the family of the fallen. There are so many pictures taken by talented photograghers like Gary Suson,  who hid behind his camera to capture the story that was felt so painfully in his own heart. There were a lot of brave people putting themselves in hard situations to make sure that the people who died that day would be remembered and honored.

• Dallas Weather Dogs

  Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

  In the end, we’re all just people, right.  This is not the scent, I think I may have lost the trail.  I have issues with focus.  Not with you.  I am following him around through the city because I want him to know that I think there’s no one else worth following.  I am a fan.  I am also a dog.  And it’s a difficult life because the one I live with thinks that playing with me when he first wakes up counts as a real relationship.  This isn’t real, it’s just for show, I am only a show dog, a cheap show dog.  It has not always been like this.  A month ago, when I was still a puppy, it was a very different world.  There was only me and only him and once in awhile there was tug of war and most of the time it was a chance to lick, and this was paradise.  Dallas is paradise for so many, and places like these are examples of how good things can become.
  I don’t know exactly how it started, things going wrong, and I don’t know how I decided to start thinking about other owners, but I do know when.  The weatherman comes on in the morning when we are playing and I am happiest.  I am finding out more and more that I seem to be subject to enormous suggestions when I am happiest.  I do not suspect brainwashing, however.  The weatherman comes on the television, and there is a crowd of frightened people from Iowa, they are staying at a hotel, and they are enjoying the city, and they brought their dog.
  The weatherman looks at the dog and pets the dog, and pets the dog as if he loved dogs.  This is someone who loves dogs.  And it is not even morning.  Since then, I dream of a better life, one where I can love and be loved, freely, without limitations, and without too many high pitched sounds that will make me bark.  I cannot help it.  I have to bark.  I have to find him.  His heart is large and his hands are large and he loves to love dogs when it is not morning.

• Italy in Singapore

  Sunday, February 21st, 2010

  I kind of wanted to go to Italy, but she said we should go to Singapore, because she heard it was interesting, and it was a childhood dream of hers, and I was so annoyed that I just agreed.  We could go to lots of different restaurants, and they have Italian food, so it would be almost the same, but not the same.    If it were up to me, we’d all be agreeing whenever there was anything to talk about, because the way it works, we all disagree about small things.

  Place might not be a small thing.  I really don’t mind being in Singapore, either, it’s great.  There’s lots of things to do every night, and cool culture everywhere.  I can even find the Italian shoes I was looking for, because fashion seems to be a big part of how they do things here.  It’s also a pretty distinctive place, where traditions from all over the planet kind of come together.  The Italian food is really pretty amazing too.  But after being here for just a few days, I want to try everything else, too.

  Again, place is not small.  It might even be worth arguing about, because places have histories, human beings, and memories.  These things are worth our trouble and our time.  What I think isn’t worth all that much trouble, and not worth arguing about, are little things.  Things like how you might like to eat some pastas with a spoon.  And how parmesan cheese doesn’t go on everything, it really doesn’t.  And if you happen to make out with your girlfriend’s best friend at a party where everyone said none of this matters here, then it should be swept under a rug or something, but I have a feeling we’re going to talk about it soon enough.

• Oldest Bar in Miami

  Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

  Miami has a host of museums and sites well worth seeking out, from the Miami Science Museum to Parrot Jungle Island, to the Venetian Pools, and so on, but after all that sight-seeing and museum-watching, you really want a great place to eat, a place that’s soaked in the local flavor and feel of the city, and I don’t believe I’ve found a better place than Tobacco Road.  Just by ordering a drink at the oldest bar in Miami, you’re participating in history.  For historical buffs, you might pause a moment when you consider a bar in the United States that’s operated continuously for at least ninety-five years.  What about Prohibition?  It seems Tobacco Road was not only serving during Prohibition, it had as one of its customers, the infamous gangster, Al Capone.

  Tobacco Road obtains its status as a Miami landmark legitimately.  It’s seen its way through the Great Depression, Al Capone, and several wars and hurricanes.  At various times, in a shady past, it’s been everything from a speakeasy to a gambling den and a blues bar.  Owners have changed several times, but the building’s remained the same.  In the 1930s, the place looked like a bakery, but that was a front for a speakeasy.  There was a hidden room behind a bookshelf on the second floor where the illegal booze was stored.  The second floor may also have been a “gambling den” at the time.  In the 1940s, the bar was bought by a New York racketeer and bookie who gave the place its current name.  The place was a gay bar at this time, with female impersonators and male strippers, making it the focus of the city’s Morals Squad.  It was off limits to the military until the 1986.  The bar operated under many names over the decades, but in the 1970s, the place was purchased by a Miami police officer, and the bar became once again, Tobacco Road.  The bar and restaurant has had a tough history, but also its highlights, including a home for national blues and jazz performers. You could see at Tobacco Road such people as George Clinton, Koko Taylor John Lee Hooker, and Albert Collins.

  Over time, the bar gained a different, much improved reputation.  It’s now a place where college students and tourists, downtown professionals and musicians gather.  Even politicians and celebrities will come to Tobacco Road.  In addition, the food is terrific.  They smoke their own ribs and turkeys and make their own pulled pork.  The salads are from locally grown produce and the burgers have been made by the same guy for the last twenty-five years.  Anyone with that kind of longevity is doing something right.

  Once you find a room in Miami, drop by for some dinner and live music at Tobacco Road.  Perhaps see a celebrity who’s hiding out.  But enjoy the atmosphere and food in one of Miami’s historic spots.

• Out of Work Actor Explores Theatres in Ogunquit

  Monday, February 15th, 2010

  I’m an out of work actor. I know that’s nothing to brag about and I wasn’t trying to do so. I only made the statement because it sort of defines who I am, not the out of work part but the actor part, and it feels relevant to the story I want to tell. I’ve been in New York for the past year trying to get a job and have landed one minor chorus part in that time. I was recently in Boston, I’ve been thinking about going back to school and while I was there I noticed an audition notice for a non profit company in Ogunquit, Maine. Audition notices always catch my attention and this one did because I had never even heard of Ogunquit, Maine before. I figured it was some rinky dink thing but non profit always kinds of lends a bit of validity to any company, in my humble opinion. Or at least it inspires me to give it a second glance.

  The other interesting thing was that my aunt had invited me to spend a couple of weeks with her and she lives in Portland, Maine. So, like a standard naïve person who asks the question, “oh, you live in Chicago, do you know so and so?” I called my aunt and asked her if Ogunquit was close to Portland. Well, it turns out it’s a small world, or a small state and Ogunquit is just under an hour’s drive from my aunt’s house. She also said it was a beautiful little town and it would be a great day trip to make while I was there.

  So, without telling my aunt the actual reason I accepted her invitation, and also I was considering it anyway this just put me over the definite edge, I said yes and agreed it would be fun to check out this theatre. I was out of work after all, what else had I to do? It turns out Ogunquit really is a beautiful town and it’s right on the water’s edge. There is more than one theatre there and we decided to go ahead and spend the night. We stayed in a great little bed and breakfast though there are many standard and fancy accommodation resorts in town and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. It ended up being a productive yet leisurely and peaceful trip for me and my aunt really seemed to enjoy herself as well.