Fort Wayne Parks

By Doug

Mar

31

The history of the nation’s parks is rich and fascinating, invoking a sense of awe at the sense of commitment to the land and to the people who live here. This has been most recently brought to public attention in Ken Burns’ splendid PBS project, The National Parks . This series documents the origins of our public outdoor spaces, and stresses their development with a consciousness that is rather remarkable. It hearkens back to an ideal that the land of the free was not simply a metaphor, but an idea that could be actualized. The glories of nature need to be preserved, and the citizens here have a right to enjoy these spaces as part of a birthright.

It’s an ideal that invokes a keen sense of nostalgia, but in many places, it’s not simply a memory of better times, but a living present. This is certainly the case in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a city that is famous for its strong civic sensibility. It also makes it a perfectly spectacular place to visit, and there are plenty of gorgeous accomodations to make the stay here memorable. While visiting, tourists can have the opportunity to enjoy the public spaces, to get a taste of what life is really like here.

Fort Wayne has a climate that enjoys the four seasons of the year, with warm and humid summers, and snowy winters, as well as all the variations in between. This makes it particularly suited for wonderful parks , and they’re present here in a stunning array, with sizes that vary from a fraction of an acre to more than 300 acres. There is room for baseball, lake recreations, as well as plenty of space to gather with your friends to enjoy a lovely afternoon. Last year, Fort Wayne Parks

Jackson’s Musical Heritage

By Doug

Mar

23

Jackson, Mississippi is considered to be one of the quintessential Southern cities. Its rich history was home to such icons of contemporary fiction like Eudora Welty, who created and defined new categories of story-telling for a wide audience. It also has a perfectly fascinating musical history. There are more blues singers from the Delta from any other state combined, and its musical heritage can’t be underestimated. Visitors here can take the opportunity to explore some of the historical sights where it all began. It’s an ongoing tradition, too, and one that is continually evolving through the talents and inspirations of the people who live here and make the music.

People can still go to the famous Subway Lounge , which has been a first-hand witness to some of the most important blues players in the world. Open until 5am, there are large windows of time where it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the past, as well as its glorious present. This city is on the Mississippi Blues Trail, after all, and one shouldn’t expect anything less from a legacy as fine as this one. Spending time listening to the roots music into the wee hours might mean a long nap ahead, and it’s a good idea to be rested to see some of the other places of note.

Travelers can rouse themselves from a fantastic sleep and check out two of the sights where the inspirations were pressed to vinyl. Trumpet Records , which once graced Farish Street, is no longer operating, having only been open for a few short years in the early fifties, but its possible to see the historical marker honoring its place as a national landmark. The same is true of Ace Records , Johnny Vincent’s label that hosted such visionaries as Arthur Crudup, Willie Clayton, and Jimmy Clanton. That label has since gone over to the UK, and is still a powerhouse in keeping the blues tradition alive.

The Las Vegas Daily News

By Doug

Mar

22

Las Vegas has a reputation as one of the most surreal cities in the world, and the reputation is very well-deserved. There are those who come to visit, looking for an experience that is similar to being at an amusement park, only at night and all the rides are a little bit mad. Even the locals love to indulge in the madness of the city, to get a little thrill when celebrities turn up in unexpected places. The local news here has a particularly local flavor, and there are often stories of old mob connections, as well as the occasional item about someone famous getting into a little trouble.

It’s all par for the course here, in this city of broken dreams that always seems to offer another chance with lady luck just a little further down the road. Some of the more mundane news in Las Vegas might cover celebrities playing in poker tournaments, and small crimes where there are suspicions and intrigues at every turn. It couldn’t be anything less here, because Las Vegas does everything with a kind of flair, a flair that fluctuates between world-class and a little bit seedy. That’s one of the great appeals about the city, and despite the strangeness, hotel guests always wake up sensing that something extraordinary might happen.

One of the most intriguing occurrences here are, of course, the celebrity sightings in Las Vegas . The casinos and clubs cater to a varied clientele, where visitors from small towns might have the chance to catch sight of a celebrity first-hand. For those who are tired of taking chances here in this city of luck, there are also plenty of formal meet-and-greet opportunities. Visitors can decide to pay a fee to see and be seen with famous visitors, like Donny & Marie, Wayne Newton, and Bill Clinton. Sometimes there are autographs, and sometimes there’s dinner, but there’s always a particularly enchanting sense of the surreal.

Boca Raton in the Movies

By Doug

Mar

19

With its strong connection to the ocean, where a long history of travel and exploration precede the contemporary residents, Boca Raton has a kind of unearthly beauty that draws people every year. There is also a pretty substantial resort community here, with some of the finest hotels anywhere. Palm Beach has always enjoyed a splendid reputation among travelers looking for the perfect vacation of fun in the sun, and it continues to evolve in terms of local culture and attractions. Shopping is always a premium here, and there are plenty of ways to spend days and nights enjoying the weather as well as the night life.

It’s impossible to ignore the beauty here, even for one moment, and that’s one of the reasons why Boca Raton shows up in so many films. It’s perhaps a bit ironic that a place once named for the rough rocks that damaged ships, hence the translation of Boca Raton as “mouth of the rat,” is now one of the little slices of heaven on earth. Visitors might have the chance to be or see part of a movie shot here, remembering that this was the setting for the famous Bill Murray and Chevy Chase classic, Caddyshack . They can also go and see some of the original setting for the film while they’re visiting. This movie introduced many new audiences to the thrill of golf, and all the varieties of fun that could be had in a place such as this.

More recently, the deconstruction of Bewitched was made in Boca Raton. This Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell movie was overlooked by critics, but captures some of the splendid natural settings that are offered here. It’s also been a very popular place for television shows as well, and was somewhat immortalized on Seinfeld, as the place where George’s parents visited. It’s reputation as a place in popular culture is pretty solid, then, and travelers will enjoy finding out what the hubbub is all about by seeing it first hand.

Austin’s Outdoors

By Doug

Mar

15

Visiting the city of Austin is always a cause for celebration. The rich, cultural environment is always shifting and changing, so that every visit will be different, with new things always in the works. It’s also one of the more pleasant places to live in terms of climate. Particularly during the winter, when the rest of the country is fighting their way out of ice and snow, Austin can host visitors with a very gracious sense of accommodation and style. There are cold days, to be sure, but in comparison to other parts of the world, the winter months are rather mild, making for a glorious time for all.

The Austin climate is considered humid subtropical, due to its longitude and position on the Colorado River. This means that the mild winters are characteristic, where there may be periods of temperatures below freezing, but these only happen for a couple of days, generally. With winters being usually mild, the summers are usually fairly hot. It’s difficult to get away from the fact that the summers here do get pretty warm. It’s not unusual for the temperatures to rise above 100 degrees in the summer months. However, the evenings are usually rather pleasant, and this makes it a wonderful place to visit all year round.

There are plenty of things to do outside in Austin, and if you decide to get out in nature, you’ll discover that many of the locals have the same idea as you. Unlike many other parts of Texas, Austin is unusually green and almost idyllic. Visiting the Emma Long Metropolitan Park can be a lovely experience, with over 1,000 acres of land, on the shores of Lake Austin. There are plenty of the usual outdoor activities you’d find in a city park, and many people come here to make a day of it. This is a fantastic chance to get some fresh air, and also get to know the nature and the culture in the beautiful city of Austin.

Haunted Encounters in Charlotte

By Doug

Feb

27

One thing I found out when I visited Charlotte, North Carolina with my parents last year is that they really enjoy scaring people at Halloween. And from what I understood some of their attractions are open at other times of the year too. I’ve never really enjoyed ghosts or haunted houses but since it was late October when we were there my parents really insisted that we check out some of these places. I tried to tell them that I was too old but they knew better.

I had always had a bit of hesitation when it came to haunted houses, supernatural themed movies and other scary things. In fact, when I was little I used to try and pretend I was sick on Halloween, but unfortunately I’m an only child and my parents love Halloween. They always turn our garage into a haunted house and this alone scared me every night. Meanwhile, this was also part of the reason they insisted on going to some of the haunted places in Charlotte. We had to be there, well my dad did for a business trip, and they couldn’t do our own haunted house so they insisted that we go to some in Charlotte. I tried to act interested, but some of the places really are scary.

So, we went to this place called The Campground Massacre. I thought that it might be kind of campy, no pun intended, because of the name and had hopes that it would just be silly. But no way, no chance, that place was frightening as heck. It was like you were actually existing in some creepy gruesome horror movie and I felt like I was in one of those bad dreams that I couldn’t get out of. Really, it was horrible. My parents had to call and tell there friends about this place as they really loved it. And if you like places like this you can probably get information on it from any of the hotel lobbies and other places like the Internet.

Silent Star from Duluth

By Doug

Feb

23

There are many things that bring people to Duluth. It is a port city on the edge of Lake Superior that handles large cargo ships filled with products for our country. When people travel here they may bring their kids along and there are things for them to do as well. In Duluth, there is available the first and only all freshwater aquarium called the Great Lakes Aquarium. There are also many nice places to walk including a trip to the impressive Aerial Lift Bridge. As you spend time in the area you may want to read up on who either spent time here or lived here as the city was growing into what we know Duluth today. There are many great hotels in Duluth to stay in, which you can find here and they will have information on all the sights to see. They may not have information on some of the interesting people that came from this area. Unless you plan to spend a day at the library searching for  the history of the city.

We live in a world of fast and loud entertainment in every category like music, movies and sports. It is always interesting to stop and think of the history of the country and one of those pieces includes silent movies. Carol Dempster was born in Duluth and she was an actress in silent movies. Her legacy lives on in the many projects she worked on and it is fun to slow down and see the thespian drama that made silent movies work. There was no dialogue it was all presented in every slight action of the face and body. It was really quite and art to being able to convey a point without being able to speak. Carol Dempster was a beautiful woman who worked with D.W. Griffith, a legendary film director, on many projects. She was able to work side by side with actors like W.C. Fields, John Barrymore and William Powell. She got her first role in 1916 and played her last role in 1926. She lived a long life and left a great historical legacy.

Rocking Buffalo

By Doug

Feb

16

There have been some great musicians and bands that have come from Buffalo New York. You can find a great room at one of the luxurious hotels located in Buffalo at this site and see what city may have inspired in music artists like Ani DiFranco  and the Goo Goo Dolls. These are only two of many notable musicians and bands that come from this area. If you get out for some night life you may find the music scene has as much life, energy and enthusiasm as the people who live in the city. It is vibrant. It is truly intense to see the many famous people from all sorts of businesses who came from or grew up in Buffalo.

Ani DiFranco is an interesting person to me. She started playing guitar at the age of nine. She would play covers in the local bars the Beatles were an early influence for her. She immersed herself into the music industry and started her own record company Righteous Babe Records in 1994 and started making albums. Eventually she moved to New York City, took some poetry classes and then started to tour regularly. She toured pretty hard for about fifteen years and then sadly got tendinitis and decided to take a break in 2005. She made it back playing in some festivals in 2006. She has a daughter with her co-producer Mike Napalitano but she still tours today. Her still is really unique and has been an influence to many singer and songwriters that are out in the world today. She has always been a strong female role model as she has touched the lives of so many.

The Goo Goo Dolls are also a complex band. They have worked really hard to get there music out into the world. The have fine tuned themselves into a mega pop band from there punk beginning. They have many hits on current radio rotation all over the world and they put on a great show.

St. Louis Cardinals in Busch Stadium Missouri

By Doug

Feb

9

Carlos spent all of last summer in Jefferson City, Missouri. He had never been there before and had little expectation of what his summer would be like. His parents were separating and his grandmother invited him to stay with her while his parents made some adjustments and his father moved out. They didn’t wish to keep this from him and were very upfront with their son about most things, but they agreed with his grandmother that it would be nice for Carlos to get away from all of the chaos and it would be great for them to get to spend the summer together. He and his grandmother were extremely close when Carlos was small and then she moved back to Missouri, which is where she had been from.

The only thing he knew about the city before visiting it was that it was named after Thomas Jefferson and that it was his grandmother’s hometown. He was excited to spend the time with her, though he was a little shy at first, not having seen her in almost a year. However, the distance and time quickly melted away and the two of them started talking about baseball, which was a love they had always shared. And although Carlos grew up in Tennessee, his grandmother taught him from an early age to be a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

That summer she had a special treat planned for the two of them and she didn’t tell Carlos what exactly it was until it was time for them to head out. His grandmother had gotten tickets for the two of them to attend a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium and Carlos was absolutely enthralled. It was just over a two-hour drive to St. Louis so they left the day before the game and spent the night in one of the Missouri hotels they found in the city. They spent time exploring the shops in Laclede’s Landing and had dinner in one of the restaurants that offered a great view of the Gateway Arch. The next day they explored more sights of St. Louise and then had a great time at the ball game.

Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas

By Doug

Feb

3

The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is one of the premiere cultural establishments in Dallas, Texas. It is located in the downtown arts district and is part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. This is also one of the newest arts and entertainment complexes in the city of Dallas and is one of the four venues that form the center. It was officially opened in October of 2009, just a few months ago and this coincided with the official beginning of the Dallas Opera’s new season. It has already become one of the major attractions for both residents and tourists who visit the city and enjoy the accommodations provided by the Dallas hotel and hospitality industry.

The name of the opera house is typically shortened to Winspear and is sometimes referred to as the Dallas Opera House. It as named after Margot and Bill Winspear who generously donated over forty million dollars for its construction. The opera house was designed Fosters and Partners and the principle architect was Spencer de Grey. De Grey is responsible for the attractive horseshoe configuration, which is also representative of traditional houses. It is structured to seat an audience of two thousand two hundred people. Sound Space, a London based firm, designed the acoustic aspects of the house, which is intended to host both opera and musical theatre productions.

The Dallas Opera is the primary resident of this beautiful new home and they moved here after having performed at the Music Hall at Fair Park. They opened their season at the new location with a production of Verdi’s Otello. The premiere performance took place on October 23 of last year. Graeme Jenkins was the conductor for this production, which starred Lado Ataneli, Alexandra Deshorties, and Clifton Forbis. There is also an education and smaller performance venue in the opera house which is called the Nancy Hamon Education and Recital Hall. It has a seating capacity of 200 and will be used for rehearsals, lectures, meetings and other events.

Walking the Cow After Midnight

By Doug

Jan

28

It’s hard to be a cowboy in New York City.  The problem as I see, in a singularly important way, is that you got to be careful not to get the heel of your boot stuck somewhere but I mean good, when there’s a train or what have you coming along.  It’s a dangerous thing, but it’s a dangerous city, and lots of people wear shoes with heels here.  But I don’t necessarily want to imply that we’re all in this mess together, because I for one am not in this together with anyone.  Not in this city.  I come here to make a go at putting a new product out on the market, and once it’s out, I’m done, and going back home.

I did get to book one of those boutique hotels, and New York has a good sense of class, and if you want to talk about hospitality, I never seen the likes of it ever before.  I wake up feeling like a million bucks, and usually I wake up feeling like I’ve been stomped on all night by a fat bull on trucker speed.  This is an irregular experience for sure, and one I would likely repeat, if this was all I had to do while I was here.  But there’s more work to be done.  I love Patsy Cline, see, and she had perfect pitch.

Now my partner and I have some ideas on what people want in the world, and for kids, a good ear is essential in developing a musical sense.  We have to instate these things when they’re young and impressionable, so they can thrive in the world as they grow.  Patsy Cline had a secret, of course.  Her perfect pitch came about from eating beef, and her support of the cattle industry caused a wave of what can only be called grace, on the part of the cows who wanted to be eaten, to send her the gift of song.  And as long as I’m here, I’m convincing people left and right that the cattle industry is not just a good idea, it’s come from divine providence.

Steamboat Springs Colorado

By Doug

Jan

26

Colorado has a beautiful and diverse geography and most of its regions are known for their particular aspects. Most of the areas in the state are extremely attractive and inviting to tourists who visit Colorado every year. It has some of the most popular ski resorts in the country and Steamboat Springs ranks high on the list. The city itself is known as Steamboat, and is commonly referred to as Ski Town USA and or the Boat. The ski resort at Steamboat is located in the Park Range, which is just east of the town on Mount Werner. In the broader perspective the resort is situated in the upper valley of the Yampa River. Locals know it is just west of the Continental Divide on Rabbit Ears Pass.

The name for the area is based on the numerous geothermal hot springs that are located in the surrounding Yampa Valley region. And although there no springs in Steamboat, though at one time there was a steamboat spring located where the present day library now exists. Early settlers in the early remarked that the spring sounded just like a steamboat, and hence it received its name. However, by 1908 continuous blasting and construction efforts in creating the railroad caused the spring to close down and become silent.

Skiing in the area had an initial importance to the settlers. For a long time it was the only means of accessing the area during the harsh conditions that occurred in the Rocky Mountain winters. The skiing slopes are some of the best in the country and also offer opportunities for world class ski competitions. Some of these include competitions in the Alpine Skiing World Cup. The sporting opportunities in Steamboat are not restricted to the winter months. Throughout the summer the river is popular and well known for its kayaking potential. There are many races and events that take place in the area each summer including the Yampa River Festival, which occurs every year on the first week of June. For interested tourists you can click here to discover the numerous resorts and Colorado hotels that service the area.

Walking in Hartford

By Doug

Jan

25

While you are staying in a fine room at one of the luxurious hotels in Hartford www.hotelshartford.com Connecticut you may get a little cooped up if you don’t get out and see what is going on in the city. One of the beautiful places to go for a walk is the Bushnell Park. It is located in the heart of the city and is apart of daily life as people move through their lives. During holidays the park is filled with festive celebrations and the people you pass by seem to be pretty friendly. 

The tax payers purchased this land for there city and it is the first park in the country to be owned by the people of a city. There are some wonderful historical places to see while you are spending time in the park. There is the Gothic style Arch, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial which has the ashes of the builder, George Keller and his family buried in the east tower. It was built to honor the men who served in the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War. It was built in 1886. There is a 1914 vintage carousel spinning during the summer months. There is a statue of Horace Wells along the east side of the park. Mr. Wells was a dentist who discovered anesthesia which revolutionized the world of heath care and surgery. He was, of course, known as the best dentist in Hartford. As you are walking along you can’t miss the mystical white colonial building. That is The State Capitol Building. It is not technically a part of the park it can’t be ignored and is a great background for a photo. Another memorial statue you may come across is the Spanish American War Memorial. It is a statue of Nike, a Greek Goddess who represented victory. It was put up in 1937 to honor the brave men from Hartford who fought in the Spanish-American War. So have a nice day in the park.

Irvine Near Knotts

By Doug

Jan

21

One of the places you can get out and see while you have a room at one of the modern hotels located in Irvine California is Knotts Berry Farm. Some people are more familiar of Knott’s jams and preserves sold all over the country. Other people think of theme park fun when they think of Knott’s. Well they are related. One part is the major theme park in Placentia and it is not far from your Irvine hotel. It all started in the 1920 when Walter Knott began to sell fresh berries and pies on a fruit stand along State Route 39. The whole family was apart of the business. He and his family were one of the first to sell boysenberries, a new growth that was created by putting raspberry plants with those of blackberry and loganberry, by cultivator Rudolph Boysen in the 1930s.

The area began to grown as the rate of travel moved faster. There stand turned into meals in small diner for travelers along the major connection between Los Angeles and Orange County beaches. Walter started to add ways to entertain a the crowds as they stayed for a meal and started to build an old ghost town in 1940. They added a narrow-gauge train for rides, had areas to pan-for-gold and had the Calico Mine Ride. It became the summer long county fair with pie contests. Even Walt Disney visited the attraction and his own Disneyland was not seen in anyway as a direct competitor. Disney even invited the Knotts to Disneyland the day it opened.

Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is a huge theme park filled with sorts of different areas. There is Independence hall which was so well done that they used it as a set for the film National Treasure of 2004. The Ghost Town is apart of the oldest area of the park and has most of the buildings that Walter originally brought to the property. Then there is Fiesta Village with the Montezooma’s Revenge Roller Coaster. The Boardwalk is a gypsy themed camp that was renamed a few times and currently is called Knott’s Airfield. This area has the most thrill rides in the park along with the Sky Cabin Tower. But that’s not all, visitors can also have a blast in Camp Snoopy, Wild Water Wilderness and the Indian Trails.

A Well-Worn Treasure of New York

By Doug

Jan

18

New York offers many adventures, and sometimes tourists forget about the simple, free adventures that will make them appreciate this city full of millions of pulsating individuals. I’ve been to Manhattan and to several boroughs many times before, but I’ve never bothered to take the opportunity to walk along the historically famous Brooklyn Bridge, a bridge that connects a deeply rich Italian culture with all the grid bindings lit up Las Vegas like and covers some of the City’s most infamous streets. Usually, my hotel choice, which I booked on this site: http://www.smallhotelsnewyork.com, is not near the bridge, but this time I did not let that stop me.

The bridge is approximately 2 miles long and lends any photographer, either amateur or professional, the ability to capture a moment in which separates them from the land and water; by merely setting a foot down on the stone facade and wonderfully detailed mason work that is the Brooklyn Bridge.

As I finally walked along this fantastic structure, I had an occasional sight of the seedier sub-culture of discord, disgust and disdain, which the gutters of New York hide well. The landscape kept me moving onward and I successfully reached my desired location, a pizzeria that has homemade ice cream; what would Brooklyn be without New York-style pizza and a side of ice cream? There wasn’t a table available for just one person, and there were many patrons who pushed tables together to fix their party of 6 or more. Fortunately, there was a little spot up by the counter that a waiter fixed up for me, a party of one, but that was after a wait of 45 minutes. The joint was packed with a good representation of all the ethnic cultures that is New York. That’s when I knew I was in the right place. The wait was worth it, but stay away from the public washroom, it seemed like all of New York just had to use this one restroom today.

Back to the bridge for one more comment: It took me an hour to walk across the art bridge and I was in total awe and amazed at it survival of over 100 years and what stories it must have about the millions of beings who have stepped foot on her or drove across her without even noticing her grandeur. Brooklyn Bridge is the most exquisitely erected bridges that I’ve had the privilege of walking across.

A Day at the Prospect Park Zoo

By Doug

Jan

15

Zoos hold a spot in my heart.  From the time I was a young girl, my parents took us to the Phoenix Zoo just about once a month.  My mom had a special satchel, she called her “zoo purse” and whenever I saw her packing it up with crackers for the turtles, water bottles, and any other item she thought we may need, I knew it was going to be a great day.  Years later I was visiting my friend in Brooklyn, which is one place to find a “boutique” which is always charming.

Whether it’s a boutique record store, a boutique coffee shop, a boutique dress store or a boutique hotel in New York,  the place to find these small and often times family owned businesses, is along the streets of Brooklyn.  We had spent the week ’boutique-ing” our way through the city and were ready for another day of just the same, when Robert’s sister asked if we would watch her 5 year old daughter.  We said yes, both of us knowing that we really weren’t certain of the best ways to entertain a 5 year old for a few hours.

We figured boutiques were out, and Robert thought for a moment and came up with the Prospect Park Zoo.  Zoos!  Of course!  The first incarnation of the zoo at Prospect Park, was during the 1880′s under the title of the “Prospect Park Menagerie”.  By 1910, the Menagerie had already become obsolete as more knowledge was gained on how to best house animals in captivity.  Almost eighty years later, a partnership was formed between the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of New York, and their combined efforts resulted in the Prospect Park Zoo of today.

The 37 million dollar renovation began in 1989, and while historical structures were preserved, the living conditions of the animals was totally revamped, creating enclosures for the various species that were as close to the natural habitats as possible.  Robert’s niece thoroughly enjoyed her day.  I packed a “zoo purse” for the occasion, and in the light of that little girl’s eyes, I found a bit of my past and a bit of my childhood wonder.

Lingering History

By Doug

Jan

11

Everyone likes a good ghost story now and then. Some people even like to spend their vacation time search out and staying in haunted places. There are some supposedly haunted hotels around the country. Gettysburg Pennsylvania claims to have a few. This pikes my interest because of the incredible history that has taken place there. I always think of ghosts as being lost souls who have some sort of unfinished business here on earth. I do have a couple of ghost or spirit stories of my own to tell, however, it is also fun to hear those stories put out by other people.

It is always interesting to approach a building that has claimed to be haunted. Is it just the fact that you are looking at it with some sort of thought of it being haunted that makes it so creepy. I always wondered if I were to walk by a building I knew nothing about, would I know it was haunted just by seeing it? The Farnsworth House in Gettysburg claims to be haunted and it does look a bit spooky from the street. Well, with the sad affairs that happened in this private civil war time home, I could believe it was haunted. Jennie Wade was an innocent civilian and maybe she wasn’t finished living. This is also the place to catch the scoop on many real people who lived and died in this town and have left their ghostly signature around town.

Gettysburg is considered one of the most haunted towns in the country with many books written about the subject. Tours were created because of the many stories that have been told. So find a non haunted room at one of the hotels Gettysburg has and take a spooky tour of the old homes and places in a town of a major American Civil War Battle and other historical happenings. Remember, if you stay in a haunted place you won’t get any sleep.

Secondary New York Ticket Companies

By Doug

Jan

6

Broadway is known for having the best shows and great stars performing. A Broadway play or musical have a certain flair to them, which makes them internationally known that it can be hard to find these Broadway tickets, not only hard, but these tickets can be extremely expensive; sometimes at a jaw dropping price.

Because there is a high demand for Broadway tickets, using the secondary ticket market is the best way to obtain these hot New York Broadway tickets. Most people feel that using a secondary ticket source will cost much more than the box-office price, due to the extra fees associated, but this is not necessarily true; there are still some cheap Broadway tickets available in the secondary market if one is diligent in their search.

To help the public see a Broadway musical, a play, a concert or other types of performances, there are several organizations that provide half-price tickets, discounts tickets for military or seniors, rush tickets, standing room only tickets and lottery tickets, Wednesday Matinees are cheaper and a day show is much cheaper than a night show, to name a few different ways to get a better price for shows. Discounts of almost 40 to 50% for Broadway tickets can be found offered by numerous secondary ticket companies.  A search on the Internet will give one a good way to compare and a look at various resources showing which secondary ticket company have the best offers for the particular musical, play, off-Broadway or concerts that are currently playing on Broadway. Walking about the theatre district will only become frustrating by finding out that the tickets are sold out for that day, or after waiting in line for an hour or longer that there are only tickets available for undesirable seats.

Using a secondary ticket company in New York saves time, money and provides the public a great resource for enjoying a Broadway show at the price they can afford and on the day they want to watch a performance.

Island Tower

By Doug

Dec

15

Well after you have had a good nights sleep in one of the hotels Lisboa has to offer you really need to get over to the Belem Tower. It is also known as the Tower of St Vincent. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents the early maritime discoveries of the Portuguese. King John II commissioned this tower to be built as a part of the defense of the city but also as a gateway to Lisbon. What you will discover about this tower is that it was built with a variety of architectural styles but it is mainly a Portuguese Manueline style. It was built out of limestone for the most part and it stands about 100 feet tall, which is like four stories high. Originally the town was built on a small island near the shore of the Tagus River.

From the water the tower looks like a miniature castle. The Bastion terrace has some nice features with the virgin with child in the foreground and then the sloped roof and arches showing off the Renaissance loggia. The view from the inner cloister of the tower is beautiful as it peaks out to the sea and distant land. The bastion is one of my favorite areas to look at. It is an amazing casemate curving around and lights up with the natural lighting. Then the turrets and cupolas show the moorish style but with the Manueline cross.

It sure is amazing to feel the cool ocean air as it blows through the tower walls and windows. It take you back to the time of kings and Queens and the battles they entertained. King John II started this construction and King Manuel I finished it. It was designed by a military architect named Francisco de Arruda. The tower was dedicated to the beloved Saint Vincent. It was used as a fortress by Spanish troops as they fought for the Portuguese throne. It was also used as a political prison. If people were migrating to Lisbon they would come here first.

Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

By Doug

Dec

8

Kyle and Tom had been saving up for a trip to Europe for three years. They began this project during their sophomore year in college, which is also the year they met. They happened to take French together and ended up as partners during a few exercises. And as sometimes happens, they just hit it off together and became instant friends. They spent a lot of time together that semester and during a particular class discussion about the prevalence of the French language throughout the world the two almost spontaneously said they should at least explore Europe and speak French wherever they could.

This transitioned into an actual plan to travel to Europe and explore as many of the countries as they possibly could. They began in France and traveled east before returning back in the opposite direction. They got as far as the Netherlands and when they arrived in Amsterdam, they decided it was definitely the end of the road. It was absolutely the most amazing city either of them had ever experienced and they decided to spend the rest of their trip in that city.

So they chose the best Amsterdam hotel and settled in, for four days, but still they settled in. They enjoyed many of the standard tourist attraction areas and aspects of the city though they were mostly interested in some of the incredible historic buildings and landmarks of the city. They spent an entire afternoon in the Van Gogh Museum, which both of them loved. Tom in particular was a major fan of Vincent Van Gogh and loved the fact that this museum had the largest collection in the world of his drawings and paintings. Kyle was interested in exploring the work of Van Gogh’s contemporaries though they both had a great time that day. And while they didn’t get to visit every city and country they wanted to, this was definitely an amazing trip and they decided to come back as often as they could.

Il Lido Italian Restaurant Singapore

By Doug

Dec

1

Singapore offers great performances, cultural events and attractions and fabulous food from across the world. It has a strong tradition in this areas and offers great local options and also has dining and performance establishments that bring the finest world artists and cuisine to the Singaporean shores. Il Lido Italian Singapore restaurant is one of the many great options Singapore is proud to offer residents and tourists alike. The restaurant itself is beautiful and includes a great patio with amazing lush views of the grounds and bay. The ambiance is a perfect match for the food and greatly enhances ones dining experience.

The choices begin with the great appetizer list. Tuna Tartare with Orange and Fennel Salad, Crab Salad with Avocado and Red Vegetable Coulis, and Baked Eggplant with Tomato and Mozzarella are just three of the fabulous offerings from the appetizer menu. There is also a selection of great soups to choose from and among them are the Lobster Soup with Crab Meet and Crispy Leek, Grilled Vegetable Salad with Parmigiano Cheese Shavings and the Traditional Tomato Soup.

The main entrees become even more interesting and delicious sounding. The pasta is homemade and the meals have fresh ingredients. The Spaghetti with Mixed Seafood and White Wine, Spaghetti with Garlic and Chilli Vegetables and Linguine with Clam Sauce all make excellent options. In addition there is an extensive seafood menu as well as one for the meat dominate meals. Dessert at this restaurant is definitely not something you should miss and the options are extensive. Many regular customers of this restaurant include dessert as one of the essential courses. As with any establishment that offers the best quality and tasting cuisine, it can be difficult to plan what your eyes think they can handle and what you can actually eat. All of the food is that good. Il Lido is one option for great world cuisine that is offered in Singapore.

Saina Anand in Mumbia

By Doug

Nov

30

Any time that one gets to travel in India, it’s a cause for celebration.  It’s an amazing place, and many people hope to visit it during their lifetime and never get the opportunity.  There are many fantastic places to see here, and everyone here will have a thousand recommendations, and the diaspora is very large and so everywhere you go in the world, there will be more recommendations.  If you can listen to all of them, it’s a great idea, because word of mouth can reveal many things that might have gone unnoticed otherwise.  Mumbai, of course, is one of the most exciting cities in the country, and in the entire world.

There is always something exciting and interesting happening in Mumbai, and there’s truly no other place on earth like it.  It has an unusual, and very intense, energy, and it’s been like that for centuries.  Some of the greatest minds and talents in the world are drawn here, looking to meet similar sensibilities.  It’s a very accessible place for tourists, as there are many fantastic hotels.  Mumbai, India offers something spectacular for everyone, and this is particularly evident in the art.  While there are some amazing museums where one can find classical works, there is also very edgy new work, like that of ChitraKarKhana.

This is an ongoing project by local Mumbai artist Shaina Anand, who is an enormously prolific filmmaker and media critic.  Her form is usually documentary, and she’s made and been involved in a stunning number of projects, and seems to be showing no signs at all of slowing down.  Part of her aesthetic is the DIY, Do-It-Yourself, school of filmmaking, often doing projects with low or no budget.  It’s extraordinary work, and shows a great deal of compassion for the human race, which is something we are always finding in short supply.  She is also the winner of a Charles Waller Indian Trust award, and has shown work all over the world, including the amazing Ars Electronica in Linz.  This is a cutting edge facility, with extremely far-sighted technicians and artists working on science and the future in art, and her work falls splendidly into their rhizomatic notions of what is possible right now.

Great Sunsets and Summer Monsoons Are Hallmarks of Phoenix

By Doug

Nov

25

Burt and Jean were finishing their final exams at Arizona State University when they both happened to be struck with a desire to get out of town. It was May in the desert and it was the beginning of a record setting summer and the two students already needed relief. And while it’s true that summer had not yet started if you want to be technical about it, you shouldn’t say that too loud in Phoenix. And any Phoenician will tell you that summer is one of two seasons and it lasts at least half of the year. Something slightly resembling fall is the other season and it lasts a few months somewhere in-between November and February.

However, with that in mind, both of the students would also be the first to defend the beauty of the desert and the greatness of their city. Unlike most of the residents in Phoenix, both Burt and Jean were natives, they were born there. And also somewhat unlikely at ASU, they were both in-state students. They were well accustomed to the amazing sunsets and sunrises they experienced almost daily and they also loved the monsoons that would be arriving in mid to late July. In addition there is openness to the desert that makes it difficult to live anywhere else once you’ve been there a while. In fact, Phoenix has one of the highest rates of return citizenship for those who have moved away.

There is also a great deal of cultural attractions, and professional sports teams to keep everyone happy and attract numerous tourists to the best hotels Phoenix every year. Some of them even go so far as to live in Phoenix during the non-summer season, these residents are referred to as snow birds. The Herberger Theater Center, The Phoenix Art Museum and the Arizona Science Center are only three of the many cultural establishments in Phoenix. And this doesn’t include those in the surrounding cities such as Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Tempe where Burt and Jean lived. So, while the students were looking forward to a brief exit, they loved their city and the desert and would be back soon.

The View of Sydney from Taronga Zoo

By Doug

Nov

24

After finding the best accommodation Sydney Australia has to offer, travelers might plan a trip to the Taronga Zoo in order to see the city from afar.  The zoo, begun in 1916, is set on nine acres of land and affords a spectacular view of the Sydney skyline, including the world-famous Sydney Opera House.  From the Northern bank of Sydney Harbor, you’ll be able to not only enjoy the animals, but all of the panorama of the city itself.  It’s no secret to anyone who knows Aboriginal words:The zoo’s name, Taronga, literally means beautiful view.

Over the years, the zoo has undergone any changes and additions, especially after a critical review 42 years ago gave rise to more of a focus on education, preservation, and conservation.  Today, the zoo is in the midst of a twelve year $69 million plan to upgrade conditions.  Five Asian elephants were provided to the zoo from Thailand in order to breed them, educate zoo patrons, as well as to conduct research.  The elephants are currently housed in the precinct known as “Wild Asia” which strives to immerse the zoo patrons in the environment of a rainforest.  In July of 2009, an Asian elephant birthed Luk Chai, a male calf, the first ever to be born in Australia.  The zoo is hoping the mother, Thong Dee, will give birth twice more in the course of the next two years.

While the Zoo keeps many traditional inhabitants — such as lions and giraffes, zebras and elephants, and so on — they also have an impressive array of native creatures: bandicoots, gliders, and quoll, as well as other rare nocturnal animals.  The zoo keeps on hand wombats, koalas, and even a Tasmanian Devil, as well as a Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby.  This latter animal can’t be seen anywhere else but here, and considered at first to be extinct until they were “re-discovered” in 1973, in Queensland.

Modern Art Museum Fort Worth

By Doug

Nov

23

Joe and Rita went to Fort Worth, Texas together on a three day trip. They went because Joe was sent there for a business merging negotiation meeting and Rita hadn’t gotten away for quite a while and she thought that would be the perfect opportunity to. So, they stayed in the fabulous room in one of the Fort Worth luxury hotels that was provided by Joe’s employer and Rita enjoyed an early morning massage while Joe prepared for his meeting.

After Joe left Rita decided she would visit some sites in the city that were of interest to her, but probably not to Joe. One of these was the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. She wasn’t overly familiar with this museum, though visiting major museums in cities was almost always one of her top priorities when Rita traveled. Almost instantly she was attracted to the current featured exhibit of Susan Rothenberg’s work. She loved the early horse paintings and their special arrangements. The name of the exhibit is Moving in Place, and Rita thought this was extremely appropriate for the work.

She then moved on to the museum’s permanent collection and was impressed with the extent of it. She also appreciated what she understood to be their holistic or evolutionary perspective on a permanent collection. As she walked along the walls and through the corridors she made mental notes of specific work from artists she was previously unfamiliar with. One of them was the dark self-portrait of Francis Bacon, which she couldn’t stop looking at. As she moved along she stopped in front of a Cubist work with a distinct style. She knew she was looking at Pablo Picasso, but was unfamiliar with the painting in front of her. The title of it is Femme couchee lisant, which in English translates as reclining woman reading. And Rita felt that the painting perfectly represented what she would like to be doing. She ordered a print of this work and now has it hanging in her and Joe’s study.