It’s an American ritual.  All over America, it happens.  It’s probably the one thing we do in unison (separated only by time zones), and we do it in much the same way.  We gather up the family and head out for a 4th of July picnic of burgers, hot dogs and watermelon, or perhaps something more nouveau and color-coordinated - strawberry salsa, sun-dried tomato and roasted pepper dip, white ceviche, blue corn cakes, blueberry ice-cream and coconut macadamia truffles.  Totally stuffe... Read Full Story

It’s an American ritual.  All over America, it happens.  It’s probably the one thing we do in unison (separated only by time zones), and we do it in much the same way.  We gather up the family and head out for a 4th of July picnic of burgers, hot dogs and watermelon, or perhaps something more nouveau and color-coordinated - strawberry salsa, sun-dried tomato and roasted pepper dip, white ceviche, blue corn cakes, blueberry ice-cream and coconut macadamia truffles.  Totally stuffe... Read Full Story

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was pivotal in creating our new United States. Visiting the places where Franklin, Jefferson and other founders met is awe-inspiring. No visit would be complete without seeing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. But be prepared. To protect these National treasures the security is high. It’s very similar to Airport security measures so factor this into your visit. A good place to start, of course, is the visitor’s center to get oriented and a timed ... Read Full Story

Years ago in New York City, I went to a party for retail visual merchandise managers hosted by a mannequin manufacturer in a loft display room.  The elevator door opened to a low-light room filled with fabulously dressed people clustered in groups enjoying cocktails.  In an effort to mingle, I approached one cluster, only to discover that some among the group were mute and motionless!  What was even odder is that no one seemed to notice.  It was business as usual! That’s the same feel... Read Full Story

The scenario plays out on any beach.  It’s instinctive and universal.  Walk along any beach just along the waterline where the waves roll rhythmically in and you’ll catch yourself doing it:  looking down.  Suddenly, right there, tumbling in sand and foam, you see it!  A fleeting hint of color, a minute rippled edge.  As the water recedes pulling a layer of sand and shell with it, it disappears.  Now you see it, now you don’t!  With impressive reaction time you reach down an... Read Full Story

Saint Patrick’s Day - Is it a day of family fun, celebratory Mass, colorful parades, Celtic music, traditional Irish dancing, and green, green everywhere - or is it drinking and debauchery?  The answer is … both.  This Saint’s day is wonderfully all-inclusive - for saints and sinners!  In the days and sometimes weeks surrounding March 17, we all celebrate our Irish roots - real or imagined!  Everyone, real Paddies, Plastic Paddies and Paddie wannabees, celebrates - one way ... Read Full Story

Lighthouses, those stoic, sturdy, silent sentinels perched on treacherous rock outcroppings in the swirling sea, atop protruding reefs and perilous shoals, or guiding the way to the safe haven of a protective harbor, do more than guide, protect and rescue seafarers - they captivate the imagination.  Like a siren’s song, they call to us.  By day, we are compelled to climb to the very top to gaze out to sea, hoping to see we know not what. In the pitch black of night the unique rhythmic ... Read Full Story

Great dining is a big draw for travelers, particularly in big destination cities where the culinary experience is an art form.  However, it can be pricey.  Imagine this - being able to feast on great food, in the best restaurants, at bargain prices!  Do what the real foodies do - seek out Restaurant Week, usually happening twice a year in an increasing number of US cities. It’s smooth on the palate, easy on the wallet.    Restaurant Week in participating cities is fun and festive, and ... Read Full Story

Of all the creatures in the sea, dolphins, hands down, win the popularity contest.  We are inexplicably drawn to them, we personify them, we see ourselves in them!  They appear playful, curious; they show off, display a certain joie de vivre, and even look us right in the eye - all personality traits we claim as our own!   Like us, they’re mammals, and are therefore warm-blooded, have lungs that breathe air, give birth to their young and nurse them.  Add these facts - they have large b... Read Full Story

The Green Flash, not a comic book character, but an atmospheric event -  that startling glint of neon green that appears just for a second on the upper curve of the sun just as its last little sliver dips under the horizon.  An optical sunrise or sunset atmospheric phenomenon, it lasts but a second or two and is the piéce de résistance of an etheral event, if you are lucky enough to see it.     So elusive and mystical, it’s the stuff of movies and books.  It’s the soul released i... Read Full Story