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Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts

18 Big Reasons To Hold Onto Summer

The perpetuation of the ridiculous myth that summer ends on Labor Day must stop. This nonsense must end.
I ask you: Does winter end as soon as the calendar says it's March? We like to think that it does, but we know it does not.
And we all know that winter doesn't begin on December 1, even though by that date we're already overwhelmed by the senseless rush toward (and commercialization of) Christmas.
So, summer doesn't start at the end of May (Memorial Day) and it doesn't end at the beginning of September (Labor Day). Those artificial bookends of summer are bogus.
Summer doesn't end till September 23rd.
Which means we still have 18 days of summer left to enjoy. And these two-and-a-half weeks are among the best in the year.
With that in mind (and in no particular order) here are 18 big reasons to hold onto summer:
1) The beach. You can really enjoy it now since the kids are gone and it's blessedly uncrowded.
2) The sun. It bathes you at a beautiful angle this time of year.
3) The evenings. Just a bit cooler and more refreshing now than at the middle of the season.
4) Tennis. The US Open provides high drama, excitement and the Big Prize.
5) Lazy afternoons. You can still sneak away for some fishin, walkin, sky-gazing or whatever.
6) Fairs and carnivals. Some of the best ones are held now.
7) Late summer blooms. These include coneflower, asters, mums, Russian sage and heliotrope.
9) Travel bargains. At many locations the cost of lodging and dining is slashed as summer winds down.
10) The ocean water temperature. It's generally warmer now and much more enjoyable.
11) Late summer vegetables: corn, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, melons and plums, all still available.
12) Baseball. The grand finale as we run up to the playoffs and World Series. Exciting!
13) Quietness. Most of your favorite open-air spots are quieter now so you can really listen to the sound of nature.
14) Fewer bugs buzzing. Except for those damned yellow jacks, you won't have to worry as much about insects.
15) Energy savings. Go ahead, open the window.
16) Al fresco dining. As nice this time of year as it's ever gonna be.
17) That deep, deep, green. Catch it before the trees begin to turn.
18) Summer's endless spirit. That spirit is still here and the moments and memories your savor during these final days of summer will warm you all the way through till next year.

Don't Buy The Myth About Labor Day!

It's Just a Lull, While Summer Lingers

They say that summer's over;
Don't believe them, just remember,
Summer doesn't really end till the 23rd of September.
Summer's glow will linger with sea breezes and warm days;
As summer's spirit follows you in a million different ways.
Don't let them lull you into disbelief in nature's natural plan;
You've still got time to catch the sun and deepen that fine tan.
Labor Day is artificial but the calendar doesn't lie.
Fall may be upon us, but summer will not die!

copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci

Summer ISN'T Over Until September 23!

Don't be fooled by the myth that summer ends on Labor Day.
Remember: Summer doesn't REALLY end till September 23.
So, there are still nearly three weeks of summer to go. That leaves you plenty of time to savor summer's late-blooming joys. And there's plenty to savor.
You can still find beautiful blooms, tall trees, lush meadows, rocks, creeks, inviting pathways and warm ocean waters.
Open your eyes, s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and take note of your surroundings. Nature is still displaying her summer finery with deep greens and vivid blossoms. In fact, this is one of the most stunningly gorgeous times of the year. It's dazzling!
And right now we're being treated to refreshingly cool weather.
So get out -- explore and enjoy!
This period just before Labor Day is also a good time to kick back and put things in perspective.
Get your priorities in order.
If you're in good health and there are people around you who love you and care about you, consider yourself very fortunate. Ditto if you work in a profession or a job environment that you truly enjoy. You are blessed.
Family. Faith. Freedom. Health and well being. Good friends and loved ones. A sense of daily, worthwhile accomplishment. All of these are invaluable.
And we learn an important lesson when we learn to treasure these precious intangibles.
We've also earned the right to simply do nothing for a moment or two. So, clear your mind and gaze at the summer sky.
Then, as the fall season approaches think about what you're going to do to help others. Because in the end that is often the source of true contentment, of fulfillment in life. For my part, I highly recommending mentoring -- passing something along to the future generations. But you can choose your own approach; your own road to reaching out.
Pay attention as the days pass and autumn approaches.
Learn to savor every moment, every season, every one of life's simple pleasures.

An Ode To Summer's Lingering Seduction

Henry James said it: "Summer afternoon -- summer afternoon . . . the two most beautiful words in the English language."

And, let's face it: When those two words actually come alive on a real summer afternoon, the result is magic.
Because summer is sensual. It's seductive. And no more seductive than on a ravishing, bright summer afternoon when summer's colors and creations are alive in all their vivid glory.
We spent yesterday afternoon at the magnificent Tyler Arboretum in nearby Media. Here are the results.
All photos copyright 2011 by Dan Cirucci.

Greetings, Everybody - From Martha's Vineyard!

The President's Vacation - Here's The Scoop!

Exclusive Martha's Vineyard is the summer retreat of choice for many of the richest Americans -- indeed, for more than a few of the wealthiest people in the world.

So, fresh off a tour of the heartland to spend just a bit of time with "real Americans," the Obamas are headed for 10 glorious days at an exclusive 30-acre enclave on The Vineyard known as Blue Heron Farm. Now, this ain't like any farm you've ever heard of. That's because it's not really a farm.

Hey, the First Lady may enjoy growing garden vegetables but she won't be doing any farming on vacation. No way.

No, this "farm" consists of a main house, guest house, extensive gardens, boat house, horse barn and pasture land, golf green, apple orchard and pool. And this farm even has a basketball court so The Prez can play hoops. Plus, there is access to a private beach.

Blue Heron Farm is off-limits to the general public. In fact, it's gated and very secure.

According to the Vineyard Gazette, "the lack of wider access [and little or no public interaction] maintains a pattern set in Mr. Obama's previous . . . visits to the Island."

Blue Heron Farm is for the Obamas and their special guests -- mostly the sort of wealthy and influential people who can afford to have access to, and vacation on Martha's Vineyard.

You see, Martha's Vineyard is set apart. It's an island at sea off the coast of Massachusetts. So, you can't just get in your car and drive there. You've got to take a ferry or a plane to get there. A study by the Martha's Vineyard Commission found that the cost of living on the island is 60 percent higher than the national average and housing prices are 96 percent higher. The Island attracts so many artists, writers, stars and celebrities that it has often been dubbed "Hollywood East." It is also a popular summer haven for judges, physicians, business executives, surgeons, attorneys, politicians, and professors. This is where the elite meet.

But among all this exclusiveness, Blue Heron Farm is even more exclusive. For, even after you get to The Vineyard, you have to really hunt for Blue Heron Farm because it's located far afield in the less-populated Chilmark section of the island and it sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Very secluded.

When the First Family first started coming to Blue Heron (in 2009) it was all so chic and it was almost as if a new family of Hollywood stars had taken up residence. The Obamas were still basking in That Glow.

But this is 2011 -- not '09. And an awful lot has changed.

The bright luster that surrounded the Obamas is gone. The bloom is off the rose.

And instead of getting better under Obama, as unlikely as this once seemed, things have actually gotten worse.

The country is facing the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Unemployment is high. Millions are out of work and many have given up finding a job altogether. Manufacturing is down. The stock market is tanking. Home sales figures remain glum. The real estate market is kaput. Consumer confidence is at an all time low. And Obama's poll numbers? Well, let's just say that Mr. Hope & Change has proved to be gravely mortal.

It's not the best time for the president to be hobnobbing with the wealthy and influential on a secluded estate in Martha's Vineyard -- especially when he's still railing against corporate barons and private jets.

But President Obama has made his choice. This is where he wants to be and this is when he wants to be there. Indeed, in these hard times he's chosen one of the cushiest places on earth.

Beautiful Las Vegas And Environs

Death Valley.

Palm trees in the desert.

Oh, those Bellagio fountains!

Hoover Dam from the new bridge.

. . . but it's a DRY heat!

City Center.

The view from the top of the Mandarin Oriental.

The ever-changing Vegas skyline.

Just for fun, here are some more photos of Las Vegas and environs.
All photos copyright 2011 by Dan Cirucci.

Video: Indiana State Fair Tragedy; Four Dead

A stage collapse in high winds at the Indiana State Fair has left four dead and some fair goers possibly still trapped under the collapse.
The audience was waiting for a performance by the country group Sugarland when high winds apparently blew the stage forward onto the crowd.
Here's an excerpt of the breaking story from wire services:

Details on the conditions of those injured were not immediately known. Indiana State Police told The Associated Press they were still working to gather information and did not have anything to release yet.
Emergency crews were called to the scene. Workers were setting up a command center to tend to those who were injured.
Thousands of concert-goers were being evacuated to a nearby building because of high winds when the rigging for the stage fell onto the track where some were seated.

Click here for more.

Video: Christie Talks Jersey Shore In Ocean City

Governor Christie sat down with CBS-3 Philadelphia's Natasha Brown in Ocean City, NJ to talk about his tour around New Jersey's Shore.
Click here for more.

Hautingly Beautiful: Death Valley!

This ain't like no dip in the road you'll see in Philly, hon.

Zabriskie Point, near the site where borax was mined.

The salt flats -- the lowest point below sea level in America.

The words "Death Valley" may sound scary.
And at this time of year, the area can feel almost like a furnace with temperatures in triple digits daily.
But Death Valley is remarkably accessible and magnificent in its natural beauty and grandeur every season of the year -- even on the hottest summer days.
We stayed at the Furnace Creek Ranch inside the Death Valley National Park and had a great time. We hope you enjoy these vivid images of a place that epitomizes the rugged spirit of the West.
This is definitely one for your bucket list.

Video: Chris Christie At The REAL Jersey Shore

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and the Jersey Shore -- the REAL Jersey Shore -- are perfect together. Christie is a genuine, born and raised Jersey guy.
He loves his state and the people who make it one of the most distinctive and appealing places in America. And the people of New Jersey releate to their Governor because they know that he's one of them. He understands them. He gets it.
Yes, New Jerseyans know what the REAL Jersey Shore is like. Our shore is part of what makes New Jersey a special place and we have to do what it takes to protect it. Governor Christie is committed to that as well.

Las Vegas: Here's The Best 'N Worst Of It

Based on our recent visit to Las Vegas, we've managed to put together a very subjective best 'n worst list of our highest recommendations and biggest disappointments. Here it is:
Best dining - We still love Wolfgang Puck's Spago at Caesar's. Service, ambiance and meal were all top notch. Pasta is divine. The staff is superb!
Most romantic spot with view - The lounge at the top of the new Mandarin Oriental at City Center. The drinks are great, the jazz is cool and the view is positively spectacular.
Best buffet - The Buffet at Aria in City Center. It's almost a sin to call this a "buffet." From Alaska king crab legs to peach cobblers and French pastries (all in a nifty environment) this is a super-memorable dining experience -- and good value, too.
Surliest service - From the staff at Otto in The Venetian's St. Mark's Square. Would it kill anybody here to smile?
Best architecture - All of City Center. This is a sleek new homage to the modern school of design with cool mid-century vibes. It manages to strike a rare balance in shrill, sin city: both comforting and invigorating at the same time.
Most durable attraction - Penn & Teller at the Rio. Ten years in the same theater hasn't dimmed this pair's act one bit. They're still great audience pleasers -- and still packin 'em it.
Most overrated attractions - All of the Cirque du Soleil shows. These cookie-cutter spectacles are gobbling up every showroom in town. If you must, see just one and get it over with.
Rental car agency to avoid: Dollar Rent-A-Car. No cars, no choices. Even though we had a specific reservation, they told us we had to wait for a car to be returned to get our preference. Then they tried to push us into a van.
Undiscovered treasures - The Neon Museum and Boneyard and the Atomic Testing Museum. Don't miss either one of these!
Liveliest outdoor experience - The Fremont Street Experience, downtown where Las Vegas began.
Best value, pure entertainment -Vegas, The Show at Miracle Mile Shops in Plant Hollywood. This is Las Vegas as it was meant to be.
Vaguely disappointing - Tobey Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in Harrah's. We're not sure what we were expecting, but we know this wasn't it.
Best way to avoid The Strip traffic - Koval Lane. It connects with most of the casinos and gets you right into self-park.
Best pool (and pool bodies) - The Cosmopolitan, overlooking The Strip. This is a multi-level feast of sensual and visual delights. VERY Miami.
Nicest staff - The people at The Rio. They go out of their way to please.
Strangest phenomenon - Harry Reid -- and the suckers who keep electing him.
Favorite politicos - Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and her predecessor (and husband) Oscar Goodman. As relative newlyweds, these two moved to Las Vegas from Philadelphia in 1964 arriving in August with only $87 left in their collective pockets shortly after Oscar successfully completed the Pennsylvania bar examination. The rest is history. Bravo!
Best place to buy show tickets - Tix 4 Tonight. get same-day tickets to most shows at 30% to 50% off. Also, great deals on dining.
Still a dazzler - The outdoor fountain show at The Bellagio. Don't miss the last shows at 11:45 PM and midnight!
Best place to shop - Town Square at the end of The Strip (Las Vegas Blvd.). A lovely outdoor oasis with all the shops and restaurants you want -- and movies, too.
Best new view - The spectacular view of Hoover Dam from the new Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, the key component to the Hoover Dam Bypass project and the first concrete-steel composite arch bridge built in the US. It' breathtaking!
Most intimate casino - For all its size, the casino floor at Paris remains wonderfully cozy, in a charming, French sort of way, of course.
Best summer value - The dining deals at every restaurant at Wynn and Encore. Thank you, Steve!
Fascinating, friendly shop - The Teno Store at Plant Hollywood in the Miracle Mile Shops. Beautiful titanium and stainless steel jewelry and watches -- all nicely priced, with a friendly and helpful staff.
How to know you're alive - Go see Blue Man Group at The Venetian. Exhilarating!
Artistic treasure - Henry Moore, Claus Oldenberg and more at City Center.
Gehry to gaze at - The Center for Brain Health at Cleveland Clinic between The Strip and downtown. This Frank Gehry designed Center is an instant landmark!
Best place for people watching - Just about everywhere!
What happens in Vegas - Whatever you want, baby.
Photo copyright 2011 by Dan Cirucci.

Christie Stresses Shore Protection Initiatives

Stressing the importance of shore protection to the vitality of the state’s $35.5 billion tourism industry, its coastal communities and overall quality of life, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made stops in Manasquan and Seaside Heights today as part of his beach tour of Jersey shore towns.

“New Jersey’s beach resources and shore towns are what make the Jersey shore the unique destination it is, and are the reason thousands of visitors return year after year,” said Governor Christie. “As stewards of the environment, it is incumbent that we take all necessary measures to protect these treasures and to sustain our coastal communities and the diverse economies they support.”

The Jersey shore has its own distinctive culture that reflects the uniqueness of its communities. Manasquan, for instance, is a popular shore getaway because of its mile-long oceanfront and open space areas that include fishing, wildlife sanctuaries and recreation. In contrast, Seaside Heights, with one of the busiest boardwalks along the Jersey coast, is a hub of activity with its amusements, arcades and traditional Jersey shore fare.

Protecting these resources -- from beaches and clean waterways to the diverse shore economy-- is paramount to sustaining the shore’s unique characteristics. That’s why Governor Christie has expressed his strong opposition to off-shore drilling in New Jersey, as well as drilling off the coast of other nearby states that could negatively impact the state’s 130 miles of coastline and multi-billion dollar tourism industry. He has also opposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities off of the New Jersey coast and has also restored beach replenishment funding to its full level.

Equally important, the Governor is committed to ensuring safe and clean water in the Garden State. Just last week, he signed legislation providing $650 million in no-cost and low-cost loans for projects to enhance water quality across New Jersey. In Ocean County alone, there are 18 projects totaling $34.5 million, with two projects for Seaside Park Borough. In Monmouth County, $27 million has been designated for seven water quality improvement projects, including two projects in Manasquan.

Making nearly $157 million available for important open-space acquisition and recreational development projects, Governor Christie also signed Green Acres legislation last week. This funding includes $2.4 million for preservation of open space and development of parks in Monmouth County. In Ocean County, $3 million will go to protect islands, wetlands and uplands in the Barnegat Bay watershed as part of the Governor's 10-point plan for restoring the bay's ecological health. In addition, another $900,000 is designated for park development and recreation opportunities tied to Barnegat Bay and the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

To get visitors and residents to where they want to go along the Jersey shore, the Administration has been committed to supporting transportation infrastructure projects in the area. Manasquan is receiving $160,000 in assistance to make improvements to Blakey Avenue while Seaside Heights received an assistance grant for $175,000 for sidewalk improvements along the Boulevard. In mid-May, a $3.3 million resurfacing and bridge deck patching project was completed, improving two miles of Route 37 in both directions over the Barnegat Bay in Toms River Township and the Boroughs of Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. In addition, $6.9 million is included in the Fiscal Year 2012 Transportation Capital program to advance the replacement of the Route 37 eastbound Mathis Bridge over the Barnegat Bay.

New Jersey’s tourism industry generated $35.5 billion in total expenditures in 2010, representing an increase of 0.8 percent over 2009. The shore economy is a critical aspect of the state’s overall tourism economy representing 193,000 private sector jobs and over $6 billion in wages and salaries in 2010 across Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Manasquan and Seaside Heights are stops two and three in a week of visits Governor Christie is making to the Jersey Shore to focus on the health of New Jersey’s beaches, the ocean’s water quality and the vast shore economy these natural resources support.

Las Vegas' Neon Heritage Shines Bright

Las Vegas' Aladdin Hotel and Casino may be gone.
But Aladdin's lamp still shines brightly on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.
For that we can thank the wonderfully enterprising Neon Museum and Boneyard.
The Neon Museum has actually acquired many iconic Vegas neon signs and images and quite a few of them are alive and well -- on exhibit and shining brightly every night on Fremont. It's worth a trip downtown to see these evocative pieces of Americana. They represent an important part of our national heritage and bespeak a time when Las Vegas was one of the biggest little cities in the world -- a sharp-shootin saloon town that epitomized the freewheelin ways of the wild, wild west.
The Neon Museum has even more neon at the boneyard but we can't show you the photos of those signs in part because they're not quite ready for viewing. They still await restoration.
But we do recommend that you visit the boneyard yourself. A contribution to the Neon Museum will gain you admission to one of the most fascinating, most unusual attractions in the whole country. It certainly was a highlight of our recent trip to Sin City.
And while you're downtown in Vegas be sure to visit The Fremont Street Experience -- a dazzling light and sound show that spans four of the liveliest blocks west of the Great White Way.
It's Vegas, baby . . . Vegas!
All photos copyright 2011 by Dan Cirucci.

Christie Extols Jersey Shore Beaches, Waterways

Reaffirming his strong commitment to protecting New Jersey’s coastal treasures and the shore economy, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today visited Belmar, making stops along the one-mile boardwalk to underscore the importance of healthy beaches and water to a vigorous tourism industry.
“Belmar is a timeless Jersey Shore classic -- one that visitors and residents enjoy year after year to swim, sun and surf,” said Governor Christie. “Safeguarding the health of our waterways and beaches is a responsibility we are all entrusted with to ensure these natural resources exist for our children and future generations. Doing so encourages the viability of our vast tourism industry and promotes the Garden State as a thriving tourism destination.”
Governor Christie is steadfast in his commitment to protect the Jersey Shore, its beaches, water quality, and businesses. He has taken action to keep all parks, historic sites and wildlife operations running; restored beach replenishment funding to its full level; opposed off-shore drilling in New Jersey, as well as drilling off the coast of other states that could negatively impact New Jersey's water and beaches, and has also opposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities off of New Jersey's coastline.
Last week, the Governor signed legislation that secures safe and clean water infrastructure for the Garden State, providing $650 million in no-cost and low-cost loans for projects to enhance water quality across New Jersey. In Monmouth County alone, $27 million has been designated for seven water quality improvement projects. He also signed Green Acres legislation that makes nearly $157 million available for important open-space acquisition and recreational development projects across the Garden State, including preservation of open space and development of parks in Monmouth County.
In terms of transportation infrastructure enhancements, the Administration has provided assistance for improvements to 13th Avenue and made safety upgrades to the Main Street Bridge over the Shark River between Belmar and Avon by the Sea.
New Jersey’s tourism industry posted $35.5 billion in total expenditures in 2010, representing an increase of 0.8 percent over 2009 and the first improvement since the industry’s pre-recession high set in 2007. The shore economy is a critical aspect of the state’s overall tourism economy representing 193,000 private sector jobs and over $6 billion in wages and salaries in 2010 across Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Belmar is the first stop in a week of visits Governor Christie is making to the Jersey Shore to focus on the health of New Jersey’s beaches, the ocean’s water quality and the vast shore economy these natural resources support.

Death Valley -- For America, And Us!

OK -- so today we're blogging from Death Valley, the lowest point below sea level in the United States.
We're blogging by special hookup from Furnace Creek, California where the temperature today reached 113 degrees. But, as they would say in Philly: "That ain't nothin, hon." Because the truth is that it has reached as high as 134 degrees here in Death Valley in the summer.
Now, you might be wondering: WHEN did it reach 134 degrees? Was it recently THAT hot in Death Valley.
The answer is "no!"
Despite all the carrying on about global warming and the inevitable end of the planet, the last time it was 134 here in Death Valley was 1913 -- almost 100 years ago. And that was the highest temperature ever recorded here.
It has been sweltering hot throughout the South and Southwest (and parts of the Midwest) this summer in any event.
Today we visited three scenic spots here in the desert: Zabriskie Point (beautiful panoramic views), painter's palette (much like the painted dessert) and the salt flats (the VERY lowest)
point in this low, low place).
Now, we didn't plan to be in Death Valley as the nation ached a new financial low. We didn't mean to be here at such an historic (and low point) for our nation. It just worked out that way. It was an accident of the calendar.
But we will make this rather telling observation: We are among only a few people here (along with most of the staff at our place of lodging) who speak English. Which is to day that we're surrounded by European visitors -- French, Italian, German, Spanish, etc. We're delighted that they're here spending their dough in the USA. America needs that money. We need the business. And August is the month when Europe in on holiday, so we're glad they've chosen to come here.
But we're struck by hips few Americans we see traveling to national attractions like this during this busy travel season.
Even in Las Vegas, it's been mostly Europeans and Brits that we've run into.
So, yes -- it all goes back to the economy. The dollar is weak and that's very attractive to foreign travelers.
And it was the economy that gave life to Death Valley in the first place. In the beginning, mining took hold here and the area prospered from that. Many of us remember 20 Mule Team Borax and the TV show Death Valley Days. Borax was plentiful here and was mined for many years. Later, the area became a resort destination. People came for the desert, the natural beauty and the dry air.
Still later, as travel became easier this developed into the tourist attraction that it is now.
More than 20 years ago when we were in this area in the summer we were warned not to venture into Death Valley as our car might overheat and we might be stranded.
There are better roads now, more facilities, more traffic and new towns closer to the Valley. And, cars are built better and better able to withstand such extreme temperatures.
So, it was no problem for us to venture out here.
This place has an almost mystical, mesmerizing sort of beauty and it is characterized by an absolute stillness that conducive to deep contemplation.
We planning on thinking really big, seismic thoughts here. Oh, yeah . . .
We'll keep'ya posted.

Black Bear Attacks Campers In New Jersey

Did this really happen in New Jersey?
A black bear attacking campers?
Indeed it did.
Yes, New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the union. But northwestern New Jersey (near the New York and Pennsylvania borders) is, in many ways, New Jersey's last frontier. Much of it is untouched by development of any sort. It's about as wild and unencumbered as New Jersey gets (save for Atlantic City, but that's another story).
Now it seems a couple of boys who were camping in Stokes State Forest were attacked in their tent by a black bear. Thankfully, the boys' injuries were minor. The bear was eventually shot but not killed. So, the bear is still on the loose.
There has been talk of permitting black bear hunting in northwestern New Jersey but to the best of my knowledge that has never been given the green light.
And the Jersey black bear population continues to thrive.
Of course, it's worth noting that bears do not honor state boundaries. And the nearby areas of Pennsylvania and New York are mountainous (for the northeast, anyway) and untouched.
So, there are bears up there.
Beware!

Big 'Thank You!' To Rio's Von And Alexis

I promised a big 'thank you' to Von and Alexis at the front desk of the Rio here in Las Vegas and so here it is.
These two young ladies were so friendly, so cheerful and so happy to satisfy us when we needed their help that they deserve our accolades. The Rio is lucky to have them (one an amployee and the other a trainee and about-to-be employee).
They helped to make our day at the Rio very pleasant and now we're looking for a woderful night in the Rio showroom at the spectacular Penn & Teller Theatre with the stars themselves.
Bravo!

Rare Flower Blooms: Can You Identify It?

During a long summer walk in Hilton Head I came across this unusual looking bloom.
This flower is one of the most beautiful, vivid and strangest things I've ever seen. But it may be more common than I think it is -- especially in the South.
I wonder if anyone can identify it.

One In Five Pees In Pool

Don't swim in the yellow water.
Unfortunately, you might not have much of a choice, according to a survey conducted by the Water Quality & Health Council. The survey shows that one in five Americans pees in the public pool;
Apparently, just getting out of the water and going to the bathroom is too much of a hassle for almost 20 percent of Americans using public pools -- and those are just the ones who admit it. Most everyone surveyed thinks their fellow swimmers are guilty of using the public pool as a potty place.
The same survey found that roughly a third of all Americans pass by the shower before taking a dip.
A less specific (but arguably grosser) finding shows almost half of all Americans (47%) admit to one or more behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy pool. There's no breakdown of what exactly the unsafe behaviors are ... one can only guess.
The Centers for Disease Control suggests a few tips (that really should be obvious) if you plan to visit a public pool:

Don't swim when you have diarrhea
Don't swallow pool water
Clean up kids wearing diapers -- especially their rears -- and change the diaper often

So, as you head to the public pool this summer to relieve yourself of the sweltering heat, just remember -- someone near you is probably relieving themselves in a much different, but oh too common way.