posted by Charles H. Russo on May 31
Our final trip with the 2007 Dartmouth Ski Team was a special one for the athletes, coaches, and administrators who have dedicated so much to the ski team in particular and Dartmouth Athletics in general. At the White House on June 18, President George W. Bush honored 27 of this year’s NCAA Division-1 national championship teams-of which we were one-in an afternoon-long celebration that included a tour of the White House, a personal meeting with President Bush, and Presidential remarks delivered on the South Lawn.
Having gone our separate ways after winning the ski championship, we arrived at Washington’s Hotel Sofitel from all corners of the country-some from Hanover, others from Colorado and Texas, myself from New York City where I’m spending the summer on an internship. Having the team together was pleasant reunion because end-of-term finals and graduation rarely allow much time to say goodbye to so a number of of the people that influenced our lives at Dartmouth.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
If you have ever been shopping inNew Yorkand sworn that the woman behind the cash register at Blue Tree looks exactly like Phoebe Cates, well, you???re probably right. Cates is one of a handful of celebrities opening their own boutiques. And surprise, surprise- most of them- like Lisa Rinna, Cates and Niki Taylor- are actively involved in every aspect of their shops, from hunting down the coolest new designers and buying the clothing, to occasionally putting in time behind the till. (But one thing most of the celebs need to do is hire someone to create a decent website for them). Here is a look at some of our favourite celeb boutiques.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
Beach Vacations
Beach resorts can be perfect for your next family vacation getaway. Some of the best resorts are in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.
Mexico
Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. It is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Los Cabos features luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some of the best sport fishing in the world. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.
The Caribbean
The Cayman Islands offer many things for many people. 99% of the travelers visit Grand Cayman Island. It is easy to see why people go here. Of the islands this island offers the most when it comes to resorts and hotels. The fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving is not to be missed. When diving, you will think you are in a pet shop aquarium. The fish are abundant and the stingrays are gentle and fun to watch. If time permits, rent a Jeep and cruise around the Island.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
The clear green waters and perfect white beaches of this popular vacation area, just west of the Florida-Alabama border, make it a vacation destination and a weekend getaway spot for all of southern Alabama. Only recently has the rest of the country begun to feel the tug of its attraction.
No matter what you fancy in a beach vacation, you’ll find it here. Surrounded by water, anglers get the best of all worlds - bay, surf, lake and deep sea fishing . The climate is mild enough to permit golfing year round and some of the course, like Kiva Dunes, roll right up to the beach.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
One of the best reasons to choose a vacation rental can be the amenities offered. Beyond having a kitchen and sometimes a washer and dryer - many resort complexes and property rental companies offer great perks to their guests that don’t cost a dime.
Destin Days Vacation Rentals offers a wide variety of free Destin Florida rental amenities. This is the best and most inexpensive way to see all that the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer.
Enjoy buy one get one free deep sea fishing with Lighten Up Charters and Captain Doug Richards. This is a 4 hour fishing trip that includes tackle, license, Captain/ Mate and fish cleaning. There must be a minimum of 4 people to book the trip, but if you divide the savings among four, this is a perk you can’t afford to miss.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 28
If you’ve ever had a hankering to visit the “one of the prettiest towns in America”, then take National Geographic’s recommendation and head for Woodstock, Vermont. This place is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting - wholesome, classic, picturesque Americana at its best.
Woodstock is nestled in the scenic and aptly-named Green Mountains and isn’t really near anything except other small New England mountain towns and villages. This, of course, contributes wildly to its appeal.
First, you’ll need a place to stay. For an inn the matches the historic charm of the region, reserve a room at the Maple Leaf in nearby Barnard, VT. This AAA 4 Diamond rated Vermont Bed and Breakfast is everything you imagine - a huge Victorian farmhouse surrounded by acres of eastern hardwoods and wrapped in a gazebo-ed porch complete with straight-backed rocking chairs.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 26
Dig out your leathers, buff up the chrome and rumble on up, down or over to Myrtle Beach South Carolina for the annual Jack Daniel’s Spring Bike Week. The 2007 rally runs from May 11 to 20 and, as one of the largest motorcycle festivals in the country, over 300,000 riders are expected this year.
One of the highlights is sure to be the Teresi Dyno-Drag, where you can simulate head to head drag racing using your own bike. With christmas tree start lights and side by side acceleration down the track, this is as close as most of us will ever get to the real thing.
Don’t miss the vendor area at Barefoot Landing, where you can meet builder Kim Suter of KC Creations and see Motor Marc’s latest styley bike art.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 22
The country was part of the Holy Roman Empire until it was acquired piece by piece by the Burgundians. At the end of the middle ages, it became a Spanish possession (together with what is now Belgium). Little survives from this period, except a few historic city centers, and a few castles.
Following a revolt led by national hero Willem van Oranje (William of Orange), the father of the currently ruling House van Oranje (of Orange), the Spanish were kicked out as part of the Thirty Year’s War (known as the Eighty Year’s War in the Netherlands: 1568-1648). The split with Belgium came when the northern provinces signed the Union of Utrecht in 1579.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 20
A popular photo motive in Harlem
posted by Charles H. Russo on May 18
Rooftop at the soon-to-open Gansevoort South.
Happy Halloween…lets talk hotels…WHICH exclusive New England resort that recently sold out for big money is gearing up for an oh-so-polite power struggle? Media darling and always booked, it doesn’t turn a profit, and the new owners aren’t ‘avin it, ‘enry — not at least long term they’re not…
…WHICH big, expensively PR’d rebranding effort isn’t bearing fruit? Everyone’s talking about the fact that nobody’s talking about the host of faded hotel and resort properties snatched up, revamped and relaunched by a deep-pocketed investment firm as part of a new high-end collection. Joke’s on them, media doesn’t care; may have something to do with the fact that nothing they’ve done seems in the slightest bit innovative…
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