Of the many activities here in Charleston, the Sound of Charleston is a series of concerts that cover everything from Gospel to Gershwin. And it just so happens that tonight will be Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, one of my all time favorites. The Sound of Charleston is designed to celebrate three centuries of music here. Porgy and Bess was the first musical performed in the Colonies. Amazing Grace was sung in this church where John Newton wrote the words, first published in 1779. Here is the complete program: - Charlton Singleton & "Charleston's Jazz Tradition" - "Rhapsody in Blue" played by Micah McLaurin & Irwin Jiang - Civil War camp songs with Bart Saylor and Bill Schlitt - Light classics of the St. Cecelia Society played by the SOC String Quartet - Amazing Grace performed by ... read more

The normal, post Christmas holiday trip to Scottsdale, and often times Sedona, was originally scheduled for Tucson. But with the recent shootings, I would rather comfortably return to Sedona, before a few days in Scottsdale. I need a few days away from the greater Phoenix area, mostly to avoid the crazy crowds attending the National Championship Bowl Game (Oregon and Auburn) in Phoenix this eve. Sedona is a great place to visit anytime of year. This is my third trip here, and the town never seems to get boring. There are still many things to see, and a few places to eat that need our attention. Most of the highly recommended places are packed with locals and tourists. So, if Sedona allows some harmonic convergence (1987) or a simple alcohol induced stupor, this should be a ... read more

I recently saw this list on MSN, and after tabbing through all of them, I soon realized I have tasted many of them. A few are rather gross, a few actually taste good, and a few leave me completely in awe of those culinary pioneers who have no limits as to how far they will go to enjoy the bounty of their environment. 1. Shirako (Japan) I sincerely doubt if this is the national dish of Japan. But shirako is the male counterpart of fish roe, milt. Milt is not short for Milton Friedman, or Milton Berle. Milt is the sperm filled reproductive glands of male fish, usually cod, anglerfish or pufferfish. They say it has a creamy, custardy texture. The reason I doubt it is the national dish is that I have never seen it, ... read more

Don Ed Hardy has created an empire with his clothing line and art. His tattoo print on T-shirts is so pervasive today that I cannot recall another other phenomenon to hit fashion and art so deeply. Don Ed Hardy is the man credited with helping to bring a renegade art form (tattoos) into the mainstream of American and world fashion and art. He lives part of the year in Honolulu, and has a knowledge of tattoos and Asian art that is more than skin deep (excuse the pun). I plan to stop by his show in Honolulu on Saturday, as we make our way home. The place is Robyn Buntin of Honolulu, and the show is called "Beyond Fashion: The Personal Art of Ed Hardy". Included will be new layered Lucite paintings that combine elements of ... read more

On our way to Chama, New Mexico to family for the Thanksgiving holiday, we are spending a day and night in Santa Fe. Santa Fe is one of our favorite towns, for many reasons. We like the food, the southwest atmosphere, the proximity to Albuquerque, and the old town charm. We are also stopping here on the way back on Saturday and Sunday night as well. It is hard to believe that Santa Fe is America's fifth most popular city for travelers. Santa Fe was actually settled thirteen years before Plymouth Colony was founded by the Pilgrims. It is the oldest capital city in North America and the oldest European community west of the Mississippi River. But please do not confuse south western cuisine with Mexican food. You will be severely reprimanded here if you do. ... read more