Page 2 of golfkat Travel Blog Posts


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golfkat
January 26th 2011

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



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golfkat
January 26th 2011

I have never been a big fan of the South, whether Atlanta, or Augusta, home of the Masters. But there is one place in all of the Southern United States, or as diehards, say, "The Confederacy" that holds a special place for many Americans. Charleston is the oldest city in the United States, and the second largest city in the state of South Carolina. The town's original name was Charles Towne back in 1670. It was changed to Charleston in 1783. I always thought of Charleston as the birth place of the Civil War. Charleston is also known as the Holy City due to the prominence of churches on the low rise city skyline. It was one of the few cities in the original thirteen colonies that provided religious tolerance. It was one of the few ... read more



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golfkat
January 12th 2011

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



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golfkat
January 6th 2011

If you have never been to Pasadena on January 1 of each year, you are missing one of the great spectacles in the entire world. The Tournament of Roses Parade is really America's New Year celebration. Originally meant to be a showcase for the great California winter weather, the Parade and Rose Bowl game have evolved into world class events. This is the 122nd parade, and is themed Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories . I was fortunate as a youngster to watch this parade from a unique vantage point. I was with family friends in 1959, who live in Pasadena. Mr. Ed, the head of the household, asked an ice cream vendor if we children (about six of us) could sit on TOP of his small ice cream truck! It was a bright, sunny California day, ... read more



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golfkat
January 5th 2011

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



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golfkat
January 4th 2011

With some free time on my hands this morning, I fueled the body at the famous Blueberry Hill Pancake House, then decided to fuel the mind and soul at Red Rock Canyon, just west of Las Vegas. If you have ever gazed west from the Strip or downtown, the red rocks, and multi layered hues of brown and red are ostensibly unique given the flat, sandy, and sometimes barren desert of Vegas. I know you are now dying to ask the question, "Why are the Rocks Red?" Well, precisely 600 million years ago, give or take a few, this land was at the bottom of a deep ocean basin. With time, and changing sea and land levels, sediment from the ocean and continent was deposited and later became the gray limestone found at Red Rock Canyon ... read more



Who Is Don Ed Hardy?

Published: January 4th 2011North America » United States » Hawaii » Oahu » Honolulu
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golfkat
January 4th 2011

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



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golfkat
January 2nd 2011

With the Holidays upon us, airports will be the demise of every harried traveler. Bad weather, equipment delays, airline screw-ups, they all contribute to a stressful waster of time and energy. I have been fortunate in my travels, both never having ridiculously long delays, or planes that turn around halfway to our destination. It also helps to have the United Red Carpet Club to lounge away the time. Most have free wi-fi, as well as an assortment of free beverages and snacks. Some even have decent food, like the Red Carpet in Narita, with sushi and sandwiches, along with free booze. But, with all this time on our hands, there is an opportunity to do something either fun or at least time killing. Here are some things I found online, and some ideas of my own. ... read more



Santa Fe and More

Published: November 17th 2010North America » United States
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golfkat
November 17th 2010

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



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golfkat
November 13th 2010

I am at the Giants World Series game on Thursday (this evening) with the Number One Giants Fan, Donna. Blame it all on her, as she rekindled my interest in baseball and the G-men, long since vaporized after my son went away to college. We were partial season ticket holders at one time, and probably went to Scottsdale for Spring Training at least half a dozen times. Those were some great memories. The game tonight starts at about 5pm, PDT. We expect Matt Cain to pitch the Giants to another victory, but it will probably not be easy against the free swinging Texas stRangers. That guy in Centerfield for them, Josh Hamilton reminds many fans of the great Mickey Mantle. I doubt he could party and drink like the Mick, having gone through rehab before settling ... read more






Tot: 0.078s; Tpl: 0.003s; cc: 17; qc: 57; dbt: 0.0531s; 1; s:notus w:www (50.28.61.183); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.5mb