May Madness

Forget about March madness, if you are a parent, the month of May is when crazy comes knocking. In addition to Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, May means graduations, end of the school year field trips, concerts, talent shows and First Holy Communion. If you thought you were pressed for time during the other 11 months of the year, May is typically when moms and dads are really forced to put their multitasking skills to the test. We are a less than 48 hours into this new month and I have already been required to use my fingernail as a … Continue reading

Upcoming Genealogy Events – Week of March 18, 2012

It can be exciting to learn something new about your favorite hobby – genealogy! A great way to do that is to take a genealogy class, or to attend a workshop or genealogy event. Here are some that will be happening this week. If you don’t see one that is located near where you live, I would recommend checking your local newspaper to find one. On March 19, 2012, the Allen County Public Library, which is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, will hold a program called “French Canadian Research at the Genealogy Center”. It will start at 2:00 in the … Continue reading

March Madness!

In the big long list of things I love the most, sports have never been lower than a four seed. Sure, the Mrs., the little one and the kitty cat have risen to the top but lingering right below is the competitive nature of organized team sports. I love the college and pro atmosphere both equally, but for different reasons. In college, there exists an unbridled passion for the game, an eagerness to win for the name on the front of the jersey, to share the glory of success and heartache of defeat with fellow students, classmates, alumni, family and … Continue reading

Hoop Dreams Dashed

What happens when March Madness turns into March sadness? Today, the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament tips off, with four play-in games taking place to whittle the field of 68 teams down to the traditional 64. Millions of people the world over have spent hours upon hours putting the finishing touches on their game brackets.  Meanwhile, the players, coaches and families affiliated with the teams vying for the national title are getting ready to experience the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.  The latter can be a heavy burden given the monumental stakes at hand. However, it’s not … Continue reading

Spring or Summer?

Mother Nature is having hot flashes in March and I am loving every minute of it. From a mother of an outdoorsy second grader to the Mother of all things outdoors, thank you. I don’t know where you live, but here in the Midwest we are experiencing a historic heat wave the likes of which has never been previously recorded. We’re sizzling under 82-degree temps in the middle of March. Now, this is the kind of March madness I can really cheer for. March weather madness has been in the air for nearly two weeks. Yes, for two glorious weeks … Continue reading

Snapping Sporting Events

March Madness is in full effect, and people around the world are hoping their favorite NCAA teams make it to the Final Four in Houston. If you are lucky (or rich) enough to score tickets to the Big Dance, then you may have a shot at documenting the action on the hardwood with your own camera. The NCAA allows still photos to be taken during its games, but not video, unless you have proper media credentials. However, this liberal rule is not applied at every sporting venue. Teams and stadiums have the right to impose restrictions on photography to accommodate … Continue reading

Championship Chili

Here’s some food for thought during this weekend dedicated to whittling down the NCAA tournament field: According to a new study, scheduled vasectomies jump by 50 percent during the college basketball tournament. Apparently, some men have discovered that this weekend is a great time to recover from surgery. Doctors say men undergoing vasectomies need to rest for 24 to 48 hours with an ice pack strategically placed on their nether region post operation. If the study results are true, then thousands of men are chilling out on the couch right now glued to the NCAA tournament games, and there’s nothing … Continue reading

Fitness Week in Review for August 10-16, 2008

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games are in full swing in Beijing, China and the displays of physical endurance illustrated by the super athletes has been utterly awe-inspiring. From the gymnasts to the swimmers, the divers and the rowers, the ability to push one’s body to the ultimate limit is nothing short of miraculous. This week the Fitness blog has dedicated a number of posts to the amazing athletes participating in the Games of the 29th Olympiad. If you missed any now is your chance to catch up. August 10th—–A Hamm-less Olympics: A Lesson in Humility. In the world of gymnastics … Continue reading

Budget Saving Hotel Deals in Boston

Spring hasn’t exactly sprung in Boston, which is why if you have ever dreamed of visiting the historic city, but lacked the cash to do so this is the time to go. Winter deals abound in Beantown and while you may have to maneuver your kid’s stroller around a few snow banks to get to the city’s most popular attractions your efforts will be justly rewarded. Hoteliers are trying to fill as many rooms as possible during the months of January-March and in the process are offering the following spectacular lodging deals: Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel The brand new 471-room … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: Visiting a Rock in a Box and a Smoke-free Italy

Bad news for all of you history buffs planning to travel to the spot where it’s believed the Pilgrims first stepped foot on American soil in 1620. Plymouth, Massachusetts tourist guides recently issued this warning to future visitors: If you are hoping to snap a picture of your family standing near legendary Plymouth Rock next spring you’ll be sorely disappointed. All you’ll see is a reinforced plywood box. State park officials say the famous symbol of America’s founding is going to be covered from March to May as workers begin a $680,000 overhaul of a granite and steel portico built … Continue reading