“Hippie” Jack Stoddart handed around a Mason jar of chilled moonshine as music filled the air. We were close to the main stage under the big tent during the second day of the September 2015 Jammin' at Hippie Jack's Americana Roots Music, Camping & Arts Festival in Overton County, Tennessee, the home of Americana Music: so delicious. This funky, progressive, and educational gathering of Americana roots musicians and enthusiasts served … [Read more...]
A Kentucky Storyteller’s 30-year LDR with NYC
NEW YORK — There are 8 million stories in the Naked City; on this night, one of them is mine. The producers of The Moth Radio Hour have invited me to come to New York from Kentucky to tell a story at one of their Mainstage events at a Manhattan club, and I am feeling pretty naked myself. The emcee is about to call my name, and then I'll be standing onstage before an audience filled with people who look as if they just came from the party scene … [Read more...]
8-year-old triplet boys, with parents, look up, down and all around
CHICAGO — On our first afternoon in Chicago, my wife, my triplet sons and I set out in the face of a biting wind down Michigan Avenue. These eight-year-olds have never been to a city much bigger than Louisville, Kentucky, where we live. I worry that Chicago will scare or overwhelm them. If this trip goes badly, will Gabrielle and I have to reassure them that no, big cities aren't all bad? What version or vision of Chicago can I show these … [Read more...]
Sense Yountville, 2011
Another successful Sense Yountville was held on a beautifully sunny warm Saturday May 7th under the "big white tent" at V Marketplace 1870 in downtown Yountville. This, only the third annual "Sense Yountville" has already become the appellation's premiere wine & food event. Thirty wineries were represented offering their pre-release wines and large format bottles, and culinary pairings were provided by local restaurants. Highlights included … [Read more...]
Sense Yountville Wine Tasting
After running into Scott Lewis a few days ago, the owner of V Wine Cellars in Yountville (where we have tasted with a number of producers over the years), we were reminded of a special event coming up on May 7th. This, only the third annual "Sense Yountville" has already become the appellation's premiere wine & food event. Thirty wineries are represented offering their pre-release wines and large format bottles, and culinary pairings are … [Read more...]
Anguilla is a tropical paradise of tranquility
Thirty three beaches beckon tourists I didn't see any Kentucky Fried Chicken or Burger King franchises on the island of Anguilla. In fact, I didn't locate any chain restaurants on the island. A local told me that Subway once opened a restaurant on the island, but it didn't last long. There also are no large cruise ships, no casinos and no nude bathing. Cruise ships can't go to the island because there isn't a port large enough to handle them. … [Read more...]
Milennium Biltmore – Los Angeles, Then & Now
Los Angeles - (March 27, 2010) Considered the grand dame of Los Angeles hotels for nearly a century, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel is paying homage to its rich history with the Now, Then and Again Package. Visitors to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel will get an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the history of this incredible Los Angeles building with this unique package, which includes overnight accommodations, the hotel's famous … [Read more...]
Alive & Well: Experience The American Automobile Industry Through Factory Tours
As everybody too acutely knows, the American automobile industry has been driving on fumes lately, along with the rest of the world economy. However, while some notable factories have recently closed, it would be a mistake to think that car-making in the United States is completely in the breakdown lane. While the industry may need a tune-up and a refilled tank (along with an electric battery or fuel cell), the great American tradition of the car … [Read more...]
Siberia, Russia – Here I Come!
"You must really hate this job." That's what my boss said when I told him I was moving from San Diego to Siberia for a year. In reality, I was bored and looking for something that would be completely and utterly new. Whether it was sunstroke or a developing tolerance to margaritas, San Diego just wasn't cutting it anymore. Heck, I hadn't even gone to the beach in nine months and it was only a few blocks away. Time to rediscover a zest for life. … [Read more...]
Redding, CA – Restaurants
Redding has a diversity of food - but is not necessarily a culinary hotspot. Any prices we list below are for dinner only. Prices are subject to change without notice. What are your favorite restaurants in Redding? Email dave@pon.net so that one of our team can visit and add a review here the next time we are in town. All phone numbers are in the 530 area code unless otherwise noted. Anthony's Mediterranean is located at 2475 Eureka … [Read more...]