Near the end of the film, Zorba the Greek, Zorba dances by himself. His arms are spread out and his hands are open towards heaven. He shouts, “Everybody needs a little madness.” Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I had just spent five days camping at a Good Sam rally in Centreville, Michigan. Although the staff members were welcoming, the participants warm and friendly and there were plenty of activities and lots of entertainment, … [Read more...]
Chicago’s finest attractions
Chicago, Illinois is one of America’s iconic cities and attracts just over 46 million visitors each year. This Midwest metropolis is the third largest city in the US and holds a wealth of attractions and activities whichever season you decide to visit in. Chicago dates back to the early 1800s and has built itself into one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful cities. It’s in Chicago that you will find the world’s first skyscraper as well … [Read more...]
Turks and Caicos and the Atlantic Kite Challenge
Blue Haven Resort and Marina in Turks and Caicos Selected as Official Arrival Destination For the Atlantic Kite Challenge PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS - Oct. 275, 2013 – Christopher Columbus was alleged to have made first landfall in the Western world in 1492 on the shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands. While this fact has not been proven, the six riders of the Atlantic Kite Challenge will leave no doubt once they arrive at Blue Haven … [Read more...]
New Developments in Detroit
Detroit, or America’s great comeback city, as it is so commonly referred to these days, is a beacon of tenacity and fortitude. We’re the real deal with our ever growing selection of restaurants, music festivals, entertainment and sports venues not to mention some very live local character. A ton of new development is taking place in The D, from a renovated convention center to new hotels, restaurants and a light rail on the way. The coming months … [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...]
Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Maybe Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is called God’s Country because only a supernatural force could withstand the ferocious Feel-Em-No-See-Ems, extreme weather, potentially dangerous wildlife or the keen loneliness of the endless forest. Then again, anyone who lays eyes on this place can’t fail to feel something celestial is at work. From Tahquamenon Falls and the Porcupine Mountains to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and autumn colors … [Read more...]
New Developments in Detroit
Opportunity Detroit began as a breakthrough Kid Rock-narrated and Quicken Loans-produced television spot that aired during the 2012 World Series. Since then it has grown into a movement underscoring the unparalleled opportunities available in Detroit today. What does opportunity look like? It looks like Detroit. The vision of Opportunity Detroit is to transform downtown Detroit into a great urban neighborhood that has a unique point of view, … [Read more...]
A Bicycle Built for Two
While I was house-sitting a 15th-century farmhouse in historical Gascony, with a backyard view of the snow-capped Pyrennees, I decided one bracing morning over a cafe du lait to hire a bike and make a pilgrimage to one of France's oddest pilgrimage sites: "NOTRE DAME DES CYCLISTES." Looking decidedly uncool in my fuzzy Patagonia jacket, Tintin T-shirt, Gap shorts, white athletic socks, and Rockport walking shoes, I pedaled like a madman, … [Read more...]
The Wizard of Christchurch
EVERYONE knows J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely on location downunder by Kiwi director Peter Jackson. But did you know that a real sorcerer, a magi of magic realism straight out of the Oscar-winning series, only rather recently left New Zealand after the nasty Christchurch Earthquake of 2011. Born Ian Brackenbury Channell in London (4 December 1932), "The Wizard of Christchurch" is an inspired soap-box … [Read more...]
Curse of the Sea Gypsy
Looking for Love on Lovina, Bali Well, er, the problem was, I thought I saw a real live mermaid. Get that? Loping on Bali's Lovina beach one day, I came across a troglodytic Indonesian man crouching over a campfire, cooking a stunted animal on a skewer. Was he eating a cat?! "Very nice bitch," the local sarong hawker spat in the sand. Lo and behold! I saw a bikinied blond, like the statuesque prow of a Viking vessel, … [Read more...]