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Reflections on Italy -- Agony and the Ecstasy (Newsweek)
Newsweek published an article in their International edition about Italy recently. Entitled "Agony and the Ecstasy", the article describes a barely functioning society that is separated from the governments woes. Yet its people are happy.
I just was in Rome, Italy not too long ago and found this article interesting. The full article is included herein or you can view the article at Newsweek.
In September, Embassy Suites Hotels asked travelers to design a new generation of Do Not Disturb signs to hang on doors.
Five winners have been chosen from more than 7,000 entries, and the signs are due to be in Embassy Suites nationwide by next week.
"Shh! I'm hatching a plan to bust some little soaps out of here" won Marty Mintman of St. Louis a trip to Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk in Honolulu.
"Pillow Fight In Progress" earned Susan Suarez of University City, Mo., a stay at any Embassy Suites in the USA.
Other winning slogans and authors: "There are days when I wish I could wear this around my neck" from Sandra Parcher, Milpitas, Calif.; "I've built a pillow fort and I am not opening the door for anybody!" from Amy Forgette, Streamwood, Ill.; "Aww, Mom. Just five more minutes. Please?" from Brian White, Chicago.
We had multiple train trips during this European trek. One day we traveled Rome-Milan-Zurich-Landquart-Davos. Another we traveled Davos-Landquart-Zurich. Photos are attached!
Skiied Davos, Switzerland yesterday and today. Yesterday- snowed all day. Snow was powder and thick! Visibility was poor but the skiing was fun. Today, the morning was about like yesterday but the afternoon was perfect. It cleared up and the snow was fresh, fast, and awesome. Final photos are attached.
Today was the first day skiing at Davos Dorf in Switzerland! Wow. What an amazing place. We've got the 5 mountain pass and I'm sure after 3+ days we won't even begin to touch the mountains. Will post pictures soon.
Hello all. Have just finished traveling through Rome, Italy. Will write more when I have better/faster/cheaper Internet. For now, take a look at the favorite photos.
I am in West Virginia today spending time with family. My grandfather wanted to eat wild boar meat. There is a restaraunt in Elkins ( that serves boar; a place with a mountain view. The evening culminated in a birthday celebration for mom and dad.
My first assignment with Guidewire Software has taken me to Toronto. I photographed a few of the downtown sites. Also included are a few pictures from a Maple Leaf's hockey game that I attended! Toronto reminds me of a mini-Chicago.
We were minutes from the border while visiting Fussen. Of course, we crossed the borderless border and went into Austria. The photos tell the story. Take a look at the standard format and read the captions.
Right on the Austrian border, about 2 hours south of Munich by train, lies a small town called Fussen. The Neuschwanstein castle is here. Otherwise, it's just a small town serving tourists.
Munich is home of BMW, the '72 Olympics, Dachau and more. It was our home for a few days as we toured the city. The photographs are linked below. I encourage you to view the standard format with captions.
I've stopped over in Chicago for 2 days and a night before heading to Germany. Today we visited the outdoor Lincoln Park Zoo. All links will open in a new window.
I am beginning a new project in Atlanta, GA. Will be working with CompuCredit's subsidary, CreditLogistics. The team will choose a ESB/BPM vendor and implement the first project.
Back to Panama City Beach, Florida working for SallieMae. This week was to be production - it's delayed a few days due to system issues. Stress time! And perfect time for Perot to send out stress busting tips. Here goes.
Engage in some type of physical activity every day--walk, swim, ride a bike or jog. Let exercise be a way to release the tension in your body. Three 10-minute walks during the day are equivalent to a straight 30 minute walk, according to experts. If you can't spare 1/2 hour at one time, break it down into increments that are easier.
Get at least 7 hrs of sleep each day. If you are unable to do this, perhaps it's time to take a look at tasks that can be honed or cut back. Sleep is critical. Are all of your tasks as critical?
Take time for yourself and do something that helps you relax such as listening to music, reading, spending quality time with your family or friends, meditation or prayer, watching “feel good” movies, etc.
Change the way you respond to situations. Instead of a negative response, try to frame your responses in a way that doesn't put the other person in a defensive mode. Choose to be positive. This will save stress for you both. Try to eat a well balanced diet and try not to skip meals.
Set realistic goals at work and home. Learn to say "no". Avoid promising to do too much. Schedule your time realistically. Avoid trying to squeeze more into your day than you can actually complete.
Today we left the Westin Whistler about 9:30 am. Brackendal, B.C. boasts as being the largest gathering of bald eagles in North America. It is just a few miles north of Squamish. Near the water we stop. An eagle is nesting just across the river. A few minutes later it flys east. The wingspan is large and beautiful.
We keep heading South on the Sea-to-Sky highway.
Clearing US Customs is not a problem. We are bringing nothing back into the States.
Lunch is found in Skakit, Seattle at the little Skakit Brewing Company.
We arrive at the Westin Whistler. Route 99 to get here is a backcountry, mountainous road. Many times its just two lanes. Whistler is home of the 2010 Olympics -- good luck to all who travel Rt 99 to get here! We're travel weary and have dinner in. The suite has a fireplace and kitchen/dining area. It's early to bed so we can catch 'first tracks' tomorrow.
It's noon and we've hit Vancouver. On the north of mainland Vancouver is Stanley Park - a 1,000 acre park. "Stanley Park is considered by many to be the jewel of not only the City of Vancouver but also of the Lower Mainland."
The Park gives us a chance to stretch the legs. Lunch is found in China Town.
This is a vibrant city. Today's weather is georgious and the people are out in large numbers. Traffic downtown is packed and hard to navigate. I'm reminded of Chicago while here. Vancouver has multiple other attractions such as their historic library building. These are seen, photographed, and we move out heading north to Whistler.
Today we were up early and are heading north towards Vancouver, B.C. and Whistler Ski Resort. The drive will take about 4 and 1/2 hours without stops. See you in Vancouver!
Tonight we went to Otto's Barbecue and Hamburgers at 5502 Memorial Dr. This is just a small dive place but with great Texas BBQ. President Bush is among the many celebrities who have dined at Otto's.
The Westin conciege also recommends the Goode Company Barbeque on Kirby St.
The Astros have beat the Braves and are playing the Cards for the NL championship! Monday they return to Houston.
Tonight the Red Sox are playing at NY. Currently the score is 8-5 NYY with the Bo-Sox threatening.
Traveled CHI to CRW (Charleston, WV). Rented a car (Mustang/Hertz) and drove via I-77/79 to Horner. Arrived at the GParents around 6:30PM. Joe/Jack were there loading their Deer.
Traveled today to Chicago. I sat beside an attorney on the flight. He recommended Petterinos on 150 North Dearborn, Chicago. Lauren and I went there tonight - dinner was quite good. The restaurent is in the Goodman Theatre.
Back home to TPA. Flight 417 was delayed 45 minutes out of Detroit. The A&E film crew [filming a SWA reality show] was in the airport. I captured a snapshot of them at B15 - waiting for a flight to BWI. See this photo and others in the Chicago Il photo gallery.
Still looking for a Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L lens. There is one on Ebay ending tonight...
Traveled ORD-Greensboro, NC to visit friends. Lisa and her (quiet) friend Kyle picked me up. A few (wrong) turns, and one hour later, we were north of Greensboro in the small town of Danville, VA.
Danville is isolated and deficient of quality businesses. Goodyear Tire (Goodyear's only airplane tire manufacturing facility) and Dan River Textiles are the two big industries. This is a blue collar, tobacco growing, unskilled region. However, the towns-folk are friendly and open.
Part of the afternoon was spent helping Greg prepare for Tabernacle's evening events and tomorrow's flag football contest.
The Palmer's have a gorgeous country view. Out the front door are rolling hills lines with forests'. It is October and the leaves are turning (turned?). Looking into the valley one sees a stocked pond surrounded with large trees. Take a look at the 360 degree view!
Traveled to Chicago today. It's still gorgeous here - temps in the 70's with lite wind. The Red Sox even the series at 2 games apiece. Dinner is at Phil Stephanios, 437 Rush St.
Returned home to TPA this evening. Flight was 1 hr late. The flight was full of Cubs fans heading to Ft. Lauderdale. Red Sox lost to the Yankees; Cubs were off.
Arrived back from Orlando today. Had an enjoyable time at Disney's Blizzard Beach water park. Today we walked around Disney's Celebration. They were having an art festival. Along with that we toured a few Celebration home's.
Traveling to Chicago today. The temperature high this week is only 59 degrees F. What a difference a week or two makes! Tonight the Bears have their home opener. Soldier Field was closed last year due to renevations. Lauren and I are going to try for tickets... we'll see.
