Search Results for: blog star gazing

Star Gazing In Hawaii

In a previous blog I shared my opinions regarding the state of Hawaii’s helicopter tour operations. The blog came on the heels of a number of fatal helicopter crashes that took place over the Islands. Recently, the national news picked up another story originating from one of the “Aloha State’s” other star attractions—-Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a massive dormant volcano that towers nearly 14,000 feet above the Big Island of Hawaii. Its height makes it prime real estate for astronomers and scientists. In fact, Mauna Kea’s summit is home to the planet’s largest collection of astronomical observatories. This, of … Continue reading →

Stargazing In The Bahamas

Its powder-soft sand, cobalt blue water, and gentle trade winds, make it one of the world’s top travel destinations. The Bahamas, an archipelago of 700 islands strewn across the western Atlantic Ocean, welcomes visitors seeking sun and culture. But, these days when the sun sets, the sky is not the only place where tourists are seeing stars. Actors Johnny Depp and Sean Connery, along with musician Lenny Kravitz own property in the former British colony. Depp bought a private island ringed with white sand off Exuma shortly after filming wrapped on his award-winning movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean”. The actor … Continue reading →

Star Gazing

Ralph Waldo Emerson has said, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” Adversity sometimes feels like it’s surrounding us, darkening our outlook, casting shadows on all that we once believed or hoped. But when we’ve survived enough of it, we are blessed with more and more enlightenment. I’ve always loved star-gazing. Astronomy-buffs know that when you’re really interested in viewing the heavens, you’ve got to go where it’s darkest. Perhaps the mountains, or the desert. You must escape “light pollution,” which is the haze created by the human race–our porch lights, store lights, street lamps, and glowing … Continue reading →

Mother Nature’s Free Fun

Viewing this weekend’s Perseid meteor shower may have been one of the most thrilling moments of the summer. And the best part: I didn’t have to fork over a single penny for the opportunity. Rather, my family got to witness a sky set ablaze with so many shooting stars we lost count of them all. Free family fun. It doesn’t get better than that. According to AAA, the price of gas has increased 34 cents since July 1st. It’s no wonder why parents are counting their pennies and looking for affordable ways to entertain their kids. And by affordable, I … Continue reading →

The First Six Months of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding my daughter has been an entirely different experience from breastfeeding my first born. It took her a couple hours after she was born for her rooting reflex to kick into gear. I remember trying to nurse her thirty or forty minutes after she was born and she was not ready to latch. As soon as she was ready to nurse, she latched on really well and seemed to nurse really well. She would only take as much milk as she needed and then she would stop. Unlike, my son, who was a cluster feeder and would nurse for an … Continue reading →

June Bargains

This month, the month of June, offers some special savings on certain items. Review the list, and if you need to purchase any of these products, get them now, when they are at their lowest prices of the year. Outdoor sports equipment and clothing If you run, walk, or cross train, or are thinking about starting a fitness program, now is the time to get your sneakers or sports shoes. Focus on last years models for a huge discount. Sports bras, shorts, and other exercise clothing will also be on sale or on clearance. Last year, I picked up all … Continue reading →

Savor Summer

School’s out for the summer; time to savor the season beloved by kids and parents alike. Summer’s lazy days are highlighted by picnics, beach bonfires, backyard barbeques, stargazing and firefly catching. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to choose from in order to max out your summer fun. However, there are ways you can enhance the popular season. The following projects are simple ways you can infuse a little whimsy into your sunny summer days: PICNIC POT This craft is easy enough for kids to make on their own. All you need is a medium to large size terracotta pot … Continue reading →

Super Scientist

Did you see last night’s “supermoon”? My second grader has been counting down the days, nay, minutes until 11:34 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2012, when the moon was positioned a mere 221, 802 miles from the Earth. According to my daughter’s science worksheet, that’s about 15,300 miles closer than average. In other words, last night’s full moon was the biggest and brightest of the year. In other words, my kid stayed up extra late last night. Chock it up to science, and a letter from my child’s teacher encouraging parents to foster the study of astronomy via last night’s … Continue reading →

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…

This summer my 7-year-old daughter got her first taste of the Smurfs. I took her to see the little blue creatures’ movie in 3D and my brother purchased her Seasons One and Two of the animated 80’s show on DVD. I knew she wouldn’t count Smurfette as one of her favorites, but was surprised her fascination with Vanity Smurf. “Why does that Smurf always look in the mirror?” my daughter asked after watching an entire episode in which Vanity stared at and subsequently kissed his reflection more than a dozen times. Hmmm… how does one explain the habits of a … Continue reading →

Personalized Valentine’s Day Gifts

I will never reveal how I know this (it was an accident… really), but according to Playboy king Hugh Hefner, the best gift he ever received was a replica of his boyhood home. Former Playmate and Hef lover Holly Madison paid big bucks to hire a woman named Betty Eberhart to create a miniature house that is a carbon copy of the 84-year-old’s childhood abode in Chicago right down to the teeny tiny comic books he used to draw as a kid. Hef couldn’t say enough about Holly’s thoughtful gift. It was a touching moment in reality TV and it … Continue reading →