Garden Retreats of the World

       A regular feature of Delta’s Sky magazine is called “Great Escapes,” which features places to visit in Delta destination cities.  The latest issue features Garden-Themed Retreats, and following the feature city of London, the article proceeds to mention five other garden retreats in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Singapore; Asheville, North Carolina; Versailles, France; and – yes – Brooklyn, New York!

       It’s based on the attractiveness of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where it says you’ll “find everything from native flora to rose and rock gardens to conservatories dedicated to bonsais and desert and tropical plants.”  And if you have to travel far, book a room at the new Aloft New York Brooklyn in downtown Brooklyn. 

       Let’s hear it for my birthplace borough! 

       And check out the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1!  http://t.co/kza29mJ

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out! 

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites!

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase 

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

So What is an American Car, Anyway?

       Years ago, my wife Kathy ran for a school board position.  For the campaign, we had signs printed soliciting support for her in the election.   To better spread the word, we put signs in the side rear windows of our cars. I parked in the parking lot of a grocery store, and as I left my car, an older man walked up to me an pointed at the sign.  “I won’t vote for her,” he said firmly.  “Why is that?” I asked.  His response was very simply, “The Japanese attacked us in Pearl Harbor.  I’ll never forgive them for that.”   I told him that the Toyota was more American than any Ford, GM, or Chrysler.  But he apparently didn’t want to hear that, and walked away.

       Yesterday, I read an article in USA Today about that exact topic.  It had a listing from Cars.com of the 10 “Most American” 2011 cars, based on the percentage of US-made parts and how many are sold to US buyers (the numbers in parentheses are the percentages of parts made in the USA): 

1. Toyota Camry – 80%
2. Honda Accord – 80%
3. Chevrolet Malibu – 75%
4. Ford Explorer – 85%
5. Honda Odyssey – 75%
6. Toyota Sienna – 75%
7. Jeep Wrangler – 78%
8. Chevrolet Traverse – 75%
9. Toyota Tundra – 80%
10. GMC Acadia – 75%

       So years later, I find out that I was right…

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out! 

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites! 

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

 

Thanks to Refzip, and Special Thanks to My Readers

       Many of you are probably avid blog readers, and I know how difficult it is at times to locate a blog that will interest you.  A guy named Cheru Jackson created Alphainventions.com, and has recently changed it to Refzip.com, designed to provide real-time views of recently updated blogs, and direct traffic to those blogs.  It cycles through views of the blogs every 15 seconds or so, but you can pause it.  And you can also click on the blog’s name to visit it.  It’s a great timesaver, and a great way to keep up with updated blogs.  To those of you who have visited through a referral from Refzip, welcome, and I hope you continue to visit! 

       Most of all, I extend my thanks to you, my readers, for continuing to return to my blog, for which I’ve recorded almost two million views in the past two years, and I’ve had a single day with more than 20,000 views!  And thanks very much for coming back!    

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out! 

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

Michael Bublé and Naturally 7

       My wife and I recently went to a Michael Bublé concert.  He’s a great showman, and we completely enjoyed his almost 2-hour performance.  But another highlight for us was his opening act. 

       It’s a group from New York City known as Naturally 7.  Their style is A cappella, from the Italian for “in the manner of the church,” and specifically refers to music which is to be sung without musical instruments.  But they take it to the next level.  Rather than singing words, several members of the group imitate the sound of instruments.  In fact, during their 45 minute performance, I heard  drums, trombone, violin, bass, and even harmonica.  They perform contemporary songs, and are truly fascinating.  To get an idea of their style, there’s a great video of their Wall of Sound at http://youtu.be/z5MkNOXSdkA.     

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out!  

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites! 

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase 

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

Enjoy A Couple of Libraries

       Another adventure in the deck of cards called 52 Adventures in New York City is called “Two Midtown Retreats.”  Specifically, it recommends visits to: 

– The Pierpont Morgan Library at Madison Avenue and 36^th Street, which contains many works from the library of J. Pierpont Morgan, as well as a quiet garden court.

 

– The New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42^nd Street, which offers access to more than 50 million items and offers free classes, programs, and exhibits. 

 

– And while you’re there, don’t forget to stroll into Bryant Park behind the library for lunch or people-watching.

       Yet another great way to spend a summer afternoon…

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out! 

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites! 

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase 

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

 

Secrets of New York – Secrets in the Sky

       The third chapter of the show that was aired on NYCTV called Secrets of New York is called Secrets in the Sky, about the tall buildings of New York City, and includes:   

• The Con Ed Tower (named for the Consolidated Gas Company), built in 1928 and 475 feet tall.  Its distinguishing feature is the 38 foot high bronze lantern on the top, dedicated as a memorial to Con Ed employees who have died in wars.

 

• The 581 foot Municipal Building built in 1915 with its majestic towers on top.  The largest tower represents Manhattan, and the other four turrets represent the other bouroughs.  The 24 karat gold statue on top is the second largest statue in New York City, behind the Statue of Liberty.

 

 

• The 615 foot New York Life Building, built in 1928 on the site of the original Madison Square Garden.  It is crowned with a gold ceramic pyramid and is decorated with 72 gargoyles.

• The Woolworth Building, built in 1913 and standing 792 feet tall, contains the private office of F.W. Woolworth, and it also has two 26^th floors!

• The GE Building, built in 1933 at 850 feet tall, is home to the world’s largest Swarovski crystal chandelier and Top of the Rock.

• The 1,046 foot Chrysler Building was finished in 1930; it became New York City’s tallest building only after a 185 foot spire that had been secretly assembled was placed on top, making it taller than 40 Wall Street.

       As you know, New York City has a lot of history, including in its buildings.  I’ll share the final chapter of the DVD with you shortly…

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out!  

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites! 

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

Answers To More from New York City – A Trivia Game

       Here are the answers to the questions from a board game from the late 1980s called New York City – A Trivia Game that I posted Monday:

1. What was the original name of New York State? – New Netherlands, named by the Dutch
2. The Royal Exchange Building in New York City held the first session of what? – First session of the United States Supreme Court
3. What was the name of the great Coney Island amusement park? – Steeplechase
4. What section of New York was originally an artillery position? – The Battery
5. What is the name of Manhattan’s oldest cemetery, including the graves of Alexander Hamilton, William Bedford, and Robert Fulton? – Trinity Church

       How did you do?  Stay tuned – more to come…

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out! 

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites! 

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase 

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

 

NBC and Toyota Summer Concert Series

       Back in 1997 I took a business trip to New York City – I lived in Reading, Pennsylvania at the time – and managed to catch a performance by Chicago on NBC’s Today Show.  At the performance, I stood right in front and almost got to speak with Al Roker.  Little did I know that it was part of the Summer Concert Series, which has really caught on and is now in its 16^th year.  Because of its popularity, good luck getting in the front row; in fact, local radio station WHUD often gives away passes to accompany them to a show, standing in the front row.  This year’s series began on May 27 with Rihanna and wraps up on September 2 with Lenny Kravitz.  And here are some of the other performers:

• Bruno Mars on June 24
• Journey on July 29
• Maroon 5 on August 5
• Enrique Iglesias on August 19
• Train on August 26

       It’s a great way to spend a morning in New York City, but get there early.  [If you win the passes from WHUD, for example, you have to meet the host at Rockefeller Center at 5:30 am!]  Get the full schedule at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041478/ns/today-toyota_concert_series_on_today. 

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And ifyou like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out! 

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites! 

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

Everyday Life in New York City

       The Metropolitan Diary of the New York Times continues to offer humorous real-life stories and experiences of natives and visitors to New York Citythat often show the human side of New Yorkers.  When I read most of them, I can’t help but laugh, sometimes very loudly and sometimes, depending on my surroundings, attracting a little too much attention.  Others just make me feel good about being a New Yorker.  A recent edition includes Cornbread in Central Park, a close cell phone encounter, and putting up with a bus preacher.  So, try it for therapy, stress relief, or to assure yourself that there still is a good side to people – just don’t laugh or cry too loudly:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/06/nyregion/cellphones-and-bassoons-and-other-nytimescom-reader-stories-metropolitan-diary.html?ref=metropolitandiary. 

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out!

And to view updated blogs in real-time, go to http://refzip.com or http://kadency.com – they’re both great sites!

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hale

 

Thanks to Kadency, and Special Thanks to My Readers

       Many of you are probably avid blog readers, and I know how difficult it is at times to locate a blog that will interest you.  I found another resource for you at http://kadency.com (this used to be Blogiche), a site that provides real-time views of recently updated blogs, and directs traffic to those blogs.  It cycles through views of the blogs every 10 seconds or so, but you can view the blogroll and click on a blog’s name to visit it.  It’s a great timesaver, and a great way to keep up with updated blogs.  To those of you who have visited through a referral from http://kadency.com (I’ve had more than 7,000 referrals in a single week), welcome, and I hope you continue to visit!

       Most of all, I extend my thanks to you, my readers, for continuing to return to my blog, for which I’ve recorded almost two million views in the past two years, and I’ve had a single day with more than 20,000 views!  And thanks very much for coming back!    

Feel free to leave a comment, and please come back often – I write and post every day!  And if you like what I have to say and how I say it, you’ll probably enjoy my novels as well.  They’re listed below, and you can read more about them on my improved website, designed and built by my son Don, http://www.randolphmase.com.  On my site, you’ll also find excerpts of my books that you can read – please check it out! 

RandolphMase, Fiction Writer

http://www.randolphmase.com

http://twitter.com/randolphmase 

My Novels:

Death on Broadway

Death Beneath the Streets

Death in Central Park

Death in The Cloisters (under construction)

Nathan Hal