The American Institute of Architects announced the results of its annual poll and named the top 150 favorite structures across the United States. 
Here are the Top Ten on the list:

Empire State Building
The White House
Washington National Cathedral
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Golden Gate Bridge
U.S. Capitol
Lincoln Memorial
Biltmore Estates
Chrysler Building
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

As I browsed through the list, I noticed that although I have visited 59 of the buildings on the list, I have only written about a handful.  Those that I have written about include:  Empire State Building  (1), Lincoln Memorial (7), Washington Monument (12), Supreme Court (15), Rockefeller Center (56), TransAmerica Pyramid (61), Corning Museum …read more

I’m a big animal lover.  I have two cats ““ adorably warm, furry, and cuddly creatures. 
When it comes to other members of the animal kingdom, with very few exceptions, they all trigger the “aahhhh” factor.  Judging from how frequently animals are turning up in movies and commercials, it’s clear that I’m not the only one with this reaction.
With that in mind, I understand the fascination of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  It’s the “aahhh” factor a hundred times over.
This year’s show, the 131st, is February 12th-13th, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The current Madison Square Garden is …read more

It’s been awhile since I’ve made a trip to New York City, and looking through recent information about current museum exhibits, it’s clear that I must plan a trip soon. 
High on my list of things to see will be the Louis Comfort Tiffany Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Louis Comfort Tiffany was the son of Charles Tiffany, of jewelry fame.  While he embraced a variety of artistic mediums (mosaic, pottery, metalwork, enamel, jewelry, glass, etc.), he is probably best known and recognized for his decorative stained glass work.  The name “Tiffany” now evokes not just the thought of gorgeous …read more

A few years ago, while on a layover, I became very seriously ill.  Although I thought everything would be okay once I woke up in the morning, it became clear in the wee hours that I was wrong. 
Fortunately my airline has some pretty good procedures in place for getting medical attention for ill crewmembers.  Once I realized that my situation was serious, I was able to get help from a co-worker who helped get me to a hospital for emergency intervention.  I was treated and released later that same day to return home. 
The situation was unpleasant, but I had help, …read more

A holiday shopping excursion in New York City is not complete without checking out the decorated windows.  I spent one Christmas Eve on a layover in the city, and enjoyed a trip to look at all the beautiful lights and decorations.  It made being away from home on a holiday a little less depressing.
What is there to see?  Here are some of the major displays that I’d recommend:

Rockefeller Center:  The tree is lit, and the Swarovski decorations are up.  There are lots of other decorations to see in the area, and there’s skating at the ice rink.   Rockefeller Center is located …read more

Happy Monday!
Here are this week’s money saving travel tips:

Travel seems to be one of the few remaining areas where it’s okay to discriminate based on age.  And this time, that’s a good thing.  Look for “senior” discounts at restaurants, attractions, and various events where admission prices may be lower if you are senior.  The age that you become a senior varies from place to place, but if you think you might be in the general age range, be sure to inquire.
On the other end of the age spectrum, there are frequently discounts for young children and infants.  Most attractions allow …read more

When ya gotta go, you gotta go!  And Charmin makes it a little bit easier if you’re in Times Square when you gotta go.
Charmin (the toilet paper people) has installed 20 clean, accessible, public restrooms in New York’s Times Square, right next to the Virgin Megastore.  Charmin says that it’s a holiday gift to New Yorkers and tourists ““ family-friendly public restrooms in a location where they are desperately needed. 
This isn’t your typical outhouse, either.  The restrooms are staffed with attendants who provide cleaning after every use.  Additional amenities include:  baby-changing stations, stroller parking, lounge area, tourist information, entertainment, and …read more

When you think of the day after Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? 
Relaxing around the house and eating leftovers?  Watching football?  Listening to holiday music and putting up the holiday decorations?  Or are you one of the many, many people who will be heading out to the stores for the kick off of the holiday shopping season?
No matter how we may rebel, there’s no getting around the fact that the upcoming holiday season means shopping.  I hope to make that process a little easier for you, by showcasing a variety of products and services that would make great gifts for travelers …read more

I love patronizing family businesses.  There’s something appealing to me in knowing that generations have struggled and prospered to stake out a little part of the American Dream.
Even though ABC Carpets & Home is not your typical small family business, it still resonates with a rich, family tradition.
It began in 1897, with Sam Weinrib, an Austrian immigrant, selling carpets and fabrics from a pushcart on the lower east side.  His son, Max, turned the pushcart into a discount carpet store.  Max’s son, Jerome (now the chairman), moved the store into its current location.  Jerome’s daughter, Paulette, joined her father in …read more

If you are anywhere in the greater New York City area for Halloween, you won’t want to miss the 33rd Annual Village Halloween Parade.
The parade queues up at 6th Avenue, south of Spring and North of Canal, between 6:30-8 pm.  The parade starts at 7 pm, running straight up 6th Avenue from Spring to 21st Street.  This year’s line up of participants include 53 bands of different types, dancers, artists, and thousands of costumed New Yorkers and visitors
The Village Halloween Parade began with a Greenwich Village mask maker and puppeteer walking from house to house with his children and their …read more