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What Do Pets Know That We Don’t?

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Do animals have a sixth sense when it comes to natural disasters? We can see how our pets are sensitive to human moods; are they also sensitive to the planet itself? Some scientists are skeptical, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. In 1975, animal behavior prompted an evacuation of the city of Haicheng in China days before an earthquake, saving more than a hundred thousand lives. Ancient Greeks noted that even rodents, snakes, and insects fled the city of Helice before an earthquake in 373 BC. Even the folks who do believe that animals can sense disaster aren’t sure … Continue reading →

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Comes To The Big Easy

It’s been more than four years since the indelible Fred Rogers died of stomach cancer, but the legacy of the soft-spoken “neighbor” lives on in reruns of his popular PBS show, and now in a museum exhibit that is expected to draw thousands to New Orleans. The Louisiana Children’s Museum is about to get a much-needed shot in the arm thanks to the new Rogers inspired exhibit. The exhibit, which includes a replica of King Friday’s castle and a closet full of sweaters and sneakers (replicas of the ones worn by Fred Rogers) opens this Friday, the one year anniversary … Continue reading →

Hilo’s Hot Spots

I’ve made it no secret that I was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but as I review the hundreds of travel blogs I’ve written I noticed I haven’t done many on my hometown. That said, I’ve decided to devote at least one blog a week detailing Hilo’s hot spots. Those of you who have visited Hilo may be chuckling. After all, Hilo isn’t exactly the tourist capital of the state… or even of the Big Island, but that’s part of what makes it so charming. Hilo is the seat of the government on the Big Island and the home … Continue reading →

The Thinker’s Summer Vacation Plans

It has been the most popular attraction at the Detroit Institute of Arts for decades. But now, the sculpture that has sat squarely at the entrance to one of the country’s largest fine arts museums is hitting the road. I’m referring to Rodin’s The Thinker—the iconic sculpture that draws tens of thousands of visitors to Michigan each year. If you were making plans to visit the museum this summer expecting to take in The Thinker—be warned—you’ll now have to drive west of Detroit to Grand Rapids if you want to see the sculpture in person. For the first time since … Continue reading →

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 →

Exploring A Coral Reef Without Getting Wet

Last month first lady Laura Bush traveled to the 50th state to unveil the new Hawaiian name for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. Mrs. Bush announced the new name would be Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which symbolizes the genealogy of the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately, she didn’t stick around long enough to see the marine life that calls the waters off the uninhabited chain of small islands home. The atolls, reefs and submerged banks around the islands are populated with more coral reefs than anywhere else in the nation. However, because of its isolated location there are few people … Continue reading →