Miami Book Fair International 2011

Great news! The Miami Book Fair International begins today, Sunday, November 13th! So if you're lucky enough to be in the area check it out because there are many great things to do. You have until the 20th of November to see everything, but the Street Fair is only from November18th - 20th.

There are many discussions and readings for the adults, as well as things for children. Activities for children include theater, arts-and-crafts, storytelling and readings. This annual fair is worth visiting. According the the About The Fair page, over 250 publishers, booksellers exhibit and sell books with special features.

If you would like to attend specific events visit the Schedule of Events page. The Fairgoer's Guide can also be helpful too. So head out there and buy books!


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National Parks

We have all heard about the fantastic National Parks across the country. In fact, we have even seen many of them like Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks on television. Have you ever gone into one? If not, now is the time to make the trip!

National Parks are not only great to look at, they're filled with history. Visiting them can be an event for the entire family. If you still need more incentive to give it a try, the U.S. National Park Service has a list of free entrance days available.

Plan a visit because there is much to see!


Link: National Parks with Amtrak

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The 67th Annual Columbus Day Parade NYC 2011

According to about.com, the Columbus Day Parade will be held on Monday, October 10th from 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. It begins on 5th Avenue at 44th Street and continues along 5th Avenue to 79th Street. This parade is one of the largest celebrations of Italian-American culture.

The Columbus Day Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, which is at 50th Street and 5th Avenue starts at 9:30 a.m. Make sure you join in on the fun and festivities! Be sure to arrive early because many are expected to crowd the streets. If you're not into large crowds, please remember you can also view this wonderful parade live online at abc7.


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Saint Michael – Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn

I have long missed the days of what I consider the old style Catholic Church Activities. When I was growing up Saint Fortunata on Linden Blvd held many things for their church goers to do. Well, I found a place of worship that does things like I remember it. Saint Michael – Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church has two events coming up: a flea market and a carnival.

The Church is located at 225 Jerome Street in Brooklyn, NY. The Flea Market is on Sunday, October 2, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the St. Michael Parish parking lot on the corner of Liberty Avenue and Warwick Street. There will be food and beverages sold too. Come out and show support! You might even find a few deals.

The carnival will be held from October 7 – 12, 2001. There will games and rides for everyone. So, bring the entire family. Please remember it is a church event; volunteers and donations are welcome!

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The Brooklyn Book Festival 2011

Tomorrow in Brooklyn, NY, the Brooklyn Book Festival of 2011 is a great festivity to check out. Sunday, September 18th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. events will be taking place. Book lovers should plan to attend! All events are free, although some require tickets.

Look at the available schedule and plan your day. There will be many interesting guest. For more information, please make sure you visit the festivals official page. I hope to see you there. Enjoy & happy Sunday!

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The Museum at FIT

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a wonderful college that has many great things to offer. Creativity literally exudes from the walls to great those in the building. It doesn't really matter where you are on campus your imagination is being stimulated. Even the library sports a man made out of books. One of the best ways heart and soul of FIT is excellently represented in its museum, which is entitled, the Museum at FIT.

This museum is a must see if you have a love for fashion. Although it's an interesting find for anyone. Currently, Sporting Life is being exhibited. It has been running since May 25th and will continue until November 5, 2011. This collection displays clothing through history right up to present day. If you have no knowledge of clothes pieces through time, it will educate you. Some of the fashion is not only remarkable, it's unbelievable. You will definitely leave with an appreciation for what we wear, as well as no longer use to adorn our bodies.

While I do suggest you visit this exhibit, which if free to the public, if it's not for you remember The Museum at FIT. It is always filled with wonderful surprises. In the past, First Lady, Michelle Obama's Inaugural Outfit was here too. So, stay on the look out for upcoming exhibitions!


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Labor Day Celebrations

I was looking for information for the upcoming holiday celebrations. The best information I found was at about.com. The information includes several celebrations. So look it up for yourself and plan out your fun!

The Philly Market Street Book Expo

Today was great! The Philly Market Street Book Expo (PMSBE) was amazing to attend. I'm glad I participated.

I saw many familiar and non-familiar faces and of course all were welcome. My novel, Beauty in Pain was well received!

I personally thank PMSBE for having me, as well as all those who came to get an autographed copy of Beauty in Pain. I look forward to many more events. For now, my next stop is in Baltimore, MD...see you there!


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Block Party!

Today was a day that many blocks celebrated annual block parties. And, my block was no different. There were barbeques, music, a pool for the children and good times all around.

It didn't even slightly resemble the old versions. Back in the day, block parties were held separate, unlike the all-in-one cluster of present day. People from all over the neighborhood would fill the streets & party until early in the morning. It was a party of the year.

While things have changed, it was still all good. We danced, ate and enjoyed each others company. I'm not a porch person, yet tonight I was out and had real fun.

Here's to next year!

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Count Down To Summer

The first full day of summer is June, 21st, and it is fast approaching. That's why there is no time to waste in making your summer plans. Use the days ahead determining what you want the season to bring. Careers, vacations and plain old fun need planning too.

Careers are a personal decision.  Vacations depend of where you want to go and money.  Fun is a little different.  There are things you can do that cost, but there are also freebies.  There are outdoor movies, as well as Shakespeare in the Park.  Some good resources with affordable suggestions include Time Out Magazine, nycgo.com, and websites like Kaboose.

Count down to summer wisely!


*Posts you may enjoy are Let Nothing Stand In Your Way, What Makes You Feel Attractive and What's On Your Agenda?

National Puerto Rican Day Parade NYC 2011

Every year the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is held and this year is no exception.  The 2011 parade is dedicated to the hometowns of Cabo Rojo and Patillas in celebration of their century-old foundations, according to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.

This year the Puerto Rican Day Parade will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2011.  It will start at 11 AM at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and will end at Fifth and 86th.  The anticipation is building.  Chiff.com also has information  available for the millions that look forward to this event every year.


*Posts you may enjoy are Gifts From God, It's Not Just Wii and Loving Life.

Fleet Week New York 2011

Fleet Week is a big deal in New York City!  It officially begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 25th - 30th, 2011. Festivities include everything from the Parade of Ships, and Broadway Performances to extended museum hours.  There will also be a ceremony held on Memorial Day at 11 A.M., as well as much more.

For more information on the activities for the week there are many sources.  The New York Daily News provided great information both online and by creating a Fleet Week pullout for this past Sundays paper.  About.com also supplied invaluable information.  The Intrepid Museum site is also fantastic.

Come out and celebrate our military as they visit the Harbor!  It will be a fantastic time with plenty to enjoy.


*Posts you may enjoy are Carefully Measure Your Success, Help Our World and It's Not Just Wii.

New York International Auto Show 2011

It's about that time for the New York International Auto Show!  It will be held at the Jacob Javits Center on 11th Avenue between 34 and 40 Streets.  It begins Friday, April 22 - May 1, 2011.  Public hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.  While the official opening day is Saturday, April 23rd, there will be a special public sneak preview held on April 22nd.

Auto Show goers have the usual fantastic things to look forward to like concept cars and just revealed automobiles.  The entry price is affordable. An adult ticket is $14 while children 3 to 12 years old are $4.  If you consider yourself more of the exclusive type a private tour can be arranged.

Your approach can vary.  You can wing it and stumble on many great finds.  Or you can take advantage of the Exhibitors Locator and plan out your every move.  It will help you to cut back on distractions and make your time well spent looking at exactly what you want to view.  Either way, it's an experience not to miss.

The New York International Auto Show isn't just for car lovers, it's a good time for all.  Everyone can have fun at the car show!


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Half Time at the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl Halftime Show was fantastic!  Honestly, it's been years since I've enjoyed it so much.  The Black Eye Peas were awesome and so were the surprise guest!  I always love seeing Usher perform.  The whole show in its entirety made it a performance not to miss.  My family, friends and I loved it.  Everybody was singing, dancing and steadily watching the television screen.

The fluorescent looking multi-colored people also added to the excitement.  They made shapes while dancing around in perfect unison.  My favorite shape was the heart because I'm crazy about love, which happened to be spelled out too during the show as well.

I felt good about it all and was sad to see it come to an end.


PS Congratulations to Green Bay!

Star Trek

I had to write about the newest Star Trek movie because I love it.  I think it's phenomenal!  Any Trekkie would appreciate this movie and Star Trek newbies will like it too.  I do think you will have a better appreciation for it if you posses a Star Trek background, but it's a great movie anyway.  That means that any movie loving, science fiction action seeking movie nut can and should get behind this one. 

Honestly, I could watch this DVD over and over again and have.  That's an outstanding fact because believe me I'm not that type.  I almost always feel like I could be watching something else.  After all, there is always something I haven't seen that I could be loving.  Of course, it depends on your family and ages involved, but I'm listing this one with family fun.

The cast was in my opinion a perfect selection.  They made you believe the back story and also showed enough of each character's historical truth that Star Trek lovers have held near and dear to their hearts.  If you don't have this DVD, get it.  If you do, watch it again.

It's Not Just Wii

Do you like karaoke or dance? If so, and you have a Nintendo Wii, I suggest Glee Karaoke Revolution and Michael Jackson the Experience. These two games are not just for karaoke gleek loving Michael Jackson fans. It's fun for everyone.

Glee Karaoke Revolution allows you to pick a the show character and select from the songs they sing. It has a microphone and can also cheer you on , all while continuously displaying scenes from the television show.

Michael Jackson the Experience is filled with hits from the King of Pop. The dance steps can be done on various levels and is simply entertaining. The game dance routines feature tricky foot movements and repetitive hand gestures that can also serve as both fun and exercise.

I think everyone should have these games at home.

Karaoke Revolution Glee Bundle

Michael Jackson The Experience

Disney on Ice - The Ice Capades

Mention the Ice Capades in a room full of adults and a conversation automatically starts.  There are the ones who love it and the ones who don't care for that sort of thing.  This happened to me earlier and I noticed that the people not in favor of the show hadn't seen it.  That fact made me quickly decide that I should.

Tonight I went to see Disney on Ice and loved it.  Honestly, I was skeptical, but it was wildly entertaining.  It's definitely a family must.  I went with five family members ranging in various decades and we were all happy.  There was singing, dancing and of course ice skating, but that wasn't it.  There were also things like bubbles, fire and fireworks right along with many loved characters.  One of the dance numbers I liked most was from Beauty & the Beast when the napkin covered utensils were strutting there stuff. 

I did suffer one huge disappointment because Tiana wasn't there, but my lovely cousin assured me that I simply caught the wrong show.  Putting that aside, love, love, loved it!