Gearing up for summer movies in the backyard

Yep, been doing movies in the backyard for 10 years or so. I think the first film I showed was "Reptilicus", so that will give you an idea of the genre!

This year we will start in a couple of weeks, rain or shine, and after a BBQ of pork patty palooza, show an Abbott and Costello films called "Time of their Lives."

Should be a fun evening.

Storm Chasing

I did a study with one of my students a while back that looked into Storm Chasing: The Ultimate Risk Recreation. It was published in Parks and Recreation (Sept 2000). You can find it at:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1145/is_9_35/ai_66035661/?tag=content;col1

Now, given the horrendous loss of life in the Midwest over the weekend, I offer this question. Should we, as tourists, exploit the damaging impacts of Tornadoes?

I am reminded of this every time I am on the road, and a fire truck or cop car or ambulance scream down the highway and drivers do not get out of the way. Come on folks, let these people do their job. someone's life may be at risk!

Graduation 2011

Congratulations to all 2011 graduates. May you take your energy and knowledge and improve our world.

Canada is US's Biggest Visitor in 2010

Canada tops the list of visitors and spending in the US in 2010. See the summary report at http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/pdf/2010-Top-10-Markets.pdf.

Since the American and Canadian Dollar are about the same in value, this number is probably fueled by the GST!

Mexico follows in numbers while Japan follows in money spent.

Dolores Fullers dies at 88

Thus cult movie fans will recognize this actress. Starring in such classics as Glen or Glenda, Mesa of Lost Women, and Bride of the Monster, she was the companion of Ed Wood early in her career. This must have helped her since she moved on to writing music for Elvis!

Anyway, she has passed and will be missed.

Happy Mother's Day

Peace to you and yours. Me? I walked Biscuit in the Frank Stanley Beverage Wildlife Sanctuary in Westfield MA. Strange thing, I walked along this fence line that borders our campus and the Park.

Shot this with my cell phone and must have clicked on black and white? Anyway, met lots of mom's today and several four legged ones greeted Biscuit.

Coconut Ice Cream

I am in Heaven now. A local homemade ice cream is making coconut ice cream. The Northside Creamery is the name and click on the title for their website.

Why coconut? Well probably the first time I ever had it was in 1997 in Belize. I mean you can get coconut and chocolate ice cream but I am talking about 100% coconut. I then found that when you travel in the Caribbean or Central America you can get this wonderful dessert, but not easily in the States.

In Martinique earlier this year, I had coconut ice cream for dessert at every dinner. We also came across a beach vendor at La Plage des Salines. For a Euro, you got some fresh homemade coconut ice cream!

Life is good.