Heading to Hawaii for that long-awaited tropical vacation in paradise? Looking for some tips on what to see and do there from a former inhabitant? You have come to the right place. My wife and I lived on the island of Kauai for three years. We are not experts by any means; but we know…

When it’s time to take a long trip somewhere, it might be a good idea to consider hiring the services of a travel agent. There are many benefits that can be gained by using the services of travel agents. Many travel agencies can find discounts and low prices on vacation packages, as well as provide…

I moved to Thailand in 2003 simply because I was bored with my life in the United States. I lived in Boston, studied in New York, and traveled the world. Traveling was my favorite thing to do until I went to Thailand. It was like I was looking for something in the world and I…

Those of you who read my previous column will probably remember that I fell in love with an apricot cat during an impromptu weekend getaway to Highlands, North Carolina. With the recent passing of my own cat Sam last summer and my subsequent consultation with a “pet communicator” who assured me that Sam’s soul would…

Perth is located on the Swan River, washed by the Indian Ocean, in the southwestern corner of Western Australia. It is the capital of the state. The climate is Mediterranean: hot and dry. Daytime winter temperatures in Perth are around 10-20° Celsius and 20-33° in summer. WA is the most culturally diverse state in the…

Once thought to be extinct, the bed bug population has skyrocketed in the past decade. These insects have become a growing nuisance as reports of infestations have risen sharply. Dr. Michael Potter, a renowned etymologist at the University of Kentucky, recently said, “Bedbugs are running amok everywhere. It’s really going to rock this country.” These…

For most of us who grew up in the 1960s, it was an incredible formative period that we will never forget. For those who did not experience the decade themselves, but who study it, are inspired by it, and continue to explore the veins of thought and spirit that first opened so many years ago,…

Mnemonics is a memory tool to help us remember or memorize lists (like that list you were supposed to remember for your next test!) Mnemonic devices and methods are perhaps the easiest ways to remember lists of items. The simplest mnemonic method to remember ordered lists which is commonly used is plug methodalso known as…

If you live in the northern part of the United States or anywhere in Canada and have a pool, listen up. Although it can be a sad day, sometime in the fall you will have to close that pool. I know, it’s a terrible thing, the hot days perfect for sunbathing and splashing in the…

Starbucks presents itself as a high-quality coffee for the upper class and is priced slightly higher than the coffee from Caffe Nero. It stays true to its American originality and stands out uniquely in its wide range of coffee drinks with such just some snacks and desserts. Other than that, Starbucks distinguishes itself from other…