Book News…

April 1, 2012

Pottermore Shop Opens (www.pottermore.com) As of Tuesday, March 27, all seven Harry Potter novels are now available in electronic form via the Pottermore shop, the exclusive retailer for Harry Potter e-books and digital audio books. A component of the long-delayed Pottermore site, the shop is initially selling U.S. and U.K. English editions, with French, Italian, [...]

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Oldest and Largest North Carolina Festival

March 26, 2012

The Azalea Festival held on April 11 – 15 in Wilmington is the oldest and largest festival in the Old North State. This year marks the 65th year that it has been held and promises to be one of its best years. The event kicks off on Wednesday morning with the arrival of Queen Azalea, [...]

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Little Known Facts About Antarctica

March 22, 2012

One of my favorite travel experiences (and definitely most memorable) has been Antarctica. If you’re considering this unique adventure, be advised that there are only three ways to do it: by cruise ship, icebreaker expedition, or sightseeing by air. Departures take place from either Argentina, Australia, Chile, or New Zealand. A cruise ship allows only a [...]

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Is There Any Such Thing as Privacy These Days?

March 15, 2012

Have you noticed that our privacy is eroding day by day? The latest news is in regards to airport screening. If you’re a frequent traveler and wish to avoid the tedious security lines, you have to agree to be pre-screened. This means you agree to an invasive background check and freely provide all kinds of [...]

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American Queen Steamboat Sails Again

March 10, 2012

Have you ever longed to take a river cruise but didn’t want to fly to Europe to do it? Now you don’t have to! American Queen is the most opulent and legendary riverboat ever built. Passengers will find luxurious staterooms, superb meals by Chef Regina Charboneau, and showboat style entertainment. The inaugural cruise takes place [...]

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And the $500 Million Treasure Goes to…

March 6, 2012

Some of you may be aware that the wreck of a Spanish galleon was recently found, along with a pile of treasure. ALOT OF TREASURE. We’re talking about 594,000 gold and silver coins and other artifacts. They were found and excavated by Marine Exploration. The 200-year-old shipwreck, Nuestra Senora de los Mercedes, was discovered off [...]

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Coming in March: Extraterrestrial Abductions Day & A Big Ghost Show

March 1, 2012

March not only brings the beginnings of spring, but also some fun national holidays (although I wouldn’t expect your employer to recognize them!) Here are my five favorites: 3/8 Be Nasty Day (Be snippy all day, you’re allowed!) 3/14 National Potato Chip Day (FYI: potato chips were invented on August 24, 1853 by New York Chef [...]

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Best Spring Break Ideas for Families & College Kids

February 26, 2012

PART I. SPRING BREAK FOR COLLEGE KIDS Every year it seems like travel experts try to ‘predict’ new hot spots for spring break. Come on! It’s the same old thing… For years, the top destinations remain pretty much the same and the reason is simple: The majority of college students want to party and have FUN during their school [...]

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The Best Travel Apps

February 22, 2012

There are too many travel-related apps out there to count, so how do you know which ones you need? I’ve included some of my favorites to get you started: For Overseas Travel: *Oanda Currency Converter (calculates exchange rates for close to 200 currencies and is specific to credit card or cash transactions). FREE. *iTranslate (approximately [...]

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It’s Mardi Gras Time!

February 17, 2012

Planning to attend this festival? Here’s How to Have Fun at Mardi Gras and in New Orleans… Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday”, is the last day of the Carnival season. It always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, which is February 21 this year. Most visitors will arrive this weekend so [...]

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