Fishing in Killybegs

Ireland offers two and a half thousand miles of coastal area. The longest river in Ireland, the River Shannon, starts in the North and runs through County Clare and, like most rivers, is filled with salmon, trout, and mackeral. And, Ireland’s 365 lakes make fishing a top commercial and recreational choice. For only 12 Euros, you can obtain a fishing license and head out for some fun. The town of ‘Killybegs’ is the largest fishing village in Ireland and is Ireland’s version of its own ‘Deadliest Catch’. It has quite the impressive fleet of commercial and recreational vessels.
I always enjoy myself more when I'm near the water, there's just something about it. The calm, serene feeling adds to the quality of life, even if you don't fish, the Killybegs area is beautiful!
KILLYBEGS, Irelands Liveliest Fishing Port www.killybegs.ie

Belly Up at The Emerald Bar in Bundoran

I boarded my bus for points further north, eventually crossing over the border into the West End of Bundoran in County Donegal. Bundoran is a charming little beach town, a horseback riding paradise, and a surfing mecca.
After lunch, it was time to explore. I walked up the hill that overlooked the Atlantic Ocean and was drawn to a little pub called the ‘Emerald Bar’, an original IRA pub. This was 'The Republic of Ireland' and I approached the pub with some hesitation. Yet, I was craving a Guinness! (If you’ve never imbibed a Guinness in Ireland, you have not fully lived! The creamy texture is much lighter than it appears and a pint of the dark stuff slides down your gullet like a penguin in a wet suit!)
Once inside, you couldn’t help but to notice the reminders of the struggle that once was. The posters that lined the walls told the story of a troubled past. I bellied up to the bar and was greeted with a nod. I felt safe enough, but I knew I was an outsider.
The bathrooms told the story of a real Irish pub; no toilet seats. It was as if to say, ‘don’t get too comfortable’.
Another Irish saying goes something like this...”A bird can’t fly on one wing”. So, I did just that and ordered a second Guinness. ‘Slancha!’(Cheers), I exclaimed, as I finished my pint and glided with two wings out of the pub.
I loved the feel of the pubs in Ireland, most offer live music and all offer the liquid gold, Guinness! Don't be scared, everyone is friendly, even the tough ones crack a smile!

Top of The World in Ireland

Europe’s highest sea cliffs are found at Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) and offer the most stunning views in all of Ireland. The awe inspiring sight of the torquise waves from the Atlantic Ocean as they crash onto the shore some 1972 feet below will take your breath away. The road leading up to the cliffs is also a unforgettable experience. With it’s twists and turns and sudden breath-taking drops, you might think your bus is tipping over. Leave your high heals at home ladies; the walking pathways are rugged. I hiked One Man’s Pass, a five feet wide trail made up of very steep slopes on either side. As I climbed my way to the top, my heart was beating faster. I stopped for a moment, the wind blowing hard, and took a deep breath as I became entranced with the natural beauty of the unspoiled landscape. As I reached for my water and then for my camera, I realized I was on top of the world. Note: The 400 meter pathway is not for the faint of heart on a windy day.

Sliabh Liag (SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS) Europes highest sea cliffs over looking the Atlantic Ocean 1972 ft below. www.sliabhleague.com

The Gardens of Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is set along the Derryveagh Mountains in the Northwest corner of Donegal, Ireland. With over 16,000 hectors (or about 40,000 acres) of mountain, lakes and woodland, the park offers the ultimate getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure junkies, or those just seeking peace and tranquility.
You're free to roam the Park on your own or you may sign up for a guided tour with a knowledgeable park guide. It was the Gardens Of Glenveagh that held the magic for me for it a nature lover and bird watching paradise.
The colors of the gardens are most vibrant in the summer months, lasting into the Fall. The walled gardens had hedges of sweet pea with brightly colored allium, poppies and inula, mixed with organic vegetables in the center; known as ‘Jardin Potager’ style. My favorite, by far, of all the flora and fauna was the saucer-sized rare Himalayin Blue Poppies. It’s paper thin petals swayed in the gentle breeze. As the butterflies fluttered above, I thought how lucky they were to call Glenveagh home.
If you find yourself in this part of the world be sure to take in the beauty of Glenveagh, you will be glad you did.

Glenveagh National Park-Donegal - The park is open year round, 7 days a week from 10am - to 6pm. (9am - 5pm in the winter) www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie

The Stone Womb

Newgrange is the best known of the three great Irish passage tombs of the Bru Na Boinne complex. Constructed during the New Stone Age, the passage tombs at Bru Na Boinne are about 5,000 years old. The people who built the giant hand crarved stone womb belonged to a thriving farm community. A passage tomb is as it suggests, a passage leading into a chamber where the remains of the dead were placed, perhaps, to be reborn. I say this because, for me, it felt more like I was entering a giant stone vaginal passage.
The walls of this giant womb were narrow and musty. As I crouched to enter the dark zone with only a flashlight, I had a mental flashback to a recent visit to my gynocologist. It was the vast opening into the giant uterus of the tomb that made me think about the years of engineering that must have gone into this art form.
After 5,000 years, the corbelled roof at Newgrange is still waterproof. Constructed of granite boulders and quartz stones from the nearby River Boyne, it’s estimated that the tomb weighs 200,000 tons. Newgrange sits high on a hilltop, overlooking the sheep filled hills of Meath. The giant circular mound is highly regarded as one of the finest achievments of the European Neolithic Art period.
One must experience what I like to call the giant stone womb.

NEWGRANGE, Irelands Passage Tombs www.newgrange.com

Mercedes-Benz Arena, Shanghai


No, Mercedes-Benz hasn't started making spaceships (although that would be a blessing at rush hour). This chrome "craft" in the Pudong district of Shanghai is actually an arena, which opened earlier this week.

Originally created for the city's World Expo, the oyster-shell-shaped structure has morphed from that event's cultural center into the country's first venue to offer naming rights—China's answer to L.A.'s Staples Center.

There's a lot going on inside to interest both locals and visitors, including an 18,000-seat stadium, a cineplex, an ice rink, a music club, and a mall. And in case you're still feeling skittish about aliens, rest assured the only conquering forces flying in will be the NBA basketball teams slated to play there soon.

Of all the buildings from Shanghai's 2010 World Expo this building is one of five that will remain after the Expo has ended.





Mercedes-Benz Arena
1200 Expo Avenue
Pudong
Shanghai, China

The Holy What?

Excited for my trip to Ireland, I prayed to the travel gods in hopes my flight would make it off the ground this time! My first attempt was haulted due to the Icelandic volcano that spewed ash all over Europe and wreaked havoc on airports and travelers alike. As I was packing, it was the green, rubber, shamrock, ‘Seamus Murphy’ bracelet that jumped out at me. As if to say, “Bring me, bring me!” I decided it would become my Irish good luck charm.

Good Luck Charms
What I hadn’t realized at the time was how important my good luck charm would turn out to be. You don’t get more Irish than Sean ‘Seamus’ Murphy. He was even born on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1999. He’s a regular kid; a red head. He loves dogs, ice hockey, camping and fishing. So, when he was diagnosed the day after his ninth birthday with Stage 4, Non-Hotchkins Lymphoma, it was indeed a sad day; not only for his family, but for everyone who knows him. He underwent chemo and radiation for approximatly two years and spent way too much time in the hospital. So his parents, Jim and Karin, along with his sister Fionnuala “Finn”, ride the emotional roller coaster together. They try not to go into ‘panic mode’ every time Seamus coughs or sneezes. Thus, it was the rubber shamrock bracelet that I donated one dollar for that I hoped would hold some Irish magic for all of us.

Lost in ‘Bog Land’
Traveling by bus from Dublin to Sligo, I was in awe of the beauty that the mountains of Ireland project. It’s rolling hills, dotted with sheep, seemed like a patchwork quilt. The mesmerizing views of the expanding Atlantic were interrupted by the bumpy road that seemed to move and drop and to give way to the sinking bogs of Bally Shannon. It was then that I heard my guide say something about visiting ‘The Holy Well’. “The Holy What?”, I thought in my mind.

The Holy What?
As a ‘recovering Catholic’ who is not really overly any religion anymore, The ‘Tobernault Holy Well’ in Sligo County promised to be a spiritual moment for me! Visitors stop by and say a prayer and perhaps leave a personal belonging behind, such as a hair tie or a shoe lace, or in my case, a rubber shamrock bracelet, in hopes that your prayers will be answered. It hit me like a ton of bricks... this is the reason the rubber braclet jumped out at me 4 days ago. Little Seamus needed a prayer! Overwhelmed by something more powerful than me, my emotions grew from within like a rumbling thunder.

Spiritual Magic
Religion or not, it seemed that this was my reason for being here. I entered the silent holy ground and lit a candle for little Seamus. I carefully climbed my way up the old, crumbling stone staircase towards the lumbering thousand year old Holly Tree. It appeared to be weaping; the boughs heavy with burden, as if the protecting of all the special objects left behind had taken it’s toll on the poor old tired tree. I slipped the rubber braclet from my wrist, and placed it amongst the hundreds of other objects. I said a little prayer, and slowly retraced my steps back to the bus. My thoughts where quiet, my mind was still, peace and a sense of calm had taken over, and I was one with my thoughts. I had a ‘moment’ at the Holy Well, not exactly certain what the magic was, but I will never forget the feeling from within my soul. Little Seamus is not out of the woods yet, but his parents remain cautiously optomistic. My hope and prayer is that someday a healthy Seamus will visit the Holy Well, see his bracelet, and believe in the magic of Ireland.

Magic Awaits you in Ireland

Feeling Small...

I'm feeling a little lost, somehow forgotten. I don't mind being so far away from home, it's just the lack of communication.
It started out good when a man at the airport was holding a place mat with my name on it! He spoke perfect English, and brought me to my hotel. It's been going down hill since! I spent the entire first day in China by myself. I spoke with a nice German man, he helped me get in touch with someone from CNTB. I think I was a surprise! They paid for my ticket, so I thought they knew I was coming. Well of course they did, I'm just being silly! I am experiencing a lost, far away, alone type of vibe. I depend on facebook when I travel,I like the rational thoughts of my friends back home. It got me through a bullfight in Valencia, and it saved me from being eaten alive in the pubs of Dublin.(Well,almost!)
So now, I find myself trapped in non communication land. Wuhan, China has locked me down from e-mail contact, blog, and now it appears text. All of which are not an option at the moment.
I sent an e-mail back home, and I got a text, that it had been received, but it was blank.
Then, I sent a text, and I got nothing in return, so that leads me to believe that I am in full LOCK OUT MODE!
Confusing and frustrating, yes it is!
I'm a little more concerned about tomorrow, my itinerary keeps changing with the tide of the Yangtze. I don't know where I'll be staying or even what city or town. All I know, or think I know, is that I will be someplace in The Hubei Province.
Nothing is in English! So for now, I shall sleep in the Shangri-La Hotel and see what tomorrow brings.

VIP, Me?

Apparently, I'm one of the lucky ones to receive a Visa, and to be welcomed into China! I've heard that some high up government officials were turned down for a visa, but not me! Can you imagine?!
Being a 5'10" tall blond American women in China has it's perks, let's just say I'm turning some heads. It appears, I'm not very good at blending in. People want to have their picture taken with me, I am beginning to feel like a VIP.
Everyone is very friendly, it's a pity I don't speak the language because I am experiencing a bit of a barrier. I can't wait to share my photos and blogs, but that will have to wait for now, as China has blocked any and all blogging and e-mail from Wuhan, China. They do not have this thing we call Facebook, or Twitter. It's the governments way to keep some control over what information comes in or goes out.
I had my first encounter with a scary drink mixture this afternoon, I thought it was derived from some type of plant, but then I wasn't so sure when I felt it moving in my mouth...hummm,to swallow or to spit? Unfortunately for me, I've been in this predicament before. I thought for a moment, looked around, and with nowhere to spit I committed, and so I swallowed...It reminded me of a polly wog egg sac from a pond. Little, black spotted, jello like, pods, holding tightly together in a clump. I thought for a moment,...this can't be what they serve the VIP'S! I should have known something was just not right, when next to the polly wog eggs was thinly sliced antler, just how one should prepare that is a mystery for me. My guess? tea or soup. I decided not to hang around and find out.
My visit so far is getting more interesting by the moment!I wonder what the poor people are doing right now?!VIP?... Me?... Maybe!

Wuhan, China...Rich in History

When my kids were little, one of my favorite books that I liked to read to them was titled; "The Adventures of PING". The story took place on a river boat in China along the Yangtze River. Something that far away dreams were made from. Ping was a very cute, sassy little duck.I would often day dream after reading the story of Ping, it seemed like such a far away land. He was a cute, mischievous little fellow. He would always wander off from the crowd, one day finding himself captured, and almost made into dinner. He always seemed to find his way into trouble, a bit like myself at times, but at the end of the day Ping always managed to find his way back to his boat and his master, most times being last, and having to pay the price by a swatting of the reeds. Wuhan is the Capitol of Hubei Province, it is situated at the confluence of The Yangtze River and it's greatest branch, Hangjiang. Being accessible to both water and land, it has earned it's reputation of "the thoroughfare to nine provinces" and functions as one of the few pivots of water, land and air.
Wuhan belongs to the Jianghan Plain with a clear distinction between the seasons.It is home to more than a hundred beautiful lakes that are distributed throughout the city, as well as many scenic mountains.
Wuhan designates itself the 'Cradle of Culture', with tens of thousands of years history, and it is one of China's most historical and most cultural cities.
A city of three towns and two rivers, Wuhan has a trading heritage that dates back as far as the Ming Dynasty. Today, I stay in the Shangri-la Hotel, in Wuhan, its central location in the Hankou buissness and commercial hub makes it convenient to all. Called "Three Towns of Wuhan" with Wachang, Hankou and Hanyang, which are all divided by the Yangtze River and Hanjiang. Hankou is home to the commercial center, Wachung is known for its culture center, and with most universities of Wuhan and the provincial government of Hubei; and Hanyang is the key to development of the city.
I'm told The Yangtze River Pier is only 15 minutes from my hotel, at some point I will wander my way over to explore the old river boats,you never know, I might just stumble opon "PING!"

Wuhan Hotel | Official Site Shangri-La Hotel Wuhan | Luxury Hotel

Wuhan Hotel | Official Site Shangri-La Hotel Wuhan | Luxury Hotel

The Shangri-la Hotel in Wuhan, China is a GREAT welcome spot! I am so happy to call it home for the next couple of days! After what seemed like endless hours and endless days... I have arrived in China! Still day light for all my friends back home, it's the opposite for me. So,I find my self in a fabulous Hotel room staring at the walls, it's mid-night, I'm wide awake, not sure if it's time for lunch, dinner or breakfast? I think I will skip the food for now and take a soak in the tub, that's probably my best bet!
I will be attending the opening ceremony tomorrow of the 5th Central China Travel Expo in Wuhan, China.
It all sounds exciting, I think I will be ready for what ever the world offers come morning after a bit of a slumber...

The Volcano Sleeps

I was supposed to travel to Ireland last month, however, the mighty volcano erupted and forced all flights in or out of the UK to be grounded. I considered myself lucky... at least I was stuck home and not abroad.
The time has come full circle and it looks as if the volcano is napping, hopefully long enough for me to enjoy my trip to beautiful Ireland, and long enough for me to make a safe return!
I'm looking forward to resting my head on the luxury pillows at the 5 STAR Merrion Hotel.
I can't wait to walk the gardens of the Dublin Castle, or to view the artwork at Hugh Lane Gallery.
I will try to keep you informed of all my explorations of the castles and gardens of Ireland, and, perhaps, even a few pubs along the way!
With a little "LUCK OF THE IRISH," the mighty volcano will stay deep in it's slumber for a very long time.

Time to Blog

I really need to find the time to sit down and write more Blog's. Between three kids, three dogs, two cats, and one husband, you would think I would have enough interesting stuff to write about.
It's the TIME FACTOR. I need to find my 'GROOVE' Perhaps, treat it like a job...oh no that one of those! The "J" word.
Well for now, this is it for today, because duty calls. I'm off to the Casa Villa in Kingston today to tend bar for the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. I should have plenty to write come tomorrow morning, problem is, will I have the time?

Whiteface Mountain, From The Summit

There's a lot of great skiing out there and it's within your reach,and grasp, at Whiteface Mountain.
Skiers are a restless breed, always on the lookout for 'freshies'; always awaiting the big dump. Ahh...nothing like fresh powder! I've skied Whistler and Blackcolm Mountains in Canada and I've skied several mountains out west, Vail being one of my fav's. My home turf is the Snow Making Capitol of the World, Hunter Mountain. Hunter can't be beat for great conditions even with NO natural snow. I had the good fortune to ski Whiteface Mountain not once this season, but twice. Let me tell you, I've heard the rumor..."Ice face"; well I'm here to tell you, it's just NOT TRUE! Whiteface has a family mountain feel, but with all the perks of big mountain skiing. It's terrain covers everything from green trails to double black diamond, with an added bonus of glade and slide skiing.
I had two of the best skis days this whole season at Whiteface. Bluebird skies and all!
Whiteface is located in Wilmington, New York, next to Lake Placid, in the heart of the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains,and it's not to be missed. Although I grew up in the Hudson River Valley in upstate New York, there is something about the drive through the Adirondacks that makes you question yourself. 'Am I really still in New York'? The white birch forests that line the highway and the trickling streams that seem to flow everywhere are nothing less than breathtaking.
Whiteface is a social place; a vintage house party. Many of the present visitors came as children and return every year, often with their own offspring in tow.
From the top of the 1980 Olympic down hill course,elevation-4867', one can't help but feel invigorated and full of life. I'm alive! I took a deep breath and filled my lungs with fresh Adirondack air. My friend, Dudley, announced to everyone, "Take your time boys and girls, it's even steeper than it looks." I like the steeps. I thought about the Olympians who stood here 30 years ago to the day, I'm sure my heart was beating just as fast, but for a different reason; fear. What's truly great about Whiteface Mountain is that all levels of skiers can enjoy this mountain. While I took the downhill course, I had friends that chose the long cruiser run to the right. All the trails lead to the same end point, so you can meet up again with your party. To enhance your trip, I suggest downloading "The Bridget Widget" to your computer. (I will insert a link at the bottom of this page.) Named after my friend Bridget, you can get the latest snow conditions, 5-day weather forecast, special offers, deals and up to the last minute news on what's happening at Whiteface; let my friend Bridget entertain you in the process.
No matter your mood, Lake Placid is a great spot to be. It's not just about skiing. With two prior winter Olympics held in Lake Placid,the first in 1932 and the memorable 1980 games, when the U.S. Men's Hockey team beat Russia, there is so much to do. You can take a high speed bobsled or luge or skeleton run; it's like your childhood sled on steroids. Or,take the elevator to the top of the 120 meter tower of the Olympic ski jumping area. And,skating at the Olympic speed skating oval is a blast! Whatever your mood, Whiteface and Lake Placid have the answer.
If there are non-skiers in your party, there is plenty do do in the Whiteface/Lake Placid area. The eight person high speed Gondola carries you from the main base lodge to the top of Little Whiteface in 15 minutes. There are plenty of breath taking sights to see from the top. If you're not an adrenaline junky at all, then just take a stroll through town. There's lots of shopping and little cafes to choose from. The village's centerpiece is the beautiful Mirror Lake. On the day that I strolled through town, a man was out on the frozen lake with his dog sled and children and their families were ice skating. They even have a fun Toboggan run on the east side of the lake.
As for lodging, I would recommend two different spots. The Crowne Plaza offered a mid-week ski package that's a steal. $89. per night includes a full breakfast and a lift ticket. Or, there is the fabulous and pet friendly Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge. Reasonably priced, clean,over sized spacious rooms with hot coffee, cocoa, tea and homemade muffins and donuts in the morning. For those who don't know who Art Devlin was, read my previous blog and learn about the greatest ski jumper in the world, Lake Placid native, Art Devlin.

For more information on the Olympic Sports Complex contact the ORDA Store:
518-523-1420 or: www.lakeplacidwhiteface.com

For information on Whiteface Mountain go to:www.whitefacelakeplacid.com
Whiteface Mountain
5021 Rt. 86
Wilmington, NY 12997

For Crowne Plaza Resort information go to: www.lakeplacidcp.com
101 Olympic Dr.
Lake Placid, NY 12947
For Reservations call 1-877-570-5891
to get the mid-week ski deal contact the hotel directly at 518-523-2556

Art Devlin's for sure is my #1 Spot! Still family owned and operated by Sue and Art Devlin. You will not be disappointed!
For more information on Art Devlin's go to www.artdevlins.com
Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge
2764 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
518-523-3700
Ask for Art Jr. Tell him I sent you!

For your free download of the Bridget Widget go to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com

See you on the Mountain!

Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge, Feels Like Home

Every weekend,I'm hitting the road and following a GPS somewhere. It's part of what you do when your daughter plays on a Tier One 16 and under travel hockey team. We pack the car and set out for a full weekend of fun and adventure. This past weekend,I found myself heading to the beautiful Adirondack Mountain area of Lake Placid, in upstate New York.
"Art Devlin who?", I asked the hockey mom in charge of reservations.
I'm a big fan of Trip Advisor, so, at that moment, I quickly googled up 'Art Devlin' and was pleasantly surprised to read that Art Devlin's Motor Lodge was rated #1!in Lake Placid. Even the highly acclaimed Mirror Lake Inn fell short as it was rated at #2. What? I thought. This can't be true. Did I hit the motel jack pot! Absolutely!
Sure,you can find fancier, and most definitely you can find more expensive, but you will NOT find a better bang for your buck anywhere else than at this comgy abode. Art Devlin's offers over sized, spacious, and clean rooms that make you feel like you're home. In an attempt to keep up with the times, Devlin's have added large flat screen TVs to most of the rooms. Soon, all of the rooms will have the upgraded version. The beautifully tiled over-sized bathrooms are a bonus as well! Coming soon, in August 2010, Art Devlin's will be offering a suite to the list of rooms at the motel. After a good nights sleep, head over to the main house and have a fresh brewed cup of coffee and a homemade muffin made with love by the Devlin's. While having my morning cup of joe, I couldn't help but notice the most impressive trophy case imaginable. At first glance, I thought it must belong to the entire Devlin family, perhaps generations of Devlin awards. I found out after speaking with Art Jr., that indeed, all the trophies in the case belonged to only one person, and that person was his dad, the Olympic ski jumping gold medal winner, Art Devlin Sr.
Art Devlin has a very interesting story. Art was born in the main house (were the lobby is today) on Sept 7,1922. When Art was just two years old, his mother passed away from scarlet fever.Soon after, his father suffered from depression and became a victim of mental health misunderstandings of the time and was institutionalised. With the family disrupted, Art was raised by relatives. Some might think that those turn of events would break a persons soul, but not Art. He was determined to become someone! He built a small ski jump in the back yard (where the pool is located today) and would practice for hours a day. By the time Art was 10 years old, he won his first ski jumping award in a 14-U class. By the time Art was
17, he earned a spot on the 1940 Olympic team. Unfortunately, the 1940 Olympics, scheduled for Japan,were cancelled due to WW2. Like many men of his time, he answered his country's call and joined the Army. After earning the title of Captain, he left the service and went back to his first love of ski jumping.
Although Art's credits are almost too long to mention, they all deserve recognition if we are to get a full appreciation of his triumphs. I have compiled a complete list at the end of this column.
Art passed away in 2002, missed by the Olympic community and by his family who still operate his motel today.
I was extremely comfortable at Art's! Its great location makes it an easy walk to the scenic Mirror Lake and the heart of Lake Placid village. If you plan on skiing the Olympic mountain, Whiteface, it's just a short scenic 9 mile drive down the road to Wilmington.

A list of Art's accomplishments is as follows:

Lake Placid High School - 1941
Syracuse University - 1941, 1942

United States Army Air Force - 1943-1946
Graduated Bombardier - Pilot Training -1943
50 Combat Missions, E.T.O. Germany - 1944
3 Distinguished Flying Crosses
5 Air Medals
3 Purple Hearts
2 Presidential Unit Citations
Rank of Captain - Discharged - 1946

Under Contract, Norma Shearer, Hollywood, CA - 1946-1949

Married Helen McCutcheon, June 28, 1952
Children: Jacqueline-1955, Art-1957, Alexis-1963

Olympic Teams:
1940 - Cancelled because of the war
1948 - St Moritz, Switzerland
1952 - Oslo, Norway
1956 - Cortina, Italy
1960 - Squaw Vally (he resigned to become a TV sports Commentator for CBS)

U.S. Eastern Ski Jumping Champion - 1939,1940,1941
U.S. Eastern Downhill Champion - 1941
National Ski Jumping Champion - 1942,1946,1949,1950
North American Ski Jumping Champion - 1949,1950,1954
National Champion (Canada) - Four Times
World F.I.S.Team - Lake Placid - 1950 - 4th
World F.I.S. Team - Falun, Sweden - 1954

Set North American Distance Record, 307 feet, Steamboat Springs, CO - 1950
First American in Ski Flying - 120 Meter Hill - Oberstdorf, Germany -463 feet - 1952
Broadcast every World Ski Jumping Championship and Winter Olympic games since 1960 on TV, plus an average of 6 ski jumping events every winter on TV.
Wide World of Sports ABC-TV Sports Commentator from 1962, for 21 years.
Installed in the Ski Hall of Fame, 1963

Art spread himself in many directions and he was a true humanitarian. After spending a little time with his son, Art Jr, I feel like I have a better understanding of who Art Devlin really was. The family planted a blue Spruce tree in honor of Art and every year they decorate it with blue lights in remembrance of their father. It's not just a motel, it's a legacy.
I feel like his spirit was with us as my daughters 16U team captured the 2010 Lake Placid International Hockey Tournament championship.

Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge
2764 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
518-523-3700
www.artdevlins.com
or e-mail: info@artdevlins.com

A Night at The Night

Take a stroll back in time when TV was in black and white. Now, go forward and make that TV a 37 inch wall mounted plasma, add 400-thread count Frette linens and an ultra feather duvet cover to the picture, and what have you got?
I'll tell you! You have the upscale boutique style NIGHT HOTEL, located on West 45th street in the heart of New York City's Times Square.
The 'Night' is decorated fabulously Gothic with the decor contrasted in black and white. As you enter into The Night, you will quickly shift from the outside world of stress and work to the solitude and comfort of The Night. The techno music playing throughout morphs you into another world. The black and white photos that decorate the walls throughout the hotel add to the seduction of the hotel; scantily clothed nudes with artistic tattoos on their lower backs. If you allow, it will change your mood; it oozes naughty!
I, for one, enjoy the escape from everyday realities.I urge you to go beyond the black and white to discover the entire spectrum. Desire it at Night? Then so it shall be. Some things can only happen at Night.

NIGHT HOTEL
132 WEST 45TH ST
NEW YORK, NY 10036
212-835-9600
www.nighthotelny.com
www.vikramchatwalhotels.com

Time Flies During Hockey Season

Yeah, I know the cliche, "Time flies when your having fun," or busy getting old, or raising kids, or just sitting around doing nothing. For me, the time has been flying high, far, fast and wide. It's HOCKEY season at my house! For me, this means practices four nights a week for the two out of three kids I have that are playing hockey. It means every, and I mean every, weekend we are following the GPS to some new hotel in some new little town,finding the back roads that lead to a Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Shop, eating and enjoying the continental breakfast,and locating a pizza place that we can call our new favorite!
It means the eight hockey sticks, new and old must lean against the wall in our doorway until about mid-March, so that every time we open or close the front doorway, they rattle against the inner wall, sometimes falling with a loud crash that makes your heart skip a beat. It means the smell, the superb aroma of 'The Hockey Bag' as you enter my home stirs throughout the air like a men's locker room. Yankee candle has nothing on me! The cans of Fabreeze are empty and discarded around the house because it must be easier to ditch it behind the cactus then to just toss it in the recycle bin. I try to keep the stench generally located in one area, however, there are the special times when my daughters think it is time to 'Air Out' the bags, and it is at this time when all items are laid out,well, usually scattered all over the floor, usually blocking all emergency exits. The shin pads,the shoulder protectors,the jerseys, the girl jocks,the many colored rolls of tape, and let us not forget the smelly socks and helmets with the mouth guards hanging from them like a Christmas ornament would hang off a tree, or mistletoe might dangle over your entryway.
You know it's hockey season when you always have a blanket in your car. Ours is a bright blue one with Sponge Bob Square Pants on it. At some point it makes it's way in the car soon after the fold up chairs from soccer season have made the way out. It is this blanket that is the core of warmth. It is the 'Togetherness Blanket' as our family shares it at the freezing cold arenas. We all sit much closer during hockey season, as the metal bleachers are frigid on our rears.
I must say I love Hockey season, even with all the extra layers of clothing and it's hat tricks, icings, and chuck-a-pucks, but I also am very thankful for my other daughter who is on the basketball team. She offers me the nice warm indoor wooden bleachers to defrost my bones. My cheering doesn't change,so whether it's 20 degrees, or 70 degrees,I'm every bit as loud!
Time is flying by for all of us. We must be careful what we wish for, for soon life will be over and our loud cheers will be but a distant memory of the past. We need to go to every game we can, to root the loudest we can, because if we don't, what is it all good for? There will be plenty of time at the end for peace and quiet...