10 FAVORITES (62): London Twenty-Twelve!

Well, it has been a long two weeks away from this blog and I am rested and refreshed thanks to a little Olympics vacation.  No I didn't actually attend the XXX Olympiad in London; but with all the coverage all over the media (Online and on NBC's many channels), I felt like I was there (whether I wanted to be or not!).  And with the Closing Ceremonies done and the Games officially over, out come all the criticisms and lamentations over the happenings of the past two weeks of events.  Some criticize the athletes' performances, especially the ones who had to "settle for silver" (but the athletes are probably tougher on themselves than anyone else could be!).  Some lament the goings-on at the Games, especially in the Olympic Village (it seems every Olympics, we hear about some raunchy sex party happening in the athletes' residences!).  Some even lament the attitudes of some of the athletes.  I know I personally am lamenting the US Swim Team's choice to make a YouTube video of Carly Ray Jespensen's "Call Me Maybe" (I mean, seriously, enough with that song; I didn't enjoy it when Sesame Street parodied it and I usually enjoy a good SS parody!).

But the biggest criticisms seem (usually) to be lobbied at the Peacock Network and their (at varying times) inept and belabored coverage of the Games.  To be fair to them, half of the problems were not of their own making.  I mean, think about it.  When you're dealing with covering a major world event, time differences are going to be a factor.  Add to that the usual staunch lack of co-operation from the International Olympics Committee (more commonly referred to as the IOC!) and their (seemingly arbitrary) scheduling of events.  And on top of that, throw in advertisers who demand that their products be advertised in a certain time period (namely Primetime) and during certain events (say Swimming or Track), NBC's life is not made easier.  It also is not made easier by the 24/7 Twitter-paced media we live in today where everyone in the U.S. knew results well before NBC ever aired a thing during Primetime.

However, all the criticisms aside, there was much to celebrate during the XXX Summer Olympics.  And most among them were the many athletes who swam, ran, tumbled, dove, spiked, dribbled and jumped their way into our lives.  There were so many athletes that did exactly what they came to London to do.  They competed.  Some of them broke records.  Some even changed the way we look at the Games as a whole.  What better way to celebrate the top stories of the London Summer Olympics than to devote a whole 10 FAVORITES to it.  This week, let's look at:

THE 10 BEST ATHLETES FROM THE

2012 LONDON 

SUMMER OLYMPICS!

SPECIAL NOTE: Due to NBC's privacy restrictions on videos from the Games, we'll have to make do with using photographs of the athletes.  Yet another reason to lobby criticism the Peacock Network's way!

ATHLETE #10
David Boudia
The US diver shocked the world when he and teammate Nick McRory won the Bronze medal in 10M Platform Synchronized Diving Event.  A week later, Boudia added shock to shock when he eked his way into the Semifinals of the solo event (ranking 18th after the Preliminaries!) and yet managed to perform great dive after great dive all the way into the Finals where he won the Gold Medal over China's World Champion Qiu Bo.

ATHLETES #9
Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh-Jennings
The veteran Volleyball players who won Gold in both Athens and Beijing made the decision to return to try for an unprecedented third straight Gold medal.  Both were a little older and both had undergone personal changes in their lives that made fans question whether a third Gold was possible.  After a tough start and some really close games (against the likes of China, Brazil, Italy and the United States' other Volleyball duo), the pair did the unimaginable and won a third straight Gold medal in Women's Beach Volleyball.

ATHLETE #8
Kirani James
The small island nation of Grenada (just north of the coast of Venezuela) has had Olympic dreams for a long time.  And until this year, a medal in any event seemed impossible for them.  That was until Kirani James.  The sprinter was quite the favorite heading into the 400M heats.  After winning his heat and his semifinal, James' story (along with Grenada's) seemed to resonate with the crowd.  In the final, James crossed the finish line first to the thunderous applause in London's Olympic Stadium because everyone knew that this was what the Olympics was about.  And the party in Grenada celebrating their first Gold medal is still ongoing!

ATHLETES #7
The USA Women Runners
Redemption thy name is woman.  Track stars Allyson Felix (200M) and Sanya Richards-Ross (400M) came to London with the drive to attain Gold after their disappointing Silver medals in Beijing (Felix also won Silver in Athens in her event).  Both women managed to capture Golds in their respective events and then they added to their haul.  Felix, along with new Track superstar Carmelita Jeter (who had already attained a Silver and Bronze at the Games), broke a World Record in the 4 by 100M relay. Then Felix, along with Richards-Ross, grabbed Gold in the 4 by 400M relay holding off rivals from Jamaica and Ukraine.  Flo-Jo would be quite proud! (Pictured below: the three women at the U.S. Olympic Trials earlier this year)

ATHLETE #6
Missy Franklin
She was the "smiliest" person at the London Olympics.  And she had plenty of reason to smile.  The Colorado teenager (who by now is beginning her Senior year of High School!) swam in 7 Final races of the Olympic Swimming events and managed to walk away with 4 Gold Medals and 1 Bronze Medal (and she even placed 4th and 5th in the 2 races where she didn't make it to the podium!).  While the smiles flowed and the tweets from Justin Bieber congratulating her made teen girls swoon, Franklin took everything in stride and thoroughly enjoyed her Olympics debut.  We can look forward to her being a force to reckon with in Rio De Janeiro!

ATHLETES #5
Team Brittania
With the Olympics on their home turf, Great Britain pulled out all the stops in their campaign and built up the legends of their superstar athletes.  Whether it was Heptathlon star Jessica Ennis or Tennis champ Andy Murray, the pressure was on this bunch to deliver.  Even Diving superstar Tom Daley had to retake his final dive because the flash bulbs from the media attention and the over-zealous audience distracted him.  It even helped that royalty was in the audience at some of the major events.  It seemed like everywhere you turned Prince William or Princess Kate or Prince Harry were seen cheering on Swimmer Rebecca Adlington, Long Jumper Greg Rutherford, Long-Distance Runner Mo Farah or the Men's Gymnastics Team.  Ennis, Murray, Rutherford and Farah triumphed in their respective events and brought Gold medals to the home team.  Adlington, Daley and the Men's Gymnasts were pleased with making the podium in their highlighted events by gaining Bronze medals.  Overall, Great Britain was fourth in the final Medal tally but came in third (over Russia!) with total Gold medals.  I think those across the pond would call that a win!

ATHLETE #4
Oscar Pistorius
The only one mentioned on this list who did not medal is probably the most inspiring story of the London Olympics.  The notable South African sprinter was born with a congenital absence of the fibula (a very important leg bone!) and at 11 months, both of his legs were amputated.  But thanks to a strong and supportive family, no legs did not stop Pistorius' Olympic dreams.  With prosthetic blades attached to his knees, Pistorius quickly became a superstar at the Paralympic Games.  His times were becoming so good that he wondered if he could ever compete at the able-bodied level.  After much deliberation of the IOC and disappointingly not qualifying for the South African team back in 2008, Pistorius finally did qualify this year to compete in the Men's 400M race and the Men's 4 by 400M relay.  Though he did not make it to the Final in the former and his team ranked 8th in the latter, his presence and story was certainly felt by the audience around the world.  He is truly an athlete who has changed the face of the Games and we shall look forward to what he can do in the Paralympic Games in London before the end of the month.

ATHLETES #3
The Fabulous Five
These young girls grew up hearing how "The Magnificent Seven" triumphed in Atlanta back in 1996 and trained themselves rigorously to achieve that same goal.  When the Women's Gymnastics Team competition started, these five girls seemed unstoppable.  Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raissman and Gabby Douglass all performed their routines with verve and pure talent.  They went on to win the Gold medal in the team event, but these girls weren't done.  Douglass would fly her way to the top of the podium in the coveted All-Around Final (being the 4th U.S. Woman, the 3rd U.S. Woman in a row and the first African-American Woman to win the All-Around competition).  Raissman (who also competed in the All-Around competition, as most of us know!)  would win the Bronze medal in the individual Balance Beam competition and the Gold medal in Floor Exercise competition.  Maroney, who seemed to be a lock for a Gold in the Vault competition, ended up with the Silver medal (and started an Internet wave that even she and her teammates have had fun with!).

ATHLETE #2
Usain Bolt
The Jamaican sprinter who broke records and won 3 Gold medals back in Beijing was back and back with a vengeance.  Many thought his time was over when his teammate Yohan Blake outran him at the Jamaican trials.  But Bolt, who wants the world to be as much in love with him as he is, was not to be counted out.  The Fastest Man in the World retained his title when he defended all 3 Gold medals he had won four years ago in the 100M, 200M and 4 by 100M relay races.  In his own words, he is truly a legend.

AND...
ATHLETE #1
Michael Phelps
It is four years later and still Swimmer Michael Phelps is the top story.  Going into the London Games, it seemed that U.S. Swimmer Ryan Lochte was poised to eclipse Phelps in notoriety.  And when the Swimming started, Phelps was not at his Beijing best.  He eked into the Final of the Men's 400M Individual Medley (where he was up against Lochte!) and had to watch from 4th place as Lochte claimed Gold in that event.  But after that notorious Saturday, Phelps seemed to be reinvigorated.  In the rest of his 6 Finals (which he had cut down after the 400M!), Phelps medaled in every single one.  He won Silver in 4 by 100 relay and was out-touched by South Africa's Chad LeClos in the 200M Butterfly.  But in his next 4 Finals, Phelps' Golden touch was back.  With all of his medals combined, Phelps surpassed Soviet Gymnast Larissa Latynina as the most decorated Olympic athlete of All-Time.  And now after 4 Olympics (having burst onto the scene at the age of 14 back in Sydney's 2000 Games), Phelps' talk of retirement have the fans squealing for more.  But really how much more can this Golden guy (who may just be the Greatest Olympian of All-Time!) do?!?!

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: For the Glory of 11-11-11

It's all over the Internet so I cannot see how anyone could have missed the coincidental date today, but just in case: November is the 11th month and today (Veteran's day) is the 11th day of November AND it is the year 2011.  Therefore, the date on all the calendars reads: 11/11/11.

In honor of it being Veteran's Day, I am taking a break from pontificating in a long, drawn out column this week.  Instead, I want to dedicate this post to all the Veterans of the United States Military (all branches!) and thank them for their sacrifice and their service.  

For your viewing pleasure, here is a song from the Broadway musical The Civil War (by Frank Wildhorn, Jack Murphy and Gregory Boyd) accompanied by photos of what the sacrifice our Veterans have made and what it means to this great nation.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY ON THIS 11/11/11!

GOLDEN PLACES: Check Out the Exhibits, Charlie Brown!

If you were ask 100 people on the street to pick their favorite Comic Strip growing up, my guess is that over half of them would say the delightful gem that was known as simply: Peanuts.  The daily humorous happenings in the world of Charlie Brown and his circle was a pleasant addition to anyone's morning cup of coffee.  And it was all thanks to one man: Charles M. Schulz (nicknamed "Sparky").  Schulz began his strip back in 1950 and continued until his retirement (and eventual passing) in 2000.  In 1958, Schulz moved his family to Sebastopol, California (which is about an hour outside of San Francisco) and built his first studio.  Almost a decade later, Schulz moved to the nearby Santa Rosa and remained there for the rest of his life.

His influence on the culture of the town of Santa Rosa became clear.  He became owner of the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (he was a huge fan of both figure skating and ice hockey) and the Warm Puppy Cafe which resided within the Arena.  Schulz would have lunch at the Cafe every day.  Both the Ice Arena and the Cafe are still active today right across the street from one of the most impressive little museums I have ever had the pleasure of seeing: The Charles M. Schulz Museum.

The Museum is one of the best tributes to one of America's greatest artists.  Among the many fascinating exhibits are at 22 foot high ceramic mural made of Peanuts comic strips (making the image of Charlie Brown trying to kick the football that is held by Lucy), Schulz' personal home studio and a Research & Educational Center featuring a short demonstration on how to draw your favorite Peanuts characters.  The latter is intended primarily for children, but we adults who grew up with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus et. al. should get a kick out of it too.  The building's entrance and it's courtyard are filled with statues of Charlie Brown and Snoopy in various instances (i.e. Charlie Brown playing baseball, Snoopy on his doghouse, Snoopy as "the Red Baron" etc.).  One of the best statues is of Charlie Brown unsuccessfully trying to fly a kite which, of course, has landed in a tree.  The Museum docent told us that when the Museum hosts evening parties that the kite (which lies in the courtyard) lights up and provides a beautiful visual for guests and the Santa Rosa neighbors.  The Museum also features exhibits that remain for a limited time.  Our visit featured an exhibit devoted to how the strip displayed the relationship between siblings (Charlie and Sally Brown plus Linus, Lucy and Rerun Van Pelt).  The Museum was working on another exhibit (of which we had a sneak peek!) that featured the early days of the Peanuts comic strip in which Charlie Brown was not the prominent character but more part of a cartoon ensemble.  Check the Museum's website to see what their current rotating exhibits are and for future exhibits.

Overall, the atmosphere of the day at the Charles M. Schulz Museum was nostalgic and fascinating.  The night before I watched video clips online from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Snoopy Come Home and Bon Voyage Charlie Brown! just to get myself in the Peanuts mood.  On the way to the Museum, we listened to the Broadway soundtrack of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (for which Kristin Chenoweth won a well-deserved Tony Award as Sally, one of my favorite characters!).  And the Museum itself gave me such delight as we combed through the exhibits that featured some of the best moments in the Charlie Brown universe.  Thank You, Sparky, for everything you gave us.  Through your beloved characters, you shall live on forever.

GOLDEN PLACES: The (Northern) California Missions

10 FAVORITES will return next week and, from then on, it will rotate each week with a new column I am introducing today called GOLDEN PLACES.  With this new column, I intend to promote some of the most amazing places that are pretty much right "in my own backyard."  For those of you who have yet to realize, I live in the great state of California.  California has a rich history and a gorgeous landscape filled with different cultures, people and lifestyles.  The Golden State is the most populated state within the U.S.A and is the third largest state in geographical area.  Among its many sights include Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Death Valley and Disneyland.  But in this column, I want to explore some of the places that don't usually get that kind of national (or international) attention.  I wish to explore the true GOLDEN PLACES.

Long before the California Gold Rush (and the original Forty-Niners!), the area that would become the state of California served as a launchpad of some of the oldest Catholic Churches in the western United States.  Beginning back in 1769, a Spanish-born Franciscan priest named Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Diego de Alcalá in what is now the northeastern area of San Diego (For the American Football fans out there, the Mission is situated somewhere near Qualcomm Stadium where the San Diego Chargers play!).  Mission San Diego became the first of 21 Catholic Missions founded within the state of California.  Mostly situated along the state's coastline, the Missions stretched from San Diego up to San Francisco (and beyond!).  Each of the 21 Mission sites have either the original church structure or a very well-constructed (and sometimes intricate!) replica of what once stood in the area.  I was lucky enough to have visited ALL 21 Missions within my childhood.  A couple of months ago, my father and I decided that we should revisit some of the Missions that are within our general area.  It just so happens that 9 of the 21 Missions are in the part of the state that is generally considered Northern California.  So, we visited these 9 Missions and I would like to share with you what makes each of these 9 Missions special.  Here they are, from the Southernmost to the Northernmost: 

Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
Soledad, CA (about 25 miles south of Salinas, CA)
Located within the agricultural lands of the Salinas Valley, the original Mission itself fell into decline when the Mexican government began secularizing the California Missions in 1835.  It wasn't until the middle of the 20th Century (1954), that a restoration and reconstruction effort began to give tourists an idea of what the Mission was like for the native residents in the 1790s and early 1800s.


Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (pictured above)
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (about 5 miles south of Monterey, CA)
The second Mission founded in the chain of 21, the Carmel Mission has quite an expansive operation going on down there (much like the ones at San Diego and San Francisco!).  The Mission was Father Serra's "personal favorite" and, upon his death in 1784, he was buried on the Mission site.  The historical landmark has four surrounding museums chronicling the Mission's several restorations, the history of the influential Munras family, several art exhibits and the room that served as Father Serra's home and deathbed.


Mission San Juan Bautista
San Juan Bautista, CA (about 15 miles south of Gilroy, CA)
In the quaint little town of San Juan Bautista is their crown jewel attraction of the Mission.  With a beautiful chapel and an informative museum, the Mission is a little gem that features a beautiful Garden that displays a quick history of each of the 21 Missions.


Mission Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA (located near Downtown Santa Cruz)
If you're going to Santa Cruz for it's Historic Downtown district or for its famed Beach Boardwalk, you must stop by the Mission to take a quick look at the quaint Chapel that sits across the street from the beautiful Holy Cross (Santa Cruz) parish.


Mission Santa Clara de Asís
Santa Clara, CA (located on Santa Clara University campus)
This beautiful replica Mission Chapel is situated on the Santa Clara University campus, which was one of the first colleges in California.  It also has the distinction of being the first California Mission named in honor of a woman, Saint Clare of Assisi (one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi).


Mission San José
Fremont, CA (about 15 miles north of San Jose, CA)
This one is practically down the street from where I live!  The Mission has the distinction of being the first Catholic Church within the San Francisco East Bay (the Oakland-Berkeley area) and was the primary parish for several influential families within the area (i.e. Livermore, Peralta and Vallejo).


Mission San Francisco de Asís (pictured below)
San Francisco, CA (located in San Francisco's Mission District)
Within the heart of the city's Mission District is this gorgeous Basilica (nicknamed Mission Dolores) that served as the first Mission within what is now the San Francisco Bay Area.  The Mission protected, taught and housed the native Ohlone people, whose tribes were once all over Northern California. 


Mission San Rafael Arcángel
San Rafael, CA (about 15 miles north of San Francisco, CA)
This Mission's chapel holds a special place in my heart as it was the parish that my Grandfather belonged to when he was a young boy.


Mission San Francisco de Solano
Sonoma, CA (about 40 miles north of San Francisco, CA)
The final Mission founded is one of two Missions that are owned by the CA State Parks Association.  When going to this Mission, you also get a look at one of the Army barracks and you get a tour of the house of General Mariano Vallejo.

Next week, 10 FAVORITES returns.  In two weeks, GOLDEN PLACES will explore the delightful and charming Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA.  Until then, take the time to explore some of the best (and sometimes unsung!) places in your state, province or country.

10 FAVORITES (25) - The Best North American Tour!

As much as I would love to go to Europe someday, practicality (and economics!) are forcing that dream to be on hold (at least for a while!).  In the meantime, I encourage all of you to see the beauty that is North America!  Yes, I love my homeland.  Both the United States of America and Canada offer some of the best cities (and sites) in the world.  Every part of the continent has their little something to offer and it makes us who we are.  Whether it be bright neon lights or tall city buildings or majestic mountains or plains ripe with agriculture, each place is unique.  Last week, I gave you my "Wish List" for a European tour.  This week, I want to give visitors to our continent a kind of "Must List" for North America.

QUICK NOTE: I don't mean to leave out Mexico, but I have only been to a small part of it (near the border!).  So, like Europe, Mexico still is on my travel "Wish List."

So here are:

THE 10 BEST CITIES

IN NORTH AMERICA

CITY #10

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

San Diego has one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.  Standing on the harbor, the marina or the beach is just amazing with its powerful view of the Pacific Ocean.  In addition to the view, San Diego boasts some of the best sites California's rich history has to offer from Mission San Diego (California's FIRST Mission) to Coronado Island to the world famous San Diego Zoo (always worth a visit!).

CITY #9

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

The only Canadian city on the list (Sorry Canada!), Vancouver, as most people learned recently from the 2010 Winter Olympics, has so much to offer.  What I love about Vancouver is that it is so urban in its feel (it has one of the best skylines!) with gorgeous gardens to boot.  And yet, you look slightly to the north or to the east and you are blown away by the majestic glory of the North Shore Mountains.  Plus, it is merely a hop, skip and a ferry ride away from the beautiful Victoria Island which features Victoria, British Columbia's capital city.

CITY #8

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Each time I have been to the City of Brotherly Love, I have had a good time (and I'm including the great time I had during a lay-over at the Philadelphia International Airport!).  Of course, for me (a history buff), the best part of the city was going to Independence Hall and seeing the site of the Second Continental Congress (where the Declaration of Independence was signed people!).  I also loved stepping outside and viewing the ORIGINAL Liberty Bell (with its crack!).  There are many other great things in Philly including the Philadelphia Museum of Art (whose outside steps were famously featured in the 1976 Oscar winner Rocky).

CITY #7

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

As a fan of The Wizard of Oz, Seattle is the closest to "the Emerald City" that I will ever get.  From the awe-inspiring view atop the world famous Seattle Space Needle to the hustle and bustle of Pike's Market to the many many many coffee shops, the city always seems to have its finger on the pulse of the generations (maybe thanks to the University of Washington being right there!).  After all, it IS the birthplace of Starbucks, Microsoft and grunge music (three things that helped define MY generation!).

CITY #6

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

It may not be the most economically sound choice to be on a tourist's "To-Do" list, but the beautiful desert city is worth at least one visit in your lifetime.  If for nothing else, then to go for a walk down Sin City's infamous Strip, which features some of the most amazing and glorious hotels EVER!  My personal favorites include the large MGM Grand, the dynamic Venetian, the delightful Paris, the gorgeous Bellagio (with its dancing fountains!) and, of course, the brilliant New York New York (but we'll get to the why on that one soon!).

CITY #5

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

This city has always been on my "Love It Or Hate It" list (usually depending on WHO is in the White House or in Congress at the time!).  But despite my "indecision" on the brilliance of the city, my DC experiences have been enjoyable and have made me a better person for them.  In addition to the fantastic National Mall, which features most of the amazing Smithsonian Museums as well as the many monuments and memorials (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, etc.), the city boasts several sites worth taking a look at.  A few of my favorites include the Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral, Ford's Theatre and the Holocaust Memorial Museum (which is still one of the most powerful and touching experiences I have ever been privileged to have).

CITY #4

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

I have only been to Chicago once (twice if you count a lay-over at O'Hare!), but I want to go back and go back soon!  I'm sure I didn't see enough of the phenomenal city that one time, but I sure did see a lot.  Union Station and Downtown Chicago (and the glory that is the Sears Tower) was exciting enough for that first moment in the city.  Then there was Grant Park (which I was lucky enough to stay across the street from!).  Going to the Art Institute of Chicago (one of the best Art Museums in the country!) as well as Museum Campus (which features the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium) was one the greatest days in my life and I thank the city of Chicago for that immense pleasure.  And NO, I am not kissing up to Oprah or the President!

CITY #3

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

I LOVE Boston! No, seriously, Boston is my "go-to" getaway anytime I need a vacation.  There is not one thing I dislike about this city (and I can ONLY say that about 2 other cities!).  The Freedom Trail (which begins at Boston Common and ends at the USS Constitution) is a fantastic way to spend the day.  The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is amazing (especially for me as my parents and grandparents LOVED him!).  And talk about a college town! When you have Harvard and MIT and Boston College and Boston University, what more do you need?  And for all you Baseball fans, you MUST take a tour of Fenway Park and its Green Monster.

CITY #2

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

As I said, only 2 cities have ever beaten the hold that Boston has over me.  And one of them is the most personal city on this list.  After all, it is home to Ghirardelli chocolates, Sweet sourdough bread and ME!  Okay, so I live in a suburb of the City by the Bay, but every time I get into the city I am enthralled.  I love to walk down Fisherman's Wharf or shop around Union Square.  I also love the beauty of Golden Gate Park and crazy turns of Lombard Street.  And then I just love to stand outside of City Hall in Civic Center Plaza and stare at the beautiful dome (what other City Hall has a dome, really?!?).  There's always something new for me to discover in the city that I love to call my home (whether I really live there or not!).

AND...

CITY #1

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

If you're going to top my Golden City, then you gotta go BIG and there is nothing BIGGER than the Big Apple.  What can I say about New York City that no one else has ever said?  Whether you are enjoying the animals at the Bronx Zoo or strolling through Central Park or delighting in the history of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the City that Never Sleeps always has something going on (where do you think the name came from?).  What are this Broadway Baby's favorite things in NYC?  My top three would have to be: 3) The artist hangouts in Greenwich Village around NYU; 2) The Museum of Natural History which is a MUST for everyone! and 1) The magnificent glory that is Times Square and the Theatre District (what else?!?).

These are my 10 favorite cities in North America (and believe me the list goes on!).  Next week, I will devote 10 FAVORITES to a very special Birthday boy!