Collect Experiences!! Not Things!! ;-) - Scientifically Proven

 

Doing makes you happier than owning – even before buying

"A great meal can be more than just food—it can create lasting memories.

Researchers in hospitality and consumer psychology, including scholars at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, have found that experiential dining—particularly fine dining—is strongly linked to higher perceived life satisfaction and happiness.

Why? Because experiences build stronger emotional memories than material purchases. When people invest in meaningful moments, such as celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply enjoying a special night out, the meal becomes part of their personal story. Psychologists note that these moments foster greater long-term happiness and forge stronger social connections.

Fine dining also engages all the senses. The carefully crafted dishes, thoughtful presentation, ambient environment, and attentive service turn dinner into a distinct event. Ultimately, researchers emphasize that this combination of atmosphere, anticipation, and shared social connection is what elevates a simple meal into a memorable experience." @facesottawa

 

20th Anniversary!  On September 22, 2006,  we arrived in Washington DC concluding our cross-country cycling trip from Seattle to DC with “Bike for Peace”! So many great memories! Such a great experience! 

Final Stats:

Miles Ridden: 3,476

Average Miles per day of Cycling: 81*

Days of Cycling: 43 

Hours of Pedaling: 282

Average Speed: 12.63

Money Saved on Gas: $825.67

Beginning Weight: 198

Ending: Weight: 185

Number of Convenience Stores or Gas Marts Frequented: 107

Would I do it again: Yes, most definitely

Would I do it a second time: Probably not (but I eventually did in 2017)

Top Ten Questions Asked

1. Where ya headed? Washington DC
2. When will you get there? September 22th
3. Where'd you come from? Seattle, WA
4. How long will it take you? 7 weeks
5. When did you start? August 1st
6. How many miles do you cycle a day? An average of 81
7. What’s your cause (or disease)? A: Peace (hence: bike4peace.org)
8. What do you do that you can take off so much time from work? I’m unemployed
9. Where are you from? New Jersey
10. Where do you sleep? Host Families, Churches, Camp Grounds

*There’s absolutely no way I could cycle an average of 81 miles per day over 43 days today! 

My Loup

Nope....

 

50/50 Martini, red vermouth, twist of lemon - Okay, but not great!

Pickled Shrimp, Aioli & Saltines: This tasted great, but why not remove the saltine wrappers?

Green Garlic 'Escar-roll": the green garlic and escargot tasted great, but on like a roll with lots of oil. Too much! Would have been a lot better with pasta instead of the greasy roll. 

Dry-Aged Duck, Concord Grapes, Eggplant and Red Verjus: Tasted more like authumn than summer! However, the mint leaves were interesting. 

Corima, NY

 Eating my way through the 50 Best Restaurants in North America!  Corima was ranked 36th in 2026!

A Perfect Example of How Life Experience and Time Can Alter a Classic Play

 

I read the play twice in my youth—first at 20, then again at 29—and after recently seeing the Broadway production, I will undoubtedly read it again soon. My reaction to the play, whether read on the page or experienced on stage, has shifted each time, yet my sympathy has always rested with Biff.

During my first reading, I sympathized with Biff because his father, Willy, was having a secret affair. Discovering this betrayal shattered Biff’s admiration for his father. I was young and Catholic at the time, which heavily shaped how I viewed that broken trust.

The second time I read the play, I was a bit older. My sympathy stayed with Biff, but for a different reason: Willy was a deeply flawed man who spent years puffing Biff up as a legendary high school football star. Biff had held his father in high esteem, only to realize the foundation was built on delusion. Willy had worked as a salesman his entire life, constantly bragging about his talent, when in reality he was failing—barely making enough to pay the family bills before ultimately being fired.

For my third experience with the story, I watched the Broadway production rather than reading the text. Perhaps because the entire drama unfolded in three concentrated hours—rather than over the few days it usually took me to read—or perhaps simply because so much time had passed, I unlocked levels to the story I had previously missed.

My understanding of Biff’s dilemma deepened significantly. It wasn't just about coming to terms with his father's financial failure, constant baseless praise, or willful refusal to face reality. Nor was it merely Biff's own realization that he was neither a high school hero nor destined to be a great businessman. The core issue was that Biff had come to accept himself as an average, flawed human being, but Willy could never accept that truth—neither for Biff nor for himself. Biff's ultimate frustration was simply wanting to be accepted for who he truly was.

Another element I observed in the Broadway performance that I had missed during my initial readings—though it may have been unique to Laurie Metcalf’s interpretation—was how Linda’s deep, blind love and protectiveness actually enabled Willy’s tragic delusions of grandeur. She ignores the reality of his downward mental spiral. In the performance, she felt strong enough to overcome this tragic flaw as a person to have prevented his demise, but didn’t, whereas in my two readings she seemed too quiet, demure, and traditional to be effective.  

I originally hesitated to see the play because whenever I watch Nathan Lane, I usually just see Nathan Lane. But in his performance as Willy Loman, he truly became the character. Only once during the entire performance did he briefly break the illusion and revert back to Nathan Lane for me.

Waretown NJ

Easter 2026

 

Easter Dinner with Chris, Donna's Mom, Donna and myself. 

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

 Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is an absolute delight from start to finish. The show sparkles with superb acting—both leads - Tutty and Christiani Pitts - bring tremendous charm, warmth, and emotional nuance to their roles, making every moment feel alive and authentic, especially Sam. Their chemistry is electric, elevating the script’s razor-sharp wit into something truly special.

The banter is quick, clever, and irresistibly funny, bouncing back and forth with the kind of rhythm that only great performers can deliver. The comedic timing throughout the production is impeccable; laughs come naturally and often, but they never overshadow the heart at the center of the story.

What makes the show so memorable is how effortlessly it balances humor with sincerity. It’s a smart, joyful piece of theater that leaves the audience smiling long after the curtain falls.

Lunar New Years, Newark Museum of Art

 🐎🔥 Year of the Fire Horse 2026 🔥🐎

Chinese New Year 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse, beginning February 17, 2026 and lasting through February 5, 2027. Governed by the Fire element, this is a rare Fire Horse year—occurring only once every 60 years.

In Chinese metaphysics, the Horse symbolizes motion, freedom, and forward momentum. Fire adds passion, speed, and bold action. Together, they create a year charged with movement, ambition, and exploration—making travel a powerful and meaningful theme for 2026.

This is a year to journey with intention. Travel is more than destination—it’s growth through movement and wisdom through experience. With thoughtful planning and balanced energy, the Year of the Horse can open doors to new opportunities, deepen relationships, and renew personal direction.

In the spirit of the Horse, 2026 invites us all to step beyond familiar boundaries—move boldly, explore freely, and let the road ahead lead to transformation.

A celebration at the Newark Museum of Art to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with culture, creativity, and connection.

Ocho Supper Club

Ocho Supper Club feels less like a restaurant and more like a culinary event — intimate, intentional, and full of storytelling. Led by the incredibly talented Chef RJ Smith (@chefrjsmith) with impeccable table-side charm, this Afro-Caribbean tasting experience at the Rittenhouse Hotel is one of Philly’s most exciting dining moments right now. Thoughtful service, memorable flavors, and real heart in every course. This is special-occasion dining done right. 

 Afro-Caribbean brilliance from the very first bite. The Jamaican festival stuffed with confit shredded duck and drizzled in curry-spiced hot honey - my favorite — perfectly spiced! The Kanpachi crudo with heirloom masa tostada, yellow curry, citrus, and roasted garlic was bright, balanced, and beautifully layered. 

 Then came the comfort and craft. The cornbread in mole negro — inspired by Chef RJ’s grandmother — was fluffy, sweet, and deeply nostalgic, while the mole brought earthy complexity from dates, carob, cinnamon, and nuts. The Atlantic cod was even more refined than before, sourced straight from Cape May and butter-poached to perfection, topped with teff puffs, basil oil, and Ghanaian seafood stew accents. Subtle, elegant, and deeply satisfying. 

 The main event? The jerked duck. A heartier PA-sourced cut, perfectly spiced and paired with an ultra-umami roasted duck bone demi-glace. Coconut rice, crisp scallion emulsion, and golden carrot purée rounded out a dish that was rich, balanced, and unforgettable. This is the kind of plate that makes you pause mid-bite and just appreciate what’s happening. 

 Dessert didn’t miss a beat. A roasted miso brown butter ice cream with watermelon hibiscus granita refreshed the palate before the stunning jet-black cocoa tart — filled with raspberry jelly, cream, and chocolate ganache, topped with coquito whipped cream. The pairings by @slowdrinks impressed — especially the three-rum blend cocktail topped with a plantain chip.

 #chefrjsmith #ochosupper #ochosupperclub #afrocaribbeancuisine #adventure