Preparing for trip to St. Barths

Today's the countdown to my trip to St. Barths for a couple of weeks or relaxation, reading and snorkeling. We also love to hike around the Island that has about 8 unique beaches, each one with different sands, rock formations, waves and reefs. The French atmosphere of the Island makes it stand out from other Caribbean islands. The restaurants are all French with the exception of one Italian and a sushi place. The fresh fish is delicious and it's always great to see the new yachts in the marina.
The Island has little rain and it's very dry and the sky lights up at night with constellations you can never see in the city of New York or Miami. The little frogs that carry on during the night are so small, less than an inch, but make a racket like racoons in mating season. As a matter of fact, the first time I heard them, I woke up and was terrified that we were being attacked by large animals. (There are none on the Island.) I will make sure to get some great photos to share with all of you. It's a beautiful place with amazing vistas and turquoise blue waters.

Comedy Night at the Al Smith Dinner

It was a refreshing contrast to the bitter and verbal jabbing debates when McCain and Obama attended the Annual Al Smith Dinner at the Waldorf=Astoria last week. There are many kinds of comedy out there. Satire and political satire use ironic comedy to portray persons as either ridiculously silly or corrupt, thus alienating their audience from the object of humor. Satire is a type of comedy.

Screwball comedy derives its humor largely from bizarre, surprisingly impossible situations or characters. Black comedy is defined by dark humor that makes light of so called "dark" or evil elements in human nature.

At the Al Smith Dinner both McCain and Obama showed their lighter sides poking fun of themselves and each other in a playful, yet hilariously delightful way.

I loved it when McCain said that he knows Obama so well from serving with him in the Senate that he can call him "that one" without Obama taking offense. When Obama spoke, he said his name Barack means "That One" in Swahili.

I also thought that Obama saying that one of his faults is that he's almost "too awesome" and that he regrets his celebrity status as he "wanted to punch a paparazzi outside of Spago's the other night and almost spilled his latte on his Shih Tzu" as an effete almost gay retort.

On the other hand, McCain wasw too funny claiming that he still thinks there were some Manhattan Democrats out there in the audience rooting for him, then looked at Hillary and thanked her for being there.

Barack poking fun at Giuliani was priceless - and his remark that he would never wear lipstick himself - nor put it on a pig or a pit bull -- was another classic.

When McCain said he was going to fire his entire campaign staff and hire "Joe the Plumber," he was picking up on criticism of the campaign in that day's news headlines, and his material was amazingly fresh and timely.

When Barack said he was born on Krypton and his father was Jor-El and his mission was to save the earth, he also underscored the depth of his popularity and the hopes people are placing on him to "save the world."

I also loved Barack's comment that his father never thought he would ever run for President or he wouldn't have given him his middle name: (Hussein.)

All in all, when the candidates make fun of themselves and each other, it shows their talents when they are not fighting each other and the true personalities of the individuals are revealed. I found McCain much more likeable because he seemed so relaxed as a comic - then again, he is Irish!

I also felt that Barack's delivery was a little stilted compared to McCain's but that he came across as charming and witty. (More like a latte-drinking comic like Jon Stewart that Bill Maher.)

The debates were more difficult to grade because both candidates made errors: i.e., Obama when he talked about Colombia and rising labor leader murders - wrong! And McCain when he brought up Ayers - again - another negative attack without merit since Obama was a child when Ayers did his "terrorist" deeds.

If we were to judge the candidates by their sense of humor, their candidness and their personalities alone, it would be a tighter race in my mind. Since we still have to decide based on issues, the decision as to who would be a better president, still remains a difficult one for many people.

We have to think about the economy and who would help us more in terms of creating new jobs, reducing our dependency on foreign oil and energy, and how to restore confidence to boost spending.

We have to measure how much money we would save if we withdrew from Iraq and stopped playing "police" of the world.

We also have to improve education and healthcare for millions of Americans.

We also have to weigh who takes global warming and climate change more seriously.

Both of these candidates have qualities we can admire. On November 4th, we have to decide who would best serve America at this crucial time in history.

PR Beat: Public Relations "No No's" by McCain Last Night

PR Beat: Public Relations "No No's" by McCain Last Night

Public Relations "No No's" by McCain Last Night

John McCain has one more chance at the last debate next week to get those Undecided voters to see him as the possible 44^th president of the United States, but he blew it – again – in last night’s debate in Nashville, mostly because of PR missteps.

I don’t know who is advising his campaign, but his PR experts should be fired, as The Donald would say.

1. Ditch “My Friends”

First of all, he continues to use the term “My Friends” sprinkled throughout his remarks, annoying even supporters like Bill O’Reilly because of its outdated, condescending tone.

2. Show Respect to your Opponent

He also showed disrespect for Obama by calling him “That one,” opening him up to even more criticism for not looking his opponent in the eye, even once, and then referring to him in such an impersonal, disparaging and dismissive tone. McCain’s advisors should counsel him on body language, encouraging him to make eye contact with Obama as he debates rather than glaring at the audience in frustration or anger about Obama’s responses during the debate.

3. Look Affable

During the debate, he also lost many opportunities to score points with his television-viewing audience by looking annoyed whenever Obama was speaking and the camera panned to McCain.

4. It’s the Economy, Stupid!

If McCain is angry and looks angry, he should have gotten angry about the financial “rescue” plan to echo the audience sentiments and boldly declare that he was going to pursue legal measures to investigate the leaders of these banks and mortgage lending companies. He should have said he would investigate those who got us into this mess and prosecute those responsible, ensuring major fines and possible jail time. He would have hit a homerun with the audience who expressed their frustration about the bailout, and want the government to jumpstart the economy, provide financial assistance to consumers and “get those greedy bums.”

5. Counsel your Spokespersons with new policy

McCain stunned everyone announcing a new policy statement that if elected, he would bailout homeowners by reducing their mortgage payments to be more in line with their value in this market, something that would cost another $300 billion but keep people in their homes. He did this without telling his advisors or spokespersons like Gov. Romney who was interviewed after the debate and knew nothing about it, caught flat-footed.

6. Smooth vs. Uneasy

McCain continues to stress his opponent’s lack of experience as a major reason why people should vote for him, yet his uncomfortable, stumbling and stuttering speaking style made Obama appear more relaxed, poised, confident in front of his audience and more connected to the people.

7. Hang out with the Audience

Finally, McCain left the debate immediately after the event ended with his beautiful wife Cindy in tow, rather than interact with the audience members as Barack and Michelle Obama did. This reinforces the image that McCain is “out of touch” with mainstream, middle class America.

McCain has one more chance to shore up his image and win the hearts and votes of those undecided voters. Let’s see if he can turn it around next week at Hofstra.

Sea Turtle Heaven in South Beach

I can remember the smell of the ocean, the briny smell coming off the shore. There was a lot of seaweed on the beach with very few shells. We began our walk talking about the day and the latest news on the Democratic Convention in Denver. We had heard Michelle Obama the night before and this evening Hillary was going to ask her delegates to throw their support to Obama to unify the Democratic party and leave the bitterness of her loss for the greater good.

We always checked out the turtle nests and knew that any day now the hatchlings would be marching to the water en masse. Usually they would hatch at night and we thought our chances of ever seeing any was remote.

While we chatted, I looked back and saw a young couple with a little child looking intently at one of the nests. It was about 7 p.m. and there was plenty of light.

I got nervous.

“I hope they’re not doing anything to the nest,” I said.

“Don’t be silly. They look like they know what they’re doing. Maybe they work for the sea turtle patrol group that check out the nests.”

“A little kid! No way!”

“Don’t worry about it. The turtles will be fine.”

We continued to walk as the sun started to set in the distance. The sky turned peach colored with beautiful grey clouds with a perfect periwinkle blue background. I was sorry I hadn’t brought my cell or a camera to catch the scene.

I kept looking back and by then the couple were crouching near the nest.

“I’m really worried, honey. Please listen to me. I want to go back near the nest.”

“A few more feet and we’ll turn around,” he demanded.

We always walk for at least an hour and the length of the strip of beach we traverse is about 3 or 4 blocks.

I walked faster and we turned around. As we headed toward the nest, I started to pick up my pace even more.

My heart was beating in my chest.

As we approached the nesting area, we suddenly saw about 40 little baby turtles making their way to the ocean over the seaweed bordering the beach.

It was the most amazing site! They were a blue grey color and had their little legs working so hard to make it to the water. Once they reached the ocean, they swam away as fast as their little legs could take them. They dove under the waves and swam away, their little noses sticking out of the water when a wave caught them. And then they were gone.

We watched them for about a ½ hour and helped about 3 or 4 who were disoriented and heading the wrong way. It was wonderful to hold one gently by the shell. Their legs never stopped moving and their little eyes were so cute.

It was such an amazing experience. And the fact that we were there just when this happened, a gift from God.

Usually they hatch at night, and we were so convinced we’d never have the chance to see them, because we never walked in the late evening or in the middle of the night.

We lucked out! Just like the scenery, seeing the baby turtles run made me feel so good about having moved to Florida. Nature here is as bright as the sky. Colors pop and the ocean and palm trees are brilliant.

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Doggadoodles.....

My friend Robert and his lady Linda are adopting a labradoodle.
I love the names of these hybrid dogs.



The Poogle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Beagle and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. This hybrid cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.


Labradoodle....Here's the definition of a Labradoodle...



Labradoodle (American Labradoodle) (Standard Labradoodle)
Labrador Retriever / Poodle Hybrid
The American Labradoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. This hybrid cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Some of the other names for these cross breeds are hilarious!

How about Cojack - a jack russell terrior and a Welsh corgi

Or a Daniff - Great Dane and Mastiff!


Eskapoo - Eskimo dog and poodle mix

Or what about The Giant Schnoodle. It is a cross between the Giant Schnauzer and the Standard Poodle.


The Shepadoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Standard Poodle.



The configuration of these cross-breeds is endless....

Some people like hybrid cars, others hybrid dogs.

Or Designer Dogs.

And these mixed breeds are not inexpensive, with many costing thousands of dollars!

It's a whole new world for puppies! And a whole new vocabulary for dog-owners.

Rostral Columns

Descriptions of all the sites are from the St. Petersburg Travel Site who provide history and descriptions of the photos and places we visited this July ... However, the photos are all mine!!!
...Rostral Columns:
In the early 19^th century one of the most elegant architectural ensembles of St Petersburg emerged on the eastern edge (Strelka ) of the island. The imposing white colonnaded building of the Stock Exchange became its focal point, and was flanked by two Rostral Columns. The Stock Exchange, designed by the French architect Thomas de Tomon and built between 1805 and 1810, was inspired by the best examples of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The two Rostral Columns, studded with ships' prows, served as oil-fired navigation beacons in the 1800s (on some public holidays gas torches are still lit on them).

Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood

This church is known to Petersburgers as the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood - or even just the Church on the Blood - as it marks the spot where Alexander II was fatally wounded in an assassination attempt on March 1, 1881. Designed by Alfred Parland in the style of 16^th and 17^th-century Russian churches, the Church of the Resurrection provides a stark (some would say jarring) contrast to its surroundings of Baroque, Classical and Modernist architecture.

Alexander II died of wounds inflicted in an attack by the terrorist group People's Will. Immediately, his heir, Alexander II, declared his intention to erect a church on the site in his father's memory, and moreover to have this church built in "traditional Russian" style - in distinction to what he saw as the contaminating Western influence of Petersburg.

Eventually, after Alexander had rejected several architects' designs, Archimandrite Ignaty gave the job to Parland, but made the design himself. The church's final composition drew heavily from St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow and the Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev. Construction began in 1883, and Ignaty died shortly afterward, leaving Parland to complete the job.

No baptisms, funeral services, weddings, or other traditional church services were held in the Church on the Blood, as this was not in Alexander III's plans. However, weekly requiems (for Alexander II) and sermon readings attracted large numbers of worshippers.

After the Revolution, the church - despite becoming an official cathedral in 1923 - was looted. It was closed in 1932, and essentially turned into a garbage dump. Rumors abounded that the church would be torn down. Damage from World War II and the Siege of Leningrad can still be seen on the church's walls.

After World War II, the church was used as a warehouse for the Small Opera Theatre. The valuable shrine was almost completely destroyed. Four jasper columns with mosaic mountings in them, and a part of the balustrade were all that remained.

On July 20, 1970 the church was made a branch of the St. Isaac's Cathedral museum, and eighty percent of the church's extraordinary restoration was funded by profits from St. Isaac's. The decades of deterioration and then restoration culminated in the dramatic re-opening of the church in August 1997, when thousands of eager visitors swamped the church.

The project was estimated to cost 3.6 million rubles, but ended up costing 4.6 million rubles, mainly from the extravagant collection of mosaics. The more than 7500 sq. meters of mosaics link Alexander II's murder with the crucifixion.

One of the most impressive elements of the church is the extravagant shrine constructed on the spot where Alexander II was fatally wounded, which has maintained a special place within the church's interior. It was constructed to Parland's design, and completed in July 1907. Four columns of gray violet jasper serve as the base of the shrine. Rising up the shrine, small rectangular columns unite the carved stone awning and the decorated mosaic icons with images of the patron saint of the Romanov family. The columns are supported by a frieze and cornice and stone-carved pediment with vases of jasper along the corners.

The church has an outstanding and varied collection of mosaic icons. Several icons were completed in the traditions of academic painting, modernist style and Byzantine icon painting. The large icon of St. Alexander Nevsky was created according to a design by Nesterov. The icons of the main iconostasis Mother of God with Child and the Savior were painted to designs by Vasnetsov. The mosaic panel Pantokrator (Almighty) which depicts Christ giving a blessing with his right hand and holding the gospels in his left, in the platform of the central cupola was painted according to a design by N. Kharlamov. Parland and Andrey Ryabushkin completed the framed icon mosaic ornaments.

St. Isaac's Cathedral

St. Isaac's Cathedral was originally the city's main church and the largest cathedral in Russia. It was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. One hundred and eighty years later the gilded dome of St. Isaac's still dominates the skyline of St. Petersburg. Although the cathedral is considerably smaller than the newly rebuilt Church of Christ the Savior in Moscow, it boasts much more impressive fades and interiors.

The cathedral's facades are decorated with sculptures and massive granite columns (made of single pieces of red granite), while the interior is adorned with incredibly detailed mosaic icons, paintings and columns made of malachite and lapis lazuli. A large, brightly colored stained glass window of the "Resurrected Christ" takes pride of place inside the main altar. The church, designed to accommodate 14,000 standing worshipers, was closed in the early 1930s and reopened as a museum. Today, church services are held here only on major ecclesiastical occasions.

St.. Petersburg

St. Petersburg and its gardens...
Looks like Paris, doesn't it?

more of St. Petersburg's beautiful buildings

St. Petersburg - Voila!

a typical food market in St. Petersburg Russia. beautiful fruits in a colorful market....

The theatre in Tivoli Gardens, resplendent and colorful like a peacock!

BEAUTIFUL fountains in Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen....

beautiful people from Copenhagen

In the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen we came across these beautiful sisters having cotton candy by themselves at night enjoying the beautiful gardens and rides. Aren't they gorgeous?

Back from Scandinavia, Berlin and St. Petersburg

Getting back to work after being on vacation always sucks.
You keep wanting to be able to run out the door and GO!!! See! Walk!
"You mean you were actually were able to survive more than 2 weeks without a computer screen?
How is that even possible?"
We are so glued to our computers and technology, that we lose more time everyday that could be better spent reading, writing or - pray tell - thinking!

When I see people on the beach meditating, I understand their need to slow down their minds. I think I want to learn how to meditate and perhaps how to do Tai Chi!

Meanwhile, back to my vacation.
My husband and I were so lucky to go to the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe and to see the capitols of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia and then go to St. Petersburg and Berlin, ending up in Amsterdam for a few extra nights before returning to Miami.

Now Miami Beach is beautiful, without a doubt, but there's something about seeing people from different cities scurrying to work or shop, or going to the Hermitage just when you are there that opens your eyes to different worlds.

My favorite restaurant was the Five Flies in Amsterdam located in an old building dating from the 1600s with low ceilings and even a knight in not so shiny armor in the hallway, arches in brick and windows that look out on to the street as people walk by. This is one of the oldest restaurants in Amsterdam, if not the oldest, with authentic "Dutch" food. We had a great meal of local fish (halibut) and it was terrific. There was a handsome Italian diner next to us who had a tasting menu of 6 courses. When the waiter said it would take at least 2 1/2 hours for them to serve this meal, he was totally nonplussed. I have no other plans, he said. Bring it on! I loved the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant and the well dressed diners with women in dresses and men wearing jackets.