Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Welcome Summer Series: MUSIKFEST

JULY 31 thru AUGUST 9th: The festival, Musikfest, located in Bethlehem PA showcases nearly every musical style imaginable, with more than 300 performers from across the country - trust us when we say there is "something for everyone"!

Musical programming is loacated at 14 different indoor and outdoor stages -- 11 stages are free! As a tribute to Bethlehem's Germanic heritage, most of Musikfest's sites have german 'platz' names- the word 'platz' is German for "place." Click here for a full LineUp of performers.

Some of the more "well-known" artists this year (that require ticket purchase) include the Commodores, Joan Jett and Blondie, Third Eye Blind, George Thorogood, YES with Asia and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Here are OUR suggestions (these are all free concerts):
1. Jolly Joe Timmer Polka - Friday July 31st 5 pm - 6:30 Festplatz - Yes, we said POLKA!! And it is guaranteed entertainment; whether you join in or just people watch... with this lively music we're sure your foot will be tapping along with the band!
2. Country Night at Americaplatz - Saturday August 1 from 5:30 - 11 pm After all, isn't everyone "a little bit country"???
3. The Cat's Pajamas Monday August 3rd 4:30 - 5:30 pm -Banana Island - This trio exhibits family entertainment at it's best, with their use of dance, puppets, props and costumes, the kids will really enjoy this show.
4. "Irish Pub Night" at Liederplatz Monday August 3rd - and you MUST see Seamus Kennedy, 9 - 11 pm: with his endless supply of stories and jokes, he will have you sing-a-long and laugh the entire time! (One song even encourages you to finish a pint with him! bum-bum-bum!)
5. "Day at the Beach" Thursday August 6 from 8:30 pm - 11 at Plaza Tropical: Enjoy the famous Buffett coverband Jimmy and the Parrots and the Mango Men as you relax and take in the sounds!
6. The Flamin' Caucasions Saturday August 8 from 7:30 pm - 11 at Festplatz: This rock group was best known as the house band from John De Bella's morning zoo on Philly radio station WMMR. Join in!
7. Closing ceremonies Sunday August 9th firework display at 9:45 pm.

IF YOU GO:
HOURS:
Musikfest is open 5-11 p.m. July 31 and noon-11 p.m. Aug. 1-9. Alcohol vendors serve until 10:30 p.m., Food and Beverage Ticket booths are open until 10:45 p.m. and all other food and merchandise vendors until 11 p.m.

PARKING:
Shuttleplatz is a service featuring an air-conditioned bus that transports you to the festival grounds from these off-site parking lots: Musikfest Central Parking (Route 412 and Lynn Avenue, north of Exit 67 off I-78) and Martin Tower (Eigth Avenue, off Route 378).
The new FEST LOOP, operated by LANTA, is the official Musikfest on-site shuttle service for 2009. The FEST LOOP shuttles will operate as a North Side Festival Express Route. THE LOOP shuttle will run its regularly scheduled south side stops as well as the modified FEST LOOP Northern Route. A LANTA unlimited daily ride pass is $2.50 (exact change required).

Monday, July 27, 2009

BOOK CLUB: The Bourne Deception

THE BOURNE DECEPTION: Robert Ludlum
After Bourne is ambushed and nearly killed while in Indonesia, he fakes his death to take on a new identity and mission- to find out who is trying to assassinate him. In the process, Bourne begins to question who he really is and what he would become if he no longer carried the Bourne identity. Across the globe, an American passenger airliner is shot down over Egypt-apparently by an Iranian missile-leaving the world wondering if it was an accident or an act of aggression. A massive global team lead by Soraya Moore is assembled to investigate the attack before the situation escalates. When Bourne's search for his would-be assassin intersects with Soraya's search for the group behind the airplane bombing, Bourne is thrust into a race to prevent a new world war. But it may already be too late.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Christmas in July

It's hot, you're sweaty and longing for some relief from the heat. And while thinking about winter, you're probably also dreaming of all those snowy nights of Christmas celebrations. Well well, you can't actually change the season now, but reduce the time left for Christmas and celebrate it now, in JULY! That's what many are doing year after year. An unofficial holiday, Christmas in July imitates the festivities of the actual Christmas and signifies our yearning for the coolness of winter amid the scorching summer months. Happy Christmas in July...

And just think: there are only 152 shopping days until the real deal!!!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Welcome Summer Series: St. Michaels, MD

ST. MICHAELS, EASTERN SHORE: Leave the kids at home for this week's review and plan your romantic get-away... Considered the Heart & Soul of the Chesapeake Bay, Saint Michaels, Maryland is a quaint waterfront village on the Eastern Shore, this relaxed town is known as the "land of pleasant living".

St. Michaels is a collage of handsome churches, manicured colonial, federal and Victorian homes, historic heritage, diverse artistic talents and pleasant southern culture. It is also the proud cradle and repository of the Chesapeake's maritime history.

It's a shopping mecca with an incredible array of fashionable clothing, antique and artisan shops to suit any ardent collector. It's a galaxy of specialty food shops (including candy and ice cream) and superb nationally-renowned restaurants destined to delight even the most demanding gourmet. Of course, succulent Chesapeake seafood, fresh from our harbors, is the specialty.

WHERE TO STAY:
The Inn at Perry Cabin: a luxurious manor house resort and spa, with the true Victorian resort motif which has made the town infamous, offering an outdoor pool and excuisite dinig.
Harbourtowne Golf Resort & Conference Center: elegant waterfront rooms and suites overlooking the Bay. 18 hole golf course, waterfront dining, pool and tennis comlement the 153 acre waterfront resort.

IF YOU GO:
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
St Michaels' Museum for a self-guided walking tour of this historic town.

Carpenter Street Saloon - pub in the center of town
Town Dock Restaurant - casual waterfront dining
Sherwood's Landing - fine dining at the Inn at Perry Cabin
208 Talbot: premier restaurant on the Eastern Shore and reknown throughout Maryland, this romantic restaurant is described by Zagat as "sophisticated" and by customers "Spectacular".

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Starbucks FREE Pastry

Click here for your Starbuck's coupon for a free pastry with the puchase of any beverage on Tuesday July 21st from open to 10:30 am.

Monday, July 20, 2009

40th Anniversary of Apollo 11

President Kennedy made a speech to Congress in May of 1961, expressing concern that the United States was falling behind the Soviet Union in technology and prestige. He challenged the nation to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade.

On July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 launched from the Kennedy Space Center. Neil Armstrong and fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin left the Apollo 11 command module (piloted by Michael Collins) in orbit and performed a landing in the lunar module Eagle. On July 20th at 4:18 p.m. EDT, Armstrong announced to a watching and waiting world that “The Eagle has landed.” Six-and-a-half hours later, he stepped onto the powdery surface with the words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Aldrin soon followed Armstrong down the ladder to become the second man to stand on the moon.

Be sure to spend a minute and look up at the moon tonight; and reflect on how this monumental event the impacted the world... 40 years ago today!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

SU Alum & the Harrisburg Senators

Event: SHIP Night with the Harrisburg Senators

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2009
Two-hour Picnic Buffet beginning at: 5:30pm
Game Time: 7:00pm
Location: City Island Stadium, Harrisburg, PA
Cost: $20.00 per adult, $10.00 ages 3-12 years

Your host, Brenda (Boyer) Waleff '83 invites you to join fellow alumni and their families at City Island Stadium for some baseball, good food, and fun! Buffet picnic menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken breast, sides, desserts and soft drinks.

Friday, July 17, 2009

10 Things you didn't know about WATERMELON

A staple at every picnic, here is some trivia about that all-American fruit:

Watermelon contains 6% sugar by weight and is a source of Vitamin C.

Today, China is the world's single largest watermelon producer.

There are over 1200 varieties of watermelon.

Watermelon rinds are edible and sometimes used as a vegetable by serving them stewed or pickled.

During the Vietnamese New Year's holiday, watermelon seeds are served as snacks.

In April 2007, Oklahoma state senate declared watermelon the official state vegetable (which sparked controversy that watermelon is truly a fruit.)

Watermelon contains large amounts of beta carotine.

Watermelon is 92% water by weight.

The citrulline which exists in watermelon (especially in the rind) is a known stimulator of nitric oxide, which is thought to relax and expand blood vessels, much like the drug Viagra.

Watermelon with red flesh is a significant source of lycopene.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Welcome Summer Series: It's a SHORE Thing


The Beach: This Wednesday we're considering our options... although it may be too late to plan for this summer, please share your ideas on which beach YOU vacation... we'd love to hear some insider scoop!! Here are a few we know:

Ocean City, Maryland
Not a far trip for most, great for a weekend get-away. With so many outdoor restaurants & great nightlife, pools at many hotels and free beaches... always something to do, not to mention an action-packed boardwalk.
Drawbacks: traffic, almost too much activity.

Avalon, New Jersey
Also close-by and family-oriented, although Avalon is much smaller and quieter. There are a few bars and a handful of restaurants (many bring your own), it is close to Stone Harbor shopping and Sea Isle. Avalon offers activities for the little ones: movies on the beach & story time at the library.
Drawbacks: must purchase tags for beach access, boardwalk consists of pizza shop and an arcade (with 20-some blocks of boards!), limited hotels.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A real relaxing family get-away, even more fun when you go with a large group or extended family. Beautiful condo rentals available, many with private pools on the beach. There are a few central locations with restaurants, grocery stores and shopping... of course amazing golfing.
Drawbacks: about an 8-9 hour drive... and once there you need your car.

Which beach is it for you???

Monday, July 13, 2009

FREE Mocha Mondays at McDonald's

What tastes better than a McDonald's mocha?
Answer: a FREE McDonald's mocha.

Starting today thru August 3rd, stop into McDonald's between 7 am and 7 pm on Mondays, and start the working week with a complimentary McCafe Mocha, the sweet side of espresso. No purchase is necessary to get a 7-ounce iced mocha or an 8-ounce hot drink -- both smaller than the 12-ounce "small" size on the menu. That's because it's all about the coffee at McDonald's right now.

Friday, July 10, 2009

SHIP at the SHORE

Event: Ship @ the Shore, Ocean City, Md.

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Location: Fager's Island Restaurant, 201 60th St., OC, MD
Cover charge: $15.00 per person.

Take a break from the beach and join fellow alumni and friends for a late afternoon alumni party! Buffet style appetizers provided with a cash bar. Stay for the musical entertainment(DJ) on the deck following alumni party.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Welcome Summer Series: Crayola Factory

It's Wednesday... and for today's welcome summer series, we have a great one-day trip for the kids! EASTON, PA: CRAYOLA FACTORY visitors enter a world of discovery as they experience more than a dozen hands-on activities as well as learn how Crayola Crayons® and Markers are made. This is not the real manufacturing plant, it’s a colorful and interesting visitor center that allows children of all ages to unleash their creative spirit. The themes and projects change to give visitors a variety of projects to create throughout the year.

Step upstairs to the NATIONAL CANAL MUSEUM with its 90-foot water-filled model canal. You can harness a life-sized mule, play the canal captain simulation game, and operate a model train layout.

The Crayola Factory was great; it was fun to cut, color and paint various crafts... make sure you see the "show" and learn how crayons are made! Equally impressive is the Canal Museum which also offers hands-on experiences... you could spend hours here as well, it became a learning trip with the help of volunteers who explained about canal life as the children pilot their boat thru the water and locks.

IF YOU GO: The Crayola Factory and National Canal Museum is located in the Lehigh Valley, Tickets are $9.50 (ages 3 – 64) and includes both attractions. There is a McDonald's on-site, outdoor tables (if you brown-bag it) or many nearby restaurants... we suggest Pearly Baker's. Plan to make a day of it, since there is so much to do... don't forget to stop by the gift shop and Crayon store on your way out... and expect the little ones to nap on the way home (ours all did!!)

Monday, July 6, 2009

LUHR's Center Celebration Series

Luhr's Performing Arts JULY 2009 - Festival 2009 Celebration Series:
Three concerts on three Thursdays in July, tickets also available as series.

Concert I - André Watts - Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009 8 PM

Concert II - Joshua Bell - Thursday, Jul. 16, 2009 8 PM

Concert III - Frederica von Stade - Thursday, Jul. 23, 2009 8 PM

Tickets: $40, $25 & $15 (Series: $115, $70 & $40)

ALSO: Don't miss out on purchasing your tickets for the Luhrs Center's spectacular 2009/10 Season. The season schedule will be announced on the Luhrs Center Web site July 6, 2009 so check back here for more details. Tickets will go on sale Monday, July 27, 2009 at 11 a.m. in person at the Luhrs Center Box Office, by phone at 717.477.SHOW (7469) or online at www.luhrscenter.com Shippensburg, PA.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy 4th of July!


Some fun facts before you enjoy the fireworks!

30: places nationwide with "liberty" in their name. The most populous is Liberty, Missouri (26,232). Iowa has more than any other state: 4 (Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty).

11 places have "independence" in their name. The most populous is Independence, Missouri, with 113,288 residents.

5 places adopted the name "freedom." Freedom, California, with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.

There is one place named "Patriot" in Indiana, with a population of 202.

And what could be more fitting than spending the day in a place called "America"? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, with 21,941 residents.

Friday, July 3, 2009

BBQ Caution: Onions

Before you make that potato salad for your next cookout, be sure to read this: According to cookbook author Zola Gorgon, the onions you use could be a possible source of food poisoning.

Zola recently toured Mullins Food Products, the makers of mayonaise. Her tourguide was a chemistry expert named Ed, who develops most of the sauce formula (he even developed one for McDonalds!) He addressed the common idea that mayonaise will spoil, and his answer will surprise you...

Ed said that commercially made Mayo is completely safe. There is no harm in refrigerating it, but it is not really necessary. The pH is mayonaise is set at a point that 20 bacteria could not survive. He addressed the quintessential picnic, with the bowl of potato salad on the table and how everyone blames the mayonaise when someone gets sick. Appartently the first thing the that should be looked at are the ONIONS in the salad, and then possibly the POTATOES.

Onions, especially uncooked ones, are a huge magnet for bacteria. Both the onions and the moist potato in the potato salad will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonaise will even begin to break down. He also advised that you should never keep a portion of a sliced onion, even in a zip-lock bag in our refrigerator, saying that it's already contaminated enough just be being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger. Cooking the onion may be okay, but the slices on a leftover sandwich could be asking for trouble. Dogs should never eat onions, as their stomachs cannot metabolize them. Another note: watch out for the onions on your hot dogs at the baseball park!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Green Expectation: July


Lights Out: Turn off the lights for the day! Plan a family day on a beautiful sunny day when no light is necessary. Grab your sunscreen, go to the park, and enjoy the summer. At night, play fun games in the dark... even camp out in the backyard!