Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Epic of Karolan
Our friend Ari's book is now for sale. Ari is amazingly gifted (he wrote this series while completing his PhD in Astronomy) and P and I have already had the joy to peek at his book electronically but are excited to have a hard copy. Please see info below and please pass on to anyone you know who may enjoy the series.
Lovers of deeply characterized, heroic adventures, rejoice! Bright Against the Storm, available now from http://www.hopewriter.com/
With the neighboring realm of Norkath girding for a brutal war of conquest, King Thomas of Karolan sends young Sir Ilohan on a quest. Ilohan chooses the bold peasant blacksmith Jonathan as his companion. The quest seems too easy at first – an irrelevant footnote to the coming war. Soon, however, the travelers find themselves hunted by pitiless foes. Back in Karolan, the beautiful shepherdess Naomi prepares to face the war alone, wondering if Jonathan will ever return to her to redeem his pledges of undying love.
Bright Against the Storm is the first book of four in The Epic of Karolan. The other three volumes are already written, and are scheduled for release in the spring, summer, and fall of 2010, respectively. The Epic of Karolan was written for adults and older teens who enjoy fantasy or Christian fiction. The books may not be a good choice for children under 14. Bright Against the Storm is an average-length fantasy novel, at 424 pages, or 125,000 words. It is self-published by the author, Ari Heinze, and therefore is not backed by the advertising budget of a large corporation. Please send this on to anyone you know who might enjoy The Epic of Karolan. Scroll down to read endorsements for Bright Against the Storm, and a more detailed plot introduction.
Endorsement 1:
“In Bright Against the Storm, Ari Heinze does a number of things that I did not think possible in a 21st century novel: he offers a believable and compelling portrait of true honor and chivalry; he depicts both male and female goodness in a way that is neither clichéd nor cloying; he creates a medieval-like world that is suffused by Christian faith but that never degrades into mere piety or self-righteousness; he meditates honestly on both the glory and horror of war; and he offers one of the best and truest portraits of a virtuous pagan that I have ever encountered. Lovers of Tolkien’s Middle-earth will find in Heinze’s Karolan a world that is far closer to our own—all the characters are human—but that nevertheless retains the wonder, the awe, and the heroism of The Lord of the Rings.”
Louis Markos, Professor of English and Scholar-in-Residence, Houston Baptist University
Endorsement 2:
"Bright Against the Storm, the first volume of this epic fantasy, is beautifully written and realized, its style exuberant, with a sense of immediacy that draws the reader deeply into the narrative. I look forward with anticipation to reading the rest of the Karolan series!"
Luci Shaw, author of Breath for the Bones, and Writer in Residence at Regent College.
Endorsement 3:
“Bright Against the Storm is a work I commend to all those who would be stirred in mind and heart by a saga taking on the grand themes of faith and fortitude, doubt and destiny and the abiding presence of the goodness and grace of God in the midst of the travels and travails of life in any time or place.”
Reverend Paul Karlberg, Proclamation Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Plot Introduction:
King Fingar of Norkath is planning a brutal war of conquest against neighboring Karolan, allegedly justified by a mysterious betrayal decades old. Karolan has a history full of heroism, but dread weighs heavily on her people now. Aging King Thomas has no heir, and they may face Fingar’s onslaught without an effective leader.
In beautiful Glen Carrah in Karolan, Jonathan the blacksmith and the shepherdess Naomi exchange pledges of undying love. Confident in his strength and skill, Jonathan tells Naomi that he will find and rescue her, no matter what, if war separates them. The separation comes unexpectedly soon, when young Sir Ilohan asks Jonathan’s company on a journey commanded by the king.
Is Ilohan’s mission what it seems, an irrelevant footnote to the gathering storm of war? Why do deadly foes dog his footsteps almost from the beginning? Can Jonathan and Ilohan escape their enemies and finish the king’s quest? Will Karolan – and Naomi – weather the storm?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Melanie's Easy Travel Recipe
I think you all know, I travel a lot. Additionally I grew up overseas this means that I have spent a great deal of time on transatlantic/pacific flights. I have, what I think, is the most refined travel system of all time. In my own very modest opinion, my system works so well that I often arrive feeling relatively fresh and rarely have terrible jetlag. Fresh of my flight to Oz I thought I'd post it. This tip is only for long haul flights, if you try it on a brief 3 hour flight, I think it will just make you uncomfortable. I should also, begin by saying this is a modification of my mother's travel system that I watched her use when I was a kid.
The key ingredient is a fully stocked carry on bag. In this carry on bag should be: toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, make up, brush, I like wet wipes, deodorant, and whatever else you need to get ready). Also and entire change of clothes, including socks, shoes, everything.
FYI, my carry on of preference is a backpack you can cram it full of junk and carry it around easily. I found it more comfortable than a shoulder bag and more mobile than an annoying wheelie bag. (I'm short and rather clumsy so I find the overhead bins a pain and I invariably run over someone's foot with a wheelie bag)
Step 1: Stay up late, wake up early the night before. I like to get on a plane slightly sleep deprived, I find it helps me sleep better on a flight. Find whatever sleep aid on a plane works for you-- sleep deprivation is my key, but a glass of wine on the flight works well, as does a dose of melatonin or tylenol pm.
Step 2: Immediately before leaving for the airport take a shower. It do it so immediately before that I arrive in the security line with my hair still dripping wet. It's a real treat for everyone.
Step 3: Relax on the flight and try to sleep, but if you can't sleep just try to rest/relax don't stress about not sleeping.
Step 4: About 1-2 hours before landing take your carry on bag stocked full of goodies and head to the lavatory.
Step 5: Transformation. This is the key part. Pull down the little shelf in the bathroom and put your bag there. Now brush your teeth, wash your face (use the wet wipes if you'd like), brush your hair and change into your new outfit. The bathrooms have outlets so if you curl or straighten your hair feel free to do that as well. You'll need to ignore the other passengers who will be banging on your door at this point and asking you to hurry up.
Step 6: Conquer Jetlag: If your flight arrives at your destination (my preference) push through the day. Do NOT under any circumstances go to bed early or take a nap. Go out, site see, whatever but stay awake. Also, have something planned for the next morning. This will force you to go get up at a reasonable time and push through another day. I find that by the evening on the second day I'm pretty well acclimated. If your flight arrives in the evening, go to bed at a reasonable bedtime, and then follow the other steps. Have something planned in the morning and push through and entire day. Repeat.
I can't guarantee a good vacay--but I think these tips work well! :)
PS-- Have to give props to my mother. This system is really just an adaptation of hers, I watched her use it for years as a kid.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Perils of Training or Oh My Achin' Bod!
We're less than two weeks out from our next tri and things are not going well. In addition to my pre-existing condition of a torn ACL and cartridge damage in my knees I've developed a new condition. Searing arch pain! This has reduced me to putting arch supports in my shoes like a 90 year old.
The new low point for me came during my 3 hour brick (bike/run combo) last weekend. I was happily biking along the Mount Vernon trail, about 2 hours into my workout, (For those of you who don't know, the Mount Vernon trail is like a tiny road, it has lane dividers and it's used often by serious bikers) when I come whizzing down a hill, around a blind curve and to my surprise what is on the other side of the curve-- teenagers on skateboards!!! Skateboarding horizontally across the trail and blocking both lanes!!! I slam on my brakes and scream "LOOK OUT, GET OUT OF THE WAY!! MOVE!!!" but still WHAM I slam right into one of the kids. I, still clipped in to my bike, go flying and smack down on the pavement. By the time I landed in a heap on the asphalt the kid I hit was already there to see if I was okay, and to apologize. I said I was okay, and made sure he was okay too. As I sat on the side of the road and bandaged my wounds (this is why I carry a first aid kit) he kept apologizing. I told him we were lucky we weren't hurt more seriously, and that in the future they should be more careful and we'll all just chalk it up to lesson learned. He promised to be more careful in the future, assured me that he was fine and off I hobbled pushing my poor broken bike.
I'm okay, for the most part, my left side is bruised and scraped but nothing serious. My bike is damaged, but I'm not sure how much yet. Now I'm in the awkward position of being injured enough to not train but not so injured that I want to skip the tri. I think if my bike can be ready I'm still going to go for it and hope I can just finish-- even if it takes me 6 hours!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bronzed Beauties
Two weeks exactly before Camille's wedding she and I decided to go get fake tans. The spray on kind--made famous (or rather infamous) by that Friends episode where Ross gets freakishly tanned on only one side. We thought two weeks out would give us enough time to get a practice run in and figure out how to tan to perfection. It started with me calling to make our appointments:
YoungTannedPerkySalesClerk: "You've reached the tanning salon, how can I help you?"
Me: "I'd like to make an appointment for two people for..."
YTPSC: " We don't make appointments just show up-bye"
Me: "WAIT!!! DON'T HANG UP...what do we do?"
YTPSC: "What???"
Me: "I mean, is there anything we should know...how does this work?"
YTPSC: "Well, is this an emergency?"
Me: "An emergency...uh no this is NOT a tanning emergency." (all the while thinking--what the heck exactly is a tanning emergency? Do they have a tanning emergency room???"
YTPSC: "Okay then come in and we'll spray you with our clear mist solution."
Me: "Umm we want to be tanned not lacquered."
YTPSC: (clearly annoyed with me at this point) "The clear mist darkens over four hours its our best solution---if it was an emergency I'd have to bronze you so you could be tanned within an hour. It's not as good as the clear mist, but it works in an emergency."
Me: "Ooookay -- well, what should we wear"
YTPSC: "Umm..you're just getting a tan..wear whatever you want. BYE!"
CLICK
I pass on the info to Camille, and so we decide to go over on a Sunday afternoon. I'm busy gardening when Camille arrives in a white blouse and skirt. I just throw down my spade and head off in work out clothes and my crocs. As we get to the salon we're told it's important to not be wearing any makeup and to be freshly exfoliated. Camille and I look at each other--this information would have been helpful to have earlier. We decide to try it anyway.
This sales clerk is young, tanned, but more punk then perky. Punky explains that the tanner works much like an automatic car wash. We'll climb in and 'she' will tell us where to stand and what to do while automatic sprayer things move around us. There are feet drawn on the floor of the tanning booth and the machine orders us to do things like 'place left foot on 1 and right foot on 4.' Camille goes first. I'm terrified of the whole process. While I'm waiting for Camille to tan I realize I have dirt caked on my legs from gardening. I run into the restroom and give myself what amounts to a sponge bath with paper towel to get the dirt off. I come out just as Camille is finishing. She promises me it isn't too scary and really easy to do and it will be okay. She also warns me to hold my breath while my face is being sprayed.
I climb into the machine. The outer booth is a little changing room that has a hand towel, wet wipes, and lotion. I prep and climb into the actual booth. 'She' tells me to place my left foot on 2 and right on 4' I do as 'she' says, and the sprayer moves to the bottom of the booth to spray my foot. It starts spraying. It keeps spraying my foot. I start thinking--it seems like it's spraying one foot for an inordinately long time. It keeps spraying. Then it stops and 'she' says...please get attendant. I think -- what the heck!!!
I struggle to cover myself with a hand towel (not a pretty sight!), while frantically scrubbing at my foot with wet wipe--thinking my foot will be BROWN and the rest of me pasty white. I manage to get Camille's attention and she gets punky. Punky, comes over and plays around with the machine, completely ignoring me frantically trying to de-tan my foot. After a while, she announces that the machine is broken.
She's never seen anything like this happen before and offers to credit my account. She has to tell the other people waiting that the machine has broken as I pathetically plod out - past the people waiting for their chance to be tanned - with one tanned foot.
My account has been credited, but I haven't been back yet. You'll notice from the wedding photo's that Camille is tanned and gorgeous and I am am pale and translucent-- I think that works well on me!
YoungTannedPerkySalesClerk: "You've reached the tanning salon, how can I help you?"
Me: "I'd like to make an appointment for two people for..."
YTPSC: " We don't make appointments just show up-bye"
Me: "WAIT!!! DON'T HANG UP...what do we do?"
YTPSC: "What???"
Me: "I mean, is there anything we should know...how does this work?"
YTPSC: "Well, is this an emergency?"
Me: "An emergency...uh no this is NOT a tanning emergency." (all the while thinking--what the heck exactly is a tanning emergency? Do they have a tanning emergency room???"
YTPSC: "Okay then come in and we'll spray you with our clear mist solution."
Me: "Umm we want to be tanned not lacquered."
YTPSC: (clearly annoyed with me at this point) "The clear mist darkens over four hours its our best solution---if it was an emergency I'd have to bronze you so you could be tanned within an hour. It's not as good as the clear mist, but it works in an emergency."
Me: "Ooookay -- well, what should we wear"
YTPSC: "Umm..you're just getting a tan..wear whatever you want. BYE!"
CLICK
I pass on the info to Camille, and so we decide to go over on a Sunday afternoon. I'm busy gardening when Camille arrives in a white blouse and skirt. I just throw down my spade and head off in work out clothes and my crocs. As we get to the salon we're told it's important to not be wearing any makeup and to be freshly exfoliated. Camille and I look at each other--this information would have been helpful to have earlier. We decide to try it anyway.
This sales clerk is young, tanned, but more punk then perky. Punky explains that the tanner works much like an automatic car wash. We'll climb in and 'she' will tell us where to stand and what to do while automatic sprayer things move around us. There are feet drawn on the floor of the tanning booth and the machine orders us to do things like 'place left foot on 1 and right foot on 4.' Camille goes first. I'm terrified of the whole process. While I'm waiting for Camille to tan I realize I have dirt caked on my legs from gardening. I run into the restroom and give myself what amounts to a sponge bath with paper towel to get the dirt off. I come out just as Camille is finishing. She promises me it isn't too scary and really easy to do and it will be okay. She also warns me to hold my breath while my face is being sprayed.
I climb into the machine. The outer booth is a little changing room that has a hand towel, wet wipes, and lotion. I prep and climb into the actual booth. 'She' tells me to place my left foot on 2 and right on 4' I do as 'she' says, and the sprayer moves to the bottom of the booth to spray my foot. It starts spraying. It keeps spraying my foot. I start thinking--it seems like it's spraying one foot for an inordinately long time. It keeps spraying. Then it stops and 'she' says...please get attendant. I think -- what the heck!!!
I struggle to cover myself with a hand towel (not a pretty sight!), while frantically scrubbing at my foot with wet wipe--thinking my foot will be BROWN and the rest of me pasty white. I manage to get Camille's attention and she gets punky. Punky, comes over and plays around with the machine, completely ignoring me frantically trying to de-tan my foot. After a while, she announces that the machine is broken.
She's never seen anything like this happen before and offers to credit my account. She has to tell the other people waiting that the machine has broken as I pathetically plod out - past the people waiting for their chance to be tanned - with one tanned foot.
My account has been credited, but I haven't been back yet. You'll notice from the wedding photo's that Camille is tanned and gorgeous and I am am pale and translucent-- I think that works well on me!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Jim & Camille's Wedding Weekend
What a fun memorial day weekend we had. Friday night was Camille's bridal shower at my house. We celebrated Camille and all of her favorite things. We had hors d'oeuvres of cheese, olives, peanuts, chips and salsa, chocolate covered strawberries (yes, this is an hors d'oeuvre) and much more. Then we had a main course thai themed: mandarin asian salad, thai curry chicken, green beans and tofu and spring rolls. We had a hot fudge sundae station for dessert. Delicious! We played some games and just had such a great time celebrating Camille. After the shower, Peter & I picked up some of our very favorite people in the whole world up from the airport the Begleys! Mike performed Camille's wedding ceremony.
On Saturday, we hosted the rehearsal in our backyard, then had a delicious rehearsal dinner at Marrakesh. So much fun-- 7 courses of deliciousness. And hilariously enough, I've now been to Marrakesh enough that the owner recognized me and came over to say hello. He told me I have a '10lbs laugh.' I'm choosing to take that as a compliment and not a subtle way of telling me to lower my voice ;)
On Sunday, Camille, Stacy (the other bridesmaid) and I met at the salon to get our hair done and get dressed. We also ate Chipotle for lunch at the salon. After we were all made to look fabulous-- we headed off in the limo to the church. We called Karen on the way. Karen, is another bridesmaid, but sadly couldn't make it because she was in a car accident in England. Karen--we really missed you!!! We got to the church took photos and were ready to start the ceremony.
I was the matron of honor and was thus responsible for carrying the ring down the aisle. As soon as I got to the end of the aisle I realized that I had left Jim's ring downstairs!!!! I am SUCH A MORON!!!! I looked at Stacy and said, in pure panic, 'Jim's ring is still downstairs'. Stacy just said--'don't move!!!' She gently excused herself and left the ceremony. Afterwards we were surprised at the reactions, many people were so focused on the happy couple they didn't notice, others thought she really really had to use the restroom, some thought maybe she felt sick. When Stacy left, Camille looked at me and said 'you have the ring, right' and I said 'No. Stacy is getting it' Lucky for me, Camille is so great, that instead of killing me or firing me on the spot, which, quite frankly, is what I deserved, she just burst out laughing and said 'I love you.'
Stacy returned with the ring without missing a beat. However, when Mike asked for the rings we all burst out giggling. We also sang one of the worst congregational songs known to man!!! We sang that song 'I'm trading my sorrows, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.' Peter & Mary were leading the singing, and did an excellent job. However, the musicians (a cellist and violinist) apparently had never heard the song before and didn't have any idea how to play it. Peter just tried to sing through the funeral dirge of that song -- I thought it sounded like we were being accompanied by dying cats. It was awful-- no one had any idea what key to sing in, or pace to sing at. Those of you who know me, know I NEVER sing out loud in public. NEVER. My voice is really awful, and I can't hear keys, or notes very well so usually I just lip sync out of respect to those singing around me. This was so bad I sang as loud as I could, because I thought it would help!! Most of us were laughing at how horrible it sounded, including Jim & Camille. It's really great that they had such a good sense of humor about the whole thing.
Then they had a gorgeous reception on a riverboat that went up and down the Potomac as we partied the night away (including a wonderful first dance, bouquet toss on the top deck, and (of course) a 'first redux' of 'Trading my sorrows'...from the safety of my iPod!).
All in all, it was an amazing weekend of celebrating Jim & Camille. I'm so happy for them and felt really privileged and blessed to be a part of their special day. Thanks for including me guys, I love you!
On Saturday, we hosted the rehearsal in our backyard, then had a delicious rehearsal dinner at Marrakesh. So much fun-- 7 courses of deliciousness. And hilariously enough, I've now been to Marrakesh enough that the owner recognized me and came over to say hello. He told me I have a '10lbs laugh.' I'm choosing to take that as a compliment and not a subtle way of telling me to lower my voice ;)
On Sunday, Camille, Stacy (the other bridesmaid) and I met at the salon to get our hair done and get dressed. We also ate Chipotle for lunch at the salon. After we were all made to look fabulous-- we headed off in the limo to the church. We called Karen on the way. Karen, is another bridesmaid, but sadly couldn't make it because she was in a car accident in England. Karen--we really missed you!!! We got to the church took photos and were ready to start the ceremony.
I was the matron of honor and was thus responsible for carrying the ring down the aisle. As soon as I got to the end of the aisle I realized that I had left Jim's ring downstairs!!!! I am SUCH A MORON!!!! I looked at Stacy and said, in pure panic, 'Jim's ring is still downstairs'. Stacy just said--'don't move!!!' She gently excused herself and left the ceremony. Afterwards we were surprised at the reactions, many people were so focused on the happy couple they didn't notice, others thought she really really had to use the restroom, some thought maybe she felt sick. When Stacy left, Camille looked at me and said 'you have the ring, right' and I said 'No. Stacy is getting it' Lucky for me, Camille is so great, that instead of killing me or firing me on the spot, which, quite frankly, is what I deserved, she just burst out laughing and said 'I love you.'
Stacy returned with the ring without missing a beat. However, when Mike asked for the rings we all burst out giggling. We also sang one of the worst congregational songs known to man!!! We sang that song 'I'm trading my sorrows, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.' Peter & Mary were leading the singing, and did an excellent job. However, the musicians (a cellist and violinist) apparently had never heard the song before and didn't have any idea how to play it. Peter just tried to sing through the funeral dirge of that song -- I thought it sounded like we were being accompanied by dying cats. It was awful-- no one had any idea what key to sing in, or pace to sing at. Those of you who know me, know I NEVER sing out loud in public. NEVER. My voice is really awful, and I can't hear keys, or notes very well so usually I just lip sync out of respect to those singing around me. This was so bad I sang as loud as I could, because I thought it would help!! Most of us were laughing at how horrible it sounded, including Jim & Camille. It's really great that they had such a good sense of humor about the whole thing.
Then they had a gorgeous reception on a riverboat that went up and down the Potomac as we partied the night away (including a wonderful first dance, bouquet toss on the top deck, and (of course) a 'first redux' of 'Trading my sorrows'...from the safety of my iPod!).
All in all, it was an amazing weekend of celebrating Jim & Camille. I'm so happy for them and felt really privileged and blessed to be a part of their special day. Thanks for including me guys, I love you!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Mickey is Coming!
It's not Disneyland in my backyard, but it's something :)
washingtonpost.com
Disney Buys Land for Future Resort Hotel at National Harbor
By Thomas Heath
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Walt Disney Co. has bought a 15-acre parcel at Prince George's County's sprawling National Harbor development, a shot in the arm for a project that opened with big ambitions a year ago, only to run headfirst into one of the sharpest economic declines in decades.
Disney plans to build a 500-room hotel resort on the parcel, providing another anchor for a 300-acre venture that seeks to rival the District as a conference and convention destination. National Harbor already includes six hotels; more than a dozen restaurants; and a giant conference center run by Gaylord Entertainment, owner of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Business, though, has been slowed by the recession, and many of the 400 residences at National Harbor have not been sold. A Disney spokesman said the company will almost certainly go ahead with the project despite the economic climate, but the company did not provide a timetable.
"The addition of Disney as a partner to the National Harbor mix validates and fulfills the shared vision that we will be a world-class waterfront destination resort," said Milton V. Peterson, chairman of Peterson Cos., who has staked hundreds of millions of dollars on the harbor venture. "It's an extraordinary compliment in this economy."
Disney's move to Prince George's comes more than a decade after the company pulled out of a project to build a history-themed park, called Disney's America, on 3,000 acres of rolling farmland near the Manassas battlefield. Disney scrapped the project after months of opposition from politicians and citizens' groups
Peterson has been wooing Disney in the years since then. He even hosted Walt Disney president and chief executive Robert A. Iger on a visit to the site.
"I have been working on this Disney project with Milt for four years," said Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D). "Milt has been working on it for 10. There were times when it looked like it wouldn't happen, but the perseverance paid off."
Tourism brings nearly $10 billion annually to the Washington region, though summer convention bookings and hotel reservations in the District are off about 5 percent from last year. District tourism officials projected a 2 percent decline in tourism this year.
With its thousands of hotel rooms and huge public spaces, National Harbor has been a subject of speculation on whether it complements or cannibalizes the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and other conference centers in downtown Washington. Plans for a large new hotel at the convention center, considered a requisite for boosting business there, remain on the drawing board.
But, eight miles south of the District on the Potomac River, National Harbor has been a relatively bright spot, one of the few projects to go forward. It is anchored by the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, which spots an 18-story glass hall, 2,000 hotel rooms and 470,000 square feet of meeting space, making it the largest center of its kind on the East Coast.
One hospitality source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the source is not an official spokesman, said about 60 percent of the convention business at the Gaylord center has been new to the region. The rest is groups that had previously booked events in Washington.
"Yeah, sure, we're in a downturn right now," said Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive of Gaylord Entertainment. "But three years from now, life will be a lot different."
Although Disney is best known for its animated films and theme parks, the entertainment conglomerate also includes ABC, ESPN, live-action films and cruise ships.
Disney's resorts unit is buying the National Harbor parcel for $11 million. The company also has an 800-plus room resort under construction on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. That resort is due to open in 2011; will cost about $800 million; and will include a spa, saltwater snorkeling, a replica volcano and wedding facilities, according to reports.
Disney would not disclose the exact size and construction date for its National Harbor plan, "but it will be a project of significant scale and put a recognizable Disney footprint in the Washington area," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Rasulo added that the project is not an attempt to build another Disney's America.
"The National Harbor resort is a completely different kind of project," Rasulo said. "It's specifically zoned for hotel, residential and other commercial development. This project is a hotel resort. It is not by any stretch of the imagination a theme-park project and never will be. We have no intention of building a large-scale theme park in the Washington area."
The new project might dovetail with Adventures by Disney, which offers guided tours that include a mid-Atlantic tour through Philadelphia, Williamsburg and Washington. The D.C. leg of the tour includes a guided bike ride around the National Mall and private tours of the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, and a lunch trip to Mount Vernon.
"This is what we think about as a fun-filled new destination for local visitors, which can also serve as a base camp from which others can explore the increasingly inspirational stories from our nation's capital," Rasulo said.
The property Disney has bought sits on a rise at the top of a tree-lined promenade named American Way, which is fashioned after the main street in Barcelona, called Las Ramblas. The Disney site overlooks the National Harbor complex and the Potomac and faces north toward the District. Visitors can see the Washington Monument in the distance.
Rasulo said Disney has to weigh "lots of factors in the coming months and the coming years" before deciding when to break ground.
"We wouldn't be buying this property if we didn't think this was a great location for a Disney resort hotel," Rasulo said.
washingtonpost.com
Disney Buys Land for Future Resort Hotel at National Harbor
By Thomas Heath
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Walt Disney Co. has bought a 15-acre parcel at Prince George's County's sprawling National Harbor development, a shot in the arm for a project that opened with big ambitions a year ago, only to run headfirst into one of the sharpest economic declines in decades.
Disney plans to build a 500-room hotel resort on the parcel, providing another anchor for a 300-acre venture that seeks to rival the District as a conference and convention destination. National Harbor already includes six hotels; more than a dozen restaurants; and a giant conference center run by Gaylord Entertainment, owner of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Business, though, has been slowed by the recession, and many of the 400 residences at National Harbor have not been sold. A Disney spokesman said the company will almost certainly go ahead with the project despite the economic climate, but the company did not provide a timetable.
"The addition of Disney as a partner to the National Harbor mix validates and fulfills the shared vision that we will be a world-class waterfront destination resort," said Milton V. Peterson, chairman of Peterson Cos., who has staked hundreds of millions of dollars on the harbor venture. "It's an extraordinary compliment in this economy."
Disney's move to Prince George's comes more than a decade after the company pulled out of a project to build a history-themed park, called Disney's America, on 3,000 acres of rolling farmland near the Manassas battlefield. Disney scrapped the project after months of opposition from politicians and citizens' groups
Peterson has been wooing Disney in the years since then. He even hosted Walt Disney president and chief executive Robert A. Iger on a visit to the site.
"I have been working on this Disney project with Milt for four years," said Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D). "Milt has been working on it for 10. There were times when it looked like it wouldn't happen, but the perseverance paid off."
Tourism brings nearly $10 billion annually to the Washington region, though summer convention bookings and hotel reservations in the District are off about 5 percent from last year. District tourism officials projected a 2 percent decline in tourism this year.
With its thousands of hotel rooms and huge public spaces, National Harbor has been a subject of speculation on whether it complements or cannibalizes the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and other conference centers in downtown Washington. Plans for a large new hotel at the convention center, considered a requisite for boosting business there, remain on the drawing board.
But, eight miles south of the District on the Potomac River, National Harbor has been a relatively bright spot, one of the few projects to go forward. It is anchored by the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, which spots an 18-story glass hall, 2,000 hotel rooms and 470,000 square feet of meeting space, making it the largest center of its kind on the East Coast.
One hospitality source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the source is not an official spokesman, said about 60 percent of the convention business at the Gaylord center has been new to the region. The rest is groups that had previously booked events in Washington.
"Yeah, sure, we're in a downturn right now," said Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive of Gaylord Entertainment. "But three years from now, life will be a lot different."
Although Disney is best known for its animated films and theme parks, the entertainment conglomerate also includes ABC, ESPN, live-action films and cruise ships.
Disney's resorts unit is buying the National Harbor parcel for $11 million. The company also has an 800-plus room resort under construction on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. That resort is due to open in 2011; will cost about $800 million; and will include a spa, saltwater snorkeling, a replica volcano and wedding facilities, according to reports.
Disney would not disclose the exact size and construction date for its National Harbor plan, "but it will be a project of significant scale and put a recognizable Disney footprint in the Washington area," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Rasulo added that the project is not an attempt to build another Disney's America.
"The National Harbor resort is a completely different kind of project," Rasulo said. "It's specifically zoned for hotel, residential and other commercial development. This project is a hotel resort. It is not by any stretch of the imagination a theme-park project and never will be. We have no intention of building a large-scale theme park in the Washington area."
The new project might dovetail with Adventures by Disney, which offers guided tours that include a mid-Atlantic tour through Philadelphia, Williamsburg and Washington. The D.C. leg of the tour includes a guided bike ride around the National Mall and private tours of the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, and a lunch trip to Mount Vernon.
"This is what we think about as a fun-filled new destination for local visitors, which can also serve as a base camp from which others can explore the increasingly inspirational stories from our nation's capital," Rasulo said.
The property Disney has bought sits on a rise at the top of a tree-lined promenade named American Way, which is fashioned after the main street in Barcelona, called Las Ramblas. The Disney site overlooks the National Harbor complex and the Potomac and faces north toward the District. Visitors can see the Washington Monument in the distance.
Rasulo said Disney has to weigh "lots of factors in the coming months and the coming years" before deciding when to break ground.
"We wouldn't be buying this property if we didn't think this was a great location for a Disney resort hotel," Rasulo said.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
NapQuest
Two years ago, I went to the Frederick Marathon to cheer on Alina. (Read: Alina dragged my lazy bum out of a bed at 4:00am, to drive her to Frederick so she could be there in plenty of time for the 6:30 am start) I saw her off—cheering wildly as the marathoners took off, then promptly toddled off to my car. I stowed away a pillow and blanket in the backseat, in hopes I could make up some of my lost sleep while she ran. And while, she ran mile after mile, I had one of the best napping experiences of my life! It was a fabulous nap—comfortable, and I woke up so refreshed. It is one of the great memories of my life—that nap!This year, Peter decided to run the Frederick Half. I planned on going to cheer him on, but also in hopes that I could recreate that great napping experience. I had two primary concerns: 1) had I built up that nap too much and 2) Peter is really really fast, would the decrease in time ruin the length of my nap
I drove up with Peter and saw him off. Then headed back to the car for my nap. It was another great napping experience!!! While I was asleep, it started raining very hard—the sound on the roof gently and gradually woke me up in time for the finish. Making this nap experience, while shorter, maybe even better than the last.
Also, my super fabulous and fast husband finished 13.1 miles with a new personal record (in the pouring rain)! Congratulations, Peter! ☺
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
It Is Officially Tri Season
On Sunday, Alina and I completed our first tri of the season at Lake Anna. It was a bit of a rough start, for me at least, as I didn't pay attention to packet pickup times, course information, or anything really. I ended up having to rearrange my Saturday schedule, which was a shame because I had some really great activities planned for the afternoon: cake tasting with JC, and cooking club with my buddies!!!We got to packet pickup about 2 minutes before it closed, got our stuff and headed over to the cabin we rented to get our gear ready. Here we are packing Sat night, don't
we look pumped! :)
We got up on Sunday morning and headed over to the race. I was a nervous wreck-- as per usual. Alina was calm and confident--as per usual. Body marking was hysterical, the Spotsylvania Jr Softball team was in charge of it. A herd of 12 year old girls armed with sharpies! Typically, the number is written on one arm, and then the athlete's age (to identify the wave) is written on the back of the calf. Well, after the 12 year olds were done with us my number had been written on both arms, and both legs, and my age on the back of my calves!!! No confusing my age or number!
Water temperature was 61 F, which is a tad chilly, but we had wetsuits on so what is the big deal, right? I opted not to do a warm up swim, for fear that I would be cold and dripping wet while I waited for my wave to start. BIG MISTAKE!!! As soon as the water hit my arms (my wetsuit is sleeveles) I started shivering uncontrollably! During the swim portion I just wanted to die. It was soooo #&(*@#&@*( cold! SO COLD! It was so hard to breathe. I couldn't feel my feet at all. It took me forever to swim, I finally started to warm up just as the swim portion was over. Lesson learned.
The bike portion went well, and I was able to make up some time, even though the course was hilly, really hilly. By the run (also uber hilly) I was feeling pretty good. I started the run and thought 'hmm--it's really warm'. The sun had come out by this time and air temp was in the high 70's. By the end of the run I realized that I'd forgotten to put on sunscreen. At the end of the tri I felt like one of those microwavable burritos, burnt on the outside and still frozen on the inside. My lungs still feel freezer burned from that water!
I'll leave you with a speed limit sign posted on a road headed into the marina. I'm proud to say Alina and I adhered to it throughout the entire triathlon :)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Theme Music Matters
This tri season is about to kick off in about a week with the cherry blossom 10 miler, and two weeks following that the first tri of the season. Dr. T and I are building up to do a half iron man (insert image of me hyperventilating in sheer panic here) in September.
At the start of this training season I decided to select my theme music. Something to really get me pumped. I decided on "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. Now, I know the lyrics aren't quite triathlon-y, but I have rather enjoyed belting out 'I AM IRONMEL...DUH NUH NUH NUH NUH to psych myself up for the long season ahead and the ultimate half iron man.
I told Dr. T my choice of theme music; her reply, "oh hmm...that's probably better than mine-- it's 'Big & Chunky'" (Dr. T and I saw Madagascar 2 and we both absolutely loved that song) So unfortunately, now as I'm working out the song that instantly leaps to my mind is not the steely resolve of 'I AM IRONMEL', but rather.... 'big. big, and chunky, I like 'em big and chunky.' Thanks so much, Dr T!
I leave you with Moto-Moto (will.i.am) singing 'Big & Chunky'
At the start of this training season I decided to select my theme music. Something to really get me pumped. I decided on "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. Now, I know the lyrics aren't quite triathlon-y, but I have rather enjoyed belting out 'I AM IRONMEL...DUH NUH NUH NUH NUH to psych myself up for the long season ahead and the ultimate half iron man.
I told Dr. T my choice of theme music; her reply, "oh hmm...that's probably better than mine-- it's 'Big & Chunky'" (Dr. T and I saw Madagascar 2 and we both absolutely loved that song) So unfortunately, now as I'm working out the song that instantly leaps to my mind is not the steely resolve of 'I AM IRONMEL', but rather.... 'big. big, and chunky, I like 'em big and chunky.' Thanks so much, Dr T!
I leave you with Moto-Moto (will.i.am) singing 'Big & Chunky'
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Haircut Redux
Today I went back to the famous S, who developed the multiphased plan for my hair this summer. Last time I went to S was in August, and he devised a plan that involved me growing out my hair and morphing into a Victoria's Secret supermodel-like-figure. I know, it's taken me a while to go back--blame my laziness and general apathy toward my hair.
I showed up to my appointment today to have S meet me at the door. This is what happened:
Me: "I've been working very hard at growing out my hair since the last cut."
S: "Let me look, to see if you have done a good job" (what the hey--does he seriously think I have control over how much my hair grows)
S: (after fumbling around with my hair for a bit) "well, its not bad, but you still need to grow it at least two more inches. At least."
M: "Okay, I'll keep devoting all of my spare time to growing it out." (again not even a sympathy giggle from S)
S: "This time, I will blow dry your hair. I want you to see what we can do if we blow dry."
(I get my hair washed for the first time ever with S)
S: "Since your hair is still not long enough I will have to cut it shorter so it looks longer."
M: "Ummm...say what???"
S: "You'll see."
(hacks away at my hair--never asking my opinion)
So I'll let you decide. I've posted below and after shots below. The before shot -- from last week The second two are today after S has worked on my hair. I think it does look longer--craziness!
I showed up to my appointment today to have S meet me at the door. This is what happened:
Me: "I've been working very hard at growing out my hair since the last cut."
S: "Let me look, to see if you have done a good job" (what the hey--does he seriously think I have control over how much my hair grows)
S: (after fumbling around with my hair for a bit) "well, its not bad, but you still need to grow it at least two more inches. At least."
M: "Okay, I'll keep devoting all of my spare time to growing it out." (again not even a sympathy giggle from S)
S: "This time, I will blow dry your hair. I want you to see what we can do if we blow dry."
(I get my hair washed for the first time ever with S)
S: "Since your hair is still not long enough I will have to cut it shorter so it looks longer."
M: "Ummm...say what???"
S: "You'll see."
(hacks away at my hair--never asking my opinion)
So I'll let you decide. I've posted below and after shots below. The before shot -- from last week The second two are today after S has worked on my hair. I think it does look longer--craziness!
Before
After
After
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Pusted Bants at Preakfast
WARNING: Disturbing imagery ahead-- read on at your own peril
Yesterday, was our 'halfversary'. Peter and I celebrate our halfversary in lieu of Valentines Day. We started off by having breakfast at one of our favorite spots, Cafe du Parc. Cafe du Parc has a great 'french country buffet' breakfast.
I'm happily at the buffet scooping the next round of to-die-for chocolate croissants, and fresh fruit onto my plate when a waitress approaches me. She says (very seriously) "I have to tell you something....you might know ... but maybe you do not, and I would want to know so I think you should know" I interrupt her rambling to say an encouraging yet confused "okay" and she says "your pants have a cut" and so I look down at my pants trying to discover this 'cut' and she says "Behind. Your pants are cut behind." I stare at her with a blank look completely confused then I realize she's saying my bum is exposed.
I start spinning around like those idiotic dogs chasing their own tail trying to catch a glimpse of this 'cut'. After about 5 spins I realize the effort is futil-- I can't actually see my own bum that well. And I'm just drawing attention to myself by spinning around like a fool. I finish piling the croissants on my plate (some tasks must be completed in any circumstances) and do a sort of crab-walk come shimmy-shuffle thing back to our table keeping my bum facing the wall. Once I get back to our table and I sit down completely MORTIFIED . Peter tries to tell me it can't be that bad, but I refuse to get up again. I have visions of my cheeks flapping in the breeze. Peter spends the rest of breakfast taking my buffet orders.
I look around the room and only manage to console myself by saying I probably have the cutest cheeks in the room. As it is a weekday the rest of the crowd is business men in their 50-60's--most of whom seem too absorbed in their conversations about the Stimulus to notice aanyone else in the room.
I wore my coat out of the restaurant and immediately bought a sewing kit to sew up this 'cut.' For the record the cut was actually a TINY rip, I doubt anyone but that waitress noticed and I'm actually surprised that she did. However that being said, I do owe her a thanks. Thank you, Waitress! Thank you for catching it early before the pants ripped even further and I wore them to a party with a cheek flapping in the breeze.
Yesterday, was our 'halfversary'. Peter and I celebrate our halfversary in lieu of Valentines Day. We started off by having breakfast at one of our favorite spots, Cafe du Parc. Cafe du Parc has a great 'french country buffet' breakfast.
I'm happily at the buffet scooping the next round of to-die-for chocolate croissants, and fresh fruit onto my plate when a waitress approaches me. She says (very seriously) "I have to tell you something....you might know ... but maybe you do not, and I would want to know so I think you should know" I interrupt her rambling to say an encouraging yet confused "okay" and she says "your pants have a cut" and so I look down at my pants trying to discover this 'cut' and she says "Behind. Your pants are cut behind." I stare at her with a blank look completely confused then I realize she's saying my bum is exposed.
I start spinning around like those idiotic dogs chasing their own tail trying to catch a glimpse of this 'cut'. After about 5 spins I realize the effort is futil-- I can't actually see my own bum that well. And I'm just drawing attention to myself by spinning around like a fool. I finish piling the croissants on my plate (some tasks must be completed in any circumstances) and do a sort of crab-walk come shimmy-shuffle thing back to our table keeping my bum facing the wall. Once I get back to our table and I sit down completely MORTIFIED . Peter tries to tell me it can't be that bad, but I refuse to get up again. I have visions of my cheeks flapping in the breeze. Peter spends the rest of breakfast taking my buffet orders.
I look around the room and only manage to console myself by saying I probably have the cutest cheeks in the room. As it is a weekday the rest of the crowd is business men in their 50-60's--most of whom seem too absorbed in their conversations about the Stimulus to notice aanyone else in the room.
I wore my coat out of the restaurant and immediately bought a sewing kit to sew up this 'cut.' For the record the cut was actually a TINY rip, I doubt anyone but that waitress noticed and I'm actually surprised that she did. However that being said, I do owe her a thanks. Thank you, Waitress! Thank you for catching it early before the pants ripped even further and I wore them to a party with a cheek flapping in the breeze.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What a weekend!
This weekend we attended a variety of inaugural events. We were very excited to celebrate our first inauguration in DC. I wanted to share some photos to give a sense of what it was like in DC. The atmosphere was one of complete excitement and jubilation. The historical nature of the event really seemed to bring people together, and Republicans and Democrats alike came out to celebrate and experience history. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced in my life. P has tons for footage on his blog. I have to say though while it was exciting--it was a long, cold, exhausting weekend and by the last ball on Tuesday, I was ready for bed! If you're interested click on the photo album below to take a look at some of the highlights.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Inugural Fever to Inugural Burnout
This is my first inauguration in DC. Well, sort of-- we lived in Alexandria during the 2005 inauguration, but we hadn't lived here long and did not have tickets to anything, and we didn't really understand how it all the logistics worked. So I went to the metro, realized how crowded it was and came home.
Given this year, we live in DC (within walking distance of the Capitol) and the historical nature of the event. We've decided to jump in with both feet. As of yesterday we had an astounding line up of events:
Saturday: Whistlestop Tour in Baltimore (we will be in Baltimore anyway)
Sunday: Free Concert on the Mall; Iowa Delegation Inaugural Dinner
Monday: Virgina Inaugural Ball
Tuesday: Parade Viewing Party from private offices on Pennsylvania Ave, the Iowa Delegations Inaugural Reception, The Midwestern States Official Ball, and the American Indian Ball
I went from being excited to having burnout over the course of this week. We're now told that for each of these events we'll need to be there anywhere from 2 hours to upwards of 8 hours in advance to get through Secret Service Security (the security is unprecedented, as there are an estimated 2-5 million people that will descend on DC) and we'll all have to go through metal detectors. It's going to make the airport look like a walk in the park. The traffic and road closures are expected to wreak so much havoc that the Members of Congress who live a little further out are sleeping in their offices Monday night, because they won't be able to get into the District in time on Tuesday.
As I continue to get updates on security protocol, crowds, and road closures I'm getting more and more discouraged. I've already decided I'm not going to any of the public events listed above only ones that I have a ticket for and I'm about two minutes away from just watching it all on TV!!!
Given this year, we live in DC (within walking distance of the Capitol) and the historical nature of the event. We've decided to jump in with both feet. As of yesterday we had an astounding line up of events:
Saturday: Whistlestop Tour in Baltimore (we will be in Baltimore anyway)
Sunday: Free Concert on the Mall; Iowa Delegation Inaugural Dinner
Monday: Virgina Inaugural Ball
Tuesday: Parade Viewing Party from private offices on Pennsylvania Ave, the Iowa Delegations Inaugural Reception, The Midwestern States Official Ball, and the American Indian Ball
I went from being excited to having burnout over the course of this week. We're now told that for each of these events we'll need to be there anywhere from 2 hours to upwards of 8 hours in advance to get through Secret Service Security (the security is unprecedented, as there are an estimated 2-5 million people that will descend on DC) and we'll all have to go through metal detectors. It's going to make the airport look like a walk in the park. The traffic and road closures are expected to wreak so much havoc that the Members of Congress who live a little further out are sleeping in their offices Monday night, because they won't be able to get into the District in time on Tuesday.
As I continue to get updates on security protocol, crowds, and road closures I'm getting more and more discouraged. I've already decided I'm not going to any of the public events listed above only ones that I have a ticket for and I'm about two minutes away from just watching it all on TV!!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
More Inaugural Chaos Expected
Look at this map of the latest secured area for the inauguration. Our house is only outside of it by 3 blocks! And it encompasses my place of work. Wow--I can't imagine what DC is going to be like on inauguration weekend. BTW, for those of you who live in the area I just heard on NPR that parts of the 66E will be closed as will parts of the 395N on inauguration day.
Monday, January 5, 2009
It's happening already!!!
So today was my first day back at work after being out sick for over a week. I'm still sick, and would have stayed home had I not already been a week behind in work and Congress is back tomorrow, so I convinced my darling husband to chauffeur me to work this morning instead of my usual morning walk. Traffic was a nightmare! We live near Obama transition headquarters, which normally causes traffic problems, but now every road around it is shut down in anticipation of the inauguration. I work a few blocks away from the White House (and the Hay-Adams Hotel --where the Obama's are staying) and have to pass it on my way to work, all the streets around the White House are closed. Traffic nightmare!
Then, this afternoon I had a meeting on the Senate side of the Hill, my cab took forever to get to the Hill because of all the road closures, and we couldn't get near the Senate side because the roads were closed there in anticipation of an Obama motorcade. The President-Elect is on the Hill today. So fearing I would be late for my meeting, I got out of the taxi, and ran my flu-riddled-sneezing-coughing-hacking disaster of a body up Capitol Hill--in 3 inch heels no less. I had the bad luck of hitting the Capitol the same time Obama's motorcade got there. They even stopped all pedestrian movement! FOILED!!! Blah. I was 20 minutes late to my meeting. I can't even imagine what life is going to be like here during the inauguration.
Then, this afternoon I had a meeting on the Senate side of the Hill, my cab took forever to get to the Hill because of all the road closures, and we couldn't get near the Senate side because the roads were closed there in anticipation of an Obama motorcade. The President-Elect is on the Hill today. So fearing I would be late for my meeting, I got out of the taxi, and ran my flu-riddled-sneezing-coughing-hacking disaster of a body up Capitol Hill--in 3 inch heels no less. I had the bad luck of hitting the Capitol the same time Obama's motorcade got there. They even stopped all pedestrian movement! FOILED!!! Blah. I was 20 minutes late to my meeting. I can't even imagine what life is going to be like here during the inauguration.
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