Travel

The New Roseanne Show -It’s Funny


Quick – read the list below and pick the person you least admire:

1. Mother Theresa
2. Billy Graham
3. Roseanne Barr

OK – that was easy now read this question and then pick the answer below. The Old/Newly Released “Roseanne” Show premiered yesterday. We recorded it and watched it tonight. Marty and I thought:

4. It was as objectionable as Roseanne is in real life
5. We thought it was hilarious

The answers are: 3 and 5.

I know, you think I’m crazy right? When you can record your shows we take a lot of chances and if a show is bad we just hit delete and its gone. The new Roseanne started out funny and it was funny and sort of realistic at the same time. If you can get over your feelings for the real Roseanne you may find the show quite entertaining.

Larry

The Crown – Netflix – Royally Entertaining


If you have a smart TV and want to see some of the best entertainment on “television” you really do need to subscribe to Netflix. I think we are paying $9 a month and not only is “Wi-fi” the future of entertainment it is the present of some of the most creative and entertaining programs available today. Also, as I’m sure you know it’s commercial free and when a program is released the entire season is available for viewing. If you really get into a program you can just keep watching it episode after episode.

The Crown is nothing short of outstanding. Marty has always followed all things “Royal” and she thinks this is the best entertainment she has seen – movies and TV – in a long time.

We watched Episodes One and Two last night and I felt like I had just seen a full feature film that I would give an A rating for entertainment, history, human interest, politics, cinematography and grand sets. Perhaps its the “American” in me but when I see one of these well done pieces about the Royal Family the full range of human emotions – both good and bad – seem to be in full view.

Neither Marty or I know any of the British actors but they are great at being “British.” Claire Foy – who ever she is – did a wonderful job in Episodes One and Two of showing us the transition of a young girl to a wife and mother and is just starting to come into her own as Her Royal Majesty.

As the only American actor in the cast John Lithgow does an excellent job portraying an aging Winston Churchill in the final act of his political career. The costume and make up artists should win an award for transforming him visually into the Father of England.

If you have Netflix jump in on “The Crown.” Marty and I believe you will really enjoy it.

Lethal Weapon – The Best American Buddy Cop TV Show Since Miami Vice


How lucky can one couple get? Marty and I saw Denzel bring down the bad guys in The Magnificent Seven and in the very same week we are treated to the best American Buddy Cop TV Show since Tubbs and Crocket in Miami Vice! This is the most fun Marty has had since our honeymoon! OK – maybe I had you up to there but you know I crossed the line with that weak reference.

Fox’s rip off of Mel and Danny’s Lethal Weapon movies does not disappoint. I will state unequivocally this is the best Buddy Cop Procedural on TV. My ex-news anchor friend Kurt Fonger taught me that a Procedural is a TV production that begins and ends the plot each show. Unlike “24” and so many of today’s TV shows that leave you on the edge of frustration – Fox’s Lethal Weapon does not leave you “hangin bro.”

This show is a fast paced hour of entertainment combining Black and White – action and violence – definitely good and bad guys – great one liners – stirred with four cups of Sarcastic Humor – Partners – Family and deep rooted heart ache.

Daman Wayans (Murtaugh) is probably the only “face” you will know but in this role he plays the straight guy to Clane Crawford (Riggs) and Riggs steals the show. If possible I strongly encourage you to use your Xfinity On Demand or what ever TV provider you use and watch the premier episode first. The show builds on Murtaugh’s family dynamic and Riggs PTSD and other deep seated emotional issues from the tragic loss of his pregnant wife. As a sub plot the writers do an excellent job of dealing with the subject of suicide.

Well enough of me droning on – by the way did I mention Murtaugh’s successful and hot Defense Attorney wife played by Kesha Sharp – the ever present and necessary authority figure Captain Brooks (Kevin Rahm) and the beautiful and charming Police Psychologist Maureen (Jordana Brewster)?

The Four Seasons Resort – Orlando


When I was nineteen (1964 Pre-Vietnam for me) I went to work for Bob VanKampen and Tony Wauterlek in Chicago. They were throwing nickels around like they were man hole covers and I lived in the Oak Park YMCA for months before I could afford an “efficiency” at 5450 North Winthrop. More on that story later. I met Romanians there and I had never heard of Romania. Nobody cares about that story. Bob and Tony were great guys to work for and I say this sincerely – Bob was a Genius. His mind never stopped working. He “created” several types of bond financing and so much more this e-mail will have to stop there. Sadly Bob died in 1999 but gladly our long relationship with his lovely wife Judy and her Daughter Karla and Husband Scott have continued.

This past weekend Bob and Judy’s Grand Daughter/Karla and Scott’s Daughter Jacqueline was Married to a handsome young Jew who was born and lived until recently in Israel and served in combat twice as a Captain in the IDF. Marvelously Amir has accepted Christ as Messiah and Lord. More on that story later. The wedding was like nothing we have ever seen. I mean literally nothing like you have ever seen! More on that story later.

Karla and Scott chose the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Bueno Vista for the wedding and secured a block of rooms for family and old friends at a great rate! If your travels take you to Orlando, Disney and or it’s other theme Parks if you can find a good rate or if you win the Lottery don’t miss the chance to stay at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

Here’s my review which is also on Trip Advisor. Larry

The Four Seasons Resort (FSR) Orlando has the appearance, substance and the reality of Florida Style Luxury. In Florida, especially in the warmer seasons, Luxury doesn’t mean jackets, ties and long pants. It’s a difficult balancing act to be a Luxury Resort in Florida – yet maintain a casual ambience – including clothing – with a helpful and friendly staff that are well trained and provide the high level of service one expects at a Four Seasons Property. My wife and I feel FSR Orlando had it all together during our recent three day stay for a wedding of friends in the Grand Ball Room. The wedding by the way and staff service was over the top great!

The Property has a European influence and sits among a developing Disney project with many beautiful homes. Their Common Areas are anything but common. We enjoyed walking around the public areas every day. Yes, there are children there but with the separate Adult Pool and Cabanas – Children’s Pool (plural) and play areas it didn’t feel like we were in the Disney neighborhood. Throw in a Tom Fazio golf course that is featured on the PGA Tour, the quiet full service spa and the roof top bar and dining and it’s hard to feature anyone not enjoying FSR Orlando.

We have seldom met a staff that seems so genuinely happy to serve you and always without any pretense. Though our stay was brief it was intensely relaxing and if our schedules call for a visit to Orlando and or the Theme Parts we will definitely stay at FSR Orlando again!

Albany Resort and Community – New Providence – Bahamas – The Very Best of The Best in The Bahamas


One of Marty and my longest friends purchased a home in Albany on New Providence in The Bahamas. Being the generous lady she is she offered to host us for a visit. My first question was what is Albany and where is New Providence? Now you can see why I didn’t do well in Geography. New Providence is the Island where Nassau is located and the home to two James Bond Movies. Rather than read my blithering description of Albany do yourself a favor and check out their website:

http://www.albanybahamas.com/

If you are back from the website let me say that not all the projects portrayed are finished yet but when it is done Albany will be by far the finest Resort Community in The Bahamas. It has it all: Sandy Beaches – Golf – Spa – Fitness Center – Boxing and MMA Ring – Marina – Horses – A water park and supervised playground for kids – Family Pools – Adult Pool with Cabanas – Fine and Casual Dining and Beautiful Homes – some of which you can rent.

The Tavistock Group is the Developer of Albany. Tavistock is headed by the Multi-billionaire Joe Lewis – 39th on the Forbes list at a mere four Billion dollars – and joined in this project by Ernie Els (Golf course designer) and Tiger Woods. Mr. Lewis developed two magnificent Luxury Golf Home communities in Orlando – Isleworth and Lake Nona. He also owns other domestic and international real estate and is an enormously successful currency trader. The Bahamas is his home and when completed Albany will be the crown jewel of his developments.

We invited good friends to join us on this trip and we all had a great time. Our friends have been to every luxury property in The Bahamas and they said this is the best of the best in the Islands. If you aren’t fortunate enough to know a home owner Albany does offer daily rental in private rooms in the Main Club House and there are three to five bedroom homes in the Resort available for rent – just steps from the beach.

Marty and I and our friends had a great time at Albany on New Providence. It is about a half hour by car from Nassau but literally a world away. Albany is truly a place you go to get away from it all while having it all for your enjoyment.

HBO’s The News Room – Great TV – An A Solid


Marty and I just watched and loved HBO’s new series The News Room. I don’t know who the actors names are but I have already bonded with the main characters. The writers on tonight’s show put together the best dialogue I have heard on TV in years. Given that there was no violence and no sex and we were glued to the dialogue Marty and I both give The News Room an A Solid.

If the future shows are as good as this one you don’t want to miss them. Sunday nights at 10:00 on HBO.

Uncle Larry

The Miami Marlins New $550,000,000 Ball Park. It’s a “must see” tourist attraction for South Floridians – provided you have some patience.


Though neither Marty or I like Baseball we wanted to see the new Miami Marlins Ball Park and it is quite something to see. If you want to see pictures of the stadium, the seating and the parking garages check it out on Marlins.com.

We are both glad we went but would probably not do it again. The Ball Park is spectacular, colorful and with the ability to open or close the roof and open the East glass wall to the City of Miami independently it’s quite a mechanical marvel.

We left Juno Beach at 10:30 for a 12:40 Cubs game and covered the 85 miles to the SR 836 Airport Exit off I-95 by 11:45. From there we could see the White Domed Park – less than a mile away – which took us another thirty minutes to get into the parking lot. This is one of the areas where patience is required. It seems they have plenty of parking but the local streets get totally jammed and it takes forever to cover the last mile. If you go to a Marlins game I would recommend you purchase your parking in advance and regardless of where your seats are park in: 1. Third Base Parking – 2. Home Plate Parking – 3. and definitively last First Base Parking.

We purchased Club Seats, Row D, $75 each, which were very close to the field. When we got to the entrance to the Park we had to walk up and up and up to the Promenade Deck and then walk all the way down to our seats. I’m not sure which one of the three Stooges came up with this idea but it couldn’t have been Larry. Once we got to our seats we were told they offer no food service in the Club Section and I had to walk back up to the Promenade Deck against the crowd to stand in a line longer than any I ever stood in during the Army. We found our seats during pre-game activities and by the time I got back I missed the line up introduction, the National Anthem and the first two batters.

At this point I am fuming and trying to remain calm. I ordered the Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken sandwiches, which when I finally fought my way back to our seats were quite good. They are made by a Miami “local” and feature a vinegar base sauce. One Heineken and the excellent sandwiches calmed me down and I began to take the time to really look around and see what a nice Ball Park it is with a good view of Downtown Miami out the left center field wall.

We left after the fourth inning and got back on I-95 in just a few minutes. However, I got the feeling that getting out of the parking garages at the end of the game might require more patience than I possess – which isn’t much.

Overall we were glad we took the day to see new Park. Unfortunately, Baseball hasn’t gotten any more entertaining so I can’t totally recommend this adventure to everyone. However, if you actually like Baseball I’ll wager you’ll enjoy the time.

Uncle Larry

It’s Not Christmas in Florida until you visit The Breakers


Living in Palm Beach County we love 75 degrees on Christmas Day. However, it’s hard to feel like it’s Christmas sometimes with all the sunshine. To get that special feeling for one night during the Holiday season we visit The Breakers on Palm Beach for drinks and dinner.

After a delightful walk north through the Main Lobby we open with a bottle of Champagne in the Tapestry Bar. Don’t rush this moment – soak in the room, the tapestries and the ambiance. After a warm conversation with friends we take our last glass of Champagne and leisurely stroll the magnificently decorated lobby and hallways of this Grand Old Lady – The Breakers -stopping to take pictures (the staff is always ready to assist you) by the traditionally decorated Christmas Tree.

When the picture taking is done we head towards the Seafood Bar and Grill – stopping along the way to peek into the magnificent ball rooms. Our personal favorite is the smaller yet highly decorative Gold Room. There are many fine items on the Seafood Bar menu but our absolute favorite is the Seafood Club with Truffle Fries. It’s called the Seafood club but it’s really a lobster roll with traditional club sandwich accents. If your tastes run towards cheese you can substitute the Gorgonzola fries. A tough choice it is between Truffle and Gorgonzola fries – so we order one of each – hey it’s Christmas!

We walk in from the sun feeling good and walk out a few hours later feeling like it’s Christmas in the East or Midwest or where ever you are from.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to take a room for a night or two The Breakers Experience is even more grand. Don’t miss the Spa, the shops, gardens and several pools. If it’s in your budget get a pool side Cabana for the day. You’ll feel like you are living the life of Royalty.

Did I mention golf and the Flagler Steak House?