All Lessons 108
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Nakiryu, a Michelin Star Winner, Still Has a Great Ramen If You Don't Mind Waiting For it
Japan Series: For the Foodies!
The Creative Noodle Factory Nakiryu was on my short list of ramen places to visit in 2025. This classy ramen shop had won a Michelin star in 2017, so it is going to be good. How good was the question.
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Byodoin, a World Heritage Site That Is Probably Not on Your List to Visit
Japan Series: Old Towns and Castles
This spring we took a bus tour to a few beautiful locations for viewing cherry blossoms, referred to in Japan as sakura. The first stop in the tour was Byodoin, an ancient Heian temple located in the …
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Nobunaga! A Ramen Shop For Savory Chickens
Japan Series: For the Foodies!
It's been a long time since I posted a lesson about a restaurant. I was intending to last fall, as I visited a couple of well known ramen shops. But for whatever reason I never got around to it. So, h…
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Eagles Win Super Bowl LIX For Its Beleaguered Fans - Eagles vs. Chiefs #2
Sporting Competition
Being a sports fan from Philadelphia can be a blessing, or a curse. Success breeds contempt, as can be seen from online trolls trashing the Eagles and their fans.
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An Afternoon Stroll Through Silicon Valley's Tech History
California Dreaming, The Bay Area and Beyond
As some of you know, I like to explore. And having an information techology background, and living not too far away from Silicon Valley, I thought it might be fun to take in some computer industry his…
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The Strentzel Muir House is the Best Place to Learn About the Real John Muir
The Wanderers
John Muir is often referred to as the "Father of the National Park Service." If you ever wanted to learn about John Muir this is the place for you. He lived here with his family for over 20 years. Lot…
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The Edo Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum
Japan Series: Museums and Estates
Located in the western suburbs of Tokyo, the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum is a unique collection of buildings that were transported onto this 17 acre site. The buildings span quite a bit of…
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Ichirō Hatoyama's Residence, Hatoyama Hall, in Otowa
Japan Series: Museums and Estates
Hatoyama Hall is one of those important residences in Tokyo that many people overlook. Some Japanese folks may know of the Hatoyama family because of their legacy, but your typical tourist will have n…
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The Ministry of Justice, Where We Found Justice After All
Japan Series: Museums and Estates
One sunny afternoon in December we strolled up to the Ministry of Justice building, or more commonly known as the Red Brick Building. Getting in to see the museum inside was a bit of a challange, but…
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Akasaka Palace, the State Guest House
Japan Series: Museums and Estates
Ever wonder where dignitaries from other countries get entertained in Tokyo? I never thought about it until I came across pictures of Prime Minister Kishida welcoming the Philippine President Ferdinan…
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Okutama Mukashi Michi Trailhead and Hikawa Gorge
Japan Series: The Countryside
I took another solo trip out west of Tokyo along the Tama River to Okutama in early November. Another beautiful sunny day for hiking the Okutama Mukashi Michi Trailhead and a quick peek at Hikawa Gor…
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A Hike and Lunch at Hatonosu Canyon
Japan Series: The Countryside
My December 2023 visit to Hatonosu Canyon was the beginning of my infatuation with the area along the Tama River beyond Ome. Nice walking trail along the river and a charming lunch spot were highligh…
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Seiryu Garden Sawanoi-en and the Trail to Mitake Gorge
Japan Series: The Countryside
I have a few destinations northwest of Tokyo for you to consider if you are interested in seeing a bit of nature and even a little hiking. The first one is in the area between Sawai and Mitake statio…
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Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, Turn of the Century Estate for the President of Mitsubishi
Japan Series: Museums and Estates
If you have been following my explolits in Japan you will know that I have written about a couple of estates that were built upon western architectural principles. The estate built for Hisaya Iwasaki…
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US Presidential Election Deja Vu All Over Again
News and Views
Here we are the day after the presidential election in the United States. Who would have guessed that Trump would win? Everybody, duh.
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Council Rock Newtown Little League in the Little League World Series
Sporting Competition
It is rare that a little league team from where I grew up makes it all the way to the Little League World Series. It brought back a bunch of memories for me, especially about the last game in which I…
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Niagara Falls
The Wanderers
Niagara Falls Canada vacation during the summer of 2024. Niagara Falls located at the southern end of the Niagara Gorge, is a breathtaking natural wonder that spans the border between Canada and the …
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The Captivating Beauty, Historical Depth, and Cultural Richness of Prague
Europe is Wonderful After All These Years
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is often referred to as the "City of a Hundred Spires" due to its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Nestled on the Vltava River, Prague boasts a…
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Road Trip Europe 2024 Part 2 - Bolzano, Innsbruck, Zurich
Europe is Wonderful After All These Years
This is Part Two of our road trip in Europe. Our route continues in with a stop for lunch at Verona on our way to Balzano. Next is Innsbruk, and then back to Zurich.
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Road Trip Europe 2024 Part 1 - Zurich, Lucerne, Como, and Milan
Europe is Wonderful After All These Years
For this year's trip to Europe we decided to rent a car. Our route starts with Zurich, Switzerland. Next is Milan - with a quick stop at Lake Como. Then we'll stop for lunch at Verona on our way to…
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The Arizona Trip - Grand Canyon and Beyond
The Wanderers
This spring we decided to visit Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park. At the same time we wanted to visit a few other cool spots in Arizona. So, our itinerary looked like these stops: Phoenix -> Sed…
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The Mountains are Imposing at Glacier National Park
The Wanderers
The National Park Service describes Glacier National Park as "a showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes." We were sold! In the fall of 2023 we explored Gl…
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The Apple Vision Pro is a Look at the Future Direction of Virtual and Augmented Reality
Key Technologies of the Past and Future
I found the Apple Vision Pro to be a wonderful first iteration of a VR/AR device from Apple. Sure, it has its downsides, such as its weight and price. But it gives you a glimpse into what these kind…
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March Madness and the Temple Basketball Program
Sporting Competition
As a Temple alum, I have to wonder what is going on with my former university. In 2020 the Dean of the Fox School of Business was indicted on charges of submitting false data to U.S. News & World Rep…
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