One day, too long ago to remember (I believe it was late March), I received an email from one Ken Levine. He had just published a book on his travels and asked if I, in my role as the UpTake Vacations Editor, would be interested in reviewing his book. I said yes, because I’m a sucker that can’t say no. True story.

Actually, I’m a sucker that doesn’t have a single moment of time to take on any additional responsibilities, so my promise to Ken Levine went unfulfilled. Until now.

Yes, Ken Levine, today is the day. I am going to review your book. Try to contain your enthusiasm.

And to you, the internet reader, here is why I’m featuring the review of Mr. Levine’s book on UpTake:

A) I said I would.
B) I live in Seattle (Mr. Levine calls some of the Mariners’ games).
C) I’m moving to L.A. this summer to pursue my passion of screenwriting. Mr. Levine is an Emmy winning writer/director/producer of such TV hits as M*A*S*H, Cheers, Frasier and Wings, to name a few. This is an opportunity for kissing ass that cannot be overlooked.
D) I get paid per post.
E) The book is about travel, and this is a travel site.

So you, the reader, may be asking yourself, “Self, what has two thumbs and doesn’t give a flying crap about Whit Honea’s take on travel books?”

If I were allowed to answer I would say “most primates,” but I’m not allowed to answer because I work here.

Rules are stupid.

The thing is, you should care about my review of a travel book because, as I mentioned before, I am the editor of a travel site. This means that I am smarter than everyone that reads this blog, present company excluded. Also, I have a soft spot for Ken Levine. Nobody should have to sit through that many innings of Mariner baseball.

Let’s talk about the book:  Read More »

Lakers vs. Bobcats, 2008

A few years ago, a relative was visiting and said he might as well catch a Dodgers game while he was in town.  I was surprised, because it had never occurred to me that living in a big city carries with it the advantage of professional sports teams in residence. I’m not sure how I missed that – every other car, grown man, or child is festooned with Lakers purple and gold around here.  Maybe it’s because I’m more into college sports.  But thanks to that relative, now I have officially accepted professional sports as a Thing To Do in Los Angeles.

Now home to two NBA teams (the Lakers and Clippers), a WBNA team (the Sparks), and a hockey team (the Kings) as well as the Dodgers, Los Angeles has five times the opportunity to experience a professional game.  Read More »

In "The Show" they use clean balls for batting practice. - Crash Davis

You know that summer is winding down when parks are no longer filled with little kids swinging big bats, but are instead overrun by the collective gut of the 35 and over slow-pitch leagues.

That isn’t to say you shouldn’t get to your local park as often as possible.  I’m actually in a 35 and over league and I’ve got to tell you, it’s fun to watch.  I mean that in the saddest, most painful way possible. Oy, my legs.

Summer vacations may be ending, but a game of catch in the park on a warm afternoon can stretch that holiday just a little bit longer. Make it happen.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays

Photo by Tricia Honea

Home plate at Dodger Stadium

Celebrate Father’s Day at Dodger Stadium by partaking in a fabled pastime – playing catch.  But this is no ordinary ball toss – you’ll do it right on the field.  The 7th Annual Father’s Day Catch, which is free, is not just for dads – “families” are invited to attend from 10 AM to 1 PM on Sunday, June 20.  Parking is free.  Dodgers are free (to the first 3,000 people).  Water and PowerAde are free.  FUN IS FREE.

At Dodger Stadium, this is historic.  Read More »