New York, New York

THE CITY that never sleeps: New York! My wife and I have been in the Big Apple several times over the past 19 years. To say that those visits were all "fun" would be true - but also something of an understatement. Actually, we have had enormously good times during each of our visits to New York. Our trip this year in late spring was no exception.

Admittedly, a big part of the reason we have enjoyed being in the City so much is because our son lives and works there. But even without a family-member connection, for thousands of people from all over the world, New York is top choice as a leisure destination.

There are literally thousands of things to do, and places to see, in the five Boroughs comprising New York City. And, regarding food choices: they are unlimited! As is usually the case, the island of Manhattan was where we spent the majority of our time this year. We did take-in a portion of the Bronx, and we ventured completely out of the City a couple of times during our 11-day visit. Following are a few of the highlights which we experienced.

The Intrepid - This is the aircraft carrier which has become a Sea and Air Museum. It is permanently berthed at Pier 86 in the Hudson River on Manhattan's West Side at 12th Avenue and 46th Street. (Historical; Informational; Very Impressive!)

The Roosevelt Home - This is the birthplace and boyhood home of president Theodore Roosevelt. It is located at 28 East 20th Street - near Park Avenue and Broadway. (Very interesting!)

The Bronx Zoo - This is one of the largest and most impressive zoos in the entire nation. It is located at Fordham Road and Bronx River Parkway in the Bronx. (One of the best we've seen!)

"9 to 5" - This is a lively performance of a Broadway play based on the movie with Dolly Parton. It's playing at the Marquis Theatre located inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel at 1535 Broadway. (Lots of fun!)

"South Pacific" - This is a Broadway revival of the popular movie of several years ago. It is performed at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre which is part of the Lincoln Center complex at 150 West 65th Street - between Broadway and Amsterdam. The play has won 7 Tonys and has a cast of 40. (Absolutely excellent!)

In addition to these wonderful attractions, we took a tour of Lincoln Center - including backstage at the Met, and Avery Fisher Hall; we enjoyed Chelse Market; and we browsed through a couple of other stores: Apple and Design Within Reach. During a short trek out of the City, we shopped Woodbury Common Premium Outlets at Central Valley, and we visited a farm belonging to friends of our son near the community of Hudson.

We ate like royalty during our New York visit! From Virgil's BBQ on West 44th Street to the nine-course tasting menu at the Per se restaurant located in the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle overlooking Central Park, every meal was a pure delight.

It's not difficult to recommend New York City as a great leisure destination. It's one of those places that's hard to leave - even after 11 days!

Frisbee Golf is Flying High

MANY OF US have enjoyed tossing a Frisbee back and forth with friends or family members at various times in our lives. But, for those of us with a little more of a competitive nature, there is a way to kick this activity up a notch! There is a way to keep score and to determine winners. The game is called Frisbee Golf - or perhaps more appropriately Disc Golf. This is a game where individual players throw a flying disc at targets or into baskets in the fewest number of throws possible.

A course may be set-up almost anywhere. Nine "holes" is probably a good beginning point. There should be enough space for some longer holes as well as some shorter ones. At times, a city or county park works well for the game. However, often interested individuals can find a field, a vacant lot, or outdoor areas at a school or church which works quite well for throwing Frisbees.

The golf "holes" (targets) can be most anything, including tree trunks, lamp poles, fire hydrants, or even hula hoops. More elaborate courses, especially those designed by professionals, will have "disc pole holes." These poles will include chains and a basket to catch and hold the Frisbee. Courses prepared for serious competition also include tee signs, tee pads, and discs suited for drives, mid-range shots, and putts.

There's no doubt that people have been having fun by sailing pie-shaped objects through the air for a very long time. However, George Sappenfield and Ed Headrick are credited with the founding of disc golf in the early 1960s. Headrick - who came to be known as the "father of disc golf" - created the first official disc and the first target with chains and a basket. The first disc golf course was located at Oakgrove Park in Pasadena, California. In 1975 the Disc Golf Association was established.

Most often, each player in Frisbee Golf is playing for himself or herself attempting to get the lowest score possible. However, players may be organized into teams and play a "best-disc scramble." As in regular golf, players usually realize that they are not only in competition with others, but they are also in competition with themselves.

In addition to simply being loads of fun, there are several other reasons why playing Frisbee Golf is an ideal choice as a leisure activity. Here are some of the benefits: challenge, excitement, fresh air, a beautiful landscape, and the camaraderie of friends or family. Moreover, the game is inexpensive, it appeals to a diverse range of players, and it is physically accessible.

In the United States - and elsewhere - Frisbee Golf is flying high! Perhaps now is a good time to get in on the action.