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Author: James Snyder

Local Haunts for Halloween

Local Haunts for Halloween

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October means cool nights, pumpkins, and of course – Halloween mania.  Halloween has become the second-most popular holiday here in the US (thankfully, Christmas still reigns as the holiday champion), and there are those that wait all year for the chance to get their fright on.  There are plenty of opportunities in the local four-state area to have the bejeezus scared out of you (if you’re into that), so check out these local attractions this holiday season (but just don’t…

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Autumn is Here! My Favorite Time of the Year!

Autumn is Here! My Favorite Time of the Year!

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Of all the seasons, I have to admit that I like fall the best (especially the month of October).  The summer heat is giving way to cool mornings and evenings, the A/C has been turned off, I have replaced the glass in the storm door with screens, and sleeping with the windows open is one of life’s secret joys. All around the landscape, the color palette is changing.  The mountains to the west of town are slowly turning from emerald…

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College Life: The Parent’s Weekend

College Life: The Parent’s Weekend

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My oldest daughter began her college career this fall.  We dropped her off over a month ago, getting her settled in to her dorm room while attempting to boost her confidence for the upcoming adventure ahead, as the uncertainty and anxiousness of being away from home and starting a four-year foray into higher education alone was clearly written on her face as we said our good-byes after move-in day. Would she make new friends?  Would she get along with her…

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Is the Food Industry Running Out of Ideas?

Is the Food Industry Running Out of Ideas?

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As a watcher of all things food and travel related, I have to ask – what is going on in R&D at these food companies? Look, I understand that in order to “increase market share”, it is necessary to think outside of the box and come up with innovative and creative ideas, but some of these flavor combinations?  I just don’t know what’s going on in these marketing meetings anymore.  Here are some examples – and yes, these are all…

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Restaurant Review: The Art Gastropub and Cafe (Hagerstown, MD)

Restaurant Review: The Art Gastropub and Cafe (Hagerstown, MD)

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Looking to celebrate my 21st anniversary with a nice dinner, my wife and I recently chose to check out The Art Gastropub and Café, located in downtown Hagerstown, MD.  Now, if you know anything about Hagerstown, you’re probably already saying to yourself – “downtown? – are you sure?” I’m pleased to say – “yes – I’m sure.” Located on the west side of South Potomac Street, right now its location is a bit obscured by all of the downtown construction…

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Pumpkin-Spice (fill in the blank here): The Food Industry Needs to Calm Down

Pumpkin-Spice (fill in the blank here): The Food Industry Needs to Calm Down

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For those of you not in the know, Starbucks just began offering its beloved “seasonal” pumpkin-spiced latte on August 27th (this past week). August 27th. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think about anything pumpkin-related, I usually envision cool October evenings, changing autumn leaves, and Halloween decorations – not air-conditioning, mosquitoes, and the smell of sunscreen in the air.  I don’t think that local pumpkins are even ripe in the fields yet. Still – following in the…

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The Rise of the Self-Checkout Kiosk: The Future of Retail?

The Rise of the Self-Checkout Kiosk: The Future of Retail?

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Have you been out shopping recently?  I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly noticed the continued rise and expansion of the “self-checkout” systems being employed at most grocery stores, department stores, and other retail outlets. Look, I totally understand the convenience of a self-checkout line.  Sure, I’ve used them.  If I stop in at my local grocery to grab a simple gallon of milk, I’ll be the first person to scan my jug, swipe my card, and be on…

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The Driving Test – Part II

The Driving Test – Part II

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When last we left our heroes, the car they were using was on the fritz, confidences had been shattered, and the question on whether or not the State of Maryland would ever grant my oldest daughter her driver’s license was up in the air. What a difference a week makes. As you recall from last week, the 2012 Nissan Sentra my daughter was going to take her test in decided to break down while sitting in line to take the…

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The Driving Test – Part 1

The Driving Test – Part 1

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Wow, what a week.  The story of my oldest daughter obtaining her driver’s license is becoming the stuff of family legend.  One day, she’ll be able to tell her own kids about it, have a laugh, and hopefully – their own challenges with the process won’t seem so insurmountable. First, let’s back up a bit. My oldest daughter hasn’t been too concerned about obtaining her driver’s license.  It doesn’t consume her as it does my youngest, who just recently got…

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It’s Carnival Week! Let the Good Times Roll!

It’s Carnival Week! Let the Good Times Roll!

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The last months of summer can mean only one thing in my neck of the woods – it’s time once again for the annual Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company Carnival! For the week of August 5th through August 10th, the carnival grounds just south of town are the place to be and be seen, as every local civic organization and school group will have a stand or gaming tent in place for the biggest local fundraiser of the year. The…

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