Memories, a Photograph and Dick Irvin

One of the nice people in the world is Dick Irvin, Jr., who was a long-time encyclopedic broadcaster and author specializing in pro hockey, which he didn't play but which his father coached (read: Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Black Hawks). While we are fortunate to be his friends, the reason you're reading about… Continue reading Memories, a Photograph and Dick Irvin

Costa Concordia's Ongoing Legacy

Earlier this week, we regaled you — okay, informed you — with things about the Titanic that were new to us. One that we couldn't squeeze in was about the legendary ship's legacy: Its demise in 1914 led to the formation of the International Ice Patrol, and from that day to this, no lives have… Continue reading Costa Concordia's Ongoing Legacy

Scaling Back on the Food Issue

So you're worried about packing five extra pounds, are you, after a just-completed holiday season of over-eating? Relax. "So you're going on a one-week cruise?" said the dentist, his fingers and instruments making it impossible to answer. "I went on a cruise once and I wasn't worried about putting on weight. You know what the… Continue reading Scaling Back on the Food Issue

A Slam Dunk: Breakaway's next

Before Norwegian Cruise Line came calling, Harrison "Slam" Allen had been on a cruise ship once. It was in Scandinavia, at the Hooter Blues Festival — not the Hooters you're thinking of, but a tour orchestrated by Maury "Hooter" Saslaff. Slam Allen parlayed his maiden voyage into a multi-week tour of Finland, Norway, Denmark and… Continue reading A Slam Dunk: Breakaway's next

An Epic Man Called Slam

For Harrison Allen, Jr., his journey to packing a blues club on a cruise ship started in a wrestling ring. "I wanted to be a pro wrestler," laughs the personable star of the Norwegian Epic's Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club. "I trained for wrestling but I found out it's too hard. It's a rough,… Continue reading An Epic Man Called Slam