Send Me On Down To The "Floribbean"!

It's vacation time here at the Mallia family.  Time to call in the house, dog, chicken and property sitter and head away - preferably south of our Cape Cod home this time of year.  Contrary to my instinct, we never took a "real" vacation this summer, which left us more or less out of sorts and less productive than usual.  Years ago, as a family, we decided that a proper "vacay", of no less than a week (preferably two), every six months, was imperative.  Unfortunately, many people don't do this and I think the current, all-too-frequent stressed out attitudes are partially to blame for this three and four day getaway trend. 

To this extent, I checked out About.com and if you have been wrestling with the need for a good, solid, hard-core vacation, here's what Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com's "Guide to Stress Management"

So, once again, it's off to our "secret hiding spot" on one of Florida's Gulf Coast keys.  Look for me.  I'll be the guy on the fat tire bike, shades, big straw hat and guitar strapped over my shoulder!

Cheers!

Living "Sunny-Side Up" On The Farm

What kid hasn't dreamed of what it would be like to live on a farm?  In my case I do.  Yup, an honest to goodness Cape Cod farm, a mere three miles west of Plymouth Rock.  Small as it may be, it is just enough to balance the adventure of a farm, with the reality of all the work involved in maintaining such an estate.  As I've mentioned before, my wife and I named it "Five Fathom Farm" for the fact that there is a thirty foot drop between the front of the property and the back end.  For those not acquainted with nautical nomenclature, a "fathom" is a measurement equal to six feet and six goes into thirty five times, hence the name.

Speaking of "free ranging", did you know that in most states, in order for a box of eggs to say "free range", the chickens must only have the opportunity to leave their twenty-three hour cage and go outdoors for one hour, once a day.  Isn't marketing great?  People will buy anything as long as the idea is warm and fuzzy and makes them feel good.

The Girls

I'm a fan of mixing up the varity of chickens we maintain, but here's a look at some of the breeds that call Five Fathom Farm home:

Want to start your own "chicken adventure"?  Here are some links that might help you out!

• BYC - www.backyardchickens.com

• Chicken Coop USA – www.chickencoopusa.com

• Ideal Poultry - www.idealpoultry.com

• McMurray Hatchery - www.mcmurrayhatchery.com

• My Pet Chicken – www.mypetchicken.com

• Randall Burkey – www.randallburkey.com

Cheers!

Aloha From Cape Cod Bay!

As most of you know, I started my business career in the travel industry.  There was day when my dress signature was a bow tie.  That's all I wore - well, I mean I wore a suit too, but around my neck, bow tie only. Over time the tie grew and I started wearing standard ties.  These looked good with my large collection of double-breasted suits.  Well, we are in the "recreation" business, so life can be a bit more casual than say, the financial world.  I mean, gee wiz, I sure don't want to look like a banker! With that in mind, navy-blue blazers and kakis slowly took over the suits.  Before I knew it, my closet was crowded with polo shirts with my travel business's logo emblazoned on them. 

But after carrying out over 20,000 personal sales visits to travel agencies and who knows how many trade shows, I'm now off the paved road and instead cruising down the cyber-highway as the travel industry's first and only Internet-based sales representative.  As I sit in my studio office on the shore of Cape Cod Bay, I find Hawaiian shirts (a.k.a. Aloha Shirts) have somehow become the order of the day.  Maybe it's just a mid-life crisis, but all I can say is they're as comfortable as you're going to get and somehow just seem to be fitting attire for those of us selling, amongst other things, palm trees and dreams.  So, let's look at the history of these ubiquitous pieces of colorful cloth.

Immigrants Come to Hawaii

In the 1920's and 1930's immigrants from numerous countries began setting roots in Hawaii, seeking prosperity and a new life in what was then a Plantation town (primarily geared toward the growing and processing of Sugar Cane into refined sugar and toward Pineapple harvesting).  In Plantation-era Hawaii, the probable precursor to the modern Hawaiian Shirt was the Palaka Shirt and the Kimono-cloth shirt. The Palaka is a short-sleeved shirt with bright geometric line patterns that was widely worn by plantation workers. It has a plaid design and resembles a checkerboard. Also popular during that time were short sleeved shirts sewn by Japanese housekeepers and made out of leftover Kimono cloth, designed for Japanese boys and men.

Hawaiian Shirt Pioneers

In 1931, Ellery Chun took over his Father's dry goods store in Downtown Honolulu and in an attempt to build business during the Depression, Chun expanded the scope of the store to appeal to a wider audience. He and his sister, Ethel Chun Lum, began selling bright print short sleeve shirts made out of the leftover material from Japanese Kimonos.

Some of the original Hawaiian prints sold by Chun included designs with Palm Trees, Hula Girls and Pineapples. One of his tailors would make about 3 or 4 dozen at a time. Beginning in 1933, Chun was making his shirts out of cloth that was imported from the USA (at the time, Hawaii was a U.S. Territory, not a State), Japan, China and Tahiti.

Hawaiian Shirt Popularity Grows

Local Hawaii residents, Waikiki beach boys and surfers quickly noticed the shirts and began buying them in ever-increasing numbers. Over time, tourists, Hollywood movie stars and other rich and famous visitors to Hawaii also began noticing the bright, casual, easy to wear styles and began bringing them home to the U.S. mainland.

After his success with the shirts in the early 1930's, Mr. Chun trademarked the term "Aloha Shirt" in 1936. He continued selling his Aloha Shirts and widely expanded his line, with his sister Ethel designing the fabrics and shirt styles. It was during this period that Ethel Chun Lum began creating the bright tropical fabric patterns that were based more on Hawaiian designs vs. Asian styles. It was this design shift that really established and cemented the modern Hawaiian Shirt style.  Ellery Chun passed away on 16 May 2000 in Honolulu at the age of 91. Although he may not have invented the garment, he certainly popularized it, helped establish a staple Hawaiian industry and assured the Hawaiian Shirt an enduring place in fashion history.

Hawaiian Shirt Explosion!

By the 1950's, the Hawaiian Shirt had blazed into prominence. In August, 1959 Hawaii became the 50th State of the U.S.A., bringing the new Aloha State even more attention and most significantly, even more tourists!

These days, the Hawaiian shirt has become an icon of not just Hawaii, but of all things tropical.  And you'll find 'em from the Hawaiian Islands to the rows of Jimmy Buffett concerts, Key West to, yes, even Cape Cod!

Cheers!

"Menergy"?
The Pendulum Must Have Swung

I guess "Goodbye 'Metrosexual' Hello 'Menergy'" would be the new mantra of a world that is always searching for a new distraction.  For decades now, there's been a big push to make men more touchy, feely and, well, "female".  However, it seems the pendulum must have swung because one of the new "in words" is "Menergy".  The New York Times used the term "menergy" to describe the "anti-metrosexual, hyper-masculine" energy that has been circulating.  It looks like the opposition to all the feminization that has been cast upon men now has a hip, new name!

Don't get me wrong - I'm not one of those folks who gets concerned that he may be caught being viewed as "oh-so-five-minutes-ago".  Quite the contrary.  My heart is positioned two inches from my mouth, which, along with the fact I have a nasty habit of being way too honest, means this regular guy is often in trouble!  Having said all this, I am a big fan of rearranging the furniture of life periodically - if for no other reason than in an effort to keep things just plain fun and interesting.  To this extent, I've decided it's time to mess around with a bit of a beard. 

Pogonology

The study of beards is called "Pogonology".  At this point I can hear all the beard-haters-of-the world united in a chorus of, "No, you'll look old, scruffy and maybe even homeless"!  Have no fear and take comfort - I have no intention of trying to adopt the look of Charles E. Sellier Jr., star of the 1970's hit show, "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams".  Actually, I was thinking more the barely-beard occasionally worn by the late Heath Ledger and known as a "Van Dyke".  I'm thinking of a facial hair design that’s intricately dashing - you know, sort of a three-part look - separate mustache, soul patch and chin beard.  It's that look that conveys  a real sense of elegance and self-confidence.  It’s a handsome option that echoes with an Old World classical charm!

OK, so maybe I'm guilty of getting too wrapped up in the passion of the whole thing, but what else would be new?  Facial hair, a uniquely manly option, is not new territory to me. The song "South", that I wrote back in 2006, includes the line, "Fresh Snow On My Mustache", a reminder that for years I did in fact, have a mustache.  However, in keeping with the "rearrange the furniture of life" thang I mentioned earlier, I shaved it shortly after the song was produced.

Actually, it's an upcoming motorcycle tour from Cape Cod to and around the Adirondacks that spurred the whole idea.  It seemed just kind of a fun thing to do in anticipation of the the big, Wild Hogs style event scheduled with a bunch of my buddies and infinitely less permanent than a tattoo.

So, will you see me with looking like Errol Flynn in Robin Hood?  Probably not, as the life expectancy of such novelties is usually limited.  But hey, who knows.  I guess it all depends on just how dashing, elegant and self-confident it all makes me look!

Cheers!

Fresh Air, Sunshine and Bicycle Season!

I own a "commuter bicycle", which is a bit of an oxymoron since my "world headquarters" is located right on my home farm.  Nevertheless, I've had a commuter bike for about ten years and now, I hear that this style of bike is becoming more and more popular.  I guess riding a bike to work or wherever is good for the environment and does help decrease traffic, but I've always used mine because of the fact no one ever died of physical fitness and, well, it's just fun!

David Madajian, Bicycle Transportation Advocate, claims that the vast majority of bicycles sold since the 1990's are Mountain bicycles.  For street use, these bikes are much more comfortable than the skinny tired Road bikes (racing bicycles) that forced the cyclist into an aerodynamic but awkward position with bent over handle bars. The upright position of a Mountain bicycle is not as efficient, but it allows better situation awareness and control when riding in traffic and is more comfortable. As it turns out most people riding Road bikes end up not using the "drops" on the bar, but position their hands on the top which defeats the aerodynamic advantage and places their hands far out of quick reach of the brake levers. However, using a Mountain bicycle to commute has several disadvantages: The weight, cost, and energy dissipation of a suspension system designed for rugged off road riding, exposed greasy chain, high rolling resistance of fat tires with knobby tread, and more likely to be stolen.

Almost all major bicycle companies now market bicycles specifically designed for commuting, transportation or utility as opposed to recreation. This new type of bicycles that re-emerged in the USA around 2005, after a 30 year hiatus, doesn't even have a standard name yet, but most prefer to call them a "Commuter Bicycle". It took over 10 years to settle on the name of "Mountain Bike", so this is normal in the fragmented bicycle industry. Back in 1999, when I bought Schwinn Searcher GS, there were only a few companies chasing the commuter bike market in the USA, however now there appear to be dozens. Commuter bicycles are the norm in countries like France and Holland, but they all but disappeared in this land of big roads and vast highways.

Cheers!

Hiding In The Floribbean

Can you keep a secret?  Promise you won't tell anyone about one of my favorite winter hiding spots?  Good, but keep it to yourself 'cause I'd hate to see Anna Maria Island, Florida discovered.

It all started four years ago when my wife and kids and I were out on walkabout in the heart Florida's west coast.  Let's face it, the Tampa/Sarasota area is pretty well discovered territory.  The beach towns are often overly contrived, lacking character and burdened with high-rises.  So, you can imagine our surprise when we came across a version of Key West without all of the drunks.

At the gateway to this hidden piece of old Florida stands a inviting sign that sports a happy dolphin along with his buddy the manatee.  As we rolled out of highway traffic and downtown Bradenton, the causeway to this barrier island started to smooth out the stress wrinkles in our face.  The sun was setting and bathing the palm trees and Australian pines in pastel colors fitting to a Florida beach town.  Once onto the turquoise water surrounded isle, we were refreshed by a place that looked like it had been forgotten by those bent on growing the sunshine state into one big strip mall and housing development.  It was a spot removed from the rest of the world and yet not 25 miles from a gallon of milk.  The hands of time seemed tied and the only wheels turning were those on rusty old bicycles with fat tires and a spring seats.  Coffee in the morning was served in an old IGA food market that had been converted to an antique shop and bakery, while dinner was at a restaurant that was so close to the Gulf of Mexico that sand in your shoes was a standard feature.  We were sold hook, line and fly rod!

Since then, we've been renting a beach house on this special island just about every February.  We claim a hunk of sand to pitch the sun umbrella, kayak, fly fish and generally chill out as we defrost from the frozen curse of the north.  AMI is the place where, "Floribbean" and "South" were written (anyone remember the line is "South" about riding a fat tire bike and walking the beach at night?)

So, there you go.  That's my little secret to share with you - the work weary travel agent.  We'll keep this our secret.  Oh, and when you get there, look for me.  I'll be the guy on the fat tire bike, shades, big straw hat and guitar strapped over my shoulder!

Cheers!

Biker Bear!

You remember my dog, Bear don't cha?  This little bundle of tan fuzz joined our family about a year ago.  This little dog, made of one part Shih-Tzu, one part Yorkshire Terrier and a touch of Poodle just for character, turned out to be a smart, cuddle dog with the heart of a lion. 

Bear, or "Teddy Bear Cub" to use her full proper name, was born in central Michigan on 6 September.  In true world explorer form, she made her way to my home on Cape Cod via United Airlines.   Last December, when I wrote about "Cub" in Bill's Page, the final lines read, "She has a bit of growing to do before she hits her full-blown mega weight of 10 pounds. By then I'm thinking she'll be ready to hit the road for a good, long motorcycle ride (but that's a topic for another day)" Well, that day has come!

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a partner who is just right for him.'"

Is this the part of the Bible where He created dogs - I'm just askin'?  All I can say is that it's finally good to have a passenger to ride with (no, my wife won't get on the bike...yet)   Predating the purchase of my current motorcycle, I wanted to go riding with my fuzzy friend. The problem was that "Splash The Beach Colored Dag", our oh, so purebred yellow lab, weighs 100 pounds and short of adding a side car, I couldn't bring her along. When Bear entered the picture shortly after my new motorcycle did, I knew I had a new travel buddy.

I have researched motorcycle dog carriers for nearly a year and the one conclusion I have come to is that they are unnecessarily expensive.  I finally decided, after a bit of prompting from various bikey dog websites, that a simple plastic pet carrier was the best deal and one of the all-round top options.

I started with a matching green and ivory colored 19" Petmate Pet Kennel that we had bought when she was just a new member of the family. After a bit of strategic hole drilling, it was mounted via cable ties to my motorcycle's luggage rack.  It worked perfectly! Our first shake down cruise took us out to Petsmart to pick up a hooded, polar fleece sweatshirt and some rain gear, both designed to fend off foul, Fall weather. Not that I'm much of a fan of Harley Davidsons (sorry all you HD riders), but the sweatshirt that I purchased for Bear ended up being of the official Harley Davidson clothing line.  I guess I'm not the first to think of this idea (there's actually a motorcycle club just for dogs?)

And then there were the goggles, or "Doggles" to be exact.  Did you know they actually make goggles specifically designed for dogs?  I didn't until I went shopping for them.  Here's the write up on 'em:

"All models have flexible, snug-fitting frames, which have foam padding against the face, polycarbonate (shatterproof) and anti-fog lenses, and adjustable elastic head and chin straps to keep the Doggles securely on the dog.  Doggles feature patented wide nose bridge, deep lens cup and interchangeable lenses.  Dogs have a much wider nose bridge than humans, along with protruding eyes. You need a goggle designed specifically to fit a dog's unique face structure."

Well hey, now I understand the old motorcycling adage - "Only A Biker Knows Why A Dog Sticks His Head Out Of A Car Window!"

Cheers!

Back To Beach (Shower)

For those who don't know, I live in New England - Plymouth, Massachusetts to be exact.  For eight to nine months out of the year, we experience what is arguably some of the least desirable weather in which the human animal can live.  However, when the calendar moves to summer, this part of the world becomes God's country.

From the beaches to the mountains, sailboats to fresh lobster, New England is the place to be in the summer.  Here on Cape Cod, you're never too far from sand, sea and great weather.  As a result, most folks pretty much move outdoors for the months of June, July and August.  One of my favorite outdoor "summer places" is our outdoor shower. 

If you have an outdoor shower, you know that it's a bit like having your own tropic waterfall attached to your home or summer cottage.  The funny thing is that no two outdoor showers seem to be the same.  For example, in ours, we decided an oversize, rainfall shower head was imperative.  Twelve inches of pouring water cascades down from two feet above one's head. 

Next came the layout, which we felt needed to include, not only space to shower, but a dry area for clothes and changing.  This way we can slip into the shower after the beach or pool and emerge dressed for the next adventure.

The inner walls are lined with antique, summer oriented tin signs that call from ice cream shops, seafood shacks and other seasonal haunts.  All of these are augmented with tropical license plates, old oars and seashells from our beach.  Cool slate plate-stones guard the foot from the crushed stone that allows wash water to trickle to its new home.

Finally, the rustic wood that grants personal privacy, is buttressed by colorful hydrangeas - a flowering plant that is particularly popular here on Cape Cod. If you've got the space, I'd say build one of these great structures.  If you do, maybe you too will find yourself shutting off the water to your indoor version as we do.

Cheers!

Home In A Bag

In the pirate days, each ocean-bound outlaw had his own Swag in which he would stash his share of the ill-gotten bootie.  In Australia and New Zealand, a swag is a bundle of belongings rolled in a traditional fashion to be carried by a foot traveler in the bush.  Decades of global adventures have lead me into the development of my own swag.  I call it my "Toy Swag".

My Toy Swag is my way of bringing a piece of home along with me when I travel so that I don't get homesick and, as former Boy Scout, it lets me live up to my oath to "be prepared" for whatever gets tossed my way.

The swag itself takes on various forms, from backpacks to suitcases.  The contents, however, are drawn out of a checklist that I actually took the time to assemble on a word file.  I'm a big fan of pre-packing check lists because it lets me stop and think about everything I'll need for the latest adventure.  Running around, grabbing things off shelves and out of drawers like some crazed Fear Factor contestant, never really appealed to me and usually led to forgetting some important component.

So, what's in the Toy Swag?  What do I hold dear and find that I can not live without?  While not everything accompanies me on ever trip, here's what I've gotta have.

Reading

Bible/Small NLV - I'm a Christian and this indispensable book gives me my fix and keeps me on the eternal high that I accepted years ago.

General Literature - I like books that are written about traveling.  From Bill Bryson to Jimmy Buffett, bring it on.

Song Writing Gear - There's always the need for the need for items such as those inexpensive theme books you used to use back in school, a rhyming dictionary and the like.  To date, the US copyright office houses over 25 "Bill Mallia" songs that are performed regularly at venues around the map.

Reading Glasses - One of the gifts I got back on my 44th birthday was the first signs of presbyopia.  I'm sportin' the 1.5's these days.

Guitar

Depending on the travel, I'm always accompanied at least by my trusty Baby Taylor, Hawaiian Koa back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, housed in a sturdy SKB Case.

Music

Gotta' have the mp3 player loaded with an odd mix of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), Bob Marley, Great Big Sea and Jimmy Buffett!

Fishin’

Fly Rod - Temple Fork, 8 weight, four piece, graphite fly rod.

Fly Reel - Redington 9/10 weight

Waist Gear Bag - My own hand-tied flies, tippet, fishing pliers, fishing glasses and the all important first aid kit.

Runnin' Gear

A life time of running, including three Boston Marathons, taught me that breathing and exercise are good. So, along come Asics Gel DS Trainers and a set of "sink washable" running clothes.

Beach

It's amazing how little room a bathing suit, sun glasses and flip flops take up.  I also travel with a watch that looks "businessy" but doesn't have a lot of flash since sea critters like barracuda, etc. tend to view silver/gold watches as bait fish.  Now that I think of it, when I travel may be the one and only time I even wear a watch!

Survival Gear

Breath mints, ear plugs, eye shades, travel alarm clock, small folding toothbrush and Ibuprofen, since only one tablet lasts 6 hours verses Tylenol that requires two tablets for 4 hours of relief from "what ails you".

As I said, all of the toys don't make into the swag for every adventure, but throw in my favorite teddy bear and, well, just about anywhere on the planet can feel a lot like home!

Cheers!