Turn Up the Fun in Nashville, Tennessee
It’s no wonder that Nashville, Tenn. is know as “Music City USA”: home of the Grand Ole Opry, dozens of music publishing and recording studios lining Music Row, and even more honky tonk bars featuring live tunes every day of the week, it’s the vivid music scene. You won’t just find country music, but also bluegrass, jazz, gospel, rock and blues — Nashville is truly a mecca for music lovers.
Though many of the main attractions throughout Nashville are music-related, the city offers a variety of other highlights. The downtown area along 2nd Avenue and historic Broadway, known as The District, is packed with restaurants, specialty shopping and engaging entertainment options. Nashville is also known as a cultural leader thanks to the large number of colleges and universities in the city and surrounding areas.
Taste Around Town
Downtown Nashville boasts eclectic dining choices at a surprisingly large number of restaurants. Given the geography, one would think that most local eateries specialize only in Southern cuisine but this is hardly the case.
Local restaurants offer everything, including Mexican, Indian, Italian and Japanese delicacies. No matter what excites your taste buds, you’ll find options at prominent local places like Zola, El Rey and Demos’, as well as national chain such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Melting Pot and The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Of course, most out-of-towners do want to get a taste of good old Southern cuisine while visiting Nashville, and they will find plenty of places like Loveless Cafe, Harper’s and the famous Jack’s Bar-B-Que.
Along the street, the line outside Jack’s usually snakes down the block, thanks to the pork, beef brisket, ribs and chicken smothered in the owner’s award-winning sauces. Recognized by the New York Times, the LA Times, Southern Living and USA Today, Jack’s downtown location offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tables on the back patio overlooking the Ryman Auditorium.
Attractions for Everyone
Whether you’re a science, history, outdoors, gardening or art buff, Nashville has attractions to appeal to your passion. This diversity is mainly due to the area’s 16 colleges and universities, two medical schools, two law schools, and six graduate business schools. It is why the capital is often referred to as the “Athens of the South.”
For those who enjoy technology and science, the Adventure Science Center is a must-see. The modern, hands-on museum helps both children and adults explore and understand the environment, physics and health through the use of interactive exhibits. Special shows and demonstrations take place nearly every weekend, and the museum’s Sudekum Planetarium allows visitors to explore our universe.
Gardening, outdoor and art enthusiasts will love the Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art. Located on a 55-acre park, the attraction features formal gardens surrounding the Cheek family mansion. Percy Warner Park, located in Nashville’s Belle Meade neighborhood, offers more than 2,000 acres of wooded hills and rolling meadows. Hiking, equestrian and biking trails are a haven for nature enthusiasts.
If it’s history you’re after, Nashville is definitely your place. With its prime location and accessibility as a river port, the city has been prospering since the late 1700s. One of the best examples of the area’s historic wealth is the Belle Meade Plantation. The fully restored Greek Revival mansion is filled with 19th-century antiques and staffed by costumed guides who provide a glimpse at the lives led by the historic Southern elite. The Belmont Mansion, Carnton Plantation and Carter House are other well-known attractions that depict the antiquity and prominence of Nashville.
Terrific Tunes
At its heart, Nashville is the city known for its music and the Grand Ole Opry. All across the U.S., it’s known as a place where aspiring musicians can be discovered, major records are produced and fortunes can be made. The town is filled with countless clubs, performance stages and memorials to many country music legends.
The District is equal parts glitzy clubs and dive bars, with both showcasing live music seven days a week from early afternoon into the wee hours of the morning. In places like the Station Inn, Wildhorse Saloon, Bluebird Cafe, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn and B.B. King’s Blues Club, everyone from up-and-comers to the major stars play their guitars and sing their hearts out. Of those clubs, perhaps the Wildhorse Saloon is Nashville’s best-known bar. It’s a 66,000-square-foot live music destination that entertains more than 1.5 million fans each year and is a must-see on every trip’s itinerary.
Downtown’s other music attractions include the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium, which was for the many years the site of the Grand Ole Opry. Music lovers can enjoy Ryman’s daily tours, as well as frequent concerts. The Country Music Hall of Fame offers a variety of ticket and tour options, including a celebrity audio and historic RCA Studio B tour.
In 1974, the Opry moved from its downtown location to the Music Valley area, where it now lives in a sleek, $15 million venue. The Opry began as a radio show back in 1925 and is today considered to be the driving force behind the United State’s country music scene. Since then, everyone from Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to Trisha Yearwood and Carrie Underwood have graced the Opry’s stage and entertained countless fans. To get an in-depth look, you can take tours of the facility and buy tickets to any of its many performances.
All in all, Nashville has plenty of reasons for a visit no matter where your interests lie and your preferred music genre. Its central location makes it ideal for a quick weekend getaway, though you might find it difficult to leave after only a few days!
Atlantic City, More Than Just Casinos and the Boardwalk
Atlantic City, New Jersey is known all over the world for its casinos and famous boardwalk, but not much else. However, in recent years the city has expanded its offerings to include outstanding nightlife, shopping, luxury accommodations, spas and fine dining.
When these fun-for-all activities are paired with the city’s 11 casinos, sandy-white beaches and expansive boardwalk, Atlantic City has become a premier East Coast destination with something for everyone.
Located in the heart of the northeast, Atlantic City is easily accessible by car, airplane and train. Once you’re there, you can get around by foot, taxi, bicycle and public transportation. The city also operates jitneys that run parallel to the entire length of the boardwalk. The hardest part of getting around the city is deciding what to check out first!
Fuel Your Fun
A good place to start is a pit stop for food so you have some fuel to propel you through your visit. Dining choices abound throughout Atlantic City and whether you have a taste for Italian, French, American, Asian, Cuban or even Russian cuisine, you are sure to find something to please your palate.
If your stomach is growling for a large meal, many of the casinos offer huge buffets, such as Harrah’s Resorts, which has the award-winning Waterfront Buffet restaurant. Featuring more than 100 different food choices, including seafood, sushi and a salad bar, the buffet is definitely a culinary experience.
For those craving a gourmet meal prepared by the finest chefs, one such eatery is Sonsie, located in the Pier Shops at Caesars. The restaurant serves high-end meals and has a 300-bottle wine list. There is also Wolfgang Puck American Grille, which features the renowned chef’s innovative style. Here you’ll find mouth-watering dishes like hand-cut angel hair pasta and asparagus risotto.
Of course, no trip to Atlantic City is complete without sampling some of the tastes found on the famous Boardwalk. A quick stroll will yield yummy treats like soft pretzels, hot dogs, cotton candy, pizza and elephant ears. The Boardwalk is also brimming with little stores that sell T-shirts, knick-knacks and Atlantic City’s famous salt-water taffy.
Shop Around
If you’re looking for some great deals on clothing, accessories and souvenirs, or if you’re ready to splurge on designer duds, Atlantic City’s large assortment of stores and boutiques have got you covered.
Downtown houses The Walk, an outlet center with well-known retail stores such as Nautica and Banana Republic. For more upscale shopping, check out The Pier Shops at Caesars, where you will find coveted high-end boutiques like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
If you prefer to find some memorable souvenirs, you’ll discover unique stores like Houdini’s Magic Shop, Jake’s Dog House and Vino 100 at The Quarter in Tropicana.
Pamper Yourself
After all that eating and shopping, be ready to kick back and enjoy some pampering at one of the city’s many luxury spas. Everything from manicures to massages and facials are available to help you relax and enjoy your time away from home.
For starters, the Hilton Casino Resort’s 13,000-square-foot health spa features a tropical garden setting, marble floors and hand-painted murals for the ultimate setting. With a complete workout facility, a professional massage service, sauna, hot tub, steam room and indoor swimming pool, you will leave feeling like a million dollars.
Another pampering option can be found at The Spa at Bally’s. With options like deep tissue massages, herbal wraps and the Boardwalk Macaroon — a “decadent sugar scrub topped with a generous helping of coconut moisturizer” — you might have trouble choosing which relaxation technique to enjoy.
Light Up the Night
Once you’ve enjoyed the VIP treatment at any one of the spas, you’ll be ready to hit the town for a night of fun. Atlantic City’s nightlife scene caters to all interests, whether you’re looking to dance, laugh, take in a show or see the hottest bands.
For those looking to get their groove on, the Casbah Nightclub at the Trump Taj Mahal Casing Resort is a hot pick. Named one of the top 100 dance clubs by Nightclub & Bar magazine, the club showcases celebrity DJs and outstanding professional dancers. Other clubs like the Borgata’s Mixx and The Wave, at the Trump Marina Hotel Casino, are also great places to dance the night away.
However, if a laid-back scene is more your style, you should check out The Comedy Stop Cafe & Cabaret. It is Atlantic City’s longest-running and most successful comedy venue and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer by welcoming some of comedy’s top entertainers.
Music lovers can also enjoy plenty of options, with popular venues like the House of Blues and Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall hosting shows by a number of famous entertainers like Billy Idol, the Indigo Girls and Jimmy Buffett.
Visitors who prefer to sing their own tunes will no doubt love Planet Rose, a cocktail and karaoke lounge housed in The Quarter at Tropicana that bills themselves as the “the great karaoke bar on earth.” The cool and funky atmosphere makes for a great place to belt out your favorite songs.
Retire In Style
At the end of a jam-packed day of fun, food and entertainment, you’ll certainly be ready for a good night’s sleep. With literally thousands of rooms available, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect place to rest your head.
If you want to stay in the center of the boardwalk, the Trump Taj Mahal casino resort is an excellent place. Guests can enjoy the property’s casino, five-star restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, spas, salon, fitness center, indoor pool and retail stores. Voted the best hotel by readers of Casino Player magazine, the resort boasts comfortable and sophisticated accommodations for every budget, including contemporary rooms, executive suites, grand suites, regal suites and penthouse suites.
The Borgata Casino Hotel Casino & Spa, located off the Boardwalk, is one of the city’s most popular places to stay. Designed in the classic Italian style, the hotel’s 2,000 rooms and suites include six tiers of accommodation: 460-square-feet classic rooms, 700-square-feet Fiore suites, 1,000-square-feet Opus suites, 1,500-square-feet Piatto suites and 5,000-square-feet residences. Amenities include floor-to-ceiling windows, 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton bedding and bath sheets, glass-enclosed showers and high-speed internet access.
Get In on the Excitement
Michael Brucker, media relations manager for Atlantic City’s Convention and Visitor’s Authority, recently stated in Market Watch magazine that “The city has evolved into a full destination resort, not just a gaming town, and dining and nightlife have grown tremendously as a result.”
This being said, it is clear Atlantic City has become a top-notch destination that’s perfect for your next getaway. Whether for a weekend or an extended stay, now is a great time to get in on the excitement brewing in Atlantic City.
Pet Insurance: What Animal Owners Need To Know
When my otherwise healthy cat, Dino, recently began acting strange, an emergency trip to the vet was in order. I was shaken to learn that he was suffering from a potentially life-threatening infection. Thankfully, it was treatable.
Unfortunately, his illness wasn’t the only thing that shocked me — the resulting bill of more than $1,000 nearly knocked me over and drained my bank account. After feeling the pinch of the vet’s charges, I started looking into pet insurance as a way to prepare for future treatment expenses.
As veterinarian medical technology continues to develop, treatment options for our four-legged friends are becoming more sophisticated and thus, more expensive. U.S. pet owners spent $10.5 billon on veterinarian care in 2005, compared to $7.2 billion in 2000, according to the Pet Industry Strategic Outlook report from Dillon Media Clearly, the costs of owning and caring for pets is on the rise, and pet insurance makes a great deal of sense for those of us who have furry friends.
As I started doing my homework on pet insurance, I discovered 63 percent of U.S. households have a pet, though only three percent of these animal lovers carry pet insurance, according to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey. This number is quite low, especially when compared to other countries like Sweden, where nearly 50 percent of pet owners insure their animals. I also found that much like my own health insurance, choosing the right policy and coverage can be overwhelming. Today’s pet insurance market is filled with a variety of plans with the same echoes of people insurance, including everything from primary care veterinarians to pet HMOs and even discount coverage clubs. Most pet policies also involve lots of options regarding coverage levels, deductibles and pay-out caps.
For example, you can find basic plans to cover only treatment for injuries like broken bones, burns and bee stings, while others can be customized to include intensive procedures like chemotherapy and alternative therapy, such as acupuncture.
Additionally, many companies often have distinct stipulations about pre-existing and recurring illnesses like diabetes and hereditary disorders. Some also have a number of exclusions, such as refusing coverage for pets more than 8 years old and elective treatments like ear cropping.
Pet owners should be aware that before instituting a policy, the insurance company will likely require your pet to be up-to-date with all vaccinations. For dogs, this means Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus shots, and cats will need vaccinations for Feline Infectious Entritis, Feline Leukemia and Cat Flu.
If your pet meets all the requirements, coverage from pet insurance firms generally ranges anywhere from $5 to $30 a month for a healthy pet. The cost depends on many of the variables mentioned above, as well as the extent of coverage, benefit limits and co-payments. It’s also helpful to know dogs typically cost more to insure than cats. However, some companies offer multiple-pet discounts and there is usually a waiting period of 10 days before policies go into effect.
Currently, you can secure a pet insurance policy from ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Pet’s Health Plan, Hartville Pet Insurance, PetCare Pet Insurance, Global Pet Insurance, Pet’s Best Pet Insurance, Veterinarian Pet Insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance, PetPlan USA Pet Insurance or PetFirst Healthcare Pet Insurance, all of which can be found through a simple Google search. Also, a variety of human insurance companies are beginning to add pet insurance as an add-on to existing human coverage plans, so be sure to ask your human resources representative if this is an option with your policy.
As you shop around, you should weigh out pros and cons of each policy before you sign up and begin shelling out for coverage.
Here are some essential questions to ask:
1. Are the claim payments based on my veterinarian’s bill or the insurance company’s benefit schedule?
2. Is prescription and dental care included in the coverage?
3. Will the premium go up over time as I file claims or as my pet gets older?
4. How do I get reimbursed? For example, do I pay the veterinarian and then submit the bill, or should the vet handle the billing?
5. Does the plan cover chronic, hereditary or recurring conditions?
6. What are the financial limits of coverage? How are they applied?
7. Is the annual premium divided into monthly payments? Will I save money if I pay the premium up front?
It’s also important to note that like human health insurers, pet insurance providers should be registered with your state regulators. You should also check with your current veterinarian practice to make sure it accepts and complies with the insurance company’s guidelines.
Finally, make sure you read all the fine print before signing or agreeing to anything. You and your pet will then be on your way to many happy and healthy years together!
Tips for Dealing with a Toxic Boss
In today’s corporate world, it’s no surprise there are abusive bosses in offices everywhere. Work is already tough enough to manage, let alone having to work for someone who makes you miserable Monday through Friday.
In her book, “Take This Job and …: Quitting and Other Forms of Resistance to Workplace Bullying,” author Pamela Lutgen-Sandvik describes toxic workplace behavior as “persistent verbal and nonverbal aggression at work that includes personal attacks, social ostracism, and a multitude of other painful messages and hostile interactions.”
A recent study by the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 37% of American workers have been bullied at work, and 72% of the bullies happen to be bosses. The study also determined that 58% of these workplace meanies are women, and 71% of them choose to target other women. Clearly, the bullying epidemic is occurring beyond just the playground.
Does the thought of returning to work the next day and dealing with the boss make you queasy each night? Do you find yourself using paid sick and vacation days just to escape from the emotionally draining environment? Do you feel your boss’s conduct dramatically affects your work performance? If so, there are steps you can take to effectively deal with the toxic behavior, all while maintaining your sanity and professionalism.
Recognizing the Behavior
If you are the victim of an abusive boss, it’s helpful to first recognize and identify the behaviors and tactics he or she is using to manipulate you. The book, “The Bully At Work,” written by the Institute’s founders, Gary and Ruth Namie, identifies several types of malicious employers.
The first and most common type of toxic boss is someone who is emotionally unstable. This person is often explosive and prone to angry outbursts full of yelling, cursing and finger pointing. This boss attempts to control with fear and intimidation, and may even make verbal and/or physical threats.
On the other hand, the boss may be a two-headed snake. This kind of supervisor pretends to be nice to your face but then turns around and sabotages your projects, talks negatively about you to co-workers and steals credit for your work and ideas. These types of bosses are often passive-aggressive and dishonest.
Another common type of toxic boss is the constant critic. He is negative and uses insults and name-calling to destroy your confidence. He expects the impossible, demands perfection in everything and criticizes you when you fail to meet his unreachable standards.
Yet another malicious boss strives to dominate resources like supplies, staffing and money, and is obsessed with control. These bosses, or gatekeepers as they’re referred to within the book, withhold approval, deliberately cut you out of important meetings, emails or memos, and deny you basic office rights like breaks, supplies and support staff.
Documenting the Conduct
After pinpointing the patterns of abuse, the next step is to take notes of your boss’ antics as they occur. This action is critical, as it establishes and documents the situation’s frequency, specifics and severity.
To maintain the best records, jot down the details of the incidents as soon as possible so everything is still fresh in your mind. Be sure to also record the date, time and place of the inappropriate behavior, as well as noting the names of any other people who might have witnessed the behavior.
Having detailed documentation is vital should you choose to report your boss’ behavior to your company’s higher-ups or the human resources department, or even consult with an attorney if the situation warrants.
Responding to the Abuse
As uncomfortable and horrifying as it may seem, communicating with your boss — albeit in a professional way — about the outbursts, insults, control issues or backstabbing is key to defusing the situation. Arrange for a private, face-to-face meeting to sit down and discuss the problems.
When in the meeting, don’t just sit there and read off the notes you have taken but instead engage in a conversation and listen to what your boss also has to say. It is vital that you are not defensive, and remain calm, polite and constructive. Stay away from loaded words like “always,” “never” and “hate,” and remember your goal is not to attack your boss, but to point out what has been making you uncomfortable.
Let your boss know his actions have been creating a tough work environment and it affects your performance. Ask her or him about your performance and what she or he may be unhappy with and how you can fix it. If you have made mistakes, acknowledge them and find an agreeable solution. Let your boss know that you don’t expect her to be perfect, only that she treat you with respect and common courtesy.
Unfortunately, there is a good chance your boss will not appreciate your feelings. She might lash out at you, and the toxic behavior may only increase after this meeting. If this happens, add it to your documentation and move on to the next steps.
Taking Further Action
If rationally addressing the problem directly with your boss gets you nowhere or even intensifies the horrible conduct, it’s time to take further action. Whether you choose to speak to your boss’ supervisor, the human resources department or a lawyer, you need to be prepared. This is also when your documentation comes into play.
Doctors Sarah J. Tracy and Jess K. Alberts, who are researchers associated with Arizona State University’s Project for Wellness and Work-Life, wrote the report “How to Bust the Office Bully: Eight Tactics for Explaining Workplace Abuse to Decision-Makers” to aid targets of toxic office behaviors in recounting their situations to decision-makers.
Their findings have shown that being rational, expressing emotions appropriately, providing consistent details, offering a plausible story, being relevant, emphasizing your own competence, showing consideration for others’ perspectives and being specific are the most effective tools in persuading decision-makers to put a stop to your boss’ abuse.
It’s also important to know that comprehensive workplace bullying legislation has yet to be passed by the federal government or by any U.S. state government, though according to Caroline Said, author of “Bullying Bosses Could be Busted: The Movement Against Work Workplace Abusers Gains Momentum with Proposed Laws,” many state legislatures have considered bills. However, no laws are currently in place, so keep that in mind if you decide to hire an attorney to fight back.
Moving On
If you’ve done all you can to improve the situation but things still don’t improve, you may want to consider moving on to another job. Your nightmare of a boss may never change but you certainly can.
It’s especially important to explore other options if the pressure of the situation is causing physical symptoms. If you’re experiencing stress-related illnesses like migraines, insomnia, depression or anxiety, put your health first.
To maintain a level of professionalism, you should give notice of your departure. Don’t dwell on the negative, but simply mention that it’s time to explore other options. And, even though you may have one foot out the door, it’s not the time to bash your boss to co-workers or slack on your responsibilities. Keeping things cordial and following through on tasks will ensure you exit on a high note despite the hellish ordeal.
Keep in mind that even after you leave your job you will still have to deal with the situation when applying for work elsewhere.
When filling out materials for new job, don’t provide your boss’ contact information if you can avoid it. Instead, give the information for a human resources representative or a co-worker with whom you had a positive relationship.
If during an interview you are questioned about the reasons for leaving your job, remain professional and provide a drama-free explanation. For example, you can simply say that you and your boss had an ongoing difference of opinion about office policies and you felt it was most appropriate to simply find employment elsewhere.
Remember, life is too short to spend it working in an environment that makes you miserable. You have the ability to empower yourself and control your career.
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