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Showing posts from 2008

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND THE OBAMA FACTOR

by Michael P. Quinlin Tourism officials in Massachusetts and around the country are optimistic that a new era in international travel to the United States is about to begin. Why the optimism? The election of Barack Obama has enhanced America’s image in the eyes of the world. Obama’s message of hope and change has rekindled a global affection for America that had been frozen for almost a decade, opening up new possibilities for the nation’s travel and tourism industry. “There is unprecedented interest around the world in this new administration, which will certainly boost interest in visiting the United States,” says US Congressman William Delahunt (D-MA) of the 10th congressional district, which includes Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as the state’s economically diverse South Shore. Overseas travel to the United States dropped off sharply after September 11, 2001, and has never fully recovered. The decline has cost America nearly $140 billion in lost visitor spendi

Vote Boston America's #1 City!

Boston is in the final round against San Francisco in Travel & Leisure Magazine's online contest to determine America’s Favorite City! Three weeks ago 25 US cities vied against each other in a head-to-head battle for America's Favorite City on www.travelandleisure.com. Just twelve cities advanced to Round Two, Boston among them. In Round Two Boston Beat Miami (70% vs. 30%); in Round Three, Boston beat New York & Chicago by capturing 46% of the votes (New York 29%, Chicago 25%). San Francisco (51% of the votes) beat Honolulu (20%) and San Diego (29%). In the Final Round, Boston is up against San Francisco. It’s East Coast vs. West Coast! Don't let Boston lose as two magnificent waterfront cities battle it out for the title! If you love Boston as much as we do, please Vote for Boston TODAY! Click on www.travelandleisure.com/afc/2008/game now and vote for Boston. And then vote again! It only takes 10 seconds. Check back next week - to see if we’re America’s Favorite

Sean Casey - the Friendliest Guy in Baseball

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With a name like Sean Casey, you’re bound to get a good greeting in Red Sox Nation, which had its not-so-humble beginnings in the early 20th century when Michael McGreevey led a band of raucous Sox fans – many of them Irish – called the Royal Rooters. But the newest Boston Red Sox player is a popular guy wherever he’s been in his illustrious major league baseball career. The convivial big-leaguer with the sunny disposition has always had an upbeat, outgoing personality. Over the past 12 seasons the chatty first baseman has honed his conversational skills with thousands of players from across the league who have landed on his base. Last year a Sports Illustrated poll of the players themselves voted Casey “the friendliest player in baseball.” And he’s known around the league as the mayor because of his approachable demeanor. Of course, Casey is much more than a master conversationalist and all-around good guy. He’s a three-time All Star and National League MVP who has played for the Cinc

Irish Festivals in Massachusetts Summer 2008

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Tourism Group Announces Irish Festival Season in Massachusetts (Milton) – The Boston Irish Tourism Association released its annual schedule of Irish, Scottish and Celtic festivals and concerts taking place throughout Massachusetts this summer. The outdoor festivities celebrate the state’s vibrant Irish culture and heritage, and feature many of the world’s best traditional musicians, singers and dancers. “Americans and Canadians looking for the very best Irish music don’t have to travel to Europe this summer – they can find it right here in Massachusetts,” said Michael P. Quinlin, president of Boston Irish Tourism Association. “And because of how Irish music and dance have integrated with other traditions over many generations, these festivals also feature a lively mix of Cape Breton, Scottish, Appalachian, Canadian and American folk music too.” The festivals run from June through September and take place in every part of the state, from th

COOKING FOR THE KENNEDYS

COOKING FOR THE KENNEDYS New book recalls favorite Kennedy recipes and stories By Michael P. Quinlin One of Neil Connolly’s biggest assignments as an award-winning chef was to bake a birthday cake at a family gathering. It wasn’t an ordinary cake, or an ordinary family. The occasion was Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy’s 103rd birthday, and included dozens of siblings, children, grandchildren and elders who had come together at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport. “I walked into the dining room with the cake – lighted with all the candles – and everyone started singing Happy Birthday,” said Connolly, who served as the personal chef to Sen. Edward Kennedy and his mother for nearly twelve years. “When the candles were blown out, the room quickly filled with smoke. Senator Kennedy said, ‘Neil, take the cake outside before the fire alarm sounds.’ Needless to say, the party moved to the living room.” Connolly’s passion for cooking and preparing creative cuisine found a good home at the Compound, wh

Gaelic Gourmet Week in Boston, March 9-17, 2008

Taking a Pass on Corned Beef By Michael P. Quinlin In Boston, corned beef and cabbage is being edged off the St. Patrick’s Day menu, replaced by more exotic dishes like Wild Irish Rabbit, Spring Lamb and Irish Potato Cakes with fresh Salmon. These dishes are part of this year’s 4th annual Gaelic Gourmet Week in Boston, a moveable feast of upscale culinary events in the city’s finest hotels, restaurants, pubs, museums and theaters. The culinary feasts focus on Ireland’s relatively new status as a culinary destination, and puts Ireland’s leading chefs alongside their counterparts in the United States and Canada, where the gathering of chefs can share culinary techniques, recipes and traditions. The menu also reflects the changing tastes of Irish-American culture, which had somehow gotten mired for decades in a belief and practice that Irish food was strictly a boiled affair. Tourism Ireland and the Boston Irish Tourism Association are co-sponsors of the event, along with the Irish Dairy