Sherman's Travel

If you’re planning to take the kids to the Museum of Modern Art, ask them before you go what kinds of art they think they might see there. So suggests the museum’s website. This weekend, my wife and I (along with another couple) put that question to five kids ages 13 and under (our three children plus their two). The collective response was, “we don’t care, we want to go ice skating.”

No, we’re going to the museum, the grown-ups retorted. Actual stomping and screaming ensued on both sides (real parenting happens at this blog, folks) and the debate continued until we reached the museum lobby. We almost caved and abandoned the plan – especially in view of the museum’s $25 per adult admission fee.

But then we threw caution to the wind, dragged everyone in, and made a beeline for the first floor MoMA Art Lab. And as soon as we saw the lab, it hit us: We had been selling this outing all wrong, to the kids and ourselves.

Read more

It’s not often that Microsoft launches an entirely new operating system, but that’s what happened recently with the introduction of Windows 8. Specifically, the user interface was overhauled completely to focus on “tiles,” and Microsoft engineered this system to work nicely with touch panels. Yes, Windows 7 machines can be found with touch panels, but those looking for a far more polished experience should be eying one of the fresher alternatives.

I discussed the pros and cons of Microsoft’s own Surface RT tablet in a prior piece, but the fact remains: some business travelers simply aren’t in a place where they’re able to ditch a full-fledged notebook. For those of you out there in need of a laptop refresh, and wondering which of the latest and greatest will give you the best Windows 8 experience, I’ve got a few recommendations. Read more