Tips and Tricks for planning and enjoying your winter time in Japan. A trip to Japan is a lifelong dream for many Americans, at least it was for these Rippers. Our almost three-week trip was a big deal for us, and just barely long enough to start to understand a culture so different from ours. We had a secret weapon for planning that unfortunately, not everyone has access to. Our friend and fellow Ripper, Don Roll, is a veteran of Japow trips, and planned the entire adventure, with the help of our guide, Markus, and his partner’s company, Parom Camps. We can’t recommend them more highly. A few tips shared…

Today is one of this Ripper’s favorite days, Earth Day! My work with young children allows me to embrace our planet on a continual basis, and especially during the month of April when signs of Earth’s reawakening delight the soul. Spring has unfolded slowly in Utah this year with our historic snowpack. Yet at the same time, smiles emerge on our faces when we think how each snowflake will help refill the Great Salt Lake. This brings me to the title of this short, but hopefully, inspiring post. This morning’s NY Times picked some of their favorite articles from their Climate Desk to share on this Earth Day. I recommend…

My many years in Brooklyn gave me the opportunity to take in my fair share of graffiti. Some made my jaw drop with its bold colors and audacity. How the artists managed to pull off such artistry hanging from unbelievable heights under the cover of darkness amazed me. Others seemed like mere acts of vandalism. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that this Senior Ripper is interested in murals. The city of brotherly love, Philly, is known for its murals. I couldn’t get enough of them. Be sure to pick up the walking tour guide when you next visit. But still the mystery of how you pull off art on…