It’s the Photos, Stupid!
Traveling with an international contingent of journalists, I am noticing the contrasts between us. Stefano, an Italian publisher and photog, said that in Europe, the first priority in an editor’s view is the photos…if these are up to par, then the story is reviewed and considered. We usually do this […]
Miskolc’s Star Attraction
Miskolc, Hungary is a town that’s been devasted by “the political changes.” That is the word for what happened in 1989, when communism gave way to a free political process and Soviet domination faded away. The town has rows and rows of ugly white apartment buildings, and a huge hulking […]
A Good Guide
Richard Bogdan is a good guide who has made our trip to Hungary work like a well oiled swiss watch. You can never underestimate the value of a good guide, one who knows how to keep people moving, and takes the time to tell you the things you need to […]
Visting the Gulag
Sitting in an office in Eger, Hungary, at the Flora Hotel. Yesterday we visited the small town of Recski, where from 1950 through 1953, the Hungarian gulag was located. The memorial includes a recreated barracks with Auschwitz-like wooden bunks, grim watchtowers, and glowering guards. No one knew about this place […]
Vlad the Impaler’s Mountain Prison
Blogging from the lounge in our hotel in Budapest. Today we had a busy day, including a 27 km bicycle ride along the Danube, which is decidedly not Blue, despite the song. We drove up a mountain and at the top were the ruins of an ancient castle. Sadly, said […]
The Kindness of Strangers
JFK Airport is a horror show with a silver lining. Flying out of the airport for an 11:00 pm flight, we parked hundreds of yards away from the entrance to the monorail. Then we were dumped off at a terminal and had to walk dragging luggage and dodge cars coming–fast–around […]
Page Rank and Linking Explained
The NY Times loves the mysteries of the web. “The Internet is a very good analogy to a company,” Mr. Dash said. “There is always going to be somebody complaining. At least the first voice they hear is yours.” Last year Mr. Dash participated in a challenge in which competitors […]
A Busy Blur Before Takeoff
Today is a blur, time is racing. Trying to get all of the things done in the office before I fly tonight. What an exciting feeling, waiting for an 11 pm to sultry Budapest. I have been briefed on the nation by two Hungarians who we met in NJ. They […]