A Dream Realized

While the 'experts' may disagree.... for years Mark has been telling anyone willing to listen that the greatest movie of all time is George Romero's "Dawn of Dead." (the original version realized in 1977). Last Friday, Mark put aside a great deal of unconscious fear and anxiety, drove out into the suburbs of eastern Pittsburgh and visited the legendary 'Monroeville Mall' - the site in which the vast majortiy of "Dawn of the Dead" was filmed. It was by all accounts a very powerful experience that left Mark shaken.... but undeniably satisfied by this epic expereince.


The home of Romero's Classic.


The roof on which Peter played tennis, Roger took target practice and Fran learned to fly.


The elevetor in which Steven tried in vain to fight off the living dead... only to be bitten and lead the undead upstairs.


The 'secret' hallway leading to the hideout upstairs.


Roger, should have been more careful.... much more careful when out getting the trucks with Peter.


Is Roger buried here.....?


For those of you interested... Romero has a new project in the works titled: "Diary of the Dead." This film will be released at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival in September.

The Great Donut Debate

Among the great questions that man has tried to answer since the advent of time..... none ranks higher than the one Mark has spent his entire life trying to answer: "Where is the best donut in the world?"

Yesterday morning Mark paid a visit, entirely in the name of science, to the Cranberry, PA outlet of Dunkin Donuts. After spending five years conducting research on the quality of the coffee and donuts on offer at the over 100 outlets of Dunkin Donuts in Indonesia, Mark was ready to determine which country's DD is better. While the question of the world's greatest donut still needs more research... one debate has been answered: Dunkin Donuts Indonesia is MUCH better than Dunkin Donuts USA.

Where it all began - Dunkin Donuts, Jalan Pondok Indah Arteri, Jakarta, Indonesia:


No greater way to begin the day.


The research of a trure professional is never done.


Dunkin Donuts, Cranberry PA. While worth a visit... Indonesia's Dunkin Donuts are far suprerior.


The coffee was weak, the donuts too doughy. Indonesia's coffee is always strong and the donuts always scrumptious.

Americana at it's Best!

Nothing says America more than the brilliance of 'Chuck E. Cheese.' Last week Mark, Icha, Bella and 'Ma' indulged in this most 'cheesey' of restaurants!

Chuck E. Cheese... delivering high quality fun, food and games to generations of Americans for over 25 years!


Icha helping Bella squander her college fund....


Bella enjoying another healthy meal of french fries and chicken nuggets.


Bella kicking Mark's butt in air hockey!


Bella taking a ride on the merry-go-round.

A Pittsburgh Homecoming

Last week Bella, Icha and 'Ma' came out to Pittsburgh to visit Mark for 9 days. It was a sensational time! As Mom is from Pittsburgh we took a 'tour' of some of her old stomping grounds.


Icha and Mom pose in front of Mom's childhood home. Rumored to be the first house in Pennsylvania to have electricty...


Mark and Icha standing above the world renowed sky-line of 'Steel City.'


Everyday back in the day Mom would take this incline to school.


Bella and Icha enjoy their ride up the incline.


We then took a 'river tour' on a boat that had two clowns on board to enterntain the kids!


Bella showing off her 'kitty' given to her by one of the clowns on our boat ride.

VEGAS BABY!

On his way out to Pittsburgh, Mark made his annual pilgrimage to Vegas!
Joined by Rick Scouffas who flew in from San Francisco, Dave Martin (Boston) and Dave Baucher (L.A.) Mark and his buddies had a sensational time in Sin City.

Mark and "Big Dave Lazer" Martin smile as they get ready for 3 days of fun and chaos in Vegas.


Rick, Dave Martin, Mark and Dave Baucher are all smiles before a brutal (but fun) round of golf.

Once again Rick needs to pitch out from the rough....

Rick shows off his last two dollars..... who knocked you out of the poker tournament Mr. Scouffas?

Where is Bella?

Can you guess where this picture was taken?



First person to email Mark with the correct location wins a free breakfast at his favorite resturant in Jakarta!

Smiles and smiles from Bella!

Check out little Bella smiling for the camera in these recent pictures.


More photos of the little one to come soon....

Bella Rides the Slide at Happy Hollow!

Icha took Bella to Happy Hollow last week (http://www.happyhollowparkandzoo.org/) and Bella is now officially a little daredevil!
Bella checks out the house and climbs to the top by herself......



Here she comes!




"Our little angel" has now become "our little maniac!"

Bella Enjoying Life in America

While Mark is off working on his Master's Degree in Pittsbugh, Icha has been taking Bella to all kinds of parks and cool stuff back in California.

Bella enjoying a show in the park.
All that time at Circuz, Kidsport and Tamani Kids pays off!
Riding the merry-go-round.

Bella in America!

Bella - and Mark & Icha - have come to America! Mark is in Pittsburgh finishing up his masters in Educational Leadership while Icha & Bella are hanging out with the rest of the Murnane's in Palo Alto.


Icha and Bella are coming out to visit Mark on July 18th!

We can't wait!