PRIME springs eternal in March

We welcome springtime in March, and it's been a long, cold winter to emerge from this year. My mother always used to say "Beware the ides of March," although this time around it was the slippery sidewalks and frozen roofs of February that likely posed the biggest problems for all of us. PRIME has plenty in store for your reading pleasure this month. Beginning on page 5, we start things off with Sad Song Radio. This musical group is composed of a pair of medical professionals, and an accountant, who create music to benefit worthwhile charities. Listening to their siren songs may just remind you of your own favorite tunes. They have donated their CD sales to Doctors Without Borders, among other charities. Sad Song Radio offers a unique mixture of covers and originals, ranging from songwriters you probably have heard about like Nat King Cole, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt to talented folks who remain relative unknowns in popular music, like Elliot Smith. If spring cleaning is more your thing, we feature a helpful story about donating one's winter wardrobe to a good cause. That article is located on page 22. The current edition of PRIME also offers a Medicare review. Now that the enrollment period for 2011 has passed, what changes are taking effect in Medicare benefits? Find out, starting on page 10. Another highlight of this edition is a story by G. Michael Dobbs, PRIME's managing editor, about a stroke victim who battled back from adversity to continue his career as a stand-up comic. The comedian's saga has been detailed in a DVD. Look for the heroic story on page 17. Also this month, we feature a beautiful travel page. Springtime is a season when many of us start looking for a more temperate getaway from chilly New England. On that note, may we suggest Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? From the gorgeous greens of the golf course, to the sandy beaches and beyond, this popular Spring Break locale is not just for kids anymore. If you love the look of our Travel section, starting on pages 12-13, it's because Leo Pilares, our art director, always has a keen eye for the aesthetic details. His talents are also abundant in our feature story design this month. And finally, let's not forget to enjoy St. Patrick's Day on March 17. You don't have to be Irish to raise a glass of Guinness and shout "Slainte!" at the local pub. But it certainly helps. Until next time, please enjoy reading PRIME magazine. Mike Briotta, PRIME Editor mikeb@thereminder.com