 Have you ever imagined yourself living in a fortress surrounded by moats, steep walls, guarded by outposts and fortified with farms, water, and supplies in case of a seige? Well, maybe the castle part but skip the siege! The Romantic Road as it is called, is based loosely on an old Roman route. Post WWII Germany was desperate to rebuild a tourism industry and decided to make route this into a destination. It’s not hard to see the reason for the popularity - it combines historic cities, medieval walled towns, rolling countryside, forests and ends at the foothills of the Alps with the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. There is a bike path along the whole route that meanders away from the main highways through fields, forests, country roads, and pathways. So listen in, look at photos, take a first hand tour of this area from our travel perspective.  First of All, this is an enormous wind turbine in Southern Germany. This country is utilizing many solar and wind solutions for its electric needs. To gauge how big this is: 1) Find the TINY blip in this picture inside the red circle 2) Say to yourself, "OMG that is tall" (Photo was taken about 1/4 mile away in order to get this huge tower in the picture - located in Bavaria between Uffenheim and Rothenburg along the bike journey) Watch the the rolling hills and hear the cowbells in this video!  The podcast audio file below is a summary of each day's travel and adventures. Subscribe to this and other podcasts by clicking on this iTunes link. 
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 Enormous wind turbine. Note the very first small bump to the left of the tower, that is Ann on her bike! Runaway Train - Out of Control! "Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that ‘‘the buck stops here.’’ Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better." I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit. It appears that once you get elected president, that your beliefs of what is detrimental to the USA society can change - drastically. Listen to an impassioned speech delivered in 2006 by the current president insisting that increasing the federal deficit was a drastic and irresponsible mistake. You may READ the entire text of the Congressional Record by clicking this link S2238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2006
 It all starts with... "Vote for me and I'll make sure the government provides you more free stuff than my opposition." From Mike Maloney's 'Hidden Secrets of Money-Episode 4 Shown Below Questions: It's incredible and hard to grasp that the central banking system is probably not understood by most elected officials. Congress borrows money for all kinds of projects without the moral concern for generations of future indebtedness. |
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A new sign greeted me on my morning shopping. Frank Winfield Woolworth's picture was proudly hung outside the redecorated Woolworth's store.
Well, sometimes my brain just doesn't connect one dot to another in the simple manner. Could this be the same company that has provided me numerous items and food over the course of my life time?
(I can remember the yummy mashed potatoes and gravy and roast beef lunches we used to eat at its luncheon counter chairs. You know, the ones that spinned and spinned if someone would push you a bit, or until your mother told you to stop!)
Well, sometimes my brain just doesn't connect one dot to another in the simple manner. Could this be the same company that has provided me numerous items and food over the course of my life time?
(I can remember the yummy mashed potatoes and gravy and roast beef lunches we used to eat at its luncheon counter chairs. You know, the ones that spinned and spinned if someone would push you a bit, or until your mother told you to stop!)
If you can't read the German on the Photo above, (moi aussie), then I took the German wording and placed it into an on line translator.
Really fun to see what language translation machines do.
Enjoy:)
| German Wording Frank Winfield Woolworth, geboren in Rodman im Staate New York, USA, gilt als Pionier in der Entwicklung des Einzelhandels. Sein Konzept des Einheitspreissystems (alle Artikel kosteten fünf oder zehn Cent) machten Woolworth, ausgehend von den USA, zum größten Kaufhaus-Filialunternehmen weltweit. Die "öffentliche Warenpräsentation", also das Auslegen von Ware auf Tischen, damit Kunden diese direkt anfassen und prüfen konnten, revolutionierte den Handel. Von der Eröffnung des ersten Woolworth-Kaufhauses im Jahre 1879 bis zum Jahr 1916 gelang es Frank Winfield Woolworth, dass aufgrund seines dichten Kaufhaus-Filialnetzes jede Stadt in den USA mit über 8000 Einwohnern ein Woolworth-Kaufhaus besitzt. Bereits im Januar 1918 eröffnete das 1000. Woolworth-Kaufhaus in der Fifth Avenue in New York. | English Translation from Bing Translator Frank Winfield Woolworth, born in Rodman in the State of New York, United States, is a pioneer in the development of the retail. (All items cost five or ten cents) Woolworth, originating from the United States, made his concept of the system of unit prices to the largest department store companies worldwide. The "public presentation", so the spreading of goods on tables, so that customers could touch them and check, revolutionized trading. From the opening of the first Woolworth department store in 1879 to the year 1916 succeeded Frank Winfield Woolworth, that every city in the United States due to its dense department store branch network has a Woolworth department store with over 8000 inhabitants. Already in January 1918, the 1000th Woolworth department store at fifth opened Avenue in New York. |
A picture from the Smithsonian of Woolworth's Actual Lunch Counter from 1960
Historic Event in Civil Rights Movement at Woolworths, Greensboro, North Carolina - 1960; Listen Below
Geneva Tisdale was working that day, in 1960, when four young black men sat down at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, NC, and asked to be served. The management refused, and protests ensued. Six months of negotiations and sit-ins later, the Woolworth's management changed its policy and chose Geneva Tisdale and two of her co-workers to be the first African-Americans to eat at the lunch counter at which they worked. Thirty years later, Geneva Tisdale was still behind the counter. David Isay interviewed her the day it closed.. Reference to Audio and Printed Work
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"A historian has said that Henry Ford freed common people from the limitations of their geography. The automobile created mobility on a scale never known before, and the total effect on living habits and social customs is endless." History of the Automobile
It's something that has been sneaking up for a long time: my admission that times have changed.
I know that sounds rather trite; however, I realized how much I really enjoyed the era of the automobile, it's part in my life, the freedom and power it gave to my life.
Join me on this podcast as I bid farewell to my nostalgic nemesis and move on.
(At least I hope so...)
Route 66, and the spirit of adventure, is being remembered all over the world!
From Left to Right - Clock for Sale in Bad Godesburg, Germany; Sign hanging on a concrete wall in Hong Kong; photo of sign through a rainy pub window, Dingle, Kerry County, Ireland
It's something that has been sneaking up for a long time: my admission that times have changed.
I know that sounds rather trite; however, I realized how much I really enjoyed the era of the automobile, it's part in my life, the freedom and power it gave to my life.
Join me on this podcast as I bid farewell to my nostalgic nemesis and move on.
(At least I hope so...)
Route 66, and the spirit of adventure, is being remembered all over the world!
From Left to Right - Clock for Sale in Bad Godesburg, Germany; Sign hanging on a concrete wall in Hong Kong; photo of sign through a rainy pub window, Dingle, Kerry County, Ireland
Stopping in Pontiac, Illinois is a good idea. Just off the freeway (that is largely following the older Route 66) you MUST visit the Route 66 Museum.
Great memorabilia of the Route 66 history, knowledgeable docents, superb experience. I've only been there twice, surely another visit or two will be necessary.
Great memorabilia of the Route 66 history, knowledgeable docents, superb experience. I've only been there twice, surely another visit or two will be necessary.
If you happen to be driving in upper state New York, drop by the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, NY. Fabulous exhibit of the history of automobiles by showing you examples of cars you probably have never heard of. Docents are enthusiastic and filled with Automotive History.
Some facts that are referenced in the podcast and their links for your further pondering.
Automobile History (very thorough)
Automotive Industry in the USA
Automotive Fatalities in USA by Year
USA Fatalities per Fraction of Population
History of the Electric Automobile (1900-present)
If you want to view the notes for this podcast, download the SundayDrivePodcast.PDF file below.
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| 006_12oct13_sundaydrive.mp3 |
Join Ann as she discusses the final 2 phases of Trip Planning
Packing and Enjoying the Trip!
Packing and Enjoying the Trip!
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So, you are going to take a trip overseas!
Well, over seas, underwater, in a train, bike or hiking, an international journey begins with some forethought and planning.
This podcast has a guest who has frequently traveled internationally over the last 10 years and will offer her suggestions and insights on this topic.
Grab your pencil and paper, a cup of your favorite beverage, and listen in.
Hope that there are some of these insights that will help your future journey.
Part 1 (This Podcast) describes the Research and Preliminary planning stages
Part 2 discusses Packing and Enjoying the Trip
Well, over seas, underwater, in a train, bike or hiking, an international journey begins with some forethought and planning.
This podcast has a guest who has frequently traveled internationally over the last 10 years and will offer her suggestions and insights on this topic.
Grab your pencil and paper, a cup of your favorite beverage, and listen in.
Hope that there are some of these insights that will help your future journey.
Part 1 (This Podcast) describes the Research and Preliminary planning stages
Part 2 discusses Packing and Enjoying the Trip
Excerpt below is from Paperless, an app on Ann's phone that helps her plan for her trips. Keeping an updated list is easy, synch's via DropBox
Not all items are used on every trip, but it's a great pre-flight, pre-trip checklist!
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Travel Preparation
Bike, Hike, Travel Planning
This general list should provide for hiking, biking or traveling.
Lay out everything prior to the trip before sub packaging.
Use this list as a guide to what may be needed for the trip.
Consider telling someone where you are going and returning.
Use screen captures of maps for areas traveling, send the images to your portable devices.
Be familiar with the elevation gain and loss on the route chosen.
Phone numbers of motels, friends, contact points
Use lots of colored, small, sub packing bags for specific items. Makes finding items really easy instead of digging through everything all the time.
Phone SIM card for destination country?
Trip Prep
Wallet (remove unnecessary items)
Passports
Driver's License
International phone card
Check Book
Airplane/train etc Tickets
Money (local and foreign currency)
Credit Card
Map to hotels
Contact Phone numbers, people, hotels
Insurance Cards
House Key
Foreign language phrase book
Guide Book
Maps
Book to read (or e-book purchased to read)
Bike, Hike Prep
Tires Pumped
Tire pump on board
Front pack carrier
Water Bottles
Paniers
Chain lubed and wiped down
Brake pad check
Bike Locks
Back packs fitted
Back pack travel sack if checked on plane
Luggage tags
Clothing
Clothing to suit the weather and location
Sunglasses
Jerseys
Hats and/or visors
Winter/Summer Gloves
Head/face covering for cold weather
Reflective arm band, ankle wraps
Glove liners
Booties
Glasses (day/night)
Glasses (reading)
Reflectors for legs
Wind breakers
Rip Offs
Ponchos
Rain hats
Backpack covers
Helmets
Helmet covers
Arm sleeves
Socks - lots of them
Long sleeve shirts, for warmth or sun protection
Evening clothing (dry underwear, socks, pants, outer jacket)
Second shoes for walking/hiking
Bike shoes, hiking boots, sandals
Spare prescription glasses
Tools, Gear
Sun glasses / Bike glasses
Wrist watch
Spare tube
Axle wrench
Glue, repair kit
First Aid kit
Thermal blanket
Multi Purpose Knife
Water Proof Bags
Spork
Paper, Pencil, Pen
Reading Glasses
Seat Cover
Hands free, on-head flashlight
Small LED Flashlight
Needle and thread
Rag for cleaning oily chain, mud
Extra bugee or cord
Water purifier (Katadyne)
Electronics
Multi Purpose Plug Adaptor
Camera
Camera battery, extra
VGA (DVI) to iOS device
Extra camera chip
Battery charger
Phone
iPad
iPhone (phone cover for bike gps use)
Laptop?
Charger for iPhone/iPad
Garmin GPS
1/4 inch to mini plug adaptor for airlines
Earbuds
Computer and its charger
Binoculars
Toiletries
Sun Block
Arnica
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Vitamin C
Cough Drops
Nails Clipped?
Eye drops
Portable hair dryer?
Beard trimmer
Dental floss
Lotion
Q-tips
Soap
Shampoo
Toilet paper in ziplock bag
Razor, electric shaver?
Foot powder
Small Kleenex
Extra ziplock bags
Lip Balm
Insect repellent
Hair ties
Wet wipes
Diarrhea pills
Umbrella
Small clothes line
Vitamins
Food
Waterproof travel bags
Food Bars
Goo energy packets
Chocolate
Nuts, Raisins, trail mixture
Bread, Peanut butter
Fruit
Fork, knife, spoon
Salty food
Tea bags
REMINDERS
Take lots of pictures, video
When biking long distance: water, rest, and food every hour
Generally spend more cash than anticipated
Have an internet accessible list of logins that may be necessary.
Divide up cash between persons preventing possible loss of everything.
Left something at a hotel? inform them immediately
Unplug ALL electric items
Plants? Fish? Make arrangements
Leave key with neighbor
Turn off Internet connection, router, power strips
Turn down hot water heater
Empty all garbage and recycle bins
Just a nice day in September, street market, shops!
Great way to take your Office with you!
I thought Frogs said, "Ribbit"?
W
A
T
E
R
N
E
E
D
E
D
OK, here we go,
1 drop,
2 drops,
4 drops,
8 drops,
until it is full, each step taking 10 seconds.
Guess how long it will take to fill this swimming pool!
Follow the table shown below that shows each step; and appreciate exponential growth that fills this 35,000 gallon pool in 4.17 minutes!
Our world is experiencing exponential changes everywhere.
If you are interested in exploring exponential change: Link 1(Wikipedia), Link 2(Exponential change in Nature), Link 3 ('Greatest shortcoming of the Human Race' - This Youtube Lecture is fabulous!)
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