Inspired by the Tour of France of 1978, some fella called Freddie Mercury used to chant on how much he wanted to ride his “bicycle, bicycle, bicycle”. The truth is you do not have to be an expert for riding a bicycle, to go from one place to another on two wheels, you do not have to be a scholar; everything is learned on the way. The route strengthens us as people and even sometimes shows us facets that we did not believe we had. In any case, … [Read more...]
Warren, Ohio: A Weekend Getaway Back Thru Time!
In the State of Ohio, between Cleveland and Youngstown, sits the City of Warren. Don't bother looking for it - you won't find it on any map. Unless, of course, your checking for the weather on the 6 o'clock news! After spending an afternoon in Warren, it's easy to see that there is so much more to this city than meets the eye. From the Packard museum to the Trumbull Art gallery, restaurants and bars, the Ampitheatre and Mosquito Lake State … [Read more...]
Naughty City Names
Sperling’s BestPlaces finds 13 real U.S. cities and towns with hilariously risqué names 1. Buttzville, New Jersey - Population 194 - Median Home Price $172,700 According to Wikipedia, the town was named after its founder, Michael Robert Buttz. Naturally, he wanted to spread his grief to future generations by naming a town Buttzville. Sure, he could've gone with Michael City but perhaps that sounded too cool. 2. Dick Johnson, … [Read more...]
Twins Days Festival: Largest Annual Gathering of Twins in the World, Twinsburg, OH
Holding the Guinness Book of World Records for the “Largest Annual Gathering of Twins in the World,” the theme of this41st Festival, will be "Twins Days - Twinfinity and beyond." Twinsburg, Ohio, June 20, 2016 - The 2016 Twins Days Festival will be held August 6th and 7th (9:00 am) at Glen Chamberlain Park, 10270 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, Ohio. This annual international event is recorded as the “Largest Annual Gathering of Twins in the World” … [Read more...]
Guide to Houston, Texas
Houston combines Texas authenticity with artistic flair. If you like cowboy boots and rodeo with your cutting-edge art scene, mosey on over. In addition to world-class museums, innovative visual experiences should please even self-proclaimed museum haters. The culinary panorama is in the spotlight, with over 10,000 restaurants to tickle your palate. From inexpensive neighborhood spots to chef-driven eateries drawing big spenders, you’ll never go … [Read more...]
Rachel Rudwall, TV Host & Producer
I have followed Rachel's work since first discovering her website several years ago. She leads an active lifestyle packed with exploration and activities. She has traveled to nearly 60 countries and divides her time as a TV Host, Producer, EMMY-Nominated Camera Operator, and Social Media Influencer. Life is not dull with Rachel - from climbing mountains (including Kilimanjaro), diving including the continental divide in Iceland as well as a … [Read more...]
Knoxville Rocks the History Trail
Tennessee is really a fascinating place, particularly for history buffs. There are sites exemplifying pioneer history, the founding of the United States, the Civil War, the Great Depression, WWII, and the Civil Rights Movement – all easily accessible from Knoxville (itself named after Henry Knox, Revolutionary War hero and Secretary of War under President Washington). Most interesting to me is that America as the grand experiment - a country … [Read more...]
Bicycling the C & O Canal
Leaves crunch under our bike tires creating a mesmerizing soundtrack to this blue-sky fall day on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Trees are in their post-peak colors dropping yellow, red and orange leaves around me as I anticipate the next scenic bend in the trail and a new vista. The canal water is still on this calm day and reflects a mirror image of each tree and animal we encounter. By the end of our seven mile ride we see four snapping … [Read more...]
Pittsburgh: Land of Celebrities
I am a self-acknowledged history nerd with a film degree. I had no idea that Pittsburgh had an abundance of sites covering my two big interests - colonial and current celebrities. Mostly I am interested in the places celebrities were - so that I can stand in, sit on, or touch the same spot. I imagine I am forging a connection that transcends space and time, that the celebrity's genius energy can infiltrate my own and affect it in a positive … [Read more...]
Pittsburgh: Inspiring Awe and Nostalgia
Visit Pittsburgh. It’s a vibrant city with fantastic views and all kinds of easily accessible ways to see them, a sports legacy to envy, and vital American history. But more importantly, it is a tribute to what city government, public and private enterprise, and concerned citizens – what we, as human beings – can accomplish. In the last 50 years or so Pittsburgh has orchestrated a miraculous environmental transformation. Ride to the top of the … [Read more...]