The Florida Hoosier

Driving in Inclement Weather.

The Florida Hoosier — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:55:08 GMT

With the coming of winter and the possibility of having to drive on roads that are less than perfect many people often wonder how to drive safely and reach their destination without having a fender bender or more serious accident.

Having driven over 3 million miles on all kinds of roads, in all kinds of conditions, and at the same time never having had an accident I feel I can offer some advice.

The first and most important requirement is to have your vehicle in top operating condition with windshield wipers that don't streak , good tires with at least half their tread remaining, reliable brakes , also remember to keep your windshield clear of ice and fog to ensure proper vision.

Give yourself plenty of time in bad weather and always have a plan, think about what you would do in any scenario that may arise, and in case some unforeseen incident should arise ,always have an escape route, or plan B, in mind.

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I have found that most roads, regardless of conditions can be negotiated at about 45 miles per hour, this much speed is needed keep to a safe distance between other vehicles, it also keeps one from being "rear-ended" by fast moving cars, and provides enough speed to negotiate any hills one may encounter.

The prime thing to remember is to not make any sudden adjustments in speed or direction. Maintain a safe distance between your self and any other vehicle that may be in your line of travel. I always drive as though I have no brakes, thus I always maintained a safety cushion between myself and any one else, thereby giving me time to make any adjustments in my speed or direction.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, the first thing to do is "think", DON'T panic. You probably have more time than imagined,and you only have one chance to make the right decision. Thinking only takes a split second and can save your life. If your vehicle does go into a skid, ease up on the accelerator, stay off the brakes,remembering to steer in the direction your car is skidding, being careful not to over correct. Only after evaluating the situation should any brakes be applied, gently tapping works the best, if it is found there is sufficient traction to slow your vehicle, then more pressure can be applied, making sure to never "lock" the brakes up, which only makes the situation worse.

Ever wonder why people will skid for several yards just to hit that lone telephone pole?

It is because they are looking at it, you will always go where your eyes are looking, chart out your path and look where you want to go,and pick out a safe landing spot!

With a little caution, good judgment, and thought, one can be reasonably assured of safely reaching their destination.

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Indiana Basketball 7th Grade

The Florida Hoosier — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:02:13 GMT

Just to illustrate how serious basketball is taken in Indiana, the following incident happened to my team in the 7th grade!
I attended a very small school in Napoleon , Indiana , typical of the schools in the area my seventh grade class consisted of about 35 students.

As was the case in Indiana, the team from the neighboring town was always your fiercest rival, sooner cut off an arm than lose to those guys! Our rivals were the school in Osgood , which was only five miles away, being not as large a school as us the 7th grade class probably only had about 12 students . Almost every boy in the class played on the basketball team.

Much to the chagrin of my teacher, we had played them a couple of times that year and beaten them handily. Our teacher was from that town and was an avid fan. Consider also that his daughter was a cheerleader and one can understand his dilemma. He was having a real hard time dealing with this crisis! Whenever the classroom discussion turned to basketball,which it often did, all we ever heard was how bad a team we were.

Finally, towards the end of the season our enterprising instructor could take it no longer, with a game scheduled for the following evening he threw a surprise test,which resulted in three of the starting five failing the test and thereby making them ineligible play that evening.

Terror struck us, how were we going to win, what a humiliation!

Walking as fast as turtles on Valium, the team or what was left of it, entered the gymnasium expecting a massacre.

At that moment the only bright spot were the cheerleaders, they were prettier than a glob of butter melting on a stack of hot cakes!

Thus the game began with us feeling like sheep being led to slaughter , this was not going to be pretty! I hardly noticed the fact that the referees and time keeper were 8th grade players from our school, this was unusual as customarily there would an equal number of older players from each school officiating.

Despite the fact we were the visiting team it wasn't going too badly the lead changed hands several times as the game progressed. I began to think that maybe we had a chance to pull this puppy out of the fire!

Even at the elementary level ,basketball games in Indiana draw a size able crowd, the fans were starting to react like cats at a dog fight! I could sense another one of those sudden death moments when the game goes down to the final second!

Ten seconds to play, they have the ball and they're 1 point ahead, the only option is to foul the ball handler. With one second left the foul is committed, being as nervous as a cow walking past Sam Seltzers , the poor guy missed both free throws.

Our coach immediately called" time out"!

He instructed us that instead of taking the ball out under their basket , we would take it out at mid court, it was then I realized the importance of having our own referees! The ball would be passed to me and another team mate would charge for the basket, getting as far as he could before I passed the ball to him.

Easier said than done! Being nervous myself, the ball was passed to me , it bounced off my knee and rolled across the floor to my team mate who was just in back of the free throw line, he picked it up and shot just as the final horn sounded. Reminiscent of the movie "Hoosiers" It went through, we won!

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This all happened inside of a second! Oh yeah, did I mention , the time keeper was also from our school!

Turnabout, fair play!!

Our teacher wouldn't speak to us for a week , paybacks are hell!

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Indiana High School Basketball

The Florida Hoosier — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:43:23 GMT

I find myself to be very fortunate to have been able to witness and partake in one of America's truly great traditions, Indiana High School basketball !

Having been born in southern Indiana , I don't remember the time I wasn't interested in high school basketball. My earliest memories include my family and friends talking about the latest Friday night game.

Basketball was a religion, living in a small town, it would have been sacrilegious to miss the weekly game.Every store and business in town would close, gymnasiums were built to seat twice as many people as lived in the small towns and villages. After all there had to be room for the visiting team's fans to sit!

To be in high school and not be a cheerleader or a member of the team was unthinkable!

Having received my first basketball at the age of 6 , my career began,at first I just had a hoop hung on the kitchen door, as soon as the weather warmed, I graduated to a barrel ring nailed to the side of the granary. Since I was a small dude,the barrel ring was probably only 6 feet off the ground. Imagine the joy when I became tall enough to have a REAL goal with an actual net, ten feet off the ground!

Practice was every day, rain,shine,snow or sleet, it didn't matter if it was 10 below zero, practice, in my mind was mandatory. Sometimes, during a full moon I would be practicing until it was way past bedtime!

Normally I would be playing alone, I would bounce the ball off the side of the granary, catch it and shoot, or drive for the basket and score the winning bucket!

Then came 1954,and the event that truly changed Indiana High School basketball forever. An event that would eventually be made into the classic movie "Hoosiers".

The preceding year,a school with an enrollment of about 150, which was located a scant 10 miles from my home had gone all the way to the Final Eight before being defeated.Most of the team members were juniors, which meant the following year they would be seniors. The only topic of conversation for a year was if they could win the "Big ONE"!

It had never been done before, a small school among giants! The year progressed and playing their "cat and mouse" style of basketball, they completely a very highly successful season. It was state tournament time," Hoosier Hysteria" had arrived!

The Milan Indians advanced as expected, defeating many powerhouse, big city teams along the way. Oscar Robertson's Indianapolis Crispus Attucks being one of the causalities!

After many nail biting moments the state finals were upon us. It was truly a David (Milan), Goliath ( Muncie Central Bearcats) situation. Muncie was one of the premier powerhouse teams in the state of Indiana.

This was 1954, so there weren't many televisions at that time, my uncle had one of the few. I remember sitting on the floor of his living room watching the game, surrounded by probably 30 people, the excitement level was extreme!

As the game wore on,expectations were mounting. It was a real game, they had a chance!

Milan, playing their "stall " game, had thrown the Muncie team completely off balance.

The game was tied, 30-30 with just a few seconds remaining, Coach Marvin Woods called time out, and instructed his players to run the "picket fence".

It worked, all the players were on one side of the floor except for Bobby Plump! Standing just behind the free throw line, the ball was passed to him, and with time expiring ,he executed the shot heard around the world!

Milan had won!! Butler Field House erupted with cheers, David had slain Goliath!!

We all looked at each other in disbelief, the little guy still had a chance, Milan had proven that.

Celebrations went on into the night, when a team wins a big game there is an escort with fire trucks and the Sheriff leading the way, pep rallies are at the gym, congressmen, mayors, and politicians of all sorts show up, it normally lasts into the wee hours of the morning.

The next day It was estimated that 50,000 people visited this small town of 1,500 population, just to see where it was, traffic was backed up for miles.

Soon billboard size photos of the team were hung in all the restaurants and public places in Milan, and of course, every male child over the age of 3 wanted to be Bobby Plump.

It had truly been a night to remember!

Travel Stories and Adventures

Saqqara, Egypt

The Florida Hoosier — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:42:55 GMT

SAQQARA, Egypt — Egypt unveiled a newly uncovered 4,000-year-old "missing pyramid" and a ceremonial procession road where high priests, their faces obscured by masks, once carried mummified sacred bulls worshipped in the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis.

The pyramid was actually a "rediscovery," said Egypt's antiquities chief, Zahi Hawass.

It is believed to have been built by King Menkauhor, an obscure pharaoh who ruled for only eight years.

In 1842, German archaeologist Karl Richard Lepsius mentioned it among his finds at Saqqara, giving it number 29 and calling it the "Headless Pyramid" because its top was missing.

But the desert sands covered Lepsius' discovery, and no archaeologist since was able to find Menkauhor's resting place.

"We have filled the gap of the missing pyramid," Hawass told reporters on a tour of the discoveries at Saqqara, the necropolis and burial site of the rulers of ancient Memphis, the capital of Egypt's Old Kingdom, about 12 miles south of Cairo.

Only the pyramid's base — or the superstructure as archeologists call it — was found after a 25-foot-high mound of sand was removed over the past year and a half by Hawass

Hawass said the "typical style of the pyramid" indicates it was from the Fifth Dynasty, a period that began in 2465 B.C. and ended in 2325 B.C., spanning approximately 140 years during the Old Kingdom.

That would put it about two centuries after the completion of the Great Pyramid of Giza, believed to have been finished in 2500 B.C.

Another proof of its date, Hawass says, was the discovery inside the pyramid of a gray granite lid of a sarcophagus, of the type used at that time.

The rectangular base, at the bottom of a 15 foot-deep pit dug out by workers, gives little indication of how imposing the pyramid may have once been.

Heaps of huge rocks, many still partially covered in sand and dust, mark the pyramid's walls and entrance, and a burial chamber was discovered inside.

Archaeologists have also not found a cartouche — a pharaoh's name in hieroglyphs — of the pyramid's owner. But Hawass said that, based on the estimated dating of the pyramid, he was convinced it belonged to Menkauhor.

Egyptian workers in long galabeyah robes and headshawls were dusting off stones of the pyramid's base. Hawass said he expected to unearth "subsidiary" pyramids around Menkauhor's main one, and hoped to find inscriptions there to back his claim.

The second discovery Hawass announced Thursday was a part of a ceremonial procession road, dating back to the Ptolemaic period, when ethnic Greeks ruled Egypt for about 300 years until the Romans took over in 30 B.C. after Cleopatra's suicide.

It runs alongside Menkauhor's pyramid, leading from a mummification chamber toward the Saqqara Serapium, a network of underground tombs where sacred bulls were interred, discovered by French archaeologist August Mariette in 1850.

A high priest, his face covered with a mask, would carry the mummified bulls' remains down the procession road — the only human allegedly allowed to walk on it — to the chambers where the bulls would be placed in sarcophagi in the Serapium, about a third of a mile away, Hawass said.

Ancient Egyptians considered certain bulls to be earthly incarnations of Apis, the city god of Memphis who was connected with fertility and the sun-cult.

A bull would be chosen for its deep black coloring and would be required to have a single white mark between the horns.

Selected by priests and honored until death, it was then later mummified and buried in the underground galleries of the Serapium.

The procession route's discovery "adds an important part to our knowledge of the Old Kingdom and its rituals," Hawass said.

The sprawling archaeological site at Saqqara is most famous for the Step Pyramid of King Djoser — the oldest of Egypt's over 100 pyramids, built in the 27th century B.C.

Much of Saqqara was plundered throughout antiquity, but it is still riddled with underground tombs, galleries and robber shafts.

And although archaeologists have been exploring Egypt for some 200 years, Hawass says only a third of what lies underground in Saqqara has been discovered.

"Saqqara is Egypt's virgin site," Hawass said. "You never know what secrets the sands of Egypt hide.

Cairnes Australia

The Florida Hoosier — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:27:01 GMT

Green Island

After a forty hour journey, which began from my home in Indiana on Sunday at 1 PM , I finally arrived in Cairnes about 10:30 PM Wednesday. Checking into my hotel,I eagerly awaited the next morning when my group would be making the overland journey to the tiny town of Laura to witness an Aboriginal Songfest.(Corroboree).

Cairnes has a full range of accommodations from 5 star hotels to youth hostels, luckily for us we were in a 5 star hotel, we were heading for the outback and it would be the last hotel we would see for days.

Located in the NE of Australia, it was once a town built as a port to serve the gold fields inland, Cairnes still has a small town feel, (population 100,000), however since it's birth in the 1870's it has slowly emerged as a tourist town. With the terrain being flat, the streets follow the common Australian grid plan. Even though very few buildings remain from the pre- tourism era, there is very little high rise development.

Ranging from golden sunny beaches to pristine rain forest, and adding to the mix the Great Barrier Reef, this area of Australia literally has it all. Cairnes Esplanade , once a huge grassy park, now has been turned into a world class recreation area. It's main attractions include an amphitheatre, grassy picnic areas, free public barbecues, a sandy swimming lagoon, shops, restaurants, and a children's playground.

Located as it is, Cairnes is the only real hub to the adventures that North Queensland has to offer, as the town overlooks a tidal mud flat, it has no beaches , they are located just north of town along a 16 mile long pristine coastline.

Since Cairnes is the "jumping off" point for the Great Barrier Reef, the tropical rain forest and all of the York Peninsula, there is plenty to do and see. much shopping, and dining exists, and if you have time, visit one of the many mini resorts, such as Machans, Holloway, Yorkeys Knob,or Palm Cove.

Popular excursions include bungee jumping (AJ Hackett Bungee site); tandem sky-diving; white-water rafting; hot-air balloon trip. Boat trips to the Great Barrier Reef and its islands, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, swimming and picnicking; take a Daintree rain forest tour, scenic railway ride to Kuranda in Atherton Tableland (can be combined with 4½-ml cable-car ride through and over the rain forest); as well as various trips to the outback .

We opted for a day trip to Green Island located near the Great Barrier Reef. It is a very lush, beautiful Island just a short ferry ride from Cairnes. As you can see from the above photo taken on Green Island, it is paradise.

After a delightful breakfast overlooking the hotel pool and the Aussie sunrise, it was on the bus and off to our adventure in the Land of Oz.

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Darwin, Australia

The Florida Hoosier — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:02:45 GMT

After six days in the outback, Darwin was a welcome sight, we were all looking forward to a shower, change of clothes, and a scrumptious dinner at one of Darwin's restaurants.

Darwin, located on the "top end" owes it's modern look to Cyclone Tracy which devastated the city in 1974. It is is the Capitol of the Northern Territory, located at the very northern tip of the continent, it is 925 miles north of Alice Springs, 100 miles west of Kakadu and 158 miles west of Jabiru. The city has a small town feel, is very flat and condensed, although it seemed small it was by far the largest city we had seen in days!

Darwin is particularly suited for families and couples, accommodations are plentiful, most hotels are 3-5 star and of post Tracy construction. Fringed with beaches, including Mindil and Fannie Bay, Darwin is located on a bit of land overlooking the Timor Sea and surrounded by mangrove swamps. Box jellyfish are the main attraction Oct. to May and should be avoided at all costs.

Shopping is nondescript, they offer a good place to shop for aboriginal art as well as a refuge from the summer heat. Darwin is a jumping off point for excursions into the outback including Kakadu National Park, Melville Island, Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve, as well as tours featuring crocodile , waterfalls and bird life.

Foregoing the shopping and since we had already visited all of the aforementioned sites , it was time to hit the beach for a little relaxation. What a beauty!! Miles of sand and sun,not to mention the topless ladies, a sight to behold! The rest of the day was spent photographing the beautiful water, sand and sunset! Because of the stingray problem, not many people were in the water, but we didn't mind, there was just too much beauty to photograph to worry about swimming.

As the sun was setting it became time to head back to the hotel, only problem was, no one could remember where we were staying! Looking at the key didn't help much, there was no name on it. Luckily , we thought it might be a Six Flags Hotel, flagging down a cab driver, he took us straight to our hotel.

Several members of our group were waiting as we arrived, we had bid farewell to them this morning as they were going for another day of sightseeing, however after traveling for about 10 miles, the bus broke down and they returned to our hotel.

The bus had developed engine problems two days earlier in the bush, there was a smell of hot metal and it over heated before stopping, I didn't think at the time there was a snowballs chance it would start again, however it did and safely brought us to Darwin before breathing it's last gasp!

We had all donated money for beer and food before leaving Alice, so it was decided to take the remaining money and dine out, an Indian restaurant was selected, the next two hours was spent pigging out on Barramundi, crocodile, Prawn, and Shrimp, all of which was washed down with $50 a bottle wine, what a meal!!

Off for an evening of partying at the Sportsman's Bar, a local waterfront hot spot, jitterbugging until 4 AM, then back to the hotel for a nap and arising in time for a 7:30 AM flight to Cairns.

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Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

The Florida Hoosier — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:52:48 GMT

Street Minstrel, Alice Springs

Located in the heart of the MacDonnell Ranges lies Alice Springs, Australia's most famous oasis and the capital of the Outback. This isolated town is where Arrernte Aborigines have lived for over 20,000 years, and where pioneer men and women found a new definition of "tough". Here you can race camels, participate in a dry river regatta , and visit MacDonnell siding and the Gahn Preservation Society Rail Museum and enjoy a 14 mile train ride into the outback.

Along with being hot and dusty there are stunning ranges, refreshing waterholes, palm trees, wildlife, and even a lush golf course. It is the jumping off point to visit Uluru, (Ayres Rock), situated on the stuart Highway, it sits smack dab in the middle of Australia. for being a relatively small town (20,000) there are loads of things to do!

Start the day off with a sunrise balloon ride over the desert,all the while viewing kangaroo, wallabee, cattle, millions of birds , and various other wildlife from high above the landscape in your gondolla.After a champagne breakfast it's time to be off to an aboriginal camp to learn the teaching of the ancient ones, meanwhile sampling a lunch of grub worms and termites. Passing by the Tropic of Capricorn marker on the way, one suddenly realizes how far away from home we are. I wonder why we don't fall off the planet, since we are on the botom of it?!

Observing the way these native peoples still live, I come to realize how privileged a life I live , at the same time realizing we have somehow lost some of the important things and values in life. The aborigines are so tied to the earth , their connection is so close to nature that sometimes their insight is astounding!

On the way back to town be sure to see the Old Telegraph Station on the Stuart Highway Stuart Hwy to view historic telegraph equipment at the site of the original Alice Springs settlement and communications post.

The afternoon is spent visiting the MacDowell Ranges,14 miles west of Alice, along with Simpson's Gap, be sure to allow enough time for a swim in Ellery Creek, Big Hole or Ormiston Gorge! With the shortage of water in these parts, no opportunity for a refreshing swim should be ignored!

Just southeast of here is the Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve, Fine carvings (petroglyphs) of abstract symbols and animal tracks that go back 300 generations are the featured attraction.

To finish off the day , dine in one of Alice Springs varied restaurants, everything from Chinese to the local cowboy bar!

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The Conductor

The Florida Hoosier — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:18:33 GMT

A little old lady is on a bus, buying a ticket from the
bus conductor, fumbling in a voluminous bag for the correct change.
After 15 minutes the conductor becomes so enraged that he hits her on
the head with the ticket-dispenser, and the poor old dear dies
instantly. Not surprisingly, he is convicted and put on death row.

Just before he is to be electrocuted, his last request is for 12 pounds
of bananas, which he devours.

They strap him into the chair, flip the switch, and he just sits there,
smiling. According to tradition, this is considered a reprieve from
God and he is freed.

Somehow he gets his old job back, and he is happily dispensing tickets
when he sees a girl stick her gum on the back of a seat on the bus.
Enraged, he lunges out with the ticket dispenser, breaking the
offender's neck and killing her.

Again, he is convicted and sent to death row. He again eats the 12
pounds of bananas, and lo and behold, the electricity does not harm him.

This time the executioner cleans the contacts, makes him sit in a bucket
of water, he tries everything but the conductor won't die. So again, he
is set free.

Amazingly he regains his job. It takes him 1 day to lose his temper and
beat to death a young boy who starts to chew his bus ticket. He returns
to death row, eats the bananas, and survives the electrocution.

At this point, the executioner can take no more, his professional
pride has been hurt. Before setting our friend free again, he asks him
his secret, "what is it with the bananas?"

"Oh, the bananas have nothing to do with it," replies the man. "I'm just a bad
conductor."

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Hotel Habou, Valley of the Dead, Egypt

The Florida Hoosier — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:54:20 GMT

Having spent the first few days of our Egypt expedition in Cairo , it was time to venture out to other parts of the country. Next on the agenda was an all night train ride from Giza to Luxor where I would be visiting the Valley of the Dead, site of the tomb ofKing Tut, as well as many other rulers of the ancient kingdom.. The arrival in Luxor was met with an empty stomach and the sunrise! Following a delicious breakfast in the Winter Palace, we learned that there was no hotel for us for the following night.

As is the case in third world countries,our hotel reservations were canceled without notice. I don't think we ever had any,due to construction delays the hotel we were going to stay in had not yet been completed . The reservations had been made on the assumption that the hotel would be open.

It was decided that the only thing to do was to leave our luggage in the lobby of the Winter Palace! With much reservation and assuming that my possessions would never be seen again, that is what I did.

We were assured that rooms would be found for us by night fall, so after a hearty breakfast in the spacious, but sanitary challenged restaurant, off we went to see the sights of Luxor and Karnak.

After spending the day visiting Karnak and roaming the streets and not seeing my valuables for sale in one of the local stores, I was pleasantly surprised when returning to the hotel, my luggage was still lying in the middle of the hotel lobby, untouched.

A friendJohn, and I were met at the door by a fellow traveler who informed us that the manager of the Winter Palace owned a ten room house across the Nile in the Valley of the Dead, if we wanted we could stay the night there! WOW!! Visions of crystal chandeliers and butlers in white gloves raced through my head, what a deal!!

The nights iterniary included a light and sound show at Karnak, As the evening came to a close the adventure was about to begin, returning to the Winter Palace, a bellman escorted us to the river's edge where a small boat awaited to ferry us across the Nile, where our room, chandaliers and butlers awaited us! The ferry, something straight out of the "African Queen", was extremely crowded with standing room only! Somehow I began to get the feeling that this might turn out as I had envisioned!

Landing on the other side , it was only a short ride in a super sub compact car to our hotel. As we pulled up in front of the hotel, all my visions of chandeliers and butlers vanished!

This place looked like a condensed version of the Alamo!

All the rooms were taken, we all had to split up, it would be boys with boys and girls with girls. I, being the odd man out,was chosen to share a room with a young English bloke!

It was getting late , time to hit the sack! Another surprise awaited me , the door opened there was my bed, a twin sized cot,with a large cat lying on a mattress that can best be describe as "highly inadequate". The cat immediately made a screech and a bee line for the door while the manager tied the shutters on the window with a rope. That will keep that pesky cat out, not to mention serial killers and thieves!

Placing my camera bag and gear under the bed and next to the wall, I placed the strap around my arm, knowing that I was safe from thieves and marauding cats, I settled in for a night of undisturbed sleep.

Sunup brought a surprise, I had survived the evening! Time for a shower, shave and breakfast on the sun lite patio!

Plumbing in Egypt is rather crude, entering the community bathroom , I noticed the pipe that supplied the lavatory with water was too short, water ran all over the floor instead of into the sink, not our usual custom in the states, we are sooo spoiled!

We are going back to Cairo this evening, I think I will wait to shower and shave until tomorrow.

After a pleasant breakfast on the patio, I realized we were across the street from the Habou Temple , what a surprise! It was darker than a black cat in a coal bin last night and no one saw it!

A day of visiting the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens was awaiting as we eagerly boarded our bus,then it was back to the Hotel Habou where the rest of the group would be joining us for dinner, after enjoying a nice meal it was a short ride across the river to the train station , our train was waiting to transport us back to Cairo.

It had been quite an experience, quite unexpected, whenever I think of Egypt, the Hotel Habou always comes to mind , along with the warmth and hospitality shown by the Egyptian people.

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Clocks

The Florida Hoosier — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:09:51 GMT

I have for sale both wood frame and DVD clocks depicting scenes from around the world.
I can also make a clock from any photo you may have as long as I can produce a 8 1/2 X 11 photo from it.
Please email with questions.

Photo Clocks!

Pyramids of Guimar,Tenerife Canary Islands

The Florida Hoosier — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:54:07 GMT

Sunset, Canary Islands

Many people visit the Canary Islands every year to enjoy the sunshine, beaches, and many resorts that dot the islands!

Very few realize the islands boast many pyramids, which are well worth seeing. Most of the pyramids are located near the town of Guimar on the Island of Tenerife.

Located on the east side of the island, near the south end, the pyramids were first discovered by the famous explorer Thor Heyerdahl.

According to reports, the pyramids were described as just piles of rocks or agricultural terraces made by farmers. Upon observing the pyramids Thor didn't agree and was so impressed by them, he remained to study them during the last years of his life.

Resembling step pyramids found in Egypt, Mexico and Peru, the question remains, who built them, and when?

One of the theories is that they were built by the Guanches, the original inhabitants of The Canary Islands. Although the Guanches were thought to not have the technical abilities needed to build the pyramids, they did mummify their dead as the Egyptians,and they also knew about pyramid design as has been illustrated on their artistic seals known as pintaderas.

There is much evidence the pyramids were aligned astronomically and it has been theorized they were used for ceremonies at special times of the year, such as the solstices and equinoxes. Not only are the pyramids located on the south of the island, they can be seen on the west side of the island and in the north as well.

Although no one knows for sure who built them, most of them are located in areas of the island the Guanches inhabited. Could these ancient inhabitants be the same peoples that immigrated to Egypt and constructed the pyramids in that ancient land? Are they remnants of a great society that possibly existed in this part of the world,before recorded history,and before the ancient Egyptian empire rose from the ashes?

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Curacao Parks

The Florida Hoosier — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:03:05 GMT

Willemstad, Curacao

Although Curacao has many gorgeous beaches, coral reefs and the unique capitol of Willemstad, there are a number of often overlooked destinations within the island's interior. If you need adventure there is no better place to start than one of the national parks.

The largest and most ecologically-diverse nature preserve ,Christoffel Park, features many hiking trails that traverse up and around Mt. Christoffel. There are hikes for everyone, from relatively easy trails for families to more advanced trails that lead up to the top of Mt.Christoffel.

Regardless of which path you choose, there are plenty of unique plant life, birds and creatures to identify, many of which can be found no where else in the world! Two of the most common are the Curacao White Tailed Deer and the Palabrua, a reclusive native owl.

If hiking isn't your cup of tea, a few of the scenic routes can be enjoyed by automobile.

Along the northern coast you will find Shete Boka a park dedicated to sea turtles and Den Dunki, a historic site well known for relaxation.

Shete Boka, Curacao's newest park begins at the picturesque inlet Boka Tabla. Descending the rock path towards the Caribbean you will find steps carved into the cliffs that lead to a cavern. From there a well maintained dirt road leads to a series of six smaller caverns, some of which have hiking trails. Aside from the fact that the sites provide a fantastic view of the sea, all of the inlets are protected sea turtle breeding grounds.

Besides experiencing crashing waves and remarkable views The Boka Pistol Trail in Shete Boka offers visitors a chance to see one of the sea turtles' hidden breeding grounds up close.

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If you are into a calmer and more serene hike, The Boka Wandomi Trail is the one for you! This one hour hike is famous for it's black lava hills and and a natural stone bridge.

If a more elegant park that is steeped in history is your desire, Den Dunki National Park is the one to check out! The Dutch used the park as a camp for African Slaves. After the end of the colonial period, the slaves were freed and the park was used for a more noble purpose. Having been purchased by a wealthy family the area was devoted to a swan park, thus it was outfitted with fountains, wells, and gates. Hiking the trails that weave through the park, one can observe many of the swan park's architectural embellishments , alongside markers dedicated to the island's multifaceted past.

After you have had your fill of relaxing on the beach, head for one of Curacao's national parks .You will find it worth your while to experience the islands natural tropical beauty and unique history of this extraordinary Caribbean Island.

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Kentucky Houseboating

The Florida Hoosier — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:45:29 GMT

Some of the best vacations we took as a family when the kids were small were the simplest and least expensive.

In that list had to be the time spent on a houseboat on a Kentucky Lake! Living just a couple of hours away in southern Indiana, it was just a short ride on I-75 to Laurel or Cumberland Lake in south central Kentucky. What made it really nice was the fact that my kids and their cousins were about the same age.

We would leave on a Saturday morning and would arrive at the lake by early afternoon, after checking out the boat, loading it with provisions, (including a few libations), it was off to parts unknown. Nice and quiet, peaceful, no phones ringing or horns blowing. A whole week without TV or any of the other distractions of modern life.

Once the houseboat was parked , we normally didn't move it very much. We did learn to start it and drive it a little, otherwise flushing the toilet and having the lights on in the evening would run the battery down.

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My brother-in-law owned a bass boat, which was used all day, fishing in the early morning, and late evening and night.

The days were spent water skiing, the bass boat motor really wasn't powerful enough to ski behind, it worked fine for the kids,but us lard bottom adults had to sit on the side of the houseboat and let the boat pull us up from there. That fact alone helped ensure that no one ever fell off their skis, if you did your ride was over!

Back to the house boat, being towed behind the bass boat wasn't really a fun experience, especially when the driver took no pity on the downed skier and kept speeding up!

Plenty of steaks and hamburger were brought along just in case the fishing turned sour. Even when fishing was at it's worst, there were several meals spent enjoying the local cuisine, including trout,catfish, bass, and crappie.

There is nothing better in the world than cooking a home caught meal over an open charcoal fire! Of course the activity is enjoyed even more in the company of a good cold beer.

The kids wore life jackets constantly, in case one of the varmints fell overboard, which never happened , but in case it would have, we had time to fish them out before anything serious could take place.

Comfortable beds were provided, however it didn't take me long to realize the best place to sleep was on top of the boat, under the stars. It was beautiful! A million stars, and a moon if we were lucky. Being isolated like we were, there were no lights from distant cities or automobiles to spoil our view of the celestial heavens.

All to quickly, the week would end, it would be time to pack up, and head back up the freeway and dream of next year.

Gary is a Travel Writer and Photographer living in Sarasota, Florida.

Nassau

The Florida Hoosier — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:31:04 GMT

Atlantis Resort, Nassau Bahamas

No trip to the Caribbean would be complete without a stop in Nassau. Located in the Bahamas, it is the main tourist attraction in the area.

Many new attractions have been added in the last few years to make this a destination well worth spending several days .

Probably the most luxurious is Atlantis, covering 141 acres, this resort features more than 20 million gallons of water and 50,000 sea creatures!

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It features several restaurants, a casino, water rides, as well as your standard beach and shopping.

Probably one of the best tours available is the Pirates of Nassau and Historical Highlights tour. Billed as the best pirate tour in the world, traveling in a taxi van the excursion begins with a tour of the islands historical sites. First on the agenda is the Queen's Staircase, along with the Water Tower and Fort Fincastle.

From there Parliament Square, ,the Governor's Mansion, Gregory's Arch and other attractions.

Then discover life in the 1700's at the Pirates of Nassau, you will find a three quarter length replica schooner. You may even come face to face with Blackbeard, or Anne Bonny.

Afterwards you can enter the courtyard to relax and purchase a pirate cocktail!

Nassau is well known for it's pristine beaches, dolphin encounters, carriage rides, and of course the "Straw Market".

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The Straw Market is well known for their shopping bargains, bartering is not only acceptable, but expected. After a day of beach hopping, shopping and sightseeing, the perfect finish is enjoying a cool drink at Senor Frogs before retiring for the evening or making your way back to your waiting cruise ship!

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French Lick Indiana

The Florida Hoosier — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:50:22 GMT

Founded in 1811, French Lick was originally a French Trading Post. The town has an interesting and varied history. The name of French Lick was given to the town because of the sulfur springs which has been exploited for it's medical values.

During the gangster era of the early 20th century , it became famous as a hang out of John Dillinger noted Chicago gangster. With the opening of the casinos, such personalities as Joe Louis, Irving Berlin and Al Capone.

Pluto Water, a well known laxative was bottled here There was also a bottling facility for 7 UP.

Franklin D. Roosevelt announced his intention to run for president during a National Governor's Convention held at French Lick Springs.

During World War 2, the Chicago White Sox held spring training here as travel was restricted to an area east of the Mississippi and north of the Ohio River.

Probably the most famous resident was Larry Bird, who attended Spring's Valley High School here in French Lick, before his college days at Indiana State in Terre Haute, and his steller professional career with the Boston Celtics!

With the Hotel still open, a nearby golf course and stunning timeshares on the premises, French Lick today still remains a premier vacation spot for anyone wanting to get away from it all!

Gary is a Travel Writer and Photographer living in Sarasota, Florida,

Snake Boots

The Florida Hoosier — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:29:30 GMT

The Fer-De-Lance, one of the largest and deadliest of poisonous snakes hangs out in Central America, where it is most common. However it can also be found in South America and the West Indies.

It is known by it's velvet type scales and rich brown and gray color, accentuated by dark cross bands. It's head is the typical triangular shape of poisonous snakes and is distinguished by a yellow throat. Growing to 8 feet, it is the most feared snake in Costa Rica!

The Fer-De-Lance strikes swiftly and is very aggressive especially after dark when it wanders in search of prey.

Their typical diet consists of frogs, lizards, birds and small mammals, at birth they have fangs and can give a poisonous bite.

Along with rattlesnakes, water moccasins, coral snakes and a variety of others, this type of snake gives one a very good reason to purchase a good quality "snake boot", or snake guards.

Rattlesnakes are probably the primary reason that cowboy boots were invented, they provided the early, as well as the present day cowpoke protection against such varmints!

Besides protecting Wyatt Earp, and others from wayward bullets,and cactus, they provided adequate protection from rattlers as well.

While cowboy boots will probably protect one from a rattler, when traveling to another country where a Fer-De-Lance,coral snake, or Taipen Viper may be encountered, a high quality snake boot should be acquired.

Rattlesnakes are sometime deadly,however deaths attributed to rattlesnakes amount to only about 10 per year. Taipens or Fer-De-Lance strikes are almost always deadly, with death coming as quickly as 15 minutes after a bite, giving no time for medical attention,especially if one is at 25th and Plum. Twenty five miles out and plum in the boonies! This makes the death rate extremely higher in other parts of the world.

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Many companies like LaCrosse, Chippewa, and Red Wing provide them. A good alternative is an item called snake guards which strap on like shin guards that baseball players use. They can provide protection without the bulkiness of boots, and can be quickly removed when not needed, such as stopping for some refreshment at an isolated pub!

There is no such thing as "specialized " snake boots, any boot will provide protection from any venomous snake,don't be taken in by a snake oil salesman trying to make an extra $200 on "Rattlesnake" boots.

Gary is a Travel Writer and Photographer

Oasis of the Sea, Royal Caribbean's New Ship

The Florida Hoosier — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:27:17 GMT

You've just got to see it. Oasis of the Sea,scheduled to enter Royal Caribbeans fleet in December 2009 is being designed especially for group cruisers .

The Oasis will be the largest cruise ship on the seven seas! With 2700 cabins , the ship will boast of a passenger capacity of 5400, based on double occupancy! On a larger ship there is normally a wider selection of cabins in different price ranges. No matter if one desires a interior stateroom, an ocean view, or balcony, with this large selection,it is likely everyone can find something they can afford and enjoy. With a surplus of staterooms that overlook interior public places like Central Park, the Promenade Deck or the outdoor Boardwalk, it takes people watching to a whole new level!

Anyone who has sailed Royal Caribbean's Voyager or Freedom class ships, you know the Promenade Deck is a favorite meeting spot for friends. This ship adds two more areas, Central Park, which reveal a more subdued gathering spot with spa like colors and cozy spaces adorned with many plants, trees, and flowers and The Boardwalk.

Many features make The Promenade Deck a really great place to hang out, either at the coffee shop, ice cream shop, or any of the lounges or restaurants. A new wonderful addition to the Promenade Deck is the Rising Tide Bar - a high-tech water feature where the bar rises up on a plume of water from the Promenade Deck to Central Park (three stories up).

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One of the neatest additions to the standard entertainment choices is an outdoor amphitheater called the AquaTheater.The large freshwater pool, (15X21) with a depth of 17 feet is utilized by day for swimming enjoyment. At night , the area is transformed into a theater with a water and light show, complete with trapeze artists and aquatic performers! to make the entertainment complete, large cameras have been installed under water and video is projected onto large screens poolside!

With a ship this size there are many amenities not available on smaller ships. This leaves many choices for groups normally not available, more choices for dining, lodging, and various activities. All this makes the Oasis of the Sea an ideal choice for a group of any size!
Royal Caribbean will begin taking bookings in September 2008, with the inaugural sailing set for December12, 2009.

Gary is a Travel Writer and Photographer living in Sarasota Florida.

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The History of the Limousines and Their Origin

The Florida Hoosier — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:28:24 GMT

The History of the Limousines and Their Origin
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cedric_Lacroix]Cedric Lacroix

The concept of having chauffeur driven vehicles dates back to the era of horse drawn carriages in the 1700s. The carriages were overstated with gold and they were drawn by the best looking animals. This service was anticipated for the wealthy. In the 1900, some of the engine powered carriages were designed with 2 compartments. The chauffeur had a covered compartment outside and the other compartment, also covered, was for the fare. The first stretch limousine was built in Arkansas in the late 1920.

These deluxe machines used to be limited to the rich and the famous. Now, many industries that provide luxury means of transportation use them as a valuable marketing tool to generate more business for their business. A client, depending on the occasion, can choose from a variety of interiors for the occasion, exterior for looks and length for accommodation. There are business only interiors, business-social interiors, wedding interiors and entertainment only interiors.

Limousines are now accessible to all including teenagers. They are choosing to travel in style to their numerous scholastic, athletic, social events and summer camps but, what is the origin of the word LIMOUSINE? The Lemovices were a Gallic tribe who established themselves in the Massif Central area including Haute-vienne, Ceuse, Corrèze and Charente territories in France.

Their capital was Durotincum (Villejoubert). Lemovices means "conquerors with the elm". The Lemovices gave their name to Limoge and to the province of Limousin. Famous products of the province of Limousin such as the Aubusson tapestries and enamels and porcelains are made in the capital city of Haute-Vienne, Limoges.

A part from these products, Limousin beef cattle have been raised here for many years and, the shepherds who began the tradition of raising this leading breed of cattle in Europe wore a long cloak associated with today's lavish means of transport called LIMOUSINE.

The shepherds used the cloaks to protect themselves from the rain and from the cold. Limousine is the feminine adjective of the masculine form limousin. These 2 adjectives describe the origin of a person or of a product.

Example:
1. Un berger limousin (masculine noun and masculine adjective)
2. Une bergère limousine (feminine noun and feminine adjective)

The limousine industry is in its infancy in many parts of the world and active in the USA. The Lincoln, Cadillac, Hummer and Chrysler to name a few, give a variety of exciting choices to industries such as car rentals, hotels, casinos, discotheques, wedding planners and to private buyers.

The limousine business is growing worldwide.

This article was prepared and written by Cedric Lacroix of LimousinesWorld. www.limousinesworld.com

LimousinesWorld sells and exports luxury limousines worldwide.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cedric_Lacroix EzineArticles.com/?The-History-of-the-Limousines-and-Their-Origin&id=1336496

Cruise Travel Tips

The Florida Hoosier — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:40:48 GMT

Summer Cruisin' - Travel Tips to Enjoy Your Cruise
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amy_Dunn]Amy Dunn

Ahh... summertime. Warm weather, school is out, longer days, and of course-vacation. Just because this summer is flying by does not mean you missed your chance to book a relaxing getaway cruise!

FINDING THE BEST CABIN LOCATION
There's a lot of confusion and misinformation concerning cabin location
choice on modern cruise ships. High speed elevators whisk passengers from lower to higher decks and return in seconds. Modular construction insures that cabins on lower decks are identical with their counterparts further up. If these premises are correct, what should the savvy cruise traveler be looking for in their cruise cabin location and does it really matter at all?

Modern cruise ships are fully stabilized and in normal weather conditions,
display no discernible difference in motion between deck locations. Our vast super liners ensure the comfort of even the most motion sensitive passengers in almost all circumstances. However, in some inclement weather scenarios, cabins closest to center ship may have less motion than forward or aft cabins. Imagining a pendulum will explain the comparative motion as it relates to deck location. Ironically, cabins located on lower decks are generally lower in cost and yet also may indicate less motion under certain conditions than a comparable higher deck cabin.

Based on these assumptions, why pay a higher rate for a higher deck cabin? It comes down to convenience. On many cruise ships, decks that contain restaurants, show rooms, pool decks, spas etc tend to be on middle to higher decks which are more easily accessible from higher deck cabins. The decision of whether to pay more is more a function of budget limitation rather than overall enjoyment of the cruise experience. The choice is yours.

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UPGRADING YOUR CRUISE CABIN
Getting an upgrade on your cruise cabin means that you pay a lower rate and get a cabin which is listed in a higher category on the published deck plan without paying a supplement. Upgrades may be in the same cabin type such as inside to inside (no ocean view) but located on a higher deck or they may be in a different cabin type such as inside to outside (ocean view). How can the savvy cruise traveler arrange a cabin upgrade?

1. Special Promotions - Cruise Lines sometimes offer cabin upgrades as an incentive based on a qualifying factor. The qualification may be membership in a past passenger group, a group promotion, payment with a certain credit card, frequent flier promotion, or other qualification. Check with your agent at the time of booking to confirm whether any of these promotions are available.

2. Guarantee- To Be Assigned (TBA) Some cruise lines permit booking in a guaranteed category with the POSSIBILITY of upgrade with the actual cabin number assignment being made closer to sailing date. As the name implies, the passenger is guaranteed that his cabin will be at least the equivalent of the rate paid. Booking on a guaranteed TBA requires some flexibility on the part of the passenger but in many cases, rewards this flexibility with a cabin upgrade

3. Registration for Upgrade - Some cruise lines allow passengers to register for a possible upgrade if one becomes available. This approach normally gives the client an immediate cabin number and the option of accepting or rejecting an upgrade if available. The upgrade option is usually offered close to sailing date.

Amy Dunn is a freelance writer specializing in eco-friendly fashions, home decor and other consumer trends.

Leisure Larry is the broadcasting moniker of Larry Fishkin, who has been assisting travel consumers in making the right vacation decisions for more than 35 years. He currently has a regular radio travel segment on KGO, the largest AM station in Northern California. Having experienced more than 150 cruises and traveled worldwide, he has witnessed the superb, the less than superb, and the inadequate and is most comfortable sharing his knowledge with savvy travelers looking to maximize their travel dollar. For more tips from Larry, visit www.travelthemesanddreams.com or Larry's travel blog at blog.travelthemesanddreams.com

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Bradenton, Florida

The Florida Hoosier — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:37:16 GMT

Bradenton is a city in Manatee county Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated 2006 population was 53,986. It is the county seat of Manatee county and is the largest city in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice Metropolitan area, which has an estimated population of 682,833.

Originally discovered by Hernando De Soto at Shaw's Point in 1539, the city took the name of Dr. Joseph Braden, whose nearby fort like home was a refuge for early settlers during Indian raids. The city of Bradenton was formed in 1943 when the state legislature merged the two cites of Bradenton and Manatee.

Bradenton is located on US 41 between Sarasota and Tampa, the area is surrounded by waterways both saltwater and fresh water. From south of Bradenton Beach to the Tampa area are over 20 miles of Florida's most beautiful beaches. Many of the beaches are shaded by tall Australian Pines.

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Bordered on the north by the Manatee River, Bradenton is located on the mainland and is separated from the outer barrier islands of Anna Marie and Longboat Key by the Inter coastal Waterway. Bradenton Beach is quaint in that is maintains the classic 60's beach atmosphere.

Longboat Key , to the south is known as one of the most exquisite addresses in the United States, and is home to many celebrities and dignitaries.

Downtown Bradenton is located on the west side of the city. Home to many of Bradenton's offices and government buildings, it is a lively place with new buildings currently under construction. The tallest is the Bradenton Financial Center, 12 stories high, with its trademark blue-green windows. It is currently owned by BFC Joint Ventures. Employee Leasing Solutions lease office space and the sign on top of the building.

With the addition of Lakewood Ranch,the Eastern side of Bradenton is growing at a rapid rate.

Founded in 1947, Tropicana Products has long been one of the world's largest producers and marketers of orange juice. The company has grown to over 8000 employees and is now owned by the Pepsi corporation.

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