Today we will have a new president...
Whether or not you voted for Barack Obama, let us all wish him -
Health,
Wisdom,
Compassion
and show him respect as our president.
God bless the president, and the United States.
B
The photographic journey (and escapades) of an Orange County photographer
January 20, 2009
January 12, 2009
Making a Small Adjustment in Support of the U.S. Economy
I had a minor epiphany the other day.
While I work on something creative, I usually have the television in the background - not really paying attention to it, but just keeping away the deafening silence. Somehow the channel ended up on some travel item featuring Michigan. That grabbed my attention, because I have a trip planned for next autumn to go visit a really good friend of mine from waaaaayyyyy back, who just happens to live in Michigan. We're going on a photography extravaganza together - but more on that another time.
AAAnnnnyyywaaayyy...
So, I while I was watching this brief bit about Michigan, and all the scenic landscapes and fun activities to do, my interest was even more piqued when they moved along to Mackinac Island. For anyone who is a fan of the movie,Somewhere in Time you will immediately recognize the beautiful Grand Hotel, which just happens to be located there. (H and I are crazy for that movie and have watched it a ridiculous number of times)
Also, there is an ordinance banning cars on the island. The WHOLE island. No cars. Anywhere. None. I mean, HOW COOL IS THAT??!!
So, after mentally jotting down on my internal "to do" list, I've decided that I'll extend my trip by a day or two to include Mackinac Island. I mean, since I'm in the neighborhood anyway...
Okay, long story, long... ( As you can tell, I'm a back-story kind of girl).
GET TO THE POINT ALREADY!
My epiphany was that since our economy is in the dumpster, I am going to focus my travel adventures within the U.S. only. It seems that either I don't go anywhere out of a 50-mile radius, or I'm as far across the globe as I can actually manage at the moment. Watching that little travel piece, however, reminded me that there are so very many places in my own country that I have yet to see.
And let's certainly not forget the benefits of traveling within the U.S.
-- I can use my cell phone without mortgaging my life to pay the tab (YAY!!!)
-- I can use my laptop (awesome!)
-- I can use my own health insurance, should, God forbid, something go wrong.
-- I'm in my own country.
-- I can use my own currency. (Checked the exchange rates lately???)
-- Air miles go twice as far when flying in the U.S. and Canada (again, awesome!)
-- The most time spent in the uncomfy little airplane seats with bad air to breathe is 5 hours (as opposed to the last trip which was 14!) Although, business class on long flights RULES! (Oh, crap. I forgot to do that blog entry...)
-- I speak the language and know all the local customs. And if I make a faux paus, no one makes any rude "American" remarks (gotta love that)
So, all my travel dollars are staying in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. The tourism industry is hurting as much as any other industry in the world, so why not help out our own "family" first?
Be American, Buy American.
B
While I work on something creative, I usually have the television in the background - not really paying attention to it, but just keeping away the deafening silence. Somehow the channel ended up on some travel item featuring Michigan. That grabbed my attention, because I have a trip planned for next autumn to go visit a really good friend of mine from waaaaayyyyy back, who just happens to live in Michigan. We're going on a photography extravaganza together - but more on that another time.
AAAnnnnyyywaaayyy...
So, I while I was watching this brief bit about Michigan, and all the scenic landscapes and fun activities to do, my interest was even more piqued when they moved along to Mackinac Island. For anyone who is a fan of the movie,Somewhere in Time you will immediately recognize the beautiful Grand Hotel, which just happens to be located there. (H and I are crazy for that movie and have watched it a ridiculous number of times)
Also, there is an ordinance banning cars on the island. The WHOLE island. No cars. Anywhere. None. I mean, HOW COOL IS THAT??!!
So, after mentally jotting down on my internal "to do" list, I've decided that I'll extend my trip by a day or two to include Mackinac Island. I mean, since I'm in the neighborhood anyway...
Okay, long story, long... ( As you can tell, I'm a back-story kind of girl).
GET TO THE POINT ALREADY!
My epiphany was that since our economy is in the dumpster, I am going to focus my travel adventures within the U.S. only. It seems that either I don't go anywhere out of a 50-mile radius, or I'm as far across the globe as I can actually manage at the moment. Watching that little travel piece, however, reminded me that there are so very many places in my own country that I have yet to see.
And let's certainly not forget the benefits of traveling within the U.S.
-- I can use my cell phone without mortgaging my life to pay the tab (YAY!!!)
-- I can use my laptop (awesome!)
-- I can use my own health insurance, should, God forbid, something go wrong.
-- I'm in my own country.
-- I can use my own currency. (Checked the exchange rates lately???)
-- Air miles go twice as far when flying in the U.S. and Canada (again, awesome!)
-- The most time spent in the uncomfy little airplane seats with bad air to breathe is 5 hours (as opposed to the last trip which was 14!) Although, business class on long flights RULES! (Oh, crap. I forgot to do that blog entry...)
-- I speak the language and know all the local customs. And if I make a faux paus, no one makes any rude "American" remarks (gotta love that)
So, all my travel dollars are staying in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. The tourism industry is hurting as much as any other industry in the world, so why not help out our own "family" first?
Be American, Buy American.
B
January 09, 2009
Music Brings the World Together - Playing for Change: Stand By Me
This video starts out simply, but as it continues you will be amazed at how many voices can become one beautiful musical experience.
This is from the YouTube website:
(playingforchange.com)
From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe. This and other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD early next year.
Sign up at www.playingforchange.com for updates and exclusive content available only to those who...
Join the Movement to help build schools, connect students, and inspire communities in need through music
This is from the YouTube website:
(playingforchange.com)
From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe. This and other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD early next year.
Sign up at www.playingforchange.com for updates and exclusive content available only to those who...
Join the Movement to help build schools, connect students, and inspire communities in need through music
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All text and images, unless otherwise noted, are subject to United States and international copyright laws and are the property of Barbara Gordon © 2007. No photograph may be reproduced, downloaded, copied, stored, manipulated, or used whole or in part of a derivative work, without the written permission of Barbara Gordon. All rights reserved.
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