2001 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: MICROBUS CONCEPT A design study for the world of tomorrow as a homage to a great tradition Wolfsburg / Geneva, 27 February 2001. Volkswagen is showing the concept car "Microbus" as a European premiere at the 71st International Geneva Motor Show. The bus of the future was designed in the Volkswagen design studio in California especially for the US market. With its original design and numerous innovative ideas, the Microbus harks back to a great tradition, starting in 1950 with the first VW bus. This Volkswagen was successful worldwide and reached cult status, especially in the USA, with the name Microbus. The design study is a new definition of this cult status:A contemporary expression of personality and freedom. Against the backdrop of both the legendary first VW Bus generation - whose design is still, especially in the USA, known and loved today - and the form of the Beetle and the New Beetle, the design study is not a simple copy of the original bus. Our aim was to create another Volkswagen original, which was to pay homage to a great history in its own independent visionary way. The innovative Californian design team has succeeded in doing just this. This independence is demonstrated on the Microbus by the striking front end with particularly thin-line Xenon headlights, the design of the side windows and the large sliding doors. They open and close electronically at the push of a button. A dynamic appearance is guaranteed by the wide wheel ...
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
A Small Price for Luxury GenevaSound S
Available at Digital Smart Homes in Vancouver. The Geneva Sound "S" with PowerDock and TouchLite
Shop Lansinoh Pump Rangemaster 110 Dual Fuel Save You Money! Purchase Rod Iron Canopy Bed
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tv9 - Geneva Car Show
International Auto Show in Geneva, Worldwide car companies exhibit their new models, Future cars' designs in Auto Show
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Korea - A Model of Development for Other Nations?
Quite frankly it is a very challenging undertaking to pen the proper words that best describe the transitions Korea has gone through these past thirty years. During my time in Korea between 1978 and 1981, I traveled extensively to every corner of the country. Quite likely I have seen more of Korea than most Koreans. But I cannot even begin to recognize Yonhi-dong where my family and I lived during that earlier time - the magnificent Korean Gate standing on the property of the school my children attended is the only part of the school that remains unchanged -the office where I worked in Kwanghwamun bears little resemblance to the cold dusty spaces we occupied thirty years ago - no longer is there a young boy going through the offices looking for shoes to shine for the few peck won needed for his daily meal - the yakultlady doesn't seem to make the same rounds as she did before - the tabang in the basement of our offices gave way empty space - the Korean War widowed ggot lady is no longer selling flowers at the corner in the cold of winter to earn money to care for her children and ensure their education and her prayer of hope for their better life [both children graduated from university because of her perseverance] -the over-packed buses, belching smoke, no longer rattle along the roads, both in need of repair; its customers now ride on computer controlled subways and clean buses unmindful of the earlier days - there is now a stream flowing through the center of Seoul that was previously used as a road with a second elevated highway running above when I lived in Seoul - the wonderful Kyongbokgung, for years hidden behind the Japanese-built government buildings that have now disappeared, opening up a spectacular display of breathtaking Korean architecture that I was never able to experience when I lived in Seoul thirty years ago. Quite frankly, it is difficult for these old eyes to adjust to the Korea that unfolds before me today.
It almost feels as if one woke one day from a dream and saw a different country materializing magically in front of him. Of course, it is actually the result of the vision of Korean national leaders, the hard work of government planners in harmony with the private sector [most of the time] and the indomitable will of the people of Korea that brought the magnificent changes we see today.
I remember my own youth in Los Angeles in the 1940s and 1950s - yes, a long time ago. Life seemed so much simpler then. The pace was slower - people weren't in such a hurry, the street cars seemed to move the population around the city quite nicely and efficiently - families were rooted in their communities and not given to moving every few years as is the case today - children were a blessing to be nurtured and loved rather than shuttled off to daycare centers so their parents could live the "American Dream." Our elected officials felt a greater responsibility and accountability to their constituencies, or so it seemed. Public schools were places of education where meeting standards dictated moving ahead from one year to the next rather than the social adjustment concerns that so occupy United States' school systems today. Entire careers were more likely spent in a single company rather than the constant changes that are experienced today because back then there existed a greater sense of loyalty from both employer and employee. In California we now run billion dollar deficits because of the excesses of government spending that seemingly has no controls whatsoever. Every special interest is met with a handout. Even those who reach the United States illegally are entitled to more than those who are diligently working to take care of their families and themselves.
A country's core is deeply affected when fundamental values are so easily altered to reflect the latest trend sweeping across a nation. That seems to be the case in the United States over the past several years. Our political leaders, in both parties, seem bent on change without substantive insight on how our society will be affected.
During our President's recent visit to Africa, we heard many comparisons in speeches and in the press about development progress. It was commonplace to read political commentaries that compared the Growth Domestic Product [GDP] of Korea and Kenya in the 1960s to today. The comparisons are staggering in both cases.
Kenya, where I lived several times in the 1980s, is a country that should easily be able to feed its citizens and provide job opportunities for its ever expanding population. It has not been able to do either in the 50 years since its independence. To the contrary, its leaders have squandered natural resources, failed in providing basic education to its citizens, allowed tribalism to separate peoples rather than seeking ways to draw people together and allowed a culture of corruption to permeate every facet of society as an acceptable alternative to responsible governance. Their leaders through the years have squandered treasuries to feed their never ending avarice and unquenchable thirst for money and power with little complaint and certainly no penalties beyond the diplomatic rhetoric from their development partners.
On the other hand, Korea's GDP growth has been phenomenal on any economic measuring scale. During the same period, it moved from an impoverished country completely dependent on assistance programs to take care of the basic needs of its population to one that produces quality products used in homes and offices and highways around the world. Its people enjoy a level of prosperity that goes beyond the wildest imaginations of Koreans just one generation ago. To be sure, there are challenges being faced in Korea to maintain its continued economic growth - similar challenges that are being faced by countries around the world.
The GDP Per Capita in Kenya in 1950 was 7 while Korea was at 6. Today the GDP Per Capita for Kenya stands at approximately 7 compared to Korea's staggering ,505 (Source: IMF World Economic Database October 2009). Those simple statistics eloquently speak volumes to the substantive failures and accomplishments of both countries.
However statistics like these do not give us a proper perspective about the heart of a country and its people. It does serve the purpose of comparing levels of relative development that the United Nations and World Bank use to guide their policies and allocation of resources. But these institutions and others like them seem unwilling to address the fundamental needs of people in the development of nation states. Rather they seem more intent on satisfying the appetites of despots who are accountable to no one and ferret away a percentage of the largess of the world donors into secret bank accounts around the world with impunity. The United Nations and its partners have shown over the years to be a perpetuator of the status quo. It uses the dire statistics from the so-called Third World to draw sympatric responses where substantive changes are simply not possible given the current state of governmental affairs in those countries.
World media outlets from time to time run pictures of desperate women and children without any hope to feed the guilt of the "haves" to do more. Yet those same media sources do little to inform about the facts that relate to why those women and children are so desperate. So we send our money and feel better for it.
We dare not offend; we dare not demand responsible leadership in those impoverished countries; we dare not express outrage at the senseless tragedy of men, women and children who were given no voice in building a better life but only suffered unspeakable pains of hunger as their bodies withered to frail skeletons awaiting death; we dare not expose the mindless killings of whole villages where war is a constant daily experience with no rational understanding of why. How can we tolerate the status quo in such circumstances?
But this is a paper about the Republic of Korea. The ranting about the United Nations, World Bank and other international funding organizations may seem out of place. But let's see if the next few pages might tie the two together.
The changes Korea has undergone over the past thirty years are remarkable on any measuring scale. But why was Korea so successful and Kenya seemingly left behind, along with a host of other nations around the globe? Is there anything unique in the Korean Experience from which others can learn?
The book, The Rush To Development, published in 1993,analyzed the development successes Korea had achieved. The author, a professor at Lewis and Clark University in Portland, Oregon, correctly argued that Korean economic advances were more the result of a highly controlled state planning mechanism that had little to do with free market economics. The professor went on to suggest that the repressive and unbalanced nature of South Korea's growth process, shows how the country is now facing serious economic and political difficulties. In 1993, all that may well have been true.
Academic studies of the type found in The Rush to Development seem to carry with them a built-in bias upon which the statistical facts support the premise of the author. I certainly lack the academic qualifications to challenge the assumptions of the author. However, I am comfortable in challenging studies that miss the core of a country. The fact of the matter is that Korea's GDP per capita grew from ,220 in 1993 to an astounding ,929 in 2008, more than a 240% +increase (Source:World Development Indicators database, World Bank,September 15, 2009). That is not to suggest the learned professor was wrong in his analysis. Rather it serves to underscore how severely flawed most writers are in tackling Korea. It should not come as a surprise because, quite frankly, Korea is one of the more complex nations in the world.
But what makes Korea so different? Is it merely the grouping of peoples unified in a single race and language that helped to propel their economic development that launched them onto the world stage? Perhaps it was merely the fact of a culture tied to Confucianism, Buddhism, Shamanism and Christian thoughts and values? Or was it perhaps more the circumstances that found Korea in the crosshairs between the major powers of the world at the conclusion of the Korean War hostilities that resulted in an infusion of significant financial and military aid? Or maybe it was the coincidence of a geographic location with its severe winters and scorching summers that simply moved the people forward? Or was it more simply the confluence of it all that made Korea what it is today?
Here is what I have come to conclude:
Nation building is greatly enhanced when leaders are able to clearly and effectively communicate a vision for their nation across economic and social spheres. As the Republic of Korea emerged from the Korean War, it had the advantage of one of the major stumbling blocks to real development on its side: ethnic unity combined with a single shared language. One need only look at the experiences of nations across Africa and Southeast Asia to see the challenges that retard nation building around the single issue of language and ethnic and racial diversity. Kenya boasts more than 40 tribes among its population with 62 spoken languages. The Kenyan experience is not unique among so-called third world nations. The same situation is found across much of Sub-Sahara Africa.
In the Republic of the Philippines, where lived from 1981 to 1984, its population is made up of eight different ethnic groups speaking 170 different languages of which 10 are considered major language groups - by any fair measurement it is a daunting task to bridge such a diverse group of peoples into a unified nation with shared nation building goals.
If language and ethnic unity are the foundation of a country then culture and religion are the fabric that binds the nation together. Buddhism and Christianity form the core of religion in Korea - but underlying each is the strong influence of Confucianism that runs deep into the life of Korea. Although Shamanism remains an influence in Korea, its impact is felt much less among its predominately urban population. The impact of religion needs to be clearly underscored in understanding nation development. The cultural and religious underpinnings of a nation provide the core values that are essential to a sustained economic development; it is the critical aspect that unites the country's population and provides the order for growth. Certainly Buddhism and Christianity are very distinct and separate belief systems. But for the purposes here, the important part in nation development is that "religious organizations" become a willing or unwitting partner in the development process. At the very least, they provide supplemental support to those forgotten in the initial implementation of nescient government programs in the areas of health, education and welfare while undergirding society at large with a unity of spirit - in most cases. Of course there are marked exceptions where political-religious spheres clash as is easily seen in the Middle East between Islam and Judaism and other parts of the world.
Confucianism's impact in the development of Korea shares an equally important role in Korea's development. Confucian thought and teachings brought to Korea the importance of education that stresses the moral development of the individual leading a respectable life - out of which those educated by such a system will bring those leanings to the governance of a nation with a foundation of moral virtue rather than repressive laws. In the case of Korea, this is another fundamental building block to its development successes.
Many would argue that Korea was simply "blessed" with an infusion of capital resources when hostilities of the Korean War ended. That, they would argue, is the genesis of Korea's economic development success. To a certain extent, that is not a false argument - but it is too simplistic an answer. Clearly, the United States, Germany, and other nations brought a huge influx of desperately needed capital to fuel the economic development of Korea. But there is a key difference in the way in which this largess was put to use in the case of Korea.
Many countries during the 1950s through the 1980s received massive amounts of financial aid from various governments and governmental organizations but without any clear plan for its use. In the case of Korea, the much maligned President Park, Chung-Hee, gathered the best Korean economic minds to develop a far reaching economic development plan for the country. While ruthless in many aspects of his Presidency, there is no denying his achievements in laying a very firm foundation for the economic development that resulted in the "Miracle of the Han." I have yet to find any hint of personal corruption by President Park or members of his immediate family - he was a consummate patriot - at times heavy handed, yes - but a patriot nonetheless.
Another aspect that is not given the due consideration it deserves on why Korea became such a huge economic success has to do with its geographic location. Simply stated Koreans have no choice but to work hard during the spring, summer and autumn months in order to survive through its often very harsh winters. Looking at economic development from that perspective one can begin to realize an indisputable trend: moving north and south from the equator one can see that the further one moves toward the North and South Poles the more often one sees economic successes with development aid resources.
But the truth of the matter is that the economic development successes enjoyed by the Republic of Korea are the result of the confluence of all the aforementioned. The fact of a single language and unified ethnic grouping coupled with sound moral education going back several hundred years had a fundamental impact on the foundations established to build the economic engine in Korea. Its geographic location also influenced its development strategy that took into consideration the harsh climate and the dependence on imports. A strong leader grabbed leadership of the country in the 1960s with a very clear vision of where the country had the capacity to go in its economic future utilizing the financial resources of its economic partners in an effective implementation of a well conceived Korean economic plan that fit the needs and priorities of Korea and Koreans.
It was not an economic plan mandated from the outside. This was a critical component. The leadership of the Republic of Korea well understood it sat between the two major super powers. As a result it knew that it had more leverage in decisions involving the allocation of scarce financial resources to its small country. As a result, it could stand more firmly on the accomplishment of plans that directly tied to its own priorities rather than those of some master planner sitting in New York or Geneva who had other ideas for the use of the funds. To its credit, the Republic held firm on its goals and objectives with staggering positive results enjoyed by Korea and Koreans.
I cannot avoid another aspect that was an essential but little known [outside of Korea] contributor to the economic successes of Korea. It is called Saemaul Undong. It is a unique program that other nations have tried and failed to emulate. To understand the meaning of the words is to understand the goals of the program. Sae means progressive renewal based on past experience - continually grow on your accomplishments. Maul means regional and social communities such as villages- Undong simply means "movement." Thus the meaning behind the Saemaul Undongideal can be summarized as follows:
Improving and changing our regional community into a better place to live a better life. Creating a better life for my community and neighbors as well as myself Achieving both spiritual and material well-being Building a better place for ourselves and future generations.
This program engaged all levels of society in the development of the Republic. Once a village or an area became a part of the Saemaul Undong,they received a flag - every new completed activity brought with it a certificate and a banner to add to the flag. In the first year 335 sacks of cement were provided to 35,000 villages across the nation. General meetings among villagers decided on the most worthy project. In the second year another 500 sacks of cement and one ton of steel wire were supplied by the central government. Competition ensued among villages to see which village would receive the greatest recognition. Very soon the flags were overtaken by the banners testifying to the accomplishments of local citizens who volunteered their time and expertise to build a medical center or a school or a community center. Everyone became a partner in the development process of Korea as the central government concentrated on massive infrastructure projects that would allow private industry to build its factories and begin competing in world markets.
It is reminiscent of the early days in the establishment of towns in the western United States. In those days there were no taxes being collected from the people from their earnings. If a school was needed, the town folks volunteered their time and materials to build the school. So too, if a house or a barn was destroyed by fire or some other disaster, the town's people helped its neighbor in their time of need That helpful volunteer spirit seems to have been lost in the United States in the intervening years. We seem to have become too busy in our daily lives to be seriously concerned with our neighbors - now we would rather the government take care of it for us - until of course we begin to see the costs that are involved. Then we begin to grumble and complain. It sometimes feels like the heart of our country has been lost.
In the final episode of a recently completed Korean TV drama [yes, I watch them; I can't help myself] entitled, in English, "Brilliant Legacy,"["Chal Lan Han Yu San"], the grandmother is talking with her grandson about a mother's heart and love of her children. She tells him about two children who take the heart from their mother in order to sell it in the market for some money. As they are running into town, the child holding the heart stumbles and falls and the heart falls upon the ground. When the children rush to pick up the heart and brush off the dirt, the heart says to the children "Are you all right?" Even at the loss of her life, the mother's love never ends.
I worry sometimes about the "heart" of the United States - I do not mean in terms of the current political events in the United States. Rather my concern is the eroding of basic principles upon which our country was founded. There is too much gray in our society today and not enough black and white. By that I do not mean to imply we should not change with the times and adjust to the realities of advancements in society. But there must be some fundamental truths that provide the keystone of a society - those fundamental truths should not be yielded without serious discussion among the citizens of a country.
We are in the midst of such a discussion right now in the United States. As the discussion moves forward, I hope the core values of my country remain intact - that our leaders will have a long view on the implication of policies that will impact generations to come.
I had an interesting discussion with my eldest son not too long ago. We were talking about Korea and how the current generation has no real understanding or appreciation of what the earlier generation of Koreans went through so the current generation could enjoy the fruits of their efforts. I was sharing with him [for probably the 20thtime] the experiences my wife went through as a child growing up in Seoul. I was reminding him how Yongbok and her family were eating dinner on the evening of June 25, 1950 when a policeman burst through their front door yelling that the North Koreas were a mere mile north and coming south quickly. Yongbok and her two siblings, mother and father, left food on the table, grabbed a couple of personal belongings and rushed out the door. She walked for six days to a distant village where she and her family could take refuge. Along the way, she saw mutilated bodies, burned homes and withstood the fear of bombs exploding all around her. She had three surgeries during the war years and had to endure the cutting of her leg without the aid of even a local anesthesia - she was simply held down on the table by her parents and some nurses while her leg was cut open.
I was lamenting that it is too bad the current generation lacks any understanding of its past history - they seemingly live only in the present. But as the words came out another question immediately emerged: Why does the current generation need to "understand and appreciate" what the earlier generations experienced? Why should there be a concern about changing values in the United States or Korea - times change as do circumstances, so why's it important?
But it does not change our present reality to focus on what brought us to this point in time - the sacrifices of past generations, the difficulties they endured, or the threats experienced beyond their country's borders - rather it is instructive to ensure the succeeding generations realize what is enjoyed today came at a price paid for by a previous generations.
The Republic of Korea is now a full economic partner on the world stage. Its development successes are staggering. And to be fair, the United States, and the US Agency for International Development in particular, can share a sense of pride in the unique partnership that was forged in the developmental process of Korea. Millions of dollars were invested in the infrastructure of a country that had been left in rubble following the end of hostilities in the Korean War. It was an investment with an uncertain future; particularly in light of what was happening in other parts of the world with similar infusions of money in the development of other less developed countries.
It seems to me, however, that neither the United States nor other development partners were prepared for the stunning success experienced by Korea. Very quickly, the U.S. trade policy experts were clamoring to apply the brakes on the export engine that had been fueled by American dollars. Soon Congress joined in the call for trade restrictions on Korean exports and greater access to the Korean domestic market. Could it be that the United States and the other donor nations never really expected a return on their investment? Or if they did, had they considered how they would deal with that type of success? It seems to me there is every indication that the answer to both questions is a resounding "Yes."
But the case of the Republic of Korea is very unique. I am doubtful the Korean experience can be duplicated in the less developed nations of the world. Korea simply had too many factors coming together at once to not be a success. It is the spirited character of the Korean people that is the critical difference that is moving the country forward. That is not easily duplicated. But as Korea continues to prosper and expand its horizons around the world it must be cautious of possible consequences reaching into its core as a country.
I am mindful of the heart in the story told in the Korean drama: The "heart" of our countries is that sometimes illusive part that represents the character of who we are as a nation, what we believe to be fundamental rights and how we present ourselves on the world stage.
As of late, I have been hearing the heart of America asking "Are you all right?"
So the question for my Korean friends is what is the "heart" of Korea saying to you?
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New 2012 KIA RIO Geneva 2011
Just a few weeks out from its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the wraps have come off the all-new 2012 Kia Rio three-door hatch. Joining the smaller Kia Picanto, which will also be making its world debut in Geneva, the design of the new Rio has been a global effort though most of the car's lines were penned at Kia's North American studio in Irvine, California. Overseeing the project was Kia design boss Peter Schreyer, the man responsible with developing the premium new look we've seen filter across Kia's model lineup in the recent past. The new Rio has its own interpretation of the automaker's now signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. It features a wheelbase extended by 2.8 inches (to 101 inches) over the current model and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 10.3 cubic-feet (hatchback) and 13.8 cubic-feet (sedan). For worldwide sale, the 2012 Kia Rio will feature a range of six fuel-efficient and low-CO2 engines--from a 1.1-liter diesel unit generating 70 horsepower in Europe, up to a 1.6-liter direct injection gasoline engine producing 138 horsepower for the US market. Both a three- and five-door hatchback, plus a sedan variant, will be launched in the second half of the year. The 2011 Geneva Motor Show kicks off on March 1. You can follow our full coverage of the event by clicking here.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Vacationing in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina is a town designed for family-oriented fun along the gorgeous Atlantic coast. Stretching seven miles long and sitting on North Carolina's southern coastline, this island has the ideal family beach environment for playing in the water or building dreams in the sand. Whether this is your children's first time seeing the ocean or an annual trip to the coast, everyone is sure to be awestruck by the sheer beauty that is Ocean Isle Beach.
The seven miles of pristine, sandy beaches that run their way along the island are the perfect place for a young one to dig in the sand or to wade into the ocean for the first time. The beaches have a low traffic flow, do not have bright lights, and are generally an all-around great family area. You will find family water slides, numerous beach activities, miniature golf, and plenty of swimming near the beach. The island has some of the best swimming conditions on the North Carolina coast due to the gentle surf that typically does not have strong currents and a water temperature that averages about 10 degrees warmer than the beaches of the Outer Banks region.
If you have golfers in your family who simply cannot bear to part with their clubs on vacation, then Ocean Isle Beach has something to accommodate their vacation needs. There is a wide selection of courses that are tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway, situated near marshes, and nestled between meadows and pine forests. Make your way to the Ocean Ridge Plantation-Tiger's Eye Golf Links for what has been voted one of the top 100 public courses in the country and the best overall course on the Grand Strand. The semi-private Brick Landing Plantation is also a great 18-hole option that offers an on-site pro and a pro shop just in case you hook one too many balls out of play and out of sight.
After a long day on the links or in the sand, a convenient, laid-back restaurant is exactly what you need to unwind and relax. There are a few great places to eat on the island, each offering spectacular views of the ocean or the waterway. Head out to any one of them in the early evening to catch sight of the breathtaking sunset while enjoying a delicious meal with the family. One place to try is the Giggling Mackerel Seafood Grille, which offers indoor and outdoor seating on the water and the freshest seafood caught by a local captain.
Deep sea fishing is a popular activity out of Ocean Isle Beach, meaning there are numerous captains available to take you into the ocean for yellowfin tuna, sailfish, grouper, amberjack, and barracuda. Head out for a half day or a full day with a company such as Follow Me Charters and try for the catch of a lifetime. It is a great way to spend some time with the kids and introduce them to the exciting sport of fishing, but remember that it can get quite rocky so use a patch or take a motion sickness pill before heading out.
If you need some time indoors, the Museum of Coastal Carolina is an excellent option if you or anyone in your family is interested in the coastal history of the Carolina's. There are displays of various marine life, antique fishing equipment, shark teeth, and numerous other natural history oriented-exhibits. The programs are educational, yet entertaining, and everyone will enjoy the Reef Room, which is a walk through exhibit that allows visitors to feel as if they are walking underwater amidst the fish, plants, and other aquatic life of the Atlantic.
When you vacation in Ocean Isle Beach, you need accommodations that will allow you to venture to the beach at your own leisure while also enjoying the beauty of this amazing town. The best way to get the most out of your spectacular surroundings is by staying in an Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental that sits directly on the water and has an unimpeded view of the ocean. Relax on the porch and watch as the setting sun casts a radiant glow over the water. Stare at the magnificent waves making their way towards the sand, and then retire to your private room so you can rest before another active and busy day around town. You really can achieve the vacation you imagined, so begin your search for Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals today to find the one that has all the amenities you need at a price you can afford.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Adventures in North Florida
North Florida is a completely different region than south Florida. For those who want a more authentic old Florida experience, with less crowds, more small towns, and more space, this is the place!
Day 1
Withlacoochee Park, in Dade City, is an inviting scenic area. As part of the green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, the park offers nature trails, picnic area, a playground, fishing, canoe launch, birding, and whimsical wood carvings. As we walked over a bridge, we spotted an alligator taking a swim! We did some bird watching, but only saw buzzards, ducks, and geese. The oak trees and Spanish moss were beautiful! We tried to visit the Dade City Depot, but found it closed. We did enjoy looking around the outside, with the 1950s style station wagon loaded with family and citrus, and the old truck with the driver.
Brooksville, in Hernando County, is another of Florida's Main Street, USA towns. It was the Florida's Outstanding Rural Community of 2000. We browsed through the 5 buildings of Rogers' Christmas Shop! Rooms are arranged to show living rooms in a holiday setting. Decorations for any taste and budget are available. Perusing the decorations was fun! We came away with ideas for Christmas dancing in our heads. The town is full of old fashioned homes and stores. We ate at the Main Street Eatery. We had the best Cajun Hamburger Bean Soup! Service and atmosphere was friendly! Our meals included a half sandwich for MaryJo and a Cuban for Greg, and 2 iced teas. Cost before tip was .
What archeological site has 6 mounds and is the longest continuously inhabited Pre-Columbian Indian site? If you answered Crystal River, you're correct! The population may have been as high as 7,500. Today, the history of the Native Americans is highlighted in the Visitor Center, with a timeline, displays of tools and a diorama. A midden (a heap of discarded household goods), burial mounds, and a ceremonial stone on which offerings were placed help us to understand more of the lifestyle that began about 500B.C. The site was used until about 1300 A.D. Whys did they build here? It's one of History's Mysteries. Excavations were begun in 1903 by Clarence Moore. Tours and Ranger Programs are available. Visitors may also fish in the waters, and bird watch. This is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Allow about 45 minutes, more if you plan to picnic. Admission is only per carload. The park is off Rt. 19 near the town of Crystal River. Florida State Parks have been awarded the Best Parks in America. We enjoyed our visit!
A train display surprised us along Rt. 98, near Gulf Hammock in Levy County. It recalls the Patterson-McInnis Railroad, prominent in the area in the early 1900s, and part of the Patterson-McInnis Sawmill. The engine often pulled 30 or 40 cars piled high with logs. Logging was an important Florida industry. A small stream just behind offers shade and a moment of tranquility. This is an example of the surprises just ahead when traveling the back roads.
Another surprise was a scene of giant sea creatures in front of a lawn ornament or business ornament shop. Huge sharks, crabs and fish hung in the air or climbed on the fence. Right across the street was a lighthouse representing a church.
The end of the day was coming, with dinner at BBQ Bill's in Chiefland. MaryJo couldn't resist the sampler platter, a delicious combo of chicken, ribs, beef, and pork. Leftovers provided the next day's picnic lunch! Greg had a taste for a porterhouse steak, also scrumptious. Three sauces were all tasty, although Greg preferred the spicy one. Two soft drinks with refills completed the meal. Our waitress was cheerful and efficient. Total was before tip.
Day 2
We fell in love today - with Cedar Key! It was a great start to the day! Cedar Key is a fishing village, clam farm community, historical area, and artist colony. It's a place where the pace slows and visitors can enjoy the important things in life. Fishing, birding, swimming, boating, hiking, camping, shopping, eating, and sightseeing are all activities visitors can enjoy. The village is located in the Gulf of Mexico, among barrier islands with beautiful trees and shrubs and old Florida buildings. It was once a major supplier of seafood and timber products. We loved the colors of the houses and stores, the whimsy - like the monkey in the tree, the tiny beach, the shopping, the history, the Curdmudgeonalia Bookstore, and the myriad of choices for activities. We love Key West, and this is like Key West, minus the crowds, the high prices, and the long trek to get there. We'll be coming back for a long week end ASAP! It's about 45 minutes from Chiefland. Allow plenty of time! This is a jewel!
Down the road, we knew Dakotah Winery was waiting! The grounds say that this is a special place. An old Spanish cannon, a windmill, and antique wine making equipment are among the eclectic assortment of décor. Inside, the owners, Rob and Max Rittgers are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and welcoming! We enjoyed meeting both gentlemen. Tasting is free, without pressure, and we enjoyed the wines so much, we bought several bottles. But wait, there's more! A duck pond is in the back, with food to feed our feathered friends and the koi who share the pond. A shady grape arbor beckons. Inside, the winery is visible, and a well appointed gift shop might be calling your name. By the way, the name "Dakotah" is a Lakota Native American word meaning friend. Allow 30 minutes. We found another jewel!
"Florida's Last Frontier" is Horseshoe Beach. A ride through mostly scrub brings the inquisitive visitor here. We sojourned at the park for our picnic lunch. The view was very pretty, with pelicans and islands in view. There are some attractive homes, and boats with interesting names like "Hell on Reels." Our leftovers provided us with lunch. However, there is no swimming beach. Near town is Jackson Trail Park, a picnic area named for President Andrew Jackson, who has the dubious honor of executing 2 British subjects near there and almost causing a war, before he even became President.
By the time we reached Perry, we were ready to call it a day. Days Inn offered a good deal - 3 for a 2 night stay. They had a pool. Old Mexico on Byron Butler Parkway was a nice restaurant with good food. We did have a slight language problem and Greg ended up with a fishbowl sized drink and MaryJo was served sherry instead of chardonnay. Dinner was before the tip.
Day 3
A good Southern breakfast can be found at Hill's Country Kitchen in Perry. Grits, biscuits, and even catfish can be had. Caution: Southern, tasty as it is, implies fried and lots of carbs. Our breakfast was : A 3 egg omelet with grits and biscuit and 2eggs, hash brown, and bacon, with 2 coffees.
The Forest Capital Museum and Cracker Homestead is worth a look! Did you know that turpentine was an important Florida industry? The pine tree contributes to about 5,000 other products. Wow! The self guiding museum spotlights the timber industry and native wildlife. Next door is an 1864 Cracker Homestead, complete with house, barn, outhouse, chicken house, and other farm buildings. Cracker is a term that refers to native Floridians and came from the crack of the Florida cowboy's whip! A garden produces foods all year. Sugar cane was growing when we were there. Grapes are grown, too, for fresh fruit, jelly, and wine. The smoke house was used to preserve meat so the family could eat it all year. Take your time, and imagine life as it was then. Women washed clothes outside, pounding them on a workbench. They cooked in a detached kitchen, to lessen the risk of a house fire. Men hunted and farmed to provide food. We think it would be an adventure to try this life for a few days, but are glad we live in the 21st century. Allow an hour. Admission is per person. A picnic area and playground are adjacent.
Poppa Jim's is a good lunch spot. Fresh oysters are shucked right in front of you. Our server is the originator's grand-daughter. She explained that the lunch counter is so wide because "Poppa," a retired teacher, wanted to have room to keep the waiting oyster trays. Greg had the fresh oyster and the oyster stew! MaryJo had the Greek Salad, with fresh crab bits and tiny shrimp. It was all good, although the salad seemed to take awhile. Our bill was . Other items include gumbo, fried seafood, swamp cabbage (an old Florida classic), and po'boys. We asked about swimming beaches, and were told there are no swimming beaches in the area. Most locals go up to the "handle" to swim.
Downtown is historic and attractive, but small. There didn't seem to be any eateries open after five. It is a good area for fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Day 4
We breakfasted at Hardees. Yes, it's a chain, but Southern to the core, bless their hearts. Featured on the breakfast menu were fried bologna biscuit, pork chop and gravy biscuit, and smothered potatoes. We each chose the tasty and more sensible breakfast wrap. Greg added hash browns, and MaryJo, grits. With 2 coffees, the tab was . One of our better deals! Nourished, we aimed our trusty car towards the north and the "handle" of Florida.
St. Mark's Lighthouse, part of the Lighthouse Tour of Florida's Forgotten Coast, was a priority for us. We really wanted to climb the lighthouse, but sadly for us, it's closed to the public. However, we did do some hiking, birding and butterfly watching. We were rewarded with some gorgeous butterflies, a few birds, and a chat with the lighthouse keeper.
The lighthouse was built around 1829. The first lighthouse was built with hollow walls, for moisture control. However, the plans called for solid walls, so the lighthouse was torn down and rebuilt! The lighthouse keeper had to light 15 whale oil lamps every night, and then extinguish them every morning and clean all the glass! This took hours!
We took the Lighthouse Levee Trail, just in front of the lighthouse. On the way, we saw gulls, pelicans, herons, and egrets. Monarchs, Common Sulphurs, Viceroys, and Gulf Fritillaries danced by. Prickly Pear Cacti had just bloomed and were ready to be harvested by anybody who knows how to prepare the purplish fruit. This was used by American Indians. Sabal Palm, also known as Cabbage palm, grows on the trail. Natives used the palm for roofing weaving cloth, and ate the berries. Other plants included Red Cedar, Wax myrtle, and Bee Balm.
An appealing park, St. Mark's offers hiking and biking trails, a Visitor Center, and public boat launch. Admission is only per carload! Visitors could spend anywhere from an hour to a day.
Driving the Coast Road gave us ample scenery. The Gulf of Mexico was often within sight. At the Wakulla Visitor Center, we learned that some of the "Tarzan" movies of the 1930's and 40's featuring Johnny Weissmuller were filmed at Wakulla Springs. Just across the street from the center, was a park with springs that was once very popular. The belief that the water would cure anything from headaches to serious illnesses brought many people to the area. Today the springs are there, but all the bath houses are gone.
Further on, after more scenic driving, at Bald Point Park, we stopped for our picnic lunch. The view was splendid! The sand dunes, sea oats, birds and butterflies were so beautiful! We saw a myrtle tree covered with monarch butterflies! A stroll on the bright white sands was exhilarating! A few people were surf fishing. Driftwood was on the beach and cypress knobs straddled the shoreline.
There are many settlements along the coast road, including Panacea and Carrabelle. Carrabelle is a small town with an emphasis on fishing. It boasts the world's smallest police station. The station is a phone booth! Often the squad car will sit next to the booth waiting for a call. It must be wonderful to live in such a low crime area!
Crooked River Lighthouse, another of the Lighthouse Tour lighthouses, is only open to the public on Saturday, but visitors are free to tour the lighthouse keeper's home anytime. It is a replica of the 1895 four room house. The exceptions are air conditioning and modern plumbing. The lighthouse in made of iron and steel, and during renovation, the structure only had to be sandblasted and repainted - it was in that excellent repair! On the grounds is a picnic area with a 70 ft. pirate ship for children, called the "Carabella." There are native plants and many bird species to observe. Admission is free. If it's not Saturday, allow 15 minutes, unless children are with you. Then allow enough play time!
Home for the next 2 nights is St. Joe Peninsula State Park. It's in the gulf, and is miles from any town. There are no concessions, but restrooms and showers are clean and modern. Two nights camping was for our tent. For we had firewood, and for a bag of ice. Our site in Sandy Pines Campground is very pretty, and secluded. However, it's on the edge of a swamp, and so rather damp. We heard an owl hooting while we ate our meal of homemade chili! Another campground is Gulf Breeze.
The BP Station is the center of commerce. Rentals at the Scallop Cove B. P. include canoes, kayaks, bikes, beach chairs and fishing equipment. Bait, groceries, ice cream, lunch, clothes, and souvenirs are available. They also have charter fishing trips. They do have the corner on the market!
Day 5
A quick camp breakfast of coffee, fruit, and toast started us on our day. The owl was hooting during breakfast! Biking along the beach roads, renting of course from the B.P., provided an opportunity for us to get close up views of some of the pretty beach houses, see butterflies and birds, observe the plants, and get exercise. Cute names like Jamaica, Summer, and Bay Breeze were some of the street names. Houses were named Coquina, Almost There and Haven. We saw two dead snakes and remembered how the ranger had told us rattlesnakes are protected now because so many people deliberately kill them! Rattlesnakes have their uses - killing rats is one! Cost was for an hour per bike.
The exercise had us ready for lunch, so we headed to Cone Heads, one of the only places to eat. We found a ship shaped building, painted bright blue, with tiki umbrellas covering the patio tables and an outdoor pool table. They sell produce, too! We each had a grilled fish sandwich with a side of fries and a glass of wine. Delicious! Our tab was before tip. Other food items include burgers, salads, chowder, and desserts. There are some vegetarian items! Prices range from .99 to .99.
The beaches here are beautiful white powdered sugar sand! The dunes are protected, so don't walk on them! Trees are magnificent, with Spanish Moss draped over the branches as decoration. There were very few people here when we were here, in early November. Most of the few business that are in the area are closed for the season. Boating, fishing, birding, swimming, and hiking are some of the outdoor activities to enjoy. History is rich in the area. Natives were here long before Europeans, as evidenced in tool and pottery remnants. Spanish explorers were here in the 1500s. Settlers began moving here in the 1800s. The American government bought much of the land in 1940 for military training.
Jellyfish, sea turtles, rays, and sharks are among the marine life. On land, rats, snakes, and mice might be seen. While we were registering, a woman called the ranger and said a snake was in her camper! There are many birds: terns, sandpipers, woodpeckers, wrens, woodpeckers, hawks, and ducks. Please heed the alligator warnings on the bay side and central areas. Always be careful in a wilderness area or preserve!
One of the local critters decided to check out our cooking bin during the night. It was closed and contained no food, but a crash woke us up to discover the contents spilled on the ground.
Greg decided to catch our dinner, and enjoy surf fishing. The Whiting were biting, and within an hour, he had 6 of them and a flounder to prepare. He had so much fun! MaryJo guarded the bait and fish from marauding sea gulls and plovers! A swim in the cool water was nice, too. Nothing like fresh fish, grilled over a campfire! The owl hooting in the swamp was a nice accent to the meal.
Day 6
Taking down the tent and breaking camp is an easy undertaking when the weather is fine! We are partial to this area, although it is remote. Port St Joe is a picturesque little town which we passed through on the way out of the Panhandle.
Continuing on past pasture, homestead, small settlements, little towns, wood, and water, we eventually reached Suwannee River State Park near the pretty little town of Live Oak. Live Oaks, Red Cedar, and pines dominate the park. Bathrooms and showers are modern and well kept. There weren't many campers when we were here, so we had plenty of privacy. Also, we were one of the only tents! Wood and ice are available at the Ranger Station, as are canoe rentals. The ranger told us that the nearest place to replenish supplies is the Wal-Mart in Live Oak, about 9 miles away.
At nightfall, after a pretty sunset, we had our campfire blazing and enjoyed our hearty sandwiches. The air got much cooler.
Day 7
The 40-something temperatures had us hightailin' it into town for breakfast! Just too cold for us to be standing around cooking if we don't have to. Fortunately, we found Dixie Diner, a good southern cuisine eatery that offers pork chops and eggs, grits, biscuits and sawmill gravy, hot cakes, and good hot coffee. MaryJo had the chops and eggs, while Greg chose the manly Paul Bunyan Breakfast, sawmill gravy and biscuits, bacon, home fries, and eggs. Total for us both before tip was - a good deal for a good meal with good service.
An after meal stroll around Live Oak was entertaining and informative. The Suwannee County Historical Museum, though small, is attractive, fun, and enlightening. Exhibits include a 192-s country kitchen, moonshine still, 195-0s phone switchboard, and a pony cart belonging to Florida's first governor, Charles Drew. Admission is free. Randy Torrance, the curator, gave us some history of the town, and chatted about the current activities the museum sponsors. Allow at least a quarter of an hour. While in town, check out the courthouse, old court house, Methodist Church, and McHale's Gifts, a fairy, dragon, and wizard store, and more!
Not more than a short drive away in White Springs is the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Activities there include camping, hiking, shopping, fishing, and horseback riding. The center is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Foster, writer of approximately 200 songs mostly in the 1850s and 1860s. Titles include "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair", "Camptown Races," and of course, "Swanee River." Oddly, Stephen Foster was not a Southerner, but was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He never visited Florida, and was only in the South once. He died in 1864 at the age of 37. He has become something of a legend since. In the auditorium, exquisite handmade dioramas of some of his songs are shown. Pianos and organs of the time are on exhibit, including the von J'anko Keyboard. This is an extremely unusual keyboard, featuring 6 different rows of keys, invented in 1882. It is an impressive looking piece! On the grounds is the Stephen Foster Memorial Carillon, holding 97 bells, one of the largest in the world. Music is played on a regular basis. In addition there is a craft shopping area and a restaurant. Special events, such as the Florida Folk Life Festival are held on the grounds. Snapping turtle, alligators, Gulf sturgeon, and other wildlife call the park home. In the spring, a Florida Folk life Festival is held on the grounds. Admission to the park is only . Allow an hour, minimum.
White Springs itself was once a tourist town; known for the healing properties of the mineral waters. Before that, Native Americans held the area as sacred, because of the supposedly curing springs.
A warm afternoon called for a canoe ride on the Suwannee River. We paddled upstream, basking in the sun, and the rock formations, trees, and sandy banks of the river. At one point, a sturgeon stirred the waters! The surroundings are enchanting, the water cool, and the ride back easy! Going upstream first allowed us to drift back. Don't forget to bring water to drink, and put on sunscreen ahead of time. For 2 hrs, the fee was .
A supper of chicken with peppers, scallions, and baked yams on the fire was delicious! Sitting close to the campfire kept us cozy! A glass of wine added to the ambience!
There is plenty to see and plenty to do here in North Florida! We recommend this trip to anyone wanting to get off the trails!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Top 10 Luxury Watches - Unveiled at 2010 Annual Swiss Watch Shows
The 2010 annual watch trade shows in Basel and Geneva, Switzerland, didn't disappoint the enthusiasts and jewelry industry waiting too see the latest watch trends unveiled. While some luxury watch brands focused on technological advances, others announced updated timepiece designs and new collections. Below is the list of the top 10 luxury watches introduced this year:
Audemars Piguet
The Audemars Piguet Quincy Jones Limited Edition watch, releasing only 500 pieces, is delivered with a 45 x 40mm oval blackened stainless steel case, automatic movement, engraved Quincy Jones signature on caseback, a two-sector dial with piano key design on the outermost area and an off-center inner oblong black circle usual for the series. It also comes with a black alligator textured strap with a blackened stainless steel folding AP clasp.
Breitling
The Breitling Superocean high-end diving watch comes with a 42mm stainless steel case, the in-house Calibre 17 automatic movement, an unidirectional ratcheted diver's bezel, and dials available in Abyss Black, Abyss Silver, Abyss Blue, Abyss Red and Abyss Yellow. Strap options include Diver Pro or Ocean Racer rubber straps, or a stainless steel Professional bracelet.
Cartier
The Calibre de Cartier - the luxury brand's first timepiece aimed only at men -- sports a slimmer 42mm stainless steel case, the new, in-house 1904-PS MC self-winding movement, choices of a black or white dial, and a crown that features a synthetic spinel cabochon. The alligator strap comes with a stainless steel folding clasp. The masculine Cartier Calibre is available in steel, 18K rose gold or a combination of the two.
Chanel
The sporty yet sophisticated Chanel J12 White Ceramic women's watch - durable and reliable for diving -- sports a 33mm high-gloss white ceramic case, quartz analog movement, stainless steel and white ceramic rotating timing bezel with blue indicators, a white dial with blue hands and a white rubber strap.
Chopard
The Chopard Superfast Chrono racing watch boasts a robust design with a 45mm sophisticated stainless steel case, automatic chronograph movement, a black dial with date display, black rubber pushers and crown, and a black rubber strap with a steel folding buckle.
Omega
Sleek and fashionable, the Omega Constellation '09 watch features a 27mm stainless steel case, quartz precision movement with rhodium plated finish and 32 month power reserve, a brown mother-of-pearl dial with an embossed 'Supernova' pattern, diamond bezel and hour markers, and an 18K red gold and stainless steel bracelet.
Panerai
On the larger side, the Panerai Radiomir Composite Marina Military 8 Day watch features a 47mm matte aluminum-based composite case, notorious in-house Manifattura movements - specifically, the P.2002/7 Calibre hand-wound - a rugged, brown dial and vintage leather strap
Patek Philippe
This year's Patek Philippe Annual Calendar watch - first introduced in 2006 - features a now-larger 40mm 18K white gold case, a Calibre 324 S QA LU 24 H self-winding movement with week, date and month indicators, and a two-tone rhodium/silvery gray dial with 18K white gold applied hour markers. This classic men's dress watch has a black crocodile strap with an 18K white gold folding clasp.
Tag Heuer
Re-issued to celebrate Tag Heuer's 150th anniversary, the Tag Heuer Silverstone Chronograph Limited Edition watch - with only 1,500 pieces released - features a 42mm stainless steel case, in-house Calibre 11 automatic movement, and a blue or brown dial with a matching, perforated alligator strap. Each Silverstone is also numbered and inscribed with "150th Anniversary 1860-2010."
TW Steel
The large, prestigious TW Steel CEO TECH watch features a 48mm rose gold PVD case, quartz movement, a black tachymeter chronograph dial and a black rubber strap.
The above luxury Swiss watches can be found at their respective brand websites.
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