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- Someday Never Comes: Discover Your Passion
Finding YOUR cause, ideal, or goal is key to a fulfilling life. When we realize that four actions will lead us to success, any goal is attainable. How? Try D.O.M.E. It’s a metaphor for life based on my 42 ascents of Yosemite’s Half Dome. Discover your passion; identify and overcome Obstacles that can impede your progress; become Motivated to keep at it; and develop the Enthusiasm to succeed. To fully appreciate life’s journey, enjoy life without regrets. Learn how to Carpe Diem – Seize the day. Don’t dream it – BE it. - Travel For Free: Be a Cruise Ship Lecturer
Learn how to become a featured speaker on cruise ships and earn free travel for two. Engaging lecturers are rewarded with complementary trips. Your life experiences can be developed into Enrichment Presentations. Destination speakers are able to convey the history, culture and the charm of locales to enhance passenger’s travel dreams. Talks full of “Info-tainment” engage passengers. There is a process that must be followed and this presentation will set you on the path to success. - Galapagos: Garden of Eden?
Enjoy an exciting time viewing the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this is the home to many unique and wonderful creatures: giant tortoises, flamingos, blue-footed boobies and even penguins. Charles Darwin made these 12 islands the basis of his evolution writings. This sensitive area is highly controlled with guide-led excursions. Go soon; we’re loving it to death. - Machu Picchu: The Inca Empire
The arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors in Peru led to the mass extermination of the Incas in the mid-1500’s. Cuzco, a short flight from Lima, was their capital and it still thrives today. Machu Picchu, located deep in the jungle, was never seen by the Spaniards and lay undiscovered until 1911. The only way to get there is the four-day hike on the Inca Trail to this mysterious sacred site. You can also go by train. Learn about this fascinating culture and the plight of the Incas. - Ancient Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs
The Egyptians were the first civilization and they flourished for 3,000 years. Of over 125 known pyramids and royal tombs, only King Tut’s has been found intact and full of treasure. Cairo’s “must-see” sights include the Giza pyramids, the first pyramid at Saqqara and the Museum of Antiquities. Here you can view the gold King Tut burial mask and 13 mummies, including Ramses II. 400-miles south, the Luxor and Karnak temples are across the Nile from the Valley of the Kings. Abu Simbel was raised and reconstructed to allow the building of the Aswan Dam. - The Great Wall of China – An Engineering & Social Marvel
2,000 years in the making, it is one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of mankind. It is the symbol of China’s history, power and perseverance. Qin Shihuang, the founder of China (of Terra Cotta soldier fame) built a massive barrier to keep the Mongols out in 200 BCE. Then the Ming Dynasty built it even better and longer in the 15th Century. Learn why and how this project – more difficult than the pyramids – was done. “You are not a man of courage if you do not climb the Great Wall.” - Japan & Mt. Fuji – The Land of the Rising Sun
The Nipponese culture has existed for thousands of years. Tokyo is a gem of Asia. Once our enemy, Japan is now flourishing and a strong ally. At 12,000 feet, Mount Fuji’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is the near-mythical symbol of Japan. It is a must-do hike. “Everyone should climb Mount Fuji once; only a fool would climb it twice.” - Costa Rica & Nicaragua – Similar but different
With active volcanoes, rain forests, white sand beaches and the most diverse flora and fauna, Costa Rica is as close to ancient earth as we can get. Learn why it has become the #1 adventure vacation destination. Zip lines, canopy walks and waterfall rappels are just a sample of the diverse activities available. From hummingbirds, migrating butterflies and the Howler Monkeys, Costa Rica is a biologic wonder. Nicaragua has the 2nd largest Central American rainforest. It is a safe country, but among the poorest in the Americas. A string of dictators has held the country back from economic growth. - The Panama Canal: Men Move Mountains
Over 25,000 men died building this essential link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Learn why the French tried and failed. It took Teddy Roosevelt’s resolve and inspiration to construct this engineering marvel. Many records were set: the world’s largest earthen dam, the largest man-made lake and the largest concrete structure. - Alaska – The Last Frontier
The migration over the Bering land bridge provided the superhighway for Asians to come to North America. Centuries later, the Danes and Russians arrived. Finally, Seward’s folly proved to be one of the shrewdest deals in history. Most of the state lies above the Arctic circle and no, you can’t see Russia from there. Juneau, the capital, is not accessible by roads! Learn how this vast land is part of the “ring of fire” and how it became one of our great national treasures. - The Iditarod – “The Last Great Race on Earth.”
This dog sled competition runs in Alaska in March each year. The roots of this race go back to the historic 1927 serum run made by dog sleds to help the children of Nome during a diphtheria epidemic when even planes could not get in. Today, the 1,000-mile race is done in less than 10 days. It began in 1973 and attracts nearly 100 contestants who drive dogs towards Nome. Don’t worry; the dogs love it. The dogs are checked by vets at each station. - Fitness for seniors – Exactly what does it mean to be “fit?”
Doctors encourage us to exercise 30-minutes a day for 3 days per week. Why is it critical to get your heart rate elevated and to be in the “aerobic zone?” Does intensity matter? The triad of exercise should be: resistance training, aerobics and stretching. As we age, our joints suffer. Weight lifting increases bone density! What can you do to be fit without adverse joint issues? When the endorphins kick in, your mood is elevated. Fitness is only a step away! - Exercise with Scenery: Hiking
From a stroll around the block, to hiking the Wonders of the World, your daily routine is better in nature than in a gym. Enjoy life one step at a time. Hiking is just walking with scenery! Walking is one of the best exercises we can do without stressing our joints. Hiking can be a great exercise, but we need to learn about proper shoes, treatment of water, use of trekking poles and Leave No Trace hiking. - Exercise with Scenery: Bicycling
We all know how to ride a bike, but things have changed since we were kids! Do you know who invented the bicycle? Why the “high-wheeler” worked? Come and learn how to pedal your way to a healthier lifestyle. Advances in design, shoes, peddle clips and technique make, this a superb fitness activity. A lot has changed since we rode our 30-pound Schwinn’s. Get an update on this growing sport and alternate form of transportation. With gas costing more each week, many are opting out of their cars and getting bikes. - Exercise with Scenery: Scuba Diving
The beauty and the peace of the deep are calling. This primer provides a great overview of the sport, with images to get you motivated to get certified. Learn about Jacques Cousteau and the early days of SCUBA. See why most divers want to see sharks. See a real shark feed. Enjoy a dolphin experience at 30 feet under. We are visitors in a strange world. We know more about the moon than we do about the oceans; see what awaits you just below the surface. - Nordic Walking Class: Fitness is Only a Step Away
Walking with poles is the rage in Europe. Groups are seen en-mass rounding city parks with their poles. Learn how this fitness activity can burn an average of 20% more calories than just walking. Heart rate increases of ten beats per minute are common. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s social; all without knee or joint pounding! Rick Deutsch developed the Nordic Walking program used on Crystal Cruises and instructs guests while on board. Learn how to do it properly from a Certified Instructor. Adjustable LEKI poles are provided for the class. Dress for walking and bring water. Limit 10 per session. Fitness is only a step away! - Yosemite: The Crown Jewel of the National Park Service
With over 20 high waterfalls, the world’s largest and oldest trees and the most domes on earth, Yosemite is arguably the “best” park in the country. It owes a lot of its grandeur to three glacial periods. 3,000-foot canyon walls provide majestic hanging waterfalls. Its bedrock is granite making it a favorite of big wall climbers. El Capitan is the largest exposed piece of granite in the world. Half Dome is the park’s signature landmark and is featured on the 2005 US Quarter coin. Learn the story of the early Native Americans and the arrival of the whites. There is so much to see in Yosemite that it’s no wonder it attracts nearly 5 million visitors a year. - Cuba – So near yet decades away
Under a US embargo for over 50 years, Cuba has been an enigma to Americans. Recent political maneuvers have opened up the island to us for the first time. This beautiful Caribbean Island became US property after the Spanish-American War. Decades after becoming independent, Communism was embraced by Fidel Castro. The Cuban Missile Crisis brought an Embargo that is still in effect. Once a playground for Celebrities in the 1950’s, it became off-limits to Americans. Now cruise ships are bringing thousands of Americans to discover its heritage: cigars, classic cars and Hemmingway. - Yosemite’s Half Dome: A Historical Perspective
Since 1875, humans have been able to reach the top of Yosemite National Park’s iconic landmark. It’s featured on the 2005 US Quarter. Learn about Scottish immigrant George Anderson’s 1875 rope ascent; John Muir was the 9th person to the top. The rope was replaced in 1883 by cowboys A. Phimister Proctor & Alden Sampson. Hall McAllister paid for the 1919 steel cable system. The first climbers up the face did it in 1957. 40,000 hike it to reach the summit. Marvel at the high waterfalls, massive sequoias, glacial carved cliffs and trails to majestic views. - Yellowstone – The First National Park
At over 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone spans three states. Born from Volcanic eruptions, the park’s hot geysers are fed by a magma field just six miles below the surface. Old Faithful is the signature landmark and it shoots steam up so reliably you can almost set your watch by it! The park is also known for its wildlife: from grizzly bears to elk. The largest bison herd in the world grazes here. Learn about the tragic fire of 1988 that burned 36% of the park. - Death Valley – The Hottest Place on Earth
In 1913, Death Valley recorded the earth’s highest temperature ever – 134 degrees. It’s the home of the 20-mule teams that hauled borax 165 miles to the railhead in Mohave. The Valley is both beautiful and unusual. 150-foot high sand dunes, rocks that move across the playa, and a Castle built in a Spanish motif, all intrigue visitors. The Devil’s Golf Course, Devil’s Cornfield and Dante’s View all attest to a place that is steeped in mystery. - The Grand Canyon – A Big Hole in the Ground
Unique in the entire world, it was carved by the Colorado River for 277 miles. It has a span of up to 18 miles wide, and is a mile deep. At the bottom of the cliff walls, nearly two billion years of the earth’s geological history is exposed. Hiking to the river, trekking rim to rim or rafting the Class 10 rapids, you will get your heart pumping. Learn how a one-armed Civil War veteran, John Wesley Powell, made the first harrowing trip all the way in a wooden dory. - Utah’s National Parks – Nature at its finest
The Beehive State has arguably the most entrancing geology of anywhere on earth. Unique in all the world, Utah boasts: Canyonlands, the Arches, Natural Bridges, Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce and Zion. The Anasazi Indian culture is preserved in petroglyphs and pictograms. Its border with Arizona provides a glimpse into the northern Grand Canyon environs. Strange swirling rock patterns capture frozen moments in earth’s formation. Utah is a must-see for every nature lover. - The Black Hills of Dakota – Rushmore, Bison and Gold
South Dakota is the ancestral home of many native America Tribes: The Crow, Kiowa Pawnee, Cheyenne, Sioux and Lakota. Then the whites seeking gold arrived from the east and their world changed forever. The area is rich in human and natural history. Learn about Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park’s Bison, Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood, Wounded Knee, nearby Devils Tower and the Little Big Horn. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally draws nearly ½ million bikers. - Alcatraz – “The Rock:” The Ultimate Prison
Alcatraz has served as a fortress from the Spanish days through the Civil War, but it’s best known as the ultimate Federal Penitentiary. It held some of the most notorious men in the criminal underworld. No one was ever sentenced to Alcatraz – they had to “earn” it. All in sight and sound of one of America’s most glamorous cities. The rock operated nearly three decades; yet not a single person ever successfully escaped. - Venice “. . . undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man.”
The Renaissance city of Venice was built in a marshy lagoon to protect its inhabitants from marauding Barbarians. Sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges, it is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. During the Middle Ages, it was a major maritime power and a staging area for the Crusades as well as an important center of commerce and art. Learn about its history and its future as the sea threatens treasures such as St Mark’s Basilica and the Piazza San Marco. - Barcelona – Art Deco Center of Europe
Originally founded by the Romans, the city was conquered by the Visigoths, the Arabs, and by Charlemagne of the Franks. Today, the “Gothic Center” comprises the old town and features the Neo-Gothic architectural work of Antoni Gaudi. His immense but still unfinished Catholic Church, the “Sagrada Família.” It has been under construction since 1882. Resembling a giant ant hill, it will be the tallest church in the world when finished in 2026. - The Cold War – Mutually Assured Destruction
In the post WW2 world, the two largest powers employed a strategy of “Mutually Assured Destruction” to keep the peace. Bomb shelters were sold at shopping malls; radios tuned to CONELRAD and “duck and cover” was the mantra. The Cuban Missile crisis brought us to the brink of the end. Learn the San Francisco Bay area’s role in the Cold War. - The Mexican Rivera: Sun, Surf and Marlin
Beautiful beaches, warm sun and friendly people draw many south of the border to play and retire. Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Cabo San Lucas beckon. Like to fish? Catch the big ones here: marlin and sailfish. And be ready to hear a time-share pitch! - California – The Golden State
The Spanish controlled the western American coastal areas for hundreds of years. It became the “Golden State” for many reasons. Learn how the missions, presidios and settlements led to the establishment of San Diego, Santa Barbara and San Francisco. The Mexican War for Independence and the Spanish American War were pivotal events leading to the growth of the western frontier. Gold was the crux of the ribald, liberal attitude. - The Undersea Kingdom – Mystery and Beauty
The Earth’s surface is 70% water, yet there is more scientific data about distant planets than there is about the undersea environment. Although there are an estimated 200,000 species of fish, scientists acknowledge they know less than 2% of the ocean’s biology. You will learn how man has adapted to the depths and how scuba diving lets us briefly enter another world. Speaker-taken stills and video enhance the presentation. - Howard Hughes and his Spruce Goose – The World’s largest plane
Born with a gift for mathematics and engineering, Howard, Jr. inherited his father’s fortune from the Hughes Tool Company. He had a passion for aviation and set many speed records. He built and flew his gigantic “Spruce Goose” – still one of the world’s largest planes ever. Learn his story and why he died a lonely recluse. “I’m not a paranoid deranged millionaire. Goddamit, I’m a billionaire.” - Napoleon Bonaparte – General, Dictator, Emperor
The French Empire under Napoleon controlled most of Western Europe. Only Great Britain escaped his grasp. His strategic sense allowed him to dominate on the battlefield. Once called the Little Corporal, his size was irrelevant to his success. Winning battle after battle, the Battle of Waterloo was his downfall and led to his eventual confinement by the British on the island of Saint Helena. - Genghis Khan – Ruthless Conqueror of most of the world
He is known by history as the emperor of the brutal Mongol Empire. These nomads conquered China and went on to subjugate Asia and Eastern Europe. The Mongol controlled lands became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. Over half of the world population was under his rule. Kahn was a superb military tactician. He was also a ruthless conqueror who often killed every living thing during a battle – including animals. - The Titanic – The complete story
In 1912, the “unsinkable” RMS Titanic left Southampton, England, for New York City on its maiden voyage. The sinking of the world’s largest ship caused the deaths of more than 1,500 people in one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in modern history. Only 333 bodies of victims were ever recovered; many were found adrift over 100-miles away. Why did this tragic event happen to the largest and most modern ship of the day? Halifax, as the closest city to the disaster, received the bodies and became the “City of Mourning.” - UFO’s – Has earth been visited by intelligent life?
Since the dawn of mankind, humans have looked to the skies to explain our existence. Who really built the Pyramids? What about all the Unidentified Flying Objects seen by respected people? Even the Air Force examined sightings in Project Blue Book. Isn’t the Roswell, New Mexico incident proof? A look at the evidence leads us to our own conclusions. You decide. - Aviation – From Kites to the Space Shuttle
Since first observing birds, humans have sought to fly. From Greek mythology we learn of Icarus, his flight towards the sun and the resulting crash into the sea. In the 16th Century, Leonardo DaVinci sketched out a glider that might have flown. Aviation progressed from the propeller era through the jet era and into the aerospace realm. Man was no longer limited to terrestrial adventures. - Charles Darwin – The Evolutionist
Darwin is best known for his “survival of the fittest” theory, developed in the mid-1800’s. He traveled the world for five years as the Naturalist on the British ship, the Beagle. Its primary mission was to improve the maps being used by the Navy. “Transmutation,” as it was called then, was a radical concept counter to creationism. His theory that creatures were not each made at a specific time, but rather, they evolved to best suit their environment revolutionized biologic science. - Atlantis – The lost continent
Legend says that there was once a great civilization of artists, poets, philosophers and an idyllic culture. So great an area of land, that from her western shores their sailors journeyed to the South and North Americas with ease. To the East, Africa was a neighbor, across a short strait of sea miles. Atlantis eventually fell out of favor with the gods and submerged into the Atlantic Ocean. Take this journey to learn this mystery. - The Spanish Venture West – Thirst for Gold
The early Spanish explorers focused on taking gold from the natives in the Caribbean. To protect their claim to western North America, they first settled in Ensenada. They built 27 missions in Baja California prior to the 21 in the north. To head off Russian and English designs, they built presidios and missions in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Francisco. - The American Veteran: Duty, Honor, Country
The United States has honored its returning soldiers since the Civil War. Veterans are the backbone of the country. Today, to be eligible for Veterans benefits, a soldier must have completed two years of service or suffered a service related disability. Originally called “Armistice Day,” on November 11, we celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans. Many celebrities are veterans including: Elvis, Humphrey Bogart, Clint Eastwood and James Stewart. - The Legend of Santa Claus – Loved by all
Where did the story of Santa Claus originate? The tradition of the jolly old man dates back to the 4th century. How did he change into a portly bearded man with a hearty laugh and a red suit? Pagan influences provide much of the story. Be he called Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or just plain Santa, he is beloved by children (and adults!) worldwide. - The Caribbean and Spanish Explorers – First there gets the spoils
Columbus led the charge of Europeans to the new world. The Spanish came in full force in search of gold. While the Padres were busy converting the natives, the soldiers systematically decimated them. The Aztec, Mayans and Inca cultures had flourished for centuries but all fell to the sword and disease. White gold – Sugar cane was in high demand and was supported by the barbaric slave trade. - Route 66 – America’s Highway
For decades before the Interstates were built, Rt 66 was the way to get from Chicago to Los Angeles. When President Eisenhower directed that we would build a better road system to move Cold War military equipment across the land, Route 66 died. I-40 literally paved over most of it. Concerned citizens put it back on the “must do” list for fun loving car-people and the rest of us. The animated movie “CARS,” relives those days. “Take a ride on Rt 66.” - Rosie the Riveter – The Home Front
The United States entry into World War II placed huge demands on the “home front.” With men being called into combat, women filled many of the industrial jobs. Women and minorities found work in plants making aircraft, ships and weapons. The image of a woman doing hard-core “man’s” work motivated many to aid in the war effort. The National Park Service now honors them at the Rosie the Riveter/World War 2 Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA. - Carmel & Monterey – Pure bliss
The Monterey Peninsula holds a strong place in the history of California. In order to protect their holdings on the west coast, the Spanish built the Presidio at Monterey in 1771. Father (now saint) Junipero Serra built most of the 21 California Missions. Pebble Beach and the 17-mile drive through the Del Monte forest is a high point. The Monterey Aquarium is world renown. The deep Monterey Bay is a protected National Marine Sanctuary. - African Photo Safari – Tanzani, Nature Expedition
The Dark Continent is rapidly shrinking. Extinction of the grandest creatures on earth is happening before our eyes. There are about 500,000 elephants left – that’s a 50% decline in the last 35 years; they could become extinct within 10 years. 4,000 rhinos were killed for their horns in the last 5 years. Human impact is severely changing the planet. Tanzania is one of a few places where you can still marvel at rare Giraffes, Rhinos, Lions, Water buffalo and Hippos. - Los Angeles: More than Hollywood
LA conjures up images of urban sprawl and traffic, but it is a place that everyone must visit. Art, museums, beaches, TV and movie studios abound. The climate is superb – no winter coats needed. An intriguing Spanish history, oil and its love of the automobile has defined LA. But so has smog, drought and entertainment. Allow plenty of time to visit the sights. Stroll Hollywood Blvd and find your favorite star on the Walk of Fame. You can get a “bargain” outfit on Rodeo Drive. - San Francisco – Bagdad by the Bay
Consistently ranked in the top three favorite cities, “the City” was settled as a Spanish military presidio to counter Russian and British presence in the north. The population and business explosion came in the exciting gold rush era. The San Francisco Bay was a perfect natural harbor for the influx of argonauts and the export of their hard earned minerals. In the war years, San Francisco was the embarkation point for thousands of soldiers heading to the Pacific. - The History of the World – From the Big Bang to Humans
The Big Bang started it all; 14-Billion years ago. Our Solar System appeared 4.5 billion years ago, followed soon by life as single cells. It took oxygen and water to let life thrive with mammals appearing only 200 million years ago. Man’s time on earth is just a blink in the timeline. Learn how it all happened and what we are headed for – the 6th extinction. - Rock & Roll – A thumbnail history
Rock has been the symbol of Americana. Add classic cars, apple pie and baseball and you have what we are known for. Music has continued to evolve with each generation. Parents have always mocked each evolution as “de-evolution.” Jazz, ragtime, swing, country, and black ballads all gave way to hip wagging rock and roll. One could say it’s still around, fighting for air time with classic rock, heavy metal and hip hop. Let’s a look at the phenomenon. - The Gold Rush – The transformative event of California
A shiny piece of yellow was found by accident in a creek near Sacramento in 1848. Word got out and men by the thousands headed west to seek their fortune in the foothills of California. Only a few struck it rich, but so much gold was found, a state was created just 2 years later! San Francisco saw a population explosion that brought a free thinking attitude and a wildness that exists today. - The Renaissance – The rebirth of mankind
The period in history known as the Renaissance ran for three centuries and took the world from the dark ages into the “modern era.” Literature, art, culture, science, music, religion and inventions allowed civilization to expand beyond mere existence. Florence and Venice led Europe through this growth period. The word means “Rebirth” – a resurrection of man to a higher state. - The Canary Islands: They’re not named for the bird!
This Spanish volcano archipelago was a stopping point for Columbus on his first New World voyage. Born of lava, Mt. Teide is the world’s highest peak when measured from its base at the bottom of the ocean. Only 600 miles from Morocco, the Canaries boast a tropical climate. The island of Tenerife was the site of the worst air disaster in the history of aviation, in which 583 people were killed in the collision of two Boeing 747s in 1977. - Pirates: Caribbean Scoundrels
Piracy has existed for as long as the oceans have been sailed. Simplistically, it’s pure and simply robbery. It existed in antiquity. We know of Capt. Hook, Blackbeard and others. In the new millennium, Somali and Indonesian rubber rafts and small boats have been causing the most trouble. Oil tankers in the Gulf of Aden lose up to $3 billion per year. - The Space Age – The Final Frontier
Man has dreamed of leaving the earth since before the Chinese invented gunpowder as the stepping stone. We’ve now been beyond the edge of the solar system. But what exactly is “space” and where have we probed? How are private companies taking the load off of NASA? What is the future of the human race to go beyond our terrestrial home, back to the Moon, to Mars and beyond? - Antarctica – The bottom of the planet
The fabled 7th continent was a figment of imagination until sighted by brave sailors. It is surprisingly bigger than the USA. Earth (yes, dirt) lay beneath the expansive 2-mile thick glacier ice. During the summer, the ice shelf doubles in size. Brave names like Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton eventually brought man to the South Pole itself. - The Lesser Antilles – Pearls of the Caribbean
Formed by the movement of the South American tectonic plate into the Caribbean plate, these islands were first seen by Columbus. The sugar trade brought slavery with the British and French vying for control. Tourism is now the main economy with white sand beaches and turquoise water only disturbed by occasional hurricanes. - The Phantom of the Opera – Romance with a twist
A hideous man living below the Paris Opera House is obsessed with a beautiful young singer. The gripping story of the love that could grow between them; but their worlds are too far apart. A tale that will make you wonder why physical appearance is judged over character. Learn how it was made, the stars, the back-stories, and key scenes from the play. - The American Cowboy – Symbol of the USA
We grew up with the Saturday Western movie matinees. What was it really like? Glamour, adventure, campfire songs or just hard work? The mythology of the cowboy revolved around stories of Boot Hill, gunfights at corrals, bank robberies, a posse and Honky-tonk bars. These rugged men extended the frontier from the Missouri to the Pacific, all while atop their trusted horse. - Florida – Rockets, Gators and a Mouse
Disney World and retirement communities define Florida. The Kennedy Space Center launched man to the moon and will send us off to mars. Watch out if you play golf: alligators may be in a foursome behind you. Miami’s Art Deco District is the largest in the world. If you sail there, you’ll experience the world’s biggest cruise port. - The Black Experience – Centuries of Discrimination
African American oppression has roots in the Bible, when Noah’s son, Ham, was sent to the African area to spread the word. His punishment led to a hatred of blacks. Slavery in the USA for over 100 years was ended in 1865, but prejudice continued. The silent film “Birth of a Nation” kindled a new era of maltreatment – the Ku Klux Klan continued this manner of thinking. - New Zealand & Australia- Down under
Located half-way around the world, these two English speaking islands are rich in history and natural beauty. Majestic mountains and awe-inspiring bays define New Zealand, while unique fauna, such as Kangaroo and Koala are renowned. The indigenous Maori and Aborigines peoples provide a blend of cultures. - The Automobile – “Get a horse”
The first powered automobile was developed by Karl Benz in 1869. From those early beginnings, roads were paved and competition soared as coachbuilders strove to make fortunes. Henry Ford became the dominant force through his perfection of the assembly line. General Motors challenged Ford and overtook them. Car shows and advertising were perfected. The gas crisis hurt Detroit and Asians made compacts. Today? Electric is hot! - Ireland – The Land of Green
Ireland was part of the United Kingdom until their independence in 1922. Rich in history dating from the middle ages: 1,000-year-old castles and towers. Its soggy weather results in year-round green. Perhaps Leprechauns and 4-leaf clover helped them recover from the potato famine. High tech has aided in the retention of talented graduates. - Elon Musk – Modern Day Edison
Originally from South Africa, Elon became a classic entrepreneur, dropping out of Stanford to create PayPal. After selling it, he embarked on the development of solutions to many challenging projects. His electric car, Tesla, became the leader in this nascent market. He made SpaceX the go-to launch vehicle. Musk built underground tunnels to remove cars from crowded highways and launched the largest solar power provider. - Hawaii – The Land of Aloha
Discovered in 1878 by Capt. Cook, they were originally called the Sandwich Islands. The British asserted themselves and took control. Many died from the European diseases they caught. Most famous was the attack by Japan in 1941. This resulted in a long and bloody war. In 1959, they joined the union as our 50th state. Today, the islands are known for adventure vacations with water sports abounding. - The Chinese Experience – Part 1: China’s History
China grew from a number of tribes to become a large unified country. Constant invasions by Mongols led to the building of walls to keep them out. They developed many inventions – from gunpowder to kites and the compass. As centuries passed, China emerged from isolation and eventually embraced communism. In the new millennium, they have embraced a modernization program and gained worldwide respect. - The Chinese Experience – Part 2: Chinese in America
The Chinese first brought their centuries old culture and skills to America during the California Gold Rush. Proving to be hard-working, they took menial jobs to advance their lives. Chinese suffered discrimination, culminating in the Chinese Exclusion Act. Despite biased repression, they have progressed to become a critical part of America’s success. - The Roman Empire
One of the most colorful times in human history. A strong military enabled the Romans to create an empire from Spain to Egypt. Government evolved from a monarchy to a republic then to a dictatorship. Their invention of cement allowed them to construct arches, aqueducts, bridges and impressive buildings – of which still stand today. As often happens the empire dissolved due to infighting of its leadership. - Thailand – Buddhist Temples
Once known as Siam, this country in Southeast Asia has never been a colony of another country. Strict respect for the king is mandatory. The country as a whole is a strong center of Buddhism with many temples in every town. Bangkok is akin to an anthill with 90% of the country’s population living there. During the Vietnam War, the USA based B-52 bombers there. - Napa – Wine Country
It’s the climate. The consistent hot days and cool nights give it a more Mediterranean climate than the Med! The 30-mile Napa Valley is one of the most respected viticulture areas in the world. With over 400 wineries dotting the landscape, visitors can spend days tasting the offerings from famous names such as, Domaine Chandon, Mondavi, Krug, Beringer, Beaulieu, Inglenook and others. - World War 1 – The War to end all Wars
After the late 1800’s, European Empires were wanting to expand their reach. A strong spirit of nationalism led countries to test the will of others to stop them. Trench warfare was a disaster as the new machinegun mowed down thousands. Germany’s expansion was stopped, but millions died. The Versailles Treaty all but guaranteed they would rise up again. - New York City – The Big Apple
New York grew from being a humble Dutch settlement to become THE world’s center of finance, media, fashion, publishing and advertising. With more attractions than one could visit in weeks, the fast-paced city is the most photographed in the world. NYC has a rich and diverse culture in ethnicity, food and activities. - Bermuda – More than Sunny Beaches
Bermuda is a self-governing British overseas territory, known for its white sand beaches. In World War II, it played a role in the defense of the US. The island is a leading location for providing financial services for non-resident firms (tax haven). - The Bermuda Triangle – Is it real?
Bermuda lies at one point of the mythical “Bermuda Triangle.” Many say UFOs cause mysterious disappearances of ships and planes. Despite its appearance in books and science-fiction, scientists agree it is just an enduring legend. - Spies in the Sky – Satellites monitor the world
For decades, the US has flown top secret space-based cameras to monitor treaty compliance and intelligence gathering of the Soviet Union and other “denied areas.” The Cold War brought urgency to the operation of film-based satellites that contributed to peace.
