"African black-footed penguins" Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa 2009Photo by Jenn Ballard
Happy Fathers' Day
to all the dads out there who help make their kids' dreams come true
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
On the road again....Part II
Continuing my trip from the previous posting, I woke up on the morning of June 13, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. I headed south out of music city, and, egged-on by the famous "See Rock City" signs every half mile or so, I decided that it would be a good day to make a couple of detours.
First, I stopped at the University of the South, affectionately known as Sewanee. Technically, I believe Sewanee is the name of the town, but having driven around, I can testify that it's hard to tell where the town stops and the college starts. Not that it matters...they're both very beautiful and more closely resemble an old fashion summer camp in the mountains than an institution of higher learning. (If you ever wondered where they got ideas for Hogwarts...I may have found the answer.)
You might be curious why a person would want to visit a university where they don't know anyone. The reason I wanted to make this stop is because the University of the South was famous among my friends and I in high school. We were curious about the rumor that the honors students still wear academic robes to class. Since it was summer break, I did not get to witness the robed masses for myself, and their website keeps its secrets. The truth behind this rumor is still a mystery, but I got some great pictures, please enjoy. http://www.sewanee.edu/
Next, I hit the road again very briefly before taking another detour to Lookout Mountain. This historic landmark is the home of world famous Americana tourist stop: Rock City. This lovely little mountain side amusement park was opened to public in 1932. It advertised by painting the simple slogan "see rock city" on barns across the state. That image, and the place itself, have become legend. If you've never been there, I suggestion you "See Rock City" at least once in your life. http://www.seerockcity.com/
Finally, I got back on the road, promising to keep moving this time. I rolled into Atlanta not too long after that and was quickly reminded why I hate driving in any city that requires six to seven lanes of interstate traffic at a time. I did get cut off by a real life, bonafide Lotus. I had a momentary flashback to the movie "Pretty Woman," but once I confirmed that neither Richard Gere nor Julia Roberts (Circa 1990) were driving, I was forced to honk and move on with my life in bitter disappointment.
I arrived in Athens, Georgia just as my nerves where wearing thin. I found the house where I will be staying and settled in for the next three weeks of training....ah the life of a student. Wish me luck!
First, I stopped at the University of the South, affectionately known as Sewanee. Technically, I believe Sewanee is the name of the town, but having driven around, I can testify that it's hard to tell where the town stops and the college starts. Not that it matters...they're both very beautiful and more closely resemble an old fashion summer camp in the mountains than an institution of higher learning. (If you ever wondered where they got ideas for Hogwarts...I may have found the answer.)
You might be curious why a person would want to visit a university where they don't know anyone. The reason I wanted to make this stop is because the University of the South was famous among my friends and I in high school. We were curious about the rumor that the honors students still wear academic robes to class. Since it was summer break, I did not get to witness the robed masses for myself, and their website keeps its secrets. The truth behind this rumor is still a mystery, but I got some great pictures, please enjoy. http://www.sewanee.edu/
"University of the South" Sewanee, Tennessee
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Next, I hit the road again very briefly before taking another detour to Lookout Mountain. This historic landmark is the home of world famous Americana tourist stop: Rock City. This lovely little mountain side amusement park was opened to public in 1932. It advertised by painting the simple slogan "see rock city" on barns across the state. That image, and the place itself, have become legend. If you've never been there, I suggestion you "See Rock City" at least once in your life. http://www.seerockcity.com/
"See Rock City" Chattanooga, Tennessee
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Finally, I got back on the road, promising to keep moving this time. I rolled into Atlanta not too long after that and was quickly reminded why I hate driving in any city that requires six to seven lanes of interstate traffic at a time. I did get cut off by a real life, bonafide Lotus. I had a momentary flashback to the movie "Pretty Woman," but once I confirmed that neither Richard Gere nor Julia Roberts (Circa 1990) were driving, I was forced to honk and move on with my life in bitter disappointment.
I arrived in Athens, Georgia just as my nerves where wearing thin. I found the house where I will be staying and settled in for the next three weeks of training....ah the life of a student. Wish me luck!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
On the road again....Part I
I started this blog to discuss topics rather than myself. However, for the duration of the summer my whereabouts will be periodically mysterious and my lifestyle somewhat nomadic. In honor of this rare scholastic fermata, I'm planning to actually write about myself and my various adventures (hope I don't bore you to tears). Consider it an ode to the all-American road trip.
I started on Saturday, June 12, 2010, leaving America's heartland just after a trip to the farmer's market, a quick lunch, and some frantic searching for misplaced odds and ends. I headed east toward the big STL. I made it through a small patch of lightening laden rain to "enjoy" the remaining 5 hours of my 7 hour drive in a hot, muggy fog of ickiness. I crossed over into Illinois before continuing on a more southerly course. Let me summarize Illinois for you...corn! I did pass the turn off for Cahokia Mounds, one of only twenty world heritage sites in North America. The civilization that built the mounds between 700 and 1400 A.D. represented the largest, most sophisticated pre-settlement culture on the continent north of present day Mexico. I had the pleasure of visiting this spot last spring, and if you've never been there, I highly recommend it (http://cahokiamounds.org/).
I passed into Kentucky around the time "A Prairie Home Companion" came on the radio. It seemed somehow fitting to listen to the bluegrass music as I headed south, Nashville bound. This radio program, if you haven't heard it, is a reproduction of sorts. It was started in 1974 and continues to this day as a live radio broadcast, produced in the style of an old fashioned variety show. You can find it on your local NPR station on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Check out: http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/
I rolled across the state line and into music city as the sun went down. I quickly cleaned up and was taken out on the town by my newly acquired cousin-in-law. She showed my Music Row, Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, and a great little local restaurant called "South Street" (http://www.pansouth.net/southstreet/index.php). It's apparently known for its oysters and the tree that it's built around. The atmosphere was funky and the food was tasty...totally worthy of a repeat. I had some terrific onion rings and a seafood steam pot. We had a couple drinks after that...nothing fancy. I went to bed and got up the next day ready to continue my travels....I could tell you about them now, but where's the suspense in that???
Pictures to come...
I started on Saturday, June 12, 2010, leaving America's heartland just after a trip to the farmer's market, a quick lunch, and some frantic searching for misplaced odds and ends. I headed east toward the big STL. I made it through a small patch of lightening laden rain to "enjoy" the remaining 5 hours of my 7 hour drive in a hot, muggy fog of ickiness. I crossed over into Illinois before continuing on a more southerly course. Let me summarize Illinois for you...corn! I did pass the turn off for Cahokia Mounds, one of only twenty world heritage sites in North America. The civilization that built the mounds between 700 and 1400 A.D. represented the largest, most sophisticated pre-settlement culture on the continent north of present day Mexico. I had the pleasure of visiting this spot last spring, and if you've never been there, I highly recommend it (http://cahokiamounds.org/).
I passed into Kentucky around the time "A Prairie Home Companion" came on the radio. It seemed somehow fitting to listen to the bluegrass music as I headed south, Nashville bound. This radio program, if you haven't heard it, is a reproduction of sorts. It was started in 1974 and continues to this day as a live radio broadcast, produced in the style of an old fashioned variety show. You can find it on your local NPR station on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Check out: http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/
I rolled across the state line and into music city as the sun went down. I quickly cleaned up and was taken out on the town by my newly acquired cousin-in-law. She showed my Music Row, Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, and a great little local restaurant called "South Street" (http://www.pansouth.net/southstreet/index.php). It's apparently known for its oysters and the tree that it's built around. The atmosphere was funky and the food was tasty...totally worthy of a repeat. I had some terrific onion rings and a seafood steam pot. We had a couple drinks after that...nothing fancy. I went to bed and got up the next day ready to continue my travels....I could tell you about them now, but where's the suspense in that???
Pictures to come...
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
"Osage River" Photo by Jenn Ballard
Happy Mothers' Day to my mom and all the great moms out there!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Hippie Holidays
I like to tell people that I'm really just a hippie in disguise, but these days, the definition of this label leaves much room for interpretation. In days gone by, hippies were young people speaking out against war, racism, and other social issues with music, art, and yes, more than a few mind altering drugs. They weren't really the kind of people to like any labels come to think of it. Did I mention the sex? Moving on. In today's society the definition of "hippie" depends entirely on who's using it. People of all ages use the word in a positive fashion to describe themselves or others as being generally free spirited, artistic, and culturally sensitive. Others use it to describe those who are generally liberal (and frequently democrat) in a tit for tat of politico name calling. This more derogatory use primarily serves to prevent exhaustion of the phrases "left wing nut" or "tree hugger." After all, over use of these latter phrases might lead to mind-numbing monotony, and that would really be a shame. It is, however, the fact that this term has become synonymous with a certain level of environmental awareness that has caused me to dub two of my favorite demi-holidays as "hippie holidays."
Earth Day and Arbor Day have both come and gone in the last few weeks. They were surely celebrated by some and completely ignored by others, the latter being a real shame as environmental issues need our attention at this time more than any other in the history of mankind.
Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to inspire environmental awareness and education...education being his key point. In its founding year, the event was organized as an environmental "teach-in" similar to those being held regarding the Vietnam War. His idea came when he witnessed the devastation left by a 1969 oil spill (a theme that should hit close to home for all of us right now!!!) Originally, it was only celebrated in the US, but in the 1990's, it officially went international. At present, it is celebrated around the world in various ways every April 22. The spirit of Earth Day is sustained year around, as well as considerable global planning, by the Earth Day Network. From their website, the Network appears to be an advocacy group with a multifaceted agenda, but I'll confess I don't know anything else about the nature of their work. They likely do wonderful things, but I always urge caution when aligning one's self with an NGO of unknown origin. Some have terrific sounding names and kooky agendas (cough*PETA*cough). I'm not at all trying to imply that this is the case here; it's just a disclaimer.
Arbor Day, on the other hand, has a much older history. Founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, the primary objective was to encourage pioneers to plant trees on the previously shadeless Nebraska landscape. Since that time, the holiday has taken on a new importance due to the mass clearing of trees globally and the deterioration of worldwide air quality. This holiday is celebrated in multiple countries around the world, but on different days because of the variability in appropriate planting seasons. In the US, the holiday is usually the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day Foundation was started in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the holiday. It's goal is to "encourage people to plant, celebrate, and nurture trees." Two of the big platforms listed on their website are urban tree planting and rain forest loss. The Foundation is one of the world's largest nonprofits and assists in the planting of over 10 million trees annually (with the assistance of numerous federal and state foresters). Since I know a little more about this organization, I feel comfortable openly giving my support. Check out http://www.arborday.org/ (and It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown for a real treat!)
Many of you will read this blog and say that our world has bigger problems than losing a few trees...hunger, disease, war, and perhaps you are right. However, I appeal to you with this thought: less than 1% of the water on planet earth is able to be cleaned and consumed. Our global society is currently using that water at an unsustainable rate. Many people have predicted that future wars will be fought over both food and water, and if you look at the agricultural industry in our western United States, you will realize that this war has already begun. Our planet is a closed ecosystem, and we cannot rely on technology to make for us what simply does not exist. We must conserve and protect that which is necessary for life. You may say our world has bigger problems. You may say that environmentalism is a luxury, but I ask you this: if not now, when?
With that in mind, I leave you with this one request: plant a tree, turn off a light, recycle a can, or simply mark your calendars for April 22, 2011 (Earth Day) and April 29, 2011 (Arbor Day). Anywhere is a good place to start!
Earth Day and Arbor Day have both come and gone in the last few weeks. They were surely celebrated by some and completely ignored by others, the latter being a real shame as environmental issues need our attention at this time more than any other in the history of mankind.
Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to inspire environmental awareness and education...education being his key point. In its founding year, the event was organized as an environmental "teach-in" similar to those being held regarding the Vietnam War. His idea came when he witnessed the devastation left by a 1969 oil spill (a theme that should hit close to home for all of us right now!!!) Originally, it was only celebrated in the US, but in the 1990's, it officially went international. At present, it is celebrated around the world in various ways every April 22. The spirit of Earth Day is sustained year around, as well as considerable global planning, by the Earth Day Network. From their website, the Network appears to be an advocacy group with a multifaceted agenda, but I'll confess I don't know anything else about the nature of their work. They likely do wonderful things, but I always urge caution when aligning one's self with an NGO of unknown origin. Some have terrific sounding names and kooky agendas (cough*PETA*cough). I'm not at all trying to imply that this is the case here; it's just a disclaimer.
Arbor Day, on the other hand, has a much older history. Founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, the primary objective was to encourage pioneers to plant trees on the previously shadeless Nebraska landscape. Since that time, the holiday has taken on a new importance due to the mass clearing of trees globally and the deterioration of worldwide air quality. This holiday is celebrated in multiple countries around the world, but on different days because of the variability in appropriate planting seasons. In the US, the holiday is usually the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day Foundation was started in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the holiday. It's goal is to "encourage people to plant, celebrate, and nurture trees." Two of the big platforms listed on their website are urban tree planting and rain forest loss. The Foundation is one of the world's largest nonprofits and assists in the planting of over 10 million trees annually (with the assistance of numerous federal and state foresters). Since I know a little more about this organization, I feel comfortable openly giving my support. Check out http://www.arborday.org/ (and It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown for a real treat!)
Many of you will read this blog and say that our world has bigger problems than losing a few trees...hunger, disease, war, and perhaps you are right. However, I appeal to you with this thought: less than 1% of the water on planet earth is able to be cleaned and consumed. Our global society is currently using that water at an unsustainable rate. Many people have predicted that future wars will be fought over both food and water, and if you look at the agricultural industry in our western United States, you will realize that this war has already begun. Our planet is a closed ecosystem, and we cannot rely on technology to make for us what simply does not exist. We must conserve and protect that which is necessary for life. You may say our world has bigger problems. You may say that environmentalism is a luxury, but I ask you this: if not now, when?
With that in mind, I leave you with this one request: plant a tree, turn off a light, recycle a can, or simply mark your calendars for April 22, 2011 (Earth Day) and April 29, 2011 (Arbor Day). Anywhere is a good place to start!
"Wild Sweet William" Taken at Rock Bridge State Park
Photo by Jenn Ballard
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