Mammoth Cave to Rocky Mountain NP

Mammoth Cave, KY - Camped for two nights. Went roller blading. Abe compared me to an airplane when making my turns. I do not know how to stop but I have mastered a "California stop" which translates into slowing down - looking both ways - and proceeding with some caution and/or expecting others to stop. When temps reached 105 we packed it into a motel. B & I enjoyed margaritas and Mexican food. Later, a dip in the pool. It was empty for a few minutes until three awesome kids joined us - Genesis, Journey and Anthony. They climbed and clamored over us jockeying for position to jump off of our shoulders. Within moments there must have been 20 other kids leaping into the pool. Well, it only took a few seconds to imagine how much urine was building up in the pool so, we opted out.

Later we met a three-pack of hungry cats. One in particular - B referred to as Little Bit and I referred to as Little Little - was emaciated. We fed these cats while there and donated food to the motel before leaving. The manager and cleaning lady feed them daily. Hopefully they survive and find some quality of life. Turns out there were about a dozen cats there. Very sad.

Hit the road for Colorado. Took some crazy driving videos. Lots of singing to tunes and dancing in our seats UNTIL... Kansas! BORING! The same old, same old for endless hours. UNTIL...  Colorado! Stayed overnight in Denver with B's friends. Awesome people(s) and simply a good time. Next morning, Boulder for a quick trip to Dot's Diner. I had to revisit for their biscuits. Once it was a hole in the wall at a gas station. Now, it seems to be a small chain operation.

Glacier Basin - camping for 8 or 9 nights and the best sleeping I've had this entire trip thus far.

Lots of elk!!! A total of 25 black bears in the park lands and an even lower number of mountain lions. Sadly, grizzlies and wolves are non-existent these days. They were once predators but due to their disappearance, elk have bred to overpopulation and are wreaking havoc. Additionally, they no longer migrate in winter and eat willows all year long stripping the area of this food for beavers and other wildlife. The NPS has installed several elk fences to prevent them from eating the willows allowing openings near the ground for beavers, coyotes and other small animals to retain access. Their hopes, elk will migrate again. Also, they are using birth control - collaring elk to reduce the numbers. They cannot reintroduce wolves and grizzlies to these parts due to the surrounding cities of Denver and Boulder, etc. because of the obvious - the park is not as large as Yellowstone and bears and wolves know no boundaries. Hence, a two-way danger.

Tomorrow is either a day of hiking, rafting or kayaking. Hmmm. Possibly a combination if there's enough time. Off to try to squeeze in a short hike tonight after I finish uploading more pics and drafting this note.

Oh! As far as work on this trip is concerned - the stories are coming in and are very interesting. BUT - I really want to get some rock climbing and hardcore backwoods stories. Need some locals to come out and submit their tales.

Next up - Moab (Arches National Park). 

Writing History On Mother's Day

The Honeymooners, the birth control pill, and Mother’s Day – sounds like the opening line to a bad joke but all three have at least one definitive thing in common - May 9th.  

On May 9th 1971 The Honeymmooners aired its final episode – a rebroadcast episode by Jackie Gleason.  Who can forget The Honeymooners with characters, Ralph and Alice Kramden and Ed and Trixie Norton, establishing some of the finer comedic moments in U.S. Television history with fabulous dialogue such as “One of these days – POW!  Right in the kisser! and... One of these days Alice, straight to the Moon!"

Also on this day - May 9th 1960 - the FDA approved the sale of the ever-controversial birth control pill.  To this day the battle wages between the sexes, the churches, and the government.

Mothers Day stands apart from these other two historical aspects as the date fluctuates yearly.  Celebrated the second Sunday in May, this year – in 2010 – the second Sunday happens to fall on May 9th.  While your own mother may not make history in the grandeur sense – she is one of the founding partners of your existence and perhaps as a result you’ll remember her with flowers, brunch, The Honeymooners box set, or some other gift of appreciation.  What memory will you create for your mother this Mother's Day, May 9th 2010?  

Image by Classic TV Moments

Copyright © 2010 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News

1800flowers VS. Valentines Day

I'm not a hopeless romantic but suddenly the idea of the Twilight series and 1800flowers joining forces is almost too tempting for even me to resist.  Suddenly, without mercy, Valentines Day is knocking at my door, chomping at the bit, biting at my neck, draining me dry, kicking, screaming, clawing, scraping - apply whatever cliche - it all effects one rapidly beating heart.  And, seeing how MSNBC recently singled out 1800flowers for their greater pricing transparency and more honest pricing polices than their competition - if you're thirsting for blood-red long stem roses, perhaps some chocolates, a couple of movies and the very sexy, penetrating stare of one young, handsome vampire - than you won't want to miss Twilight flowers DVD offer.  Of course, if you're in a relationship, you may want to make sure your significant other is not the jealous type - or he has the wherewithal to transform himself into your very own personal, soul-quenching vampire!

image by stock.xchange

Copyright © 2010 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News

A Rose By Any Other Name

Shall I compare thee to a summers day?  Thou art more lovely and more temperate.  William Shakespeare

Love can be insanely wonderful, joyous, with cause to celebrate - oozing out of your pores and touching all who come in contact with you.  You emit a warmth or sour taste to them depending upon whether they too are in love, they love love, or if they have been shunned by love, or they are simply out of practice in love.  Love can be rueful, full of heartache and tears when not met with it's reflection.  But, when it IS - it is magical.

Regardless of your state of love, flowers have the medicinal powers to increase or ease the sensations present.  Valentine's Day is a very good excuse to give flowers to someone you care about - even if that someone is yourself!  Look love in the eye today!  Your own reflection is love - the love you send and receive to yourself or others.  Why wait until February 14th?  Celebrate love today and everyday!

Copyright © 2010 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News

Parco San Marco - Star Studded Resort

With the entire buzz surrounding the Golden Globes and contenders like George Clooney aiding Haiti in relief efforts, it may be difficult to imagine taking a vacation right now.  However, if you are considering taking one, a Lake Lugano Vacation is worth contemplating.  And, who knows, you may very well run into one A.K.A. George Clooney, since he has a second home in the surrounding area.


This Spa Hotel in Italy rates as one of the top 10 beach resorts in Switzerland and one of the top 50 SPA resorts in Europe.  Beaches, pools, wellness spas, playgrounds, incredible vistas, and Lake Como Golf course located within 10 miles of the hotel translates into - pack your bags.  It's time to fly "Up In the Air" and treat yourself and your family to a fun-filled adventure or a peaceful break from work, news, celebrity gossip, and all things understood to be, "the norm."


Copyright © 2010 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News
Photo by greatestlife.com

Hailing A Cab In NYC With Amos Tamam

If you’ve ever been to NYC you might think for a moment that the taxicab is the state bird, like the Subaru is to the state of Vermont.  Amos Tamam is giving this bird new 'wings’!

Amos Tamam is responsible for your now having the option of paying for your cab fare with a credit card.  No more digging deep in your pockets or wallet for dollar bills and quarters while trying to exit the vehicle quickly.  This is a two-fold success for both you and the cab driver.  The driver has less money on him or her, thereby reducing the risk of robbery, and you don’t have the contents of your wallet spilling out all over the backseat while rushing to get wherever it is you’re going – the theatre, a restaurant, endless possibilities in NYC.

Amos Tamam trained as an electrical engineer at Tel Aviv University.  Upon arriving in NYC back in the 1980’s, he began servicing taxicabs in a fleet garage.  Today, he is the CEO of Verifone Transportation Systems, Inc. responsible for making your taxicab journey more of a sightseeing opportunity and less of a chaotic exchange of monies.  

photo by weblo.com

Copyright © 2009 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News

Did you hear the one about Andrew Wilshire?

There is something to be said for a man who puts his money where his mouth is.  Andrew Wilshire is one such man.  As an entrepreneur he continuously looks for ways to expand business.  However, there is more to Andrew Wilshire than meets the eye.  He is also a man who seeks ways in which to give back to society, to give to charities, to connect other like-minded business people in doing the same, in an effort to build a brighter, more sustainable future.  Blue Goose News is the latest business venture developed by Andrew Wilshire. It is “a combination social network and comprehensive news and interaction tool.”  Subscribers have the ability to interconnect and align themselves with one another, customize their news and social network, and donate funds to specific causes while supporting loggers of their choice.  Andrew Wilshire epitomizes pro-active development “one community at a time.”

Copyright © 2009 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News