We Can't Even Think Of A Word That Rhymes!

There you have it, the greatest rock 'n roll lyric of all time, from Alice Cooper's School's Out.

Well we got no class
And we got no principles (ie: principals)
And we got no innocence
We can't even think of a word that rhymes!

For those of us who grew up during the rock 'n roll generation, My G-g-gg-eneration, that line symbolizes rock poking fun at itself, while saying "oh well" and moving ahead anyway. It's what Baby Boomers have become accustomed to, being the ultimate roll-with-the-punches generation. Somehow, we Keep On Truckin' even when we have economic woes, rest-of-the-world woes, White House woes, Summertime Blues, it really doesn't matter. We have always made things happen with a Shake, Rattle & Roll, and it's important for everyone to ROCK THE VOTE on Nov. 4th. Or earlier if possible. We'll make things happen again, hopefully change you can believe in.

Just this morning I was updating my blog profile, with favorite books, interests, movies and music, and Alice Cooper came to mind. Years ago my band was lucky enough to open for Alice at the Agora Ballroom in Columbus, OH. Good stuff then, good stuff now. Who would have thought that a guy with spider eyes would age so gracefully, as well as his music. I'm Eighteen will remain the timeless anthem of boys everywhere. If you have an interest in seeing my profile update, click the link at the bottom of the About The Cap'n area to your right. It may be possible that if you watch all those movies, read all those books, listen to the complete catalog of all those musical artists, and try all the activities mentioned, you too could become an interesting and vibrant dude like me. Just don't git yer hopes up too high. But enjoy the music and CRANK IT UP for heaven's sake!!

National Geographic just released it's annual list of top historic destinations that have preserved both history and scenery, while dealing with mass tourism and neglect in some cases. They had a panel of nearly 300 travel experts break down the globe, and select areas of interest and beauty. This History Preservationist List names the top vote-getter as Austria's "Wachau/Welk Abbey" monestary. It scored an 88 on whatever kind of sliding scale they invented for this. A very surprising 2nd place went to Canada's Rideau Canal area (between Watertown NY and Ottawa, Ontario). That's basically a slightly-hilly, mostly-flatland area I've been to fishing myself for nearly 30 years. I can testify it is a fine destination for a laid-back getaway, whether for families, couples or individuals looking to relax and catch some sweet sport fish (while experiencing the lakes and historic locks along the Canal zone). Charleston, SC made the list with a 77 score, edging out the historic areas of Edinburgh, Scotland and Australia's Sydney Harbor. The former Russian community of Sitka, Alaska made the cut (which you can visit on numerous Alaska cruises), as did the area of Ontario just above Niagara Falls called Niagara-On-The-Lake. That's beautiful farmland area with access to the Falls, less than 2 hours from Toronto, and it's also a booming winemaking area. Telluride Colorado made the list too, so if you haven't been skiing in a while and want to see a higly-rated historic area with great powder snow, that would make a great change-of-pace choice. Istanbul Turkey and Olympia Greece represented the ancient historic areas, while Munich Germany and historic Philadephia PA offered a more modern historic viewpoint. Any time you're looking to travel, whether for history, culture, nightlife, food, beaches or just plain fun we have the knowledge and can provide lots of options for you. I specialize in leisure travel, but if there are areas of the world I'm not as familiar with, I can recommend other experienced agents to help you with travel plans.

There's a phenomenon affecting an estimated one million Japanese people, nearly all of whom are male. They suffer from an anti-social behavioral funk called "Hikikomori", where they confine themselves inside a structure (typically, a bedroom in their parents' home) for months at a time without live human interaction. No one has been able to pinpoint the exact cause of this malady, nor has anyone provided a workable cure at this point. In July, Japanese software company Avex produced a video, in an attempt to help the people suffering from this debilitating effect. The video features a series of young women staring into the lens, occasionally saying "Good morning," so that Hikikomori sufferers can practice feeling the gaze of strangers. How that's supposed to simulate the real world is beyond me, Mates. I'm thinking maybe they should create a video of a guy with Hikikomori, who walks outside his house and immediately gets a big kiss from a beautiful woman, is handed the keys to a brand new car, and given bagloads of money just for walking outside. Yes that's unlikely to happen and is basically a lie, but it sure sounds like a better movie than that "Good morning" nonsense. Maybe they should start cooking their fish...the invention of fire has made for some good eats for quite a few centuries now....