StringGrrl sees the World

From our recent trip to Cedar Point StringGirl gets ready for her first roller coaster ride on board the Gemini!

The Raptor greets guests as soon as they enter On the shores of Lake Erie, lies what many think is the best amusement park in the US. While many might assume the title belongs to the Disney Empire, Cedar Point is the home of the best roller coasters in the world. The Iron Dragon sweeps in over the pond Without relying on the gimmickry of name brand movies and major character contracts titles, Cedar Point rides rely on masterful design and execution of roller coaster to maintain its place in the hearts and minds of the worlds coaster enthusiasts. In fact the American Coaster Enthusiasts were at Cedar Point that weekend when they placed a marker commemorating the work of Roller Coaster designer Ron Toomer , who was responsible for the landmark rides the Mine Ride, the Corkscrew, Gemini, and Iron Dragon. As well as the Magnum XL-200 which was one of the first coasters to break the 200 foot height barrier. The Mean Streak in the background ...

StringGirl made her way over to Livonia for the "Great Designs in Steel" conference along with the Self-proclaimed-die-expert. At the conference she learned more than most imaginary characters will ever know about High strength steel and it's impact on design, manufacture and performance. Presentations on the Chevy Sonic illustrated how HSS and AHSS are taking new vehicles to unparalleled performance in crash and structural integrity of cars. She saw how Ford is using hydroforming of HSS to reinvent vehicle architecture and safety. Other presentations demonstrated how safer vehicles is making the job of emergency first responders more difficult. As HSS and AHSS content make crash intrusion more avoidable, passenger extrication is made near impossible for many fire departments. There is little support for the emergency responders  in their job if they find a victim trapped in a late model vehicle built from these advanced materials. It proved a very enlightening day on ...

The Detroit Film Theatre is a great venue for this Live performance Motown 1962: America is still far from integrated. Just about everything in the US is produced "separate but equal", but on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit a small black owned record label had the audacity to bring 5 girls from Inkster Michigan into the living rooms and dance halls of America. "Now that I can Dance" is the true stroy of the Marvellettes as told by Katherine "Kat" Anderson one of the founding members who dropped out of high school to pursue a recording career with Motown. A perfect story line for this youth theater company to perform. many of Mosaics principals are themselves the samd age as those girls who helped kickstart the Motown parade of stars. One fact learned during the show is that the Marvellettes posted Motown's first ever Pop charts No. 1 song. EVER! Mosaic young artist prepare to support the cast by volunteering behind the scenes More than ju...

StringGirl brings Amber to lunch at Frau Urban's place in Pfaffenhofen. Frau Urban of the Urbanus Brewing family serves lunch daily in her Brauhaus restaurant. Frau Urbans Brauhaus is located in the Hauptplatz just across from the fountains you can see in the left background of this shot. This view is from the Rathaus toward the meeting house. Hotel Mullerbrau is to the right and Frau Urbans is to the left.  Chief cook, Bartender, and bottle washer. Frau Urban greets everybody (including the "Deine  Amerikaner Freund") offers them their beverage and takes their order. Usually some meat with potato as you expect in Germany. Spatzle, Knoedle, Kartoffel with Saurbraten, Rindbraten or something of the like is what to expect here.  The Self-Proclaimed-Die-Expert and Otto prepare for another homecooked meal from Frau Urban.  Frau Urban runs the restaurant on her own. Of all the times I have been here have never seen anybody else assisting her or working in t...

Dining in Zurich offers potentially endless opportunities for ethnic food. While here I have had great Chinese, Thai, Turkish, Nepalese, Japanese, Italian, and many others. But till now had not had vietnamese. Vietnamese food for those who have not ventured is one of the freshest and tastiest of the asian genre available. Featuring rice noodles and fresh cool vegetables and spices, it is simultaneously hearty but light. Of our favorites are Pho Tai and Bun Bo. Todays order was Bun Bo Cha Giao. A noodle salad built on a base of rice noodle vermicelli fresh mint, cilantro, cucumber and sprouts. Top it with grilled beef and fresh fried spring rolls and season with a vinagrette of chilis and fish sauce. A great spring/summer meal.  Accompany with iced vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk. Cafe Nhan in the Schmeide Weidikon district has outdoor seating among asian Maples and bamboo. At roughly 25 CHF per bowl it is pricey when compared to Vietnamese restaurants in the US b...

Amber and StringGirl paid a visit to the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor . One of the largest sports venues in the world Michigan Stadium can sit over 100,000 fans (109,901 for regular football games and 114,000 for other events). From the Stadium Club level- Field being prepared for Commencement A near religious event for some a Visit to the "Big House" is truly awe inspiring for even the most jaded Wolverine-hater. If you view the stadium from street level, you are looking only at the tip of the iceberg. As most of the stadium lies below the level of State Street. Walk into the stadium and it spills down beneath your feet for a vertigo inducing thrill. View Larger Map Inside the Club level of the stadium The club level gives the privileged few a panoramic view of the multitudes that gather on game day to sit in the bleachers and cheer for (or against) the Michigan Wolverines. Completing our tour we got to head down to the locker room as well ...