World Footprints

BOOK CLUB REVIEW: The Long Ride & Children’s book club

World Footprints brings back the story of "The Long Ride" and our first children's book club review. In an effort to raise awareness about the plight of the rainforest author Lucian Spataro Jr. set off on a cross-country journey by horseback. He shares his journey in his photo journal book "The Long Ride." In our first children's book club we learned about the mis-adventures of a kid named Samuel in Lynn Glaze's book "Samuel Sails 'Round the Horn." We even received a history lesson about the Gold Rush.

New Orleans’ French Quarter Festival 2010 - Hour 1

World Footprints Radio officially launched its new brand during a special 2-hour broadcast in New Orleans during French Quarter Festival 2010. During this first hour, we are happy to reintroduce you to Mary Beth Romig, VP of the French Quarter Festival and a member of the Landrieu transition team. Then, Who Dat!! You’ll meet the Voice of the New Orleans Saints: broadcast legend and father to Mary Beth, Jerry Romig. There’s a lot of new developments in the Crescent City and Kelly Schultz from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau will give us the inside scoop. Finally, you’ll hear from a long-time resident (and long-lost cousin of Tonya’s) about the hidden treasures around the City and Kacey Hill from The National WWII Museum stops by to talk about the new attractions at the museum.

SPECIAL: Remembering 9 11 - Over a decade later

September 11, 2001 is a date that touches every American from coast to coast and citizens from around the world; each recalling memories of a fateful day that placed thousands at the center of a terror attack. The personal stories that emerged from Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 bring to light the men and women whose courage and resilience have shown how humanity will always overcome fear. Today World Footprints commemorates the anniversary of the terrifying attack that changed the world and brought heroes to the front-line. You will hear from survivors their first-hand account of the events as they experienced them. You will also hear from individuals who selflessly put their own lives at risk to rescue others. We will also share our own memories for the first time. We will always be united in memory! Click HERE to see our video from within the Pentagon and our visit to the Pentagon Memorial. Guests include:
Colonel Jeffrey B. Cashman, US Air Force: On September 11, 2001, then Major Cashman was one of the first US military pilots nationwide to take to the air on a domestic armed combat air patrol.
William Layer, US Army National Guard: Was in his Pentagon Office in the D Ring (river side) at the time of the attack. Assisted in evacuation.
Nicole B. Simpson: Worked on the 73rd floor in Tower II at the World Trade Center. She assisted in the evacuation of her staff. Nicole is a supporter of survivors and advocated on behalf of mental and financial assistance for the many individuals who are still affected by the events of 9/11. Note: During the month of September, Nicole is donating a portion of the profits from her book 9/11/01: A Long Road Toward Recovery to "Tuesday's Children"
Geof Morin, American Bible Society: Geof was in Pennsylvania on the day of the attack. He joined World Footprints to share how the American Bible Society was a first-responder of a different kind. The organization immediately sought to provide comfort and hope and created a small pamplet of scriptures that encouraged strength.
Lauren Manning: When a wall of flame at the World Trade Center burned more than 80 percent of her body, Lauren began a journey of survival and rebirth that tested her almost beyond human endurance. Lauren's story is detailed in her book Unmeasured Strength.
JC Hayward, Anchor, WUSA 9 (CBS Affiliate in Washington, DC): JC was in Santa Monica, CA at the time of the attacks. Just two days prior, she had flown on American Airlines Flt. 77. JC shares her perspective from a journalist's viewpoint and her observations and introspections.
Don Diamont, Actor: A native New Yorker but based in Los Angeles, Don sought to learn the whereabouts of his family. His story is an example of how 9/11 impacted everyone from coast to coast.
Vincent Kam, Pentagon survivor (not pictured)

New Orleans’ French Quarter Festival 2011 - Hour 1

World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this broadcast we'll introduce you to All-Star musicians, Trumpeter Connie Jones and Clarinet player Tim Laughlin. Connie & Tim grace the cover of this year's French Quarter Festival poster. We’ll also hear from French Quarter Festival Executive Director, Marci Schramm, about the newest attractions that visitors will experience this year. As we all know, New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise and there is a new restaurant in town called Sylvain. We’ll have a chance to talk with the proprietor Sean McCusker about some of his hottest recipes and unique cocktail menu. In keeping the food theme going we’ll enjoy a conversation with Liz Williams from the Southern Food and Wine Museum.

Exploring the world of chocolate travel

Doreen Pendgracs, publisher of Chocolatour, takes us on an exploration of chocolate travel around the globe on her quest to discover the world's best chocolate. Has she discovered the "world's best chocoloate"? Have a listen and hear for yourself.

Exploring Hakone Gardens, chocolate travel, sustainable California wines and Lansing, Michigan

At 100+ years old, Hakone Gardens is a National Trust and one of the oldest Japanese estate and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. In honor of its centennial, Hakone is celebrating its beginning and lasting endurance with multi-year events and activities. Historian and Hakone Foundation Board Member, Connie Young-Yu, shares the richness and history of this oasis that sits on the edge of Silicon Valley.
Travel magazines and publications dedicated to wine enthusiasts frequently share their picks for the best wine destinations in the coming year. But what about other guilty pleasures like chocolate? According to travel writer and Chocolatour publisher, Doreen Pendgracs, chocolate travel and tourism is emerging as a culinary trend.
Speaking of wine...California has been a leader in developing and implementing sustainable programs in a number of industries, but most prominently in its winemaking practices. Allison Jordan with California's Wine Institute takes us on an excursion through the state's famous winegrowing regions and she offers the backstory behind their earth-friendly practices.
Lansing, Michigan has blossomed into a dynamic cultural center and the city has grown far beyond the small plot of land that European explorer Hugh Heward discovered while canoeing down the Grand River in 1790. Lori Lanspeary from the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau tells us why Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is much more than a college town.
Finally, we'll shine a destination spotlight on the Dominican Republic and Cabo San Lucas from the floor of the Adventure Travel Show in Washington, D.C.

Best of Ireland, Portraits from Cuba, Exploring Mid-Michigan

Nialls Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, will take us on a historical journey through the Emerald Isles. Niall will introduce some of Ireland's lesser known stories, including the country's ancient monastic history and language heritage.
For Americans, the island of Cuba has been the forbidden fruit that many have desired to taste. Some Americans have risked the threat of jail and others have spent a small fortune to travel to the land where time has stood still. For photographer Jay Seldin, one trip to Cuba was never enough and now he has compiled hundreds of photos from years of traveling to the island in a powerful photo book called The Cubans.
Travel journalist Bijan Bayne recently experienced the explosion of Detroit, Michigan's revitalization and growth. He also ventured to port cities along Michigan's coastline and uncovered some interesting maritime history. Bijan returns to World Footprints to share what Detroit and adjacent mid-Michigan port cities have to offer to travelers who want to experience the rebirth of the "Big D" and Michigan's unique history.

Traveling through American and Namibian history

Today, World Footprints will explore element of American history from small towns and historic hotels to Fort Monroe. We'll also visit the shanty town of Mondesa which sits just outside of Swakopmund, Namibia. There we will mingle with the locals and witness how black Namibians are preserving their history and traditions.
Fort Monroe in Virginia has been defending America since 1607 and today it remains the largest stone fortification in the United States. Tour guide Robin Reed gives us the backstory of the Fort's rich history and the important role it has played in American history.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is on a mission to preserve and share all of America's history. We'll share the work the organization is doing and we'll introduce two interesting historic hotels in Washington, DC--the Mayflower and the Morrison-Clark.
Small towns in America are often overlooked as tourist destinations but if you really want to experience real Americana you should go off the beaten path and visit a small town where you can uncover a treasure trove of goodies. Some of the most authentic travel experiences and unique stories can be found in small and rural towns and we will explore a few.
The beach resort of Swakopmund, Namibia is an example of German colonial architecture and culture. However, a majority of the population of Swakopmund lives in settlements that were developed for indigenous black Namibians. We will introduce you to some of the locals we met on a walk through the Mondesa district.

City Of David, Namibia, Tasting Sicily

World Footprints will explore Biblical history at the City of David, Namibia's political, economic and natural landscape and small town treasures that offer a taste of Sicily and more.
According to Hebrew tradition, the area outside of the Old City Walls of Jerusalem is considered to be the center of the world. World Footprints will explore that theory and Biblical history with Zev Orenstein at the City of David. We'll also examine new archaeology discoveries that support the existence of King David.
Namibia is a country is great diversity. The country is home to wildlife that can't be found anywhere else in Africa and it vast desert landscapes. While at the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, we break bread withn Eric Reindhart of Nambia Tracks and Trails to learn more about the country and it's commitment to conservation.
If you live in a metropolitan city you have your choice of authentic international restaurants. Small towns are not so lucky but we stumbled upon the little American midwest town of New Salem, Indiana and enjoyed a taste of Sicily at Perillo's Pizzeria. By the way, we enjoyed the BEST pizza we've ever had!
World Footprints will also share a few other small town treasures: Newport, Rhode Island and the Airlie Hotel, a Historic Hotel of America. Plus Ian and Tonya will share their own reflections.
Photo credits: City of David (Tonya Fitzpatrick); Namibia Desert (Ian Fitzpatrick)