Thinking of diving into Facebook ads? Wondering what the common pitfalls are? In this article, you’ll discover three important considerations when starting your first Facebook ad campaign. #1: Commit to a Facebook Funnel Implementation All successful marketing starts with a clear strategy and Facebook advertising is no exception. With a strategy built around your available […]
Wondering how to get the word out on LinkedIn about an event you’re hosting? Have you heard of LinkedIn Events? In this article, you’ll discover how to use LinkedIn to promote your next online workshop, product launch, or in-person event. What Is the LinkedIn Events Feature? This feature allows you to create an event on […]
We always bring you the best Covid-19 coverage online, show you how to apply for small business loans, an amazing read about an owner’s restaurant soul, a review of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, how so many airplanes are parked, we go in parts of cruise ships we can not normally visit, we ride Amtrak trains across the US, visit a Georgian convent, visit churches inside rocks in Ethiopian mountains, the most expensive cities in the world, get personal finance lessons from a kid, a story how all the serene sound recordings industry started, learn amazing facts, another disturbing story about a couple of attorneys with issues, my latest running accomplishment, beat up on Amex and American Airlines, give a pass to bloggers this time, only one conversion this month is by far the worst conversion month EVER, if the plastic links are taken away it will be the end I am sorry…I can dedicate myself to running and maybe I can finally go for the Gold in the next Senior Olympics LOL. Enjoy this while you can. Support everything you do not want to lose!
TBB Blog Mission: To Educate. Entertain. Inspire. In That Order!
Support TBB by applying for CREDIT CARDS or visiting our LINKS or Donate
You like my blog? Send a link to someone please!
Brought to you by the amazing TBB Amazon link! This blog is published every Monday and Friday. For now…
I have lots of awesome links for you for to start yet another quarantine or shelter in place week or whatever you want to call this we are all going through…
COVID-19
I could turn my blog into a COVID-19 blog and not miss a beat you know…
This is a must read: An Oral History of the Day Everything Changed. On March 11, 2020, the coronavirus pandemic seemed to crystallize in the national consciousness. Americans look back on the turning point.
From Bill Gates: The first modern pandemic. Lets just say the legacy of Bill Gates will be well regarded after all his philanthropic work. Very educational read!
We are learning more about the virus every day, no doubt. We are also learning the wide variation of what it does and who/how it attacks! We still don’t know how many asymptomatic carriers are out there and how infectious they are, we think ones who have had it have some type of immunity but not sure how much and for how long and don’t get me started on how we are still discovering that the virus attacks more and more body parts! And then we get reports like this and we scratch our heads to oblivion! Recovered, almost: China’s early patients unable to shed coronavirus. The poor guy featured in the article…it is like the virus has a curse on some people WTF! Wait, there is more to keep saying WTF to oblivion: Young and middle-aged people, barely sick with covid-19, are dying of strokes. Doctors sound alarm about patients in their 30s and 40s left debilitated or dead. Some didn’t even know they were infected. It’s nuts!
And then we have a country like Sweden that has resisted the more strict measures to stop the spread of the virus. Sweden resisted a lockdown, and its capital Stockholm is expected to reach ‘herd immunity’ in weeks. I am having an argument with my brother who insists Sweden is doing it right. I said lets give it two weeks. It is now one week later and I hate to admit it…he is winning this bet as of now. Anyone care to comment in the comment section? Any readers in Sweden to let us know what is happening?
Maybe we should just stop phucking with nature: Mass Consumption Is What Ails Us. And you bet animals would be glad we don’t phuck with them too!
Humans are not the only victims of novel pathogens as boundaries between habitats erode. Pathogens have also been carried by humans into animals. Since the late 1990s, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungus most likely spread by humans, has decimated amphibians around the world. Spelunkers and other people visiting caves have introduced Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or white-nose syndrome, to North American bats, millions of which have died of the fungal pathogen since 2007. And in 2014, a highly virulent strain of avian influenza—hatched in Asia’s booming factory farms—decimated North American poultry, causing what the U.S. Department of Agriculture called the worst animal disease epidemic in U.S. history.
Don’t you get that feeling that it may be way too soon for this? Brace for the next waves everyone…and I hope I am wrong! ‘Quarantine fatigue’: Researchers find more Americans venturing out against coronavirus stay-at-home orders. But we don’t know. Nobody knows. Hopefully the higher power (some call it God or something) may spare us all and maybe it will “magically disappear”. Yeah, we don’t know. Whatever you do though please don’t inject yourselves with disinfectants okay?
We have 5 vaccines in clinical trials right now and another 71 in preclinical evaluation, they are all HERE. This is good. I think.
If you want to learn about testing, this is a must read: A Non-Scientist’s Primer on Testing for COVID-19. You read this and you realize this whole area is also evolving and changing constantly as well!
MILES & POINTS
HOT CREDIT CARD OFFERS: New: The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum now offers 70k AA miles. There is an offer for the United Explorer card offering 60,000 miles. The IHG Rewards Club card offering 140k points too, highest ever. For a standard workhorse card I recommend the 60k Chase Sapphire Preferred card. For a standard premium card I recommend the 50k Chase Sapphire Reserve card. For a standard 2% cash back card I recommend the Citi Double Cash card. Available with my links. Lets move on!
I do not have much in this section. I don’t blog about gift card 5% off sales, crappy Amex offers, go batshit crazy about “amazing” credit card offers, JetBlue/Southwest sales and meaningless blogged to death stuff like that. You know why? Because right now not much is really happening with all these planes parked! Here’s What You Do With Two-Thirds of the World’s Jets When They Can’t Fly.
Delta Air Lines jets parked in Victorville, California on March 28. Source: AirTeamImages
Sick of blog posts that Amex MAY come out with new card perks. Maybe a new card too. Don’t fall for clickbait crap like this, they are just trying to sell Amex cards. WAIT for the real news. Oh, Amex credit card spending is down 20%. Actually, I thought that was not too bad…
Many bloggers like this hotel, here is a review of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. You know you can stay there for free with the World of Hyatt credit card you can get you know where…you can be the second conversion this month, SAD!
TRAVEL
Never seen pics of these crew and staff only parts of cruise ships! The Parts of the Cruise Ship You Don’t Get to See: What Do the Crew Quarters Look Like? It may be a while before we have a chance to even see them from afar because there is no way in hell anyone will be getting on a cruise ship anytime soon. Some of the pics reminded me of airline lounges…I miss them so much you know!
I posted this a while back. But I recently ran into it again. The particular sheen of America by Amtrak. It reminded me so much of our cross country trip on Amtrak which we loved. Well, all except our son who still thinks it was the most boring trip of his lifetime as he had nowhere to go (and no cord for his laptop lol). As a bonus, the linked page continues with a great article about Rick Steves, which was also posted here years ago. A blast from the past I guess.
I love religious theme places, you know, churches, monasteries and stuff like that. A Glimpse Inside the Secluded World of a Georgian Convent. And love the pictures, wow!
Mother Rachel prays next to the Chikiani Menhir standing stone. Photo Credit to Robert Presutti
Speaking of churches, why don’t we hike up to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray in Ethiopia. The views are UNBELIEVABLE!
The Most Expensive Cities in the World. Cool, thanks to the Visual Capitalist again.
PERSONAL FINANCE
I am posting this in Personal Finance because I want this to be a warning for everyone who is thinking to open a restaurant. My Restaurant Was My Life for 20 Years. Does the World Need It Anymore? One of the best and most raw things I ever read on the subject. I think the author has a great future as a writer, what an intense read, wow!
This kid gives the best personal finance lesson, wow!
How to Apply for Small Business Loans. And good luck, hope you know a banker really well. We will be reading mega fraud stories about these programs in a few years #youhearditherefirst
ODDZ & ENDZ
Ever wondered how the nature recording started? Me neither, haha. But this article will show you how it all started. It was by this interesting guy named Irv Teibel and this is his fascinating story: How a New Age Hustler Sold the Sound of the World.
I almost skipped this one but I am glad I did not. Amazing facts: Someone Asks People To Share Facts That Sound Fake But Are Actually Real And They Deliver.
Distance from USA to Russia 4 kilometers [Hey, maybe Sarah Palin could see Russia from her back porch…damn fake news media again!]
The guy who sang Peanut Butter Jelly Time died in a police shootout. Also, his brother in law was there trying to talk him out of shooting himself. You know who that brother-in-law was? F***ing Snoop Dogg [phucking alpah, wild!]
Chickens are one of many species of birds that dont have penetrative genitalia. Read; cocks are cockless. The method of reproduction they use is commonly called a “cloacal kiss” and you can think of it as chickens scissoring, because “bumping holes” is the grossest possible way to phrase chicken sex. [cocks are cockless…what is next?????]
This is a stunning read. It is long, you have been warned. Once I started I could not stop. Shaking my head all the way, what is wrong with some people? This couple threw their life away…for what? WTF! Framed She was the PTA mom everyone knew. Who would want to harm her?
Ok, lets get back to laughs ok? Hello (from the Inside) An Adele Parody by Chris Mann. You are welcome, humor is the best medicine they say.
BLOG BUZZ
We are now entering BLOG BUZZ, a section for advanced hobbyists and veterans of this fast imploding hobby and also a section where I go on and on about some stuff that happens in my life because it helps me feel better about myself.
You see this and you say “well, sounds good”. Then you read the details and you shake your head: American Airlines Now Allowing Awards To Be Cancelled Online. I am not feeling comfortable booking anything right now…
I had signed up to run the Toledo Glass City Half Marathon but it was canceled. So I ran it on my own in my local favorite park. I was aiming for a PR under 2 hours. Boom! It is an amazing feeling afterwards…and so addictive, a pure natural high!
And I leave you with this…
TBB travelbloggerbuzz@gmail.com
Follow TBB on Twitter @FlyerTalkerinA2.
You can subscribe to TBB below, winners only!
Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
The post First Modern Pandemic, Small Business Loans, Restaurant Soul, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar appeared first on TravelBloggerBuzz.
--
By: TravelBloggerBuzz Title: First Modern Pandemic, Small Business Loans, Restaurant Soul, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Sourced From: travelbloggerbuzz.com/first-modern-pandemic-small-business-loans-restaurant-soul-grand-hyatt-baha-mar/ Published Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2020 10:30:38 +0000
Want interactivity in your Instagram Stories ads? Have you considered adding interactive polls to your ads? In this article, you’ll discover how to create an Instagram Stories ad poll for the best engagement. Why Use Polls in Your Instagram Stories Ads? Instagram polls give you a chance to interact with your customers and prospects, find […]
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Social Media Marketing Talk Show, a news show for marketers who want to stay on the leading edge of social media. On this week’s Social Media Marketing Talk Show, we explore Facebook pulling back its mandated use of Campaign Budget Optimization for ads and the addition of new […]
We always bring you the best Covid-19 coverage, how airlines and hotels continue to extend benefits to keep customers, the Citi Double Cash cash back card is great, the infamous Berlin airport may finally open, we travel to Eiffel Tower, go on safaris, go visit North Korea hotels, give you some resources for free money, how spending has been impacted, the richest people in the world, an amazing article about running faster when you get older, more awesome photography, pay respects to a great American Paul O’ Neill, wonder if Trump can pull another one, how George Foreman became filthy rich selling small grills and I cover the best blog buzz in the quirky miles and points world. Always freeeeeeeee.
TBB Blog Mission: To Educate. Entertain. Inspire. In That Order!
Support TBB by applying for CREDIT CARDS and visiting our LINKS!
You like my blog? Send a link to someone please!
Brought to you by the amazing TBB Amazon link! This blog is published every Monday and Friday. For now…
I have lots of awesome links for you for to start yet another quarantine or shelter in place or whatever you want to call this we are all going through…
COVID-19
I could turn my blog into a COVID-19 blog and not miss a beat you know…
This is just brutal: We Are Living in a Failed State.
The crisis demanded a response that was swift, rational, and collective. The United States reacted instead like Pakistan or Belarus—like a country with shoddy infrastructure and a dysfunctional government whose leaders were too corrupt or stupid to head off mass suffering. The administration squandered two irretrievable months to prepare. From the president came willful blindness, scapegoating, boasts, and lies. From his mouthpieces, conspiracy theories and miracle cures. A few senators and corporate executives acted quickly—not to prevent the coming disaster, but to profit from it. When a government doctor tried to warn the public of the danger, the White House took the mic and politicized the message. [Yeah, it starts out like that and just never lets up. You have been warned, I do not agree with some of it…read the whole thing and be angry and vote your conscience in November, okay?]
And this is how it ends: We’re faced with a choice that the crisis makes inescapably clear. We can stay hunkered down in self-isolation, fearing and shunning one another, letting our common bond wear away to nothing. Or we can use this pause in our normal lives to pay attention to the hospital workers holding up cellphones so their patients can say goodbye to loved ones; the planeload of medical workers flying from Atlanta to help in New York; the aerospace workers in Massachusetts demanding that their factory be converted to ventilator production; the Floridians standing in long lines because they couldn’t get through by phone to the skeletal unemployment office; the residents of Milwaukee braving endless waits, hail, and contagion to vote in an election forced on them by partisan justices. We can learn from these dreadful days that stupidity and injustice are lethal; that, in a democracy, being a citizen is essential work; that the alternative to solidarity is death. After we’ve come out of hiding and taken off our masks, we should not forget what it was like to be alone.
They have figured out a bipartisan way how to reopen the country. It needs a lot of money. It should be led by…a functioning body. And good luck with that: How We Reopen the Country: A Road to Pandemic Resilience. As I was watching the video I could not help but think how far away we are from doing all these things smh.
I think we all realized how it does not really make much sense to depend on another country for so much of…everything! This article lays it all out: The US and China Want a Divorce, but Neither Can Afford One. This excerpt nails it imho.
For now and for years to come, talk of decoupling will far exceed actual decoupling. Not because anyone wants the status quo or the mutual dependency. Washington and Americans well beyond Trump don’t want to depend on China. Brussels doesn’t. Tokyo doesn’t. Xi Jinping doesn’t want the vulnerability to foreign companies or nations. But no one has the money now to force a fundamental change. It may be that this is the turning point, the beginning of the end of a multidecade marriage that has brought great prosperity to China and a wealth of affordable goods to the West. But this divorce is going to take a long, long time, which means that, for now, we are stuck with each other. The sooner that is understood, the sooner we can begin the arduous task of figuring out how to work most constructively with the world that we have, and not live in fantasy of a world we wish we were in.
Are we undercounting the people who have coronavirus in the US? Well, yeah, probably, the question is by how much. A New Statistic Reveals Why America’s COVID-19 Numbers Are Flat. Is the positivity rate really 20%?
This is great and so disturbing at so many levels: How does coronavirus kill? Clinicians trace a ferocious rampage through the body, from brain to toes. You read this and you just wonder out loud how much we still don’t know! Maybe it is time to turn religious?
Speaking of how much we still don’t know…how about another finding: What are ‘COVID toes’? Doctors discover symptom of coronavirus mostly seen in kids. Wow…
Looks like Trump killed another one: A Beloved Bar Owner Was Skeptical About the Virus. Then He Took a Cruise. Such a nice guy and so affected by the mental disease affecting so many of us in this greatly polarized reality we are all living in…
It is possible, of course, that Joe Joyce did not contract the coronavirus on a trip to Spain, where almost 20,000 have died from complications related to it. Although the combination of being on a cruise ship — a proven petri dish for infections — and visiting a country with a full-blown outbreak is hard to ignore. But there was a way he might have avoided the trip, his daughter speculated. “If Trump had gone on TV with a mask on and said, ‘Hey this is serious,’ I don’t think he would have gone.”
I had heard of “cytokine storm” but never knew exactly what it was. But this article explained it all and it is…terrifying! What it feels like to survive COVID-19’s dreaded “cytokine storm”.
Andy the Lazy Traveler makes the case for staying home for now: What’s Wrong With the Reopening of America in the Midst of COVID-19? Denver 1918, That’s What!
I keep thinking that the virus was in the US way earlier and this article is trying to convince me: A Coronavirus Death in Early February Was ‘Probably the Tip of an Iceberg’. What if this keeps happening and the Chinese are starting to call it the “American virus”? #covfefe.
I always wondered about that myself… Why Some People Get Sicker Than Others. One of so many mysteries with this virus…or maybe it is us! Sticking with science was great throughout the article but the author could not hold back until the final paragraph where he kind of let it go and in the process hurt the credibility of everything above it, come on!
And then, boom! New York antibody study estimates 13.9% of residents have had the coronavirus, Gov. Cuomo says. That number is shocking! Assuming the tests were not all wrong…Maybe we are way far along in this herd immunity thing? And fatality rates are way lower than we thought? It is like we are all watching a play by play in epidemiology and infectious diseases…wow.
MILES & POINTS
HOT CREDIT CARD OFFERS: New: The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum now offers 70k AA miles. There is an offer for the United Explorer card offering 60,000 miles. The IHG Rewards Club card offering 140k points too, highest ever. For a standard workhorse card I recommend the 60k Chase Sapphire Preferred card. For a standard premium card I recommend the 50k Chase Sapphire Reserve card. For a standard 2% cash back card I recommend the Citi Double Cash card. Available with my links. Lets move on!
Another recap: How coronavirus is affecting frequent flyer benefits, travel loyalty points.
Cash back cards are back in vogue. The one I recommend is the Double Cash card by Citibank. You can read more about it but please come back here to apply for it, thanks! Citi Double Cash Card: Earn 2% Cashback, With Option To Transfer Into Miles Via Citi Trifecta; United Business Class To Israel From 42K Points.
Anyone out there who does not have a Rakuten account yet (formerly Ebates)? Well, help is on the way! If you join with my REFERRAL LINK you can get $30 after you spend $30 shopping online through it. And I get $30 too, what a deal! (Deal ends May 1, 2020). Before you do any online shopping you should use an online comparison site, I use Cashback Monitor.
Finally! IHG Rewards Club One Year Member Tier & Free Night Extensions Due to Covid-19. And not only that…IHG InterContinental Royal Ambassador & Kimpton Inner Circle Renewals Through January 2022.
Air Mauritius also entered administration/bankruptcy. You did not care? I don’t care haha.
TRAVEL
The cursed airport is about to open, is this for real? And they sure picked a year to finally open LOL. Berlin’s Infamous BER Airport Receives Green Lights From Inspectors, On Schedule To Open In October 2020.
I must admit I did not know some of them: 12 Eiffel Tower Facts You Probably Didn’t Know.
These guys take you on live safaris that you can watch from your home.
What a sight! Where did the airlines park their airplanes? You can just watch minutes 4.00 to 7.30, wow!
I love the photos: Hotels of North Korea.
You know things are so rough in this section when…The New York Times Drops Travel Section — For Now. Yikes!
PERSONAL FINANCE
Click it, sit back and watch all the changes, wow! Richest people in the world since 1997.
Stunning infographic: How COVID-19 Consumer Spending is Impacting Industries.
Solid comprehensive list: COVID-19 Loan and Relief Resources for Small Businesses.
ODDZ & ENDZ
I just loved this post about running, the influence in our life by our parents, life and stuff like that: To Run My Best Marathon at Age 44, I Had to Outrun My Past.
Check out some photos from the Sony World Photography Awards.
Rosaria Sabrina Pantano’s black and white image featuring Mauro Staccioli’s pyramid-shaped sculpture 38° Parallelo won the Architecture category.
That was a fun read: How the Game-Changing George Foreman Grill Made History. I knew it was successful but I really had no idea, wow! And no, I never had one.
A few days ago we lost a great man: Former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill Dies At 84. I always admired this guy. He was a Republican by the way. Too bad we don’t have many of these guys left to lead.
O’Neill’s approach to leadership involved “leading with values, leading from facts,” his son said, adding that O’Neill “used this values-based approach to everything he did.” And he listened to people with different ideas. “I believe in inclusiveness in policy issues,” O’Neill told Fresh Air in 2004. “I like … the idea of including the smartest people on every issue, no matter what their polarity is, because it’s a way of sharpening your own thinking. And so I’m an includer.”
Can this guy do it again? I hope not but it is his election to win or lose. Donald Trump’s Greatest Escape. God help us!
BLOG BUZZ
We are now entering BLOG BUZZ, a section for advanced hobbyists and veterans of this fast imploding hobby and also a section where I go on and on about some stuff that happens in my life because it helps me feel better about myself.
Holy crap The Points Guy? Check out this Flyertalk thread. Based on post #1406, someone writes a post about a “success”, is promised a gift card and still looking for it, SAD! And then post #1408 is hilarious as hell, must read!
Some familiar faces in this film about frequent flyers. Shook my head watching The Points Guy saying how points can change lives, seriously? Hey, anything to get them newbies roped in to sell them credit cards so you can change your own life too. Oh, wait, you can change lives of children with, wait for it, points too phuckingalpha!
Another blog bit the dust: Frequent Flyer Miles 101. Tried to corner the newbie market and then TPG happened…The list of bodies dead blogs are starting to pile up…So many listed in both Milesfeed and Pointsbuzz that are not alive anymore, they should go through their lists and clean them up.
The information will come out. Look, there is no secret that this blogging thing is facing an existential crisis right now with travel that has ceased, ad rates tumbling, phucking Amazon reducing commissions, banks taking away credit card affiliate links, award booking services practically out of business and should I keep going? Whoever is in this to make money and has fixed overhead costs and payroll to meet…it is going to be an uphill struggle. We all hope it is short and everything comes back to normal but…I think we are all starting to realize that this is going to take a while. The bloggers who do this for fun mostly and no real fixed overhead costs (payroll? lol) will be fine as we will continue to blog, maybe a little less. The ones making this their career, well, good luck and I hope you have a strong enough cash position so you can last. Hey, if things get really low we can all get a job at Amazon lol. Ok, where was I going with this? Oh yes, the info will come out. Check out posts starting with #1197 onwards. Boarding Area is having issues and it should not be surprising, EVERY travel related outfit has issues right now! So, again, help a blogger you want to see keep going before they become another Bezos bitch ok? Actually, it is not all that bad out there. One of my clients got an amazing job offer last week…from a tech company that specializes moving operations to…the cloud!
Stefan, of Rapid Travel Chai, does video interviews using Facebook Live. He recently had Tiffany Funk of One Mile at a Time. It was really good. I have never met her and I was impressed, very impressed with her knowledge and very likeable. Where will Ben be without her I wonder. I learned a lot. She confirmed the frenetic work ethic of Ben has (50 to 60 blogs posts per week WTF!) and imho I find this so unhealthy. She also confirmed every $$$ is down: ads way down, affiliate credit cards way down, their award booking service pointspros negative (!!!). They also took some shots against TPG where they are posting new “content” every five minutes it appears. One of these days I will focus on SEO…yeah right. I also found it kind of odd how in these pandemic times we were listening about flat bed seats and how participants were commenting on them seats…it just does not feel right. Personally, having a cottage up north in Michigan in the woods (with kick ass wifi) sounds a lot more appealing these days than flying in a metal tube with asymptomatic virus carriers. I can’t believe it is me who typed the previous sentence, WTF is happening!
Is Milepoint still around? Why?
You know the struggle is real for money for bloggers…when you get this mega ridiculous post to trick them to apply for credit cards, desperate enough or what? The Best Metal Credit Cards 2020 (Durable and Strong) at Johnny Jet.
Those AA security guys are up to it again: The American AAdvantage Account Shutdowns Are Being Grossly Misreported; Are Their Auditors Struggling To Justify Their Existence?
In case you missed it, American Airlines has now moved Morocco from Africa to Europe…for award purposes.
Every time I look back at my post and I am proud. Then the next day I look at my $ haul and it is so demeaning…only an insane person would still do this for so many years. Je suis insane.
And I leave you with this…
TBB travelbloggerbuzz@gmail.com
Follow TBB on Twitter @FlyerTalkerinA2.
You can subscribe to TBB below, winners only!
Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
The post Pandemic Resilience, Citi Double Cash Card, Berlin Airport To Open, Relief Free Money appeared first on TravelBloggerBuzz.
--
By: TravelBloggerBuzz Title: Pandemic Resilience, Citi Double Cash Card, Berlin Airport To Open, Relief Free Money Sourced From: travelbloggerbuzz.com/pandemic-resilience-citi-double-cash-card-berlin-airport-to-open-relief-free-money/ Published Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:30:41 +0000
Wondering if publishing organic social is worth your time? Looking for tips to improve your organic social content? To explore the power of organic content marketing, I interview Larry Kim on the Social Media Marketing Podcast. Larry Kim is the founder of WordStream and Mobile Monkey. He’s a content marketing pro and a top writer […]
As a passionate traveller, much of my wanderlust has been inspired by books. Reading about the exploits of others has fuelled my desire to hit the road and have adventures of my own. At a time when many of us are in lockdown, staying motivated and keeping our travel dreams alive is more important than ever. Here are twenty non-fiction travel books which have inspired me over the years.
1. Moods of Future Joys: Around the World by Bike Part One – From England to South Africa
Alastair has written so many excellent books that it’s difficult to choose just one. This is the first of two books which tells of his four-year bicycle trip around the world. This compelling account sees him setting off from his North Yorkshire village with his mother shouting after him that he has forgotten his helmet to camp in the wilds of Africa. Alastair is refreshingly self-deprecating and unafraid to share his insecurities. His resounding message is that if he can do it, anyone can.
2. Hand to Mouth to India: Hitchhiking to India with no money by Tom Thumb
An uplifting tale from Tom Thumb, who at twenty years old, made his way from England to India without a penny in his pocket. Hitchhiking and busking his way to the sub-continent with a backpack and clarinet, Tom shares colourful stories of the characters he encountered along the way and the abundance of kindness he received from strangers. The ultimate budget travel adventure which demonstrates how you don’t necessarily need money to hit the road.
3. Collected Works of Isabella L. Bird
Victorian explorer, Isabella Bird, suffered from ill health for much of her life, but it didn’t stop her having an array of adventures all over the world. During a period when women explorers were a rarity, she was the first female to become a ‘fellow’ of the Royal Geographical Society. These works include her travels in Japan, Hawaii and North America. Both keen travellers and history buffs will be riveted by the intrepid nature and vivid descriptions of her journeys.
4. Wild: A Journey From Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed
The Pacific Crest Trail was on my radar long before this book published, but this best seller re-ignited my resolve to undertake the 2,650-mile hike. Cheryl started walking after her life fell apart following the death of her mother to ‘find her way back to being the person she used to be’. Faced with sweltering deserts, snow-covered mountains, rattlesnakes and bears, the author walked 1,100-miles of the trail which starts at the Mexican border and finishes in Canada. A personal and captivating book which will resonate with anyone whose world has been devastated by the loss of a loved one.
5. Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck was 62 when he travelled all over the US in his campervan with his beloved French Poodle, Charley. Together, the pair embarked on adventures from Maine to California in the early sixties. Both a travelogue and an insight into a great American writer, Steinbeck’s observations are honest, humorous, and beautifully evocative. The book is a gentle journey into the America of another era and will appeal to anyone with a penchant for travels of a bygone era.
6. Lone Rider: The First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World by Elspeth Beard
This is an absorbing and deeply personal story of a young woman who set off on a motorbike journey around the world in 1984. Taking place in a pre-internet era, the journey spanned two and a half years and 3,500 miles. It’s a rollicking ride and Elspeth doesn’t hold back when she describes the accidents, horrendous weather, and sexism she experienced en route. I was swept along on her awe-inspiring journey which definitely fell into the ‘un-put-downable’ category. Anyone with a vaguely adventurous spirit will enjoy this book, whether a motorbike enthusiast or not.
7. Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts
If you don’t want to catch a severe case of wanderlust, don’t pick up this book! Vagabonding will have you dusting off your backpack and booking your flight to a far-flung location before you reach the second chapter. Peppered with various quotes from travellers and writers, Rolf Potts offers practical and motivational advice aplenty. The author focuses on how travel can enrich your life and why you don’t need to be wealthy to embark on long-term adventures. It’s a particularly great read for first-time travellers who need that extra push to get out there and explore the world.
8. Giant Steps by Karl Bushby
Karl Bushby is aiming to be the first person to walk an unbroken path around the world, starting at the tip of South America all the way to his home in Sheffield, England. The book covers the first segment of the journey which took him across the Bering Straits on foot. Karl shares both his emotional and physical challenges, from loneliness and romances (of which there are many) to the unique encounters along the way. A gripping page-turner for adventure junkies and armchair travellers alike.
9. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
This beat-generation classic was written in the fifties by the original King of the Road, Jack Kerouac. The book is a novel based on the author’s road trip across the USA with his quirky, adventurous buddies. The freedom of the open road is romanticized with dazzling descriptive writing and the message is that life out there to be lived. It’s a timeless read that remains invigorating and inspiring, and will appeal to anyone with nomadic tendencies.
10. World Stompers: A Global Travel Manifesto by Brad Olsen
This is an offbeat guide for those planning a big adventure. Combining practical advice with words of motivation, it is accompanied by rudimentary, but engaging artwork, and has a funky youthful vibe. The author, who travelled to twenty-eight countries after graduating business school, shares his top tips on the best party destinations and key highlights of each continent. It’s aimed at backpackers on a shoestring budget, and while it’s not too deep, it’s a fun alternative to mainstream travel guides.
11. To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia and a Quest for a Life with No Regret by Jedidiah Jenkins
In a thoroughly modern memoir, Jedidiah quits his job and sets off on a journey by bicycle from Oregon to Patagonia. During the course of his journey he attempts to reconcile his sexual identity with his conservative Christian upbringing. An engrossing account of his exploits and quest to live a life without regret, it’s a story that will push others to trade the rat-race for a spiritual and physical journey of their own.
12. The Moonlight Chronicles: A Wandering Artist’s Journal by Dan Price
Dan is a true nomad who records his adventures in both words and drawings. Whether he is hiking the trails close to his hobbit house, or surfing in Hawaii, his life is about simplicity and connection with nature. He practices mindfulness, drawing things that most people are too busy to see as they rush through life. The Moonlight Chronicles offer a fresh perspective in the way we see the world around us.
13. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Chris McCandless is a hero to many a drifter. As a young graduate, he rejected his middle-class family, abandoned his car and gave away all of his money before hitting the road to the remotes of Alaska. IBased on a true story, Into the Wild tells his story which tragically came to an untimely end when he died whilst living in an abandoned bus in Alaska. Including his own quotes and those of his favourite writers, this book is an inspiring insight into the mind of a true free spirit.
14. I Travel Light: The Man who Walked out of the World by Adam Greenman
Written in a simple yet effective style, Greenman recounts a decade of world wanderings. From building a treehouse on a Brazilian beach, to becoming a fisherman in India, to staying in a ruined cottage in the Spanish mountains, Adam survives on very little money and a wealth of self-sufficiency. Ultimately, the nomad renounces all his worldly goods and heads out to explore Eastern Europe. Brimming with enthralling exploits, it’s an ideal book for those aspiring to travel sustainably.
15. How to Live in a Van and Travel by Mike Hudson
For many years, Mike spent day after day gazing out of his office window thinking that there must be more to life. These days, his van is his office and he has created a life of adventure for himself on the road. In this book the author provides the scoop on van life and how to live and work on the move. Along with practical tips, he also provides oodles of motivation to anyone who has ever considered the free-wheeling life of a van dweller.
16. The Boy Who was Afraid of the World: A True Story of Fear and Hitchhiking by Jamie Bowlby-Whiting
Suffering from irrational fears and panic attacks as a child, it wasn’t until age twenty-five that Jamie decided to conquer his demons. Burnt out by a mundane 9-5 lifestyle in England, he decided to hitchhike, cycle, and raft his way across Europe. Not only is the book about pushing psychological boundaries and going beyond the comfort zone, but it’s also a riveting adventure story. An ideal read for anyone who needs a little help in overcoming their fears.
17. Running With the Moon: A Boy’s Own Adventure – Riding a Motorbike through Africa by Jonny Bealby
18. Odyssey: Ten Years on the Hippie Trail by Ananda Brady
Back in the seventies, hippies blazed a trail for the backpackers who followed, and the rest is history. Ananda was one of the original hippies, and he recites the tales of his escapades in this engrossing memoir. Whether he was living the high life next to a lake in Guatemala or hanging out with Bedouins in North Africa, he immersed himself in culture, spirituality, and the company of his fellow seekers. Beautifully written, it’s a glimpse of an evocative era in the history of travel. Anyone with an appreciation for adventure and the counterculture will be enchanted by Ananda’s recollections of life on the Hippie Trail.
19. How not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker by Lauren Juliff
Despite Lauren’s long list of unfortunate experiences whilst backpacking around the world, her book is about following your dreams and finding humour in adverse situations. It’s a funny and relatable account of her travels and how she fell in love with life on the road in spite of her repeated mishaps. Although the book is about the highs and lows of travel, it’s ultimately life-affirming, and a light-hearted look at backpacking that will tempt readers into embracing their own misadventures.
20. The Kindness of Strangers: Penniless across America by Mike McIntyre
Mike left home to cross the USA without cash or credit cards, relying on the kindness of strangers for rides, food, and shelter. People from all walks of life offered him help, and he discovers, as many travellers do, that those who give most are the ones with least to share. Taking tributary roads through America’s small towns, Mike meets a host of characters, each with their own story to tell. The book is both a travel narrative and an insight into humanity. Mike’s story is told with sensitivity and humour and is a reminder of the goodwill that still exists in the world.
The post 20 Best Travel Books to Spark Your Wanderlust appeared first on Thrifty Nomads.
-
By: Sue King Title: 20 Best Travel Books to Spark Your Wanderlust Sourced From: feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThriftyNomads/~3/Mgj7vcvtcGc/ Published Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:38:00 +0000
Curious about using Instagram Stories for business? Wondering what type of Instagram Stories content works best? In this article, you’ll discover how to get started with Instagram Stories video for your business. #1: Plan Your Instagram Stories Content Strategy Instagram Stories sits at the top of the home feed and Explore page. In your story, […]
Thinking of using TikTok? Wondering how to publish your first TikTok video? In this article, you’ll discover how to use TikTok’s in-app recording, editing, and effects features to create your first TikTok for business. #1: Get Acquainted With the TikTok Interface TikTok has experienced massive growth in the last 12 months with nearly 1 billion […]
We bring you more on the Covid-19 overreaction, the best cash back cards, introduce you soon to the new Google debit Card, get on virtual train and national park rides, the best Covid-19 coverage online, all pandemic relief extensions, visit Hong Kong and South Los Angeles, two awesome investing related links, we talk about social media sellouts, awesome photography you have come to expect, the best independent movies, laugh at a music teacher playing her ukulele, Chase tightening business credit apps, I rock a 5k race and lots more freeeeeee!
TBB Blog Mission: To Educate. Entertain. Inspire. In That Order!
Support TBB by applying for CREDIT CARDS and visiting our LINKS!
You like my blog? Send a link to someone please!
Brought to you by the amazing TBB Amazon link! This blog is published every Monday and Friday. For now…
I have lots of awesome links for you for to start yet another quarantine or shelter in place or whatever you want to call this we are all going through…
COVID-19
I could turn my blog into a COVID-19 blog and not miss a beat you know…
I loved this article from Behavioral Scientist: Epidemic Humility-Knowing Your Limits in a Pandemic. It will be well worth your time imho…
Frequent expressions of supreme confidence might seem odd in light of our obvious and inevitable ignorance about a new threat. The thing about overconfidence, though, is that it afflicts most of us much of the time. That’s according to cognitive psychologists, who’ve studied the phenomenon systematically for half a century. Overconfidence has been called “the mother of all psychological biases.” [In my field of finance, if I had a dollar for every time some bozo expert predicted something only to be proven wrong again…and again I would not have to whine blogging here for the lack of blog conversions LOL]
…medical statistician Robert Grant tweeted: “I’ve studied this stuff at university, done data analysis for decades, written several NHS guidelines (including one for an infectious disease), and taught it to health professionals. That’s why you don’t see me making any coronavirus forecasts.”
The concept of epistemic humility is useful to describe the difference between these two kinds of character. Epistemic humility is an intellectual virtue. It is grounded in the realization that our knowledge is always provisional and incomplete—and that it might require revision in light of new evidence. Grant appreciates the extent of our ignorance under these difficult conditions; the other characters don’t. A lack of epistemic humility is a vice—and it can cause massive damage both in our private lives and in public policy. [So, what do you call someone who has this epistemic humility? I wish so many geniuses in the current US administration had it!]
And it’s never been more important to learn to separate the wheat from the chaff—the experts who offer well-sourced information from the charlatans who offer little but misdirection. The latter are sadly common, in part because they are in greater demand on TV and in politics. It can be hard to tell who’s who. But paying attention to their confidence offers a clue. People who express themselves with extreme confidence without having access to relevant information and the experience and training required to process it can safely be classified among the charlatans until further notice. If expertise does not protect against overconfidence, what does? Research in fact suggests one simple thing that everyone can do. It is to consider reasons that you may be wrong. If you want to reduce overconfidence in yourself or others, just ask: What are the reasons to think this claim may be mistaken? Under what conditions would this be wrong? Such questions are difficult, because we are much more used to searching for reasons we are right. But thinking through the ways in which we can fail helps reduce overconfidence and promotes epistemic humility. Again, it is fine and good to have opinions, and to express them in public—even with great conviction. The point is that true experts, unlike charlatans, express themselves in a way that mirrors their limitations. All of us who want to be taken seriously would do well to demonstrate the virtue of epistemic humility. [This is great advice!]
Next time you hear from people that we are overreacting and we must open up the economy now…forward them this article and shut them up! We’re not overreacting to the coronavirus.
As Kent State University epidemiologist Tara Smith told me, “It’s the paradox of public health: When you do it right, nothing happens.”
So we are continuing to learn about this disease. CNN’s Chris Cuomo has it and he has been doing his show while quarantining from his basement and then…his wife got it! Think about that for a second…oh, and he does not know how he got infected in the first place. And then one night, he said, he had these intense bizarre dreams. The thing that is really strange is that so many have such different symptoms…heck, some have it and they have no idea! And then I ran across this article with some really strange findings affecting the brain, you have been warned: What does Covid-19 Do to Your Brain. Scientists are racing to figure out why some patients also develop neurological ailments like confusion, stroke, seizure, or loss of smell.
This next article attempts to answer how deadly is Covid-19 compared to seasonal flu, past pandemics, or car crashes? Some of the graphs in this one will shock you!
Any serious attempt to put coronavirus deaths in context by comparing it to some other cause of death in a previous year must acknowledge the marked differences in the Covid-19 trend — most notably, the rapid spike in deaths that is still underway, and the wide range of uncertainty about when it will peak, how high it will peak, and whether it will peak only once. As long as the pandemic is rapidly spreading, these comparisons will be fraught. Perhaps a better way to state the danger posed by the coronavirus is just that we cannot easily compare it to any precedent in recent history. Nor do we need to dispute projections about future deaths to recognize what has happened already. Amid the statistical noise is a powerful signal. The question is whether we choose to see it.
I am going to help with How to Talk to Coronavirus Skeptics. Just be aware that most of them will still vote for Trump, sad lol. But if you insist:
But for people who are resisting, for whatever reason, you have to acknowledge that the resistance is reasonable on some level. Nobody wants to be stuck in their house for the next six months, or possibly longer. Most people like to go out to restaurants, bars, clubs. We like to go to our gym. We like to go to work. We like to not be laid off. I mean, this really sucks. This is a really lousy situation. I think starting with the acknowledgement of the lousiness of it is really important, because then people feel that you’re not invalidating their feelings. You’re recognizing that this is lousy, but denying it doesn’t make it go away. In fact, the opposite: denying it makes it worse, and that’s the argument that I found works with climate change. You say to people, “Yeah, we’re going to have to make some big changes in the way we live, but we can make those changes.”
When this is eventually over, I hope we reassess how we compensate the lower paid essential workers! Visualizing the Occupations With the Highest COVID-19 Risk
Another long read if you are interested to learn about the World Health Organization. Which of course has its problems. The WHO v coronavirus: why it can’t handle the pandemic. Attacked by Trump and ignored by many of its most powerful members, the World Health Organization is facing a major crisis – just at the moment we need it most. You will learn a lot about the history of this organization, its successes and the current problems it is facing.
I still firmly believe science will save us. I just hope it is not too late lol. Maybe it will be this guy: The Covid Test Lab That Could Save America. But first we need to solve the testing problem! The leader of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub solved a snake pandemic. Now he’s trying to solve the U.S.’s coronavirus testing problem.
There are great answers to common questions we are all asking these days in this article in the “failing” New York Times: Is the Virus on My Clothes? My Shoes? My Hair? My Newspaper? I now can run and breathe easier, thanks!
Another great link and then I think I better stop and move on to the other sections. I mean, look at this already so far! I lost two email list subscribers over the weekend, WTF! What Have Epidemiologists Learned About the Coronavirus? I think this is a must read…read the whole thing!
MILES & POINTS
HOT CREDIT CARD OFFERS: New: The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum now offers 70k AA miles. There is an offer for the United Explorer card offering 60,000 miles. The IHG Rewards Club card offering 140k points too, highest ever. For a standard workhorse card I recommend the 60k Chase Sapphire Preferred card. For a standard premium card I recommend the 50k Chase Sapphire Reserve card. For a standard 2% cash back card I recommend the Citi Double Cash card. Available with my links. Lets move on!
Andy The Lazy Traveler is back! The Covid-19 State of Mind: We Are Grounded and Cash Is King Again. With a great post once again. We last met at the Hyatt Zilara resort in Cancun in December and we both wish we were back there again…This current situation sure sucks! Great advice on cash back cards. And if you get these cards with my links I will plow the profits back into the blog and hire him to write more guest posts here so go!
This is an excellent resource: Comprehensive List: All Frequent Flyer, Hotel Loyalty & Rental Car Status Extension Policies 2020-2021 (COVID-19 Relief).
I guess this is coming and I hope it is better than what Apples got out: Leaked pics reveal Google smart debit card to rival Apple’s.
Citi added Emirates as a Thank You Network transfer partner. Zzzzzz. As long as they do not have a US legacy airline transfer partner…they will always play catch up to Chase and Amex. This did not stop bloggers from trying to enthusiastically sell numerous Citi travel rewards credit cards.
Virgin Australia is now in administration. Basically, they are bankrupt and expect many changes soon. Brace for more…
TRAVEL
We can’t go anywhere for free using our miles and points these days so let’s keep traveling virtually I guess. 10 Scenic National Park Drives Everyone Should Do at Least Once.
Wait, there is more! 13 Virtual Train Rides From Around the World That You Can Experience Right Now.
Wow, photos of Hong Kong’s public fountains from the air.
I had never heard or seen this before in Los Angeles. The Watts Tower. One guy worked on it for 33 years. What a legacy left behind. Same with me, my grandkids will read my TBB blog posts and be so darn proud. I hope, please don’t laugh!
PERSONAL FINANCE
I always read the memos by Howard Marks. Not that I always agree with him but I think they are just great! Here is the latest one: Knowledge of the Future.
Another fantastic set of slides by Mary Meeker: Our New World. Must read regarding our new reality, technology, health care and stuff like that.
ODDZ & ENDZ
Amazing photography! Don McCullin, Legendary War Photographer, Reflects on His Career: “Am I Haunted by All This? I Think About It All the Time.”
Don McCullin, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 1971
Well, lets see it because I am not seeing it! We’ll All Be Social Media Sellouts Soon. This made me lol: Companies are turning to small-time influencers to promote their brands. Will any of us be able to resist the lure of free products and cash? It would at least be nice to realize if they know my blog even exists!
There are some great flicks in this list: The 50 most important American independent movies Lame blogger question would be…which one is your favorite?
You know I am no fun of Trump. Some say I have TDS. I had to google it! Whatever. But this is GOLD! British Writer Pens the Best Description Of Trump I’ve Read. He totally nails it! It will make your day. But if you are a supporter of him…maybe not 🙂
Ok, now it is time to laugh. Music teacher giving a music lesson about online learning. Bwahahahahaha
BLOG BUZZ
We are now entering BLOG BUZZ, a section for advanced hobbyists and veterans of this fast imploding hobby and also a section where I go on and on about some stuff that happens in my life because it helps me feel better about myself.
The University of Michigan Big House 5k Race was canceled. So I ran it at the local Cinemark IMAX complex parking lot, it was completely empty! And I lowered my PR 1 minute and 1 second #winnning
When it rains…Chase Tightens Up On Business Credit Card Applications. When I get around to it I could probably insert referral links every time I get to mention a credit card too…maybe I will one day. Until then, I just keep whining #facepalm.
Every week I get an email with stats about my blog. Last week was the lowest traffic ever. I think I am turning out some high quality content here but obviously this does not translate to traffic and conversions. At all. You have no idea how discouraging this is. Actually, it is the WORST thing about blogging…for seven and a half years here. With the corona mega pandemic turning everything upside down…it won’t get better on the conversion front anytime soon. As many blogs have quit or are barely posting any new content these days…something has to give. Full Disclosure: I have been whining like this for years, sad lol! I need to find time to look into newsletter. Or maybe I go to Boarding Area. Now that Rene is no longer there it should be safe 🙂
And I leave you with this…
TBB travelbloggerbuzz@gmail.com
Follow TBB on Twitter @FlyerTalkerinA2.
You can subscribe to TBB below, winners only!
Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
The post Covid-19 Overreaction, Cash Back Cards, Google Debit Card, Virtual Train Rides appeared first on TravelBloggerBuzz.
--
By: TravelBloggerBuzz Title: Covid-19 Overreaction, Cash Back Cards, Google Debit Card, Virtual Train Rides Sourced From: travelbloggerbuzz.com/covid-19-overreaction-cash-back-cards-google-debit-card/ Published Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:30:49 +0000
And I leave you with this…
TBB
TBB
Another long read if you are interested to learn about the World Health Organization. Which of course has its problems. The WHO v coronavirus: why it can’t handle the pandemic. Attacked by Trump and ignored by many of its most powerful members, the World Health Organization is facing a major crisis – just at the moment we need it most. You will learn a lot about the history of this organization, its successes and the current problems it is facing.
I had never heard or seen this before in Los Angeles. The Watts Tower. One guy worked on it for 33 years. What a legacy left behind. Same with me, my grandkids will read my TBB blog posts and be so darn proud. I hope, please don’t laugh!
TBB