The Great American Eclipse

If you're like me, you'll be looking to the sky on August 21, 2017. The biggest and best solar eclipse in American history arrives in full display. That is if the clouds don't rain down on our parade.

It's been called a rare, mind-blowing cosmic experience and a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.

On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will be visible from the east coast to the west coast, according to NASA. It will be the first total eclipse visible only in the USA since 1776. (Also the only one to sweep across the entire country since 1918. 

What is a total eclipse, you may ask. It occurs when the moon gets in the way of the sun, turning day to an eerie twilight. The eclipse will start in Oregon, ending in South Carolina, lasting 2 or 3 minutes.

Approximately 12 million people live within the path of totality, according to space.com

Tweetable: Mind Blowing Event Coming to a Sky Near You. Click to Tweet

Randy Tramp

Amazon Review:

It's a military thriller with a heart. Commander Mark Steele has an exciting job in Special Forces. Though it's dangerous, he knows his work is critically important. But that job separates him from his wife and child. When an injury brings him home, his wife is glad to have him back. But other issues cause struggles within the family, leading to distrust and hurt. Steele takes dangerous risks in his new work. The thriller plot thickens, as he seeks to save a life. But can he save his family?

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Living in a State of Fear

"We are living in a state of fear," says Karim Kadium, a photographer who lives near Baghdad. Kadium has seen some of Iraq's darkest days, including the U.S. Battle, and now the new wave of violence brought about the withdrawal of the U.S. military, causing the rise of ISIS.

One attack was on August 13th. A truck bomb rips through a market filled with people. There were 67 killed. ISIS claimed responsibility.

The attack woke the Kadium family. Karim raced to his rooftop to see what happened. What he saw the destroyed market. Karim grabbed his camera, at the strong protest of his family, and went to the explosion. What he pictured was a leveled market area, panic, and stores burning.

Personal Thoughts:

A few years ago I had the privilege of helping an Iraqi family settle into Yankton. The mother related a little of the horror she and her family experienced while in Iraq. The father and oldest son were murdered. The mother, son, and daughter escaped with the help of the U.S. military. 

Tweetable: Living in a State of Fear. What's it Like in War? Click to Tweet

Randy Tramp

Amazon Review:

It's a military thriller with a heart. Commander Mark Steele has an exciting job in Special Forces. Though it's dangerous, he knows his work is critically important. But that job separates him from his wife and child. When an injury brings him home, his wife is glad to have him back. But other issues cause struggles within the family, leading to distrust and hurt. Steele takes dangerous risks in his new work. The thriller plot thickens, as he seeks to save a life. But can he save his family?

Purchase:  E-Book   Book

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1st Publish on 8/22/15

Schuetzenfest

Bow Valley Nebraska is not far from here. The village counts 116 people as its residence and each year they celebrate Schutzenfest. Thier goal is to unify for a single purpose: honoring what created the community over a hundred years ago. 

Schetzenfest is a traditional festival or fair in the cultures of both Germany and Switzerland.

Food, families, games and fun is what happens at the event. Communities from all around the North Eastern town, help and attend the annual celebration.

"Our ancestors brought these traditions here, and we're proud of our ancestors and of that heritage, so we honor both by keeping it going," a resident of Bow Valley says. 

Tweetable Schuetzenfest  Celebration Click to Tweet

Randy Tramp

Amazon Review:

It's a military thriller with a heart. Commander Mark Steele has an exciting job in Special Forces. Though it's dangerous, he knows his work is critically important. But that job separates him from his wife and child. When an injury brings him home, his wife is glad to have him back. But other issues cause struggles within the family, leading to distrust and hurt. Steele takes dangerous risks in his new work. The thriller plot thickens, as he seeks to save a life. But can he save his family?

Purchase:  E-Book   Book

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1st Published 8/24/15

Australia, the Land Down Under

The longest non-stop flight from the U.S.A. is Qantas' flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney, which clocks in at nearly 15 hours.

In a survey Australia was the Number 1 choice for the  "ultimate dream international destination." I've been to Perth, Australia, and I can see why it's so popular. Australians loved Americans and vice versa.

Some of the attractions:

The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 1,300 miles along the east coast. There is Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, which is a collection of 770 islands off the coast of the state of Queensland.

Sydney's BridgeClimb express is the fastest way to the summit. At the top, one can see a spectacular view of Sydney.

I visited Australia in the early 80's, while on board the USS Kitty Hawk (Air Craft Carrier) 

The Australian were great, making the Perth port one of my favorites and most memorable places. They loved to talk to Americans. Even though I don't remember many sites, I remember the people and their accent. 

Tweetable: Australia: The Land Down Under. My Personal Experience. Click to Tweet

Randy Tramp

Amazon Review:

It's a military thriller with a heart. Commander Mark Steele has an exciting job in Special Forces. Though it's dangerous, he knows his work is critically important. But that job separates him from his wife and child. When an injury brings him home, his wife is glad to have him back. But other issues cause struggles within the family, leading to distrust and hurt. Steele takes dangerous risks in his new work. The thriller plot thickens, as he seeks to save a life. But can he save his family?

Purchase:  E-Book   Book

Join me on my other sites:
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First Published - 8/23/15