Listening Tour

!±8± Listening Tour

The first widely observed national moment of silence occurred in Britain in 1919, in commemoration of the nation's inaugural Armistice Day. For two minutes, switchboard operators declined to connect telephone calls, subway cars and factory wheels ground to a halt, and ordinary citizens held their tongues. Within 10 years, the somber annual tradition had grown so popular that the BBC began to air the sound of the silence. One broadcaster mused that the communal silence served as a "solvent which destroys personalities and gives us leave to be great and universal."

While state-sanctioned silence was novel, the sentiment of the broadcaster was not. Silence has long acted as a leveler of ego. From the communal meditation that opens Quaker meetings to the lulling quiet that defines the lives of Buddhist monks, silence is central to various religious traditions. "For many people, silence is the way God speaks to us, and when we ourselves are in silence, we are speaking the language of the soul," observes George Prochnik, author of a previous book about Sigmund Freud and the American psychologist James Jackson Putnam. In his fascinating new book, In Pursuit of Silence, Prochnik sets out to understand the complicated reasons for silence's power.

Silence enriches the mental life of humans, but, as Prochnik shows, it ensures the very survival of some in the animal kingdom. By being silent, animals avoid detection by predators, and sharpen their wits. Prochnik highlights the intriguing case of the red-eyed tree frog, whose embryos are capable of distinguishing the vibrations of a raindrop from the movement of a hungry snake. When the vibrations are caused by a snake, the embryos prematurely launch themselves from their jellied clutch and attempt to survive in their underdeveloped state.

The inability to hear (or sense vibrations, a related skill) spells doom for some animals. But the biologically imposed silence of deafness, at least in humans, often results in an acute appreciation of the remaining senses. Prochnik points out that at Gallaudet University, the premier American institution of higher education for the deaf, faculty and staff cultivate Deaf Space, an appealing philosophy of architecture that emphasizes natural light, soft shapes, and colonnades and porches-"space that helps people remain in each other's visual embrace."

If silence has so many benefits, why are head-splitting rock concerts popular and iPods ubiquitous? In part because loud sounds have their pleasures. As explained by one partisan of boom cars-which sport subwoofers capable of producing more noise than is audible 30 feet away from a jet at takeoff-the sound he experiences is "sensual." Yet people also crowd their lives with noise, Prochnik incisively argues, because they are resistant to the virtues that silence exemplifies: contemplation, attention, prudence, and restraint.

Garret Keizer, a contributing editor at Harper's, tackles essentially the same subject, but from the opposite end, in The Unwanted Sound of Everything We Want. Perceptions of noise vary, he notes-Swedish and Dutch scientists have found that people lodge fewer noise complaints about wind turbines when they financially profit from their use. Yet he points out that "noise took a quantum leap with industrialization," and the racket was compounded with the advent of the automobile and the airplane.

The volume in many places around the world is now objectively dangerous (one child in eight in the United States suffers from hearing loss), and Keizer argues that, saddled with poor infrastructure and fewer resources, people on the social margins are disproportionately affected. He acknowledges that when compared to poverty, violence, and disease, noise is a minor environmental issue. But with noise as his cause, he seizes the opportunity to decry America's "loud" political discourse and climate change stoked by noisy factories.

Both Prochnik and Keizer end their books with policy prescriptions. Prochnik would like to see more pocket parks in cities, while Keizer thinks that we should live closer together to reduce our support of the carbon-spewing automobile industry. These ideas aren't off the mark, but given how subjective noise is, the idea that we possess the power to shape our own auditory space is strangely missing. One can find internal calm in the cacophony of rush hour, after all, or be plagued with racing thoughts in a tranquil park. A quieter life is not just a matter of listening to our physical environments, but also to ourselves.

Listening Tour

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A Vacation Around Southern Wisconsin

!±8± A Vacation Around Southern Wisconsin

If you are looking for a northern vacation destination that offers plenty of family entertainment and numerous water activities, one place to consider is the southern region of Wisconsin. In southern Wisconsin, you have the largest city, Milwaukee, the exciting Wisconsin Dells, and beautiful Lake Geneva. With enough attractions and activities to keep the whole family captivated, you'll want to come back every year for the cheese and the adventure.

There are a lot of places to see and even more information to take in when you visit the commercial and manufacturing center of Wisconsin. The influence of the German brewers who arrived in the 1840s is still prevalent in Milwaukee, as visitors can tour the Pabst Mansion, the Miller Brewing Company, and the Sprecher microbrewery. However, there is much more to this city than beer, so head over to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, or the Milwaukee county zoo for a more family-friendly experience and to pick up a new tidbit or two as you stroll through the exhibits.

When the sun is shining and the heat is blazing (it actually does get quite hot in the summer), a trip to the Wisconsin Dells is in order. This area is perfect for families who want to escape the summer heat and have a great time doing it. There are a variety of water parks and theme parks in the area, with the one can't miss being Mt. Olympus, so jump in a go kart, run to the next water slide, or cruise down a lazy river and free your inner child. Other popular attractions include touring the Cambrian rock formations via amphibious vehicle, the "Ducks," and hitting the links at one of the numerous scenic golf courses. There is also gambling at the Ho-Chunk Bingo & Casino and a highly entertaining magic and illusion show at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater.

A visit to Lake Geneva involves more than just the usual lake activities many expect and are accustomed to. You will certainly find the usual options for boating, swimming, parasailing, and fishing, but there are other resources readily available to keep your entire family occupied. Big Foot Beach State Park offers hiking and biking trails, there are readily available tours of the surrounding orchards and wineries, and you can find numerous outlets that provide hot air balloon rides and horseback riding excursions. A day at Lake Geneva can be what you make of it, but if you want to simply unwind, bring your picnic basket to the shore and let the day unfold before you.

Since you'll want to visit these different areas of Wisconsin throughout your vacation, you definitely need accommodations that actually accommodate your movement throughout the trip. Rather than packing up the family each time you journey to a new locale, try a southern Wisconsin vacation rental that is ideally situated around these great destinations. You can stay in between the cities or stay in the city you plan to spend the majority of your time at. However you plan your vacation, your Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, or Lake Geneva vacation rental or condo will be a convenient home away from home throughout the duration of your trip.

A Vacation Around Southern Wisconsin

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Michigan Travel: Your Guide to Visiting Michigan

!±8± Michigan Travel: Your Guide to Visiting Michigan

Michigan, affectionately known to all as the mitten shaped state, provides 3,200 miles of fresh water shoreline, 3.9 million acres of DNR managed land and dozens of cultured cities with museums, upscale restaurants and extraordinary shops. Michigan is a four-season state. Visitors have everything from fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing and much more. Michigan is most commonly known for its Upper and Lower Peninsula's. Below are just a few places to visit throughout the state.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a nature-lover's paradise. Visitors should plan plenty of time to visit the 384-mile-long peninsula. The Upper Peninsula is home to the highest mountains in the Midwest and to all but two of Michigan's 152 waterfalls. Here are just few places you may want to make sure you visit during your stay in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Mackinac Island - Take a beautiful ferry ride to the island of Mackinac. A place that will take you back in time to horse-drawn carriages, quaint shops, and historical exhibits. Fort Mackinac was built by the British in 1782 during the American Revolutionary War to control the strategic Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. During the summer months, you can transport yourself back in time with reenactments and tours of the historical buildings on the Island.

Pictured Rocks - An awe-inspiring sight of multicolored sandstone cliffs lining Lake Superior. This 15-mile stretch of shoreline received its name due to the pictures that seem to appear on the rocks from multicolored sandstone and mineral stains on the rock surface. This stretch is known for its hiking trails, beaches and glass bottom boat tours.

Isle Royale - Wander freely with the wolves and moose in this North Woods sanctuary. 99% of this land mass is federally designated as wilderness. This archipelago is composed of ridges resulting from lava flows, which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, excellent fishing, paddling, shipwrecks and plenty of places for observing wildlife.

Houghton/Copper Harbor - Observe fantastic views from Lake Superior's rugged shoreline to the top of Brockway Mountains. Here you can take a scenic drive up the mountain (hopefully you'll see a black bear in the woods), do some mountain biking, kayak the Keeweenaw Water Trail or just relax along the beach. If you are looking for a white covered, snowy retreat than Copper Harbor gives you great snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Drummond Island - Two-thirds of Drummond Island is state owned. The diverse topography ranges from cedar swamps to rock ledges, prairie meadows to groves of hardwoods, rocky shores to sandy beaches. The recreation available is as diverse as the terrain. Here you can hunt, fish, swim, hike, bike, stargaze and explore the area.

Paradise - Paradise, Michigan is a great little town on the shores of Lake Superior at the northeastern tip of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you are a bird watcher, than this is the place to visit in the spring or fall to watch raptors, waterfowl, and smaller birds in their migration to and from Canada. If you love waterfalls, than be sure to visit The Tahquamanon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. You can take a short walk to the Observation Point, walk down to the bottom of the Falls, or hike on the extensive trail system that runs throughout the Park. Paradise, Michigan also offers wonderful beaches, hiking, canoeing, snowmobiling and many other outdoor recreation activities.

Northern Michigan - Lower Peninsula

Northern Michigan is an often-visited vacation spot offering its guests fishing, shopping, beaches, canoeing and much more.

Traverse City - Traverse City, is located on the west side of Michigan's Lower Peninsula at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula. Traverse City offers travelers world class wineries, fantastic water sports, golf, a great downtown with shopping and restaurants, and much more. Michigan produces 70 to 75 percent of the tart cherries grown in the United States and in recognition, Traverse City celebrates with their Cherry Festival in July. This is a big event and is one you shouldn't miss. Make sure to make reservations well in advance, as this is a busy time.

Gaylord - Here, in Otsego County, you can kick back and take in the beauty that is Northern Michigan: shimmering lakes, flowing rivers, wildernesses, scenic trails and great golf. With an average annual snowfall of over 150 inches, the Gaylord area is blessed with some of the most reliable snow conditions in Northern Michigan. Three downhill ski resorts and nine cross-country ski areas provide facilities and groomed trails for a great winter vacation.

Manistee and Ludington - Hiking and fishing are the attractions that draw most to this these two cities. Be a part of The North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches through seven states. Michigan has the largest percentage of this trail and it stretches through the scenic Manistee National Forest. Ludington, Manistee's neighbor, is known for it's premier fishing. The waters between the Big Sable Point and the Little Sable Point offer some of the best fishing anywhere in the state. While the "big lake" fishing is definitely something to brag about, our inland lakes and rivers also offer the opportunity to reel in more than one "fish story."

Western Michigan - Lower Peninsula

West Michigan has so much to see and do, you'll start planning your next visit before you finish your first! If your sights are set on learning, you'll love their museums and historic places. Experience the zoos. Explore the lighthouses. If it's adventure you're after, take a day cruise. Rent a dune buggy. Tame a wild water park. If culture is your pursuit, let West Michigan entertain you with festivals galore and performing arts year around.

Grand Haven - Visit the lakefront areas of Spring Lake and Ferrysburg or stroll along Grand Haven's magnificent two and one-half mile boardwalk to the spectacular beaches. Here, near the water, you will find the restaurants, snack shops, marinas, charter fishing boats, boutiques & specialty shops, trolley rides and other attractions.

South Haven - South Haven is renowned for great swimming off five miles of white-sand beach that stretches south and north from both sides of the harbor pier heads. A paved walkway runs from the south pier through town and out to the north pier, around the entire harbor. Not all trails are paved. South Haven is a town that likes to party. It is host to a wealth of year-round festivals from fine art fairs, the Annual Blueberry Festival each August, antique boat exhibits and many more activities each weekend.

Saugatuck - It's a trendy resort community, snuggled along the Kalamazoo River on the last leg of its journey to Lake Michigan. Saugatuck is a haven for fine art lovers, featuring more than 26 art galleries, studios and showrooms. Its streets are lined with upscale shops and restaurants, parks and gardens, outdoor tiki bars with live entertainment and waterfront dining. Pleasure yachts parade the river while seagulls cry overhead, soaring below the tips of sand dunes that rise like mountains to the west.

Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan, a region of seven counties, revolves around metropolitan Detroit. Southeast Michigan is home to many of the large corporations and businesses throughout Michigan.

Detroit - Detroit, like other Downtowns, has great things to offer. From cool nightclubs, to great restaurants, to awe-inspiring museums, Detroit has something for everyone. Looking for a sporting event? Detroit has two brand new stadiums in the heart of downtown. How about catching a play? Detroit's theatre district offers nightly shows you won't want to miss. Feeling lucky? Try your hand at the black jack table at one of three downtown casinos.

Ann Arbor - Centered on the Big Ten College, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers all who visit great restaurants, shops, museums and plenty of outdoor activities. Spend your day hiking the Waterloo Recreation area, one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula. Explore nine unique galleries containing more than 250 interactive exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

Lexington and The Thumb - Gorgeous sunrises, rich landscapes, sandy shores and playful beaches are hallmarks of what makes Michigan's "Thumb" area an excellent choice for vacations and day trip visits. Boating, beaching and fishing are the highlights of this wonderful area. Close to Metro-Detroit, it offers its visitors the ability to swim in the clear waters of Lake Huron and to spend your days catching fish like Salmon, Trout, and Perch. Don't have your own boat? No problem, many charter-fishing companies are available in this area.

Michigan has so much to offer its visitors. This guide only touched on a few of the many wonderful cities throughout this grand state. From outdoor recreation, to fine restaurants, shops and museums, there is something for everyone. When planning your next Michigan vacation getaway, make sure to visit Rentalbug.com, your connection to Michigan lodging. Rentalbug specializes in cabins, cottages, bed and breakfasts and much more. No one knows Michigan like we do.

Michigan Travel: Your Guide to Visiting Michigan

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