Bob Ecker
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Cruise and Travel Quiz
Question #1: Which Port is now considered the world’s busiest? Port of Miami Port of New York Port of Los Angeles Port Canaveral (FL) Port of Shanghai Answer: D) Port Canaveral’s totals of 8,602,047 passengers in 2025 make it world’s busiest port, just ahead of Port Miami’s 8,564,225. Question #2: Where on earth will you find the world’s largest airport lounge? Answer: In the Dubai International Airport (DXB) inside the United Arab Emirates.
Victuals in Vancouver
Canada has a number of fine cities to visit including Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City and Calgary. But no Canadian city encapsulates the Pacific Northwest metropolitan culture, gorgeous landscapes and charm as much as Vancouver. From humble faire to Michelin stars, visitors to Vancouver always had to eat. Starting some 8,000 years ago, native tribes unlocked a bounty of dishes, such as plentiful seafood, land animals, cultivated grown grains as well as locally sourced nuts and berries.
Cruise Trivia – 20 Questions ~How do you fare? – All Things Cruise
Question #1: What cruise line has the highest (by far) stock price in 2025? Answer #: Royal Caribbean Line with a $283 stock price as of February 24, 2025. Question #2: According to the Statitica Research Department (which measure such things), what is the estimated cruise ship passenger total for 2025 (a new high)? A) 45.8 million B) 37.1 million C) 17.8 million D) 28.7 million E) 33.2 million Answer #: B. 37.1 million passengers are estimated to cruise in 2025.
Petite Sirah: The other red wine
It has been more than 60 years since Petite Sirah, the macho little grape, burst on to the front of a wine bottle when Livermore Valley’s Concannon Vineyards first put Petite Sirah on its label back in 1961. Since that time, however, recognition for the grape has ebbed and flowed. Red wine heavyweights like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and Pinot Noir far outsell it, yet Petite Sirahs have never quite gone away and still have a good story to tell.
A judge's view of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Wine judging is often considered a privileged affair complete with knowing looks, wine geek speak, bourgeois clinking and sampling an assortment of rare and expensive wines. Although the idea is I’ll confess, glamorous, in actuality it often involves a fatigue worthy tasting of hundreds of wines at a sitting, where a few are outstanding, most are okay and some are dreadful.
A travel quiz for globetrotters and armchair travelers alike
By Bob Ecker, correspondent to Bay Area News Group Whether you’re a full blown globetrotter or someone who just dreams of faraway places, the 20 questions in this travel quiz are sure to challenge and entertain. You’ll find all the answers — and some amusing trivia — at the end. The Quiz 1. Which country holds the title — and has since 1993 — of most beer consumed per capita? 2. Do you enjoy heights? Or are you afraid of high places?
A challenging travel quiz for globetrotters and armchair travelers alike Original
Whether you’re a full blown globetrotter or someone who just dreams of faraway places, the 20 questions in this travel quiz are sure to challenge and entertain. You’ll find all the answers — and some amusing trivia — at the end. The Quiz 1. Which country holds the title — and has since 1993 — of most beer consumed per capita? 2. Do you enjoy heights? Or are you afraid of high places? Then you may — or may not — want to stay at the world’s highest altitude hotel. Where might that be?
CRUISE QUIZ ~20 Questions ... – All Things Cruise
Question #1: Which Cruise Ship company’s vessels are all lovely “Ladies?” Answer: Virgin Voyages. Thus far, her ships are named: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady, to be launched in 2024. Question #2: The Cruise Industry is bullish on building ships. According to Cruise Lines international organization (CLIA) Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, August 2023, 44 new ships are currently on order.
Every Dog Has Its Day: A Milwaukee Story
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: It was the best of times, it was the wurst of times. One minute I’m high-fiving cheering people in the stands, and the next thing I know I’m a bum. Ah, the life of an athlete – or at least one wearing a giant foam costume for a day. With one out in the top of the sixth, I donned my “Frank,” the Hot Dog outfit. The other four runners got ready too.
Gin for the Win | Pacific Sun Original
Our writer goes to London for the real deal Gin has been a go-to spirit among the British for a long time. Though the Dutch came up with its precursor, gin as we know it today, is actually a British invention. The Dutch invented a whisky-like, amber-colored alcoholic drink which they named jenever, while the British drink, shortened to gin, was a clear spirit. In the 18th century (mostly between 1720 and 1751), London went mad for gin.
Medical doctors open wineries in Napa Valley
Becoming a doctor or medical professional is today still a prestigious, difficult, daunting and expensive undertaking. Typically, it takes a minimum of 11 years of schooling, first as an undergraduate, then three to four years of med school, then another three years or more, depending on the specialty, of residency. Some successful doctors have endeavored to take their expertise, and hard-earned cash, and entered Napa’s tough wine profession.
The work behind the a restaurant's wine list
Creating a good restaurant wine list goes far beyond simply hiring a sommelier with a fine palate. Of course, that's an important start and his or her "pedigree" and professional experience is certainly critical. Yet like everything else in the restaurant business, dollars and cents business considerations must be addressed before a bottle of wine is ever brought to your table. Steps that go into the process include: is a wine a good fit for the cuisine being served?
Think wine tasting fees are excessive? Try going to a Warriors game.
Many have complained lately, in various local and national publications, about how expensive Napa Valley tastings rooms have become. Exact numbers are a moving target but $75 is considered the average figure for wine tastings, per person at Napa Valley wineries today. And many tasting fees have crossed the $100 mark. Free tastings are about as common as seeing a dodo crossing Highway 29.
Think wine tasting fees are excessive? Try going to a Warriors game.
Many have complained lately, in various local and national publications, about how expensive Napa Valley tastings rooms have become. Exact numbers are a moving target but $75 is considered the average figure for wine tastings, per person at Napa Valley wineries today. And many tasting fees have crossed the $100 mark. Free tastings are about as common as seeing a dodo crossing Highway 29.
Texas is Dead
Texas is Dead By Bob Ecker, June 24, 2022 What happened to Texas? Where did the myth of the “macho” Texas man go, instead replaced by the incredible cowards who left 19 children and two teachers to be butchered while they fecklessly waited in the Uvalde, Texas’ Robb Elementary School hallway? Where is that legacy of Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, William Travis and other brave Texans? What has become of legacy of the Alamo? Where are those fabled Texas Rangers? Even the myth of strong, rugged cowboys?
Sparkling wine: Why bubbles? Why now?
BOB ECKER According to the California-based Wine Institute, California has more than 300 producers and shipped 11 million cases of sparkling wine to U.S. markets in 2016. California is the biggest consumer for these wines by more than 2 to 1 margin over the next highest state, Illinois, while New York City consumes the most bubbles for a U.S. metro area.
Why bubbles? Why now?
According to the California-based Wine Institute, California has more than 300 producers and shipped 11 million cases of sparkling wine to U.S. markets in 2016. California is the biggest consumer for these wines by more than 2 to 1 margin over the next highest state, Illinois, while New York City consumes the most bubbles for a U.S. metro area.
Cabernet Franc: Alone at last
BOB ECKER Although primarily known from the Right Bank region of Bordeaux the Cabernet Franc wine grape originated in the Basque region of Spain, then emigrated over the Pyrenees to France. A lovely blending grape, it provides acidity, minerality, tartness and color to Bordeaux-styled wines. Yet it’s scion, Cabernet Sauvignon, is vastly more popular around the world. Until relatively recently, wines from Cabernet Franc grapes were not commonly produced on their own.
Travel: A Western Ski Round-up
La Niña is back for another go, which typically occurs when stronger equatorial winds, blowing east to west, cool the Pacific Ocean in the tropical north of Australia. This results in a wetter winter predicted for many parts of North America. Please subscribe to continue reading… Bob Ecker is a Northern California based writer and content to remain a happy intermediate skier, at best. Need to get away? Start exploring magnificent places with our weekly travel newsletter.
Cabernet Franc: Alone at last
BOB ECKER Although primarily known from the Right Bank region of Bordeaux the Cabernet Franc wine grape originated in the Basque region of Spain, then emigrated over the Pyrenees to France. A lovely blending grape, it provides acidity, minerality, tartness and color to Bordeaux-styled wines. Yet it’s scion, Cabernet Sauvignon, is vastly more popular around the world. Until relatively recently, wines from Cabernet Franc grapes were not commonly produced on their own.
Cruise Ship Trivia 2021 - 20 intriguing questions – All Things Cruise
c. Bob Ecker, June 2021 Think you know your ships? And cruising? Try your luck with these… #1. Which ship is often credited as being the first modern cruise ship, specifically designed for passenger comfort and enjoyment versus simply transport? Name the ship, company and year launched? Answer #1: The Prinzessin Victoria Luise, (named for Kaiser Wilhelm II daughter) was launched by HAPAG on January 5, 1901 from Hamburg, Germany. It was built more for passenger comfort than strictly as transportation.
A Western Ski Roundup: Skiing in a pandemic season
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, California — In mid-March, 2020, all North American ski resorts shut down due to COVID-19. Like so many other businesses, this severely hurt all resorts, who were hoping for a healthy spring season. Please subscribe to continue reading… Bob Ecker is a Northern California based travel writer. Need to get away? Start exploring magnificent places with our weekly travel newsletter.
2003: George Lepp
After 9 years, we catch up with our past Photography Person of the Year award-winner, George Lepp, to see how his career has progressed. George Lepp reaches millions of photographers every year through his popular articles as field editor of Outdoor Photographer magazine. His books on nature and wildlife photography, and his seminars and field workshops, are sponsored by Canon USA's Explorers of Light Program.
Big Ship Versus Little: Which Sized Cruise Ship is Best for You? – All Things Cruise
Travelers looking for a fun cruise vacation have literally tons of vessel choices. But which one to choose? A “Big” ship or a “Little” ship? What are the advantages and disadvantages to each? Is one perfect for a getaway, a honeymoon, destinations, simple relaxation or best for families? Will there be enough activities, fine dining and wine? Everybody is different so which is best for you? For sake of argument, in the “Big” category I’ll use very large ships that can house 3,000 passengers or more.
California wineries cope as COVID-19 lockdown affects business
Spring buds in a California vineyard Even though buds are alive and well throughout the California vineyards, this is certainly a Spring like no other for wineries. Not even the challenges of the past dozen years that included a recession and subsequent economic downturn, a major earthquake, serious fires in multiple seasons and last year’s massive power shutoffs can compare with this, the COVID-19 virus’s near-total lockdown of almost all of the wine industry.
The BlackRock Project returns to Seven Artisans Winery
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Glenn Snyder & Co.
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Where to ski in the West (now that we finally have snow)
Ski season is here, in California and beyond. Below is some news along with a brief list of what’s happening at various resorts throughout the west. Note: passes of all kinds sell out, so consider purchasing one as soon as possible. Please subscribe to continue reading… Bob Ecker is a Napa based travel and wine writer.
CAR SHOW with Live Music at Seven Artisans Winery
This event was added by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Event: Matty T & Friends play Seven Artisans Winery
Saturday, July 20th 2:00 – 5:00 PM SEVEN ARTISANS WINERY Presents: Matty T & Friends Power Blues & Rock $15 includes one glass of wine Plus food available from Out of this World Catering Join us for an afternoon of fantastic music, dancing, great people and fun! Seven Artisans Winery 4341 Abernathy Road Fairfield, CA 94534 Call or text for reservations: (707) 771-0911 eckerbob@mindspring.com No outside alcohol permitted We’ll see you on “the lawn” 07/20/2019 02:00 pm 05:00 pm 4341 Abernathy...
The state of Chardonnay in 2019
Chardonnay continues to be the largest selling varietal by case value and volume on the market, amongst off-premise food and wine stores, according to The Nielsen Company, which measures such things,. With an 18.7 percent market share in sales as of September 9, 2018, Chardonnay is the most sold and consumed wine in America. In 2017, California reported 93,452 planted acres and crushed 614,000 tons of Chardonnay. That equals a lot of bottles of Chardonnay.
Are you a travel wiz? Stretch beyond our borders with quiz
12. Located in the Pacific Ocean, north of Fiji and between Papua New Guinea, Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu is the least visited country on Earth. You can get there via Fiji Airlines. 13. Hawaii and South Dakota. 14. D, Peru. Potatos were transported to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century. Potatoes have been enjoyed worldwide ever since. 15. True. Indeed, Youngstown is about 73 miles farther east than Jacksonville.
Gourmet on the go: CHARLIE PALMER STEAK NAPA
Located in the new Archer Hotel in California’s Napa Valley, Charlie Palmer Steak offers a refined ambiance and awesome steaks. The smart and rather large dining room presents shades of taupe and brown, and raw stone. For starters, try the “pig ear” pad thai, with spicy peanut, cilantro, and lime; seared Hudson Valley foie gras with strawberry, rhubarb, pistachio, elderflower, and pain perdu; or the selection of oysters on the half shell. For mains, steaks are centerstage, with nine selections.
Hot Dog: a run for the mustard at a Milwaukee Brewers game
Milwaukee, Wisconsin — It was the best of times, it was the wurst of times. One minute I’m high-fiving cheering people in the stands, and the next thing I know I’m a bum. Ah, the life of an athlete — or at least one wearing a giant foam costume for a day.With one out in the sixth, I donned my “Frank,” the Hot Dog outfit. The other four runners got ready too.
Napa or Sonoma? - AAA - Carolinas
Sonoma is a large county spread out over a wide area covering many microclimates — from the hot inland areas of Sonoma and Alexander valleys to the very cool Seaview-Fort Ross AVA bordering the Pacific Ocean. Grapes have thrived in Sonoma even longer than Napa, starting in 1812. Experience world famous wineries like Opus One, Silver Oak, Far Niente, Robert Mondavi Winery or Charles Krug. Or sip stunner wines from Stags’ Leap, Shafer, Staglin Family Vineyard, Viader, or Pride Mountain Vineyards.
Petite Sirah: Delicious wines from an underrated grape
Big, bold and powerful American red wines come in many varieties. But for me, full-bodied, well-crafted Petite Sirahs are where many palates have been heading the past 20 years. Substantial, dark and eminently drinkable, these wines should be tried and experienced.Petite Sirah, however, gets little recognition in the general marketplace. Although many wine industry folks love Petite Sirah, it still represents just a tiny blip in production and overall wine sales.
Munich's annual Oktoberfest is celebration of food, drink, music
MUNICH — Ten thousand people, all enjoying litre mugs flowing with fresh Paulaner beer swayed, clapped, hooted and hollered and joined together to sing that oh-so-traditional German song, Sweet Home Alabama. The lively oompah band churned it out in a way that Lynyrd Skynyrd would appreciate. I spied a rare empty seat in the packed rafters and grabbed it — and, of course, ordered a beer (there is only one kind — Oktoberfest) to watch the action.
Munich's annual Oktoberfest is celebration of food, drink, music
MUNICH — Ten thousand people, all enjoying litre mugs flowing with fresh Paulaner beer swayed, clapped, hooted and hollered and joined together to sing that oh-so-traditional German song, Sweet Home Alabama. The lively oompah band churned it out in a way that Lynyrd Skynyrd would appreciate. I spied a rare empty seat in the packed rafters and grabbed it — and, of course, ordered a beer (there is only one kind — Oktoberfest) to watch the action.
RESTAURANT ULO | Business Jet Traveler
You might be surprised to discover superb cuisine in a small town more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Yet that’s just what you’ll find at Restaurant Ulo in the four-star Hotel Arctic in fascinating Ilulissat, Greenland. Chef Jeppe Ejvind Nielsen employs local ingredients such as reindeer, musk ox, amazing fresh fish, and shellfish to create masterful meals.
Gourmet On The Go: RESTAURANT ULO
You might be surprised to discover superb cuisine in a small town more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Yet that’s just what you’ll find at Restaurant Ulo in the four-star Hotel Arctic in fascinating Ilulissat, Greenland. Chef Jeppe Ejvind Nielsen employs local ingredients such as reindeer, musk ox, amazing fresh fish, and shellfish to create masterful meals.
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