Walking Cambridge: Jesus College, St. John’s, Punting The Cam And King’s College

September 30, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

After a great early morning workout at the Varsity Hotel gym, a hearty breakfast, we set out for Jesus College just 5 blocks away.

We were practically alone this Monday morning viewing a spectacular, little known and no entrance charge College.

Then it was off to tour St. John’s College, one of the wealthiest and historical at Cambridge.

It was time to Punt the River Cam and we negotiated a reduced rate of 40 pounds for the two of us.

It was mostly sunny during the 45 minute shared ride up and back on the Cam. So fun. A must in Cambridge.

We had a short walk to Trinity College and a tour (free) of the Wren Library. But we bought (another) Chelsea Bun at Fitzbilies on the way to eat after.

Amazing exhibit inside the Wren and we walked out to eat the bun and some mini croissant sandwiches on a bench overlooking the Cam. Incredible views.

We then took a long walk around the “other” side of the Cam before crossing back to drink some gin and tonics at the Bath House pub.

It was then time for the final, and most spectacular, tour….King’s College and world famous Chapel.

Stunning is the only word for the King’s College Chapel, the Wired’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling and breath-taking stained glass.

An amazing day.

Health, Reviews, Technology

Future Of Hospital Design: EIR Healthcare’s Prefab “MedModular” Hospital Rooms Are Customizable

September 30, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

From the EIRHealthcare.com website:

EIR Healthcare collaborates with each hospital to customize the optimal space. Through our technology and design, doctors, nurses and any healthcare professional interacting with patients in a MedModular room are equipped to provide nothing short of excellence within every interaction. EIR Healthcare was presented with a 2018 iF Design Award for our “Hospital of the Future” professional concept.

When a MedModular room is delivered, it is done so with every detail already executed from both technology and space design standpoints, which results in optimizing the efficiency in which hospitals and other healthcare environments are constructed – and completed.

Website: https://eirhealthcare.com/EIR

Food, Reviews, Travel

Top Pubs In Cambridge: The Eagle, Established In 1667

September 29, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

Often called the most important pub in Cambridge, it is also one of the largest, with numerous rooms and a great interior outdoor patio.

A full selection of ales, IPAs and lagers along with full shelves of gins, sherries and wines. Very interesting people and conversations. A must visit.

Travel

Road Trips In England: Stratford-upon-Avon To Cambridge

September 29, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

A very nice breakfast at the Arden Hotel had us ready for the 1:45 minute drive east to Cambridge.

Sunday is a perfect day to travel across central England as you miss the traffic heading into the numerous circle intersections. We arrived at The Varsity Hotel just before eleven and our room was not ready. So we checked our bags, had the car valeted and changed for a workout in their gym and spa.

Our room was ready at 12:30 so we went up to our 3rd floor room, changed and went back down to the spa for a sauna and jacuzzi.

Fully invigorated, we hit the streets to experience Cambridge.

We walked over to Fitzbillies bakery and ordered a sticky bun to go and headed down to the River Cam at the Silver Street bridge to sit, eat, people watch and view the Mathematical Bridge at Queens College.

Walked back towards the hotel and viewed Pembroke College, which dates back to 1347 and was open and free to walk about.

Much of the town center closes up at 5 pm so we decided to eat Indian food at The Curry King, just two blocks from the hotel. Very good, authentic cuisine,

Retirement, Technology, Transportation

Future Of Mobility: Self-Driving Car Venture “Voyage” Specializes In Retirement Communities

September 29, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

From the Voyage.auto website:

Voyage (is) building the technology to deliver on the promise of self-driving cars. Our first service offers residents safe, autonomous transportation anywhere in their community at speeds up to 25 MPH. This approach lets us solve real transportation challenges today, while setting the foundation for our long-term vision: developing a technology that can drive anyone, on any road, at any time.

Our vehicles are equipped with the best sensors available, giving us a 360-degree picture of the world hundreds of meters from the car. We extensively leverage machine learning to develop state-of-the-art perception models, and have built a rich data pipeline that allows us to continuously improve based on real-world driving. Our multiple sensor modalities give us great perception, while improving the safety and operational redundancy of our autonomous service.

To read more: https://voyage.auto/technology/

Food, Reviews, Travel

Top Pubs In Stratford-upon-Avon: The Dirty Duck

September 28, 2019 boomersdaily

Just doors down from the Arden Hotel on the waterfront, The Dirty Duck was busy on Saturday night.

We walked in and to our very good fortune the window seat table opened up. We ordered two Gin and Tonics with hamburger and fries. The crowd was very interesting with several languages being spoken all round the room.

Great meal and drinks at what was once called The Black Swan.

Travel

Road Trip To Stratford: Slaughters North To Cotswolds Distillery And Shakespeare

September 28, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

We left Lords (of the Manor) at 7 am for a 3 mile round trip hike to Lower Slaughter and back for breakfast at 8.

Breakfast was a nice spread of pastries, bread, fruit, cereals, yoghurt and juices. Ordered eggs, bacon, sausage and mushrooms.

We checked out and drove north to Stourton and the Cotswolds Distillery. Their recently opened tasting room and store was light and bright.

We were offered a tasting of 5 gins, 7 whiskies and their very special “1616 – Barrel Aged Gin. You will never find a better (and free) tasting anywhere.

We more than compensated them by buying Cotswolds Distillery clothing, hunter flasks and other items. They filled up one flask with 1616 for the ultimate roadie.

It was then off to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Arden Hotel.

After checking in we set out to experience Shakespeare’s birthplace, exhibits, the New House, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft.

After the tour, we had Gin and Tonics and dinner at The Dirty Duck (The Black Swan years ago) and called it a night.

Homes, Reviews, Technology

Home Energy Podcasts: “The Economics Of Rooftop Solar” (MIT)

Audio September 28, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

Scott Burger, MITEI Energy Fellow and researcher, discusses rooftop solar economics, net metering, energy poverty, and electricity costs. Show notes and transcript: https://energy.mit.edu/podcast/16

Food, Reviews, Travel

Top Pubs In The Cotswolds: The Mousetrap Inn, Bourton-On-The-Water

September 27, 2019 boomersdaily

A very popular locals destination. The Mousetrap Inn had most tables reserved or occupied as we walked in Friday night at 6 pm.

The bartender was very friendly and seated us at one of the few available tables.

He quickly recommended the Roast Cauliflower with Chickpeas, dill, raisins and smoked almonds as a vegetarian entree selection. He then suggested two drinks: The Mousetrap house specialty, a Cotswold Dry Gin and soda drink with a unique long ice cube of lemons, cucumber, mint and bitters) along with a twin scotch Old Fashioned. Excellent.

Very unique food, drinks and atmosphere. A must visit.

Travel

Driving The Cotswolds: To Sudeley Castle And Upper Slaughter

September 27, 2019 boomersdaily Leave a comment

After checking out of The Swan and a pre-drive walk of Arlington Row, we headed northwest to the historically interesting Sudeley Castle.

With over 1000 years of history, Sudeley hosted Kings Richard III, Henry VIII, Queens Ann Boleyn and Catherine Parr, Lady Jane Gray and a young (pre-Queen) Elizabeth I. All before 1550.

We then drove to Upper Slaughter to check in at Lords of the Manor Hotel.

A quick walk down to Lower Slaughter and a peek at The Old Mill Museum and store. A steady rain provided a very British touch to the walk down the narrow lanes amidst meadows filled with sheep and beautiful country houses.