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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/3845 | Home » Your Visit » Stations » Watchet
Watchet
Postcode for Sat Nav: TA23 0AU
Watchet Station has a Booking Office and prices from this station can be found on our fares pages.The shop has been extended and sells souveniers,cakes,biscuits,sweets and hot and cold drinks.There are toilets available,including a disabled facility.
A coal fire greets you on entering the booking hall.To the left of here there is a comprehensive secondhand book shop selling fiction and non-fiction books.
On the platform the Pagoda waiting room has a pictorial display of the history of the railway at Watchet.
Watchet Station is back on track with the return of the refurbished footbridge and a repaint of the station buildings. What to see and do nearby
Watchet is an ancient harbour town with a history of over 1000 years and still has a network of small streets and shops to be explored, including several pubs and cafes. The Star Inn in Watchet was Somerset CAMRA�s Pub of the Year for 2005. The station stands right in the middle of the town adjacent to the harbour which, since the end of commercial shipping calling in the mid-1990�s has begun a new lease of life as a Marina and is home currently to a 1950�s Vintage Motor Torpedo Boat.
The network of sidings that served the docks has gone and the former goods shed is now a Boat Museum. The town Museum is just off the esplanade and traces the history of the town through the ages and this includes the West Somerset Mineral Railway that once brought iron ore from the Brendon Hills for onward shipping to the furnaces at Ebbw Vale in South Wales. The trackbed of the Mineral Railway is now in use as a footpath.
Bell Inn - 3 Market Street
The 16th Century Bell Inn is situated in Market Street, Watchet, a few yards from the marina and is a family run pub.
A warm welcome always awaits you from Paul, Gill, Adam and Clare, along with real ales, fine wines and good food.
Open all day every day, food is served lunchtime and evenings. (Food not served on a Tuesday).
History of Watchet Station
This was the original terminus of the West Somerset Railway in 1862, a fact which is reflected in the station building standing at right angles to the railway line.
For more information about things to see and do in Watchet as well as places to stay visit Visit Watchet. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/3859 | Western Highlands : Quetzaltenango
Revision as of 17:23, 21 June 2012 by Angelmoorenj (Talk | contribs)
Get around Details
See Historical Center
Do Volunteering
Get out Attractions
The High Country
Toward the Coast
Pasaje Enrique in Parque Central
Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela (pronounced SHAY-la) or Xelaju, is the second largest city in Guatemala. There are a number of attractions in town, and it's also a good base for exploring Guatemala's Western Highlands ("Los Altos"). Situated at the southwest of the country, the surrounding department has a variety of landscapes extending from the cold highlands to the warm Pacific coast. There are numerous volcanos, hot springs, valleys, mountains, rivers. The region provides a harvest of numerous products such as coffee, wheat, fruits and vegetables, as well as sheep and cattle breeding.
The city of Quetzaltenango, the Department of the same name's capital and largest city, is situated on an extensive plain and surrounded by hills and volcanoes. The city of Quetzaltenango conserves the Maya-Quiche's old traditions and the colonial past, while maintaining the dynamism of modern life.
The city's roots go back to the Pre-Columbian Maya era. The Mam authority, called Kulahá, reached its most important expansion. Later Quiches's Lords conquered the area, and founded the city of Xelajú here, moving it from a previous location at the base of the volcano Santa Maria.
The city was already some 300 years old when Spanish Conquistadors came to conquer Guatemala in the early 1500s. Their native allies the Nahuas from Central Mexico called the city Quetzaltenango, meaning "the place of the Quetzal bird" in the Nahua language. The Spanish took the name from the Nahuas. It's still the city's official name, but locals are more apt to casually call it "Xela" from the the ancient name of Xelajú.
It was the administrative capital of the Western Highland region in the Spanish Colonial period. With Central American independence from Spain in the 1820s it was part of the Central American Federation. Conflicts between the interests of Quetzaltenango and Guatemala City led to the creation of "Los Altos", the "Sixth State of the Central American Confederation ", consisting of Western Guatemala (and a slice of what is now part of Chiapas Mexico) with Quetzaltenango as its capital. When the Central American Federation fell apart in 1839-1840, Los Altos was briefly a de-facto independent state, until the army of Guatemalan dictator Carrera brutally conquered the city and hung its leaders. The city enjoyed prosperity with the boom in coffee production in the late 19th and start of the 20th century, when many of the city's "Belle Époque" style landmarks still seen were built. Plans for a railway to Quetzaltenango dated back to the 1890s, and construction was started in the 1920s and finally completed in 1930. The "Ferrocarril de los Altos" was proclaimed the engineering marvel of the age-- until it was destroyed by landslides in 1933. The fabled railroad is still remembered in local song and story, and there's a museum dedicated to it in town.
Quetzaltenango's prosperity declined from the Great Depression through the Guatemalan Civil War in the later 20th century, and for a time much of the city looked on the scruffy side. With the new millenium, however, better times are back. The old landmarks have been refurbished and new ones added, and the city is more beautiful and vibrant than ever.
Quetzaltecos are proud of their city, its distinct regional culture, and its rich heritage.
Use the Panamerican Highway (CA-1) which crosses the High Lands or the International (CA-2), parallel to the Pacific Coast.
You can take a bus from many cities, including Guatemala City or Antigua, into Xela. While the local buses (nicknamed "Chicken Buses" by visiting Yanquis), which are brightly painted old school buses, take these routes, they are long, bumpy, noisy and crowded, however they are cheaper (between Q.20 and Q.35 depending on the route). However, for a few dollars more ($7.50 US in the Summer of 2006 to travel from Guatemala City to Xela), ride one of the private bus companies, such as Galgos (Greyhound style), which offers luggage storage, nice seats and quicker routes. Galgos has two daily departures from Guatemala City: at 8:30AM (arriving at Xela around 12:30PM) and 2:30PM arriving at 6:30PM. Try to arrange to arrive in the city well before dark.
If you are coming from Guatemala City the Linea Dorada is a great line, about US$9 gets you to Xela in about 4-4.5 hours with only one stop for lunch. Air-condition bus and movies included. This is a nice ride. Linea Dorada Guatemala City 16 Calle 10-03, Zona 1 Tel: 2415-8900 Guatemala City to Xela 8AM 3PM
Use a taxi when you arrive in Xela if nothing else than to get to the parque... about 25-30Q
Van shuttles are available to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico and worth it as a van will take you to the Guatemala boarder and a van will pick you up when you come out of immigration taking you to the Mexician Immigration and then on to San Cristóbal de las Casas. There is a 1 hours time change and you leave Xela 8-830 am and arrive in San Cristobal 330-600 pm.
From San Cristóbal de las Casas there are buses [1] to Mexico City, 13 hours on the luxury bus for 77 US dollars 884 local money. They take dollars but they have to be perfect without tears or marks.
The bus station in Mexico City is the TAPO and you can pay for and get an official taxi at a booth in the bus station. If you are headed to the airport it is 125P. Unofficial taxi may be less but may be more.
An able-bodied person can walk from the center to any point in Xela in about 30 min . Minibus routes thread through all parts of the city and, although cramped, cost only 1.25Q. The bus costs less but is slower and less frequent. For travel around the countryside, the local buses are very reasonable. They can be entertaining and, at times, quite crowded. Do not plan on carrying much luggage with you on these: some buses have backpack storage above the seats, but most of the time you must store bags that do not fit on your lap on the top of the bus. While they are generally safe up there, they are at risk for weather.
Taxis are relatively common around the city, especially around nightlife hot spots. At night, it is not safe to walk around, so taxis are highly recommended, especially if you are by yourself. Catch a taxi on a public square rather than on one of the side streets and note its number. Negotiate the cost of the ride before you leave. If the driver seems sketchy to you, make a reasonable excuse and do not take it.
When using the minibus to get to Hiper Paiz (the large mall with a movie theatre as well as a supermarket) go to the back part of central park to catch the van. The guy will call, "Hiper Hiper Hiper" and it is 1.25Q in the day and 2Q at night. This same van also drops you at La Democracia Market and Paiz (a slightly smaller mall which also has a supermarket).
This is also the van that you catch to get to the Chicken Bus terminal that takes you to Antigua or Panajachel. Most people tell you to get off at the Roman Columns-Minerva Terminal. You can ask someone where the bus station is or just walk down the street along side Hiper for 4-5 blocks. These second-class buses will leave at regular times, but if you load your things on the bus, do not get off as the driver may leave without warning.
These buses at the main terminal do make other stops prior to leaving town (7th Street and 16th Avenue, for example). Details
Guatemala City & Antigua - Every 15-30 min, 3am-5pm, you change buses in Chimaltenango.
Panajachel - 9am-5pm hourly. This is the bus to the lake. 30-35Q for this trip.
San Pedro la Laguna - 11:30, 12pm,1pm, 2pm,4pm San Marcos - 4am-8pm Frequent
Cantel & Zunil - 6am-7pm Frequent buses Huehuetenango - 4am-6pm Freguent.
La Mesilla border with Mexico at 7am, 8am, 10am, 2:15pm Retalhuleu & Champerico - 4:30am-7:30pm Santa Cruz del Quiché - Leaves hourly, 8am-4:30pm Coatapeque and Mexico border at Tecún Umán - 5am-7pm San Pedro la Laguna - 11:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm & 5:30pm
The town conserves traces of the colonial period in its streets and avenues. The classical, neoclassical and Italian renaissance styles are evident in the buildings and the houses which have been built during the past century and the beginning of the 20th, with volcanic stones by artistic "Quetzalteco" masons. Some examples of architectural styles:
Espiritu Santo Cathedral : Consist of two structures. The "Espiritu Santo" parish's ancient facade (1535/1896) and to the back the "Diócesis de los Altos" (1899).
The Municipal Theatre is a very important Neoclassical work.
The Central America park (known as "Parque Central): Situated in the centre of the town is also centre of cultural activities and amusements. The Enrique Passage : Commercial building from 1900 facing the central park.
Gobernacion : one block from the central park.
Also visit the Cerro del Baúl, where one can have a beautiful view of Quetzaltenango's valley, day or night (accessible by foot, car or taxi).
Quetzaltenango has important cultural activities. There, you'll find the Occidental Cultural Centre (La Casa de la Cultura de Occidente), and Alliance Française de Quetzalteango, numerous activities are scheduled all year.
The first Sunday of each month, the "Quetzaltecos" install the artisans' market in the central park where handcrafts from Quetzaltenago and surrounding villages are displayed. In September, the annual fair and festival is offered from the 12th to the 18th.
There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities with organizations and groups in and around Xela, ranging from one day projects to long term placements. Non-profit organization Entremundos hosts a database of local opportunties, accessable for free at http://www.entremundos.org They offer an additional personalized volunteer service for a donation of Q25 ($3) which includes access to all of their 150 listings, a meeting with their volunteer coordinator to discuss possible opportunities for you, and use of internet and phone to contact organizations (and they can even do this for you) They also rent rooms to people studying or volunteering with local organizations (From Q750 a month). Entremundos, 6a calle, 7-31, Zona 1 For more info email [email protected]
Many of the schools listed above offer opportunities for their students. For other volunteer opportunities, see the list below.
Asociación de Mujeres del Altiplano [2]
Asociación Nuevos Horizontes, women's and children´s rights non-profit organization [3]
El Nahual Community Center (non-profit) offers volunteer teaching opportunities in schools around Xela. All are welcome at the weekly organizational meeting held Monday at 5:30PM at the Blue Angel Café [4].
La Pedrera Community Project (non-profit) offers volunteer work and internships with an indigenous community [5].
http://www.entremundos.org/en/index.html Volunteers are always welcome. This is another site with opportunities
Xela is also well-known for its abundance of volcanoes, mountains, and hot springs.
Quetzaltrekkers [6] offers trips to local natural wonders at reasonable prices, as well as extended treks to Lago de Atitlan and the Cuchumatanes. All guides are either foreign volunteers or local Guatemalans. All profits go towards La Escuela de la Calle, a school in the poorest neighborhood of Xela.
The salsa scene is also very active in Xela. Lessons are cheap and there are lots of clubs.
Language Schools:
Xela is an excellent place to take language lessons (both Spanish and some of the Mayan languages specific to the area). There are various schools and NGOs in the city most offer rates based on one week of instruction (approx. 5 hours per day). Some schools offer volunteer opportunities for an additional cost while others offer it for free. Most also offer home stay options, which is an excellent way to make sure you keep practicing at all times. One of the best reasons to learn in Xela is the price. You | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/4048 | More to History of Oregon Coast's Peter Iredale Than Just a Shipwreck
Published 11/07/2011 (Oregon Coast) - In late 1906, a four-masted steel barque called the Peter Iredale set out from Mexico on a long ocean voyage to Portland, Oregon. As the cliché goes, its final stretch on the ocean was a “dark and stormy night,” and the wee hours of October 25 were its last stint on the water, joining a long lineage of dozens and dozens of shipwrecks along this part of the north Oregon coast.
Now, its rusted bones sit immersed in the sand and are one of the coast's biggest tourist attractions, and purportedly among the world's most photographed shipwrecks. The Iredale was built in 1890 by a British shipping firm called Iredale & Porter, which owned and operated it thereafter. Some historical documents even indicate their shipping business included some slave trading at one point. When the ship left Mexico in late September, under the command of Captain H. Lawrence, it purportedly had two stowaways, and it was to pick up a load of wheat in Portland for the U.K. In the middle of the night on October 25, it made it safely to the Columbia River Bar and was waiting for a bar pilot boat to haul it over the that bump in the river. At some point, a heavy wind picked up and strong currents took over. Before they knew it, the Iredale and her crew were taken a ways south and wound up in the breakers at Fort Stevens, not far from a huge concrete battlement built during the Civil War, called Battery Russell. It ran aground. | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/33901 | Bald Eagle State ForestThe Bald Eagle State Forest hosts all the major game species typically found in Pennsylvania, including deer, bear, wild turkey and other small game.
There are thirteen streams within the Bald Eagle District totaling 47 miles that are stocked and fishable. Particularly noteworthy are Penns Creek ........more >
Bald Eagle State Forest Ranger Station........more >Bald Eagle State ParkThe 5,900-acre park lies in the broad Bald Eagle Valley of northcentral Pennsylvania. Two geologic provinces create Bald Eagle's scenic beauty. The Allegheny Plateau to the north and west holds smooth, undulating uplands. The Ridge and Valley Province to the south and east contains numerous long, narrow ........more >Big Spring State ParkTucked in the side of Conococheague Mountain, Big Spring State Park is a quaint picnic and hiking area. A short loop trail leads to a partially completed railroad tunnel with historic interpretation at the trailhead. The park also provides access to the Iron Horse Trail for day and overnight hiking. ........more >Black Moshannon State ParkPerched on the top of the Allegheny Plateau, Black Moshannon State Park features the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area. Trails and a boardwalk help people explore the birds and plants of the bog and surrounding forests. Stay overnight to extend your stay so you can explore the beautiful forests on the ........more >Hyner Run State ParkThe stream Hyner Run carves a small valley from the surrounding steep mountains, creating a cozy, quiet place for a family adventure. The park is entirely surrounded by Sproul State Forest, Pennsylvanias largest state forest. Hyner View State Park is nearby.........more >Kettle Creek State ParkKettle Creek State Park consists of 1,793 acres along Kettle Creek in western Clinton County. The park is in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain and wilderness.
Many of the existing recreational facilities arose from a joint flood control project developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........more >Little Pine Creek State Park Reservoir........more >Little Pine State ParkThe 2,158-acre Little Pine State Park is in a beautiful mountain section of Tiadaghton State Forest in the Appalachian Mountain Region.........more >McCall Dam State ParkThe sound of White Deer Creek pervades the quiet, remote McCalls Dam Park. Majestic pines and hemlocks surround the cozy organized group tenting area. Maples and oaks reach for the sky around the small picnic area. Bald Eagle State Forest surrounds the eight-acre McCalls Dam State Park.........more >Milton State ParkMilton State Park is an 82-acre island on the West Branch Susquehanna River, between the Boroughs of Milton and West Milton. The northern half of the park has day use facilities and the southern half remains in a wooded state for hiking and nature study.........more >Moshannon State ForestMore and more people are making use of the Moshannon State Forest as their recreation outlet. In recent years there has been an increasing demand for types of recreation that only large tracts of forest lands can provide. Traditional outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing have been stable, but ........more >Penn Roosevelt State ParkThis 41-acre park is in an isolated area of the Seven Mountains region known as the Stone Creek Kettle. While this Centre County park is small in size, it is surrounded by an 80,000-acre block of Rothrock State Forest. Penn-Roosevelt is a good base for those seeking low-density recreation on this vast ........more >Pleasant Gap State Fish Hatchery........more >Poe Paddy State ParkPoe Paddy State Park is located at the confluence of Big Poe Creek and Penns Creek, a trout angler's paradise featuring the nationally recognized green drake mayfly hatch in June. Hikers also walk Mid State Trail through the 250-foot long Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel. Poe Valley State Park is nearby.........more >Poe Valley State ParkCozy Poe Valley State Park is nestled in a rugged mountain valley in Centre County. Seemingly endless forests surround the 25-acre Poe Lake. The 620-acre state park is surrounded by the 198,000-acre Bald Eagle State Forest. Poe Paddy State Park is nearby.........more >Ravensburg State ParkThe park lies in a cozy, steep-walled gorge carved by Rauchtown Run through the side of Nippenose Mountain. A northern hardwood forest blankets the bottomland along this spring-fed stream. Talus rock covered slopes and interesting rock formations are interspersed among a stunted oak forest growing on ........more >Raymond B Winter State ParkR. B. Winter State Park covers 695 acres of the Ridge and Valley Province in central Pennsylvania. Located within Bald Eagle State Forest, the park lies in a shallow basin surrounded by rocky ridges covered with an oak and pine forest. The focal point of the park is Halfway Lake which is filled by spring-fed ........more >Reeds Gap State ParkReeds Gap State Park is 220 acres of wilderness in the New Lancaster Valley of Mifflin County. Large Hemlocks and white pines cast cool shadows over Honey Creek, which flows through the park.........more >Sand Bridge State ParkRapid Run's lovely murmur and the sounds of birds pervade this lovely picnic spot. The three rustic picnic pavilions hug the side of Seven Notch Mountain, conveniently at the side of PA 192.........more >Shikellamy State ParkShikellamy State Park is in Union and Northumberland counties. The 78-acre Shikellamy Overlook section is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River and overlooks the confluence of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River. The 54-acre Shikellamy Marina section is in Northumberland County, ........more >Snyder-Middleswarth State ParkThis National Natural Landmark is composed of 250 acres of old-growth hemlock, white pine, pitch pine and hardwoods within the larger 500-acre natural area. These 250 acres constitute a picturesque remnant of the original stream bottom forest along Swift Run. The hiking trail follows the grade up Swift ........more >Sproul State ForestSproul State Forest, situated north of the Allegheny front in the Allegheny Plateau region, itself was named in memory of William C. Sproul Governor of Pennsylvania from 1919 to 1923. Governor Sproul was best known for expansion of public education system in Pennsylvania. Today, the forest contains ........more >Susquehanna State ParkThis 20-acre riverfront recreational area is in the city of Williamsport. The Williamsport Chamber of Commerce operates this park in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks.........more >Thickhead State Wildlife Area........more >Tiadaghton State ForestThe Tiadaghton State Forest is one of twenty forest districts created for the protection and management of Pennsylvania's forest lands. Tiadaghton was the name the Iroquois gave to Pine Creek, the largest tributary of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The exact meaning of Tiadaghton is a mystery ........more >Upper Pine Bottom State ParkSurrounded by the huge Tiadaghton State Forest, Upper Pine Bottom State Park provides visitors with a welcome rest area. Visitors often use the parking area of this small roadside picnic site for access to hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and hunting on forest land. Little Pine State Park ........more >Voneida State Forest Park........more >Jump to Another Pennsylvania RegionNorthwestNorth-CentralNortheastPittsburghSouthwestSouth-CentralSoutheast
USA ParksPennsylvaniaPhoto GalleryFind A ParkResources | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/34079 | It has exclusive shops, fabulously luxurious homes and a glamorous cultural scene, but this is not what has made London the destination of choice for the world's multi-billionaires. For the ultra-rich few, this country is now a virtual tax haven, which is why more and more princes, tycoons and oligarchs are making it their home. James Meek sets out to uncover the secrets of Britain's seriously wealthy
James Meek The Guardian,
Sunday 16 April 2006 It would be only a year before anything resembling socialism in power vanished from Westminster. Yet to the guests gathered for the farewell garden party at 12 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, one day in 1978, such an outcome must have seemed unlikely. The aristocratic residents, the Cholmondeley family, hereditary Lord Great Chamberlains, were selling up and moving out after six decades. The future seemed to belong to the trade unions, to the Soviets - who had begun acquiring diplomatic premises in the street in the 1930s - to the Arabs and Iranians, squelching with money after the 1973 surge in oil prices, and to a horde of spotty, uppity, lefty graduates contemplating the staid notion of a mortgage in the dingy enclaves of Notting Hill, Camden and Islington.A generation later, the fact that the aristocrats had nothing to worry about is the least surprising aspect of what we know. What is remarkable is that the very manifestations of upper-class anxieties turned out to be the means which would not only secure the private possession of wealth in Britain but inflate it, in the early years of the 21st century, to staggering new levels.The trade unions, arguably, paved the way for Margaret Thatcher's wealth-friendly government in 1979. The oil money that began pouring out of Britain into Iran and the Gulf in 1973 began almost immediately to tip straight back: the buyers of 12 Kensington Palace Gardens from the Lord Great Chamberlain were the Saudi royal family, who still own it. The scary Soviets turned into free-spending Russians who, like the Arabs before them, are bringing the billions they earned from the west for their raw materials, back to the west. Those graduates turned into Blairites and Cameroons, stars of the bar, the arts and the media, with school fees and million-pound houses. As for the Marquess of Cholmondeley, he's still up there: number 666 on the Sunday Times Rich List last year. In other words, he's only borderline super-rich.London has attracted the extremely rich from all over the world as a place to live an | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/4277 | Results tagged vanilla from David Lebovitz
S’mores Ice Cream
Marshmallows + chocolate + Graham crackers x ice cream = Bliss. A few people, including Deb, intimated that my beloved combination of marshmallows, chocolate and spiced crackers might be in danger of becoming passé, which was the first I’d heard of that. I don’t want to quibble with her, because she knows her cocktails, and dumplings. But on the other hand, I guess in the…
107 comments - 07.24.2015
One of the first books that made me fall in love with France, and French cuisine, was Roger Vergé’s Entertaining in the French Style. Vergé was the chef and owner of Moulin de Mougins, his world-famous restaurant on the Côte d’Azur, near Cannes. I never went, but used to page through the book, admiring the relaxed, friendly lifestyle that always seemed to revolve around a table,…
Caramelized Pineapple
One fruit that’s always in season is pineapple, and the spiky beauties really help to brighten up winter, especially when you’ve had your fill of apples and pears. I like eating fresh pineapple after a meal because not only is it refreshing, but it has a pleasant acidity that tends to make me feel good about eating it. Although not local (we wish! because that…
Salon de l’Agriculture
Every year, beginning in mid-February, thousands of farmers, wine makers, cheese makers, sausage makers, and an arks’-worth of animals, makes it way to Paris for the annual Salon de l’Agriculture. The salon began in 1870 in a country that was, and still is, justly fond of its agriculture, which is celebrated on tables, in steaming cauldrons, on picnic blankets, in restaurants, and ready-to-slice on cutting…
Gooey Cinnamon Cake
Who was more thrilled than I to find that Deb thanked me in The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook for lugging a big sack of French cocoa powder to New York City for her? But just after I read that in the acknowledgements, my head started reeling, thinking that others would start asking me to bring them cocoa powder as well. That one time I did it,…
L’Épicerie Breizh Café
Sometimes I think I am living in the wrong département of France. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to be able to walk out my door and get a baguette Parisienne or a sachet of les macarons, libremente (freely). But Breton food is all the flavors I crave: buckwheat, honey, sardines, oysters, fleur de sel, seaweed, and sparkling apple cider. Oh yes, and butter. The…
Butterscotch Sauce
Marion Cunningham was a big promoter of American food and cooking, which included some of the peculiarities of our style of eating. There was a funny story recounted by Kim Severson way back in 2001, that when Marion came to France, she insisted on having a cup of coffee before dinner at a three-star restaurant. Which, of course, perplexed the waiter. But Marion always insisted…
Pineapple-Coconut Macaroons
By now, just about everyone is familiar with Parisian macarons, those little almond meringue sandwiches pressed together with a creamy filling, which are now available far and wide. But if you go to neighborhood bakeries in Paris, you’ll find another kind of “macaroon” – Rochers à la noix de coco, which, because the French are fond of abbreviations, is often shortened to rochers coco. They’re…
Brownie-Brown Sugar Parfaits
When I lived in San Francisco, the baking community was a very friendly group and we all mingled easily. One of the people who I particularly admired and liked was Emily Luchetti, who was also a pastry chef and cookbook author. Her desserts were known for their stunning simplicity, which highlighted bold flavors as well as local ingredients, and whose recipes walked a balance between…
Earlier posts » | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/4448 | Re: Flake from London Ontario to Michigan/Mecosta Coun
By Jodie Schram December 21, 2005 at 03:01:17
In reply to: Re: Flake from London Ontario to Michigan/Mecosta Coun
Jodie Jenks Jenks 11/27/02
Hi Carolyn... I just reviewed the messages in this string and have a few ideas about them. I know it's been a while since it began but I hope you're still active in genealogy. I am now thinking the John Flake who is in the 1880 US census in Fork, Mecosta Co. and 1860 US census in Brockway, St. Clair Co., Michigan may be the son of my John Flake who married Margaret Davis. I just found John Flake's census information yesterday at the library. In 1880 it lists John, Morris and Margaret as his children. Among the names Catharine (my John Flake's daughter) and Peter G. Schram gave their children were John, Morris, Hugh, and Margaret. Does it sound familiar? Of course, Margaret was their mother's name. These names match the list in the census and your information in the string. I think I also found the 1890 census (but didn't copy) and there was a new child, Hugh. Your grandfather, I presume. My cousin, Carol, tells me John was living around Port Huron where Catharine and Peter lived for a while in the 1850's. I don't know where her information comes from and I will ask next time I talk to her. Another common point between the two is the census list John's his father's birth places as Ireland and mother's as New York. The same is true of Catharine's parents. Now there were a lot of Irish people around London because of the group of people that founded London were from there. However, I don't recall a Flake on the Founders list. I did research on the list because one of Peter Schram's sisters married a Levi Lewis and that name was on the list. Another reason I think we could have the same ancestor is that I found in 1860 that your John and family were censused (is that a verb??) in Brockway which in now called Yale in St. Clair county. This is where Catharine and Peter Schram lived. I've even visited their home and walk through it. What an experience. Do you know what happened to Christina she is not on the 1880 census? (My spellchecker tells me there is no word “censused”. What would you call that?) You said that John's dad was called John but his real name was James. The reason I call him John is because of genealogy that was made by my Great-Grandmother Schram and her daughter in the early 1950's. It was carried to several Schram family reunions and corrections were added. This is after my Great-Grandfather Schram died in 1924 so he had no input to it. You could very well be correct on that point. My John and Catharine had a sister, Eliza, who married an Ashton as I mentioned before. Apparently, after John (James) died his wife, Margaret Davis, married again to a Thomas McQuinnie, and they had two children. But other than the information on the 1950's chart I have no other information on her. There are names and a few date which I will share you if you want them. Of course, all of this could be purely coincidence. However, I hope to hear from you. Jodie P.S. I have been in contact with two fourth cousins who are descended from the Flake-Davis line in the London area. One of them, Sharon, has had little luck finding information about him either. But I haven't been in contact with the other one in a while. Hugh (there that name is again) is not well and Sharon called over the weekend and told me his son was murdered on the streets of London, ON (last Friday I think). This is such a terrible thing to happen and just before Christmas. I also did research on the Snowflake Flake's. One of their descendents is now in the U.S. Legislature so I have been curious to see if we are related. The founders of the city surnames were a Snow and a John Flake. They combined their names when they named the city. But I don't think they are related. Since Arizona didn't join the Union until around the 1910's there were no US census to consult. I guess you have to go back to the territorial records and Ancestry.com didn’t have them
Re: Flake from London Ontario to Michigan/Mecosta Coun Jay Stein 3/27/06 | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/4622 | A two-week blitz through Ireland
ANDREA M. MEEK
The beauty of Inishmore
Photo by: Andrea M. Meek
That evening, before dragging my reluctant boyfriend to join the Music Pub Crawl starting at the tourist-friendly Oliver St. John Gogarty’s, we had a drink at Dawson Lounge, which purports to be the smallest pub in the world.
We had some time to spare before our train the next day so we made our last stop in Dublin at the Guinness Storehouse, which takes you through the brewing process and the history of Guinness advertising before offering a free taste of the dark beer (and a great view of Dublin) at the Gravity Bar.The last couple of days were spent in the southwest of Ireland. We drove out to the Rock of Cashel. Once the seat of the Munster overkings, the Rock of Cashel was later given to the Church. The site, located in Tipperary, includes the remains of a round tower, a cathedral, a chapel and St. Patrick’s Cross.Overnight, a deluge of rain had resulted in terrible flooding in the area, barring passage to our planned drive through the Ring of Kerry, so we spent the day at Muckross House and Farm, which is part of the Killarney National Park. After taking a tour of the grand house we explored the extensive gardens and three working farms.Roads were clear by the next morning, our last and final day. We set out for the Ring of Kerry, beginning in Killorglin and ending in Killarney National Park. The views on the drive were as glorious as promised.By the end of the day, my two-week odyssey in Ireland was complete, and I was completely exhausted. True, I didn’t see all of Ireland, but I did manage to take in many of the well-known natural wonders, a lot of Irish history and culture, and a glimpse at both city and country life.I let it all soak in back home, where I slept for 24 hours.
Local priests say rural Ireland suffering as communities die off
Irish Passport Card launched for citizens of Ireland worldwide | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/4735 | London attractions: View the capital's spectacular skyline from Wellington Arch Published: Monday 6th of August 2012
People viewing the London attractions of the capital's skyline will no doubt notice the stunning Wellington arch in and among the iconic landmarks of the city.
A majestic bronze sculpture sits atop the attraction, and from this vantage point visitors are able to enjoy the glorious panoramas over London's Royal Parks and the Houses of Parliament.
If they are lucky enough to be up there at a certain time, they will witness the tenacious ritual of the changing of the guards, in which the Household Cavalry parade on the mall resplendent in their red and black uniforms.
Inside Wellington Arch, visitors will find a new exhibition about the history of the landmark, as well as other exhibitions exploring the history and heritage of England. The current display is entitled Blackpool: Wonderland of the World.
People who want to explore the Arch in the evening should head there on a Friday before the end of August, when last admission is at 7.30pm.
Discover more for less with a London sightseeing pass.
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/5952 | Carbon Canyon Chronicle
This blog is about the unique setting of Carbon Canyon, a rural oasis lying between the suburban sprawl of Orange and San Bernardino counties. Here you'll find information about the canyon's history, beauty, communities and issues that threaten to affect its character and special qualities. Readers are encouraged to submit comments, explore links, and make suggestions to improve the blog. Thanks for checking out the Carbon Canyon Chronicle!
La Vida Mineral Springs History from the Los Angeles Times
Some digging around in the archives of the Los Angeles Times recently yielded some interesting material concerning the change in management of La Vida Mineral Springs in 1932 and an earlier indication as to why part of that change may have occurred.On 5 June 1932, under the column "Resort and Hotel Notes," there is a short piece with the subheading "New Management." The description is: Long famous for its hot soda water baths, the La Vida Mineral Springs has been taken over by new management. Every effort will be made to give the public the best possible service. Accomodations at La Vida consist of hotel rooms and completely furnished housekeeping cottages and cabins. There is an excellent cafe and a well-stocked store operated in connection with the establishent. Two bath-houses offer the guest a choice in the type of treatment taken. La Vida is located in Carbon Canyon thirty miles from Los Angeles via Telegraph Road, La Habra, Brea, and Olinda. It is worth noting that Telegraph Road, formerly the Los Angeles and Anaheim Road, was renamed simply because a telegraph line was strung along the historic route in the 1800s. It also was, from the 1920s onward, the historic Highway 101 coming from Los Angeles southward into Orange County (Interstate 5 largely paralleled the same path when it was built in the 1950s.) From there, there would be a turnoff to other roads once La Habra was reached and then drivers rode further east through Brea and Olinda.Five months later, on 27 November 1932, under the "Resort Notes" column and the "Healing Waters" subhead came this: One of the world's finest mineral waters bursts forth from its subterranean chambers along the hillsides of Carbon Canyon, a scant thirty miles from Los Angeles. La Vida Mineral Springs are noted for the wonderful healing qualities of their natural hot soda water. The soda water as contrasted with the more common iron or sulphur waters is especially recommended in the treatment of rheumatism, stomach trouble, neuritis, sciatica and kindred ailments. There are two bath-houses at the spring with ample facilities for the various types of baths. Guests at La Vida may stay in the hotel or in adjoining cottages and cabins which are equipped for housekeeping.There was another interesting article that year, from 17 June, that came under the "Vacationland" section with the title "Health-Giving Springs Abound in Southland: White Man's Luxurious Resorts Utilize Healing Waters Discovered by Indians." In this piece, reporter Lee Shippey wrote about the use of many mineral and hot springs by the native peoples of the area and not without utilizing some of the political incorrect (by our standards) viewpoints of the day. For example, Shippey asked "why was it that those untutored savages were taught a knowledge of healing far greater than the white man's and still copied by the white man?" Further on, he states that "winter was very hard on the Indians before the padres [Roman Catholic missionaries] rounded them up in missions and taught them how take care of themselves," as if the natives were unable to "take care of themselves" over the 10,000 or more years that they lived here before the Spanish arrived! Moreover, we learn (!), "they were anything but dietitians. They ate acorns, some roots and herbs and quantities of sundried meat." Still, in another back-handed compliment, Shippey intoned "but they had more sense then some of us who have succeeded them. They saw the gifts nature has provided and made use of them." One of these gifts was the presence of the hot and mineral springs found in the region, among many of which was La Vida, mentioned by name but without any elaboration in the article.Incidentally, there was an earlier clue as to why William Newton Miller, the founder of La Vida, may have decided to sell out. As has been amply documented, Carbon Canyon and its surrounding area has been subject to fire and flood, the latter often following the former. For example, there was a heavy rainfall in the winter of 1926-27. In an article from 17 February 1927 titled "Orange County Isolated," there was reference the "reports from Anaheim were to the effect that twenty blocks of the residence district of that town were under water and about three times that area in Fullerton, a few miles west, as a result of a cloudburst yesterday afternoon in Carbon Canyon, in the northeast corner of Orange County." A later paragraph noted that "the resort at La Vida Hot Springs in Carbon Canyon was reported destroyed by the cloudburst. Wires to the resort were down and the Carbon Canyon road closed." As stated in other posts in this blog, the paving of Carbon Canyon Road had just been completed in 1926. If the reports were true and La Vida was literally wiped out by the flooding of Carbon [Canyon] Creek, Miller may have rebuilt, but with the onset of the Great Depression three years or so later, it may have been a financial drain for him. Consequently, it is has been said, boxer Archie Rosenbaum came in, as the above 1932 articles indicate, and took over the resort.There were more severe floods in 1938, which prompted a major federal government effort to provide flood control throughout southern California. Plans for dams were put aside during World War II but revived again in the 1950s, leading to the completion of the Carbon Canyon Dam by the beginning of the next decade.Although oral histories from the 1970s included recollections from longtime Olinda oil field residents that La Vida was heavily used by locals and, in the 1930s and after, by Jews from Los Angeles, another interesting tidbit was discovered. The 28 February 1939 issue of the Times pointed out that the Portland Beavers, a professional baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, was conducting its spring (pre-season) training in Amerige Park in Fullerton. This park, opened in 1917 at 300 W. Commonwealth, a few blocks west of Harbor Boulevard (then Spadra Road, after its connection to a small town now part of Pomona), began to serve as a spring training site for Pacific Coast League teams in 1935, continuing to do so for twenty years until just before the demise of the league. Not only, however, did the team train in Fullerton but it also was "traveling daily to near-by La Vida Mineral Springs 'to boil out' aching muscles."The following year, the Beavers were back training at Amerige Park. In the 23 February 1940 issue of the Times it was reported that "Lavida [sic] Hot Springs, located near Brea, daily is helping to soothe the aching muscles of the Portland Beavers, who drill from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. [at Amerige] and then leave for the springs to soak out the soreness after a hard workout." The article also made sure to point out that "Skipper Frederick [manager John Frederick] and his Oregonians are well pleased with the combination Amerige Park-LaVida [sic--again] Hot Springs facilities and "Doc" Michel, veteran trainer of the club, calls the setup "one of the finest he has seen." It is worth noting that, just as Major League teams conduct their winter leagues and spring training in Florida, Arizona and the like, the reason for teams like Portland and Seattle to come south to Orange County (Seattle trained in Anaheim in 1939) was to avoid the heavier rains of the Pacific Northwest. Incidentally, the Sacramento Solons ("solons" being a term for lawmakers), the Hollywood Stars and the Los Angeles Angels also trained at different times at Amerige Park.Well, that will do it for now. At a future date, there'll be a post about the more recent history of La Vida, including some interesting uses of the site in the 1980s!
Theresa Ullrich
Thanks for your great blog! The article on La Vida is so interesting.We were just exploring the area today- trying to imagine where the pools and hotel were. Found the warm water too!
Hello Theresa, what a coincidence that I saw your comment after just now posting something on La Vida and the images I took on the day the Brea side of Carbon Canyon was reopened, a month ago yesterday. If you check it out, you'll see a view looking east across Carbon [Canyon] Creek where the hotel and pool were. I wasn't able to get to that part of the property last month and want to go back there, if I can. Another view shows a steam vent I stumbled upon in the hillside.At any rate, thanks for visiting and please come back to see what's new.
Very interesting, I spent most of my childhood at La Vida Hot Springs; thanks for the history lesson. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/6140 | Gateway To The Americas
A first hand third-culture experience. Stories and anecdotes of a Canadian growing up with his family throughout South America and Canada.
Travel Chronology
A third-culture kid (TCK / 3CK) or trans-culture kid is "someone who, as a child, has spent a significant period of time in one or more cultures other than his or her own, thus integrating elements of those cultures and their own birth culture, into a third culture." BLOG EN CASTELLANO <<<>>> BLOGUE EN FRANÇAIS
Survivor: Parinacota
Parinacota, the northernmost point of Chile, is slightly off the east of the Atacama Desert. The climate remains quite arid and barren yet, due to its high altitude, the soil receives more condensation and some humidity from cloud condensation. Our base during the Cordillera operations was situated in the commune of Putre, a tiny Andean village comprised of slightly less than 2000 inhabitants (apparently the population decreased by 29% from 1992 to 2002), and located at 3,500 m. Here, a major challenge I had never before encountered managed to overcome me: altitude sickness. Most people who suffer from altitude sickness or soroche begin to display symptoms starting at 2,400 m. The air pressure is significantly lower than at sea level. In my case, my skin becomes pale, my lips take on a purple colour and breathing becomes a difficult task. These side effects are sometimes compared to a harsh flu, carbon monoxide poisoning or even a severe hangover. In a worse case scenario, prolonged exposure to high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema, eventually leads to death. The Andean people combat soroche mainly chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea in order to stimulate the flow of oxygen. Another alternative to help stabilize your system is sucking on lemons or other citrus fruits. These villages are far from the luxuries of modern civilization, forcing the locals to ration food supplies, and their diet is basic. The main fauna consisted of vicuñas, alpacas and llamas. The llama was domesticated by the andinos and the animal’s meat is part of the regional cuisine. Chile had a signature sandwich called barros luco (named after the former President Ramón Barros Luco), using beef and melted cheese as the main ingredients. In Putre, the beef was substituted for llama and I thought the taste was quite exquisite. Llama sandwiches! Yummy. The main ingredient for Andean Barros Luco
We valiantly ventured further into the mountains from Putre on day trips, travelling boldly where no Bickford had gone before. After a really slow 50 kms voyage - due to the rough terrain and limited road networks - we arrived to Lake Chungará. This lake sits comfortably at 4,517 m above sea level. You can imagine, based on the previous explanation, what colour my skin and face must have turned at this altitude. Behind the quiet idle lake stood the Parinacota volcano with an elevation of 6,348 m. I am still thankful we had no funny ideas of climbing to the top. I remember the natural beauty there but constantly felt ill due. The indigenous llamas would gallop gracefully around us yet I could barely walk a few feet. Most signs of human life we encountered along the way were living in small huts built out of rocks and straw. Locals were not accustomed to seeing people on a regular basis and would run for shelter when they would see us approaching at a distance. This made our adventures even further complicated, as we could not gather critical intelligence about our surroundings and points of interest. We had a road map but had not seen proper asphalt roads or any real settlements. Our plan was to reach the town of Visviri, a border town of 300 proud Chilean citizens sharing the area with Tripartito, Peru and Charaña, Bolivia. My Dad and Brian, having referenced the legend on our map, estimated that Visviri was not too far away and we could make it there and back to Putre long before nightfall. Our parliamentary committee weighted in and voted in favour of the aforementioned proposal, as this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. How many other trips would we make to this part of the Andes in the future? Dad drove along a flat portion of land between several mounds of sand and bush, convinced that this path was now the road and would lead us to our destination. None of us learned from the early explorers who carried a compass and there were no GPS gadgets for personal use at the time. We were on the right track, bouncing around in our Samurai accompanied by the soothing sounds of Roger Whittaker serenading through our car speakers. It was a new world in the Andes for him. After an eternity of shaking and bouncing, we were relieved to see at a distance a settlement. This was our final stretch to reach Visviri but a brave nemesis blocked our path: a small stream of water.
This was by no means a regular puddle. We stopped for a moment to analyze this obstacle thoroughly, exhausting every option for tackling this roadblock and proceed to our promised land. Since there was no passing road traffic in e | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/6246 | Kathika Travel Website
Follow me on TwitterKathika Travel Blog » Featured » Giant Statues of the WorldGiant Statues of the World Post Updated: April 18, 2013 - By Cocles Recently, movie theaters began exhibiting 3D digital cinema as the next big thing. But this is really just history repeating itself. It all goes back, ages ago, to when a caveman walked in with the world’s first sculpture to show off how much greater his work was than all of those old-fashioned cave paintings. Three dimensional art captures the world like nothing else. Statues, in particular, give us representations a people, creatures, and events. But, where as most art is created just “to be”, when statues are large enough they also gain a purpose. This has nothing to do with philosophy, it’s simply a matter of labor. The sheer difficulty of constructing a giant statue all but guarantees it will only be made to honor, appease, or memorialize something. Here are just a few of these amazing works of art.
Photo credit: laverrueMiss Liberty
It is arguably the most famous giant statue in the world, or at least the western world. As many already know, it was presented as a gift from France to the American people. The statue was dedicated in 1886 and commemorates the centennial anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The Statue of Liberty also symbolizes the friendship established between the United States and France during the American Revolutionary War. Including its base, the statue is over 305 feet high.
Photo credit: gotplaid?Sphinx - Landscape
The Great Sphinx of Giza represents a lion (some argue a jackal) with a human head. It is possibly the largest monolith statue in the world measuring 241 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 65 feet high. It is also the oldest known giant statue; it is believed the Sphinx was constructed sometime around 2500 BC. The purpose of the Sphinx, what it symbolized, honored, or paid tribute to, has been lost to time. Until the 1920’s, the Sphinx spent most of the past several thousand years buried up to its neck in sand. During that time, it was seen as a human head rising mysteriously from the sand.
Il Sancarlone
Photo credit: mighell_xpColosso di San Carlo Borromeo
The Colosso di San Borromeo located in the hamlet of San Carlo in Arona, Italy is a statue of Saint Charles Borromeo. Including its base, it is over 114 feet high. Borromeo was the nephew of Pope Pius IV, and arch-bishop of Milan. More impressive however, he is the only Cardinal to have ever refused the papacy when it was offered to him. In 1610 Borromeo was canonized by Pope Paul V. The date of his annual feast on the Roman Catholic calendar is November 4th, although the Milanese people had been celebrating him every year for decades before his sainthood. His statue was commissioned by his relative Federico Borromeo and a collection of admirers. It was completed in may of 1698.
Buddhas of Bamyan
These were two statues of Buddha built during the sixth century in Afghanistan. In 2001 they were both intentionally destroyed with dynamite by the Taliban, who believed they were idols. The act was condemned throughout the world and viewed as the epitome of intolerance by the Taliban and fundamentalist Islam. Various groups for governments have pledged their support for the statues to be rebuilt.
Spring Temple Buddha
Spring Temple Buddha image via wikipedia
At 420 feet, including its base, this is currently the tallest statue in the world. It was completed in 2002 at a cost estimated to be around $55 million. It is located in Henan, China close to the Tianrui hot spring from which the statue gets its name. The statue itself may be a response by the Chinese to the destruction of the Bamyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.
Christ Redeemer
Photo credit: bossa67Cristo Redentor (Christ Redeemer)
Located in Rio de Janeiro this is arguably the most famous statue of Jesus Christ in the world. While there are others that are slightly larger, none seem to be as iconic. This statue is located at the 2300 foot peak of Corcovado mountain where it looks over the city with its arms outstretched, giving Jesus a silhouette of the cross. It was finished in 1931 at a cost of $250,000.
The Motherland Calls
The Motherland Calls image via Wikipedia
Measuring 279 feet high, The Motherland Calls is known by a number of names including Mother Motherland, and the Mamayev Monument. When it was finished in 1967, it was the tallest statue in the world. The statue wields an impressive 108 foot long steel sword and is a memorial to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Stalingrad, which is where the statue is located. It is currently, however, beginning to tilt. Gravity is all that holds the great statue to its foundation, so further tilting could cause it to collapse.
Colossus of Rhodes
It was lost to time over a thousand years ago, yet it is still one of the most famous giant statues in the world. The Colossus of Rhodes, built on the Greek island of Rhodes, was a statue of Helios, the Greek god signifying the sun. It towered over 107 feet high, an awe inspiring height today, let alone three centuries before the birth of Christ. It was built between 292-280 BC. Unfortunately the statue stood for only 56 years before an earthquake snapped it at the knees toppling it over in 226 BC. Its ruins laid on the ground for over 800 years, continuing to attract visitors throughout that time. In 654 AD an Arab force captured the island and it is said the remains of the statue were sold to a Jewish merchant of Edessa (though that story may be purely based on propaganda from the time).
Whether it be in honor of a person, a location, or even just an ideal, giant statues embody a cause beyond simply just existing. Small wonder then why they are so revered even today and why we continue to create them.
Photo credit: alan(ator)
Filed Under: Featured, landmarks Tagged With: Buddhas of Bamyan, Christ Redeemer, Colossus of Rhodes, Il Sancarlone, social, Spring Temple Buddha, statue of liberty, statues, The Motherland Calls, The SphinxBook Travel
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/6344 | Summer Provides Reason For Guarded Optimism
Posted on 09/09/2010 by DispatchAdmin OCEAN CITY – While the jury is still out for the most part and there is a good chunk of summer-like weekends on the calendar this month, Ocean City business leaders this week started tearing into some of the early numbers on the 2010 season and their general feeling appears to be one of “guarded optimism”.
At their first meeting following the hectic summer months, the town’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) members asked Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones on Wednesday to provide a brief snapshot of some of the leading economic indicators in the resort.
“I think the one thing we can all agree on is that we had amazing weather all summer,” she told EDC members on Wednesday. “Out of all of the other factors, the summer weather is probably the most important and we certainly benefited from that this year.”
Jones said her conversations with business owners in the association revealed mixed reviews on the summer. As in most years, some said they thrived, others said they simply held their own and some said they continued to struggle.
“Depending on who you talk to, some did better than others,” she said. “In a broad sense, I’d say most of the business owners have a sense of guarded optimism and many believe things have turned around and are heading back in the right direction.”
Jones told EDC members certain truisms held up this summer as people continued to travel to the resort despite the still sluggish economy. She said the new breed of Ocean City vacationer is Internet savvy and thrift-minded, but the resort’s promotional and marketing teams were aware of than and prepared for it.
“Value is going to remain in vogue,” she said. “People are waiting until things go on sale and they know how to shop around for it. It seems those who are doing better are taking a close look at their product and their price structure.”
Jones said a key economic indicator for the summer season in Ocean City has always been the room tax totals. She said the numbers for June were “flat” and that July was “fantastic.” However, she tempered her enthusiasm for July by pointing out there were five weekends in the month this year compared to four last year. Jones said the final room tax numbers for August have not been finalized, although the early data suggests it will turn out considerably better than last year.
Ocean City Tourism Director Deb Turk said the August room tax numbers would provide a clearer picture of how the summer went for most resort businesses.
“The numbers are very strong indicators of what August will bring,” she said. “Once we get the August numbers, we’ll do a complete season survey. By that time, we’ll have a real sense of how the summer went.”
Jones said one concerning trend that continued this summer was the shrinking average length of stay for vacationers visiting the resort. Long gone for most are the traditional Saturday-to-Saturday vacations and the recent trend of extended weekends appears to have continued this summer. She said the average reported stay this summer in the resort was 2.7 days.
“That’s a trend we’ve been facing for some time now,” said Jones. “The booking window seems to keep shrinking, and it’s something we need to figure out how to address.”
CUT IF NEEDEDJones said Ocean City continued to outpace the state average in lodging tax percentages. According to industry data, the demand for accommodations in Maryland increased by 7 percent across the state, but improved by 9 percent in the Ocean City-Chesapeake region, which includes Annapolis. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/6384 | Seattle Bites Food Tours
Pike Place Market is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington. It is just a hop skip and a jump from the border to this amazing experience from my home town. The Market opened 101 years ago in August 17, 1907, and is one of the oldest continually operated public farmers' markets in the United States. In 2007 the market celebrated it's 100 year anniversary and is intenationally recognized as America's best farmers' market and the epicenter of Seattle's lively food culture. It is a place of business for many small farmers, artisans, antique dealers, theatres, small family-owned restaurants, fish mongers, fresh produce stands and merchants and remains one of Seattle's most popular tourist destinations.
The Market is built on the edge of a steep hill where they have made good use of every inch of space. Local farmers and craftspeople sell year-round in the arcades from tables they rent from the Market on a daily basis.
Pike Place Market is also home to nearly 500 low income residents who live in 8 different buildings throughout the Market. The Market sees 10 million visitors annually along with these local residents.
As you know from my previous post I was lucky enough to join Jan Marie Johnson on her Seattle Bites Food Tours food tours of Pike Place Market. Like myself when travelling Jan wants the opportunity to meet locals and experience the culture and food sensations of a country first hand. While on vacation in Italy she searched for fellow foodies to give her tours of the bustling markets of Venice, Florence and Rome but cookng schools were more the norm. Once she arrived back home, she thought about Seattle’s Pike Place Market, where she had often shopped while attending culinary school at South Seattle Community College, and realized there could be a niche for food-oriented tours of the iconic nine-acre marketplace. She did some research, and was moved by Pike Place’s rich and colorful 101-year history. Jan says, “There’s more to the market than just food, fish and flowers,” she said. “It’s not only the culinary heartbeat, but it’s really the soul of what makes Seattle a great city.”
Combining her experience in sales and marketing for the Disney Company and directing special events for Universal Studios Hollywood with her culinary background, Johnson decided to venture into personal group tours and created Seattle Bites Food Tours.” Jan Marie took us on a 3 hour tour of "discovery" of the market that gives out-of-towners and as well as locals a taste of market cuisine and a glimpse into Seattle’s storied past. It is interesting to hear snippets of history about the market and the buildings you are surrounded by as well as about the vendors and mom-and-pop operations contained within this diverse area. We learned the history of the market, including its populist founding, the internment of Japanese vendors following Pearl Harbor, and its hard-won achievement as a historical landmark in the 1970s after some city officials proposed its demolition. We walked away with not only enhanced knowledge, but also full tummies. The tour makes about about 10 tasting stops, where merchants share their own stories, as well as generous samples of their menus.
We started our tour at the Seattle Art Museum where we were given a tour of TASTE which features simple yet upscale, reasonably priced foods created with “fresh from the market” ingredients. We sampled "Artworthy" Smoked Salmon Flatbread with Creme Fraiche. The salmon was even caught by one of the chefs for a true taste experience. The artwork above in the foyer of the museum is Inopportune: Stage One by Cai Guo-Qiangfrom which is a large-scale installation work consisting of a meticulous arrangement of life-size cars and multichannel tubes that seem to blow up in sequence, symbolizing a series of car explosions.
Before the creation of the Pike Place Market in 1907, local Seattle area farmers sold their goods to the public in a three-square block area area called The Lots. Most farmers, due to the amount of time required to work their farms, were forced to sell their produce on consignment through the wholesalers . The farmers typically received a percentage of the final sale price for their goods. They would sell to the middleman on commission, as most farmers would often have no time to s | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/6621 | Staff Jennings Boating Centers
Staff Jennings Boating Centers believes there is no better feeling than making a customer`s boating dreams come alive. When you buy a boat from Staff Jennings you`re not only getting a superb boat but a network of help, from Service, Parts and Accessories to fueling your boat at our docks, whenever you need it. Our History By age 17, Stafford �Staff� Jennings served with his father in the Merchant Marines; whereupon, off the coast of Guam his boat caught fire, the crew was evacuated before sinking. He drifted 1300 miles and finally landed on Samar in the Philippines. With little more than � rations, 33 men were crowded into a 20-man lifeboat to spend the next 26 days drifting on the open seas. Finally, 11 men of the 33 landed on Samar but 2 drowned when their boat turned over on the reef. Stafford�s father died of thirst on the 19th day out. Only 9 of the 33 survived the ordeal. Stafford �Staff� Jennings was among those fortunate and courageous few. He returned to Portland where he worked several years at a few different marine dealerships. In 1929 he contracted to have a small boathouse built on the Willammette River and started repairing outboard motors. This was soon outgrown and he contracted to have a 1726 sq. ft. boathouse built. He had living quarters built on the second floor where he and his family lived. With their help he would sometimes work three days and nights straight to get the repairs done for his fishing customers. The following year he expanded into sales and service. Staff Jennings, Inc. has operated continuously at the West End of the Sellwood Bridge in Portland for almost 75 years and is the third oldest marine dealership in the United States under the same management according to Boat & Motor Dealer Magazine. We have grown to our present size and position of respect and quality as a result of our commitment to excellence in our relationship with our customers, suppliers, and family of employees. Staff Jennings incorporated in 1951; however, it has always been a family business. In 1958, we opened a store in Eugene which has enjoyed almost 50 years of customer satisfaction. The philosophy of Staff Jennings is simple; Treat people the way you want to be treated and customers should always be happier when they leave than when they came in.
8240 SW Macadam Ave. Portland, OR 97219
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/6798 | Restaurant - Self Service Area 4 - Hotel Belroy - Four Stars - Close to the Beach in Benidorm
Restaurant - Self Service.Hotel Belroy **** - Close to the Beach in Benidorm.www.belroy.es360º Spherical Panorama created by © Christian Kleiman.About the Photographer:www.christiankleiman.com personal website.www.360virtualtour.info for 360º Panoramic Photography.www.objetivoelevado.com for Aerial Photography.Personal projects:www.parisvirtualtour.comwww.benidormvirtualtour.comwww.newzealandvirtualtour.comSome more:www.aikidojapon.comwww.nauticorum.com
Copyright: Christian Kleiman
Tags: lodging; accommodation; hotel; four; stars; benidorm; costa; blanca; restaurant; self service
More About Alicante
The World : Europe : Spain : Alicante
The area around Alicante has been inhabited for over 7000 years, with the first tribes of hunter gatherers moving down gradually from Central Europe between 5000 and 3000 BC. Some of the earliest settlements were made on the slopes of Mount Benacantil. By 1000 BC Greek and Phoenician traders had begun to visit the eastern coast of Spain, establishing small trading ports and introducing the native Iberian tribes to the alphabet, iron and the pottery wheel. By the 3rd century BC, the rival armies of Carthage and Rome began to invade and fight for control of the Iberian Peninsula. The Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca established the fortified settlement of Akra Leuka (Greek: Aκρα Λευκa, meaning "White Mountain" or "White Point"), where Alicante stands today. Archeological site of Tossal de Manises, ancient Iberian-Carthaginian-Roman city of "Akra-Leuke" or "Lucentum".Although the Carthaginians conquered much of the land around Alicante, the Romans would eventually rule Hispania Tarraconensis for over 700 years. By the 5th century AD, Rome was in decline; the Roman predecessor town of Alicante, known as Lucentum (Latin), was more or less under the control of the Visigothic warlord Theudimer. However neither the Romans nor the Goths put up much resistance to the Arab conquest of Medina Laqant in the 8th century. The Moors ruled southern and eastern Spain until the 11th century reconquista (reconquest). Alicante was finally taken in 1246 by the Castilian king Alfonso X, but it passed soon and definitely to the Kingdom of Valencia in 1298 with the King James II of Aragon. It gained the status of Royal Village (Vila Reial) with representation in the medieval Valencian Parliament.After several decades of being the battlefield where Kingdom of Castile and the Crown of Aragón clashed, Alicante became a major Mediterranean trading station exporting rice, wine, olive oil, oranges and wool. But between 1609 and 1614 King Felipe III expelled thousands of moriscos who had remained in Valencia after the reconquista, due to their allegiance with Barbary pirates who continually attacked coastal cities and caused much harm to trade. This act cost the region dearly; with so many skilled artisans and agricultural labourers gone, the feudal nobility found itself sliding into bankruptcy. Things got worse in the early 18th century; after the War of Spanish Succession, Alicante went into a long, slow decline, surviving through the 18th and 19th centuries by making shoes and growing agricultural produce such as oranges and almonds, and thanks to its fisheries. The end of the 19th century witnessed a sharp recovery of the local economy with increasing international trade and the growth of the city harbour leading to increased exports of several products (particularly during World War I when Spain was a neutral country).During the early 20th century, Alicante was a minor capital which enjoyed the benefit of Spain's neutrality during World War I, which provided new opportunities for the local industry and agriculture. The Rif War in the 1920s saw numerous alicantinos drafted to fight in the long and bloody campaigns in the former Spanish protectorate (Northern Morocco) against the Rif rebels. The political unrest of the late 1920s led to the victory of republican candidates in local council elections throughout the country, and the abdication of King Alfonso XIII. The proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic was much celebrated in the city on 14 April 1931. The Spanish Civil War broke out on 17 July 1936. Alicante was the last city loyal to the Republican government to be occupied by dictator Franco's troops on 1 April 1939, and its harbour saw the last Republican government officials fleeing the country. Even if not as famous as the bombing of Guernica by the German Luftwaffe, Alicante was the target of some vicious air bombings during the three years of civil conflict, most remarkably the bombing by the Italian Aviazione Legionaria of the Mercado de Abastos in 25 May 1938 in which more than 300 civilians perished.The next 20 years under Franco's dictatorship were difficult for Alicante as it was for the entire country. However, the late 1950s and early 1960s saw the onset of a lasting transformation of the city due to tourism. Large buildings and complexes rose in nearby Albufereta and Playa de San Juan, with the benign climate being the best tool to bring prospective buyers and tourists who kept hotels reasonably busy. The tourist development, aside from construction, also brought numerous businesses such as restaurants, bars and other activities focused on visitors. Also, the old airfield at Rabasa was closed and air traffic moved to the new El Altet Airport, which made for a convenient facility for charter flights bringing tourists from northern European countries.When dictator Franco died in 1975, his successor Juan Carlos I oversaw the transition of Spain to a democratic constitutional monarchy. Governments of nationalities and regions were given more autonomy, including the Valencian region.Today, Alicante is one of the fastest-growing cities in Spain. The local economy is based upon tourism directed to the beaches of the Costa Blanca and particularly the second residence construction boom which started in the 1960s and reinvigorated again by the late 1990s.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicante | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/7324 | Home >> UK and Ireland >> Scotland >> Kincardineshire >> Durris
We are in the process of upgrading the site to implement a content management system. Durris
CemeteriesChurchesChurch RecordsCivil Registration Description & TravelHistorical GeographyMaps "DURRIS, a parish in the county of Kincardine, Scotland, 7 miles N.W. of Stonehaven. It is situated on the river Dee, under the Grampians. The parish is traversed by the road from Aberdeen to Banchory, and is near the Deeside railway. At Cairnmonearn the land rises 1,020 feet above sea-level. The parish is in the presbytery and synod of Aberdeen. The minister's stipend is £158, in the patronage of A. Mactier, Esq., of Durris House. The village contains the parish church, a Free church, and a non-parochial school. On Castle Hill are the remains of an ancient fortification, and at Red Beard is a chalybeate spring. Three annual cattle fairs are held here."Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) Cemeteries
Monumental Inscriptions for the parish have been recorded in Pre-1855 Gravestone Inscriptions in Kincardineshire, edited by Alison Mitchell, Scottish Genealogy Society, 1986, ISBN 0 901061 29 8. Churches
Durris Parish Church, AB31 6BU, Church of Scotland
You can also perform a more selective search for churches in the Durris area that are recorded in the GENUKI church database. This will also help
identify other churches in nearby townships and/or parishes. You also have the option to see the location
of the churches marked on a map.
Old Parish Records for the parish of Durris [256] are located in New Register House, Edinburgh.These have also been microfilmed by the LDS: BirthsQtyMarriagesQty256Durris6902890169028911
All records of Civil Registration are held at New Register House, Edinburgh. Microfilm copies of births, deaths and marriages for the years 1855 - 1875, 1881 and 1891 have been filmed by the LDS and can be ordered to any family history centre worldwide. Please check film numbers before ordering.YearBirthDeathMarriageYearBirthDeathMarriage185501033530103487010359518670350952034904403489961856025646302564120256518186803527280363249036320318570280426028026202801431869034031503841320384479185802804890280318028017918700352801038533303631421859028055202803710280220187102244690224595022454118600280616029281002927691872030007303003080300214186102240920224407022416518730300147030036603002611862029292502928660294870187403290220340253034792918630294804029474502949141875038439604129050363302186432119403236590323613188102326360234191023347718653212630330115033017418910255099025634902560841866033260303508920333286 Description and Travel
You can see pictures of Durris which are provided by:
You can see the administrative areas in which Durris has been placed at times in the past.
You can see maps centred on OS grid reference NO798964 (Lat/Lon: 57.058274, -2.334653), Durris which are provided by:
We are looking for somebody who can help with the maintenance of this page, which currently has a status of Care and maintenance - The section has a maintainer assigned who is correcting broken links, and staying in touch with the GENUKI system administrator and Trustees but is not active in updating the section's web pages. For more information about what helping us entails, look at our help wanted page. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/7481 | How union minister made Sh3.1bn deal By Mwinyi Sadallah
Minister Samia Suluhu Hassan
A Zanzibar House of Representatives select committee report has revealed that Changuu tourist island was cheaply leased to a private firm, Leisure Hotel Limited, denying the government millions of shillings.
According to the report, the 11.27- hectare island was leased in 2002 for a period of 30 years at a rate of $1000 a month.
The report reveals further that the controversial leasing was effected in December 2002 by then Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment, Samia Suluhu Hassan, in collaboration with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA).
Samia Hassan is currently Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office responsible for Union affairs.
The committee findings show that prior to leasing Changuu island, the Zanzibar Tourism Corporation (ZTC) was collecting $5,500 a month as government revenue through fees charged tourists who visited the island.
“The Zanzibar Tourim Corporation was paid Sh 40million so as to release the island for the lease,” affirmed the report, which has sparked heated debate among Zanzibaris and members of the House of Representatives.
The committee has made it clear in the report that the claimed little fee of $1000 a month was paid by the investor in 2004 when it was reviewed following complaints that the leasing agreement was not beneficial to the government.
The report states: “The committee was not satisfied by the fee rate even after it was reviewed to $3,500 per month, which is the current operative rate.” When interrogated by the committee, ZTC manager Sabaha Salum said that when the island was under his office monthly revenue collection stood at $ 5,500.
However Salum told the committee that ZTC’s role was confined to promoting tourism on the island, adding that the leasing of the island was effected by the Ministry of Lands in collaboration with ZIPA
Commenting on tortoises which are the island’s major tourist attraction, Salum noted that they were also leased to the investor, Leisure Hotel Limited, under a special agreement which was approved by the government valuer.
He also revealed that his corporation had planned to lease the tortoises to Zanzibar Parks, but the government put the plan on hold after it opposed by some sections of Zanzibaris.
Information provided by ZIPA indicated that the investor was handed over Changuu island in August 2003 with a view to upgrading investment facilities on the island, a project which was expected to cost $ 1.1million. He said the investor had so far built a 27-bedroom complex for visitors .
However, when quizzed by the committee, ZIPA accused the investor of not being forthcoming with regard to tourist statistics and revenue, contrary to the laws governing investments in Zanzibar which require an investor to provide such data every three months.
“It is not clear how much revenue the investor collects from the business on Changuu island,” stated the report.
The committee has recommended that the government takes appropriate measures, including ordering the investor to provide information on revenue and visitor statistics on tourists within three months from the date of tabling the report in the House of Representatives.
It has also recommended that a new a valuation of land be conducted and a review of the land lease be made. “The government should ensure it properly supervises this investor so as to be compliant to the laws of the land. This should apply to all the investors,” recommended the report.
However, the committee has registered its satisfaction over the manner the investor has preserved the island’s environment since taking it over.
Changuu island has been a major tourist attraction in Zanzibar due to its history, including the fact that it was at some time used as a prison before the January 12, 1964 Zanzibar revolution. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/7516 | Hilarious Pictures British HospitalityDate of Joke: Saturday, 18th April, 2009
An American tourist in London
decides to skip his tour group and explore the city on his own. He wanders around, seeing the sights, occasionally stopping at a quaint pub to soak up the local culture, chat with the locals, and have a pint of stout.
After a while, he finds himself in a very nice neighborhood with big, stately residences...no pubs, no stores, no restaurants, and worst of all NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS.
He really, really has to go, after all those Guinnesses. He finds a narrow side street, with high walls surrounding the adjacent buildings and decides to use the wall to solve his problem.
As he is unzipping, he is tapped on the shoulder by a London police officer, who says, "I say, sir, you simply cannot do that here, you know."
"I'm very sorry, officer," replies the American, "but I really, really have to go, and I just can't find a public restroom."
"Ah, yes," said the policeman..."Just follow me". He leads the American to a back delivery alley to a gate, which he opens.
"In there," points the policeman. "Go ahead sir, anywhere you like."
The fellow enters and finds himself in the most beautiful garden he has ever seen. Manicured grass lawns, statuary, fountains, sculptured hedges, and huge beds of gorgeous flowers, all in perfect bloom.
Since he has the policeman's blessing, he relieves himself and feels much more comfortable. As he goes back through the gate, he says to the police officer, "That was really decent of you... is that what you call English hospitality?"
"No sir...", replied the police officer, "...that is what we call the French Embassy." To get jokes like this one in your email every day, sign up for our mailing list, in the top-right hand corner of this or any other page. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/8013 | Donors of Longmen: Faith, Politics and Patronage in Medieval...
Longmen Caves, Henan
The Longmen Caves (or Longmen Grottoes) stretch for 1km along the west bank of the Yi River near Luoyang in Henan Province. The site includes some 1,350 caves and 40 pagodas, which are filled with thousands of Buddhist statues carved out of the hard limestone cliffs. The carving work began in 492 AD and continued for 500 years. The Longmen Caves were designated a World Heritage Site in 2000 for their spectacular works of Chinese art, especially of the Tang Dynasty. advertisement
History of the Longmen Caves
The carvings of the Longmen Caves were commissioned by emperors, members of the imperial family and other wealthy families, generals, and religious groups, all who hoped to earn good fortune through their donations. The site was "founded" by the Northern Wei dynasty in 492 AD, when they moved their capital to Luoyang from Datong (where they had carved the Yungang Caves). Three sets of caves - Guyang, Bingyang and Lianhua - date from this early period. Their art was similar to that at Datong but was adapted to the harder limestone surface of the Longmen Caves. Work continued under various patrons for 500 years and reached a second peak under the Tang, particularly under the devoted Buddhist Empress Wu Zetian. The caves have suffered from significant vandalism and looting over the years, beginning with the anti-Buddhist movement of the 9th century. Destruction continued at the hands of souvenir-hunting Westerners in the 19th and 20th centuries, and culminated in attacks by Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. What to See at the Longmen Caves
The Longmen Caves include an astonishing 1350 caves, 750 niches and 40 pagodas, which together contain some 110,000 sculptures. A clear progression in style can be seen over the half-millennium represented in the caves. The early caves have simple, rounded, formally modelled statues of Buddhist holy men, while those from the Tang dynasty are more complex and incorporate women and court figures as well. The caves been beautifully renovated and have English labelling throughout. They stretch for 1km along the west bank of the Yi River; entrance is at the northern end and moves south. The following summary is given in this order and includes the largest and most important carvings. The three Bingyang caves are among the earliest, carved by the Northern Wei in the Datong style. The middle Bingyang cave was commissioned by Emperor Xuan Wu to honor his parents and is said to have taken 800,000 men working from 500 to 523 AD to complete. The 11 statues of the Buddha show northern characteristics (long features, thin faces, fishtail robes) and traces of Greek influence. The side caves, completed under the Tang, are more natural and voluptuous in style. Wanfo or Wan Fo Dong (Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas), just south, was built in 680 by Gao Zong and his empress Wu Zetian. It has 15,000 Buddhas carved in tiny niches, each one different. The smallest is just 2cm high. Another early cave is Lianhua (Lotus Flower Cave), dating from 527 and named for the beautifully carved lotus decorating its roof. Fengxian or Feng Xian Si (Ancestor Worshipping Cave), carved between 672 and 675 for Empress Wu Zetian, is the largest and most splendid of all the caves and considered the culmination of Tang carving. The monumental shrine has a square plan measuring about 30m (100 feet) on each side. It centers on a majestic seated figure of Vairocana Buddha on the back wall, 17m (56ft) high with 2m-long ears. On his left, a Bodhisattva wears a crown and pearls and a divine general treads an evil spirit underfoot. Inscriptions in the Medical Prescription Cave, dating from 575, detail hundreds of cures for everything from madness to the common cold. Some of the prescriptions are still used today. Further on is Guyang, the oldest cave at Longmen, begun in 495. It still has some traces of the paint that originally gave life to the carvings. There is a central Buddha and three tiers of niches on the northern and southern walls, which contain hundreds of statues. Most of the statues are engraved with the names of the artists, the dates and the reasons for carving them. There are also nineteen of the "Twenty Pieces," important examples of ancient calligraphy. From the end of the west bank, a bridge leads to the east bank for a fine view of the caves. Up the hill is the Tomb of Bai Juyi, the famous Tang poet, who spent his last years in Luoyang as the Retired Scholar of the Fragrant Hill. Quick Facts on the Longmen Caves
Names:龍門石窟 · Dragon Gate Caves · Longmen Caves · Longmen Grottoes
Categories:temples; caves; World Heritage Sites; rock-cut temples; cave architecture; rock-cut sculpture
Faiths:Buddhism
Styles:Tang Dynasty; Northern Wei
Dates:492-1000
Status: museum
Coordinates:34.552783° N, 112.470131° E
Address:Near Luoyang, Henan Province, ChinaHenan, China
Hours:Daily 7am-6:30pm
Lodging:View hotels near the Longmen Caves
The Rough Guide to China 4 (October 2005), 297-98.
" Longmen caves" - Encyclopaedia Britannica
Longmen Grottoes - UNESCO World Heritage List
360° Panography of Feng Xian Si and Wan Fo Dong - WHTour
Photos of the Longmen Caves - here on Sacred Destinations
© amygwen © Miss Mita © Jani © James Jin © Jani © Miss Mita Map of the Longmen Caves, Henan
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Longmen Caves. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/8353 | Washington, DC Map >
Locator Map •
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Only 61 square miles in size, Washington D.C. is the capital of the United
States, and is also the political center of the country. Of the
city's 610,000 residents, approximately two-thirds are employed by the
government, or work as lobbyists or lawyers for large corporations.
Washington, D.C. is located along the Potomac River, between southern
Maryland and northern Virginia. It is located 35 miles west of
Chesapeake Bay and 50 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winters are cold without being severe, with an average yearly snowfall of
16 inches. Summers are hot and humid.
The city is known for its striking Roman and Greek architecture, and also
for its many museums, monuments, and public galleries. In the
middle of Washington, D.C. is the National Mall, which comprises major monuments and open walking
spaces, and is flanked by the Smithsonian Museum. Government
offices and world-class hotels surround the Mall, making it an easy
destination for visitors as well as those who work and live in the
area. Most tourist destinations are accessible on foot.
Washington Business Directory
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The city is divided into four quadrants from the Capitol building, with
alphabetical streets running east to west and numbered streets running
north to south in a grid pattern.
Suburbs surround the city on all sides, including those located in
Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Loudoun County. The
commercial corridor of the city houses large-scale organizations
including Nextel, AOL, Oracle, IBM, Siebel, and Accenture. Industrial areas are located east of the city.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
Because of the prominence of the U.S. government, a well-educated
citizenry has resulted in cultural assets including arts, entertainment,
and dining. Georgetown University, one of the country's most
prestigious institutions of higher learning, is located within city
boundaries. However, there are areas of Washington, D.C.,
particularly those located in the north and east, that are economically
disadvantaged.
Washington, D.C. can be easily reached from anywhere in the world via
Dulles Airport. There are many public transportation options,
including the Metrorail, not only in the local area but also extending
out into the suburbs. The I-495 freeway, also known as the
"Beltway," makes it easy for drivers to navigate the downtown area.
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/8395 | Destinations Archive
Europe Your Balance +tax
Midnight in Paris still glitters like diamonds
Trip offers romance, history and possibility
By: Patti Nickell Posted: 08/18/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: Tweet Post Reddit ShareThis Print
Email Paris is a city where possibilities are endless, expectations are high, and no one doubts magic can happen. Anyone who saw Woody Allen's recent homage to the City of Lights, Midnight in Paris, knows what I'm talking about. Allen's protagonist, a Hollywood screenwriter who yearns to be a serious scribe, takes to wandering the rainy streets of Paris at night in search of a muse. On one such night, he accompanies a couple in 1920s dress to what he assumes is a costume party. Instead, he's transported back in time to Paris during the Jazz Age. It was a time when Gertrude Stein reigned over her famous salon and Cole Porter threw lavish soirees at his palatial mansion near Les Invalides; when Picasso and Dali sat for hours in Left Bank cafés discussing art; Josephine Baker lit up the stage of the Folies Bergère, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald knocked back martinis with Hemingway at the Ritz Hotel's bar. I've always thought if I could go back in time to any era, that would be the one. So, in the spirit of Allen, on my most recent trip to Paris in December, I spent a lot of time walking (in the rain, as it turned out) seeking places that have inspired me. After a particularly turbulent trans-Atlantic flight, I found myself happy to be in Shangri-La. It wasn't the mythical kingdom of James Hilton's novel, but the 1896 townhouse of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon's grandnephew, in the fashionable 16th arrondissement, with the Seine River at the back door. Prince Roland is long gone, but his elegance and love of luxury lives on in his home's reincarnation as the first Shangri-La hotel in Europe. From the moment I arrived at the entrance, with its columned portico strung with twinkling lights for the holidays, I felt something special was about to happen. When I opened the drapes in my suite and saw the Eiffel Tower looming just beyond the windowsill, I knew it. If you're looking for inspiration in Paris, where better to start than with its incomparable museums? If the vast corridors of the Louvre seem a bit daunting, but you want the best art the city has to offer, opt instead for the Musée d'Orsay. Housed in the former Orsay railway station, just across from the Tuileries Garden, the building itself has been called the museum's first work of art. Arranged over three floors, it has the look of a Beaux Arts palace, with a central dome and large windows offering exquisite views across the city. My favourite is the view through the giant clock face, which offers a vista of Montmartre and the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. What's inside is equally spectacular, especially the galleries devoted to what is said to be the world's largest collections of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. Room after room is filled with the most famous works of Manet, Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Sisley and Seurat. At the Musée d'Orsay, unlike the Louvre, you may walk right up to the art. The museum has more than 1,850 paintings, sculptures, photographs and other works, but don't leave without visiting the marvellous decorative-arts galleries. After the museums, it has to be the meals that provide the most inspiration to visitors in Paris, long known as the capital of haute cuisine. It would take many lifetimes to visit even a fraction of the city's eateries. For contrast, here are two of my favourites. Le Train Bleu could be your big splurge. Located in the Gare de Lyon train station, it is named after the Blue Train, which in the 1920s left the station en route to the French Riviera. The restaurant is a monument to Belle Époque splendour, with wood panelling, polished parquet floors, plush velvet draperies, massive chandeliers and 41 paintings on the walls and ceilings. Having a meal at Le Train Bleu is a bit like dining in the Sistine Chapel. For a complete contrast, spend an evening in one of Paris's bistros, which are becoming increasingly harder to find. You'll have to venture off the usual tourist route to get to Astier in the 11th arrondissement, but it's well worth the detour. With its red-and-white-checkered table linen and menus printed on the chalkboard, Astier is the personification of an intimate Parisian bistro. Owners Frédéric and Claudia Hubig-Schall are gracious hosts and offer a prix-fixe menu that at 35 euros (about $50) is a good value, particularly considering it includes the expansive cheese platter, with more than 15 varieties. What is Paris without nightlife? Before heading off to shows at the Moulin Rouge (Toulouse-Lautrec's favourite) or the rollicking Crazy Horse Cabaret, stop for a drink at the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Hotel on the fashionable Place Vend¥me. The bar's name perhaps results less from Hemingway's fame as a scribe than from the ruckus he created here Aug. 25, 1944. That was the night Ernest and a group of Allied soldiers, armed with machine guns, decided to "liberate" the Ritz from the Nazis. After climbing to the roof, where, instead of Germans, their gunfire succeeded in bringing down only a clothesline hung with the hotel's linen, the victorious troops retired to the bar for a round of dry martinis. That account has no doubt been embellished with each retelling, but there's no doubt of Hemingway's love for the iconic Paris landmark, as he noted, "When I dream of an afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place at the Ritz Paris." The bar named in his honour has changed little since that evening in 1944. Black-and-white photos of famous literary drinkers Marcel Proust, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Graham Greene and Noel Coward line the walls. If Hemingway was the past resident celebrity, today that honour goes to Colin Field, a Brit who conquered France with a shaker instead of a sabre. The Ritz's head bartender since 1994, Field has twice been named the best bartender in the world by Forbes Magazine. During my stay, Midnight in Paris became more than the title of Woody Allen's movie. It was the (be)witching hour, the last chance to see the nightly light show that takes place every hour at the Eiffel Tower. Standing at my window at the Shangri-La, I watched the glittering lights sparkle like diamonds up and down the length of the tower, and thought that Paris is indeed the stuff of which dreams are made. -- Postmedia News IF YOU GO WHERE TO STAY: The Shangri-La Hotel. One of the city's newest luxury hotels, it is ideally located near the Seine River and Eiffel Tower, and it's close to many of Paris's museums. Its 81 rooms and suites have been beautifully decorated by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The hotel's Shang Palace Restaurant, serving Cantonese cuisine, often requires a two-week wait for a reservation, but I preferred its other restaurant, L'Abeille, which is unabashedly French in style, service and cuisine. shangrila.com Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 18, 2012 D3 | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/8554 | Kieron's travel 'blog
Around the world, around the world…
Hué to Ho Chi Minh City
The walls of the citadel in Hué
In Hoi An we ate ‘white roses’ – tiny shrimp fried in thin rice paper parcels. In Saigon we had spring rolls, greasy and spicy and still-hot from the pan. In Hué a speciality was bahn xio – shrimp, beansprouts and shredded pork wrapped in a crispy, crèpe-like pancake, while in Hanoi, we ate pho bo – a spicy soup of beef and noodles – almost every day, while steering well clear of Dog Meat Alley.
Vietnamese food is like that. As you travel from town to town you find that each place has its own repertoire of signature dishes, all made with ingredients fresh from the local market. And the towns themselves are like that too. The six or seven that we visited during our three weeks in the country all had a very different feel from one another, each with its own distinct identity, history and culture. Our first stop after Hanoi was Hué, the former capital city. From 1802 to 1945, emperors from the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from here, for much of that time under the supervision of the French colonial authorities. The citadel that the emperors built was also the scene of heavy fighting during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when American soldiers holed up inside against the Viet Cong advance.
Hello moto. Rosie and driver.
The citadel, then, was our first point of call in town, and it is indeed a good place to start. The war damage has been largely repaired, leaving an imposing, grandiose and, in places, still crumbling palace complex. The most obvious centre point is the throne room, from which the emperor issued orders to his generals and mandarins (but not apparently to his satsumas). There’s a lot of citadel to explore elsewhere though, with walled gardens, pagodas and a confusing array of palaces-within-palaces, so much so that it’s easy to find yourself suddenly wandering around on your own. The next day, we took a motorbike tour around town as part of a small group, with each tourist sitting on the back of their own driver’s mount. Once you get used to being out in the somewhat unpredictable Vietnamese traffic with absolutely no control over steering, braking, or whether you live or die, a motorbike tour is actually a pretty good way to see Hué. Our drivers took us first to a pagoda just outside town, where the monks were in full song at morning prayers. In the grounds, a couple of football nets gave an indication of how they spent their less contemplative hours. We also visited a ‘Vietnamese Colosseum’, where fights used to be staged between tigers and elephants, and one of the thirteen whacking great tombs that the emperors built for themselves along the banks of the Perfume River. At the Thien Mu Pagoda, we watched monks hard at work in the garden and admired the holy wedding cake-like architecture. Built in the 17th Century, this was the home of the monk Thich Quang Duc, who publicly burned himself to death in Saigon in 1963 to protest against the policies of the South Vietnamese Government. Also harking back to the Sixties was the American gun emplacement that we visited, set at a strategic point overlooking the river and the border with Laos. In the distance was ‘Hamburger Hill’ where heavy fighting in 1969 left hundreds of locals, Viet Cong and American troops dead. Our guide tells us that tribespeople in the area are still so angry about this – and who can blame them? – that anyone who looks American and wants to visit the hill has to travel with police protection. Our next stop, via train and taxi was Hoi An which, if anything, was even more laid-back than Hué. Hoi An used to be a thriving port town, and today gets by on its reputation as the tailoring capital of Vietnam. We tried very hard to do cultural things – visiting the nearby Cham ruins at My Son and a few of the town’s various temples and pagodas – but most of the time it was too hot and humid even to walk to the corner shop. The evenings were more bearable, and were spent sitting by the riverside, sipping a cold drink and watching the bright lights and crowds of the night market on the opposite bank. A little further down the coast is Nha Trang, which we travelled to by night bus. In theory, the rows of beds on the bus allow passengers to get a good night’s sleep while being whisked somnambulantly to their destination. In practice, unless you’re under 5′ 5” and can sleep through the regular honking of the driver’s horn, you’ll be sore and sleepy the next morning. Nha Trang was, to quote a maxim popular all over south-east Asia, ‘same-same but different’. It’s a nice enough place to spend a couple of days but is a little bit touristy, with pizzerias, burger bars and a strip of golden, cigarette-butt-strewn sand.
Rosie crosses 'the bridge of death', near Dalat
It was still ridiculously hot, so we did the only thing we could think of and headed for the hills. To be more precise, we headed to Dalat, or ‘Da Lat’ (it’s written both ways) in the Central Highlands. Dalat’s chief selling point is that it’s a good 10 degrees cooler than the coast, with temperatures rarely rising above 25 degrees C. The surrounding area is something of a veg basket for the rest of the country, with all manners of fruit, vegetables and coffee being grown on the cool upland slopes. There’s even wine made here although the results, based on the few tastings that we did, are not as yet fantastic. Dalat itself is not exactly Shangri La – it’s much bigger and noisier that we’d expected. The surrounding countryside is very pretty though, as we found out when we set out on an 18 kilometre trek one day. Our route took us up pine-covered hills, through coffee plantations and hill-tribe villages and across a couple of extremely rickety bridges. After Dalat, we headed to Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City – the two names are used fairly interchangeably – which we reached after an inexplicably long bus journey (8 ½ hours to cover 200 kilometres!).
Saigon is a less obviously charming city than Hanoi but less chaotic too, with wide boulevards in place of the capital’s network of tiny, twisting alleyways. It’s also more obviously a centre for commerce and business, with shopping malls and shiny new buildings dotted amongst the old. Public health posters in Saigon
On our first day in town we went to visit Reunification Palace, formerly the seat of the South Vietnamese Government. An iconic moment came on 30th April 1975, when Viet Cong tanks broke through the palace gates forcing the final surrender of the South Vietnamese. We took a free English language tour with a family of corpulent, stair-avoiding Indians and saw, amongst other things, the operations bunkers where the South Vietnamese met and planned the war, the apartment where President Diem (assassinated in 1963) lived with his family and the rooms where foreign allies, including Henry Kissinger, were received.
Given how much the Viet Cong and the Vietnamese in general suffered during the war, the tone of the tour and the exhibitions in the palace was surprisingly measured and non-aggressive.
Next we headed to the War Remnants Museum, a collection of photos and artifacts from the American War, as ‘the Vietnam War’ is called here. There are some pretty horrific images, as there should be, of the effects of U.S. bombing and the use of Agent Orange, and of the massacre of civilians. A tourist ahead of me takes photos of the most harrowing images on his mobile ‘phone. Luckily for him there’s no-one around to administer a good kick up the backside. The next day we went to see the famous Cu Chi tunnels, 40 kilometres or so to the north of the city. The Cu Chi tunnels form part of an underground network that extends for 200km in the area, right to the Cambodian border. Construction was started during the war against the French and continued throughout the American war, with the network gradually expanding, giving the Vietnamese the ability to launch surprise attacks before disappearing without trace. The first tunnel that we take a look at has an entrance so small that only some of the Asian tourists and smaller European women can fit in. Later we have the opportunity to crawl along a 20 metre section of slightly (and I mean only slightly) larger tunnel. We’re on the topmost of a series of three descending levels, each hotter, darker and more cramped than the last. Nevertheless it’s pretty claustrophobic, and not a nice place to be. Although better than being shot at by Americans, I suppose…
Point well made: a very nasty booby-trap, yesterday.
We also saw some of the homemade booby traps that the V.C. used and had an opportunity to shoot an AK47 rifle on a nearby firing range, an opportunity that, in the end, I didn’t take. Something just doesn’t seem right about loosing off a few rounds for fun in the middle of a former war zone, no matter how enthusiastically you’re encouraged to do so. As if to underscore this, on the way back our tour bus stopped at a government-run craft centre for victims of Agent Orange, the chemical used by the U.S. to defoliate much of central and southern Vietnam. Physical and mental disabilities are still common among children born in the affected areas. The craft centres give working-age victims the change to earn a living by producing handicrafts for the tourist trade. We didn’t have room for any handicrafts in our backpacks, but we did buy a cold drink or two before heading back to town. In Saigon, the traffic whirred on regardless. Vietnam today is an overwhelmingly young country, with its eyes set firmly on the future rather than the past, or at least that’s the impression we had. The majority of the Vietnamese we met, at least in the towns, were born after the war. They owned scooters, dressed fashionably, used the internet, and worked long, long hours. In Hanoi we even saw a teenage girl wearing a top emblazoned with the Stars and Stripes. She didn’t seem to be trying to make a political point; it was just a nice design to wear. At the same time, in the countryside farmers work the land with the ox and the plough. And newspapers reported recently that a well-known Saigon lawyer had been arrested for ‘undermining the socialist system’ by openly criticising government policy. A country of contrasts then… and beyond that, I’ll say no more for now. Like this:Like Loading...
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Date : 7 July, 2009
Tags: blogsherpa, Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hué, Nha Trang, Saigon, Vietnam
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/8650 | Research ResourcesCurrently selected
Clarke Historical Library > Research Resources > Michigan Material: Statewide > Michigan Lighthouses > Michigan Lighthouses > History of Michigan Lighthouses
History of Michigan Lighthouses
Page ContentIntroduction In 1825 the first lighthouse was constructed in what would become the state of Michigan. Built on Lake Huron, the Fort Gratiot Light was named for a nearby military outpost, at the time one of the few European settlements north of Detroit. Over the next 170 years the nature of Great Lakes navigation, the kinds of ships on the lakes, the cargoes being hauled over water, and virtually everything else about the
state would change in ways that would make the world of 1997 unrecognizable to George McDougall, Jr., the man who first lit the Fort Gratiot light. McDougall would, however, recognize one thing, the lights
themselves; beacons in the night which from his day to ours aid sailors
throughout the Great Lakes. Purpose and Administration
From the earliest days of the Republic, the federal government has assumed responsibility for the construction, operation, and maintenance of America's lighthouses and other aids to navigation. Congress's intent has been to facilitate water-born commerce. Although the military occasionally raised national security concerns in an effort
to assert greater control over navigational aids, Congress has consistently placed the needs of commerce above possible military needs.
Throughout our nation's history lighthouses have been constructed and maintained to serve the needs of commercial sailors. From 1820 through 1852 responsibility for constructing and operating lighthouses was vested in the Fifth Auditor of the United State Treasury, who was given the title "General Superintendent of Lights." Stephen Pleasonton, who held the Fifth Auditor position from 1820 through 1852 was responsible not only for lighthouses but also audited the records of a half-dozen federal agencies. His time divided between many, generally unrelated tasks, Pleasanton proved not particularly insightful regarding the nation's lighthouses, who tended to emphasize economy over any other consideration. During his thirty-two years of responsibility for America's lighthouses, the physical structures housing the lights deteriorated while the lighting mechanisms themselves grew vastly inferior to more advanced, and more expensive, lights used by other nations. Over the years criticism of Pleasanton's administration of the lights grew and although Congress tinkered with the system at several points, little changed. Finally, in March 1851 Congress directed
the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a full-scale investigation of the nation's lighthouses. In January 1852 Congress received a 760 page report that, among other reforms, asked Congress to completely change lighthouse administration. Although Pleasanton attempted to defend himself, in October 1852 Congress enacted the reforms called for in the report, including the creation within the Treasury Department of a new, nine-member Lighthouse Board that took over administration of the nation's lighthouses. The Lighthouse Board quickly set about establishing much needed new lights, updating the decaying physical structures that housed
existing lights, adopted newer and far more effective lighting technology, and attempted to reform the system used to select keepers. In the main the Lighthouse Board proved very successful. By the beginning of the twentieth century America's lighthouses and other aids to navigation were among the best in the world. Despite this success, as the new century began various critics of the Board began to call for a more streamlined agency run by a
single executive officer. As a result of these criticisms in June 1910 Congress officially abolished the Lighthouse Board and replaced it with a
Bureau of Lighthouses, commonly called the Lighthouse Service. The Lighthouse Service was to be run by a single officer, who reported to the Department of Commerce. George R. Putnam, a distinguished civil engineer, was appointed to head the new Service. During his twenty-five years in this post, Putnam the Service continued to expand and remained a
world-wide leader in technological innovation. In 1912 the Service also
introduced new accounting and inspection procedures that markedly improved the effectiveness of the Service. In 1939, in a governmental consolidation inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt, the Bureau of Lighthouses became of a part
of the United States Coast Guard, which is, in turn, a part of the Treasury Department. The Coast Guard, created in 1915, had long been discussed as the "logical" home for the Lighthouse Service. Indeed, in 1912 President William Howard Taft had suggested to Congress that the Life Saving, Lighthouse, and Revenue Cutter Services be merged to form the Coast Guard. Although Congress, in 1915, merged only the Life Saving
and Revenue Cutter Services while allowing the Lighthouse Service to remain independent, talk of uniting the Lighthouse Service with these other two agencies persisted. By merging the Lighthouse Service with the
Coast Guard in 1939 Roosevelt essentially convinced Congress to complete the 1912 recommendations of President Taft. The Coast Guard continues to this day to be responsible for all navigational aids, including lighthouses, on the Great Lakes and throughout the country. Lighthouse Design and Construction
Between 1852 and 1860 twenty-six new lights were erected on the Great Lakes. Although the Civil War and its aftermath greatly slowed
construction of new lights during the 1860s, a dozen new lights were still lit. In 1870 the Board had again begun construction of new lights in earnest. Between 1870 and 1880 forty-three new lights were lit on the
Lakes and in the next decade more than one hundred new lights appeared on the Great Lakes. By the beginning of the twentieth century the Lighthouse Board oversaw 334 major lights, 67 fog signals, and 563 buoys
on the Great Lakes. During the nineteenth century the design of Great Lakes lights slowly evolved. Until 1870 the most common design was to build a keeper's dwelling and place the light either on the dwelling's roof or on a relatively small square tower attached to the dwelling. In the 1870's, in order to raise lights to a higher focal plane, conical brick towers, usually between eighty to one hundred feet in height, began to be constructed. In the 1890s steel framed towers began to replace the older generation of brick structures. Between 1870 and 1910 engineers also began to face challenges created by building lights on isolated islands, reefs, and shoals that posed significant hazards to passing ships. These remote lights often replaced lightships, which was the only practical way originally available to the Lighthouse Board to warn sailors away from dangerous underwater rock formations. Ships, however, proved difficult to maintain. They could not be put in place until after the start of navigation season and often had to be removed before the season's end. Worse, regardless of the type of anchors used lightships could be blown off their expected location in severe storms, making them a potential liability in the worst weather when captains would depend on the charted
location of these lights to measure their own ship's distance from dangerous rocks. Usually built on underwater cribs, the first of these new generation of remote lights was constructed at Waugoshance Shoal in 1851. A new level of expertise, however, was reached with the construction of the Spectacle Shoal Light in 1874, the Stannard Rock Light in 1882 and the Detroit River Entrance Light in 1885. The long and
expensive process of building lights in isolated or difficult locations
ended in nationally publicized engineering projects that constructed the Rock of Ages (1908) and White Shoal Lights (1910). Throughout the early years of the twentieth century the Lighthouse Board and the new Lighthouse Service continued to build new lights. In 1925, 433 major lights existed on the lakes, ten lightships were still operational, 129 fog signals were maintained, as were about 1,000 buoys. Of these 1,771 navigational aids, in 1925 only about 160 stations had resident keepers. Even at this early date, the vast majority of navigational aids had been automated. By 1925 virtually all of the Great Lakes lighthouses that today exist had been constructed. In 1925 ten lightships were stationed on the lakes, however twenty years later only one ship, the Huron, was still in service. The Huron
would remained stationed off Corsica Shoals in Lake Huron until 1970, when this last active lightship on the lakes was decommissioned. Automation also slowly changed the face of navigational aids. Throughout
the twentieth century both the Lighthouse Service and the Coast Guard worked to eliminate the need for attended lights. In 1983 the last attended light station in Michigan, Point Betsie on Lake Michigan, was fully automated. Improved navigational aids, such as radio beacons, also
supplanted some lights and led to the ongoing abandonment of no longer needed light stations. Although the number of navigational aids continued to grow, in 1986 there were almost 2,500 aids maintained by the Coast Guard, virtually all of the additions were buoys placed in the
water while many venerable lights which no longer served commercial needs were extinguished. The Lights The keeper's residence, the tower, and all the other buildings and structures that were constructed at a light station existed to make visible and maintain one piece of equipment, the light itself. In the first half of the nineteenth century, under the administration of James Pleasanton, Michigan's lighthouses generally used a lighting system designed by Captain Winslow Lewis. The Lewis apparatus used a lightly silvered parabolic shaped reflector to amplify the light created by an Argand lamp that burned whale oil. In the field,
the reflector in the Lewis apparatus warped very quickly and the lightly silvered surface was quickly abraded away by the tripoli powder,
an abrasive of the day commonly used to clean brass, that was used to clean it. The result was that lights quickly grew dim and were of minimal help to sailors. A far superior apparatus was introduced by French physicist Augustin Fresnel in 1822. The Fresnel lens used a series of glass prisms
that surrounded the light source in a lenticular (double convex) configuration. Looking a bit like a beehive the result was a bright, single beam of light that was far superior to anything else available in
its day. Fresnel lens were classified into six "orders" based on the focal length of the lens, however seven sizes of light actually existed because a "third and a half" order lens was made. The largest, a first order lens, had a focal length of 36 inches, a lens diameter of six feet, and stood nearly twelve feet tall. In contrast a sixth order lens had a focal length of only 5.9 inches, a diameter of under one foot and was about two feet in height. The French and English quickly adopted this new lens for their lights and demonstrated the Fresnel lens superiority. Pleasanton, however, who had become close friends with Lewis and relied on him for technical advice, stubbornly refused to install the Fresnel lens in American lighthouses despite its obvious superiority. In 1851 Pleasanton
oversaw over 300 lights nationwide of which only three had Fresnel lens, each installed because of direct congressional action. In 1852, with the establishment of the Lighthouse Board, the
Fresnel lens became the preferred lighting apparatus in American lighthouses. By the late nineteenth century the Fresnel lens was in service throughout the Great Lakes. No first order lens was ever installed on the lakes, leaving the five second order lens placed on the
lakes the brightest to be lit. By the 1920's Fresnel lens began to slowly give way to other forms of lighting apparatus, however as late as
1986 about one hundred Fresnel lens were still in use on the lakes. A variety of different lights replaced the Fresnel lens. Lenses similar to those used on train engines were often used as range lights. Self-contained lens-lantern lights, that relied on electricity for power, also were developed, and over time became the new standard light for light houses and other illuminated navigational aids. About the time that the Fresnel lens first began to appear on the Great Lakes new lamps were also being placed in service to replace the Argand lamp. Several lamps were used but all shared similar designs, using from one to four concentric wicks, depending upon the amount of light desired. Because of the near extinction of the sperm whale, new fuels were also required. After extensive experimentation the
Lighthouse Board in the late 1850s decided to fuel its lights with colza (rapeseed) oil. This decision, however quickly proved impractical as the oil was manufactured from a plant rarely grown in the United States. In the 1860s preheated lard oil had become the most common fuel used in lighthouses. Preheating, however, was difficult and required keepers to somehow keep the oil warm as it was brought from a stove to the light. The development of the incandescent oil vapor lamp allowed the board in 1877 to adopt kerosene as the primary fuel for lights, and by 1889 incandescent oil vapor lamps fueled by kerosene were
used in almost all the lights on the Great Lakes. As early as 1886 the Lighthouse Board conducted experiments using electricity. It would not be until the twentieth century, however,
when the electric power distribution grid became widespread and reliable portable electric generators were readily available, that electricity would become the common way to illuminate lighthouses. In 1925 sixty-eight major and forty-five minor Great Lakes lights, or about
one-quarter of the total in service, used electrical power. By the early 1940s virtually all the lights on the lakes were powered by electricity. The use of electricity also greatly facilitated the automation of the lights. As early as 1916 a device was introduced that could automatically replace a burned-out incandescent light bulb. Coupled with electrically run timers that turned the lights on and off, it became increasingly possible to run lighthouses with only an occasional visit for servicing and maintenance. Automation eventually replaced keepers and in 1983 Michigan's last keeper-tended light was automated. Today all the lights on the lakes are maintained through occasional visits by Coast Guard maintenance crews. Sources Information found in this history is largely drawn from Charles K. Hyde, The Northern Lights: Lighthouses of The Upper Great Lakes (Lansing: Two Peninsula Press, 1986). Michigan Lighthouses
History of Michigan LighthousesCurrently selectedLife-in-a-LighthouseLighthouse Source MaterialWhitefish Point Light, original platWhite Shoal LightBeacons-in-the-Night-Michigan-Lighthouse-Chronology | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9202 | Yosemite Half Dome cable permits will be required seven days a week during 2011 summer season
Yosemite National Park officials announced Monday that day-use permits to climb the Half Dome cables will be required seven days a week for the 2011 summer season.
An interim program that required permits on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays was implemented by the National Park Service in 2010 to better regulate the number of hikers using the cable system. Safety issues have arisen from crowding, which has also led to long waits on the popular hike. Although the interim program worked well on the permit days, visitor use on the cables during days when permits were not required reached peak weekend levels -- thus the change to a seven-day-per-week requirement for next year's summer season. The Half Dome day-use permits will be available starting March 1, 2011 for climbing the cables in May and June 2011. Subsequent permits will be available at the beginning of each month for permits three months in advance. Reservations for a permit can be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Up to four permits may be obtained under one reservation, with each person climbing the Half Dome cables required to have their own. Permits are free, but there is a nonrefundable $1.50 service charge for each permit obtained.
The Half Dome cables are generally in place from mid-May through mid-October, depending on snowpack and weather conditions.
-- Kelly Burgesstwitter.com/latimesoutposts
Photo: A view of Yosemite's Half Dome and climbers using the cable. Credit: Scott Gediman / National Park Service | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9264 | EDC Talks Summer Tourism
Posted on 09/08/2011 by DispatchAdmin OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC) held its first meeting following the summer season this week, covering a wide range of topics from the handling of Hurricane Irene to the mid-summer boost from the Dew Tour to strategic planning for the future.
Perhaps because it was still fresh in everyone’s minds, the town’s handling of Hurricane Irene drew a considerable amount of attention during the EDC meeting on Wednesday. Ocean City officials ordered the evacuation of the town in advance of the arrival of the storm, no doubt costing resort businesses millions of dollars in the height of the summer season, and while no one doubted the wisdom of the evacuation, some questioned the timing and clarity of the orders.
“No one questions that the call to evacuate was needed,” said EDC Chairman and Carousel Hotel and Resort partner Michael James. “I’d really like some clarification, however. It was confusing on that day, and I’ve heard a strong difference of opinion on the language of the evacuation orders.”
James urged town officials to review the emergency preparedness plan, particularly how and when the order to evacuate is released.
“Maybe we needed to slow the process down a little and make sure the message that goes out is accurate,” he said. “There seemed to be a serious breakdown on how we prepared on Thursday and Friday.”
James also made a strong statement about the economic impact of the town’s decision to evacuate. While he didn’t question the decision, he said the storm in general, and the evacuation order specifically, was devastating economically.
“It was the single largest economic loss I can ever remember in my 30 years in this business,” he said.
Ocean City Councilwoman Mary Knight said town officials have already reviewed the hurricane preparedness plans.
“Immediately after Irene, we began critiquing what we did well and what we didn’t do so well,” she said. “I think there were lessons learned with this storm.”
Hurricane Irene blew through Ocean City in the midst of the town’s newest late summer promotion. Hotel Week, modeled after the successful Restaurant Week promotion, was hitting its stride when the storm arrived, said Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones.
“We were building a lot of momentum in late August with Hotel Week, but Irene kind of knocked the thunder out of it,” she said.
On a more positive subject, EDC members generally said the summer season was a successful one although the books are still not closed on 2011. The demoflush numbers were up for the most part including a near record Labor Day crowd.
Ocean City Tourism Director Deb Turk reported the town was staying the course with its “Rodney” marketing campaign next year.
“We will be bringing Rodney back,” she said. “We are planning to film new segments now. Rodney lives on. The research shows without a doubt it’s a proven campaign.”
Turk had high praise for the mid-summer Dew Tour in the resort, resulting in valuable national exposure for Ocean City.
“All I can say is ‘wow,’” she said. “Getting the Dew Tour was one of the highlights of my career. It was one of the most reputable organizations I have ever been involved with. They did everything they said they were going to do and more.”
Turk said it remained uncertain if the Dew Tour would return to Ocean City. A final decision would not likely be made until after the tour’s last event in Las Vegas, but all indications are the Dew Tour would like to return to Ocean City.
Turk said the Dew Tour was a financial coup for the city and pointed out what other jurisdictions pay for similar exposure. For example, she said the Grand Prix race in Baltimore last weekend cost that city $1 million and brought in 100,000 direct visitors, while the Dew Tour cost Ocean City nothing and brought in an estimated 73,000 direct visitors.
Turk said the town’s tourism department is hoping to capitalize on the momentum from the Dew Tour’s visit this summer. For example, she has already been contacted by representatives from a large music festival featuring front-line acts. In addition, she has been approached by a television program that takes NFL players to destinations around the world to go offshore fishing that wants to include Ocean City for white marlin fishing.
The EDC meeting covered the gamut of topics including the real estate market, which has been slow to recover in the still sluggish economy, according to Coastal Association of Realtors representative Joan Strang.
“We’re holding our own,” she said. “We haven’t gone up, but we haven’t gone down, which is a good thing. We’re kind of moving in a straight line. Condos are doing better than single family homes in Ocean City right now, while the opposite is true in the county.”
Strang said the National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire on Sept. 30 and Congress is currently working on another extension. The measure has cleared the House, but has not come up for a vote in the Senate. She said resort residents and business owners should be keeping a close eye on that vote.
“If it expires, we’re in big trouble,” she said. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9275 | HomeLeisure & OutdoorsUK / Ireland GuideTheatre / Musical NationalKing's Theatre (Glasgow) King's Theatre (Glasgow)
Address: The Kings Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JN, United Kingdom / Type: King's Theatre „
dbarcl10
Theatre fit for a King Glasgow used to have theatres aplenty, but the modern age of TV was a curse on theatre attendance in Glasgow, as in many other cities across the UK. Nowadays only 4 of these theatres remain in Glasgow, the Kings, Theatre Royal, Pavillion and the Citizens. I'd say the King's is the mid-market theatre of these four, pulling in most touring productions.The theatre itself opened in 1904, and is now owned by Glasgow City Council, although it is leased to the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG). The theatre is located to the west of the city centre, easily within walking distance of all the main city centre hotels and train stations. There's s multi storey car park behind the theatre if your travelling by car, and it's a flat rate of £1.50 after 6pm. From the exterior, the theatre is quite small and inconspicuous but once inside the grandeur of the theatre takes your breath away. The public areas such as the entrance lobby and the bars are small and often crowded but once you are seated, take a look at the spectacular, highly decorative ceiling, and take a moment to appreciate the history of this fantastic building.Being over 100 years old, the facilities aren't the most up to date; for example there are no lifts, so if your not seated in the stalls, be prepared for a climb! ATG have an ongoing refurbishment programme at this venue, such as recently improved seating, however I often find that theatre seats are far from comfy, and the legroom is often poor. The Kings Theatre is no exception to this!The staff at the front of the house are always friendly, checking tickets and directing patrons to the correct areas. When at the King's, we always go for stalls seats, so I'm not sure what the facilities are like upstairs, but the stalls toilets do leave a lot to desire, and are in urgent need of refurb. At the interval, there are the usual ice-cream sellers, who also often have wine and water for sale, although other drinks can be obtained from the bars. Over the last few years I've saw a great selection of shows including Cats, West Side Story, Evita, Sister Act, Avenue Q, All New People, I Dreamed A Dream, Whistle Down the Wind, The Steamie, Tell Me on a Sunday and many more, with Wicked, Shrek, Swan Lake and One Man, Two Guvnors coming over the next year. Tickets for shows at the Kings Theatre can be obtained at the theatre's box office, or through the ATG booking website (www.atgtickets.com). Overall, a great venue though it does need some work to modernise its facilities. Comments
GuruOnAMountain
City centre theatre in the heart of Glasgow. The King's Theatre is found at Bath Street (near Charing Cross) and is one of Glasgow's most famous venues. Glasgow, as a whole, is quite well provided with theatre and entertainment venues. From the Royal Concert Hall to the Theatre Royal to the SECC as well as many other, smaller venues in between, there is always somewhere to go to catch a show. Each theatre has its own character and tends to cater towards a specific audience: the Royal Concert hall tends to show a lot of orchestras and has a close knit relationship with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra whereas the Theatre Royal tends to play a lot of ballet. The King's, however, tends to focus more on musicals touring the UK.I have fond childhood memories of the King's as I used to go there with my Girl Guides to see the panto every year (as well as stand at the stage door hoping to catch a glimpse or get a kiss off one of the actors at the end). Ah, the joy of youth! I also went to a lot of musicals here as a youngster but hadn't been back in quite a few years until last night's visit to see Spamalot. History--------The King's opened in 1904 and is still going strong. It is now operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group and has been since 2002.Parking and Access----------------------It is, from the outside, at least, a relatively small theatre but its central location makes it very easy to access via public transport. Just behind it there is a public car park with swipe card entry so you know that your car will be secure there. From 6pm onwards, there is a flat rate fee of £1.50 for overnight parking so if you're going to see a show and are arriving after 6, that's all you'll have to pay. Bargain!I wasn't with a disabled person when I visited yesterday so didn't experience access problems first hand but I would imagine that it would be impossible to access any of the upper levels with a wheelchair. It is, as I said, a rather old theatre and I certainly didn't see any lifts. I would imagine that disabled visitors would need to be seated in the stalls.The King's Experience-------------------------If you enter through the main door, I doubt that you'll be overwhelmed. It isn't a particularly grand atrium when you enter. It is pretty small and relatively dingy. In contrast, when you enter the Edinburgh Playhouse, you feel like you're having a special night out from the minute you enter the door. However, the staff at the King's are very friendly and you feel very welcome.Last night, we were seated in the stalls. Our show started at 7.30 but we arrived early as we were driving there and had left a bit early in case of traffic. We ended up walking in about 6.40 so we had plenty of time to kill. The doors were open but the bar wasn't open yet and since there was nothing else to do to kill time, we crossed over the road and went to a cafe for a coffee before returning just after 7. The woman who took our ticket told us where to go but said that the doors to the theatre weren't quite open yet. Since it is a small atrium and then the corridor to the theatre from the atrium is relatively small and thin, it was a little bit cramped and busy with people waiting to get into the theatre. Luckily, the doors opened after a few minutes and we took our seats.There were plenty of people selling programmes for £4 a piece and they were cheerful and helpful. At the intermission, there were, of course, the mandatory ice cream sellers (£2.50 a tub for Beechdean's ice cream or £3 a tub for a small Haagan Dazs).Theatre Layout-----------------Considering it was built in 1904, this theatre is laid out in the way you might expect. It isn't modern at all but the old fashioned style of theatre with the red, covered seating and the thick red velvet curtains covering the stage with viewing boxes at the side of the stage. I happen to quite like old fashioned theatres like this better than more modern ones (I feel like they are more atmospheric) but the King's is showing its age a bit. It has recently underwent restoration, apparently, with stalls seating being replaced but I can't honestly say I noticed much of a difference personally.The one big niggle about the King's is the amount of leg room. Even in the stalls, the seats feel quite cramped. You are shoulder to shoulder with the people next to you but at least you have some degree of legroom in the stalls. Upstairs, however, it is very tight and actually quite uncomfortable. Considering I am only 5 foot and don't exactly need much leg room, I hate to think how uncomfortable it must be for anyone a bit taller. I have also been to see some shows where I was sitting in the gods and the view of the stage was actually obscured quite badly for people in the gods. When I went to see Jesus Christ Superstar, for example, quite a bit of the action happened on a platform that ran across near the top of the stage and if you were in some of the higher seats, all you could possibly see was some feet!Also, each tier of seats doesn't seem to be raised enough. As I say, I'm only a little one at 5 foot so going to the theatre is always a bit of a trial if you end up with a 6 footer sitting in front of you but most theatres are laid out well enough that even if that happens, your view isn't obscured too much but last night I had a relatively short woman sitting in front of me and I still couldn't see over her head.Is it worth it?---------------It is certainly handy for me as I live nearer Glasgow than Edinburgh but I would be reluctant to part with money to go to the King's if I was anywhere other than the stalls due to the discomfort of the upper levels. Last night's tickets weren't particularly cheap, either, although I suppose this varies from show to show. The staff are very friendly and helpful, though, which is a bonus but it definately isn't a particularly decadent theatre and doesn't feel as special as other theatres nearby. Comments
great for adult or children shows King's Theatre was opened in 1904 and designed by Frank Matcham. The theatre is owned by Glasgow City Council though ran by Ambassador Theatre Group. Restoration of the stalls and grand circle was completed in 2009.~Location~The King's is located in the Charing Cross area of Glasgow. The red sandstone building is located at the far end of Bath Street. The nearest train station is Charing Cross which is a few hundred yards from the main entrance of the theatre. There is no immediate parking at the theatre but drop off is recommended. Buses 42, 57 and 18 run from Sauchiehall Street and stop at the theatre.King's TheatreBath StreetGlasgowG2 4JN0844 871 7648Guide dogs are welcome and the theatre welcomes disabled visitors. The theatre can hold over 1700 visitors and seating is arranged in individual stalls, grand circle, upper circle and the gallery with disabled seating at the front. Group bookings are welcome.~What's On~King's Theatre offers various shows, pantomines and performances throughout the year. The most popular shows are the pantomimes (Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Best are scheduled for 2011). The theatre offers performances for adults only, families etc and there is something for everyone. It is recommended that you book tickets in advance. Performances are currently listed up until April 2012.Booking can be done through www.atgtickets.com. Each performance may be an one off or there may be regular performances throughout that day or across a time period. The box office telephone number is shown in the contact information above and tickets can be collected at the entrance to the theatre. The price you pay for tickets will depend on what the performance is, where you want to sit and what time (peak/weekend etc) you want to visit.Current performances and scheduled performances include but are not limited to :*Dirty Dancing - the first tour : 19th Oct - 12th November. Various performances with premium seating at nearly £80.00.*Sleeping Beauty - one for the families : 2nd Dec - 8th January. Afternoon and evening performances. Approx £26.00 with a few pounds deduction for children.It is worth noting a booking charge is added to each ticket and is approx £1.25 per ticket. Major debit and credit cards are accepted. As well as pantomime and shows, performances from individual performers can be booked with the current schedule including Micky Flannigan, Dorothy Paul and Stewart Lee.~My Thoughts~I wouldn't say I am a massive fan of the theatre but pantomime trips at school were always enjoyable. Having visited King's Theatre as a child, I was quite excited about taking my son earlier in the year. We went for a Thomas the Tank performance. I booked my tickets through the booking website and received confirmation. I paid by debit card and on arrival, I only had to give my name and was presented with our tickets. I underestimated how far this theatre was from Central Station. Visiting on a cold, windy and very wet night, we weren't anticipating such a long walk. Luckily Ryan was in the buggy but we were like drowned rats! We knew where Bath Street was but we kept walking and walking fearing we had missed it. Near enough at the Hilton, we finally spotted it. Not ideal in the dark to be honest as it isn't very well lit up. On our arrival, the theatre was dangerously busy. I'm sure normal performances would allow for better organisation but with excited toddlers, buggies and parents trying to get sorted, it was mayhem! We were directed to a room to place our folded buggy in and got our tickets.~Layout and Staff~The building is simply beautiful inside and out. It is large, old fashioned and has an amazing, historical feel. The staff were pleasant from the booking office to the ticket checkers and were dressed smartly. They acted professionally at all times despite having hundreds of toddlers running around! As we were to be seated in the grand circle, we had to go up a few flights of stairs. The carpeted areas were very grand and decorated with posters of upcoming shows.The foyer could have been better arranged. There was a stall offering various Thomas merchandise at overinflated prices. We bought a light up stick and programme coming to an eyewatering £12.00. They were also offering a wide range of sweets and juice at extortionate prices. I can only assume this happens with many shows but more emphasis when children are involved. Luckily our son didn't appear too greedy! The downstairs area is quite cramped but as far as I am aware, disabled visitors are taken in through a ground floor door as are those sitting near the stage.The auditorium is very grand and everything you would expect a theatre to be. Red seating (we had 3 seats together), gold trim around the walls. Everywhere was very clean and the different seating options are raised. We had corner seats which weren't ideal but good enough. I wasn't prepared to pay a premium to be down the front to be honest. The grand circle is quite large and extends around the top of the auditorium. There are 2 entrances to this area. I am glad we weren't right at the front as it is high up and rather daunting looking down!The layout of the auditorium is pretty standard. The stage is of course located at the front and is large, floored and hidden behind large red curtains. It can be viewed from every angle giving everyone a chance. When the lights dim, the auditorium becomes quite dark which can be scary for young children. Of course every show is different but we had an excellent time at Thomas. It was very interactive, loud thanks to the speakers dotted around and bright. The performance was top class though not the best I have ever been too. My son thoroughly enjoyed it though despite being tired by the end. We were told off about taking pictures though as I didn't notice the sign. As far as I'm concerned, given the fact we paid over £50 to come here, we should be allow to take pictures!~Time For A Break~Many of the shows have intervals and I was happy Thomas did (approx half way through). Many had brought treats in with them though we hadn't. Ushers were selling small tubs of ice cream in the auditorium for around £2.50 which is far too much. A small hole in wall (literally) offered packs of sweets and juice. I bought a pack of Minstrels and Pringles costing £4.00. We went back and got a can of Irn Bru and a large Fruit Shoot coming to over £3.00. Expensive isn't the word and no sign of Milky Bars! This area did get very busy during the 15min break.I visited the ladies loos. They are dotted around the theatre and there were 4 upstairs. They were clean but old fashioned and with the amount of children and adults at the time, there was far from enough. On leaving, we made our way back downstairs and eventually got our buggy before heading home..in the dark and rain!~Conclusion~Booking was simple but I grudged paying more for myself and fiance than my son considering the show. Looking at the choice of shows, there are plenty but the price jumps are very high with some being near the £100 mark. Add on your transport, munchies and dinner and you have yourself one very expensive night or day out. Like I said, every show is different and we will return in future. I was supposed to book for Dirty Dancing as I think that would be an amazing show but we hope it will return. I am considering the pantomime though as a treat for my 5yr old niece as she would love that.A stunning, clean and well thought out theatre just don't expect to leave with much money!Thanks for reading :) Comments
Whistle Down The Wind
Comedy Clubs / Live Entertainment
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9286 | Visit Michigan's Thumb
Lake Huron Circle Tour
Attractions of the Thumb
Area Towns
Map of the Thumb
Huron County Parks
Shipwrecks of Lake Huron
Videos of the area
Museums and Historic Places
Beaches and Camping
Huron County Event Calendar
Member's Page
Michigan's Thumb is a peninsula and region of Michigan, so named because the Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten, and the Thumb is the area that looks like the thumb of the mitten. The counties which constitute the Thumb of Michigan area are those forming the extended peninsula that stretches into Lake Huron to the north and east and into Saginaw Bay to the west. There is no formal declaration for which of these counties are part of Michigan's Thumb. However, virtually all common definitions include the tri-counties of Huron County, Tuscola County, and Sanilac County. The definition is sometimes extended to include Lapeer County and St. Clair County as well. The fact that Lapeer and St. Clair counties are included in the Detroit Metropolitan Area also leads many to exclude them from the Thumb region.
Michigan's Thumb region is very flat with lush, fertile farmland, which is the reason for its historical role as a chiefly agricultural area. Major agricultural products include sugar beets, grains, beans, corn, fruits, and fish from Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. The lush grass supports vast dairy herds and livestock. At the Lake Huron Shoreline, farming fields are separated from sandy beaches by deep, cool, forests. The Thumb has the loveliest countryside and lakeshore imaginable - all for your enjoyment.
The Thumb Area is a travel destination rich in natural scenic beauty, strong cultural heritage, and plenty of all-season activities. With more than 150 miles of shoreline, 2,100 miles of rivers and streams, 51,000 acres of public recreation land, 49,000 acres of state game/wildlife areas and plenty of hometown festivals and events, there�s something to do and see for everyone. Towns, such as Sebewaing, Bay Port, Caseville, Port Austin, Port Hope, Harbor Beach, Lexington, and Port Sanilac enjoy seasonal tourism, due to their location on Lake Huron or Saginaw Bay. Michigan's Thumb lies within the east-central tourism region of the state.
Michigan's Thumb is a short drive from most metropolitan areas in southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing, and Port Huron. In fact, most of Michigan's Thumb Area attractions can be enjoyed on one tank of gas! Brouse this site to discover thing to do in Michigan's Thumb.
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2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/34193 | www.TravelAndTourismInfo.com
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Table Mountain, Cape Town - South Africa MORE BOOKMARKS ..
Popular Tourist Attractions
� Blyde River Canyon
� Cape Point Lighthouse
� Drakensberg Mountains � Kruger National Park
� Table Mountain
� The Sun City
� WineLands
Advt.
Table mountain is the biggest attraction of Cape Town, its 1086 meter high and offers breathtaking views over the city, beaches and offers many activities for the tourists. It is part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage site. While most of the people ride up in a Cable Car, few like to go up by the cable car and come down on foot and others like to go both ways on foot (not recommended for most people).
The area around this is known as Table Mountain National Park which covers 17,000 ha, but this small area has over 1500 different plant species, 90 of them are unique to this area, including the rare Silver Tree and the wild orchid Disa Uniflora. The Table Mountain is made up of sandstone and its flat summit measures nearly 3 km from end to end. On the top of mountain there are several tourist facilities including a restaurant which seats 120 people, a souvenir shop and Cableway Cocktail Bar which is situated inside the top station building. Table Mountain overlooks the city of Cape Town. Over the centuries it has become one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the mountain play home to a number of plants and animals. There are hundreds of trails to the summit, some undemanding and others extremely difficult, so its advisable to take a guide or who knows the area well or contact the Mountain club of South Africa before going on a hike or climb. Get a good guide book and take food, water, warm clothes and mobile phone if possible. Platteklip Gorge, just east of the Cable Station is a good one, as you can walk one way and take the cable car the other. Kloof Nek is the easiest way out of the city, over Table Mountain, to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Kloof Nek is linked to the 669 meter Lion's Head. A spiral pathway up Lion's Head passes through silver trees and spring flowers and provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cape Town region. Along the way you can also visit an old Mosque. Other fun walks include the Pipe Track, to the west of the Lower Cable Station.
Since the opening of Cable car (in 1929) 77 years ago, over 16 million people have taken the trip to the top of Table Mountain, about 600,000 people annually. The views in all directions are magnificent and the feeling of being on top of the world is what makes Table Mountain such a popular destination. It�s best to visit on a clear day, although clouds can descend at any time. Free parking is available along the road leading to the lower cable station.
Tip of the day Tip 14#. Cell phone is probably your best friend in a new place. Get an unlocked cell
phone which works with international frequencies. Your domestic phone company may sometime
lock the phone so its good only in their network, sometimes your own phone company will have a
international roaming, call them before you go. You may visit http://www.telestial.com to buy a
SIM card of the country before you visit which is a cheaper option.
Mostly you can buy a basic phone and sim card within $100-$150.
Featured Country/City
EgyptIt is among the most famous destinations of the world having abundance of historical treasures including temples, pyramids and museums.Great Sphinx of GizaA half human, half lion structure, 240 feet long and 66 feet high and located in Egypt's Giza plateau, west bank of Nile river.
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2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/34339 | Search this site: Grant named Executive Director of Henricus Historical Park By Chesterfield | Feb 29, 2012
The Henricus Foundation with Chesterfield and Henrico Counties are pleased to announce that Charles Lewis Grant has been named Executive Director of Henricus Historical Park after a nationwide search. Grant served as acting executive director since July 2010 and throughout the site’s 400th commemoration. He previously served as operations manager of the living history museum for two years.
“It is an honor to represent the second successful English settlement in North America and educate visitors about the significance of the Citie of Henricus,” said Grant. “I’m proud of the diverse talent, rich history and beautiful natural surroundings at Henricus Historical Park and the Dutch Gap Conservation Area.”
During his tenure, Grant directed and managed the planning, operation and coordination of programs, staff and facilities. Prior to Henricus Historical Park, Grant served as president of Custom Collectibles, Ltd., and senior project manager at The American Historical Foundation. Grant has undergraduate and master’s degrees in history from Radford University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, respectively.
Henricus Historical Park is located on 32 acres along the scenic and historic James River and is surrounded by the 810-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area. The park is located at 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester. | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/34438 | Railway carriage and pub for sale
A UNIQUE pub which offers fine dining in a vintage railway carriage is up for sale.
The Hound Inn, at Arlecdon, is on the market for £750,000 with Meridian Business Sales, after its landlords decided to move on because of “family commitments”.Its restaurant is housed in a 1954 railway carriage, installed in its grounds in 2000.The 37-ton coach, named Orchid, played a part in British political history when it was used to carry the body of Lord Mountbatten – killed by an IRA bomb – from Waterloo to Romsey in 1979 as a royal train.The 42-seater open coach was designed for first class passengers when it was built in Doncaster in 1955.It now offers dining for 30 people, complete with its own bar. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9697 | Home » Your Visit » Stations » Stogumber
Stogumber
Postcode for Sat Nav: TA4 3TR
Passengers can buy their tickets in the Refreshment Room (the old station office). Furthermore you can partake of one of the station�s now famous cream teas. On gala days bacon rolls, sausage rolls and pasties are always popular and in the colder weather tea and crumpets are served.
Opened in May 2011 was the new waiting room. The Friends of Stogumber Station (FoSS) have been rebuilt the waiting room as closely to the original as is possible by the RAMs (restoration and Maintenance) team at Bishops Lydeard. So why not visit the station, enjoy a hot drink and some of the splendid food served by the cheerful station staff. Relax in the garden or simply soak up the old world charm.
Stogumber is a picturesque but thriving village set in a valley between the Quantock and Brendon Hills. The main enterprise is agriculture and the village is surrounded by rolling farmland. The Parish comprises the village itself and several hamlets, including Vellow, Capton, Kingswood, Coleford Water and the "Vexfords�. The focal point of the village is the Square, which contains the pub shop and St. Mary�s Church, a large Norman church with an interesting William Morris style ceiling. The street leading up to the Square, High Street, is the most photographed part of the village, with its mix of colour-washed and thatched properties.
History of Stogumber Station
Since its construction in 1862 the station has seen many changes. Initially the small platform had a waiting room and signalbox while on the other side of the line there was sufficient space for a large goods shed and a spur which terminated at a cattle dock. The goods facilities fell into disuse by the 1950s and the dilapidated goods shed was demolished late in British Railways ownership. Also on the north side of the line was another small building serving as a goods lockup. This little building was constructed from the local red sandstone and was demolished before the railway was obtained by the WSR plc. The cattle dock had its bars and uprights cut away and the stable blocks which made the surface to the access ramp seem to have been �robbed out� many years ago. The signal box was demolished in the 1920s and was replaced by a ground frame which was removed later with the goods facilities in the 1960s.
For a time Stogumber played host to a camping coach. Water for this coach was stored in a tank wagon that was replenished weekly via a Taunton train. However this last vestige of any sidings at SR was removed in the early 60s when the camping coach was removed. Stogumber�s buildings then fell into general disrepair and the waiting room, that was now considerably rotten, was demolished soon after the WSR plc took over.For a time Stogumber was managed by Harry Horn, the Station Master and a small group of volunteers known as the Friends of Stogumber. However time told and this band of volunteers dissipated into other railway work.
Following the death of Harry in 2000, his wife Iris, carried on as Station Master and kept the station and its gardens in very good order. However Iris was not getting any younger and in 2009 she was admitted to hospital and the station team at Bishops Lydeard was asked, by the Company, to ensure that the station remained open.
A small group of volunteers came together and Friends of Stogumber Station was reformed. Sadly Iris passed away in the autumn of 2009. Jenny Davidge is the Station Master.
The fledgling FoSS started to grow almost as soon as it was created and it now stands at 34 members. There are 17 staff working on the station and between them they manage the buildings, gardens and platform.
FoSS is also holding a large donation that will be used to finish off the inside of this building.
There are plans to completely refurbish the cattle dock and open this area as a viewing gallery with disabled access so that visitors to the station can enjoy a cup of tea and watch the trains go by.
Whilst on the subject of trains it will soon be seen that the stopping pattern for Stogumber will change for the galas. All down trains will stop but every other up train will pass straight through the station. From an operational view point this will save on coal as the heavy gala trains will not have to work very hard to get away from the station. The bonus for Stogumber will be that photographers and customers in the garden will be treated to the sight of trains working hard right through the station. The new viewing gallery on the cattle dock (when it is complete) will give an unrivalled view that will probably be one of the best on the whole line.
Why not join the Friends of Stogumber Station (FoSS)?
Visit the Stogumber Village Website. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9715 | Caribbean Honduras : Bay Islands : Roatan
Revision as of 17:11, 30 March 2014 by Dsroatan (Talk | contribs)
Airlines and destinations [+]
By boat By ferry
Charter boat
Get around Bus
Do Diving
Fishing/Boat Charters
West End Village on Roatán
Roatán is one of the Honduras Bay Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Understand
The island of Roatan is located 30 miles off the north coast of Honduras atop the worlds second largest coral reef. The reef attracts many fish, and is world known for scuba diving. It is approximately 77 kilometres (48 mi) long, and less than 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) across at its widest point. Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands at about 77 kilometres (48 mi) long, and less than 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) at its widest. The island has a number of beaches, all of which are public. Originally an English colony, and later ceded to Honduras, Roatan has a mixture of english and spanish speaking natives. With two cruise ship ports, Roatan has become a cruise destination, and roads and beaches can be busy when ships are in port. Prices for services may be higher when a ship is in. In recent years the island has experienced a lot of development and has a number of resorts along with more rustic accommodation as well. The western side of the island is the most populated and where most tourists stay, and the eastern side is more remote and isolated.
Roatan has a warm climate with daytime temperatures between 80-90 year round.
French Harbor, Roatan
West Bay - is the furthest-west area of the island, has some good restaurants and places to stay, and several large resorts have been built on the beach. It's arguably the best stretch of beach in the western portion of the island - powder-white sand that is very well maintained. The reef is a short swim away for excellent snorkeling, especially near the west-most tip, also known as Tabyana Beach. West Bay is also home to some of the best sunsets. It is recommended to spend beach time in the West Bay and bar time in the West End. West End - has some good restaurants and places to stay, and it is definitely the most fun town on the island. There are bars, restaurants, live music, right on the Caribbean. West End is currently undergoing a major reconstruction project on its main street that will improve transportation and the sewage lines; however, it makes the street very difficult to travel by foot or car. The project has been completed, though small improvements are likely to be made sporadically throughout the year.
Sandy Bay
Coxen Hole - is where the airport is located, and most of life's necessities can be found here, including stores, restaurants, and banks. French Harbor - has some good restaurants and resorts and most tourists do not venture further east than French Harbor, which is at roughly the mid point of the island. Past this point are a few newer beach resorts, resort communities, and some private towns with beaches and resorts. Many of the resorts, restaurants and bars on this part of the island were in the past a secret of locals and expats but with the west end becoming more crowded the secret is out and more tourist are finding their way to the east end of the island. One point of interest would be Jonesville and the infamous Hole in the Wall restaurant reached by taking a small water taxi from Jonesville to reach it. Another is Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge and the Tasty Tarpon Restaurant located on Camp Bay Beach the largest of all the beaches of the Bay Islands and can be accessed by car or boat. Punta Gorda - Fishing community of the Garifuna.
Oak Ridge Fishing community with few roads, and buildings on stilts over the water. Camp Bay - is a further on from Oak Ridge about 4.5 miles and home to the largest natural beach on all the Bay Islands - Camp Bay Beach, which you can gain free access to at a couple different locations and has a small beachfront resort and restaurant: Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge. Camp Bay is about the furthest you can go in a car. Past Camp Bay are the mangroves which are quite beautiful when navigated by boat and kayak. There are many tours through the mangroves which can be chartered from various points on the island.
Port Royal Small community, originally founded by English pirates
Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Manuel Gálvez) (IATA: RTB, ICAO: MHRO) is on the island of Roatán.
Several US airlines offer non-stop flights to Roatan on weekends. American Airlines, flies non-stop from Miami (Saturdays only), and from Dallas. United Airlines, offers direct flights from Houston (Daily during high season, less often other times), and from Newark (weekend). Delta Airlines, flies non-stop from Atlanta (Saturdays only). American, Delta and Continental offer flights to San Pedro Sula's's Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Ramón Villeda Morales) (IATA:SAP, ICAO:MHLM), also known as La Mesa International Airport situated on the mainland, from which you can then get connecting services to Roatan.
TACA, a group of five regional airlines, offers service from Miami, Orlando, Chicago, Dallas, Toronto, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC with connecting service to Roatan, including mid-week flights, plus flights from elsewhere in Central America. There are also local airlines such as SOSA, CM Airlines, air viva and Isleña (part of TACA's regional service) connecting the island with La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, and Tegucigalpa. Prices are all over the map due to fuel costs and inflation, but usually average in at about US$200 for a flight from Tegucigalpa-Toncontin to Roatan
Airlines and destinations
Aerolíneas Sosa
La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa Domestic
air viva
La Ceiba, Utila,San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa
Blue Panorama Airlines
Milan-Malpensa International
Houston-Intercontinental, Newark International
Seasonal < | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9757 | 2010 04 03 Plaza Desconocida
Copyright: Alex
More About Argentina
The World : South America : Argentina
Argentina didn't get to be the second-largest country in South America overnight. Archaeological remains found here date to some 9,000 years BC, left by the ancient Mesoamerican civilization. Early inhabitants were nomads and hunters who followed prehistoric horses and llamas. By the year 1480 AD the Incan empire had stretched to reach northern Argentina and the stage was set for contact.The Europeans came in 1516 with Spanish explorer Juan Diaz do Solis, who claimed the area for Spain and tried to export a river of silver back to Europe. Wealth grew along with the cattle industry and after Napoleon conquered Spain, Argentina declared its independence and set up their own government. That was 1810 AD.Argentina stayed neutral in WWI and for most of WWII, declaring war on the Axis powers only in 1945. Following the war, the country entered into a long chain of military dictatorships with only brief forays into constitutional government. The current president is Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who's been in office since December 2007.Argentina is known for many things but the top of the list belongs to only two -- steak and the tango. Cattle graze on the abundant grasslands and produce some of the best beef in the world. The climate is well-suited for vineyards as well, and Argentina's wines make a fine companion to their steak.As for the tango, it has recently exploded to become a world famous dance with hotspots in every major city on the planet. It started in Buenos Aires in the middle of the nineteenth century, as the city was filling up with a mixture of European immigrants and porteños, people who were born in the port city. They melded their cultures of rhythm and harmony and came up with the tango, which has been described as the ultimate evolution of partnered dancing. And it's a great way to burn off your steak stupor. Food coma begone!Text by Steve Smith. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/9767 | A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail)
Bryson, Bill Not the book you're looking for? Search for all books with this author and title
Publisher: Broadway Books, 1999 ISBN 10: 0767902521
A CLASSIC FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ONE SUMMER Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The AT offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes —and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings. For a start there's the gloriously out-of-shape Stephen Katz, a buddy from Iowa along for the walk. Despite Katz's overwhelming desire to find cozy restaurants, he and Bryson eventually settle into their stride, and while on the trail they meet a bizarre assortment of hilarious characters. But A Walk in the Woods is more than just a laugh-out-loud hike. Bryson's acute eye is a wise witness to this beautiful but fragile trail, and as he tells its fascinating history, he makes a moving plea for the conservation of America's last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, and a celebration, A Walk | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/10308 | SK1789 : Hope Woodlands : Derwent Dam
near to Fairholmes [other Features], Derbyshire, Great Britain
Hope Woodlands : Derwent Dam
Derwent Reservoir is the middle of three reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley. It lies approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Glossop and 10 miles (16 km) from Sheffield. The River Derwent flows first through Howden Reservoir, then Derwent Reservoir, and finally through Ladybower Reservoir. Between them they provide practically all of Derbyshire's water, as well as supplying a large part of South Yorkshire, and as far afield as Nottingham and Leicester.
Derwent Reservoir is around 1.5 miles (2 km) in length, running broadly north to south, with Howden Dam at the northern end, and Derwent Dam at the south. A small island lies near Howden Dam. Abbey Brook flows into the reservoir from the east. At its peak the reservoir covers an area of 70.8 hectares (175 acres) and at its deepest point is 34.7 metres deep.
The Industrial Revolution and urbanisation of the 19th century created huge demand for water in the industrial cities of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. Derwent Valley Water Board was created in 1899, to supply water to Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield. The proximity of Sheffield, combined with high average rainfall and low population, made the case for reservoir construction. and the decision to dam the valley to create the Howden and Derwent reservoirs.
The neo-Gothic solid masonry dam was begun in 1902, a year after Howden Dam was started, and proved a mammoth task. Between 1901 and 1903 a standard gauge railway of over 7 miles (11 km) was built from Bamford, to carry the thousands of tons of huge stones required for the construction of the two dams. Near to the southern end lay the newly opened quarry at Bole Hill. Remains of the railway can still be seen alongside Derwent Reservoir as well as at the western end of Ladybower Dam, where over 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of cutting and trackway remain, and are known locally as 'The Route'. Between the Howden and Derwent dams, the present road was built over the railway. After supplying well over a million tons of stone Bole Hill Quarry was closed in September 1914, with the end of the railway following soon after. The section between the Hope Valley Line at Hope and Yorkshire Bridge was relaid in 1935 to aid the construction of Ladybower Dam, but closed again in 1946.
Over 1,000 workers lived in the specially constructed self-contained village of Birchinlee, known as 'Tin Town', which consisted of well ordered corrugated iron homes along with shops, a school and a village hall. One of the metal huts was preserved and moved to Hope, where it is now a hairdressing salon. The workers that died during the construction of the dam were buried in Bamford churchyard.
The reservoir began to fill in November 1914, and overflowed for the first time in January 1916, with the water almost immediately passing into supply. The dam can support a total of 9.64 million cubic metres of water.
Only two years after the dam's completion in 1916, it was decided that the flow from the reservoir was insufficient to support the surrounding population. As a result, between 1920 and 1931 the River Alport and River Ashop were diverted from the Ashop Valley into the reservoir, using tunnels and a Venturi Flume. The diversion helped hold back water during the construction of Ladybower Reservoir.
The majority of the land around the reservoir is owned by Severn Trent Water, and of that, around half is woodland. The woods consist predominantly of larch, pine, and spruce conifers, with the remaining third mainly sycamore, beech and oak. The hills are given over to sheep pasture, leased to local farmers. The moorlands and gritstone edges are criss-crossed by footpaths, closed only during selected shooting periods.
During the Second World War, Derwent Reservoir was used by pilots of the Royal Air Force 617 Squadron for practising the low level flights needed for Operation Chastise, commonly known as the 'Dam Busters' raids. The valley was chosen due to its similarity to the Ruhr Valley dams, which were to be the target for the 'bouncing bombs' devised by Barnes Wallis. Today there is a commemorative plaque on the dam, and the west tower houses Derwent Dam Museum. The exhibition, owned and run by Vic Hallam, tells the tale of 617 Squadron; the making of the 1954 film; and contains an example of the 'bouncing bomb', along with a display on the history of the valley and the lost villages of Derwent and Ashopton. On 16 May 2008, a commemorative event to mark the 65th anniversary was held at Derwent Reservoir, including a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The event was attended by Les Munro, the only surviving pilot from the original raid, and Richard Todd, the actor who played Wing Commander Guy Gibson in the 1955 film, 'The Dam Busters'.
At the western end of Derwent Dam stands a memorial to a sheepdog named Tip. Her master, Joseph Tagg, was a well known local sheep farmer who helped found Hope Valley Sheepdog Trials, and during his later years lived in Yorkshire Bridge. On 12 December 1953, Tagg, aged 85, went out for the last time with his faithful border collie, and vanished completely. Despite an exhaustive search neither he, nor his dog, could be found. It was not until 15 weeks later that Tagg�s remains were discovered, with Tip, now completely exhausted, lying about five metres away. Somehow, Tip had managed to survive heavy snow, biting winds and freezing temperatures on one of the most hostile stretches of moorland in the country. Tip was carried back to the rescuer�s lorry and later transferred to a caring home, where she was carefully nursed back to health. A year later, in May 1955, she died. However, the hearts of those familiar with the story were so greatly touched, that a memorial was erected in her memory.
Derbyshire UK: Link
Discover Derbyshire and the Peak District: Link
Wikipedia: Link | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/11058 | Appeal for Ilir
Kelmend, in the far north of Albania, is one of the most remote and fascinating parts of Europe. The Terra Madre network extends even here, with two active food communities in the region: the Thethi producers, who make traditional products like honey, raki distilled from plums and other fruits and an unusual white flour ground using water mills from a local variety of corn; and the Lepushë producers, who make cheese and caj, infusions made from wild herbs and consumed throughout the year. These small gastronomic treasures are struggling to resist environmental degradation and rural abandonment, especially by young people, which is leaving its mark on the local communities. A few people are holding out, seeking to keep alive local traditions and reinterpret them in a way that makes sense today. One of them is Ilir, a young man who is fighting against the tide. He has chosen to stay, together with his family, and to unite traditional food production with a small tourism business, promoting Lepushë caj and making it known to the many who don’t even know it exists. Ilir now has a workshop for processing medicinal herbs, and was in the process of building a guesthouse so that he can host tourists interesting in discovering destinations completely off the beaten track. His dream was slowly coming together, but it has been brutally interrupted by a serious fall, from a height of 5 meters. Ilir risks losing the use of his legs unless he undergoes an operation only available at a private clinic. The Terra Madre network, conscious of the fact that helping him means helping the whole community, is mobilizing itself to raise the funds necessary to support the operation, which will cost €6,000. To help Ilir, his family and a community’s dream:
VIS Albania account holder: Ambrosi Pier Paolo
Address: Rruga Don Bosco, Tirana, Albania
Bank: INTESA SANPAOLO BANK ALBANIA SH A
27 RRUGA ISMAIL QEMALI, TIRANA, Albania
SWIFT code: USALALTR
Bank code: 20811008
Account number: 40306738001
IBAN: AL32208110080000040306738001
Payment reference: Fundraising for Ilir | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/11642 | http://www.visitmtvernontx.com
- Specification Required - In 1849, Stephen and Rebecca Keith donated land for a town site. The post office was called Keith and then Lone Star before taking the name Mount Vernon. Franklin County was formed from part of Red River County in 1875. This Texas Main Street City still offers a small-town feel. The central plaza has a gazebo and park benches. A Grecian-style 1912 gray limestone courthouse (undergoing renovation in 2014) with a chiming clock tower is on the north side of the square. More than 70 homes built before World War I are marked with signs designating the original owners and year of construction. Tour maps are available. The Cherokee Trace runs along the county's eastern edge, while the Choctaw Trail runs through town, and the Bankhead Highway (the first east-west transcontinental automobile route through the U.S., opened in 1916) remains the town's Main Street. #TexasToDo | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/11685 | DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS TOURING
Guide Map
Attraction Seating
Character Meet and
Greet FAQ
Extra Magic Hour
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AT A GLANCE...
HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
The Great Movie Ride
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Indiana Jones Epic
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Star Tours-The Adventures
Continue STAR WARS LAND - Announced 8/15
Millennium Falcon Attraction Star Wars Launch Bay - Coming December 2015! STREETS OF AMERICA
Honey I Shrunk
the Kids Movie
Set Adventure Lights, Motors, Action!
Extreme Stunt Show
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration Monsters Inc. Meet & Greet
Meet and Play Experience Pizza Planet Arcade
TOY STORY LAND - Announced 8/15
(Currently PIXAR PLACE)
Alien Saucers - Announced 8/15
Slinky Dog Coaster -
Announced 8/15
Toy Story Midway Mania!
One Man's Dream
Disney Junior Live on Stage!
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DISNEY'S HOLLYWOODSTUDIOS ARCHIVES OTHER WALT DISNEY WORLD THEME PARKS
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Lights, Motors, Action!
THE SHOW OFFICIALLY OPENED MAY 2005!
Show Description | Construction Photos | Soft Opening Report and Photos Reader Reviews | Send us Your Review!
Alice G.: We went to see Lights, Motors, Action at MGM last week and we were not really pleased. We did the Fastpass for the 2:55 show, but it still took over 40 minutes to get into the statium. We were told where we had to sit when lower seating was available we had to go almost to the top of the stadium.
The show is long and very drawn out. The driving is good and how they do the stunts was interesting but not for the long wait.
When the show was over there was no organization in exiting and everyone had to go out the same way. Going down the stairs with no hand rail was not that much fun. It took us almost 45 minutes to get out.
The show is great to go to once but we will not be going to it again. It took over 3 hours out of our day where we could have gone to the other shows that we had to miss.
Barbara Cobb: Just returned from the "Kingdom"! We were treated to a special showing of the Lights, Motors, Action show. I have been visting WDW for over 25 years, and this is the best show I have ever seen. Do not miss this!
Ashley: Lights, Motors, Action was an amazing stunt show. It was action packed, and filled with a lot of suprises. It was awesome getting to see the preview of ths show, since it doesn't officially open 'til May. We got lucky and happened to walk by the entrance to find that they were showing a preview, and immediately got a Fastpass for the show. We showed up about 10 minutes before the Fastpass time and we got amazing seats. We were right in the center, about 30 rows up. Since we got to the show about half an hour early, I was worried we were going to be bored but while they were getting everything ready they have a big screen monitor that quizzes the audience on the car knowledge. That was pretty entertaining. Then when the show started, we were on the edge of our seats watching the stunts that they performed. I'm not sure if they will be doing this during their normal showtimes, but they stopped to explain everything they were doing to us, showed us little tricks, and played back videos from different angles. I definitely recommend that if they are having a preview show, that you go and see it!
Ed Sindoni: Well worth the trip. We were there on 4/3, and noticed cast members monitoring the Fastpass machines at the gates. NO announcement was made anywhere else in the park that this event was open. All those who had the Fastpass were allowed to enter before the standby line. The pictures shown on line do a great job showing what to expect, but no photo can duplicate the sense of speed and smell of gas and rubber that even make the show more exciting. Add to this the show explanation as to how the stunts are done, and we have a winner here. Enjoy the show and get your Fastpass as soon as you enter the park.
Chris Rowe: My family and I just came back from WDW from spring break. We saw the Lights, Camera and Action stunt show and was impressed. The small cars driving around the building fast was actionable and entertaining. Great show for boys of ALL ages. I would recommend to see it. We saw it twice as my son who is 11 thought it was "cool" and was impressed by the drivers driving backwards - well that was what he thought until....won't give it away, you'll just have to see it.
Sharon Harrington: We saw Lights, Motors, Action, last week (3/22) and it was great! They have a huge stadium and it was mostly in the shade. The show is very long however, and the benches are too close together for adequate leg room. So after an hour, you get sore and hot. The queue area is poorly thought out as it is not covered until you are under the stadium, so in the hot or wet weather you will be miserable. They also pack you in like sardines before dropping the ropes. BUT the show itself is well worth all of that! It was awesome! A must see by all!
Barbara Todisco: Regarding Lights, Motors, Action, I visited the park this past Sunday (Easter) and they had three shows that day. After waiting in line only a short time (no fast pass) we were admitted to the stands, only to wait 35 minutes for the show to start. As one of your previous previewers said, the show was enjoyable - to a point. I think it last much longer than 35 minutes (which in itself is too long). The seats are hard metal with no backs, it was a very humid day and all the fumes from the cars and motorcycles hung in the air and did not evaporate.. .I and several other people I heard in the stands were starting to feel queasy from the smell. We tried to leave early, but were not permitted to leave the area until the show was over anyway. (Admittedly, it was for safety reasons, but a few people looked a little "green" and needed to get to the restrooms! I think the show was nice to see once, but it is definitely not the kind of performance you would ever see more than once. But it is a good way to get several thousand poeople off other rides for a while! All in all, I'd give it a "C".
Keri D.: We saw the stunt show at MGM on March 22, 2005. We loved it! The show was really awesome! The wait time, however, was not. I had no idea that after we got our Fastpass it would be nearly an hour wait to see the show. We had two children in our party that had the most difficult time waiting in line. We had fun answering the questions on the screen prior to the show after we were seated. In our performance, they asked for some audience participation which is always fun to watch. They needed a "driver" and chose a boy in the audience about 9 years old. It was really interesting to find out how the stunts are performed. It seemed like a long time would pass between each set of stunts and we would basically look around at the set. I would wait in line again to see the show, but perhaps not with our toddler!
Sarah M.: We were able to catch the "dress rehearsal" on March 16th! Like was mentioned by someone else, there were about two actual stunts, the rest of the show being driving and motorcycle riding. There were quite a few times where my husband and I said "How do you learn to drive like THAT?!" The precision of the movements of the cars was amazing and the sequence they called the "Ballet" chase, was just like that. Very graceful . . . if you can call driving "graceful."
We found out about the show when my husband and his father got FastPasses for Tower of Terror. Another FP-like ticket came out with it saying something to the effect of "Come get your FastPass for the Lights, Motors, Action! Show", so we did . . . our return time was between 2:30 and 2:45 or something like that. We got there right at 2:30 and followed the throngs of people returning with FP's. We were corralled with the rest of the people then were let in. There was an announcement while we waited stating that those with FastPasses were guaranteed a seat and would be seated first. Standby would not be guaranteed entry or a seat. We only stood in the queue for about 5 minutes before we were being led under the stadium and then through the middle and into the stands. We sat about halfway up on the bleachers, above the control booth, but we had a slight obstruction in the way of a large post in front of us. We saw everything really well though, considering. I do wish that there were backs on the benches, especially considering how long the particular show we saw ran... 45 minutes.
The bad part of the whole thing was walking out of the stadium... it was THE WORST crowd EVER!!! It was like a giant herd of cattle. It took about 5-10 minutes just to get our stroller then get through the crowds and enter the Streets of America area! It was insane, but the show was worth the struggle at the end! You can bet, though, that if you decide NOT to see the show, lines for any and all shows and rides should be short to non-existent between 3:00-3:30pm!
All that being said, Lights, Motors, Action! is a GREAT addition to Disney's Hollywood Studios and for those of you who don't get to see a preview show, it is well worth the wait to see! You've got to check it out!
Billie Medoff: We did the the Lights, Motors, Action! show last week (3/24). It was good. I thought it went a little too long. While the driving was pretty neat, it got a little old towards the end - the engine revs and tire burning are exciting for only so long. My husband and kids really enjoyed it though. We sat about halfway up and the view was good, except for the steel beam that got in the way occasionally. All in all, I think it is something everyone should see. I'm just not sure it will be an "every trip" attraction for me.
David Turner: My family and I were lucky enough to catch a preview of lights, motors, action on Sunday March 13th. We were on the backlot tour and saw the entrance to the new attraction. We spotted the placard with the notice about catching a preview of the show today. We headed right over to the attraction and got fastpasses for a 12:45 showing with entry at 12:05 to 12:15. As we entered and got in line they made several announcements that we could barely hear about technical difficulties that the show could be delayed up to 30 minutes. We were told they were doing a preview for MGM Studios cast members who were allowed to enter the inside queue first. Whatever was causing the problem kept us under the seating area for about 20 minutes packed together like sardines. When announcements were made over the speakers we could not hear what was being said. That was the only negative and we chalked it up to a new attraction not quite ready for prime time. The show lasted about 40 minutes and was fantastic. It felt to me more like a real stunt set because of the pace of getting things ready for the next "shot". The tricks were great, the seating area was huge. We decided to sit pretty far up and to the left side facing the stage and it was still awesome. The only issue that could be raised, there are a few steel columns that are needed to hold up the roof of the stadium style seating area possibly blocking some guests views. It was well worth the extra time we spent to experience this great new attraction.
Jack S. -- March 30, 2005
Lights, Motors, Action showed three times today (noon, 2:55, and 5:40). It was listed on the tip board on Sunset Blvd. and it's listed on the Times Guide for March 27 April 2, 2005.
At 11 a.m., they were still distributing FastPass for the noon show. According to a Cast Member, they have yet to fill the theater for a show. But, unless a guest notices it on the tip board, or on the Times Guide, or walks by the theater, they wouldnt know about the show. It isn't being publicized.
They are still making the announcement that it is "in rehearsal."
When we went to the show before, we were allowed to sit anywhere in the theater. Cast Members were suggesting sitting near the top, but nothing was forced. Today, they were seating certain sections of the theater first, then would move on to another section. Unless you walked in at the right time, you wouldn't get the section you wanted. If you asked to sit in a specific spot you were told "no." That spot was later seated just general seating, but later arrivals. Of course, since they want to fill a 5,000 seat theater to capacity, this isn't too surprising.
Boris Beckert - March 21, 2005
We just viewed a preview performance of "Lights, Camera, Action" and I thought I'd give you a few comments.
The other reports are accurate, but I'm going to give a different spin (pun intended). We attended the Noon preview, and were given the usual dress rehearsal comments. My impression is somewhat mixed. I really liked the stunts. The driving is quite amazing. On the other hand, here's what could use some improvement.
Timing. The show took too long. There was quite a bit of chatter from the "directors" between each stunt segment. I felt that they pushed the idea of "we are making a movie" too much. Everyone knows this isn't a real set, it's a stunt show. If they concentrated more on just showing us the stunts, and then discussing how they are done, and less on the idea of this being a movie set, the show would flow more smoothly.
Food. The cast members announced that no food or drink was allowed, yet they were selling food and drink from carts right outside the entrance to the stadium. Many people just put their food into their backpacks and brought it out during the show. The CM's never said anything about this. The stadium is similar to the Indiana Jones venue, so I don't really see how refreshments would cause a problem.
Overall, this is a nice addition to MGM studios. With a little more polish, I think most people will find this show enjoyable.
Beth Korkuch - March 20, 2005
I was in WDW last week and i got to see the Lights, Motor, Action stunt show!!! What an increadible show. At first I though, oh it'll just be some stupid stunts, but,I was very impressed and got chills while watching the show. We went right to the FastPass after riding the Back Lot tour and being told that there would be a performance for that day. We got a FastPass for 2:20 to 2:30. We went back at around 2:10 and waited around, only to find out that they weren't checking the fast passes. We walked into the waiting area where there were 4 or 5 sectioned off rows. We walked into the 3rd row and stood there forever! The 1st and 2nd row moved several times over the next 40 minutes of us waiting there so finally some guy went and asked what was going on. Aparently they moved the other two lines to another waiting area and we would just walk right into the theater. FINALLY after waiting for 40 minutes, we were in the theater (I guess they were running late cause it was already 3:00 the time the show was supposed to start). We sat rather close (my mom's afraid of heights and they suggest for best viewing to sit high up) and we still had great seats! The show started with the producers telling us that it was a dress rehersal and the show may stop to redo a scene (this didn't happen). Then the fun really started. The cars came out and did some great stunts, jumping ramps, hairpin turns, backwards driving (with a surprise to be revealed later about the reverse driving), high speed chases, and last minute breaking to avoid colisions. Later, they did more jumps and driving on the two side wheels (I swear I saw the car tip just a little to much, but it stayed up!) They then did some motorcyle stunts and a couple of human stunts with fire and jumping off a building. Between all the different scenes, the producers came out and explained exactly how it was done and introduced the drivers. They even got the audience involved with a stunt and another surprise revealed in at the end! At the end everyone came out again for their applause. OH! Did i mention there's a special guest appearance by a movie star! I think the show was great, definitly a 10 in my book. I think the show gives this little bit of extra excitement that many of the attractions cant give. This show is live, no tracks involved, which leaves room for some very serious accidents to occur. Just watching them gave me chills and I would definitly wait the hour I did for this show the next time I go to WDW! L. Freeman - March 2005
We were able to see the new show last week. I don't think that I would do it again. We got a FastPass to see it. We stood in line for almost an hour. Then we were herded like cattle onto the seating area. The show was OK but it took two full hours out of our day. Maybe when they are up and running it won't be so much wait time.
AllEarsNet.com's CC files this report on the new Lights, Motors, Action show at the Disney's Hollywood Studios March 18, 2005.
First, it's an enjoyable show. It lasted 35 minutes today.
In terms of being a "stunt" show, it is 99% driving cars and motorcycles. There is one "man on fire" and one "fall/jump from a high roof" stunt. Other than those two items, it's all driving. But it is amazing driving. They explain how they are able to do such driving beyond the obvious abilities of the drivers, the cars are not your standard cars. For example, there is only room for the driver inside, and the engine is placed in such a way as to balance the car. In the front of the theater is a billboard identifying the show. But, surprise, it is really a big screen TV. Before the show, they have a few trivia questions and answers. During the show, it's used to show close-ups of what you can't see from the stands.
Seating: The theater holds 5000 people. The seats are benches with no back support. Cast Members kept telling us that the best view is from the seats higher in the stands. We sat about 1/3 of the way up, immediately behind/above the control booth. We were pleased with our seats.
FastPass: Today, there was only one show, at 3:00 PM. When we got to the show area around 11:00 AM, we got a FastPass with a return time of 2:20 to 2:35. Later, we noticed they were giving out passes with 2:30 to 2:45, then 2:35 to 2:50. I believe this is so that not all 5000 people arrive at the same moment. HOWEVER, they did not check the times on our FastPasses as we came in, so anybody with a FastPass was admitted.
When they actually opened the turnstiles, we walked to the front of a queue area. There were 6 lines side by side and each line was wide enough to hold 4 or 5 people across. Four lines were for FastPass, and two were for Standby. They let the FastPass people enter before the Standby, but the theater wasnt completely full, so everybody got in. I saw two general areas for Wheelchair guests. One was near the bottom of the seating, accessible via ramps. The other was about half way up, accessible via an elevator. Its only as I type this that I thought there might have been additional seating at the top, but I never went up there, so dont know.
No food or beverage is allowed into the seating area. No concessions in the theater itself | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/11779 | Posts Tagged "borough of the month"
30 Apr2014
Spotlight On: Greenwich
Posted by Carinya in Attractions, Eating Out, Music, Open Spaces, Pubs & Bars, Shopping, The London Story
You’ve probably heard of Greenwich for its rich maritime history, World Heritage status and great time-keeping (this is the home of Greenwich Mean Time, no less). But there’s plenty more to discover across this Royal Borough, from sky-high cable cars to an Art Deco mansion. Here are just five things to do while you’re staying in the area:
1. See Tall Ships and Nelson’s Uniform
If you’re visiting London this September, don’t miss the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta. Over five days (from 5 to 9 September), some 50 majestic tall ships will be arriving from the coast of Cornwall. But don’t worry if you miss out, one ship that’s not going anywhere is Cutty Sark – the last surviving tea clipper and the fastest and greatest of its time – now permanently docked in Greenwich. Don’t forget to pop into the nearby National Maritime Museum too to hear more fantastic sea tales – and see the coat Admiral Nelson wore at the Battle of Trafalgar (complete with bullet hole).
While you’re there… Eat lunch at The Trafalgar Tavern, a historic 19th century pub overlooking the River Thames.
2. See Time and Space at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium
Sitting high above Greenwich town centre is the Royal Observatory, home of not only Greenwich Mean Time, but also the Prime Meridian of the world (the zero point of longitude), London’s only planetarium and the UK’s largest refracting telescope. Take in a show at the planetarium, marvel at Harrison’s timekeepers and stand astride the Prime Meridian line – with one foot in the east, the other in the west. Look out for new exhibitions too, such as Longitude Punk’d – featuring modern-day versions of the weird, wonderful and somewhat wacky inventions submitted during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
While you’re there… Go on a ramble around Greenwich Park. This rolling green space is popular with locals and tourists alike for picnics, team games, strolls, boating-lake rides and squirrel spotting.
3. Soak up the view from a cable car or on top of The O2
Get a bird’s eye view of Greenwich and across London from on top of The O2. How do you get up there? You climb of course. It’s all part of the Up At The O2 experience, a 90-minute journey to a 360-degree viewing platform atop the famous domed venue. Alternatively head to the nearby south terminal of the Emirates Air Line and take a cable car across the river to the north stop, Emirates Royal Docks. Or if you prefer to have your head in the clouds but your feet firmly on the ground, don’t miss the new Emirates Aviation Experience, where you can get a feel for life in the skies with the help of flight simulators and interactive aviation displays.
While you’re there… Experience another unusual form of London transport and travel back to Central London by boat with City Cruises or Thames Clippers.
4. Visit A Royal Residence
Picturesquely located along the river, Queen’s House has ironically not housed many queens. Queen Anne (wife of James I) died before the building she commissioned was completed, and Henrietta Maria (wife of Charles I) spent little time there before the Civil War forced her to exile to France. It’s since fared better as an orphanage and then fine-art gallery – which it remains today. For something more off the beaten track, jump on the train to Eltham and visit the childhood home of Henry VIII, Eltham Palace – and the 1930s Art Deco mansion built next to the remains of this medieval royal palace.
While you’re there… Sample one of the homegrown, limited-edition beers at The Old Brewery, a working brewery with a restaurant/cafe and bar on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College.
5. Browse Greenwich Market
You don’t need to leave Greenwich to find great treasures, like maritime explorers of past, there are plenty of gems to uncover at Greenwich Market. Here, artists and craftspeople from the local area and beyond gather to sell their creations – from fashion to gifts, homemade candles and jewellery. There’s also a food section that’s always packed full of stalls selling street snacks from around the world. Head down on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for antiques and collectibles, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and weekends for arts and crafts.
While you’re there… If it’s the weekend (or a bank holiday) don’t forget to pay a visit to Greenwich’s other market, the Greenwich Clocktower Market, where you’ll find quirky antique and vintage pieces.
See the Visit Greenwich website for more things to do in Greenwich.
Tags: borough of the month city cruises cutty sark eltham palace emirates air line emirates aviation experience greenwich greenwich clocktower market greenwich market london boroughs national maritime museum queen's house royal greenwich tall ships regatta thames clippers the o2 the o2 arena the old brewery trafalgar tavern up at the o2
Spotlight On: Wandsworth
Posted by Christian Rose-Day in Arts, Attractions, Eating Out, Kids, Open Spaces, Special Events, Sport, Theatre
The London Borough of Wandsworth in South London extends southwards from the River Thames. Geopgraphically, it includes the towns of Clapham, Balham, Tooting, Wandsworth, Putney, Battersea and Earlsfield. It is also one of the most lush boroughs in London, boasting …
Spotlight On: Richmond upon Thames
Posted by Visit London in Arts, Attractions
One of London’s most attractive boroughs, picture-pretty Richmond upon Thames has for hundreds of years been a favourite retreat for royalty, the rich and famous. Sited 15 miles southwest of Central London, the borough can be reached in 15 minutes … | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/11798 | 2013 a Mega Year for Orlando
Unprecedented Theme Park Expansions, New Attractions and Accommodations Among 13 New Additions to The Country's Most Popular DestinationORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's a lucky year in Orlando, as 2013 offers visitors more reasons to visit the country's most popular travel destination as unprecedented expansions and technological advancements come to fruition. New theme park attractions, accommodations, dining and shopping, provide more reasons to put Orlando at the top of vacation lists in 2013. Visitors will come face to face with royalty, a colony of penguins and larger than life Transformers as new attractions and thrills open throughout the year.THEME PARKS1) Visitors will embark on a voyage to the bottom-of-the-world, to the coldest and windiest continent as SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment welcomes their biggest expansion to date across all parks with the spring 2013 opening of Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando. More than just a new ride, the new "realm" will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world and include a variety of new experiences for guests. A state-of-the-art interactive ride will take guests on an exciting journey through the dangers and wondrous beauty of the Antarctic as they follow and mimic a young penguin's adventures. Additionally, the new area will include a new penguin habitat that will bring guests closer than ever to a colony of penguins, a gift shop and a new dining concept featuring market-style, international food.2) Following a packed 2012 with more new entertainment experiences unveiled in Universal Orlando Resort's history with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Universal's Cinematic Spectacular nighttime lagoon show, Universal's Superstar Parade and the reopening of The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, 2013 brings TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. Opening in summer 2013, the attraction combines the larger-than-life TRANSFORMERS characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects to place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons.3) Little princesses and princes will have even more magical experiences awaiting them at the Walt Disney World Resort, as Fantasyland is undergoing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom's history. Fresh off the December 2012 opening is Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a musical showcase featuring Ariel and friends, as well as Enchanted Tales with Belle where guests of all ages reenact "the tale as old as time" alongside Belle and Be Our Guest Restaurant, the first restaurant in Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol. Opening in 2013 Princess Fairytale Hall will allow guests to interact with beloved princess like Aurora, Cinderella and others in the Castle Courtyard located in the heart of Fantasyland.4) Waiting in line may be a thing of the past, when Walt Disney World Resort launches MyMagic+ later this spring. Through MyMagic+, a new Web site and app will give guests, prior to leaving their homes, the opportunity to lock in seating for parades, fireworks and character interactions or even coveted FastPasses. Once in Orlando, guests will wear wristbands called MagicBands, serving as room keys, tickets and FastPasses. The optional system also allows for changes through the app and customization so that characters may even be able to provide personalized greetings.ATTRACTIONS5) Fans of classic rollercoasters won't want to miss the new White Lighting wooden coaster coming to Fun Spot America (formerly Fun Spot Action Park) as part of its 10–acre (3.9-hectare) expansion with the first phase opening spring 2013. Phase one also includes the world's biggest SkyCoaster, a new suspended family coaster called Vekoma and a wide range of family friendly racetracks and rides. Phase two will open by 2015 with the addition of a water park, dinner show and food court.6) Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will unveil the 90,000-square-foot (8,100-meter) home for the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which retired in 2011. Opening July 2013, the $100 million exhibit will provide views of the vehicle up close, along with interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.SHOPPING
7) With shopping one of the top activities for visitors to Orlando, 2013 will provide more options for savvy shoppers seeking high-end products. Two of Orlando's malls, The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia will debut new luxury offerings. Clothing retailer Michael Kors, along with accessory and jewelry retailer Tous will be added to the more than 250 retailers a The Florida Mall. The Mall at Millenia, ranked in the top 10 among the world's most successful shopping centers by Shopping Centers Today, will open a new wave of internationally recognized retailers including Prada, YSL and Swiss watchmakers Hublot, Omega and Breitling.8) Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave, one of two Orlando Premium Outlet locations in Orlando, is expanding by adding 80,000 square feet (7,200 square meters) and 12 new stores. The expansion, to be named The Promenade, will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and will include additional dining as well as an Information Center. SPA9) Joining Orlando's nearly two dozen luxury resort and day spas, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort welcomes Senses – A Disney-owned-and-operated spa. The new facility blends turn-of-the-century elegance with modern accoutrements and a dash of Disney whimsy. From water therapy and rejuvenating citrus facials, to a Princess Pedicure or Magical Manicure for little ones ages 4 – 12, the 15 treatments rooms offer a wide variety of options for visitors looking for a little pampering. In addition, the spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is temporarily closed for renovation and will reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.DINING10) Universal Orlando Resort offers two new dining experiences for guests at its Universal Studios Park. The Superstar Character Breakfast offers guests a chance to meet characters from the Universal Superstar Parade including Despicable Me Minions, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. Guests also receive access to a special viewing area for the parade later that day. The second addition is the Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience where guests enjoy dinner at Lombard's Seafood Grille followed by dessert in a private viewing area for Universal's Cinematic Spectacular nighttime lagoon show. 11) Opening in spring 2013 and located in Orlando's Audubon Park, a hub for eclectic, unique and funky small businesses, East End Market will house 10 local, independently owned food enterprises, including a butcher, seafood merchant, produce vendor and baker. Inside the market, James Beard Nominated Chef Henry Salgado, alongside is wife Michele will open Txokos Kitchen (pronounced show-kohs), a dine-in restaurant featuring farm-fresh lunch and dinner options.ACCOMMODATIONS12) The charming town of Winter Park, just north of downtown Orlando welcomes the Alfond Inn at Rollins. Opening in 2013, the boutique inn on the property of nationally ranked liberal arts school, Rollins College, offers 110-rooms that feature a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, lounge and 9,000 square feet (836 square meters) of meeting space. All profits will go into an endowment to provide full scholarships for top Rollins College students. 13) Visitors to downtown Orlando will have a new modern place to stay with the August 22, 2013 opening of Aloft Orlando Downtown Hotel. Located within walking distance of the Amway Center, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, the 118 guest-room property will feature a bar with cocktails and music, a lounge, free Wi-Fi and more than 5,000 square feet (464 square meters) of meeting and banquet space. For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Vacation Guide the Orlando Magicard™, or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando's official Web site at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real time updates, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/VisitOrlando or Facebook at facebook.com/VisitOrlando. While in Orlando, visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Dr. SOURCE Visit Orlando | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12017 | Fort Smith, Arkansas (U.S.)
Sebastion County
Last modified: 2012-05-11 by rick wyatt
Keywords: fort smith | arkansas | sebastion county | Links: FOTW homepage |
image by Ant�nio Martins-Tuv�lkin, 8 December 2007
Description of the flag
County and Municipal flags of Arkansas
The city website is at www.fsark.com but seems to make no mention of the flag. The Fort Smith municipal flag is depicted on the NAVA U.S. cities flag survey. It consists of a blue-white-red tricolor, with a yellow square occupying the canton and covering the depth of the blue and white bands. On the yellow square is a blue-line version of the city seal.
Fort Smith was named for Gen. Thomas A. Smith who was commander of the military district that encompassed the region. There is no known record of him ever visiting the fort or the city. The fort was begun in late 1817 and the city was incorporated in 1842. John Rogers is the person most commonly cited as the 'father' or founder of the city. He was the sutler (storekeeper) for the first Fort Smith and established the first inn located in the city. Rogers stayed on after the first fort was abandoned and was instrumental in lobbying for a second fort near the site of the first. Rogers owned the land there and sold it to the federal government for $15,000 in 1836. He died in 1860. Fort Smith, some citizens complained, got an unfair reputation for lawlessness because so many infamous outlaws were tried in the federal court here. Belle Starr was well-known to the citizens of the Fort Smith and her daughter, Pearl, later earned a reputation of her own as one of the more prominent madams in the bordello district of the city. There were doubtless some wild times in Fort Smith, but it probably was not a "Wild West" town in the popular Hollywood sense. Fort Smith is most assuredly a crossroads city, officially it was part of the Confederacy but on one of its most western borders. Despite Arkansas' secession in 1861, there was strong Union sentiment in Fort Smith as well. Fort Smith has also looked West for most of its history, decidedly influenced by its close proximity to the Indian Territory, later Oklahoma. Not far to the north are the midwestern states of Missouri and Kansas.
Dedicated May 12, 1916, Fort Smith's flag displays the city's state and national allegiances in its colors and seal. The city seal bears elements from the state seal such as the state's motto, "Regnat Populus" or "The People Rule." The red, white and blue elements represent Fort Smith's loyalty to the United States. According to the flag's dedication speech, gold is meant to symbolize the city's solidity. This version of the flag is missing the city's motto though. The original flag read, "All for One, One for All" around the seal.
The address of Mayor Henry C. Read at the dedication of the flag of the city of Fort Smith, was delivered at Stadium Park, May 12, 1916:
"[...] I am proud that the honor has been bestowed upon me of dedicating to Fort Smith her municipal flag. (Raising of flag).
The national colors � red, white and blue � express our national patriotism. The field of gold typifies solidity for which Fort Smith is famous. Around the city seal, the white circle denoting continuity signifies that we will ever be loyal to our motto, "All for One, One for All." May this flag ever wave over as good and brave a people as it does today and speak to the world of their peace, purity and prosperity."
(www.fortsmithhistory.com/images/July2005/cityflag.html)
Ivan Sache, 25 February 2006
Official municipal website articles on the city flag and on the city seal (
www.fortsmithhistory.com/images/July2005/cityflag.html and www.fortsmithhistory.com/images/July2005/cityseal.html ) are both illustrated with photos of an actual flag (the latter showing a close up of the canton). These show the shade of red to be dark, as in the national flag, and the blue much lighter than "Old Glory Blue".
image by António Martins-Tuválkin, 7 December 2007
Source: www.fortsmithhistory.com/images/July2005/cityseal.html | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12163 | Planners Give A Little On Campground Buildings
Posted on 12/13/2007 by DispatchAdmin SNOW HILL – Campgrounds should be restricted to accessory buildings 35 feet or less in height, the Worcester County Planning Commission concluded last week at their December meeting.
The commission supported an increase in the building height allowed, but did not go as far as Eagle’s Nest campground owner Jack Burbage would have liked.
Burbage requested a text amendment allowing accessory buildings at campgrounds to reach 45 feet. The change would apply countywide.
“We want to encourage people to have a nice upscale campground and upgrade their campground,” said Burbage attorney Hugh Cropper.
Eagle’s Nest Campground hired a campground planner to improve the site, resulting in the design of a 41-foot tall lodge.
“It’s a nice attractive building. It’s a great amenity to that campground,” Cropper said. “By allowing this to go up in height, we compact this and reduce impervious surface.”
The text change would apply only to communal buildings, like lodges, camp stores and indoor pools, not to campsites.
“To get people to come to this campground in this day and time, you need amenities,” Cropper said.
Such buildings are typically sited in the interior of a campground and not near property lines, according to Cropper. Most campgrounds have substantial setbacks, but some, including Eagle’s Nest, do not meet those standards.
“Forty-five feet will help you do something that’s much more attractive by far,” said Mitchell Parker, managing partner of Frontier Town campground “I would agree with the 45 feet.”
“I would like to see it stay at 35,” said planning commission member Jeannie Lynch.
Houses are allowed up to 45 feet in height across the county, Cropper said.
“We really need 45 feet to do it right,” Burbage said. Part of the problem in requiring such heights are the flood plain regulations, which require the Eagle’s Nest building be raised several feet from the ground.
Cutting 10 feet off the height of the building would flatten the roof pitch, and the building would not look as good, Burbage said. He asked that the commission leave the change at 45 feet and not reduce it to 35 feet.
“I don’t know that you’re gaining by that,” Burbage said. “I ask you not to squash it and make it so it’s not as attractive as it could be.”
Campgrounds are allowed in Worcester County as special exceptions in agriculturally-zoned land. Burbage said he could build a 45-foot structure on agricultural land under the county code.
County staff had some problems with the text amendment as submitted. “As written, the amendment would allow buildings to go to 45 feet on individual campsites,” Development Review and Permitting Director Ed Tudor said.
That was not the intent, Cropper said.
Amending campground accessory building height to 45 feet could mean, for example, a mini-amusement park on Route 50, at the Fort Whaley campground, Tudor cautioned the planning commission.
“To me it’s about the architecture. To make that work, you’d need height,” Parker said.
A 35-foot limit with the possibility of a variance would not be desirable, said Phyllis Wimbrow, deputy head of Development Review and Permitting. That kind of arrangement is not permitted anywhere else in Worcester County’s code and could lead to attorneys arguing for variances elsewhere.
Lynch praised the improvements being made at the campground. “I’m glad to see it’s finally getting cleaned up. Lord knows it’s been a long enough time,” she said. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12165 | Officials Hope To Reverse Tourism Marketing Trend
Posted on 01/08/2010 by DispatchAdmin OCEAN CITY – With the opening of the Maryland General Assembly session next week, resort business leaders will once again press state officials to restore funding for tourism marketing, but with Maryland slashing department budgets, the money could be hard to come by.
Maryland has slashed its tourism marketing budget by over 50 percent in the last year as part of a larger effort to reduce spending, despite the well-documented return on the investment. On Wednesday, Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC) members vowed to make the trek to Annapolis next month to encourage state lawmakers to reconsider slashing the tourism marketing budget, but it appears the resort area might have to go it alone again in 2010.
Last year, Ocean City increased its marketing budget while Maryland continued to make substantial cuts to its own tourism spending. On Feb. 5, a contingent of resort business leaders will make the trip to Annapolis for Tourism Day, during which they will implore state officials to reverse the trend.
“We need to show up in Annapolis on Feb. 5 to show legislators how important it is to continue to fund tourism marketing,” said Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Director Susan Jones on Wednesday. “We need to send the message loud and clear that cutting tourism spending is not acceptable.”
While the state is dramatically cutting tourism spending, Ocean City has been able to increase its budget despite the economy. While the jury is still out on 2009, some indicators suggest the plan paid dividends last season when the numbers are compared to other tourist destinations in the region. Ocean City Tourism Director Deb Turk said this week the same could not be said for the state.
“We have a very robust marketing budget that now exceeds the state’s, which is pretty sad,” she said. “The state has cut its budget by 52 percent and they are cutting positions. There will literally be no marketing for tourism done by the state this year.”
Turk said state spending cuts are having a greater impact on other tourist destinations across Maryland, while Ocean City continues to thrive on its own.
“My colleagues around the state are reeling from this,” she said. “We’re in a little better position because of our own marketing budget, but state promotion is still very important to us.”
EDC President Michael James said resort officials should push more for grants for tourism rather than an increased state tourism spending plan, if only to control how the funds are spent.
“I would much rather push for the grant program,” he said. “The idea behind the grant program is to help those who help themselves. If we get grant money, we control how we spend it.”
Tourism spending was just one of the many topics discussed by the EDC on Wednesday. No less important is the perceived subtle turnaround in the real estate market in the resort area. Coastal Association of Realtors President Terry Daly told EDC members on Wednesday the market appears to be on the slow road to recovery.
Daly said the real estate inventory in the area was down in 2009 compared to 2008, which is a good sign, while the number of contracts went up about 30 percent and the number of settlements increased by about 21 percent.
“That’s all good news,” he said “Average sale prices were down slightly, but the number of sales continues to go up. Most of the sales we’re seeing now are in the $200,000 to $500,000 range.” Daly said one area of concern in the local market continues to be the increased number of foreclosed properties, which he called shadow inventory.
“The impact of that is unknown,” he said. “They are being allowed to slowly trickle back into the market rather than flood in all at once.”
When questioned about the current credit crunch associated with the still struggling economy, Daly told EDC members the same standards for lenders are in place as they were before the credit crunch, but the reins have been tightened somewhat for potential buyers.
“Fannie Mae has always had guidelines and those haven’t changed,” he said. “What has changed is that the process has slowed down. They want to see the documentation rather than just letting the underwriters sign off on the loans.”
In other EDC news, Ocean City Economic Development Committee (OCDC) Director Glenn Irwin said the downtown historic walking tour has now been extended from 3rd Street to 15th Street. The previous tours ran only from the Inlet to 3rd Street.
“It’s been a huge success,” he said. “This has been a great way to highlight some of our historic buildings.”
Irwin also told EDC members the downtown façade program has also increased dramatically with about 75 properties now restored including 20 in the last year alone. “That’s pretty remarkable,” he said. “When we started this, we were hoping to do about five or six a year.” | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12166 | Famous Dolphin 56 Spotted In Ocean City Waters
Posted on 04/08/2010 by DispatchAdmin OCEAN CITY – A handful of local boaters enjoying a perfect Easter Sunday afternoon on the water this week were treated to a rare encounter with an ocean legend when the so-called Dolphin 56 swam up to their vessel near the mouth of the commercial harbor in West Ocean City and put on a brief show before taking off again.
A group of Stephen Decatur High School students were fishing in a boat near Assateague when they decided to head into port. As they approached the commercial harbor, they spotted a dolphin that appeared to be swimming right at their vessel at a rapid pace. Fearing they might collide with the dolphin, the boys shut off the boat’s engine and drifted to a stop.
The dolphin then swam right up to the boat and stood out of the water with its head near the vessel and seemingly smiled at the boys on board. The boys quickly pulled out their camera phones and snapped a few pictures of the friendly dolphin. In the meantime, the family of one of the boys returning to the area on a different boat observed what was going on and stopped about 100 yards away.
The friendly dolphin, later identified as the famous Dolphin 56, swam over to the second boat, jumped out of the water long enough to pose for a few quick pictures and quickly returned to the boys in the other boat. Local resident Jeanice Dolan, who was on the second boat with her husband Josh and their two young children along with two other kids, all Ocean City Elementary students, said this week the brief interaction with the famous bottlenose dolphin was a once-in-a-lifetime event.
“My family and I were also on our way back in and spotted the boys interacting with Dolphin 56,” she said. “Dolphin 56 swam to visit us and back again to the boys. What an amazing experience and a much better find than any Easter egg.”
Josh Dolan agreed the encounter was a memorable one and said he nearly had an opportunity to do more than just watch the famous mammal.
“We were coming in and we saw the dolphin with the boys, so we swung around for a closer look,” he said. “He swam right up to boat like he was ready to rest his head on the side. I reached out to touch him and got my hand about six inches from his head before he dove under and disappeared. It was pretty amazing.”
Similar encounters with the famous dolphin have been reported from Florida to New England over the last 30 years or so. In August 1979, a group of marine biologists from the Hubs-SeaWorld Research Institute in Orlando, Fla. corralled six dolphins near the NASA causeway in the Indian River Lagoon off the central Atlantic coast of Florida for a research project.
The dolphins were branded numbers 55-59 so they could track their movements for a research project. The dolphins were “branded” on their dorsal fins with a brass branding iron super-cooled in liquid nitrogen that raised their respective numbers on their fins for eternity before being released. Pictures of the dolphin that interacted with the boaters in the waters off Ocean City last Sunday clearly show the famous “56” branded on his dorsal fin.
For the next 17 years or so, Dolphin 56 stayed close to the area in which he was first captured and was sighted dozens of times over the years in the Indian River Lagoon in Florida. At first, he was not significantly different than the other dolphins captured and branded for the study, but it soon became apparent he was unique.
Typically, male dolphins live in pairs, or in some cases groups of three called alliances. Not Dolphin 56, however. Early on, for reasons unknown to the scientists who studied him, Dolphin 56 adopted a solitary lifestyle, preferring to interact with his human neighbors rather than his dorsal-finned brethren.
In the early 1980s, Dolphin 56 began his pattern of following boats and begging for fish. He soon became even bolder, jumping up and putting his head on the low-lying sides of the vessels. According to some reports, Dolphin 56 would often perform an elaborate flipping and splashing show before begging for a little reward.
Dolphin 56 was sighted two dozen times in the area of the Indian River Lagoon and was recaptured two times during the early 1980s so researchers could update his measurements. At the time he was first captured and branded in 1979, he was estimated to already be about 12 years old. In the spring of 1982, the contract for the study expired and it was shut down, but Dolphin 56 and his antics continued to be reported by the public.
Somewhere along the way, Dolphin 56 decided to take his show on the road. In early 1997, he was sighted and interacted with a vessel in the area of Jacksonville, some 300 miles from where he was first captured. In April 1997, he was observed by boaters in the area of Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Dolphin 56 continued to appear further and further north of his original Florida home with his fame growing.
For the next 13 years or so, Dolphin 56 interacted with boaters, kayakers and surfers in much the same way from Florida to New York and beyond. According to a full-length feature in Outside Magazine last July, Dolphin 56 was sighted three times in the waters off New York from 1998 to 2001; 50 times off the coast of New Jersey and Delaware between 1998 and 2008; 69 times off the coast of North Carolina between 1997 and 1999 with two more sightings in 2001 and 2004; eight sightings off the coast of Maryland and Virginia between 1997 and 2001; 11 off South Carolina from 1997 to 1999; two times off the Georgia coast from 1997 to 1998; and 40 times off Florida’s coast from 1979 until 1996.
Researches estimated he was about 12 years old when he was first branded in 1979. After roaming the Atlantic for the last 30-plus years, Dolphin 56 must now be in his low to mid-40s, which is well beyond the average for bottlenose dolphins. According to the best available research, typical bottlenose dolphins have a life expectancy of about 25 years with a known maximum of about 50 years, meaning Dolphin 56 should be nearing the end of his days.
However, when observed last week near the mouth of the commercial harbor in West Ocean City, Dolphin 56 was playful and interacted with the local boaters despite his years. His face showed wrinkles and other signs of aging, and it appears his jaw may have been injured at some point, but otherwise, he appeared healthy.
His legend has grown over the years, fueled recently by technological advances including social network sites on the Internet. Dolphin 57 has his own Facebook page where those who have spotted him report his movements. In addition, a simple Internet search pulls up dozens and dozens of pages of websites, blogs and articles about the famous dolphin. It remains uncertain just how long he will remain in the Ocean City area if he hasn’t moved on already. According to the most recent entries on his Facebook page, he was last seen extensively off the South New Jersey coast late last fall and if his history is accurate, Dolphin 56 could be making his way south again. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12431 | Travelers fascinated with their tour of China 2008.01.03
Former Morenci United Methodist pastor Dorothy Okray traveled to China with Morenci resident Lois Speed last fall. Following are some recollections of the trip.
By DOROTHY OKRAY
The secret of China’s ever escalating rise toward dominance as a world power does not lie with its low manufacturing costs. There are a myriad of countries whose people would rejoice over $1 an hour wages. It is the exuberance of its people: pride in their country’s recent accomplishments; hope for a better future; and a willingness to sacrifice not only for personal gain, but for the betterment of all Chinese citizens.
“We are one family and believe we should help those of us who have less,” explained a Beijing guide. The Chinese pay taxes, own their own homes, primarily condominiums (few, except in the rural areas, live in free-standing homes), worry about their children’s education and health care, drive late model cars and dress like the average U.S. citizen. They have eight other political parties, but they act, essentially, as advisers. The government has, however, just recently placed two members of these outside parties as ministers in the Communist government, a real step forward toward democracy, the Chinese believe.
Where the Chinese differ from us:
• The willingness to use tax revenue for the education and health care of those in rural areas, the poorest of their country;
• The appreciation of education, with families sacrificing for their children to participate in after-school programs of music, advanced math, art, etc.;
• The emphasis on beauty, with each small space of a city devoted to landscaped works of art. The overhead freeways include hanging greens; every small nook and cranny of the skyscraper-laden cities find sculpted hedges and blossoming flowers, the parks are manicured masterpieces of the most creative landscape architects;
• and the furious pace of work to develop “green” energy alternatives. The Chinese hope for even more freedom, but they do not wish to emulate what happened to Russia’s immediate thrust into democracy. The corruption that took hold of Russia and its inability to pay for teachers and other necessary services has taught China patience.
The Chinese do not feel the uneducated masses—primarily rural—are ready for democracy and capitalism, predicting mass starvation and chaos. Instead, they are trying to educate those people while providing them with more and more services, such as universal health care by 2010. This they believe to be the most intelligent and compassionate way to build their country. Right now, they are discussing the structures of other countries and their benefits: the socialism of Norway, Sweden, Denmark vs. our capitalism.
Of all I saw in China—from the ancient glorious buildings and breathtaking new architectural landmarks—I was most astonished not by them, but by the young children. Their genuine smiles and outgoing nature won my heart. I never experienced a whining, petulant one. This gives a person hope when we realize that more than one out of every four people in the world are Chinese. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12462 | futurism Ten Technologies That Will Be Coming Soon to Disney Theme Parks John Frost 03/03/2015 Disneyland, Themepark Industry, Walt Disney World We recently looked at seven attractions that Disney will likely never build again in their theme parks, everybody told me that while the list was accurate, it was also depressing. Today I want to offer a little more hope (in most cases) with ten technologies I expect to see in…
Our First Look at Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland” John Frost 10/09/2014 Film, Walt Disney Studios There are so many good films coming from Disney in 2015. Two from Pixar, Star Wars Episode VII, a live action Cinderella, and Brad Bird’s Tomorrowland. It’s really hard to know which to be more excited over. However, Tomorrowland might have just stepped into the lead. I had no idea…
Bring to Walt Disney World: Google Cars John Frost 05/29/2014 Walt Disney World, Web/Tech I’ve been a proponent of Google’s self-driving cars since I first heard about them 5 years ago. Like the folks at Google, I see a much safer and environmentally friendly future where cars are just a service you subscribe to and use on-demand. Google has learned a tremendous amount about…
Bring to Walt Disney World: The Hyperloop John Frost 08/15/2013 Walt Disney World, Web/Tech This week crazy-like-a-fox billionaire businessman Elon Musk introduced his latest revolutionary concept, the Hyperloop, and then gave it away to the masses as an open source project. Musk’s previous successes include Paypal (without which much online transactions wouldn’t happen), Tesla (an electric car company that’s profitable for a change), SpaceX…
Why do you love EPCOT Center? John Frost 08/01/2013 Walt Disney World Over the last few years The Daily City has grown into one of Orlando’s real treasures. It’s as close to a hyper-local news blog as we’ve got in the town and it continues to deliver great content on a daily basis (not to mention its spin-off The Food Truck Bazaar…
Damon Lindelof Dishes on Tomorrowland, Next Film from Brad Bird John Frost 05/21/2013 Disneyism, Film Brad Bird’s next film has been announced as “Tomorrowland,” but there’s a shroud of mystery surrounding the films plot and the ideas behind it. The film;s writer Damon Lindelof just gave a long interview to Grantland in which he talks about the multitude of projects he’s connected to. One of…
Brad Bird’s movie now titled Tomorrowland John Frost 01/28/2013 Disneyland, Film, Movies, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney World Brad Bird’s live action film gets a name change to something with a theme park tie-in. This according to a brief press release from Disney: The Walt Disney Studios has announced that its live-action release previously known as 1952 will be titled Tomorrowland. The film will be released domestically on…
EPCOT Update and a Wish John Frost 08/24/2012 Walt Disney World The other day as I strolled around EPCOT, I wondered why is ‘Future World’ stuck in the past. Of all the attractions only Mission: Space could be said to be forward looking. Spaceship Earth tacks a little choose your own adventure video on the end with a look forward, but… | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12566 | Japan : Kansai : Hyogo : Takarazuka
Do Events
Takarazuka is a city in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
Takarazuka is a bedroom community city, in which residents typically work in nearby Osaka.
The city is known for both its hot springs and its all-female Takarazuka Revue, both of which are now the main draw for visitors.
Most people who visit Takarazuka are domestic travellers, with the largest group being middle-aged people and the older crowd.
For manga fans, the Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum located here is a must-visit. The manga artist, most well known for creating the character Astro Boy, grew up in the city, watching the Takarazuka Revue as a boy.
Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from the Hankyu Umeda Station in Osaka (about 10 minutes by foot from Osaka Station). Takarazuka Station is at the end of the line, and the trip takes about 45 minutes. The Hankyu Takarazuka Station is the best station to go if you are planning to visit the Takarazuka Revue and Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum.
Alternatively, catch the train to JR Takarazuka Station from JR Osaka.
Many of Takarazuka's main attractions, hotels and shops are located in the vicinity of the Hankyu Takarazuka Station and the Takarazuka Minamiguchi Station. Most of them are within walking distance.
If you are not staying at a local hotel, take note of the last train times at both stations (usually at or around 1am), or you might find yourself with no transportation out of the city. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/12623 | Kukisvumchorr-4
Andrei Kuznetcov
Kukisvumchorr, Kirovsk
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More About Russia
The World : Europe : Russia
Just in case you mistakenly heard that it was all ice and snow in Russia, take a peek at the Big Bikini Exposition. This is right on the river Moskva in Moscow!Moscow has been the capital of Russia for almost its entire history. The exception is during the period of the Russian Empire, which lasted from 1721 until the Russian Revolution 1917. For these two centuries the capital was St. Petersburg. The Russian Empire was the second largest contiguous Empire in world memory; only the Mongol Empire had been greater.Check out what's happening north of Mongolia these days, in ChitaAlthough you may not have heard of Sochi, on the Black Sea, they're building up quickly and hope to host the 2014 Olympics.Other periods of Russian history include the Tsardom of Russia, from Ivan IV to Peter the Great, and the Grand Duchy (14th-16th centuries).The earliest period of Russian history was ruled by the Novgorod Republic and Kievan Rus, which was the first Russian state dating back to 800AD in Kiev.Modern Russia remains one of the world's superpowers. They launched the earth's second satellite, called Sputnik 1, and were the first country to put a human being into orbit around earth. (The first one is called the Moon.)After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia became a federal republic of 83 states.Text by Steve Smith. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/13033 | Illinois Saline County - State Fish & Wildlife Area South Region
85 Glen O. Jones Road
Equality, IL, 62934 618.276.4405
Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area, 5 miles southeast of Equality in southeastern Illinois, was the site of springs and wells that furnished brine for one of the two salt works. Although the springs and wells are not visible today, the area primarily is a recreational site. The initial acquisition of 524 acres of land was made in 1959 by the state of Illinois, and the total acreage now totals 1,270 acres, including a beautiful 105-acre lake.
Salt is the theme of the early history in the area around Equality in Gallatin County. One of several counties originally part of Gallatin, Saline County takes its name from the salt works. American Indians made salt here long before the first settlers appeared. In 1803 the Indians ceded their "Great Salt Springs" to the United States by treaty. Congress refused to sell the salt lands in the public domain but did authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to lease them to individuals for a royalty. The leases required the holder to produce a certain quantity of salt each year, or pay a penalty.
Although the northwest ordinance prohibited slavery in this area, special territorial laws and a constitutional provision permitted exceptions at these salines. The leasees brought in slaves or indentured servants and used them extensively in manufacturing salt. The census of 1820 for Gallatin County listed 239 slaves or servants.
In 1818, as part of the process of making a new state, Congress gave the salines to Illinois but forbade the sale of the land. The state continued to lease the springs and used the revenue to finance part of its operating expenses. Eventually Congress allowed the outright sale of the land. The commercial production of salt made the expense of extracting it from the brine prohibitive.
Glen O. Jones Lake, with a maximum depth of 35 feet and a 2.7 mile shoreline, is the focal point of the area. The lake was named for a prominent Saline County citizen who served in the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Jones also was twice elected state's attorney of Saline County and was a member of various social and fraternal organizations.
Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area is a combination of bottomland bordering the Saline River and hilly land bordering the Shawnee National Forest. The rugged, rocky hills are heavily timbered and surrounded by brushy areas that provide cover for quail and rabbits. Waterfowl also use the bottomland areas when the streams overflow and water is available. Several wood ducks nest on the river, slough and lake. For more information on hunting facilities see the Saline County Hunter Fact Sheet | Sahara Woods Fact Sheet
Facilities include picnic areas scattered around the lake with tables, drinking water and fireplaces. A concession stand provides a variety of sundries, boat rentals and fishing bait. Camping
A large camping area accomodates both tent and trailer campers. A trailer disposal is available, but electricity is not available. Campers must obtain a camping permit from site personnel upon arrival. An equestrian campground also exists.
The lake contains a variety of fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, crappie and channel catfish. Two launching ramps, two docks are available, and the concession stand offers boat rentals. The motor limit is 10 HP.
Four designated hiking trails are designated--Lake, Cave Hill, River and Wildlife Nature Trail offer 9 miles for a scenic exploration. The site has several miles of horse trails and a separate campground for riders and their horses is available.
To reach Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area, take Rt. 13 East from Harrisburg, turn right onto Rt 142, travel 1 mile, turn right, drive 5 miles to the Park entrance. From Eldorado, go south on Rt. 142 approximately 7 miles, turn right just past the Saline County State Fish & Wildlife sign and travel 5 miles to the park. From the Ohio River bridge at Shawneetown, travel west on Rt. 13 to Rt. 142, turn left, drive 1 mile and turn right again just past the park sign and drive 5 miles on the blacktop to the park. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/13163 | Home >> UK and Ireland >> Scotland >> Dunbartonshire >> Balloch
We are in the process of upgrading the site to implement a content management system. Balloch
Description & TravelGazetteers Historical GeographyMaps "BALLOCH, village on Leven river, near the foot of Loch Lomond, 4½ miles north of Dumbarton. It adjoins the junction of Vale of Leven and Forth and Clyde Railways; communicates by a railway of about 7 furlongs with a steamboat pier on Loch Lomond; and has a railway station, an excellent hotel, and a fine suspension bridge. Pop. 159. Balloch Castle, in its vicinity, is a modern seat; and a previous Balloch Castle, now extinct, was a fortified seat of the Earls of Lennox."
[From The Gazetteer of Scotland, by Rev. John Wilson, 1882.]
You can see pictures of Balloch which are provided by:
Ask the GENUKI Gazetteer for a calculation of the distance from Balloch to another place.
You can see the administrative areas in which Balloch has been placed at times in the past.
You can see maps centred on OS grid reference NS389817 (Lat/Lon: 56.001153, -4.585013), Balloch which are provided by:
We are looking for somebody who can help with the maintenance of this page, which currently has a status of Pending - The section is active and has a maintainer assigned but a replacement maintainer is being sought. For more information about what helping us entails, look at our help wanted page.
Find help, report problems, or contribute information | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/13164 | HU4741 : Sign in Lerwick
near to Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Great Britain
Sign in Lerwick
Many of the narrow lanes and closses in Lerwick were renamed in the 19th century, in this case to commemorate former Prime Minister William Pitt. Most of the renamed lanes have their former name on the sign, as the changes were unpopular. Leask's Closs was named after Whalsay sea captain Thomas Leask who bought several of the buildings here in 1819. Before that it was known as Mowbray's Closs, after an Orcadian Thomas Mowbray who lived in the lane in at least 1716. Reluctance to change is not a new concept: Lerwegians still referred to Mowbray's Closs as late as 1847, two years after it had been renamed from Leask's Closs to Pitt Lane. Information from shetlopedia.com.
© Copyright Mike Pennington and | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/13332 | HomeRegionsMapWeather
ITALY THIS WAY
Foligno travel guide and tourism
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Visit Foligno (Umbria, Italy )
The substantial town of Foligno is found in the Umbria region of central Italy, south-east of Perugia and north of Trevi. The town contains a good number of interesting monuments and artworks.
Explore Foligno
During the two centuries from 1200 there was a major amount of building development in the city, especially with the construction of a fortified wall. Start your visit in the Republic Square in Foligno, which includes many of the most important buildings of the city including the Cathedral.
Foligno Cathedral
Completely rebuilt by Bishop Marco in 1133, Foligno cathedral was then later remodelled several times until it assumed a neoclassical style with Luigi Vanvitelli (1700-1773) and Giuseppe Piermarini (1734-1808).
The two façades are of Romanesque style, the main one with a loggia surmounted by a large rose window, while the secondary, built in 1201, is more decorated - indeed, given the amount of decoration this could perhaps be considered the main facade. The oldest parts are situated at the bottom, where the portal opens, with five arches with bas-reliefs.
Also of great importance are a 14th century crucifix, sculpted by Nicolò di Liberatore (1433 c.1502 and called the Alunno) and the Sacrament Chapel, added in the 16th century to a plan by Antonio Sangallo the Younger (1484-1546).
Cloister of Sassovivo
Around 1229 the Cloister of Sassovivo was also erected, by Abbot Angelo, who entrusted the work to a "Master Peter", who worked with great skill, as can be seen from the structure of the cloister.
The cloister is made from more than 100 marble columns, some twisted and others spiral, holding up small marble arches above which is a classical style frame decorated with mosaics and colored marble - a masterpiece of "Roman Art".
Other monuments
In 1232, at the behest of Pope Gregory IX (1170-1241), the Church and Monastery of San Claudio were also erected here, although little of these buildings now remains. In 1251 the Church of San Salvatore was built, followed by the belltower in the 14th century.On the opposite side of the square you can see the Town Hall, which was built in the 13th century but now has a neoclassical façade added during the early 19th century.
Note also the Palace of the Trinci, a family who ruled until 1439. This Palace was completed in 1407 and is a work of art of great importance, especially for the frescoes that once decorated it, although some of them are now lost. Outside, the Gothic courtyard is also notable with its loggias and a staircase with three flights covered by cross vaults. The building now houses the Civic Art Gallery.
Foligno Art gallery and Renaissance art
The collections of the Foligno Art Gallery include various frescoes, altarpieces and paintings, mostly by local masters such as Nicolò di Liberatore, called the 'Alunno' [1430-1502] (you can see a statue of Alunno towards Porta Romana); Pierantonio Mezzastris (active between 1507 and 1533); and Dono Doni (1500-1575).
The 'Alunno' only painted frescoes and has left many works portraying tormented characters. Vasari wrote: [...] The best painting that Niccolò made was in a chapel in the cathedral...a "Pieta and two Angels", who...are crying so much that I believe any other painter, however excellent, could have done little better [...]"
There are also some works by Bartolomeo di Tommaso da Foligno (1425-1454) and a painter born in Foligno, rediscovered recently and Giovanni di Corraduccio, called the “Mazzaforte” (active between 1407 and 1417), who also seems to be the author of some of the frescoes in the Trinci Palace.
Continuing through Foligno along Via Garibaldi there is the Church of San Salvatore (with a 14th century façade), and an interior renovated by Vanvitelli.
See also the Church and Oratory of Nunziatella, consecrated in 1494 by Bishop Luca Cybo (1489-1522). This church is rectangular with two altars in the bottom around which there are several fluted marble columns.
On the right altar there is the "Baptism of Jesus", a fresco by Perugino (1450 c.1523).Along the Via Mazzini you arrive at Piazza San Domenico which contains one of the oldest religious buildings in Foligno, the 11th century Church of Santa Maria ‘Infraportas’.
The church exterior has an imposing bell tower, while the interior has three naves, decorated mostly by local painters and still has some rare Byzantine style frescoes.
Emiliano Orfini
Foligno has a very long tradition in the arts using jewellery, pottery and iron. Among them, Emiliano Orfini (c.1420 c.1494) was “Vir acutissimi ingenii” (a man of a very subtle brain) according to Francesco Patrizi [1529-1597]. He was a jeweller who, among other things, was also a fine intellectual and brought the art of the press to the town around 1470.
Other Foligno activities
For art and nature lovers Foligno has many other pleasant surprises, for example the famous Parco del Canapè which is a very old park dating from the 18th century.
Outside the city walls the area offers various cultural attractions, such as some excavations which recently brought to light new finds from ancient Foligno. Don't miss the chance to also appreciate some of the local products such as truffles and mushrooms.
You will also find a fine selection of wines such as the red “Rosso di Montefalco” and the white Umbrian "Grechetto".
See also history of Foligno
See also: Hotels in and near Foligno
Map of Foligno sightseeing & popular sights
Address: Foligno, Umbria, Italy || GPS: latitude 42.95, longitude 12.7
Selected places to visit near Foligno, Italy
SpelloBevagnaTreviMontefalcoGualdo CattaneoValtopinaAssisiBastia Umbra
See the Umbria guide for more travel ideas...
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/13616 | Showcasing Tourism in the Northern Neck
Ripe with history and natural beauty, tourism comes naturally to Virginia’s Northern Neck. As such, the Northern Neck News has launched a “Tourism” page as part of its newly redesigned and much-improved website. Here, our online readers can learn more about local attractions and we can help bring awareness to an industry on the move here in the ‘Neck. In our initial launch, we have decided to feature the following attractions:
Menokin – Warsaw
Tour the ruins of Francis Lightfoot Lee’s circa-1769 home near Warsaw. At Menokin, you will experience an 18th century house like never before – feel hand wrought nails; observe how joists, girders and posts fit together to create the framing; and look behind the interior woodwork to see the construction techniques of the 18th century artisans. You can also enjoy the property’s scenic beauty by hiking on its trails to Cat Point Creek.
Historic Christ Church – Irvington
The first church constructed here, most likely a wood-framed structure, was built under the direction of John Carter and finished in 1670. In 1730, John’s son Robert “King” Carter, colonial Virginia’s most powerful planter, proposed to build a brick church here at his own expense, which the vestry of Christ Church Parish accepted. Finished in 1735, Christ Church was the most finely crafted Anglican parish church in all of colonial Virginia.
Morattico Waterfront Museum – Morattico
The Morattico Waterfront Museum is situated in the heart of the watermen’s village on the north shore of the Rappahannock River with commanding views of the river, Lancaster Creek, and Mulberry Bay. The village takes its name from the Moraughtacund Indians of the Algonquin Nation encountered in the area by Captain John Smith in 1608.
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge – Warsaw
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is the newest of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Established in 1996, the goal of the Refuge is to protect 20,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands along the River and its major tributaries.
Belle Mount Vineyards – Warsaw
The vineyard and winery is on the 243-acre estate once known as Belle Mount Plantation, not far from Warsaw, the county seat for Richmond County. The scenic vineyard setting, that includes a banquet hall and log cabins, overlooks the Rappahannock River and Cat Point Creek.
Weekly Poll The Northern Neck News would like to know the kinds of stories you want to see more of in our publication. Email answers for "other" to [email protected]. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/14317 | Click here to see the 2015 Piglet!
The Piglet / 2014 / The Judges
The Judges
@AprilBloomfield
April Bloomfield has spent most of her life in the kitchen. A native of Birmingham, England, she honed her craft through cook positions in various kitchens throughout London and Northern Ireland, including Kensington Place and Bibendum. It was under the guidance of Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray at The River Café where she learned to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of food. In February 2004, April and restauranteur Ken Friedman opened New York City’s first gastropub, The Spotted Pig. Under April's direction, The Spotted Pig has earned one Michelin star for eight consecutive years, and since 2010, April & Ken’s The Breslin Bar & Dining Room has also earned a star in the esteemed guidebook. A Food & Wine “Best New Chef,” April continues to receive widespread attention for her food.
April’s first cookbook, A Girl and Her Pig, was published in April 2012.
Brian Boitano
@BrianBoitano
Olympic figure skating gold medalist Brian Boitano is the star of Food Network and Cooking Channel’s What Would Brian Boitano Make, and he's just written a cookbook of the same name. His list of accomplishments includes winning a primetime Emmy award and producing more than 30 TV specials. He began exploring different foods and teaching himself to cook when he toured the globe during his skating career. Now he takes every opportunity to sample new foods and create innovative dishes in the kitchen.
David Chang with Peter Meehan
@davidchang
David Chang is the chef and founder of Momofuku, which includes restaurants in New York City, Sydney, and Toronto as well as a best-selling cookbook and print journal called Lucky Peach.
Since opening Noodle Bar in 2004, David has been awarded Time 100 and Fortune’s “40 Under 40” and profiled in The New Yorker and Vogue. He was named a GQ “Man of the Year,” and called one of “the most influential people of the 21st century” by Esquire. He’s taken home four James Beard Awards, and Momofuku Ko has two Michelin stars, which it has retained for six years.
David's first cookbook, Momofuku, a New York Times best seller, came out in the fall of 2009. His quarterly print journal with Peter Meehan and Chris Ying called Lucky Peach launched in the summer of 2011. In the fall of 2012, David was the first chef to be featured on the PBS television show The Mind of a Chef.
@dirtcandy
Amanda Cohen is the chef and owner of Dirt Candy, her award-winning vegetable restaurant in New York City’s East Village. The first vegetarian restaurant in seventeen years to receive two stars from the New York Times, it has been recognized by the Michelin Guide three years in a row, and won awards from Gourmet Magazine, the Village Voice, and many others. She was the first vegetarian chef to compete on Iron Chef America and her comic book cookbook Dirt Candy: A Cookbook is the first graphic novel cookbook to be published in North America.
@nicksday
Nicholas Day has been a wine salesman, a wedding cake baker, a fairground maintenance man, and a stay-at-home father. His book on the history and science of infancy, Baby Meets World, was published last year. He writes about the care of children for Slate and the feeding of them for Food52. He lives in Buffalo with his family.
@cherrybombemag
Kerry Diamond co-owns three Brooklyn eateries: Seersucker, Smith Canteen, and Nightingale 9. She is also the editorial director of Cherry Bombe, a biannual magazine about women and food. The Cherry Bombe team will host its first conference, Jubilee, in March 2014. Diamond resides in Brooklyn with her boyfriend and business partner, Chef Rob Newton. She has a wicked sweet tooth.
Tad Friend
@tadfriend
Tad Friend, a longtime staff writer for The New Yorker, writes the magazine’s “Letter from California.” Knowledgeable about nothing in particular, but curious about anyone who’s passionate or obsessive, he’s had his work republished in The Best Technology Writing, The Best American Travel Writing, The Best American Sports Writing, and The Best American Crime Reporting. He is also the author of the memoir Cheerful Money: Me, My Family, and the Last Days of Wasp Splendor. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Amanda Hesser, and their twins.
Andrea Gentl
@andreagentl
Andrea Gentl and Martin Hyers are a New York-based photography team (Gentl & Hyers) that met while studying photography at Parson's School of Design. They have been working together since 1993; photographing still life, food, beauty, fashion, and travel for a wide array of editorial and advertising clients.
Andrea is often shooting foragers, locavores, and other things of interest and inspiration for her blog Hungryghostfoodandtravel.com. They live in downtown Manhattan with their two children Sam and Lula.
Aran Goyoaga
@CannelleVanille
Aran Goyoaga is a two-time James Beard Award finalist food stylist and photographer based in Seattle and creator of award-winning blog Cannelle Et Vanille.
Aran grew up in the Basque Country in Northern Spain in a family of professional pastry chefs and cooks. Her love of food began in her maternal grandparents’ pastry shop and in the fields of her paternal grandparents’ farm. Aran is also the author of Small Plates and Sweet Treats: My Family’s Journey to Gluten-Free Cooking, which was named one of the top 6 cookbooks of 2012 on Good Morning America.
Aran’s work has been featured in the New York Times, GOOP, Bon Appétit, Saveur, Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food, Design*Sponge, Sweet Paul Magazine, and more.
Evan Hansen
@evanatmedium
Evan Hansen lives in San Francisco's Mission District, right around the corner from a great burrito joint, a decent French bistro, and pretty awesome sushi. He eats very well, usually at home with his wife, Hilary; their two children; Bruno the dog; and two cats. Having achieved jaw-dropping success after jaw-dropping success in tech journalism (Google it) he recently joined Medium, a start-up that's changing the way people write and read online.
Kat Kinsman
@kittenwithawhip
Kat Kinsman is the managing editor of CNN.com’s EPPY Award-winning food blog Eatocracy. She oversees CNN’s Matrimony beat and writes for CNN Living on numerous topics, especially mental health and being a ladyperson.
Before joining CNN in 2010, Kinsman served as the senior editor for AOL Food and Slashfood, worked as a copywriter at Tribal DDB, and spent 10 years as an art director and designer at publications such as Maxim, FHM, CitySearch, and others. She is a Kansas City Barbeque Society-certified BBQ judge, vice chair of the James Beard Journalism Committee and an avid member of the Southern Foodways Alliance. In 2013, she was nominated for a James Beard Broadcast Award, spoke at a wide variety of conferences, and joined the New York Times’ Kim Severson onstage at the Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium in a heated debate over Pie vs. Cake. (They tied.)
Liz Larkin
@MrsLarkins
Liz Larkin is the owner and operator of Mrs. Larkin’s, a micro-bakery in Pound Ridge, New York, producing artisanal scones, cookies, and baked goods. Mrs. Larkin’s products can be found at the Pound Ridge Farmers & Bakers Market from April through November, as well as select local retail food shops throughout the year. Her scones were named Best Scones in Westchester by Westchester Magazine in December 2013.
Josh Malina
@JoshMalina
After graduating from Yale University with a B.A. in theatre, Joshua Malina made his professional acting debut in the Broadway production of Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men. He went on to star as Jeremy Goodwin in the critically-acclaimed television series Sports Night, and later played Will Bailey in Sorkin’s multi-Emmy-winning The West Wing.
Elsewhere in film, Malina appeared in the comedy A View from the Top, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Mike Meyers, In the Line of Fire, opposite Clint Eastwood, and Bulworth, with Warren Beatty and Halle Berry. A co-creator and executive producer of the hit show Celebrity Poker Showdown on Bravo, Malina is also the writer-creator of the Crackle webseries Backwash. For three seasons he played the role of Peter Alpert on the USA series In Plain Sight, and he can be seen in the upcoming films Kings of Badassdom and The Young Kieslowski. He is currently starring as David Rosen in ABC's hit show, Scandal. A longtime fan of food, Malina has eaten at least three meals a day for nearly 48 years.
Tejal Rao
@tejalrao
Tejal Rao is a senior writer at Tasting Table. She was previously a senior editor at Saveur, and a restaurant critic and staff writer at the Village Voice, where she won a James Beard Award for her weekly column and was named one of Forbes magazine's "30 Under 30" of 2013.
Maxwell Ryan
@maxwellat
Maxwell Ryan is an interior designer, an author, and the founder of Apartment Therapy Media, originally an interior design service and now a network of blogs devoted to helping people make their homes beautiful, organized, and healthy.
In 2004, Maxwell and his brother launched ApartmentTherapy.com. The network now includes two sites -- ApartmentTherapy.com, devoted to home design, and TheKitchn.com, devoted to home cooking -- reaching over 16 million unique readers per month.
Sam Sifton
@samsifton
Sam Sifton is a senior editor at The New York Times, where he runs coverage of food and writes a cooking column for the Sunday Times Magazine. Formerly the restaurant critic, he also served as both national editor and culture editor. A native Brooklynite, he lives in Red Hook with his wife and two daughters. He is the author of Thanksgiving: How to Cook it Well.
Christina Tosi
@ChristinaTosi
Christina Tosi is the chef, owner, and founder of Momofuku Milk Bar, called “one of the most exciting bakeries in the country” by Bon Appétit. As founder of the dessert program at Momofuku, Christina helped Momofuku Ko earn two Michelin stars and Momofuku Ssäm jump onto Restaurant Magazine’s top 100 restaurants in the world list. She is the 2012 recipient of the James Beard Rising Star Chef award. Christina lives in Brooklyn, NY with her three dogs and eats an unconscionable amount of raw cookie dough every day.
Emily Vikre
@fiveandspice
Emily Vikre started cooking because there were things she wanted to eat that her mother wouldn't make for her. She cooked her first family meal in 4th grade and hasn't looked back! She holds a Master's in Nutrition Communication and is finishing up a PhD in Food Policy, but her studies showed her that mostly she really just likes food. She writes and photographs the blog Five and Spice and the column "Breakfast of Champions" for Food52. Recently she and her husband opened a craft distillery in Duluth, Minnesota where Emily is the "Arbiter of Taste," crafting gin botanical blends and determining when whiskies have come of age. She is also the extremely sleep-deprived mother of the world's cutest, but least sleepy, 4 month old baby boy.
The 2015 Piglet ▻
The Cookbooks
Piglet Community Picks
All the Comments Ever on the 2015 Piglet Piglet Community Pick: Saveur The 2015 Piglet Party
The 2015 Tournament of Cookbooks -- The Final! Baby Got Rack: 9 Pork Rib Recipes | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/14999 | Jon Slattery
A freelance journalist writing from the UK.
A tale of two cities: From new media in London to old media in Manchester in 30 minutes
I had a somewhat surreal day working for Press Gazette yesterday which took me from the brave new media world to the reality of what is facing regional newspapers, all within the same company.It started with a breakfast press conference at The Guardian's sparkling new Kings Place office at which Guardian News & Media said it would be the first British newspaper publisher to open up its database to outside partners who will be able to use articles and statistics for free and build their own web applications. All surrounded by the sound of people live blogging the conference on their laptops.Half an hour later I was back in Press Gazette's office following up a tip that the Guardian's MEN Media in Manchester was to make "significant" job cuts. While we had been blueskying in London about The Guardian being "everywhere" on the web, the storm clouds were gathering over Manchester.It took a bit of winkling out because the company did not want to go public until after a series of staff b | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/15561 | Virtual Tour in Barselona, Spain
Ilia Zakaraia
Virtual Tour in Barselona, Spain. Photo by Ilia Zakaraia - PANOTOUR.GE - Discover Georgia with 360 degree panoramas
Copyright: Ilia Zakaraia
Tags: virtual tour in barselona; spain. 360 degree panorama
More About Barcelona
世界 : Europe : Spain : Barcelona
History and OverviewBarcelona began more than 2,500 years when Phoenicians and Carthagians settled here and began a commercial port. Its name refers to the Carthagian ruler Amilcar Barca. The original name of the city was Barcino, which was adopted by the Romans in the 1st century BC and later became Barcelona. It's now the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia.There are several surviving monuments from the earliest Roman outposts, such as the Placa Sant Juame. Roman walls built to repel Frankish and German invasions later were used as foundations for buildings in the Gothic Quarter and in some cases can still be seen.Barcelona sits on the Mediterranean Sea along a route that brought them lots of visitors in the ancient times -- for better or worse. Circa 415AD Visigoth invaders arrived after the disintegration of the Roman Empire and called it "Barcinona". Three centuries later the Moors swept through on their way from Northern Africa to southern France. Another century later Louis the Pious came with the Franks and set up the front lines of the Christian battle against the Arabs. By the year 988AD, the County of Barcelona was independent of the Carolingian kings and free to become the dominant political and military force in the Catalonian region.Barcelona's Golden Age gleamed across the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The city became as influential as Venice or Genoa through marine trade using gold as the standard of exchange. Buildings such as the Romanesque St. Paul del Camp and the Chapel of Santa Lucia remain as testament to this prosperous period.The Cathedral of Barcelona was begun in the thirteenth century and its construction continued even while the Plague decimated the population. A building boom ensued while Barcelona was expanding its reach and conquering foreign ports, a boom which saw the construction and embellishment of various churches, chapels, shipyards and civil buildings.By the end of the fourteenth century however, social tensions mounted and erupted into war with Genoa and a local massacre of the Jewish community in Barcelona. The next four hundred years were a roller coaster of politics and intrigue. Barcelona revolted against Spain and eventually lost after nine years of war, losing its Catalonian status as an independent city. The Napoleonic Wars, yellow fever epidemic, and the Spanish Revolution all challenged the economy and stability of Barcelona.The early twentieth century was marked by strikes and riots along with strong cultural movements such as Modernism. The Spanish Civil War totally repressed Catalan national identity and it was not until 1977 that Catalonia was restored to a self-governing nation recognized within Spain.Meanwhile, massive migrations after WWII brought major strain on the city. Lack of urban planning during general construction ended up with crowded and poorly serviced neighborhoods surrounding the city. However, Barcelona's infinite ability to regenerate itself shows in the artistic, cultural and economic growth which has taken place in the past decades.Getting ThereThe Barcelona Airport is located 13km from the city and connects to it by taxi, shuttle bus and trains. The metro does NOT go to the airport regardless of what you may have heard. The trip should cost about 20 Euro by taxi, 5 Euro on the shuttle bus.TransportationGood news for your shoes, 74% of people in Barcelona regard themselves as pedestrians rather than drivers. The city even has this crazy website where you can calculate the time it will take to walk a certain distance in the city!Barcelona has a good metro system including metro, buses, trams and even cable cars. The Metro system has nine lines which connect also to commuter rail stations for out of town service.People and CultureThe two main languages are Spanish and Catalan; English is not very wide spread.Euros are the currency and siesta is the word of the day, specifically, the part of daytime between two and four PM. Don't expect to get much done at the post office at that time. Public offices and most shops will be closed.Barcelona is a smoking city. Restaurants, cafes and shops all have ashtrays and zero non-smoking sections. Go to the public transportation system if you want a cigarette-free area, or maybe one of the largest supermarkets.People in Barcelona are friendly and warm and they love to eat and drink. The kitchen is the central room of the house, dinner can take until midnight, and they still go out after that. Every night of the week you will be able to find something interesting going on, from house music to avant-garde theater.Cuisine in Barcelona is more about fish than red meat, with an arsonist's hand on the olive oil. Bruscetta is very common as is alioli, a garlic mayonnaise type of thing. If you leave Barcelona without tasting escudella, the traditional fish stew, you have missed something very very important.Things to do, RecommendationsHere's your liftoff point, the Tower of Telecommunications at Collserola, where you can get a good look around the city. As always, a bird's eye view best puts life into perspective.Heavy hitters: Pablo Picasso heralds from Catalan and the Picasso Museum is located in the heart of Barcelona. Make it a point to visit.Follow it with a trip to the Museum of Modern Art of Barcelona, hosting a collection of Catalan Modernists. It's near Ciutadella Park, Metro station Arc do Triomf Barceloneta.The beaches are fantastic and they may be all you need on your visit here. You can check out the Castle of Montjuic Fortress along the coast if you're interested in history.As we've said, people in Barcelona eat late, drink late and go out very late. We leave it our dear readers to figure out when they get up in the morning...The house music scene in Barcelona is LIVE!! Check out clubs like Moog, Elephant and Pacha for just a taste. People flock here in the summers for it. You may have heard of a little island called "Ibiza..."As they say, "we don't call it house. We call it home."Text by Steve Smith. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/15562 | Pat Swovelin
It's Disneyland and there's no place like it anywhere.
Copyright: Pat Swovelin
Tags: landmark
Yellowknife Aurora
Gil Abadines
At the back of Luna Park ...
Mohamed Attef
Horus Temple at Edfu
World's first stitched panorama of zoomed star trails!
Lions and Stairs at Teisho-ji Buddhist Temple in Saku - Japan
Plateau de Caussol
Haruka Suzuki
Tsutenkaku
René van Gageldonk
Castle Bouvigne -2 , near Breda
More About Los Angeles
世界 : North America : USA : California : Los Angeles
Overview and History Alllllrightie now, here's your soundtrack. Please click on "Hollywood" before you make another move. "LA Woman" is next up on your playlist.Quick math lesson:"If you've got it, flaunt it. If you don't got it, invent it and then flaunt it."Los Angeles is the second biggest city in the USA, it's in Southern California where you can go surfing or snowboarding whenever you want, and it means "City of Angels."LA was first named in 1781 by a Spanish governor who called it "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de la Porciuncula", which means you need to go back to Spanish class.I mean, "The Village of our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porziuncula." (The Porzincula part refers to a chapel in Italy dating back to the fourth century AD, not a native American tribe or anything local.)Mexico inherited Los Angeles when it won its independence from Spanish rule in 1821. Twenty-five years later LA became part of the United States territory in the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War. California became a state of the US soon after, and LA started getting excited for the arrival of Jim Morrison and the Doors.Railroads laid track to LA in 1876, which was very convenient for transporting the oil supply which was discovered in 1892 and Pow! The economy took off. With that, the population exploded, everybody ran out of water, you know, the usual story.Now that I think about it, LA has documented this story in a TV series called "The Beverly Hillbilles." Just watch the opening credits and you'll get the whole concept. This was one of the longest-running and most popular TV shows ever made in the States, which is why most Americans will think "swimming pools... movie stars..." when you say "Callyfurnia."And LA is where the TV and movies come from, specifically Hollywood, or Tinseltown, in the Hollywood Hills. This is where it all comes from, dancing pictures across the silver screen! If you've watched American TV, you've seen it. Here's the Bat Cave from "Batman".The first movie made in Hollywood dates to 1910, ("In Old California") and the first western TV station began broadcasting there in 1947.Oh, by the way, LA sits on the San Andreas geologic fault line. Fault lines are prone to earthquakes, and everybody expects LA to fall into the ocean someday.Getting There As soon as the wheels touch the ground, the cellphones flip open and you start overhearing people loudly telling everyone what their next appointment is. That's how you know you're in LA. The phone doesn't even have to be on.LAX is the main airport where it all goes down. Shuttle buses connect the airport to the city's Metro Green Line.TransportationLA is a driving city; you need a car so you have a place to sit while you are waiting in traffic. Worst traffic jams and road rage on earth.Contrary to popular belief, they actually do have a public transportation system with buses and a metro and everything in LA. Fares cost $1.25 for a single ride, $5.00 for a day pass, if you're interested. See, the thing is you need a window you can roll down to flip people the bird.Visit the LA Union Station just to see one of the last great railway stations, as it's known.People and Culture Rock and roll! Do you know what that means? That means you can do whatever the hell you want, really loud, and it should probably bounce up and down at some point... sort of like the Baroque Period, but instead of gold you can use neon and breast implants too. They both bounce a lot better than gold, anyway.Charles Mingus, The Doors, The Mothers of Invention, Guns N' Roses, Public Enemy, N.W.A, Snoop DoggThese people did not get there by asking anyone else for permission, see what I'm saying? Dr. Dre's classic album "The Chronic" will instruct you in everything else you need to know about L.A.Famous L.A. writers who did the same thing but on paper: Charles Bukowski, Raymond Chandler, John Fante.Q:How do you say, "F--- You" in LA?A: "Call me."Things to do & RecommendationsDisneyland is a massively popular vacation destination, especially for people with children. Walt Disney was the pioneer of animation who created Mickey Mouse, Bambi, Cinderalla and some interesting WWII training films.Architecture: Disney's Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry. For more architecture, look up the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and visit some of the residences he built.For some of the artistic flavor of LA, you can do lunch at Casbah Cafe on Sunset Boulevard, and catch some live jazz at Spazio.Absorb the genius of Diego Rivera in the LA County Museum of Art, and then ask yourself how you will do something to keep up with him and Batman. Thank you L.A.! Text by Steve Smith. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/15761 | Back to National & State Fish Hatcheries
Setzer State Fish Hatchery
At the Setzer Fish Hatchery, which because of its location in the Pisgah Forest near Brevard is the state's best known and visited, the thing to do is to see and feed the trout. Chumming the waters of the raceways with feed from gumball-machine-style dispensers, brings instant, sometimes manic results.
Click on the brown trout video to seem them in action.
Elsewhere on the grounds, the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education has indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a model backyard habitat garden, and a short paved trail through hardwoods and Rhododendron. The trail is dotted with such exhibits as "Why Hunter Orange?" The hunter stands out at right, of course, but can you see the fox?
A statue in the parking lot commemorates the Civilian Conservation Corps' Camp John Rock, which was at the site from 1933 to 1941. The young men of the CCC did much of the work to establish the national forests in North Carolina and elsewhere, as well as work on National Park sites, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, and North Carolina state parks, including at Morrow Mountain State Park.
From the parking lot, several trails lead into the forest. Down a trail that parallels the Davidson River, a couple of families had hauled a lot of equipment in a pretty good ways to set up camp in a clearing off of the ridge we walked. We could hear children playing in the river beyond them.
The Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education are off of U.S. 64 in Transylvania County. The Davidson River Campground and Sycamore Flats picnic area are nearby. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/16067 | Tijuana SloughNational Wildlife Refuge | California
VisitPlan Your VisitRules and Regulations Visitor ActivitiesLaw EnforcementFor EducatorsPermitsEvents CalendarWildlife & HabitatAbout the Refuge
Welcome to the National Wildlife Refuge System
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Following the establishment of Florida’s Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903, the System has grown to encompass more than 150 million acres within more than 550 Refuges, many Wetland Management Districts, and thousands of Waterfowl Production Areas.
More than 41 million people visit National Wildlife Refuges each year to participate in activities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography, and to attend environmental education and interpretive programs. Their spending generates almost $1.7 billion in sales and close to 27,000 jobs for regional economies.
Wildlife Refuges are home to more than 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species, and more than 200 species of fish. Fifty-nine Refuges have been established with a primary purpose of conserving threatened or endangered species.
There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state, and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities—offering people a welcoming, safe, and accessible place to nourish their spirits and reconnect to the land.
Learn more . . . Last Updated: Oct 20, 2011 ShareFollow Us OnlineFacebook PageTwitter FeedYouTube PageFlickr PageRSS FeedMapsMultimediaWhat We DoResource ManagementConservationGet InvolvedPartnershipsScience Return to main navigation Tijuana Slough HomeRegional OfficeRefuges/Districts NearbyContact UsNewsJobsFAQs | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/16070 | Anderholm joins Islands as COO
Bradley Anderholm
Bradley Anderholm has joined Lake Lanier Islands Resort as its new chief operating officer.
Anderholm has more than 30 years of experience in hospitality administration, food & beverage management and finance.
Lake Lanier Islands Chairman of the Board Virgil Williams and Chief Executive Officer Mike Williams believe Anderholm will help the resort expand and improve.
“As a company, we have always been devoted to not only growing our influence as a major travel and leisure destination in the Southeast, but also to growing our unique offerings onsite year-after-year,” Virgil Williams said. “Bradley’s depth and breadth of experience in this industry will undoubtedly serve as an asset to the Islands. We are excited to have such a creative individual bring a new dynamic to our already outstanding executive team. With Bradley’s vision and expertise, we are gearing up for a remarkable season ahead.”
As COO, Anderholm will oversee operations on all four islands that comprise the lakeside resort, including accommodations, dining establishments, recreational activities, event venues and more.
He previously served as food and beverage director at Callaway Gardens Resort and chief financial officer and director of operations for Buckhead Life Restaurant Group.
His resume includes work with such companies as Delaware North Companies, Crestline Hotels & Resorts and DNC Parks & Resorts Services for California’s renowned Yosemite National Park.
Anderholm holds a BA in business administration from Gustavus-Adolphus College and an associate of occupational studies in culinary arts degree from the Culinary Institute of America.
“I am honored to join the team at Lake Lanier Islands Resort – especially during a time of such promising transformation,” Anderholm said. “The Williams Family and the terrific management staff they’ve assembled have worked diligently to create a top-notch resort destination in the South. I know I was pleasantly surprised by all of the positive changes that have taken place here in the years since I last visited Lake Lanier Islands with my own family – back in the days when it was more of a state park, and less of a world-class vacation spot.
“As word continues to spread about the Islands and its many offerings, I will play a vital role in ensuring that every guest’s experience ... is a positive one.”
Williams’ Islands Management Co. assumed operations of the resort in 2005. For more information, visit www.lakelanierislands.com. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/16369 | Old Tram Lines, Belle Isle Road
Description:4th October 2009.
View of road works on Belle Isle Road. The work has exposed the old tram lines which have been disused since the 1950s. Belle Isle Circus used to be the site of the tram terminus. User Comments:
Name:Tom QueenanComment:Belle Isle Circus was not the tram terminus. The trams carried on the full length of Belle Isle Rd. and on to Middleton.Date:06-Nov-2009Email:Not displayed________________________________________________________________________________Name:Peter jacksonComment:Belle Isle Circus was infact the tram terminus up until approx 1946/47, it was then extended to join with the Middleton route which went through Middleton Woods.When it was extended the 26 tram stopped at the junction with Middleton Road, tram 27 stopped where there is now a rounderbout close to the Omnibus Pub,the other tram which I think was the 26 circular went up belle Isle, to Middleton Woods,down past Parkside along Hunslet Moor then turned right onto Dewsbury Road on its way to leeds. A lovely ride. Date:08-Nov-2009Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________Name:Graham A. SchofieldComment:My comment here, originates because of the slight confusion in the original Leodis description, which mentioned a 'Train Terminus'. However it is still relevant as it complements and adds to the information in the two existing comments by Tom Queenan, and Peter Jackson. The information contained within the square brackets is based on that supplied to me recently by Tram Aficionado, David Johnson:-
[[[ This particular tramcar-route originally terminated at Balm Road, near the junction with Moor Road. It was then extended in stages until the start of W.W.2. It is believed that it had reached somewhere near to the Grey Goose public house when war came.
During the early Post-War period the extension work was re-started and took the track to a new terminus where Belle Isle Road met the Ring Road. The final phase was when further extensions of the Middleton and Belle Isle lines met to make a circular tram-route in 1949. A point to note here is that this was the last ever tramcar route development anywhere in the U.K., until Manchester built their new system in the 1990's. ( I think that that says a lot about the then Leeds City Council, in as much as it shows their then faith in the tram-car system. - - - My words. )
When this final extension was up and running , all trams travelling from town to what had been the Belle Isle Terminus, bore the route title "27 BELLE ISLE", while those that carried on around and then down into town through Middleton Woods, bore the legend, 26 MIDDLETON CIRCULAR".
A further point of historical note here, is that both the Middleton and Belle Isle routes closed on Saturday the 28th of March 1959.]]] This was during the final act of the Tragedy known as 'The Dissolution of the Leeds Tram-car System'. To put it in the nicest possible way - "The late 1950's to the early 1960's was a period of bloody-minded and blinkered thinking within the corridors of power. As of course were the mid-1960's." Date:12-Nov-2009Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________Name:Peter JacksonComment:Re the comment that the route was extended in stages up to somewhere near the Grey Goose at the outbreak of war.
My family moved to Belle Isle Road in June 1940, my Aunt who is still alive says when visiting our family she had to walk from Belle Isle Circus to our house as the trams stopped there,I was born in 1941 and I remember a static circular water tank situated in the centre deviding the 2 roads just past Windmill Road which was yards from our house and this was in the mid 40s,it would have been physically impossible to run trams because of it. There is no way it terminated at the Grey Goose ( which was even built not built ) when war broke out.Date:13-Nov-2009Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________Name:Graham A. SchofieldComment:Many thanks to Peter Jackson for putting a little more flesh onto the old bones of history. His comment prompted me to try and find more details. I have managed to find only a few:- Work did carry on at Belle Isle after the War started, and on July 22nd 1940, a 1300 yards extension was opened. The work is described as an "Introduction of Reserved Track" from Balm Road to Belle Isle Circus, starting beyond the railway bridge. After this date, all further development was suspended until the War was over. Not knowing this area in the War period I am at a loss in understanding the geographics here. Where was the railway bridge and the 'Grey Goose' in relation to the 1300 yards extension? Perhaps Peter could paint a more detailed picture. [ NB:- The information above is from the book, "LEEDS-A HISTORY OF ITS TRAMWAYS" by Noel Proudstock.]
Date:04-Dec-2009Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________Name:Peter JacksonComment:re above comments
Have emailed you Graham but thought I'd add to the site. The bridge was a little way up from Balm Road, just before it was the CWS butter factory with the CWS brush factory before that. The Grey Goose was built approx mid 50s and is on the right going up Belle Isle Road, just beyond the junction where Middleton Road meets Belle Isle RoadDate:10-Dec-2009Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________Name:Dave MilbourneComment:While reading the description and the very interesting posts from Tom, Peter and Graham, I am holding in my hand a photograph of a Tram travelling down Belle Isle Road towards Leeds. The photo belongs to my wife and it is the only photo she has of her Grandfather. He is standing just below where the Grey Goose public house would later be built close to the area that would be Aberfield Gardens. Just behind him is the Tram. Further up Belle isle Road at the junction where the road forks are two horse and traps following each other down the road. The Belle Isle WMC was built at this junction. We do not know the date the photo was taken but niether the Grey Goose or the Belle Isle club are built. Date:31-Mar-2012Email:Not displayed________________________________________________________________________________Name:Peter JacksonComment:Hi Dave Without seeing the photo its hard to establish any age, but do know the Belle Isle club was in existence in the early forties, but then it was a wooden structure,much later replaced by a brick building only to be damaged by fire approx 2005 then completely rebuilt as it stands today.
Would be really interesting to see your photo, do get it on Leodis. Date:02-May-2012Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________Name:Graham A. SchofieldComment:With reference to Dave Milbourne's comment:- Dave, your wife's photograph of her grandfather and the tram could provide clues and information as to the queries raised here. As Peter Jackson suggests, would it be possible to have the picture scanned, and e-mailed to Leodis, so that they could install the image onto the web-site? Whatever it shows, could jog a few memories.Date:17-Oct-2012Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________Name:Dave MilbourneComment:Leodis have now included the photo on the site, ID 2012112_174137. I would be interested if anyone could date the photo and/or confirm if the Grey Goose public house has been built or not.Date:05-Nov-2012Email:Not displayed________________________________________________________________________________Name:Dave MilbourneComment:With reference to the comments from Peter and Graham the photo I refer to in my comments is now on Leodis. ID 2012112_174137.Date:12-Nov-2012Email:Not displayed________________________________________________________________________________Name:andyComment:Belle Isle Club burnt down in 2000.Date:02-Jan-2015Email:Not displayed________________________________________________________________________________Name:Julie HolmesComment:Planning application to build the Grey Goose was put into Leeds City Council in 1943. Four other applications also went in for the building of schools, Roman Catholic Church and schools and transport depot which was planned near to the Grey Goose.Date:19-Apr-2015Email:[email protected]________________________________________________________________________________ | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/34747 | From Apeswiki Jump to: navigation, search West Africa > Sierra Leone > Outamba-Kilimi National Park
2 Site
3 Ape status
4 Threats
5 Conservation activities
Summary Species
Pop. Size
P.t.verus
Site Outamba Kilimi NP
Outamba Kilimi National Park is currently the only national park in Sierra Leone. Located in the far north of Sierra Leone on the border with Guinea, it is divided into the larger Outamba section (783 km2) in the east and Kilimi section (274 km2) in the west of northern Bombali district. The terrain is relatively flat with low rolling hills or plateaus which offer excellent views across the spectacular landscape. The eastern side of Outamba is more varied, with more hills reaching 300-400 m elevation. Vegetation is primarily southern Guinea savanna woodland with trees such as Lophira and Daniellia. A small proportion of the area is made up of forest, narrow riverine forest, or small patches of savanna. The savanna grasses are primarily a tall elephant grass which is burned annually by people in the park. Almost all areas of the park are affected by the burning.
The site supports at least nine species of primates including Western Chimpanzee, red colobus, black and white colobus, sooty mangabey, and olive baboons. The total number of bird species recorded in the park is 220. A small population of forest elephant occurs at Outamba. Other large mammals include leopard, pygmy hippopotamus, water chevrotain, Maxwell’s duiker, and forest buffalo.
Both sections of the reserve are located wit | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/34784 | Reflections of a life lived
[April 29, 2014] Send a link to a friend Share In the variety of displays on the tour, there are many depictions of Lincoln's life, some through authentic artifacts and period-style art. But there are also touches of drama through uniquely designed displays such as the pocket watch room. The watch is much larger than life and is meant to draw attention to Lincoln's years in New Salem through a unique "touch and learn."
But in addition, the clock leads visitors to recall that in the tour, they are walking with Lincoln down memory lane. As his breathing becomes shallow, his body falls weak, and his life is about to pass from this world to the next, his mind may have traveled through the long list of friends he had made, the lives that touched him and whom he touched, and the memories of his successes and failures.
But perhaps the one thing that never entered his thoughts was that he would in his mortality become the most beloved president in our history. He couldn't know that he would touch lives and move people to tears in 2014. He didn't know that in this generation, a child would thank him for the fact that cousins in Georgia live free.
Pictures by Nila Smith and Jan Youngquist
Click here to go to Album 8. | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/34818 | Here are some other places we think you might like to visit. Reykjavik, Iceland Berkeley, California Phuket, Thailand Cartagena, Colombia Kyoto, Japan Flagstaff, Arizona Anguilla Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas Tortola, British Virgin Islands Marseille, France St. Louis, Missouri Zermatt, Switzerland Petra, Jordan San Juan Islands, Washington Mumbai (Bombay), India City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho Xclose
On Location in the Death Zone
A Review of The Making of Everest
By Claire Pamplin
Mountains of the World Photo Gallery
Beck Weathers was trapped in the Death Zone. A storm had swept suddenly across the Everest summit, enveloping the doctor from Texas and his party. The group had huddled on the slope, not-so-slowly freezing. Before the now-infamous ordeal was over, the mountain claimed the lives of eight people.
Weathers was lucky. Greg MacGillivray's IMAX crew caught up to the trapped climbers and carried Weathers to their camp. But he was not yet safe. His face was showing severe frostbite, and there was little doubt his extremities were in mortal danger.
Weathers watched as Colonel Madan KC piloted the helicopter that could carry him down the mountain. It was not designed for high-altitude flying, not a machine to land gently on the snows of the world's highest mountain. But land it did, "like a feather settling onto the snow," Weathers said.
But when the rescuers came to load him onto the chopper, Weathers waved them away. Another climber was more seriously injured. Weathers would wait another turn. "You've got to come through it with some sense that you've behaved well, that you've done the right thing," he said.
When Greg MacGillivray set out in early 1996 to take the largest motion picture camera in the world to the summit of the highest mountain in the world, he could never have known the drama that would unfold. Mt. Everest seemed a perfect subject for IMAX, the super-large film format typically projected on screens sometimes seven stories tall. But the film team's fate was to get caught up in a series of events that combined elements of myth with those of harsh reality.
The Making of Everest: On Location in the Death Zone captures the experiences of MacGillivray's IMAX team. The IMAX crew included team leader and co-director David Breshears, climbing expert Ed Viesturs, and Jamling Tensing Norgay, son of Tensing Norgay, who accompanied Edmund Hillary on his history-making conquest of Everest's summit in 1953. The team witnessed the much-chronicled debacle in which eight mountaineers, including Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, died attempting to summit the mountain in bad weather. The filmmakers aided in the rescue of survivors, and then steeled their nerves and continued to the top of the mountain. They tell of passing the bodies of some of the victims along the way.
It is in the portrayal of the extremes of human experience that The Making of Everest achieves its greatest success. Weathers, speaking in words resonant of ancient legend, becomes the spiritual heart of the documentary. Colonel Madan KC did return to another harrowing landing. To Weathers, the Colonel's action unveiled a man in search of himself, a man seeking his life's great test. The grateful doctor describes the Colonel as someone who had "always believed he has a brave heart but never been given the chance to find out if that's true."
Even without the tragedy, the filmmakers' accomplishments would have been remarkable. The crew managed to capture heart-stopping footage of Everest with a camera weighing more than 40 pounds. Each frame of IMAX film is ten times larger than normal film. Five hundred feet weigh 10 pounds but yield a mere 90 seconds of footage. The raw film stock must be loaded quickly into the cameras with bare fingers in temperatures far below zero.
Following the rescue, the filmmakers continued to the top of Everest and safely down again. The joy of their accomplishment contrasts against the dark tragedy that preceded it. But the challenge of making a film about Mt. Everest pales in comparison to the challenges faced by the victims and survivors of the other, ill-fated expeditions. It is with Weathers that The Making of Everest gains enormous heart and a tender soul. Weathers' words express the essence of the human quest to face the majesty and mercilessness of Everest—and to survive to tell the story.
Published: 29 Apr 2002 | Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010 Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication Post Your Comment:
Trek to the Last Shangri-La Langtang Valley, Nepal
for 16 days Enquire and Book Operated by Lost Earth Adventures
Time Taken: 224 MilliSecs, Stellent Time: 42 MilliSecs, ServerName: e304pro
Find great travel deals to Mount Everest! | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/16987 | Punta del Este Live stream New York
August 16, 2012 New York Tweet
Known around the world under the iconic tag line as the city that never sleeps, New York has a reputation for being one of the most active, diverse and multicultural places in the world. It’s a city that never fails to capture my heart and now, even if I’m physically far from there there is still a way for me to live stream one of my favourite cities.
This is New York now is a real-time visualisation tool sharing photos as they happen live in New York on Instagram. The site allows you to live life in the city 24 hours a day 7 days a week from no matter where you are in the world. So far, 590,254 photos have been seen & shared via the site which gathers its information based on users geo-tag locations..
Photos of New York using Instagram by mmichalak.info and Vivienne Gucwa @newyorklens.The cool thing is that the This is now project exists for many other cities including Las Vegas, Sao Paulo, Tokyo, Paris & Sydney. The really interest thing is to check out the different cities and see how different their live streams can be; people in Tokyo tend to post a lot of picture so food, skylines and graffiti is the Instagram trend right now in Paris and maybe it comes a no surprise that the feed for Las Vegas involves a lot of dancing girls and cocktails..Do you use Instagram; if you do catch up with the @travelettes and see our stream here..
This post was written by Lorna Stokes, part of the travelettes team from 2009 to 2013.Originally from the UK but currently based in Brussels after stints in Canada, Peru, Italy and a job for the French military, she’s always had an unquenchable thirst for exploring new places! She’s still travelling the world with her family so catch up with her adventures on Instagram & Twitter.. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/16989 | Login home All Countries England and Wales Bath Bath
No description Bath owes its existence as a spa resort to the Romans who transformed the town into England's first spa resort. It regained its popularity as a spa town in the 18th century, thanks to 'Beau' Nash who was instrumental in organizing endless balls, games and entertainment to attract the rich and people of prominent status to the town.
The greatest part of discovering Bath is that the center of the city is traffic free. There is a lot to see in this town, most of which can be reached on foot, including the spectacular Royal Crescent.
Bath - Somerset - England
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2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/16990 | Home > Things to Do > Outdoor Fun > National Treasures
Last Updated: 5/6/2014 In This Post
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Wisconsin's Great River Road
Potawatomi State Park
Interstate State Park
North Country National Scenic Trail
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Center
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest-Park Falls
Chequamegon-Nicolet Nat'l Forest-Eagle River
Chequamegon-Nicolet Nat'l Forest-Hayward
Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center
Your love of the outdoors is probably one of the reasons you enjoy traveling in Wisconsin. Similarly, our love of the outdoors has created a tradition of stewardship, conservation and a world of national treasures that have been explored by visitors literally for generations.
Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail
The first of the state’s five newly created regional nature-viewing areas, the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail is a traveler’s guide to the state’s best bird- and nature-watching areas. A cooperative effort linking important wildlife sites within each region, the trails blend existing roads with customized maps to guide nature enthusiasts to Wisconsin’s top wildlife areas, historic sites and bike trails.
Known worldwide for its breathtaking sandstone cliffs and accessible sea caves, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is ideal for exploring historic lighthouses, logging sites, old farmsteads and tranquil private beaches. Home to stunning rock formations and six of the country’s finest lighthouses, this chain of 21 islands off the shores of Bayfield offers numerous kayaking and hiking opportunities for explorers interested in discovering a true national treasure.
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
One of the most picturesque and least-developed areas in the Midwest, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a haven for dramatic scenery, wildlife watching and countless recreational opportunities. Established to preserve the area’s natural resources and provide outdoor recreation, this national treasure boasts a hearty supply of everything from islands, valleys and cliffs to eagles, osprey and beaver. The lush landscape provides the perfect backdrop for camping, biking, fishing and countless other outdoor activities.
Great River Road National Scenic Byway
One of only 80 national scenic byways in the U.S. and the state’s first, Wisconsin’s Great River Road National Scenic Byway is steeped in natural resources, history, recreational activities and cultural opportunities. Encompassing 250 miles of roadway along the mighty Mississippi, the byway offers countless breathtaking views best enjoyed while meandering through quaint river towns dotted with Victorian buildings, historic sites and antique shops. A paradise for boaters and anglers alike, the region’s parks and nature preserves are a favorite destination for hikers, bikers, campers and birdwatchers.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
A breath of fresh pine, endless miles of hiking trails and nature- and wildlife-viewing opportunities abound in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Covering more than 1.5 million acres, the forest is located in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, where dense stands of pine and hardwoods surround hundreds of lakes and rivers. Feel the cool spray from whitewater, hike along a 41-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail and observe black bears, ruffed grouse and loons in their natural habitat.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Home to one of the nation’s finest glacial imprints, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile tour of Wisconsin’s glacial history. One of eight scenic trails in the country, the trail offers hikers striking vistas along glacial lakes and streams, remnant prairies and former lumber camps as they meander along 600 miles of trail. Spanning the state, the trail ambles from Potawatomi State Park, south through the Kettle Morraine State Forest, north to Devil’s Lake State Park and Antigo Falls and then west, ending at Interstate State Park.
A hiking path linking seven northern states, the North Country National Scenic Trail winds through Northern Wisconsin with 103 miles of exploration-ready trail. From the rocky outcroppings and overlooks of the Penokee Hills in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to the series of waterfalls and serene forests of the Copper Falls State Park, the route offers hikers no shortage of picturesque scenery.
A sanctuary for species ranging from egrets and blue heron to Whooping Crane and American White pelicans, Wisconsin’s National Wildlife Refuges offer many waypoints and observation areas ideal for witnessing flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The 32,000-acre Horicon Marsh is the largest cattail marsh of its type in the U.S. and home to more than 265 bird species. Porcupines, wolves, bears and more than 220 bird species, including the training grounds for the Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project, are some of the highlights of the 44,000-acre Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. A resting grounds for migrating ducks, geese and American White Pelican, the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is complete with a barrier-free observation deck and five-mile drive showcasing the refuge’s different habitats.
This entry was
Outdoor Fun, Birding, National Parks & Forests, Trails and Hiking, Science and Nature Centers, Water Activities
Features and Profiles Share With Friends | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/17074 | Kolossi Medieval Castle
Kolossi Castle is situated in the village of Kolossi, 11 kilometres west of Lemesos (Limassol). It was built in the 15th century on the ruins of a former fortress dated to the beginning of the 13th century. Some of these ruins can still be seen east of the present castle. The castle belonged to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem and was the seat of the most important of the Commanderies that belonged to them. For a few years in the 14th century, it came under the control of the Knights Templar.The castle itself is a 21 metres high square tower with three floors. The ground floor is divided into three parts and was probably used as storeroom. In the middle of the east side is a stone stairway leading first to the second floor, where the kitchen was probably located, and then to the third floor. The third floor was divided into two big halls and was the ‘house’ of the Commander. To the south of the castle there is a courtyard enclosed by walls and the ruins of an auxiliary building, probably a stable or a storehouse. On the southwest corner of that building there was an entrance, protected by a circular tower. Sugarcane refinery installations have been located to the east of the castle.The area also produced and exported the traditional sweet wine of Cyprus, which became known as the “Vin de Commanderie” or Commandaria. Commandaria is now one of the oldest named wines in the world, having had the same name for eight centuries. Tel: +357 25 934 907
RegionLemesos
Address:Kolossi, Lemesos
Operating Hours:Monday - Sunday: 08:30 - 17:00 (16th September - 15th April), Monday - Sunday: 08:30 - 19:30 (16th April - 15th September)
Operating Period:All year round
Entrance Fee:2,50 Euro. There is a reduction of 20% for groups of visitors consisting of more than ten persons. The Director of the Department can issue special entry cards for a period of one day for €8,50 for a period of three days for €17,00 and for a period of seven days for €25,00.
Lemesos Walking Tour City Route
A walk around "the best of" Lemesos
Kolossi Medieval Castle - Audio Guide
Kourion Archaeological Site
Panoramic Image
Lemesos Medieval Castle
The place where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre
The most impressive archaeological site on the island
Cyprus 10000 years of history and civilisation
eBrochure | 旅游 |
2015-40/3387/en_head.json.gz/17224 | Goodrich, Herefordshire
South side of Goodrich Castle
Goodrich is a village[1] in south Herefordshire, England close to Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean, situated near the River Wye at grid reference SO574193. It is known for its Norman and mediaeval castle built with Old Red Sandstone. The village of Goodrich grew up next to Goodrich Castle, a 'Marcher Castle' dating to c. 1101 which stands on a high spur of land commanding a strategic position above Kerne Bridge, an ancient crossing point of the Wye.
1 Village
2 Church
3 Goodrich Castle
4 Goodrich Court
5 Role in history of aesthetics
6 Railways
Village[edit]
Goodrich is close to the A40 trunk road which forms part of the main route between South Wales and the West Midlands but is in a sheltered rural location.[2] Goodrich has retained its village shop and post office together with a village hall and two public houses. The village has a tennis club with three all-weather courts and an active village cricket club.
The Coppett hill nature reserve stretches along a hill above the Wye south of Goodrich.
Church[ | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/206 | DICKENS 200
Charles Dickens Museum
Location: 48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX [map]
Lived here: 1837-1839
Open: 10:00-17:00 (except Mondays)
Admission: £8 (£4 children)
Website: www.dickensmuseum.com (& on Twitter)
Charles Dickens lived in more than a dozen houses during his life, many of them in London, only one of which still stands. That's his newlywed home in Bloomsbury, a Georgian terrace, which the great man described as follows:
"It was a pleasant twelve-room dwelling of pink brick, with three stories and an attic, a white arched entrance door on the street level, and a small private garden in the rear. It was located just north of Gray's Inn ... a genteel private street with a lodge at each end and gates that were closed at night by a porter in a gold-laced hat and a mulberry-coloured coat with the Doughty arms on its buttons."Doughty Street's no longer gated but still well-to-do, and currently blessed by a fine selection of Christmas wreaths tied to various front doors. Charles lived in one of the houses with a blue plaque - this one of the London County Council's originals - but you won't be entering through his front door. The house nextdoor has been acquired as part of a major redevelopment this year, and this now contains all the visitor facilities so that number 48 can be displayed as was. It seemed strange for London's only museum of Dickensiana to have closed during the year of his bicentenary, but the house reopened a couple of weeks before Christmas, and the end result is a visible improvement.
Each visitor receives a printed guide, designed in the format of one of Dickens' "monthly parts", which sets the scene for each of the dozen rooms. Ground floor first, via the entrance hall, where some of Charles' everyday pocketfodder has been arranged on a table beneath the clock. The "as lived in" vibe continues in the dining room, which is laid out for a meal with friends. Be aware that a lot of the furniture in the house isn't from Doughty Street, it's from Dickens' final home at Gad's Hill, but the sideboard and samovar here are originals. Downstairs, by contrast, is a little more ordinary. The kitchen looks like any Victorian basement kitchen, with no real Dickensiana of note, and the wine cellar is locked round the side of the scullery where you can't really see it.
Follow the shadow of Dickens up the stairs, to the finest room in the house - the Drawing Room. The voice of Simon Callow booms out as you enter, not to tell you biographical facts but to narrate a couple of favourite passages. One is from Pickwick Papers, a 20-parter completed while Dickens was living here, along with the end of Oliver Twist and all of Nicholas Nickleby. In this room is the reading desk that Charles took around the country when giving performances to his fans, while nextdoor in the study is his writing desk from Gad's Hill on which The Mystery of Edwin Drood was never finished.
Up again to the bedrooms, one the marital suite, the other occupied by Charles's 17-year-old sister-in-law Mary. She tragically died six weeks after the family moved in, an event which affected Charles deeply and which he often referenced in his work. There are several artworks on the walls, but it's very difficult to read the captions underneath because the museum has chosen to etch them on matt metal - elegant, but entirely impractical. The two attic rooms were the preserve of Dickens' servants so they've been used as exhibition spaces rather than recreations. One's all text, while the other includes a metal grille from the Marshalsea Prison where Charles's father was imprisoned. Neither room is especially exhibit-dense, but I guess this allows room for future expansion.
The tour then steps through to number 49 Doughty Street, where there's a timeline of Charles's life (and a lift to allow less healthy visitors the opportunity to visit the upper floors). A reading area is provided where you can flick through some of the great man's many published works, although you almost certainly won't, while another room contains a handful of costumes from the just-released Hollywood version of Great Expectations. And yes, of course there's a cafe, located in a ground floor annexe, which you might use to push your visit over the 60-minute mark.
A fine restoration, all told, evoking the presence of Dickens rather than being a mere storehouse of his stuff. The place is done up with period Christmas decorations at the moment, as an added treat, and for very good reason. The museum will be opening every day over the Christmas period, including the big day itself, with live readings, mulled wine and mince pies for visitors. Don't rush, the £18 tickets have already sold out, but it's business as usual from Thursday onwards (and today).
» Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, Portsmouth
» my week of bicentenary posts from February
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/468 | Best Live Music Venues In Los Angeles
View Comments (Credit: Courtesy of Los Angeles Philharmonic Association)
(credit: Whisky a Go Go)
It should come as no surprise that the music scene in Los Angeles is unlike any other in the country, and even the world. With a diverse array of venues, on any given night in this city, you can find concerts galore. Whether it’s the renowned Hollywood Bowl, the historic Troubadour or Roxy Theater or the Silverlake Lounge, there’s certainly no shortage of great music clubs to visit. What’s equally amazing is the top tier talent that has graced the stage at these spots. From Bob Dylan introducing Elton John for the first time at the Troubadour in 1970 to the greats like Fleetwood Mac playing the Hollywood Bowl to more current artists gracing the stage at The Greek Theatre, these venues are unmatched when it comes to history and the talent that plays there. What are your favorite music venues in Los Angeles? Share in the comments below!
(Credit: Courtesy of Los Angeles Philharmonic Association)
The Hollywood Bowl
www.hollywoodbowl.com
A list of the greatest music venues in Los Angeles could never be complete without one of the grandest of them all. The Hollywood Bowl has been the venue for seeing shows since it opened way back in 1922. Throughout the years, this 17,000 seat venue has seen the likes of music’s elite. Home to the LA Philharmonic, the venue is known for its classical music concerts, but maybe more so for the amazing talent that has graced the stage. Who’s played here? Too many to list, however some include The Beatles, Depeche Mode, The Doors, John Mayer, John Legend, Harry Connick Jr., Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and many many more. The Hollywood Bowl fittingly offers up its own museum with a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts about the history of the venue and who’s played there.
(credit: Gary Minnaert/Wikipedia)
9081 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.troubadour.com
The Troubadour may appear unassuming, but the walls are pulsing with musical memories. In fact, some of the world’s most famous musicians have played here since its inception in 1957. Everyone from The Doors, Elton John, The Byrds, Metallica and Radiohead have graced the stage here, and the Troubadour continues to make memories for music-loving Angelenos. It’s easily one of the city’s most favored small venues for concertgoers too. While many artists play the larger venues, they also favor playing this one because of the history. The Foo Fighters in fact recently played a series of surprise shows, one of which was at the Troubadour. Music-lovers enjoy the intimacy of the venue, which is standing room only, save a small bar and balcony for VIPs. Tickets for shows are occasionally available at the door, but you can buy them online as well through Ticketfly.
(credit: Scott L./Yelp)
The Silverlake Lounge 2906 Sunset Blvd.
www.thesilverlakelounge.com
Situated on Sunset in Silverake is the extremely small, yet great venue that is The Silverlake Lounge. As the quintessential hipster dive bar, you’re not going to end up paying an exorbitant fee to get in. With its cash only policy, you’re likely to get away from the night paying almost nothing and seeing some of the most emerging bands around.
Many of today’s top artists have played this small stage including The Head And The Heart and others. The Lounge also does an “open mic” night on Sundays, so sign up if you feel bold enough to show off your own talents!
(credit: Greek Theatre)
2700 N Vermont Ave
www.greektheatrela.com
Many concertgoers think of The Hollywood Bowl and The Greek Theatre as sister-venues for good reason. They both offer top qualities including an outdoor amphitheater to enjoy the music, as well as great seating, but what sets the Greek Theatre apart is its cozier atmosphere. While The Bowl sits around 70,000, the Greek Theatre only sits just shy of 6,000, meaning that you’ll see many of the same artists you’d see at The Hollywood Bowl, but in much smaller intimate arena. Nestled in the heart of gorgeous Griffith Park, it is easily at the top of the list for any outdoor concert venue because of its intimacy, as well as state-of-the-art acoustics combined with excellent site lines. The Greek Theatre has been named North America’s Best Small Outdoor Venue multiple times, making it a cultural icon of L.A.
(Photo credit ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
1111 S Figueroa St
www.staplescenter.com
In addition to it’s impressive schedule of sports and high-profile events, STAPLES Center continues to pride itself on also providing iconic concerts from the best of the best such as U2, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks, Phil Collins, the Rolling Stones and the list goes on and on. So, if a big artist comes to town, chances are they’re going to perform at The Staples Center due to its sheer size and capacity. Surprisingly, for its size, it does offer great acoustics though and it makes for a great place to see a show.
(credit: Nate L./Yelp)
8852 West Sunset Boulevard
www.viperroom.com
Opened in 1993, and located on the infamous Sunset Strip, The Viper Room is known for a lot of things including as the place where actor River Phoenix died. Throughout the years, the Viper Room has hosted the likes of Tom Petty, Oasis, Pearl Jam, The Strokes, Weezer, and even Iggy Pop. The fees for tickets are relatively cheap so come pick your poison and enjoy a show!
(credit: Teresa R. / Yelp)
3790 Wilshire Blvd
www.wiltern.com
Named for the cross streets it sits on, Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, the Wiltern is one of Los Angeles’ most beautiful old-time theatre’s which still hosts many of today’s top artists, as well as emerging ones. With standing room on the ground floor, there is also seating on the mezzanine. Wherever you sit or stand, the view is pretty great and so are the acoustics. It’s a great intimate venue which holds around 2,000 and has hosted top-tier talent over the years including the likes of Jack White, Eddie Vedder, The Head And The Heart, Phoenix, Cheap Trick, Buffalo Springfield, and many more.
(credit: Jennifer G./Yelp)
www.theroxy.com
Since 1973, The Roxy has been at the forefront of music in Los Angeles and seen the likes of everyone from Neil Young, Genesis, Van Morrison, Janes Addiction, and more take the stage here over the years. With an official capacity of only 500, you can be sure you’re in for an intimate night seeing any show here too. These days, you won’t find many of the bigger artists playing here due to the capacity, however, there are exceptions with special shows. You’re likely to catch a lot of up and coming bands, as well as smaller bands grace the stage here. (credit: Sandra F./Yelp)
www.whiskyagogo.com
Like The Roxy, The Whisky A Go Go comes with a ton of Los Angeles music history. Older than the Roxy by around 10 years (it opened in 1964), The Whisky A Go Go only holds around 250 and has been the launching pad over the years for bands like Motley Crue, The Doors, Guns ‘N Roses and many others. (credit: Mike Danenberg Photography http://www.mikedanenberg.com)
www.houseofblues.com
The House of Blues Sunset Strip is located in the heart of West Hollywood, and is the perfect stop for a show! The tin covered venue was once home to the last live performance by Tupac Shakur. In keeping with tradition, the venue displays the “Crazy Quilt” and keeps a metal box of mud from the Delta Mississippi underneath its stage. You can also enjoy dining while you enjoy a show, or if you’re lucky enough, find a way into its exclusive Foundation Room.
What are your favorite music venues in Los Angeles? Share in the comments below!
Nightlife & Music Related TagsBest Of LABest of Los AngelesConcertsGreek TheatreHollywood BowlLive ConcertsLive MusicMusic VenuesRoxyRoxy TheatreSilver Lake LoungeSilverlake LoungeStaples CenterTroubadourViper RoomWhisky A Go GoWiltern Listen Live | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/477 | 1670 Blue Ridge Parkway
Milepost 167
Floyd, VA
Rocky Knob is one of the first developed areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is noted for its rustic and rural landscape, plus great camping and hiking. It is an outdoor lovers' paradise with easy access to the Parkway's Mabry Mill and the Chateau Morrisette Winery.
A campground has over 100 sites for tents or recreational vehicles but no water or electrical hookups to individual sites. There are no showers or sewer hookups. Comfort station and dump stations are available.
The Rocky Knob area offers many diversions for the visitor, including a visitor center. Located near the intersection of the Parkway with Virginia Route 8, the Rocky Knob recreation area covers more than 4000 acres. Interpretive talks and demonstrations are given in the summer months and four trails offer a variety of scenic and historical wonders. Rocky Knob is an accurate description of the shape of the mountain that bears its name. Rock Castle Gorge, known for its beautiful rock crystalline quartz formations, was once home for several mountain families whose lives we remember through the apple orchards and abandoned stone chimneys. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/726 | > Attractions > Santa Barbara Mission
Santa Barbara Mission
Laguna Street
The official literature calls Mission Santa Barbara "Queen of the Missions for its graceful beauty." Founded on December 4th, 1786, it was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions in California. It still functions as a church today. Self-guided tours daily 9am-5pm. Docent tours for schools and other groups are arranged by appointment. The tours are $4.00 for adults and begin in the gift shop.
Mission Virtual Tour History of Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Tour Map
State Historic Landmark Plaque
Directions to the Mission
Mission Santa Barbara - Close-up
Mission Santa Barbara - Wide
Mission Santa Barbara - Grounds
Mission Santa Barbara - Snow
Mission Santa Barbara - Fiesta
Web Movies
Mission and cross (2mb)
Virtual drive-by (4mb)
Mission rose garden (4mb)
View from Mission (2mb)
Visitor center (4mb)
Fiesta:
Opening ceremonies (1mb)
Mariachis (1mb)
Violets de Espana (1mb)
Chumash Indians (1mb)
The History of Mission Santa BarbaraMission Santa Barbara was the tenth of the California missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. It was established on the Feast of St. Barbara, Dec 4, 1786. Padre Junipero Serra, who founded the first nine missions, had died 2 years earlier. Serra had planned to build this mission, raising the cross at the presidio of Santa Barbara in 1782. It was Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuen, his successor, who raised the cross here and placed Padre Antonio Paterna, a companion of Serra, in charge. Paterna put up the first buildings and made the first converts.
The original buildings were of adobe and unpretentious. As the years passed, there was progress and development. There were three adobe churches here, each larger than the other, before the present church. The third was destroyed by earthquake in 1812. Thereafter the present church was planned. It was finished and dedicated in 1820. The present friary residence was built gradually, first one story, then a second was added. It was not finished until 1870. The beautiful fountain in front of the Mission was built in 1808. The earthquake of June 29, 1925 damaged the Mission Church and friary considerably. Restoration work was completed in 1927 and the towers reinforced in 1953.
Prior to the Spanish arrival, the Chumash inhabited the area from Malibu to San Luis Obispo. They were hunters and gatherers oriented to the sea. They built plank boats (tomols) which were capable of traveling to the Channel Islands. Their religious practices and ceremonies included the creation of elaborate polychrome rock art located in remote caves and rock outcroppings. Chumash villages were autonomous, headed by the hereditary leader. Houses were dome shaped with tules covering a willow frame. Basketry was a major art form as were stone bowls and tools. Chumash manufactures were noted by early explorers as being high in quality. Their skilled handiwork greatly contributed to the Mission's success.
Chumash leaders such as Chief Yanonali became Christians, leading many villagers to join them. Native customs did not die out all together in arts or belief, however. In the 1880's Rafael Solares (pictured in museum room #1 in spiritual leader's garb) was the last Antap (Native spiritual leader) and also the sacristan of Mission Santa Ines and an active Christian leader. Many Chumash descendants still live in the Santa Barbara area today. A number of Indian community groups keep culture alive and provide social, cultural, medical, and preservation programs that benefit the Indian community.
The Franciscans introduced agriculture to the Indians. The principal products of the field were wheat, barley, corn, beans, and peas. Orange and olive trees were planted and vines were cultivated. Water was brought from the mountain creeks to irrigate the fields and for domestic use. To impound these waters the Indian Dam was built in 1807, about two miles upstream. The water was led to the Mission by an aqueduct, the water flowing by gravity. The ruins of these, together with a mill, tanning vats, a storage reservoir, and a filter may be seen near the Mission today.
Mission Santa Barbara had cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, mules and horses in great number. In 1809, there were 5,200 head of cattle, and in 1803, 11,221 head of sheep. At the Mission, the Indians made adobes, tiles, shoes, and woolen garments, learned the trades of carpenter and mason, and became herdsmen and farmers. They also leaned to sing and play European instrumental music. Church services were accompanied by an Indian choir and instrumental ensemble of violins, cellos, woodwinds, and brasses rather than an organ.
The original purpose of the Mission was the christianazation of the Chumash Indians. This was considered accomplished by the 1930's. With no new converts, the Mission's Indian population started to go down. Spain had lost California to Mexico in 1822, and in 1834 the Mission was secularized. Indians were placed under civil jurisdiction not church authority. Civil administration resulted in a deterioration of lifestyle and buildings. Fr. Duran was then appointed administrator in 1839, and in 1843 the Missions were returned to the Franciscans. Two years later the Governor confiscated the lands and in 1846 the Mission was sold. The missionaries were allowed to conduct services in the church (unlike many California Missions which were abandoned or turned into barns). In 1865 the Mission was returned to the Catholic Church by Abraham Lincoln (California having become part of the U.S. in 1848).
When the Mission period was over, the buildings were used for a number of purposes. From 1868 until 1877 the Franciscans conducted a high school and junior college for boys, both for boarders and local students. In 1896, a seminary was opened at the Mission for candidates studying for the priesthood. Until the summer of 1968 the School of Theology for the Franciscan Province of St. Barbara was located in the Mission buildings. The Friars work in various apostolates in the western states. They continue to serve the Indians of Arizona and New Mexico as well as the foreign missions. The Mission church today is used by the Parish of St. Barbara. When Santa Barbara's Presidio was founded in 1782, in expectation of founding a Mission here, the Spanish soldiers were of varied ethnic backgrounds. Indian tribes of Mexico, Sephardic Jews, and Africans as well as Spaniards were all represented in the ancestry of California's early settlers. Some of those settlers soon intermarried with native Chumash people. There are numerous Santa Barbarans today who trace their ancestry to the Chumash and a Presidio soldier or early settler. When the Americans arrived in 1848, further intermarriage occurred resulting in the diversity of Santa Barbara's heritage reflected in the names and backgrounds of those buried in the Mission cemetery. Early Manila galleons and China clippers brought Asian cultural influence to California as well. Some visible examples of this cultural infusion are the Philippine crucifix and the Chinese silk vestments in the museum Chapel room and the variety of Chinese porcelain alongside the English China, Mexican Majolica and California Indian basketry seen in the kitchen display. The obvious Moorish (African) cultural influences are clearly visible in the architecture of the Mission itself, while the art works that decorate the Mission are primarily from Mexico's rich cultural traditions. Santa Barbara Mission today is a monument to the cultural diversity of California's heritage.
The colonial art collection of this mission is rich and varied. Most of the pieces are of the baroque or neoclassical eras, and nearly all were imported from Mexico and South America. Some notable exceptions include the three stone statues in the museum depicting S. Barbara, along with the virtues of faith and charity. These three were carved by a mission Indian using pictures in books as a guide, from which he carved three-dimensional images. The figure of charity has very pronounced Indian features. These are the only existing large sculptures done by California Indians.
The paintings and statues in the church and museum depict angels, saints and Bible stories. Some of the more notable works include the large crucifix portraying the suffering of Jesus on the cross. The straining body and streaming blood from wounds are meant to emotionally involve the worshipper in the passion of Christ. The small statues of St. Dominic and St. Francis are especially fine sculptures whose faces display a sense of emotional intensity typical of baroque art.
The church building is similar to those built in the countryside of Mexico in the early 1800's. It is primarily neoclassical in style, utilizing decorative devices and features from the time of the Roman Empire. The iconic capitals on top of the pilasters echo the ones on the facade of the building, and were considered appropriate by the Romans for a temple dedicated to a goddess. Since this church is dedicated St. Barbara, the designers utilized these "female" architectural attributes. The church was probably constructed under the direction of a master mason, Jose Antonio Ramirez. It represents the greatest engineering achievement of the combine efforts of the Indian, Spanish and Mexican artisans here in Santa Barbara.
Mission Tour Map - Details
1) Chumash Indian people and the founding of Mission Santa Barbara - This room contains Chumash baskets and tools as well as items from the early mission period.
2) The building period and the oldest known photographs - Examples of tools and building materials are displayed.
3) A missionary's bedroom - Features mission period antique furnishings and clothing
4) Chumash Indian art room - Especially noteworthy are the only known examples of large Indian-made sculptures made in California.
5) Mission trades - This display features a few of the skills of the colonial period which were taught at this mission. They include candle making, pottery, weaving and ironwork.
6) The first Bishop of California - Artifacts belonging to Bishop Garcia Diego are housed here in his original quarters.
7) The kitchen - The variety of Mexican, English and Indian tools and dishes are typical of early California.
8) The chapel room - containing music books as well as vestments, musical instruments and art works. This room also features a video about the history of Mission Santa Barbara.
9) Garden - Originally the garden was a working area where many of the Indians learned trade. The workshops and some of the living quarters were located in the surrounding buildings. Today the quadrangle buildings house offices and classrooms.
10) Church - In the mission church are many examples of 18th and 19th century Mexican art. The two paintings toward the front are the largest in the California Missions and are approximately 200 years old. The two stone plaques on the floor bear the names of early missionaries and laymen buried in the crypt below the floor. The facade design was taken from Vetruvius' book of Roman Architecture (circa 25 B.C.)
10a) Baptistry - Contains the original mission altar and tabernacle, retablo and statue of Or Lady Of Sorrows.
11) Cemetery (1789) - The small carvings above the door tell you that you are now entering the cemetery. Santa Barbara's culturally diverse early settlers are buried here as well as approximately 4,000 Indians, including Joana Maria, the Lone Woman of San Nicolas island. Her life is portrayed in the book "Island of the Blue Dolphins." She was buried here in 1853 (location unknown today).
12) Aqueduct - Aqueduct ruins are visible on the sidewalk edge outside the cemetery wall. Further ruins of the mission water system are across the street.
13 Fountain - The beautiful Moorish fountain was built in 1808. The large basin next to the fountain is a lavanderia and was used by Indian women to wash clothes.
14) Native plants - Dedicated to native plants used by the Chumash Indian people. The mission grounds also display plants introduced by the Spanish such as olive, orange, pomegranate and pepper trees.
California State Historic Landmark #309
The California State Historic Landmark Plaque #309 reads:
"Santa Barbara Mission was founded December 4, 1786. Portions of five units of its extensive water works, built by Indian labor, are preserved in this park, a filter house, Spanish grist mill, sections of aqueducts, and two reservoirs. The larger reservoir, built in 1806, is used today as part of the city water system. Ruins of the pottery kiln and tanning vats are here, also. The fountain and lavadero are nearby in front of the Old Mission. A dam, built in 1807, is located in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, one and one-half miles up Mission Canyon."
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105 From Los Angeles Airport (LAX):
Approximate distance: 100 miles. Take US405 North to US101 West (about 20 miles).
Remain on US101 into Santa Barbara (about 80 miles).
Exit on Mission Street, turn to the North (right)
Continue up Mission Street until it ends at Laguna St. (about 1 mile) Turn left on Laguna. The Mission is straight ahead 2 blocks. From points north of Santa Barbara
(including SB Airport): Take US101 South towards downtown Santa Barbara Exit on Mission Street, turn to the North (Left)
Continue up Mission Street until it ends at Laguna St. (about 1 mile) Turn left on Laguna. The Mission is straight ahead 2 blocks. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/1123 | Home> Destinations> Flights to the United Kingdom> Flight to Manchester
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Manchester is a cool English city with a large number of interesting sights. It is also home to Manchester United, one of Europe’s greatest football clubs.
Manchester is one of England’s biggest cities, with a large stock of housing that was preserved from the Victorian era. Tourist attractions include the Lowry Centre, the Cathedral from 1847 and the neo-Gothic town hall with a tower of about 90 metres high. It provides a magnificent view of the city.
Culture lovers should also visit the Manchester Museum and the Art Gallery, which has one of England’s most prestigious collections of art. The Jewish Museum is also a major attraction. The building was originally a synagogue, constructed in the Moorish style. Football fans will certainly enjoy themselves in Manchester if they include a visit to Old Trafford, the football stadium of Manchester United, in their itinerary. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/1222 | Bath It's not possible to visit Bath without being hugely impressed by the architecture. This gorgeous Georgian city is bursting with beautiful buildings. In fact, Bath's architectural history is a large part of the reason the entire city has been designated a World Heritage Site which is clear to see why when you explore the streets of the city centre. Our hotel The Lansdown Grove, is a stunning Grade II Listed building which opened in 1888 and is thought to be one of the oldest hotels in the city. Hotels in this county are: The Lansdown Grove Hotel, Bath Find Out More » Bournemouth When you visit somewhere new it's nice to get your bearings as early as possible. In Bournemouth, there's no better way to do that than with a trip up the Bournemouth Eye. This helium-filled tethered balloon rises 500 feet up into the sky giving you amazing views across Bournemouth and beyond. On clear days you can see for up to 20 miles. If you're not a fan of heights the views from our panoramic terrace at The Savoy are quite spectacular. Hotels in this county are: The Savoy Hotel, Bournemouth Find Out More » Chollerford There are two things that Chollerford and the surrounding area are extremely good for, history and countryside. Visit the world famous Hadrian's Wall and you'll get the best of both. This astonishing Roman defensive wall, which spans the width of England, dates back to AD 122. It's regarded as the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain and is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England. This is your chance to see it for yourself; to walk by the stones that were laid by Roman hands nearly 2,000 years ago. Hotels in this county are: The George Hotel, Chollerford Find Out More » Exmouth One of Exmouth's main attractions is the two miles of golden sands and glistening waters which are ideal for swimming. Exmouth is also the gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site starting at Orcombe Point stretching into Devon and finishing at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset. If sunny countryside walks appeal to you Exmoor national Park is not far away and offers a range of both level and hilly walks. Hotels in this county are: The Imperial Hotel, Exmouth Find Out More » Harrogate The town of Harrogate has so much to offer like Bettys Tea Rooms, Harrogate International Centre, The Royal Pump Museum and Victoria Gardens which is situated in the town centre just along from our hotel near The Stray, a large section of parkland given to Harrogate by George III. Further afield just outside of Harrogate stands the City of York, make sure you walk down The Shambles and visit York Minster. Every July Yorkshire is host to The Great Yorkshire Show, a must see event for the whole family.
Hotels in this county are: The St George Hotel, Harrogate Find Out More » Hunstanton A popular coastal resort on Norfolk's Sunset Coast overlooking The Wash, Hunstanton was built as a Norfolk seaside resort and gained popularity as early as the 1860's. Today Hunstanton is a popular holiday destination for all ages. If it's sightseeing you're after there is history and culture right on your doorstep at The Royal Household at Sandringham being five minutes from the hotel and is well worth a visit for both the house and beautiful gardens. Another local favourite is the Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary. Hotels in this county are: The Golden Lion Hotel, Hunstanton Find Out More » Keswick Keswick is the North Lakes' most popular holiday and day trip destination. Nestling between the Skiddaw Mountains and Derwentwater Lake, the town is situated in an idyllic location in the Lake District National Park. The most popular outdoor activity in the North Lakes is fell walking and for those who are new to the area or like to walk with a group there is also guided walking available.
Hotels in this county are: The Derwentwater Hotel, Keswick Find Out More » St Mawes St Mawes is at the heart of The Roseland Peninsula and has been designated part of Cornwall's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. St Mawes is set opposite the harbour of Falmouth and enjoys views of Carrick Roads one of the world's deepest natural harbours, a ferry trip to Falmouth and Pendennis Castle is recommended. A short journey away is the city of Truro offering some great shopping opportunities and for those who want to venture further you can't visit Cornwall without seeing The Eden Project Hotels in this county are: The Ship and Castle Hotel, St Mawes Find Out More » Stratford-upon-Avon Whether you're a literary fan or otherwise, it's difficult to come away from Stratford-Upon-Avon without knowing at least a little bit more about William Shakespeare. The legacy of the world's greatest ever poet and playwright is everywhere and it can be highly infectious. A great place to start is the house where Shakespeare was born and grew up leading onto Hall's Croft (home to William's daughter), Mary Arden's Farm (the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother) and the world famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre. However deep you delve into Shakespeare's history, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Hotels in this county are: The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon Find Out More » Weston-super-Mare You certainly won't be short of great things to see and do when you visit this part of the country. If you love the feeling of sand between your toes this historic seaside resort has everything you would want from a traditional sea side town. The beautiful curved beach will give you a taste of a traditional British seaside holiday where you can expect deckchairs, the famous western donkeys and superb views over the channel especially from the Western wheel being over 40 meters high.
Hotels in this county are: The Grand Atlantic Hotel, Weston-super-Mare Find Out More » Windermere At 10.5 miles long, 1 mile wide and 220 feet deep, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and is fed by numerous rivers. The Romans built their fort of GALAVA at its northern end (Waterhead), and it has always been an important waterway for movement of heavy materials. If the names Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-duck and Mrs Tiggy-winkle bring back fond memories for you then a visit to The World Of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windemere is a must. The attraction retells all 23 of Beatrix Potter's tales, which are brought to life in a charming indoor recreation of the Lakeland countryside. Hotels in this county are: The Windermere Hotel, Windermere Find Out More » Not what you are looking for? We can also offer you: Scotland Hotel Breaks Wales Hotel Breaks | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/1452 | The George Hotel
58-60 Cartwright Gardens London WC1H 9EL | Tel: +44 (0)20 7387 8777 | Fax: +44 (0)20 7387 8666 | Email: [email protected]
georgehotel - Click here for other central london hotels -
George Hotel, close to Kings Cross Station and the Eurostar Terminal but tucked away just north of Russell Square on the edge of Bloomsbury in a classic curved crescent of Grade II listed Georgian town-houses (built c.1809 - 1811) overlooking gated gardens and tennis courts. These town-houses were once the homes of the wealthy but many are now converted to hotels and the George Hotel was formed as a result of the uniting of 3 of these buildings. The perfect location for a stay in central London - quiet and peaceful facing central gardens but within walking distance of the British Museum, Covent Garden, Soho and the West End, ideal for both theatres and shopping. If you prefer to use the tube, the hotel is only 2 stops from Oxford Circus and Covent Garden and only 3 stops from Leicester Square. All bedrooms in the George have Freeview TV, free Wi-Fi, direct-dial phone, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, etc., and the prices include a traditional English breakfast and tax – the only extra to pay for is the phone if you need to use it. The hotel now has a computer in the lounge with free internet access for guests to keep in touch with friends and family while travelling. The gardens to the front of the hotel are private but as a guest at the hotel you will have access. Also use of the tennis courts is available for a nominal sum and we can provide you with racquets and tennis balls. Easy and direct access is available straight from Heathrow Airport by tube (to Russell Square station on the Piccadilly line) or we can arrange for a cab to pick you up at the Arrivals Hall. We're only a few minutes walk from the Kings Cross St. Pancras International Terminal for the Eurostar train link to the Continent.
To check on room availability for your stay just click on the “Enquiry” link above and fill in the form on that page or click on the "Secure Bookings" link above and check for yourself what rooms are available. Reserve with confidence – If your plans change, and you need to cancel or change a reservation, your deposit will be fully refunded if you let us know at least 7 days before you are due to arrive. If you have any questions and the answer isn’t on our “Frequently Asked Questions” page, just contact us. Because of the different times zones there could be a delay in response but we should always come back to you within an absolute maximum of 12 hours.
[Some details you'll need to know :
- The George is a smoke-free hotel.
- The George is a Grade II Listed historic building so we have not been permitted to install a lift (elevator), all bedrooms are walk-up.
- As with most London B&B's the rooms are not air-conditioned but each room is equipped with a fan.
- Sorry, no pets are allowed.]
FAMOUS EARLY RESIDENTS OF CARTWRIGHT GARDENS
Cartwright Gardens was originally named Burton Crescent but was renamed to honour an early resident, John Cartwright (1740-1824 and resident 1820-24), a political reformer and military officer. He came to be called the "father of reform" for his advocacy of universal manhood suffrage, parliamentary and army reform, and the abolition of slavery. When the disputes with the American colonies began he saw clearly that the colonists had right on their side and warmly supported their cause. At the beginning of the American War of Independence he was offered the appointment of first lieutenant to the Duke of Cumberland which would have put him on the path of certain promotion but he refused, unwilling to fight against a cause which he felt to be just. You can see a bronze statue of Cartwright in the private gardens to the front of the hotel.
Among Cartwright Gardens' other notable residents was Sir Rowland Hill (resident from 1837), the originator of the modern system of postage. He introduced the world's first system of pre-bought stamps for letters with the introduction of the "Penny Black", which went on sale 8 May,1840.
Also, during the same period, Edwin Chadwick (later knighted) who lived next door to Rowland Hill. Chadwick may be credited with the beginning of public health reform. He was appalled at the number of people admitted to the workhouses and became convinced that if the health of the working population could be improved then there would be a drop in the numbers of people on relief. He campaigned throughout his career to improve sanitary provision in Britain and contributed to a report of 1834 that led to legislation covering the national supervision of health, safety and social problems. He later brought through parliament the Public Health Act of 1848.
Prices | Enquiries | Secure Booking | Frequent Questions | Photos | Maps
Travelers' Reviews for George Hotel on BedandBreakfast.com | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/1530 | Search from more than 2 million hotel deals from 100’s of travel websites including: Compare Hotel Prices
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Hong Kong If you’re heading to Hong Kong, you’ll want to make the most of your visit. With all the city has to offer, you don’t want to waste time searching for the hotel deals in Hong Kong. That’s what we do. Take advantage of our services and let us find the best Hong Kong hotel deals.
Whether you’re a cultural explorer, nature lover or just plain vacationer, Hong Kong caters your every desire.
Despite the image of Hong Kong as a bustling city, more than 70-percent of its land mass is rural. Enjoy everything from tramping through bamboo forests, climbing stunning mountains and hiking across country parks. You can even go bird-watching at the world-renowned wetland park in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong offers a long coastline full of twists and turns with many bays and beaches. Many of them are suitable for swimming because of the calm water. Have a lazy day at Butterfly Beach in Hong Kong or play around at Casam Beach.
Take part in everyday life in Hong Kong and see the fusion of East and West. With the diverse amount of cultural activities offered in Hong Kong, there’s something for people of all backgrounds and ages.
Learn about how Hong Kong developed into what it is today at one of the major museums: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Museum of Coastal Defence, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Science Museum.
The Art Museum at the Chinese University of Hong Kong feature many special exhibits with artistic and historic value.
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a trip to Hong Kong Island. The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong and it’s no wonder why. Look down and you’ll be amazed at the city’s skyline with green hillsides and skyscrapers.
Have dinner at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant–it’s designed like a classic Chinese palace and is one of the largest in the world.
If you’re bringing the kids along, they’ll love the experience of Hong Kong Disneyland.
From family fun and nature to art and history, Hong Kong makes an ideal vacation spot for couples, families or friends. We’ll compare hotel deals in Hong Kong so you can plan the fun stuff. With your Hong Kong hotel deals taken care of, you can book your getaway today!
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/1715 | LomographyMagazineVisiting the Bundestag Dome @ Berlin
Visiting the Bundestag Dome @ Berlin
I invite you to discover one of the most emblematic buildings in the heart of Berlin, a beautiful place in the centre of the city and where you can enjoy the stunning views of the city.
Credits: carlosbullThe Bundestag of Germany is the federal parliament, the federal supreme legislative power of Germany with the function of representing the people and is the place where they decide the laws, elect the chancellor and control the work of government. But I don’t want to bore you with the functions of it because you can find them all on Wikipedia.
The parliament is now located at the place of the old Reichstag, in the heart of the city, and it was destroyed almost entirely in the Second World War. Later it will be restored and remodeled. Now it has a modern dome, which is different from the original but it has become a symbol. I want to say, in favour of Spanish design, that one dome was designed by Santiago Calatrava very similar to the actual dome, but finally they chose the project of Norman Foster on May 8, 1995, which was so similar to Santiago Calatrava’s project, despite the fact that Foster’s draft initially did not have a dome because of symbolic reasons.
Credits: carlosbullWell, as important tourist information, I want to say that the visit to the terrace and the dome of the parliament is free, but I recommend you to access the Bundestag website where you can make an appointment (day and time) for a visit, so you will be accredited to enter without having to wait in the long queue. In the email you have to write the name of the visitors, your ID and your date of birth. As you can see, from the start, control and security measures are total.
Once there and under the shadow of the huge and great building, you’ll find a carp with security arches that you must pass and once inside, the visitor is escorted to the stairs. After this, you enter the big hall, and you are always watched by guards and cameras. Then, you take the elevator to go to the terrace, where if weather allows you, you’ll enjoy spectacular views over 24 meters high, and you can access the dome.
Credits: carlosbullNow I’ll give you another important bit of advice, I recommend you to have a look at the dates when the dome is closed (for security or maintenance works) because there are several weeks a year, and I visited the dome in one of them…so, I couldn’t visit the dome inside, but I can say that it’s a great structure of 23 meters high from the terrace. It’s an example of respect for the environment because it uses, in an economic way, the heat, solar energy, and has a mechanical ventilation etc.
In addition, the dome also provides light and ventilation to the plenary hall, which is just below, well, this is one of the most important parts, because it says that the dome is trying to symbolize that it is the people who choose the politicians, and not vice versa. That is, the people are controlling and watching over all their actions, because from the top of the dome you can see all in the plenary hall.
Credits: carlosbullThe view is spectacular, you can see the whole city. I have to say that I would like to have had a Sprocket Rocket or a Horizon for panoramic photos!
I totally recommend a visit to the Bundestag, even if you don’t like the politicians, I think it is one of the most important buildings in Berlin and it’s just a one-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate.
You can find more information about the visits and the building on their official website.
The Horizon Perfekt shoots images the length of two standard frames. With full aperture and shutter settings, this premium panoramic camera gives you total control over your shots. Prepare to be blown away by the amazing Horizon Perfekt, available here.
written by carlosbull on 2011-09-05 in #world #locations #diana-f #dome #bundestag #cupula #berlin #urban-adventures #turista #vistas #santiago-calatrava #35mm #reichstag #arquitectura #sightseeing #x-pro #visita #localizacion #norman-foster #turismo #politica #alemania
yein & wonderdude.
Lomography Day Trips: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
written by Alexandra Pillet on 2015-08-03 in #world #locations
From February to July, I experienced one the happiest times of my life: I lived in China. I lived in Suzhou, Jiangsu, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. So here's some advice directly from me to you—what to do in Suzhou? 7
Photo Stories: Children of the Desert by eleonorepairet
written by eleonorepairet on 2015-05-28 in #world #lifestyle #locations
My family and I were in Udaipur (India) for a wedding ceremony and decided to travel around the area. We went to Jaisalmer, one of the most gorgeous cities I have ever seen (located on the border with Pakistan) and decided to stop by the remote Thar Desert, which is where these pictures were taken. 3
Photo Stories: Holiest City, Oldest City by flyaway
written by Julien Matabuena on 2015-06-21 in #world #locations
Situated along the banks of the Ganges, the vibrant city of Varanasi is one of the most important in Hinduism. It is where pilgrims flock to wash their sins in the waters of the great river and hold sacred rituals. During a trip a few years back, flyaway was able to capture scenes unique to this city on film.
Hotel de la Opera: A Lovely Place to Stay in Bogotá
written by antoniocastello on 2015-05-09 in #world #lifestyle #locations
Colombia is one of the most vibrant countries in Latin America. In the last years the country went from being one of the most dangerous in the region to one of the most interesting places to visit. One of the jewels of Colombia is a hotels in its capital, the Hotel de la Opera.
"Tour de France" with the LC-Wide
written by lomographyfrance on 2015-05-07 in #world #lifestyle #locations
The Lomo LC-Wide has a special place in the hearts of Lomographers and analog photography lovers. With its compact size, it's the best companion on trips or even as part of one's daily routine, and its wide 17mm wide angle lens tickles one's creativity. Recently, the LC-Wide explored France, yielding a photo diary of beautiful French cities and landscapes. 1
Photo Stories: Warriors of an Indian Summer by jimjimm
In this story, jimjimm takes us right at the heart of one of India's most vibrant and colorful festivals and tells us a little about its history.
The Lomo LC-A Goes to Tokyo (Part II)
written by candilsw on 2015-04-23 in #world #locations
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and a very popular tourist spot. The city combines the urban metropolitan area with traditional Japanese culture. You can find exciting forms of entertainment as well as elegant traditional Japanese architecture and scenery all in this amazing city. Enjoy your adventure in Tokyo right here through the lens of the classic Lomo LC-A+!
The World According to Herr Willie: Olympiastadion Berlin
written by wil6ka on 2015-05-19 in #world #locations
The 2015 UEFA Champions League Final will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on June 6. It is a place full of history and is also the only football stadium with a blue track course. Some say it is the most beautiful stadium in the world, and I totally agree with them. But then agai,n I might be biased because it is the home court of my favorite team, Hertha BSC Berlin—my blue-white bloodline.
5 Ways to Get Strangers' Permission to Shoot Them
written by kenaz on 2015-03-05 in #world #lifestyle #tipster
Asking “Can I take your photo?” will save you the trouble of hiding behind bushes or pretending to shoot buildings just to get a stranger’s good angle.
My New York City Bike Ride Through Purple Eyes
written by cecilialeitinger on 2015-08-14 in #world #news
What do you do when you don't have much time in a city like New York but you want to see everything, feel the vibe and be part of the community, even for a short time? Jump on a bike and enjoy what trains, buses and cabs can never give you: be part of the city. Take a camera with you to capture the moments and sights you don't want to forget. I did this with my LC-A 120 and LomoChrome Purple film. 6 | 旅游 |
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Madagascar Landmarks and Monuments
(Madagascar, MG, Africa)
Madagascar boasts over 100 classified monuments and landmarks, including a number which have achieved prestigious World Heritage status. Whilst many remain relatively uncared for, often unrestored and off-the-beaten track for visitors, others, such as those on Nosy Be Island, really are 'must-see' essentials.
It is not hard to let your imagination run away with you when you first take a glimpse of Ile Sainte Marie. A haven for pirates in the 17th century, a tropical vista of white sandy beaches and palm trees, and home to some rather beautiful buildings, you are likely to think you've landed in paradise. Other landmarks in Madagascar include both the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and the Avenue of the Baobabs, while the lakes of Anosy, Itasy and Mantasoa also deserve mentioning in this category.
Avenue of the Baobabs
Address: Morondava, Madagascar, MG, Africa
Impossible to miss, this distinctive row of baobab trees lines the road that runs near the western city of Morondava. The avenue comprises 12 trees to be exact, each around 30 metres / 98 feet high. Increasingly popular with tourists, attempts have recently been made to conserve the trees making up the Avenue of the Baobabs, which can live up to 800 years and store remarkable quantities of water within their trunks. Hang around for sunset and you will be rewarded with some stunning photographic opportunities.
Open hours: daily
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Address: Antananarivo, Madagascar, MG, Africa
Ambohimanga is a place of tremendous historic and religious significance for the Malagasy people. Located a short drive from the centre of Antananarivo, the palace was occupied by the royal Merina dynasty from at least the 16th century onwards. By the 19th century, the palace was being used as a royal weekend retreat. The importance of this archaeological site was finally recognised in 2001, when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as being a ruined city and royal residential area, there are also several tombs and holy shrines on the site. Considering that every year pilgrims and tourists visit in their thousands, the site manages to retain a relatively tranquil atmosphere.
Lac Anosy
Address: Lac Anosy, Antananarivo, Madagascar, MG, Africa
Lac Anosy is well-known in Madagascar, since it lies in the centre of its capital city, Antananarivo. Close to the Haute-Ville area, this lake is regularly frequented by egrets and surrounded by mature jacaranda trees. Linked to the shoreline by a narrow causeway is an island, where a simple WWI monument stands - named the Monument to the Dead (Monument aux Morts). The encircling pathways provide a very pleasant place to come for an afternoon stroll on a sunny day and many locals choose to do just that, hanging out here in large numbers at the weekend.
Lac Itasy
Address: Lac Itasy, Ampefy, Madagascar, MG, Africa
Located some 120 km / 75 miles west of Antananarivo, Lake Itasy is the third-largest lake in the country, covering an area of roughly 11,000 acres / 4,450 hectares. Created by volcanic activity, Itasy's shores are dotted with hot springs and geysers. On the edge of Lake Itasy is a monument which marks the centre of Madagascar. There are also several waterfalls, including the Lily Waterfall, as well as lots of small caves and over 20 smaller crater lakes in the vicinity, such as Lac Andranotoraha and its legendary monster. The lake is an ideal haunt for fishermen, water sports enthusiasts and keen trekkers. However, swimming is not recommended here, partly due to the presence of crocodiles in the lake.
Lac Mantasoa
Address: Lac Mantasoa, Mantasoa, Antananarivo, Madagascar, MG, Africa
Situated approximately 60 km / 37 miles to the east of Antananarivo is the huge man-made lake that is Lac Mantasoa. Encompassing about 4,950 acres / 2,000 hectares, this lake dates back to the 1830s and has become a popular spot for Antananarivo locals to visit at the weekend, coming here in their droves for its plentiful recreational activities, such as fishing and sailing. Several years prior to the flooding of the land, a large palace was built here for Queen Ranavalona I. However, the palace sadly now lives beneath the lake's surface.
Nosy Be Island
Address: Nosy Be, Madagascar, MG, Africa
Today, Nosy Be Island is considered to be Madagascar's very own riviera, because of its beautiful beaches, long sunny days and fantastic scenery. Situated roughly 8 km / 5 miles off the north-western coast, historically, Nosy Be has been a haven for traders and settlers since the 15th century. The capital of the island, Hell-Ville, has a distinctly French feel. Other Nosy Be landmarks include waterfalls, rivers and unspoiled villages. Also of interest, this volcanic island is called home by the smallest frog and chameleon in existence, anywhere in the world, with further indigenous wildlife being concentrated within the Lokobe Reserve.
Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha)
Address: Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar, MG, Africa
In the 17th century, Ile Sainte Marie was the centre of pirate activity in the Indian Ocean. Indeed, the remains of innumerable pirate ships are still thought to lie buried beneath the bays of Ile Sainte Marie. This narrow tropical island, with its palm tree-lined sandy beaches, unspoiled coves and verdant forests, has become a major haunt for tourists who are keen to get away from it all. Setting imagination aside, Ile Sainte Marie is a great place if you've come to Madagascar to relax, admire the local flora and fauna, or generally enjoy the tropical sunshine on offer. Apart from sunbathing, one of the most popular activities for visitors is whale watching, which takes place in the waters between the island and the mainland of Madagascar. Whale-watching excursions are at their most entertaining from the end of June to September.
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/3048 | Time to move on from "Mount Snow Valley"
Jun 05, 2014 | 4414 views | 1 | 85 | | Words can be a funny thing. Something as simple as a few letters or sounds strung together can have tremendous power. Words can calm people, incite people, excite people, or depress them. Just ask anyone who works in media about the power words can have. To that end, the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce is working with a federal grant to undertake a “Cohesive Marketing & Branding Study.” What that hopes to accomplish is to develop a unified brand identity for businesses in the area to use for marketing. Seems like a simple thing, and one that could be useful for not just the chamber of commerce but for any local business. But there’s a problem. This area has an identity crisis. Not a big one, but certainly one that constantly gnaws away at efforts to find the right words to define what the area is that we live in and how we present ourselves to the outside world. Branding this region has never been extremely successful. There have been many attempts over the years. Here are just a few that terms that have been used to identify the area:Deerfield ValleyMount SnowValley of the InnsGateway to VermontMount Snow RegionMount Snow-Haystack RegionMount Snow ValleyThere have also been numerous slogans developed with the hopes of making an impact in the hyper-competitive marketing world of tourism. Two that quickly come to mind are “It’s more Vermont here” and “So much, so near, all year.”All of them have gained a certain amount of traction over time, and many still have value in the marketplace. But there hasn’t been that one silver bullet, the one that resonates in traveler’s minds and conjures up a simple picture of a desirable destination. Other nearby tourist regions have a certain identity, in part because of long-term consistent brand development. Stowe, the Berkshires, and the Adirondacks come to mind, and conjure up a certain image when heard. We haven’t been quite so lucky. We hope that this current study, facilitated by Arnett Muldrow & Associates, will find that elusive holy grail. We would also like to offer our two cents for the study. It’s time to retire the “Mount Snow Valley.” While it’s been the go-to brand identity for the past 15 years, it’s served it’s purpose. It’s also had some divisive effects. Just last week, a conversation was overheard at the local lumber yard about “Mount Snow Valley” versus “Deerfield Valley.” The point of it was that most locals feel they live in the Deerfield Valley, not the Mount Snow Valley. Even the chamber drew attention to that in the subject line of an email sent to members inviting them to a branding meeting this week. If the goal is to truly develop a “cohesive” brand identity, “Mount Snow Valley” isn’t it. Everyone needs a brand identity that they can get behind. Mount Snow Valley hasn’t really shown that over time. We’re not saying drop the words Mount Snow. Far from it, as the resort is currently the biggest player in the local marketing arena, and has long-term name recognition matched by only one other geographic name, the Deerfield Valley.Those two names have the most history, and use, behind them: Mount Snow and the Deerfield ValleyDeerfield Valley certainly has the history behind it, about two centuries worth. A century ago, the Deerfield Valley was an industrial dynamo that made its living logging the forest, creating wood pulp for down-country factories, and manufacturing wood products locally on an industrial scale. There was a railroad that tied the towns together, with Readsboro being the hub of commerce, industry, and the Hoot, Toot, and Whistle railroad. Mills dotted the rail line from the Hoosac Tunnel in Massachusetts to the edge of Wilmington. Mount Snow has 60 years of cumulative marketing mass behind it. Like it or not, it is the simplest name to describe to someone where this region is. Try telling someone who doesn’t live in the area where we are, an inevitably Mount Snow will be the one that turns the light bulb on. Is there any reason why Mount Snow Region and Deerfield Valley can’t be interchangeable? In the simplest form, “Mount Snow Region” is broad enough and generic enough to envelope anything within an hour’s radius. Think of it as the “big tent of marketing” theory. That could leverage a lot of marketing clout already being used for things like MassMOCA, Manchester, Stratton Mountain, Hermitage/Haystack, Strolling of the Heifers, and anything nearby. Mount Snow Region, due to the broader nature of the word “region” as opposed to “valley,” also has less negative impact with locals.The Deerfield Valley, conversely, could be used a little more intimately, as the core area of the broader region. Or, for an entity that may not want to use the words “Mount Snow” in their marketing effort, like The Hermitage/Haystack, Deerfield Valley can be a catchall descriptor that can also cover a wide geographic area. After all, the Deerfield River basin covers four counties over two states. Why not leverage that?Whatever the results of the current branding study turn out to be, we truly hope that silver bullet can be found. We also urge those involved to pay attention to where that bullet might strike, and who might be hurt by it. Copyright 2015 Deerfield Valley News. All rights reserved.
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/3130 | Native American site leaves Miami in quandary
Updated: February 14, 2014 at 8:46 pm
MIAMI (AP) — In a vacant lot between gleaming hotels in downtown Miami, are a series of holes carved into the bedrock that form eight circles.
At first glance, the site seems like an eyesore, but it's here where archaeologists say they have uncovered a major prehistoric Native American village, one of the largest and earliest examples of urban planning ever uncovered in North America.
It's also where a movie theater, condos and 34-story hotel are expected to be built.
The discovery has pitted developers against archaeologists and historic preservationists. The dispute comes as an increasing number of Native American sites are being uncovered around the country with advances in technology and a greater understanding of the subtle markers left behind to look for. The discoveries pose difficult questions for cities such as Miami that must decide whether it is best to preserve the remains of an ancient society or, often times, destroy it in hopes of revitalizing a new one.
"Let's be honest with each other," said Eugene Stearns, the attorney representing MDM Development Group, which owns the property and is eager to move forward with construction. "Every great city is built on the shards of a former great city."
At its height, archaeologist Bob Carr estimated as many as 2,000 people lived in the Tequesta village, starting around 500 B.C. It likely extended a quarter mile along the Miami River and then wrapped around Biscayne Bay.
Much of the village consisted of thatched, hut-like buildings the Tequestas, one of South Florida's earliest tribes, built by digging holes with clam shells into the soft limestone, and then inserting pine logs to hold floors, walls and roofs.
Because of the materials used — straw, wood — the only remnants of the buildings are the postholes, today still forming 18 to 40-foot circles in the blackened bedrock.
MDM has proposed carving out a section of the limestone containing the circle formations and placing it on display in a public plaza.
Preservations, however, say removing a piece of architecture isn't like moving a painting from one museum to another.
"The idea that you would carve out a chunk and move it to some other place and put it into exhibition sounds strange to me and sad," said Mark Jarzombek, associate dean of the Massachusetts Institute for Technology's School of Architecture and Planning. "These places are very site specific. There's a reason why they made this village or town there which has to do with orientation, landscape, access to rivers."
MDM has spent $3 million conducting an archaeological review and is now anxious to continue construction. Stearn said all of the planned commercial space has been leased and half of the residential units have been sold.
"There are enormous financial obligations and commitments that have to be met," he said. "And they need to go forward."
Miami isn't the only city grappling with how best to preserve an ancient site while allowing development to advance. Nationwide, Native American sites are being discovered at a quickening pace.
"Archaeology is really going through a bit of a golden era now with uncovering these sights," Jarzombek said.
In California, where as many as 1 million Native Americans may have once lived, Dave Singleton with the Native American Heritage Commission said he receives reports from county coroner offices regarding Native American remains about once every 10 days.
Construction crews have unearthed burial grounds, artifacts and villages in rural, desert areas to downtown Los Angeles. Any time remains are found in California, construction is halted while an archaeological review is done and a descendant identified.
With a few exceptions, however, construction has eventually resumed.
Hundreds of tools and other artifacts, along with possible burial sites, were found at a planned 250-megwatt solar energy project east of the Coachella Valley in 2011, slated to be one of the largest in the nation. Tribal leaders said federal officials had deemed the findings "unprecedented."
Construction was temporarily halted but later allowed to continue. A mitigation plan that included an extensive study and public outreach was developed.
"We, of course, like the other tribes of the area, were shocked and saddened," Jay Cravath, cultural director of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe said. "Mitigation will not change the damage that was done."
Singleton said the Native American groups are not opposed to development, but they object to the generation of plants and transmission lines that go through burial grounds and destroy sacred sites.
Miami-Dade County archaeologist Jeff Ransom, however, plans to recommend full preservation at a city meeting Friday and, if the committee members agree, MDM could be forced to redesign the site.
Ransom would like to see the huts and village reconstructed, and he believes the site could be turned into a viable heritage tourism destination.
Miami is a city vying to become an international destination not just for its nightlife and beaches but also its art and culture. Revitalizing the city's downtown with a new museum district, shops and restaurants has been seen as a central part of that.
There are some Native American within urban areas that have been successfully preserved. A Hohokam mound next to a hospital near Phoenix was purchased by the city of Mesa in 1988 and stabilized by a team of archaeologists. It is now a six-acre cultural park.
"What more human and intelligent and culturally rich way to revitalize a place than to recognize its antiquity and to celebrate its earlier native occupants?" said Peter Nabokov, an anthropology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Developers in Miami contend it would be difficult to preserve the site and promote it as an area for tourists to visit because it is on soft limestone rock, has no drainage and is corroding from rain and pollution. They also note the site is prime real estate that would cost the city about $100 million to purchase.
Stearns, MDM's attorney, said the archaeological value of preserving the postholes in their current state ultimately doesn't outweigh what could be gained in terms of education and development by carving them out and building on top.
"Archaeologists see them differently," Stearns said. "They can wax eloquently about the significance of the postholes. But I dare say that's not a view shared by most others."
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/3388 | Last Updated: Thursday, 26 August, 2004, 11:49 GMT 12:49 UK
Che Guevara legacy lives on in Bolivia
By David Atkinson
La Higuera, Bolivia
Guevara is remembered in a mural at Vallegrande hospital where his body was taken
Life passes slowly for the people of La Higuera, a sleepy pueblo in a forgotten corner of Bolivia's eastern lowlands. But this remote community harbours an uneasy heritage that is set to return to haunt the lives of its inhabitants: this is the place where the revolutionary icon Che Guevara was put to death. Locals are bracing themselves for an invasion of Che pilgrims with the opening of the new Che Guevara Trail through the area on 8 October this year. The trail leads by road from the burgeoning Bolivian city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, via the Inca site of Samaipata, onto the villages of Vallegrande and La Higuera. A $610,000 (�340,000), 36-month project, part financed by the UK government's Department for International Development (DFID), it represents one of the largest ever initiatives to bolster Bolivia's beleaguered tourism industry. "I remember Che as very handsome; he had great presence and piercing eyes," says Julia Cortes, a 19-year-old trainee teacher at the tiny schoolhouse in La Higuera the day he was held captive. Still living in La Higuera, she remembers her encounter with Che Guevara clearly and remains one of the last people to see him alive. Che seemed to be a quiet, intelligent man. But people always try to benefit commercially from his name
Julia Cortes
Che had come to Bolivia in 1966 to start a social revolution. Instead of liberating the rural underclass, however, he was betrayed and, after being wounded in a gun battle, he was captured and held prisoner in the schoolhouse in La Higuera. The next day, 9 October, 1967, he was executed by Bolivian troops and his body taken to a hospital in nearby Vallegrande, where his corpse was paraded before the world's media. "We didn't know he was an important man when the soldiers brought him to the hospital that day. His clothes were rags and his body filthy," remembers Susanna Ocinaga, who was the duty nurse on the day his body was brought to Vallegrande. The new Che Guevara trail has been overseen by Care Bolivia, the local branch of the international NGO Care International, and has a remit to foster increased tourism based around the draw of the Che legend. It is intended to generate income for the indigenous families living along the trail in what is one of the poorest rural areas of Bolivia. The new film The Motorcycle Diaries charts Guevara's Latin American journey
"The objective is to help local families through the creation of small-scale tourist-based enterprises as a spin-off to the project," says Jacqueline Pe�a y Lillo, project manager for Care Bolivia, who sought the support of Che Guevara's daughter in Cuba to rubber-stamp the initiative.
When officials from the Bolivian Ministry of Tourism attend the opening ceremony in October, they will also be hoping, no doubt, that the initiative can herald a change in fortune for a country that has been hit by strikes, blockades and protests since social unrest brought chaos to travel itineraries last October. After a popular uprising last year, the US-backed Bolivian President, Sanchez de Lozada, was unceremoniously dumped and images of violent riots were broadcast around the globe. In subsequent months, the once-busy traveller cafes of La Paz and Sucre have been near deserted. The timing of the project is also fortuitous. Because his blood is on Vallegrande soil, we are now forever linked with the name of Che
Susanna Ocinaga
The Walter Salles-directed film The Motorcycle Diaries, which traces a journey across Latin America by a young Che and his friend, Alberto Granado, in 1951, opens in UK cinemas on 27 August. A Che biopic staring Benicio Del Toro and directed by Steven Soderbergh is also in the planning stage. But the irony of turning the place where Che met his end into a tourist attraction is not lost on local people who still remember the dramatic events of October 1967. Indeed, the prospect of busloads of gringos arriving en masse to worship the cult of Che sits uneasily with the quiet nature of everyday life around the tiny central plaza. "Che seemed to be a quiet, intelligent man. But people always try to benefit commercially from his name," says Julia Cortes.
Susanna Ocinaga is also concerned: "Because his blood is on Vallegrande soil," she says, "we are now forever linked with the name of Che." E-mail this to a friend
Edinburgh Film Festival revs up
Cuba honours Comrade Che
In pictures: Che's snapshots
Bolivian president quits amid turmoil
Country profile: Bolivia
Ruta del Che - Che Guevara trail (in Spanish)
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7 Creepiest Abandoned Churches
Yohani Kamarudin
Scribol Staff
Anthropology and History
Image: David Bianciotto
This church is just begging to be explored.
Perhaps it’s their perceived connection with the supernatural that makes abandoned churches so spooky. Or maybe it’s the ancient architecture and dark nooks and crannies that give us the heebie-jeebies. Whatever the reason, though, from small country chapels to grand stone cathedrals, abandoned churches are a thrill to explore.
The motives for abandoning churches vary. Structural damage and dwindling congregations are just two possibilities. And in some cases, the buildings are set to be reclaimed and used for alternative purposes – like housing or retail. That said, the churches on this list are all unused, splendidly decaying, and wonderfully eerie – which makes them perfect for a spot of photographic urban exploration.
Image: Scott Haefner
7. Church of the Transfiguration – New York, NY (USA)
Beautiful decay
“A beautiful, abandoned church on Buffalo’s East Side signals the decline of industry and subsequent population decline of a once prosperous city,” says photographer Scott Haefner, who took these pictures of the Church of the Transfiguration. Although the church is in ruins and somewhat forbidding, it’s easy to see that it was once a magnificent construction.
The long aisle
This wonderful building was commissioned in 1893, primarily to serve the immigrant Polish population of the East Side of Buffalo. It started out as a wooden building, before it was rebuilt in the redbrick Gothic style that you see here lending something of a creepy atmosphere to the place. This version of the church was finished in 1897.
A very elaborate ceiling
This shot gives us a look at the fantastic detail of the old church ceiling, with its arches and stained glass windows. Unfortunately, plundering has taken a toll on the building. “The day we visited, scrappers were stealing metal vestiges in broad daylight; nobody seemed to care,” said Haefner in 2010. Now, repairs and renovations are scheduled for the church, which closed in 1991.
Image: John Crouch
6. St. Boniface Church – Chicago, IL (USA)
We love the beautiful blue colors in this shot.
This stunning if slightly ethereal looking Romanesque Revival-style church was built in 1904, to replace the initial, smaller structure, which was established in 1865. The original congregation was made up of German immigrants, and the church is named after the patron saint of Germany, St. Boniface. The wonderful architecture is the design of Henry J. Schlacks, who became known as “the master of Catholic church architecture in Chicago.”
Peeling away
As you can see from this peeling panel, St. Boniface has been neglected for some time. The church was first closed in 1990. Then, in 1999, protestors managed to stop a planned demolition of the building, which has much historical significance for the population. The original site once served as a refuge for people displaced by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and over the years, the church has been intertwined with the lives of the different immigrant populations of the area.
A beautiful example of the Romanesque style
The Romanesque style of the church was utilized because it was cheaper than Gothic or Renaissance designs, but St. Boniface is still a beautifully crafted structure. Indeed, Schlacks was lauded for his skill in “recombining the traditional architectural vocabulary in bold and subtle permutations of older styles.” Fortunately, his work will now be preserved for future generations to admire – although after dark we’re not sure we’d be able to appreciate it so much!
5. First Methodist Church – Gary, IN (USA)
Not a place to visit after dark
If this photograph sends a chill up your spine, it could be because you remember it from the 2010 remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street, which was partially shot here. When the film crew were scouting around for creepy locations, they were drawn to the nine-story abandoned church, and we can certainly see why. It’s not hard to picture Freddy Krueger getting ready to leap out from behind one of those pillars!
You go on, we’ll just wait out here
This photograph of side rooms on the ground floor of the church is even spookier than the previous image. Photographer Scott Haefner lit this shot by combining a flashlight and daylight, and the results are pretty scary. We certainly wouldn’t want to find out what’s inside.
We bet those floorboards are creaky.
Here’s another ominous looking part of the church building, this time taken in the Education Wing. “In addition to the cathedral, the church also boasted a lively community center, complete with classrooms, an auditorium, a gymnasium, a banquet hall and kitchen, plus a large meeting hall and a rooftop garden,” says Haefner. Sadly, the church was affected by the decline of the local steel industry that once supported it, and it has been left to fall apart.
Image: dsfdawg
4. Young’s Chapel Methodist Church – Rebecca, GA (USA)
As these photographs illustrate, abandoned churches don’t have to be large brick or stone structures to be intriguing – and slightly ghostly. This small church in Georgia is full of character. Young’s Chapel Methodist Church started off in a brush arbor, where the local congregation first used to meet in 1875. About a year later, the congregation moved three miles away to the present site.
You can almost see the preacher strutting up and down on the stage.
Not much remains of the old upright piano in the corner, but somehow you can still imagine it belting out hymns for the congregation to sing along to. The ghosts of the past seem to linger. The name “Young’s Chapel” comes from the church’s long association with the local Young family. It started with John Thomas Young, who donated the land for the church to be built on. Another Young, Emma, played the church piano for many years; and a lot of well-known local Youngs made up the rest of the congregation.
There aren’t any fancy stained glass windows, but the old church has a charm of its own.
“Something about these old churches calms and quiets the spirit,” says the photographer who took these fantastic shots. “I don’t know what it is, nor can I put it into words very well. These forgotten churches are a wonderful part of our past.” Young’s Chapel closed its doors for the last time in 1974, at which point there were only eight members of its congregation left.
Image: Eric Holubow
3. St. Stephen’s Church – Chicago, IL (USA)
Looks like an ancient ruin
This photograph was taken under the dome of the once regal St. Stephen’s Church in Hyde Park, Chicago. Even emptied and decaying, this church looks impressive – if a little creepy – so we can only imagine how imposing it must have been in its heyday. These days, it has become a “prime symbol of urban decay,” as one journalist put it.
Somewhere to sit and contemplate
Built in 1915, the original name for the building was the Tenth Church of Christ, Scientist. The architecture is said to be a typical Christian Scientist design and is modeled on the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston.
Someone’s old reading spot
The building has been vacant since the 1990s, when a developer who hoped to turn it into condos bought the old church. That plan was shelved after neighbors expressed concerns about parking. And since then, there has been debate about how best to use the space, although nothing has been decided. In the meantime, it’s a beacon for urban explorers, who are drawn to its crumbling plaster and mysterious atmosphere.
2. St. Joseph’s Church – San Francisco, CA (USA)
Evening sunlight through the windows of the bell tower
This abandoned church in San Francisco could well be converted from an almost 100-year-old place of worship into an office for technology startups and retail space. Here, we see inside the bell tower. Interestingly, the San Francisco earthquake of 1989 caused structural damage to the building, which led to its closure.
A window in the main room, somehow not cracked by the earthquake
Although the exterior of the building looks relatively intact, over the years, the interior has been trashed by squatters and drug addicts. Even so, the architectural features remain, and after some restorations and renovations, developers hope that new tech occupants will be drawn to this amazing site.
Evidence of the earthquake
The damage to the church is clearly visible in this photograph, which shows a gaping hole in the ceiling, traces of decay, and debris all over the stairs. When it was built, the church served a predominantly Irish congregation, but by the 1980s, most of the parishioners were Filipinos. Hopefully, this San Francisco landmark will soon be restored and re-used – albeit for a very different purpose – in the near future.
1. 17th-Century Church – Quintanello, Vigone (Italy)
Part church, part garden
Located in Quintanello, in the Italian municipality of Vigone, this stunning abandoned church is a striking example of Baroque architecture. Built in the 17th century, the church must have been a beautiful place of worship. While the worshippers are long gone, the loveliness remains, perhaps even enhanced by the vegetation that now grows over the church.
Mind your head!
As you can see, the interior of the building is just as neglected-looking as the exterior. Wooden beams have fallen over and nature has begun its invasion. Although most of the paint has completely faded, you can still just make out a pink wall and a yellow doorframe. Question: would you care to venture in there on your own at night?
A tree cathedral
Here’s another exterior shot, showing that not just creepers but entire trees have made this church their home. The old church tower can be seen peeping out from behind the branches. The combination of crumbling brickwork and foliage makes this an enchanting picture-book style ruin, and one that we’re sure the photographer had lots of fun exploring – while dodging ghosts older than most!
No way out at St. Boniface
These old churches are wonderful examples of the architecture of their time and historic landmarks in their own right. We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring them with us – and didn’t find the tour too unnerving! Thank you to all the photographers who have allowed us to use their amazing photographs.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/3720 | Home » Your Visit » Stations » Stogumber
Stogumber
Postcode for Sat Nav: TA4 3TR
Passengers can buy their tickets in the Refreshment Room (the old station office). Furthermore you can partake of one of the station�s now famous cream teas. On gala days bacon rolls, sausage rolls and pasties are always popular and in the colder weather tea and crumpets are served.
Opened in May 2011 was the new waiting room. The Friends of Stogumber Station (FoSS) have been rebuilt the waiting room as closely to the original as is possible by the RAMs (restoration and Maintenance) team at Bishops Lydeard. So why not visit the station, enjoy a hot drink and some of the splendid food served by the cheerful station staff. Relax in the garden or simply soak up the old world charm.
Stogumber is a picturesque but thriving village set in a valley between the Quantock and Brendon Hills. The main enterprise is agriculture and the village is surrounded by rolling farmland. The Parish comprises the village itself and several hamlets, including Vellow, Capton, Kingswood, Coleford Water and the "Vexfords�. The focal point of the village is the Square, which contains the pub shop and St. Mary�s Church, a large Norman church with an interesting William Morris style ceiling. The street leading up to the Square, High Street, is the most photographed part of the village, with its mix of colour-washed and thatched properties.
History of Stogumber Station
Since its construction in 1862 the station has seen many changes. Initially the small platform had a waiting room and signalbox while on the other side of the line there was sufficient space for a large goods shed and a spur which terminated at a cattle dock. The goods facilities fell into disuse by the 1950s and the dilapidated goods shed was demolished late in British Railways ownership. Also on the north side of the line was another small building serving as a goods lockup. This little building was constructed from the local red sandstone and was demolished before the railway was obtained by the WSR plc. The cattle dock had its bars and uprights cut away and the stable blocks which made the surface to the access ramp seem to have been �robbed out� many years ago. The signal box was demolished in the 1920s and was replaced by a ground frame which was removed later with the goods facilities in the 1960s.
For a time Stogumber played host to a camping coach. Water for this coach was stored in a tank wagon that was replenished weekly via a Taunton train. However this last vestige of any sidings at SR was removed in the early 60s when the camping coach was removed. Stogumber�s buildings then fell into general disrepair and the waiting room, that was now considerably rotten, was demolished soon after the WSR plc took over.For a time Stogumber was managed by Harry Horn, the Station Master and a small group of volunteers known as the Friends of Stogumber. However time told and this band of volunteers dissipated into other railway work.
Following the death of Harry in 2000, his wife Iris, carried on as Station Master and kept the station and its gardens in very good order. However Iris was not getting any younger and in 2009 she was admitted to hospital and the station team at Bishops Lydeard was asked, by the Company, to ensure that the station remained open.
A small group of volunteers came together and Friends of Stogumber Station was reformed. Sadly Iris passed away in the autumn of 2009. Jenny Davidge is the Station Master.
The fledgling FoSS started to grow almost as soon as it was created and it now stands at 34 members. There are 17 staff working on the station and between them they manage the buildings, gardens and platform.
FoSS is also holding a large donation that will be used to finish off the inside of this building.
There are plans to completely refurbish the cattle dock and open this area as a viewing gallery with disabled access so that visitors to the station can enjoy a cup of tea and watch the trains go by.
Whilst on the subject of trains it will soon be seen that the stopping pattern for Stogumber will change for the galas. All down trains will stop but every other up train will pass straight through the station. From an operational view point this will save on coal as the heavy gala trains will not have to work very hard to get away from the station. The bonus for Stogumber will be that photographers and customers in the garden will be treated to the sight of trains working hard right through the station. The new viewing gallery on the cattle dock (when it is complete) will give an unrivalled view that will probably be one of the best on the whole line.
Why not join the Friends of Stogumber Station (FoSS)?
Visit the Stogumber Village Website. | 旅游 |
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More About Odessa
The World : Europe : Ukraine : Odessa
Overview and HistoryOdessa is the largest city on the coastline of the Black Sea and was once the third largest city in Russia, after Moscow and St. Petersburg. Her nicknames are "the Pearl of the Black Sea", "Odessa Mama" and "Southern Palmira."The name probably comes from the earliest recorded inhabitants, a Greek colony called Odessos which disappeared around the fourth century AD. Here's a lightning overview of Odessa's rulers, from the beginning. First there were the ancient Greeks, then miscellaneous nomadic tribes, the Golden Horde of Mongolia, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Crimean Khanate, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, the U.S.S.R, and finally Ukrainian independence in 1991.The founding of the first city in this location dates to 1240 AD and is credited to a Turkish Tatar named Hacibey Khan. Its name at that time was Khadjibey. The first fortress was built in the fourteenth century, when Odessa was already becoming a major trading center. The fortress served to protect the harbor. Khadjibey became part of the Ottoman Empire in the early sixteenth century. Its fortress was rebuilt by the Ottomans and named Yeni Dunya, around 1764 AD.The eighteenth century saw Odessa change hands from Turkish to Russian control. Russia captured Odessa in 1789 under the command of Jose de Ribas, a Spaniard who became a Russian admiral and played a major part in the victory. Jose de Ribas gets the credit for founding the modern city of Odessa -- his name is remembered in the most prominent street through the heart of Odessa -- Deribasovskaya Street.In the treaty of Jassy in 1792, Turkey gave over control of a wide swath of land encompassing modern-day Ukraine and Odessa. The city was rebuilt to be a fort, commercial port and naval base. During the nineteenth century Odessa attracted immigrants from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Armenia and all over Europe, enjoying its status as a free port.Odessa was bombed by British and French weaponry during the Crimean War of the 1850's. After the destruction was repaired, a railroad joined Odessa to Kiev in 1866 and the city rapidly developed as the main export center for grain production. It became a center of Ukranian nationalism at the turn of the 20th century and in 1905 Odessa was the scene of a worker's uprising, led by sailors from the battleship Potemkin. During the uprising hundreds of citizens were murdered on the staircase that has come to be called "the Potemkin Steps."During WWI Odessa was bombarded by the Turkish fleet and after the Bolshevik Revolution the city was occupied by the Central Powers, the French and the Red Army. In 1922 Odessa was unified with the Ukranian Soviet Socialist Republic. There was terrible suffering in the famine which took place after the Russian revolution in 1921.Odessa was taken by German forces in 1941, and almost 300,00 civilians were killed. It remained under Romanian administration during WWII until its liberation by the Soviet Army in 1944. The city went through another rapid growth period after WWII, with industries of ship-building, oil refineries and chemical processing. The city became part of newly-independent Ukraine in 1991 after the fall of communism.Getting ThereBy air, the International Airport of Odessa is where you'll arrive and it's linked to the city by buses. Passenger ships from Istanbul, Haifa and Varna connect with the port. The Marine terminal is at the bottom of the Potemkin steps. When you get to the top you'll be greeted by the Duke of Richelieu, one of the city's founding fathers. This staircase also forms an optical illusion; looking down from the top, the steps are invisible and the side walls of the staircase appear to run parallel. Don't be fooled.TransportationThe main railway station is in the southern part of the city and it's connected with trams and buses, as usual, to get you around.People and CultureOdessa has a big graffiti scene as you can see here. Lots of concrete walls in empty places...Things to do, RecommendationsThe Opera House is the oldest and most famous in Odessa, built in 1810 with rich decorative rococo style. Here's a look at the Opera Theater at night. The Palais-Royal is adjoined to the Opera Theater and is also worth a trip to see.On the "must-see" list, Deribasovskaya Street is the very heart of Odessa. Its unique character lasted even when adherence to Soviet-design styles was strictly promoted -- so here you can find amazing architecture, outdoor cafes and restaurants, cobblestone streets and no vehicle traffic.Here's a look in the Passage shopping mall and hotel in the city center, a cool place to walk around.Visit the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the city. It's been newly reconstructed after its destruction by Bolsheviks in the 1930's.Architectural curiosities: go and find the one-wall building when you run out of things to do. This would be first on my list, actually. Here's another mixup of architectural styles to have a look at.Finally, go and visit Empress Ekaterina, one of the main founders the city, at her monument.Text by Steve Smith.
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/3778 | The temple was a place which the Ming and Qing dynasties' emperors hold the annual prayer ceremony for good harvest.
Copyright: Hung Chin Wang
Tags: temple of heaven; the hall of prayer for good harvests
More About Beijing
The World : Asia : China : Beijing
Overview and HistoryIn the Stone Age, "Peking Man" lived near Beijing -- as many as 500,000 years ago. The earliest relics in China are stone tools dating to this time period. Between four and five thousand years ago there were agricultural settlements southwest of Beijing. They were the beginning of a city that would go through several name changes over the millenia.The legendary Yellow Emperor Huang Di battled Chiyou "in the wilderness of the Zhou prefecture." Zhoulu is a town to the west of modern Beijing. The Yellow Emperor's successor, Emperor Yao, established a capital city called Youdo. Youdo became a place called Ji, and Ji was taken over by the Marquis of Yan during the period of the Warring States (475 B.C.)Ji remained an important city for ten centuries. From China's first feudal empire through to the end of the Tang Dynasty, Ji was a strategic military center in the campaign to unite all of China.By the end of the Tang Dynasty in 907 A.D., the Qidan army came from the north and occupied Ji. They called it Nanjing, which meant "southern capital." During this time the Liao Dynasty ruled and carried out many reconstruction projects in the city, fortifying it for greater military use.The Nuzhen army conquered the Liao and established the Jin dynasty as of 1115 A.D., moving the city of Ji and renaming it "Zhongdu" which means "Central Capital." This meant more expansion and construction of palaces until the city spanned five kilometers across and contained an estimated one million people.Mongolian raiders invaded Zhongdu in 1215 A.D. and renamed it Dadu. Under Kublai Khan the Yuan Dynasty took Dadu as its capital and unified China!Since Zhongdu had been destroyed by fire in the change from Jin to Yuan dynasties, Kublai Khan took on a reconstruction project that was to expand the city into rectangular shape. It became the political center of the country with three main areas -- imperial palaces, the city walls, and the canal.By the coming of the thirteenth century, Dadu was a world famous city which astounded Marco Polo when he arrived. In his record he writes, "You must know that it is the greatest palace that ever was..."In 1368 Ming soldiers captured Dadu and renamed it Beiping or "Northern Peace." It went through another period of reconstruction which saw walls twelve meters high built around its perimeter, walls ten meters thick which took fifteen years to build. When they were done, Beiping became the official capital of the Ming Dynasty. With the completion of the palaces and gardens in 1420, Emperor Yongle renamed the city Beijing, "Northern Capital."Beijing grew once more and took on a rectangular shape with two distinct sections, the Inner City (Tartar) and the Outer City (Chinese). Its city planners gave it an organized arrangement that still felt relaxed.The Qing Dynasty came along circa 1644 A.D. and the Manchus built extended suburban gardens. These took more than a whole century to make, but when they were finished the open-air pavilions and palaces stood as a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. This was proper to show the power and refinement of traditional China, a fitting design for the capital of the empire.The Qing Dynasty lasted until 1911 but collapsed into chaos at the hands of the Northern Warlords. Beijing suffered a lack of leadership until 1949, when the People's Liberation Army entered the city. From Tian'anmen Square in the center of the city, Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the foundation of the People's Republic of China, with Beijing as its capital.Since then it has continued to expand, surpassing the nine gates of the inner city wall, beyond the seven outer gates, and into the suburbs. Beijing now takes up 750 square kilometers! The city retains its old symmetry with a central axis that runs north-south, and the Imperial Palace Museum at the center. This palace was once called the "Forbidden City" but it is now a museum open to the public.Getting ThereThe Beijing Capital International Airport is located 25km northeast of the city. It is the center of China's civil aviation network and it connects to 69 cities worldwide. The airport is linked to the city by bus, taxi and Beijing Subway Airport Line.The city government operates one bus line and private buses go and come from several hotels. The taxi stand is outside the terminal, as always, so don't ride with the drivers who harass you inside the terminal. A ride to the city center should cost about 70 RMB plus 15 RMB highway toll. You should also know that there's an airport tax of 90 RMB for international travelers. Keep your receipt!TransportationWithin the city you can choose from 67,000 GPS-equipped taxis, the bus or the metro. Half of their buses are running on natural gas now, which is a good move considering the city is adding fifty new bus routes per year. Whoa!The metro has two routes, the Loop Line and Line One. The Loop has sixteen stations and it runs parallel to where the city wall stood in the Ming era. Line One has twenty-one stops going from the suburbs on one side all the way across to the other side. It is safe to assume that there will be more metro lines to follow as Beijing grows.People and CultureOne of the unique sights in Beijing is a park filled with retired people doing their exercises early in the morning. Tai ch'i, QiGong, sword dancing and shadow boxing are forms of exercise and relaxation which have existed for more than two thousand years and are still popular today.Drinking tea in a teahouse and enjoying a folk opera in an old-style theater are both popular activities in Beijing culture. Beijing has more bars and pubs than any other Chinese city (more than 400), and it's also full of antique shops, silk markets and museums.Things to do, RecommendationsBeijing is massive and filled with interesting things to explore. For just a few examples, take a look at these:The National Stadium (bird's nest), the Water Cube, and ruins of the Yuan Dynasty city wall.If you like art, you have to check out the 798 Art District. It's named for Factory #798 and the district contains hundreds of galleries, bookstores and restaurants. Have fun!Text by Steve Smith. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/3952 | By Bill Citara
Jiro Dreams of Sushi at FAU
The art of sushi is as exquisite and demanding as the work of any sculptor, painter, musician, writer, etc. And one of the acknowledged masters of the art of purchasing, cutting and assembling rice and raw fish is 85-year-old Jiro Ono, chef-proprietor of the humble, tiny (10-seat) Sukiyabashi Jiro, located in a Tokyo subway station.
A perfectionist so dedicated he makes the average perfectionist seem like fat slob, Ono is called by some the world’s finest sushi chef. He’s also the subject of Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a documentary by filmmaker David Gelb, which showcases not only the artistry Ono has developed over a lifetime of devotion to his chosen craft but the sacrifices he’s made to achieve it.
There’s only one showing in Palm Beach County (at least that I know of) and it’s set for Friday, April 13, at the Living Room Theater on the FAU campus in Boca Raton. Tickets are $9.50 and can be ordered online (where you’ll also find showtimes) at http://fau.livingroomtheaters.com.
The film has gotten great word of mouth. See you there. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/4330 | Macedonia is a country at the heart of the Balkans, with rich archeology, art and culture. Its terrain is characterized with massive mountains, intersected with wide valleys and lowlands. The capital is Skopje.
The country has an area of 25,713 km². It is bounded on the north by Serbia, on the east by Bulgaria, on the south by Greece and on the west by Albania. Its terrain is punctuated by deep valleys and rugged mountains and hills. Many of the mountain ranges rise to heights of 2,100 to 2,700 m. The Rhodope Mountains dominate the republic’s eastern half. Mount Korab, on the Albanian border, is the highest point in the republic at 2,764 m. The Babuna Mountains are in the center of the country. They separate the fertile Bitola Plain in the south from the Skopje Plain in the north and the fertile steppe of the southeast.
Macedonia map ►
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Lakes Ohrid & Prespa, Albania/Macedonia Winter/Spring 1997 (NASA). Located just below the center of this image, Lake Ohrid is the deepest lake in the Balkans. Just to the left of Lake Ohrid is Lake Prespa, the highest lake in the Balkans. The smaller Mikri Prespa is just to the left (east) of Lake Prespa. Lake Ohrid is 40 km long and covers and area of 340 km². Lake Prespa is 23 km long and approximately 13 km wide and covers an area of 290 km². Lake Prespa drains into Lake Ohrid through a series of underground channels. The terrain around the lakes is hilly but not overly steep. The region around the lakes supports a larger population than other inland areas in Albania, northern Greece, and Macedonia. Most of Albania is visible in this view (right of the lakes). The terrain, except for a narrow coastal plain, is mountainous and often inaccessible. Soils are of a poor quality except in the intermontaine river valleys, along Lakes Orhid and Prespa. The Vlores Gulf and Adriatic Sea are visible in the top right corner of the image.
Porta Macedonia, located on Pella Square in Skopje.
Travel and Tourist Guide, European country. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/4494 | Cape Town Property. Cape Town Houses, Flats & Other Property
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Monday Dec 24, 2012
Durban plans new cruise terminal
A world-class cruise ship terminal that is part of the Durban Point Waterfront development is being planned for the city, with the Transnet National Ports Authority set to advertise a request for development proposals by February.
The ports authority wants to establish cruise terminals in Durban and Cape Town by 2015, which will improve boarding for thousands of cruise tourism passengers who now use makeshift facilities at both ports.
The preferred site for the new Durban cruise terminal, just inside the harbour and adjacent to the Point Waterfront, is seen as ideal, because Transnet wants the facility to be integrated with the waterfront project and tourist attractions such as uShaka Marine World.
Speaking to The Mercury, Tau Morwe, chief executive of the ports authority, said: "We are looking at a dedicated cruise terminal in Durban close to the port entrance. It needs to dovetail with planned development around the Durban Point Waterfront, and ultimately needs to be sustainable."
He said Transnet envisioned retail and entertainment facilities, including cafés, pubs and restaurants, a tourism kiosk, and possibly a curio/flea market section as part of the project.
"The terminal will be operated on a seasonal basis in line with the cruise liner schedules, but to ensure an ongoing stream of income during the off season, the terminal needs to be able to double as a meeting, conference and exhibition venue," added Morwe.
According to Transnet spokeswoman Lunga Ngcobo, a maritime theme has been proposed for the cruise terminal and could incorporate historical maritime artefacts.
"It is hoped that the terminal will assist in kick-starting development in the port area and have a multiplier effect in the tourism sector, thus bringing additional income into Durban," she said.
The recent breakthrough Vetch's deal between the Durban Point Waterfront developers and water sports clubs will also see development towards the harbour's North Pier, which has been closed to the public since the harbour entrance was widened. Planned development of hotels, restaurants, shops and other facilities will mean the public can enjoy views of the harbour's entrance channel again.
Ngcobo said the development of cruise terminals in Durban and Cape Town came in response to the tremendous growth that the cruise industry had enjoyed in recent years. Cruise tourism was the fastest-growing sector in the global tourism industry, and was set for continued growth.
There has been mounting pressure from MSC Cruises, the only major cruise operator in South African waters, for a cruise terminal in Durban. The operator says the cruise industry has gone from handling 4 000 passengers two decades ago to 130 000 passengers last year. Durban accounted for more than 90 000 of these.
Morwe said the ports authority had received a good response in May to its call for expression of interest for the design, construction and operation of cruise terminal facilities in Durban and Cape Town.
"We are preparing to progress to the next stage, a public request for proposals, and hope to finalise plans by mid-2013... We can't talk about what investment we are likely to see, because that will be determined through the request-for-proposals process. The requirement is that both terminals meet the best international standards," he said.
In 2010, former ports authority boss Khomotso Phihlela told The Mercury that an integrated cruise terminal in Durban could see an investment of not less than R500 million, and possibly up to R2 billion. This would include leisure and retail components, as well as a new Transnet office block.
Stefano Vigoriti, a director at MSC Cruises, said the operator was keen to get involved in the project. With the growth of cruise tourism, the Durban terminal project needed to be prioritised and built by 2015, he said. This could see even bigger cruise liners operate fromthe port.
Posted at 09:19AM Dec 24, 2012
by Editor in Durban | Comments[1] | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/4590 | The Strip. Still the street of dreams.
By bus. By helicopter. By day or by night. Touring the Las Vegas Strip is still an intoxicating, visually overwhelming experience.A Las Vegas Strip tour is on many a bucket list. And why not? This iconic, neon-lit street of dreams has fueled fantasies, TV melodramas and movie romances since the postwar generation got its first driver's license. more...Simply known as Las Vegas Boulevard until the mid-forties, legend has it the Strip was named by Los Angeles Police officer Guy McAfee after the City of Angel's fabled Sunset Strip.The Las Vegas Strip, though, is a four-mile (6.8 km) stretch, designated a scenic route and an all-American road. Many of the largest resorts in the world are located on the Strip. In fact, it's home to 15 of the world's 25 largest hotels.The Strip's dramatic architecture has been chronicled by academics and pop-culture aficionados alike. Architecture students still read "Learning from Las Vegas," a classic textbook of the genre. And noted author and cultural critic Tom Wolfe rhapsodized fondly of Strip hotel's dramatic lines, soaring swoops and neon-flecked parabolas.The first casino built on the old highway was the El Rancho Las Vegas, opening on April 3, 1941, with 63 rooms. It stood for almost 20 years before being destroyed by a fire in 1960. Its success inspired Las Vegas' first boom; construction of a second hotel, the Hotel Last Frontier, began in 1942. Organized crime figures, such as New York's Bugsy Siegel, took interest in the former cowboy town, leading to construction of the fabled Flamingo in 1946, followed by the Desert Inn in 1950.Back then, a newly mobile middle class ogled the Strip through the windows of Buicks and Edsels. The Edsels are gone, in favor of helicopters, buses and Segways. The ogling, though, has remained the same. Keyword
Adventure Helicopter Tours
Location: Red Rock,Las Vegas Strip
Adventure Helicopter Tours has provided an unparalleled helicopter experience nationwide for years. They are a full service helicopter company specializing in tours, aerial ph... More
Big Bus Tours
Location: Las Vegas Strip
Bright Lights City Tour
Club Crawl
Type: Party Bus | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/4645 | Seabourn Cruise Line Orders Two New Ships
Seabourn Cruise Line announced today that it will build two new, ultra luxury ships, for delivery in spring 2009 and 2010. Seabourn, a division of Miami-based Carnival Corporation has signed a letter of intent for the project with shipbuilder T. Mariotti S.p.A. of Genoa, Italy. The sister ships will have an all-in U.S. dollar cost of $250 million each. Each of the 32,000-GRT ships will accommodate all guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent of which will offer private verandas. Combined, the two vessels will more than double Seabourn's current fleet capacity of 634 berths. The letter of intent to build the ships is subject to a number of conditions including definitive contracts, financing and other terms. The vessels have been specifically designed to enable Seabourn's award- winning staff to deliver the highly personalized service experience that is a hallmark of the brand. The design specifications call for hulls 650 feet long, with a beam of 84 feet and a draft of 21 feet. The ships will be powered by diesel-generated electricity and operate with twin screw propellers, with a service speed of 19 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability and two stabilizers. The ships will also be "green ships" employing advanced wastewater treatment technology. Tweet | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/4780 | Things to Do With Kids in Manhattan on November 21
Find free and low-cost things to do with kids in Manhattan today, November 21, including fun activities and events the whole family can enjoy. See what's going on today in Manhattan's museums, galleries, and libraries for some educational fun; in the parks, for outdoor and nature activities; and in the theaters, for children's concerts and performances. Plus, get details and directions on any street fairs or holiday festivals happening November 21. For even more free and low-cost upcoming events in Manhattan, check out our complete calendar of events.
360 Allstars - The New Victory Theater
November 21, 2014 - Times Square Theater District
Circling the globe and spinning circles around the competition, 360 ALLSTARS showcases seven sensational champions on a single stage. Meet Pete, a professional trick BMX rider from Hungary, and check out the acrobatic stylings of Rhys, one of Australia's top cyr wheel artists. Cheer on a breakdance battle between two b-boys that will leave you wide-eyed, and welcome to the stage Basketball Man from the USA! Complex beats from an award-winning musician fuse with the rich harmonies of a chart-topping, live-looping beatboxer to leave you dizzy with Xtreme Xcitement.
Minimón - New 42nd Street Studios
A seemingly plain room becomes a playpen of surprises when a solo dancer discovers silly stories everywhere—on the doors of a wardrobe, upon the covers of a bed and even in the opening of a drawer. Set to a sunny soundtrack, MINIMÓN (which translates to "small world") uses lyrical movement, clever projections and a little magic to make dreamers of us all. Families are in for a treat when, after the show, young theatergoers are invited to explore this wondrous, small world.
November 21, 2014 - Upper West Side
The New-York Historical Society will be transformed this holiday season with the installation of a spectacular exhibit of treasures from the renowned Jerni Collection of model trains, scenic elements and toys. The dynamic display will appeal to all age groups, showcasing the beauty and allure of toys from a bygone era. The exhibition begins at the West 77th Street entrance, where movement and sound from four large-scale multimedia screens will make it seem as though trains are roaring through the space. A 360-degree mountainous landscape will be on view in the Judith and Howard Berkowitz Sculpture Court, featuring artifacts grouped into ten scenes.
New York City Children's Theater Presents 'The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess' - Theater 3
Harvey is an amazing kid who doesn’t need much to be happy – just his family and his imagination. When he accidentally gets shipped to Pink Mountain Island (in an imaginary box!), he meets a princess whose royal family needs a lesson in fun and togetherness. This upbeat, 50-minute musical directed by Marty Johnson ('James and the Giant Peach,' 'The Adventures of Flat Stanley'), with lyrics and music by kindie rocker Laurie Berkner, celebrates what happiness is really all about. Best for ages 3-8.
"The Love Note" - Actor's Temple Theater
Through December 21, 2014 - Midtown
The Love Note musical follows young Jessie on a spirited journey at a new school, where she attempts to navigate the lunchroom bullies, a new crush and learning how to stand up for herself. With a lively cast of characters and a rousing score, The Love Note explores the trials of being ‘the new kid’, learning the ropes of self-reliance and survival techniques that carry into adulthood.
Wacky bookworms, menacing bullies and up-and-coming ‘tween fashionistas drive a fast-paced narrative, all under the watchful eye of a soup-ladle wielding lunch lady. Jessie’s lonely school lunches are heartened by the tiny pink love note her mother packs into her brown paper bag each day, but once chief-bully Brittany bites into her snatched sandwich, Jessie knows she is in trouble. Working out challenges with her magical friend Airy, together they concoct a spicy strategy to help Jessie stand up for her lunch.
Mommy & Me Class - Prenatal Yoga Center
Through December 23, 2014 - Upper West Side
This program helps strengthen, the spiritual, emotional, and physical bond between parent and child. Using interactive, slow-moving postures the class is ideal for mommies and babies 4 weeks to crawling. Class also includes infant massage and various exercises that assist the development of your child's motor skills. Mommy and Me Yoga will help carry you smoothly through the busy early months of caring for a new baby. Please note that we are a 1 flight walk up, and someone is always at the studio to help you carry your stroller.
'The North Pole Adventure' a DreamWorks DreamPlace at Westchester's Ridge Hill - Westchester's Ridge Hill - Yonkers
Through December 24, 2014 - Yonkers
This interactive holiday experience is designed by Westchester's Ridge Hill and DreamWorks Animation to revolutionize a visit to Santa and eliminate long waiting lines. The walk-through starts with Shrek, ends with Santa, and seamlessly blends storytelling with cutting-edge technology. The unique, family adventure will culminate in a private, personalized meeting with Santa, complete with photos in the classic style. Bonus: no long lines! Families will be able to schedule visits through a dedicated smartphone app seven days a week, beginning Thursday, Nov. 6 through Wednesday, Dec. 24.
About Westchester's Ridge Hill
Westchester's Ridge Hill is a regional destination for the very best shopping, dining, and entertainment Westchester has to offer. Patterned after a classic downtown with a lush town square, it features a children's play area, dancing fountains, and a trolley - the Westchester's Ridge Hill Express. Shopping, dining, and entertainment options at Ridge Hill include National Amusements Showcase Cinema de Lux - a 12-screen movie theater featuring a restaurant, bar, and children's playroom, REI, and Dick's Sporting Goods, and Lord & Taylor, as well as popular brands and retailers like Apple, The Art of Shaving, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Bath & Body Works, Bonefish Grill, Brio Tuscan Grille, Brooks Brothers Flatiron Shop, Charming Charlie, The Cheesecake Factory, Clarks, Desigual, Express, Elevation Burger, Francesca's Collections, Gap, GapKids, Guitar Center, Havana Central, H&M, LA Fitness, Lefteris Gyro, The Limited, LL Bean, Old Navy, Orvis, Pandora, Republic of Couture, Sephora, South Moon Under, Subway, Sur La Table, Texas de Brazil, TJ Maxx, Vera Bradley, Verizon/Go Wireless, Victoria's Secret, White House/Black Market, Whole Foods Market, and Yard House. LegoLand Discovery Center, Haagen-Dazs, and a two-level UNIQLO are now open.
Located at Exit 6A off the New York State Thruway and at the Tuckahoe Road West exit from the Sprain Brook Parkway, the shopping and dining haven is easily accessible to millions of Westchester, Putnam, and Metropolitan-area residents and visitors. Westchester's Ridge Hill features 160,000 square feet of office space - approximately 110,000 square feet of which is occupied by WESTMED Medical Group, as well as an urgent care center. Learn more at westchestersridgehill.com.
NEW Kids Baking Classes at Crave.it - Crave.it Italian Bakery & Cafe
Through December 27, 2014 - New York
Chef Alejandro Quinones hosts classes for young food enthusiasts, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at a working bakery kitchen, dessert decorating, and a story-time reading of an Italian children’s cooking-themed story translated into English. Together with Chef Quinones kids will create and design a smiley face gelato dessert and assemble a mignon.
Sunday Story Time in Mr. Morgan’s Library - The Morgan Library & Museum
Through December 28, 2014 - Murray Hill
Drop-in to the Morgan for a special story time featuring knights in armor, fearless horses, princesses, and kings. Appropriate for ages 2 and older.
The Three Bears Holiday Bash - Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park
The Three Bears Holiday Bash, is a variety show that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance, and puppetry. This production quickly becomes a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to star in Mama and Papa Bear's annual holiday show. The audience also gets to join in on the fun with a "12 days of Christmas" sing-a-long during the performance!
Drawing from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
Jazzed! The Changing Beat of 125th Street - Children's Museum of Manhattan
Immerse yourself in the toe-tapping, original sound of American jazz as the Children's Museum of Manhattan and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem present this all-new exhibit celebrating the rich history and lasting legacy of jazz during the famed Harlem Renaissance. Enter the intimate "jazz club" and listen to the warm sounds of Ella Fitzgerald; make your way to the "theater" and try out Bill "Bojangles" Robinson's famous stair dance; and meet Duke Ellington and his famous jazz orchestra in the "ballroom." Through special daily and weekly programs and demonstrations, families have the opportunity to construct Big Band-era style instruments, make wearable tap shoes, create record covers using vintage jazz albums, record their own rendition of an Ella tune and learn the Lindy Hop. A combination of daily live piano presentations by young musicians and weekly live performances by leading jazz artists and dance companies will allow families to experience how this genre continues to influence culture today.
IMPROV 4 KIDS - Broadway Comedy Club
Enjoy hilarious interactive Musical Comedy based on audience participation and suggestions.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular - Radio City Music Hall
Celebrate the holiday season in a way that only Radio City can deliver, with this iconic Christmas spectacle.
Be wowed by favorite numbers such as "New York at Christmas," where the Rockettes board a real double-decker bus, and the high-energy tap number, "Twelve Days of Christmas." Of course, beloved classics like "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity" will also be back.
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs - American Museum of Natural History
Discover a world where pterosaurs soared overhead in this exciting new exhibition.
A diverse group with more than 150 known species ranging from the size of a sparrow to that of a fighter jet, pterosaurs appeared 220 million years ago and survived for more than 150 million years before becoming extinct.
What sets them apart from their dinosaur contemporaries is their adaptation for flying, a unique trait visitors will explore through multiple interactive exhibits. Visitors can also investigate pterosaur models, casts, and fossils and find out how these extraordinary ancient vertebrates moved on land and in the air, how they hunted, and what scientists are discovering about them today.
Visitors will also glimpse the pterosaurs' ancient world in a dramatic diorama re-creating an inland sea in Brazil where pterosaurs, fishes, crocodiles, and other species co-existed millions of years ago.
AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N.: The Exhibition - Discovery Times Square
Through January 04, 2015 - Times Square
Marvel's AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N. The Exhibition (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is a completely immersive experience that brings visitors into the world of The AVENGERS. Visitors of all ages are granted S.H.I.E.L.D. access to the official S.T.A.T.I.O.N. headquarters and taken deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here visitors will have open access to a vast array of intelligence files, classified studies and experiments that explores the history and scientific origins of Marvel's The Avengers. Visitors will also be given unprecedented access to some of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most highly guarded artifacts such as Captain America's Birth Pod, the Tesseract Portal Device, Loki's Scepter, a hermetically sealed Chitauri and more, recovered after the Battle of New York.
NASA, the Science & Entertainment Exchange (a program of the National Academy of Sciences), Neuroverse, and Thwacke are all collaborating on the Marvel's Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Exhibition visitors will get the chance to map out the stars to find Asgard, learn to operate Iron Man's suit, witness the neurological effects of Bruce Banner's transformation into the Hulk, and physically test themselves against Captain America. Entry by timed ticket only
American Museum of Natural History Presents: Lonesome George - American Museum of Natural History
A native of the Galapagos Islands and the last of his species, the Pinta Island tortoise known as Lonesome George became an international symbol of ever-increasing extinctions. When he died of natural causes in 2012, more than 40 years after being discovered on Pinta Island, the Museum worked with the Galapagos National Park Service, State University of New York College of Environmental Services and Forestry, the Galapagos Conservancy, and a team of master taxidermists to preserve Lonesome George for future generations. Before the tortoise is returned to Ecuador, he will be on exhibit here at the Museum for a limited time.
Lonesome George is presented in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate and Galapagos Conservancy
This Leads to Fire: From Nonconfirmism to Global Capitalism, Selections from the Kolodzei Art Foundation Collection - Neuberger Museum of Art
Through January 07, 2015 - Purchase
The Kolodzei Art Foundation is one of the most extensive collections of nonconformist and contemporary Russian art in the world.
This Leads to Fire will include works ranging from the 1950s through the period of Glasnost and contemporary art, and will be organized into five parts that explore the origins of nonconformist art, the developments of Moscow conceptualism and Sots Art, the influence of the Russian avant-garde in geometric abstraction, and the coercive legacy of Socialist Realism.
The exhibition will familiarize viewers with an important and under-appreciated body of work, and demonstrate the challenges these artists still pose to both mainstream Russian culture and the globalized art world. The exhibition is curated by Sarah Warren, Assisant Professor of Art History at Purchase College, the State University of New York. September 15, 2014 through January 7, 2015.
GingerBread Lane - New York Hall of Science
Through January 11, 2015 - Corona
Jon Lovitch is a chef and the creator of GingerBread Lane, an annual display of homemade and handmade gingerbread houses that he drafts, designs, bakes, plans, builds, and decorates for an entire year. This season will be its 21st.
The concept for Gingerbread Lane changes each year, depending on what Lovitch has seen at gingerbread competitions, in magazines, at holiday displays, sometimes even drawing ideas from houses he spots while driving.
Lovitch purchases the materials after the holiday season, and begins designing and constructing the exhibit by March. All work is completed by late October and reviewed for detail until the exhibit begins. Beginning in November, Lovitch works between 80 and 90 hours for the final three weeks before GingerBread Lane opens for display. Each gingerbread house requires approximately three hours to complete and many of the complicated projects within the village require upwards of 35 hours. Each annual GBL takes about 1500 hours to make.
GBL is made from only "real" edible ingredients: gingerbread, royal icing, and candy. In contrast, other gingerbread competitors use dried pasta, uncooked rice and beans, and edible clay, among other ingredients. This year, GBL uses both gingerbread bricks and candy bricks for the structures.
The 2014 GBL weighs more than 1.5 tons, covers a continuous surface of nearly 300 square feet and is 11 feet high at its highest point. It will be competing for a Guinness World Record for largest gingerbread exhibit, and will be the largest GBL ever.
While the layout and composition change yearly, GBL always includes Eggnog Bay, Gum Drop Row, Peppermint Central Park, Candy Cane Place, and Toffee Boulevard. New this year is Ribbon Candy Ridge and a "behind-the-scenes" window, giving a peek into the makings of GBL with ovens, models, and ingredients...made entirely from royal icing. Five two-foot-high nutcrackers, also made of royal icing, stand guard over the back of the exhibit.
This year's village includes an estimated 1750 lbs. of icing, 400 lbs. of candy, and 500 lbs. of gingerbread dough; and comprises 152 gingerbread houses, 65 trees, four gingerbread cable cars, five gingerbread train cars, an underground candy subway station, candy trees, and sugar signage.
GingerBread Lane always sits out in the open, rather than behind glass, a fact that can really be appreciated when one smells the homemade gingerbread.
All gingerbread structures are given away free on the last day of the exhibit. Since December 2000, GingerBread Lane has also hosted annual workshops for families and after-school programs for children. Each year, Lovitch works with underprivileged and disabled children by shipping GingerBread Lane pieces across the country for those unable to view the display.
gingerbread-lane.org; Twitter: @GingerBreadLane; Facebook: GingerBread Lane, #gingerbreadlane.
Drawn to Language - Children's Museum of the Arts
Through January 11, 2015 - Soho
Bringing together emerging and mid-career artists whose work relates to the material qualities of language, Drawn to Language gives words visual form. Letters, words, or phrases are transcribed, visualized, verbalized, symbolized, morphed into patterns, scrambled, or even erased. While the works in the exhibition vary conceptually ? from amusing to political to philosophical ? each work is defined by its use of words to create an image, a deeper meaning, or both. Visual artists have long been interested in the intersection between art and language. From ancient calligraphy to illuminated manuscripts, some of our oldest surviving texts are an amalgamation of these two forms of communication. Visual artists can be ?drawn to language? in a variety of ways. Whether used for additional emphasis, to define pure meaning, to further a narrative, or simply to make a joke, language is an increasingly important element in visual art. The artists in this exhibition use new materials, processes and techniques to entice the viewer to examine language in new ways.
Artists on view:
Adam Ames, Erik Den Breejen, Anne Lise Coste, Jenny Holzer, Samual Jablon, Jack Pierson, Michael Scoggins, Gary Simmons, Leah Singer, and Hank Willis Thomas
Big Apple Circus presents: 'Metamorphosis' - Lincoln Center
Through January 11, 2015 - Lincoln Square
Step right up and enter a magical world of Metamorphosis with this all-new show from NYC's hometown circus. Witness astonishing acts and startling transformations that transport you to a realm of enchantment under the Big Top!
Appearing before your very eyes: The thrilling flyers of the trapeze, swooping and swirling through circus skies! The razzle-dazzle of the rolla-bolla, an act that teeters right on the edge of equilibrium! The dynamo of the diabolo, the whirling double?tops of the Big Top! An aerial space-age acrobatic adventure ? an ascent to amazement! The risky rhythms of the Risley team, twisting and turning, topsy-turvy! The cadenzas of camels and horses, and the exuberance of playful pooches, out to dazzle with delight! The cunning conjurors of the quick-change act, defying belief and inspiring awe! The incredible flexible limbs of the contortionist in an act that will literally bend your imagination! And Francesco the Clown, captivating the crowd with his musical merriment and gentle humor. Under the direction of maestro Rob Slowik, the renowned Big Apple Circus Band provides as always the live and glorious tunes of the sawdust spectacular. And finally, our irrepressible, magnificent Ringmaster, the illustrious and incomparable John Kennedy Kane will summon the spirits of the circus universe to immerse you in the wonder, the joy and the astounding magic of METAMORPHOSIS!
Into the Third Dimension: 3D Printing for Young Artists - The Children's Museum of the Arts
Through January 11, 2015 - Greenwich Village
For their inaugural collaboration, The Children's Museum of the Arts (CMA) and 3DP4E (3D Printing for Everyone), a new company on a mission to empower through design, technology and entrepreneurism, are pleased to present Into the Third Dimension: 3D Printing for Young Artists.
The exhibition activates CMA's permanent collection of children's artwork in a new unique way through the 3D printing process. It will feature drawings from CMA's permanent collection alongside a 3D-printed element or detail from each selection.
'Great White Shark' - American Museum of Natural History
Known mostly for being an ocean predator, the great white shark is misrepresented, misunderstood, and on the verge of extinction. This film explores the great white's place in our imaginations and in our fears while focusing on the plight of sharks around the world and the fate of sharks at the hands of the planet's greatest predator of all: humans. As the demand for shark fin soup rises, every year tens of millions of sharks are killed primarily for their fins. Some shark populations have been reduced by 99 percent, and many oceanic sharks face extinction.
The New York Botanical Garden's 23rd Annual Holiday Train Show - New York Botanical Garden
The Holiday Train Show is a New York tradition that will delight children and adults of all ages; now in its 23rd year.
Over 20 large-scale model railway trains and trolleys, from American steam engines and streetcars from the late 1800s to modern freight and high-speed passenger trains, traverse nearly a quarter-mile of track. Across rustic bridges, along overhead trestles, through tunnels, and past waterfalls that cascade into flowing creeks.
The trains travel through a magical New York amid the glow of twinkling lights in
NYBG's Victorian-style glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
It's not just the trains that the crowds come to see. The show features beautiful replicas of New York landmarks, artistically crafted of natural materials such as bark, twigs, stems, fruits, seeds, and pine cones by designer Paul Busse's team at Applied Imagination. The original Pennsylvania Station and Yankee Stadium, St.Patrick's Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center are
among the favorites in the Botanical Garden's collection of more than 150
replicas.
This year only, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1964 New York's World
Fair held in Queens, the Holiday Train Show features replicas of the World's Fair-famed
Unisphere, observatory towers, and the Tent of Tomorrow at the New York State Pavilion, all from the Paul Busse Collection.
There is also a plethora of accompanying programming, including children's activities, poetry, classical music, cocktail evenings, and more. Check the website for more details. Advanced booking recommended.
Somebody Come and Play: 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder - New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Come play and discover things you never knew about everyone’s favorite street – Sesame Street, the show that transformed television by proving it was possible to produce a show that was both educational and entertaining for children. A collaboration of Sesame Workshop and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, this exhibition gives fans of all ages the opportunity to experience what it’s like to create an episode of the show and get close to their fuzzy and furry friends from the street. For more than four decades Sesame Street has been helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder with the help of beloved Muppets like Elmo and Grover and its signature blend of animation, music, and humor. Sesame Street teaches not just ABCs and 123s, but life lessons ranging from health and nutrition to cooperation, friendship, and diversity. The children’s program is celebrating 45 years on television with this interactive behind the scenes look at the show.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - St. Luke's Theatre
This Off-Broadway performance is an adventure-packed, imaginative, family-friendly hit. C.S. Lewis' beloved classic leaps off the page, complete with magical creatures, an evil witch and a majestic lion. Just two actors give tour-de-force performances to conjure the world of Narnia, with simple props and costumes. This inventive production invites the audience to travel through the mysterious wardrobe and take a journey of the imagination. No wonder then that it's received both award nominations and great reviews since it opened in 2011.
For children ages 6 and older.
The Works: Salon Style at the New-York Historical Society - New-York Historical Society
Through February 08, 2015 - Upper West Side
Salon style is a method of hanging a gallery that emphasizes the complexity and richness of a collection, often done in the collections of the European royal courts to connote taste and opulence. By the 19th century salon style was used by private art clubs to squeeze as many works into a gallery as possible. This installation displays numerous gems from the New-York Historical Society's permanent collection in nineteenth-century Salon Style, showcasing the depth and range of our holdings. Everything from self-portraits of Asher Durand to Hudson River School landscapes to religious and history paintings will be on view, in close proximity that unites these typically separate styles.
MEMORY PRINTS: THE STORY WORLD OF PHILLIP CHEN - The Museum of Chinese in America
Through March 01, 2015 - Lower Manhattan
Chen's body of work explores the intersections between American heritage, historical and personal narratives, and politically engaged themes such as feminism, race relations, and colonialism. In Memory Prints, relief etchings are part futurist blueprints and part archaeologic shards, each juxtaposed in an almost Rube Goldberg set of relationships and movements. The exhibition unearths the emotional landscape of an inter-generational American family's multiple pasts, present and future.
Youth Wheelchair Basketball - Chelsea Recreation Center
Through April 26, 2015 - Chelsea
Part of Chelsea Recreation Center's sports program for children with physical disabilities. Come out and learn to play wheelchair basketball with the New York Rollin' Fury. There are sportschairs available for use at Chelsea Recreation Center, if needed. Ages 6-21.
Just Drop In! - Guggenheim Museum
Through May 15, 2015 - Upper East Side
Every Sunday families are invited to explore exhibition highlights through creative, interactive projects led by museum educators. For families with children ages 3–10.
The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter - American Museum of Natural History
Through May 25, 2015 - Upper West Side
Featuring up to 500 live, free-flying tropical butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia, this annual favorite returns. The butterflies are housed in a vivarium that approximates their natural habitat, includes live flowering plants that serve as nectar sources, and features controlled artificial light, temperature, and humidity. Featured species include iridescent blue morpho butterflies, striking scarlet swallowtails, and large owl butterflies.
Preschool Place - NY Hall of Science
Through June 30, 2015 - Corona
The ideal space to explore, discover and build! Little ones can experience multi-sensory activities in a safe, protected area and is specially designed to meet the developmental needs of children ages birth to 6 years old. Sing-alongs, story times and art activities are featured during weekends and holidays. This program is available thru June 30, 2015.
American Museum of Natural History Presents: Nature's Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters - American Museum of Natural History
Through August 09, 2015 - Upper West Side
From earthquakes and volcanoes to hurricanes and tornadoes, nature’s forces shape our dynamic planet and often endanger people around the world. Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters uncovers the causes of these natural disasters, explores the consequences, and examines how people cope and adapt in their aftermath. The exhibition features compelling interactive displays and animations to help visitors understand how natural phenomena occur. By monitoring earthquakes around the world in real time, manipulating a model earthquake fault, generating a virtual volcano, standing within the center of a roaring tornado, and watching the power of Hurricane Sandy via an interactive map of New York City, visitors will learn how scientists are helping to make better predictions, plan responses, and prepare for future events.
The exhibition is overseen by Edmond A. Mathez, curator in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters was originally created by The Field Museum, Chicago, with additional content developed bythe American Museum of Natural History.
Nature’s Fury is proudly sponsored by Travelers.
MoMA Art Lab: Places and Spaces - The Museum of Modern Art
Through August 31, 2015 - Midtown
Transport yourself! Discover landscapes, cityscapes, real places and imagined spaces. In the lab visitors of all ages can design, draw, build and create as we explore places and space in modern and contemporary art.
Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family - National Museum of the American Indian
Through January 10, 2016 - Battery Park
Jewelry making has long been an important part of the lives of Southwest Native peoples. During the last 50 years, Native jewelers in the Southwest—Navajos in particular—have created a contemporary aesthetic that draws on traditional materials and reflects the persistence of cultural values such as beauty, centering, and balance. Glittering World presents the story of Navajo jewelry through the lens of the gifted Yazzie family of Gallup, New Mexico—one of the most celebrated jewelry making families of our time. | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/4785 | No central agency oversees, inspects cruise ships
In this Feb. 14, 2013 file photo the cruise ship Carnival Triumph is towed into Mobile Bay near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. Want to know about a ship's track record for being clean? Want to assess how good or sanitary the food is? It's not that easy to find, in part because there's no one entity or country that oversees or regulates the industry with its fleet of ships that are like mini cities floating at sea. In the case of Carnival Cruise Lines, the owner of the Carnival Triumph that spent days in the Gulf of Mexico disabled after an engine fire, vacationers looking up information about the ship before boarding would have found mostly clean marks and few red flags. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
MIAMI — A byzantine maze of maritime rules and regulations, fragmented oversight and a patchwork quilt of nations that do business with cruise lines make it tough for consumers to assess the health and safety record of the ship they're about to board in what for many is the vacation of a lifetime.
Want to know about a ship's track record for being clean? Want to assess how sanitary the food is? It's not that easy to find, in part because there's no one entity or country that oversees or regulates the industry with its fleet of ships that are like mini cities floating at sea.In the case of Carnival Cruise Lines, the owner of the Carnival Triumph that spent days in the Gulf of Mexico disabled after an engine fire, the company is incorporated in Panama, its offices are based in Miami and its ships fly under the Bahamian flag — a matrix that is not unusual in the cruise line industry.For potential passengers seeking ship information, there's no central database that can be viewed to determine a track record of safety or health inspections. No one agency regulates everything from the cruise line's mechanical worthiness to the sanitation of its kitchens.The U.S. Coast Guard inspects each cruise ship that docks in the U.S. every year for a range of issues, from operation of backup generators to the lifeboats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a database of recent disease outbreaks and other health inspection information for cruise ships. Had Triumph vacationers looked up information about the cruise ship through those two agencies before boarding, they would have found mostly clean marks and few red flags.And when something goes wrong, as it did on Triumph, there are limits to how much the Coast Guard can investigate.These are not new issues — they had been raised by members of Congress before the Triumph incident."This horrible situation involving the Carnival Triumph is just the latest example in a long string of serious and troubling incidents involving cruise ships," said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., who led a committee hearing on cruise safety last year.Last year, after the Costa Concordia ran aground off the coast of Giglio, Italy, Rockefeller held a Commerce Committee hearing to examine deficiencies in the cruise line industry's compliance with federal safety, security, and environmental standards and review industry regulations."As I remarked then, they seem to have two lives: One is at port, where the Coast Guard can monitor their operations; the other is at sea where, it appears once they are beyond three nautical miles from shore, the world is theirs," Rockefeller said in letter he wrote this week to Admiral Robert J. Papp Jr., the commandant of the Coast Guard. "The Carnival Triumph incident only serves to further validate this view."The Triumph left Galveston, Texas, on Feb. 7 for a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. An engine-room fire paralyzed the ship early Sunday, leaving it adrift in the Gulf of Mexico. Passengers described nightmarish conditions on board: overflowing toilets, long lines for a short supply of food, foul odors, and tent cities where vacationers slept on deck. Tugboats slowly towed the 14-story vessel to Mobile, Ala. It arrived there late Thursday.Before a ship like the Triumph sets sail, it's possible — but not easy — to find information about past incidents and safety or health issues. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program is viewable online. The database shows recent disease outbreaks aboard cruise ships and how they were addressed.Records for the Triumph show it was last inspected July 7, 2012. It scored 96 out of 100. The CDC considers scores of 85 or lower unsatisfactory. The lowest score the ship received was an 88, in 2009.The Coast Guard also has a database, known as the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange, with inspections and any deficiencies found aboard ships, dating to when the vessels entered service. A search on the exchange's website for the Triumph turns up its certifications for things like passenger safety and pollution prevention as well as inspections. No violations or red flags are immediately evident. Searching a little deeper, the most recent report shows a propulsion issue from a Jan. 28 incident involving a short in a connection box of one of the ship's generators.But the cause of the fire that crippled the Triumph is still under investigation. Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen said Saturday that he could not comment yet on damage, timeline or estimated costs. In the meantime, the ship is expected to remain docked in Mobile to be cleaned and sanitized before it's back on open waters.The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board will lend their expertise to the investigation, but in a support role. The probe will be led by the Bahamas Maritime Authority, where Carnival registers or "flags" some of its ships. The arrangement is commonplace under international maritime law, and it puts U.S. agencies and investigators in a secondary position even though the Triumph and other Carnival ships sail out of U.S. ports with primarily American customers.Inquiries to Carnival about inspections and foreign flags were met by a response from the Cruise Lines International Association, which represents all of the major cruise lines. Bud Darr, the group's senior vice president for technical and regulatory affairs, said the industry is "very heavily regulated," from the way ships are designed to how crews train for emergencies. He said standards are set by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization.But Jim Walker, a Miami maritime attorney and author of the www.cruiselaw.com blog, said, "the IMO guidelines are not law and there is no consequence if the cruise lines ignore the guidelines and recommendations. Customers have no way of knowing whether they are well maintained safely. There is no federal oversight with real teeth."Fires — though not all as major as the Triumph's — happen virtually every year on cruise ships. There were 79 onboard blazes from 1990 to 2011, according to a list compiled by Ross Klein, a professor who specializes in cruise industry issues at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada.In 2010, the IMO adopted rules that require any large cruise ship built after July 1 of that year to have a separate, redundant system able to maintain the ship's propulsion, steering and so forth in case one engine is disabled by fire. The rules also mandate that ships be capable of maintaining basic services such as sanitation, water, food and lights in such circumstances.The Triumph was built in 1999 and isn't covered by the rules, as is the case for most ships among major cruise lines. Experts say the Triumph might have been able to limp into port more quickly if it had the newer systems, but retrofitting is costly and time-consuming."Provided the emergency generators worked and had enough power, they would have been able to return to port under their own power, but much slower," said Andrew O. Coggins, Jr., a Pace University management professor who focuses on hospitality and tourism industries."Once Carnival has evaluated the full cost of this incident," he added, "it might be cost effective to retrofit their older ships."
Expert on Winston Churchill tells large crowd of British leader's beliefs, humorCasey Anthony trial judge brings anti-violence messageJudge denies bail for kidnapping suspectCommunity and calendar briefs for Oct. 9School Board members vent over Stronach Group's broken promise | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/4825 | Salem Oregon Visitor Center
Tour Historic Mission Mill Museum
Salem Oregon Event Planning
Asahel Bush House Museum
Bush House typifies a Victorian home in the truest sense of that word. Built by Asahel Bush II in 1877-78 and occupied by members of his family for the next seventy-five years, the house remains theirs in spirit. In fact, much of what once belonged to Asahel and his four children can still be found in their home, as it did in the family's day. Bush House plays a significant part in the Salem Community - - the pleasant ambiance instilled by the Bushes continues to delight all who visit this wonderful residence.
Bush House Photo Tour
Entry Staircase
Staircase Detail
Formal Sitting Room
Family Living Room
Beautiful Piano
19th Century Attire
Elegant Dining Room
Wood Cookstove
Bedroom Furnishings
Marble Fireplace
Fireplace Detail
South Exterior View
Conservatory (greenhouse)
Conservatory Interior
Pioneer Grave Site
You are Invited to Visit The Bush House & 19th Century Salem!
Visitor Information Salem Art Association
Asahel Bush II is recognized as one of the prominent figures in Oregon history. He founded the Oregon Statesman newspaper and later the Ladd and Bush Bank, both of which still operate in Salem. During his lifetime he amassed a fortune and when he died in 1913, his estate was the largest to have come under provision of the state inheritance tax law up to that time. Bush House was a suitable dwelling for such a man and it is fitting that the home over which he lavished so much attention and thought should now serve as a memorial to him. The home, built in the simplified version of the Victorian Italianate style, sat in the midst of a sizable estate. It was the focal point of a farm complex which included a large barn, a much-loved greenhouse, and open ground for pasturing cattle. Asahel Bush II was a self-sufficient man and his residence and the surrounding area reflect his independence and desire for functionalism. Thanks to the City of Salem and a supportive Art Association the house remains intact. The barn, rebuilt after a fire in 1963, serves as a community art center and the greenhouse has undergone extensive restoration. The open pastures are now a lovely municipal park that provides an inviting setting for the house, which is a part of Salem's cultural center. The interior of the home combines the beauty and utility that Asahel Bush II felt were so important. All of the twelve rooms open to the public are filled with choice furnishings, as well as being equipped with modern conveniences. For instance, each of the ten fireplaces located throughout the house is cut in a distinctive style from imported Italian marble. Yet in addition to the one-of-a-kind fireplaces, a central heating system was installed in the house at the time it was built. Each upstairs bedroom has its own marble-topped sink for hot and cold running water. Many of the wallpapers in the home are original and were imported from France through a New York decorator's firm, shipped around Cape Horn from the east coast. Tirrill's Gas Machine was an innovation employed by Bush to provide his residence with lighting. The gaslight fixtures have been preserved, though several have been converted to electricity. The 1877 wood-burning kitchen stove is still used in the winter, which is quite a tribute to the inmates of the State Penitentiary who built this French Stove, so called because of its placement on a brick foundation. The elegance and craftsmanship of the walnut and mahogany staircase speak for themselves. The architect of the house was Wilbur F. Boothby, who was also superintendent of construction. Asahel Bush II came to Oregon in 1850 from Westfield, Massachusetts, where he had been born in 1824. Although he held a law degree, he readily accepted the opportunity to establish a newspaper to serve as the voice of the Democratic party in the Oregon territory. After founding the Oregon Statesman in Oregon City, he moved the paper and himself to Salem in 1853. His long and active involvement with Oregon politics began immediately and in 1859 he was named State Printer. Mr. Bush's career in journalism continued until 1861, at which time he sold his paper. Asahel Bush engaged in the banking business in 1867 when, with his partner W. S. Ladd, he founded the Ladd and Bush Bank in Salem. In 1877 construction began on Bush House. Bush bought Ladd's interest in the bank and became its sole controller. Under his direction the Ladd and Bush Bank became one of the strongest banking houses in the Pacific Northwest. The mistress of Bush House from the beginning was Miss Sally Bush, second daughter of Asahel Bush II and his wife Eugenia Zieber, whom he had married in 1854. The young and beautiful Mrs. Bush died of consumption in 1863 leaving her husband with four children: Estelle (1856-1942), Asahel III (1858-1953), Sally (1860-1946) and Eugenia (1862-1932). It was Miss Sally, who as a young college girl traveled to Springfield, Massachusetts to select furniture for the house, and it was also she who for thirty years played hostess to the townspeople and her father's expanding circle of political and business acquaintances. Upon the death of her father in 1913, "Aunt Sally", as she would lovingly come to be called by many of Salem's citizens, continued to live in the home, expanding its gardens and maintaining the character instilled in Bush House by Asahel Bush II. Miss Sally died in 1946 and soon thereafter her brother, Asahel III, or A.N. Bush as he was known, took up residence in the old family home. A.N., who had succeeded his father as head of the Ladd and Bush Bank, was responsible for having the elevator installed in the house and for arranging that at his death, the house and grounds should be taken over by the City. Since 1953 Bush House has been administered by the Salem Art Association and as an historic house museum, it remains part of the fabric of Salem life and a source of pride to the community. TOP
Bush House is Open to the Public
600 Mission Street SE (Entrance on High Street just south of Mission)
Salem, Oregon 97302
Map to Bush House Museum & Bush Pasture Park
BUSH HOUSE MUSEUM
Salem Art Association in partnership with the City of Salem
Guided Tours & Program Information
Please call ahead for group, school or private tours.503-363-4714
Tickets - Bush Barn Art Center, Bush's Pasture Park
Parking - Bush & High Streets or Mission Street Lot
Salem Art Association | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/35247 | Destinations of Excellence
Plateliai
Welcome to EDEN - European Destinations of Excellence, your gateway to the diversity and beauty of Europe’s non traditional tourist destinations!
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Plateliai (Lithuania)
The borough of Plateliai, first mentioned in the 15th century, also includes Žemaitija national park, brimming with aspects of Lithuania’s heritage – traditions, old architecture, local culinary, handicrafts, and the customs of that region. The Žemaitija national park is the land of the ethnic group Samogitians. The region borders the lake that gives the area its name – the deepest and largest in Žemaitija.
Travelling around Plateliai lake gives the visitor a chance to admire the hilly landscape. After a small climb, you can soon reach the Survey Grounds, providing a view of the lake and its islands, peninsulas and dark woods of Plokstine. The Žemaitija national park looks after the area, conserving its ancient woodlands, farmsteads and lake systems. It also encourages traditional farming methods and environmentally sensitive tourism.
There are themed paths for tourists to enjoy including the 4.1 km Šeire nature path along which plants, mushrooms and animals peculiar to this land can be seen, and the 3.2 km Plokštine path which takes the visitor around land previously used as a military base where nature and human traces interweave. Mikytai archaeological path is also a feature where an ancient sacred place – the hill of Alka – holds a mythological stone marked with the devil’s footprint and a well of prayers. The Paplatele path takes the visitor to examples of folk art in the form of wooden sculptures and there is also a special path designed specifically for children.
In the most southern part of the borough is the manor house, in the grounds of which can be found the ash tree with the thickest trunk in Lithuania – called the witch’s ash. But this ancient tree is not alone, the whole area is blessed with natural monuments in the form of elms and lime trees over 180 years old.
For those interested in archeology, Sarnele and the mound of Sarnele, also called Svedkalnis, is the site of archeological importance dating back to the first millennium. This place enjoyed by Lithuanian poet Vytautas Macernis is an ancient sacred place.
Cultural highlights
The borough of Plateliai is valued for its ancient farmsteads and the Samogitian folk architecture found in villages and old fashioned homesteads scattered throughout the national park.
Alongside the domestic architecture of ancient farms and homesteads are the churches. Those of the borough of Plateliai and Berzoras village are among the oldest wooden churches in Lithuania and house valuable, sacred artefacts. The little basilica church of Žemaiciu Kalvarija is one of the more famous ones.
The Plateliai visitor centre organises excursions, which need to be booked in advance, to natural and cultural heritage sites on foot, bike, boat or by car and bus. There is a medieval feel to this borough, with its network of 9th-13th century byways. The museum of the poet Vytautas Macernis is definitely worth a visit, as is the well preserved village of Berzoras, situated on the northern side of the lake which shares its name, not far from the borough of Plateliai. It is made up of old fashioned streets, traditional landscape, wooden churches and one of the oldest graveyards in Lithuania.
Plateliai also holds many other interesting cultural attractions including a museum dedicated to the writer Žemaite, the Regina and Justinas Jonušai museum of folk art and ethnography, Leonardas Cerniauskas art gallery – creative workshop, shrovetide masks which are displayed at the barn of the Manor, and archeological findings from Šventorkalnis and Pilies island which include tools and household artefacts.
Shrovetide, elsewhere known as Shrove Tuesday Carnival or simply Carnival, is the main festival of the year, held in February or March, which brings together historical resources, local traditions, customs, handicrafts and culinary heritage. In earlier times the villages became what were known locally as “theatres of the disguised” and the masks used during the Shrovetide festivities represent the rich cultural heritage to which the area can lay claim.
The Regatta – a traditional festival of yachtsmen – attracts large numbers of boating enthusiasts and the sight of the lake full of yachts makes for one of the highlights of August. Other festivals include the feast of St John or mid-summer night’s day, the great church festival of Žemaiciu Kalvarija, and the swimming marathon which even includes duels on the water on a log!
Official website of Plateliai
Please, have a look at our video on Plateliai - 3 minutes - 1 minute versionPlease, have a look at our video on Plateliai
EDEN contact for Plateliai
Plateliai (Lithuania) [257 KB] Last update: 01/07/2011 | Top | 旅游 |
2014-35/4142/en_head.json.gz/35273 | Destiny USA still pulls in customers on Christmas Day
CNY/NNY/S. Tier: Destiny USA still pulls in customers on Christmas Day
There can be a serious lack of options if you feel like going out on Christmas Day. Our Andrew Sorensen takes a look at why people go out on Christmas Day and where they go.SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The scene at Destiny USA on Christmas Day is an eerie contrast from the frenzy that's consumed it for a month.Stores are still decorated for sales that are now over, Christmas carols are still sending subtle messages to get those last few gifts that you've no doubt given up on by now, but the Christmas spirit seems hollow with nothing left to do. The mall is just about as close to a ghost town as you could get. Everything is shut down, the lights are off, but there are a few people here. The question is, why are they here? "This is the best time to be at the mall, nobody's here, walk around, waste some time," Chad Sims said.Sims and Kari Williams are among the stragglers, still wandering. But they say they're not just here to walk, they're here to see a movie."Yes, that's the only reason we're here, there's nothing else open," Williams said.In fact, the only part of the mall with any signs of life is the movie theater. Scores of people lined up to see “Les Miserables,” “The Hobbit” and “Django Unchained.”"Nothing better to do, really. We did Christmas presents in the morning, just had dinner and it's a good way to spend the evening," said moviegoer Jessica Allen.Some people do it every year, but the reason anybody comes, seems to be a constant: No options."I don't know, something to do, get you out of the house after you've been eating all day," said Lyn Miralles. "We had nothing else to do so we thought, we'd go to the mall and go see a movie," fellow moviegoer Melissa Bassett said.It makes you wonder if other things were open, whether people would do that too. But it does seem the perfect way to wind down from the frenzy of the holidays. So as long as there's no place to go, let the movie roll. Most Destiny shops plan to re-open Wednesday after the holiday.
ClientIP: 23.22.248.240, 69.31.29.163 | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/5845 | Royal Biograf
Vesterbrogade 34,
Anton Rosen
Vester Vov Vov
Tycho Brahe Planetarium & IMAX
Casino Biografen
Hawaii Bio
Imperial Biografen
The beautiful Hotel Savoy was designed by noted architect Anton Rosen in 1906, two years before he designed the Palace Hotel, opposite Copenhagen’s Town Hall.
Located in the inner-city district of Vesterbro, the left-hand side of the Hotel Savoy at street level was opened as the Royal Biograf in December 1906, it was a long narrow room.
Closed in 1912, it has since been taken over by the Hotel Savoy, as a dining room and in 2008, it serves as the reception area for the hotel. There is no trace within the building of it’s cinematic past. The Hotel Savoy was designated a Listed historical building in 1985.
Three photographs that I took of the Listed building; Savoy Hotel, which used to house the Royal Biograf between 1906-1912:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/2928760209/ | 旅游 |
2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/6036 | English Español Deutsch Hacienda Alemana
Puerto Vallarta Hotel and Restaurant
Home Accommodations Restaurant Puerto Vallarta Reservations Contact Blog About Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta (formerly known as Puerto Las Peñas) lies on the margins of the Cuale River. It is bordered by the Sierra del Cuale Mountains to the south, the Sierra Madre Mountains to the east, the Sierra Vallejo to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. In 1520, Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura entered a spacious valley on his way back from Colima, entering Xalisco territory. He encountered numerous indigenous people who provided him with fowl, corn, fish, and other basic supplies. Since then the region was named "Valley of Banderas".
In the mid-19th century, the place where the city now lies was the docking point for a ship navigated by José Guadalupe Sánchez Torres, who, on his way back from the Islas Marías (now an infamous penal colony) transported salt for the El Real Del Cuale Mining Company, located in the mining district of Mascota. From there it was carried to the dock by mule, where Don Guadalupe had built a shed using four logs and a palapa roof to guard against the elements. This was a stop for the mule drivers who carried material back and forth to the Cuale. In November 1851 he boarded his ship and set out to bring his family back with him from Cihuatlan (see-hua tlan). He renamed the place "Las Peñas", because of the enormous boulders still standing near the ocean's edge.
Los Muertos Beach was a lonesome spot where gold and silver smugglers disembarked to load and take the bars of the precious metals. New houses were built for the salt workers that began arriving with their families. Thus, the rancho Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe- so named in honor of its founder and the date of his arrival, December 12th , which is the day Mexicans honor their patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and of course, the founder's name was Guadalupe, lest we forget- kept growing. Every twelve days, mid-size ships loaded with salt would dock here. The port's prosperity increased.
July 14th 1885 was another memorable date for the city: the port was open for maritime traffic and renamed Puerto de Peñas. On October 31st 1902, the lighthouse in Cabo Corrientes was turned on, reaching more than 100 miles in the high seas. It was declared a county on May 31st 1918. It was renamed yet again in memory of the illustrious Ignacio L. Vallarta, who was state governor. We can safely say that Puerto Vallarta's owes its popularity as a tourist destination to film director and maverick John Houston, who came here at the insistence of Don Guillermo Wulff in the beginning of the sixties to film "The Night Of The Iguana"; starring Deborah Kerr and Richard Burton, who at the time was having an affair with Elizabeth Taylor. The press followed, and the rest, as they say, is history
Puerto Vallarta has become one of the most popular tourist destinations of Mexico, attracting more than 2 million visitors a year thanks to the outstanding beauty of its beaches and the colonial atmosphere of its picturesque city.
Due to the interest of the bay, in the year 2000 they opened direct flights from cities like Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago, representing the favorite vacation spot for thousands of americans. Puerto Vallarta has the largest natural bay wide and deep in the country: the Banderas Bay, brimming with aquatic life, dozens of breath taking beaches with clear blue water and soft sand. Puerto Vallarta has evolved along a notable tourist industry, with large hotels, golf courses, convention centers, department stores, restaurants, clubs and divisions, though they remain with the charm of old colonial buildings with roofs tile, cobblestone streets and flower arrangements that contribute to the generality of other charming atmosphere. In the main square of the city, the Guadalupe Church, built in 1951, shows a bell tower topped with a crown shaped just like the one carrying the Empress Carlota of Mexico in the eighteenth century.
Nine best things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Swim with dolphins!
Go whale watching! Discover our beaches! Fly above the treetops! Visit surrounding towns! Check out our Image Galleries! Learn about Puerto Vallarta's History!
Participate in an Art Walk! Learn spanish... Join our mailing list
Phone & Fax from USA & Canada:
011 52 (322) 222-2071
[email protected]
Basilio Badillo 378, Col. Emilliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta Jalisco Mexico
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2015-40/3388/en_head.json.gz/6047 | Historic Swords
Public Houses
Swords is an ancient settlement, dating back to 560 AD when it was founded by St. Colmcille. Legend has it that the saint blessed the local well, thus giving it its name, 'Sord' meaning clear or pure.
The site of the well is just one of the attractions which can be visited today. St. Colmcille's monastic settlement survives high above the town to this day, with its 9th Century Round Tower and 13th Century Mediaeval Square or Norman Tower.
Even those days, Swords was a very popular destination for visitors to the Fingal area though the visitors were rather less welcome - the town was burned by invaders at least ten times during the 9th and 10th Centuries.
Swords Castle didn't fare much better and has been lying in ruins since 1325 AD after experiencing the brunt of the Bruce invasion and many local uprisings.
This is a phenomenon which Fingal County Council and FAS are now reversing with their comprehensive restoration programme.
All of these ancient and mediaeval ruins can still be visited today and have been an invaluable amenity to the area. You cannot take even the most casual trip through Swords without taking a trip back in time, such is the richness of it historical tradition.
In later years the town played host to such historical figures as Dean Jonathan Swift, who often visited the famous Molesworth family at nearby Brackenstown. Sean O'Casey immortalised the area itself in his play 'Shadow of a Gunman'.
The bridge at Knocksedan still bears a plaque to the memory of the 1916 volunteers, who used it as a meeting point before the Rising. Beyond is the road along which Cromwell's army traveled, on their way back to Drogheda.
St. Colmcille's Church in the town dates from 1827 and among the graves is a granite monument to the memory of Andrew J Kettle, known as 'Parnell's right-hand man'.
Together with more recent developments which has made Swords on of the fastest growing towns in the European Union.
Swords Castle
Construction work on the castle began in the 12th Century with the appointment of the first Norman bishop of Dublin, John Comyn.
The castle was founded on the Well associated with St. Colmcille and is prominently situated in the Ward River Valley Linear Park.
The castle is unusual in that, with the perimetre of 305 meters, it is far larger than normal for an Irish Castle and was constructed in piecemeal fashion over a period of 400 years.
As well as being the home of the Archbishops of Dublin, it is said that parliaments were held in the great hall of the castle.
In 1583 Sir Henry Sydney, the Land Deputy, settled Dutch refugees in the Castle, who repaired and extended the dwelling.
By 1641 Swords Castle was chosen as a rendezvous for the Anglo-Irish families of the Pale. Currently the castle is the only fortified residence of the Archbishop of Dublin to survive in a reasonable condition.
As it stands at the moment Swords Castle presents a vivid snap-shot of 15th century life, comprising a gatehouse, apartments for knights, a chapel, banqueting hall, the all-important Archbishops apartments and two large towers, one of which was the home of the area's constable and his family.
Swords Castle was lying idle for a number of years before it was bought from the Cobbe family by Dublin County Council in 1985.
The castle and the surrounding lands were acquired for the provision of the Ward River Valley Regional Park. The story of the castle before was one of neglect.
The Parks Department carried out a number of studies, including a conservation study of the entire area. They then undertook a tourism study before submitting a plan to Fingal County Council in early 1995.
In March 1995 a plan for the phased restoration of the castle was approved by the Council and FAS, along with the parks Department, started the work shortly afterwards. The project is being sponsored by the Swords Castle Restoration Committee.
The council commissioned a number of historical and archaeological studies of the castle and it environs with a view to its restoration as a major cultural, educational and tourist centre, similar to Malahide and Ardgillan Castles.
The castle contains a tourism information centre at which visitors can find out more information about the castle and its history, is open from Monday to Friday.
In the 10th Century the Round Tower was used as a look-out post and housed the bloody remains of King Brian Boru and his son Murrough after the famous Battle of Clontarf on their way to be buried in Armagh.
During the course of the decisive battle the Irish king�s army had routed the Viking invaders and at one point captured their flag. The black raven featured on the flag remains the symbol of Fingal today. Indeed the area gets its name from the Viking words �Fionn Gall', meaning 'land of the fair haired stranger', the term for Vikings who had settled in the area from the 8th Century onwards. After the battle many of the defeated Vikings remained on as residents in the area enriching the local Gaelic traditions with their own indigenous crafts such as wood carving and turning, wrought iron working, pottery, sculpting and garment design. The tower gives an unrivaled view of Fingal as far as the Mountains of Mourne on a clear day. John Sweetman, the United Irishman and friend of Wolfe Tone, was buried in the shadow of the two towers.
9th Century Round Tower and13th Century Mediaeval Square / Norman Tower
Carnegie Library
Home of Swords Museum
Fingal Heritage Group | 旅游 |