Hot Times, Cool Places Vacation Fun Time

Hot Times, Cool Places: Fake Posters

2010-04-29T15:58:00.002-05:00

An interesting site for creating fake motivational posters: http://www.fakeposters.com.

Celebrate a Hot Time on New Years Day

2009-01-01T00:47:00.001-06:00

Did you know that you could celebrate New Years Day all year long -- that there are more than 100 new years days throughout the year? Check them out at http://www.manyhappynewyears.com. Enjoy!

Randy Moss and Superman

2008-01-13T15:33:00.000-06:00

Randy Moss had a really cool look during the post-game news conference yesterday. I love the look. Not one I could pull off, but one I wish I could. I'm just not a Superman like he is, so he deserves to wear a Superman hoodie.

Meanwhile, check out these two hot sites (both my hobby sites):

Tourist Trains USA: http://www.touristtrains.us

WayBackWords: A wordplay site: http://www.waybackwords.com

A Great Song Ready for a Great Star

2008-01-06T08:28:00.000-06:00

Listen to this great song from my friend, Tim Peterson: The Angel Song. This is the first video that I've posted to YouTube. Well, it's a beginning. I do wish Tim all the best in getting this song produced and sung by a star.

Indianapolis Colts Bite the Dust

2007-12-30T21:26:00.000-06:00

As an NFL fan, I have to say one of the best games of the past ten years was last night's game where the New England Patriots and New York Giants played their hearts out for what is a so-called meaningless game. Thank you for a great game.

On the other hand, I hope the Indianapolis Colts bite the dust in their first playoff game for playing such a paltry, paltry game. They deserve to lose right away. And if the gods of football are fair, they will destroy the Colts in their first playoff game.

I really hate seeing any team give away a game the way the Colts did. If I were the Tennessee Titans and had any pride left, I'd give the Cleveland Browns the last playoff spot.

The Dallas Cowboys also phoned in their game, but at least they played some of their starters through more of the game. Still sad. I do hope that the Cowboys also lose right away.

Happy New Year's: 100 Times a Year and More!

2007-12-29T19:56:00.000-06:00

I wish you a happy new year. But if you fail to celebrate the new year on January 1st, you have more than 100 other new year's days you can celebrate. For details on those, see http://www.celebratetoday.com/newyears.html.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

2007-11-30T09:51:00.000-06:00

This hall of fame honors the pioneer spirit of women who helped to shape the west, from cowgirls and ranch women to writers, artists, teachers, and ntertainers.

Begun in 1955, it has inducted more than 145 honorees, including Enid Justin, Annie Oakley, Sacagawea, Georgia O'Keeffe, Dale Evans, Patsy Cline, Henrietta King, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nellie Cashman, Terry Stuart Forst, Kalyn Brooks, Patsy Montana, Elaine Kramer, Mary Jo Milner, Sandra Day O'Connor, Cynthia Ann Parker, Donna Howell-Sickles, Nellie Snyder Yost, Willa Cather, Texas Rose Bascom, and Alice Van Springsteen.

Address: National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76107; 817-336-4475; 800-476-3263; Fax: 817-336-2470. Web: http://www.cowgirl.net.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

2007-11-28T00:08:00.000-06:00

Originally built in 1880, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is a narrow-gauge steam railroad that runs through some of the most scenic country in the United States: northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The train travels from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado. It is America's longest and highest narrow gauge railroad.

All trains stop for lunch at Osier, Colorado — roughly the mid-point of the railroad — where a hot meal with salad bar and homemade desserts is included in the fare.

During the winter holidays, the railroad runs the Cinder Bear Christmas Express.

Address: Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, 500 Terrace Avenue, P O Box 1057, Chama, New Mexico 87520; 888-286-2737. Email: info@cumbrestoltec.com. Web: http://www.cumbrestoltec.com.

Chama Depot: 575-756-2151; Fax: 505-756-2694.

Antonito Depot: 719-376-5483; Fax: 719-376-2545.

National Submarine Memorial: Submarine Wall of Honor

2007-11-27T08:44:00.000-06:00

At the National Submarine Memorial Wall of Honor, granite stones display the names of each of the 52 submarines lost in World War II and list the date, place, and names of each sailor who was lost on board these submarines.

These granite stones are engraved with the submarine name and number, date lost, location, patrol number, how sunk, and how many valiant submariners of the U.S. Navy gave their lives onboard.

On September 2, 1994, a Wall of Honor, containing the 3,617 names of the submariners lost during World War II, was dedicated.

Address: National Submarine Monument. Near the point where Bridge Street runs into Thames in Groton, Connecticut, just south of the Gold Star I-95 Bridge, is the USS Flasher National Submarine Monument.

World's Largest Gold Nugget

2007-11-26T15:40:00.000-06:00

IronStone Vineyards, a Sierra foothill winery and entertainment complex, features great wines, a pipe organ, and a Heritage Museum that houses a 44-pound crystalline gold leaf specimen — the world's largest gold nugget.

Address: IronStone Vineyards Heritage Museum, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys, California 95247; 209-728-1251; Fax: 209-728-1275. Email: info@ironstonevineyards.com. Web: http://www.ironstonevineyards.com.

Frog Hop of Fame

2007-11-25T15:30:00.000-06:00

The Frog Hop of Fame honors the prize-winning frogs and their handlers of the Calavaras Jumping Frog Jubilee. The gold plaques honoring the Hop of Fame inductees are embedded in the sidewalks of Angels Camp, California.

Address: Frog Hop of Fame, Calaveras County Fair, 101 Frogtown Road, P O Box 489, Angels Camp, California 95222-0489; 209-736-2561; Fax: 209-736-2476. Email: info@frogtown.org. Web: http://www.frogtown.org.

Wonderfully Weird Houses

2007-11-12T10:54:00.000-06:00

The Broken Column House was created by the aristocrat François Nicolas Henri Racine de Monville who live there during the years before the French Revolution.

The Bubble House was constructed by Antti Lovag for an industrialist. Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble.

The Glass House by Philip Johnson is one of the world's most beautiful and yet least functional homes. It's a house I could live in. The interior space is divided by low walnut cabinets and a brick cylinder that contains the bathroom. The cylinder and the brick floors are a polished purple hue. The Glass House is now open to the public, with tours booked many months in advance.

The House on the Stick was inspired by highway billboards. Only 27 square meters (290 square feet), it is designed as an object suitable for almost any place on earth: forests, seas, lakes, mountains, meadows, or a city street.

The Hundertwasser Apartments were constructed in 1982 to 1985. A popular tourist attraction, it has no straight lines or surfaces, with tortuous corridors, rounded-off corners, plants and trees. A huge Hobbit house.

The Toilet House, built by the founding member of the World Toilet Association, features four deluxe toilets including a showcase bathroom placed in its center. Other toilets have features that range from elegant fittings to the latest in water conservation devices.

The Upside-Down House was created by Daniel Czapiewski in the village of Szymbark, northern Poland in 2007. A tourist attraction, it took 114 days to build because the workers were disorientated by the strange angles of the walls.

A Wonderful Go-Nowhere Staircase

2007-11-02T16:39:00.000-05:00

I just saw this wonderful go-nowhere beautiful staircase in the Levine Breaking News E-lert (http://www.lbnelert.com). I thought you would enjoy it as much as I did.

They didn't say where the staircase is but I sure would like to know. I'd love to run up and down those staircases.

WidgetBucks

World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake

2007-11-01T23:09:00.000-05:00

Held on the first full weekend in June, the Lebanon Strawberry Festival serves the World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake.

Contact: Lebanon Strawberry Festival, P. O. Box 273, Lebanon, Oregon 97355-0273. Web: http://www.lebanonstrawberryfestival.com.

Contact: Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, 1040 Park Street, Lebanon, Oregon 97355; 541-258-7164; Fax: 541-258-7166. Email: mary@lebanon-chamber.org. Web: http://www.lebanon-chamber.org.

Other cities also claim to have created the World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake: Plant City, Florida; Pasadena, Texas; College Park, Maryland; and La Trinidad, The Philippines.

WidgetBucks

World's Biggest Free-Standing Mind-Bender

2007-10-28T18:33:00.000-05:00

Discovery Channel has called the five acre maize maze at Cherry-Crest Farm near Ronks, Pennsylvania "the world's biggest free-standing mind-bender." It's an apt description.

Address: Cherry-Crest Farm, 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, Pennsylvania 17572; 717-687-6843; Fax: 717-687-8143. Web: http://www.amazingmaze.com. I don't know who owns the land.

Lowrider Capital of the World

2006-09-16T22:41:00.000-05:00

Expanola, New Mexico is proud to call itself the Lowrider Capital of the World because of its tradition of highlighting lowriders as part of local culture and the high number of lowriders per capita. Around the 4th of July, the city hosts the Espanola Low-Rider and Custom Car Show.

Address: Espanola Valley Chamber of Commerce, 710 Paseo de Onata, P O Box 190, Espanola, NM 87532-0190; 505-753-2831; Fax: 505-753-1252. Email: info@espanolanmchamber.com. Web: http://www.espanolanmchamber.com.

For more images of lowriders, see http://www.espanolaonline.com/lowriders.

Very Funny Beer Commercials

2006-06-22T23:26:00.000-05:00

If you enjoy funny commercials, here are 12 funny beer commercials. Enjoy.

Wake Up by Hilary Duff

2006-05-11T00:40:00.000-05:00

Hilary Duff's Wake Up. Enjoy!

Hilary Duff's Beat of My Heart

2006-05-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

Hilary Duff's Beat of My Heart. Enjoy.

Aly & AJ: Walking on Sunshine

2006-05-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

Aly & AJ's Walking on Sunshine. Enjoy.

Aly & AJ: Do You Believe in Magic

2006-05-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

Aly & AJ's Do You Believe in Magic. Because I like pretty ladies.

Urban Ninja

2006-04-20T03:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a great video from youtube.com. Enjoy it.

Snowmobile Capital of the World

2006-04-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

Eagle River, Wisconsin, the Snowmobile Capital of the World, hosts the World Championship Snowmobile Derby every year around the middle of January. The 2007 derby will be held January 18 to 21, 2007, at the Eagle River Derby Track, P.O. Box 1447, Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521; 715-479-4424; Fax: 715-479-9711. Web: http://www.derbytrack.com.

Address: Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Railroad Street, P.O. Box 1917, Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521; 715-479-6400; 800-359-6315. Email: info@eagleriver.org. Web: http://www.snowmobileEagleRiver.com and http://www.eagleriver.org.

Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame

2006-04-14T13:19:00.000-05:00

The Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame is located in St. Germain, Wisconsin, just down the road from the Snowmobile Capital of the World (see next entry).

In 1983, Mike Trapp, C. J. Ramstad and Loren Anderson were talking about the great and exciting history of snowmobile racing. Mike was a two-time Eagle River World champion and Loren had been a number one bib in open and 650 classes. CJ talked of the fantastic photo library he had which told the thrilling history of racing. Before that day's riding was over, the three had decided that a museum and a hall of fame should be created to honor the race drivers and to display their unique and exciting sleds. The idea for the Hall of Fame and Museum was born.

Address: Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, 8481 Highway 70 West, P O Box 720, St. Germain, Wisconsin 54558; 715-542-4488; Fax: 715-542-4477. Email: hallfame@newnorth.net. Web: http://www.snowmobilehalloffame.com.

World's Largest Musky Shop

2006-04-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

Rollie & Helen's Musky Shop in Minocqua, Wisconsin is the World's Largest Musky Shop. That's what their catalog says, and I don't doubt them. At their store, you can get anything you want having to do with catching, mounting, or displaying musky.

Address: Rollie & Helen's Musky Shop, 7542 Highway 51 South, Minocqua, Wisconsin 54548; 715-356-6011; 800-453-5224; Fax: 715-356-5719. Email: info@muskyshop.com. Web: http://www.muskyshop.com.

Rock Album Cover Locations

2006-04-07T20:46:00.000-05:00

Chris Epting, author of Elvis Presley Passed Here and other cultural history travel books, has a wonderful page on his web site that features the actual locations that were used in the cover art of major rock albums by The Doors, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne. You really have to visit this page: http://www.chrisepting.com/rockRoll.htm.

Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy album . . .

Prescott, Arizona: A Special Place

2006-03-25T16:15:00.000-06:00

Besides its natural beauty, Prescott, Arizona has three exceptional things about it.

1. Prescott sits amid the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world.

2. Prescott was Arizona's first territorial capital.

3. Since 1888, Prescott has been home of the world's oldest, continuously running rodeo. This rodeo is still held around the 4th of July.

Address: The Prescott Chamber of Commerce, 117 W. Goodwin Street, Prescott, Arizona 86302; 928-445-2000; 800-266-7534. Email: chamber@prescott.org. Web: http://www.prescott.org or http://www.visit-prescott.com.

Cowboy Capital of the World

2006-03-24T18:54:00.000-06:00

Bandera, Texas bills itself as the Cowboy Capital of the World.

Contact: Bandera Visitors Bureau, 1206 Hackberry, P O Box 171, Bandera TX 78003; 830-796-3045; 800-364-3833. Email: bandera@hctc.net. Web: http://www.banderacowboycapital.com.

The Poor Man's Dante's Inferno

2006-03-23T16:27:00.000-06:00

In this case, it's Hot Times, Very Hot Places!

Known as the poor man's Dante's Inferno because of an underground fire that has been burning for more than 40 years, the coal mining town of Centralia, Pennsylvania has been the setting for the film Silent Hill, starring Radha Mitchell, as well as bestselling novelist Lisa Scottoline's new book Dirty Blonde.

The story of Centralia's fire began sometime in 1962 along the outskirts of town when trash was burned in the pit of an abandoned strip mine, which connected to a coal vein running near the surface. The burning trash set fire to the exposed vein of coal. Thought to be extinguished, the first began burning underground. For two decades, the government battled the fire in a number of ways: flushing water down the mine, excavating burning material, cutting ditches, etc., but all attempts to put the fire out were fruitless. By the early 1980s, when much of the town was abandoned, the fire had encompassed 200 acres. The fire continues to this day and is expected to continue for many years to come.

Note: It is very dangerous to walk or drive in the area near the fire. As the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental protection notes: "Walking and/or driving in the immediate area could result in serious injury or death. There are dangerous gases present, and the ground is prone to sudden and unexpected collapse. DEP strongly discourages anyone from visiting the immediate area."

The best resource for more information about the on-going fire is the offroaders.com web site at http://www.offroaders.com/album/centralia/centralia.htm.

Oldest Wooden Merry-Go-Round in the U.S.

2006-02-25T10:52:00.000-06:00

In 1905, the Kit Carson County Carousel, the oldest wooden merry-go-round in the U.S., opened at Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado. It was later moved to Burlington, Colorado in 1928. It is the only antique carousel in America that still has the original paint on the scenery and animals.

Address: Kit Carson County Carousel Association, P O Box 28, Stratton, Colorado 80836; 719-348-5562. Web: http://www.kitcarsoncountycarousel.com.

Pinto Bean Capital of the World

2006-02-24T02:06:00.000-06:00

Dove Creek, Colorado is the Pinto Bean Capital of the World. Pinto Beans are the most widely produced bean in the United States and is one of the most popular in the Americas.

Address: Dove Creek Chamber of Commerce, P O Box 613, Dove Creek, Colorado 81324-0613; 970-677-2272; Fax: 970-677-2271.

World's First Rodeo

2006-02-23T08:47:00.000-06:00

The world's first rodeo was held on July 4, 1869 in Deer Trail, Colorado.

Address: Town of Deer Trail, P O Box 217, Deer Trail, Colorado 80105; 303-769-4464; Fax: 303-769-4466. Email: dttownhall@aol.com. Web: http://www.deertrailcolorado.org.

Movie Star: Durango & Silverton Railroad

2006-02-22T02:58:00.000-06:00

Established in 1881, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has appeared in more than a dozen movies including Colorado Territory (1949), Ticket to Tomahawk (1950), Denver & Rio Grande (1952), Viva Zapata (1952), Three Young Texans (1954), Run for Cover (1955), Maverick Queen (1956), Around the World in 80 Days (1956), Night Passage (1957), How the West Was Won (1963), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Support Your Local Gunfighter (1970), Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (1984), The Tracker (1987), Rebirth of a Locomotive (1992), Tracks Through Time (1999), Durango Kids (1999), Golden Dreams (2000), and The Claim (2000).

Address: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Street, Durango, Colorado 81301; 970-247-2733; 877-TRAIN-07. Email: info@durangotrain.com. Web: http://www.durangotrain.com.

World's Largest Natural Hot Springs Pool

2006-02-21T10:44:00.000-06:00

The world's largest natural hot springs pool, over two blocks long, is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Address: Hot Springs Lodge and Pool, P O Box 308, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81602; 970-945-6571; 800-537-SWIM; Fax: 970-947-2950. Web: http://www.hotspringspool.com.

Oldest State-Funded Archival Agency in the U.S.

2006-02-20T10:36:00.000-06:00

The Alabama Department of Archives is the oldest state-funded archival agency in the U.S.

Address: Alabama Department of Archives, 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-0100; 334-242-4435. Web: http://www.archives.state.al.us.

World's Only Monument Dedicated to an Insect Pest

2006-02-19T10:33:00.000-06:00

The Boll Weevil Monument was dedicated on December 11, 1919, at Enterprise, Alabama. It is the world's only monument dedicated to an insect pest.

Address: Boll Weevil Monument, Intersection of Main and College, Enterprise, Alabama 36331-0577; 334-347-0581; 800-235-4730; Fax: 334-393-8204. Web: http://www.enterprisealabama.com.

Even More Pennsylvania Firsts

2006-02-18T10:36:00.000-06:00

1831: The Oxford Provident, the first building and loan association in America, was established at Frankford, Pennsylvania on January 31, 1831.

1831: On April 25, 1831, Matthias Baldwin tested the first locomotive which established the largest locomotive building works in the world.

1834: The Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began the first systematic study of meteorology in the aid of agriculture.

Address: The Franklin Institute, 220 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103; 212-448-1200. Web: http://www.fi.edu.

1835: The city of Philadelphia began laying the first gas pipes in the U.S.

1848: The first regularly published comic paper, the John-Donkey, was published in Philadelphia.

1852: The Female Medical College of Philadelphia (later Woman's Medical College) granted the first medical degree for women in America. In recent years, the college has joined with Drexel University's college of medicine.

"Drexel University College of Medicine ... is the consolidation of two venerable medical schools with rich and intertwined histories: Hahnemann Medical College and Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. Established in 1848 and 1850, respectively, they were two of the earliest medical colleges in the United States, and Woman's was the very first medical school for women in the nation."

Address: Drexel University College of Medicine, Queen Lane Medical Campus, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129; 215-991-8100. Web: http://www.drexelmed.edu.

Still More Pennsylvania Firsts

2006-02-17T09:32:00.000-06:00

1807: Joseph Hawkins of Philadelphia created the first carbonated water made in America.

1809: In September, Scotch millwright Somerville constructed the first experimental rail track in the U.S. near Bulls Head Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Thomas Leiper.

1810: The first savings fund society in America was established at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1818: Joseph Lancaster started the Model School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was the first normal school in the U.S.

1819: The Philadelphia Analectic Magazine printed the first lithograph in America.

1819: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania erected the first water power works in the U.S.

1824: The first American manufacturer's trade show was held at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1827: The first horticultural society in America, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, was founded in November, 1827, under the leadership of Dr. James Meade of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Address: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103; 215-988-8800; Fax: 215-988-8810. Email: programreg@pennhort.org. Web: http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org.

1829: G.A. Shyrock of Philadelphia became the first to make paper and boards from straw and grass by using machinery.

1830: C.C. Conwell published the first penny newspaper in the U.S., the Cent, in Philadelphia.

1830: Louis Godey of Philadelphia published the first successful women's magazine, Godey's Lady Book.

More Pennsylvania Firsts

2006-02-16T05:23:00.000-06:00

1791: The first public canal company, the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Canal Company, was chartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1791: The first carpet factory in the U.S. was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1792: The first U.S. Mint was established in Philadelphia by the U.S. Congress.

Address: United States Mint, 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1886; 215-408-0110. Web: http://www.usmint.gov.

1794: Charles Wilson Peal, Joseph Cerrachi, William Rush, and others formed the first society for the promotion of fine arts in the U.S., the Columbianum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1796: Binney & Ronaldson formed the first type foundry in America at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1804: Charles Eneu Johnson established the first printing ink factory in the U.S. at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1805: The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the first arts institution in the U.S., was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was chartered on March 28, 1806.

Address: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,
118 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102; 215-972-7600; Fax: 215-569-0153. Web: http://www.pafa.org.

Some Pennsylvania Firsts -- More

2006-02-15T10:19:00.000-06:00

1780: Dr. Benjamin Rush published the first American work on medicine.

1780: The Pennsylvania Assembly passed the first abolition act in America.

1780: Robert Morris organized the first public bank in the U.S., the Pennsylvania Bank.

1781: On May 26, 1781, the Bank of North America was established by resolution of the U.S. Congress as the first lasting corporate banking institution in the U.S. It opened on January 7, 1782.

1784: The first zoological garden in the U.S. opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July.

Address: Zoological Society of Philadelphia,
3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-1196; 215-243-1100. Email: publicprograms@phillyzoo.org. Web: http://www.philadelphiazoo.org.

1784: The Pennsylvania Packet or General Advertiser, the first daily newspaper in the United States, was published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 21, 1784, by John Dunlap and David Claypoole.

1785: Dr. Benjamin Rush, Robert Morris, Richard Peters, and others established The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, the first agriculture society in North America.

1786: John Fitch operated the first steam vessel on water on July 20, 1786, on the Delaware River at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On August 22, 1787, he operated the first steamboat in the same location. In 1790, the he operated the first regularly scheduled passenger and freight steamboat in the world.

1790: The oldest law school in America, the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania, was founded by James Wilson at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1790: The first stock exchange in America was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Some Pennsylvania Firsts

2006-02-14T11:15:00.000-06:00

1753: Pass & Stowe cast the first bell made in the U.S. for use in the State House located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1753: On March 4, 1753, Captain Charles Swaine took off in the schooner Argo in the first North American expedition for Arctic exploration.

1762: Dr. William Shippen opened the first North American school of anatomy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 26, 1762.

1765: On May 30, 1765, Dr. John Morgan opened the first medical school in the U.S. at the College of Philadelphia.

Address: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 2002 Penn Tower, 399 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4385; 215-662-4000. Web: http://www.med.upenn.edu.

1766: The first permanent theater house in America was built in Southwark, Pennsylvania.

1773: The American Medical Society was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1774: The first Anti-Slavery Society in the U.S. was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1775: Johann Behrent built the first piano in the U.S. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He named it Piano Forte.

1776: The U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1777: Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

World's Smallest City Park

2006-02-13T08:11:00.000-06:00

Measuring only two feet across, Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon is the world's smallest city park. Created in 1948 for the leprechauns, snail races are held there every St. Patrick’s Day.

Address: Mills End Park, Corner of Front Avenue and Taylor Street in the middle of a crosswalk, Portland, Oregon.

Deepest Lake in the United States

2006-02-12T02:09:00.000-06:00

Known for its intense blue color and spectacular views, Crater Lake in Oregon is the deepest lake in the United States.

Crater Lake National Park was created on May 22, 1902. The park receives more snowfall than any other place in the country,
averaging 533 inches a year!

Address: Crater Lake National Park, P O Box 7, Crater Lake, Oregon 97604; 541-594-3100; Fax: 541-594-3010. Web:
http://www.nps.gov/crla.

National 4-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum

2006-02-11T09:16:00.000-06:00

This unique museum features America's premier collection of vintage banjos. Inductees include Tim Allen, Mel Bay, Ralph Martin, Jack Canine, Buddy Wachter, Harry Reser, Cathy Reilly-Finn, Bacon & Day, Shakey Johnson, Freddy Morgan, Jubilee Banjo Band, Don Van Palta, Sandy Riner, Roy Smeck, Smokey Montgomery, Eddie Peabody, and many others.

Address: National 4-String Banjo Hall of Fame, The International Banjo College, 116 E. Oklahoma Avenue, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044; 405-260-1323. Email: info@banjomuseum.org. Web: http://www.banjomuseum.org.

Largest Scottish Rite Complex in the World

2006-02-10T09:02:00.000-06:00

Completed in 1929, the largest Scottish Rite Complex in the world is located in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The great Temple of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Guthrie is a place in which the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe is celebrated.

Address: Scottish Rite Temple, 900 E. Oklahoma, P. O. Box 70, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044; 405-282-1281. Web: http://www.guthriescottishrite.org.

North Carolina: Some Special Highlights

2006-02-09T06:10:00.000-06:00

North Carolina leads the U.S. in textile production.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S.

The first drawbridge built in the United States was built over the Cape Fear River.

The University of North Carolina was the first public university in the United States.

North Carolina has the largest state-maintained highway system in the U.S., with 77,400 miles of roads.

The world's smallest daily newspaper is the Tryon Daily Bulletin.

The first miniature golf course was opened in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The first English child born in America, Virginia Dare, was born in Roanoke, North Carolina, in 1587.

North Carolina was the first state to declare independence from England with the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775.

Cabarrus County, North Carolina, was the site of America's first gold rush.

The first state art museum in the country is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Albemarle Sound is the largest freshwater sound in the world.

Address: North Carolina Tourism Division, 301 N Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2825; 919-733-8372; 800-847-4862; Fax: 919-715-3097. Web: http://www.visitnc.com.

World's Oldest Living Bristlecone Pine

2006-02-08T10:37:00.000-06:00

Over 5,000 years old, the world's oldest living bristlecone pine was cut down on Wheeler Peak in Nevada in the 1960s. The Bristlecone
Grove in Great Basin National Park now probably hosts the world's oldest living bristlecone pine.

The Great Basin National Park was made a national monument on January 24, 1922 and a national park on October 27, 1986. From the sagebrush at its alluvial base to the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park includes streams, lakes, alpine plants, abundant wildlife, a variety of forest types including groves of ancient bristlecone pines, and numerous limestone caverns, including beautiful Lehman Caves.

Address: Great Basin National Park, 100 Great Basin National Park, Baker, Nevada 89311; 775-234-7331; Fax: 775-234-7269. Web: http://www.nps.gov/grba.

World's Largest Virgin Blackwater Cypress-Tupelo Swamp Forest

2006-02-07T11:16:00.000-06:00

Founded in 1969, the Francis Beidler Forest is the largest virgin blackwater cypress-tupelo swamp forest left in the world. This 11,000-acre sanctuary in the heart of Four Holes Swamp covers 1,800 acres of ancient trees.

Address: Francis Beidler Forest, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, South Carolina 29448-3324; 843-452-2150. Email: beidler@audubon.org. Web: http://www.audubon.org.

World's Tallest Pentagonal Building

2006-01-07T13:04:00.000-06:00

Baltimore's World Trade Center, on the left in this photo, is the world's tallest five-sided building. The 27th floor, called the Top of the World, offers incredible views of Baltimore harbor.

Address: World Trade Center, 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202; 410-837-8439. Web: http://www.baltimore.org.

Baltimore, Maryland Firsts: 1895 to the present

2006-01-06T13:02:00.000-06:00

1897: First practical submarine in America: “Argonaut” constructed by Simon Lake.

1897: First country day school in the U.S., now Gilman Country School.

1899: First visiting nurses for TB patients in the U.S.: two Johns Hopkins medical students.

1901: First woman professor at medical school in the U.S.: Dr. Florence Rena Sabin, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

1916: First city municipal symphony orchestra in the country.

1921: First rehabilitation school for war veterans established at Fort McHenry.

1928: First traffic-actuated traffic signal in the world: invented by Charles Adler Jr. and placed at Belvedere Avenue and Falls Road.

1931: First outdoor polo game at night: Homewood Field, July 2.

1979: First scheduled water taxi transportation system in the country.

Address: Baltimore Convention and Visitors Association, 100 Light Street, 12th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202;
410-659-7071; 877-Baltimore. Web: http://www.baltimore.org.

Baltimore, Maryland Firsts: 1840 to 1895

2006-01-05T12:51:00.000-06:00

1840: First steam boating in the U.S.: Baltimore Steam Packet Company (Old Bay Line).

1842: First Jewish Congregation founded on Reform principles in this country: Hai Sinai Congregation.

1844: First telegraph line in the U.S.: Samuel Morse between Washington and Baltimore.

1844: First publicly supported high schools for girls: Eastern High School and Western High School.

1845: First Order of Christian Brothers in the U.S.: Calvert Hall College.

1851: First commercial ice cream factory in America: Jacob Russell.

1854: First Jewish Community center in the U.S.

1859: First YMCA erected in America: Pierce and Schroeder Streets.

1867: First pediatrician and gynecologist in the U.S.: Dr. Wm. T. Howard, University of Maryland.

1875: First monument to Edgar Allan Poe in the U.S.

1883: Invention of the typesetting machine: Ottmor Mergenthaler.

1883: First vocational school in the country: Polytechnic.

1885: First commercial electric car line in the Western Hemisphere.

1892: First bottle cap in the U.S.: William Painter.

1893: First elevated electric railway in the U.S.

1895: First U.S. Catholic College for women: College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

Address: Baltimore Convention and Visitors Association, 100 Light Street, 12th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202;
410-659-7071; 877-Baltimore. Web: http://www.baltimore.org.

Baltimore, Maryland Firsts: 1810 to 1840

2006-01-04T12:49:00.000-06:00

1811: First to import and package tea in America: Marin Gillet and Company.

1814: First printing of the Star Spangled Banner in the United States by Samuel Sands.

1815: First existing makers of silverware in this country: Samuel Kirk.

1815: First formal monument to George Washington in the U.S.: Mt. Vernon Place completed July 4, 1829.

1816: First U.S. manufacturer of gas: Rembrandt Peale.

1817: First gaslight company in country chartered.

1819: First agricultural publication in the U.S.: The American Farmer, John Skinner, editor.

1819: First Odd Fellows Lodge in America at Fell's Point by Thomas Wildery, father of Odd Fellowship in the U.S.

1821: First U.S. Catholic Cathedral: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption.

1827: First public carrier railway in the U.S.: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

1828: First American umbrella factory in the U.S.

1829: First U.S. Negro religious order in America: Oblate Sisters of Providence, 5 St. Mary's Court.

1829: First ribbon from American silk in this country: National Silk Society.

1830: First railroad depot in the U.S.: Pratt and Poppleton Streets.

1831: First National Nominating Conventions for President in the U.S.

1838: First iron steamboat built in this country.

1839: First dental college in the world: Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.

Address: Baltimore Convention and Visitors Association, 100 Light Street, 12th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202;
410-659-7071; 877-Baltimore. Web: http://www.baltimore.org.

Baltimore, Maryland Firsts: 1772 to 1810

2006-01-03T12:45:00.000-06:00

1772: First umbrella used in the United States manufactured in India.

1774: First Post Office system in the U.S. inaugurated by William Goddard.

1778: First Independent Corps in the Revolutionary army organized by Count Pulaski.

1784: First U.S. balloon ascension in this country by Edward Warren in vicinity of the area now occupied by the Washington Monument.

1784: First Methodist Church in America established Lovely Lane Meeting House, which is located at St. Paul and 22nd Streets, and is now called Lovely Lane Methodist Church.

1784: First Methodist Bishop in this country: Rev. Francis Asury.

1789: First church conference of United Brethren in the U.S. at Otterbein Church, Conway and Sharp Streets.

1789: First Roman Catholic Bishop in the U.S.: Father J. Carroll.

1791: First Roman Catholic seminary in the U.S.: St. Mary's.

1792: First U.S. Monument to Columbus. Presently located on Harford Road between Walther Boulevard and Argonne Drive in Herring Run Park.

1797: First station using flag semaphore in this country: Captain David Porter, Sr.

1800: First investment banking house in America founded by Alexander Brown.

1804: First stationer in the U.S.: Lucas Brothers.

1808: First U.S. Army horse artillery in the U.S. formed at Fort McHenry.

Address: Baltimore Convention and Visitors Association, 100 Light Street, 12th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202;
410-659-7071; 877-Baltimore. Web: http://www.baltimore.org.

The First Oscar Ceremony

2006-01-02T13:51:00.000-06:00

The first Oscars were presented at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on May 16, 1929. Wings won for best movie. Janet Gaynor won for best actress. Emil Jannings won for best actor.

Address: Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard,
Los Angeles CA 90028-6099; 323-466-7000; 800-950-7667.
Email: infohrh@thomsonhotels.com.
Web: http://www.hollywoodroosevelt.com.

First Rescue Mission in America

2006-01-01T11:34:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah McCauley accepted salvation after reading Scripture given to him in Sing Sing prison by the International Bible Society. After release, McCauley and his wife Maria began McCauley Water Street Mission in New York City in October, 1872, the first rescue mission in America. It is still active today as the New York City Rescue Mission.

Address: New York City Rescue Mission, 90 Lafayette Street,
New York, New York 10013; 212-226-6214; Fax: 212-226-6215.
Web: http://www.nycrescue.org.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

2005-12-31T09:15:00.000-06:00

The Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns is the largest natural cave in the world.

The Doll's Theater in the Big Room.

The Temple of the Sun in the Big Room.

The Christmas Tree formation in the Slaughter Canyon Cave at Carlsbad Caverns.

The entrance/exit to the Slaughter Canyon Cave at Carlsbad Caverns.

Lechuguilla Cave at Carlsbad Caverns is the nation's deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet as well as the fourth longest.

Carlsbad Caverns became a National Monument on October 23, 1923; a National Park on May 14, 1930; and a World Heritage Site on December 6, 1995.

Address: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220; 505-785-2232 (visitor information); 505-885-8884 (park headquarters); Fax: 505-785-2302. Web: http://www.nps.gov/cave.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1905 to 1915

2005-12-30T08:08:00.000-06:00

In 1907, inspired by her husband, composer Edward MacDowell, Marian Nevins MacDowell officially founded the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire. It is the oldest and largest artists' colony in the U.S.

In 1908, Monsignor Pierre Hevey, pastor of St. Mary's church in Manchester, New Hampshire, organized the first credit union in the U.S. to help mill workers save and borrow money.

In 1911, Ernest Harold Baynes founded the Meriden Bird Club in Meriden, New Hampshire, the first bird club in America.

In 1914, Amoskeag Mills of Manchester, New Hampshire manufactured a United States flag that measured 95 feet long by 50 feet high, the largest American flag ever made. At its peak, the Amoskeag Mills was the largest textile mill under one roof in the world.

The first intercollegiate ski meet (1914), the first American slalom race (1925), and the first American downhill race (1926), were all held at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1890 to 1905

2005-12-29T12:02:00.000-06:00

In 1890, Fresh Pond Ice Company in Brookline, New Hampshire consisted of 9 icehouses under one roof that had the combined capacity of storing 60,000 tons of ice. At the time, it was the largest ice house in the world.

Since 1892, the Motor Vessel Sophie C carries on the tradition of the oldest and only floating post office on an inland waterway in the U.S. This boat serves Lake Winnipesaukee's 274 habitable islands every summer.

Mount Washington Cruises, P O Box 5367, Weirs Beach, New Hampshire 03247; 603-366-5531; 888-843-6686. Web: http://www.cruisenh.com.

On February 6, 1901, a group of nine conservationists, including governor Frank West Rollins, founded the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the first forest conservation advocacy group in the U.S.

Since 1904, America's oldest motorsport event, the Climb to the Clouds, takes place as cars race to the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The fastest times so far are around seven minutes.

Mt. Washington Hillclimb, Mt. Washington Auto Road, P O Box 278, Gorham NH 03581; 603-466-3988. Web: http://www.climbtotheclouds.com.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1875 to 1890

2005-12-28T00:26:00.000-06:00

In 1876, Edward C. Pickering and friends founded the Appalachian Mountain Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to conserve and hike the White Mountains of New Hampshire. AMC is the oldest continuous conservation and mountaineering club in America.

From 1886 to 1897, 300 men quarried and split 350,000 cubic feet of New Hampshire granite to build the Library of Congress, in Washington, D.C., the largest building in the world at the time.

Since 1887, Globe Firefighting Suits of Pittsfield, New Hampshire, is the oldest and largest manufacturer of firefighting suits in the world.
Globe Manufacturing Company, 37 Loudon Road, Pittsfield, New Hampshire 03263; 603-435-8323; Fax: 603-435-6388. Email: globesales@globefiresuits.com. Web: http://www.globefiresuits.com.

In 1888, Austin Corbin II of Newport, New Hampshire, bought 25,000 acres near Croydon Mountain to establish the largest wild game preserve in America.

Founded in 1888, the Brown Paper Company of Berlin, New Hampshire, pioneered the concept of sustained yield in forestry management, and in 1900 developed one of the first corporate research facilities in the United States. At their pulp and paper training and development center shown above, they developed Kodak paper, Bermico pipe, cellophane, mustard gas, Kream Krisp (shortening), and Nibroc towels.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1865 to 1875

2005-12-27T20:10:00.000-06:00

Built in 1866, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, a double-span 449.5-foot covered bridge connecting Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont, is the longest wooden covered bridge in the U.S. and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world. Location: West of N.H. Route 12A, five miles south of Plainfield Village on Cornish Toll Bridge Road. Web: http://www.nh.gov/nhdhr/bridges/p39.html.

On August 29, 1866, Sylvester Marsh demonstrated the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway with his steam engine Peppersass, which pushed a flat car over the first 1/4 mile of track up Mt. Washington.

On July 3, 1869, Old Peppersass reached the top of Mt. Washington for the first time.

Mt. Washington Cog Railway, Base Road, Mount Washington, New Hampshire 03589; 603-278-5404; 800-922-8825; Fax: 603-278-5830. Web: http://www.thecog.com.

In 1872, a group of Scandinavians from Berlin, New Hampshire, formed the Nansen Ski Club, the oldest ski club in the U.S. Berlin is known as the Cradle of Nordic Skiing in America.

On June 20, 1873, in the Grand Opening Regatta for the opening of the Oceanic Hotel, 50 yachts sailed a race from the Isles of Shoals to Boon Island and back, a race won by General Butler and his yacht America. Thus began the America's Cup races.

The first transAtlantic telecommunications cable between Europe and America stretched 3,100 nautical miles from Balinskelligs Bay, Ireland, to Straw's Point, Rye Beach, New Hampshire, completed June 27, 1874.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1835 to 1865

2005-12-26T10:45:00.000-06:00

In 1837, the Enfield Shakers built the Great Stone Dwelling. Made entirely of New Hampshire granite, the communal dwelling is 62 feet high with 860 built-in drawers and is the largest Shaker dwelling ever constructed.

In 1845, the shop of Nashua machinist John H. Gage, housed in Nashua Manufacturing Company, was considered the first shop devoted to the manufacture of machinists' tools.

On October 12, 1853, Amos Tuck called a meeting in Exeter, New Hampshire, of four political parties opposed to the Democratic Party and proposed the name Republican. It was the first meeting of the Republican Party.

Opened in 1861, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is America's oldest manmade tourist attraction.

Mount Washington Auto Road, P O Box 278,
Gorham, New Hampshire 03581; 603-466-3988.
Web: http://www.mountwashingtonautoroad.com.

In 1863, President Lincoln established the first national Thanksgiving Day, inspired by letters from Sarah Josepha Hale of Newport, New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1826 to 1835

2005-12-25T22:40:00.000-06:00

In 1827, Lewis Downing and J. Stephens Abbot built the first Concord Coach in Concord, New Hampshire, celebrated world-wide for its leather belt suspension.

In 1828, women mill workers at the Cocheco Mills in Dover, New Hampshire, went on strike to protest new mill regulations, in what became known as the Factory Girls Strike. It was the first women's strike in the U.S.

Built in 1829, the 278-foot-long Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge in Woodsville, New Hampshire is thought to be the oldest covered bridge still standing in the United States. Location: Quarter mile north of U.S. Route 302 in Woodsville Village on N.H. Route 135 over the Ammonoosuc River.

Web: http://www.nh.gov/nhdhr/bridges/p51.html.

As editor of Ladies Magazine (1828-36) and Godey's Lady's Book <1837-77), Sarah Josepha Hale of Newport, New Hampshire, elevated the status of women and the importance of American literature. She was the first women's magazine editor in America.

The Peterborough Town Library, established in 1833, was the first library supported by public taxation.

Peterborough Library, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, P O Box 401, Peterborough, New Hampshire 03458; 603-924-7234; Fax: 603-924-7235. Web: http://www.peterboroughchamber.com.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1800 to 1825

2005-12-24T00:14:00.000-06:00

First opened in 1803, the Ruggles Mine is the “oldest, most spectacular mica, feldspar, and beryl mine in the nation.”

Ruggles Mine, Route 4, Grafton NH 03240; 603-523-4275. Web: http://www.rugglesmine.com.

The 400 members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives still meet in their original chambers at the New Hampshire State House, built in 1816 in Concord, New Hampshire. It is the largest state legislature in the U.S. and meets in the oldest representative's hall in the U.S.

The Dublin Juvenile Library, established in 1822, was the first free public library.

Built in 1823, the Belknap Mill is the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the U.S. as well as the only industrial knitting museum in the U.s. It is the Official Meetinghouse of New Hampshire.

Belknap Mill Society, The Mill Plaza, 25 Beacon Street, Laconia, New Hampshire 03246; 603-524-8813. Web: http://www.belknapmill.org.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1775 to 1800

2005-12-23T23:58:00.000-06:00

In 1775, the Old Meeting House, one of the finest examples of original colonial architecture in the United States, was completed in Danville, New Hampshire. It is the oldest unrestored meeting house in the U.S.

Town of Danville, P O Box 11, Danville, New Hampshire; 603-382- 8253; Fax: 603-382-3363. Web: http://www.townofdanville.org.

On January 5, 1776, the Provincial Congress of New Hampshire ratified the first-in-the-nation state constitution in Exeter, New Hampshire.

In 1778, New Hampshire was the first state to hold a constitutional convention.

In 1783, New Hampshire became the first state to require that its constitution be referred to the people for approval.

Purchased from William and Sarah Dennett on June 12, 1800, Fernald's Island in the Piscatagua River became the first government-sanctioned U.S. Navy shipyard in the United States.

New Hampshire Highlights: 1690 to 1774

2005-12-22T11:48:00.000-06:00

In 1690, the British Government contracted local ship builders in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to construct the HMS Falkland, a 637-ton, 54-gun frigate, which was added to the Royal Navy, March 2, 1695. It was the first warship build in America.

In 1719, the first potato was planted in the U.S. at Londonderry Common Field in Derry, New Hampshire.

In 1768, governor John Wentworth built an estate in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire that became the oldest summer resort in America.

Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce, 32 Central Avenue, P O Box 547, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire 03894; 603-569-2200; 800-516-5324; Fax: 603-569-2275. Web: http://www.wolfeboroonline.com/chamber.

In 1774, New Hampshire became the first state to declare itself independent from England.

On December 14, 1774, a band of patriots took over Fort William & Mary (now known as Fort Constitution) and took guns and gunpowder. It was the first aggressive act of the American Revolution.

Fort Constitution Historic Site, New Castle, New Hampshire 03854 (on Route 1B at the U.S. Coast Guard Station); 603-436-1552. Web:
http://www.nhstateparks.org.

America's Stonehenge

2005-12-21T11:21:00.000-06:00

Over 4,000 years old, America's Stonehenge is the oldest megalithic or stone-constructed site in North America. Like Stonehenge in England, America's Stonehenge was built by ancient people well versed in astronomy and stone construction. An accurate astronomical calendar, it was, and still can be, used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year.

America's Stonehenge, Mystery Hill, Haverhill Road, P O Box 84, North Salem, New Hampshire 03073; 603-893-8300. Email: info@stonehengeusa.com. Web: http://www.stonehengeusa.com.

Alaska Highlights

2005-12-20T23:48:00.000-06:00

Alaska is the largest state in the United States.

Alaska’s coastline, 6,640 miles, is longer than all the other states’ coastlines combined.

Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America.

Alaska has over 3,000,000 lakes! Yes, that's 3 million lakes!

More bald eagles gather along the Chilkat River than at any other place in the world.

Juneau is the sole capital city in the U.S. accessible only by boat or plane. It is also the largest U.S. city in total area, covering 3,108 square miles.

Address: Alaska Division of Tourism, Alaska Travel Industry Association, 2600 Cordova Street #201, Anchorage AK 99503. Web: http://www.travelalaska.com.

Nebraska Highlights

2005-12-18T16:07:00.000-06:00

Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings in 1927.

Nebraska is the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich, chicken pot pie, TV dinners, McDonald's McRibs, and the world's largest hamburger.

Nebraska is the nation's chief beef producer and the largest processor of chicken eggs.

Nebraska is both the largest producer and user of center pivot irrigation.

Nebraska was the first state to begin foreign market development of wheat in Europe and South America (1957).

Nebraska is the only state with a non-partisan unicameral, a one-house legislature.

The world's most famous tractor testing laboratory is at the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture.

The Union Pacific's Bailey Yard at North Platte is the country's largest railroad classification yard.

The world's largest elephant fossil was found in south central Nebraska.

The greatest concentration of sandhill cranes occurs each spring when a half-million birds from several southern states gather for six weeks in a 40 mile stretch of the Platte River before fanning out across Canada.

American Legion Post No. 3 in Lincoln is the world's largest American Legion post.

The 911 emergency system originated in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The largest gathering ever of Native Americans (more than 100,000) was in 1851 at Horse Creek near Morrill.

Nebraska was the first state to complete its segment of the interstate highway system (I-80), which covers 455 miles in the state.

The first Forest Service nursery in the nation was planted at Halsey in the world's largest hand-planted forest (1 million trees).

The strobe light was invented by Dr. Harold Edgerton from Nebraska.

Whittier Jr. High in Lincoln was the first junior high school in the nation.

The vice-grip was invented in DeWitt, Nebraska.

Research and development of air ambulance service first began in Nebraska.

The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha has the world’s largest indoor rain forest, swamp, desert and aquarium.

The nation's first authorized off-premise banking, with teller machines at grocery store courtesy counters, was developed in Lincoln.

The nation’s first Native American woman doctor was Susanne LeFlesche Picotte (Omaha Tribe).

Address: Nebraska Division of Tourism, P O Box 98907; Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-8907; 877-NEBRASKA. Web: http://www.visitnebraska.org.

South Dakota Hall of Fame

2005-12-05T07:19:00.000-06:00

The South Dakota Hall of Fame is not just for the rich and famous. Recognition in this state is achieved through character, not through wealth. Inductees include TV host Mary Hart, Senator George McGovern, photographer Terry Redlin, farmer Jim Woster, author L. Frank Baum, and several hundred others from all walks of life.

Address: South Dakota Hall of Fame, 1480 S. Main Street, Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325; 605-734-4216; 800-697-3130. Email: info@sdhalloffame.com. Web: http://www.sdhalloffame.com.

Nylon Capital of the World

2005-12-04T01:25:00.000-06:00

Seaford, Delaware, the Nylon Capital of the World, was the site of DuPont's first nylon manufacturing plant, established in 1939. It is still in operation today as Invista.

Address: The City of Seaford, 414 High Street, Seaford, Delaware 19973; 302-629-9173. Web: http://www.seafordde.com.

Philadelphia: TV Setting

2005-11-27T10:56:00.000-06:00

The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been the setting for a number of TV shows, including recent hits, American Dreams and Cold Case.

Address: Philadelphia Visitors Bureau, 1700 Market Street #3000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103; 215-636-3300; 800-537-7676; Fax: 215-636-3327. Web: http://www.pcvb.org.

Salad Bowl of the World

2005-11-26T08:25:00.000-06:00

Because the Salinas Valley in California produces so many vital vegetable crops including celery, head lettuce, and broccoli, the city of Salinas bills itself as the Salad Bowl of the World. The valley supports a $3 billion agricultural industry.

Salinas was also the setting for John Steinbeck's classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath, about the 1930s dustbowl years. The novel was later made into a movie starring Henry Fonda.

A Nobel Prize-winning novelist, Steinbeck's boyhood home was in Salinas. In a personal letter he once wrote, "I think I would like to write the story of this whole valley, of all the little towns and all the farms and the ranches in the wider hills. I can see how I would like to do it so that it would be the valley of the world."

Address: Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, 119 E Alisal Street, Salinas, California 93901; 831-424-7611; Fax: 831-424-8639. Email: info@salinaschamber.com. Web: http://www.salinaschamber.com.

First Restaurant in America

2005-11-20T19:02:00.000-06:00

Founded on December 13, 1827, by John and Peter Delmonico, Delmonico's restaurant in New York City was the first restaurant or public dining room in America. Note: The first shop they opened was a café and pastry shop with the official restaurant opening next door in 1830.

Address: Delmonico's Restaurant, 56 Beaver Street, New York, New York 10004; 212-509-1144; Fax: 212-509-3130. Web: http://www.delmonicosny.com.

Close to Home: Indianapolis, Indiana

2005-11-18T22:46:00.000-06:00

The new CBS TV crima drama Close to Home, starring actress Jennifer Finnigan, is set in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Aerial views of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana are shown often, especially during returns from commercials.

Address: Indianapolis Visitors Association, One RCA Dome #100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46225-1000; 317-639-4282; 800-642-4639; Fax: 317-684-2590. Email: icva@indianapolis.org. Web: http://www.indy.org.

New National Geographic Photo Book

2005-09-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

Wow, I just got a chance to review a new book from National Geographic. You have to see Wide Angle: National Geographic Greatest Places. Check it out at Amazon.com or your favorite bookstore. It features great photos of China, Tahiti, Israel, India, Denmark, Romania, Botswana, Spain, Egypt, Arizona, Cuba, Nanavut, etc.

Address: National Geographic Society, 1145 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-4688; 202-857-7000; 800-647-5463; Fax: 202-828-6679. Web: http://www.nationalgeographic.com.

Vision Quest: The Movie

2005-09-23T22:12:00.000-05:00

Vision Quest, the 1985 movie starring Matthew Modine and Linda Fiorentino, was set in Spokane, Washington. Madonna made her first film appearance in this movie as a singer in a bar.

Address: Spokane Visitors Bureau, 801 W. Riverside #301 Spokane, Washington 99201; 509-624-1341; Fax: 509-623-1297. Web: http://www.visitspokane.com. Films: http://www.filmspokaneregion.com.

Fairfield, Iowa: My Home Town

2005-09-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

I thought my home town wasn't all that special other than, of course, that I live here. But today I found out that there were many special things about Fairfield, Iowa. Here are a few of them:

** The first Iowa State Fair was held in Fairfield, Iowa from October 25 to 27, 1854. Fairfield also hosted the second Iowa State Fair in 1855.

** Fairfield also established the first country club and private golf course west of the Mississippi River in 1892.

Address: Fairfield Golf & Country Club, 905 E. Harrison Avenue, P.O. Box 549, Fairfield, Iowa 52556; 641-472-4212; Fax: 641-472-6792. Email: countryclub@lisco.com.

** Fairfield was the first town in America to establish a municipal electric utility. In 1882, Fairfield operated an electric power plant that lit 13 streetlights and six Brush arc lamps which lit up the square from a tower in Central Park (see postcard above). I once lived in an apartment in the retail building with the turret in the center of the postcard.

** Fairfield has the first Carnegie Library built in a town where Andrew Carnegie had no business connections or investments. The library was established in 1893.

** The first monorail conveyer system was built in Fairfield in 1919 for the Louden Manufacturing Company. Louden overhead conveyor systems and crane equipment have been installed in factories throughout the world.

** William Louden of Louden Machinery Works in Fairfield invented a number of barn improvements, including the first flexible sliding barn door hanger, the first litter carrier, the first practical all-steel cow stall, the first automatic drinking bowl for cows, the first practical manure spreader, and the first free barn planning service (1907).

On September 24, 1867 William Louden received his first patent for a device which helped farmers stack hay efficiently. The Louden Machinery Company continued to develop and manufacture a variety of hay tools that allowed a farmer to easily and efficiently move and store hay.

** In 2003 the National Council of Small Communities named Fairfield the top entrepreneurial small city in America by awarding the inaugural Grass Root Entrepreneurship Award.

Address: Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 204 West Broadway, Fairfield, Iowa 52556; 641-472-2111; Fax: 641-472-6510. Email: chamber@fairfieldiowa.com. Web: http://www.fairfieldiowa.com.

Fairfield is also home to Maharishi University of Management, the home of the Golden Domes for TM Siddhi flyers.

An Ecological Note

2005-09-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while I get to write about something other than travel trivia. This is my turn to do that. Below are two recommendations I read about in National Wildlife magazine. If you do these two things, you could lessen the human contribution to global warming. Personally, I believe much of global warming is simply the workings of natural processes that turn the earth alternately hot and cold, but I also recognize that we humans can also have an impact. Why not lessen that impact if we can.

1. Replace one regular incandescent bulb with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent. I've done that with the two major bulbs I use to light my work space. Not only am I saving money by using less energy, but the light is like natural sunlight. It's great.

If every family in the U.S. replaced just one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent, we would decrease heat-trapping emissions by more than 90 billion pounds a year. That's staggering. That's equivalent to taking 7.5 million cars off the road. And you save incredible amount of money and get better light. What a deal.

2. The second action is more expensive. Automobiles account for 1/3 of our country's output of carbon dioxide emissions, the largest source after power plants. Increasing U.S. mileage standards to 40 mpg would prevent as much carbon dioxide from being emitted as is released by the entire country of Mexico. It would also save more oil than we import from the Persian Gulf every year. Not only can we cut down heat-trapping emissions and lower the risk of global warming, but we could cut out our dependence on the Persian Gulf countries (which gets us embroiled in wars over there at a huge cost of people and money).

Plus, personally, we could save a lot of money. If your current car gets 30 mpg and you switched to a car that got 40 mpg, you'd save on gas. If you drive 10,000 miles per year, your cost for gas at $2.00 per gallon would be $666.00 per year at 30 mpg and only $500 per year at 40 mpg. The more you drive, the more you save.

But what really appeals to me is the fact that we could eliminate our dependence on Persian Gulf oil and the compromises we currently make with the despots that rule many of the countries in that region.

My next car will be a hybrid that gets good mileage. Such cars cost about the same, but save a ton on gas and toxic emissions. I can't wait until they make cars that run on water.

Let's make our vacation travel safer and less noxious for all. Thanks for reading.

Oldest Boxing Gym in the World

2005-08-08T19:05:00.000-05:00

Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, New York, is the oldest and best-known boxing gym in the world. Founded in 1937, it has produced champions such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Zab "Super" Judah, and Jake La Motta. You can still get in to do your thing for only $15 for a day pass.

Gleason's hosts White-Collar Fights, in which amateurs (including women and kids) get to mix it up in the ring in front of a paying audience. The events happen on Saturdays, usually once a month. Call for a schedule.

Gleason also hosts the Gleason Boxing Hall of Fame, which includes almost every famous boxer you can remember. A total of 121 world champions have made Gleason's their home away from home.

Address: Gleason's Gym, 83 Front Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201-1006; 718-797-2872. Email: info@gleasonsgym.net. Web: http://www.gleasonsgym.net.

Oldest Athletic Club in the U.S.

2005-08-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

The New Orleans Athletic Club opened its doors on September 2, 1872. At that time, they charged 50 cents a month in dues. You can now get in for $20 (for a day pass if you're staying in a nearby hotel).

Some of the famous people who have worked out here include heavyweight boxer John L. Sullivan, actor and singer Harry Connick Jr., actor Clark Gable, playwright Tennessee Williams, actor Alec Baldwin, comedian Art Linkletter, actor Kevin Costner, basketball player John Havlicek, comedian Phil Harris, basketball player Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Jimmy the Greek, singer Frankie Laine, Olympic swimmer and Tarzan actor Johnny Weismuller, comedian Bob Hope, and politicians Huey, Earl, and Russell Long.

Address: New Orleans Athletic Club, 222 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112; 504-525-2375; Fax: 504-524-4875. Web: http://www.neworleansathleticclub.com.

United States Vice Presidential Museum

2005-08-03T17:14:00.000-05:00

The Dan Quayle Center in his hometown of Huntington, Indiana is the only museum dedicated to the vice presidents of the United States.

As one VP noted of the office: "The office is not worth a pitcher of warm spit." -- John Nance Garner, vice president

Address: United States Vice Presidential Museum, Dan Quayle Center, 815 Warren Street, P O Box 856, Huntington, Indiana 46750; 260-356-6356; Fax: 260-356-1455. Email: info@quaylemuseum.org. Web: http://www.quaylemuseum.org.

Where in the World Is This Sign?

2005-07-31T10:46:00.000-05:00

Where in the world is this sign? I'd like to know. I love the sign and would like to feature where in the world it is located. If you know, please let us know. You can comment to this post. Thanks.

College Football Hall of Fame

2005-07-30T08:59:00.000-05:00

This state-of-the-art attraction features the history of college football, with all its great athletes, coaches, and memorable games. That inaugural class of 1951 included 54 legends and pioneers of the game like Walter Camp, Jim Thorpe, Red Grange, Amos Alonzo Stagg, and Knute Rockne. Today more than 900 legendary players and coaches from NCAA Division I-A, I-AA, II, III, and the NAIA are enshrined in the Hall.

Other featured hall of famers include quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw, John Brodie, John Elway, Roman Gabriel, Bob Griese, John Hadl, Paul Hornung, Joe Kapp, Bobby Layne, Chuck Long, Archie Manning, Dan Marino, Jim McMahon, Don Meredith, Craig Morton, Jim Plunkett, Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkenton, Joe Theisman, Norm Van Brocklin, Danny White, Doug Williams, and Steve Young.

Also running backs Marcus Allen, Sammy Baugh, Ricky Bell, Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, Larry Csonka, Tony Dorsett, Frank Gifford, George Gipp, Otto Graham, Red Grange, Archie Griffin, Tom Harmon, Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch, Bo Jackson, Bill "White Shoes Johnson, Billy Killmer, Nile Kinnick, Sid Luckman, Johnny Majors, Ed Marinaro, Hugh McElhenny, Lydell Mitchell, Bronco Nagurski, Jack Pardee, Walter Payton, Mel Renfro, Johnny Rodgers, George Rogers, Barry Sanders, Gayle Sayers, OJ Simpson, Jim Thorpe, Doak Walker, and Herschel Walker.

Receivers such as Terry Beasley, Fred Biletnikoff, Anthony Carter, J.J. Jefferson, Ozzie Newsome, Lynn Swann, and Kellen Winslow.

Defensive players such as Dick Butkus, Vern Den Herder, Fred Dryer, Darrell Green, Hugh Green, Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Jim Haslett, Michael Haynes, Ted Hendricks, Willie Lanier, Alan Page, Lee Roy Selmon, Mike Singletary, Billy Ray Smith, Bubba Smith, Randy White, Reggie White, and Jack Youngblood.

Address: College Football Hall of Fame, 111 S. Saint Joseph's Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601; 574-235-9999; 800-440-3263. Web: http://www.collegefootball.org.

Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame

2005-07-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

The WVMA established the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame to give Wisconsin veterinarians the opportunity to honor the outstanding contributions our animal companions make in human lives. The Pet Hall of Fame celebrates the strength and meaningfulness of the bond between humans and animals. Nominees are living pets who, through unselfish accomplishment, exemplify the affection, loyalty, security and value of the human-animal bond.

Address: Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, 301 N. Broom Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703; 608-257-3665; Fax: 608-257-8989. Email: wvma@wvma.org. Web: http://www.wvma.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=7.

Motorcycle Hall of Fame

2005-07-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

In 2004, the two major motorcycle halls of fame merged the halls to create one central hall of fame for motorcycles -- in Pickerington, Ohio. The other hall became the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.

Address: Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, Ohio 43147; 614-856-2222; Fax: 614-856-2221. Email: info@motorcyclemuseum.org. Hall of fame listing: http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/halloffame.asp.

More Handball Halls of Fame

2005-07-18T09:04:00.000-05:00

Below are the names and other details about a few of the statewide Handball Halls of Fame that honor local handball heroes.

Address: SCHA Handball Hall of Fame, Southern California Handball Association, Los Angeles Athletic Club, 431 W. Seventh Street, Los Angeles, California 90014, 213-625-2211. Web: http://www.handball.org.

Address: Minnesota Handball Hall of Fame, Minnesota State Handball Association, 120 N. Westwood Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55422; Fax: 612-377-0274. Email: mnhandball@aol.com. Web: http://home.comcast.net/~mnhandball/Hall_of_Fame.html. Display at the Minneapolis Athletic Club.

Address: Colorado Handball Hall of Fame; 303-290-9142. Web: http://www.cohandball.com.

Address: Missouri State Handball Hall of Fame, Missouri State Handball Association, 1515 Fawnvalley Drive, Des Peres, Missouri 63131; 314-965-7377. Web: http://www.mohandball.com. Listing: http://www.mohandball.com/hall/hall_index.html.

Address: Ohio Handball Hall of Fame, Greater Cincinnati Handball Association, Cincinnati, Ohio. Email: gcha@gcha.org. Web: http://www.gcha.org/Ohio/Hall.htm.

Handball Capital of the World

2005-07-17T08:41:00.000-05:00

Tucson, Arizona is the Handball Capital of the World, home of the United States Handball Association, and the USHA Handball Hall of Fame.

Address: United States Handball Association, 2333 N. Tucson Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85716; 800-289-8742. Email: handball@ushandball.org. Web: http://www.ushandball.org. Listing of hall of famers: http://www.ushandball.org/Halloffame/index.html.

Tucscon is also home to the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame, which is dedicated to individuals who have given their love, energy, time, and resources to advance sports in Pima County.

Address: Pima County Sports Hall of Fame, La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Avenue #4198, Tucson, Arizona 85701; 520-514-1600. Email: cel711@aol.com.

World's Largest Corn Stalk

2005-07-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

The World's Largest Corn Stalk is located near Shelby, Iowa. Take a gander, but don't eat any ears.

This 76' steel sculpture lies along Shelby's Interstate 80 exit. It symbolizes the importance of agriculture for the Shelby area. The sculpture highlights the major commodities produced by area farmers: corn, beef, and pork. Sculptor Cliff Carlson of Wesley, Iowa was commissioned to design the sculpture.

Shelby is also the Purple Martin Capital of Iowa.

Address: City of Shelby, 419 East Street, P.O. Box 186, Shelby, Iowa 51570; 712-544-2404; Fax: 712-544-2703. Email: cityclerk@shelbyia.com. Web: http://www.shelbyia.com.

World's Largest Collection of Grant Wood Paintings

2005-07-03T08:16:00.000-05:00

Young Corn, the painting above, is just one of many paintings from the world's largest collection of Grant Wood paintings housed in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Other paintings include Old Stone Barn, Woman with Plants, and Indian Creek featured below.

Address: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401-1606; 319-366-7503. Email: info@crma.org. Web: http://www.crma.org.

World's Largest Spinning Globe

2005-06-30T09:11:00.000-05:00

It’s over 41 feet in diameter, it rotates just like the real Earth, and it was created from one of the largest mapping databases in the world. Its name is Eartha™ and it is the world's largest moving globe! Unveiled on July 23, 1998, it is housed in a three-story glass atrium at the DeLorme's headquarters in Yarmouth, Maine. Eartha took two years to build and represents Earth as it is seen from space. Every continent is beautifully detailed, with vivid colors illustrating all levels of vegetation, major roadways and cities. Ocean depths are also completely represented.

Address: DeLorme, Two DeLorme Drive, P.O. Box 298, Yarmouth, Maine 04096; 800-511-2459; Fax: 207-846-7051. Web: http://www.delorme.com.

The second largest revolving globe is the Globe of Peace in Apecci, Pesaro, Italy, which is 33 feet in diameter. At 30 tons, the Globe of Peace is still the heaviest rotating globe in the world, far outweighing the 2.5 ton Eartha. Situated on the Piazzale della libertà, it is the work of the famous sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro.

Address: Apecci, Pesaro, Italy.

The world’s largest globe is the Unisphere, which was built for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. This stainless steel globe is 120 feet across (12 stories high!) and weighs 700,000 pounds, including its base.

The Unisphere has been featured in the movie Men in Black, as well as in the opening credit sequence of the TV sitcom The King of Queens. It was also the finishing point of the reality TV show, The Amazing Race 1.

Address: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York.

Salvador Dali Museum

2005-06-26T09:29:00.000-05:00

Apparatus and Hand

Old Age, Adolescence, Infancy (The Three Ages)

Opened on March 10, 1982, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, features the world's largest collection of Salvador Dali's original work, including 94 oils, 200 watercolors and drawings, and 1,000 graphics, sculptures, and objets d'art. Dali was a surrealistic painter that loved to play with images, including many paintings that could be viewed in two ways. One of the most famous examples of such play was his painting, Slave Market with the Disappearing Bust of Voltaire:

Another famous double take was recently acquired by the museum. The title: Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes A Portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Gala was Dali's wife.

Address: Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 3rd Street South, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701-4901; 727-823-3767; 800-442-3254; Fax: 727-894-6068. Email: info@salvadordalimuseum.org. Web: http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org.

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

2005-06-25T09:08:00.000-05:00

Poet Carl Sandburg's retirement home, Connemara, is the first National Historic Site dedicated to an American poet. Sandburg spent his last 22 years here along with his wife who raised champion dairy goats. During his years at Connemara, he published more than a third of his literary work.

Address: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731-8635; 828-693-4178; Fax: 828-693-4179. Web: http://www.nps.gov/carl.

World's Largest Published Book

2005-06-21T09:31:00.000-05:00

The world's largest published book was created by Michael Hawley of MIT to capture more than 100 images of the country of Bhutan. The book, Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom, is 5 feet by 7 feet and weighs 133 pounds.

The book was recently donated to the Smithsonian Institution Libraries by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Janulis of New York. It will be housed in the Cullman Library of Natural History.

Address: Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, NHB CE-G15, MRC 154, Smithsonian Institution Libraries, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013-7012; 202-633-1184; Fax: 202-633-0219. Email: libmail@si.edu. Web: http://www.sil.si.edu/libraries/cullman/index.htm.

Stonehenge II

2005-06-20T03:05:00.000-05:00

Two miles from Hunt, Texas sits a 60% scale model of Stonehenge in England. This replica, known as Stonehenge II, is reported to give many of the same mystical feelings as the original in England. The replica was conceived by Al Shepperd and Doug Hill and constructed primarily by Doug Hill.

Nearby are two replicas of the strange statues on Easter Island. These were also built by Doug Hill.

Address: Stonehenge II, Farm Road 1340, Hunt, Texas. Web: http://www.alfredshepperd.com/Stonehenge/untitled.html.

Directions: 60 miles west of San Antonio, south off I-10, Kerrville Exit 506. Take Hwy 39 three miles to Hunt, Texas, and turn onto Farm Road 1340. Go two miles.

Orthopedic Manufacturing Capital of the World

2005-06-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

First, my apologies for taking several weeks off. Sometimes we just have to do it. Especially when it is a labor of love rather than profit. Well, on to travel fun:

Known as the Orthopedic Manufacturing Capital of the World, Warsaw, Indiana has the best of both worlds--the values of rural mid-America with a commitment to real growth in business and industry. In addition to orthopedics, Warsaw is the home of the largest printing presses in the world, home to the world's largest manufacturer of projection screens, and home of CoCo Wheats breakfast cereal. That's quite a feat for a small town of 12,000. In addition, Warsaw has twice been named one of the top 100 small towns in America.

Address: City of Warsaw, 302 E. Market Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580; 574-372-9595. Web: http://www.warsawcity.net.

Address: Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, 313 S. Buffalo Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580; 574-267-6311; 800-776-6311; Fax: 574-267-7762. Web: http://www.wkchamber.com.

Revra DePuy pioneered the orthopedic industry when he started DePuy Manufacturing in 1895 to make wire mesh and wooden splints, becoming the world's first commercial manufacturer of orthopedic appliances. As his company grew, some of his employees left to form other orthopedic companies. In time, the industry in town has grown so much (at least 10 companies manufacturing orthopedic components) that Warsaw is now the Orthopedic Manufacturing Capital of the World.

Address: DePuy, Inc., 700 Orthopaedic Drive, Warsaw, Indiana 46581; 800-366-8143. Web: http://www.depuy.com.

Warsaw, as mentioned above, is also home to CoCo Wheats breakfast cereal, the first flavored hot cereal food (1930). Little Crow Foods has been family-owned since 1903.

Address: Little Crow Foods, 201 S. Detroit Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46581-1038; 574-267-7141; Fax: 574-267-2370. Email: customerservice@littlecrowfoods.com. Web: http://www.littlecrowfoods.com.

Warsaw is also home to the world's largest printing presses operated by R.R. Donnelley, the largest commercial printer in the United States.

Address: R.R. Donnelley, 2801 Old Road 30 West, P.O. Box 837, Warsaw, Indiana 46581-0837; 574-267-7101; Fax: 574-267-9548. Web: http://www.rrdonnelley.com.

Da-Lite, headquartered in Warsaw, is the world's largest manufacturer of projection screens.

Address: Da-Lite Screen Company, 3100 N. Detroit Street, P.O. Box 137, Warsaw, Indiana 46581-0137; 574-267-8101; 800-622-3737; Fax: 574-267-7804. Email: info@da-lite.com. Web: http://www.da-lite.com.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

2005-06-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors all the great rock singers, musicians, groups, early influences, and influential non-performers, including the following:

1986: Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Robert Johnson, Jimmie Rodgers, Jimmy Yancey, John Hammond, Alan Freed, and Sam Phillips.

1987: The Coasters, Eddie Cochran, Bo Diddley, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Bill Haley, B. B. King, Clyde McPhatter, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Smokey Robinson, Big Joe Turner, Muddy Waters, Jackie Wilson, Louis Jordan,, T-Bone Walker, Hank Williams, Leonard Chess, Ahmet Ertegun, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Jerry Wexler.

1988: The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Drifters, Bob Dylan, The Supremes, Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Les Paul, and Berry Gordy, Jr.

1989: Dion, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Inkspots, Bessie Smith, The Soul Stirrers, and Phil Spector.

1990: Hank Ballard, Bobby Darin, The Four Seasons, The Four Tops, The Kinks, The Platters, Simon and Garfunkel, The Who, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Christian, Ma Rainey, Gerry Goffin, Carole King, and Holland, Dozier and Holland.

1991: LaVern Baker, The Byrds, John Lee Hooker, The Impressions, Wilson Pickett, Jimmy Reed, Ike and Tina Turner, Howlin' Wolf, Nesuhi Ertegun, Dave Bartholomew, and Ralph Bass.

1992: Bobby “Blue” Bland, Booker T. and the M.G.'s, Johnny Cash, The Isley Brothers, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Sam and Dave, The Yardbirds, Elmore James, Professor Longhair, Leo Fender, Bill Graham, and Doc Pomus.

1993: Ruth Brown, Cream, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Doors, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Etta James, Van Morrison, Sly and the Family Stone, Dinah Washington, Dick Clark, and Milt Gabler.

1994: The Animals, The Band, Duane Eddy, The Grateful Dead, Elton John, John Lennon, Bob Marley, Rod Stewart, Willie Dixon, and Johnny Otis.

1995: The Allman Brothers Band, Al Green, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Martha and the Vandellas, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, The Orioles, and Paul Ackerman.

1996: David Bowie, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jefferson Airplane, Little Willie John, Pink Floyd, The Shirelles, The Velvet Underground, Pete Seeger, and Tom Donahue.

1997: The (Young) Rascals, The Bee Gees, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Jackson Five, Joni Mitchell, Parliament-Funkadelic, Mahalia Jackson, Bill Monroe, and Syd Nathan.

1998: The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Mamas and the Papas, Lloyd Price, Santana, Gene Vincent, Jelly Roll Morton, and Allen Toussaint.

1999: Billy Joel, Curtis Mayfield, Paul McCartney, Del Shannon, Dusty Springfield, Bruce Springsteen, The Staple Singers, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Charles Brown, and George Martin.

2000: Eric Clapton, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lovin' Spoonful, The Moonglows, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Nat “King” Cole, Billie Holiday, Hal Blaine, King Curtis, James Jamerson, Scotty Moore, Earl Palmer, and Clive Davis.

2001: Aerosmith, Solomon Burke, The Flamingos, Michael Jackson, Queen, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Ritchie Valens, James Burton, Johnnie Johnson, and Chris Blackwell.

2002: Isaac Hayes, Brenda Lee, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Gene Pitney, Ramones, Talking Heads, Chet Atkins, and Jim Stewart.

2003: AC/DC, The Clash, Elvis Costello & the Attractions, The Police, Righteous Brothers, Benny Benjamin, Floyd Cramer, Steve Douglas, and Mo Ostin.

2004: Jackson Browne, The Dells, George Harrison, Prince, Bob Seger, Traffic, ZZ Top, and Jann S. Wenner.

2005: Buddy Guy, The O'Jays, The Pretenders, Percy Sledge, U2, Frank Barsalona, and Seymour Stein.

They are definitely missing some fine musicians and influential acts such as The Association, The Moody Blues, Chicago, Grand Funk Railroad, Eurythmics, The Monkees, Blondie, Christopher Cross, Tina Turner's solo career, Aaron Neville, Bryan Adams, Culture Club, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Pat Benatar, Heart, Foreigner, Electric Light Orchestra, M.C. Hammer, Whitesnake, Bread, Neil Diamond, Sonny & Cher, Blood, Sweat & Tears, REO Speedwagon, Procol Harum, The Delfonics, The Kingsmen, The Youngbloods, The 5th Dimension, Air Supply, The Hollies, The Brooklyn Bridge, Lionel Richie, The Commodores, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Carly Simon, Carole King as a singer, Linda Ronstadt, Rita Coolidge, Roberta Flack, Dionne Warwick, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, Richie Havens, Donovan, Janis & Ian, Joe Cocker, and many others.

I really can't believe some of the people they inducted before people like Joe Cocker, The Moody Blues, Chicago, or Lionel Richie. And, certainly, with the predominance of men over women, there are politics involved that some who decide the inductees would rather no one notice.

In addition, the hall features the world's largest exhibit of rock and roll memorabilia.

Address: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, 1 Key Plaza, Cleveland, Ohio 44144; 888-764-ROCK. Web: http://www.rockhall.com.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

2005-06-10T08:36:00.000-05:00

This zoo features the world's largest indoor desert, the Desert Dome, located under the world's largest glazed geodesic dome. The Desert Dome features plant and animal life from three deserts: the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert of southwest United States. The dome contains 84,000 square feet on two levels (42,000 square feet on each level). Located beneath the Desert Dome exhibit is the Kingdoms of the Night, the world's largest nocturnal exhibit.

The zoo's Lied Jungle contains the World's Largest Indoor Rainforest. It has 123,000 square feet of floor space with 61,000 square feet of planted exhibit space, 35,000 square feet of display management area, and 11,000 square feet of education space. The Lied Jungle is 80 feet tall, about the same as an eight-story building.

Address: Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107 (off Interstate 80, Exit 454 near Omaha); 402-733-8400; Fax: 402-733-7868. Web: http://www.omahazoo.com.

Lake Lure: Dirty Dancing the Night Away!

2005-05-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

While the movie Dirty Dancing was set in New York, it was actually filmed in North Carolina at Lake Lure, about 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the stars of the movie, stayed at Lake Lure Inn & Spa, where some scenes were filmed.

Address: The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, P O Box 10, Lake Lure, North Carolina 28746; 828-625-2525; 888-434-4970; Fax: 828-625-9655. Email: sales@lakelureinn.com. Web: http://www.lakelureinn.com.

Cradle of Forestry

2005-05-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

The Cradle of Forestry is located on the site of the first forestry school in America — the Biltmore Forest School, founded in 1898 by Dr. Carl Schenck, chief forester for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. It is known as the birthplace of forest conservation.

Address: Cradle of Forestry Historic Site, 1001 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina 28768; 828-877-3130. Email: cfaia@citcom.net. Web: http://www.cradleofforestry.org.

Mile High Swinging Bridge

2005-05-27T11:04:00.000-05:00

The Mile High Swinging Bridge, the only swinging bridge at a mile high, was built to give visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. The nearby Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum features a billion-year-old rock that you can touch!

Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, with an elevation of 5,964 foot. Grandfather Mountain is located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Address: Mile High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain, P O Box 129, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, North Carolina 28646; 828-733-2013; 800-468-7325; Fax: 828-733-2608. Email: nature@grandfather.com. Web: http://www.grandfather.com.