by wildcherry on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 | Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

In a formal proclamation Monday, Bill Bunten the Topeka Major, announced his city will be known as “Google” — Google, Kansas.
“It’s just fun. We’re having a good time of it,” he said of the unofficial name change, which will last through the end of March. “There’s a lot of good things that are going on in our city.”

The unusual move comes as several U.S. cities elbow for a spot in Google’s new “Fiber for Communities” program. The Web giant is going to install new Internet connections in unannounced locations, giving those communities Internet speeds 100 times faster than those elsewhere, with data transfer rates faster than 1 gigabit per second.

Cities have until March 26 to tell Google they’re interested in the venture. Google says it will pick one or more cities for the pilot project. “We’ll offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people,” Google says in an online post.
The company has said U.S. Internet speeds are falling behind the global standard, and it wants to fix things itself by installing new broadband cable.

Bunten hopes the proclamation, which he read at a special City Council meeting on Monday, will catch Google’s attention and make the Internet company decide to use Topeka as its guinea pig. The document renames Topeka as “Google, Kansas — the capital city of fiber optics.”
Google declined to comment on whether it’s taking the whole “Google, Kansas” thing seriously.

Tags: fiber for communities, google internet connection, google kansas, google pilot project, topeka kansas

by nate on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 | Attraction, Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is the time of year to let loose and feast before the fast of Lent, for those who observe. Let’s just say that in the U.S., the good people of Louisiana have turned the celebration into high art. Translated from the French as Fat Tuesday, it’s a time to indulge, dress up, and throw a big street party before repenting (or at least sleeping in) on Ash Wednesday.

Short history of a long party
The American version of Mardi Gras dates back to the 1800s. But in 1872, the all-important King of the Carnival was first crowned. Cue krewes, parades, masks, and costumes — and the rest is history. Party people are getting a jump on the events on the Web, with lookups on “Mardi Gras” heating up the Yahoo! search box 300% in the last day alone. Wanna-be celebrants also typed in “fat tuesday,” “mardi gras costume ideas,” and “mardi gras cam.”

Party on
This year, Fat Tuesday falls on February 16. And the parties get underway the weekend before. According to the Mardi Gras New Orleans website, parade float decorations are decided by private “krewes,” usually with Greek or Egyptian themes. (And if history is our guide, those two ancient cultures sure could party.)The site actually recommends that if you plan to be along the parade route, bring large bags to collect all the loot thrown from the floats, usually those bright, plastic bead necklaces.

Tags: art celebration, bon temps roulez, carnival, celebration, costume ideas, costume parade, culture, fat tuesday, feast festival, february 16, happy mardi gras in french, laissez le bon temps rouler, Louisiana, mardi gras, mardi gras sayings, tradition

by wildcherry on Monday, February 8th, 2010 | Attraction, Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The world’s tallest skyscraper has unexpectedly closed to the public a month after its lavish opening, disappointing tourists headed for the observation deck and casting doubt over plans to welcome its first permanent occupants in the coming weeks.

Electrical problems are at least partly to blame for the closure of the Burj Khalifa’s viewing platform – the only part of the half-mile high tower open yet. But a lack of information from the spire’s owner left it unclear whether the rest of the largely empty building – including dozens of elevators meant to whisk visitors to the tower’s more than 160 floors – was affected by the shutdown.

The indefinite closure, which began Sunday, comes as Dubai struggles to revive its international image as a cutting-edge Arab metropolis amid nagging questions about its financial health.

The Persian Gulf city-state had hoped the 2,717-foot (828-meter) Burj Khalifa would be a major tourist draw. Dubai has promoted itself by wowing visitors with over-the-top attractions such as the Burj, which juts like a silvery needle out of the desert and can be seen from miles around.

In recent weeks, thousands of tourists have lined up for the chance to buy tickets for viewing times often days in advance that cost more than $27 apiece. Now many of those would-be visitors, such as Wayne Boyes, a tourist from near Manchester, England, must get back in line for refunds.

Tags: Burj Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Burj Khalifa Closed, dubai, Dubai Economy, Dubai Tallest Building, Dubai World's Tallest Building, world's tallest building, World's Tallest Buildings

by wildcherry on Monday, February 1st, 2010 | Places to Visit, Travel | 3 Comments

I’ve compiled some of the most beautiful pictures of places on earth. There are probably endless of more beautiful places on earth. I would love to keep on adding to the list so please feel free to post on the comment section your favorite place on earth.

By the way…. have you ever wonder what Heavens would look like after seeing this pictures?

Tags: beautiful places on earth, earth most beautiful pictures, heaven vs earth, most beautiful places on earth, pictures of earth, where to go on earth

by nate on Thursday, January 21st, 2010 | Attraction, Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

The Roman city of Bath was (and still is) known throughout the civilized world, by virtue of it being endowed with an impressive and complex bath-house built around natural hot springs. The baths were dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, and was one of the most sought-after retirement places in Roman Britain, being surrounded by a plethora of country villas and several temples. The spa town was a major focus in the Roman road system and was also served by the sea-port of Abona (Sea Mills) at the mouth of the River Avon.

Evidence from the Classical Geographies

In the early second century Ptolemy’s Geography attributed three towns to the Belgae tribe of Avon and Hampshire, one of which was named Aquae Calidae or ‘The Spa Town of the Thermal Springs’, which in Britain can be nowhere other than Bath. Aside from Bath, Ptolemy also mentions the cantonal capital Venta (Winchester, Hampshire) and the unknown town Iscalis.

The Antonine Itinerary of the late second century contains an entry in Iter XIV - “an Alternative Route from Caerleon to Silchester” - named Aquis Solis, which again may be undoubtedly equated with Bath. The entry is listed 6 miles from an unidentified station named Traiectus which lies somewhere near Willsbridge in Avon, also 15 miles from Verlucio (Sandy Lane, Wiltshire).

By far the most tentative link is contained in the difficult work, the Ravenna Cosmology of the seventh century, which, between the unknown towns Aranus and Melezo lists a town named Anicetis (R&C#35). This entry has been identified with Bath due to altarstone RIB 148, the text of which contains the name Anicetus and is shown below.

The name now commonly accepted for Roman Bath is that quoted in the Antonine Itinerary, Aquae Sulis ‘The Spa Town of the goddess Sul‘.

read more

Tags: aqua sulis, aquae sulis city, aquae sulis england, bath england, cities in england, city of bath, Roman's evidence, spa town

by wildcherry on Monday, January 11th, 2010 | Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted by legendary painter Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The Sistine chapel ceiling features nine scenes from the Book of Genesis including the world renowned Michelangelo Creation of Adam.

The Sistine Chapel ceiling was commissioned by Pope Julius II. People from all over the globe visit the Sistine Chapel ceiling, one of the best know artworks of the High Renaissance. The Sistine Chapel is used for Papal Conclaves and important services. On January 10, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI baptized 14 babies in an annual ritual at the Sistine Chapel.

According to the Daily Mail, the Pope Benedict XVI stated after the baptism, “Let there never be violence in the name of God.” The Pope was speaking about the recent treatment of immigrant workers in Italy.

The Michelangelo Creation of Adam is a section of the Sistine Chapel ceiling panted in 1511. The Michelangelo Creation of Adam showed the story from the Book of Genesis with God the Father breathing life into Adam, the first man. Their fingers touch and Adam is a naked mirror image of God.

Tags: sistine chapel, sistine chapel ceiling, sistine chapel creation, sistine chapel creation of adam, sistine chapel pictures, tower of the winds rome

by wildcherry on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 | Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

Lanikai Beach (Oahu): Too gorgeous to be real, this stretch along the Windward Coast is one of Hawaii’s postcard-perfect beaches — a mile of golden sand as soft as powdered sugar bordering translucent turquoise waters. The waters are calm year-round and excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Two tiny offshore islands complete the picture, functioning not only as scenic backdrops, but also as bird sanctuaries.

Hapuna Beach (Big Island): This 1/2-mile-long crescent regularly wins kudos in the world’s top travel magazines as the most beautiful beach in Hawaii — some consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One look and you’ll see why: Perfect cream-colored sand slopes down to crystal-clear waters that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing in summer; come winter, waves thunder in like stampeding horses. The facilities for picnicking and camping are top-notch, and there’s plenty of parking.

Kapalua Beach (Maui): On an island with many great beaches, Kapalua takes the prize. This golden crescent with swaying palms is protected from strong winds and currents by two outstretched lava-rock promontories. Its calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and lifeguards.

Papohaku Beach (Molokai): These gold sands stretch on for some 3 miles (it’s one of Hawaii’s longest beaches) and are about as wide as a football field. Offshore the ocean churns mightily in winter, but the waves die down in summer, making the calm waters inviting for swimming. It’s also great for picnicking, walking, and watching sunsets.

Hulopoe Beach (Lanai): This golden, palm-fringed beach off the south coast of Lanai gently slopes down to the azure waters of a Marine Life Conservation District, where clouds of tropical fish flourish and spinner dolphins come to play. A tide pool in the lava rocks defines one side of the bay, while the other is lorded over by the Manele Bay Hotel, which sits prominently on the hill above. Offshore you’ll find good swimming, snorkeling, and diving; onshore there’s a full complement of beach facilities, from restrooms to camping areas.

Haena Beach (Kauai): Backed by verdant cliffs, this curvaceous North Shore beach has starred as Paradise in many a movie. It’s easy to see why Hollywood loves Haena Beach, with its grainy golden sand and translucent turquoise waters. Summer months bring calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, and winter brings mighty waves for surfers. There are plenty of facilities on hand, including picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.

Tags: Hapuna Beach (Big Island), Hawaii, hawaii beach, hawaii beaches, hawaii tourist guide, Lanikai Beach (Oahu), top hawaii beach

by nate on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 | Attraction, Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

President Barack Obama’s Oval Office at the White House in Washington on Dec. 29, 2009. Eleven months after assuming office, Obama has made subtle but significant changes in the decor that reflect his personality and interests.

Behind President Obama’s desk is a collection of family photos. Through the window can be seen the playset erected for his daughters, Sasha and Malia.

The Resolute desk, a favorite of presidents, remains. Built from the wood of the British ship HMS Resolute, the desk was a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes.

A gift from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the wooden pen holder on Obama’s desk was made from the sister ship of HMS Resolute, the HMS Gannet.

Decorative china in the Oval Office has been replaced with historic metal gadgets and Native American pottery.

A bowl of fresh apples sits on the coffee table for visitors.

A bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. replaced Winston Churchill’s, which was scheduled to go back to Britain.

A portrait of Abraham Lincoln by George Henry Story remains from previous administrations.

A framed program from the 1963 March on Washington sits on a shelf in the Oval Office. It previously hung on Obama’s ‘wall of heroes’ in his Senate office.

Long time favorites of previous presidents remain, including the familiar Frederic Remington sculpture “The Bronco Buster,” alongside new additions, including Norman Rockwell’s “Statue of Liberty.”

Tags: a change in White House, Abraham Lincoln, changes in Obama's office, Lincoln's statue, Obama's desk, Obama's office, what is new in White house, white house interior

by nate on Monday, January 4th, 2010 | Attraction, Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

Dubai is set to open the world’s tallest building on Monday, less than a month after receiving billions of dollars from neighboring Abu Dhabi to avoid a huge loan default.

Dubai’s ruler will preside over the opening ceremony for the Burj Dubai, Arabic for Dubai Tower, which has been under construction since 2004.

The developers will not reveal the exact height of Burj before its official debut, but it reportedly towers more than 800 meters, significantly taller than the previous record-holder, the Tapei 101 which rises 508 meters above Taiwan.

Dubai leaders hope the tapered metal and glass skyscraper will help restore investors’ confidence in the Gulf Arab emirate, which has been saddled with a mountain of debt since the collapse of its real estate sector at the end of 2008.

State-owned conglomerate Dubai World, known for its pricey and extravagant real estate projects, sent markets tumbling in November after it announced it could not repay $60 billion in loans.

Neighboring emirate Abu Dhabi came to Dubai’s rescue in December with a $10 billion aid package to help Dubai World repay some of its debt.

source: voanews.com

Taipei 101
City: Taipei
Country: Taiwan (ROC)
Height: 509m 1,671 ft
Floors: 101

image credit: Bloomberg

Shanghai World Financial Centre (left)
City: Shanghai
Country: China (PRC)
Height: 492m 1, 614 ft
Floors: 101

image credit: Bloomberg

International Commerce Centre
City: Hong Kong
Country: Hong Kong
Height: 483m 1, 584 ft
Floors: 118

image credit: Bloomberg

Petronas Tower 1
City: Kuala Lumpur Country: Malaysia Height: 452m 1, 483 ft
Floors: 88
Petronas Tower 2
Height: 452m 1, 483 ft Floors: 88

image credit: Bloomberg

Nanjing Greenland Financial Centre
City: Nanjing
Country: China (PRC)
Height: 450m 1, 476 ft
Floors 89

image credit: Bloomberg

Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
City: Chicago
Country: United States
Height: 442m 1, 451 ft
Floors: 108

image credit: Bloomberg

Guangzhou West Tower
City: Guangzhou
Country: China (PRC)
Height: 440m 1, 444 ft
Floors: 103

image credit: Bloomberg

Two International Financial Centre
City: Hong Kong
Country: Hong Kong
Height: 416m 1, 362 ft
Floors: 88

image credit: Bloomberg

Jin Mao Tower (right)
City: Shanghai
Country: China (PRC)
Height: 421m 1, 380 ft
Floors: 88

image credit: Bloomberg

Tags: abu dhabi, architecture, Burj Dubai, dubai mega tower, dubai tower, Dubai World conglomerate, first resources, kvly tv mast, News, petronas towers, tall building, tallest building, tallest building in the world, the burj dubai, world's tallest building, world's top architecture

by bintangkecil on Thursday, December 31st, 2009 | Attraction, Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

The 121st Rose Parade will take place on Friday, January 1, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units.

The Rose Parade will be broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV, Travel Channel and Univision. The Parade is also seen in more than 200 international territories and countries.

Following the Rose Parade, at 2:10 p.m. (PST), the 96th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi will feature the No. 8 BCS-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes versus the No. 7 BCS-ranked Oregon Ducks in The Granddaddy of Them All®. The Rose Bowl Game will be broadcast exclusively on ABC and on ESPN radio.

PARTICIPANTS

1 2010 Theme Float, presented by Wells Fargo with supporting sponsor NAMM
2 Grand Marshal
3 Farmers Insurance Group Marching Band / Riverside City College Marching Tigers
4 Farmers Insurance Group of Companies
5 United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard
6 President’s Car - DiSano Family
7 Rotary International
8 Lions Clubs International
9 Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band
10 Donate Life
11 West Coast Composite Marine Band
12 Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center
13 Jack in the Box
14 Marian Catholic High School Band
15 Rain Bird Corporation
16 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
17 Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets
18 Macy’s / Queen Float
19 Region 1 Versatile Arabian
20 Ronald McDonald House Charities® Southern California (RMHCSC)
21 El Dorado Golden Hawks Band and Color Guard
22 Mayor of Pasadena, Bill Bogaard
23 Wells Fargo
24 Phoenix Satellite Television
25 Big Ten Participating University Float
26 The Ohio State University Marching Band
27 Bayer Advanced
28 Rose Bowl Game, Hall of Fame Inductees
29 Subway Restaurants
30 Pac-10 Participating University Float
31 Oregon Marching Band
32 City of Torrance
33 Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club
34
Burbank Tournament of Roses Association
35 The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band
36 The New Buffalo Soldiers
37 West Covina Rose Float Foundation
38 Lutheran Laymen’s League
39 The Shire Riders
40 American Honda
41 Latin Band Pedro Molina
42 Martinez Family
43 Mexico
44 Amigo de Anza Equestrian Unit
45 City of Alhambra
46 Millard West High School Wildcat Marching Band
47 Trader Joe’s
48 Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society
49 City of South Pasadena
50 Ohio University Marching Band
51 Western Haflingers
52 Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.
53 Conroe Tiger Band
54 City of Cerritos
55 Long Beach Mounted Police
56 Cal Poly Universities
57 Los Angeles Unified School District All District High School Honor Band
58 City of Los Angeles
59 Valley Hunt Club Hitch & Riders
60 City of Anaheim
61 South Kitsap High School Marching Band
62 Giddy Up Gals Equestrian Drill Team
63 La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association
64 Sierra Madre Rose Float Association
65 Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band
66 Cowgirls Historical Foundation
67 China Airlines
68 Soddy Daisy Marching Trojans
69 Arizona Mini Mystique
70 New Mexico, USA
71 Anheuser-Busch
72 Webb City High School Cardinal Pride
73 Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds
74 Shanghai World Expo / Roundtable of Southern California
75 Pickerington Central Marching Tigers
76 Kaiser Permanente
77 Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers
78 City of Duarte, California / City of Hope
79 Kansai Honor Green Band
80 Odd Fellows and Rebekahs
81 Southern California Peruvian Paso Horse Cub
82 Downey Rose Float Assocation
83 Walton High School Marching Raider Band
84 Horse Cavalry Detachment / 1st Cavalry Division
85 Kiwanis International
86 Glendora Tartan Band and Pageantry
87 RFD-TV
88 All American Cowgirl Chicks
89 Boy Scouts of America
90 Danvers High School Falcon Marching Band
91 City of Glendale
92 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

TICKETS

All dates, times and prices are subject to change and you are encouraged to call the toll free Visitor Hotline, (877) 793-9911; the Visitors’ Information line, (626) 449-ROSE; or contact the Tournament of Roses office, (626) 449-4100.

The Tournament of Roses hosts a variety of activities with “America’s New Year Celebration.” In 2010, the Tournament of Roses will also host the Citi BCS National Championship Game in addition to the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game. Please click on the event title below for further information on tours and tickets.

2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game

2010 Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi

2010 Rose Parade

2010 Rose Parade & Rose Bowl Game Events

ROUTE

The five-and-a-half mile Rose Parade route begins at the corner of Ellis Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. The Parade travels north on Orange Grove at a leisurely 2.5-mile per hour pace and then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard where the majority of the Parade takes place. At the end of the route, the Parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and ends at Sierra Madre and Villa Street.

Tournament of Roses Viewing Tips and Ideas

* Pasadena has great winter weather. In fact, the Rose Bowl Parade has never been canceled due to rain, and the only heavy rainfall during the parade was in 2006. Odds are that the weather will be balmy on New Year’s Day. Bring an easily-removed outer layer if you arrive early; it’ll be warm and sunny soon enough (don’t forget to check the local weather listings, of course).

* Don’t bother arriving too early; the whole area is sealed off the day before. It’s a good idea to “save a spot” for you and your family starting at noon on December 31st.

* The Tournament of Roses Parade follows the same route every year: Starting on Ellis St., it heads north on S. Orange Grove Blvd., then east on Colorado Blvd, north (left turn) on Sierra Madre Blvd., and ending at Paloma Street.

* The best place to view the Rose Bowl Parade is early on its route. This is also where the T.V. cameras are, so you’re most likely to see some stars and “dignitaries” being interviewed. I like the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado; grandstand tickets for this spot are the most expensive, but if you like great views of great parades, it’s worth it.

* Colorado Blvd. is usually the most crowded part of the parade route, as this street is also Pasadena’s main thoroughfare. Colorado Blvd. takes up the bulk of the parade route.

* Here’s a useful tip for people who are light-sensitive: If you can, sit on the west side of the streets on the Tournament of Roses parade route. That way, the sun won’t get in your eyes.

* The Rose Bowl Parade lasts around 2 and a half hours, start to finish. Afterwards, the floats go to nearby Victory Park, where you and your family can get a close up look at the millions of flowers, and hear about all the hours of work that went into preparing each float for the parade. No rush: The floats stay in Victory Park for a couple of days (there is a per-person fee for this).

* The Rose Bowl Game typically starts a few hours after the parade ends, at around 2:00 PM PST. That gives your family plenty of time to have lunch and recover from the excitement of the Tournament of Roses. Colorado Blvd. has a plethora of restaurants to choose from.

HISTORY

The Rose Parade began at a Pasadena Valley Hunt Club meeting in 1890, when Professor Charles Holder suggested holding a festival to tell the world about California. That first year, two thousand people came out to see flower-covered carriages travel down Colorado Avenue. Today, a million people turn out every New Year’s Day to watch dozens of floats, bands and equestrian groups.

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