Herbert Can Be Ever Ready

Upon arrival at the mile high city, walking through the Denver International Airport , you might pause to take a look at one of the first sights Colorado offers its visitors — an art installation titled “America: Why I Love Her,” which is the work of a customer service agent for Continental Airlines.

Early in the 1990s, Gary Sweeny spent one year traveling courtesy of his airline to visit some of the United States most unusual attractions. He snapped photos of these places and brought them back to Denver, sharing them with whomever walked through the airport in the form of two big maps of the U.S. on opposite walls at the airport. You’ll find them along your way to the east baggage claim, a placement that made certain thousand of people a day would see the art and these unusual places in America.

But Mr. Sweeny’s art work is not alone in the Denver airport. You’ll find exhibitions year round, as well as special displays for a limited time. Currently, in the Bridge to A Gates, you’ll find “33 Ideas! Inquiry at the Intersection of Art, Science, and Land/Human Issues” from March until June of 2010.

This work was created by literary and visual artists who are linked to the Colorado Art Ranch , work from people who have been artists in residence, presenters, or involved in symposias with the ranch, which began based on the belief that the arts can create change in a society.

Imagine, for instance, the world without the scientist and artist, Leonardo da Vinci, both devoid of his paintings, sculpture, and scientific thinking. Four hundred years before the proper science and tools existed to construct a helicopter, he designed one; it’s the Colorado Art Ranch that promotes this idea between the connection of arts and science.

Artists and scientists come from around the globe to spend a month in Colorado to explore their work and talk about their ideas to artists who already live in Colorado. Look for events of this group not only in Denver, but all around the state. You may even follow them, staying in luxury hotels Colorado offers to its visitors in various cities, including Denver. This fusion of art and science and Colorado all begins at the airport.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:10 pm under Travel
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Walk into almost any classroom and you will most likely see a collection of world maps decorating the walls. While world maps are by far some of the oldest maps in existence, they have also changed with technology. There are world atlases, world globes, even world maps that are printable . Even though they are old, we have still have many uses for them today.
Today if we want to get directions or see where we are going we use a road atlas , or if you are really technologically savvy a Garmin GPS . However, in ancient times they didn’t have maps that would mark out the roads they needed to take. The first sailors didn’t have maps that would show them that there was land on the other side of the ocean. World maps and their development are an important part of our history. They help us to realize where we came from and appreciate what we have today.
World maps unite us. Looking at world globe brings a new perspective to our existence. You don’t see each individual people or cities or countries, instead all of the continents and how we are all in the position here on this planet we call Earth. Somehow China doesn’t seem quite so far away.
Many of us in junior high or high school had to do a report on another country. The country that I was assigned to was Estonia , a place I had never heard of before. But after finding it on a world map and researching their climate, culture, and daily life I feel a much stronger connection to them. I watch for them every two years at the Olympics . World maps help us appreciate one another.
With all of our new technology it is easy to forget about all of the people and land that exist outside of our own personal worlds, but I would encourage you to pull out that old world map you have buried in the back of your closet and take a look–you might be surprised what you discover.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:10 pm under Culture
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I found that my stay in Boca Raton, Florida to be everything I expected and so much more. Boca has white sandy beaches and the climate was perfect. I really enjoyed deep-sea fishing, the museums and all the golf courses I could fit into my itinerary, plus an unexpected pleasure.

My first day, I booked a boat to take me deep-sea fishing. I’ve never done that kind of fishing before, so I was very excited the moment I stepped foot on this 33′ Contender sport fishing yacht! The interior had leather couches, air-conditioning and a state-of-the-art stereo equipment and satellite TV! I picked this charter because they specialized in amateurs and professionals alike. They also offered some of the best Sailfishing on the East Coast and go very close to the Bahamas for Marlin and Tuna fishing.

That day, I was the only fishing client on-board, so I got special treatment. The crew was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful with explaining how to deep-sea fish. The reason I was the only client was that it’s still early in the year for Marlin and Tuna, but they were going out to sea anyways and thought it would be a good time for a beginner to get their deep-sea fishing legs. I had a total blast. I didn’t catch anything like a Marlin or a Tuna, but I did catch a Mahi Mahi !

Later that night, after taking a nice hot shower at my hotel , I met up with one of the crew members for drinks and dinner! He was very nice and funny. We hit it off on the yacht earlier in the day, and when he asked me out, at first I thought he must be kidding, but he was serious and told me he’d show me a good time out on the town. He was right, the restaurant he picked for dinner was expensive and fantastic. Then he took me out dancing to this great club and we danced the night away.

When I got off the yacht, I didn’t realize that I had caught more than a deep-sea fish, I caught a real live man!

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:10 pm under Travel
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Wedding Planning can be time consuming and confusing. Let the experts take care of what they do best and sit back and enjoy your newfound love! It should be a time to experience the magic of starting a new life with someone. Making new plans for the future should not revolve around the long stem or mini vase roses for the reception dinner. It may seem like a fun thing to do with your girlfriends while you and your future hubby try not to spend every waking moment together, but you will soon notice how your tastes really do differ! Plan a wedding in the lush backdrop of Hawaii and feel the stress melt away before you even land! If a destination wedding is not an option, there is always the honeymoon!

Honolulu is an excellent choice for a honeymoon location. No matter if you decide to get married on the mainland or make it a private getaway for two, got to Honolulu. An abundance of luxury honolulu hotels to choose from. Hawaii specializes in creating and exuding aloha. The atmosphere of tranquility and harmony is one that will translate into your souls forever. The waterfalls around the island open up into private lagoons so that romance and intimacy is not lost in a big crowd or overrun casinos.

If adventure is your middle name, Honolulu can accommodate you too! Jump off the cliff into a warm lagoon of water. Hiking trails across the island also provide a fabulous workout and as much adventure as you can handle. Climb up to the rim of a volcano and feel the power that is nature.

Some couples would like a more laid back experience with massages and private snorkeling . This too is a specialty of the island. Soak up the sun on a private beach getaway and feel closer to nature and your loved one than ever before. Share the experiences of awe and wonder as you see colorful fish through the clear waters.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:10 pm under Travel
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There are only a few great moments in the world which are consistently celebrated and grieved: the birth of a new human being, the marriage of a human being, and the death of a human being. Every other event seems to pale beside these. People mark the personal achievements of others, such as acquiring a new job or home, but none are met with the same intensity as getting the opportunity to marry the person you love or to welcome a newborn onto the planet or to say goodbye to those we’ve loved and who are no longer sharing this journey with us. If you come to Philadelphia, you’ll want to explore all the city has to offer. Check into a room here , then see that famous cracked Liberty Bell, take a look at the Franklin Institute, wander around Independence Hall. But, in all of that, take some time to see one of the more unusual museums you’ll ever come across: The Museum of Mourning Art over in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

The exhibits in this museum focus on how we experience the last stage of life, displaying objects that related to death, such as skulls and skeletons, crossed bone, even more ethereal and symbolic objects, such as the Lamb and angels. These art forms may be detailed on clocks, books, gates, jewelry, ceramics — indeed, any number of art forms. Most of the exhibits here originate from the 17th and 19th Centuries, illustrating what people thought about death and heaven and hell. There’s a horse-drawn hearse at the Museum of Mourning Art, surrounded by an Willow and Lamb Iron Gate, meant to suggest God and the Resurrection. There’s seventy pieces of Mourning Jewelry. These items were given to friends and families as keepsakes from the deceased; the arrangements for the gifts were provided in wills. George Washington, for example, gave five rings to friends; when the Reverend George Whitefield was executed, he gave three of these rings to the men who killed him.

In the museum, you’ll also see an example of a Cemetery Gun. This odd device was meant to discourage grave robbing. At the time, physicians and artists, who needed to study anatomy, sometimes stole from the graves. The guns were rigged to fire, if a robber tripped a wire; however, this device didn’t discriminate between robbers and mourners, and so its use was outlawed.

In order to experience one of the more unusual museums in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to make a reservation, whether you’re by yourself or in a group. If you’re making an individual reservation, though, it’s possible to make the arrangements just a day or two in advance .

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:10 pm under Travel
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Palmdale, California is generally considered to be part of the greater Los Angeles urban area. And while almost every aspect of that region continues to grow, Palmdale itself is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. This is due to many reasons, though one of the common ones is that people who are currently living and working in LA are recognizing this city as an attractive residential option and are leaving the larger urban area for its calm and quiet neighborhoods. Of course many other people are drawn to Palmdale and are coming from other parts of the country. In addition, it has become a popular tourist destination in its own right and is recognized outside of its relationship to Los Angeles. You can look here to find great information on where to stay if you’re planning to visit Palmdale.

The Palmdale Playhouse is just one of the entertainment and cultural attractions that entices audiences from in and outside of the city. The actual theatre was constructed in 1993, or that is when the ground was broke which began its construction. It was established as an effort to convert the older building that was the Maryott Auditorium into a complete performing arts center. This was spearheaded by the Palmdale Repertory Theatre and the Desert Opera Theatre. The result was this 348 seat performance space and a company that produces entertaining and sometimes provocative productions for an engaged and supportive audience. The new performance space also features an orchestra pit, workshop and office spaces.

The company has entered its 16th season and is proud to continue its established tradition of quality productions. In addition to great performances, there are various workshops, lectures and classes that take place in the playhouse. Some of the performances that will be occurring throughout the remainder of March are specifically intended for children, while others are oriented toward adult audiences. Of course there are also some family shows and the upcoming production of Harvey serves as good example. However, it won’t be opening until April, but it’s still a nice option for family entertainment. Meanwhile, Winnie the Pooh continues through March 13th and an Evening of Musical Inspiration will take place on March 24th.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:52 am under Culture
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Sought-out sights in the world have always included the architecture inspired by spirituality, such as great cathedrals of Europe and ancient temples in China.  In the case of the island city-state of Singapore, you’ll find the oldest and most prominent is the Thian Hock Keng or the Temple of Heavenly Bliss.   Built in 1839, around twenty years after Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore as a simple trading post on the Singapore River and about one hundred and seventy-one years from today, this Hokkien Temple was constructed to honor the Chinese Sea Goddess Mazu or Mat-Su.

The story behind Mazu is a fascinating one, in which a girl is transformed into a goddess.  There is history about this girl contained in immensely old edicts from the government, from court documents, and even shipping logs, as well as Taoist scriptures, that describes Mazu as a young girl and the goddess she became.  Even to this day, she has fifteen hundred operating temples and about a hundred million followers.  Folk tradition for Mazu describes how in times of trouble if you call upon her by name, Mazu, she will come to your aid; however, if you address her in a more formal manner, such as the Empress of Heaven, then your rescue will be postponed as this means she must delay in order to put on more formal attire.  The goddess is based on a woman named Lin Mo Niang to which people attribute miracles during her brief lifetime.  She knew Chinese medicine and came to be known as a healer; some of the miracles, though, were about stopping seastorms, and this established her as a protector of sailors and travelers.

The temple’s history is contained in granite tablets which reside on the wall of the Entrance Hall; there’s an inscribed plaque also inside which Emperor Guang Xu of the Qing Dynasty from 1907 gave to the temple, a sign of how important people considered this site.  The plaque reads, Bo Jing Nan Ming, which means Gentle Waves over the South Seas.  The building is composed in from the traditional form of Southern Chinese architecture.   There were no nails used in its construction, and is considered a masterwork of architecture which uses tiles and wood, stones, statues of dragons and phoenixes, and intricate carvings and sculptures amidst the columns.

This temple is only one of many sights available to a traveler in Singapore.  All one need do is to arrange for a flight and to stay in one the hotels in Singapore, and begin exploring.  If you go to Singapore, be sure not to miss this building, which has been declared a national monument of Singapore for the last  thirty-seven years.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 1:36 pm under Art,Culture,Entertainment,People,Travel
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