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Tagged With "Tate Modern"

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Re: Wonders of the Modern World

DrFumblefinger ·
The Soviets have never been completely transparent about Chernobyl, but this is the story as best as I was able to synthesize it: It seems that the alarm system was malfunctioning (going off all the time) so it was turned off by the tech monitoring the system. He had the fuel rods pulled out of their cooling chambers for maintenance work, was distracted (remember, the alarms are off), then by the time he focused back on the task at hand the rods had begun to melt and couldn't be reinserted...
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Re: Wonders of the Modern World

DrFumblefinger ·
PHeymont -- understand the Brooklyn bridge is 19th century, but I'd still consider that as modern and, especially for its time, was an engineering marvel.
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Re: Heidelberg Castle: Where Gumbo Was (#135)

PortMoresby ·
No, in the lower left of that one, right below the individual tree on the left and below your circle. Put your finger dead center of the top photo and it's there, just above the 2 gothic windows, between the 2 halves of the castle. Looks like a modern construction and appears to be leaning left, 2 chimneys.
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Re: Sydney Expat Guide

GarryRF ·
My first impression of Australia was how clean and modern everywhere is. Oz has a shorter history span than the US. Their view of people from other countries is limited to what they see on TV News. Similar to Americans. My 3 kids lived in Australia for a while and found it very safe with well mannered folks. I have lots of family over there and the great plus of living in Oz is being able to enjoy the great outdoors. Even in winter when most days are above 60f - which the locals call cold !
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Re: August 5, 2017: The Potter and his Wife

Amateuremigrant ·
An interesting insight garage med by poking around in unexpected places. The caste system is still a blight on Indian society, though breaking down in towns and cities due to the pressures of modern life (sharing transport for example), in rural areas it can be deadly serious when low caste people try to assert democratic rights
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #14: A Sewer Journey

TravelandNature ·
IslandMan - Good one ! Your island home of Malta is an interesting case in point of modern water and wastewater management. The limestone and clay geology there leads to rapid groundwater runoff during the winter rains. Because of this, precious water is reused after treatment in one of the two above ground sewer plants. Water has always been a very valuable resource on the island. Perhaps you might like to make a report sometime about the natural springs and history of the Maqluba doline in...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? # 9

Paul Heymont ·
Well, nothing "Thais" us together like a good puzzle! But alas, this one did not last to the weekend. WorkerBee, our puzzle champion started homing in by e-mail on Wednesday, with an inspired but wrong guess: Once again Gumbo is taking time to visit a church. This church is made of wood on a base of stone. The location is near Barsana (Birsana) in Maramures county, Romania. By Thursday, he had continued his research, and last night he was back with another e-mail, and he had nailed it. On...
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Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

DrFumblefinger ·
PHeymont, I never try to judge historic figures through the prism of modern values. Remember in the 18th century slavery was a global institution -- absolutely every country in the world had slaves. And being from Virginia, he knew the southern states wouldn't join northern colonies in forming a new country without slavery being allowed, so I don't think he thought it was time to fight that fight. I think he valued the formation of the new country above all else -- risking his life to do so...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 18 2013: Milan's Bronze Typist

DrFumblefinger ·
I enjoy the photo and the story, PHeymont, but am drawn to the typewriter. In a few more generations, children will be wondering, "what's that strange thing the man is holding on his lap?" I still remember owning and using a typewriter, but few under the age of 30 do. I recall reading a SciFi short story collection written in the 1950s not long ago that featured a story about a journalist traveling on a space ship. He needed to keep his typewriter anchored so that it didn't float away in...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #5.5

WorkerBee ·
Interesting clues here but nothing definitive. The vegetation growing through the cobblestones might indicate a moderate climate throughout the year. This path appears to be residential and not one frequented by tourists. Maybe Mediterranean or a colonial city in the Americas. The cobblestones are on the small side and are more common, I think, in southern Europe. Also the light fixtures are a modern design and not typical of a city trying very hard to preserve the old look and feel of the...
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Re: Way To Earn a Few Bucks for Travel

Travel Rob ·
Originally Posted by GarryRF: Thanks Rob - Is that new Avatar your new office !!!! Like all modern day drifters,my offices are the library and McDonalds . LOL
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Re: Laughter Set in Stone: Fun with Statues

Paul Heymont ·
Well, here's another I would have included in the original post—except I didn't remember I had it! Unintentionally ironic or not...it speaks up for a local guy in an unusual way!
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Re: Laughter Set in Stone: Fun with Statues

DrFumblefinger ·
That's a fun piece, PHeymont! I, too, have noticed larger numbers of whimsical statues. The city this struck me in the most was Bratislava, in Slovakia. For example, here's their "Men at Work" And here's one that's a tribute to shutterbugs like you and me.
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Re: Laughter Set in Stone: Fun with Statues

Paul Heymont ·
Thanks! those are great...we need a bit more humor in everyday life!
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Re: Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart

GarryRF ·
This display of beautiful cars is a modern day "Work of Art" They require no adornment by mannequins from the Kmart. I'd compare it to the Ad's we see at Bus Stops where some gorgeous model has had a Moustache added by some "Wag" with a Sharpie pen ! Or maybe adding some "Christmas Tinsel" to the Mona Lisa to improve her good looks ! "A place for everything - and everything in it's place!" (A Bimbo - over here - is a Lady with stunning looks - but lower than average IQ)
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool

DrFumblefinger ·
No offense intended, PHeymont. I was trying to make a point that the modern reality is very different than the "reputation".
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar.4th 2014: Dubai Water Taxi

DrFumblefinger ·
It's a great image, Islandman! I really enjoy photos of people going about their every day lives in different locations about the world, a reminder to me how much more alike we all are than different. This photo is made more interesting by their obviously ethnic diversity -- people who have come to Dubai for a good job and to improve their lot in life. The contrast of the old wooden taxi and modern skyscrapers in the background is great!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day September 9, 2013: Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

DrFumblefinger ·
I like the idea! We'll put the idea out there as bait for our members. Anyone want to write about the origin of their country (or some countries that interest them), especially from a modern travelers perspective?
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Re: The search for the right-sized airplane

DrFumblefinger ·
I believe that's the best summary of modern jet development I've ever read. Interesting and fun, thanks!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#125)

Paul Heymont ·
The Puzzler really hopes to hear more today from the guessers...this usually works best when folks trade questions, hints and more. Today's clue shows another side of the church that is the answr to "Where in the World is TravelGumbo?" It's a stained glass window that is very modern in style, and contains a significant historic reference (as do several others in the building).
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Re: Exploring Namibia – Part 2

Professorabe ·
Thank you very much for your comment, George. There certainly were times - after we had not encountered another vehicle or a building for ages - when our thoughts turned to what might happen if our car suddenly broke down. We found the local people very cheerful and most helpful. With older people the conversations inevitably turned to the bad old days of apartheid. Some of the stories were very disturbing indeed. As to modern buildings, we did not find much beyond the usual 'shopping mall'...
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Re: Norway getting an all-electric fjord ferry

DrFumblefinger ·
The modern world still needs oil so I'm glad Norway is able to help add to a world supply that makes us all less reliant on the volatile middle east. But they do have abundant hydroelectricity, as does Canada, and it's places like this that I see as good testing grounds for battery powered experiments like this ferry because charging the batteries here doesn't add much pollution. Hydroelectric dams may be somewhat controversial (what isn't?), but once they're built they generate lots of...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #86

Paul Heymont ·
Something about the stonework makes me want to say late 19th century; if so, the gargoyle is an anachronism. The roofing looks too modern to be much older, I think...and yet, am I fooling myself?
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #86

PortMoresby ·
I learned something new tonight, delving into Gumbo's adventure - "If it doesn’t spout water, it isn’t a gargoyle, it’s a grotesque." I thought for no reason that spouting water was incidental to gargoyle-ness, but it is, apparently, essential. I too, think the building is newer than might be implied by the decoration. The style of stonework above and below the creature seems very modern to me.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 6th, 2014:Brighton, England

Travel Rob ·
Really incredible. Something about the dome looks modern to me.Must of been a true marvel when it was built !
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Re: Gallery: Signs of Waikiki

GarryRF ·
A taste of "Modern Culture" - but how long will it stand the test of time ? I found it hard to find examples of Hawaiian culture - pre American influence.
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Re: Gallery: Signs of Waikiki

DrFumblefinger ·
Signs of the Modern Culture, indeed, Garry. Waikiki is about as new a neighborhood as you'll find in any major city. There are no old man-made artifacts or structures here. How long will it last? Like most modern culture, it likely will keep evolving trying to keep up with the times. Old places torn down to be replaced with newer structures. But Hawaii certainly does have places built by the early civilizations that inhabited it. It's not clear when man settled these islands but let's say...
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Re: "Cruise Night", Thunder Bay, Ontario: The 1970's and 1980's

GarryRF ·
Some beautiful cars in colours from the Candy Store ! Another amazing collection and worth a close inspection. All these cars must be kept under wraps for most of the year and wait for summer. Thanks for another visit to modern art.
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Re: Why the Return of Frommers Guidebooks is a Big Deal

Paul Heymont ·
A thought about guidebooks: They started, really, as travel diaries of people who had happened to travel somewhere, for one reason or another—but not just for travel. De Toqueville comes to mind, and others after. Of course, these books all had a point of view! Many of the modern guidebook series don't really seem to have that, at least not a clear guiding philosophy. Rather, they tend to be comprehensive tomes—useful but not endearing. I always thought one of the best qualities of the...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#58)

Paul Heymont ·
Here's a clue: It's modern stuff, but the scene's not new. Shouldn't be too tough; You've likely seen the view.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#54)

DrFumblefinger ·
It is not in a museum of any type, although this place has a lot of interesting modern art. It is not an airport. Lynn Millar, those may be slot machines in there. Does that help?
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Re: Tupelo, Mississippi. Birthplace of the King of Rock 'n Roll

GarryRF ·
Great piece of living history DrF. I think I'd have to follow your plan of attack and travel without my p.a. She's not a fan of modern music ! I love anyone who spells Theatre correctly, and gives me new ways to describe being "skint" "before their deteriorating financial conditions (“dirt poo") forced them to move elsewhere"
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#81)

PortMoresby ·
Well, to start, I count 15 medieval air conditioning units. The architecture feels like a curious cross between medieval (the tower) and gothic (large windows) so it's likely neither. Maybe a modern faux-historic hybrid?
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Re: Impression about Perth, Australia

DrFumblefinger ·
I've actually visited Perth, attending a medical meeting there some years back. I really enjoyed the city. Mostly modern, but with historic colonial era buildings. Very friendly people, especially considering they're all descended from convicts (a point of pride and good humor with them, I found). Perth was a good springboard for a road-trip around southwestern Australia, including a drive up to Shark's Bay, through the wildflower way (am I remember that name correctly), down to the large...
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Re: Signs of Pinedale, Wyoming

DrFumblefinger ·
It is not only an old cowboy town, Garry, it is a modern cowboy town. If you suggested to the locals that they're a Disney act, you'd be as likely to be hog tied as run out of town. The people here are real ranchers, farmers, cowboys and outdoorsman. Some seasonal help might come to help the restaurants during peak seasons, but they usually don't settle down here.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#85)

Travel Luver ·
I'll start with some observations. Very tall roof, so much so that it must be in a place that doesn't get much blowing snow or rain. Very modern looking, butstyle could be almost anywhere.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#105)

Paul Heymont ·
Alright...you've given me nothing today, but since Monday is the last day (on Tuesday the answer will be published) here's one last picture from the town Gumbo's (virtually) visiting... This is an important venue, and a modern one...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #104

Xenophile ·
From the looks of things its a fairly antiquated cockpit without any leds or other highly modern instruments. From the total lack of modern instruments and the view out the cockpit I'd have to think it that this is a museum piece and the piece of hardware is undoubtably western. I'm looking forward to both the guesses of our Gumbo seekers and what the actual answer here is (I'm in the dark)!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #104

DrFumblefinger ·
Originally Posted by Xenophile: From the looks of things its a fairly antiquated cockpit without any leds or other highly modern instruments. Is that true or a misinterpretation? That is a true cockpit, as constructed, as it exists today. This plane still is airworthy.
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Re: Nashville, Tennessee.....the Elvis tour continues!

GarryRF ·
Thank you - again - for a wonderful tour of the origins of modern music. Looks like Ottoman saved the day. So much history to absorb in one visit. Those bygone days when music and its makers made headlines. Nice, well presented series DrF !
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Re: Visiting Cuba.

GarryRF ·
Internal flights within Cuba use old Russian planes and modern Airbus and Boeing. Tourists only fly on the modern ones. Then when an old Russian plane crashes it doesn't hit the international news. And it does happen.
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Re: Germans Reflect on Reunification

DrFumblefinger ·
I was in Berlin on Saturday, the day of the 25th anniversary of reunification. There were tons of people in the city, as crowded as I've ever seen any major city. The main activities were in the Tiergarten, especially around the Brandenburg gate. By the time we made our way there, the police had closed down the area and were not allowing more people in because it was overcrowded. Still, everyone seemed well behaved and having a nice time. I think most Germans feel reunification was a good...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 14, 2015: Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo, Tx

Travel Luver ·
Looks like a modern American Stonehenge -- but more colorful. Love the pics!
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Re: Passenger pilots an EasyJet flight

GarryRF ·
He wont get paid....but.... A modern day Hero !
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Re: Maritime and Prison Museum, Ushuaia (Where Gumbo was #339)

GarryRF ·
Interesting article DrF. The British Government sent young "Convicts" to Australia to work as unpaid Labour. Crimes like stealing a loaf of bread. Builders and engineers were a favourite catch as they were in much demand in Oz. Modern day Slavery.
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France

DrFumblefinger ·
There are places that will rent you a set-up tent -- often this is upscale camping (Glamping) and the tents have most of the amenities of a room. Most people around here have their own camping gear and set up their tent where they want. With modern tents and a little experience, that rarely takes more than 10 minutes to do. If people want a vacation with a pool, they generally don't go to a national park. For these purposes there are inexpensive budget hotels of all types around. But I like...
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Re: 'Uncomfortable memory' tour faces Barcelona slave history

DrFumblefinger ·
It is good that a people face up to and learn from the past. We must learn from the lessons of history, but I do hope this will not become a "self-flagellation" exercise. At the end of the 18th century, everyone had slaves. Every people, every race, every culture, every country participated in the buying, selling and owning of other people. It was the norm. Fortunately, with a few rare exceptions, modern society has become enlightened and the rights of individuals is now a central focus of...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#132)

DrFumblefinger ·
Nicely worked wood and relatively modern looking stairway. Perhaps an old castle converted to a public building?
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#116)

Paul Heymont ·
I note some older weapons at the top, but those standing on the bottom seem relatively modern (made for cartridges, not powder and ball. Doesn't help me get notably closer, but maybe it will catch someone's thought?
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Ian Cook

Ian Cook
 
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