Tagged With "University of Virginia"
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Mac. I'll be in Pennsylvania - Delaware - Maryland - Virginia later this month through September. Although a good way south of your expedition the colours of winter arrive gradually and the days are still warm enough to enjoy walking the empty State Parks. Only a leisurely days drive south of Boston. I love that warm gap between the end of an English summer and getting back home for that first chill of winter. LATE SEPTEMBER
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Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Jefferson has always been a fascinating and difficult character, with many sides to his life and work. Aside from the Monticello and other designs, he was also a pioneer agriculturalist, importing many varieties of flowers and vegetables, and improving them by breeding. But for me, the hardest task, mentally and emotionally, is to reconcile the brilliant political and philosophical words with an absolute refusal to even question the institution of slavery, when many others of his time in...
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Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
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: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
I would agree that presentism is a real danger for historians...but without wanting to veer this discussion too far off course, you'll note that I cited two of his close colleagues and acquaintances in Virginia alone, not to mention Lafayette and many others IN HIS TIME AND ACQUAINTANCE who had already concluded that it was time, and many others were acting on it. It was an active debate in his time and place, he was aware of it, and sadly...he took the wrong side.
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Re: Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Kennedy Space Center
I enjoyed watching todays launch from Virginia. A Ton of supplies to get aboard the Spacestation ! And 10,000 ants ! The folks on the station have to reach out and grab it as it floats around. Just as well its weightless !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 22, 2014: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
What's the best ride?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 22, 2014: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Originally Posted by Travel Luver: What's the best ride? Hi Travel Luver! I can honestly say that I enjoyed all the rides at the Universal Studios Theme Parks, but if I had to pick a favorite or favorites, I would have to say that I particularly enjoyed the 3-D rides such as "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" (where Gru turns you into a Minion and you embark on a wild ride through Gru's lab), "The Simpsons Ride" (where you embark on a wild ride through Krustyland and Springfield), and "The...
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Re: Visual Bulimia? A Bloated Surfeit of Images?
Sheer volume has become a digital-age issue not only for images. The constant flow of e-mail (more spam than real, often); tweets about celebrities' teeth, clothes and turmoil; TV and radio repetitions as well as Konstant Kardashians are serious forms of mind pollution. Sometimes it takes an extended series of images to create a picture, an insight. But too many will mask, not highlight, the point. That's why I enjoy well-curated exhibits of the work of thoughtful (not merely skillful)...
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Re: New aluminum battery could be traveler's best friend
It might just revolutionize consumer electronics -- and perhaps even make battery powered cars and such a more feasible option.
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Re: It's magic: Harry Potter boosts park profits 38%
The Harry Potter collection has also boosted the number of younger folks that are reading books. That's got to be a bonus ! Kids here in the UK say there's so much more detail in the books than the films. Got to be better than "Blob dodging" on a computer screen !
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Re: It's magic: Harry Potter boosts park profits 38%
I agree...and I thank you for a wonderful phrase and image: "blob dodging!"
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Re: June 23, 2016: Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington, D.C.
I like this memorial, especially at night time, when the bronze figure of Jefferson really stands out against the light colored dome. Thanks, Ottoman!
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Re: 'The Walking Dead' attraction coming to Universal Studios Hollywood
Nice to know there's an attraction out there I can skip!
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loganhpatton
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Schafer Wymond
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Re: Cruisers: American Cars in Stockholm
Owning a classic can be a a lot cheaper than most people think.The insurance can be low in states like Virginia and in some places the registration of plates last as long as you own the car. And for the last few years, the motto has been,"Keep it as is" ,so flaws are accepted as part of the history of the car.Cuts down on expensive restorations
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Re: Wallace, Idaho: From mining town to "Center of the Universe"
Wish I'd had THAT manhole cover for the blog we had here on Gumbo! And you got my heart with the bus...same model was my school bus at Fort Leavenworth in the 50s...
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Re: Wallace, Idaho: From mining town to "Center of the Universe"
Wallace reminds me of all my favorite places in the western US although I'd never heard of it before. I guess it's the look of an era rather than a particular place, when civilization arrived, paid for by the mines. Shacks replaced by wood replaced by stone & brick, a similar story all over the West. And amazing that so many survive. Thanks, DrF.
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Re: Wallace, Idaho: From mining town to "Center of the Universe"
Wallace is a very neat town to visit, very recommended stop along the I-90 freeway. Perfect place to walk around for a half day or day and take in the ambience of small town America. As you say, Port Moresby, there's a repeatable charm to how these towns grew up.
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Re: Wallace, Idaho: From mining town to "Center of the Universe"
Nice bus, i would like to take a trip on it
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Re: Wallace, Idaho: From mining town to "Center of the Universe"
I love visiting old, small towns. There can be so much to see and it looks like Wallace has a lot of interesting history. The Bordello museum sounds fascinating and classic buses are a favorite of mine too. Thanks for taking us there DrF.
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Re: Charlottesville, Virginia: Land of Presidents
I've spent many days exploring the early times of the Du Pont family around Delaware and Pennsylvania. Explore the old homes and gardens of the American chemical giants. Really fascinating. Chateau Country Route 52 passes thru Delaware’s Chateau Country. Many DuPont homes and estates are tucked away in the areas surrounding Greenville, Delaware and Centerville Delaware. Local residents have managed to preserve the rural character of Route 52 by controlling development. Twin Lakes Brewing...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Joseph Manigault House
On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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The Bear Blog
I had a hunch when Shelly and I were planning our 59 National Park in 59 weeks tour that wildlife would be center stage. I knew that the buffalo would roam in Yellowstone, that the tropical fish would dance...
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Not much progress yet on Universal Airline Tracking
After the disappearance nearly a year ago of Malaysian Airlines MH370, nearly everyone agreed how important it would be for better technology to track all airliners in real time. But that appears to be the last agreement on the issue, as some airlines...
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Google vs. Uber? With no one in driver's seat?
Wait for it...Google is on the verge, apparently, of offering a ride-share app that would compete with Uber (a company it previously invested in). In the long run, Google hopes to pair it up with its longstanding driverless car research, which company...
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New aluminum battery could be traveler's best friend
Imagine a smartphone battery that could recharge fully in just over a minute, could be recharged 7500 times, and is lighter than any battery you've ever had. And, oh yes, it can't catch fire as lithium-ion batteries can, and it's easier to recycle....
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JetBlue's boutique hotel: Sorry! No vacancy for you!
JetBlue, which has its training center ("JetBlue University") in Orlando, along with some operations and maintenance centers, has now opened its own 196-room boutique hotel with all the amenities, from pool to gym to good food. But it's not...
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It's magic: Harry Potter boosts park profits 38%
The extended Harry Potter theme park Universal opened in Orlando last summer has boosted Universal's take on the park business by 38%. When the new attraction opened, lines up to 7 hours long waited for their turn. MORE
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 12, 2015: Cambridge, England
Last weekend, I visited two of the most famous University cities in the world: Oxford and Cambridge. Both cities have a long history dating back to the medieval times, but it was Cambridge that stole my heart. With its quaint houses,...
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Visual Bulimia? A Bloated Surfeit of Images?
Moments ago a newsletter landed in my inbox from Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal, announcing its 14th edition of the Biannale of Contemporary Photography, curated by Catalan artist/curator, Joan Fontcuberta, to be held in...
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September, 3 2017 - Bristol TN/VA
In Bristol, crossing the street can mean crossing the line: the border runs down the street! Jonathan L reports.
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Healy Hall, Georgetown University (Where Gumbo was #234)
Gumbo was visiting Healy Hall in Georgetown University. George G shares the history and some great photos of the site.
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September 28, 2017: Reno Arch, Reno, Nevada
This iconic landmark is a prominent feature of downtown Reno.
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James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, Virginia
At the end of the week, we arrive at Gumbo's secret location, the former home of one of America's early Presidents.
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July 13, 2017: Wild Horses, Virginia City, Nevada
Ottoman's first visit to Virginia City gave him an opportunity to experience something unique, an encounter with wild horses.
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St. Mary's in the Mountain, Virginia City, Nevada (Where Gumbo Was #225)
Gumbo was visiting the lovely Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary's in the Mountains, situated in Virginia City, Nevada. Over 150 years old, it is a lovely building and should be on your "to do" list when visiting the Reno area.
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Rome imposes a summer drinking curfew
Rome's mayor extends a curfew on outdoor drinking and takeaway sales—except in her own neighborhood.
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Fear and Loving It: New roller coasters coming
New roller coasters to debut next year with twisting, turning, floating, dropping and scaring to spare for those who love them.
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Is your airport bin clean enough? Maybe not.
A hospital and tech company team up to save the world from a danger most of us didn't know existed.
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University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Where Gumbo Was (#208)
Jonathan L takes us to see this historic campus with its richly-decorated tower.
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Where in the World is TravelGumbo #372
A new travel puzzle is posted for the week. Gumbo is off to another adventure to a unique place — and it's up to you to figure out where that is!
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Poking around Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Stephanie Kalina-Metzger shares a visit to the small and historic West Virginia town of Berkeley Springs.
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Luray Valley Museum, Virginia
George G takes us on a tour of the museum that was the site for last week's Where In The World puzzle.
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Universal Studios Florida
Travel Rob shares a fun visit to Orlando's Universal Studios, proving it's not just for kids!
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Nature and History: Great Falls of the Potomac
The Potomac River's spectacular falls just north of Washington are a pleasant visit, and the scene of important American history.
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Ashland, Virginia: "Center of the Universe"
Stephanie shares a visit to the charming community of Ashland, known by some as the "Center of the Universe".
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Start planning now for family vacations
Thinking about next summer? Travel expert Marilyn Jones has some suggestions to get your planning started!
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Maymont Mansion, Richmond, Virginia (Where Gumbo was #366)
Gumbo was visiting home of James and Sallie Dooley, known as Maymont. The mansion is located at 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, Virginia.