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Tagged With "National Aeronautical and Space Agency"

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Re: Iceland: 'No we're not Disneyland'

DrFumblefinger ·
Iceland is a great destination, but it has limited tourist facilities. The population of the entire island is about 300,000 and there aren't all that many hotel or B&B choices in smaller places. I think the lack of infrastructure is the main problem. They certainly have the space and ability to handle more tourists, but need to develop services for them outside Reykjavik.
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Re: November 8, 2016: The old Barn, North York Moors National Park

DrFumblefinger ·
Love the image, Paul!
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Re: November 30, 2016: The Guggenheim Museum, New York

DrFumblefinger ·
Mr. Wright was a genius. A beautiful use of space, nicely illustrated, Jonathan. This is actually one of those places I've yet to visit and hope to some day.
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Re: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Professorabe ·
It's a great many years since my wife and I went to Slovenia and then it was for only a few days. Your article inspires me to think about returning there. Lovely scenery.
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Re: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Jonathan L ·
Thanks. this article brings back memories of my visit in 2005. The tour led by the Park Ranger was fascinating and very even handed. I had a great time.
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Re: On Safari, Panna Tiger Reserve, India

Marilyn Jones ·
I too went on a tiger safari in India. What a thrill to see one of these magnificent cats. Your photos are excellent!
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Re: On Safari, Panna Tiger Reserve, India

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks for the comment, Marilyn. Tigers sure are magnificent any place you see them. But to watch them hunt was a very special experience.
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Re: Tips to help with packing no matter where you are going

Paul Heymont ·
Adding to Mac's point. A big turning point for us was when we started packing for 7 days, no matter how much longer the trip. Usually we have a washer in the apartments we rent, but when not, there's always a laundromat nearby, and usually one that will wash and fold while we tour. We don't often enough change locations to want to keep everything packed (and anyway, I'm a compulsive unpacker) so some of the tools are less useful to us...but I do remind everyone that shoes are actually...
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Re: Calabria to Sicily: A bridge too far?

DrFumblefinger ·
I like it when people take on huge tasks and succeed at them. The American Space Program was like that -- expensive, risky, exciting and one of man kind's greatest achievements. This bridge would be a great engineering triump. And I think it would be important to link Sicily more closely to Italy. It would make the island much more accessible and allow freer flow of people. 9 billion Euros is a lot of money, but is probably comparable to the debt the US government runs up in a few days, so...
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Re: The Floating Reed Islands of the Uros People, Lake Titicaca. (Where Gumbo was #139)

DrFumblefinger ·
Originally Posted by Neil McAleer: One great stride to disseminate visual and text information. No flumbling fingers involved! Neil McAleer Great praise from a great author! Neil wrote a number of space-related books (google him), and corresponded with famous astronaut Neil Armstrong, to whom his post alludes.
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Re: Crowded Sky: Boeing finds more room overhead

Travel Rob ·
The Dreamliner has a lot of overhead space compared to the planes I'v flown, so this will even be better!
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Re: July 28, 2016: Coit Tower, San Francisco, California

DrFumblefinger ·
It really is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Thanks for reminding us of these great views!
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Re: New book celebrates Yellowstone, National Parks Centennial

DrFumblefinger ·
That looks like a must read book about my favorite US National Park! Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
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Re: Surprising Speke Hall, Liverpool

GarryRF ·
A wonderful presentation Paul.
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Re: Surprising Speke Hall, Liverpool

Travel Rob ·
Great piece! I can't say enough good things about John Lennon Airport that's next door. Not only is does it have a wide array of budget flights for Europe, the passport control is actually friendly there.
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Re: October 27, 2016: Bull Elk, Banff National Park

Marilyn Jones ·
What a magnificent animal!!
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Re: Slim airline seats unpopular

DrFumblefinger ·
I think the intent of a lot of the airlines is to move the rows closer together, PHeymont, but give the illusion that you still have the same amount of space. They can squeeze 2-3 extra rows into a plane (depending on the type), so that's at least 12 or so extra seats for sale. But if they genuinely use it to enhance personal space, all the better!
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Re: See Them While You Can: 10 Wins for Historic Preservation

DrFumblefinger ·
I like to see some of the Nation's heritage preserved. I've actually been to a number of these places and enjoyed them all.
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Re: See Them While You Can: 10 Wins for Historic Preservation

PortMoresby ·
Note that the National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private organization. I think that's key in this era of government cutbacks and a congress unable to accomplish anything to speak of. If the National Park Service is unable to maintain it's infrastructure then one can only imagine how little care might go into preserving bits of our cultural heritage lacking big names, such as those on the list above. Commercial interests also have a place in accomplishing what government and...
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Re: See Them While You Can: 10 Wins for Historic Preservation

PortMoresby ·
PS - Pheymont, I haven't found the International list (faulty website or faulty eyes, I suspect the latter). Would you post a link, please?
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Re: See Them While You Can: 10 Wins for Historic Preservation

Paul Heymont ·
PM (and anyone else I misled)...I went back and found the link that said "Around the World" on their page was actually another link to the same domestic 10. I've edited the reference out of the clip above. Too bad...I was looking forward to reading it...
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Re: See Them While You Can: 10 Wins for Historic Preservation

PortMoresby ·
Bummer. Thanks, though, for your attentive concern! And for the interesting post, of course.
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Re: Portland, Maine: The World's Longest Lobster Roll...and so much more!

Former Member ·
I can truly say that I will never think of lobster rolls in quite the same innocent way again. This was a fine tour of Portland, Maine. Thank you so much.
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Re: Everglades raccoon

TravelandNature ·
Hope that puppy is well on the mend. Really ? Pete the Python can really put it away. I have read cases in which (late) owners "forgot" to feed their pet pythons and, well, Pete does not like going hungry... Enjoying your Gumbo on the Go photos from The Everglades very much. It is hard to capture in a pic what is so very special there - the space, the light, the plain "nothingness" that we so sorely need to experience. Have you had the chance to see any stars ? The brighter planets are...
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Re: "Spotted On the Road": Everglades City, Florida

Paul Heymont ·
"excess baggage?" No, just baggage period! The T basically had room at the back for a few tools and maybe a lunch; there was also a wee bit of space behind the seats. I'm pretty sure there the C had space for an overnighter back there, just that and a spare tire.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 15 2013: Indian Pipe at Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge

DrFumblefinger ·
I find fungi strangely captivating. A nice collection of photos, PHeymont, thanks!
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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: Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Kennedy Space Center

Paul Heymont ·
Thanks for an orbit of memory lane! I think for me the most amazing aspect of the whole space program is how we have moved from each launch being a major news event before, during and after to seeing space in the papers only when something goes wrong--and these days, it seems to be mostly plumbing issues on the International Space Station. Looking at the pictures...it's amazing how big some aspects are, and how small the actual shuttle is!
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Re: Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Kennedy Space Center

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks for the comments, guys! The entire shuttle is actually much longer than I'd thought, maybe 180 ft. What was surprising is how small the living/pilot compartment is where the astronauts spent so much time. It's that space in front of the opened cargo door. The US space program is just a former shadow of itself with the retirement of the Shuttle program and nothing ready to take its place. But I was pleased to hear that NASA is working on the Orion project. It is a rocket based space...
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Re: Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Kennedy Space Center

Paul Heymont ·
Your comment on the difference between the pilot space and the cargo bay reminded me that a few years ago, one of the astronauts compared the shuttle to a giant pickup truck...
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Re: La Dolce Vita (Part 5) Venezia (Venice)

Paul Heymont ·
Great pictures...makes me want to go back! Interesting to note: the Mayor of Venice has been very active lately in trying to get the large cruise ships re-routed to keep them out of the fragile space between San Marco and Guidecca...and last month hundreds of people swam out to try to block the ships!
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Re: Please Don't Squeeze the Passengers: Airbus

Paul Heymont ·
Interesting point, Mac. Large planes with bright decor somehow seem to me roomier, even if the seat is the same size. I think there's a balance between physical comfort and "feel" that airlines may not always recognize. On the other hand, I've been on 777s that had so little division of space that my mental image was sitting in a huge concert hall...and felt a bit uncomfortable from that!
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park

arion ·
I'm leaving next week for San Diego and then a 17 day cruise to and around the Hawaiian Islands. I have never been all that interested in Hawaii (so why am I going you ask?) but your blog and photos have begun to pique my curiosity. Thank you. (I am not looking forward to going through U.S. Immigration, I can tell you that. It is quite unpleasant for non-Americans.)
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park

DrFumblefinger ·
US Immigration is a bit of a hassle, although most Canadians receive about a smooth a ride as possible. In most Canadian airports, you can actually clear immigration within Canada, rather than the USA (infinitely preferable because the lines are so much shorter). Not sure if that's true of Montreal, though. Thank you for your kind words about the Hawaii blogs. Hawaii is a special place. I've always gone and explored it by myself, so in this setting I tend to drift to isolated places that are...
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park

arion ·
Yes, we will go through U.S.Immigration at Trudeau Airport in Montreal. At one time, the U.S. Immigration hall there had a huge banner across it emblazoned with the words "WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" It isn't there anymore. Someone must have figured out this was still, after all, Canada. Yes, 17 days is a long time on a ship. I am travelling with a friend who needs this type of getaway just now.
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Re: Renting an apartment in Europe

Theodore Behr ·
Good tips about Google Maps street view. I guess I should have thought of it, like as a good way to scout out an area. But I guess I still don't know if that is a safe area. How can you see of a place is safe. PortMoresby has a good point. I like having space in a room and being able to spread out. That doesn't mean you have to cook.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 10, 2013: Banff and the Bow River Valley

Former Member ·
Is there a list somewhere of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites ? What are the criteria for inclusion ?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 10, 2013: Banff and the Bow River Valley

Paul Heymont ·
If you hadn't asked, I wouldn't have known! So, from UNESCO's website, here's the word: T he World Heritage List includes 981 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. These include 759 cultural, 193 natural and 29 mixed properties in160 States Parties. As of September 2012, 190 States Parties have ratified the World Heritage Convention. Here's a LINK to more info, including the list.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 10, 2013: Banff and the Bow River Valley

Former Member ·
There are a lot of fabulous places to visit. I need to get busy. The list is handily sorted by countries. I will bookmark this and consult it when planning a trip to a particular country or region. Thanks for the information.
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Re: Safe to fly on New Years?

DrFumblefinger ·
So Waterloo what you're saying is that the space-time continuum would be disrupted by this flight?
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Re: Safe to fly on New Years?

Former Member ·
The space-time continuum will only be interrupted if this flight does not land at its scheduled time at New Year's midnight p;us a few. What are the chances of that ?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 22, 2013: Moab before the storm

DrFumblefinger ·
Great story and great pic, Mac! Moab is such a photogenic area, but never more so than when a storm is threatening. Some day you'll have to share more details of that motorcycle journey with us. Sounds like a wonderful experience!!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 22, 2013: Moab before the storm

Theodore Behr ·
Wow, that's beautiful! Reminds me of the old John Wayne movie settings.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 22, 2013: Moab before the storm

DrFumblefinger ·
I keep coming back. Makes me want to hop on my (mountain) bike and cruise around! I'm not bold enough for a motorcycle, but do like my mountain bike. Love it, Mac!
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Re: Renting an apartment in Europe

HeyJude ·
Hi, I've been renting apartments in Europe, mainly Germany, for years, and the only problem I've had was a complete rip-off booked through Ah-Paris. I've rented from probably 3 different people in Berlin and have paid the deposit up front and cash on arrival. Made me nervous at first, but I was never disappointed. Renting apartments is the way to go. Not only do you get much more space, but you can have your coffee in your jammies, the way I like to start my day. Happy travels!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #15

WorkerBee ·
It's Friday evening here in Texas. I'm on the first stopover of a trip to Girona, Spain. The view is truly fantastic from the top of the space needle in Seattle!
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Re: World's most dangerous airport? Would you land here? Lukla, Nepal

PortMoresby ·
Your pictures remind me very much of the Shimla Airport, same end of runway in space, same commitment required by pilot and passengers alike. The plane was tiny, I sat immediately behind the pilot, a Sikh with headphones perched atop his turban rather than over his ears, unique in my experience. The view was a bit too immediate for my liking but we made it off just fine and bounced in the heat all the way to Delhi. Thanks for the memory, DrF.
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Re: controversial architecture? - Parasol Sevilla

TravelandNature ·
Makes an attractive public space. Thanks for the great pics of your Spanish excursion, John T. Now we all want to go for the churros and chocolate.
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Re: Airbus Survey: 41% Willing to Pay for More Space

FlashFlyer ·
Well, so far I've gotten by in what they give me, but I'm old enough to know the difference and might wanna change up someday. And I'd sure rather pay for real estate than baggage space or airline food. Give me one bag free, no soda or peanuts, no movie, no blanket and especially no airline magazine...and hey, I'll spend $50 or so to spread out a couple or three inches! Ever stop to think about those magazines? They're printed on heavy stock, a real weight-bomb, you only read them if you...
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

GarryRF ·
Have we all forgotten the HAL 9000 in "A Space Odyssey" "I know everything hasn't been quite right with me, but I can assure you now, very confidently, that it's going to be alright again...I feel much better now, I really do...Look, Dave, I can see you're really upset about this...I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill and think things over...I know I've made some very poor decisions recently..."
 
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