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Facts about Mount Rushmore National Memorial

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:07:35 +0000

Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Doane Robinsons idea was to create an attraction that would draw people from all over the country to this state. He is known as the Father of Mount Rushmore. The Mt Rushmore memorial was created by master sculpture Gutzon Borlgum with the assistance of over 400 blasters, carvers and workers. Construction of the granite rock faced mountain began in 1927 when Borglum was 60 and the sculptures of the Mount Rushmore presidents were not completed until Borlgum’s death in 1941. Creation of the Shrine of Democracy took 14 years and cost a mere $1 million. Each head on Mt. Rushmore is as tall as a six-story building. The presidents noses are 20 feet long, each mouth 18 feet wide and the eyes are 11 feet across. The four presidents carved in the mountain are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. At first, there was a suggestion to carve famous western figures, people like Buffalo Bill, Lewis & Clark, and Sacagawea. But a special group, a commission, instead chose these presidents because they best represented the foundation, expansion and preservation of the United States.

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Roman Arena in Pula, Croatia

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:13:37 +0000

The Pula Arena is the name of the Roman amphitheatre located in Pula, Croatia. It was constructed in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the Colosseum in Rome. It is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the World. it mainly functioned as a stage for gladiator fights until the 5th century when the fights were abolished. The amphitheater is 130 meters long and 100 meters wide with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators. Nowadays, it is a perfect place to hold concerts. It has hosted famous musicians including Elton John, Michael Bolton, Andrea Bocelli …

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The 2013 Ford Fusion at Detroit Auto Show

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:58:03 +0000

Ford introduced a new Fusion, the next generation of more expressive vehicles. It is the first sedan that offers gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid motor. The 2013 Fusion also will come with such key technologies as lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, blind-spot information and the revamped MyFord Touch system. Ford said Fusion’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine will deliver 26 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway, while the Fusion Hybrid, with a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a lithium-ion battery pack, will return 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. Ford Americas President Mark Fields said that it will have a base price close to the current Fusion, which starts at $20,200.

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Palace of the Arts Looks like Space Ship

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:46:46 +0000

Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts is an opera house and cultural centre in Valencia, Spain. It was designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. It opened on 8 October 2005 and becoming a symbol of the cityscape of Valencia. The main building is designed with the dual intention of acting as a multi-hall auditorium and creating an urban landmark of a certain monumentality. The main Hall is at the heart of the building. The roof with 230 m. in length and 70 m. in height is the most representative part of the complex.

Developer: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias S.A.
Location: Antiguo cauce del río Turia/Old Turia riverbed
Contractor: UTE Necso-Dragados
Acoustics: Alfonso García (García B.B.M., S.L.)

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Really Cool to See Beijings Urban Planning Museum

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:50:54 +0000

China is planning their future with all these little models. This project is amazingly huge. The main feature of the museum is the enormous scale model of Beijing. The model was created with incredible detail. A balcony provides a bird’s-eye view of Beijing equivalent to viewing the city at 20,000 feet. The museum also has a 3D cinema showing films about urban planning in Beijing.

Address: 20 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6702 4505/59
Open: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
Admission: RMB10 (1.6USD)
How to get there: Subway Line 2, Qianmen Station

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How Did the Liberty Bell Crack

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:17:14 +0000

The Liberty Bell is a bronze bell that symbolizes freedom in the United States of America. This historic bell is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The Liberty Bell was originally ordered by the Assembly of the colony of Pennsylvania from a foundry in England. When the bell arrived from England in 1752 and was hung in the State House in Philadelphia. It was called the State House Bell. The first time that the new bell was struck, it cracked. After cracking, the bell was recast twice in 1753 in Philadelphia by John Pass and John Stow. The restored bell was probably rung at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia (on July 8, 1776). It rang to announce many important events in early American history. The bell cracked again on July 8, 1835, while being rung at the funeral of John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The inscription around the top of the Liberty Bell reads as follows:
PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF LEV. XXV X. BY ORDER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENSYLVANIA FOR THE STATE HOUSE IN PHILADA
PASS AND STOW
PHILADA
MDCCLIII

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Impressive Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:11:11 +0000

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a world class destination and the largest indoor theme park in the world. Inspired by the double curve side profile of the classic Ferrari GT. The facility and architecture is truly impressive. Thrilling rides, exciting attractions, designer stores and restaurants, all brought together by the rich Italian heritage of Ferrari World. The theme park is open to the public six days a week, complete with all the attractions like F1-themed coasters.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday : 11:00 – 20:00
The park is closed on Mondays.

Ticket Prices:
General Admission (1.5m and above) : AED 225 (61 USD)
General Admission (below 1.5m) : AED 165 (45 USD)
Premium Admission (1.5m and above, access to the exclusive VIP Lounge) : AED 495 (135 USD)
Premium Admission (below 1.5m, access to the exclusive VIP Lounge) : AED 390 (106 USD)

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Why is The Tower of Pisa Leaning

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:27:34 +0000

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the famous tower, in Italy, that began to lean in the year 1173. The leaning Tower of Pisa is a medieval arhitecture, in Romanesque style. It wasn’t supposed to lean at all. It was supposed to just be the bell tower for the Cathedral of Pisa. Architects realized that the tower was leaning when they had finished building one and one half meters of the third floor. The damage was irreversible so they halted construction until 1272 because war broke out against Florence. The tower construction remained on hold for about 100 years before the people of Pisa were able to return to the project. As the building project resumed, another four stories were added at a distinct angle to try to correct the sinking foundation. The correction wasn’t effective and the tower remained in a leaning state. The bells were attached in 1372 to the bell chamber on the top of the tower and construction was declared finished. The lean was caused by the sandy and marshy soil that the tower was built on. The original completed height of the Tower of Pisa is 60 meters. Actually the tower’s height is 56.67m on the highest side and 55,86m on the lowest side.

outside diameter of the leaning Tower of Pisa’s base is 15.484 meters.
width of walls at base is 2.4384 meters
weight of tower is approximately 14,500 tonnes
there are 297 steps from the bottom to the top of the Pisa tower.

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World War II Gallery – Exhibit in WPAFB

admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:48:14 +0000

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the official museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Dayton, Ohio. Memorable moments are captured in the museum’s World War II Gallery, which houses one of the world’s top collections of WWII aircraft. The gallery captures the pivotal moments, campaigns and figures of U.S. Army Air Forces’ air power in both the Pacific and European Theaters.

Hours:
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission:
Admission to the museum is FREE.

The museum’s address is:
1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Aircraft:
Curtiss P-36A Hawk
Seversky P-35
Taylorcraft L-2M "Grasshopper"
Schweizer TG-3A
Douglas B-18 Bolo
Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero
Focke-Achgelis Fa 330 Sandpiper
Vultee L-1A Vigilant
North American B-25B Mitchell
Curtiss P-40E Warhawk
Ryan PT-22 Recruit
Douglas A-24
Bell P-39Q Airacobra
Bell P-63E Kingcobra
Laister-Kauffmann TG-4A
Beech AT-10 Wichita
Beech AT-11 Kansan
Vultee BT-13B Valiant
Curtiss AT-9 Jeep/Fledgling
Radioplane OQ-2A
Stearman PT-13D
Bristol Beaufighter
Fieseler Fi-156C-1 Storch
Macchi MC.200 Saetta
Culver PQ-14B
Consolidated B-24D Liberator
Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vc
North American A-36A Apache
De Havilland DH 98 Mosquito
Lockheed P-38L Lightning
Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI
Republic P-47D (Bubble Canopy Version)
Martin B-26G Marauder
Beech UC-43 Traveler
Waco CG-4A Hadrian
Douglas C-47D Skytrain
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Aeronca L-3B "Grasshopper"
Junkers Ju 88D
Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet
Noorduyn UC-64A Norseman
Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10
North American P-51D Mustang
Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9
Stinson L-5 Sentinel
Messerschmitt Me 262A Schwalbe
Cessna UC-78B Bobcat
Republic P-47D (Razorback Version)
Curtiss C-46D Commando
Douglas A-20G Havoc
Sikorsky R-4B Hoverfly
Consolidated OA-10 Catalina
Sikorsky R-6A Hoverfly II
Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai (George)
Interstate L-6 "Grasshopper"
Northrop P-61C Black Widow
MXY7-K1 Trainer

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Fairy Tale Castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:59:34 +0000

Neuschwanstein castle is one of the most visited and certainly most photographed castles in the world. It was built in the 19th century by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria since 1864. The castle is located very close to the village of Hohenschwangau, about 20 minute walk by foot. Guided tours take about 35 minutes, and you will have to walk 170 steps up and down. The 15 rooms you see on the tour show astonishing craftsmanship and richness of detail. The woodcarvings in King Ludwig’s bedroom took 14 carpenters 4 1/2 years to complete. Walt Disney was inspired to design Cinderella’s castle in Disneyland after Neuschwanstein visit.

The castle is open daily April to October, 8am – 5pm, November to March 9am – 3pm. You are not allowed to take photographs or videotape the inside of the castle. Ticket prices run 12 eur regular / 8 eur reduced per person. ( children and young people under 18 are free )

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The Hybrid Lotus Elite Supercar

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:11:45 +0000

The Lotus company has released the first details about the 2014 Elite. The Elite is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 620 PS (456 kW / 612 hp) and 720 Nm (531 Nm) of torque. Lotus expects the 1,650kg (3,638 lb) car will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 to 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). The Elite will also be offered as a hybrid. The company says the car will have a hybrid gearbox (with integrated electric motors) and a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The Elite go on sale in the spring of 2014, the car has a tentative base price of £115,000 (178,000 USD).

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source: Lotus

When Was Big Ben Built?

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:22:24 +0000

When most people heat the words “Big Ben” they immediately imagine the striking Victorian Gothic structure of the clock tower. Big Ben is a chiming clock, located at the north-eastern end of the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster, London.

- Big Ben was built to replace the Old Palace of Westminster destroyed by fire in October 1834
- The clock became operational on 7th September 1859
- Big Ben was designed by Charles Barry.
- The clock and its dials were designed by Augustus Pugin
- The total height of the tower is 316 feet
- The hour bell (Big Ben) is note E and weighs 13.5 tons
- The diameter of each of the four dials is 23 feet

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Fine Art Exhibit by Adam Parker Smith

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:32:46 +0000

Adam Parker Smith’s first solo exhibition in New York City. It was inspired by the execution scene in Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls. The heads are impaled on stakes or lying on the ground which is strewn with roses. As guilt, fascination and loyalty encroach, flawless heroines confront heart ache, fools distinguish beauty from the grotesque and the wretched mourn the loss of irreproachable purity.

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Sci-fi Lifesize Metal Sculptures at Sea Front of Mangawhai

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:23:14 +0000

These pieces are highly detailed, well-made, and quite a unique. It looks insanely real with its sheet metal parts and its head grinded down for a very aggressive look. Sculptures are an important form of public art which have morphed significantly over the centuries.

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Best HDR Pictures of Mission Santa Barbara

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:59:38 +0000

Mission Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, California, northeast of downtown. The official literature calls Mission Santa Barbara “Queen of the Missions for its graceful beauty.” Founded on December 4th, 1786, it was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions in California. It is the only mission with two towers and six bells hang in towers.

Facts:
- Open daily 9am-5pm. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas day.
- 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- gps ( 34°26’16.65’’ N 119°42’48.21’’ W )
- tour prices ( $5 adult, $4 senior, $1 youth 5-15, Free under 4 )

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