Florida: Native American Culture Discoveries
A whole slew of Native American culture – such as pottery shards; coral arrowheads; blue clay and more – has been discovered recently in various parts of Florida. First discoveries were made close to Wares Creek and Ellenton. Riverbanks were scoured by someone looking for clay to make special creations that later became extremely hot items throughout the state of Florida. A small broken piece of soapstone deposit was found at the Ware’s Creek swimming hole that thereafter was used to get the filth of dirty boys, to save them having to take a bath. A clay deposit was found which ...
Culture Enrichment in Hawaii
More than one hundred events and programs will receive funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) for the 2012 Country Product Enrichment Program. A budget of $1.6m for the 2012 fiscal year will be used. A huge variety of events will take place under this program, such as Honolulu’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Narcissus Festival, Maui’s Pacific Whale Foundation’s World Whale Day and Kauai’s Music Festival’s Songwriter Conference. According to Mike McCartney, HTA’S President and CEO, “the wide range of events selected this year showcase what makes Hawaii a special place to visit and live, while also helping to draw visitors ...
Culture in Kansas
If you are looking for a fun time in Kansas City and you want an exciting drink or two as well, you are in the right place. It is now becoming known as one of America’s “next great cocktail cities.” This may come as a surprise to those from other states in America but Kansas City is truly where it’s at these days. According to Manifesto (bar) owner Ryan Maybee, Kansas City’s drinking culture is quite laid back and its bartenders take pride in their work. In addition, there is no snobbery on what you’re drinking – from top quality ...
Being All American in Missouri
There is so much that Americans can take pride in. The country is full of good-hearted individuals who want to help their fellowmen/women and act on this. Most recently there has been a huge effort, on the part of concerned citizens about those in need over Christmas and how most effectively to give to them over the holiday season. It wasn’t just a few wannabe good people on the case either. In Webster County, southwest Missouri, there were many caring businesses and organizations that came to the rescue as well. For example, Crossroads Mall donated free space; MidAmerican gave money towards ...
Happy Times at Hanauma
Barack Obama and his wife had a great time in Hawaii this Christmas. They spent their vacation at one of their favorite spots – the Hanauma Bay Park – a 40 minute drive from their rented Kailu Beach holiday home. Good for them as every year they go to the Park on a Tuesday; it’s pretty empty as it’s closed to the public for maintenance. They no doubt make a special exception for the President and the First Lady. But Barack and his family sure do enjoy their annual Christmas vacation in Hawaii. Underwater Activity This year the Obamas did something extra ...
New Hampshire Inmates Bring Holiday Cheer to Seniors
Last week, a few jail inmates from the New Hampshire area did something really positive over the Christmas season. They were taken out of jail for just long enough to sing Christmas carols to senior citizens in the neighborhood. They were hardly the most harmonious, delightful singers, but the thought was there. And the residents at the nursing home in Rockingham County, sure appreciated it. The seniors had Rev. Kent Threlfall to thank for this endeavor. The criminals’ singing to seniors was something that used to be organized quite a lot during different parts of the year, but has been put ...
Rhode Island to Save Energy and Costs
By the end of February 2012, various state buildings will have their roofs fitted with solar panels, which will save energy in the state. Much of the financing for this project will come from federal stimulus funds. Beaches, parks and other areas will be getting the panels in the cities of: Charlestown, Exeter, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Providence, South Kingstown and Westerly. In addition, people in the areas will be able to use an online tracking tool so that they can monitor the electricity savings they are making from the various panels and wind turbines. The panels will both help with energy-saving ...
Catching Some Colorado Culture
A lot is going on in Colorado culturally right now. If you happen to be planning a visit to the state, you might want to do so around upcoming events and activities. For example, next spring, the Denver Zoo will be privy to an Asian Tropics exhibit (that took $50m to construct), marking the largest bull elephant habitat in the world! Also, at around the same time, the History Colorado Center will be putting on an experiential museum, where guests will be able to go for a ride in a time machine. And for the explorer-would-be-scientist among you, take part in ...
Chaim Weizmann Sends Thanks to America for Their Support
President of the new State of Israel, he had many people to thank. First securing a future for Israel on November 29th, 1947 with the Partition of Palestine, Israel then became a recognized state on May 14, 1948. Prior to serving such an esteemed role in the development of the Jewish State, Weizmann was a spokesman of the Zionist cause in England, where he helped to get the Balfour Declaration passed in November of 1917. This declaration then set the stage for the Mandate over Palestine which was given to England by the League of Nations in 1922. As a ...
US Town Names
Some Remain “Nameless” Years ago, it wasn’t so easy getting a name for your town in the United States of America. Indeed, in 1880, a very small Travis County community set about the task as they wanted to get a post office in their town. But a post office requires a town name! So the community locals made an application, which was denied. The next two suggestions were also rejected. Once they were up to six “no’s” a note of frustration and anger was sent to the US postmaster: “Let the post office be nameless and be damned!” And that is ...
A whole slew of Native American culture – such as pottery shards; coral arrowheads; blue clay and more – has been discovered recently in various parts of Florida. First discoveries were made close to Wares Creek and Ellenton. Riverbanks were scoured by someone looking for clay to make special creations that later became extremely hot items throughout the state of Florida.
A small broken piece of soapstone deposit was found at the Ware’s Creek swimming hole that thereafter was used to get the filth of dirty boys, to save them having to take a bath. A clay deposit was found which was used to make marbles but then some girls thought it would be better put to use to build pots and pans. But this turned out not to be such a smart idea as it crumbled because it was so dry. Still, later on in history, a bunch of women grouped together who made a living out of a somewhat more improved sample.
In 1914 Mary Ward made the clay famous though. When she first came to the state, she was told there was no way she would be able to find good quality clay to use in her pottery business. But, the single mom was desperate to feed her family so she looked and looked and looked and then finally found a substantial clay deposit that had been there all the time at the Riverview Boulevard.
The rest, as they say, is history and these days a collection of Ward’s work can be found at the Manatee Village Historical Park. In addition, her works are still highly sought after at antique shoes where collectors pay up to $800 for a well-preserved piece.
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Jan 12
15
Culture Enrichment in Hawaii
More than one hundred events and programs will receive funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) for the 2012 Country Product Enrichment Program. A budget of $1.6m for the 2012 fiscal year will be used.
A huge variety of events will take place under this program, such as Honolulu’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Narcissus Festival, Maui’s Pacific Whale Foundation’s World Whale Day and Kauai’s Music Festival’s Songwriter Conference. According to Mike McCartney, HTA’S President and CEO, “the wide range of events selected this year showcase what makes Hawaii a special place to visit and live, while also helping to draw visitors during the slower shoulder spring and fall season. In working with the counties, we were also able to select programs that are unique to each of the Hawaiian Islands and highlight our diverse and rich culture and heritage.”
Posted in Lifestyle by .
Jan 12
9
Culture in Kansas
If you are looking for a fun time in Kansas City and you want an exciting drink or two as well, you are in the right place. It is now becoming known as one of America’s “next great cocktail cities.” This may come as a surprise to those from other states in America but Kansas City is truly where it’s at these days. According to Manifesto (bar) owner Ryan Maybee, Kansas City’s drinking culture is quite laid back and its bartenders take pride in their work. In addition, there is no snobbery on what you’re drinking – from top quality cocktails made from freshly-brewed grenadine, to those who just want their beer, whiskey or glass of white wine. It’s just a friendly, non-judgmental, everyone is welcome, Cheers kinda vibe.
There are other bars that are becoming popular in the area too. For those who want to check out what Kansas City has to offer vis-à-vis food and cocktails with a difference, the Westport Café and Bar serves a cool Whiskey Smash (a mixture of peaches, honey-lavender syrup and bourbon) to scare away those winter chills. And then there is the Rum flip made from “strudel juice” that is the signature drink at Grunhauer. Pair some of these with the barbecue food Kansas City is famous for and you’ve got yourself a great night out. You may want to walk there though and take a cab home though!
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Jan 12
4
Being All American in Missouri
There is so much that Americans can take pride in. The country is full of good-hearted individuals who want to help their fellowmen/women and act on this. Most recently there has been a huge effort, on the part of concerned citizens about those in need over Christmas and how most effectively to give to them over the holiday season.
It wasn’t just a few wannabe good people on the case either. In Webster County, southwest Missouri, there were many caring businesses and organizations that came to the rescue as well. For example, Crossroads Mall donated free space; MidAmerican gave money towards the electric bill; apples came in from Community Orchard; eggs from Sparbo and tons of dolls dressed by locals were donated by Wells Fargo Bank.
Next, more than 200 Bikes for Tykes were collected which thereafter, an army of able-bodied men came to assemble. A substantial amount of food bags was donated by NEW Co-op too. Then, turning to the Church, caps, gloves, scarves and quilts were sewn by volunteers who were supported by others who sorted them along with other kind donations that arrived via the Church.
So really, one can feel proud to be an American. Our concerned citizens didn’t just forget about others during their festivities. They did what they could to ensure as many people as possible were able to enjoy a very merry Christmas.
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Dec 11
29
Happy Times at Hanauma
Barack Obama and his wife had a great time in Hawaii this Christmas. They spent their vacation at one of their favorite spots – the Hanauma Bay Park – a 40 minute drive from their rented Kailu Beach holiday home. Good for them as every year they go to the Park on a Tuesday; it’s pretty empty as it’s closed to the public for maintenance. They no doubt make a special exception for the President and the First Lady. But Barack and his family sure do enjoy their annual Christmas vacation in Hawaii.
Underwater Activity
This year the Obamas did something extra cool. They got the chance to release four 18-month-old green sea turtles into the water. The turtles had been brought in from Sea Life Park and Obama’s daughters enjoyed them so much that later on in the day they went to visit the place the turtles had originated from.
Hawaii is quite an important place for Barack to take his family since it was the state in which he was born and lived as a child. Thus it makes sense that he takes his wife and kids there on an annual vacation.
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Last week, a few jail inmates from the New Hampshire area did something really positive over the Christmas season. They were taken out of jail for just long enough to sing Christmas carols to senior citizens in the neighborhood. They were hardly the most harmonious, delightful singers, but the thought was there. And the residents at the nursing home in Rockingham County, sure appreciated it.
The seniors had Rev. Kent Threlfall to thank for this endeavor. The criminals’ singing to seniors was something that used to be organized quite a lot during different parts of the year, but has been put on the backburner over the last ten years or so. Now, the jail inmates get together a few times a year to perform for seniors in the area.
After they sang their Christmas carols, they sat and spoke with the seniors and then enjoyed some apple crisp with them. A good time was had by all.
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By the end of February 2012, various state buildings will have their roofs fitted with solar panels, which will save energy in the state. Much of the financing for this project will come from federal stimulus funds.
Beaches, parks and other areas will be getting the panels in the cities of: Charlestown, Exeter, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Providence, South Kingstown and Westerly. In addition, people in the areas will be able to use an online tracking tool so that they can monitor the electricity savings they are making from the various panels and wind turbines. The panels will both help with energy-saving cost reductions and double up as an educational tool for those interested in the importance of the environment. Hopefully this in turn will result in a greener Rhode Island.
Posted in Lifestyle by .
Dec 11
8
Catching Some Colorado Culture
A lot is going on in Colorado culturally right now. If you happen to be planning a visit to the state, you might want to do so around upcoming events and activities. For example, next spring, the Denver Zoo will be privy to an Asian Tropics exhibit (that took $50m to construct), marking the largest bull elephant habitat in the world! Also, at around the same time, the History Colorado Center will be putting on an experiential museum, where guests will be able to go for a ride in a time machine.
And for the explorer-would-be-scientist among you, take part in the interactive museum with more than a hundred exhibits that you can really get your hands into at the Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center. Use this to teach your kids about the world and how it works.
For those who are more of the outdoorsy type, come Christmas there will be a “Dig In” at the Winter Park’s Rail Yard Terrain Park’s Super Pipe. Reduced water and energy consumption will be key to this, utilizing less man-made snow. And then of course there is ski season at Cooper Mountain with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (U.S.S.A.) where an on-snow training center will be developed. A new automated snowmaking system will also be put in.
Copper Mountain enters ski season in partnership with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (U.S.S.A.) to develop an on-snow training center at the resort. To support and develop the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper, the resort is implementing a new automated snowmaking system among other features.
So for cool culture and sports activities in Colorado, check out what’s going to be happening over the next few months.
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President of the new State of Israel, he had many people to thank. First securing a future for Israel on November 29th, 1947 with the Partition of Palestine, Israel then became a recognized state on May 14, 1948.
Prior to serving such an esteemed role in the development of the Jewish State, Weizmann was a spokesman of the Zionist cause in England, where he helped to get the Balfour Declaration passed in November of 1917. This declaration then set the stage for the Mandate over Palestine which was given to England by the League of Nations in 1922.
As a leader of the World Zionist Movement, and then as Israel’s first president, Weizmann worked tirelessly for the Zionist cause.
He met with President Harry Truman in March of 1948, urging the American President to understand how important the establishment of the Jewish State was. This meeting, and his tireless campaigning undoubtedly helped America to vote for the creation of the Jewish State.
Weizmann was elected as the first President of the State of Israel in February of 1949 and was sworn in on February 16th in Jerusalem. Only four days later, on February 20th, he wrote a letter to President Harry Truman’s aid, Clark Clifford. In the letter, which the Shapell Manuscript Foundation is featuring as part of its “”Between the Lines”" program, he wrote,
“”Our mutual friend… has kept me informed of doings in Washington, and especially of your magnificent cooperation in many critical situations. In these days of struggle and readjustment we are desperately in need of understanding friendships, and it is good to know that we have in you a genuine friend of our cause. I assure you, and I wish you would in turn assure your great Chief, that we desire nothing but peace and amity with our neighbours, and that we have no aggressive designs on any of them. We shall always be mindful of the Biblical injunction: “”Zion will be rebuilt in Justice”".”"
He included a copy of his book, “Trial and Error” with the letter featured with the Shapell Manuscript Foundation and he signed off warmly by saying, “With kindest personal regards and best wishes.”
President Chaim Weizmann understood how pivotal America’s support had been in the establishment of the State, and he took the time on his first official day in office to make his appreciation understood.
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Nov 11
30
US Town Names
Some Remain “Nameless”
Years ago, it wasn’t so easy getting a name for your town in the United States of America. Indeed, in 1880, a very small Travis County community set about the task as they wanted to get a post office in their town. But a post office requires a town name! So the community locals made an application, which was denied. The next two suggestions were also rejected. Once they were up to six “no’s” a note of frustration and anger was sent to the US postmaster: “Let the post office be nameless and be damned!” And that is why there is a town in Texas called Nameless.
It makes you wonder how the town in Oregon got its name of Boring…
But alas, it’s not quite as “exciting” as one may think (although the people of Boring use the slogan “the most exciting place to live”). The way its name came about was from a Union veteran named Boring who came to Oregon after the Civil War, having served with the 33rd Illinois Infantry, Company D. He died at the ripe old age of 91, being buried with his wife at the Damascus Pioneer Cemetery. In 1903, the post office was established and named after him: Boring, and thereafter his name was taken on for the community.
So, when you take a look at other interesting town names in America, you might first want to do a little bit of research before jumping to what are hopefully the wrong conclusions in some cases, such as: Hooker, Oklahoma, and Dicktown, New Jersey. Still, I for one wouldn’t mind living in a place called Santa Claus, Georgia, should its name be at all meaningful and it enjoys Christmas every day…
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