I saw the newly restored Cyclorama in Gettysburg today with a friend. They've moved the original circular painting to the new visitor's center and it has been restored.
I was amazed at the beauty of the artwork, both 2 and 3 dimensional. In the foreground of both of these examples, you will see 3-dimensional reconstructions (the fence and the cannon with surrounding grounds and foliage) that blend seamlessly into the painted background.
During the show, you see the sky change color as the sun rises, watch and hear bombs explode all around you as the battle is explained.
My only complaint is they usher you out fairly quickly, but they do give you some time to walk around and see the painting after the explanation is over. The museum is included in the price and between the 2 attractions, it takes the better part of a day to complete.
I saw the newly restored Cyclorama in Gettysburg today with a friend. They've moved the original circular painting to the new visitor's center and it has been restored.
I was amazed at the beauty of the artwork, both 2 and 3 dimensional. In the foreground of both of these examples, you will see 3-dimensional reconstructions (the fence and the cannon with surrounding grounds and foliage) that blend seamlessly into the painted background.
During the show, you see the sky change color as the sun rises, watch and hear bombs explode all around you as the battle is explained.
My only complaint is they usher you out fairly quickly, but they do give you some time to walk around and see the painting after the explanation is over. The museum is included in the price and between the 2 attractions, it takes the better part of a day to complete.
Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vincent Price. I wanted to post this hilarious video of Mr. Price on What's My Line where he is the Mystery Guest.
Not only does he sing his replies, but he sings in French! Enjoy!
Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vincent Price. I wanted to post this hilarious video of Mr. Price on What's My Line where he is the Mystery Guest.
Not only does he sing his replies, but he sings in French! Enjoy!
I know The King's Speech has been out there a while, but I finally found a clip from the original movie showing the *perfect* blending of music and acting that beautifully depicts the unbearable tension felt by both the King and the British people on the eve of the Second World War. The citizens of Great Britain endured a great deal during that war--something most of us in the United States can not even imagine.
I think Geoffrey Rush's acting equals that of Collin Firth in this extremely well-done movie.
I know The King's Speech has been out there a while, but I finally found a clip from the original movie showing the *perfect* blending of music and acting that beautifully depicts the unbearable tension felt by both the King and the British people on the eve of the Second World War. The citizens of Great Britain endured a great deal during that war--something most of us in the United States can not even imagine.
I think Geoffrey Rush's acting equals that of Collin Firth in this extremely well-done movie.
Today, dh and I attended the Remembrance Day parade here in Gettysburg. I wish I had taken more pictures of the rows and rows of Civil War reenactors in this parade. It is amazing how many people dedicate their lives to remembering those who fought and died here over 100 years ago.
By far the most unusual thing for me was the Civil War era hearse, drawn by 2 horses and driven by a man in a stove-pipe hat.
I wanted to make sure to get a picture of a Civil War band (one with brass instruments) and decided to make this shot sepia toned to add to the semi-authenticity of the moment.
Today, dh and I attended the Remembrance Day parade here in Gettysburg. I wish I had taken more pictures of the rows and rows of Civil War reenactors in this parade. It is amazing how many people dedicate their lives to remembering those who fought and died here over 100 years ago.
By far the most unusual thing for me was the Civil War era hearse, drawn by 2 horses and driven by a man in a stove-pipe hat.
I wanted to make sure to get a picture of a Civil War band (one with brass instruments) and decided to make this shot sepia toned to add to the semi-authenticity of the moment.
The Library of Congress has released some never before seen color photos taken during the Depression. This one was taken some time during 1941 or 1942 in Washington, DC. The color in these photos takes the Depression years from a nebulous black and white dream time, into reality.
Right away I noticed a couple of things. First, the number of children. Back then, there were lots of children and they played together around the neighborhood(s). Second, the gender differentiation. The girls are all in dresses and the boys all have sticks they are using as toy guns. Third, the fact that their toys are self-made (the sticks, anyway--I do see a bike on the right.)
The Library of Congress has released some never before seen color photos taken during the Depression. This one was taken some time during 1941 or 1942 in Washington, DC. The color in these photos takes the Depression years from a nebulous black and white dream time, into reality.
Right away I noticed a couple of things. First, the number of children. Back then, there were lots of children and they played together around the neighborhood(s). Second, the gender differentiation. The girls are all in dresses and the boys all have sticks they are using as toy guns. Third, the fact that their toys are self-made (the sticks, anyway--I do see a bike on the right.)
Too Close to the Sun chronicles the early life of Curtis Roosevelt, oldest grandson of FDR. The book made me realize how much Eleanor's depression and anxiety was passed on to her daughter, Anna, the mother of the author. As a result, Curtis grew up confused and lonely, and, to a large extent, under-parented. Even fame, class, privilege and education do not make families immune to pain and dysfunction.
Both Eleanor and FDR, to an extent, emotionally abandoned their children because of their emotional depression(s) in the wake of his affair in the nineteen teens and his subsequent polio in 1921, as well as in favor of their careers in politics. Anna did the same to Curtis, divorcing his father and limiting their contact while largely ignoring him emotionally herself.
Perhaps ironically, Curtis feels more secure in the White House than in the many homes he and his sister shared with their father, their mother and their stepfather over the years.
The book ends with FDR's death and leaves the reader wondering how Curtis navigated young adulthood, especially in the wake of his admitted retreat into his "dream world" during childhood.
Too Close to the Sun chronicles the early life of Curtis Roosevelt, oldest grandson of FDR. The book made me realize how much Eleanor's depression and anxiety was passed on to her daughter, Anna, the mother of the author. As a result, Curtis grew up confused and lonely, and, to a large extent, under-parented. Even fame, class, privilege and education do not make families immune to pain and dysfunction.
Both Eleanor and FDR, to an extent, emotionally abandoned their children because of their emotional depression(s) in the wake of his affair in the nineteen teens and his subsequent polio in 1921, as well as in favor of their careers in politics. Anna did the same to Curtis, divorcing his father and limiting their contact while largely ignoring him emotionally herself.
Perhaps ironically, Curtis feels more secure in the White House than in the many homes he and his sister shared with their father, their mother and their stepfather over the years.
The book ends with FDR's death and leaves the reader wondering how Curtis navigated young adulthood, especially in the wake of his admitted retreat into his "dream world" during childhood.
I came across this interview with Curtis Roosevelt from a Boston Television program. Roosevelt, the oldest grandchild of FDR, talks about his life in the White House with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
From an historical point of view, Curtis Roosevelt is one of the last people alive who intimately knew FDR and ER and is full of personal anecdotes about specific people who surrounded his grandparents in the White House .
Thanks to the magic of the internet, I also watched Roosevelt, give an address at the FDR Memorial Lecture and Gala Dinner at Harvard in February of this year. Yes, he is a Democrat. Yes, FDR was a Democrat. Expect his opinions, and that of the audience to reflect that.
But, Roosevelt very calmly talks about his days in the White House (he lived there during 2 different times in his life during FDR's presidency) and compares and contrasts the years of the Depression and FDR's presidency with the current economy and administration.
He talks about the level of collegiality between the two parties that no longer exists as well as the difference in "attitude" between FDR (and hence his popularity with the public) and Obama. (Although he manages to do all this without actually saying what the "attitude" *is*. Quite the diplomat.)
He mentions that society seems less "engaged" with helping each other during this economic down turn than it was in the 1930's in spite of the implementation of his grandfather's welfare program. He thinks "the churches" could be doing more, but admits that fewer people are going to church than they did in the 30's. He talks a bit about how he thinks the UN could improve its effectiveness.
For many, this latter 2 part video will be slow moving and perhaps boring. But, for those who enjoy history, especially World War II/Depression era/FDR history this is a good find.
I came across this interview with Curtis Roosevelt from a Boston Television program. Roosevelt, the oldest grandchild of FDR, talks about his life in the White House with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
From an historical point of view, Curtis Roosevelt is one of the last people alive who intimately knew FDR and ER and is full of personal anecdotes about specific people who surrounded his grandparents in the White House .
Thanks to the magic of the internet, I also watched Roosevelt, give an address at the FDR Memorial Lecture and Gala Dinner at Harvard in February of this year. Yes, he is a Democrat. Yes, FDR was a Democrat. Expect his opinions, and that of the audience to reflect that.
But, Roosevelt very calmly talks about his days in the White House (he lived there during 2 different times in his life during FDR's presidency) and compares and contrasts the years of the Depression and FDR's presidency with the current economy and administration.
He talks about the level of collegiality between the two parties that no longer exists as well as the difference in "attitude" between FDR (and hence his popularity with the public) and Obama. (Although he manages to do all this without actually saying what the "attitude" *is*. Quite the diplomat.)
He mentions that society seems less "engaged" with helping each other during this economic down turn than it was in the 1930's in spite of the implementation of his grandfather's welfare program. He thinks "the churches" could be doing more, but admits that fewer people are going to church than they did in the 30's. He talks a bit about how he thinks the UN could improve its effectiveness.
For many, this latter 2 part video will be slow moving and perhaps boring. But, for those who enjoy history, especially World War II/Depression era/FDR history this is a good find.
Sixy eight years ago today, Pearl Harbor was attacked, ushering the U.S. into World War II, the last time war was formally declared by the United States.
Sixy eight years ago today, Pearl Harbor was attacked, ushering the U.S. into World War II, the last time war was formally declared by the United States.
Forty years ago today, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to walk on the surface of the moon. I remember my father insisting that we wake up in time to watch it on a small, grainy, black and white TV set, the only one in the house, in my parents' bedroom.
For years afterward, our teachers would wheel TV sets into our classrooms so that we could watch live coverage of the take offs, landings, moon walks and space walks of the Apollo astronauts.
Below is a restored video montage of Apollo 11's lift off, landing, and Armstrong's famous first steps. The newscaster's voice you hear on the tape is that of the late Walter Cronkite.
Notice the lack of extraneous information. There was no need then for three or four simultaneous methods of news imput (constant voice overs from news casters, extra film footage in the corner of the screen, scrolling text declaring "news" completely unrelated to the story). The news organizations of the day realized the immense importance of this story, and let the event speak for itself.
As I was searching YouTube for appropriate video of this historic occurrence, I was disheartened by the number of conspiracy theorists who insist the moon landings never happened. Besides an addiction to sensationalism, this shows a lack of scientific knowledge and education. The doubts they have can be easily researched and understood, especially in light of the information available to anyone on the internet.
I think time has dimmed our understanding of the level of achievement that was reached by all the Apollo astronauts. Computers at the time had a fraction of the calculating ability that is available today in such everyday objects as telephones and watches, and they took up entire buildings. Most of the planning and calculating necessary to get the space program running was done by hand, or, rather, by brain. We were moving into uncharted territory and the astronauts risked their lives for exploration and science.
There is great irony in the fact that we are so much more technologically advanced today than we were on July 20, 1969 and yet, much of our technology is used for a sort of self gratification and national defense without looking forward to explore the last, great, "final frontier".
Forty years ago today, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to walk on the surface of the moon. I remember my father insisting that we wake up in time to watch it on a small, grainy, black and white TV set, the only one in the house, in my parents' bedroom.
For years afterward, our teachers would wheel TV sets into our classrooms so that we could watch live coverage of the take offs, landings, moon walks and space walks of the Apollo astronauts.
Below is a restored video montage of Apollo 11's lift off, landing, and Armstrong's famous first steps. The newscaster's voice you hear on the tape is that of the late Walter Cronkite.
Notice the lack of extraneous information. There was no need then for three or four simultaneous methods of news imput (constant voice overs from news casters, extra film footage in the corner of the screen, scrolling text declaring "news" completely unrelated to the story). The news organizations of the day realized the immense importance of this story, and let the event speak for itself.
As I was searching YouTube for appropriate video of this historic occurrence, I was disheartened by the number of conspiracy theorists who insist the moon landings never happened. Besides an addiction to sensationalism, this shows a lack of scientific knowledge and education. The doubts they have can be easily researched and understood, especially in light of the information available to anyone on the internet.
I think time has dimmed our understanding of the level of achievement that was reached by all the Apollo astronauts. Computers at the time had a fraction of the calculating ability that is available today in such everyday objects as telephones and watches, and they took up entire buildings. Most of the planning and calculating necessary to get the space program running was done by hand, or, rather, by brain. We were moving into uncharted territory and the astronauts risked their lives for exploration and science.
There is great irony in the fact that we are so much more technologically advanced today than we were on July 20, 1969 and yet, much of our technology is used for a sort of self gratification and national defense without looking forward to explore the last, great, "final frontier".
I have become enamored of steampunk. According to Wikipedia, Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s which explains why I'm just hearing about this now.
Steampunk is a fantasy genre (books and computer games) where steam engine era design is mixed with modern technology. The result is something like this picture--a pc that might have been invented during the Victorian age. This would fit in perfectly with the local Gettysburg culture. I could see a reenactor using one of these in the outdoor cafe on Steinwehr. (Hey, it would look more authentic than the cell phones I've seen them use!)
Anyway, I'm intrigued by the design of these things. In The Steampunk Home, Sara searches for stempunk inspired items for use around her home that combine the scientific romanticism of the Victorians with our real present and imagined future.
I could definitely see steampunk appealing to someone like my husband who is very "how things work" oriented. I can't help but wonder if a more Victorian designed technology would take away some of the reticence some of us have in approaching something with a completely new functionality. It would allow us to appreciate the historicity and antiquity of things in our environment without sacrificing the technology we have become so dependent on. It is also a great way to refashion antiques into modern, usable things.
I have become enamored of steampunk. According to Wikipedia, Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s which explains why I'm just hearing about this now.
Steampunk is a fantasy genre (books and computer games) where steam engine era design is mixed with modern technology. The result is something like this picture--a pc that might have been invented during the Victorian age. This would fit in perfectly with the local Gettysburg culture. I could see a reenactor using one of these in the outdoor cafe on Steinwehr. (Hey, it would look more authentic than the cell phones I've seen them use!)
Anyway, I'm intrigued by the design of these things. In The Steampunk Home, Sara searches for stempunk inspired items for use around her home that combine the scientific romanticism of the Victorians with our real present and imagined future.
I could definitely see steampunk appealing to someone like my husband who is very "how things work" oriented. I can't help but wonder if a more Victorian designed technology would take away some of the reticence some of us have in approaching something with a completely new functionality. It would allow us to appreciate the historicity and antiquity of things in our environment without sacrificing the technology we have become so dependent on. It is also a great way to refashion antiques into modern, usable things.
