Around the World

May 7, 2023

The Coronation of King Charles III

King Charles III acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022. His coronation takes place today. He and his wife Camilla will officially be anointed and crowned as the King and Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms. In honor of the momentous occasion, let’s look at some of the places that will be featured in the weekend’s ceremonial and celebratory events.

Buckingham Palace

The official London residence of the monarch, Buckingham Palace is where the day’s events will begin, and it’s where the royal family will gather to greet the crowds. After the King and Queen return from the coronation, they will gather on the West Terrace. There will be six minutes of fly-overs from military aircraft, as well as cheers from the armed forces, and lots of jubilation from the crowd.

The Palace is the administrative center of the monarchy, and has been since the time of Queen Victoria. During World War II, the Palace was hit by German bombs several times, once even when the king and queen were in residence! It was on the West Terrace that the royal family greeted rejoicing crowds when the war was officially declared over in 1945.

Buckingham Palace

Coronation at Westminster Abbey

The Coronation, where Charles will be crowned and anointed, will take place at Westminster Abbey. The church has been the site of 39 coronations, dating back to William the Conqueror. The most recent coronation was for Elizabeth II, way back in 1953.

The gorgeous Gothic cathedral was originally constructed in 1065, and has been added on to and enhanced, and repaired several times. It was struck by German bombs in World War II, bombed by suffragettes in 1914, and burned several times in its history, but the structure still stands, a testament to the strength and longevity of the British people and their monarchy.

Westminster Abbey

Victoria Memorial

On Saturday morning, King Charles and Queen Camilla will leave Buckingham Palace and travel by the Gold State Coach the 1.3 miles to Westminster Abbey. Along the way, they will greet crowds waiting to pay tribute to the royals and witness the monumental event. The procession will involve 4,000 personnel, mostly made up of ceremonial military officials.

The Victoria Memorial, honoring Queen Victoria, sits in front of Buckingham Palace, and is on the route the King and Queen will take to and from Westminster Abbey. The Memorial is often a centerpiece of London’s activity. It is the finishing line for the London Marathon, was a backdrop of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, and part of the London Olympics celebrations.

Victoria Memorial

Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle

On Sunday, the celebrations will continue, with a Coronation Big Lunch encouraged across the country. This is a British tradition where people gather in their community for a picnic style lunch or gathering to celebrate the coronation, and the country.

Later in the evening on Sunday, there will be a Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, with 10,000 tickets being given to the general public. Tom Cruise, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli, and Tiwa Savage will headline the show.

Windsor Castle has played an important part of royal life since it was constructed by William the Conqueror. It was expanded by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and then remodeled again in the 1700s. The royal family often stayed here during World War II to avoid the bombings, and Elizabeth II spent most of her time here in her later years.

Windsor Castle

Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

The coronation is built on tradition and ceremony, and an important part of that is the crown and associated jewels worn by the king and queen. King Charles will wear the St. Edward’s Crown, which is modeled on a crown possibly dating back to Edward the Confessor.

The current crown was built in 1661 and weighs a heavy five pounds! But he will wear at least one other crown during the event. When he leaves the coronation he will wear the Imperial State Crown. Charles will also hold the Sovereign’s Sceptre, and Cross and Orb, which are important symbols representing the sovereign’s authority, and the Christian world.

The jewels, when not being used for the coronation, are kept safely at the Tower of London, where they are often on public display. The Tower was also founded during the reign of William the Conqueror, and originally used as a defensive castle for the king. Later, it has been used as a prison for high-profile prisoners including Anne Boleyn, and as a secure storage for the royal treasure.

Tower of London

Whether you’re a big fan of the royal family, or watching the weekend’s events for their historical value, knowing a little about the places and important items will make it all the more fun, and meaningful. And as long as he reigns in generosity and kindness, we can all say, “Long live the king!”

April 26, 2023

Deep Dive into History: Chernobyl Explosion

On April 26, 1986, the worst thing imaginable happened when a reactor at the Chernobyl power plant failed. Due to human error and a desire to cover up the accident, the meltdown quickly spiraled out of control, causing the worst nuclear disaster ever.

Remarkably, only 31 people died directly from the accident, but hundreds of thousands of lives were impacted from direct and indirect exposure, forced relocation, and fear of radiation exposure.

On the anniversary of the tragedy, let’s look back on what happened, and what things look like today.

Chernobyl Power Plant, Pripyat, Ukraine

During the Soviet era, nuclear power was a preferred source of energy for the Soviet Union, and the Chernoybl Power Plant was built to provide power for the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and the surrounding area.

By 1986, there were four reactors at the plant, with plans to build more in coming years. Interestingly, after Reactor Four suffered the catastrophic meltdown, the other reactors were not immediately decommissioned. In fact, it wasn’t until 2000 that the site was completely taken offline.

Chernobyl Power Plant

City of Chernobyl, Ukraine

At the time, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, and Chernobyl was a small city of 14,000. Many residents worked at or supported the power station just down the road. The city was founded nearly a thousand years ago, and has a rich and varied history. In particular, it was a major center of Judaism in the region, until the community was wiped out during World War II.

Despite being exposed to significant levels of nuclear contamination, the city was not evacuated until six days after the accident. Technically, the city has been abandoned since that time, but about 500 people still live there, with tacit permission from the government. In fact, some of the apartment buildings have been refitted to house the staff who are still working to this day to decommission and decontaminate the area.

During the initial invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a battle was fought in the area, on ground still emits dangerous levels of radiation, putting the soldiers at risk.

City of Chernobyl

City of Pripyat, Ukraine

Like Chernobyl, the city of Pripyat was abandoned right after the meltdown. The city was home to many employees at the power plant, as well as their families. These people were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, but over the years, it is unclear how many people died as a result of their exposure.

Also, like Chernobyl, around 500 people still live in the area, in spite of official policies prohibiting anyone remaining in the area. They prefer for personal reasons not to abandon their homes and lifestyles, in spite of the danger, and sometimes lack of privacy as tourists and visitors walk through the areas.

Abandoned city

Abandoned Ferris Wheel, Pripyat

One of the most haunting symbols of the disaster is an abandoned Ferris wheel, which was days away from opening at the local amusement park before the meltdown. Now, nearly 40 years later, it remains untouched but slowly decaying, having never carried the children and happy families of Pripyat.

This is one of so many tragically abandoned sites, from hospitals to schools to homes to hotels. The city, along with dozens and dozens of villages, were forced to evacuate in the days after the meltdown.

Pripyat Ferris Wheel - Near Chernobyl

Monument to the Chernobyl Liquidators, Chernobyl

Surprisingly, the only people who died immediately after the explosion were workers inside the reactor, and the firefighters who responded to the disaster. These men reported to the reactors, which was on fire, without appropriate clothes to protect them from radiation. Those with the greatest exposure, from where they fought the fires, or for how long, died within days. Others died within three months.

On the tenth anniversary, a memorial to these heroes was unveiled, depicting the firefighters running toward the blaze. The inscription says “To those who saved the world” demonstrating the importance and appreciation of the sacrifices they made.

Chernobyl - Firefighters monument

Third Angel Statue or Trumpeting Angel Monument, Chernobyl

One of the most moving memorials to the tragedy is the Wormwood Memorial, which includes the metal statue of the Third Angel. In the book of Revelation, a verse says in the last days, a star named Wormwood falls from the sky and makes the water bitter, which many felt represented the radioactive waste falling from the sky. Because “Chernobyl” means wormwood or mugwort in Ukrainian, many felt that the prophesy had been fulfilled in the disaster.

The memorial also includes signs of the names of the nearly 200 villages that have been abandoned. All told, more than 120,000 people were evacuated.

Trumpeting Angel of Chernobyl

There are so many monuments, intentional and natural, that remind us of the tragedy of that man-made disaster, and the lives that were impacted that day. The entire region stands as a stark reminder of the power we wield, and the great responsibility we have to use that power carefully. We should never forget.

April 23, 2023April 18, 2023

LA Landmarks

Los Angeles is hands down one of the best places in the world to visit, with the beautiful sunshine, celebrities, famous sites and amazing houses.

If you’re planning a vacation to southern California, or just California dreaming, here is a list of amazing sites to see in and around Los Angeles.

Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood sign has been a cultural icon for decades, and is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States. The sign was erected in 1923 in Griffith Park to promote a local housing development, originally reading “Hollywoodland”. It has since been shortened to “Hollywood” to represent the entire region. Tourists can take buses or hike to the sign, or view it from many places around the city.

Hollywood Sign

Disneyland

The happiest place on earth is in Anaheim, just outside Los Angeles, especially if you’re a kid or love rides, Disney characters and family fun. Disneyland opened in 1955, and has since become the most popular theme park in the world and one of the must-visit sites in LA.

Disneyland

The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle can be visited by princes and princesses at Disneyland, and will look familiar to anyone who has seen a Disney movie, as it is also used as the logo for Disney films and other items.

Original Disneyland Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

The Chinese Theater has been an icon for Hollywood and the movies since it opened in 1927. After a movie star accidentally left her footprint in wet cement, it became a tradition for stars to imprint their hands or feet.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is close by, along Hollywood Boulevard, and is a fun place for tourists to visit and get close to celebrities they love and admire.

Grauman's Chinese Theater

Venice Beach

For those who aren’t necessarily film buffs, Venice Beach is a vibrant, eclectic place for tourists and locals alike. Millions of people visit the beach annually, to play handball, streetball, surf, work out at Muscle Beach, shop among the varied retail stalls, or just people watch.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is a three block exclusive shopping district in the Beverly Hills district of Los Angeles. The area has some of the most luxurious and exclusive name brands in the world, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Armani, to name a few. Even if you don’t have money to spend in the stores, the district is a fabulous destination for window shopping and observing the upper crust in their native environment.

Rodeo Drive Shopping District

Santa Monica Pier

After a long day of site seeing and people watching in Los Angeles, head over to the Santa Monica Pier. There is an amusement park, a Ferris wheel, an arcade, as well as a beach along the pier where you can blow off steam, relax and have a good time.

Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles is the land of dreams and fantasy for locals, Hollywood hopefuls and tourists alike. There are countless activities, sites and destinations, for every individual. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it in Los Angeles.

April 19, 2023

Where to See the NBA Playoffs

Hot on the heels of the NCAA March Madness, the NBA playoffs kicked off this week. For the next six weeks, we’ll have tons of high-stakes games with the biggest stars in the sport competing for a chance to win the Larry O’Brien championship trophy, and bragging rights for the next year.

Let’s take a look at some of the venues where teams will play in this year’s NBA playoffs.

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California

Two of the leagues biggest teams happen to share one awesome arena, but not for much longer. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have shared space at the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) since it opened in 1999.

The arena is unique in that it is the only stadium shared by two NBA teams, but it also houses the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and still finds time to host hundreds of other events, including the Grammys, each year.

In 2024, the Clippers are scheduled to move to their own arena, the Intuit Dome, which will be next to the SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood.

This spring, the Lakers, which made it into the playoffs via the play-in tournament, and the fifth-seed Clippers, will play the Grizzlies and Suns in the first round, keeping the grounds crews and all the arena employees very busy as they turn over the facility between the two series.

Crypto.com Arena

TD Arena, Boston, Massachusetts

TD Arena in Boston is one of the region’s gathering points for sports and entertainment, hosting both the NBA’s Boston Celtics, and the city’ NHL team, the Bruins. Like other stadiums, it hosts college events, other sporting events, and concerts and entertainment all year long.

This spring, the number-two seed Celtics will have home-court advantage, giving them an added boost as they play the Atlanta Hawks.

TD Garden

Kayesa Center, Miami, Florida

This spring, Kayesa Center in Miami will be hosting the Miami Heat in the 2023 playoffs. The recent naming history has been crazy, changing from the American Airlines Arena to FTX Arena in 2021. But when the crypto company went bankrupt in dramatic fashion last winter, the arena needed a new sponsor. Fortunately, the local software company Kayesa stepped up, and committed to a 17-year agreement for the building.

The eighth-seed Heat have their work cut out for them against the recent champions and current number one-seed Milwaukee Bucks. But the playoffs are crazy, and anything can happen in the first to four series!

Kaseya Center

Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York

The New York Knicks play at Madison Square Garden in the heart of Manhattan, along with the New York Rangers of the NHL. The venue is possibly the most famous sports and entertainment arena in the US.

MSG was first founded in the 1800s, long before basketball or the Knicks even existed. The current venue was built in 1968, and is still known as one of the most expensive venues built. Unlike some other venues, it’s not just a sports facility, but has as many concerts and entertainment events as athletic ones. In fact, the unique concave roof is incredibly helpful for acoustics, making it an excellent place for musicians to perform.

Madison Square Garden

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

The Brooklyn Nets moved back to New York from across the river in New Jersey in 2012, and to the Barclays Center. Interestingly, the Barclays bank, which paid at least $200 million for naming rights, doesn’t even have any banks in New York, or even the US!

Like Madison Square Garden, the venue also hosts an NHL team, the New York Islanders. It is also home to the WNBA team the New York Liberty. The Nets are playing the three-seed 76ers, and lost the first game, but hopefully they can pull out a win at the next game!

Barclays Center

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Massachusetts

There are at least a few players in the playoffs who will end up in the NBA hall of fame, which is located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Named after the sport’s inventor, James Naismith, the hall of fame is located in a $47 million venue.

It houses displays about the creation and history of basketball, as well as the best and most influential players in the sport. Players including Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Lauren Jackson, and Manu Ginóbili have been inducted into the hall of fame. It’s a pretty sure bet that LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be likely contenders after they retire.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

There’s going to be a lot of action going on for the next few weeks, on TNT, NBA TV, and ESPN. So be sure to tune in to watch your favorite team, and cheer them on to victory in the championship.

April 7, 2023April 8, 2023

Famous Gardens Around the World

Spring is in the air, and people are looking forward to spending more time outside. One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful world as it comes alive after a cold winter is to spend time in the garden.

Lots of cities and communities have gardens and outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. Let’s look at some of the most famous, and most gorgeous community green spaces around the world.

United States Botanic Garden, Washington, D.C.

In the nation’s capitol, the Botanic Garden is actually part of the Capitol complex and is managed by Congress and the Architect of the Capitol. Established in 1820, the main building has been in place at the foot of the Capitol complex since 1933.

The main conservatory has several rooms that each feature a habitat, ranging from rare and endangered plants, orchids, desert plants, and even a jungle room. Nearby are outdoor gardens that visitors can walk through and enjoy while spending time enjoying the nation’s capital. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the garden is that it’s free! All of these amazing, beautiful, and educational features are considered a national treasure, and available to everyone.

United States Botanic Garden

Kew Gardens, London, UK

The Kew Gardens in London developed as gardens and landscaped areas for royal residences. Especially supported by the Princess of Wales in the 1750s, the expansive gardens are now considered to be the largest and most diverse collection of plants and fungi in the world, with more than 8.5 million specimen.

Kew Gardens

In addition to the amazing collection of biodiversity, the Gardens have amazing and historically significant structures in which the plants are displayed. The Palm House, built from wrought iron and blown glass, is one of the most beautiful and important Victorian-era structures. There are also beautifully-landscaped areas, complete with walking paths and viewing areas, and even a few tours.

Palm House at Kew Gardens

Gardens at Versailles, France

Just saying the name evokes feelings of opulence and grandeur, even more than 300 years after its heyday. Versailles was once a mere hunting lodge, but under French King Louis XIV, it became the center of the royal world. The massive gardens were as impressive and elaborate as the palace itself, and are considered as important as the buildings.

Palace of Versailles

The Sun King spared no expense, and the gardens stretched out from the palace “as far as the eye could see”. Ponds, trees, and other plants were laid out in a formal style that later became known as the “French” garden. Further from the main residence, smaller structures for retreats and entertaining were constructed. These days, the palace and gardens are open to the public, and in 2024, the venue will be the site for the equestrian events for the 2024 Olympics.

Palace of Versailles

Gardens of Claude Monet, Giverny, France

Just north of Versailles is one of the most beautiful and inspirational private gardens. Claude Monet, perhaps France’s most famous and beloved artist, was known for his impressionist paintings of nature, especially countryside and water scenes. After his death, the house and gardens fell into disrepair, but were restored in the 1970s, and opened to the public. The ponds on the site inspired the paintings of water lilies for which he’s best known today.

House and gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny

Some of Monet’s Water Lilies series are on display in Paris’ famous L’Orangerie Museum, which has space designed specifically to display the massive works of art, some of which are longer than 40 feet!

Musée de l'Orangerie

Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Wealthy Canadian cement manufacturer Robert Butchart and his wife Jennie, followed a popular trend and created a Japanese garden on their property. Inspired by its beauty, Jennie then turned other areas of their home into rose, Italian, and other styles of gardens. They quickly became a popular destination, and continued to develop and expand.

On the 100th anniversary of the gardens, they were declared a national historic site. Entry fees are minimal, and the gardens see more than one million visitors a year!

The gardens also have bird houses, a large collection of statues, a carousel in the children’s pavilion, which is a perfect place to host birthday parties. The Gardens are also home to local entertainment including jazz and classical concert series in the summer, and an ice rink in the winter.

Butchart Gardens

Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands

Considered the “Garden of Europe” the Keukenhof in the Netherlands started out as a castle’s kitchen garden, (“Keukenhof” means :kitchen garden”) and has turned into one of the world’s largest flower gardens. The gardens were first opened to the public after World War II, and now receive around 1.5 million visitors a year.

Every fall, the staff of gardeners plant around seven million tulip bulbs. The tulip has special importance in the Netherlands, and it’s the national flower. The venue also has English gardens, walking paths, Japanese gardens, and pavilions with garden exhibits.

Keukenhof also hosts a Christmas fair, medieval festival, and other events throughout the year. It truly is a national treasure, and jewel of Europe.

Keukenhof

Is there a better way to appreciate spring than to go outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer? Hopefully you can pop over to a local park or garden and enjoy the great outdoors. Happy Spring!

March 30, 2023March 31, 2023

It’s National Doctor’s Day

Today is National Doctor Day in the United States.

There are nearly a million doctors in the US, which is pretty impressive! It takes years of extra schooling, hard work, long hours, dedication and commitment to earn the right to call yourself an MD.

In honor of these hard-working professionals, let’s take a look at some of the most famous doctors today.

Anthony Fauci

Love him or loathe him, Dr. Anthony Fauci had a long career in public service before Covid-19 made him internationally famous in 2020. He spent decades at the National Institutes of Health, where he spent years research a little-known illness that ended up becoming known as AIDS. He also researched SARS, swine flu, and Ebola. He finally retired in 2022, after being brought to the media forefront during the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020.

Dr. Fauci lives in the same Washington, DC residence that he has called home since around 1977, and walks with his wife in the neighborhood almost every night. The gorgeous house adorned with red brick, is surrounded by beautiful trees, and the back yard is dominated by an oval swimming pool, great for outdoor exercise for the 82 year old and his wife.

Anthony Fauci's House

Sigmund Freud

Perhaps the most famous, or infamous, doctor of pop culture is the Austrian doctor Sigmund Freud. He was a neurologist who founded the study of psychoanalysis, with all the images of lying around on the couch talking about repressed memories. In reality, he was a serious doctor who wished to help patients heal from trauma, who came up with some interesting and sometimes salacious reasons for peoples’ behavior.

He and his wife and children resided in an apartment in downtown Vienna, Austria, until they fled Nazi persecution of Jews in 1938. The residence has now been turned into a museum about the doctor and the field of study he founded. Freud died in London in 1939, but his legacy, and reputation as a ground-breaking thinker live on.

Sigmund Freud Museum

Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong is famous, but not because of his medical skills. The Korean-American grew up in North Carolina, and was an exceptional student. He earned his medical degree, but was always interested in stand-up comedy. He even won major improv contests and was encouraged to pursue a career in comedy.

Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles to practice medicine, and pursue comedy on the side. He had a small role in Knocked Up and his breakout was in The Hangover series. He’s since appeared in movies, had a two-season television show, and lots of comedy specials.

He and his family live in a gorgeous, $4 million Calabasas mansion, which he bought in the fall of 2016. The Tudor-style home has four bedrooms, a home theater, a 3,000 bottle wine cellar, and of course, a lovely outdoor pool. Being a celebrity has really paid off, as Ken is worth about $14 million!

Ken Jeong's House

Sanjay Gupta

Sanjay Gupta became a doctor at a young age, after participating in an accelerated education program. After a short career as a brain surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia, he began providing occasional expert reporting to Atlanta-based CNN. Eventually, he switched to reporting full-time, and has a reputation as an honest, educated journalist.

His medical-based news career has really worked out, with a net worth of $12 million. He and his family live in a gorgeous 7,300 square foot mansion in Atlanta. The house sits on about 3.5 acres, giving him all the privacy needed after being on television. The home is a well-earned retreat for the busy medical correspondent and his family.

Sanjay Gupta's House

Dr. Oz

Mehmet Oz was born in Ohio to Turkish immigrant parents, and raised with dual citizenship. Like his father, he became a heart surgeon. He was incredibly successful in this career, developing new techniques and devices to advance the field.

In 2009, Dr. Oz appeared on Oprah’s hit daytime television show, and became an instant celebrity medical expert. He soon started hosting his own television show, not always without controversy over health topics.

In 2022, he ran for Senate in Pennsylvania, and came close to winning. His main residence, however, has been in New Jersey for decades. This gorgeous home was built in 2000, and has amazing details like 12-foot ceilings, large windows, six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a pool house large enough for a family to live in!

While he didn’t win election in Pennsylvania, he can’t be too sad, as he’s still got his gorgeous New Jersey home, a net worth of more than $100 million, and a lovely family to enjoy!

Dr. Oz's House (Mehmet Oz)

These are a few famous doctors, but most doctors aren’t on television or in the history books. They’re down the street, in the office or hospital, helping patients feel better one by one. So, if you see a doctor today, take a second and thank them for all they do! Thanks, Doc!

March 23, 2023March 27, 2023

March Madness is in Full Swing!

After a long weekend of amazing upsets, buzzer-beating baskets, Cinderella stories, and lots of busted brackets, March Madness is in full swing.

Down from 64 teams, the remaining 16 have a few days to rest, before picking up the ball again this weekend to see who moves on in the single-elimination tournament of dreams. Let’s take a look at where the next rounds of games will be played.

Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

Two of the Sweet Sixteen games and one Elite Eight will be played at one of the most famous venues in the US–Madison Square Garden in downtown New York City. This is actually the fourth building of the same name, and this one was built in 1968. It’s where the New York Knicks and Rangers play.

Pro wrestling, boxing, and other high-profile events take place here on a regular basis. Performances from the likes of Elton John, the Grateful Dead, Madonna, and U2 are common when the arena isn’t hosting the roughly 320 sporting events each year.

Michigan State will play Kansas State, and Tennessee will play Florida Atlantic University on March 23, and the winner of these games will play each other on March 25.

Madison Square Garden

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

The T-Mobile Arena was completed in 2016, right on the Las Vegas Strip. Next to several famous hotels and casinos, its location is perfect for hosting big ticket shows and sporting events. The venue can hold around 20,000 spectators, and cost its investors around $350 million to complete.

The T-Mobile Arena is the home for the NHL Las Vegas Knights, several Ultimate Fighting Championship events, and it also hosts other sports events, concerts, beauty pageants year-round. It’s already hosted a Stanley Cup finals series, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and the Miss USA pageant.

This weekend, the University of Connecticut will play Arkansas and UCLA will play Gonzaga on Thursday, and the winner of the two games will play each other on Saturday, March 25.

T Mobile Arena

KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY

The KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, is deep in the heart of collegiate basketball. And this year, it will host the Sweet Sixteen games between Alabama and San Diego State, and Creighton and Princeton on Friday, March 24. The winners will play each other on Sunday, March 26.

The Center, which cost around $240 million and was completed in 2010, anchors the dynamic downtown area that also has the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Muhammad Ali Center, gorgeous parks, a lovely waterfront, and lots of great restaurants. It was designed to host University of Louisville sports events, as well as concerts for musicians, including Justin Bieber, Metallica, Kiss, Kenny Chesney, and Carrie Underwood.

T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO

Another arena sponsored by T-Mobile, the fourth round of Sweet Sixteen games will be hosted at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Formerly known as the Sprint Center, the Center has been an anchor downtown for nearly 20 years. The entire building is covered in a glass facade, with metal panels that give it an amazing, high-end feel.

The venue has been a location for NCAA tournaments regularly, and is constantly pursuing a professional hockey or basketball expansion team, to no avail so far. This year, Xavier will play University of Texas, and the University of Houston will play Florida’s University of Miami on Friday, and the winners will match up on Sunday, March 26.

'Sprint Center' by HOK

NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

The Final Four and Championship games will be hosted this year at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Home to the NFL’s Houston Texans, it even hosted the 2017 Super Bowl. Completed in 2002, for about $350 million, the venue can hold up to 80,000 spectators, which is perfect for Texas, where everything is bigger.

When it’s not being used for professional football, it hosts soccer games, rodeos and bull-riding tours, and even some college and high school football games. Next year, it will be the home for the College Football Playoff Championship game!

The two Final Four games will be played on Saturday, April 1. No matter who wins, it will be a night to remember for all four teams. The Championship game will be held on Monday, April 3, when all eyes will be tuned in to see the end of all the March Madness.

NRG Stadium

It’s fun every year to see these teams work so hard, play with all their hearts, and leave it all out on the court. As we watch the final series of games, we will set aside our busted brackets, ousted home teams, and cheer for all the teams who are still in the game. Let the Madness continue!

March 2, 2023March 2, 2023

Read Across America Celebrating Dr. Seuss

Today is National Read Across America Day, where children at schools from coast to coast celebrate reading, books, and storytelling. The tradition began in 1998, as a celebration of reading on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Dr. Seuss is one of America’s best-loved children’s authors, so on this day, let’s take a look at his life, how he became a beloved author, and celebrate reading!

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, Springfield, Massachusetts

Born Theodor Seuss Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1904. His family, of German heritage, experienced harassment during and after World War I, but his family was very involved, and he developed a sense of patriotism that stayed with him through his life.

Dr. Seuss is Springfield’s hometown hero, and in 2002, the town unveiled a masterpiece sculpture garden dedicated to the author. It includes five large statues of some of Seuss’s most famous and well-loved characters, including the Cat in the Hat and the Lorax.

The entire exhibit is in the center of the Quadrangle, which is a cluster of museums, libraries, and community structures, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.

Dr. Seuss National Memorial

Oxford University, Oxford, England

After graduating from Dartmouth College, he moved to Oxford, England, to earn a PhD in English Literature. And where better than the oldest university in the English-speaking world?

However, it was there that he met his future wife, who encouraged him to commit full-time to a career highlighting his creative drawings. So, he left school after two years and returned to the US, and the rest is for the storybooks.

Oxford University

Family Home, San Diego, California

Within a few years, Seuss had a solid career in writing, but it took a detour during World War II, when he used his talents to help the war effort through films and other animations.

After the war, he and his wife moved to La Jolla, in San Diego. The four-acre estate had a four-bedroom house, with pool, and beautiful landscaping. The home was donated to University of California at San Diego after the death of his second wife. A few years ago, the property was divided into four parcels and sold at auction for about $19 million total.

Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel's house (former)

University of California San Diego Geisel Library, San Diego, California

The main library of the university system was renamed in Theoror Geisel’s honor. He and his second wife had made several substantial contributions over the years to the university. The library is known for its bold and modern architecture called “Brutalist/Futurist”. The design is fitting for Seuss, as it looks like something that would be found in the pages of his books.

It has more than seven million books, including 8,500 items in the Dr. Seuss collection. This includes his early works, sketches, and manuscripts.

UCSD Geisel Library

Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Of course, the OG library in the United States is the Library of Congress. The beautiful structure, which sits across the street from the US Capitol, is one of the largest libraries in the world. It actually has multiple buildings on Capitol Hill, as well as a few more buildings offsite.

It was burned by the British in the War of 1812, and lost much of its original collection. Thomas Jefferson donated his expansive collection of nearly 7,000 books. Sadly many of these were burned in a subsequent fire. Currently, the library has more than 160 million pieces! This amazing collection includes an original Gutenburg Bible, as well as items in more than 400 languages.

Library of Congress

If you’re looking for some fun and interesting books to read with your little ones, here’s a wonderful list curated for variety and interest, which is sure to entertain all sorts of kids! Here’s to some happy reading. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss, and thanks for all the amazing adventures.

https://www.worldcat.org/lists/49c3900f-50d6-4be4-a7c3-01ff8f909fee

February 28, 2023January 25, 2023

Coolest Bridges in the US

Sometimes, a bridge is just a way to get to where you’re going; but sometimes it’s an architectural feat worthy of regard and fame.

San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, New York City has the Brooklyn Bridge, but there are several other bridges just as breathtaking and interesting across the United States.

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most recognizable bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is perched at the western edge of the country, spanning the San Francisco Bay as it opens into the Pacific Ocean. It connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County, California.

It was constructed in 1937, overcoming significant construction hurdles including the mile long span, constant fog, strong winds, gusty waves and deep water. For many years it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

The bridge has a dark side, too, being the second most used bridge for suicides in the world. The long fall and freezing water below make jumping or falling from the bridge very dangerous.

Golden Gate Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge

On the other coast, the Brooklyn Bridge is another landmark amid the New York City skyline. It connects the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan across the East River.

Construction started in 1869, and nearly thirty men, including the original lead architect, died building it before it was completed in 1883.

When it opened, P.T. Barnum led 21 elephants across the bridge to demonstrate it was safe and stable.

The neo-Gothic architecture makes for a beautiful photograph for the thousands of tourists that cross the bridge daily.

The Brooklyn Bridge

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, or CBBT, is one incredible feat of engineering, with four lanes of traffic spanning 20 miles, including two one mile spans under water! The tunnel portions allow for large ships to traverse the waterway to the ports of Norfolk and Hampton Roads Virginia, some of the most important and busiest shipping hubs in the United States. It is one of ten bridge-tunnel combinations, two more of which are in the Hampton Roads area!

Tourists are welcome to drive on the CBBT, and there are lookout points along the way, but be prepared to pay the toll, which is about $15!

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Ambassador Bridge

The Ambassador Bridge is a beautiful suspension bridge connecting Detroit Michigan to Windsor Toronto, Canada. When it was completed in 1929, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. But it’s more than just a beautiful bridge; it’s an economic lifeline between the two countries.

An estimated 25 percent of all merchandise trade between the US and Canada passes through the Ambassador Bridge, with over 10,000 commercial vehicles crossing the bridge every weekday.

Pedestrians and bicycles were permitted to cross the bridge until security concerns after September 11, 2001.

Ambassador Bridge (US-Canada)

Royal Gorge Bridge

The highest suspension bridge in the United States, the Royal Gorge Bridge is part of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park tourist attraction near Canon City Colorado. It is nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, and is made of steel and covered with wooden planks.

Cars and light trucks are allowed to drive across the bridge during limited hours, but most traffic is by pedestrians who take in the breathtaking vistas and thrill of being so high above the river.

Tourists can even zip line across the gorge or take a gondola ride across for a more relaxed passage.

Royal Gorge Bridge

February 21, 2023January 25, 2023

Deep Dive into History: Catching the Spy Aldrich Ames

Everyone loves a good spy thriller. Names like James Bond and Jason Bourne are familiar to many, but most real-life spies go their entire lives without revealing their names, or secrets. Unless you get caught, of course, like Aldrich Ames.

Aldrich Ames is known as one of the worst double agents in American spy history. He betrayed his country and got many people killed, all to earn a little extra money.

It was on this date in 1994 that the career CIA spy was arrested in Arlington, Virginia, wrapping up one of the worst leaks in CIA history. Let’s take a look at his life, and terrible legacy.

CIA Headquarters, McLean, Virginia

Aldrich was exposed early in life to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) because his father worked there, and he even got a job filing papers in his high school years. After a few fits and starts, he eventually started his spy career at CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia.

The headquarters, now called the George Bush Center for Intelligence after former CIA leader and US president George Bush Sr., is located right outside Washington, DC. The headquarters is very private. While the location is public information, only people with clearance, or a very specific appointment and approval, are allowed on the property. There’s a Starbucks on site, but as you would expect, they don’t ask names, and are very private.

Over his career, Aldrich worked here several times, when he was stationed stateside.

CIA Headquarters

Cam Peary, AKA “The Farm”, Williamsburg, Virginia

During World War II, the government recognized the need for a location where they could train individuals in covert tactics. They settled on an area in Virginia and named it Camp Peary.

During World War II, it was used to house top-secret German prisoners of war. If the German government realized certain people had been captured, not killed, it would have compromised US intelligence.

After the war, the area was turned into a training facility for covert operatives and foreign intelligence officers. They are taught many classified skills, but we generally know they are taught techniques for evading capture, enduring torture, surveillance, cryptography, and more.

While the closed-lips CIA hasn’t reported about when or if Ames went to Camp Peary, it’s likely, as many agents who travel overseas are sent here for training.

Camp Peary - CIA's "The Farm"

Ames’ Home, Arlington, Virginia

Aldrich Ames married and divorced a fellow CIA operative, and then remarried in 1985. It was at this point it is believed he began spying for the then-Soviet Union, as a means to recoup money lost in the divorce. What started as a one-time thing led to him betraying more than ten high-level assets, for at least $4.6 million.

He quickly began to spend the money he received from spying, drawing attention of his peers. He even paid for this Arlington, Virginia home, in cash for $540,000, and adding another $100,000 in home renovations. In fact, his wife, who was later convicted as a co-conspirator, boasted to a fellow CIA employee that she was installing drapes through the whole house at once, even though it was very expensive. Her phone bill alone was more than Aldrich made, at $6,000 a month!

Spy Residence

Chadwick’s Restaurant, Hand-Off Site, Washington, DC

Eventually, the CIA realized they had a mole, or a leak, in the agency. They assembled a team, and set to work. It took more than five years, but by 1993, they were convinced the spy was Aldrich. They followed him constantly for months, amassing evidence against him.

They realized his known monthly meetings often held at Chadwick’s in DC with a Soviet official were sometimes a cover for his delivery of classified US information in exchange for large amounts of cash. He spied for more than six years, betraying “virtually all Soviet agents of the CIA and other American and foreign services” that he knew of.

Spy Rendezvous

Arrest Site, Arlington, Virginia

Finally, the CIA caught onto him, and he was arrested here, just a few blocks from his home, on February 21, 1994. At first, he claimed the officers had the wrong man, but it was quickly clear he was guilty of spying.

Spy Arrest Site

US Penitentiary, Terre Haute, Indiana

Aldrich recognized that he was going to be convicted, and chose to avoid a trial and the risk of the death penalty for espionage and treason. He spoiled more than 100 investigations and outed more than 30 individuals, many of whom were killed by the Soviet government.

As part of their agreement, Aldrich pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison, and his wife was sentenced to jail for five years. He is currently serving his sentence in the US penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. He will never be a free man again.

United States Penitentiary

While it’s unclear exactly how many people died because of Aldrich’s spying, it’s certain he was responsible for at least a dozen deaths. Several agents were arrested and killed in a very short period, and many others were later arrested by their governments. He was clearly an evil, greedy man, willing to betray his country, and jeopardize the lives of countless Americans and others, all so he and his wife could drive a fancy car, have nice clothes, and live a luxurious lifestyle.