Around the World

October 22, 2021December 31, 2021

A Playoff Season to Remember!

After an unusual playoffs in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, baseball is back and the post-season is a crazy one!

The Yankees and the Red Sox, the 2020 World Champions Dodgers, and more were all in contention for the title of World Champions for 2021! Let’s take a look at some of the teams who made it to this season’s playoffs.

Dodger Stadium Los Angeles, CA

The Los Angeles Dodgers, 2020 World Series Champions, play at Dodger Stadium, and have been there since 1952, making it one of the oldest stadiums in use in major league baseball. The Dodgers started out in Brooklyn, but a disagreement about a new stadium led to the franchise moving across country to LA, where they have been ever since.

Nicknamed “Blue Heaven on Earth”, the stadium has a reputation as a “pitcher’s park” meaning it’s great for no-hitters and perfect games. It is the largest-capacity stadium in the MLB, and is a fun stadium to attend because of LA’s good weather.

So far, it’s been a great place for the Dodgers, as they’re playing against the Atlanta Braves for the National League Championship.

Dodger Stadium

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL

The Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020, and just like the Dodgers, the Rays made it back to the playoffs, but they lost in the first round against Boston. Tampa was awarded an expansion team in 1995, and the Rays started playing in 1998. They have made it to the playoff several times, and gotten to the World Series twice!

Tropicana Field is unique in that it’s the only stadium with a roof that doesn’t retract, and it’s the smallest stadium in the league, holding about 43,000 fans. The stadium is older than the team. It was built to help attract a baseball team. Things worked out for Tampa, and with one of the best records in the league, this could be their year!

Tropicana Field

Fenway Park, Boston, MA

Possibly the most storied venue in all of sports, Fenway Park in Boston has been home to Boston’s Red Sox since 1912. Despite being one of the smallest stadiums, Fenway Park has one of the best atmospheres in all of baseball. The fans are dedicated, the game is up close and personal, and with features like the Green Monster in left field, it feels familiar even to first-time attendees.

The Red Sox have been playing ball since 1901, have played in 13 World Series, and won nine. The 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” was broken in 2004, and they’ve won three more championships since then.

Fenway Park

Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA

The San Francisco Giants started out as the New York Gothams, but moved to the west coast in 1958. They have some of the best records in the league, playing 20 times in World Series, winning more games than any other team (due to having been around since 1893), and winning the Championship eight times.

This year, they played against the defending World Champions the Dodgers, and lost in what was likely one of the most evenly matched series in years.

The Giants have played in several stadiums, and currently play in Oracle Park, right on the Bay, giving it a gorgeous, view. It may be chilly like Candlestick Park, but it’s not as windy. Engineers worked hard to reduce the wind exposure in the stadium, making it about half as windy as “The Stick”.

Oracle Park

Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL

While the name isn’t that impressive, Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side of Chicago is home to the White Sox, who have a great record this year. The White Sox, one of the oldest teams in the entire MLB, and one of the original teams in the American League, went 87 years between World Series wins, second only to the Chicago Cubs, who went more than 100 years before championships!

While we know they won’t be contending for the World Series this year after losing their against the Astros, they have a lot of potential and will be sure to come back swinging next year.

The White Sox played in Comiskey Park from 1910-1991, when they upgraded to their current location, built across the street from the old field. The new ballpark pays tribute to the old one in many ways, including arched windows in the front facade, an “exploding scoreboard” fitted with fireworks to celebrate home runs and wins.

Guaranteed Rate Field

As the postseason heats up, fans are paying closer attention to the games, and now even if you can’t talk balls, strikes, and pitching averages, you can throw out some useful commentary on where the teams are playing and how they’ve done in the past.

Play ball!

October 16, 2021September 14, 2021

October’s Deep Dive into History: the Beheading of Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette, one of the most famous queens in history, was the wife of the ill-fated Louis XVI of France. During her husband’s reign, the country devolved into the French Revolution, which led to the beheading of the King, and then the Queen, on October 16, 1793.

Birthplace, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria

Born Maria Antonia at Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria on November 2, 1755, Marie Antoinette was the last girl and second to last child born to Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.

The Hofburg Palace was the imperial palace for the Hapsburg Empire, which ruled Austria, Hungary, parts of Germany, and eastern Europe. It is now the official residence and office for the President of Austria. Construction of the palace began in the 1200s and has continued to this day, with additions, enhancements, and upgrades taking place on a regular basis.

Portions of the building are open to the public for tours.

Hofburg Palace

Childhood Retreat, Hetzendorf Castle, Vienna, Austria

Maria Antonia and her siblings spent much of their time at the Hetzendorf Castle, which was a hunting “lodge” in the 1700s outside the capital city. As Vienna grew, it engulfed the former rural land, and the castle is now part of a neighborhood in Vienna.

The castle was enlarged by Maria Theresa, and her children spent time there both in their youth and as adults, when they sometimes were without homes or royal residences.

Hetzendorf Castle

Versailles, Paris, France

When she was 14, Maria Antonia was betrothed to Louis XVI, the future King of France. Upon her marriage on May 16, 1770, at Versailles, her name changed to Marie Antoinette, and she became known as the future Queen of France.

The couple, along with the entire royal court, lived at or spent much of their time at Versailles, the ornate, elaborate, even excessive palace located just outside Paris, the capital city.

Versailles is one of the most famous palaces in the world, with good reason. It has the famous Hall of Mirrors, with more than 350 mirrors, and was so luxurious that even the chamber pots were made of silver and gold.

Palace of Versailles

Bedchamber at Versailles

Among the 2,300 rooms at Versailles is the queen’s bedchamber, an ornate and beautiful room covered with tapestries and gold leaf. However, the room is also full of history, and sadness.

During the time of royalty, it was required that the queen, and any woman of the royal blood, give birth in public. This was to ensure that the child was indeed of royal blood and fit to rule. After eight years of marriage, when Marie Antoinette finally went into labor, being present at the birth was the most important event of the year.

Marie-Antoinette's Bedchamber, Versailles

Hamlet at Versailles

Marie created a small retreat on the grounds of Versailles called the Queen’s Hamlet, a small but complete working farm. Here, she often retreated from the formalities of palace life, held small gatherings, and spent time with her children.

Hameau de la reine - Marie Antoinette's playhouse

Many accused the queen of playing at farm life. Along with the supposed remark to starving people “Let them eat cake,” rumors about the Hamlet fueled her reputation as being out of touch with the people of France.

The Hamlet fell into disrepair after the Revolution, but Napoleon restored portions of the estate, and others helped restore it to its original design in the 20th century.

Queen's hamlet in Versailles

Tuileries Palace, Paris, France

The Tuileries Palace was built in the 1500s as the imperial palace and was the official home of French royalty for three hundred years. Even when the Court was moved to Versailles, the palace in Paris was still an official residence.

Louis VXI and Marie Antoinette, in the heat of the Revolution, were forced to move to the Tuileries, to be watched by Revolutionary leaders. From there, the family tried to escape, but were caught and brought back, facing further punishment.

In 1871, the Tuileries were burned down, and only the Louvre was saved. The gardens and gathering areas still exist, and are some of the most-visited places in Paris.

Jardin des Tuileries

Prison in La Conciergerie, Paris, France

In 1793, the royal family was moved to the La Conciergerie, which was originally a palace, but turned into a prison. Many prisoners of the Revolution were held here before being taken to their execution by guillotine.

Marie was held here for months, with absolutely no privacy or any of the amenities she was used to as a royal. She was tried for various crimes and found guilty.

It was from here that she was escorted to her execution at what is now the Place de la Concorde. On October 16, 1793, the 37 year old former queen of France was forced to ride in an open wagon to her execution. Along the way she was jeered and mocked, but she remained composed until the very end. She was beheaded just after noon.

After her execution, she was placed in an unmarked grave.

La Conciergerie

Tombs at Basilica of San Denis, France

After years of revolution, dictatorship, and chaos, the monarchy was restored. The bodies of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were exhumed and buried alongside other kings and queens of France in the Basilica of San Denis.

This cathedral has long been important to royal France, being where queens are crowned, and royalty have been buried for a thousand years.

King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette of France

While she lived only 37 years, the beautiful, shy, and fun-loving Marie has become one of the most famous, and imitated, queens of all time. Her royal status belied the struggles of her life: leaving her family as a ten to marry a stranger, giving public birth to an heir, and falling from grace and fortune to nothing.

October 8, 2021September 14, 2021

October 8 Bond. James Bond.

The latest installment of the James Bond series, No Time to Die, comes to US theaters on October 8 after three Covid-related delays, and it’s certain to be worth the wait. Daniel Craig leading up the cast for the fifth, and final, time. In honor of the film, let’s take a look at where some of the most exciting and memorable scenes have taken place.

MI6 Headquarters

MI6 is the nickname of the super spy agency, Secret Intelligence Service. Its headquarters in Vauxhall, in London, is a mainstay in the James Bond series plots. It is where Bond works with his supervisor, M, and the super cool research agent Q, who constantly creates amazing spy tools, fast cars, and other gadgets to help Bond always gain the upper hand.

MI6/SIS headquarters

Dr. No’s Lair, Crab Key, Jamaica, Featured in Dr. No

The first James Bond film, Dr. No, was filmed largely onsite in Jamaica. The evil villain Dr. No has a secret lair in Crab Key island, where he tries to use radiation and other tools to try to start a war between the Americans and Russians. Fortunately, Bond is able to overpower the evil scientist and avert a third world war. And at the end of the day, he has a new love interest, of course.

007 Dr. No's Crab Key Island

Fort Knox, Kentucky, Featured in Goldfinger

In the third installment of the series, James Bond discovers an evil man running a global gold smuggling ring. Bond tracks Goldfinger, for whom the film is named, to Fort Knox in Kentucky. Here, Bond fights the evil villain who is trying to rob the gold depository. Bond, along with the troops stationed at Fort Knox, were able to save the day. Later, Bond and Goldfinger fight on an airplane and Goldfinger is tragically sucked out the window to his death before Bond ends the film stranded in the water with the beautiful Pussy Galore.

Fort Knox, U.S. Bullion Depository

Himeji Castle in Japan, Featured in You Only Live Twice

In the fifth Bond film, James Bond is investigating the mystery of a hijacked American spacecraft. Clues lead Bond to Japan, where he crosses the islands on the tail of another SPECTRE villain. On the way, Bond encounters ninjas training at Himeji Castle, which is the largest and most popular castle in the country. Eventually, Bond discovers a secret SPECTRE lair inside a volcano and prevents the US from launching nuclear weapons at the USSR.

Himeji Castle

Pyramids of Giza, Featured in The Spy Who Loved Me

In The Spy Who Loved Me, Bond is paired with a Russian spy to track down a missing submarine stolen by an evil businessman and scientist Karl Stromberg. The team travels across Egypt, including to the Pyramids of Giza, as they track down the scientist and search for answers about the submarine. Stromberg wants to start World War III and create an underwater world, but Bond and his Russian spy partner work together and are able to avert nuclear war and kill Stromberg.

Pyramids of Giza

The Demilitarized Zone, Featured in Die Another Day

Die Another Day starts with Bond infiltrating a North Korean military base to uncover information about conflict diamonds. He is captured and held as a prisoner by the North Koreans until was to be traded in a prisoner exchange at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. Eventually, Bond tracks the evil villain back to the DMZ. There, it’s revealed the villain, Graves is secretly a North Korean Colonel who is planning to cut a path through the DMZ to allow North Korean troops to invade South Korea. After a high-stakes fight on an airplane, Bond kills the villain and once again saves the day and the world.

Guard Post (OP) Ouellette

Lake Como, Italy, Featured in Casino Royale

Daniel Craig made his Bond debut in Casino Royale in 2006, and has been the lead in the series ever since. In Casino Royale, Bond travels across Europe playing high-stakes poker and other risky games to track down a man intent on using a planned terrorist attack to make a fortune. After averting disaster but losing his lover, Vesper Lynd, in the process, Bond tracks the evil villain Mr. White to a house in lovely Lake Como, Italy. There, he shoots the villain in the leg and introduces himself as “Bond. James Bond”.

James Bond's House (Casino Royale)

Westminster Bridge, London, Featured in Spectre

In the 2015 Bond film Spectre, Bond goes rogue to avenge the death of M, and find a reason for all the suffering he has endured. From Mexico to Austria, to Morocco, Bond is on the trail of SPECTRE once again, only to end up back in London. There, it is revealed SPECTRE is attempting to infiltrate MI6 itself, and only Bond and his trusted team can stop it. After preventing a major catastrophe and murder of his newfound female companion, Bond must fight one more battle against Blofeld, the founder of SPECTRE. Bond bravely shoots down Blofeld’s helicopter, which crashes into London’s Westminster Bridge. Bond ensures Blofeld is arrested, and then leaves with the lovely Swann. He has saved the day once again.

Westminster Bridge

Bond has traveled the world countless times as he’s saved the world from nuclear attack, avoided World War III, and prevented terrorists from seizing control of national intelligence, gold supplies, and more. It’s going to be a wild ride from the start in Bond’s newest film No Time to Die, premiering in the US on November 20, 2020.

October 1, 2021September 14, 2021

The Unsolved Crimes of the Zodiac Killer

The fear a serial killer can strike within a community is profound and only truly ends when the serial killer is brought to justice. The Zodiac Killer terrorized the San Francisco, California region by attacking at least seven people, four men and three women, between December 1968 and October 1969.

During the ten months that the killer was active, he taunted the public by sending letters and puzzles to the media to promote his crimes. What made his reign of terror more frightening was that his victims were assaulted at various times and in various fashions, making it harder to track him. He claimed many more victims than are officially linked to him, and there are several unsolved crimes that could have been committed by him.

Lake Herman Road attack

The first two Zodiac victims were teenagers David Arthur Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen, murdered on December 20, 1968. The two were on a date, and had parked at a “lovers’ lane” on Lake Herman Road in Benicia. According to the investigation, the killer pulled aside their vehicle, exited his car, ordered the two out of their vehicle and shot them one at a time.

Zodiac Killer - Lake Herman Road attack

Blue Rock Springs attack

The next known victims were killed on July 4, 1969. Michael Mageau and Darlene Ferrin were together in a parked car when another car came along side them, shooting into the car from the passenger side. Ferrin died at the scene but Mageau survived. Later that night, a man called the police station taking credit for the Blue Rock Springs attack as well as the one on Lake Herman Road the previous year.

Zodiac Killer - Blue Rock Springs attack

The next month, the killer began sending letters and cryptograms to the local newspapers, often demanding the letters be published to avoid a killing spree, threats he never followed through to completion. It was in one of these letters that he gave himself the nickname “Zodiac”. The cryptogram was alleged to include his identity, but when cracked, it was nothing more than a typo-ridden explanation of his bizarre motives.

Lake Berryessa attack

On September 27, two college students, Bryan Hartnell and Cecilia Shepard, were on a picnic at Lake Berryessa when a man wearing a hood and sunglasses covering his face threatened them at gunpoint, making Shepard tie up Hartnell with rope, then tying her up. He then stabbed each of them multiple times.

Later in the evening, the police department received a call from the killer reporting his act. Shepard and Hartnell both initially survived the attack and were able to provide details about the crime and the attacker, but Shepard died two days later.

Zodiac Killer - Lake Berryessa attack

Presidio Heights attack

On October 11, 1969, cab driver Paul Stein was attacked and murdered by an apparent passenger, who shot him in the head, took his keys and wallet, and a portion of Stein’s bloodstained shirt. He used pieces of Stein’s torn shirt to later taunt the police .

While the crime was witnessed by local teens, miscommunications in the report and description of the suspect led to the police likely encountering but not stopping the killer just minutes after the murder.

The Zodiac Killer later claimed to the media that he had spoken with police just three minutes after the murder, further taunting the police and terrifying the public. He thoroughly enjoyed communicating with the media, even getting a famous lawyer to appear on a talk show at his request.

Zodiac Killer - Presidio Heights attack

Modesto attack

Kathleen Johns was a young pregnant mother who was driving near Modesto when she was encouraged to pull over by another driver. The driver informed her that her tire was loose and offered to tighten it. Instead, he apparently loosened it so that when she attempted to drive, it fell off and she was forced to accept a ride from him to a service station.

Instead of helping her, he drove her and her child around for about 90 minutes before she was able to escape. Four months later, in a letter to a local paper, the Zodiac Killer took credit for Johns’ abduction.

Possible Santa Barbara attack

Several unsolved crimes are often linked to the Zodiac Killer, either because he took credit for them in media correspondence or the method of attack matches his known patterns.

On June 4, 1963, two high school seniors were murdered on a beach in Santa Barbara County. They were bound, unsuccessfully, and then shot multiple times each. If this were committed by the Zodiac Killer, it would have been one of his earliest known crimes.

Possible Zodiac Killer - Santa Barbara attack

The Zodiac Killer continued to send messages to the media, with the last confirmed message sent in February 1974. Several unauthenticated letters were also received over the years, along with countless forgeries claiming to be from the killer.

While the case is cold, having been more than 45 years since the last known contact, local police forces are still investigating the crimes. In May 2018, stamps were sent to be analyzed for DNA evidence, but the results have not been released. Even after all this time, the Zodiac remains one of the most mysterious and famous serial killers of the 20th century.

September 25, 2021August 16, 2021

Picture Perfect Greek Islands

Greece, a small county on the southern tip of Europe, is a fascinating place full of history, beauty and lore. It is the birthplace of western philosophy, the origin of democracy, the creator of lasting mythology and lore. As we wind down our summer vacations, let’s take a look at some of the islands of the paradise in the Mediterranean.

Parthenon on Acropolis

Even more, it is a beautiful, charming country rich in culture, with amazing food and stunning landscapes from the most ancient temples to modern buildings, gorgeous mountains and vibrant beaches. Tourists who take time away from Athens and the historical sites there to visit some of Greece’s thousands of islands are rewarded with a trip to paradise complete with pristine beaches, stunning water, amazing weather and generous hosts.

Santorini

Santorini has been voted as the “World’s Best Island” several times, and one look is all you need to know why. Because it was formed by volcanic activity, the island juts out of the ocean at a remarkable rate, and towns and villages are built high up on cliffs and mountainsides.

Santorini

The whitewashed stone structures provide a stunning contrast to the green and brown countryside and blues of the ocean and sky.

Collapsed Caldera of Santorini

The island is known as one of the most romantic getaways in Greece, and has become an international destination for weddings and honeymoons.

Santorini

Mykonos

This island is a great tourist destination, and is especially known for its nightlife and being LGBT friendly. Small villages rise almost right out of the ocean, with the whitewashed structures standing out against the blue ocean they border.

Harbor View of Naxos

Beaches here are also remarkable, with SCUBA diving and snorkeling and boat tours available for sightseeing and fishing.

Lia Beach

Because this place is more cosmopolitan than some other islands, it has become a popular destination for celebrities, including the Kardashian clan, who have stayed here for tapings of their television shows.

The Kardashians Mykonos rental villas

Kos

If sandy beaches are how you vacation, Kos is the island for you. Remains from ancient Roman settlements and medieval structures are scattered on some beaches and throughout the island, creating a sense of historical significance for even the casual tourist.

Asklepieion

Kos has both high end, catered luxury vacations and intimate, low key options available to satisfy a wide variety of tourists, and you can easily get lost on the remote beaches or on the winding alleys of the small villages. Kos is perfect for a summer getaway.

Fortress of Kos

Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the most important cities of Ancient Greece, and once had the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Built around 300 BC, the 100 foot statue stood watch over the harbor.

Site of The Colossus of Rhodes

It collapsed in an earthquake not long later and has never been rebuilt, but it is just one of many fascinating things about this island.

226 BCE Rhodes earthquake epicenter

There are many historical sites to see, including an ancient acropolis, standing out among the natural landscape and more recent constructions, including beautiful hotels, restaurants, springs and rocky mountainsides. The history and the present are always visible in Rhodes.

Acropolis of Rhodes

The Kalithea Springs

Andros

Like other Grecian islands, Andros has the breathtaking vistas, whitewashed villages and stunning beaches. It is famous for the Sariza Springs, as well as great hiking in the rocky mountains and lush valleys.

Agios Petros Beach

There is even an above-water shipwreck that is visible from a remote beach on Andros. Andros has developed several museums and historical buildings for tourists to learn about and appreciate the island and Greece, their artistry and history.

Shipwreck of the Semiramis

These are just five of the six thousand islands that make up Greece, but they should give any tourist planning a visit to the region a fabulous itinerary. On these islands you’ll be able to relax, enjoy fine dining, party the night away, relax in private, swim, snorkel and sail, learn about ancient history and modern art, all while working on your tan. Opa!

September 8, 2021August 16, 2021

The US Open Tennis Championship

The US Open Tennis Championship has been in full swing for nearly two weeks now, and it will wrap up later this week.

As these amazing athletes compete on the court for the last of the annual Grand Slams, let’s take a look at the venues, people, and history involved in one of tennis’s greatest, and most historical, events.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, NY

The fourth, and final, Grand Slam, is held annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York. There are a total of 22 courts among three stadiums, which are among the largest-capacity in the world. The Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world, and even features a retractable roof.

The tennis center is named after famed tennis champion and female tennis advocate Billie Jean King. She has long been considered one of the best female tennis athletes of all time.

USTA National Tennis Center

International Tennis Hall of Fame, RI

In 1881, the first national tennis competition in the United States was held at the Newport Casino in Rhode Island. Contrary to what the name implies, the facility was designed as an athletic center for well-to-do residents, rather than a gambling facility.

The nation-wide tennis event was held here until 1914, when the event moved elsewhere. In 1954, the building was turned into the Tennis Hall of Fame. The hall includes 252 inducted members, from 23 countries.

There is a museum dedicated to the game of tennis, retelling the history of tennis from its medieval, royal starts, to today, as well as memorabilia and other interesting exhibits. Fitting in with the modern age, these exhibits are accessible virtually, as well as in person.

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, AU

The professional tennis season has started with the Australian Open in January or February nearly every year since 1905. The event has been hosted in several Australian cities, and even in New Zealand, but since 1972, it’s been hosted in Melbourne.

It boasts the highest attendance of the four grand slams, with more than 800,000 attending in 2020, and has been held at the Melbourne Park since 1988. The Rod Laver Arena is the largest of the courts, named after a three-time Australian Open winner and world-renowned player. The stadium was the first tennis stadium to have a retractable roof, for indoor play in hot or wet conditions.

Rod Laver Arena

Roland Garros, Paris, FR

The French Open, officially called “Roland-Garros” after famed French aviator Roland Garros, is held in May each year. Roland-Garros is played at the eponymous stadium Rolland-Garros in Paris. The tournament is known as the most difficult of the Grand Slams because it is played on clay, which makes the game more challenging, and because it requires more rounds to the championship, and other reasons.

The now-unique clay court was once a common feature of tennis courts. The courts at Roland-Garros are actually limestone covered with a thin, hard-packed layer of crushed brick, which mimics the natural clay court well without the drawbacks of the old style. The red courts are a hallmark of the tournament, and are important to the identity of the meet.

Roland Garros

Wimbedon, London, GB

On the heels of the French Open comes Wimbeldon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis championship. Officially called the “Championships, Wimbledon”, the event is unique because it is the only one of the Grand Slams still played on grass.

The event takes place in late June and early July, and is held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, in Wimbledon, an area of London. Players must follow a strict all-white dress code, and spectators often dress up. The event has the added prestige of royal attendants, as many members of the British royal family enjoy watching the sport. Prince William and his wife Kate love to attend the event.

The stadium installed retractable roofs in 2009, to allow athletes to compete in inclimate weather, which is a great feature considering the summer weather in England can be rainy.

All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Tennis has a long, and formal history. Knowing a little more about where it came from, and where the athletes compete these days, makes the fast-paced, aggressive sport even more exciting and engaging. Game, Set, Match!

August 31, 2021July 13, 2021

Deep Dive into History: The Life and Death of Princess Diana

In the early hours of August 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car crash in Paris, France. Her death shocked England and the world. More than 20 years after her untimely death at just 36, she is still a cultural icon known for her grace, class, and charity. She will always be the “People’s Princess.”

Althorp House

Diana was born and raised in Sandringham, but when her father became Earl of Spencer, they moved into the family estate, Althorp House in Northamptonshire. The house was built in 1688, and was a center of British elite entertainment for centuries.

However, in recent decades, it has been a financial burden to maintain the house, and the current Earl, Charles Spencer, has been creative in finding ways to keep the estate functioning.

The home is full of invaluable artwork, ornate furnishings, and impressive decor. Visitors are welcomed during summer months, which helps keep the estate afloat.

Althorp

London Flat

When she turned 18, her mother bought Diana a flat in London’s Knightsbridge area for about $100,000. She lived in the three bedroom apartment for two years with some friends, until her engagement to Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, was announced.

After her engagement was announced, her mother sold the unit for twice what she paid. In 2021, the 1,500 square foot apartment was estimated to be worth about $3.5 million!

Princess Diana's Flat

Highgrove House

While Highgrove House in southwestern England was Diana and Charles’ official home, it was not her favorite place to be. She felt the residence was too close to Charles’ former girlfriend and future wife, Camilla.

The house was built in the late 1700s, a large three-story rectangular stone building. Prince Charles has taken a particular interest in environmental preservation and has created several gardens on the estate.

Visitors can schedule tours of the garden, and more than 30,000 people visit the gardens in a typical year.

Prince Charles' House

Lindo Maternity Ward, St. Mary’s Hospital

Princess Diana gave birth to her first son, and future king of England, William, in 1982 in the private Lindo Ward of St. Mary’s Hospital. The photos of her shyly holding her newborn son are some of the most famous pictures of a new mom. Two years later, she repeated the process with Henry, much to the joy of England and the world.

Son William and his wife Kate have also stood on the same steps for first photos with each their three children. It’s a fitting, unspoken tribute to Diana, even after her death.

Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital (Royal Birthing Wing)

Kensington Palace

After their wedding, Diana and Charles moved into Kensington Palace, and after their divorce, Diana stayed on in the apartments. After her death, hundreds of thousands of well-wishers left flowers and other signs of condolence for weeks and weeks.

The palace was built in 1605, and brought into royal ownership in 1689. It was actually hit by a bomb during the Blitz of World War II. The location, in the center of London, and close to Hyde Park, is ideal as a local official residence for active royals, including William and Kate, who have the largest space available. Staff also have residences, and even regular people can rent units in the sweeping estate.

If you can’t marry a royal, and you can’t afford the rent, you can still go on a public tour of the facilities, the state rooms, and the palace grounds.

Kensington Palace

Alma Tunnel, Paris, France

After years of problems, Charles and Diana finally divorced in 1996. She began seeing Dodi Fayed in 1997, and the two vacationed in France that summer. On August 31, while in Paris, the couple left the Hotel Ritz, on their way to his father’s house. Hounded by paparazzi, the driver was speeding through the narrow downtown streets.

As the car entered the Pont de l’Alma Tunnel, it clipped a wall, and spun out of control. It crashed into a pillar, a total wreck. Dodi Fayed and the driver died on the scene, and Diana’s bodyguard survived with massive injuries.

Alma tunnel where Lady Diana died

Burial Place, Althorp Estate

The entire world mourned the loss of “England’s rose” and her funeral on September 6 was a global affair that many still remember. It had a somber feeling, with Princes William and Henry walking in the procession. More than 30 million watched the funeral in the United Kingdom, and hundreds of millions more watched it around the world.

Diana was laid to rest at her family estate, Althorp. Her final resting place is on an island called the Oval, in a garden lake on the estate. She was buried with a rosary given to her by Mother Theresa, who happened to have died the day before the funeral.

Visitors can pay to tour the Althorp Estate grounds, which includes an exhibition dedicated to Diana.

Burial place of Diana, Princess of Wales

Memorial to Diana in Hyde Park

Decades after her death, the memory of Diana is still treasured in the UK and around the world. In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II opened a memorial fountain in Hyde Park, London. The fountain is designed to be peaceful and symbolize some of Diana’s positive qualities.

The memorial is a great way to honor Diana: it is accessible to all people, aims to give new life, is beautiful and peaceful, and feels like a place the People’s Princess would enjoy.

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

On this 24th anniversary of Princess Diana’s untimely death, the best way to remember her and honor her legacy is to serve others, be kind to those less fortunate, and give back to the community around you. This way, Elton John’s lyrics ring true: Her candle’s burned out long before her legend ever will.

August 16, 2021August 25, 2021

American Castles

From Hawaii to New York, there are stunning castles throughout the United States, so if you can’t afford a castle of your own or a trip to Europe, check out this list and see what might be close to you!

Iolani Palace

One castle that truly does have royal heritage is the Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii. The kingdom of Hawaii was ruled for nearly one hundred years, from 1795 to 1893, before eventually becoming a US territory and then state.

The area that became the palace grounds had long been a sacred burial site for the local nobility, and a large house was constructed in the early 1830s. King Kamehameha III turned the mansion into his royal court, but only years later did it become the palace we can visit today.

Iolani Palace

The interior decor rivals that of any royal palace, with a throne room, grand hall and many lavish rooms for meeting and entertaining. The red throne room commands respect for the royalty visitors were permitted to see, and the formality of the state dining room was on par with any other monarch of the time. The building was so modern, it had electricity and phone lines before the White House.

Visitors can tour the palace and grounds year round, and the site would be an amazing addition to any visit to Hawaii!

ʻIolani Palace

Biltmore Estates

Renowned as “America’s largest home”, this residence was built for the Vanderbilt family, the wealthy railroad and shipping family of the Gilded Age. Started in 1889 as a summer residence, the estate initially comprised nearly 95,000 acres of land, but was reduced to about 8,000 acres in 1914.

Biltmore Estate

The mansion was filled with authentic European furniture, tapestries, linens, and works of art as much as 300 years old. Famous guests included writers Edith Wharton and Henry James, Presidents James McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.

Much of the original land was sold and became part of a national park in 1914. During Wold War II, many famous and important paintings from Washington D.C.’s National Gallery of Art were stored here to keep them safe in the event of an attack on the nation’s capital. The estate was turned into a museum in the 1960s, and currently has over one million visitors annually.

Biltmore House

Hearst Castle

Newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, commissioned one of America’s grandest residences near San Luis Obispo, California. Nicknamed The Enchanted Hill or The Ranch, the mansion was originally intended to be a simple bungalow, but those plans were quickly put aside in favor of a much grander design.

Hearst Castle

The main building has a distinctly Spanish cathedral feel. The estate boasts nearly 60 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a specially designed movie theater, and even a small zoo complete with zebras. The famous Neptune Pool includes an ancient Roman temple front that was imported from Italy.

During its heyday, the Hearst Castle hosted many famous and important figures including Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Greta Garbo, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The estate is both grandiose and breathtaking and has been a tourist attraction for over 60 years. Visitors can see the site year round, as it is a California State Park.

Hearst Castle Library — Photo Credit: The Hearst Castle

Boldt Castle

George Boldt rose from humble beginnings in Germany to become a successful entrepreneur and hotelier in the late 1800s and the turn of the century. He is credited for the popularity of Thousand Island dressing, which was a specialty at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, which he managed.

Boldt Castle

As a gift to his wife, Boldt started construction in 1900 on a large mansion estate on Heart Island off the coast of New York City. Sadly, Boldt’s wife died suddenly in 1904 and Boldt stopped work on the mansion and never returned to the island.

After decades of disrepair, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased the island with the intent to restore the site and open it to the public. The site is now restored to its former grandeur and is continually being enhanced to fulfill the original vision of Brandt and his wife.

Boldt Island — Photo Credit: The Boldt Castle

The construction included a castle-like residence, an entertainment venue designed in the fashion of a medieval defensive tower, a grand entry arch for guest arriving by boat, landscaped grounds and gardens, and other out buildings.

The Castle is the largest building on the island, including a ground level pool, ballroom, grand library and tower room six stories above ground.

Guests can get to the island through one of many tourist boats or take their own boat if they want. Many couples have their weddings and receptions, as well as other special events on the grounds.

Boldt Castle Powerhouse

This is just a short list of the many mansions and castles across the United States. While they may not be as old or historic as European castles, they are all residences grand enough to rival anything Europe has to offer!

August 9, 2021July 13, 2021

Hottest Places on Earth

This has been an insane, record-breaking summer. We’ve seen multiple heat waves across the US, Canada, and Scandinavia. It’s August, summer is winding down, but it’s not over yet.

As we count down the days to cooler weather, let’s look at some of the hottest places on earth, and remember: We’re grateful for air conditioning.

Death Valley, California, USA

Holding the world record for hottest temperature of ambient air, Death Valley in California has a well-earned reputation as the hottest place on earth. A now-disputed record was set in 1913. But just last month, a more accurate record was likely set, at 130°F. Either way, Death Valley sees some of the hottest temperatures each year.

Furnace Creek

Death Valley, in spite of its name, is a popular tourist destination. People can hike, camp, and even star gaze, in the park. It is designated as a “dark sky” site, meaning that night light pollution is intentionally restricted to promote the study of astronomy.

Dante's View

Kebili, Tunisia

Kebili, one of the oldest towns in Tunisia, was settled because it is an oasis in the Sahara Desert. Signs of human habitation there date back around 200,000 years. It claims a recorded temperature of 131°F, but the record is disputed. Nonetheless, it does have a reputation for being an insanely hot place.

The city is within the Sahara Desert, which has a global reputation as being a hot, dry, unforgiving place. The area around Kebili is particularly hot and dry due to a weather phenomenon where wind coming off the leeward side of a mountain is particularly dry and hot. This, combined with the geographic features of sand and rock, makes Kebili so toasty.

Kebili Oasis

Turbat, Pakistan

Located in southwest Pakistan, the city of Turbat is considered one of the hottest cities in Asia, and holds a record of the fourth hottest recorded temperature ever.

The record was set on May 27, 2017, when the temperature reached 128.7°F. What’s even crazier is that the record was during a heat wave, where the city’s temperatures reached 122°F for four days in a row!

Turbat International Airport (TUK)

Dallol, Ethiopia

Dallol, Ethiopia has earned the award for hottest inhabited place on earth. The average high is between 86°F and 101.7°F, which seems just brutal! In spite of the intense heat, the area has been inhabited by pastoral tribes for millennia. A small community was established in the 20th century as part of international efforts to mine salt from the area, but as the market has changed, most people have left the area.

Dallol is an otherworldly place, close to the Red Sea but more than 400 feet below sea level. It is also one of the world’s most volcanic regions. The desirable salts are pushed up from the soil by the volcanic activity. It makes the landscape fascinating, beautiful, peculiar, and dangerous to people unaccustomed to navigating the area.

Very remote Ethiopian ghost town - hottest place on earth

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok has a reputation as a sweltering, crowded, busy city, and it it well-deserved in all regards. Because of its location on the Gulf of Thailand, its proximity to the equator, and other factors, Thailand is hot year-round, and there is never any relief from the weather.

Lumphini Park

The average temperature is 90° F, and combined with the high humidity, the city feels like it never cools off. And that’s before the rains of the summer monsoons! Bangkok has turned the heat to its advantage, with a reputation as a dynamic, vibrant, hot, and unique mega-metropolis.

Fortunately, the city has built water parks and other outdoor amenities to help ward off, or embrace, the constant heat that one must learn to love in Thailand.

Siam Park

Timbuktu, Mali

Sitting on the edge of the Sahara, Timbuktu is a famous, but dwindling, city. Once one of the most important cities in Africa, Timbuktu is now suffering from the effects of desertification, where sands blown in from the Sahara and cover more and more of the arable and usable land in the region.

Timbuktu is dry, getting less than ten inches of rain per year. It’s also hot; even in the cooler months, the daily high is still above 80°F. During the hotter months, average daily highs are between 95-105°F!

Sankore Mosque

These are just a few of the crazy hot places around the world. As we endure the last, hottest days of summer, let’s hope that the closest we get to setting any heat records is reading this article today. Stay cool!

July 26, 2021July 18, 2021

The Tokyo Olympics, Late But Still Great

Last March, Covid-19 spread throughout the world, bringing everything to a standstill. Even the Summer Olympics in Tokyo were delayed.

The world is reemerging from a yearlong hibernation, and we are finally having the 2020 summer games. They will run July 23 to August 8, and will be a much-needed celebration of sport and life, and a great distraction for the entire world.

The Paralympics, the international sports competitions for athletes with disabilities will follow on in Tokyo and Japan from August 24 to September 5.

Let’s take a look at some of the important locations for this year’s competition.

Temple of Hera, Olympia, Greece

In ancient times, a flame was kept burning during the Olympic games as a symbol to honor the gods. In modern times, the flame has become a symbol of the competitive spirit of the games.

The flame is lit at the Temple of Hera, at the ancient temple site in Olympia, Greece. The temple is the oldest of the temples on the grounds, and has been restored somewhat after an earthquake struck the area nearly two thousand years ago.

A few months in advance of the games, women representing the vestal virgins who once presided over the temple light a flame using a parabolic mirror, marking the countdown to the Olympics.

Ruins of Olympia (site of the ancient Olympic Games)

Nahara, Fukushima, Japan

In March 2020, the flame was already on its procession in Japan when the games were cancelled. The flame was stored in the National Stadium, waiting to continue the journey.

Exactly one year later than scheduled, the journey began again. The first destination in Japan held great significance, as Fukushima is one of the areas hardest hit by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the country in 2011.

The flame traveled across Japan, and the lighting of the cauldron in the Tokyo National Stadium was an important part of the opening ceremony on July 23.

Fukushima-Daini nuclear powerplant

National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan

The National Stadium in downtown Tokyo was entirely rebuilt in anticipation of the summer games, at a cost of $1.4 billion. It was designed with traditional Japanese architecture in mind, and has both metal and wood throughout, including wood from all 47 prefectures in the country. It can hold 68,000 people, and has a partially-covered roof, as well as live plants built into the actual structure.

The stadium will be used for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field, women’s soccer finals, and other events. This is the center of the games, and from the opening ceremony to the end of the closing events, it will be here that the Olympic flame will burn.

Olympic Stadium - Tokyo

Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan

Japan hosted the 1964 Olympics, and built several sports facilities for the events. The Yoyogi National Gymnasium was revolutionary when it was built, and still sticks out today with its famous suspension roof.

The arena can hold about 13, 000 spectators, and hosts concerts, as well as hockey, futsal, and basketball events. This summer, the handball events will be played here.

Yoyogi National Gymnasium

Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan

While the games are centered in the capital city, events are spread around the country both to promote the best experience for the athletes and to bring the games to the people of Japan. Soccer games in particular will be played around the country.

Preliminary soccer games will be held in the Sapporo Dome, in Sapporo, in northern Japan. The stadium is used for both soccer and basketball games, and was a venue for the 2002 men’s FIFA World Cup.

Sapporo Dome

Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan

Another legacy stadium from the 1964 Olympics is the Nippon Budokan, which was built to host the judo competitions. Since then, the venue has been used to host many martial arts competitions (“budokan” translates into “martial arts hall”). But perhaps the most famous entertainment was when the Beatles performed there in 1966.

This year, judo and karate competitions will be held here, similar to the 1964 Olympics.

Nippon Budokan

Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan

The Tokyo International Convention Center, known as the “Big Sight” is a large convention and expo center in the harbor area of Tokyo. The structure is a distinctive feature in the Tokyo skyline, with the eight-story inverted four pyramid conference tower topping off the building.

The Big Sight will be the dedicated media center for the Tokyo Olympics, hosting broadcasts, press events, and the media for the games.

Tokyo Big Sight

Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium, Fukushima, Japan

Japan is a baseball-crazy country, which is why the sport has been brought back for the competition in 2021. Some of the first games will be played at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium, which was built in 1986 and can hold up to 30,000 people.

The location was chosen to honor the region, still recovering from the earthquake and tsunami a decade ago.

Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium

Yokohama Stadium, Yokohama, Japan

After some preliminary rounds are played in Fukushima, the remainder of the baseball and softball competition will take place in the Yokohama Stadium, in Yokohama, which is just outside Tokyo.

The stadium, which holds about 35,000 spectators, will be a prominent feature for Japanese viewers of the games, as they tune into see their home team compete against the world on their soil.

Yokohama Stadium

There is no substitute for the excitement and magic that surround the Olympics. The amazing opening ceremony will introduce Japan to the world, with their unique culture, music, history, and style on display.

The athletes will represent their nations in friendly competition on a world stage. The closing ceremonies will highlight the friendships made, the victories achieved, and then at the end, it will introduce the world to the next summer Olympic host: Paris.

And at the end of it all, the flame will go out.

Until 2024.