Reagan Library and Museum – Step Inside Reagan’s life

Yesterday was the anniversary of when Ronald Reagan announced his candidacy for president in New York. The Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley in California honors the 40^th president and giving visitors an opportunity relive Reagan’s life. Visitors take a self guided tour of the museum and they should take 3 hours so they can view all galleries and exhibits.

“A truly remarkable experience and worth the trip! Do not let politics keep you from visiting.” said Dani-LV a user of tripadvisor.com.

In the Reagan Library and Museum visitor can learn about Reagan’s early life from his childhood in Dixon Illinois, his career as an actor and his days as a politician. The Citizen Governor gallery has a recording of “A Time for Choosing” which was a speech given by Reagan in 1964. There are interactive exhibits such act in a movie with Reagan, Deliver President Reagan’s augural address, and Discover Reagan’s economic policies while playing six games.  

“I may not be a total fan of the Gipper's politics, but I am of the museum, views, and history at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on a picturesque Californian hilltop.” Michael S. a user of yelp.com.

Ever wonder what it would be like in the Oval Office. Reagan Library and Museum has a replica of how it looked like during Reagan’s term as president. According to reaganfoundation.org Reagan was inspired by the West adding to the office earthy colors, western art and including collections of bronze saddles.

“My favorite parts were seeing the assassination attempt, the Oval Office replica, and the Air Force One.” said Nicole G a user of yelp.com.   

The Air Force One exhibit allows visitors to step inside the plane that every U.S. president has used to travel the world. reaganfoundation.org  states that the Air Force One flew Reagan over 660,000 miles to 26 foreign countries and 46 U.S states. Visitor will learn how he changed global diplomacy.

The Reagan Library and Museum is also the resting place of the 40^th president. The memorial is next the Berlin Wall and replica of the White South House Lawn. Visitors can come pay their respect.

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday except on Federal Holidays.

Ticket admission: Adult- ages 18-61 years $ 15.00, Senior ages 62 + years $12.00, Youth age 11-17 years $ 9.00, Child under age 11 years free

Here is a video tour from YouTube

Circus World – A Place to Set Your Inner Child Free

Today is the anniversary when Jules Leotard performed first Flying Trapeze circus act (Paris) in 1859. A circus is a place where families go for “edge of your seat” entertainment. Circus World in Baraboo Wisconsin offers visitors the excitement of the circus with performances and historical insight about the circus in the circus museum. Baraboo was a place that The Ringling Bros. Circus called home from 1984 to 1918. There are still many original structures have survived.

 A user of yelp.com describes the Circus World Museum from her own experience. She also explains what makes it a great place.

 “Circus World Museum covers 64 acres of land with over 30 historic buildings and the original Ringling Bros. Circus Train complex. Inside, there are over 200 beautifully restored circus wagons. The size and detail of these wagons is breathtaking!” said Paige M.

 According to circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org Circus World Museum preserves the glorious achievements of the circus industry. It explains the various ways the circus has become a part of the fabric of American culture; and how it still carries influence to present day entertainment. It also states that Circus sideshow banners are fascinating artworks that helped illustrate the promise of strange and curious wonders waiting inside the tent.

While at Circus World visitors can explore Ringlingville here they can discover where the elephants lived. They can also see where horses that performed got trained.

“The 'Big Top Show is a lot of fun and by itself is worth the price of admission.  There is a lot of circus history to see. If you are a fan of the circus you don't want to miss a chance to visit.” said browncow6 a user of tripadvisor.com.

 Some of the performances visitors can see are Kristina of Belarus, who shows fast reflexes while doing incredible hula hoop artistry, Heidi Herriott shows off her equestrian skills doing high stepping with her horse “Lady Dancer.” and Ms. Hannah carries on Leotard’s talent of performing the Flying Trapeze act.

 “Fun for all ages! Circus Show plus elephant rides and a carousel ride. Old time circus cars to see and my favorite which was the miniature circus displays.” said GRAMAS13 a user of tripadvisor.com.

Hours of Operation during the winter season: Oct 24, 2011 — May 18, 2012
Open weekdays: 10 am — 4 pm (performance season hours) - May 19 — Sep 3, 2012
Open daily: 9 am—6 pm

Ticket admission: Adults- $7, Senior citizens (65 and older) - $6, Children (5-11) - $3.50 children under 5- free (performance season tickets) Adults- $14.95, Senior citizens (65 and older) - $12.95, Children (5-11) - $7.95, children under 5- free

The National Museum of the Marine Corps- Step into the world of being a Marine

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Many young men and women have enlisted in the Marine Corps to help protect the country. The National Museum of the Marine Corps  in Triangle Virginia honors the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices that these people have made by displaying objects and videos related to the history of the Marine Corps. The tour guides are veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf War or other conflicts.

“It is a very interesting and impressive museum with amazing, detailed displays. This was the 2nd visit in 3 years and will continue to return as the museum expansions in the future.” said usmvet01 a user of tripadisvor.com.

Visitors learn about how the United States Marine Corps makes people Marines from the arrivals of the new recruits, boot camp, graduation, and the role of the Drill Instructor. There is an exhibit of a shooting range where visitors can practice shooting a rifle.

According to usmcmuseum.com there is an exhibit called Legacy Walk that  includes a timeline detailing the Marine’s activities at home and abroad since 1775 and introduces visitors to the cooperative relationship between the Marine Corps and the US Navy, the Marine Air-Ground Team and the many innovations developed by the Marine Corps to improve its operational capabilities.

“The museum has a great gallery for WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam.” said travler31_11 a user of tripadvisor.com.

 These galleries display weapons of war. In the World War II gallery has an M3 Stuart tank and the 37mm anti-tank gun. In the Korean War gallery visitors can see the M26 Pershing Tank that was used in the battle of Seoul. The Vietnam gallery has an exhibit called Marine’s Air War if visitor look up while at this exhibit they will notice an A-4E Skyhawk. These links give information on the weapons.

The galleries are set up to give visitor a realistic experience. In the Korean War Gallery according to usmcmuseum.com on Toktong Pass near the Chosin Reservoir, visitors encounter Marines who are cold, tired and dangerously short of ammunition. Visitors feel the cold; they hear the Chinese soldiers advancing up the snowy mountain and watch the Marines prepare for the next attack.

Hours of Operation: The National Museum of the Marine Corps is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m. every day except Christmas Day.

Ticket admission: free

Here is a YouTube video

The Louver Museum – Go Back In Time With Historical Art

On November 08, 1793 In Paris, the French Revolutionary government opens the Louvre to the public as a museum. This museum used to be a fort for Philip II and some of what is left of the fort is still there. The Louvre is now a place that holds famous artwork such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It also has various collections from different eras and parts of the world.

 “Incredible masterpieces, the best are Italian of course. When I went to the museum I thought I was entering a temple, a temple of art and I was right. I enjoyed every single moment of my journey into art.” said TheLang a user of tripadvisor.com.

Other paintings that can be found in the museum are:

·         Jacques- Louis David’s The Conation of Napoleon

·         Georges de La Tour’s The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds

·         Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin and Child with St. Anne

·         Veronese’s Wedding Feast at Cana

All these painting can be viewed at musee.louvre.fr

The museum’s collections range from Near Eastern Antiquities which is dedicated to ancient civilization. Egyptian Antiquities   has exhibits that are from the late prehistoric era (c.4000 BC)  to the Christian period (4^th century AD). Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities collection shows exhibits in different areas from Greece, Italy, and the Mediterranean Basin during Neolithic times (4th millennium BC) to the 6^th century AD. There is also Islamic Art, sculptures, decorative arts, and prints and drawings.

 “My favorite part was the Egyptian statues and mummies.” said guilherme_couto a user of tripadvsior.com.

other exhibts that the has museum change all the time some of the current exhibits are The Forbidden City in the Louvre – Emperors of China and Kings of France. Here visitors can learn about the succession lines of Chinese kings and the trade with France and China. Another one is In the kingdom of Alexander the Great- Ancient Macedonia which examines the kingdom’s increase against the Greek.  According to louvre.fr visitors can see vases, ceramic and jewelry. Clicking on this link tells you how long the exhibts are on display.

 Hours of Operation: the museum is open every day except December 25, January 1, and May 1, Monday – Sunday 9 a.m.to 6 p.m., Wednesday – Friday 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. closed Tuesday

Entrances to the museum- Pyramid and Galerie du Carrousel 9 a.m.to 10 p.m. Passage Richelieu 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Porte des Lions 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except Friday

 Ticket admission: €10 which is $13.79: full-day access to the Louvre, except for temporary exhibitions in the Hall Napoléon also valid for the Musée Eugène Delacroix. For a multimedia guide it costs Adults: € 6 which is $ 8.75 Concessions (proof of status required): - under-18s: €2 which is $2.75 - disabled visitors, job-seekers, and people on welfare benefits: €4 which is $ 5.51

Here is a YouTube video of the muesum

Heineken Experience- Taste the History of Beer

On November 4, 1923 Alfred Heineken the creator of Heineken beer was born. In Amsterdam Netherlands people can visit the Heineken Experience which used to be a Heineken brewery until 1988. Now this place offers visitor a chance to learn about the history of the famous brand and how it’s brewed through fun interactivities. This is also a self-guided tour.

 “A great mixture of facts and fun. I even got to pull a glass of draught Heineken which my husband assures me was perfect.” said allysangel a user of tripadvisor.com.

 The Heineken Experience gives visitors a chance to see, taste and smell the magic ingredients that make the beer what it is. This takes place in the Historic Brew Room.

 “I thought this (expensive) tour would be like most other brewery tours but was pleasantly surprised to find an extensive, detailed, live and multimedia driven event.” said dmcronin a user of trapadvisor.com.

 According to goamsterdam.about.com the 2007-08 renovation brought about new elements such as an interactive "ride" through the brewing process, called "Brew U," visitors can also personalize their own beer bottle.

 “Very interesting museum with loads of interactive things to do like video yourself singing something in Dutch which you can email to friends this is so funny.” said Toddy1971 a user of tripadvisor.com.

 There is also a Stable Walk were visitors can see the horses that are used to carry out the beer all over the city. At the end of the tour, visitors can relax at tasting bar with a nice cold Heineken.

 Hours of Operation: Open daily 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. last ticket sales at 5:30 p.m. closed on January 1, April 30, December 25 and 26.

Ticket admission: Adults: € 15 which is $ 21; children (1 - 15 years old): €1 which is $1.40 for each year of age. Group rates on request.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum – Historical Place That Will Get Your Engine Going

On November 3 1911 Louis Chevrolet founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan. According to carsfresh.net, the Chevy Silverado is the 2^nd bestselling car in America in the month of August.

Without cars people wouldn’t have the freedom to go where ever or whenever they wanted. At the Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Florida which according to sarasotacarmuseum.org holds over 100 automobiles consisting of the alphabet of the world’s foremost automobile manufacturers; Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, DeLorean, Edsel and Ferrari are just to name a few of the exquisite examples of automotive craftsmanship.

“What a fantastic collection of classic cars. The museum has a real mix of vintage and classic US models and a smattering of UK and European exhibits and some celebrity cars.” said Highlinder1606 a user of tripadvisor.com.

The celebrity cars that visitors can see are John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes Benz, Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper and two dragsters that belonged to Don Garlits. If you are interested in Rolls Royce brand of cars, the museum has John and Mable Ringling’s collection.

A Beatles fan talks about McCartney’s Mini Cooper. He also suggests that other fans might want to see the cars too.

“In fact, on the night Paul McCartney met Linda McCartney for the first time, this was the car he drove her home in. Anyone with an interest in The Beatles will want to see these cars and they are very nicely presented at the museum.” said BeatlesFanFCB a user of tripadvisor.com.

According to sarasotacarmuseum.org, the gift shop has rare collectables, unique exhibits and hard-to-find automotive books. The gift shop also has a camera collection for people have an interest in them.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. until 6:00p.m. The Museum is closed on Christmas Day.

Ticket admission: Adult- $9.85, Seniors (62+ years) - $8.50, Child (6-12 years) - $6.50, Child (5 and under)- free

Group Rates: Adult- $7.85, Seniors (62+ years) - $6.50, Child (6-12 years)-$5.00, Child (5 and under)- free. For annual passes prices visit sarasotacarmuseum.org.

Here is a You Tube video of the museum

Newseum – Step inside the world of Journalism

October is coming to an end and November 2 is the anniversary of when the BBC television service was launched. News television stations give a reason for people to come together to find out what’s going in this crazy world.

Have you ever wondered how long news has been around? Well the Newseum located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., Newseum.org states that this museum of news offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits.   

“This Museum is for anyone who enjoys history and is looking for a different kind of museum.” said USMC1775 a user of tripadvisor.com.

The museum’s website has a video that shows the top 10 things to see there. You can also see other exhibits such as News Corporation News history gallery. The gallery has a timeline that shows a group of historic newspapers and magazines and in between these timeline are 10 touch screens where you can play games, or look at a database of journalists or see up-close a hundred publications.

Another exhibit you can see is Time Warner World News Gallery. According to newseum.org, in this gallery, a large map vividly illustrates the stark differences in press freedom around the world. There are front pages of newspapers, feeds from international television that shows the enthusiasm of news and the different ways that it’s covered. You also get to read about journalists who have risked their lives.

“The Newseum offers an amazing view of history through pictures, articles, and artifacts.” said MeantToBe521 a user of tripadvisor.com.

Trying to figure out if you should make changes to a picture or if you should use an anonymous source in a story are hard decisions to make. Do you think you know what is ethical and unethical in the journalism world? Well put yourself to the test. The Bancroft Family Ethics Center an interactive booth that lets you confront decisions that reporters have to make every day.

Hours of Operation: The Newseum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

 Ticket Admission: Adults (19 to 64) - $21.95 plus tax, Seniors (65+), military and students with valid ID-$17.95 plus tax, Youth (7 to 18)-$12.95 plus tax,Children (6 and younger)-Free,  Family Four Pack (two adults and two youth visitors)-$49.95 plus tax Family Four Pack tickets are available only at the admissions desk.

the Berlin Wall

communcation tower that was on to of the World Trade Center