By Gordon Ficke
SUMMARY: A visit to Florida would not be complete without visiting the Kennedy Space Center. This is where the North American space program began and continues today. Visitors will be amazed at the history made here and wowed at the development of the technology that put man into space, to the moon and learn more about our vast universe. This is a must see attraction!
Amid the turmoil of the turbulent 1960's, one of the most exciting and positive events I fondly remember was watching the live early morning rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. Huddled around our livingroom, our family's eyes were glued to the black and white Philco television set, in breathtaking silence as the rocket boosters spewed copious clouds of white smoke that engulfed the launch pad, before the Saturn V rocket finally lifted off the pad and into space. Those early years of the space race were heady ones, filled with exuberance and a hope for a bright tomorrow. The future of the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) space program promised to free mankind from the confines of our troubled planet earth, once and for all.
A visit to Florida wouldn't be complete if it didn't include a visit to to Merritt Island and the home of the John F. Kennedy Space Center. This historical island, about six times the size of Manhattan, encompasses 140,000 acres, bordered by the Intra-Coastal Waterway on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. It is home to NASA, where space technology integrates with the surrounding wildlife habitat.
Parking is free at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and I chose the standard ticket (currently $38.00 for adults and $28.00 for children 3 - 11 years old) that included the bus tour that runs throughout the day.
I first checked out the Rocket Garden with examples of early Redstone rockets, propulsion systems, guidance systems and technology as new discoveries advanced NASA's scientists to develop tools and equipment to enable astronauts to probe further and for longer periods of time into the new frontier of space.
After that I boarded one of the sleek tour buses and watched a video monitor as the tour guide gave us instructions as to when to watch and when to look out the bus window. The retired gentleman at the wheel also pointed out interesting things to us as we traveled through the natural reserve. We passed by a lazy alligator languishing in a drainage ditch.
Once our bus neared the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), which is the second largest building in the world per volume, the driver pointed out the enormous specialty crawler that transports the space shuttle and rocket to the launch pad. At one mile per hour, it creeps along on a unique gravel road bed designed to bear the combined earth crunching weight of the crawler and orbiter.
"I wonder what's going on here," remarked the bus driver as we observed employees gathered in groups sitting along the roadway. "I've never seen this before," he remarked with a note of concern in his voice. "Something must have happened." We discovered later that there had been a small fire inside the VAB and everyone was evacuated.
Our first stop was in front of the LC-39 Observation Gantry. The second floor vantage point allowed us panoramic views of the two space shuttle pads 39A and 39B. They were still quite a distance away, for safety's sake, separated by indigenous forest. The gantry also offered a bird's eye view of the VAB and Crawlerway. Once on the main floor, I joined others for a historical video about the Kennedy Space Center.
I hopped on another bus that took me along with a group of young students to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. It was here that the 'wow factor' came into play. Seeing the awesomely huge Saturn V rocket, even measured by today's advanced technology, is still the most complex device made by man! It dwarfed anything man made that I had ever encountered. Simply amazing! This completely restored example was first shown to the public in 1995. A model of the Lunar Rover is also on display here.
The doors opened to the adjacent room and there before us was the actual Apollo 11 Control Center, with details like tee shirts and jackets draped over the chairs, from the various contractors and suppliers like Boeing, IBM, etc. right to the same white ceramic tiles on the floor. Everyone was in reverent silence as the soundtrack played synchronizing with a colored light display that lit the affected command center areas, realistically depicting the events that took place that July day in 1969 when that historic launch that propelled Apollo 11 to the moon. That world landmark event that would result in the first men to walk on the surface of the moon. It was the fulfillment of the daunting promise of President John Kennedy to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade. The vivid memory of that hot July day when Neil Armstrong stepped off the ladder of the lunar module onto the soft blanket of fine dust of the moon's surface is permanently etched in the memory banks of my mind.
Snapping back to reality, our tour group shuffled our way to the theater. In the comfort of those cozy seats we saw historical footage and heard comments from the key players during that exciting era. We heard first hand about the challenges NASA had to overcome in order to land the drifting lunar module safely onto the surface of the moon. A landing spot they hadn't planned on touching down. Now that was a landing by the seat of your pants!
After the educational show I checked out the various displays such as the Lunar Rover, space capsule, astronaut suit, etc., before catching the bus back to the Visitor Complex. Little time remained before the center would close, so I rushed to the mock up Explorer space shuttle. I examined the huge cargo bay tht could easily hold a greyhound bus. The ubiquitous Canadarm, Canada's valuable contribution to the space program was prominently attached to the side of the cargo bay. The storage area and pilot's cockpit were a huge leap forward from the cramped quarters of the capsules of the '60's.
The sun was beginning to set below the Floridian horizon and I made a few purchases of souvenirs and trinkets before leaving.
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to see the I-Max movies or some of the other interesting exhibits. That will have to be left for another visit, hopefully in the not too distant future. My experience at the Kennedy Space Center was amazing. I had accomplished my childhood goal and really helped me appreciate those pioneers who contributed to the North American space program, as well as give me an insight for those dedicated individuals who work here today. They are at the forefront of the next exciting era of space travel and exploration.
The Kennedy Space Center is located 45 minutes east of Orlando and is open every day, except Christmas and certain launch days. For the true space enthusiast there is an interactive full-day experience that puts your skills to the test to see if you have 'the right stuff' to be an astronaut.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Tuscany: The Most Beautiful Region in Italy
By Natalie Aranda
SUMMARY: Tuscany is a region in Italy located in the central part of the country along the western coast. The capital of the region is Florence. Tuscany has a long and well deserved reputation as the most beautiful location in all of Italy. This beauty is both man made and natural. The region was the center of the Italian Renaissance. The Renaissance produced some of the greatest art in the history of the World, and much of it can still be found in the museums and galleries of Florence. Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, is also located in the area.
Tuscany is a region in Italy located in the central part of the country along the western coast. The capital of the region is Florence. Tuscany has a long and well deserved reputation as the most beautiful location in all of Italy. This beauty is both man made and natural. The region was the center of the Italian Renaissance. The Renaissance produced some of the greatest art in the history of the World, and much of it can still be found in the museums and galleries of Florence. Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, is also located in the area.
It is the country side that represents the natural beauty. Villas in Tuscany dot the tranquil landscape where travelers are transported to a timeless era, and can enjoy the slow paced life and the scenic landscape. It is like a trip in a time machine. The slow paced life and the colorful landscape invoke the time of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Tuscany villa rentals are a big business here as Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and even in Europe. It is the combination of the old and the new, the classic and the modern that give Tuscany its charm and attraction. Tuscany has its own unique style. There is Tuscan cooking for example. It is Italian, of course, but has its own special taste as do some of the famous wines made from the grapes that grow in Tuscany’s sun drenched vineyards.
If your vacation plans include Italy, you are going to want to plan to spend sometime in Tuscany. It would take a lifetime to fully explore the art treasures of Florence alone so you are going to want to stay awhile. Renting Tuscany villas has long been the right way to fully adsorb the culture of the region. It is something that you need to discuss with your travel agent. Florence is one of Italy’s largest cities and is the gateway to Tuscany. It is serviced by an International Airport, so you can easily begin your vacation here. However you chose to arrive in Tuscany, there is no doubt that you will leave a little piece of your heart here when you leave. It has enchanted visitors and inspired artists for centuries and you are certain to leave behind a little piece of your heart.
SUMMARY: Tuscany is a region in Italy located in the central part of the country along the western coast. The capital of the region is Florence. Tuscany has a long and well deserved reputation as the most beautiful location in all of Italy. This beauty is both man made and natural. The region was the center of the Italian Renaissance. The Renaissance produced some of the greatest art in the history of the World, and much of it can still be found in the museums and galleries of Florence. Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, is also located in the area.
Tuscany is a region in Italy located in the central part of the country along the western coast. The capital of the region is Florence. Tuscany has a long and well deserved reputation as the most beautiful location in all of Italy. This beauty is both man made and natural. The region was the center of the Italian Renaissance. The Renaissance produced some of the greatest art in the history of the World, and much of it can still be found in the museums and galleries of Florence. Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, is also located in the area.
It is the country side that represents the natural beauty. Villas in Tuscany dot the tranquil landscape where travelers are transported to a timeless era, and can enjoy the slow paced life and the scenic landscape. It is like a trip in a time machine. The slow paced life and the colorful landscape invoke the time of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Tuscany villa rentals are a big business here as Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and even in Europe. It is the combination of the old and the new, the classic and the modern that give Tuscany its charm and attraction. Tuscany has its own unique style. There is Tuscan cooking for example. It is Italian, of course, but has its own special taste as do some of the famous wines made from the grapes that grow in Tuscany’s sun drenched vineyards.
If your vacation plans include Italy, you are going to want to plan to spend sometime in Tuscany. It would take a lifetime to fully explore the art treasures of Florence alone so you are going to want to stay awhile. Renting Tuscany villas has long been the right way to fully adsorb the culture of the region. It is something that you need to discuss with your travel agent. Florence is one of Italy’s largest cities and is the gateway to Tuscany. It is serviced by an International Airport, so you can easily begin your vacation here. However you chose to arrive in Tuscany, there is no doubt that you will leave a little piece of your heart here when you leave. It has enchanted visitors and inspired artists for centuries and you are certain to leave behind a little piece of your heart.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Vacations in the Philippines
By Richard Romando
SUMMARY: The charm and beauty of the Philippines has always mesmerized travelers and vacationers. The tourists are beckoned to the island time and again by its natural beauty and cultural environment. There are many islands located in the Philippines, and one of them is the Boracay, which covers three kilometers of white beach. Staying in the Philippines can be extremely pleasant and also very cheap. The people in the Philippines are very friendly and hospitable, which makes the vacation more enjoyable.
The charm and beauty of the Philippines has always mesmerized travelers and vacationers. The tourists are beckoned to the island time and again by its natural beauty and cultural environment. There are many islands located in the Philippines, and one of them is the Boracay, which covers three kilometers of white beach. Staying in the Philippines can be extremely pleasant and also very cheap. The people in the Philippines are very friendly and hospitable, which makes the vacation more enjoyable.
The natural landscapes, the climatic conditions, the tropical animals, fruits, and vegetables found here make the Philippines a beautiful place to visit. The main attractions here are the volcanoes Pinatubo and Mount Mayon. Since the Philippines are an exotic tropical country, Filipinos housing, transportation, and the economic activities in the markets and other places depict the Filipino way of life.
Since, the Philippines are located in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific, the water here is warm. This warm and shallow water promotes the existence of corals and abundant coral reefs. Hence, the government of the Philippines earns major revenues due to the increasing number of tourists. Due to the warm temperature and high atmospheric humidity, rainfall can be expected at all times of the year.
Vacationers here can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving in the coral waters. The famous Tanduay Rum, which is of a very high quality, is available at a very low price of just forty-five pesos for a liter. There are hardly any beggars seen on the streets of the Philippines.
The hotels and resorts available for lodging accommodations are plentiful. Vacationers can choose from a wide range of hotels to stay, depending on their budget. These hotels offer various deals and packages that are economical and cater to all the needs and preferences of the travelers. Depending on the season, the rates of the hotels vary. Information on the hotels along with the flight details can be found on the Internet. Travelers are advised to make prior arrangements and hotel bookings to avoid last minute disappointments.
The culture of the Philippines is based mainly on the various native religious groups, which have different cultural backgrounds and traditions. These groups include the Tagalogs, Ilokanos, Bikolanos, and others. The culture of the Philippines is greatly influenced by the Chinese and American cultures as well as those of other countries. The Hispanic influence on the Filipino culture is the result of the Mexican and Spanish cultures as a result of colonial rule.
Every year the citizens of the Philippines host major festivities that are known as the Barrio Fiesta. This fiesta honors all the patron saints of different towns, villages, and regional districts and is celebrated by ceremonies that are held in the church followed by street parades in honor of the saints. There are various contests that include dancing and singing, and cockfight tournaments before the grand finale of the fireworks.
The Chinese also influence the Filipino culture to a large extent, and this is clearly evident in the Filipino cuisines. The locals here have termed the famous Chinese noodles as Mami. Other dishes like meat and other foodstuffs also reflect the influence of the Chinese cuisine. The influence of the Chinese culture in the Philippines is reflected in the fact that citizens occasionally use Chinese surnames, and some are proficient in speaking the language as well.
Over a century ago, the American culture began having a relative influence on the Philippines. The frequent use of the English language in the Philippines is due to the American culture influence. The American culture has also increased the demand for fast food and its chains have spread all over the Philippines. Filipinos have also started listening to the latest American music, taken to watching American movies, dancing to the American tunes, and also started fancying Hollywood actors. The basic principal of the Filipino people is to follow their moral values and to respect their elders and family members. These qualities help them grow into better human beings and have a friendly and pleasing personality.
The Philippines has the world's most delicious and alluring cuisines. The food has its own special tastes and flavors. People are not surprised to find great variety in the cooking styles of the Filipinos. The food served here is a unique blend of western and eastern cuisines. The cuisines of the Philippines include delicacies of Malay, Spanish, and also the Chinese because of the influence of these cultures that began approximately 400 years ago.
The Filipinos consider food to be the most important aspect of their culture since it is an integral part of their communal existence. The food of the Philippines was originally bland and mild before it was influenced by the other cuisines. People, who have sensitive taste buds and are ready to experiment with different cuisines, can try the dishes cooked by the Philippines.
Filipino food is very much influenced by the American culture as well. The increasing rate of fast food chains here is incredible. The American culture has brought with it major fast food giants, such as KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. Since, the Filipinos are so fond of food, they have widely accepted this trend. The Chinese noodles, called Mami, are the most savored dish. Rice is served with almost all meals, as it is their staple food. To the Filipinos, simple cooking basically means fish and its varieties, fetched directly from the sea. Apart from fish, the Filipinos also like other seafood such as crabs, shellfish, and shrimps. At times fresh seafood is served with exotic sauces and spices. The Filipinos also eat uncooked seafood that is stuffed with onions and wrapped in a banana leaf.
Filipino dishes very frequently include coconut, and, hence, meat, and other vegetables are cooked using coconut milk. Coconut is also used to make desserts such as pudding, which is made of ground rice, sugar, and coconut milk and baked in the oven.
SUMMARY: The charm and beauty of the Philippines has always mesmerized travelers and vacationers. The tourists are beckoned to the island time and again by its natural beauty and cultural environment. There are many islands located in the Philippines, and one of them is the Boracay, which covers three kilometers of white beach. Staying in the Philippines can be extremely pleasant and also very cheap. The people in the Philippines are very friendly and hospitable, which makes the vacation more enjoyable.
The charm and beauty of the Philippines has always mesmerized travelers and vacationers. The tourists are beckoned to the island time and again by its natural beauty and cultural environment. There are many islands located in the Philippines, and one of them is the Boracay, which covers three kilometers of white beach. Staying in the Philippines can be extremely pleasant and also very cheap. The people in the Philippines are very friendly and hospitable, which makes the vacation more enjoyable.
The natural landscapes, the climatic conditions, the tropical animals, fruits, and vegetables found here make the Philippines a beautiful place to visit. The main attractions here are the volcanoes Pinatubo and Mount Mayon. Since the Philippines are an exotic tropical country, Filipinos housing, transportation, and the economic activities in the markets and other places depict the Filipino way of life.
Since, the Philippines are located in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific, the water here is warm. This warm and shallow water promotes the existence of corals and abundant coral reefs. Hence, the government of the Philippines earns major revenues due to the increasing number of tourists. Due to the warm temperature and high atmospheric humidity, rainfall can be expected at all times of the year.
Vacationers here can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving in the coral waters. The famous Tanduay Rum, which is of a very high quality, is available at a very low price of just forty-five pesos for a liter. There are hardly any beggars seen on the streets of the Philippines.
The hotels and resorts available for lodging accommodations are plentiful. Vacationers can choose from a wide range of hotels to stay, depending on their budget. These hotels offer various deals and packages that are economical and cater to all the needs and preferences of the travelers. Depending on the season, the rates of the hotels vary. Information on the hotels along with the flight details can be found on the Internet. Travelers are advised to make prior arrangements and hotel bookings to avoid last minute disappointments.
Philippines Culture
The culture of the Philippines is based mainly on the various native religious groups, which have different cultural backgrounds and traditions. These groups include the Tagalogs, Ilokanos, Bikolanos, and others. The culture of the Philippines is greatly influenced by the Chinese and American cultures as well as those of other countries. The Hispanic influence on the Filipino culture is the result of the Mexican and Spanish cultures as a result of colonial rule.
Every year the citizens of the Philippines host major festivities that are known as the Barrio Fiesta. This fiesta honors all the patron saints of different towns, villages, and regional districts and is celebrated by ceremonies that are held in the church followed by street parades in honor of the saints. There are various contests that include dancing and singing, and cockfight tournaments before the grand finale of the fireworks.
The Chinese also influence the Filipino culture to a large extent, and this is clearly evident in the Filipino cuisines. The locals here have termed the famous Chinese noodles as Mami. Other dishes like meat and other foodstuffs also reflect the influence of the Chinese cuisine. The influence of the Chinese culture in the Philippines is reflected in the fact that citizens occasionally use Chinese surnames, and some are proficient in speaking the language as well.
Over a century ago, the American culture began having a relative influence on the Philippines. The frequent use of the English language in the Philippines is due to the American culture influence. The American culture has also increased the demand for fast food and its chains have spread all over the Philippines. Filipinos have also started listening to the latest American music, taken to watching American movies, dancing to the American tunes, and also started fancying Hollywood actors. The basic principal of the Filipino people is to follow their moral values and to respect their elders and family members. These qualities help them grow into better human beings and have a friendly and pleasing personality.
Filippino Food
The Philippines has the world's most delicious and alluring cuisines. The food has its own special tastes and flavors. People are not surprised to find great variety in the cooking styles of the Filipinos. The food served here is a unique blend of western and eastern cuisines. The cuisines of the Philippines include delicacies of Malay, Spanish, and also the Chinese because of the influence of these cultures that began approximately 400 years ago.
The Filipinos consider food to be the most important aspect of their culture since it is an integral part of their communal existence. The food of the Philippines was originally bland and mild before it was influenced by the other cuisines. People, who have sensitive taste buds and are ready to experiment with different cuisines, can try the dishes cooked by the Philippines.
Filipino food is very much influenced by the American culture as well. The increasing rate of fast food chains here is incredible. The American culture has brought with it major fast food giants, such as KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. Since, the Filipinos are so fond of food, they have widely accepted this trend. The Chinese noodles, called Mami, are the most savored dish. Rice is served with almost all meals, as it is their staple food. To the Filipinos, simple cooking basically means fish and its varieties, fetched directly from the sea. Apart from fish, the Filipinos also like other seafood such as crabs, shellfish, and shrimps. At times fresh seafood is served with exotic sauces and spices. The Filipinos also eat uncooked seafood that is stuffed with onions and wrapped in a banana leaf.
Filipino dishes very frequently include coconut, and, hence, meat, and other vegetables are cooked using coconut milk. Coconut is also used to make desserts such as pudding, which is made of ground rice, sugar, and coconut milk and baked in the oven.
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