photo credit: tom.arthur

Life in Southern California is romanticized far outside of California itself. People all throughout the United States, especially those who have snowy, frigid winters, would love to escape to a part of the country that offers agreeable weather, beach life, and beautiful people. Things are much simpler lounging by the beach, enjoying exotic drinks and watching people go by. One of the most iconic fixtures of this Southern California way of life is the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain, whose logo is known throughout the country. The In-N-Out Burger T-shirt, depicting a typical scene at the restaurant with a backdrop of lush palm trees drenched with sun, is sold all throughout the United States. Partially because of the T-shirt, and partially because of its long-standing popularity in Southern California due to its legendary status with Californians, In-N-Out Burger has become a national sensation and is an important tourist stop for visitors to the state.

The first In-N-Out Burger location was opened on October 22, 1948 by Harry Snyder and his wife Esther Snyder at the northwest corner of what is now I-10 and Francisquito Avenue in the Los Angeles suburb of Baldwin Park, California. According to the company, the Snyders has a plan which is still in use today, which was essentially to provide the freshest, highest quality food you can find in a clean environment. Three years later, a second In-N-Out Burger was opened in the San Gabriel Valley, and up until the 1970s, In-N-Out Burger remained a relatively small chain of restaurants. When Harry Snyder died in 1976, there were only 18 restaurants in existence, a small number compared to what would come. Following his father’s death, Rich Snyder became the president of In-N-Out Burger at the young age of 26 years old. He and his brother, Guy, had begun working at the ground floor of In-N-Out Burger at an early age, and under their guidance, the restaurant chain grew rapidly over the next twenty years.

By the early 1990s, there were over 90 restaurants in existence, but tragedy struck when Rich Snyder and four other passengers died in a plane crash on approach to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California. Upon his brother’s death, Guy Snyder took it upon himself to become the next president of the company. Under his guidance, the restaurant chain expanded even more rapidly, eventually making its way into Northern California and even into Nevada, the first non-California In-N-Out Burger opening in Las Vegas. In 1999, Guy Snyder passed away at a young age due to an overdose of the painkiller Vicodin, leaving behind an expansion of almost 40 restaurants in his six-year span as president of the company. Esther Snyder took over the presidency from her son, continuing the chain’s expansion into Las Vegas and Arizona, with stores in these two locations becoming immensely popular. Following Esther’s death in 2006, vice president of operations Mark Taylor took over as president of the company, with Lynsi Martinez, Esther’s granddaughter, set to eventually control the company in 12 years.

photo credit: justj0000lie

Although there has been plenty of heartache in the restaurant’s ownership history, there is also plenty of excellent food to be enjoyed at In-N-Out Burger. In the same vein as many other drive-thru restaurant chains throughout the country, In-N-Out Burgers are very similar in appearance, with a large eating area and a drive-thru section around the restaurant. Those who want to enjoy the food at the restaurant can opt to either order inside and sit at one of the booths or tables or drive-thru and eat the food at home (or in the car, as many people who cannot resist the temptation of the French fries will tell you). As far as In-N-Out burger’s menu, the selection of food is rather limited in comparison to other fast food restaurants. You can choose from a hamburger, a cheeseburger, or a “Double-Double” which consists of double meat and double cheese. French fries, fountain drinks, and three flavors of milkshakes are available as well. Hamburgers come with lettuce, tomatoes, with or without onions, which can be fresh or grilled, and a sauce, which is called “spread”.

Of course, such a limited menu would probably not draw as much attention as In-N-Out Burger has attracted over the years. There is, in addition to the standard menu, a whole secret menu that is available at each and every In-N-Out Burger. This secret menu contains variations of the meals that can already be ordered off the standard menu, but rather than being a secret that is passed between family and close friends, the “secret” menu is available on the company’s website. Such variations on the standard menu include the 3×3, which is similar to the “Double Double” but with three patties and three slices of cheese, and the 4×4, which is similar to the 3×3 but with four of each. Other secret menu items include the neopolitan shake, which is a mix of the three flavors of milkshakes, flying Dutchmen, which are patties and cheese without the buns. Other secret menu items include the grilled cheese sandwich, the Extra Everything sandwich, the addition of chopped chili peppers, packages of In-N-Out Burger’s sauce, called spread, and veggie burgers for the vegetarian burger lovers.

The signature colors of In-N-Out Burger are white, red, and yellow. White is used for the exterior of the buildings and for the basic employees’ uniforms, red for the building’s roof and the employees’ aprons and hats, and yellow for the decorative band on the roof and the iconic zigzag on the logo. Although most of the newer restaurants have an indoor style of serving food, the first In-N-Out Burgers did not give patrons the options to eat indoors. Instead, there were two lanes with the kitchen in between them, and those who wanted to eat would park their cars under one of two metal awnings, order the food, and then either eat it in the car or in an outdoor area with tables and benches. This image of In-N-Out Burger is used on much artwork and merchandising, often portraying classic cars like Mustangs parked in the In-N-Out Burger at sunset. Palm trees are a common theme at most In-N-Out restaurants, a design motif featured on the inside and the outside of the restaurant, if possible.

All in all, In-N-Out Burger is a Southern California staple restaurant that has made its way throughout several parts of the country. Those who grew up in Southern California but moved out of the area often long to return and taste some of the delicious burgers, while those who visit Southern California inevitably find themselves feasting at an In-N-Out Burger. Although the plain, standard menu that is on display at the In-N-Out Burgers is not extensive at all, with the addition of the secret menu, there are plenty of meals that are suited for everyone, from vegetarians to those who hate veggies. A dedicated fan base spreads positive reviews of In-N-Out Burger through word of mouth and also through the internet, creating a buzz about the restaurant that extends far beyond its actual domain in Southern California. If you ever get the chance, you are well-advised to eat at In-N-Out Burger.

photo credit: gwaar

The Epcot Center at Disney World is dedicated to international culture and technological innovation, and a natural extension from its interest in the global community is the celebration of everything that makes us different. The Holidays around the World event features storytellers speaking about their national traditions, specifically concerning holidays that are celebrated, their significance, and the history behind such holidays. A mass choir and a celebrity speaker are on hand to celebrate Christmas during the event. Without a doubt the tastiest special event at the Epcot Center, though, is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, an event that celebrates cultural differences through cuisine. Many countries around the world, even those that do not have permanent pavilions at the Epcot Center, are represented by their cuisine at the festival, one that lasts from September 26 to November 9.

As the third-most visited theme-park in the United States and the sixth-most visited theme park in the world, the Epcot Center has long been an important attraction for the United States and has become extremely popular with international tourists because of its celebration of cultures from all around the world. The name of the Epcot Center derives from the acronym EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt Disney planned a utopian society that would exist as the model of human civilization, and his ideal vision of the Epcot Center was as a test bed for city planning and social organization. The city would be built as a circle, with business in the center and the community residing around it, along with the necessary community buildings like schools and recreational complexes. Transportation would be completely public and underground, as to keep people safe. Walt Disney attested that his model city would encompass everything that is special about mankind, and that problems like slums and corruption would not exist because there would not be any mechanisms in place that would allow them to develop.

When Walt Disney died, the company realized that they would not want to be in the position to run an entire town, so the idea was scrapped for the most part. Instead, the Epcot Center was created as a place that would embody the ideals of Walt Disney’s utopian society without actually creating a town in which people could opt to live. Other communities in the United States, such as Celebration, Florida, are modeled around Disney’s original perception of the Epcot Center. The park opened on October 1, 1982, and the opening was very optimistic and cheerful. Disney’s chairman dedicated the Epcot Center to the traditions and values that Walt Disney himself set aside for his planned community. Eventually, the name of the Epcot Center became a mixed-case non-acronym, and it is now referred to as the Epcot Center. In all, the Epcot Center cost about $1.4 billion to make, and construction time was three years. Consisting of 250 acres, the park is twice as large as the Magic Kingdom, and the park was not officially dedicated until a month after the park debuted.

The Epcot Center is divided into pavilions that represent several different aspects of mankind. Future World consists of pavilions that explore innovative aspects of technology. They are: Spaceship Earth, Innoventions, Universe of Energy, Mission: SPACE, Test Track, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Imagination, and The Land. Each pavilion opened initially with a corporate sponsor who paid for everything, a favor which was returned with advertising and a posh VIP area for corporate employees to relax and get away from the park for a while. Several of these pavilions’ sponsors have stopped paying for the pavilion, which makes their future uncertain because of the fact that Disney would rather not pay. The World Showcase is one of the most iconic parts of the theme park, containing eleven pavilions that represent different countries in the world, such as Canada, Morocco, and Norway. Representative shops and restaurants are staffed by citizens of the respective countries, usually college students participating in a special program that allows them to live on the premises.

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is an extension of this nod to the international community at the Epcot Center. Beginning and advanced gourmets from all over the world come to the Epcot Center in order to share their culinary traditions with the rest of the global community. This year marks the 13th year that the Epcot International Food and Wine festival has been hosted by the Epcot Center. Marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines, and beers are established, and it is great fun to wander the stalls, trying out different delicacies from many cultures all over the world. It is not very often that you can try a Moroccan dish consisting of roasted lamb alongside a good old-fashioned American hot dog, but the Epcot International Festival makes such occurrences happen. Renowned chefs share their techniques at special programs and demonstrations, which is always a blast to experience. A trip to the festival could net you several exotic recipes with which you can impress your friends and family. Some of the finest cuisine from around the globe is represented at the festival, so if you consider yourself a gourmet, even in passing, you need to make the effort to attend the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

The sizzling sounds of the Eat to the Beat concert series provide the perfect music to savor your culinary journey through the festival. A stellar line-up of popular music acts make the event one to remember. One of the places you have to check out while you are there is the Festival Welcome Center, where you can attend a book signing by professional chefs, browse the Festival Wine Shop, or check out the Wonders Bar for champagne and wine. The Stockpot shop has fantastic merchandise and souvenirs for you to remember you excellent trip out to the Epcot Center, along with other things to make your journey even more worthwhile. An important purchase is the Festival Cookbook, which will allow you to recreate the delicious taste sensations that you experience at the Epcot Center in your own home. All in all, there is a huge amount of things to do at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and you should plan to experience it over several days so you can savor every bit of it.

The Epcot Center sprang from Walt Disney’s vision of the perfect society, but his death led the Epcot Center in the direction of embodying his desires without actually requiring the creation and management of an entire city. In this way, the values of peace and international appreciation are certainly present. Whether you come to the Epcot Center for Future World or the World Showcases, you should definitely try to coordinate your visit so that you can indulge in the Epcot International Food and Wine festival. It is an event that is not to be missed, because no other celebration of our global culture, specifically concerning culinary styles and tradition, can be experienced elsewhere on the planet. From September 26 to November 9 is the time to go to have this wonderful experience, so do not miss out!

photo credit: Animefreak101

Although it may surprise American anime fans, the distinct style of animation originated in Japan almost a century ago. Just like our style of animation, anime is an alternative format of storytelling that allows for much more of the imagination to be expressed than could be in a live-action depiction. Anime has become popular all throughout the world because of its distinctive characteristics and its natural connection to manga, which is the Japanese word for comics. Manga’s popularity throughout the world has led to several mangas being adapted into anime, which then leads to more awareness for anime. Fans of anime who can make it to New York City from September 26 to September 28 should definitely check out the Anime Festival at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan.

The history of anime dates back to the early 1900s when Japanese filmmakers began to experiment with animation techniques that were being discovered and explored in Europe and the United States. 1917 marks the year when the first recorded bit of anime was screened, consisting of a two-minute clip of a samurai trying to test his sword on a target, meeting only defeat. Still, though, anime would not see widespread usage until the 1930s. In contrast to Hollywood, the United States’ entertainment center that was flourishing throughout this time period, Japanese live-action movies were suffering from a lack of actors, low budgets, casting difficulties, and location restrictions. Because of this, many filmmakers turned to anime to depict what they could not feasibly depict in live-action: namely, movies with the right-looking actors set in the right place and with suitable special effects. Japanese filmmaking also often involved Western locations and Western actors which were rather difficult to come by in Japan.

Many filmmakers were not convinced by anime, saying that animation would never catch on in the mainstream and that an animated feature film would be nothing short of silly. The massive success of Disney’s 1937 classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was very influential to Japanese filmmakers, most notably to Osamu Tezuka, who adapted Disney animation techniques to reduce the costs of production, but the style caught on and became integral to anime. In the 1970s, the popularity of Japanese comics, called manga, surged. Many of the most popular comics were adapted as anime, and since the manga were so popular, anime started to become acceptable in the mainstream entertainment community. Throughout the 1980s, anime started to catch up to manga in popularity, but manga was always more acceptable in the mainstream community. It was not until anime’s great surge in popularity overseas that the Japanese entertainment industry realized how profitable anime could be. Today, anime can be found all across the Internet, on many television stations, and even in the news, as themes that are common in anime come to be questioned by those who are not familiar with the genre experience it.

There is no denying anime’s massive popularity in the United States. For many anime lovers, there is nothing more exciting than the prospect of getting together with hundreds and thousands of like-minded people to share the love. That is why the New York Anime Festival exists. Produced by Reed Exhibitors, which is responsible for such big name events like the New York Comic Con and whose publishing branch is responsible for the popular Vanity Fair, the event is going into its second year. The inaugural event was held at Javits Center from December 7 to December 9 in 2007, so the second annual New York Anime Festival will actually be occurring nine months after the first. Featuring an impressive guest list that included some of the most famous names in American anime, the first annual New York Anime Festival was a large success. This year’s festival is hoping to achieve the same, and by the looks of it, it most certainly will.

The New York Anime Festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, some of the most notable names in anime visiting from all across America and also Japan, manga, cosplay, video games, live-action Japanese cinema, fashion, food, and homage to Japanese pop culture. The festival will be held from September 26 to September 28, from noon to 10:00 PM on Friday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. The exhibition hall closes at 6:00 PM, but screens will continue until the day is over. The Javits Center is located in Midtown Manhattan so it is just a matter of finding transportation, of which there is plenty in New York City. Everyone older than seven years old needs a ticket to get in, and anyone younger than eighteen years old is encouraged to have a parent or adult with him or her. Although photography and video recording is off-limits during concerts and exclusive screenings, you are welcome to take pictures throughout the event. Guests may or may not consent to having their pictures taken.

There are plenty of things to do during the three days of the New York Anime Festival. One of the most fascinating is to sit in on a panel of industry experts as they discuss what direction they are going to take the business in the coming year. If you happen to be an active participant in the NYAF forums, you will also have a chance to meet up with your friends at the festival. Another exciting thing to do is to get an autograph from one of your favorite anime personalities at one of the autographing sessions. Concerts and performances about at the New York Anime Festival, ranging from exaggerated sword fights to impressive musical acts. Other events, like charity drives and voice acting workshops, make the festival a whole lot of fun. But what anime festival would be complete without anime screenings? Throughout the three days, you will get to see plenty of anime, ranging from classic cutting edge, so do not miss out!

If you want to get tickets to the New York Anime Festival, you can get them online. Tickets for the whole weekend are $55, Friday tickets are $35, Saturday tickets are $40, and Sunday tickets are $35. Obviously, if you are going to participate in at least two days’ worth of events, go for the weekend ticket. There are also several other ticketed events within the anime festival that need tickets, which you can also get online or at the event itself. There are group discounts available for those who purchase ten tickets or more. Be aware, though, that all purchases are final, so you should make sure that you are going to be able to go.

All in all, the New York Anime Festival is a great place for fans of the charming genre to get together and express their love for all things anime. Whether you go to meet one of your favorite voice actors, to see an exclusive screening before anyone else does, or to meet your friends from the forums online, the New York Anime Festival at Javits Center promises a whole lot of fun. So brush up on your knowledge of all things Japanese and head out to Manhattan in late September!

Previous to its first interaction with European explorers in 1778, Hawaii was a society that was organized into chiefdoms. Tribes led by chieftains lived on the island, following practices such as human sacrifice that are considered barbaric by today’s standards. Much immigration from other islands in Polynesia and the archipelago of Hawaii took place in its early history, creating a society that had several levels and a complex system of organization that is not completely understood by historians and archeologists. Throughout the pre-European era of the island, population growth was slow but steady and the size of the more important chiefdoms grew and grew, until some powerful chieftains controlled entire islands. Rival tribes would fight against each other for land and power, using a sort of class system that resembles the medieval idea of feudalism, where those in power would have a society of serfs under them that would complete menial tasks like farm the land. When the island was first discovered by James Cook in 1778, he named it the Sandwich Islands because one of his sponsors was the Earl of Sandwich. On James Cook’s second visit to the island, he was killed in a failed attempt to kidnap an island chief as ransom for return of a boat that was stolen by a different tribe’s minor chief. When the kidnapped chief’s supporters fought back, Cook was killed.

Encouraged by the accounts of James Cook’s interaction with the islands, many European entrepreneurs found their way to Hawaii for a variety of reasons. Some wanted the thrill of exploring the untamed new land while others aimed to profit off of the natives by trading goods. The whaling industry had an outpost in Hawaii because one of the islands in Hawaii had a convenient, safe port with an abundance of food nearby, in addition to a profusion of whales. During this time, the Hawaiian populace was influenced in many ways by the Europeans, most notably by way of the diseases the Europeans brought, decimating much of the population for lack of immunity to the illnesses. Because of this, Protestant missionaries from America were eventually able to convert much of the island in 1820. Hawaii’s history is heavily shaped by the House of Kamehameha, a ruling dynasty that subjugated the entire archipelago under one ruler, Kamehameha, in 1810. It ruled over the kingdom until 1872, when a series of conflicted elections paved the way for the House of Kalakaua to control the islands until the monarchy’s overthrow 1893.

American intervention in the politics of Hawaii resulted in the monarchy being overthrown in 1893, when Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown. Although the queen tried to regain her throne, American military intervention made it unfeasible for the native troops to defend her stake to the throne and resulted in the adoption of a republican form of government. This was only in place for four years, from 1894 to 1898, when the Newlands Resolution was passed in Congress, annexing Hawaii as a U.S. territory amidst dissent from the islands. Although the importance of annexing Hawaii as a territory of the United States was unknown to most citizens of the country, it quickly became clear as the military presence in Pearl Harbor became such that the Japanese launched their infamous surprise attack in 1941. The courage that the Hawaiians showed on that fateful day, and as soldiers throughout the rest of World War II, was seen as proof on the part of everyone involved that Hawaii should be part of the Union, but a lack of initiative on Congress’s part delayed the passing of the Hawaii Admission Act many years. When the act was finally passed in 1959, a referendum in Hawaii showed that citizens of Hawaii favored the act 17 to 1, and by August they had become a state in the Union. Their rapid rise to modernity and a large construction boom resulted in much interest in the newest state.

On August 21, 1959, President Eisenhower made Hawaii’s statehood official by signing the bill in Congress, which was the cause for much celebration on the part of Hawaii’s natives. Amidst dancing in the street, business closed, banners were waved from Iolani Palace, and schoolchildren marched about reciting the newly-learned Pledge of Allegiance. Although the day was long in coming for most Hawaiians who wondered why it had not happened earlier, there was much cause for celebration. Today, however, emotions are mixed on Hawaii statehood day. While 93% of Hawaiians voted to become a state back in 1959’s referendum on the topic, the number has dwindled to 78% of Hawaiian’s who would like to continue to be part of the Union. While that is certainly still a majority of the islands, there is a strong minority that feels that Hawaii’s statehood was never legal in the first place because of the way that the United States went about annexing the islands as a territory at the turn of the 20th century. Also controversial is the usage of Iolani Palace as part of the celebration of the holiday, because of the fact that it is a symbol of the monarchy that was overthrown as part of the road to Hawaii’s statehood and the location of the last monarch’s house arrest.

Actual celebration of Hawaii statehood day is noticeably scarce. Banks close and such, but it is rather difficult for an outsider to even notice that the day is a holiday otherwise. Part of this is because celebration of the holiday could be seen as controversial by native Hawaiians who question the legitimacy of statehood, and rather than to perpetuate conflict between those in favor of statehood and those against it, it is better to keep things at a low key. Still, there is much debate on whether or not this practice of not celebrating the day is valid because of the message it sends to the rest of the country as well as to the next generation of Hawaiians who may be confused by the fact that a state holiday is avoided because of its contextual implications. Regardless whether or not you choose to acknowledge Hawaii statehood day, you have to acknowledge the effect that August 21, 1959 had on an entire country and a group of people.

photo credit: sturgis07

The very first Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was held on August 14, 1938 by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, the same organization that owns and operates the tracks to this very day. Although it may be hard to imagine from the grand scale of today’s event, the first rally had a small number of participants and a slightly larger audience. Clarence Hoel is credited with the creation of this event, whose interest in motorcycles was piqued in 1936 when he purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise and founded the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club that same year. As with many annual events whose roots are in a time before World War II, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been held every year except 1942 due to gas rationing. Over the next several decades, the amount of visitors coming to Sturgis for the motorcycle rally began to increase, and the rally itself had many developments, such as the evolution to a five-day event and the growth of the event to a spectacle that draws hundreds of thousands of people. Much of the success of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is said to be derived from the beautiful area in which Sturgis is located, the town nestled in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Aside from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the associated events, visitors can indulge in scenic views in and around the area, and they are certainly encouraged to do so.

photo credit: sturgis07
Visitors to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are also encouraged to do a variety of other things in order to have the best time possible at the event. First and foremost is that visitors should try to take a week off from work in order to enjoy everything there is to offer in the area. A guidebook containing a plethora of information about the nuances of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is available, the gist of which being that if you are not able to set aside enough time to enjoy the better part of the rally, you will miss out on a lot. Events take place all over Sturgis as part of the festivities and since you cannot be in several places at the same time, it is important to know what is out there. Some of these include: The Marine Corps JROTC Breakfast, the Ford Experience Tour, the Boss Hoss Bike and Trike Demo Rides, the Thunder Road Vendor Showcase, and much more. Many of these events are held in different parts of the city, so make sure you have a map so that you can get around without getting lost.

photo credit: haley7
Because of the grand scale of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, many traditions have come about that encapsulate the spirit of the rally in such a way to make certain events a must-see. The 6th Annual Sturgis Mayor Ride gives riders an opportunity to visit Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park in the company of the Mayor of Sturgis and other fellow riders. Participants in the 6th Annual Sturgis Mayor Ride receive several special benefits that the thousands of other visitors to the rally do not, including a limited edition 2008 tour T-shirt, a limited edition Sturgis Mayor Ride pin, and other collectibles that are only available this year. Lunch is also hosted by the Sturgis Mayor in the Custer State Park at the State Game Lodge, but participants must be 21 or older in order to get in. Proceeds from the Mayor Ride go to the local fire department, so it is an ideal way to have a unique, great time while helping out the community. Whether or not you decide to participate in the Mayor Ride, though, there are plenty of other things to do in and around Sturgis during the rally.

photo credit: haley7
Another fun thing to do during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is to participate in the Sturgis Brick Project. This project allows you to help revitalize Sturgis and ensure that the motorcycle rally will thrive for years to come by ordering a brick that is to be engraved with a personalized message and then set in Main Street in order to immortalize whatever message you engrave on the brick. Whether it is a message in remembrance of a deceased loved one or one that details what a fun time the family had at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the engraving the brick is yours to customize. Proceeds go toward Sturgis’s effort to preserve the surrounding area and to beautify the town in order to create a better environment for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Regardless of whether or not you participate in the Sturgis Brick Project, though, you can be certain that a trip to Sturgis will be remembered within the family for years to come.

A great way to make sure that you know everything about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is to visit SturgisRallySite.com, a website devoted to selling the comprehensive guide to the event. It contains tons of information on everything from shortcuts that only the locals know to safety tips for when you have been drinking too much. Such a guide can be the perfect way to make sure that you do not miss anything in Sturgis and the motorcycle rally and that you leave the town safe and sound with your body and bike intact. There are plenty of people out there that do not enjoy things unless they have the inside scoop and know the ins and outs of it, and for those people, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Guide is precisely what they need, since the information contained within promises to make even the most casual visitor to Sturgis feel like a grizzled local.

A visit to the Black Hills of South Dakota is extraordinary in and of itself, with many opportunities to enjoy nature through camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and whatever else one can think of doing in the beautiful wilderness. But the hundreds of thousands of people who visit Sturgis, South Dakota every August have another thing on their mind: motorcycles. They will certainly be satisfied as well, as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the largest and most unique event of its kind in the entire world and it is proud to let you know about that as well. So if you have even a passing interest in motorcycles and having a great time, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is exactly what the doctor prescribed.

Parades are a huge part of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The costumes, colors and music give Mardi Gras its unique characteristics. During the parades, Mardi Gras krewes are on display. Krewes are the clubs or companies that are responsible for putting on the shows and spectacles during the parades. When you see a group of costumed people coming down the parade route, each of those groups are krewes.

In the early days of Mardi Gras, krewes were a secret society. The membership of the krewes was private information and it was oftentimes difficult to join one of the krewes. However, krewes now have to register with the city and are no longer as secretive. A lot of modern day krewes are run like regular companies.

New Orleans is home to a large number of krewes. While there is a different story behind the origins of all the different krewes, they all have similar goals – to entertain while having fun.

Here is a list of some of the krewes in New Orleans:

Krewe of Bacchus
With the goal of re-energizing Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Bacchus was created in 1968 by Owen Edward Brennan, Sr. This krewe currently has more than 1,000 members and over 30 floats.

Endymion Krewe
The self proclaimed largest and most successful parade organization in New Orleans, the Endymion Krewe can attract stars to be their Grand Marshal. For example, in 2008 the Grand Marshal is Kevin Costner. This is one parade to be sure not to miss out on!

Krewe of Carrollton
Created in 1924, only three parading organizations have longer histories. The Krewe of Carrollton was originally created by business owners on Oak Street. This krewe is responsible for many of the innovations seen today in the Mardi Gras parades.

Krewe of Cleopatra
Created by women for women, this all women krewe now has over 500 members. Dating back to 1972, this was the first all-women krewe of its kind. The Queen’s Royal Barge is one of the most popular of all parade floats.

Krewe du Vieux
This krewe was formed after the Krewe de Clones collapsed. One of the most entertaining of all krewes, the Krewe de Vieux has its roots in the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans.

Krewe of Elks-Orleanians
Backed by the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, this krewe was the first krewe to use truck floats. Currently there are more than 4,500 riders and more than 100 floats. Their parade generally takes more than two and a half hours to complete.

Krewe of Grela
Dating back to 1947, this krewe gets its name by using by combining the words Gretna and Louisiana. With over 400 participants in the parade, this isn’t a large parade but it’s well orchestrated.

Krewe of Hermes
One of the oldest night parades, the Krewe of Hermes dates back to 1938. It was created by four businessmen in New Orleans with a mission of revitalizing the city. It’s also famous for being the first krewe to use neon lighting.

Krewe of Iris
Dating back to 1917, this is the largest krewe exclusively for women. It was named after the Goddess of Rainbow. If you are going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, this is one of the parades you really must see.

Krewe of Lil Rascals
The Krewe of Lil Rascals has the motto “Today’s little rascals are tomorrow’s leaders and our hope for the future”. This is a krewe that aims to keep the youth involved in Mardi Gras.

Krewe of Mid-City
Named for the part of the city where the krewe originated from, the Krewe of Mid-City dates back to 1933. This parade is great for families, particularly children. Of all the krewes, this one uses perhaps the most imagination.

Krewe of Orpheus
Although it doesn’t have a vast history (formed in 1993), the Krewe of Orpheus has quickly become one of the largest krewes in all of New Orleans. It’s a music based krewe that opens that is famous for opening its doors to anyone who wants to join.

Krewe of Pegasus
Created by fifteen military vets, the Krewe of Pegasus has roots that go back to 1957. Named after a Greek mythology character, this krewe has kept true to its origins by always honoring the military.

Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows
You know its Mardi Gras season when you see the Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows. This krewe does the kickoff celebration for Mardis Gras and is known for being a fun and entertaining krewe.

Krewe of Proteus
The Krewe of Proteus runs a parade with a theme from Egyptian Mythology. This krewe dates all the way back to 1882 and is known as the second oldest of all the krewes. After a hiatus, this krewe once again became active in 2000.

Krewe of Twelfth Night Revelers
The Krewe of the Twelfth Night Revelers is unique in that its functions aren’t open to the public. Instead, you need to be invited. Although this krewe has roots that date all the way back to 1870, this is still a relatively secret organization.

Krewe of Tucks
The Krewe of Tucks owes its existence to the University of Loyola. A group of students from the school created this krewe and it is now known as being one of the most humorous of all the krewes.

Mistick Krewe of Comus
Dating all the way back to 1857, this krewe is obviously rich in history. It was founded by six New Orleans businessmen who wanted to celebrate Mardi Gras with class. This krewe is best known for its obscure references mythology and history.

Mystic Krewe of Barkus
The krewe is stars canines. With dogs in charge, this is a highly unique krewe and has quickly become a fan favorite. Created in 1992, currently thousands of dogs are involved in the parade.

When you are visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you should check the parade schedules and locations to make sure you get to watch the krewes which interest you the most. After Hurricane Katrina, some of the krewes had trouble coming back together but almost all of them are back on their feet. The few that are not are almost all trying to eventually get back together.

All in all, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a great place to party, have fun, meet new people and experience one of the great celebrations in the entire world. You simply can’t match the atmosphere that can be found during Mardi Gras and it’s perfect for everyone from families with children to college students looking for a vacation.

Head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and find out which of the Mardi Gras krewes will become your favorite. With so many different krewes to pick from, you’ll have to visit Mardi Gras a couple of times before making your final decision. That’s always a nice excuse for a vacation!

The Brooklyn Bridge in New York will turn 125 years old next year and it’s time for a modern makeover. Within the year, the landmark bridge and many of the city’s other bridges will “go green.”

The famous necklace lights on the bridge will be switched from 100-watt mercury vapor lamps to 24-watt bulbs. The new light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will not make the 160 lights on the bridge appear any dimmer, according to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Other eco-friendly changes that will be taking place in the city including replacing 25,000 street lights, testing three hybrid garbage trucks, and phasing in hybrid police cars and fire engines.

This holiday season, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is also using energy-saving lights. Plus, solar panels on top of 45 Rockefeller Plaza are helping power the tree.

The mayor’s goal is for the city to reduce its greenhouse gases by 30% by 2030. Over the next several years, many progams will go into place to improve the light and operations of municipal offices, the fire and police department and schools throughout New York.

Since O2 was selected as the only carrier, that means that UK customers will have to use the O2 service if they want to use an iPhone. The good news is that the monthly plans are reasonable. In the cheapest plan, UK customers can get 200 monthly minutes for 35 pounds a month.

A more advanced plan calls for 1200 minutes for 55 pounds a month. No matter which of these options are picked, unlimited data is included. Additionally, they’ll be nearly 8,000 hotspots around the country in which WiFi will be provided for free.

The plans also contain between 200 and 500 included text messages depending on the plan. Additionally text message above the quota will be charged to your account on a monthly basis.

To distribute the Apple iPhone, all 1300 Carphone Warehouse stores will have the iPhone available for purchase on the November 9th release date. At each location, there will also be an Apple iPhone specialist on hand to answer any questions.

• Apple – Learn more about the iPhone from Apple.com
• Talk iPhone – The latest news and rumors about the iPhone
• Cell phones – Everything you ever wanted to know about cell phones
• Mobile electronics – Information about mobile electronics in the UK

In 1906, the Hudson River ferries were carrying nearly 3 million vehicles between New York and New Jersey each year and city planners were looking for a more efficient way to accommodate the growing number of automobiles. A coalition was established to try to come up with a feasible solution for building a bridge from Manhattan to Jersey City.

Because the Manhattan side of the Hudson River did not meet the elevation requirement (200-feet) for ships to travel under the bridge, it was decided in 1913 that a tunnel under the river would be a more realistic option.

After several years and $54 million, the Holland Tunnel opened at midnight on November 13, 1927. The tunnel under the Hudson River became the first fixed-vehicle crossing between New York and New Jersey.

A truck carrying a shipment to Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan was the first non-official vehicle to pass through and pay a toll at Canal Street. On that first day 51,694 vehicles traveled through its two tubes, each paying a 50-cent toll. Now, 80 years later, 93,300 vehicles travel through the Holland Tunnel every day, paying a toll of $6.00 per car.

(Photo via Flickr cc)

The Salem Wax Museum is located on a dead-end street in Salem, Massachusetts, adjacent to the Charter Street Old Burying Point, the second oldest burial ground in the United States, and the Tricentennial Witch Trials Memorial.

This eerie museum feature life-like figures depicting Salem’s history from 1626 through the witch trials of 1692. The wax replicas include author Nathaniel Hawthorne, the witch trial judges, the pirates of New England, and the accused witch Tituba.

There is also a hand-on activity area where visitors can rub gravestones, practice knot tying and visit a replica of a Salem jail cell.

During the month of October each year, you can take part in the “Haunted Neighborhood tour,” which includes the museum and many neighboring attractions.

You can purchase a variety of different passes that allow admission to the Salem Wax Museum and other venues. Single site passes are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children. If you want to visit more than one of the attractions, you can choose the Fun Pass (two attractions), Triple Fright (three attractions) and Salem Pass (four attractions).

To see everything, select the all-inclusive Halloween Pass, which includes admission to all the general attractions: Salem Wax Museum, Salem Witch Village Guided Tour, Frankenstein’s Laboratory, the Haunted Witch Village, and Within the Witching Hour. You also have a choice of the Cemetery Tour or the Candleight Walking Tour, included in the Halloween Pass.

Halloween Pass Prices

Adults – $30
Seniors – $28
Children (6-14) – $25
Childen (5 & under) – FREE

Get more information about pass prices and purchase tickets, by visiting the Salem Wax Museum website.

• Salem Witches – Learn about the accused witches.
• Salem Wax Museum – Information about the museum and its history.
• Museum Tours – Plan a group tour of the museum.
• Haunted Neighborhood – Get tickets to all the attractions.
• Salem Memorials – Remembering those accused.
• Halloween Attractions – Haunted houses and scary destinations.
• Halloween – Learn more about Halloween.

(Photo via flickr cc)