/PRNewswire/ -- It's a bigger, better, brighter Christmas season in Valdosta, Georgia, this year as Wild Adventures unwrapped its new Festival of Lights holiday celebration, November 15.
More than A MILLION sparkling lights welcome visitors to the theme park, creating a holiday glow families will not forget. Plus, there are all new holiday stage shows, new holiday foods, a one-of-a-kind live nativity, great gift shopping, Santa Claus and even St. Nick's favorite reindeer, Rudolph.
"Our new Festival of Lights celebration is the most spectacular holiday event in the entire South Georgia and Northern Florida region - there's nothing else like it!" said Wild Adventures' General Manager Bob Montgomery. "Families are not going to want to miss all of the lights, decorations and fun activities awaiting them at Wild Adventures."
Holiday Lights, Decorations and Food Fill the Senses
Entering the park, visitors are immediately transported to a storybook- like winter wonderland with a million lights and holiday music. Visitors can sample a mouth-watering array of holiday foods, including homemade fudge, Christmas cookies, fresh cinnamon rolls, delicious warm soups served in fresh baked bread bowls and even yummy s'mores that guests make themselves around a holiday campfire.
Holiday entertainment abounds at the Festival of Lights. Not to be missed is the amazing Lake of Lights show in the Lagoon area of the park, a spectacular giant Christmas tree and other amazing decorations with lights that blink and dance in synch with stirring holiday music. There are several other great shows, too!
So Much To See And Do!
The fun never stops at the Festival of Lights. Among other things, children can visit with Santa Claus (until Dec. 23), hop aboard the Wonderland Express train ride, a relaxing and leisurely way to take in the true beauty of the decorations and lights. A limited selection of other rides will be open, too. Of course, there is fun holiday gift-shopping in the park's gift shops.
Festival of Lights is open selected days November 15 - December 31. Please visit the website www.wildadventures.com for dates and times.
Adult admission $29.99. Children $14.99.
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
More Than a Million Sparkling Lights Illuminate New Holiday Celebration at Wild Adventures Theme Park
Monday, November 24, 2008
Book Now with AirTran Airways' 24-Hour Early Turkey Super Sale
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today launched a sale for travel from Atlanta to select destinations with fares starting as low as $29*. Travelers may purchase these sale fares at http://www.airtran.com/ or via AirTran Airways' reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
These special fares are available for purchase on November 24, 2008, and are good for travel from December 3, 2008 through December 17, 2008 as well as January 6, 2009 through February 11, 2009. Fares are valid for travel on nonstop flights departing Atlanta on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay.
"We are pleased to offer these ultra-low fares for our customers as an early holiday present to gobble up before they visit friends and family this holiday season," said Matthew Klein, director of pricing and distribution planning. "Don't delay as these fares are only available for sale through tonight, November 24, 2008!"
Following is a sample of the one-way sale fares. All fares are valid from Atlanta:
Sample Fares:
Atlanta - Akron/Canton $39
Atlanta - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $39
Atlanta - Boston $49
Atlanta - Buffalo/Niagara $49
Atlanta - Chicago (Midway) $49
Atlanta - Dallas/Ft. Worth $49
Atlanta - Dayton $39
Atlanta - Ft. Lauderdale $49
Atlanta - Ft. Myers $49
Atlanta - Houston (Hobby) $49
Atlanta - Jacksonville $29
Atlanta - Miami $49
Atlanta - Minneapolis/St. Paul $49
Atlanta - Newport News/Williamsburg $29
Atlanta - New Orleans $39
Atlanta - New York (LaGuardia) $49
Atlanta - Newark $49
Atlanta - Orlando $49
Atlanta - Philadelphia $39
Atlanta - Pittsburgh $39
Atlanta - Raleigh/Durham $29
Atlanta - Richmond $29
Atlanta - Tampa $49
Atlanta - Washington DC (Dulles) $39
Atlanta - West Palm Beach $49
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , a Fortune 1000 company, is ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights, North America's newest all-Boeing fleet, friendly service and Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com/.
*All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Any person traveling on or after December 5, 2008, will be charged a fee of up to $15 for the first checked bag. A second bag may be checked for a fee of up to $25 per person. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15 per person. Sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets must be purchased on November 24, 2008. Sale fares are valid for travel December 3 through December 17, 2008, and January 6 through February 11, 2009. Travel is valid from Atlanta only, on flights that depart before 9:30am and on nonstop routes only. Blackout dates are as follows: December 18, 2008 through January 5, 2009. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include per-segment tax of $3.50. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are not included. Fares to/from Puerto Rico do not include additional government taxes of up to $30.80.
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Sunday, November 23, 2008
Strategies for Snagging a Ski Season Deal
(ARA) - Last year marked a record-setting ski season for American resorts with 60.5 million skier visits, according to the National Ski Areas Association. This year, many ski enthusiasts are faced with tighter budgets and new economic challenges that have them searching for ways to save without giving up their annual trip to the mountains.
When looking to cut vacation costs, it all starts during the booking process. Top travel experts share the following tips for ski savings:
* Consider your lodging location. While “ski in/ski out” locations offer the convenience of walking out the door and hopping on the lift, opting for lodging a little further from the mountain can save you cash. And most ski resorts offer free shuttle services with stops throughout town, so getting to the slopes is not a hassle.
* Look for alternative lodging. For families and groups, alternative lodging like vacation rentals – homes, condos, cabins – can be much less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms. Check out vacationrentals.orbitz.com for more than 30,000 properties around the world.
* Ski on off-peak dates. Busy holiday weekends, including Christmas, and Martin Luther King and President’s weekends, can be more expensive and very busy. If you want to save money and avoid long lift lines, think “off peak.” Consider weekday versus weekend trips and you’ll save even more.
Low Prices at Popular Destinations
Online travel Web site, Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) has pulled together a list of the top ski destinations for the 2008-2009 ski season. Lake Tahoe takes the top spot while Colorado makes a strong showing with six of its most popular destinations on the list.
The good news is that popular doesn’t always mean expensive. For example, even as Lake Tahoe continues to remain skier’s favorite destination, it still offers the lowest average daily hotel rate of any ranking destination.
Top destinations and their average daily hotel rate are:
1. Lake Tahoe - $116
2. Breckenridge, Colo. – $225
3. Park City, Utah - $239
4. Vail, Colo. - $286
5. Aspen, Colo. - $227
6. Keystone, Colo. - $149
7. Winter Park, Colo. - $193
8. Whistler, British Columbia - $292
9. Banff, Alberta - $189
10. Steamboat Springs, Colo. - $204
With ski season lasting well into the early months of spring, there are many opportunities to grab up the perfect ski vacation package at the right price. By searching for deals in even the most popular ski locations, every traveler’s budget can be accommodated this ski season.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Saturday, November 22, 2008
Can You Spell Turkey? Think Alligator.
T2F Note: Here it is. The coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper for Thanksgiving is just a short drive away in Folkston, GA.
Down around the Okefenokee, turkey is spelled a-l-l-i-g-a-t-o-r. The Okefenokee Adventures is hosting a 2 night 3 day excursion from November 27-29. Join them on this exciting outdoors adventure. Enjoy the fall colors of the swamp. Spot baby alligators on the banks. Enjoy the tranquility of nature at its best.
Click here to learn more.
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Friday, November 21, 2008
For Cash-Strapped Vacationers, SmarterTravel(R) Offers Tips for Free Travel
/PRNewswire/ -- SmarterTravel.com's new "Free Travel Special Report," uncovers free (or nearly free) travel deals and offers a comprehensive list of attractions at top destinations around the world that won't cost the consumer a single penny.
"Given the current state of the economy, we at SmarterTravel want to make sure we're giving people the most up-to-date money-saving information," said Executive Editor, Anne Banas. "Our list spans activities in the most popular destinations with tips on free travel benefits that can make a vacation a little easier on the wallet."
Top free (or nearly free) travel deals of the season:
-- Escape to Tropical Bliss: Air Tahiti Nui is offering a kids-fly-free deal to French Polynesia; from now through the end of the year, when you book two adult Air Tahiti Nui fares from Los Angeles to French Polynesia you'll get two free fares for kids ages 11 or younger.
-- Surf a Couch: Sometimes hostels just aren't cheap enough, so why not crash for free with one of the nearly 800,000 members of the Couch Surfing Project, a worldwide network that helps travelers link up with hosts offering free accommodations. The mission of the network is to promote cultural exchange through free hosted overnight stays.
-- Travel Like Honeymooners: Club Meds' "Seven-Day Weekend" package is back, promising seven nights for the price of three at eight of its all-inclusive resorts. You must book by December 15 and travel by February 13 to take advantage of the promotion.
-- Head to Truly Budget Hawaii: Families staying at ResortQuest Hawaii hotels can take advantage of free meals and free attractions and admissions for kids year round. There are 26 participating hotels and condo resorts located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
SmarterTravel's list of free attractions:
-- History and Government in D.C.: Washington is truly a city where you can enjoy the highlights without ever reaching for your wallet. In addition to the Smithsonian Museums, many government buildings are also free. For an experience you'll never forget, tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
-- London Museums and Tours: The Tate Britain and Tate Modern art galleries are both free to visit. For more priceless works of art and history, the British Museum doesn't charge for admission. Also, London For Free has put together 10 self-guided free walking tours.
-- First Sundays in Paris: The key to free is visiting on the first Sunday of the month. By planning your visit this way, you can visit the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay for free (any time of year), as well as the Arc de Triomphe, Pantheon, and Sainte-Chappelle (October 1 through March 31).
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
AirTran Airways Responds to Obama Fervor: Airline Adds D.C. Flights for Inauguration
PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today announced that the airline will respond to customer demand by adding more roundtrip flights between Atlanta, Ga., and both Baltimore/Washington and Washington D.C. (Dulles), and between Milwaukee, Wis., and Baltimore/Washington on January 21, 2009, following President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20.
"We've had tremendous requests for flights to Washington D.C. during the period surrounding the presidential inauguration and we want to accommodate our customers by adding flights to meet the demand," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning for AirTran Airways.
Schedules for the additional flights originating in Atlanta and Milwaukee are available on airtran.com. Seats are still available leading up to the inauguration on flights along those routes, but AirTran Airways will consider adding more flights if the planes fill quickly before January. For more information, visit airtran.com.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Southwest Airlines Offers Three-Day Winter Fare Sale
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 'Tis the season for low fares at Southwest Airlines! Southwest Airlines is once again offering Customers fares as low as $49 one-way for travel this holiday season.
"We hope these low fares enable folks to be able to travel to see friends or family this holiday season and have money in their pockets once they arrive," said Dave Ridley, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Management. "But act fast -- they won't be around for long!"
Southwest's super low fares are available for purchase through Nov. 20, 2008, only. Visit http://www.southwest.com/?src=PRPRPRNGENR000000080808 to book these winter fares. Examples of the fares are listed below.
-- $49 one-way between Phoenix and San Diego.
-- $69 one-way between Las Vegas and Oakland.
-- $79 one-way between Oklahoma City and St. Louis.
-- $89 one-way between Detroit and Orlando.
FARE RULES
Southwest Airlines sale fares are available today through Nov. 20, 2008, and travel must take place between Dec. 9, 2008, and Feb. 28, 2009. Fares are only available on http://www.southwest.com/. Lowest fares are available Mondays through Thursdays, and Saturdays with higher sale fares available on Fridays and Sundays. Fares are available one-way. All tickets must be purchased 21-days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.50 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of $5.00. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but (except for tickets purchased through our Group Tickets program), if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only. Travel to/from New Orleans, Orange County, Salt Lake City, or Washington, D.C. (Dulles), not included in this sale.
Southwest is the only U.S. airline to remain consistently profitable this decade, and enjoys an unprecedented string of 35 consecutive years of profitability. Southwest has among the lowest cost structure, a strong balance sheet, and the most productive Employees of any major U.S. airline. At Southwest Airlines, fees don't fly with us. You can check your first two bags for free (size and weight limits apply), there are no change fees, no fees for a window or aisle seat, and, as always, snacks, sodas, and smiles are all complimentary!
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Book a Flight Before the Deals Have Flown Away with AirTran Airways' New Sale Fares
T2F Note: What deals! Wrap up some flights for Christmas gifts.
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today launched a sale for travel to all of the airline's destinations with fares starting as low as $39*. Travelers may purchase these sale fares at http://www.airtran.com/ or via AirTran Airways' reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
These special fares are available for purchase through November 20, 2008, and are good for travel through February 11, 2009. Off-peak fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Peak fares are valid Monday, Thursday and Friday. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay.
Following is a sample of the one-way sale fares. All fares require a 14-day advance purchase and are valid in either direction:
Sample Fares: Off-Peak Peak
Atlanta - Charleston $39 $59
Atlanta - Ft. Myers $64 $84
Atlanta - Los Angeles $129 $149
Atlanta - Memphis $49 $69
Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (Dulles or
Reagan National) $64 $84
Atlanta - White Plains (Westchester) $74 $94
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Atlanta $64 $84
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Milwaukee $64 $84
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Portland, Maine $59 $79
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - West Palm Beach $72 $92
Bloomington/Normal - Orlando $89 $109
Boston - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $59 $79
Buffalo/Niagara - Orlando $72 $92
Burlington - Atlanta $79 $99
Charlotte - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $59 $79
Chicago (Midway)- Sarasota/Bradenton $80 $100
Columbus, Ohio - Atlanta $59 $79
Dallas/Ft. Worth - Orlando $94 $114
Dayton - Tampa $76 $96
Ft. Lauderdale - Indianapolis $74 $94
Flint - Orlando $89 $109
Gulfport/Biloxi - Atlanta $39 $59
Harrisburg - Orlando $99 $119
Houston - Sarasota/Bradenton $99 $119
Indianapolis - Tampa $69 $89
Las Vegas - Milwaukee $109 $129
Milwaukee - Ft. Myers $99 $119
Milwaukee - New York (LaGuardia) $74 $94
Moline/Quad Cities - Atlanta $64 $84
Newport News/Williamsburg - Boston $49 $69
Orlando - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $78 $98
Orlando - Chicago (Midway) $83 $103
Orlando - Memphis $79 $99
Orlando - St. Louis $89 $109
Orlando - San Juan $69 $89
Pensacola - Atlanta $49 $69
Philadelphia - Atlanta $64 $84
Pittsburgh - Ft. Myers $71 $91
Portland, Maine - Orlando $84 $104
Richmond - New York (LaGuardia) $49 $69
Rochester - Tampa $75 $95
San Juan - Atlanta $99 $119
Washington, D.C. (Dulles or Reagan National)
- Ft. Myers $79 $99
White Plains (Westchester) - West Palm Beach $79 $99
AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company, offers more than 700 affordable, daily flights to 56 U.S. destinations. With 8,900 friendly Crew Members and America's youngest all-Boeing fleet, AirTran Airways provides XM Satellite Radio and Business Class seating on every flight. For more information and free online booking, visit http://www.airtran.com/.
*All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Any person traveling on or after December 5, 2008, will be charged $15 for the first checked bag. A second bag may be checked for a fee of up to $25 per person. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15 per person. Fourteen-day advance purchase required. Lowest sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Additional sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by November 20, 2008. Sale fares are valid for travel through February 11, 2009. Blackout dates are as follows: December 20, 23-24, 26-28, 2008; and January 3-4, 2009. Service to/from San Diego ends January 5, 2009. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include per-segment tax of $3.50. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are not included. Fares to/from Puerto Rico do not include additional government taxes of up to $30.80.
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Monday, November 17, 2008
39% of Consumers Traveling for Thanksgiving
PRNewswire/ -- With the economy in distress it wouldn't be surprising if people chose to stay home for the holidays this year. Yet, a recent Harris Interactive survey commissioned by Hotwire.com(R), a leading travel discount site, found that Thanksgiving is a holiday that people won't skip.
According to the survey, 39 percent of consumers will be traveling this Thanksgiving, which while seemingly low, is the same as those who opted to travel last year. And, similar to last year, of those consumers who will be traveling this holiday, 74 percent will travel shorter distances of 200 miles or less for the holiday.
"In an economic downturn, one might expect consumers to be more hesitant to travel even during the holidays," said Clem Bason, vice-president and travel expert at Hotwire. "However, our data shows that despite the tightening of purses, travel is inevitable this time of year and consumers should know that there are still great deals to be had on sites like Hotwire(R) if they are interested in hotel rooms, car rentals or even airfare."
As business travelers vacate for the Thanksgiving holiday, the number of empty hotel rooms increases. Hotwire has special relationships with major hotel suppliers to help them fill these hotel rooms that would otherwise go unsold, which means deep discounts for holiday travelers looking to take advantage of these great rates and stay in a hotel as opposed to a packed holiday house.
"This is a time when people look out for, not only their own bank accounts, but those of family and friends," said Clem Bason. "Thirty-five percent of the survey respondents are willing to spend up to $100 on a hotel room to help family or friends or avoid staying in a packed house. By booking unsold rooms on Hotwire, they will have a lot of great deals to choose from."
For example on Hotwire, a four-star hotel room in Downtown Los Angeles over Thanksgiving will run just $89 a night.* But, that's not only over the Thanksgiving holiday. Throughout the year, Hotwire delivers deals you can't find on other travel sites by helping hotels fill rooms that would otherwise sit empty.
Clem Bason has the following suggestions to help consumers save money this Thanksgiving and winter holiday season:
-- Go opaque: Sites that offer unsold inventory, like Hotwire, provide deep discounts to consumers because they help top travel providers fill empty airline seats, hotel rooms and extra car rentals.
-- Sign-up for travel alerts: Flight prices can vary from day-to-day. By signing up for travel alert services such as TripWatcher (http://www.hotwire.com/trip-watcher/index.jsp), consumers can make sure that they get the biggest bang for their buck.
-- Rent a car: With gas prices going down and extremely cheap car rental prices, consumers have a chance to save big and avoid putting wear and tear on their own cars by renting a car. By booking through Hotwire, consumers can rent a car from just $13.95 a day.
*Based on a Hotwire search conducted on November 13, 2008.
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Friday, November 14, 2008
'Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs' Makes U.S. Debut November 15 for Seven-Month Run at the Atlanta Civic Center
T2F Note: No doubt about it. This exhibit is worthy of the coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award.
PRNewswire/ -- "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs," a new National Geographic exhibition featuring more than 130 ancient Egyptian treasures, premieres tomorrow at the Atlanta Civic Center, where it will be on view through May 25, 2009. The exhibition, which will open with more than 100,000 tickets sold, features artifacts from the tomb of the celebrated pharaoh King Tutankhamun and other ancient sites representing 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. The exhibition in Atlanta is developed in partnership with the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University.
"Tutankhamun's magic still captures the hearts of people all over the world, even though more than 85 years have passed since the discovery of his amazing tomb," said Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. "America has welcomed the golden king, and now he returns, bringing with him all the great pharaohs of Egypt. This exhibition will raise much-needed funds for the preservation of Egypt's monuments and the construction and renovation of museums throughout the country. I always say that Egyptian antiquities are the heritage of the world and that we are only their guardians."
The touring exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of the tour, and American Airlines is the official airline.
The exhibition features an audio tour and National Geographic video documentary, both narrated by award-winning actor, Harrison Ford.
Proceeds from the tour will go toward antiquities preservation and conservation efforts in Egypt, including the construction of a new grand museum in Cairo.
"Egypt's ancient treasures are among the world's greatest cultural legacies," said Terry Garcia, executive vice president, National Geographic Society. "Even with the great wealth of research that already exists, new technologies continue to open up the past in ways never imagined. Visitors to this exhibition will not only see stunning artifacts spanning 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, but they will also learn more about the life and death of Tutankhamun through recent CT scans conducted on his mummy."
To correspond with the King Tut exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center, a slate of Egyptian-themed experiences and programming will take place throughout the city, including "Wonderful Things: The Harry Burton Photographs and the Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun" at the Michael C. Carlos Museum. On view November 15, 2008, through May 25, 2009, this photography exhibition features 50 photographs taken by Harry Burton, the photographer who accompanied explorer Howard Carter on the Tutankhamun expedition and documented the moment-by-moment discovery of King Tut's untouched tomb.
"The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was an unforgettable moment in recent history. We look forward to highlighting, through educational programs and our special exhibition 'Wonderful Things,' the magic of that discovery and the profound impact it had on our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and its significance today," said Bonnie Speed, director of the Michael C. Carlos Museum.
Also during the exhibition run, Giant Screen Films will offer "Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies," a 22-minute 3D movie presented by Dolby(R) 3D Digital Cinema that follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies. The movie will show in a custom theater adjacent to the exhibition space every half-hour, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., seven days a week.
Additionally, more than 100 businesses throughout the city are participating in a "Tutlanta" affinity card that comes with King Tut ticket purchases, entitling cardholders to more than $900 worth of Egyptian-themed offerings and discounts at participating locations. A full listing of offers is available at http://www.tutlanta.com/.
"Tutankhamun has been welcomed to Atlanta with open arms, which is evidenced by the outpouring of support from local businesses and community leaders, as well as rapid ticket sales for this new exhibition," said John Norman, president, Arts and Exhibitions International. "There is an enduring interest in Egypt's heritage, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Atlanta residents and visitors to see a collection of world treasures that represent a veritable who's who of ancient Egypt."
The exhibition is made possible in part by support from Northern Trust and American Airlines.
"For nearly 120 years, Northern Trust has strived to increase social interaction and a sense of community, and integrate the arts into education and other outreach activities," said Frederick H. Waddell, president and chief executive officer of Northern Trust Corporation. "We look forward to sharing this extraordinary event with the Atlanta community, as well as visitors from around the world."
Exhibition organizers anticipate the exhibition will attract visitors throughout the region.
"American Airlines is thrilled to have a role in bringing 'Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs' to its Atlanta premiere," said Dan Garton, executive vice president of marketing for American Airlines. "As the official airline of the exhibition, we are pleased that American Airlines is helping to make it possible for these extraordinary objects to be seen by thousands of visitors."
"Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" is the second National Geographic touring exhibition dedicated to the remarkable treasures of King Tutankhamun and ancient Egyptian royalty. It will travel next to Indianapolis following the Atlanta run. The first exhibition, "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," drew nearly 5 million visitors and broke records at the five venues it visited from June 2005 through August 2008, and recently began a three-city encore tour in Dallas.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Premiering November 15, 2008, to May 25, 2009, at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" features striking objects from some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, from the 4th Dynasty into the Late Period (about 2600 B.C. - 660 B.C.). Derived from a variety of contexts, including temples and royal and private tombs, many of these artifacts have never before visited the United States.
Tutankhamun was one of the last kings of Egypt's 18th Dynasty and ruled during a crucial, turmoil-filled period of Egyptian history. The boy king died under mysterious circumstances around age 18 or 19, in the ninth year of his reign (1323 B.C.).
The exhibition highlights more than 50 treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb and more than 70 artifacts representing other pharaohs and notables, along with the latest scientific research about King Tut. The storyline follows the splendor of the Egyptian pharaohs, their function in the earthly and divine worlds, and what kingship meant to the Egyptian people.
Four galleries devoted to King Tut correspond to the four rooms of his nearly intact tomb, where the treasures were discovered by British explorer Howard Carter in 1922. Legendary artifacts from the antechamber, the annex, the treasury and the burial chamber include Tutankhamun's golden sandals, jewelry, furniture, weaponry and statuary.
The final gallery features CT scans of Tutankhamun that were obtained as part of a landmark, Egyptian research and conservation project, partially funded by National Geographic, that will CT-scan the ancient mummies of Egypt. The Tutankhamun scans were captured through the use of a portable CT scanner, donated by Siemens Medical Solutions, which allowed researchers to compile the first three-dimensional picture of Tutankhamun and discover more about his life and death.
VISITOR AND TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets to the exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center can be purchased for visits every day of the week, on the half-hour from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (galleries close at 7 p.m.). Single tickets range from $16.50-$32.50 and are available at the exhibition box office, 1-877-TUT-TKTS (1-877-888-8587) or http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Group tickets for 10 or more are available at 1-866-52GROUP (1-866-524-7687) or http://www.kingtut.org/. Audio tours ($7) and tickets for "Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies" ($5) can be added at the time of purchase or at the exhibition.
The "Cairo Cafe," a walkup location featuring light fare including soup, salads, sandwiches, snacks and beverages, is located in the lobby and is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Hotel packages, including VIP tickets for anytime access that are not available to the general public, are being offered at Atlanta-area Marriott hotels, including Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown, Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown, Courtyard Atlanta Midtown/Georgia Tech, Residence Inn Atlanta Midtown/17th Street, Residence Inn Atlanta Midtown/Historic, Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown, JW Marriott Hotel Buckhead Atlanta, Springhill Suites Atlanta Buckhead, Atlanta Marriott Century Center, Residence Inn Atlanta Buckhead, Residence Inn Atlanta Buckhead/Lenox Park, Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center, Atlanta Marriott Downtown and Courtyard Atlanta Executive Park/Emory. Packages also are available at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (Downtown) and The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. More information is available at http://www.kingtuthotels.com/ or http://www.kingtut.org/.
About the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University
The Michael C. Carlos Museum, founded in 1919, has long been dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art and artifacts from antiquity to the present. Some 16,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, the Americas, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as works on paper from the Renaissance to the present day, provide visitors with a glimpse into the art and history of world cultures. The museum aims to provide unique opportunities for education and enrichment in the community, and to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research at Emory University. The Carlos Museum's educational programming -- with an active schedule of lectures, symposia, workshops, performances, and summer camps -- benefits all who interact with the museum community. Annual participation from 100,000 visitors, 30,000 children, and almost 1 million internet users of Odyssey Online, Carlos Museum's interactive Web site accessed by English-speaking classrooms around the world, reveals the Museum's commitment to making art and artifacts relevant and accessible to all. In addition to conducting scientific analysis and treatment of museum collections, the Carlos Conservation Laboratory also offers teaching and training opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in art, conservation, preservation, and science. Located at the heart of Emory University's Atlanta campus, the Carlos Museum serves as the South's premier museum of ancient art.
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
Traveling This Holiday Season? Book With Expedia and Give Yourself the Gift of a Vacation
PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expedia announced today some good news for the approximately 32 million U.S. travelers planning to fly this holiday season(1) -- book your holiday flight with Expedia and receive $200 toward a vacation in 2009. Whether the annual pilgrimage home for the holidays is their favorite vacation of the year, or it reminds travelers how much they actually need a vacation, Expedia has launched its Holiday Kickback promotion to help make the holidays a little merrier.
The Expedia Holiday Kickback, which is available to travelers booking and flying round-trip within the U.S. prior to January 3, 2009, includes a $200 coupon to use on a flight and hotel stay of five or more nights between January 3, 2009 and March 30, 2009. To redeem coupon, travel must be booked before March 25, 2009.
"We know that many people are committed to traveling to see their families during the holidays, and they may end up prioritizing that trip over a vacation for themselves," said Sean Kell, general manager of Expedia.com. "The Expedia Holiday Kickback was created to give holiday travelers across the country something to look forward to while visiting family this holiday season."
The winter months hold some of the best vacation values, with many destinations lowering prices as demand drops. In addition, many U.S. airfares are at or below 2007 rates. Following are a few examples of the current deals Expedia has for travel in early 2009 -- toward which the $200 Holiday Kickback Coupon could be applied:
Hawaii
-- Flight + five nights in the Waikiki Marina Resort in Honolulu, starting
from $490 per person
-- Flight + five nights in the Royal Lahaina Resort in Maui, starting from
$791 per person
Caribbean
-- Flight + five nights in the Paradise Island Harbor Resort All Inclusive
in the Bahamas (Nassau), starting from $734 per person
-- Flight + five nights in the Casa Marina Beach and Reef -- an Amhsa
Marina Resort in the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata), starting from
$575 per person
Florida
-- Flight + five nights in the Sheraton Suites Plantation in Fort
Lauderdale, starting from $549 per person
-- Flight + five nights in the Wyndham Orlando Resort, starting from $515
per person
For some U.S. travelers, the first trip they plan in 2009 may be to attend the 56th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. For those travelers, Expedia has launched a new travel resource as go-to source for insider tips to help visitors make the most of their time and budget in the nation's capital during the presidential inauguration.
For more information on inauguration travel, visit http://www.expedia.com/inauguration. For more information on the Expedia Holiday Kickback and to book your holiday travel now, visit http://www.expedia.com/.
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Smith House Joins Historic Hotels of America
T2F Note: "There's gold in them hills!!" Dahlonega and the history of gold in Georgia- just another one of the coveted Fayette Front Page Day Trippers.
PRNewswire/ -- The Smith House in Dahlonega Georgia is pleased to announce it has joined Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a brand of Preferred Hotel Group.
The Smith House is one of more than 220 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.
"The trend of cultural travel in America continues to grow," said Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America. "By inviting The Smith House into our collection of distinguished properties, we are continuing to encourage historic preservation while at the same time showcasing this hotel's rich history."
To be selected for membership in National Trust Historic Hotels, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance.
"We are extremely honored and excited to become one of the newest members among such a prestigious group of historic hotels in the United States," said Chris Welch of The Smith House.
Originally built as a residence for a wealthy Dahlonega merchant, The Smith House garnered attention even before it was built. In 1899, the local newspaper reported that while excavating a cellar on the property, workers discovered a very rich vein of gold ore. It was described as several feet wide and depth unknown. The city fathers refused to allow a mining operation to be
constructed on the property which is located only one block from the downtown public square.
In 2006, while undergoing a major renovation, a mine shaft was discovered in the basement of the main house. It is suspected that the original owner of the property, Frank Wayland Hall, may have been secretively mining for gold in the basement of his house.
Today, The Smith House delivers an authentic historic experience in a modern and comfortable environment. Guestrooms may be booked online at www.smithhouse.com .
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Sunday, November 09, 2008
Honoring America’s Veterans In The National Parks
Americans have always answered their country’s call to duty and fought no matter what the cause or reason for the war. The events of these wars and the people that fought and died for this country are valued by all Americans as links to our common heritage and our growth as a nation. Many of the places where they fought are today commemorated in areas managed by the National Park Service.
All military personnel, past and present, and their families will receive free admittance to any of the country’s 391 National Park Service sites on Tuesday, November 11th, in honor of Veteran’s Day. The fee waiver applies to entrance fees only. Normally, 147 National Park Service sites charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. Some parks might also waive other fees on an individual basis. Veteran’s Day and National Public Lands Day in September are the only two days when entrance fees are waived nationwide. The administrative fee waiver of entrance and/or standard amenity fees is applied annually on Veterans Day at public recreation lands managed by Interior’s National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation and Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.
“I invite everyone to visit our many national parks that preserve and commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women who have fought in America’s wars,” said Director Bomar. “On Veteran’s Day, and every day, what better way to learn about the hallowed places preserved in the National Park System and to honor the sacrifices of our veterans, than by visiting a national park.”
The National Park Service has the honor of preserving many battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. The ideals and freedoms they fought for are remembered throughout the National Park System in areas as diverse as King’s Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina, Fort McHenry National Monument in Maryland, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in Virginia, Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site in Texas and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. National parks preserve and commemorate these sites of historical significance in the on-going growth of this nation as part of its core mission to preserve important cultural resources.
By logging onto the “Honor America’s Veterans at Battlefields and Military Park Preserved in the National Park System” website, found at "More Information" below, people can learn of the many special places managed by the National Park Service. In addition to a list of national park sites, the web site includes information and web links to books and documents related to the theme of battlefields and military parks.
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Friday, November 07, 2008
United Airlines Discounts Fees to Check First Bag Online and Rescinds Planned Increase to Second Bag Fee
PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United is offering customers a 20 percent discount on the fee to check a first bag when they pay for it on united.com between Nov. 10, 2008 and Jan. 31, 2009. United also has canceled its previously-announced plans to increase the domestic second bag fee from $25 to $50 one way. The fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight will remain $25 one way.
Starting on Nov. 10, 2008, customers may do all of the following on united.com from the comfort of their home, office or hotel without waiting in line at the airport:
-- pay fees for checked baggage, which enables them to use special united.com bag drop areas at select airports;
-- purchase seating in Economy Plus, which starts at $14 one way, to enjoy up to five extra inches of legroom; and
-- purchase Award Accelerator, which starts at $9, to earn travel awards faster by multiplying the number of Mileage Plus miles earned on United flights.
"Now our customers may enjoy more convenience and better value when they check-in at united.com before their trip," says Dennis Cary, chief marketing and customer officer. "We are listening to our customers, and these changes are designed to give them more choice and flexibility to customize their travel experience while keeping our prices competitive in a rapidly changing market environment."
United also recently launched its new Door-to-Door Baggage service that enables customers to conveniently ship their suitcases, or other travel items like skis or golf clubs, overnight directly to their destination within the 48 contiguous United States. United's prices are simple and more economical than similar overnight services offered by other luggage shipping services. More information about Door-to-Door Baggage, Economy Plus seating, Award Accelerator and all the Travel Options by United is available at united.com/traveloptions.
The fees to check a first or second bag do not apply to customers who are flying in United First(R) or United Business(R), have Premier or above status with United or Star Alliance, or active duty military personnel traveling on orders.
The $15 first bag and $25 second bag fees apply to customers who purchase a ticket for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Customers may continue to carry on one bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer that fits under the seat or in an overhead bin. For itineraries that include international flights (except Canada), checking a first and second bag that weighs less than 50 pounds continues to be free.
Details on United's checked bag policy are available at united.com/baggage.
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Thursday, November 06, 2008
UWG Ingram Library Hosts WWII Exhibit Through December 12
T2F Note: American veterans. We remember and honor them. With Veteran's Day fast approaching, this exhibit receives the Fayette Front Page Day Tripper approval.
In observance of Veterans Day, the Ingram Library at the University of West Georgia will host a photograph exhibit, “Images of Small Town Americans in World War II,” from Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Friday, Dec. 12. The exhibit is free and the community is welcome to attend.
The personal collections of 18 men and women who served in Europe, the Pacific and North Africa in World War II documents a pivotal time in these soldiers’ lives and in American and world history.
In 2000, Smyrna resident Patricia Burns started collecting veterans’ oral histories and historical war items for the Smyrna Museum. The photographs in the exhibit were contributed from the veterans’ personal collections.
“These pictures show their youth, vibrancy and contribution during World War II, which forever changed them and the world,” said Burns. “They are also a reminder of so many young men and women who never made it home to grow old.”
The photographs tell the stories of U.S. Navy Signalman Grady “Pete” Burnette, First Lieutenant Dorothy “Dot” Bacon, Technical Sergeant Edward LaPorta and Private First Class Arthur Crowe, Jr.
Burnette hitchhiked from Powder Springs to Atlanta to join the Navy and fought in the Battle of the Java Sea, a major naval Pacific campaign of WWII, on a small destroyer. When the Japanese sank the small destroyer, he was captured and made a prisoner of war for more than three years.
Bacon, of Sumter, SC, served as a nurse in an English hospital during the war, where she worked long hours patching and suturing patients when the surgeons were too busy to do it.
LaPorta, an Italian immigrant, was one of 20 men in his company of 220 to survive the invasion of North Africa. Taken prisoner by the Germans, he was confined to camps in Italy and Germany. On transfer from one German camp to another, he refused to abandon a sick friend, pulling him on a make shift sled and then carrying him the remaining 80 miles, saving his life.
Crowe dropped out of The Citadel to join the army and participated in the Invasion of Normandy where he drove a truck off a landing barge and nearly drowned.
On an advance survey team in the Cherbourg Peninsula, he encountered a retreating German division and using the code word “serenade” helped communicate an order to attack that ultimately launched 800 artillery shells within a 20-second period.
Ingram Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.
For more information, call 678-839-5337.
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Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Delta Aligns Policies and Fees to Offer Consistency for Customers Traveling on Delta- and Northwest-Operated Flights
Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced the alignment of policies and fees for customers traveling on Delta- and Northwest-operated flights as the airline works to ensure a seamless and consistent customer experience during the integration of the two carriers.
Some of the changes to align Delta and Northwest’s policies and fees include:
Elimination of SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket fuel surcharges – Effective immediately, Delta will eliminate the $25-$100 fuel surcharges assessed for SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket travel originating from the U.S. and Canada. The surcharges were instituted earlier this year by both airlines in response to unprecedented fuel costs.
Reduction of Reservation Sales Direct Ticketing charges – Delta, effective Nov. 6, will reduce the fee assessed for tickets purchased over the phone from a reservations sales representative from $25 to $20 consistent with Northwest’s policy. Delta will also reduce the fee collected when customers redeem either SkyMiles or WorldPerks award travel over the phone with a reservations sales representative from $25 to $20. As always, there will continue to be no charge for customers who book tickets and redeem award travel online at either delta.com or nwa.com.
Elimination of curbside check-in administrative fees – Delta, effective Dec. 5, will discontinue the $3 curbside check-in administration fee. With this change, customers no longer will incur an administrative fee for checking bags via skycaps for Delta- and Northwest-operated flights at airport locations worldwide, consistent with Northwest’s policy.
Alignment of first and second checked bag fees – Effective immediately, for travel on or after Dec. 5, customers flying within the United States will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag when traveling domestically, consistent with Northwest’s existing policies. Customers who purchased Delta tickets on or before Nov. 5, 2008, and who are traveling on or after Dec. 5, 2008, will be charged $50 for a second bag, but will be permitted to check their first bag without charge pursuant to Delta’s previous policy. All customers flying in First or Business Class, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members, will receive up to three checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members flying in Coach Class will receive up to two checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. All customers traveling in full fare (Y) Coach Class, as well as customers traveling internationally will receive up to two checked bags, up to 50 pounds each, for free. U. S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders will continue to be able to check up to 10 pieces of luggage on Delta- and Northwest-operated mainline flights or up to four pieces of luggage on Delta Connection flights, up to a maximum of 100 pounds each, free of charge.
Addition of “Coach Choice Seats” on Delta flights – Last week, Delta began offering customers the opportunity to purchase “Coach Choice Seats” on select Delta and Delta Connection flights when they use self-service check-in within 24 hours of their scheduled departure time. A service currently offered at Northwest, the program offers “Coach Choice Seats” for $5-$25 based on distance traveled and seat location. Additionally, SkyMiles Medallion members, WorldPerks Elite members, SkyTeam Elite members and passengers confirmed in Y or B class may select a “Coach Choice” seat at no additional charge when checking in online or at a kiosk within 24 hours of departure. Coach Choice Seats represent less than 10 percent of all seat assignments available on Delta-operated flights. SkyMiles Medallion and WorldPerks Elite members will continue to enjoy access to preferred seating (i.e. select bulkhead, exit row and forward cabin-seating) without a charge at the time of booking.
Most other Northwest baggage policies and fees will be aligned to Delta’s structure, effective Dec. 5. Travel on Delta and Northwest tickets purchased prior to the announcement of these changes will continue to be governed by the prior Delta and Northwest policies. Additional details about Delta’s newly aligned policies and fees can be found at delta.com.
“The increase in bags being carried on board Delta aircraft this year tells us that customers are not differentiating Delta as the only major airline not charging for a first checked bag,” said Steve Gorman, Delta’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As we align customer policies and fees to simplify the travel experience for our customers throughout the merger, Delta is adopting proven practices from both Delta and Northwest that have been broadly accepted in the marketplace.”
Although Delta and Northwest policies and fees are being aligned over the next 30 days, customers are reminded to continue checking in for flights and doing business directly with the airline operating their flights just as they did before the merger. Delta will continue operation of the airlines’ separate Web sites, www.delta.com and www.nwa.com, as well as the two airlines’ reservations systems and loyalty programs. The companies will be integrated through a thoughtful process with customer benefits continuing to roll out over the next 12-24 months.
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World's Smoothest Riding Horse Comes to Jacksonville, FL, Nov. 7-9
T2F Note: This sounds like a fun weekend event just south of the Georgia border in Jacksonville.
/PRNewswire/ -- You can actually feel it before you see it because the ground almost trembles. Then, a moment later you can hear it. It is a rhythm unlike any you have ever heard. And when you finally see it, you get it. It is excitement and it is back. Today is a new day in the Paso world. It is the opportunity for all of us to remember why we were drawn to these magnificent equine athletes from the moment we first saw them. It is the opportunity to honor and celebrate the heritage of the breed. It is the opportunity to share the passion and emotion when the winner emerges above the rest.
It's the World's Smoothest Horse, and they are coming to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center (13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL) this weekend (November 7-9, 2008). Come experience a ride on the World's Smoothest Horse at the IPHF U.S. National Championships.
The International Paso Horse Federation (IPHF) is hosting the first-ever U.S. National Championships, and is inviting the public and the press to come out and experience the Paso Horse. Over 375 of the best horses in the country will be competing for the top honors of the breed during this three-day event.
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The National Archives Celebrates Lincoln's Bicentennial
PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Archives will celebrate the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth throughout 2009 with special films, public programs, lectures and document displays that will provide historical insight into Lincoln's effect on such things as the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation and his legacy as commander in chief. These events are free and open to the public and will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., which is located on the National Mall at Constitution Ave. and 7th Street, N.W., and is fully accessible.
The highlight of the year-long celebration of Lincoln's birthday will be a special display of the original Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln, over the Presidents' Day holiday, from Thursday, February 12 through Monday, February 16, in the National Archives East Rotunda Gallery. The special display of the original Emancipation Proclamation is free and open to the public.
Saturday, January 17, 2009 - Film: Abraham Lincoln
Noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Thursday, January 22, 2009 - Lecture: Giants: The Parallel Lives of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln
Noon, William G. McGowan Theater
This work stands apart from traditional biographies as author John Stauffer discusses how these two men made themselves, and how in many ways they defined each other and their times through use of language, self-education, hard work, compromise, persuasion, and an intuitive genius for politicking.
Saturday, February 7, 2009 - Lincoln Family Day
Noon-3 pm
Hands-on activities featuring the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.
Monday, February, 9, 2009 - Lecture: Lincoln the Inventor
Noon, Washington Room
Jason Emerson is the first historian to treat the subject of Abraham Lincoln's invention of "a device to buoy vessels over shoals" and its subsequent patent as more than a historical footnote while also delving into the ramifications of Lincoln's intellectual curiosity and inventiveness and how he even encouraged the creation of new weapons for the Union during the Civil War. To understand Lincoln the inventor, is to better understand Lincoln the man.
Thursday, February 12, 2009 - Lecture and discussion with Senator George McGovern on Abraham Lincoln
6 pm, William G. McGowan Theater
Author discussion with Senator George McGovern speaking on his book, Abraham Lincoln, the latest in the Times Books American Presidents series. Series editor Sean Wilentz will join Senator McGovern in the discussion.
**February 12-16, 2009 - Featured Document Display: The Emancipation Proclamation**
Thursday, February 12 through Monday, February 16, 2009
National Archives East Rotunda Gallery
In celebration of Lincoln's birthday and the Presidents' Day holiday, the National Archives will display the original Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. The special display of the Emancipation Proclamation is free and open to the public.
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War, formally proclaiming the freedom of all slaves held in areas still in revolt. The issuance of this Proclamation clarified and strengthened the position of the Union government, decreased the likelihood of European support of the Confederacy and, as the Union armies extended their occupation of the southern states, brought freedom to the slaves in those states. The Proclamation invited black men to join the Union Army and Navy, resulting in the enlistment of approximately 200,000 freed slaves and free black people before the War's end.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery in the nation, it placed the issue squarely on top of the wartime agenda. It added moral force to the Union cause and was a significant milestone leading to the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865, formally outlawing slavery throughout the nation.
The Emancipation Proclamation linked the preservation of American constitutional government to the end of slavery and has come to take its place with the great documents of freedom.
Saturday, February, 14, 2009 - Film: Young Mr. Lincoln
Noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - Lecture: The Great Comeback: How Abraham Lincoln Beat the Odds to Win the 1860 Republican Nomination
Noon, Jefferson Room
After his loss to Stephen Douglas in the 1858 senatorial campaign, Lincoln was in despair and taking stock of his life. Author Gary Ecelbarger takes us on a journey with Abraham Lincoln from the last weeks of 1858 until the end of May in 1860, on the road to his unlikely presidential nomination.
Saturday, March, 28, 2009 - Film: The Prisoner of Shark Island
Noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - Lecture: Lincoln and the Speeds
Noon, Jefferson Room
Author Bryan S. Bush tells the story of the close friendship between brothers Joshua and James Speed and Abraham Lincoln and how the three men worked together to preserve the Union, even though they followed different paths. After Lincoln's death, the Speeds helped to preserve his legacy.
Thursday, April 16, 2009 - Lecture: The Lincoln Conspirators: Their Confinement and Execution as Recorded in the Letterbook of John Frederick Hartranft
7 pm, William G. McGowan Theater
Author discussion with Harold Holzer and Edward Steers, Jr., editors of prison commander John Frederick Hartranft's account of the confinement of the Lincoln assassination conspirators, while they were incarcerated at the Washington Arsenal in 1865.
Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Film: The Littlest Rebel
Noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Saturday, May 16, 2009 - Film: Abe Lincoln in Illinois
Noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Saturday, June 13, 2009 - Film: National Treasure II
Noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Related Exhibitions
"BIG-Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives"
To celebrate a big anniversary--our 75th--the National Archives presents an exhibition featuring big records, big events, and big ideas. The exhibition opens on March 13, 2009, in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery, and will run through January 3, 2010. "BIG" features architect John Russell Pope's proposal for a monument to Lincoln, and a photo of Lincoln at Gettysburg the day he delivered the Gettysburg Address. The photo is included with a map of Gettysburg that measures roughly 13'x13'.
Discovering the Civil War
The celebration will continue in 2010, with "Discovering the Civil War" -- a new two-part exhibition in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery. Part A of the exhibition will open in March, 2010. Part B will open in September, 2010.
Public Vaults permanent exhibition
The Public Vaults exhibition of the National Archives Experience features a Lincoln telegram, an image of Lincoln and his general after Antietam, a facsimile of all five pages of the Emancipation Proclamation, a letter congratulating Lincoln on his re-election, and an interactive exhibit about the Lincoln assassination and the Booth conspiracy.
To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call the Public Programs Line at: (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events on the web at: http://www.archives.gov/calendar/. To contact the National Archives, please call 1-866-272-6272 or 1-86-NARA-NARA (TDD) 301-837-0482.
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Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Six New Express Tours Added to Holland America Line's 2009 Alaska Program
PRNewswire/ -- Debuting in 2009, six Holland America Line Express Tours entice travelers to Alaska to add a few more days onto their trip to travel inland and experience more of the great state of Alaska. Express Tours combine a weeklong cruise through the Inside Passage with two or three nights in Anchorage and Talkeetna.
"The Express Tours are for our guests who don't have enough time to do a full CruiseTour but still want to experience Alaska's interior," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "These six tours are an incredible value. Guests will get a taste of the beauty and vastness of the state."
All the Express Tours include a seven-day cruise between Seward (gateway to Anchorage) and Vancouver, British Columbia or reverse. Itineraries vary by ship but all include Inside Passage scenic cruising, a spectacular glacier viewing experience and port calls in Juneau, Ketchikan and either Haines or Skagway. Some itineraries also include a port call in Sitka.
Express Tours #79 (northbound) and #80 (southbound) combine the cruise with two nights in Anchorage, city sightseeing and a tour to the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC). The ANHC is a cultural center and museum with classes, demonstrations and exhibits exploring the traditional way of life of all the indigenous cultures in Alaska. An outdoor village site includes six life-size authentic Native dwellings along with artifacts used in daily life. Rates start at $899 per person, based on double occupancy.
Express Tours #81 (northbound) and #82 (southbound) combine a seven-day cruise with a trip on the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage for two nights. The scenic train ride to Anchorage passes through the Chugach Mountains and along Turnagin Arm. Guests will stay two nights in Anchorage and enjoy city sightseeing and a tour to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Rates start at $949 per person based on double occupancy.
Express Tours #83 (northbound) and #84 (southbound) combine a seven-day cruise with two nights in Anchorage, and one in Talkeetna. After spending the first night in Anchorage, guests will enjoy sightseeing on the luxurious McKinley Explorer train from Anchorage to Talkeetna. Spectacular views of Mt. McKinley can be seen from the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. A two-hour Wilderness Jet Boat Adventure in the afternoon takes guests on a thrilling exploration of the area. The McKinley Explorer takes guests back to Anchorage the next day for one last night. Rates start at $1,249 per person based on double occupancy.
Holland America Line has been leading tours in Alaska for more than 60 years and has eight premium ships offering a total of 156 cruises and 29 CruiseTours ranging from 10 to 20 days in length. The new Express Tours are now open for booking. For more information about booking, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.
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Monday, November 03, 2008
AAA & Its Travel Partners Announce 'Best and Biggest' Vacation Bargains to Help Kick-Start the Economy
PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAA - North America's largest leisure travel agency network - is partnering with domestic and international travel industry leaders to offer special savings on an unprecedented set of travel experiences. The effort - which runs Nov. 8 - 22 is intended to boost the number of Americans traveling this fall and winter, and spur an increase in overall economic activity in the process.
"At AAA's request, many of the world's leading travel providers have come forward with outstanding, special promotional discounts, extras and upgrades to help get America moving again," said Amy Nicholas, managing director of Tour, Cruise and Product Development for AAA. "World-class cruise lines, tour operators, hoteliers, theme parks and other special destinations have agreed to work with AAA in bringing consumers the widest-possible menu of incredible travel opportunities over the next few months. We are positive new and experienced travelers will like what they see," she said.
An estimated $700 billion is spent on travel annually and the travel industry directly or indirectly employs 7.5 million Americans. It contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to global trade and enriches our collective understanding and appreciation of other people and places.
To access AAA's "Best and Biggest" travel promotion, consumers will be directed through a series of media and AAA club advertisements to: www.AAA.com/SavingsEvent. Savings are available to members and the non-members, but there are additional exclusive benefits for members.
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Sunday, November 02, 2008
Save on King Tut/First Emperor VIP Package at Atlanta Marriott Marquis
T2F Note: We can't wait for the King Tut exhibit to open in Atlanta. Here's an idea to consider just in case your adventure is too long for a day trip.
PRNewswire/ -- Discover two of the most significant excavations of the ancient world in one unforgettable weekend at this downtown Atlanta hotel. Experience the wonders of ancient Egypt with the King Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs exhibit as well as one of the greatest finds of the 20th century with the First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army exhibit, showing simultaneously at the Atlanta Civic Center and Atlanta High Museum of Art November 16, 2008 - April 19, 2009.
The King Tut/First Emperor VIP Package includes:
-- Deluxe Atlanta accommodations for one night
-- Breakfast for two
-- Two V.I.P King Tut tickets for any date and time, even if the
exhibition is sold out
-- "Front of the line" access to the King Tut exhibition, at the Atlanta
Civic Center
-- Two High Museum tickets, includes "next available time" for First
Emperor exhibition
-- Complimentary hotel parking
-- Rates from $259-$429 (one-night weekend stay from $259 per night, add
a second night for $170*, $429** per stay)
-- Package subject to availability 11/15/08 - 4/19/09
Uncover the greatest findings of ancient history while staying at the premier luxury hotel in Atlanta.
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Saturday, November 01, 2008
Make Your Next Fishing Trip An Eco-Friendly One
(NAPSI)-The next time you go fishing, be an environmentally conscious angler and keep your favorite fishing spots clean to ensure that future generations can reap the many rewards of the sport, says BP Pro Bass Angler Judy Israel, an 11-year veteran on the professional bass fishing circuit. On tour 120 days a year, Israel spends the majority of her time fishing and she has some simple tips on how to make your next excursion more enjoyable and eco-friendly:
Lighten your load before you hit the road and the water
An eco-friendly fishing trip begins before you hit the water, so be sure to prepare your tow-vehicle (or car) and boat for the trip. Before you tackle the drive, get the "junk out of your trunk" and leave nonessential items housed on your boat at home. "You can save fuel by taking simple steps like lightening your vehicle's load and keeping your tires properly inflated," said Israel. "And, don't forget to stop at your local BP to fill up with quality fuel. With continuous use, quality fuel, like that at BP, can clean up a dirty engine caused by the use of low quality fuel, resulting in smoother acceleration, less hesitation, restored fuel economy and reduced emissions."
Before you cast your line, bait with the right hooks
Oftentimes, an angler's hook can get caught in a fish's mouth; by using bronze hooks, which rust out over time, you can reduce the risk of injuring the fish. Avoid stainless steel hooks, since they are very durable and have a higher chance of lingering within a fish's mouth after it has been released.
While on the water, choose lead-free sinkers
Sinkers are easy to lose and can end up sitting at the bottom of fishing spots for years. Most are made from lead, a highly toxic metal that has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of fish. Recently, eco-friendly alternative sinkers entered the market that are lead-free and some are even invisible to fish.
After you've reeled-in the "big catch"… release it
Be sure to release your fish after catching it, to help reduce bass mortality and to ensure this popular sport maintains a healthy fish stock for future generations. "Taking proper care of the species is the number-one priority of environmentally conscious anglers," said Israel. "It's exciting when you reel in a great catch, but releasing your fish back into its natural environment will keep the sport of bass fishing alive for a long time to come."
Although it may take some small, initial changes to make your fishing routine green, Israel says it pays to make the switch.
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