The World's Largest Brachiosaurus at The World's Largest Children's Museum

/PRNewswire/ — They lived 145 million years ago, walked on four legs, were three times as tall as giraffes, were as long as humpback whales and weighed up to 88 tons. They were so large that they probably had no predators, so they ruled the late Jurassic world and they are sure to rule The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. An approximately 50-foot-tall, 75-foot-long mother dinosaur will appear to lift the roof of the New Welcome Center, allowing her 30-foot-long child to enter the building. The gentle plant-eaters are among the most widely known dinosaurs in the world. Will you recognize them when you come face-to-face with them?

The three giant Alamosaurs bursting from the Dinosphere exhibit's exterior help get children excited about entering the world of dinosaurs. It is our hope that the addition of the Brachiosaurus to the new expansion will continue to compel children and their families to explore the world of science," said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Gary Staab of Staab Studios, located in Kearney, Mo. sculpted the two giant Brachiosaurs. They are the largest dinosaur sculptures that his studio has ever created. Staab Studios www.staabstudios.com has permanent displays at museums around the world including the National Geographic Explorers Hall in Washington D.C. and Denver's Museum of Nature and Science.

The six-month creation process began with sketches of the Brachiosaurs, and then a team from the museum worked closely with Staab to create small, highly detailed models. The models were posed and scanned, and then the life-sized sculptures were carved in foam supported by an internal steel armature. A structural coating of polyurea was added to the foam pieces. Then the skin was sculpted and painted so that it would appear to be highly realistic, a hallmark of Staab Studios since it began in 1989.

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Georgia Aquarium Opens New Invasive Species Exhibit and Upgraded Touch Pool

The Georgia Aquarium is excited to announce a new lionfish exhibit and upgraded touch pool located within the Georgia Explorer Gallery, presented by Sun Trust. Lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles), which are native to the sub-tropical and tropical Indo-Pacific regions, are an invasive species that are being released into ocean waters from which they did not originate, including areas off the coast of Georgia. There is increasing concern among fisheries scientists that lionfish, having no natural enemies off the coast of Georgia, may adversely impact native fish populations. In addition, this fish has venomous spines and may pose a danger to divers and anglers alike.

Through a grant with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Georgia Aquarium is working to increase awareness and management of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest near-shore, live-bottom reefs of the southeastern United States. Scientists at NOAA have been conducting research on the invasive lionfish to better understand distribution, density, life history, temperature tolerances and genetics. The Aquarium's new 1,000-gallon exhibit will feature more than 40 lionfish, ranging in length from 5-9 inches.

The new touch pool features lower, kid-friendly and ADA-accessible walls so that everyone can enjoy the aquatic life.

Where's Waddle?

T2F Note: Our staff has visited the Charleston Aquarium within the last couple of years. We found it to be an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Of interest to our group from Fayette County, Georgia, was the look at the ACE basin type of wildlife. For some reason, we just don't have the exchange from salt to fresh water pools near Atlanta! We'll be sure to check out this newest attraction soon. In the meantime, the Charleston area receives our coveted "Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award."

Checking out historic downtown Charleston, walking the Ravenel Bridge, or picking up fish at Earthfare. Sounds like every day activities for Charleston residents and the same goes for the city's newest addition, Waddle. Waddle, the lead penguin of the South Carolina Aquarium's Penguin Planet exhibit has been busy exploring Charleston since his arrival from San Diego in late February. Where is Waddle now?

Quite the computer-savvy penguin, Waddle has posted photos of his adventures on his website, WheresWaddle.com. He is even soliciting suggestions from the community on where he should head next. Keep up with Waddle online at WheresWaddle.com, suggest his next adventure, become friends with him on facebook or follow him on twitter. Join in penguin mania by placing a WheresWaddle.com car decal your car! (Available at upcoming South Carolina Aquarium events).

Opening Saturday, March 21, 2009, Penguin Planet will feature a Magellanic penguin habitat and 550 square feet of gallery space. Located on the Aquarium's first floor, guests will have the opportunity to see these aquatic flightless birds firsthand through the exhibit's 10 foot wide window allowing for underwater viewing. Included in general admission, Penguin Planet will delight and educate visitors through its awe-inspiring Magellanic penguins, children's interactive learning games, educational exhibits on climate change effects in South Carolina and of course - daily programs starring the penguins!

Penguin Planet grand opening festivities include special member only previews and a grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 21, 2009. The experience will be a temporary exhibit, visiting through March 2010. Only at the Aquarium for one year, you will not want to miss Penguin Planet!

An accredited institution by the Association of Zoo's and Aquarium's (AZA), the South Carolina Aquarium's Penguin Planet exhibit has approval from the AZA Penguin Taxon advisory group. AZA is the leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved meticulous standards for animal health, education, wildlife conservation and science. With approximately 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, only 10% of the institutions are accredited.

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New Exhibit Features World's First Set of Full-Size, Feather-Covered Dinosaurs

/PRNewswire/ -- Dinosaurs Unearthed, now making its U.S. debut at Cincinnati Museum Center, is an exhibit highlighting some of the most thought-provoking paleontological discoveries of the past decade.

Dinosaurs Unearthed features a thrilling display of roaring, moving dinosaurs reaching up to 55 feet long and 22 feet high. And while many visitors will be shocked by the sheer size and exactness of the exhibit's Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, the content sure to have people talking long after will most certainly be the never-before-seen set of full-size, feather-covered dinosaurs.

In recent years, paleontologists across the globe have discovered and studied fossilized evidence that many famous dinosaur species, including Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor, may have been covered in feathers to help camouflage, travel or even keep themselves warm.

To compile the exhibit's contents, Dinosaurs Unearthed producers worked closely with Dr. Xu Xing of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Science in Beijing. Dr. Xu is widely considered to be the world's foremost expert on feathered dinosaurs.

"A selection of feathered dinosaur models illustrates the diversity of new forms discovered in recent years," says Glenn Storrs, PhD, Cincinnati Museum Center's Withrow Farny curator of vertebrate paleontology. "The feathered dinosaurs of China confirm the long-suspected evolution of modern birds from extinct dinosaurian ancestors. With each discovery, another evolutionary "missing link" is added to our understanding of the fossil record."

Accompanying the exhibit is the OMNIMAX film, Dinosaurs Alive. The film takes visitors on an immersive journey back to the early Triassic period all the way through the late Cretaceous, following the tiniest of dinosaurs to the largest creatures that walked the earth.

Produced by the Maryland Science Center and in association with the American Museum of Natural History, the film explores the early roots of paleontology in the Gobi desert, and sweeps the audience through the beautiful landscapes of Mongolia, New Mexico, and into the famous halls of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Dates, hours and admission
-- Feb. 13 through Sept. 7
-- Dinosaurs Unearthed
-- Non-members: $15 adult, $10 child
-- Members: $10 adult, $7 child
-- Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; final entry into the exhibit occurs at
5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and at 6 p.m. on Sunday
-- Dinosaurs Alive
-- Non-members: $7.50 adult, $6.50 seniors, $5.50 children (ages
3-12)
-- Members: $5.50 adult, $4.50 child
-- Standard show times are Monday: 1, 2, 3 and 5 p.m.; Tuesday
through Thursday: 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.; Friday: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and
9 p.m.; Saturday: hourly, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 9 p.m.; and Sunday:
hourly, 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.cincymuseum.org or call 1-800-733-2077.

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'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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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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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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See Extraordinary World Treasures in Atlanta This Fall

PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta will soon celebrate the U.S. premiere for an all-new King Tut exhibition and the Southeast's debut of China's Terracotta Army. "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" (Nov. 15, 2008 - May 22, 2009 at the Atlanta Civic Center) and "The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army" (Nov. 16, 2008 - April 19, 2009 at the High Museum of Art) will open almost simultaneously, making Atlanta the only place in the world where both exhibits can be seen at the same time.

To help visitors explore Atlanta's world of treasures without spending a fortune, a special "Treasures Fit for Kings" combination ticket will offer discounted admission to both exhibitions. The ticket also gives visitors access to other special exhibitions and to the permanent collection at the High Museum of Art.

The combination ticket prices are: Adult (Tues. - Thurs.), $39; Adult (Fri. - Sun.), $41; Youth (Tues. - Sun.), $25. These tickets and special hotel packages will be available online at Atlanta.net/treasures beginning Oct. 6. Discounted group tickets for both exhibitions can be reserved by calling 1.866.52GROUP.

The simultaneous run of these exhibitions gives visitors to Atlanta the opportunity to explore the treasures of two kings from two ancient cultures in one great city, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience called "Treasures Fit for Kings."

According to Spurgeon Richardson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, "With the U.S. dollar down and vacation budgets tight, these two exhibitions in one location will provide world travelers the chance to experience the treasures of the world without a passport and with a price tag that's easy on the wallet."

Support for "Treasures Fit for Kings" is provided by Arts & Exhibitions International, ACVB, Brand Atlanta, the High Museum of Art and supported by a grant from the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs

"Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" is a new exhibition featuring more than 130 treasures from the tomb of the celebrated pharaoh King Tut and other ancient sites. Striking objects from some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history will be on view, spanning the 4th Dynasty into the Late Period (about 2600 B.C. - 660 B.C.), many of which have never before visited the United States.

The U.S. premiere at the Atlanta Civic Center will be presented by the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University from November 15, 2008 to May 22, 2009. Carlos Museum members will have an advance opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to the Tutankhamun exhibition beginning on August 15. Details are available at carlos.emory.edu/join.

Through artifacts that showcase the legacies and splendor of the Egyptian pharaohs, viewers will get a sense of how life -- and art -- evolved over generations and under various rulers. The exhibition will include the largest image of King Tut ever found -- a 10-foot statue that originally may have stood at Tutankhamun's mortuary temple and retains much of its original paint. One of the four gold and precious-stone-inlaid canopic coffinettes that contained his mummified internal organs also will be exhibited.

"Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of the tour, and American Airlines is the official airline. More information is available at http://www.kingtut.org/.

The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army

"The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army," an exhibition inspired by one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, features 100 works, including 15 full terracotta figures. The exhibition represents one of the largest groups of important works relating to China's First Emperor ever to be loaned to the U.S. With rarely seen and recently discovered objects from his famed tomb complex, the exhibition will provide insight into the legacy of China's First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, who reigned from 221-210 B.C. He is best known for unifying the warring states of China and building the Great Wall. "The First Emperor" will be on view at the High Museum of Art from November 16, 2008 to April 19, 2009.

The life-sized terracotta figures populated the First Emperor's underground tomb complex, just as they would have been integral to the activities of his actual court. Close to 1,000 figures have been excavated from the tomb, and it is estimated that a total of 7,000 may ultimately be unearthed. No two terracotta figures are identical; all are individualized with a distinctive facial appearance. In addition to the terracotta figures, the exhibition also includes artifacts such as bronze weapons, stone armor, and coins.

"The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army" is made possible by Lead Sponsor GE, Presenting Sponsor Portman, and Official Global Delivery Partner UPS, Official Airline Partner Delta Air Lines, and Official Media Partner Turner Broadcasting. Generous support is provided by The Henry Luce Foundation. Additional support provided by The E. Rhodes and Leona Carpenter Foundation and The Blakemore Foundation. This exhibition is presented in association with the British Museum with support from Morgan Stanley. More information is available at http://www.high.org/firstemperor.

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Atlanta Becomes 'Tutlanta' as Tickets Go on Sale Today for 'Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs'

T2F Note: Several of our staff made the journey to Charlotte several years ago when there was an Egyptian Pharaoh exhibit. By all means, go to this event. You'll be sure to be dazzled.

PRNewswire/ -- "Tutlanta" launched today as tickets became available for "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs," a new exhibition featuring more than 130 treasures from the tomb of celebrated pharaoh King Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian sites. The exhibition will premiere at the Atlanta Civic Center from November 15, 2008, to May 25, 2009, and is presented by the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University.

To kick off fall's golden celebration, exhibition organizers announced a slate of Egyptian-themed activities and initiatives that will launch in conjunction with the exhibition. The "Egyptomania in Atlanta Bus Tour" will transport visitors on a chartered coach to explore Egyptian revival art and architecture in Atlanta with the Michael C. Carlos Museum's curator of Egyptian art, Dr. Peter Lacovara, as their guide. "TUT Trivia!" will incorporate King Tut-themed questions into trivia nights at select Atlanta locations. In January 2009, the Atlanta Opera and Emory University's Flora Glenn Candler concert series will present Philip Glass' opera "Akhnaten," which explores the great pharaoh's reign just before that of Tutankhamun.

Additionally, more than 75 businesses throughout the city will participate in a "Tutlanta" affinity card that all King Tut ticket-buyers will receive, entitling them to $250 worth of Egyptian-themed offerings and discounts at participating locations. From restaurants to health and beauty treatments to petcare, "Tutlanta" partner offers include "TROIS visits Egypt," a five-plate Egyptian-influenced menu at Trois for $25; "Pharaoh's Steam Bath," a custom treatment at the Atlanta Dog Spa; and "Pharaoh's Fire and Ice Facial" at Julio Cesar's Salon and Spa. A full listing of offers is available at http://www.tutlanta.com/.

Commissioner Dianne Harnell Cohen unveiled the official "Tutlanta" logo, which was created by a local Atlantan and will be featured on select exhibition merchandise and used regionally to promote the citywide celebration.

"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."

Proceeds from the tour will go toward antiquities preservation and conservation efforts in Egypt, including the construction of a new grand museum in Cairo. Tickets and information are available at http://www.kingtut.org/ or http://www.carlos.emory.edu/.

The Michael C. Carlos Museum has developed educational materials in conjunction with the exhibition for elementary, middle and high school audiences. These supplemental materials will be available for download for free and will highlight topics such as childhood in ancient Egypt and how the journey to the afterlife was believed to occur.

"We are dedicated to the educational and inspirational value of exhibitions here in Atlanta," said Bonnie Speed, director of the Michael C. Carlos Museum. "The Tutankhamun exhibition presents a landmark opportunity to experience the richness of ancient Egypt's art and culture and to understand its global influence. We believe this exhibition, along with the educational materials and vibrant Egyptian-themed, citywide events we have developed, will offer our community a variety of ways to access Egypt's magical past."

The exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of the tour, and American Airlines is the official airline.

"Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" is the second National Geographic exhibition dedicated to the remarkable treasures of King Tutankhamun and ancient Egyptian royalty. The first exhibition, "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," was visited by nearly 4 million people during its four-city U.S. tour from 2005 to 2007, and will begin a three-city encore tour in Dallas later this year.

"'Tutlanta' was born from the excitement seen throughout the city since announcing the exhibition would make its U.S. premiere in Atlanta," said John Norman, president of Arts and Exhibitions International. "Residents and visitors to the Atlanta area are lucky to have so many opportunities to experience offerings in conjunction with the exhibition that will enhance their knowledge about this important period in world history."

Also today, Northern Trust, presenting sponsor of the exhibition, donated exhibition tickets to a first-grade class from Morningside Elementary School. Nearly 230 students from the Atlanta public school will be among the first to experience the exhibition.

"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 be a strong attraction for 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."

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" will feature 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 will highlight 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 will focus on 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 will 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 will include Tutankhamun's golden sandals, jewelry, furniture, weaponry and statuary.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets to the exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center can be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Group tickets for 10 or more are available by calling 1-866-52GROUP or visiting http://www.kingtut.org/. For additional information about tickets and pricing, please call 1-877-TUT-TKTS or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or http://www.kingtut.org/.

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Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University Helps Bring King Tutankhamun to Atlanta

The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University brings Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs to Atlanta this fall in partnership with the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and presenting sponsor Northern Trust.

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs will be exhibited in Atlanta's historic Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center from November 15 to May 25. The exhibition, spanning 2,000 years of history, will include more than 130 artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian sites. This is the first time these treasures will be seen in the Southeast. To complement the Tutankhamun exhibition at the Civic Center, the Carlos Museum will showcase at its Emory campus location the photography of Harry Burton, the photographer who documented the Tutankhamun excavation when the tomb was discovered in 1922.

"The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University is honored to bring to Atlanta one of the greatest artistic and cultural legacies of the ancient world. The people of Georgia will be able to experience first-hand the impact and relevance of these extraordinary treasures and we look forward to offering an array of educational programs to further illuminate the life and times of King Tutankhamun and the great pharaohs of Egypt," said Bonnie Speed, Director of the Carlos Museum.

The Carlos Museum is home to one of the few Egyptian collections in the southeastern United States as well as the only institution in Georgia dedicated to the research and display of ancient Egyptian art and culture. King Tutankhamun, endearingly called the "boy king," will find a welcoming community in which to reside for a short while. Speaking of the Carlos Museum at the April 2 announcement, Mayor Shirley Franklin said, "Those of us who live in Atlanta have access to the wonders of the world's civilizations right in our backyard,"

The Carlos Museum, known for its act of cultural cooperation when it identified and later returned what was most likely the mummy of Pharaoh Ramesses I to his home in Egypt in 2003, is a unique host for the King Tutankhamun exhibition. With scholars, curators, and conservators providing the interdisciplinary research and conservation required to maintain and understand ancient art and artifacts, the King Tutankhamun exhibition will provide rich historic and cultural perspectives to university scholars, academicians, scientists, collectors, students, and exhibition-goers interested in ancient Egypt -- even as it applies to modern times.

The Carlos Museum will lead the development of educational materials in conjunction with the exhibition for elementary, middle and high school audiences. These supplemental materials will be downloadable for free to classrooms across the country and will address topics such as childhood in ancient Egypt and the journey to the afterlife. Peter Lacovara, curator of ancient Egyptian arts and artifacts, said, "As the Carlos Museum's collections grow, they become increasingly important as a teaching and research resource for faculty and students at Emory and other universities." The Carlos Museum along with the Emory community provides a meaningful context for this exhibition and will serve as a research, education, and reflective opportunity for many.

Emory University President James Wagner, said, "Emory's dedication to courageous inquiry and the spirit of global partnerships are qualities we want to foster. The Carlos Museum of Emory University has helped to create a superb opportunity to reflect on and honor the ancient legacies of the world, their profound impact on our lives, and the importance of continued dialogue. We trust that King Tutankhamun's visit will open many doors."

The most recent U.S. tour of King Tut's treasures, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, drew nearly 4 million visitors from 2005-2007, setting records in each city it visited. The 2005 visit marked the first time in more than 25 years that treasures from King Tutankhamun's tomb were shown in the United States.

Tickets can be reserved for the Atlanta run at www.carlos.emory.edu or www.kingtut.org

Aquarium Mascot Announces Candidacy for President

Deepo, Georgia Aquarium’s mascot, announced his presidential bid recently this month in a press conference held at Georgia Aquarium. His swim for the presidential office is historic: Deepo represents the first garibaldi fish to enter a presidential race in history. Swimming under the Neptune Party’s campaign ticket, Deepo vowed to stand for every organism in the water column of this great blue planet.

Stephanie Green, campaign manager and Deepo’s first mate, spoke on behalf of Deepo, stating that “this will be an eco-friendly and sustainable campaign.” Green went on to say, “Deepo’s presidential campaign encompasses the true issues. It’s about time a presidential candidate made such promises!”

Deepo’s campaign promises include: standing for even the smallest phytoplankton and the largest right whale; ensuring clean reefs and beaches for retirement and future guppies; supporting research initiatives that educate and conserve; obtaining uni-quatic healthcare for all through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health; providing an educational experience for each Georgia Aquarium guest; and, promoting educational initiatives like the Sponsored Education Admissions (SEA) program.

Deepo’s campaign has already received accolades throughout the aquatic community. Campaign supporters include: “Mayor Sturgeon Franklin,” who proclaimed, “There is nothing fishy about this candidate”; Georgia Aquarium jellies are excited to finally have a “candidate with a backbone”; “Eel Kovalchuk” exclaimed “Deepo is a candidate that won’t blow bubbles”; and “Ludafish” proclaimed “Finally, a candidate who seas clearly.”

Deepo’s campaign is funded through community support and Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Society. Green encouraged those interested in supporting Deepo’s swim for the oval office to join Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Society and contribute to the 4R Program. Supporters may join Deepo’s campaign on the web at deepo.org, visit Georgia Aquarium’s Members Entrance, or call campaign headquarters at 404-581-4010, and tell the campaign representative you want to support Deepo’s campaign by joining the Oceans Society.

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards; offering engaging and exciting guest experiences promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/.