Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, has the distinction of being the only person appointed to both the positions of Vice President and President. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned in December, 1973. President Richard Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974. Nixon’s resignation was a first for the United States. Presidents have been assassinated and have died while in office but none had ever resigned. Ford was in the right place … [Read more...]
Corpus Christi is Really Unique!
All I knew about Corpus Christi, Texas, before I visited my step-daughter, Michelle, and her family there this summer was that it was a seaside vacation town on the Gulf of Mexico. I expected to find a typical American beach resort, replete with masses of tourists and messy hedonistic vitality. And, that’s what I found - in part. Corpus Christi certainly deserves its reputation as a fun and entertaining place to vacation. And, despite its size … [Read more...]
The National WWII Museum Presents New Permanent Exhibit
Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries Museum completes Campaigns of Courage pavilion with 10 immersive galleries on World War II in the Pacific, opens additional stand-alone gallery on US Merchant Marine NEW ORLEANS (November 23, 2015) – On December 12, 2015, The National WWII Museum will open its newest permanent exhibit: Richard C. Adkerson & Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries. Retracing the grueling … [Read more...]
Visit Pearl Harbor and be Moved
It is hard to predict when the sadness and solemnity will hit you when you visit Pearl Harbor. For me it was when we set out on the Navy vessel across the channel that on a December morning in 1941 turned into hell on earth, a bloody chaos of explosions and smoke and fire and bombs. December 7 is Pearl Harbor Day, and 2014 will mark the 73rd anniversary of the attack that brought the United States into World War II. Ceremonies will … [Read more...]
Walter “Yukon” Yates: Adventurer & Entrepreneur
Walter Yates has lived a full life built on adventures, risk and unique projects. We recently had a chance to ask him to reflect on his life experiences at age 87. Note: Walter passed away on March 2, 2015 at age 90. Q. Tell us about the focus of your new book, "Breakaway". Focus: We are still the same people that started this country - for my own satisfaction, I set out in the harsh conditions of wilderness Alaska just to … [Read more...]
Diamond Head, Oahu – Hawaii – May 2010
Diamond Head is located on the Southern part of Oahu Island in Hawaii, just south of Honolulu. This is a prominent volcanic crater easily visible from parts of Honolulu and area beaches. It received its name from British Sailors who mistakenly thought they had discovered diamonds inside the crater when in fact the stones they found were calcite crystals in the lava. Today this is a very dry part of Oahu but in the past standing water was found at … [Read more...]
USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor – February 2010
The USS Arizona Pear Harbor Memorial is located at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu on Oahu. This very moving memorial is a tribute to those who were forever entombed on that fateful December 7th morning of 1941 when the navy was attacked by Japanese war ships. This was essentially "ground zero" for the United States where its entry into World War II started. An introduction video is shown explaining the history that led up to the event as well as … [Read more...]
Hawaii – Bay Area Residents, A Thousand Reasons to Smile
Hawaii's Sights, Sounds, Fragrances, Flavors, and Aloha Spirit Showcased in March HONOLULU - If Bay Area residents start feeling like they are being immersed in Hawaii's wondrous culture, beauty, and music in March, they won't be alone. Under the alluring theme, Hawaii: A Thousand Reasons to Smile, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), along with its Island Chapters (Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii's Big Island) will charm Bay … [Read more...]
Going on Vacation with your Children
So you've made up your mind that you are going on a family vacation. And the next question is - where to? There are many places for a family vacation but not all of them will have what you need for an enjoyable trip. Since you are going together with your children, they will need to be the key point to consider if you are all to have a great vacation. A frequent choice for family vacations with children is Las Vegas or Reno in Nevada. In my … [Read more...]
Key West, FL – Attractions
Audubon House & Gardens is located at 205 Whitehead Street. Phone 305 294-2116. This house was the home of a 19th century Key West Settler named Captain John H. Geiger. This building was restored in 1960. The reason it is named the Audubon House is because Mr. Audubon the naturalist visited Key West in 1832. Special exhibitions are shown in the second floor gallery. Be sure to tour the gardens where exotic plants are growing. The Audubon house … [Read more...]