Friday, December 2, 2011

San Diego Harbor, California

Bob HopeThere are many things to see walking along the harbor walkway in San Diego. You can gaze out at the ships, you can people watch, you can shop, sit under a shade tree, stop for a snack. But, leave time to enjoy this marvelous tribute to Bob Hope and to our Military. Bob Hope was born an Englishman, Leslie Townes Hope. After immigrating with his parents to Cleveland, Ohio being teased by his friends about his name; he changed it to Bob. He had a long list of accomplishments in the performing field, singing, dancing, acting, being a comedian. He has 4 stars on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, more then anyone. He received over 2000 awards in his life time.
Bob Hope and MilitaryHe was born May 29, 1903 and died July 27, 2003. He's buried in Los Angeles at Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana Cemetery. The single thing he's most known and respected for was his service to the military. He performed all over the world for all branches of the military for 5 decades starting in 1943. These fabulous 16 figures honor servicemen and women in World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, as well as during The Cold War. This 48 foot circle plaza is located in a grove of Coral Trees along the walk harbor with The Midway Museum in the background.
Military and San DiegoThe sculptures by Eugene Daub were dedicated on July 8th, 2009 where Linda Hope, Bob's daughter was present. It's titled "A National Salute to Bob Hope and The Military". The figures are life size and represent: A World War II Paratrooper, Korean Infantryman, Gulf War Desert Storm, Korean War Sailor and Korean War Marine, World War II Fighter Pilot, Vietnam Artilleryman, Vietnam Air Force Mechanic, World War II Marine Corp Sergeant, The Coast Guard, Vietnam Navy Medic, World War II Army Nurse, World War II Navy Pilot Lieutenant, and a Gulf War Air Force Staff Sergeant.
San Diego and Bob HopePut your walking shoes on enjoy your visit along the harbor in San Diego. We're told the weathers always fabulous there. We managed to hit one of the 3 days a year where that wasn't the case. Even with bad weather, we really enjoyed our walk and plan to go again. That's hubby with is hand on the shoulder of one of figures.

With Christmas approaching this post seems timely.

Click here for another post about the Harbor Walkway, Remember the cover of Life Magazine?
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Thursday, November 24, 2011

San Diego Harbor Area, California

sculptureUnconditional Surrender sculpture by Seward Johnson stands 25 feet tall and weighs 6,000 pounds commerates a famous Life Magazine photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt on Augst 14th, 1945, VJ Day in Time Square, New York City. The Sailor and The Nurse didn't know each other. There's been speculation about whom they were after the fact. Names weren't obtain when the photo was taken on that exciting day. This sculpture stands along the walk way in San Diego harbor, near The Midway Museum.
sculpture of The Kiss on VJ DayThere were a variety of women who came forward through the years claiming to be this nurse, sailors too came forward to say it was them. The case was fairly well proven for Edith Shain as the nurse, though less luck in determining whom the sailor was. Edith died June 20th, 2010; but was present for the dedication of the sculpture in February of 2007. Though Alfred Eisenstaedt was credited with the famous photo that appeared on the cover of Life Magazine, it was not the only similar photo taken. One with a bit more of a street scene was taken at the same moment by Navy Photographer, Victor Jorgensen; it was Elfred's photo that got all the attention.
Unconditional SurrenderLife Magazine feels their toes have been stepped on regarding this sculpture. They indicate they hold the copyright, and that the artist, J. Seward Johnson didn't have permission to use the likeness in his sculpture.

There's also speculation about the picture, as to whether or not it occurred before or after the actual announcement of surrender from Japan. Even those researchers who feel it likely happened before, say the crowds had started to gather, to speculate that the announcement was forthcoming.

The walk along the water front is very enjoyable with lots to see, even on a cool, windy, and rainy day...such as the day we were there. We did manage to see some sights between the rain drops. I highly encourage visiting this site and many others in the area.

Please keep our service men and women in your thoughts as you give Thanks on this special day of Thanksgiving.


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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Time Share Travel Tip


When you travel and stay in a hotel, a condo, and or a timeshare (even if you're not the owner), keep the container/ insert that generally comes with your room keys. Often a location map of the resort is included. If you plan to return to this location, it's advantageous to remember the lay of the land...so to speak. Additionally, it's helpful when you try to remember whether you liked or disliked the room location. Where you on a top floor, was the view pleasant? Do you have children and if so, were you near the children's play/pool area? If you liked where you were, you'll know what to ask for with your room assignment on return. If you didn't, you'll have the lay out of the resort to make a selection from. It's hard to trust your memory if you travel often and sometimes your personal pictures simply don't show this type of information.

Call you resort/hotel about 3-4 days before your arrival and make your requests. You generally can't make your requests too far ahead because they may not know what will be available. If you need an early check in because of your flight times, this is also a good time to do that. While you never get a 100% guarantee, it's been my experience most resorts are willing to do what they can to work with you on your request and or special needs.

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

Street Art in St. Louis Missouri

Demo ManThese words popped immediately into my head when I saw this street art out the car window in St. Louis. I almost always have my camera in my purse when traveling. You just never know when you'll see something of interest. Take time, look around when you travel. Travel is more then your final destination.
If I had a hammer
I'd hammer in the morning
I'd hammer in the evening
All over this land
I'd hammer out danger
I'd hammer out a warning
I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters All over this land

This words come from the song "The Hammer", written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays back in 1949.
The song was written in support of The progressive movement and song by Pete and Party on June 3,.
1949 in New York at a testimonial dinner for leaders of The Communist Party who were on trail here.
The progressive movement wanted change in tenement housing, change in child labor laws, and improved
working conditions for women. Art in many forms speaks. The purpose of these words was probably
forgotten by August of 1962 when the song, hit the top ten song by Peter, Paul and Mary.
Demo Man St. LouisDemo Man is a 20 foot statue made from "stuff laying around". Don Bellon of Bellon Wrecking and Salvage Company had a small statue on his desk, a gift from his wife titled, "The Wrecker". He liked this little statue and wanted a larger version of it. When outdoor art became popular this was made and placed on Vandeventer at Highway 40 across the street from his business. It's visible from Highway 40.

Perhaps next trip, I'll be able to get a picture without the electrical box blocking part of it by parking the car.

Look around when you travel, you'll be amazed what you see, and what you can learn.

**Just deleted 67 comments in my spam folder that were nicely caught by the blogger spam filter, and reviewed 9 comments half of which were good to post, the other half I marked spam. The filter works great folks. PLEASE get rid of your captcha it takes time, it's annoying, it's hard to read, and it's unnecessary. It makes people not want to leave comments**
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