Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders

Vietnam scraps $56B bullet train project over cost

HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnamese legislators rejected a proposed bullet train over its $56 billion cost – the assembly’s first rejection of a major proposal submitted by the all-powerful Communist government.
The nearly 500-member assembly typically acts as a rubber stamp but voted over the weekend to deny plans for …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders.

Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’

Grand Rapids Public Museum plans “Summer Fun Days”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Public Museum is kicking off nearly three months of activities for “Summer Fun Days.”
Starting Monday, hours and admissions prices will change. Carousel rides – usually $1 – will be free and visitors may take part in special daily activities. Regular hours … Read more : Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’.

University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent

U. of Mich. art museum hosts Corita Kent prints

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition of prints from artist Corita Kent, whose works include the “Love” stamp that she designed for the U.S. Postal Service.
The traveling exhibit “Sister Corita: The Joyous Revolutionary” has just opened and runs …. Original article  : University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent.

BASS founder Ray Scott opens personal fishing retreat with presidential allure

BASS founder lures guests to personal fishing hole

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Ray Scott helped make bass fishing big business. Now, he’s created a business out of his personal playground.
The founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and well-known fishing impresario has launched his own BB&B: bed, breakfast and bass.
Ray Scott’s Trophy Bass Retreat opened in January, …. Source  : BASS founder Ray Scott opens personal fishing retreat with presidential allure.

Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders

Vietnam scraps $56B bullet train project over cost

HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnamese legislators rejected a proposed bullet train over its $56 billion cost – the assembly’s first rejection of a major proposal submitted by the all-powerful Communist government.
The nearly 500-member assembly typically acts as a rubber stamp but voted over the weekend to deny plans for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vietnamese legislators reject $56B bullet train in rare move against Communist leaders.

Mermaid Parade 2010 Celebrations in Coney Island

New York (GaeaTimes.com) – One of the most beautiful summer events, Coney Island Mermaid Parade took place on 19th June 2010. This parade takes place at Coney Island every year. It began in the year of 1983 and it was conceptualized and organized by Dick Zigun. The 2010 Mermaid parade started at 2 pm at … Read more »».

Karnataka Tourism Getting A Boost

MANGALORE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The eco-tourism wing of Karnataka Tourism Department named Jungle Lodges and Resorts have plans to set up 7 additional resorts in Karnataka, as was confirmed by G. Janardhana Reddy the tourism minister of the state. The new resorts would be built on the coming two years. Around 30 crore INR would … Original article on : Karnataka Tourism Getting A Boost.

Thousands at Universal Orlando Harry Potter park opening with Daniel Radcliffe

Crowds jam Universal Orlando Harry Potter opening

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of people waited in line for hours Friday to get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on its opening day, as Daniel Radcliffe and other stars from the movie greeted fans at the minipark.
Aerial photos showed thousands of people in a …. Original article  : Thousands at Universal Orlando Harry Potter park opening with Daniel Radcliffe.

Thousands at Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening with Daniel Radcliffe

Crowds jam Universal Orlando Harry Potter opening

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of people waited in line for hours Friday to get into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on its opening day, as Daniel Radcliffe and other stars from the movie greeted fans at the minipark.
Aerial photos of Universal Orlando showed thousands upon … Read : Thousands at Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening with Daniel Radcliffe.

Lebanon: Tiny country offers layers of history and remnants of many civilizations

Within 60 miles of Beirut, 3 millennia of history

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Lebanon has been conquered and colonized many times over in the last three millennia. Among the famous invaders: Alexander the Great, Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and the Muslim warrior Saladin.
Others include Persians, Romans, Egyptians, Christian Crusaders, Ottoman Turks, the French and English in World War …. Read the original article  : Lebanon: Tiny country offers layers of history and remnants of many civilizations.

Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday on Milwaukee Art Museum’s grounds

Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday
MILWAUKEE – Work from more than 180 artists will be displayed this weekend on Milwaukee’s lakefront.

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday and runs through Sunday on the museum’s grounds. It also features food, music, a silent auction, a sculpture garden and children’s activities.
The museum’s director of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Lakefront Festival of Arts starts Friday on Milwaukee Art Museum’s grounds.

Beach birthday: SC’s Broadway at the Beach celebrates 15th birthday with beach bash

Beach bash: SC’s Broadway at the Beach turns 15

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – One of South Carolina’s biggest tourist attractions is celebrating its 15th birthday with a 10-day celebration.
The party at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach begins Thursday with a concert by the New Orleans-based group Cowboy Mouth. On Saturday there’s a concert by …. Source article  : Beach birthday: SC’s Broadway at the Beach celebrates 15th birthday with beach bash.

Spirit Airlines in tentative agreement with pilot union to end strike; flights resume Friday

Spirit Airlines makes a deal to end pilots’ strike

Spirit Airlines made a deal with its pilots on Wednesday that will end their strike, and the airline said it would fly again starting Friday.
The strike won’t officially end until pilots sign a back-to-work agreement, the union said.
“I think our people will be more than willing to …. Original article  : Spirit Airlines in tentative agreement with pilot union to end strike; flights resume Friday.

When to look, when to book? That is the question: With airfares, rules differ by the holiday

When booking summer airfares, rules are changing

NEW YORK – You scour websites. You set up fare alerts. But the real secret in getting the best price for an airline ticket boils down to two things: when you look and when you book.
Trouble is, not all peak travel times are created equal. The sweet spot when … Read more : When to look, when to book? That is the question: With airfares, rules differ by the holiday.

New Disney dress code no longer requires pantyhose for female theme park workers in skirts

No stockings, now no problem at Disney theme parks

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Female workers at Disney theme parks have been granted the right to bare legs.
Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez says women working at the Anaheim theme park in California and other Disney resorts no longer have to wear pantyhose when dressing in skirts.
The change was announced … Read more : New Disney dress code no longer requires pantyhose for female theme park workers in skirts.

Los Angeles-to-New Orleans nonstop planned by Southwest Airlines

LA to NO nonstop planned by Southwest
NEW ORLEANS – Southwest Airlines Co. is starting nonstop service between Los Angeles and New Orleans.

The airline also is adding another daily nonstop flight between Dallas Love Field and New Orleans. The Los Angeles service begins Nov. 7, while the Dallas service begins Nov. 8. At that time, there …. Source  : Los Angeles-to-New Orleans nonstop planned by Southwest Airlines.

NY’s Frick Collection throws itself a yearlong birthday party to celebrate 75

Frick museum celebrates 75 years
NEW YORK – New York’s incomparable Frick Collection is throwing itself a birthday party this year to mark the 75 years since the museum opened its doors to the public.

As might be expected from an institution established by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick as a “public gallery of art to which … Read more >>.

Israel expected to ease Gaza land blockade in coming days, keep naval restrictions in place

Israel expected to ease Gaza blockade
JERUSALEM – Israel is likely to significantly ease the land blockade of Gaza in coming days in an effort to blunt the international outcry over its deadly raid on a blockade-busting flotilla, officials said Wednesday.

Israel has been scrambling to find ways to ease the embargo and its own growing international … Read more : Israel expected to ease Gaza land blockade in coming days, keep naval restrictions in place.

Event at Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit looks at 2 new exhibits for its 50th year

Event at Great Lakes Museum looks at new exhibits

DETROIT – An event at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit is highlighting two new exhibits at the museum.
Detroit Historical Society Curator Joel Stone on Wednesday is scheduled to discuss “Life on a Long Ship: Great Lakes Sailors” and “Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Celebrating 50 Years” …. Read the original article  : Event at Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit looks at 2 new exhibits for its 50th year.

Universal Travel to raise $20 million with sale of 2.9 million new shares

Universal Travel to raise $20M with stock sale

NEW YORK – Universal Travel Group priced an offering of about 2.9 million new shares on Wednesday at $7 each, bringing total proceeds to about $20 million before expenses.
The Chinese travel services company plans to use the proceeds to fund recent acquisitions. It expects to close the sale …. Read the original article  : Universal Travel to raise $20 million with sale of 2.9 million new shares.

Clarification: Kodak, Colorama story

Clarification: Kodak, Colorama story
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In a story June 11 about the donation of Kodak’s archive of Colorama images to the George Eastman House photography museum, The Associated Press, relying on a press release from the museum, included an incorrect quote attributed to Alison Nordstrom, curator of photographs at the museum. Nordstrom’s original statement …. Original article  : Clarification: Kodak, Colorama story.

Flood-damaged railway to famed Incan citadel at Machu Picchu to be fully restored July

Full rail service to Machu Picchu resumes July 1

LIMA, Peru – PeruRail says train service to the famed Machu Picchu ruins will be fully restored July 1.
The popular 68-mile rail line from Cuzco is the only land route to the Incan citadel. The line was damaged by heavy rains in January that left hundreds of …. Source  : Flood-damaged railway to famed Incan citadel at Machu Picchu to be fully restored July.

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Motown museum in Detroit, includes photographs, awards and uniforms

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Detroit’s Motown museum

DETROIT – A Jackson 5 exhibit has opened at the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, marking the one-year anniversary this week of Michael Jackson’s death.
Starting Tuesday, the public is able to view photographs, awards and uniforms the group wore throughout its career.
Museum chief curator Lina Stephens says the …. Original article  : Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Motown museum in Detroit, includes photographs, awards and uniforms.

Travel spending rose in 1st quarter, led by lodging; airline prices rise at 13.3 percent rate

Government says travel spending rose in 1st qtr

WASHINGTON – Tourism spending rose at an annual rate of 3.9 percent during the first quarter, led by increased spending on hotels and other accommodations, according to a government report issued Tuesday.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis said the increase compared with a 1.5 percent drop during the fourth … Read more >>>.

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Detroit museum with photos, costumes

Jackson 5 exhibit opens at Detroit museum
DETROIT – A Jackson 5 exhibit is now on view at the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, marking the one-year anniversary this week of Michael Jackson’s death.

Photographs, awards and costumes are all on display in the show, which opened Tuesday.
Museum chief curator Lina Stephens says the exhibit celebrates the …. Read the original article  : here.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival on DC’s National Mall uses food to bridge cultural divides

Smithsonian Folklife Festival in DC starts June 24

WASHINGTON – The Smithsonian Institution is building its first tequila distillery on the National Mall. That’s right. The family friendly museum complex is preparing to brew booze. The catch is there won’t be a drop of tequila to drink.
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, running June 24-28 and July …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Smithsonian Folklife Festival on DC’s National Mall uses food to bridge cultural divides.

Click-click: Historic wooden roller coasters near Pittsburgh attract coaster enthusiasts

Click of Pa. wooden coasters attracts enthusiasts

PITTSBURGH – For a city built on steel, some of the most sought- after attractions in Pittsburgh are actually made of wood.
Just ask the more than 400 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, who have come to Kennywood amusement park for the 7,000-member group’s annual convention. The highlight will … Read more >>>.

Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’

Grand Rapids Public Museum plans “Summer Fun Days”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Public Museum is kicking off nearly three months of activities for “Summer Fun Days.”
Starting Monday, hours and admissions prices will change. Carousel rides – usually $1 – will be free and visitors may take part in special daily activities. Regular hours …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Grand Rapids Public Museum kicks off nearly 3 months of activities for ‘Summer Fun Days’.

University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent

U. of Mich. art museum hosts Corita Kent prints

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition of prints from artist Corita Kent, whose works include the “Love” stamp that she designed for the U.S. Postal Service.
The traveling exhibit “Sister Corita: The Joyous Revolutionary” has just opened and runs …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : University of Michigan Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibition of prints from Corita Kent.

BASS founder Ray Scott opens personal fishing retreat with presidential allure

BASS founder lures guests to personal fishing hole

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Ray Scott helped make bass fishing big business. Now, he’s created a business out of his personal playground.
The founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and well-known fishing impresario has launched his own BB&B: bed, breakfast and bass.
Ray Scott’s Trophy Bass Retreat opened in January, [..] Read the original article: here.

Walt Disney World begins offering pay-by-month option for Floridians’ annual park passes

Disney World selling passes on installment plan

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is now allowing Florida residents to spread the cost of an annual park pass out over 12 months.
The company won’t charge extra for the new installment plan, but the passes must be purchased online. Unlimited access to Orlando-area Disney parks costs $393 for … Original source on Gaea Times at : Walt Disney World begins offering pay-by-month option for Floridians’ annual park passes.

Taste of Chicago 2010

Chicago (GaeaTimes.com) – Chicago food festival is one of the most attracting festivals in Illinois and is known as “Taste of Chicago”. The people of Chicago spend the most joyful time of the year during this massive festival. In this festival musical entertainment is also there to make the environment charming for everybody. Visitors have …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Taste of Chicago 2010.

Galleries mark new milestone for Cleveland art museum expansion and renovation

Ohio art museum expansion marks another milestone

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Museum of Art has given some of its prized treasures more elbow room to show off.
Galleries housing Egyptian, Greek, Roman, early Christian, Byzantine and African art open Saturday. The new space marks another milestone in an eight-year, $350 million expansion and renovation that began in …. Original article  : Galleries mark new milestone for Cleveland art museum expansion and renovation.

Jobbie Nooner 2010

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) – The annual Jobbie Nooner blast will be held today on Gull Island at the north end of Lake St. Clair. The party is especially known for heavy drinking and rewarding woman with plastic beads for baring their breasts. This special party is held every year around the automakers’ vacation for model … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jobbie Nooner 2010.

Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art creates colorful Alexander Calder exhibit

Chicago’s MCA hosts summer-long Calder exhibit

CHICAGO – Colorful mobiles made from boldly painted sheet metal and steel wires will dangle above visitors’ heads this summer as the Museum of Contemporary Art displays an exhibit of 60 works by Alexander Calder.
But this Calder show, which debuts Saturday, doesn’t only feature the artist’s abstract pieces in the … Read more >>>.