JargonTalk

Went to the British Museum with the idea of spending a few hours, but had been warned by friends that it would be hard to leave. They were right, spent the whole day there, and if time had permitted, could have easily made it even longer. Unlike so many of our museums in the US, they charge no admission fee, which make it one of the best bargains in the UK.

Just viewing the Rosetta Stone was moving enough, but seeing the antiquities and artifacts that one has read about for years was inspirational, to say the least. Of particular enjoynment were the Parthenon Marbles and the Egyption mummies, along with the other antiquities from Egypt.

One of the pleasant surprises was the extensive collection of Japanese netsuke, which is said to be one of the best in the world. If you enjoy these miniature works of art and are in London, don’t miss this exhibit.

There is an ongoing controversy over whether museums should be allowed to possess artifacts taken from other countries. The British Museum is a notable target for such criticism, and was called by more that one critical humorist “the world’s greatest museum of pillage and plunder.” On the converse side, defenders argue that many of these antiquities would have disappeared into the hands of private collectors many years ago if it hadn’t been for the museums.

In any case, it a wonderful place to view much of the history of mankind’s creativity.

Special note: it’s my understanding that all of the other national museums and art galleries in Britain charge no admission fee as well. Someone might wish to confirm and/or clarify this.

Here is one of the better places in the Downtown Boston area for meeting people. Small gift shops, larger chain stores, bars, restaurants, the Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market area has it all. Great outdoor place for lunch or a few drinks during the warmer seasons, and just a fun place to wander around and “people watch.”Tip: meeting a blind date in the Downtown Boston area for the first time? Try one of the places here, as it’s hard to go wrong. That way if things go wrong within the first half hour, the evening won’t be lost!

Personally my favorite airport in Europe. Friendly people, helpful customs personnel, great facilities and easy access. And it has to have the cleanest airport bathrooms in Europe, perhaps even in the world.

If you visit Luzern, take a moment to visit this monument with the wounded lion, one of the more interesting carvings in Switzerland. It’s dedicated to a very interesting part of Swiss history, and one worth reading about.

Doylestown is the County Seat of Bucks County. It’s a nice place to visit, as you can see from the reviews here, but just wanted to note that it’s also the County Seat.

I want to visit Kipling, Saskatchewan. According to their Website, the Town of Kipling has a population of about 1,100 people, who appear to not only enjoy a quality lifestyle, but seem to be very friendly as well (see the photos).

Kipling is also the new home of Kyle MacDonald, the young man who traded the now-famous One Red Paperclip for a house in Kipling. Not only is this an amazingly creative thing to do, but give the people in the town credit for also having the imagination to respond with their part in making this trade.

So congratulations to Kyle MacDonald (and Dominique) for reaching your goal… and in only 14 trades. And congratulations go out to the residents and Town Council of Kipling for presenting such a friendly face to the media in July 2006 during all the coverage.

Kipling’s Website has a slogan: “Where If Becomes Reality.” Looks like this little town knows how to live up to their motto.

Yes, I do want to visit your town.

See: Lexidiem
Tag: One Red Paperclip

I want to visit the Department of English & Comparative Literature at San Jose State University for the sole purpose of meeting Scott Rice, Ph.D. in person. Dr. Rice is obviously held in high esteem on the academic front, since he’s the Department Chair. His research interests cover the range of satire, grammar, British & European novels and commercialism in education.

Even more important, Scott Rice is the originator of the the world-famous Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, an annual competition for would-be writers that challenges them to compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels.

The contest is named after a minor Victorian novelist, Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, whose novel Paul Clifford bagan with the now-(in)famous line: “It was a dark and stormy night.”

More can be seen about the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest here: http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/

Don’t miss the wonderful listings and examples from past winners and runner-up entries. They’re well worth the trip. And maybe I’ll get to make my trip to SJSU someday, and shake the hand of the man who made this all possible.

This is a great place to go to if you’re ever in Philadelphia… much better than the average museum.

Have visited Grindelwald in both the late spring and early fall, and it’s as beautiful as those postcards one used to see of rural Switzerland. It’s easily accessible by car from a number of points, and there’s even rail service for those who aren’t inclined to drive. Happened to share a cable car to the mountain with some Swiss troops in the fall during “shoulder season” when they were on military exercises – very friendly and hospitable.

The view of the Eiger, Wetterhorn and Mettenberg mountains is truly spectacular. One of the most picturesque towns in the country, and want to return in the winter for the snow sports and glacier exploration. A very friendly place, with plenty of hotels and interesting restaurants. But above all, don’t forget your camera!

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as “The Wall,” is a tribute to the sacrifice of American military personnel during this nation’s least popular war. This memorial separates the issue of the sacrifices of the veterans from the U.S. policy in the war, and thereby creating a place for understanding. Over 58,000 names are inscribed on The Wall, which includes the names of deceased and missing POW/MIAs. The memorial lets all people reflect on the price of war and to honor those who served their country.

Found the names of too manyBrothers-in-Arms on the Wall. But we vets do go back to remember them and their sacrifice. Still wear a POW/MIA bracelet with the name MAJ HORACE H. FLEMING, III, USMC, who was lost 10 May 1968. You can see his name on the photo with this posting.

If you visit The Wall, stop by one of the Outposts and pick up a POW/MIA bracelet while you can still find them. Show others that you remember those POW/MIAs who are still unaccounted for.

My son has expressed the desire to return to The Wall soon, so maybe again this summer.

Semper fi!