jim henson

 I saw the newly restored Cyclorama in Gettysburg today with a friend.  They've moved the original circular painting to the new visitor's center and it has been restored.

I was amazed at the beauty of the artwork, both 2 and 3 dimensional.  In the foreground of both of these examples, you will see 3-dimensional reconstructions (the fence and the cannon with surrounding grounds and foliage) that blend seamlessly into the painted background.

During the show, you see the sky change color as the sun rises, watch and hear bombs explode all around you as the battle is explained.

My only complaint is they usher you out fairly quickly, but they do give you some time to walk around and see the painting after the explanation is over.

The museum is included in the price and between the 2 attractions, it takes the better part of a day to complete.

There's lots to see here to keep you coming back.

Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vincent Price.  I wanted to post this hilarious video of Mr. Price on What's My Line where he is the Mystery Guest.

Not only does he sing his replies, but he sings in French!  Enjoy!

I know The King's Speech has been out there a while, but I finally found a clip from the original movie showing the *perfect* blending of music and acting that beautifully depicts the unbearable tension felt by both the King and the British people on the eve of the Second World War.  The citizens of Great Britain endured a great deal during that war--something most of us in the United States can not even imagine.

I think Geoffrey Rush's acting equals that of Collin Firth in this extremely well-done movie.

 Today, dh and I attended the Remembrance Day parade here in Gettysburg.  I wish I had taken more pictures of the rows and rows of Civil War reenactors in this parade.  It is amazing how many people dedicate their lives to remembering those who fought and died here over 100 years ago.

By far the most unusual thing for me was the Civil War era hearse, drawn by 2 horses and driven by a man in a stove-pipe hat.
I wanted to make sure to get a picture of a Civil War band (one with brass instruments) and decided to make this shot sepia toned to add to the semi-authenticity of the moment.

The Library of Congress has released some never before seen color photos taken during the Depression.  This one was taken some time during 1941 or 1942 in Washington, DC.  The color in these photos takes the Depression years from a nebulous black and white dream time, into reality.

Right away I noticed a couple of things.  First, the number of children.  Back then, there were lots of children and they played together around the neighborhood(s).  Second, the gender differentiation.  The girls are all in dresses and the boys all have sticks they are using as toy guns.  Third, the fact that their toys are self-made (the sticks, anyway--I do see a bike on the right.)

 I bet that building still stands in Washington.