posted by Charles H. Russo on Jul 24
The Unfree French is a densely written, engrossing study of everyday life in France from May 1940 until the Liberation of Paris in August 1944. To describe this book as a mere eye-opener is understatement. From the exode, when millions of panicked families fled to the countryside, to the Service de Travail Obligatoire (STO) when French civilians were sent to Germany to work, the book traces a complex history of the lives of “…human beings [who] struggle to survive by any method.” Page after page of intense historical information peppered with astonishing anecdotes.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jul 22
Born in 1165, Philippe Auguste (Philippe II) was king of France from 1180 to 1223. Concerning the history of Paris, his reign was very influential :
The market that would later become “Les Halles” was founded;The Louvre was built;Notre Dame de Paris was consecrated;The main thoroughfares were paved (this concerns the four main streets of Paris at this time : Saint-Jacques, Saint-Martin, Saint-Antoine and Saint-Honor?);The construction of the “wall of Philippe Auguste” started. This wall has disappeared now, and only pieces of it can be seen, but for centuries it set the limits of Paris and the “Faubourgs”.Last but not least, the Hopital de la Trinit? (now disappeared) was founded. I happen to live just where this hospital stood, between the rue Saint Denis and the Boulevard Sebastopol. The caves where I set my office are probably the ancient caves of La Trinit?…
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jul 12
By Adam Winters
Are you planning a holiday? Consider New Orleans. The city provides a fun-filled holiday for the entire family or even for a couple. Situated between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans is a frequented tourist destination because of all that it offers. From museums to gardens, aquariums to night clubs, from exciting bars to exotic restaurants, and of course Mardi Gras, the place has it all!
You can begin the exploration of New Orleans with a boat ride in the Mississippi. Make sure you choose a good tourist guide for the cruise so that as you take a tour, you can also get a lot of information about the venerable city. Many tourists will enjoy a break at the Chalmette Battlefield, a historic site.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 31
Our final trip with the 2007 Dartmouth Ski Team was a special one for the athletes, coaches, and administrators who have dedicated so much to the ski team in particular and Dartmouth Athletics in general. At the White House on June 18, President George W. Bush honored 27 of this year’s NCAA Division-1 national championship teams-of which we were one-in an afternoon-long celebration that included a tour of the White House, a personal meeting with President Bush, and Presidential remarks delivered on the South Lawn.
Having gone our separate ways after winning the ski championship, we arrived at Washington’s Hotel Sofitel from all corners of the country-some from Hanover, others from Colorado and Texas, myself from New York City where I’m spending the summer on an internship. Having the team together was pleasant reunion because end-of-term finals and graduation rarely allow much time to say goodbye to so a number of of the people that influenced our lives at Dartmouth.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
If you have ever been shopping inNew Yorkand sworn that the woman behind the cash register at Blue Tree looks exactly like Phoebe Cates, well, you???re probably right. Cates is one of a handful of celebrities opening their own boutiques. And surprise, surprise- most of them- like Lisa Rinna, Cates and Niki Taylor- are actively involved in every aspect of their shops, from hunting down the coolest new designers and buying the clothing, to occasionally putting in time behind the till. (But one thing most of the celebs need to do is hire someone to create a decent website for them). Here is a look at some of our favourite celeb boutiques.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
The clear green waters and perfect white beaches of this popular vacation area, just west of the Florida-Alabama border, make it a vacation destination and a weekend getaway spot for all of southern Alabama. Only recently has the rest of the country begun to feel the tug of its attraction.
No matter what you fancy in a beach vacation, you’ll find it here. Surrounded by water, anglers get the best of all worlds - bay, surf, lake and deep sea fishing . The climate is mild enough to permit golfing year round and some of the course, like Kiva Dunes, roll right up to the beach.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 22
The country was part of the Holy Roman Empire until it was acquired piece by piece by the Burgundians. At the end of the middle ages, it became a Spanish possession (together with what is now Belgium). Little survives from this period, except a few historic city centers, and a few castles.
Following a revolt led by national hero Willem van Oranje (William of Orange), the father of the currently ruling House van Oranje (of Orange), the Spanish were kicked out as part of the Thirty Year’s War (known as the Eighty Year’s War in the Netherlands: 1568-1648). The split with Belgium came when the northern provinces signed the Union of Utrecht in 1579.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 16
Downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of those magical places where time seems to stand still. No one’s in a hurry, everyone has a smile on their face and there’s something unique around ever corner. Stroll the historic downtown area to enjoy an eclectic array of galleries and eateries mixed with Spanish colonial-era heritage and native culture.
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few suggestions:
WHERE TO STAY - Your first order of business is finding a place to stay. Try El Farolito at 514 Galisteo Street. This award-winning, downtown Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast will charm and delight you with it’s authentically-furnished adobe casitas with private entrances and patios tucked into a quiet corner of the historic area. Call Walt Wyss at(505) 988-1631 to make your reservations. This is an unforgettable place for a honeymoon.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 13
courtesy of the BBC
It’s hard to imagine that a building so incredibly characterful could have so recently been so hated, but the city’s St. Pancras station (being re-dedicated tomorrow in a big ceremony with the Queen and all) was not too long ago seen as an “obsolete, pompous and absurd” reminder of a past that most Britons would have rather forgotten.
True, St. Pancras was and is one of the most ridiculously over the top pieces of architecture from its time standing in London today, but things change, and its lurid, red brick boastfulness is now gloriously back in vogue, new champagne bar and all.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 21
By: Nancy Kinley
In the midst of Los Angeles County’s west side, Redondo Beach sets itself apart from the masses of southern California beaches in many ways while still reflecting the best of the laid-back lifestyle for which the area is legendary. Close to so many amusement parks and museums, Redondo Beach is certain to have something enjoyable for everyone.
Redondo Beach has been referred to many times as having “one of the most romantic sunset watching places in the entire world”- the Seafront Esplanade. The city that once was one of the busiest commercial ports in southern California now is home to a pleasure pier, lined with quaint, unique shops and restaurants and a sport fishing fleet. Don’t forget about the marinas, for what would a southern Cali beach destination be without them!
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