Ringgold recovering nine months after tornado

RINGGOLD, Ga. -- Nine months after a major tornado ripped through this north Georgia hamlet, the signs of destruction are still visible.

The path through town that the EF4 twister -- with winds reaching 175 mph, according to the National Weather Service -- took on April 27 is clearly marked by trees, debris and missing buildings.

Eight people in Ringgold were killed. In total, the tornado killed 20 people combined in Catoosa County in Georgia and Hamilton and Bradley counties in Tennessee.

“The experience ... solidified the community,” the Chattanooga Times Free Press newspaper quoted Ringgold City Councilman Randall Franks as saying. “I think new bonds and many new friendships were cemented. It took working together to make it through.”

Earlier this month, the Ringgold City Council voted in favor of a memorial remembering the fatal twister, The Catoosa County News reported.

“I believe that a memorial recognizing that day, what the city endured, and those who lost their lives would be great for the city,” The Catoosa County News quoted Franks as saying. “We could perhaps have a historical plaque or narrative tablet similar to those that we already have in town. I also think it is important that he have the names of those who lost their lives on the plaque. In essence, it may give the city a little bit of closure and act as a nice historical piece so people could read and learn about what we went through.”

The memorial will be located in Little General Children’s Park, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.


For more: http://www.catoosanews.com/view/full_story/17054172/article-Ringgold-council-approves-tornado-memorial--appoints-new-vice-mayor?
For more: http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/27/rebuilding-continues-in-tornado-racked-town/

Ringgold: End of the line for the Andrews raiders

Photos by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2012

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2012

RINGGOLD, Ga. -- On the afternoon of April 12, 1862, a group of union spies desperately drove a stolen locomotive northward.

But, their tired engine, The General, was about to give out. About two miles north of Ringgold, the Great Locomotive Chase came to an end.

The spies fled, but were later captured.

While the raid failed, it succeeded in raising the general awareness about the importance of railroads and also their vulnerability. Following the raid, the Confederacy guarded its lines closer and a year later stopped a second attempted raid against the Western and Atlantic Railroad.

Those retracing the raid will want to visit two locations in this north Georgia city known as a marriage capital just across the Tennessee state line.

The old train depot opened May 9, 1850, the same day the Western & Atlantic Railroad line between Atlanta and Chattanooga opened for service. It was the last building the raiders saw before their adventure came to an end.

The building was damaged on Nov. 27, 1863, during the Battle of Ringgold, but it was repaired using limestone blocks, which are still visible today.

Just north of town, at railroad mile post 116.2, a marker denotes the exact location where the Andrews Raid ended. The marker is located of Georgia Highway 151, also known locally as Ooltewah Ringgold Road.

Terminal Station turns clock back to city’s railroad past

Photo by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2012

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2012

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – During the Civil War, the railroad was vital to Chattanooga, bringing supplies to the troops stationed in the city and also transporting reinforcements to nearby destinations. In April 1862, Chattanooga was the destination of the failed Andrews Raid — a Union raid aimed at destroying the Western & Atlantic Railroad that served the city.

Over the years, a number of major railroads served the city, including the Cincinnati Southern Railway, which on March 5, 1880, operated a southbound that departed Cincinnati bound for Chattanooga that was nicknamed Chattanooga Choo Choo, or so the story goes. During its heyday, the station had 14 tracks to serve the 68 trains that arrived and departed daily.

Chattanooga’s immortality as a railroad town was cemented in the history books with the release of Glenn Miller’s “Chattanooga Choo Choo” – a song he recorded in 1941 for the film “Sun Valley Serenade.” The song topped the Hit Parade chart, selling more than a million copies.

Today, the famous train station is a hotel, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel boasts more than 360 rooms and suites. Of those, 48 rooms are located in restored train cars. There are also a number of restaurants and shops on the terminal station’s grounds. Other amenities include tennis courts and outdoor pools.

While trains no longer serve the station, visitors can hop a 1924 New Orleans trolley to tour the 24-acre hotel.

Big Foot located in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- Unconfirmed reports indicate Big Foot was discovered at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the World of Concrete trade show.

Bellagio Fountains

Taken Jan. 22 (or 23 on the East Coast), 2012.

Viva Las Vegas (Part III)

LAS VEGAS -- Sin City is usually associated with gambling, but the city does have a number of museums worth checking out.

Here are three for starters (this list is by no means exhaustive):

Atomic Testing Museum

The world changed forever on Aug. 6, 1945, when the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

In the years that followed, Las Vegas was a popular destination for those wanting to see the large mushroom clouds at the nearby Nevada Test Site. The museum's exhibits not only focused on testing on the site, but also life at the site and its impact on the surrounding communities.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Since 2006, the Pinball Hall of Fame has featured a vast array of pinball machines -- ranging from modern machines to rarer classics.

The attraction is free to visit, but it costs to play pinball. Still for most, it's cheaper than the craps table and just as fun -- if not more so.

Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum

Most visitors to Las Vegas spend only passing moments in the airport, and for many, that time is in front of a slot machine.

The Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, located inside the airport, offers a quick overview of Sin City's aviation history. And, it's free, so even tourists who lost everything to the Blackjack table can enjoy this attraction.

Obama pushes tourism at Disney

Courtesy The White House

President Obama stopped by the Magic Kingdom on Thursday to push the need to increase the number of visitors to the country.

The President on Thursday signed an executive order that aims to create “a national strategy” to position the United States as the top tourist destination in the world. The White House says international tourism supported 1.2 million domestic jobs in 2010.

“Every year, tens of millions of tourists from all over the world come and visit America. And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work,” Obama said. “That’s how we’re going to rebuild an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, and where anyone can make it if they try.”

Among the executive order’s provisions, the visa processing capacity for non-immigrant visas from China and Brazil would increase by 40 percent this year. Said Obama: “We’re not talking about five years from now or 10 years from now -- this year.”

“We’re going to see how we can make it easier for foreign tourists to find basic information about visiting America, visiting not just Epcot Center, but the Everglades, too,” Obama said. “The more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work.  It’s that simple.”

Cable Cars: A symbol of the city

Photos by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO -- There may be no greater symbol of San Francisco than the cable car.

The Fog City's steep hills necessitated the development of a transportation that could effectively carry residents across the city's steep terrain. So, in the 1870s, Andrew Smith Hallidie developed a transportation system that would be pulled by a cable.

The first cable cars -- part of the Clay Street Hill Railroad Co. -- debuted in early August 1873, and at one point, eight different lines served the residents of San Francisco. The cars remained a popular method of transportation for decades, but over the years, buses started to take on a greater share of passengers.

By the 1940s, the cable cars were on the decline, riders were choosing buses over cable cars. However, rather than seeing the cable cars relegated to the history books, the public voted for the city to take over the cable cars.

By the early 1950s, the city assumed operations of the cable cars and continues to operate them to this day. But, by the 1970s, the famed cable cars were in trouble yet again, this time needing a major overhaul.

So, from September 1982 until June 1984, the cable car system was shuttered and rebuilt as part of a $75 million restoration project. "They're back and will be running for 100 years," UPI quoted then Mayor Dianne Feinstein as saying in 1984.

"The magic has returned to our streets," UPI quoted Friedel Klussmann, the resident often credited with leading the fight to save the cable cars, as saying in June 1984 as the cars were coming back on line.

Today, there are three lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason and California Street. The 47 cable cars that traverse the lines are not merely a tourist attraction; they're a viable method of transportation.

Plan accordingly, however; lines to ride the cars can grow quite lengthy.

Hotels launch new search engine

Six leading hotels have joined forces to launch Room Key, a hotel search engine they contend will make finding the right hotel easier.

In a news release, the companies said the new search engine "will provide the simplicity, transparency and breadth of choice consumers expect from a search engine, while delivering the flexibility, accuracy and assurance consumers expect from the hospitality industry."

"Finding the right hotel is complex and, unlike booking a flight or reserving a car, it is a personal decision process - one which no one understands better than hoteliers," Room Key CEO John F. Davis III said in a news release. "We believe Roomkey.com will provide consumers with an innovative resource that will give them unprecedented confidence in their booking decisions by fulfilling their hotel search needs with comprehensive and trusted content, and over time, through additional features such as the ability to connect and share their plans with family and friends - all provided through a simple and flexible site experience."

The companies that partnered are Hotels International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott International Inc. and Wyndham Hotel Group.

Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate 75th anniversary

Photo by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011, 2012

San Francisco’s famed Golden Gate Bridge is celebrating its 75th anniversary during a two-day festival during Memorial Day weekend.

“As the storied entrance to San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate, and its iconic Bridge is the namesake and centerpiece of our national park,” Frank Dean, the general superintendent for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said in a news release.

“The scenery, history, and extraordinary natural setting inspire millions of visitors a year to come to the area,” Dean added. “With the new facilities and education programs being launched at the Bridge this spring, the experience will be even more remarkable.”

The bridge, an icon of San Francisco, opened on May 27, 1937. As part of the 75th anniversary celebration, officials are constructing a new, 3,500-square foot visitors’ center. In addition, museums, universities and cultural centers will be participating in “75 Tributes to the Bridge,” a series of public programs to be presented throughout the year.

“The Golden Gate Bridge stands today as a testament of innovation and imagination, a bridge built by the people during the Great Depression,” Janet Reilly, president of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District Board of Directors, said in a news release.

“In honor of its 75th anniversary, we are reaching out to the people of the Bay Area and beyond to join us in a community-based celebration along the San Francisco waterfront,” Reilly added. “The Bridge is not the stage this time; rather, the community will come together to celebrate this engineering wonder together in a festival atmosphere.”

Railfans Rejoice: Trains galore at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw

KENNESAW, Ga. – The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History will kick off its packed 2012 calendar of events with a family day focusing on all aspects of trains, ranging from songs to models to historic artifacts.

The “Trains, Trains, Trains” event will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, in the museum’s Jolley Education Center.

This family event will include train crafts, operating model trains and tips and techniques for building a home layout. The event will also include interactive activities, including a train-themed story time, a Thomas & Friends activity center, railroad music and vendors selling a variety of train-related items.

In addition to the day’s events, visitors have an opportunity to explore the museum’s permanent exhibits to learn about the General, a locomotive involved in the Great Locomotive Chase, one of the Civil War’s most thrilling episodes. The museum also includes a full-scale replica of Glover Machine Works, a locomotive factory in nearby Marietta that helped rebuild the South after the war.

Each Thursday in January, the museum will also be hosting its Mommy & Me events, designed for preschool children three to five-years-old and their caregivers. The events – held at 10 a.m. on Thursdays in January and free with museum admission – provide a fun and exciting starting point for educational activities.

Museum admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children ages 4-12 and free for children three and under; coupons and discounts will not be accepted on the day of the event. The museum is located at 2829 Cherokee Street in downtown Kennesaw.

For more information about the Mommy & Me events, contact the museum’s Early Childhood Educator at (770) 427.2117, Ext. 3173 or children@southernmuseum.org. For more information, call (770) 427-2117, visit southernmuseum.org or follow the museum at facebook.com/southernmuseum.

Cedar Fair attendance up 2.6 percent, sets company record

Attendance at Cedar Fair's 17 amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment locations saw a 2.6 percent increase in attendance in 2011, the Sandusky, Ohio-based company announced.

"2011 was another strong year for Cedar Fair," Matt Ouimet, president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. "Our employees did an excellent job providing our guests with the quality experience that they have come to expect from Cedar Fair.  The strength of our season pass programs and commitment to premier new rides, attractions and special events also supported the record attendance we experienced this year."

Added Ouimet: "Our guests clearly recognize the great entertainment value that is provided by Cedar Fair's parks and resorts. In this difficult economic environment, it is particularly satisfying to see people make Cedar Fair parks their entertainment of choice."

Total attendance for the year was 23.4 million guests. In 2010, the parks saw 22.8 million guests, at the time a record year for the parks.

"As we look ahead to 2012, we remain committed to providing a 'best-day-of-the-year experience' for families and friends at all of our parks.  In the coming year we will introduce even more exciting rides, expand our night time entertainment offerings and continue to add to our successful Halloween programs."

Cedar Fair attractions include Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio; Kings Island in Mason, Ohio; and Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif.

Atlanta council approves airport concessions deal

By a 12-3 vote, the Atlanta City Council on Tuesday approved a $3 billion concessions deal for Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

"Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the economic engine not only for the City of Atlanta and the metropolitan region, but also for the state of Georgia," Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said in a news release. "These new concessions contracts will generate $51 million in annual revenues, an increase of more than $23 million, and ensure that the 90 million travelers who pass through Hartsfield-Jackson each year have world-class food, beverage and retail options.

"With the opening of the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International terminal this spring, Atlanta's position as the global capital of the Southeast will be secure for decades to come," Reed added.
Critics argued for more time to review the bids. As the Columbus Ledger Enquirer noted in an editorial (as published in the Marietta Daily Journal):

The immediate concern, however, doesn't require historical context. Common Cause noted in a Wednesday news release that the city council's transportation committee received a package of proposed contract winners shortly before midnight on Dec. 14 for a vote the next morning, just two days before the city government's Christmas recess. The committee immediately scheduled a vote by the full council for Tuesday — the first day after the holiday. "That leaves only three council business days," CCGA noted, "to consider the largest airport concession selection process in North American aviation history."

Officials, meanwhile, contend the process was open and transparent.

"This has been the most transparent and open procurement process I have been a part of in my more than 30 years in the aviation industry," Louis Miller, aviation general manager, said in a news release. "We are pleased that our new concessions program has been approved, and we can move forward in providing our customers with an exciting array of new dining and retail options in the coming months. The food and beverage program will create a sense of place for our customers and will offer a variety of new and local restaurateurs and companies to the airport."

For more: http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16974802/article-Georgia-Voices--Open-Government---and-Atlanta's-airport-insecurity?instance=lead_story_left_column
 

WDW: Open 24 hours on Feb. 29

Walt Disney World and Disneyland will stay open for 24 hours straight on Feb. 29 to celebrate the leap year.

The Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland Park in California will open at 6 a.m. (local time) on Feb. 29 and will remain open until to 6 a.m. (local time) on March 1 as part of the parks' "One More Disney Day" promotion.

The new promotion follows last year's "Let the Memories Begin" promotion.

"We're honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of 'Let the Memories Begin', and I'm pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012," Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts said in a news release. "To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family."

In addition, between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29, Disney is picking a daily winner as part of its "Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes." The winner will receive a Disney Parks vacation.

Woody Guthrie Center slated to open by end of year

Legendary writer and singer Woody Guthrie's archives are returning home.

A few months after the 100th anniversary of the troubadour's birth, The Woody Guthrie Center is set to open in Tulsa, Okla., the folk singer's home state.

The George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) recently purchased the archives from Woody Guthrie Publications in New York. While the Woody Guthrie Center is set to open in Tulsa, Okla., by the end of the year, an archives component -- which includes lyrics to roughly 3,000 songs and 700 pieces of artwork -- won't open until next year.

Guthrie was born in 1912 and died in 1967 after a lengthy battle with Huntington's Disease. Perhaps best known for writing "This Land is Your Land" and a number of ballads about the Dust Bowl, he profoundly influenced a generation of folk singers, including Bob Dylan, who helped bring about the 1960s folk revolution.

"Woody Guthrie is the greatest American folk singer/songwriter of all time," Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), said in a news release. "His art is deeply connected to Oklahoma's people and its history. It reflects the Oklahoma experience, from mobility and immigration to diversity and the longing for a sense of community. Whether it was the Indian forced onto a reservation, a farmer looking for new land or an oilman driven to find one more gusher, Woody gave voice to their hopes and dreams."

Added Blackburn: "Bringing this collection to Tulsa further validates the city as our nation's crossroads of creativity and enhances the community's intricate blend of art deco, jazz and Native American influences. This collection will draw a steady stream of scholars, artists and visitors to Tulsa. I can think of no other collection in terms of scope or importance that would compare."

Based in Tulsa, GKFF "is a charitable organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through investments in early childhood education, community health, social services and civic enhancement."

"It is a privilege for GKFF to help bring the Woody Guthrie Archive home to Oklahoma," Ken Levit, GKFF executive director, said in a news release. "The Guthrie family has inspired us through its brilliant and creative stewardship of these remarkable materials. We plan to make the Woody Guthrie Archive available to scholars, artists and the public so the story of this extraordinary Oklahoman can be told for generations to come. We look forward to working with others to create a permanent home for the collection in the Brady District and expect the Woody Guthrie Center to open in late 2012, with the archives arriving in early 2013."

Guthrie's daughter, Nora, previously housed the archives in Mount Kisco, N.Y.

"A permanent home for the collection was something we had thought about for years," Nora Guthrie wrote on woodyguthrie.org. "But it was an undertaking that we also had to admit we could never fulfill on our own. From its beginnings in 1992, we worked at unpacking, looking through, and organizing the boxes of materials, to creating a space where people could come and research, while figuring out how to fund it all, to bring the collection where it is today. That's just about 20 years of work, to the day. And it was about as much as we could handle."