Jessie Voigts's Blog, page 133
May 8, 2018
More Than a Battlefield: Why Gettysburg Should be on Your Bucket List
Gettysburg is often called the most famous small town in America because it was the site of the greatest military clash of the American Civil War. Union and Confederate forces fought fiercely over three days (July 1-3, 1863), suffering more than 51,000 casualties.
The battle is famously called the "high-water mark" of the Confederacy.
Four months later, President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg to commemorate the sacrifice of "those who her...
Through the Eyes of an Educator: Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
Lately I’ve taken notice of language - the words people choose to use and those that show up time and time again. If you listen, regardless of the situation involved in the discussion, you begin to hear patterns, synonyms, and repetition of emotions wrapped in very specific verbiage. Why do these words appear? Are they always those that are conscious choices, or are there underlying factors at work? Do those factors come from our experiences, our fea...
May 7, 2018
Long Layover? Short trips from Heathrow
If you're flying through the UK, there's a good chance you'll have a layover at London Heathrow airport (LHR). Layovers can be dull, but they're an unavoidable part of modern travel and we all just have to put up with them. If your layover is more than the usual few hours though, the delay can turn into an opportunity. There's lots to see and do in the area around Heathrow if you have the time to explore.
First things first: if you're going to be...
May 5, 2018
“Josh Recommends” for the Week of May 5, 2018 By Josh Garrick
“Josh Recommends” for the Week of May 5, 2018 By Josh Garrick
Orlando Ballet Hits a Triple-Play Home-Run in “Contemporary Wonders”
TODAY -- May 5 at 8 pm and TOMORROW May 6 at 2 pm
The Orlando Ballet is bringing down the house with its three new works in today’s “Contemporary Wonders” program. Opening with a stately premiere by choreographer Jessica Lang, which is followed by the “Tea Party” scene as our own Arcadian Broad choreographs AND compos...
May 4, 2018
Science and Zoo Help Museum with Egyptian Animal Mummy Exhibit
When you think of a mummy, you probably think of Egypt. Or maybe you think of the Hollywood movie The Mummy, starring Brendon Fraser. But what if you were to discover that there are actual mummified animals laid to rest alongside their ancient Egyptian masters?
That exciting discovery is the factual premise of Egyptian Animal Mummies: Science Explores an Ancient Religion exhibition on display through July 1, 2018, at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Th...
History Comes Alive in Hong Kong
A two-day trip to a mega city, with a preponderance of excellent attractions, can be overwhelming. With jet lag slowing my pace, coupled with intermittent rain dissuading outdoor activities, I set aside one day to learn about Hong Kong’s history. The best place to begin my adventure was at the Hong Kong Museum of History. This museum was established in 1975 “to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of Hong Kong.”
HONG KONG MUSE...May 1, 2018
Artist of the Month: Ashlee Forde, Disfusional Studios
This past fall, while watching the costume contest at Grand Rapids Comic Con, I was weary. I was sitting up front near stage left, so that I could get a glimpse of the incredible costumes as they exited the stage. However, as you know if you have seen a costume contest, they take a while. So I couldn't quite wrap my head around this magnificent creature - with enormous eyes, beautiful gold armor, and enormous talons - asking me if the s...
April 30, 2018
Lillie Cosplays: Sharing Cosplay Culture at PechaKucha Kalamazoo
On Thursday, April 26th, 2018, I spoke at one of my favorite places, talking about one of my favorite things, in my favorite thing. It was truly amazing - I cannot say that enough. I thank the good amount of sugar in my bloodstream that day for helping me get through it, thank you Canada dry ginger ale.
I spoke at PechaKucha Kalamazoo, volume 4, with 10 other amazing presenters:
I loved Hallow...
April 28, 2018
“Josh Recommends” for the Week of April 28, 2018 By Josh Garrick
“Josh Recommends” for the Week of April 28, 2018 By Josh Garrick
The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Garden Theatre
NOW to May 27
Based on the Victor Hugo novel, with magnificent music from the Disney film by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, this epic musical finds the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral longing to escape his captivity by the religious hypocrite Archdeacon Frollo. During his one night of ‘freedom,’ he is treated cruelly...
April 26, 2018
Explore the Golden Triangle of India
The Golden Triangle of India is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Northern India. The triangle refers to Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. They are almost equidistant from each other, and hence the name Golden Triangle. Each city has something different and special to offer to its visitors. You can easily cover the cities in a week’s time. Apart from the historical relevance, the easy accessibility and connectivity through roads, trains, and a...
