National Portrait Gallery Opens Two Civil War Exhibits

by Sean McLachlan on


The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., is commemorating the Civil War with two new exhibits.

“The Confederate Sketches of Adalbert Volck” looks at the work of a rebel dentist who became one of the Confederacy’s leading political cartoonists. Unlike most German immigrants, who sided with the Union, Volck was an active rebel who not only fought the Union with his pen, but also smuggled much-needed medical supplies to the South. The exhibit runs until January 21, 2013.

More famous is photographer Mathew Brady, whose portable photographic studio is shown above. “Mathew Brady’s Photographs of Union Generals” make up the second exhibition. Numerous high-quality images of the Union’s leading and lesser-known generals will be on display. The exhibit runs until May 31, 2015.

The exhibitions are part of a continuing series at the National Portrait Gallery marking the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

Photo courtesy Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Wine: The New Drink Of Asia?

by Kyle Ellison on

No, there aren’t vineyards suddenly springing up along remote portions of the Great Wall, inside the DMZ or on the upper slopes of Mt. Fuji. Of that much I am certain. There are, however, many people who live in these areas who are developing a notable penchant for wine and, all of a sudden, the big name wine growers are starting to take notice.

A recent news release discusses that although European wine exporters have seen a decline in their traditional markets in North America and Europe, the expanding palates of Asia are proving to be a welcome change of direction.

Evidence? The article uses the example of a South Korean wine importer perusing the stalls of a massive wine expo in Verona, Italy, who admits that Italian food and Italian wines are becoming more favorable in South Korea.

Also, according to statistics cited in the article, there was a 10% increase in wine consumption in Asia in 2011 bringing it to 5.5 billion liters, whereas estimates run as high as the continent being able to quaff a record 6 billion liters for 2012.

Meanwhile, in China, Benjamin Chau, deputy head of the Hong Kong trade development council believes that as a growing number of Chinese markets prosper, so too do their imbibing habits change. Historically drawn to strong liquor, Chau argues that as quality of life improves for many Chinese citizens wine is becoming a fashionable and more health-conscious drink of choice, which is often imported from vineyards in the West.

So how much emphasis is being placed on Asia as an emerging wine market? Enough that new Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti was told to be peddling a list of “Made in Italy” products while on a recent visit to Japan, South Korea and China. Seeing as Italy was the world’s largest exporter of wine in 2011, I am sure multiple vintages and varietals were offered as part of the touring menu.

So is it time to trade in the sake for the syrah the next time you’re in Tokyo? Should we swap the soju for sauvignon blanc while nibbling on kim bap in Seoul?

I’m not sure if I would go that far, but if this is a trend that continues to gain steam, it may not make for a far-fetched future.

Footvolley: Brazil’s take on volleyball and soccer

by Jessica Festa on



While traveling through Brazil, I discovered a new sport I had never seen before, but one I’d definitely love to try. The sport was created in 1965 on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, as a way for football (soccer) players to be able to practice their skills without violating the terms of the formal football ban that was going on. It is similar to volleyball in that points are awarded to the opposing team when the one team “drops” the ball. To make the game a bit more challenging, there are only two players from each team allowed on the court at one time. While the sport is most popular in Brazil, it has gained international attention and is also played in the United Kingdom, Israel, Paraguay, Asia and the United States.

For a better idea of how the game is played, check out the above clip of a Footvolley match being played on Leblon Beach in Brazil.

Matsuri Restaurant and Hiro Ballroom give people a chance to own a piece of New York City history

by Jessica Festa on

For those who have enjoyed delicious steak and seafood dishes at Matsuri, or late night dancing in the Hiro Ballroom, there’s sad news. These two popular New York venues in the Maritime Hotel, which have hosted guests like Mick Jagger, Nicole Kidman and Karl Lagerfeld, are set to close their doors for good. Luckily, the owners have decided to give people the chance to take home a piece of the Big Apple’s hospitality history.

A live auction, as well as several previews, will be facilitated by Michael Amodeo & Co. Participants will have the chance to bid on items such as flatware, original artwork, walnut flooring, and giant handmade Japanese lanterns. Even the men’s urinals, which were also handmade in Japan, are being auctioned off. The event dates are as follows:

  • Monday, April 2, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Preview
  • Tuesday, April 3, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Preview
  • Wednesday, April 4, 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Preview
  • Wednesday, April 4, 2:00 p.m.- all items sold. Auction

While smaller items can be purchased and brought home the day of the auction, larger items must be brought home by Thursday, April 5. The Maritime Hotel is located at 363 West 16th Street, off 9th Avenue.

American city might sell its historic landmarks

by Kyle Ellison on

According to a recent release from CBS Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city may soon be looking to offload some of its historic landmarks to private owners or foundations.

In a new plan by city officials to bolster the cash-strapped community, 15 historic landmarks across the city — 12 of which are protected by historic landmark designation — may soon be up for grabs, and the decision is causing a ruckus in the Baltimore political and historical community.

So why the hesitancy on the decision?

Before making the announcement final, city officials want to determine how much they could actually pocket for sites such as Shot Tower, a landmark, which was once the tallest building in the nation back in 1828.

Involving more than just potential revenue, however, the city argues that many of the sites lack adequate funding and they have fallen into disrepair. In addition to providing revenue for the city, proponents of the plan argue that this move would ultimately be in the best interest of the historical sites due to the greater likelihood of a private owner being able to offer proper maintenance and care.As can be expected, not all Baltimore citizens are on board with the plan. In statements made by local citizens interviewed on the matter, many feel that these are landmarks, which belong to the city of Baltimore and are part of the city’s lengthy history.

Of course, while the sale of American landmarks is a sad state of affairs, there is an ironic political wrinkle to the tale which is the root of much of the ire:

In preparation of the plan, Baltimore city mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has approached the city spending council asking for $46,000 in public funds towards consulting fees for appraisal of the historic sites.

As a student of American history and a champion of fiscal responsibility, I’ll be blunt and admit that this saddens me.

What do you think? Is this a creative form of raising revenue meant to spruce up the community, or a disappointing reality which addresses a deeper problem?

Regardless of personal opinion, it’s not a concept that is unheard of. The greatest cultural treasure and historic landmark in all of Cambodia, for example, is privately owned by a company based in Vietnam, the same country which militarily invaded and occupied Cambodia for nearly a decade.

Ouch.

{Image via Flickr user James Cridland}