Historic “Electric Map” at Gettysburg is still gone, but not forgotten

by Jamie Rhein on

I had high hopes someone would rescue the “Electric Map” at Gettysburg, but I haven’t seen anything new about it since the plug was pulled on the attraction in April. (See article) Here’s a link to “Save the Map,” a movement started to, well, save the map, but it doesn’t say the map was saved.

The map used to be at the Gettysburg National Park Visitor’s Center, but the new visitor center, now called Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War dumped it for more modern trimmings.

I suppose the film A New Birth of Freedom narrated by Morgan Freeman is a fine way to let visitors know about the Civil War and the battle at Gettysburg, but I’ll miss the map when I go to here the next time.

That map, though, was funky and I think worth saving if nothing else for its nostalgic value and history. It was first displayed in the 1939. Perhaps another organization will acquire it. I hope so.

I went to Gettysburg when I was in the 5th grade. The electric map is about the only thing I remember. For a map experience via YouTube video, keep reading.

If you’re a person who likes details and is a visual learner, it seems to me this is a simple way to learn a lot of information and be able to see how a battle is organized.

Matt Harding is dancing again: This time, the world dances too

by Jamie Rhein on

Matt Harding, as in “Where the Hell is Matt,” –the guy who dances around the world, has found the answer to world peace. Don’t believe me? Just watch his video, Dancing 2008 and you’ll be smiling in a few seconds. Halfway through, you’ll feel like dancing yourself. The song “Praan” is perfect.

As Matt dances his way around the world through 42 different countries, people join him. Along the way there are laugh-out-loud surprises and joy. (To see the high quality version, click on the video. It will take you to the YouTube site. Click on “watch in high quality” under the video–or go here for the video via Matt’s Web site.)

What a great way to travel. Matt, you’re brilliant.

Washboard Festival: Impressions of a New Jersey jug band

by Jamie Rhein on

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in a New Jersey jug band, tootling the roads to Ohio for the annual Washboard Festival in Logan, Fender’s Excellent Adventure video will do the trick. I loved this. It starts out in Jack and Joe’s RV and goes from there. These two are members of the Dirdy Birdies Jug Band. Evidently, if you play a jug, it’s no match for a washboard. The captions of audience members are a hoot.

In the midst of the funny stuff is excellent footage of the music at the festival, the dance the Charleston, and a tour of the Columbus Washboard Factory. Stick around for the credits. Since the festival is happening this weekend, I’m passing this onto you. Seriously, this is mini-documentary quality. Very, very good.

GOOD magazine wants you to show off your hometown

by Jeffrey White on

GOOD magazine is putting together it’s 11th issue, which is focusing on travel. Toward that end, the editors over there are looking for contributors to show off their hometowns by submitting video “tours” of their cities and towns that answer a pretty simple question: What makes this place stand apart?

Got a secret spot in Boston? Know the best blues bar in Chicago? Can you take readers beyond usual guidebook dross to the real Paris? GOOD wants to hear from you.

The mag is looking for contributors to take readers on a video guided walk through their favorite neighborhoods, highlighting can’t-miss watering holes, eateries and unique sights and attractions. At some point in the future they’ll pick the best video entry and award someone with two round trip domestic tickets on JetBlue.

You can learn more about the project here.

You can go here to submit videos.

Happy filming.

Canopy tour of Ysterhout Gorge

by Jamie Rhein on

Here’s another version of canopy tours, much different than the ones in Hocking Hills, Ohio and near Kuala Lumpur. At the Ysterhout Gorge in Magaliesberg, South Africa, trees are sparse, but the gorge is mighty. This is a well-done edited version that shows each step of the experience. The scenery is gorgeous. The family in this video consists of a young girl as well. You really know how much you trust a tour guide when you send your child flying along a cable, feet dangling high above the rocky ground. There’s a point where my heart would jump. Part with fright, part with their excitment–and I’m the one who once took my 3 month-old on long boat rides in Thailand, passing him above the water while he was strapped in a car seat carrier. Here is a resource to find canopy tours in South Africa, plus a Gadling post from former blogger Erik Olsen that presents options in other places.