"Where are we going?!" (Photo by Curtis Perry) Recreational vehicles have come a long way since Americans started using them to tour the country in the 1920s. "Tin Can Tourists" were (and are still) blessed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, but didn't necessarily want to give up the amenities of home -- and thus was born the RV. After World War II, such companies as Airstream and Winnebago sprang up, dedicated to giving motor tourists comfort in a surprisingly compact form. Even Hollywood got into the act, as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz attempted to drive across the U.S. in their movie, "The Long, Long Trailer" (a feat emulated 32 years later by Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty in "Lost in America"). And just what do these road warriors want to see? Well, they might start in Collinsville, IL, just to get a peek at the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, then it's east to Flanders, NY, where the "Big Duck" holds court. After that, it's northwest to Ironwood, MI, home of Hiawatha, "The World's Tallest and Largest Indian." Finally, it's all the way west to Livermore, CA, and the World's Oldest Working Lightbulb (burning continuously since 1901!) -- or any number of other unique destinations. The price of gas may be high, but so is their enthusiasm. Suggested Sites... RV Advice - recreational vehicle events, tips and tricks, FAQs, and more. Roadside America - you're out on the road; here's what to see. Roadside Architecture - keep your eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind buildings, restaurants, and giant... things. Gas Buddy - get your motor runnin' and head out on the highway -- but first know where to find the cheapest gas. Vintage Vacations - restoring and selling period trailers and campers.

Directory categories: Road Trips, Recreational Vehicles, Roadside Attractions, RV Parks

Archived under: 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, Adventure, Autos, Camping, Cultures, Driving, Fanatics, Parks, RVs, Roadside Attractions, Society and Culture, Tourist Attractions, Transportation, Travel, Vacations

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Original cover of Michael Jackson's Thriller (Editor's Note: In light of the events of last week, we were reminded of this Spark from 2007.) After more than 15 years as a child star with The Jackson 5 and five successful solo albums, Michael Jackson hit new levels of superstardom in 1982 with "Thriller." 27 years later, Michael's sixth solo album is still an all time record-breaker, with 104 million copies sold worldwide, 80 consecutive weeks in the Billboard Top 10 (including 37 at number one), and seven Grammys. Michael earned top ten hits with seven of the album's nine tracks, including the Paul McCartney duet, "The Girl is Mine," and "Billie Jean," in which he denied allegations of fathering the child of an obsessive fan. "Billie Jean" also introduced the public to Michael's signature "Moonwalk" dance, said to be inspired by mime Marcel Marceau. The "Thriller" single went a (dance) step further with a 14-minute video directed by John Landis and narrated by the spooky voice of Vincent Price. In this horror movie spoof, Jackson turns into a werewolf, threatens to kill his date, and leads a chorus line of dancing zombies covered with grape jelly blood. Many -- especially Filipino prisoners -- cite it as the best music video ever, and there's no denying that both the album and the single made musical HIStory. Suggested Sites... Michael Jackson.com - official site of the late King of Pop. Thriller Videos - the best and the worst of aspiring Michael Jacksons, including performances by those Filipino inmates and Bollywood dancers. A Photographic History of Michael Jackson's Face - the "Thriller" makeup was frightening, but Michael's scariest face was yet to come. Thrill the World - learn how to dance like a zombie, and help break the record for simultaneous worldwide "Thriller" performances at the same time!

Directory categories: Michael Jackson, Rock and Pop Music, The 1980s, Michael Jackson Memorials and Tributes, R&B and Soul Music

Archived under: 1980s, Awards, Dance, Entertainment, Horror Films, Michael Jackson, Music, Music History, Thriller, Videos, Zombies

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"What are YOU doing this weekend?" (Photo by Veronica ML) Ah, the lazy days of summer are here. Wait -- "lazy?" We Americans are lazy enough already, according to this month’s American Journal of Medicine. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and to take advantage of some summertime activities! Nothing on your calendar? No problem! Ours is packed through the season. Here are just a few ideas for just this weekend: In major metropolitan areas, of course, there’s always something going on. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, this weekend is "Taste of Chicago," with free admission and filled with food and music. Speaking of music, everyone in Dallas is likely lined up for the "American Idol" auditions. If you missed registering in Texas, get your plane tickets now for one of the upcoming auditions in Los Angeles, Orlando, or Denver. Are there events geared toward those who want to get or stay fit this summer? Certainly! Remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer swims in the East River because the pool is too constricting? It turns out there's a gaggle of like-minded New Yorkers who are swimming around Liberty Island today. If you can't make it, don’t worry; they have more events scheduled. Of course, you don’t have to live in the big city to find cool things to do. Wherever you are, you can still participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (provided your employer approves, of course!), Some folks in Petaluma, California, however, will be skipping work with their pooches to visit the Sonoma-Marin Fair and enter the "World’s Ugliest Dog Contest." If the thought of big crowds and rats on leashes makes you want to just stay home -- or if you’re just saving all your energy for the Fourth of July weekend -- you can still get involved by watching other people push the limits of hockey, golf, or pure speed. Just don’t say you’re bored!

Directory categories: American Idol, Recreation in Manhattan, Chicago Travel Guides, Activities for Dogs, Sports

Archived under: American Idol, Animals, Boredom, Calendars, Chicago, Cities, Contests, Dogs, Eating, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Health, Outdoors, Pets, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Seinfeld, Sports, Summer, Swimming, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Vacations

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The forest-mimicking columns inside Gaudi's temple La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain (Photo by Juan Salmoral) If there is any one principle that resonates through the work of architectural legend Antoni Gaudí, it's that nothing beats the beautiful ingenuity of Nature. Born on this day in 1852, Gaudí was infatuated with the natural world. He immersed himself in nature's forms -- from sea shells to mushrooms. Organic shapes inspired Gaudí's stunningly original monuments in and around Spain's cultural mecca, Barcelona. His bizarre buildings are wrought with swirling ceilings, gill-like window vents, molten façades, ruffled rooftops, and whimsical chimney creatures. Even the structural elements of Gaudí's buildings take on surreal, nature-inspired forms through tree-like columns, bone supports, helicoid staircases, and rib-shaped rafters. Despite his innovations, Barcelonians didn't think much of him during his lifetime. Aside from the few rich clients who adored (and funded) his artistry, most civilians -- and frankly, most of Gaudi's colleagues -- scoffed equally at his major works. Nevertheless, the Catalan creator of biomorphic curves eventually earned posthumous praise from master architects and artists, solidifying his status as a forefather of Modernism. Suggested Sites... Casa Battló (1905-1907) - Gaudí's gaudy apartment, inspired by sea forms. Casa Milà (1905-1907) - Gaudí's undulating building called "The Quarry." Parque Guëll (1900-1914) - Gaudí's park, featuring his home, bridges, mosaics, terraces, and sculptures. La Sagrada Familia (1882-2026?) - his massive masterpiece-in-progress, full of cave forms and unforgettable towers. NYC Grand Hotel Plans (1908) - Gaudí fans proposed his design for the new World Trade Center.

Directory categories: Antoni Gaudi, Master Architects, Barcelona Local Guides, Art Nouveau

Archived under: 19th Century, Antoni Gaudi, Architects, Architecture, Arts, Birthdays, Buildings, Creativity, Design, Europe, History, Regional, Spain, Tourist Attractions

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Brian Jones playing a Vox Mando guitar "Death by misadventure." That was the official finding regarding the death of Brian Jones nearly forty years ago. On July 2, 1969, Jones, the co-founder of the Rolling Stones, was found dead in the pool of his Essex farm (which had previously been owned by none other than "Winnie-the-Pooh" creator A.A. Milne). Did Jones indeed die in an accident, intoxicated by drugs and alcohol? Or was he murdered? Any number of hypotheses have been put forward, and yet the circumstances surrounding the death of the "blond angel" of the Rolling Stones remain mysterious. A talented musician, Jones lived live to its fullest. Born into a middle-class family in 1942, he refused to conform, fathered at least five children with multiple girlfriends, abused drugs and alcohol, drove a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud that he had bought from Beatle George Harrison, and was eventually fired from the very band he had helped create. Just weeks before his death, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, tired of Jones's no-shows at rehearsals and generally erratic behavior, decided to replace him with guitarist Mick Taylor. In 1962, Richards and Jagger had been blown away by Jones's talent, and the three decided to create a band: The Rolling Stones. Jones introduced new sounds to rock and roll: playing the sitar on "Paint It Black," the dulcimer on "Lady Jane," the marimba on "Under My Thumb," and both saxophone and harpsichord on "Dandelion." His musical talent was soon surpassed by Jagger and Richards, though, as the duo began writing most of the songs -- and didn't restrain from sharing Jones's girlfriends. As might be guessed, the relationship between the trio was far from cordial when Jones died, and only three days after his death, the band played a concert in London's Hyde Park; a concert that had been intended to introduce new guitarist Taylor, but turned into a weird -- and insincere -- tribute to Jones. On July 10th, Jones was buried in his home town of Cheltenham in a bronze and silver casket paid for by Bob Dylan. The only Stones to show up at the funeral were Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. Jagger was traveling to Australia to shoot a movie, and Richards had "studio commitments." There was no love lost for the man who had brought them fame and whose death helped build their legend. Suggested Sites... TruTV: All About Brian Jones - extensive biography of the Rolling Stones founder, including the mysteries surrounding his death. MySpace: Brian Jones - a plethora of pictures, videos, and stories about Jones. The Brian Jones Fan Club - a must for the devoted admirers of the musician. The 27 Club - dedicated to all the music artists who died at the age of 27.

Directory categories: Brian Jones, The Rolling Stones, Artist's Memorials, Rock Artists, Rock Music

Archived under: 1960s, Anniversaries, Biographies, Celebrities, Dead Celebrities, Death, Entertainment, Music, Musicians, Mysteries, Rock and Roll, Suicide, United Kingdom

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