Amelia Earhart in 1932 (No, it's not Hilary Swank.) One of the most fascinating women in history -- and one of the most elusive mysteries -- is the story of Amelia Earhart. From her early days as a tomboy in Kansas to her daring aviation adventures, Earhart was always someone who stood out. But in addition to being a pilot, she was also a nurse, a writer, a wife, and a sister, as well as a revolutionary whose life was cut short too soon. Earhart first experienced international life as a nurse in Canada during World War I. After the war, she moved to California, where she took her first airplane ride. Mentored by famed aviatrix Neta Snook, Amelia undertook the lengthy and difficult training being a pilot required. By 1923, she had not only received her pilot's license, but had set the record for the highest elevation reached by a female aviator. Charles Lindbergh's 1927 solo transatlantic flight (history's first) led to efforts to find a woman to duplicate the feat, and Earhart was a natural choice. She flew across the Atlantic as part of a team in 1928, becoming an instant celebrity in the U.S., and four years later, flew solo from Newfoundland to Ireland in just under fifteen hours, cementing her place in history. She received numerous international honors, and gained many famous friends, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She later became the first woman to fly solo across the continental United States, as well. Earhart's success on that voyage led her to seek out more exciting opportunities. Her next goal was to fly around the world. After years of planning, Earhart and her co-pilot Fred Noonan set out from Miami in June, 1937. They made numerous stops, eventually arriving in New Guinea in July. But somewhere between there and their next intended stop on Howland Island on Jully 2, 1937, radio contact between the pilots and the ship docked to meet them was lost. Earhart, Noonan, and their plane were never seen or heard from again, despite a massive and expensive search launched by the U.S. government and later financed by her husband, publishing magnate George Putnam. So what happened to Earhart and Noonan? The most likely (and least exciting) explanation is that the plane simply ran out of fuel or experienced mechanical problems and crashed, either into the Pacific Ocean or on a nearby island. But conspiracy theorists and Hollywood have their own ideas. The 1943 film "Flight for Freedom" depicts a fictionalized version of Earhart spying on the Japanese for the U.S. government (which propagated this myth in popular culture). Another theory posits that Earhart and Noonan landed on an island occupied by the Japanese, who then had the two aviators executed. Even more unlikely stories involve faked deaths and secret identities, castaways on a desert island, and (of course), alien abduction -- thanks, "Star Trek." Whatever the truth is, Earhart's life is certainly as fascinating as her disappearance. And now, with the 62nd anniversary of her disappearance, two award-winning actresses are bringing her to life on the big screen. Already this year, we've seen Amy Adams's fanciful and comedic take in "Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian," which earned her rave reviews. And come October, two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank will portray Earhart in "Amelia," which (based on the just-released trailer) looks like more Oscar-bait for Swank and her co-stars. These films will hopefully expose Earhart to a whole new generation, reminding all of us of extraordinary woman who should never be forgotten. Suggested Sites... Museum of Women Pilots - Oklahoma City museum dedicated to the lives of Earhart and other female aviators. In Search of ... Amelia Earhart - 1970s TV program hosted by Leonard Nimoy, focusing on Earhart’s disappearance. Amelia Earhart Papers - large collection of Earhart images and documents at Purdue University. The Earhart Project - organization dedicated to discovering the truth about Earhart's last flight.

Directory categories: Amelia Earhart, Aviation History, Conspiracies, Women's History, Biographic Movies

Archived under: 1930s, Adventure, Amelia Earhart, American History, Anniversaries, Aviation, Biographies, Celebrities, Dead Celebrities, Disappearances, Exploration, Explorers, History, Missing Persons, Movies, Mysteries, Urban Legends, Women

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"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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William "Captain" Kidd When we envision a pirate, we usually have the fictional variety in mind. In books and movies, the pirate is typically a romantic hero; a noble (and often wrongfully accused) freedom fighter -- or an effeminate eye-liner loving prankster. But we often forget that pirates were (and are) real people, far different from the ideal we imagine. Yes, they sailed ships and some even buried treasure, but the original pirates were often just men (and women) caught up in the politics of the day, but without the connections (or the right PR) to back them up. The most infamous example of this kind of pirate was Captain Kidd. Born in Scotland in the mid-17th century, William Kidd gained success as a sailor and officially became a privateer during the Nine Year's War, conducting raids for the British on the French in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. In 1696, the Whig-led English government asked Kidd to lead an attack on a group of pirates suspected of aiding the enemy French. However, this expedition was a failure, as Kidd faced constant threats of mutiny from his crew and was branded a pirate by the Royal Navy, due to his refusal to follow orders. He was arrested and sent to London (where a new Tory ministry was in power) to stand trial for piracy and murder. Kidd was found guilty and was executed by hanging on May 23, 1701. His body was then hung in an iron cage overlooking the River Thames as a warning to future pirates. There are many who view Kidd’s death as mistake of political fortune, with Kidd as the unlucky pawn caught in a power struggle between Tories and Whigs in Parliament. While Kidd certainly committed acts of piracy, privateering was a legal and realistic part of maritime warfare during the 17th and 18th centuries. And the English government certainly reaped the benefits of his early activities, and declared Kidd a pirate only after he had ceased being a useful military weapon. Kidd's fate was similar to other sailors and soldiers, many of whom turned to piracy only to survive tumultuous economic and political times. And as we confront modern piracy today, the legacy of William Kidd should not be forgotten. Suggested Sites... Captain Kidd: The Movie - watch the 1945 film starring Charles Laughton online. Shipwreck! - National Geographic special about Kidd's adventures. Oak Island Money Pit - visit (one of) the supposed burial grounds of Kidd's treasure. Sid Meier's Pirates! - video game featuring Captain Kidd.

Directory categories: Captain William Kidd, Piracy, Pirates and Buccaneers, Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean", 17th Century

Archived under: 17th Century, Adventure, Anniversaries, Crime, Criminals, England, History, Military, Mythology and Folklore, Pirates, Sailing, U.K. History, United Kingdom

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Giacomo Casanova, circa 1750 There have been so many stories and myths and movies surrounding Casanova over the years that it's difficult to tell where the legend ends and the man begins. Whether he really was the "World's Greatest Lover" is up for debate (certainly Casanova did much to propagate such rumors), but there are facts surrounding his life that are difficult to dispute. Giacomo Girolamo Casanova de Seingalt was born April 2, 1725 in Venice. He studied law and eventually joined the clergy. He even met the Pope, but later fell out of favor with the Church due to -- what else? -- a series of scandalous love affairs. On a tour of Europe, he explored Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, and alchemy. Upon his return to Venice, he continued to plague the Catholic Church and was tried and imprisoned by the Inquisition. Casanova then achieved an improbable escape from his jail and left Italy. Casanova lived in France, Belgium, England, and Russia over the years, where he hobnobbed with such figures as Madame de Pompadour, Voltaire, Catherine the Great, and Benjamin Franklin. He worked for the French Foreign Ministry and conducted several spying missions. Casanova attempted a few (unsuccessful) confidence schemes, fought at least one duel, and even worked for the Inquisition. Avoiding both the French Revolution and Napoleon, he became a librarian in Bohemia and wrote his memoirs before dying in 1798. And of course, in between all these adventures, he somehow managed affairs with an international array of women -- and supposedly, with some men, too. So ,while Casanova may be remembered as the heartthrob who slept his way through Europe, his true legacy is really living and surviving some of most tumultuous events in European history. In a hundred years, will Robert Pattinson or the Jonas Brothers be able to say the same thing? Suggested Sites... Casanova Research Page - academic site about focusing on the "great lover's" writings. Casanova on BBC / Masterpiece Theater - 2005 miniseries about the life and legend of Casanova. Casanova: The Book - 2008 biography by Ian Kelly that tells Casanova's true story.

Directory categories: Sexuality, Casanova, the Movie, Venice, The Inquisition, The 18th Century

Archived under: 18th Century, Adventure, Benjamin Franklin, Biographies, Birthdays, Celebrities, Dead Celebrities, Europe, European History, France, Freemasons, History, Italy, Men, Religion, Romance, Sex and Sexuality

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(Photo by Kolby) In 1888, 33 explorers and scientists gathered in Washington, D.C., with a mission to create "a society for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge." The result of that meeting was the National Geographic Society, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. National Geographic is near and dear to my heart for a variety of reasons, but mostly for the realms of discovery it's provided for me since childhood. Not only was the Society's magazine the sole delight I could look forward to while visiting various doctors' offices, but its photography, cultural travel, and science articles have been a never-ending source of eye candy and brain manna. The periodical opened up the entire world for Western populations, long before mass media and the Internet were available. Today it has blossomed into dozens of publications and news channels across the planet -- including the glorious National Geographic Channel in HD. But, not to forget the original intent of this organization -- to explore and discover -- here are but a few fruits of the Society's myriad labors: Discovery of Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan Support of the first successful expedition to the North Pole Excavations of Machu Picchu NGS flags flew along with John Glenn on America's first orbital space flight, as well as to the moon on Apollo 11 And in what may have provided the inspiration for my own college aspirations, the National Geographic Society, paired with Louis and Mary Leakey, helped launch (and fund) the careers of Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, and Birute Galdikas, So here's my salute to you, National Geographic, for bestowing upon me -- and the rest of the planet -- your sense of adventure, need for knowledge, and the drive to make our world feel that much smaller, and all of us more connected. Suggested Sites... National Geographic Society - official site of the "society for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge." National Geographic Magazine - official subsite to connect with the popular publication. National Geographic Channel - see what's airing on the television channel. Wikipedia: National Geographic Society - an explanation and history of the group started by explorers and scientists.

Directory categories: National Geographic Society, Conservation, Photojournalism, Anthropology and Archeaology

Archived under: Adventure, Ancient History, Archaeology, Journalism, Magazines, National Geographic, Photography, Society and Culture, Travel

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