Come Have Some Summer Time Fun in NC ya'll!

One way to beat the miserable NC heat and enjoy one of the summer block buster movies is to view a movie at the Discovery Place IMAX Dome.

All About IMAX

IMAX brings a unique and totally-immerseible movie viewing through its use of the most modern and updated technology out there. Over 700 million people worldwide have had the opportunity to experience the IMAX vision live through IMAX, IMAX Dome, and IMAX 3-D. Today there are over 280 IMAX theaters in over 40 counties. The IMAX Theater is usually attached to state of the art museums (usually a science museum), planetariums, and zoos.

The IMAX cooperation uses 15-per perforation, 70 mm film making it the world’s largest commercial film. It works on a rolling loop action. 16 amplifiers produce more than 12,000 watts of power. The IMAX screens are 4500 times larger than your average TV. The IMAX and IMAX 3-D flat screen are up to 8 stories high. Because the film fills up the entire screen it makes you fill in the middle of the action. The IMAX Domes offer up larger than life images that inundate you from every angle. You feel as if you’re in the middle of the movie set.

IMAX first began by making and showing educational films such as Coral Reef Adventure, Everest, Galapagos, and Sharks. But eventually in order to bring movie fans a much more movie going experience the company began to work with movie producers in order to work with IMAX Technology. Today movies such as Harry Potter, 300, Polar Express, and Spiderman bring movie fans a movie in a way that has never been experienced before. And it seems to be working as Harry Potter IMAX is breaking all kinds of record for the Harry Potter films.

Please keep reading as there is a part 2

When browsing through my Friday entertainment section of the Charlotte Observer, a short quip about a Salisbury garden tour caught my eye. I thought it was odd since I had gone to the Salisbury garden tour only weeks early. Thankfully I decided to read more since I discovered it was a mistake and it turned out to be a garden and homes tour in Monroe.

Monroe, NC is a mid sized town with just over 30,000 citizens located near Charlotte. It is the seat for Union County, which is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. The downtown area of the city has been restored and revitalized and features shopping and dining in a relaxed atmosphere all while offering visitors a charming and historic city to enjoy. Their historic district offers visitors some amazing and beautiful historical houses. And that is where my adventure began.

I never knew Monroe had such an impressive historic district or that they had house tour. Now that I do, you can bet I will be here again. In fact apparently they have a homes tour in November. So I have already marked that on my calendar to start checking for dates! This year’s tour offered 5 historic homes, the historic courthouse, and the historic train station. It was called the home and garden tour, but quite frankly it was more of a historic homes tour since I noticed the homes didn’t exactly have big and impressive gardens. In fact, I have better gardens than most here. But since I love historic homes and I got to go inside these beauties, I didn’t care.

You start you tour at the Union County Courthouse where you also pick up your tickets and brochures. This impressive Victorian Italianate structure was built in 1886 by local contractor J.T. Hart and designed by architect, Thomas J. Holt. In 1926 renovations were done to the structure by architect Charles Christian Hook. He added 3 bay wings and did restoration work on the interior and exterior of the dome. He designed his work to blend with the original work done by Holt. This stunning 2 ½ story brick structure features a 5-story dome, mansard roof, pavilions, a wooden arched porch, and Italianate details. Today the courthouses still houses county workers as well as the Heritage Room for genealogical research. You can also take a tour of this beautiful building.

Keep reading. There is a part 2. Thanks!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Unless you have been hiding in a cave in Siberia lately, then you have undoubtedly heard of Harry Potter as the movie has been released as well as the last book in the series that author J.K. Rowling’s created about a young wizard named Harry Potter.

The book and movie centers around a young orphan named Harry Potter. He lives with his horrible aunt and uncle. Eventually, Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) gets away from his family by attending school at Hogwarts, which is a school for young wizards. There he meets his new best friends, Hermione and Ron (played by Emma Watson and Rupert Grint). Together the three face growing up and all the challenges that that brings as well as a new set of enemies and problems with each new school year.

The Order of the Phoenix is the 5th of Rowling’s books. Before young Harry can go back to Hogwarts he finds out he may be kicked out of school for using magic in front of a muggle (your basic person) and when not in school. But while out with his young cousin they were attached by Demintors and he was forced to use his magic in order to protect them. After his hearing, Harry is cleared since he used his magic in an emergency. It seems though there is a plot against Harry.

As always there is a new Defense of the Dark Arts instructor. This time it is Dolores Umbridge played to wicked perfection by actress Imelda Staunton. Dolores and her little pink dressed self is determined to not allow students to learn about spells or use magic. She also seems determined to take over the school.

Now in the previous book and movie, The Goblet of Fire, the evil Lord Voldemort (deliciously played by Ralph Finnes) has returned to Hogwarts. Voldemort killed Harry’s parents and is on contention with Harry for the most powerful wizard. In order to defeat Voldemort, Harry and the students must learn more magic. So Harry gathers his friends and secretly starts to teach them new spells. And to find out the ending of the movie you will have to go see it yourself.

J.K.’s books have sold millions and made her one of the richest women in the world. She has also been praised for getting children into reading in an age of computers and video games. The Harry Potter movies have made billions and garnered critical and box office success. The movies have a slew of award nominations and wins including an Oscar. And what started as a series of children’s books have managed to garner as many adult fans as wee ones. Author Stephen King is even a huge fan of Jo’s. The last movie sent Harry from a PG rating to a PG 13 rating. Yet at this showing the movie could have been X-rated and it wouldn’t have affected anyone. The theater was packed with adults who all seemed to enjoy the movie as much as any child would.

The adult cast would be a dream for any director, much less a cast for what primarily started out as a movie for kids. Just one look through the actor’s profiles on www.imdb.com will revile a bevy of wards including Tony, Oscar, and Golden Globe winners and nominations. You will also find many of the actors have the honor of being part of the OBE (Order of British Empire). They represent amongst England’s most talented actors today. Regular cast members include: The late Sir Richard Harris (Dumbledore) and then he was replaced by Sir Michael Gambon, Dame Maggie Harris (McGonagall), Robbie Coltrane (Hargrid), Finoa Shaw (Aunt Petunia), Richard Griffith (Uncle Vernon), David Bradley (Filch) Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley), and my two favorites: the handsome Alan Richman as Prof. Snape and the yummy Jason Isaacs as Lucuis Malfoy.

In addition to Finnes and Umbridge guest cast members include: Ian Hart (Prof. Quirrel), Kenneth Branagh (Prof. Lockhart), John Cleese (Nearly Headless Nick), Miriam Margolyes (Prof. Sprout), Timothy Spall (Wormtail), Gary Oldman (Sirus Black), Mir

As if weren’t enough to see The Dead Sea Scrolls at Discovery Place last summer, this summer we got to see Gunther von Hagen’s Body Worlds...Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies. I have found people are either totally fascination or find it revolting. Both John and my brother, who love movies like Saw and Hellraiser thought it sounded horrible. But my sister-in-law, Elaine, and myself though it sounded fascination. So thankfully she agreed to go along with me.

Over the last 12 years more than 20 million people have seen the exhibit worldwide. This is the first time the exhibit has been shown in the South East.

The focus of the display is to promote a healthy lifestyle. The exhibit displays healthy organs along side of diseased ones to show you how an unhealthy lifestyle hurts the body. For example you get to see the diseased lungs of a smoker compared to the healthy lungs of a non-smoker. As if I actually needed reinforcement on my lifelong distain for smoking, this made me really glad I never gave in pressure and started smoking.

It also opens up how the human body looks to us ordinary folks. You get to see how every muscle and fiber interconnects and works to make the human body so remarkable.

Plastination
Plastination fuses the science of anatomy and polymer chemistry in such a way that it can permanently preserve the human body, including muscles, tissues, and veins. The tissues have their fluids removed and replaced with acetone. Later this is removed and the body can now accept the polymers. This process and drying is repeated several times until the composition is correct. It can take only a few days for only body parts to be completed, while it can take weeks to complete whole bodies. The scientists use reactive polymers that are compatible with human tissues.

Gunther von Hagens
Gunther von Hagens was born in 1945 in Alt-Skalden Poland, then part of Germany. To escape the Russians his family would eventually move near Berlin, Germany. When he was 6 years old he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that almost killed him. It was while he was in the hospital that he first became fascinated with science and the human body.

In 1965 he entered Jena University’s medical school. But his career would soon be cut short as he was jailed for 2 years as a political prisoner. In 1970 he entered the University in Lubeck to finish his education. He graduated in 1973 and spent a year doing his internship. The following year he became part of the Anesthesiology and Emergency Medical board at Heildberg University. In 1975 he invented the process of preserving bodies through planstination.

He would soon open his own company called BIODUR productions which distributes polymer and medical equipment to over 400 institutions in 40 countries. In 1993 he opened the Heidelberg Institute for Plastination which preserves bodies for further education purposes as well as the Bodies exhibit. He first exhibited his Bodies exhibit in Japan in 1995. His exhibits continue to draw crowds and von Hagens continues his work in the education and scientific fields.

The bodies and contovesary
It has been reported that the Institute obtains its bodies from such sources as unclaimed bodies to executed Chinese prisoners. But the truth is all the bodies you see on display come from people who have donated their body to the institution to be used for scientific purposes. These people clearly understand what is going to be done with their body and the important information gathered from their donation. There are currently 8000 people who have agreed to donate their bodies, 450 have already passed. Giving the institute has plenty of willing participants and no need to use unsavory resources. You too can sign up to donate your body and maybe even go on tour!

The Charlotte exhibit
Discovery place is playing host to this remarkable show until October 28. Now unlike the Dead Sea Scrolls, this exhibition was far less crowded and allowed visitors time to enjoy this fascinating display instead of having visitors pushed and shoved around. I am not sure if that was due to the fact we were here at the beginning of the exhibit this time, or if Discovery Place learned from the DSS display and decided to not allow as many people though at one time.

The exhibit gave a wide variety of displays. They offered full bodies posed in a variety of position such as playing chess, dancing, lounging, skateboarding, and even riding a horse with the horse exhibited as well. You can see displays of organs, veins, and tissues. You can also see where bodies have been sliced up giving you an even more in-depth look at the body. Since this is the bible-belt one of the most controversial exhibits featured reproduction. It included stages of a fetus, fetuses, and a woman with a baby in her womb. Again these bodies were donated and died of natural causes. No abortions were performed to obtain the fetuses.

Hours:
9am - 6pm Monday - Wednesday
9am - 8pm Tuesday - Sunday

Admission:
$22 (a)
$18 (students w/ID/seniors)
$16 (children 6-13)
$8 (children 5 and under) But they did not charge admission for my 7 month old niece.

Advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended. Tickets are sold for certain time periods.

Your admission does allow you into the rest of Discovery Place. You can purchase combo tickets for the exhibit and IMAX. There is an IMAX Human Bodies movie as well. There are medical professionals at the exhibit to answer any question you might have or better explain what you are seeing.

Discovery Place is located in the heart of uptown on the corner of Church and 6th. The museum is fully handicapped accessible. The museum has restrooms, ATM’s, a gift shop, and a café. In additional there is a gift shop just for Bodies souvenirs. Parking is $7. There are other parking lots in the area. Again be careful where you park and read signs BEFORE you leave.

The exhibit does not carry an age limit. Families should use common sense though when making your decision before you purchase tickets. The exhibit does contain male genital on display. Small children may find the exhibit too creepy or boring. Think about your child’s limits before you decide to take him or her.

Website: www.discoveryplace.org.

Other information
There are two other Body exhibits currently going on.
Montreal 5/10-9/16 Montreal Science Center
Portland 6/7-10/17 Oregon Museum of Science & Industry

Future exhibits:
San Jose 9/27-1/26/08 Museum of Innovation
St. Louis 10/19-3/2/08 St. Louise Science Center
Baltimore 2/2-9/1 2008. Maryland Science Center

Website: www.bodyworlds.com

Last thoughts
If you get a chance to see this exhibit, you really should. To me the plastination made the bodies look like something they would use as a prop in a movie. I didn’t find it remotely scary or disturbing. It was just intriguing. I also found having a bit of a since of humor helps break any morbidly to the exhibit. When viewing a tumor I did my best Arnold Schwarzenegger impression of "it’s not a tumor" (from from Kindergarten Cop ) and got quite a few laughs. Also the veins I am assumed had colored added to it and looked like a big pile of bright red fuzzy yarn. I told my niece it was Elmo veins and several people started laughing.

The exhibit is there to entertain and educate the public. It reminds us just how delicate our bodies are and how we need to take care of them. Which with all of our medical problems today, it is probably one of the best reminders to take care of your health out there.

Very highly recommended

The CSX Depot was built in 1906 to serve as both a freight and commercial depot for citizens of Monroe as the city's importance in the railroad line was growing. In 1988 the building was designated a historical property. In 1998 through the efforts of the city and the NC Department of Archives and History, the structure was restored to its original appearance by Dvorak Construction.

This ageless beauty features a rock-faced brownstone water table that runs the length of the building. The window and door openings are of jack arches and have soldier and rowlock brick. It was repainted its original colors of red, white, and dark green. Today the depot continues to operate as a connecting point for two of CSX’s busiest lines.

The private homes on this year’s tour include:

1.The Snyder-Beasley House. Built in 1912 this Neo-Classical Revival gem is now owned by Lisa and Randy Carroll. The home was built for D.B. Snyder who was the secretary and treasurer of Henderson Motor Company. In the 1930s it was purchased by Roland F. Beasley Jr. who along with G.M. Beasley published the Monroe Journal.

This two-story beauty has undergone very little changes since it was first built. It has a one-story hip roofed porch that boasts Corinthian columns as well as two-story portico which is framed by the columns. The tall brick chimneys have corbelled caps. The building has a three-bay facade and a two-story semi-hexagonal bay as well as a two-story bay on the north side of the home. The original 10-foot bifold doors that enclose the living room are still part of the homes interior as well as 6 original mantels and the tiles on the mantles in the office and living room. It also has the original light fixtures and stain glass in the dining room.

2. Redfearn-Horne House . This gorgeous Queen Anne is now owned by John and Tamora Nobiliski. Randolph Redfearn built a series of rental houses in the 19th and 20th century. George F. Horne, who was the VP of Davis-Williams, purchased the residence from Redfearn.

The L-shaped structure still has many of its decorative details. It has the ornaments at the gable ends of the roof, molded vergeboards which has bull’s eye bosses, sawn and pierced gable ornaments, sawn brackets, louved attic vents with hoods and decorative cutouts. There are classic corner cupboards as well as an exterior end chimney on the north end. The front porch maintains its earliest woodwork. There is original molding in the sitting room, beadboards on the ceiling, and hardwood floors.

3. Redfearn-Stevens House. Brenda and Marshall Lemmonds are lucky enough to be the owners of yet another one of Redfearns dwellings. The 1905 Queen Anne was rented to Redfearn’s sister, Alpha Stevens. The home remained in the family up until 1970. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The mishmash appearance of the exterior of the domicile may have something to do with the reported use of materials that were savaged from Redfearns other building projects. The hipped-roof projects a two-story, three-sided, garble-roofed bay. On the west side of the home visitors will spot a hipped-dormer with tin-shingled sides as well as hipped-wings on the east and rear of the home.

The front door features original diamond pattern glazed panels. When doing restoration work, the couple left the original tub, chain-pull toilet, and pedestal sink. After removing the carpet they discovered all pine flooring with a cherry mahogany finish. The couple restored the floors and have brought them back to their beauty.

4. The Thomas C. Lee House. This 1914 stunner was built for Thomas Collins and was designed after the J.H. Lee home on Church St. Lee, who was the manager of Southern Cotton Oil Company, had this neo-classical Revival structure built for him and his family on Franklin St.

One of the homes best features is wraparound one story porch. It is supported by fluted Doric columns and has a dentilled cornice. The 3 chimneys have 9 fireplaces in the home. Inside the home guests can still see the original woodwork in the foyer and 3 sets of pocket doors. There are twin parlors in the home. The back hall has built in cupboards as well as icebox owners Paul Gotwald and Linda McWhorter purchased at an auction.

5. The D.F. Hayden House . This tiny yet lovely structure built in 1855 now belongs to the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The building was started out as part of the property of the city’s first mayor, D.F. Hayden.

The building has a hipped tin roof. The two-room structure has two exterior four-paneled doors which are under a recessed porch with square columns. The walls are German sides and there is a 6 foot window. The railings with sawn balusters are replicas of the originals. The building is now used by the church as meeting space.

Their homes tour was a delight and I am very glad I discovered it. When here, take the time to walk around and just stroll past the historic homes that line the quaint streets. When walking around I came across an amazing Queen Anne which featured unusual and immaculate gardens. I wish it had been on this year’s tour. But hey there is always next year. There was also a quilt show at the Ellen Fitzgerald Senior Center. There was supposed to be a trolley that took visitors out to the homes, but I never did see it. Most of the homes were in walking distance of the courthouse. Two of the homes were about 5 minutes out but were in close approximation of each other. Driving directions were provided. This year the tour lasted from 10-5 and tickets were $12.

Now the only thing I didn’t understand was the fact that they are trying to get people into the downtown area. Like many other cities around, Monroe has revitalized its downtown area to feature chic shops and trendy restaurants. Yet on this day nothing was open. People do come to downtown areas on the weekends and you would think places would open up for this event which drew quite a crowd. I, and several other people I was talking to while on the tour, was looking for a place to go eat after the tour. We couldn’t even find a place to get a drink. Hopefully next year they will do some planning and have places open to the public. Or at least have a vendor selling drinks.

Here are a few websites for Monroe you might want to visit are:
www.monroenc.org
www.visitmonroenc.org  
www.downtownmonroenc.org

To find about historic tours in your area and to purchase tickets (I purchased mine here) please go to www.historichometours.com. 

This marvelous tour should not be missed. When it comes around next year make sure to mark it on your calendar.

In my Come Have Fun in NC journal I mentioned the Pops in the Park. Every Sunday in June our resident symphony, the Charlotte Symphony, gives free concerts to the public. But if you don’t feel like driving out to South Park Mall and having to arrive very early in order to get a great seat, then the symphony may come to you. Every Friday and Saturday in June the company performs in towns near Charlotte. In this case I had to only go to Kannapolis to hear this wonderful group perform.

The show was held at the lovely Village Park Amphitheater, which is part of Village Park. The park offers guests the covered amphitheater, playground, splash pad, and walking trails. The symphony has been holding yearly concerts here in the summer for several years drawing large crowds.

Since this was the weekend before the 4th, the symphony performed a Stars & Stripes salute. The performance began at 7pm with John Troutman who played a medley of songs from the '50s to current times on the piano. After John’s wonderful performance there was a welcome by on of our local weathermen, Larry Sprinkle (with a name like that what else are you going to be?) and then Mayor Bob Misenhiemer. Norris Dearmon, a WW2 Air Force Vet, talked with the crowd about his experiences during war.

Finally at 8:15pm the symphony began. They started with Liberty Fanfare. From there they played patriotic tunes for over an hour. During the Armed Forces Salute vets from each branch were asked to stand during their division’s song. All received claps and cheers from the crowds. Of course what is patriotic music without Tchaikovsky’s larger than life 1812 Overture? The show ended with America the Beautiful and the crowd singing. Conductor, George Schram’s enthusiasm for this music was contagious. I have never seen a conductor work with such glee and fervor. The symphony received several rounds of standing ovations. Afterwards was a dazzling fireworks display put on by the parks and rec department. There were plenty of cheers, oohs, and ahhs and these brilliant lights blazed before us.

When I arrived at 6pm there was already quite a crowd. I made my way to the front with my book, captain’s chair, and Wendy’s meal. I opened my chair near the stage and discovered while the place was crowded only a handful of other people joined me near the front. Coolers are allowed inside the park. They do have a concession stand as well as other vendors with food and drink. There are restrooms and the park is ADA accessible. There is free parking. They also have off site parking with shuttle service. It said in the paper no dogs allowed, but saw plenty of people with them. There was a very nice overlook area with tables, but turns out it is reserved for employees of sponsoring companies.

The park sponsors a series of summer events for the whole family including concerts and movies in the park. If you are a beach music fan they hold an all day beach music festival. This year’s show is August 11 and features the Holiday Band, Coastline, Band of Gold, and Chairman of the Board.

In additional to patriotic tunes the symphony also perfumes classic selections and Broadway tunes during their other shows. The symphony is a full, professional symphony that has a full season each year in Charlotte. They present these summer shows as a way to thank the community for their support and to try to bring new fans to classical music. They hope to show that classical music is not just for snobby rich folks. Heck I have been going to the ballet, symphony, and Broadway since my late teens and I can assure you I am neither rich nor snobby. Having good taste in music and appreciating the classics costs nothing. The symphony does put on these shows for free. But please be generous and make a donation while there. It does cost money to offer these concerts.

For more information on Village Park and to find out about the upcoming season for the symphony you can go to:
www.ci.kannapolis.nc.us
www.charlottesymphony.org

The pops in the parks series have become one of the most anticipated events of the summer. So make sure you come here this amazing symphony perform under the stars and make sure you get here early.

Very highly recommended

Despite the fact that Faith, NC is home to only about 600 residents, its patriotic sense of community can’t be beat. Especially on the 4th of July when the town celebrates with the largest parade in the state. So big in fact that in 1992 big Bush even came down for the parade. They have been celebrating it since 1946 and no body does it better on the 4th.

Faith is about 6 miles from the beautiful and historic Salisbury. Up until now it had always been just a place I passed though on my way to Salisbury. I decided this year I would drag my butt up out of the bed and see what all the fuss was.

The spectacle starts around 10am. If you want to secure a good spot you would be wise to get there early. As I got closer to the town I was wondering if my decision to arrive at 8 am was a wise one. When I arrived, there was already a crowd and not much space left if you wanted to be right on the parade path. I once again set up my captains chair, pulled out Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill (good read by the way from Stephen King’s son), and dug in my cooler for a Coke. Then I read and waited for 2 hours for the parade to start. By 9 the first row of good spots was taken. By the time the parade started the line was 4 deep.

The pageantry started with one of the local high school ROTC units, followed by the grand marshal, and then followed by about a dozen local fire department trucks with lights going and sirens blaring. The parade is like 4th of July parades all around the country. There are beauty queens in classic cars, classic cars minus the beauty queens, floats from local business and churches, Shiners in go carts and hillbilly trucks, bikers (and by bikers I mean the modern day biker with the $60,000 Harley, the kids, 2 car garage, and white collector job), girl scouts, boy scouts, dance companies, clowns, high school bands, there was a local battle reenactment company, and the big wiener mobile from Oscar Meyer. This procession features dozens upon dozens of entries and lasts about 2 hours. So make sure you bring something comfy to sit in.

The celebration here starts long before the parade and ends long after. The party actually goes on for a week before. Every evening there is a small mid-way with games and rides, concerts, and this year to cash in on that stupid American Idol a talent contest. They also have food vendors. After the parade, there are more concerts and somewhere around 10pm a huge fireworks display. I was too tired to even think about coming back for that.

There is free parking along the parade route. Just make sure you park in a designated area and not someone’s home. They do have food vendors at the parade and there was a church that was walking up and down the parade route selling soda and water for their building fund. Again just make sure you arrive early in order to get a great viewing spot. The parade participants do throw out lots of candy so you may want a bag to carry some home in.

Now I am going to say this is something everyone should experience. Whether you go back or not depends on your tolerance level. Mine is not too high. I am not saying I won’t return. It just won’t be soon. The parade itself is just fine. I loved the parade. It is just people who have to go and ruin everything. One piece of advice…if your kid is afraid of noises, then don’t bring them to an event like this. One lady beside me had a kid that would scream and cry with each fire truck, cop car, and everything else that made noise. On the other side was a group of people who prove how stupid people get over free junk. Some of the groups were throwing hats and T-Shirts to the parade goers. One woman on the other side of me about attacked the poor folks doing the throwing. And when the shiners group threw the mardi-gras beads I thought it would get ugly as they tried to snatch any beads that were thrown. Then there was of course the couple who arrived at the last minute and decided since they had a child they didn’t deserve to sit at the back of the pack and produced to walk up in front of me as if I wasn’t there!

So come and have fun at this huge celebration. Just remember you are dealing with thousands of people here, many who don’t know how to act when they get out in public.

For information on Faith you can go to www.faithnc.com.

Highly recommended.