Bay to Breakers-San Francisco, Ca May 19, 2013

Each year runners flock to San Francisco for this truly unusual footrace.  Since 1912, participants run 12 kilometers from east to west from the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean.  Although there are many serious participants (the course record being 33:31), hundreds embody the eclectic spirit of the city dressing in outrageous costumes (or, in some cases, no clothes at all!).  A memorable experience for both runners and bystanders.

For more information:  http://www.baytobreakers.com/

John Wayne Birthday Celebration-Winterset, IA May 24-25, 2013

This small Iowa town comes alive to celebrate the life of Hollywood Legend John Wayne. From tours of The Duke’s birthplace to pie contests to tours of his birthplace, there are plenty activities for the whole family.  Many of them free of charge!  This year, actress Maureen O’Hara (Wayne’s co-star in five films) will be on hand to meet fans and discuss her career.

For more information: http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/index.html

Chicago Blues Festival-Chicago, IL June 6-9, 2013

Originally organized to celebrate the life of the “Faher of Chicago Blues” Muddy Waters, this weekend festival has grown into one of the city’s largest music events.  Many of blues’ biggest names have performed at this event, entertaining thousands each year in both Millenium Park and the nearby Grant Park.

For more information: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival.html

National Strawberry Festival-Belleville, MI June 14-16 2013

Celebrate summer with a visit to this “strawberry wonderland”.  Things kick off with a parade, followed by a weekend of food, crafts, music and carnival rides.  Assorted strawberry treats abound, including the ever-popular Strawberry Shortcake.

For more information: http://www.nationalstrawberryfest.com/

Of course, you can find information on a variety of vacation destinations by visiting the Library’s Travel Neighborhood.  Happy Travels!

Born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 4, 1921, her parents moved the family to Southern California in 1923.  Her natural singing talents became obvious, so her parents enrolled her in vocal lessons.  She was soon signed, at the age of 14, to a contract at MGM.

Durbin made her debut in a short film with Judy Garland, also an accomplished singer despite her young age.  MGM decided on the more comtemporary sound of Garland, while the more operatic talents of Durbin were signed to Universal Studios.

Changing her first name to Deanna, Durbin quickly became Universal’s biggest star.  Three Smart Girls (1936) was a huge hit, followed by two sequels.  More films, including Mad About Music (1938) and First Love (1939), resonated with Depression-era audiences who flocked to see the little girl with a big voice. She even had one of filmdom’s largest fanclubs.  The success of her films is credited with saving Universal from bankruptcy.

By the 1940s, a maturing Durbin sought to broaden her acting talents beyond the romance-musical genre.  Ultimately, a new studio regime, changing public taste, and her own lack of interest in Hollywood led For the Love of Mary (1949) to be her last film.  She retired at the age of 29, married (for the third time) and raised two children.

Although, Deanna Durbin’s legacy as dimished though the passage of time, many still remember the little girl with a big voice who became one of Hollywood’s top box office draws.

Many of her most popular films films have been released on DVD and are available through TSCPL’s Interlibrary Loan service.

At 5PM, get creative with assorted Superman crafts.

At 6PM, settle in for a showing of Superman-The Movie (1978) starring Marlon Brando as Jor-El, Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor and Christopher Reeve as SUPERMAN!

Did you know that Superman debuted in Action Comics #1 (June 1938)?

Did you know that an original copy of Action Comics #1 recently sold for over $2 million?

Did you know that Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster when they were both 19 years old?

Did you know that Superman was originally conceived as a bad super-villain?

Find out more Super-Facts on April 12, and don’t forget to check-out Superman comics, books and movies!

Superman image property of DC Comics

The United States Air Force maintains a number of museums across the country. Some of which cover general aviation, while some focus on a specific topic.  While military aircraft is the primary focus, some historic civilian planes are also featured.

National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio-The oldest and largest of the Air Force museums, displaying over 360 aircraft.  Located near the birthplace of the Wright Brothers, the NMUSAF has a focus of the history of flight, including a replica of the Wright Flyer.  Also of note is the B-29 Superfortress which dropped the “Fat Man” atomic bomb and the B-17 “Memphis Belle”.  A seperate facility houses presidential aircraft, including the Boeing 707 used by John F. Kennedy on that fateful trip to Dallas.

Air Force Space & Missile Museum, Cape Canaveral, Florida-Located near the Kennedy Space Center, this museum focuses on the early American Space Program.  Known for it’s rocket garden of outdoor exhibits.

Hill Aerospace Museum, Ogden, Utah-Featuring over 90 aircraft including the B-17 Flying Fortress, and the A-10 Thunderbolt.

Museum of Aviation, Warner Robbins, Georgia-the second largest Air Force museum features aircraft on display over 51 acres.  The SR-71 Blackbird on display is the current record holder for airspeed.  Other exhibits focus on cargo planes, helicopters and training aircraft.

Strategic Air and Space Museum, Ashland, Nebraska-Focusing primarily on the Strategic Air Commend defense systems, this museum features several rare and experimental aircraft.  These include the Avro Vulcan, a B-36J Peacemaker and a B-52 Stratofortress.

These are just a few of the Air Force museums available to visit across the country.  Most of them free of charge.  Of course, visit your Library’s Travel Neighborhood for these and other vacation ideas.

Do you have a favorite specialty museum?

National Cherry Blossom Festival-Washington, D.C. March 20-April 14 

Washington is abloom with this annual celebration of Spring.  Since 1912, thousands of Japanese Cherry trees, a goodwill gift from Japan, have graced our nation’s capital.  Join in this city-wide event that includes parade, tours and a fireworks show.  Many located around the Tidal Basin.  Although many events are free, some charge admission and/or are invitation only.

For more information: http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival-Kenosha, WI April 20, 2013

This small (but growing) event celebrates two of Wisconsin’s most popular products.  Sample a variety of hand-crafted beer and cheeses from around the state while enjoying live entertainment.  All proceeds go to support the local Boys & Girls club.

For more information: http://kenoshabeerfest.com/

TCM Classic Film Festival-Hollywood, CA April 25-28

Cable channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) hosts this weekend celebrating our love of the movies.  Special screenings of restored films and Q & A sessions highlight the event.  Attendees have a chance to meet classic film stars (Kim Novak, Kirk Douglas, and Esther Williams have attended in the past).  Passes at different price level are available.

For more information: http://filmfestival.tcm.com/

Of course, you can find information on a variety of vacation destinations by visiting the Library’s Travel Neighborhood.  Happy Travels!

Power was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1914, hailing from a long line of performers, including his father, stage and silent screen actor Tyrone Power, Sr.  The younger Power soon followed in the family tradition, making is way to Hollywood in the mid-1930s.  After landing the lead in Lloyd’s of London, Power soon became one of 20th Century-Fox’s biggest stars.  His career was interrupted by World War II where he served as a Marine cargo pilot in the Pacific Theatre.

Returning to Hollywood in 1946, Power starred in The Razor’s Edge, continuing his success at the box office.  By the 1950′s however, his career began to falter as a new breed of movie star arrived.  He died of a heart attack in 1958 at the age of 44.

Lloyd’s of London (1936)-Only Hollywood can make an insurance comapny central to an adventure story.  Power’s first leading role.

Second Honeymoon (1937)-Power and Loretta Young as a divorced couple still in love.  Will she leave her current husband for her ex?

In Old Chicago (1937)-Legend has it that Mrs. O’Leary’s cow started the Great Chicago Fire.  O’Leary sons Tyrone Power and Don Ameche are both interested in Alice Faye (all three were frequent co-stars).  Things ignite.

The Rains Came (1939)-Set in India, Power plays a native doctor in love with Myrna Loy.  Their courtship is marred by her husband…then an earthquake…then a flood…then a plague!

The Mark of Zorro (1940)-Power takes to the sword as the dashing outlaw, with Linda Darnell as his love and Basil Rathbone as the villain.

A Yank in the R.A.F. (1941)-He’s an American pilot, Betty Grable is a nightclub singer.  With Fox’s two biggest stars, it’s no surprise it was a major hit.

The Black Swan (1942)-Power is a pirate captain, Maureen O’Hara is the governor’s daughter.  Moviegoers might recognized plot points later used in Pirates of the Caribbean (2003).

The Razor’s Edge (1946)-based on the acclaimed novel by W. Somerset Maugham featuring an all-star cast: Power, Gene Tierney, Clifton Webb, Anne Baxter (winning the Best Supposrting Actress Oscar) and Herbert marshall (as Maugham).

Nightmare Alley (1947)-After the war, Tyrone Power campaign for darker roles.  Here he plays a con man taking a job with a travelling carnival.

The Captain From Castile (1947)-In this historical adventure, Power plays a Spaniard who joins the Cortes expedition to conquer Mexico.  Yes, that’s a real erupting volcano in the final scene.

Rawhide (1951)-Bandits have taken over the stagecoach station!  Power must protect Susan Hayward and her infant niece!

The Sun Also Rises (1957)-Power and Ava Gardner co-star with Erroll Flynn in this adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s acclaimed novel.

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)-Tyrone Power stands as the accused in the film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s short story.  It would be his last film.

Do you have a favorite Tyrone Power movie?

Street Eats Food Truck Festival, Scottsdale, AZ, Jan 12-13

If you like your food on the move, then this is the event for you!  Food trucks from all over the country head to the Salt River Fields community outside of Phoenix.  Visitors can sample from a wide assortments of cuisines: from hot dogs, to barbecue to Cambodian beef ginger curry!

For more information: http://www.saltriverfields.com/Events/street-eats-food-truck-festival.aspx

Sundance FIlm Festival, Park City, UT, Jan 17-27

Celebrate independant filmmaking at this acclaimed competition.  Named after co-founder Robert Redford’s popular character, The Sundance Kid, this festival often draws some of Hollywood’s biggest names.  A variety of screening packages are available for studio mogul or the film fan on a budget.

For more information: http://www.sundance.org/festival/

Mardis Gras, New Orleans, LA, Jan 19-Feb 12

The vibrant city of New Orleans REALLY comes alive!  Seen as the last chance to celebrate before the traditional Lenten Observance, thousands flock to The Crescent City for daily parades, music, food and drink.  The party really picks up the closer you get to Fat Tuesday, the carnival’s conclusion.

For more information: http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

Of course, you can find information on a variety of vacation destinations by visiting the Library’s Travel Neighborhood.  Happy Travels!

Errol Flynn was born in Tasmania in 1909.  He pursued a number of jobs (including operating a tobacco plantation and a copper mine) before finding his way to Hollywood.  Become a top box office draw in the 1930s and 40s.  He had quite a reputation as a ladie’s man, which led to the popular phrase “In Like Flynn”.  But years of hard living took it’s toll and Flynn died in 1959 at the age of 50.

Here is a list of some of Errol Flynn’s best:

• Captain Blood (1935)
  Flynn rocketed to stardom as Dr. Peter Blood, a 17th century physician charged with treason.  After escaping from prison, he joins a group of pirates and sets sail on the high seas.  This was the first of eight pairings with leading lady Olivia deHavilland.
• The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
  In one of his most famous roles, Flynn stars as the legend of Sherwood Forest.  DeHavilland costars as Maid Marian and Basil Rathbone as Guy of Gisborne.  Filmed in glorious Technicolor, the film’s led Warner Bros. to commit to the process.
• The Dawn Patrol (1938)
  World War I pilots Flynn and David Niven battling a top German ace.  Considering that this movie is over 70 years old, the stunts and effects are pretty impressive.
• Dosge City (1939)
  Flynn single-handedly tames the West…well almost.  He plays a cowboy turned lawman who must confront those trying to control the town.  DeHavilland once again co-stars.  Strangely, Errol Flynn never hides, or explains, his noticable accent.
• The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)
  Bette Davis takes the lead as Queen Elizabeth I with Flynn as her suitor Robert Deveraux, Earl of Essex.  The film was nominated for five Academy Awards.
• The Sea Hawk (1940)
  Flynn leads a group of English privateers raiding the Spanish Armada.  One of the film’s rousing speeches can be interpreted as call to action against the reali-life rise of Nazi Germany.
• They Died with Their Boots On (1941)
  Although notorious for it’s historical inaccuracies, this film about the life of General Custer was a huge hit. Olivia dehavilland co-stars with Flynn for the 8th and final time.
• Gentleman Jim (1942)
  Flynn plays boxing legend “Gentleman” Jim Corbett in this biopic.  Legend has it that Flynn suffered a mild heart attack while filming a fight scene.
• Objective, Burma! (1945)
  Filmed just months after the real-life raid against a Japanese radar station.  Errol Flynn’s health prevented him form enlisting.  This led to his string of war films thoughout the 1940s.
• The Sun Also Rises (1957)
  In one of his last roles, Flynn co-starred with Tyrone Power and Ava Gardner in this adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s acclaimed novel.  Power had taken over as Hollywood’s chief swashbuckler in the 1940s and 50s.

Which Errol Flynn movie is your favorite?

Here is a sample of the best of Hammer Horror:

The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)-After years of producing low-budget comedies and drama, Hammer launched this, the first in a series of Gothic horror movies.  Cushing played Baron Frankenstein with Lee as the monster.  To avoid legal issues, the monster was designed to look much different than the 1931 film.

The Abominable Snowman (1957)-Cushing plays a British scientist who joins an expedition to the Himilayas to search for the legendary Yeti.

Horror of Dracula (1958)-Closely following the Bram Stoker novel, Cushing stars as Dr. van Helsing opposite Lee as the famed vampire.

The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)-Cushing returns as the doctor who, after escaping execution, resumes his deadly experiments.  This film used many of the sets from Horror of Dracula, common with Hammer productions.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)-The popular Sherlock Holmes story gets the Hammer treatment with more suspenseful and horrific elements added.  Cushing plays Holmes with Christopher Lee as Sir baskerville.

The Mummy (1959)-Lee playes the title character, an Egyptian high priest who rises from his tomb to seach for his reincarnated princess.  Cushing played the archeologist leading the expedition.

The Brides of Dracula (1960)-Cushing reprises his role as van Helsing, battling a young vampire, his mother and two sexy brides.  Dracula, however, never appears.

The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)-Hammer revamps the wolf man legend with Oliver Reed, as a man who learns that his bloodline is cursed.  Watch out for the full moon!

The Phantom of the Opera (1962)-Herbert Lom plays a hideously scarred songwriter who haunts the London Opera.  This version strays far from the source novel but makes up for it with high production values.

The Maniac (1963)-Hammer Studios produced several low-budget psychological thrillers during the early 1960s.  Others include Paranoiac (1963) and Hysteria (1965).  These seem to stem from the popularity of the more mainstream Psycho (1960).

The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)-Once again, Peter Cushing plays the doctor, but this time the monster (played by wrestler Kiwi Kingston) more closely resembles the iconic Boris Karloff character.

The Gorgon (1964)-Hammer taps into Greek mythology when a Gorgon (the legendary creature with snakes instead of hair) haunts a small village.

The Nanny (1965)-Bette Davis stars as a creepy caretaker for an equally disturbed boy.  Aside from their own stable of actors, Hammer often used once-great Hollywood stars for marquee value.

Dr. Jekyll and SIster Hyde (1971)-Based on the famous Robert Louis Stevenson story with a gender-bending twist.  Known mostly for is lurid male to female transformation scene.

Dracula AD 1972 (1972)-Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee reunite in their respective roles of Prof. Van Helsing and the Count after many years.  This is an attempt to update the series, set in modern day London.

Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)-Cushing and Lee team one last time in this odd mash-up of Hammer Horror and martial arts movies.  Van Helsing joins a group of kung fun fighting brothers to battle Dracula.

Many of the Hammer Horror films are available for checkout.  Which one is your favorite?

Step #1: DON’T PANIC!  Keep organized and remember to cover all your bases.

Step #2: Start early.  Of course, some changes occur at the last minute, but the more time you have to work on changes the better.  If you suspect that you need to make a change, review to policies of the airlines or whatever travel website you’ve used.  If uncertain, call the Customer Service line.

Step #3: Airlines.  As much as you should book your flight first when planning a trip, they should be your first stop when making changes.  Most airlines charge a fee for changes and cancellations, but always call to explain your circumstances.  And don’t expect a full refund, credit for a future flight is more likely.

Step #4: Hotel and Car Rental.  Actually, cancelling these are fairly easy and rarely result in a fee.  But, changing dates could be trickier.  Hotel availablity changes constantly.  If you have to move your trip by a few weeks, you may find yourself looking for new lodging.  Rental car rates change daily, that great price you found three months ago may be long gone.  Again, call them.

Step #5:  Event Tickets.  Tickets to a ballgame or a concert are almost always non-refundable.   You may be able to transfer to another date, but if you must cancel the trip then you may be out some cash.  Selling them on your own may be the only option.

Step #6.  Be prepared for fees.  As stated in the last step, some changes will cost you.  Always call to explain the situation.  You may not get a full refund, but you may get credit to use on a future date.

Step #7.  Details.  Don’t forget all of those arrangements you’ve made for your absence.  Housesitter, kennel, mail, newspaper.  Of course, whether you go back to work or not is up to you.

Step #8: Plan another trip!  So what if you had to cancel this trip?  Start planning the next one is the best way to avoid disappintment.  You can rebuild the plans you made originally, or just start over from scratch.  If you need ideas, don’t forget all the resources available at your local library!

Happy Travels!