The Vanderbilt Family's home was the Marble House. The Marble House was the home of William J. K. Vanderbilt Junior's home. He was the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt and son of William J. K. Vanderbilt. He was also the older brother of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.(owner of the breakers)
The Marble House was paid by William J. Vanderbilt for his wife, Alva Vanderbilt. Alva Vanderbilt later divorced William , but kept the house, the children and 30,000 dollars. This house has a unique structure. It has French taste in it. There are french designs and several pieces of the home were designed in France. The house was to model the Petit Trinon in Versailles, France. Simular to the Breakers, this house was also designed by Architect , Richard Morris Hunt.
Richard Morris Hunt studied Beaux- Arts in France and for the rest of his life, he was a architect designing Newport Mansions. He lived in a large house in Newport.
He was extremely famous in the wealthly family group in Newport.
The Marble House has a unique ballroom. This ballroom uses gold leaf. It used gold leaf all around the room. There's at least 22 carrot gold in the ballroom. There are Roman gods carved in to the walls. I saw the relief sculpture of the Roman God Possiant. The sculpture shows the god using his Trident in his underwater kingdom.
This room had lots and lots of detail. The lighting has lots of detail that could have taken a month to make.
The next room on the audio tour was the Gothic room. This room has painted or stain glass windows that shows religious stories. There are portraits of the Commodore and his grandson. The room gives a very Gothic and religious feeling. I would feel frightened of the room if it was at night. The room is very dark and gloomy.
The audio tour directs people to the marble hallway and shows tourists the Chinese Tea house. The Chinese tea house was built by Alva Vanderbilt. Alva Vanderbilt wanted to connect Oriental cultures with Western cultures.
Straight ahead there's a portrait of a French King. Then on your right is the library. Alva Vanderbilt loved books. She wanted to have them all. She placed no strains on what her daughter could or could not read. To her books were like heaven.
Alva Vanderbilt was very unique because she was the first to divorce a Vanderbilt, she fought for women's suffrage, and was very social. Alva and William had three children. Then she married Oliver Belmont. She died in Paris France on January 26, 1933.
In the Dining room, there were famous artworks, heavy chairs and a new way of serving food. They served food one at a time, but the food arrives so quickly that
they have no time to eat their food. They could only eat little of everything. '
The chairs that they sat in weighed more than a ton. They had foot mans push the chairs inwards. Only the male staffs could be seen in public. The female staffers at the Mansion were not allowed to be seen in public.
Their were oil canvas paintings and woven artworks.
On the second floor was Mr. Vanderbilt's room, Alva Vanderbilt's room, and the trophy room. Mr. Vanderbilt's room was pretty large in size. The room had a king sized bed with a portrait of him hanging over the fireplace.
In Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt's room was a good looking wallpaper and a king sized bed on a platform. The original wallpaper faded away, so the National Preservation society at Newport recreated a portion of the old wall paper. The old , colorful wallpaper was framed in a glass for visitors to compare the old and the recreated version.
In the trophy room was all the trophies of another Vanderbilt. There were trophies and portraits. One of the portraits was of Commodore Vanderbilt.
To Be Continued
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Breakers
Commodore Vanderbilt's grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt the second constructed the Breakers with architect, Richard Morris Hunt. He's was only one of the many architects on this large project. He helped construct this home in 2 years because of the high technology and engineering during the Gilded age.
The Gilded age was a period of time in the United State's history, that had economic prosperity.During this period, the United States was the number one nation in the world. In this 11 acre home, the home represents the wealth of America in the 19th Century.The Breakers was only a Summer retreat home for the Vanderbilt family.
After the summer, the staff would have a series of tasks to do. The staff had to turn off the indoor plumbing, electricity, and made sure the pipes wouldn't freeze. They made sure that the mansion be ready for the next summer.
Cornelius Vanderbilt had only lived in this home for one summer because he had a stroke the year after.He passed away because of the stroke.
Cornelius Vanderbilt the second was the grandson of the Commodore not his son. Cornelius Vanderbilt's brother is William Vanderbilt. He is the owner of Newport's Marble House.
The Marble house and the Breakers represent the enormous wealth of the Vanderbilt family. The Vanderbilt family acquired this wealth from Commodore Vanderbilt's steamboat business and Railroad business. Commodore Vanderbilt had his steamboat business when he was in his 20s. He was bringing people up and down he Hudson river. Several years later, his railroad industry revolutionized the method of transportation. he could carry people from Chicago to New York. His railroad company let to the his enormous wealth that was carried to his grandchildren.His railroad company was fueled by the Elms owner, Birdwell. Birdwell's coal industry powered railroads including Vanderbilt railroad industry.
The Breakers was a great example of Italian Renaissance architecture and French styles. This unique home had a grand ballroom, where many large parties were held. Some of the parties had three orchestras playing. There were large bedrooms, indoor plumbing and electricity. During the time of the Vanderbilts, electricity and indoor plumbing was very seldom.
The Breakers had a neat and beautiful ballroom. The ceiling had three acorns. It represent the Vanderbilt family. One represents wealth, then good fortune, and long life.
The entire home was supposed to be designed in the Italian renaissance buildings at Turnin and Genoa. Cornelius Vanderbilt II was a bank clerk working on 50 dollars a month and later became chairman of his family's railroad business.
Cornelius Vanderbilt took no chances with wood and fire , so the entire home was constructed out of stone and brick with steel beams for support structure. The ground floor was where the kitchen had a seperate wing and the heating plant was near the caretaker's cottage. It was serval hundred feet away from the Mansion. Cornelius Vanderbilt took no chances because the original breaker was burned to the ground, so he wanted his Breaker to remain stable for generations.
Cornelius Vanderbilt filled his home with artwork from Italy and France. He created a music room. The music room was filled with instruments. There was a gold painted piano near the window. His daughter would play music in this room.
When the house was first opened , there were more than 300 guests present. They were escorted into the Great Hall by Footmans. The Great Hall had a grand staircase where children could slide down on dinner plates. The stairs were also short because it allowed women with long dresses to slide down without tripping. This was important because the Vanderbilts' hosted many parties. They were very social.
Their dining room chairs were so heavy that they needed footmans to push the chair inwards. This was a elegant dining area because they had nice foods and great chairs and tables.
The Breakers were a sea front mansion. This means they had a great view of the Atlantic ocean. When you stand on their back lawn, you could feel the cool sea air.
The upstairs were the bedrooms and bathrooms. The bathroom had a tub with four knobs. Two were for hot and cold and the other two were for salt water. Wealthy families believed that batheing in salt water was healthy for your body.
Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt's room is very plain and normal because he only stayed at the Breakers for one Summer. Then he died of a stroke.
To Be Continued
The Gilded age was a period of time in the United State's history, that had economic prosperity.During this period, the United States was the number one nation in the world. In this 11 acre home, the home represents the wealth of America in the 19th Century.The Breakers was only a Summer retreat home for the Vanderbilt family.
After the summer, the staff would have a series of tasks to do. The staff had to turn off the indoor plumbing, electricity, and made sure the pipes wouldn't freeze. They made sure that the mansion be ready for the next summer.
Cornelius Vanderbilt had only lived in this home for one summer because he had a stroke the year after.He passed away because of the stroke.
Cornelius Vanderbilt the second was the grandson of the Commodore not his son. Cornelius Vanderbilt's brother is William Vanderbilt. He is the owner of Newport's Marble House.
The Marble house and the Breakers represent the enormous wealth of the Vanderbilt family. The Vanderbilt family acquired this wealth from Commodore Vanderbilt's steamboat business and Railroad business. Commodore Vanderbilt had his steamboat business when he was in his 20s. He was bringing people up and down he Hudson river. Several years later, his railroad industry revolutionized the method of transportation. he could carry people from Chicago to New York. His railroad company let to the his enormous wealth that was carried to his grandchildren.His railroad company was fueled by the Elms owner, Birdwell. Birdwell's coal industry powered railroads including Vanderbilt railroad industry.
The Breakers was a great example of Italian Renaissance architecture and French styles. This unique home had a grand ballroom, where many large parties were held. Some of the parties had three orchestras playing. There were large bedrooms, indoor plumbing and electricity. During the time of the Vanderbilts, electricity and indoor plumbing was very seldom.
The Breakers had a neat and beautiful ballroom. The ceiling had three acorns. It represent the Vanderbilt family. One represents wealth, then good fortune, and long life.
The entire home was supposed to be designed in the Italian renaissance buildings at Turnin and Genoa. Cornelius Vanderbilt II was a bank clerk working on 50 dollars a month and later became chairman of his family's railroad business.
Cornelius Vanderbilt took no chances with wood and fire , so the entire home was constructed out of stone and brick with steel beams for support structure. The ground floor was where the kitchen had a seperate wing and the heating plant was near the caretaker's cottage. It was serval hundred feet away from the Mansion. Cornelius Vanderbilt took no chances because the original breaker was burned to the ground, so he wanted his Breaker to remain stable for generations.
Cornelius Vanderbilt filled his home with artwork from Italy and France. He created a music room. The music room was filled with instruments. There was a gold painted piano near the window. His daughter would play music in this room.
When the house was first opened , there were more than 300 guests present. They were escorted into the Great Hall by Footmans. The Great Hall had a grand staircase where children could slide down on dinner plates. The stairs were also short because it allowed women with long dresses to slide down without tripping. This was important because the Vanderbilts' hosted many parties. They were very social.
Their dining room chairs were so heavy that they needed footmans to push the chair inwards. This was a elegant dining area because they had nice foods and great chairs and tables.
The Breakers were a sea front mansion. This means they had a great view of the Atlantic ocean. When you stand on their back lawn, you could feel the cool sea air.
The upstairs were the bedrooms and bathrooms. The bathroom had a tub with four knobs. Two were for hot and cold and the other two were for salt water. Wealthy families believed that batheing in salt water was healthy for your body.
Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt's room is very plain and normal because he only stayed at the Breakers for one Summer. Then he died of a stroke.
To Be Continued
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
To Kill a Mockingbird
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/to-kill-a-mockingbird-1962/4067904238
Based upon the 1960, Harper Lee story, To Kill a Mockingbird has been a Oscar winning film, a Pulitzer winning novel , and a great black and white movie.
This film had adventure, drama, action, and humor. It is strongly connected to the Harper Lee novel, but they organized it to flow. This movie has scenes that flows or connects together. It's not a movie where the scenes are loosely connected and the story doesn't make sense , but a movie with a great plot line, a good story, and great acting.
This film starts out unusually, but as the movie progresses, we start to see that the objects shown in the beginning have strong ties to the story. I like the firm and assertive voice over along with the dramatic music.
The music is very memorable.
The acting of Scout was my absolute favorite because Scout acts like a boy , but her character and personality is still a girl. Scout is the main character and girl that introduces her town called Maycomb county. I love how Scout calls her father,"Atticus, Atticus."
She uses a very cute accent to say it. That is why I will never forget Scout. I may forget the movie.
Then there is Jem,he is a childish boy at the beginning , but as the years progressed, I can tell he has matured. he gone from a boy that played childish games with Charles Baker Harris or Dill to being more mature. I can see the character maturing as I watch the trial of Tom Robinson.
, but Atticus and Scout I will not forget.
Last, but not least is Atticus. Atticus played by Gregory Peck has really empathized the meaning of a lawyer. My favorite part about him was when he was defending Tom Robinson and was talking to the Jurors, he was very firm and serious. He gave a very important speech.
This movie has really enhanced my understanding of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It may be an old black and white film , but an award wining black and white film which I think is the best out of black and white films.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
30 Days
What if you had to step into somebody else shoes? What would you do if you worked minimum wage for 30 days?
The television series 30 Days starring Morgan Spurlock shows people like you and me what it is like working minimum wage. Morgan Spurlock was the actor of the Oscar nominated movie, Super sized me. Currently, Morgan is working on his reality TV show called 30 Days. 30 Days is a show where Morgan will live someone Else's life for 30 days. It might be living 30 days in prison, with a Muslim family in America, or working minimum wage.
This month's challenge for Morgan was to live off of minimum wage. He has talked his fiance in doing it with him. He has travelled to Columbus, Ohio to do his television program. He has stayed with his brother's family for several hours and then he and his wife has gone apartment finding. They have about 350 dollars in their pockets. They have found lots of apartments and all but one were way to expensive for them. This movie shows great persuasion that Senator Ted Kennedy needs to raise the minimum wage.
Senator Kennedy has wanted to pass the bill that raised the minimum wage because the minimum wage has not raised a cent since 1997, but the cost of living has been raised. For every year the bill was introduced, it was turned down by congress. The minimum wage was introduced in the 1930s during the Great Depression because it was supposed to cover the bear minimum of living, but since the cost of living has risen, the minimum wage no longer does what it was intended to do.
Living off of minimum wage was extremely difficult because there was water bills, electric bills, hospital bills and rent for their apartment. By the end of the month , both Morgan and his wife had two hospital bills from the emergency room and Morgan's cost was 1000 dollars while his treatment was only a 40 dollar bandage."That's bu shit,"said Morgan.
This is ridiculous because minimum wage is barely enough to cover the cost of a couple. What if they had children? The parents would have to take care of them, pay for their schooling, medical cost, and child care. (Medical cost would include the basic vaccinations before the children arrive at school.)Morgan and his wife worked 8 hour jobs everyday , but a couple with children can only have one work an 8 hour job if their on minimum wage. That would make it even more difficult to make a living.
If you've had a good life, with fancy cars, television, Ipods, or good schooling, then I strongly suggest you to watch this episode of 30 Days. That way you can step into an minimum wage family's shoes and see what it it like working on minimum wage during a recession.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The 81st Oscar in 2009
http://cs8a.clearspring.com/u/496e682876b273c0/49a21d4858053d0a
Hollywood's biggest formal party is the Academy Awards. The Academy Awards is the biggest party for celebrities. Some go home with an Oscar and some go home with the experience at the Oscars. Actors, Producers, Editors, Directors, and sound mixers are all sitting together to watch an Annual show. This formal event includes some of the world's most expensive dresses and suits. The actresses have more elegant dresses because the actors and directors just have black suit, tie, and white shirt and black pants. Every year the actress’s dresses are all original. These dresses are rated by TV audiences. Art is a universal language that brings the world closer together. Art means visual art, music, film making, drawing, photography, or painting goes into the big category of art. Art is what brings the world closer together as a universal language.
The 2009 Academy Awards began with an original song. I felt the song was creative because it includes this year's great movies. The movies are divided into several categories. These categories include Sound editing, Best Actor, Best supporting actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting actress, Best Animated film, Best Animated short, Best Short film, Best sound editing, Best film editing, best supporting role, costume design, and Art direction.
Some this year's great movies include Slum dog Millionaire, The Dark Knight, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, Bolt, and Iron Man. The movies nominated are the movies that have been recognized by the Academy, but it not all the recognized and nominated are awarded because there are exceptional movies in the world. It was said Art was the universal language in the world. The great movies with best sound editing and best supporting actor is The Dark Knight. The Dark Knight had that action in the film. Heath Ledger as the Joker just made this film even better. I may forget the Dark Knight, but I will never forget Heath Ledger as the Joker. The Dark Knight is an example of an exceptional film. There are those films that I do not know why they won. One of those movies is Wall-E. Wall-E was boring and not enough action like Kung Fu Panda or Bolt. Wall-E did show it was an original screenplay and original music.
Slum dog millionaire won 8 Oscars. Slum dog millionaire was about a boy who's from the slums of Mumbai and completes in the competition of who wants to be a millionaire. Then there was the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It's about a boy who was born an Old man and ages backwards.
The 81st Oscar began well with an original Oscar song, but as it progressed the performance got boring. It was a great show, but it wasn't like last year with songs and scenes from the movie Enchanted. Last years performances were what made the Oscar great. This year the Oscars were just missing decent performances to keep the audience interested.
Hollywood's biggest formal party is the Academy Awards. The Academy Awards is the biggest party for celebrities. Some go home with an Oscar and some go home with the experience at the Oscars. Actors, Producers, Editors, Directors, and sound mixers are all sitting together to watch an Annual show. This formal event includes some of the world's most expensive dresses and suits. The actresses have more elegant dresses because the actors and directors just have black suit, tie, and white shirt and black pants. Every year the actress’s dresses are all original. These dresses are rated by TV audiences. Art is a universal language that brings the world closer together. Art means visual art, music, film making, drawing, photography, or painting goes into the big category of art. Art is what brings the world closer together as a universal language.
The 2009 Academy Awards began with an original song. I felt the song was creative because it includes this year's great movies. The movies are divided into several categories. These categories include Sound editing, Best Actor, Best supporting actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting actress, Best Animated film, Best Animated short, Best Short film, Best sound editing, Best film editing, best supporting role, costume design, and Art direction.
Some this year's great movies include Slum dog Millionaire, The Dark Knight, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, Bolt, and Iron Man. The movies nominated are the movies that have been recognized by the Academy, but it not all the recognized and nominated are awarded because there are exceptional movies in the world. It was said Art was the universal language in the world. The great movies with best sound editing and best supporting actor is The Dark Knight. The Dark Knight had that action in the film. Heath Ledger as the Joker just made this film even better. I may forget the Dark Knight, but I will never forget Heath Ledger as the Joker. The Dark Knight is an example of an exceptional film. There are those films that I do not know why they won. One of those movies is Wall-E. Wall-E was boring and not enough action like Kung Fu Panda or Bolt. Wall-E did show it was an original screenplay and original music.
Slum dog millionaire won 8 Oscars. Slum dog millionaire was about a boy who's from the slums of Mumbai and completes in the competition of who wants to be a millionaire. Then there was the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It's about a boy who was born an Old man and ages backwards.
The 81st Oscar began well with an original Oscar song, but as it progressed the performance got boring. It was a great show, but it wasn't like last year with songs and scenes from the movie Enchanted. Last years performances were what made the Oscar great. This year the Oscars were just missing decent performances to keep the audience interested.
The Annual West Windsor Library Book Sale.
As I entered the West Windsor Library for the Book sale volunteer, I was surrounded by books. There were all kinds of Books from Foreign Language to Self Help.I could estimate that there were at least 5000 books at the very site.
The 2009 Book Sale at West Windsor is the first year for me to volunteer. I was confused with my job, but I soon as I entered, I was told to read several papers and sign in. My job was carrying the boxes of unorganized books to each category and sort them in to boxes by size. It seems easy , but there were thousands of books in a contained area. If the original organized box is not organized, then I have to organize it. All the spine titles have to face the same direction and the books must be laid down , not standing vertically.
The perks of being the volunteer is buying the books, after your assigned job is finished. The Friends of the West Windsor Library has a kitchen full of snacks and drinks for the volunteers.
I enjoy volunteering at the Book Sale because on Saturday, February 21 I was sorting the Foreign Language books and I learned how to tell apart Hindi , Bangladesh , and Tamil characters apart. I also learned how the Russian characters look, so volunteering is not dull or boring because it is an opportunity to experience an adventure.
Just by volunteering, I learned how to shelf library books, DVD, videos, tapes, and non fiction. I am no stranger to volunteering because I have 65 volunteer hours as of Sunday, February 22, 2009. I have also learned how to teach or take care of Small children. I have also learned CPR through volunteering. Volunteering is fun, exciting, and giving back to the community.
Being a volunteer also have perks that people who do not volunteer have.
Remember to check out the Book Sale on March 3rd, 4th, 5th , 6th, 7th, and 8th.
The 2009 Book Sale at West Windsor is the first year for me to volunteer. I was confused with my job, but I soon as I entered, I was told to read several papers and sign in. My job was carrying the boxes of unorganized books to each category and sort them in to boxes by size. It seems easy , but there were thousands of books in a contained area. If the original organized box is not organized, then I have to organize it. All the spine titles have to face the same direction and the books must be laid down , not standing vertically.
The perks of being the volunteer is buying the books, after your assigned job is finished. The Friends of the West Windsor Library has a kitchen full of snacks and drinks for the volunteers.
I enjoy volunteering at the Book Sale because on Saturday, February 21 I was sorting the Foreign Language books and I learned how to tell apart Hindi , Bangladesh , and Tamil characters apart. I also learned how the Russian characters look, so volunteering is not dull or boring because it is an opportunity to experience an adventure.
Just by volunteering, I learned how to shelf library books, DVD, videos, tapes, and non fiction. I am no stranger to volunteering because I have 65 volunteer hours as of Sunday, February 22, 2009. I have also learned how to teach or take care of Small children. I have also learned CPR through volunteering. Volunteering is fun, exciting, and giving back to the community.
Being a volunteer also have perks that people who do not volunteer have.
Remember to check out the Book Sale on March 3rd, 4th, 5th , 6th, 7th, and 8th.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
New York Post in racism row over chimpanzee cartoon | World news | The Guardian
New York Post in racism row over chimpanzee cartoon | World news | The Guardian
Recently , there has been a Chimpanzee attack in the United States of America. New York Post decided to report this attack and show it on the news , but they also created a rasist cartoon. This cartoon is portraying President Obama as a Chimpanzee. Then two police cops shot the chimpanzee. One of the Police said, " They'll have to find another person to write the Stimulus Bill. That is insulting the President and the African American Race. You can not dislike the president in a cartoon that portrays an ape being shot. They just means you wan the President assinsinated.
This is unacceptable New York Post.
The News Media can not portray Racism through a cartoon because it still hards. America is a Nation full of Cowards. I am begining to believe this because statistics show that 50% of white americans live in subarbs and 50% Blacks live in Cities. Some white americans don't be social with blacks, but as Obama said, " There is no white america, no black America, no liberal america, there is the United States of America."
This photo also shows there freedom of Speech and Press, but this is not the right way to show it. This is just like the shoe throwing incidents. There are then one way to show dislikes and hatred. If one country hated another country, should they just go to war? No , because they know and Presidents know that we need Peace. To establish Peace is to creating firm relationships with other countries.
The same goes to the photo, they can't show the photo like this. President Obama is a hard waorking man. He went from a average high schooler to a graduate in Harvard Law. He is currently focused on his Stimulus Package.
The photo just proves that the New York Post is not worth reading.
Recently , there has been a Chimpanzee attack in the United States of America. New York Post decided to report this attack and show it on the news , but they also created a rasist cartoon. This cartoon is portraying President Obama as a Chimpanzee. Then two police cops shot the chimpanzee. One of the Police said, " They'll have to find another person to write the Stimulus Bill. That is insulting the President and the African American Race. You can not dislike the president in a cartoon that portrays an ape being shot. They just means you wan the President assinsinated.
This is unacceptable New York Post.
The News Media can not portray Racism through a cartoon because it still hards. America is a Nation full of Cowards. I am begining to believe this because statistics show that 50% of white americans live in subarbs and 50% Blacks live in Cities. Some white americans don't be social with blacks, but as Obama said, " There is no white america, no black America, no liberal america, there is the United States of America."
This photo also shows there freedom of Speech and Press, but this is not the right way to show it. This is just like the shoe throwing incidents. There are then one way to show dislikes and hatred. If one country hated another country, should they just go to war? No , because they know and Presidents know that we need Peace. To establish Peace is to creating firm relationships with other countries.
The same goes to the photo, they can't show the photo like this. President Obama is a hard waorking man. He went from a average high schooler to a graduate in Harvard Law. He is currently focused on his Stimulus Package.
The photo just proves that the New York Post is not worth reading.
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