Quotable Quotes from Sam Rayburn

When I visited Bonham, TX I also stopped by at Sam Rayburn museum. This museum built in the memory of Sam Rayburn, former speaker of the house, and congressman from Bonham, TX is full of his memorabilia. There are books, personal effects, a recreation of his office at the White House and a bunch of pictures. A few quotes were etched in stone outside the museum which were quite impressive, I'd like to share them on this blog.

More mobile pictures

Here are some more pictures shot in my mobile phone. These were shot at the Frontier Flight Museum, which has been created in a large hanger in the Dallas Love Field Airport, Texas. The museum has several interesting exhibits including a replica of the original plane flown by Wright Brothers. The museum would be a great place for kids to learn about the vivid world of aviation and war birds.

War Museums Provide a Bird's eye view of military history!

Photos By Paul Kandarian/For The Boston Globe) published online on Boston Globe

Whenever I visit a new place I make it a point to visit the local war memorials and military museums. I am drawn to these places for several reasons the biggest of which is that I am always awed by these brave men and women who take up arms to protect their nation and their people. Perhaps the second reason is to look at and learn about the myriad machines and tools of war which are used by these fighters.

Though it has been long since I visited a museum or memorial I have been reading about them in travel columns of newspapers/ online portals, etc. The latest article I read is one titled Newport, R.I., trove of naval and war history - The Boston Globe. This article details hos a museum with non-interactive and modern glitzy exhibits can still provide an educative and entertaining experience to visitors. The best thing about this museum is that it is free, the only catch is that one has to give a 24-hr notice to the authorities so they will do relevant background checks before letting you in.

I am glad I read this article, now I know what to look forward to visiting, if at all I travel to Newport, Rhode Island.

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Artworks at Kimbell Museum

Last Sunday we visited the Kimbell art museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Here are pictures of some interesting artworks in their permanent collection. There are many paintings in the collection, but I am interested in sculptures so I captured only those that appealed to me. I am not so enamored by European sculptures because in my opinion they are too boring. Sculptural art from South America, Africa and Asian countries are much more vibrant and interesting. There is some kind of intrigue, mystery, and rugged aesthetics.

Sculpture from South America

Sculpture from Africa

Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth

Today we visited the Kimbell Museum of Art in Fort Worth, Texas. This is a private museum of art works from mostly European art. A few samples of South American, Chinese and Japanese art are also displayed as part of the exhibit. The museum has been maintained in an impeccable condition and access to the private collection is free. That sounds amazing considering the fact that it takes a lot of money to maintain the museum. Even parking is free. I would say it is well worth a visit. There are some rare pieces of art including Michelangelo's first painting, Picasso and Caravaggio's works too.
Here are some pictures from the Museum...

Entrance to the museum

Mayan Sculpture on display in the Kimbell Museum

Houston Museum of Art

I would like to present some views of Houston's art district. The musuem's lawns are full of exotic metal sculptures of various artists depicting the human nature at its best. Enjoy the art and irony too....

The Red Dragon from China

Space Center Houston

Day before yesterday we visited Space Center Houston, the historic location from where six missions to Moon were launched off. Space Center Houston is an interesting museum not only for kids but for adults as well. The dramatic history of space exploration unfolds through the various exhibits at the Space Center Houston.

I would categorise the museum into three different kinds of places: the interactive exhibits, theaters and the tram tour. There are three theaters: Blastoff theater, Space center theater and Starship gallery, each of which broadcast multimedia presentations on the history and technological innovations in the quest of space. The Astronaut Gallery and NASA Tour are two other sections which are equally interesting and educating.

Here are some pictures of the exhibits at the Space Center. Tomorrow I will post pictures taken while on the tram tour of the NASA campus, including a visit to the historic mission headquarters, rocket workshop and the rocket park.

Rockets on display

A Rocket Engine on display, looks quite interesting!

An exhibit of man on moon

Moon rover - A model of the electric vehicle which was taken to the moon during the second mission

A exhibit of a space station

Exhibit explaining how gravity can be defied

The NASA museum's main wall

General Patton Museum, California

During our recent road trip to California, I chanced upon this unique Museum on the freeway. Sited in Chiriaco Summit, California this museum has been put in place in association with the bureau of land management. The General Patton Memorial Museum was established in 1988 to honor all Vietnam War veterans. The museum contains two vast indoor exhibit rooms with memorabilia. One dedicated to the US Civil War and the other to the Iraqi Freedom (of course I'd call it US Destruction of Iraq). The museum's media room also shows a 26 minute movie which talks about desert training, General Patton’s life and WWII.

The General Patton Museum

Then there is the tank yard outdoor exhibit which displays several tanks and heavy artillary equipment. Notable among the exhibits are a Sherman Tank and Stuart Tank from WWII. And of course in line with US' commerce orientation the museum has a gift shop which sells books on Patton, T-shirts, caps, hats, coins, toys, magnets, patches, pins and more... all made in China.

Here are some pictures of the Museum:

Another view of the exterior of the museum

Patton Tanks on display