Who was the first female architect to win the AIA Gold Award?
In December 2013, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) posthumously awarded the 2014 AIA Gold Medal to Julia Morgan, FAIA, whose extensive body of work encompasses more than 700 buildings of almost every type, including houses, churches, hotels, commercial buildings, and museums.
The AIA Gold Medal, voted on annually, is considered to be the profession’s highest honor that an individual can receive. The Gold Medal honors an individual whose significant body of work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.
Morgan, who died in 1957, won a litany of firsts she, blazing trails for women everywhere. Morgan practiced for nearly 50 years and designed more than 700 buildings of almost every type, including houses, churches, hotels, commercial buildings, and museums.
The first woman admitted to the prestigious architecture school at the Ecoles des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Morgan designed comfortably in a wide range of historic styles.
“Julia Morgan is unquestionably among the greatest American architects of all time and a true California gem,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in her recommendation letter.
“Morgan’s legacy has only grown over the years. She was an architect of remarkable breadth, depth, and consistency of exceptional work, and she is widely known by the quality of her work by those who practice, teach, and appreciate architecture.”
Born in 1872, Morgan grew up in Oakland, Calif. One of the first women to study civil engineering at the University of California-Berkeley, she went on to become the first women to graduate from the prestigious Ecoles des Beaux-Arts, the most prominent architecture school of its day.
In 1904, she became the first women licensed to practice architecture in California, and opened her own firm. Morgan joined the AIA in 1921 as only the seventh female member.
Morgan’s Notable Projects
Asilomar YWCA
Pacific Grove, Calif. Asilomar Conference Grounds; which was originally a camp where young Victorian women could learn vital skills such as typing and sewing, consisted of sixteen buildings constructed between 1913 and 1929.
Eleven buildings are still standing today, and all of the original buildings designed by Morgan are listed on the National Historic Registry.
Commissioned by the Young Woman Christian Association (YWCA) and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, mother of William Randolph Hearst, and preserved by the State Park Service and run by ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, the facility recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
During a time where women could not yet vote, Morgan and Asilomar showed that women could be self-sufficient and provide value outside the home.
Hearst Castle
San Simeon, Calif. William Randolph Hearts’ seaside retreat, 165 rooms across 250,000 acres, all dripping with detailing that’s opulent bordering on delirious.
The style is generally Spanish Colonial, but the estate seems to compress Morgan’s skill at operating in different design languages: Gothic, Neoclassical, as well as Spanish Colonial, all into one commission.
Which U.S. city is home to the nation’s only math museum?
The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) opened its doors to the public on Saturday, December 15, 2012 in New York City.
The nation’s only math museum, MoMath is dedicated to enhancing the understanding and perception of mathematics in daily life.
Spearheaded by Glen Whitney, a hedge fund manager turned mathematics advocate, MoMath recreates the infinite world of mathematics through state-of-the-art interactive exhibitions.
More than 40 exhibits and activities are contained within levitra online generic MoMath, including Feedback Fractals, which uses ordinary video cameras to produce intricate and beautiful infinitely repeating patterns, and Wall of Fire, where visitors interact with a room-high plane of laser light to discover the hidden shapes lurking in everyday objects
“There is nothing in the world that hasn’t been improved by math,” said Glen Whitney, Executive Director of MoMath. “Math is fun, beautiful, and important to getting a really good job in today’s world.”
MoMath, located at 11 East 26th Street, and is 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
Which is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts?
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia is the country’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts.
The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, which is dedicated to celebrating music while nurturing the next generation through education, recently rolled out its 2014 summer season with a diverse lineup of performers ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Counting Crows to Lionel Richie.
“We are proud to present an extraordinary season filled with truly iconic artists,” said Arvind Manocha, Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO.
“Wolf Trap is the only place in the country where you can find Yo-Yo Ma, Robyn + Röyskopp, Lionel Richie, The Band Perry, and Josh Groban on the same season calendar and that’s worth celebrating.
Our patrons have a dizzying array of options to choose from and we look forward to sharing many amazing days and nights of music together at America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts.”
Season highlights include a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra with Ben Folds, the former front man and pianist of alternative rock group Ben Folds Five; the Wolf Trap debut of Jennifer Nettles, lead singer of the country group Sugarland; and the long-awaited return of classical crossover soprano Sarah Brightman, known for originating the role of Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webers’s The Phantom of the Opera.
The 2014 schedule also features the American Idol Live! Tour 2014, California rockers the Counting Crows, a co-bill with singer-songwriters Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson, and the rumba guitar Latin duo Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Which former U.S. President served as a park ranger for the National Park Service?
In the summer of 1936, Gerald Ford worked as a seasonal park ranger at Yellowstone National Park.
While serving in Yellowstone, one of Ford’s assignments was as an armed guard on the bear-feeding truck. (Note: the National Park Service no longer feeds the bears.)
During his summer at Yellowstone, Ford also worked in the Canyon Hotel and Lodge meeting and greeting VIPS, and checking the make, model, state and license number of all cars parked in the campgrounds
As President of the United States, President Ford added eighteen new areas to the National Park System, including Canaveral National Seashore (FL), and Valley Forge National Historical Park (PA).
Bear Safety Tips from Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone regulations require visitors to stay 100 yards from black and grizzly bears at all times. The best defense is to stay a safe distance from bears and use binoculars, a telescope or telephoto lens to get a closer look.
All visitors traveling in the park away from developed areas should stay in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail, keep an eye out for bears and carry bear spray.
Bear spray has proven to be a good last line of defense, if kept handy and used according to directions when a bear is approaching within 30 to 60 feet.
While firearms are allowed in the park, the discharge of a firearm is a violation of park regulations. The park’s law enforcement rangers who carry firearms on duty rely on bear spray, rather than their weapons, as the most effective means to deal with a bear encounter.
Visitors are also reminded to keep food, garbage, barbecue grills and other attractants stored in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes.
This helps keep bears from becoming conditioned to human foods, and helps keep park visitors and their property safe.
Often called founding father of America’s national parks, where was John Muir born?
John Muir was born in and grew up in the coastal town of Dunbar in East Lothian, Scotland.
In April 2014, a new coast-to-coast pathway, the John Muir Way, is being launched in his honor, as part of Scotland’s Year of Homecoming 2014.
The new trail stretches 215 km (133 miles) from John Muir’s birthplace, Dunbar, to the town of Helensburgh. Passing through historic towns and villages and serving up stunning coastal scenery, the marked trail takes in Blackness Castle, Campsie Fells, the Strathkelvin Railway Path and the Stoneymollan Road.
The trail also passes Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
The route has been split into manageable sections, so that walkers and cyclists can enjoy day walks. Public transportation is available near many points along the route to return travelers to their starting point; or pedestrians can walk a section as part of a circular route combining with other paths joining the Way.
This year Scotland celebrates Homecoming Scotland 2014, with a year-long activity calendar that runs through December 31, 2014. Visitors are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage.
Which distinctive tree, also the name of a national park, was once called “the most repulsive tree in the vegetable kingdom?”
The Joshua tree, the distinctively shaped member of the agave family, located in Joshua Tree National Park, received its most-repulsive designation from noted explorer John C. Fremont during the mid 1800s.
Later, according to legend, Mormon pioneers were believed to have named the plant after the prophet Joshua, because it resembled his upstretched arms pointing them to the promised land.
Joshua Tree National Park was first established as a national monument in 1936 and achieved national park status in 1994. The park protects a distinctive region of the California Desert, including a transition between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts.
The Colorado Desert, where creosote bush, ocotillo, and palo verde dominate, occupies the eastern portion of the park. The higher-in-elevation Mojave Desert makes up the western half.
The Joshua tree is a critical component of the Mojave Desert ecosystem and provides habitat for birds, mammals, insects, and lizards.
Park wildlife includes the desert tortoise, rattlesnakes, bighorn sheep, golden eagles, desert iguanas, roadrunners, and a variety of other species uniquely suited to desert living.
The park is recognized worldwide as a rock climbing destination, with more than 4,500 established climbing routes concentrated within approximately 100,000 acres of land. During wet years, the park puts on a vivid display of spring wildflowers.
Some 1.2 million visitors enter Joshua Tree National Park every year
Historic Route 66 travels through which national park?
Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is the only park in the National Park System to contain a section of Historic Route 66.
Route 66, the heavily traveled highway that connected Chicago with Los Angeles, was built in the mid 1920s. Linking together rural towns, many of which had never had access to a major highway, allowed for a freer flow of commerce and goods in and out of these communities.
More importantly, the road, which John Steinbeck called the “Mother Road” in his classic “Grapes of Wrath,” symbolized adventure and opportunity,
According to the National Historic Route 66 Federation, more than 200,000 people migrated west during the Great Depression. Route 66 was a key factor in the growth of the tourism industry, and even gave birth to a new type of accommodation, known as the motel.
By the 1970s, the road was mostly bypassed by more modern freeways, and by 1984, Route 66 was decommissioned altogether.
Although much of the road has fallen into disrepair, or simply vanished, Arizona is home to the longest original stretch of this road, which is one of 25 scenic byways in Arizona, and much of it is still preserved by the locals who lived it.
In the Painted Desert, now a part of Petrified Forest National Park, the route has almost vanished, but traces remain, marked by old telephone poles and small remnants of roadway.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can trace humanity’s history in North America back 13,000 years. Here, the lands are rich in paleontological and archeological sites.
Of the park, Senator John McCain has said, “Petrified Forest National Park is Arizona’s very own ‘Triassic Park’ – over 220 million years in the making.
The Park offers a glimpse back in time when Arizona was a tropical forest near the equator of the supercontinent Pangaea.
Visitors can see various paleontological finds, including fossilized plant life, ancient clam beds, and evidence of the earliest dinosaurs, as well as the archeological story of some of North America’s earliest human inhabitants.”
Today, the park is in expansion mode, in part due to legislation sponsored by McCain. It recently acquired new land from local sellers, as well as a parcel from the Bureau of Land Management, for a combined addition of nearly 15,000 acres.
The new acreage includes an area called Billings Gap, where fossils located in ancient clam beds date back 220 million years. Additional acreage is expected to open next year.
What is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility?
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, with more than 250,000 permanent seats.
The facility is so large, Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl, the Roman Colosseum and Vatican City can all fit inside the IMS oval, which covers 253 acres.
IMF is home to the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500 and the world’s second-largest, single-day sporting event, the Brickyard 400.
In advance of Indianapolis Mother Speedway’s 98th anniversary celebration in May, the facility will welcome a new race, Grand Prix of Indianapolis, marking the first-time an IndyCar road course race has ever been conducted at the iconic track.
“The Grand Prix of Indianapolis is all about elevating the month of May, the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series with more thrilling content for our loyal supporters and new fans,” said Mark D. Miles, Chief Executive Officer of the Hulman & Company.
“This will be a very different event than the ‘500’ and will be one of three major weekends of excitement at IMS in May, all leading into the 98th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25.”
A $5-million reconfiguration project is underway on the existing IMS road course, which will transform the layout into a new 14-turn, 2.434-mile road course, with more speed and more hard braking zones to create more passing and competitive racing. The reconfiguration plan also includes new spectator mounds and new grandstands in the infield.
ABC will televise the Grand Prix of Indianapolis live, which will run clockwise, the opposite of the Indianapolis 500, creating even more diverse competition during the month.
Events begin with IndyCar Series practice for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis on Thursday, May 8 on the new IMS road course.
Practice and qualifying events are scheduled for Friday, May 9, with the race Saturday, May 10.
Tickets for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis will range from $40-75. Race Day general admission tickets are $25 for all customers.
All seating areas will be general admission Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9. Admission is free Thursday and $20 on Friday.
In what South Pacific country can a visitor stand on the international date line?
Taveuni Island, located in the popular South Pacific travel destination, Fiji, is bisected by the International Date Line.
Although the island technically observes one standard timing convention, there is a marker and sign that observes the official location of the International Date Line, where visitors can straddle time by firmly setting one foot in today while the stands in the past.
Often called the Garden Island, Taveuni Island is Fiji’s third largest land mass and is a popular tropical destination for adventure travelers and honeymooners.
Taveuni Island provides a number of top-notch adventure activities both on land and in the water. It is best known for its world-class diving, with easy access to at least 40 dive sites along the Vuna and Rainbow reefs.
As with much of the rest of Fiji, the island is home to tremendous snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and other marine activities
Lesser known, but equally impressive are Taveuni Island’s land-based activities. There are more than 100 waterfalls and rivers located on the island, which is also home to the Bouma National Heritage Park.
Visitors can enjoy a wealth of eco- and adventure activities, including meandering through nature preserves, coastal walks, rainforest hikes, bird watching and swimming in some of the world’s most beautiful waterfall pools.
Taveuni Island is also home to a number of award-winning hotels, all of which are small, independently owned establishments.
Taveuni Palms has earned a number of leading designations, including Top Ten Boutique Hotels in the World, Best Honeymoon Boutique Hotel and Fiji’s Leading Resort.
Taveuni has also earned a bit of a reputation as a honeymooner’s paradise, because of its scenic setting, its laid-back vibe, and because of the high-level of service offered by the Taveuni Island residents who work at the area resorts.
Nepal is a country that feels like it was designed for adventure. From towering Himalayan peaks to ancient cities bursting with culture, there’s no shortage of things to do here. Whether you’re chasing mountain trails or soaking in the slow rhythm of village life, Nepal has something for every kind of traveler.
It’s a place where nature and culture meet in the most unforgettable ways. If you’re wondering how to spend your time in Nepal, this guide covers it all.
Trekking in the Himalayas
One of the biggest draws to Nepal is its world-famous trekking. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a must-do for many. It takes you through remote Sherpa villages, suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, and stunning glacier landscapes. The feeling of standing in the shadow of the world’s tallest mountain is something you’ll never forget.
Not far behind is the Annapurna Circuit, which offers a more diverse landscape—lush subtropical forests, dry desert plateaus, and high mountain passes all in one route. If you prefer something off the beaten path, the Nar Phu Valley trek is a hidden gem. Fewer tourists, raw landscapes, and Tibetan-influenced villages make it a quieter, more intimate experience.
For those looking for even more of a challenge, the Dhaulagiri Circuit via French Pass delivers remote wilderness and jaw-dropping mountain views. No matter your choice, trekking in Nepal is a powerful mix of physical challenge and natural beauty.
Explore National Parks and Wildlife
Nepal isn’t just mountains. It’s also home to vibrant jungles and rare wildlife. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the best place to see animals like one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, elephants, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Go on a jeep safari or take a canoe ride down the river for the chance to spot wildlife up close.
In the east, Sagarmatha National Park surrounds the Everest region. While trekking, keep an eye out for red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and snow leopards (though the latter are extremely elusive). The mix of high-altitude ecosystems and rich biodiversity makes these parks a must for nature lovers.
Discover Nepal’s Historic Cities
Nepal’s cultural heritage is as rich as its natural beauty. The Kathmandu Valley is a treasure trove of temples, palaces, and living traditions. Kathmandu Durbar Square is the heart of it all, where you’ll find beautifully carved buildings and sacred temples like Taleju Temple and the home of the Living Goddess, Kumari.
Just a short drive away, Patan and Bhaktapur are equally impressive. These cities showcase Nepal’s stunning craftsmanship—look for wood-carved windows, stone sculptures, and intricate pagodas. Walking their narrow alleys feels like stepping back in time.
One of Nepal’s most sacred spots is Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site on the banks of the Bagmati River. The cremation ghats and evening aarti ceremony are deeply moving, even if you’re not religious. Nearby, the Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest in Asia and a center of Tibetan Buddhist culture in Nepal.
Some of the best views in Nepal don’t require a trek. Nagarkot, just outside Kathmandu, is famous for its stunning sunrises. On a clear morning, you can see a full sweep of the Himalayas, including Everest in the far distance.
Another favorite spot is Sarangkot, near Pokhara. This hilltop offers incredible panoramic views of the Annapurna range. It’s also a top spot for paragliding, with a gentle takeoff and a thrilling glide over Pokhara’s lakeside town.
Adventure Activities in Pokhara
If you’re craving outdoor fun, Pokhara is where you should be. It’s a laid-back city nestled beside Phewa Lake, with the snow-capped Annapurna peaks looming in the distance. You can go boating, hike up to the World Peace Pagoda, or take a short trip to the Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave.
But Pokhara is also a playground for thrill-seekers. Try paragliding over the lake, zip-lining, or even bungee jumping. There are also ATV rides and ultra-light aircraft flights for those looking for unique views of the Himalayas.
River Rafting and Water Sports
Nepal’s rivers offer some of the best whitewater rafting experiences in Asia. The Trishuli River is popular for its balance of excitement and accessibility, making it ideal for first-timers. If you’re after more intense rapids, the Bhote Koshi River will get your heart racing with its steep drops and technical sections.
For a slower pace, some rivers also offer kayaking or canoeing tours, often combined with overnight camping along the banks. It’s a refreshing way to see Nepal from a different perspective.
Wellness and Spiritual Experiences
Nepal is also a great place to slow down and reconnect with yourself. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll find plenty of yoga retreats and wellness centers offering meditation sessions, detox programs, and holistic healing.
Some retreats include multi-day programs that combine yoga with mountain views, nature walks, and nutritious meals. Whether you’re deepening your practice or just trying it for the first time, Nepal’s peaceful surroundings provide the perfect backdrop.
Village Life and Local Culture
To truly experience Nepal, spend some time in its rural areas. Places like Sauraha Village, near Chitwan, offer guided cycling tours through rice paddies and small farming communities. You’ll get a firsthand look at traditional life—people working in the fields, kids walking to school, and families preparing meals over open fires.
Many travelers find that these local encounters become the most memorable part of their trip. It’s a chance to slow down, ask questions, and learn from the people who call Nepal home.
Final Thoughts
Nepal is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you. From the rugged trails of the Himalayas to the serene temples of the Kathmandu Valley, every corner of this country offers something meaningful.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking spiritual calm, or simply exploring new cultures, Nepal delivers with heart and authenticity. The beauty is raw, the people are warm, and the experiences are real. No matter how long you stay, one thing is certain: you’ll leave with stories worth telling and a deep desire to return.
Q: What is the best time to visit Nepal? A: The ideal time is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and the best mountain views.
Q: Is trekking in Nepal safe for beginners? A: Yes, many routes like the Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill are suitable for beginners with moderate fitness. Hiring a local guide adds both safety and cultural insight.
Q: Do I need permits for trekking? A: Yes. Most treks require permits like the TIMS card and National Park Entry Permits. These are usually arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Q: How long should I stay in Nepal? A: It depends on your plans. For a short cultural trip, 7–10 days is enough. For trekking and exploring more regions, 2–3 weeks is ideal.
