China Clipper (NC14716) was the first of three Martin M-130 four-engine flying boats built for Pan American Airways. In November of 1935 it was used to inaugurate the first commercial transpacific air service from San Francisco to Manila by way of Honolulu, Midway and Wake Island. It continued to fly the Pacific for the next eight years carrying approximately 3,500 passengers and 750,000 lbs of mail and freight.
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York opened in 1986. Named after Senator Jacob K. Javits (US Senator District 1957-1981), the glass-enclosed building was designed by I.M. Pei & Partners. Javits is the busiest convention center in the United States attracting top tradeshows and hosting more than 2.5 million visitors annually. In 2013 the Center completed a major renovation that includes a new roof, replacement of the exterior glass wall, upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems and interior reconfigurations. Designed by Javits II Architecture, LLC, the renovation has enhanced the visitor experience and the building’s operational efficiency while remaining true to the original design concepts.
Ferries form a part of the public transport systems of many waterside cities and islands. The world’s busiest ferry route is the Staten Island Ferry which shuttles commuters between Manhattan and Staten Island in New York City. However, the Washington State Ferry system operates the largest ferry fleet in the United States with 22 ferries that cross Puget Sound and its inland waterways, carrying over 23 million passengers.
The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot observation tower/restaurant on the southeastern edge of Downtown San Antonio, Texas, USA. The tower was built as the theme structure of the 1968 World's Fair. It was the tallest observation tower in the United States until 1996 when the Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower was completed.
Located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, DC, was opened in 1971. It is America’s living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation’s busiest arts facility, presenting more than 2,000 performances each year.
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence. Upon the bell read the words "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." It weighs 2,080 pounds and is suspended from what is believed to be its original yoke, made of American elm.
This bird house is modeled after a wren’s ideal home. Wrens aren't picky about their homes and will nest in small, plain houses. Just make sure the entry holes measure about 1 inch in diameter to let the wrens in and keep predators out.
The Washington Monument, located in Washington, D.C., was built to commemorate General George Washington, the first president of the USA. When completed in 1848 it was the world’s tallest stone structure until the completion of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1889.
The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding, California. Designed by world-renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, the bridge links the 300-acre north and south campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. It has served as the downtown entrance to Redding’s extensive Sacramento River Trail system since it’s July 4, 2004 opening. The bridge celebrates human creativity and ingenuity, important themes of Turtle Bay. The steel, glass, and granite span evokes a sense of weightlessness and the translucent, non-skid decking provides for spectacular viewing at night, while being environmentally sensitive. The pylon, cable stays, and glass deck preserve salmon-spawning habitat beneath the bridge, while encouraging public appreciation for the river.
This iconic structure located in Auckland City, New Zealand is an observation and telecommunications tower and is also part of the SKYCITY Auckland casino complex. Standing at a height of 328 meters (1,076 feet) it is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts over 500,000 visitors per year.
The RQ-170 Sentinel was a "Stealth" drone that crashed in Iran on what was believed to be a surveillance mission. It was dubbed the ‘Beast of Kandahar’ after being pictured flying in Afghanistan. Little is known about the drone although it is believed to have radar-evading capabilities.
The Sago Palm Tree (Cycas revolute) is often called a “living fossil” because it is one of the most primitive seed plants alive today. Its origin traces back to ancient flora of the Mesozoic era more than 200 million years ago. It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive whorled feathery leaves.
The Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai and is currently the tallest structure in the world at 2,723ft. Construction began on September 21st 2004 and it officially opened on January 4th 2010.
The Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is a 5-star luxury hotel located on an artificial island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 1,053 feet, it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. The unique shape is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.
The beach buggy is a special type of vehicle specifically designed for use on beaches. They normally feature rear-mounted engines that transfers a high proportion of the weight to the rear-drive wheels for extra traction plus small wheels and thin tires, to help facilitate movement across the sand.