Friday, July 31, 2015

Enjoy A New Book: The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck  tells the story of Buck and his brother Nick, and Nick’s Jack Russell terrier, Olive Oyl making a modern day crossing of the Oregon Trail.

As a reader, I was in awe of Buck’s attempt to travel the length of the Oregon Trail the old-fashioned way—in a covered wagon with a team of mules.  Such a journey had not been attempted in more than a century.  The fact that so much of the trail is still accessible was quite the revelation.  As an East Coaster, many of our original trails and pioneer roads are long gone, replaced by modern roads, cities and suburban sprawl.

Buck gives an overview of the Oregon Trail, which spans two thousand miles and crosses six states from Missouri to the Pacific coast. Once Buck sets up the history of the trail, he then begins the narrative of the crossing. Buck and his brother set out from St. Joseph, Missouri, to travel to Baker City, Oregon, a journey that would last four months. 



Want your own copy? This is your chance to enter to win The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck. We have one copy of The Oregon Trail to give away. To enter, please complete the form below.



Terms and Conditions
  • Competition open to residents of the USA only,
  • No P.O. Boxes
  • Must be 18 years of age or older. Winner will be chosen at random from correct entries.
  • No cash alternative.
  • Competition closes Saturday, August 10, 2015 at 11:59pm
  • Winner will be notified and contacted via email within 24 hours after contest ends.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Television: History and Communication

By: Nina Kendall

Televisions are everywhere from your living room to the local gas station. Television has transformed modern life in the last 87 years. In less than a century, this technology has become an everyday object whose impact can be seen in new industries and new words.  Boob tube, TV dinners, and couch potatoes are all signs of the impact of this technology. How much do you know about the history of television? Check out these museums and studios to learn more.

The Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, Illinois is one place you can learn about the history of television. 3 floors of artifacts and exhibits invite to enjoy the past of this medium. Don’t miss the Svengoolie exhibit! You can get a glimpse of the coffin from this TV personality.

A visit to the Early Television Museum will give you a glimpse in the mechanics of this technology.  See how the television has changed as you walk through the exhibit of this institution in Hilliard, Ohio. Examine the changes in technology that has led to your current set.

National Capital Radio and Television Museum features exhibits exploring both radio and television history in Bowie, Maryland.  Different galleries trace broadcasting development from the birth of radio to the onset of television.  Past special exhibits have featured the role of television and radio in public affairs.

You will get a different look at Television with a CNN Studio Tour. This tour will give you a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a news studio. See what it takes to make the news programming you enjoy every day.

The Museum of Television is set to focus on the social relationship between television and pop culture.  It will eventually serve as the home of the collection of James Comisar.  The museum has supported special exhibits about television in museums across the country. Check the site to see if there is an exhibit near you.

Visit the Paley Center in New York or Los Angeles to see some of the 160,000 artifacts in the collection or attend a special event.  Tours are available at both sites.  You can also search the Paley Archives and enjoy the insight of Paley curators. Can’t make to the Paley Center? Check out the This Day in Media for a small dose of media history.