1608, 2011

Lafayette Cemetery, New Orleans

American Cities
487

History and beauty come together in this unique cemetery– Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana. Built in 1833, the cemetery has interred people of all cultures and classes, including notable city figures and Civil War soldiers. Today, the cemetery is important as an archaeological, historical, and cultural site, although it is in danger of deteriorating. The site has become a tourist attraction and has been featured in many films and literature, including the works of Mark Twain and Anne Rice. Ronny Jordan is a Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist, producer, and songwriter known as an originator of “acid jazz.” Inspired by artists such as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and Jimi Hendrix, Jordan

1508, 2011

Warsaw, Poland

World Cities & Harbors
513

Situated between Germany and Russia, Poland saw more than its share of turmoil and warfare during the 20th century. Warsaw– Poland’s capital and largest city– was especially stricken. During World War II, the German army methodically demolished about 85% of the city in retaliation for a strong-willed resistance to Nazi occupation. After the war, the people of Poland rebuilt Warsaw, even recreating its historic buildings. Warsaw is now experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity. This eScapes scene highlights the city’s nightlife. A prominent landmark featured in this video is the curved Złote Tarasy– a shopping center, entertainment venue, and office building. The high view of the city is taken from the Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science, a

1308, 2011

Machu Picchu

Few South American archaeological sites are as stunning as Peru’s Machu Picchu. In the middle of a mountain forest nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, this Inca city uses natural materials to create an aesthetic harmony with its natural surroundings. This site was one of the last sanctuaries for the Inca Empire as it fell to Spanish colonialism. In fact, the Spaniards were never able to find Machu Picchu and it remained hidden until 1911. As a result, it is a notably intact archaeological site although it is threatened by increasing tourism and commercial infiltration. Outside the city, the tranquil Andes Mountains are home to a variety of interesting wildlife, including Peru’s famous llamas. A pair

1208, 2011

Columbus, Ohio

American Cities
488

Columbus, the capital and largest city of Ohio, is one of the healthiest economic and cultural centers in the United States. A scenic cityscape, service-based economy, and wide assortment of cultural attractions makes the city one of the nation’s best places to work, play, or visit. This eScapes video features a scenic view of the Columbus skyline from across the Scioto River, including the striking art deco LeVeque Tower. Legend has it that the tower was built to be exactly one foot taller than the Washington Monument– though promoted as such, modern measurements show the difference to be less than one inch. Other landmarks in this scene include the stainless steel gavel outside the Ohio Supreme

1008, 2011

Cleveland, Ohio

American Cities
476

Cleveland, Ohio has made great strides in reinventing itself. Historically an industrial city known for its steel industry, Cleveland now boasts a vibrant cultural scene, service industries, and tourist attractions. Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor on Lake Erie unites the new and old city with the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum. This “ship that built Cleveland” was the flagship for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company for sixty years. Today, the ship is a floating museum, open for tours, and a venue for various cultural events. Other sights in North Coast Harbor featured in this eScapes video are the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the Goodtime III, an

0808, 2011

Wichita, Kansas

American Cities
477

Though perhaps best known as the “Air Capital of the World,” producing nearly half of the world’s aircraft, Wichita embraces culture as well as industry. Just west of downtown, Keeper of the Plains Plaza, featured in this video, gives tribute to the Plains Indians and their traditional way of life. The site is known for its distinct pedestrian bridges and a large steel sculpture– the Keeper of the Plains— that is lit with a ring of fire for fifteen minutes each night. Another cultural landmark in Wichita is Exploration Place– a large science museum on the banks of the Arkansas River. The center features a variety of traveling and permanent exhibits, a movie theater, and more.

0608, 2011

Port Townsend, Washington

American Cities, Scenic Earth
430

Founded in the mid-1800s, Port Townsend, Washington was expected by many to become a dominant port city on the West Coast. Despite significant investment and early successes, Port Townsend was overshadowed by other northwestern cities. Lack of confidence by investors– including the Northern Pacific Railroad– caused the city to shrink into a quiet community now known for its abundance of Victorian architecture, artists, and retirees. The Port of Port Townshend Boat Haven, featured in this video, was built in the 1960s and favors smaller boats (the marina’s slips start at 20 feet). Wooden docks (instead of concrete) add to the city’s historic atmosphere, and even the boats are often wooden. In fact, Port Townshend is home

0408, 2011

Klamath National Forest

Scenic Earth
442

The Klamath National Forest covers 1,700,000 acres of Northern California and the lower part of Oregon. The forest gets its name from the Klamath people– the indigenous tribe of Southern Oregon. It is densely populated with old-growth conifer trees. The national forest covers a fraction of the much larger Klamath-Siskiyou Region, the largest concentration of roadless wilderness on the West Coast. This region, largely unprotected outside of the national forests, is recognized for its great biodiversity and habitat variety. It is one of seven areas in North America considered an Area of Global Botanical Significance by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Rippingtons is a Grammy-nominated American contemporary jazz band. Since its formation in

0308, 2011

Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas

Tropical Beaches
486

Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the island’s lesser-known beaches and as a result is often free of the larger crowds sometimes found at more popular sites. Lines of palm trees provide a perfect frame for the ocean view and, just off the shore, rock formations add character to the sapphire-blue water. The relatively low number of visitors makes this beach a great spot for quiet relaxation, but snorkeling and recreational boating are also popular activities. Chris Standring is a jazz guitarist who has distinguished himself in the contemporary jazz realm with adventurous, lyrical compositions leavened with pure-pop perfection, dazzling guitar solos and thick beats. Though predominately influenced by

0208, 2011

Indianapolis, Indiana

American Cities
440

The beautiful Indiana Statehouse commands attention in downtown Indianapolis, but there’s far more to this Midwestern city than its role as a state capital. The Indianapolis cityscape is notable for its emphasis on nature and outdoor activity. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a 20-mile-long biking and walking path, takes residents and visitors on a scenic walk throughout the city, connecting its major cultural centers. Also adjacent to the trail is White River State Park, a beautiful urban green space perfect for recreation or relaxation away from the activity of the city. Gota (full name Gota Yashiki) is a jazz and pop percussionist, vocalist, and producer. Before his solo debut, he worked with artists including Seal and Sinead