CSI: The Experience! First Anniversary at MGM Grand in Las Vegas
September 23, 2010 by KJ
Filed under Out and About
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Dr. Al Robbins aka Robert David Hall at CSI: The Experience! First Anniversary
Have you ever wanted to be a CSI – Crime Scene Investigator? Or at least wondered at least what a moment in the life of a CSI would be like? I was invited to attend the First Anniversary of CSI: The Experience! at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on September 22, 2010
You don’t have to be a fan of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on CBS at 9 pm on Thursday nights… but, it enhances the experience, as you can relate to things that much better. (Just be aware it keeps to the original cast and not the current cast…)
It is a very interesting experience and layout… defiantly worth a visit, and it just might turn you into a CSI Fan. MGM spared no expense in bringing this experience to Vegas, spanning 12,000 square feet, thousands of hand-made props, two crime labs that are state-of-the-art, and lots of interesting things to look at and interact with in. The experience includes a laboratory that is hands-on, the ability to visit the autopsy room, and three different murder scenes; which are true-to-life.
If you work hard, study the crime scene, and follow the evidence and correctly discover who the killer is; your efforts will be awarded with an official CSI Diploma.
The first anniversary celebration included a cake with a crime scene with blood, a body outline, and caution tape. Dr. Al Robbins aka Robert David Hall was on hand to celebrate with an official cake cutting.
I would like to thank everyone who made this event possible including the MGM Grand, the staff, and those who work so hard behind the scenes to make an exhibit like this come to life.
Join me on a first hand look at CSI: The Experience, from a fan of the show. Do you have what it takes to be a CSI?
Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”
85th Annual Wild Pony Swim
August 1, 2010 by KJ
Filed under Out and About
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Chincoteague Ponies on the Shore of Assateague Island
Do you remember reading the book Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry, about the wild ponies of Assateague?
Well the ponies and the island are real… and every year since 1925, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company who are the owners and managers of the pony herds, have held an auction of the foals for that year.
The round up and auction occurs in July on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday. This year the round up was on July 28, with the auction on July 29. This was the 85th swim, which lasts approximately three minutes.
The crowds along the shore were expected to swell to forty thousand, as between one hundred fifty and one hundred seventy five ponies crossed the channel. Mares, stallions, and their foals crossed during low tide, which helps ensure their safety while in the water.
Once the ponies reach the shore, the first foal is crowned “King or Queen Neptune.” The winner will receive the foal at the Carnival Grounds. They purchased a ticket from the Fire Company’s raffle, and the winner must be present to win.
In 2009, seventy ponies were sold. The average cost was $1,344.29, and highest bid was $11,700. Total sales came to $94,100.
The Chincoteague pony is a recognized breed, with pinto markings being the most common. To keep the herd at a sustainable size of approximately one hundred and fifty horses, mares are given a contraceptive vaccine.
The mares and stallions returned to Assateague Island on Friday morning. The island is 48,000 acres and the landscape and weather is ever changing.
Perhaps one day I will be able to travel to Virginia and see these wild ponies.
Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”
PS The photo was provided by Patrick J. Hendrickson of Highcamera Aerial Photography, of this year’s round up. Patrick gave me permission to share his photo with you, and if you want to see his other photos, be sure to go to his website… www. highcamera.com
