Latest news with #FerdinandMagellan
Business Insider
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I toured the train car presidents used for travel before Air Force One. Climb aboard the 'White House on wheels.'
Long before there was an Air Force One, US presidents traveled the country aboard a 10-foot-wide train car. Rebuilt in 1942 for presidential use, the Ferdinand Magellan, also known as US Car No. 1, was the president's official mode of transportation between 1943 and 1954. Made with detailed security features and enlarged spaces for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the height of World War II, the armored car became the heaviest railcar ever built in the US, and today, it is the only passenger train car to ever be declared a National Historic Landmark. The Ferdinand Magellan allowed the president to continue his duties in comfort while on the move. It often traveled with other cars dedicated to radio communications, White House staffers, and members of the press. Take a look inside the "White House on wheels" that predates Air Force One. US Car No. 1 was presented to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in December 1942. On December 18, 1942, the Pullman Company presented a luxury train car that had been rebuilt at the request of the US Secret Service, which had determined that the president needed a secure way to travel during wartime. Roosevelt most often used the car to travel from Washington, DC, to his home in Hyde Park, New York. The president insisted on not surpassing a speed of 35 miles per hour when traveling aboard the Ferdinand Magellan, making his journeys less efficient and heightening security measures, per the White House Historical Association website. He last rode the car on March 30, 1945, when he visited his Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia, where he died a few weeks later. During his time, the president rode over 50,000 miles aboard the presidential train car. It was most famously used in 1948 during Harry Truman's "whistle-stop" campaign tour. While the car was built with Roosevelt in mind, including certain designs that would allow him to use a wheelchair on the train, it was his successor, President Harry S. Truman, who used it the most. The president, who, unlike Roosevelt, opted for a speed of 80 miles per hour, employed the car in his iconic 35-day whistle-stop tour during his reelection campaign in 1948, where he delivered 356 speeches from the back of the Magellan, per Architectural Digest. By the time Truman's successor, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, took office, more efficient air travel was starting to replace rail travel, and the US Car No. 1 was used for the last time in 1954. The car was last used by Ronald Reagan during a commemorative whistle-stop tour in Ohio in 1984. In 1984, Reagan brought the Magellan out of retirement for a one-day whistle-stop tour through Ohio during his reelection campaign. The president traveled from Dayton to Perrysburg and stopped at five locations to give speeches from the rear platform of the presidential car. Today, the US Car No. 1 sits in a small museum near Zoo Miami. In 1959, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, Florida, acquired the car, which had been declared surplus and donated to the Smithsonian — which had no way to store it — in 1958. Since then, the car has stayed in South Florida, where it is now open to the public. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. A regular adult ticket for the museum costs $12, and tickets for the presidential train car cost an additional $10. To carry the president, the unique armored car had enhanced security features. The car, which is 84 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 15 feet tall, was covered with over 1/2 an inch of nickel-steel armor on its sides and featured 3-inch-thick bulletproof glass windows. It was also the heaviest train car built in the US. After it was refurbished for presidential use, the train car weighed 285,000 pounds, making it much heavier than modern-day war tanks, which often weigh around 100,000 pounds. The car also had its name, Ferdinand Magellan, removed from its sides in an effort to conceal the president's presence, although its design often stood out. Other security features included two escape hatches and a complex security protocol, which included diverting traffic on the rails to ensure that no train traveled ahead or behind the president for at least 30 minutes. Operating under the code name POTUS, the president's train always had the right of way. Passengers boarded from the front of the train, which housed the staff quarters and kitchen. In the kitchen, an onboard chef had access to ovens and refrigerators. The train's dedicated chef prepared the president and guests' meals inside this kitchen. On the other side of the kitchen, the staff had pantry space to plate the dishes. The kitchen was also equipped with a pantry and a full-size metal sink. The car housed two staff members: one chef and one porter. Near the kitchen, a chef and a porter had sleeping quarters that featured an upper and lower berth. The dining and conference room was in the main cabin of the car. The presidential car's main cabin featured a 6-foot solid mahogany table where the president and his guests — often diplomats or foreign leaders — could gather for dinners or meetings. The dining room had its own set of presidential china. Today, the room displays an example of the glass used in the car's windows. The 3-inch-thick laminated bulletproof glass windows were installed when the car was refurbished for the president's use. The windows were sealed, so to keep the car ventilated there was a simple form of air conditioning in which fans pushed air cooled by blocks of ice. The car included two guest bedrooms along with a presidential suite. The first of two guest bedrooms aboard the US Car No. 1, Stateroom D, included an upper and lower berth, where guests could sleep, and an in-room bathroom. In these guest rooms, Truman welcomed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during his visit to the US in 1946, during which he delivered his iconic Iron Curtain speech. The presidential suite included the president's sleeping area. Designed to accommodate Franklin D. Roosevelt's wheelchair, the president's room included a full-size bed, a dresser, and an in-room toilet. Like most rooms in the car, it was also connected to a telephone, which was extremely rare at the time. The connecting bathroom inside the presidential suite had a bathtub, a toilet, and a sink. The presidential suite bathroom, equipped with a bathtub, toilet, and sink, connected the president's and the first lady 's rooms, staterooms B and C. The bathroom also contained an escape hatch, which was added as a security measure during the car's refurbishing. The first lady's room paralleled the president's. The secondary guest bedroom could also be used as a breakfast or gathering room. Located towards the back of the car, Stateroom A, the second guest room aboard the Magellan, featured convertible berths, like the other guest room, that could also be used as a breakfast, gathering, or office space for the president or his guests. The upper berth could be raised into the ceiling, and the lower one could be converted into a sitting booth with a pull-out table. The presidential car was often attached to train cars housing Secret Service, White House staffers, and the press. The Ferdinand Magellan functioned as a White House on wheels, and was often attached to train cars dedicated to Secret Service, White House staffers, and reporters traveling with the president. The US Car No. 1 was also often accompanied by two communications cars equipped with control consoles for radio broadcasts and telegraph communications so the president could be reached while he was on the move, per Atlas Obscura. A narrow hallway led from the staterooms to the observation deck. A slim, wood-paneled hallway led from the four staterooms to the observation deck at the rear of the car. The observation lounge featured some of the presidential car's original furniture. The observation room was also enlarged during the refurbishing of the car, allowing it to function as a secondary gathering room for the president and his guests. During the refurbishment, a submarine escape hatch was added to the car. Part of the car's security modifications included the addition of escape hatches, like this submarine hatch on the observation lounge. Today, the observation lounge shows signs of hurricane damage that the car has sustained. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida, and among its many damages were some sustained by the Magellan. Although minor, a small window crack shows how the presidential car has stood the test of time. Traveling presidents could address crowds from a podium on the car's rear platform. At the end of the presidential car was an exposed podium from where the president often addressed crowds. During Truman's whistle-stop tour, he spoke from the podium repeatedly, often addressing crowds in different cities within the same day. The preserved train car stands as a remnant of US history and of how presidents spread their message. Inactive as the president's main form of transportation for over 70 years, the Ferdinand Magellan stands as a memory of America's past. However, our tour guide pointed out that the car is still on a track connected to current-day railroads and can be requested for use at any moment by the sitting US president. Although I doubt Donald Trump would want to travel aboard the historic cabin, a modern-day president going on his own whistle-stop tour on US Car No. 1 remains a possibility.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The European city that feels like an outdoor art gallery with ‘rollercoaster' trams and riverfront rooftop bars
Lisbon is famously hilly but has a network of trams, buses and funiculars to whizz you up and down the inclines EUR IN! The European city that feels like an outdoor art gallery with 'rollercoaster' trams and riverfront rooftop bars Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE mark of a good trip for me is the answer to the question: Would you go back? And after spending a mere 24 hours in Lisbon two years ago, I've been desperate to return. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Emma at the supremely instagrammable Bica funicular Credit: Supplied 5 The 16th century Belem Tower is stunning architecturally and historically but wait times can hit the two-hour mark Credit: Lisbon Tourism On our first trip we barely scratched the surface of the city but we ticked off some of the star attractions, like St Jorge's Castle and the neo-gothic Santa Justa elevator, which whisks you vertically from the lower streets to those above. This time, bearing a Lisboa card, which gives access to 51 museums and galleries, my husband and I were keen to see more. Our fab hotel, the Hyatt Regency Lisbon, was based in the Belem area so we started exploring there after visiting Pasteis de Belem for one of the city's famous pastéis de nata. Forget the cold, stodgy British custard tart, this is something else. A light, creamy filling in a sticky filo pastry case, best warm, straight from the oven. This patisserie is the home of the original tart, based on a secret recipe from nearby Jerónimos monastery, and has been churning out millions of them since 1837. It's a short walk from there to the 16th century Belem Tower. The Unesco heritage site is stunning architecturally and historically but wait times can hit the two-hour mark. The incredible structure seems to float on water when the tide is up. Green wine Also in the neighbourhood is the Monument to the Discoveries, which towers over the Tagus River in honour of famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. See that too before taking the 15-minute tram ride back to the city centre. We alighted at the bustling Praca do Comercio square and found ourselves outside the oddly named Interpretative Centre of the History of Cod. As it was included on the Lisboa card, we decided to take a look. It's actually an informative and amusing museum dedicated to the city's intrepid trawlermen. And that gave us an idea for lunch. The Portugal village dubbed the 'Hamptons of Europe' Many top chefs have stalls in the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, so you can try their top-notch food at a fraction of restaurant prices. I had a huge, steaming bowl of feijoada de gambas (prawn bean stew) from acclaimed chef Susana Felicidade for just £13.50 and my husband had a cod sandwich, which he declared the best ever. We toasted those brave fishermen with a glass of Portuguese vinho verde. It translates as green wine but refers to the young age of the grapes, not the colour of the drink. It's slightly effervescent and lower in both alcohol and price. Refreshed and refuelled, we spent an hour or so wandering the streets and ended up at the Tile Museum. The blue and white tiles that decorate many of the city's buildings are so beautiful, this is more art gallery than museum. Don't miss the panorama made of hundreds of tiles on the top floor. Our next excursion was a trip on Tram 28. Lisbon is famously hilly but has a network of trams, buses and funiculars to whizz you up and down the inclines. Tram 28 follows a 7km route up, down and round the city streets, like an urban rollercoaster. It still uses the original 1930s yellow carriages and gets very busy, so join at either end of the line and stand at the back for the full teeth-rattling experience. 5 Monument to the Discoveries, which towers over the Tagus River Credit: Lisbon Tourism 5 The city's famous pastéis de nata Credit: Lisbon Tourism 5 Bliss at serenity spa Credit: Supplied There are three funiculars too. We took the supremely instagrammable Bica funicular, which hauled us to the top of the street in the time you can say 'shall we take a selfie?' Having done our exploring for the day, we got back to the hotel in time for Gin O'Clock, a tasting session that pairs infused drinks with gourmet snacks. Who knew beef tartare and caviar went with juniper and grapefruit gin? Later we ate at the hotel's Viseversa restaurant, dining on more local fish, this time delicious turbot and sea bream. Then there was one last treat, a nightcap at the Icon rooftop bar. Judging by the amount of instagramming going on, it's the place to go for a drink. We sipped espresso martinis as a DJ played and night fell over the river. Best of all, we only had to jump in the lift to get back to our incredibly luxurious room. The next morning, with only a few hours before our flight, we had a leisurely breakfast and some time in the Serenity Spa. My husband relaxed in the pool, Jacuzzi and steam room while I was treated to a Feel The Algarve massage — 80 minutes of blissful indulgence. We left feeling like VIPs. So I guess the question is: Would we go back a third time? The answer: Yes, without doubt. I'd gladly take another helping of pastel de nata, and of the city itself.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Space photo of the week: Cotton candy clouds shine in one of Hubble's most beautiful images ever
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Quick facts What it is: The Large Magellanic Cloud, the largest of the Milky Way's satellite galaxies Where it is: 160,000 light-years away, in the constellations Dorado and Mensa When it was shared: May 12, 2025 Why it's so special: If you need an excuse to visit the Southern Hemisphere, the Hubble Space Telescope has just provided one. This spectacular new image, taken with Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3, showcases the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the biggest satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. It is visible only from the Southern Hemisphere. This dense star field appears as a big, fuzzy patch in the night sky from anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Hubble's new view uses five filters to isolate different wavelengths of light, including ultraviolet and infrared light, which the human eye cannot see. The result is a starry cloudscape of wispy gas that resembles multicolored cotton candy against a background of orange and blue stars. There's also a zoomable version available online. Related: 42 jaw-dropping James Webb Space Telescope images Despite being a dwarf galaxy, the LMC may be pivotal in the Milky Way's future. Within the next 10 billion years, our galaxy is expected to collide with Andromeda — a spiral galaxy 2.5 million light-years away and the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way. In 2019, scientists predicted that the LMC is also heading toward the Milky Way and could begin to interact with it in 2.4 billion years. RELATED STORIES —Bizarre 1-armed spiral galaxy stuns Hubble scientists —Record-breaking James Webb telescope image captures 1,678 galaxy groups at once —'Eagle Nebula' gets a major glow-up on Hubble's 35th anniversary The LMC is one of many dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way, but it's one of only two that are visible to the naked eye. The other is the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), which can be seen close to the LMC between October and February from the Southern Hemisphere. The LMC and the SMC are connected by a bridge of gas called the Magellanic Bridge, indicating that they may have interacted in the past. Both dwarf galaxies have been orbiting the Milky Way for about 1.5 billion years. Recent research indicates that the SMC is being torn apart and may in fact be two galaxies. Both dwarf galaxies are named after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. For more sublime space images, check out our Space Photo of the Week archives.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Vancouver car attack: What is Lapu Lapu Day street festival?
Vancouver was rocked this weekend as tragedy struck while people were celebrating Lapu Lapu Day , a celebration that is all about remembering the Filipino national hero who bravely battled Spanish colonization. A car-ramming attack killed at least 11 and injured dozens more, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebratory commemoration. What is Lapu Lapu day? Lapu Lapu, the Mactan Island chief in the Philippines, is noted for his victory in 1521, where he commanded his troops to repel the Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The victory is now a symbol of courage and resistance against colonization, with Lapu Lapu being hailed as a national hero, the Gaurdian reported. In 2023, British Columbia made April 27 officially Lapu Lapu Day, a celebration of Filipino heritage and recognition of the Filipino people's contributions to the cultural heritage of the province. Vancouver's festivities, which drew thousands, were intended to capture the pride, history, and vitality of Filipino culture. The celebration involved music, parades, cultural dances, basketball games, and a display of Filipino cuisine and homemade products. But the happy celebration was suddenly brought to a halt when a vehicle ran into the crowd, triggering panic and pandemonium. Organizers showed their deepest regret, saying, "We are devastated for the families and victims. We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy." The Filipino community in British Columbia , numbering 172,915 in 2021, has expanded greatly over the past several years. Still, many of the community's members persist in paying homage to the legacy of such individuals as Lapu Lapu, whose resistance to foreign domination continues to inspire pride and solidarity. April 27 is also celebrated as Lapu Lapu Day in the Philippines. Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island has a month-long festivity, which includes market stalls, parade, and reenactment of the Battle of Mactan . Prior to the attack, the Vancouver rally had been charged with passion and respect for Lapu Lapu's contribution to Filipino identity and resistance. Organizers pointed out that the event symbolized "the soul of native resistance" and underscored the strength of unity in upholding cultural heritage.
Chicago Tribune
28-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Today in History: April 27, deadly tornadoes strike the Southeast
Today is Sunday, April 27, the 117th day of 2025. There are 248 days left in the year. Today in history: On April 27, 2011, during the four-day 2011 Super Outbreak, 112 tornadoes touched down across the southeastern United States, killing 319 in the deadliest day of tornadoes in the U.S. since 1925. Also on this date: In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan in the Philippines as he attempted to expand Spanish colonization in the region. In 1813, the Battle of York took place in Upper Canada during the War of 1812 as U.S. forces defeated the British garrison in present-day Toronto; U.S. Brigadier General Zebulon Pike and 37 other American soldiers were killed near the end of the battle when retreating British forces exploded the ammunition magazine of Fort York as the Americans approached. In 1865, the steamer Sultana, carrying freed Union prisoners of war, exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee; as many as 1,800 were killed in the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history. In 1994, former President Richard M. Nixon was interred following a funeral service attended by all five of his successors, at the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California. In 2010, former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega arrived in France after being extradited from the United States; he was later convicted in a French court of laundering drug money and received a seven-year sentence. In 2012, the space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a jumbo jet, sailed over the New York City skyline on its final flight before going on display as part of the USS Intrepid Museum. In 2015, rioters plunged part of Baltimore into chaos, torching a pharmacy, setting police cars ablaze and throwing bricks at officers hours after thousands attended a funeral service for Freddie Gray, a Black man who died from a severe spinal injury he'd suffered in police custody. In 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made history by crossing over to South Korea to meet with President Moon Jae-in; it was the first time a member of the Kim dynasty had set foot on southern soil since the end of the Korean War in 1953. In 2019, a gunman opened fire inside a synagogue near San Diego as worshippers celebrated the last day of Passover, killing a woman and wounding a rabbi and two others. (John Earnest, a white supremacist, was sentenced to both federal and state life prison terms for the shootings.) Today's Birthdays: Singer Kate Pierson (The B-52's) is 77. Guitarist Ace Frehley is 74. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.V., is 74. Basketball Hall of Famer George Gervin is 73. Singer Sheena Easton is 66. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is 56. Actor Sally Hawkins is 49. Musician Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) is 41. Actor William Moseley is 38. Singer Lizzo is 37. Tennis player Nick Kyrgios is 30. Originally Published: April 27, 2025 at 4:00 AM CDT
