This column by Isha Singh Sawhney is about how badly we, Indian tourists, treat our hill stations. (On a related note, see Hari the Kid’s rant about Indian travellers.) While the complaints in the column are legitimate, reading it, I couldn’t help but wonder if Ms Sawhney even knew about hill stations outside the Himalayas – the column makes it sound as if hill stations are destinations exclusively reserved to Delhi weekend travellers, and that Ooty, Kodai, Khandala, or Darjeeling don’t exist at all.
This is quite possibly an over-reaction considering the simplest explanation is a combination of limited word count for columns combined with the fact that the Sunday Guardian is a Delhi only paper, and so can happily hire columnists with a limited worldview, ahem, an extreme focus on Delhi, but since the emotional reaction is already there, I might as well run with it and turn it into a post. The whole thing got me thinking that parochialism isn’t only for villages, but lives quite happily in big cities as well.
The fellow from the village who is parochial is so because of lack of opportunity. Kept to his (or her) village (or to an industrial urban slum), he has no time or money to go out exploring, and sticks to what he knows (or can afford). The big city parochialist, on the other hand, is parochial because he lacks for nothing. The city (or perhaps even his neighbourhood) provides so many opportunities that he doesn’t need to know that other cities exist or what happens in them.
To pass now from merely dubious generalisation to active and reckless stereotyping, this exists in most Indian metros, or at any rate places which call themselves metros, regardless of whether such a tag is justified. Thus you have the Bombayite for whom Pali Hill and Pall Mall are in the same city, but who knows nothing of Pune (or perhaps even Goregaon). There is the Delhiite who has no clue about what happens in Bangalore or Chennai, and the Alwarpet resident who doesn’t know that Ashok Nagar exists, leave alone what is to be found in Delhi or Mumbai or Hyderabad.
Of course, there are shades of this big city parochialism. The worst you can get is to live blissfully clueless about where other cities even are. Slightly better than this is to be aware of their existence and location, but to be unconcerned about what happens over there. And slightly better than this – and I confess to being guilty of myself – is to not live so much in a geographical city as a city of the mind made up of a certain very specific set of neighbourhoods from multiple cities. (As an aside, while I was discussing this with Narendra Shenoy, we realised that MachanIf there are tony neighbourhoods, there must be rocky neighbourhoods also. Sorry.)
In my case, I could at one point step out from the airport in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Singapore; and instantly feel at home in – respectively – Green Park, Fort, 100 ft Road Indiranagar, or the stretch between Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road. This – fortunately or unfortunately – is no longer the case, since in the past three years I stopped travelling frequently, and now every time I visit these places I am struck less by what’s familiar and more by what’s changed.
It’s also worth pointing out that Bangalore residents rarely sink to the lowest levels of parochialism and not knowing anything about other cities at all. This is for the simple reason that it would deprive them of their favourite activity of taunting said other cities about their weather.


Foreigners prefer university centers and economically developed counties, when establishing their temporary or permanent residence in Romania, according to data released on May 12 by the Romanian Immigration Office (ORI), on the occasion of the launch of a national debate on the labour force migration.
ORI statistics show that, at the end of December 2007, a number of 49,123 foreigners were in Romania, both from the European Economic Space (EES) and from other states, of whom 43,123 on temporary permits and 6,652 – permanent residence.
The most established their residence in Bucharest – 17,132 and in the counties of Timis – 3,403, Cluj – 3,322 and Iasi – 3,158.
Depending on citizenship, the highest number came from the Republic of Moldova – 12,293, Turkey – 7,199 and China – 5,406.
The number of foreigners with permanent residence surged last year by 18.4 percent, most of them from China (1,070), followed by Turkey (976) and Syria (757). This category prefers to set up residence in Bucharest – 3,813, and in the counties of Timis (382), Ilfov 9282) and Constanta (262).
366 citizens from the European Union and EES were granted permanent residence in Romania, and 11,250 people obtained temporary residence permits, longer than three months, mainly coming from Italy, France and Germany.


Having just completed a fantastic west coast road trip from Spokane, Wa., to Southern California, I thought I would share some of the highlights (and there were many) from a west coast road trip that covered small towns, big cities, mountains, beaches, wildlife, forests, deserts, rivers, the windiest road I have ever been on in my life, some 1700 miles, and 3 wrong turns…
I don’t know why for sure, (I suppose partly the ocean, partly the adventure and romanticism of it) but I had always wanted to take a west coast road trip down highway 101 and highway 1 from Washington to Southern California. So when my 19-year-old daughter informed me that she had been accepted into the Disney College Program, and would start working at the Mouse House in Anaheim, I thought that was as good of an excuse as any other.
In sharing this west coast road trip with you, I will not bore you with the family details, or every little stop we might have made, but focus on the route, the beauty, and points of interest, so that you might be inspired to take your own road trip some day. Whether you’re an artist, photographer, illustrator, writer, vacationer, or just looking for a new adventure, there is plenty to see taking the route we did. I like road trips because they get me out of my comfort zone, I like to explore new places, and you don’t have to go to an airport…and if I happen to add a little social commentary from time to time, I won’t hold that against me if you won’t.
West Coast Road Trip – Day 1
When we go on a trip, we usually leave around 6am, and so it was this time. Leaving Spokane on a Saturday morning bright and early with a stop at The Rocket Bakery, a popular local bakery and espresso spot before heading out-of-town.
The plan was to make it to Lincoln City day, a beach town 470 miles away on the Oregon Coast on the first day, and we did. The highlight of this first day of our west coast road trip was driving down the Columbia River Gorge, which I have many, many times, and it never gets old.
West Coast Road Trip Highlights – Spokane to Lincoln City
A lot of people may not care, but I find it fascinating to see the huge fields between Spokane and the Tri-Cities. The crops, the machinery and the never-ending sky because of the flat terrain give a feeling of immense space. The sky seems to go on forever. But alas, I have traveled this way many times, and for me, it is an area to make time, not take time. Besides, when I think of a west coast road trip, I don’t think of the big blue sky of Eastern Washington.
The Columbia River Gorge. Heading west from Umatilla on highway 730, and then getting on I-84, the drive along the gorge starts out with the mighty Columbia River on the right, with a view southern Washington across the river to the far right, and kind of a flat, dry Oregon on the left. As you drive west, You get to see just about everything…small towns, dams, river barges, bridges across the river, dramatic cliffs, and if you’re lucky, the majestic Mt. Hood will show itself if the weather cooperates. (It was clear and beautiful as ever on this day.) A newer scene to this first part of the Gorge are wind farms on both sides of the river. I hope they provide enough energy to make the sight of them worth it.
At The Dalles, a good-sized town about halfway down the gorge, the landscape starts to change from dry and gold and become much more lush and green. Heading west from The Dalles one starts to get to the “windsurfing capital of the world,” near the town of Hood River. I don’t think I have ever been through here on any road trip without seeing at least one windsurfer on the river in this area. This time there were twenty or so…including windsurfers with parachutes…it looks like a ton of fun, and there never seems to be a shortage of wind. Further down of note is Bonneville Dam, which, oddly enough is near the town of Bonneville.
Further west is the grand, the beautiful, the must see more than once,Multnomah Falls. I have seen the falls several times, but had travelled through the Gorge on many a road trip before finally taking the Historic Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. This narrow, two lane road (highway 30) scoots just south of the interstate and takes you past more waterfalls, including Multnomah, hiking trails, and picnic spots. This Scenic road is lined with trees, is calm and beautiful, and on this Saturday in August, more freaking crowded than I had ever seen before. Seriously, If you ever get up this way, do yourself a favor and at least stop by Multnomah Falls. There are plenty of places to take good photos, walking paths, a walking bridge, and a trail up to the top of this 620 ft. beauty. There is also a restaurant, gift shop, hiking trails, and bathrooms! It is around this area that it starts to “feel” like a west coast road trip.
Also on the scenic highway 30, is the Vista House at Crown Point. The Vista House was built in 1916, recently remodeled, and sits high atop a cliff called Crown Point. From this viewpoint, the scene is nothing short of spectacular. One can look West, North, and East, forever, and is well worth the excursion. If there is someone you are with that has long hair, be sure and go to the Vista House….the wind up here will make that person’s hair do things you never thought possible, and make sure you have your camera ready!
Portland, Oregon is a City that I have been to many times, did my college internship in, and I like Portland. But for this day in our west coast road trip, it was all about getting through Portland as quickly as possible, and getting to the coast. Lincoln City was our destination this day, and to get there involved the first of my three wrong turns, (I shall blame this one on a new route, no map, overconfidence and bad signage, costing us about 45 minutes) going through lots of little towns, (which all seemed to have great nurseries and landscaping stores) lots of weekend traffic, and our first and only Dairy Queen stop of the trip.
Winding down the first day of this west coast road trip, we roll into Lincoln City with a few hours of sun left, we hit the beach, and shared it with hundreds of other people. (It is Saturday and it is August, I expected nothing less). However it was freaking’ cold. That wind was blowin’ good, but all the cool kites, the smell of the ocean, and the sound of the waves made it all OK. It was time to find something to eat, and get ready for tomorrow.
West Coast Road Trip – Wrapping up Day 1
For the artist, photographer, traveler, adventurer, or the curious, this part of our west coast road trip has a diverse palette of landscape, cityscape, color, natural and man-made wonders.. I had seen almost everything on this first day of the trip several times before, so I wasn’t as excited about this day as I was about the next several. The Columbia River Gorge was definitely the star of this day, and if you haven’t been, I recommend it in spades.
Next: West Coast Road Trip Day Two – Lincoln City to Crescent City
Beaches, Sea Lions, two Lighthouses, and more…
No related posts.


Auburn Botanic Gardens is a peaceful oasis located in the heart of Western Sydney. With 9.2 hectares of stunning gardens to explore, it’s one of the Western suburb’s not-so-hidden gems.
The gardens have been open to the public since 1977 and there are now a range of different areas on show. Check out the beautiful Japanese gardens which hosts its’ popular cherry blossom festival every August. There’s also the native and rainforest garden, the scented garden, and the sunken rose garden.
But there are not just gardens to see here – you can also make some furry friends. The on-site fauna reserve is home to kangaroos, wallabies, emus, geese and a wombat. There’s also a playground and a number of picnic areas to have lunch. It’s a fantastic place to discover with the family on any weekend.
After you’ve checked out the gardens, be sure to stop by the Peacock Gallery and Art Studios which is located just across the road. There’s a range of exhibitions that take place there during the year, showcasing many different local artists, so there’s always something new to see. Keep an eye out for workshops that are run alongside the exhibitions, or stop by on Sundays to make your own artwork, guided by one of the friendly gallery staff.


A new report shows that the nation's worst drought in decades leveled off last week after worsening during the two previous weeks.
The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows more than 62 percent of the continental U.S. remains in some form of drought. One-fifth of the land in the lower 48 states is still in extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst classifications.
All of several Midwest and Plains farming states, including South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, are experiencing at least some form of drought.
The two previous weekly updates showed overall conditions had worsened after more than a month of showing slight improvements. Heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days in portions of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River region.
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SAIF Scotland represents the interests of our members north of the border – responding to changes in legislation and other issues that are specific to Scotland and the Scottish Government.
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Immediate Past President
Scottish Treasurer & Membership
0141 445 1124
Please contact Gavin Henshelwood for more details of meetings or to register your places.
Changes to the profession specific to Scotland
The Scottish Government has passed new legislation updating procedures relating to burials and cremation. SAIF Scotland was involved in the consultation process and more details can be found on the Scottish Government website.


(If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you)
Michigan (IPA: /ˈmɪ.ʃə.gən/, roughly MISH-uh-gun)) is a Midwestern state of the United States of America, located in the east north central portion of the country. It was named after Lake Michigan, whose name was a French adaptation of the Ojibwe term mishigami, meaning "large water" or "large lake". A person in Michigan is never more than 85 miles (137 km) from open Great Lakes water and is never more than 6 miles (10 km) from a natural water source.
Michigan is the only bi-peninsular state. The Lower Peninsula of Michigan, to which the name Michigan was originally applied, is sometimes dubbed "the mitten," owing to its shape. When asked where in Michigan one comes from, a resident of the Lower Peninsula may often point to the corresponding part of his or her hand. The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinac, a five-mile channel that joins Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. The Upper Peninsula (whose residents are often called "Yoopers") is economically important for tourism and its natural resources.
The Upper and Lower Peninsulas are connected by the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge, which is the third longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the world. This is the source of the name "trolls" for residents of the Lower Peninsula, for they live "under" (south of) the bridge. The Great Lakes that border Michigan are Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Michigan also abuts Lake Saint Clair, which is between Lake Erie and Lake Huron.
French voyageurs explored and settled in Michigan in the 17th century. The first Europeans to reach what later became Michigan were Étienne Brûlé's expedition in 1622. The first European settlement was made in 1641 on the site where Father (or Père, in French) Jacques Marquette established Sault Sainte-Marie in 1668.
Saint-Ignace was founded in 1671, and Marquette in 1675. Together with Sault Sainte-Marie, they are the three oldest cities in Michigan. "The Soo" (Sault Ste. Marie) has the distinction of being the oldest city in both Michigan and Ontario. It was split into two cities in 1818, a year after the U.S.-Canada boundary in the Great Lakes was finally established by the U.S.-UK Joint Border Commission.
In 1679, Lord La Salle of France directed the construction of the Griffin, the first European sailing vessel on the upper Great Lakes. That same year, La Salle built Fort Miami at present-day St. Joseph.
In 1701, French explorer and army officer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded Le Fort Ponchartrain du Détroit or "Fort Ponchartrain on-the-Strait" on the strait between Lakes St. Clair and Erie, known as the Detroit River. Cadillac had convinced King Louis XIV's chief minister, Louis Phélypeaux, Comte de Pontchartrain, that a permanent community there would strengthen French control over the upper Great Lakes and repel British aspirations.
The hundred soldiers and workers who accompanied Cadillac built a fort enclosing one arpent Under terms negotiated in the 1794 Jay Treaty, Britain withdrew from Detroit and Michilimackinac in 1796. However, questions remained over the boundary for many years and the United States did not have uncontested control of the Upper Peninsula and Drummond Island until 1818 and 1847, respectively.
During the War of 1812, Michigan Territory (effectively consisting of Detroit and the surrounding area) was captured by the British and nominally returned to Upper Canada until the Treaty of Ghent, which implemented the policy of "Status Quo Ante Bellum" or "Just as Things Were Before the War." That meant Michigan stayed American, and the agreement to establish a joint U.S.-UK boundary commission also remained valid. Subsequent to the findings of that commission in 1817, control of the Upper Peninsula and of islands in the St. Clair River delta was transferred from Ontario to Michigan in 1818, and Drummond Island (to which the British had moved their Michilimackinac army base) was transferred in 1847.
The population grew slowly until the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, which brought a large influx of settlers. By the 1830s, Michigan had some 80,000 residents, which was more than enough to apply for statehood. A state government was formed in 1836, although Congressional recognition of the state languished because of a boundary dispute with Ohio, with both sides claiming a 468 square mile (1,210 km²) strip of land that included the newly incorporated city of Toledo on Lake Erie and an area to the west then known as the "Great Black Swamp." The dispute came to be called the Toledo War, with Michigan and Ohio militia maneuvering in the area but never coming to blows. Ultimately, Congress awarded the "Toledo Strip" to Ohio, and Michigan, having received the western part of the Upper Peninsula as a concession, formally entered the Union on January 26, 1837.
Thought to be useless at the time, the Upper Peninsula was soon discovered to be a rich and important source of lumber, iron, and copper, which would become the state's most sought-after natural resources. Geologist Douglass Houghton and land surveyor William Austin Burt were among the first to document and discover many of these resources, which led to a nation-wide increase of interest in the state. Michigan lead the nation in lumber production from 1850's to the 1880's.
Michigan made a significant contribution to the Union in the American Civil War, sending over forty regiments of volunteers to the Federal armies.
Michigan's economy underwent a massive change at the turn of the 20th century. The birth of the automotive industry, with Henry Ford's first plant in the Highland Park enclave of Detroit, marked the beginning of a new era in transportation. It was a development that not only transformed Detroit and Michigan, but permanently altered the socio-economic climate of the United States and much of the world. Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan, is also a center of automotive manufacturing. Since 1838, the city had also been noted for its thriving furniture industry (which has since declined substantially).
In 1910 Michigan held its first primary election.
In 1920 Detroit's WWJ begins commercial broadcasting of regular programs, the first such radio station in the United States.
Detroit boomed through the 1950s, at one point doubling its population in a decade. In the 1920s some of the country's largest and most ornate skyscrapers were built in the city. Housing shortages and racial tension led to outward movement starting after World War II. After the 1950s, with suburban sprawl prevalent across the country, Detroit's population began to decline, and the rate increased after further racial strife in the 1960s and high crime rates in the 70s and 80s. Government programs such as road-building often enabled the sprawl.
Since the 1970s, Michigan's industrial base has eroded as the auto industry began to abandon the state's industrial parks in favor of less expensive labor found overseas and in the southern U.S. states. Nevertheless, with more than 10 million residents, Michigan continues to grow and remains a large and influential state, ranking eighth in population among the 50 states.
The Detroit metropolitan area in the southeast corner of the state remains the largest metropolitan area in Michigan (roughly 50% of the population resides there) and one of the 10 largest metro areas in the country. The Grand Rapids/Holland/Muskegon metro area on the west side of the state is the fastest growing metro area in the state presently, with over 1.3 million residents as of 2006.
Metro Detroit's population is now growing very little, and Detroit's population is still shrinking, though strong redevelopment in central part of the cities, and a significant rise in population in the southwest part of the city, is contributing to some population inflow. A period of economic transition, especially in manufacturing, has caused this region's economy to perform worse than the national average for several years.
1900s to the present
See also: List of Michigan Governors, List of United States Senators from Michigan, and List of United States Representatives from Michigan
Law and Politics
Lansing is the state capital and is home to all three branches of state government. The Michigan State Capitol was dedicated in 1879 and has hosted the state's executive and legislative branches ever since. The chief executive is the Governor, and Jennifer Granholm currently holds the office. The legislative branch consists of the bicameral Michigan Legislature, with a House of Representatives and Senate. The Michigan legislature is a full-time legislature, though some representatives have voiced concerns about the long hours disrupting their home lives and wish to make the job part-time. The Supreme Court of Michigan sits with seven justices. The Constitution of Michigan of 1963 provides for voter initiative and referendum (Article II, § 9,
The Executive Branch of the State of Michigan has several Departments or agencies :
State of Michigan Departments
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Michigan Attorney General
Michigan Civil Rights
Michigan Civil Service
Michigan Community Health
Michigan Environmental Quality
Michigan History, Arts and Libraries
Michigan Human Services
Michigan Department of Information Technology
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth
Michigan Management and Budget
Michigan Military and Veterans Affairs
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Secretary of State
Michigan Michigan State Police
Michigan Department of Transportation
Michigan Treasury Law
The Republican Party dominated Michigan until the Great Depression. In 1912, Michigan was one of the few states to support progressive Republican and third party candidate Theodore Roosevelt for President after he lost the Republican nomination to William Howard Taft. In recent years, the state has leaned toward the Democratic Party in national elections. Michigan has supported Democrats in the last four presidential elections. In 2004, John Kerry carried the state over George W. Bush, winning Michigan's 17 electoral votes with 51.2% of the vote. Democrats have won each of the last three, and nine of the last ten, US Senate elections in Michigan. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, also a Democrat, recently won a second term, beating out Republican candidate Dick DeVos. Republican strength is greatest in the western, northern, and rural parts of the state, especially in the Grand Rapids area. Democrats are strongest in the east, especially in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Saginaw.
State government is decentralized among three tiers — statewide, county and township. Counties are administrative divisions of the state, and townships are administrative divisions of a county. Both of them exercise state government authority, localized to meet the particular needs of their jurisdictions, as provided by state law. There are 83 counties in Michigan.
See also: Administrative divisions of Michigan, List of Michigan county seats, and List of counties in Michigan
Cities, state universities, and villages are vested with home rule powers of varying degrees. Home rule cities can generally do anything that is not prohibited by law. The fifteen state universities have broad power and can do anything within the parameters of their status as educational institutions that is not prohibited by the state constitution. Villages, by contrast, have limited home rule, in that they are not completely autonomous from the county and township in which they are located.
There are two types of township in Michigan: general law township and charter. Charter township status was created by the Legislature in 1947 and grants additional powers and stream-lined administration in order to provide greater protection against annexation by a city. As of April 2001, there were 127 charter townships in Michigan. In general, charter townships have many of the same powers as a city but without the same level of obligations. For example, a charter township can have its own fire department, water & sewage department, police department, and so on—just like a city—but it is not required to have those things, whereas cities must provide those services. Charter townships can opt to use county-wide services instead, such as deputies from the county sheriff's office instead of a home-based force of ordinance officers.
See also: Administrative divisions of Michigan and List of municipalities in Michigan (by population)
Local and Municipal government
See also: Protected areas of Michigan and List of Michigan state parks
Michigan consists of two peninsulas that lie between 82°30' to about 90º30' west longitude, and are separated by the Straits of Mackinac.
The state is bounded on the south by the states of Ohio and Indiana, sharing both land and water boundaries with both. Michigan's western boundaries are almost entirely water boundaries, from south to north, with Illinois and Wisconsin in Lake Michigan; then a land boundary with Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, that is principally demarcated by the Menominee and Montreal rivers; then water boundaries again, in Lake Superior, with Wisconsin and Minnesota to the west, capped around by the Canadian province of Ontario to the north and east. The northern boundary then runs completely through Lake Superior, from the western boundary with Minnesota to a point north of and around Isle Royale, (which is Michigans only National Park), thence travelling southeastward through the lake in a reasonably straight line to the Sault Ste. Marie area. Windsor, Ontario, once the south bank of Detroit, Upper Canada, has the distinction of being the only part of Canada which lies to the due south of a part of the lower 48 contiguous United States. In Southeastern Michigan there is a water boundary with the Canada along the entire lengths of the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair (including the First Nation reserve of Walpole Island) and the Detroit River. The south-eastern boundary ends in the western end of Lake Erie with a three-way convergence of Michigan, Ohio and Ontario.
Michigan encompasses 58,110 square miles (150,504 km²) of land, 38,575 square miles (99,909 km²) of Great Lakes waters and 1,305 square miles (3,380 km²) of inland waters. Only the state of Alaska has more territorial water. After Michigan is third ranked Florida which has 11,827.77 square miles (30,633.8 km²). but the U.S. Census Bureau claims only 56,803.82 sq mi of land and 96,716.11 sq mi total, making it the 11th largest. </ref>
The heavily forested Upper Peninsula is relatively mountainous in the west. The Porcupine Mountains, which are the oldest mountains in North America, rise to an altitude of almost 2,000 feet above sea level and form the watershed between the streams flowing into Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The surface on either side of this range is rugged. The state's highest point, in the Huron Mountains northwest of Marquette, is Mount Arvon at 1,979 feet (603 m). The peninsula is as large as Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island combined, but has less than 330,000 inhabitants, who are sometimes called "Yoopers" (from "U.P.'ers") and whose speech (the "Yooper dialect") has been heavily influenced by the large number of Scandinavian and Canadian immigrants who settled the area during the mining boom of the late 1800s.
The Lower Peninsula, shaped like a mitten, is 277 miles (446 km) long from north to south and 195 miles (314 km) from east to west and occupies nearly two-thirds of the state's land area. The surface of the peninsula is generally level, broken by conical hills and glacial moraines usually not more than a few hundred feet tall. It is divided by a low water divide running north and south. The larger portion of the state is on the west of this and gradually slopes toward Lake Michigan. The highest point in the Lower Peninsula is not definitely established but is either Briar Hill at 1,705 feet (520 m), or one of several points nearby in the vicinity of Cadillac. The lowest point is the surface of Lake Erie at 571 feet (174 m).
The geographic orientation of Michigan's peninsulas make for a long distance between the ends of the state. Ironwood, in the far western Upper Peninsula, lies 630 highway miles (1,015 km) from the Toledo, Ohio suburb of Lambertville in the Lower Peninsula's southeastern corner. The geographic isolation of the Upper Peninsula from Michigan's political and population centers makes it culturally and economically distinct, and the feeling that Lansing and Detroit do not care about the U.P. has led to occasional calls for secession from Michigan and admission as a new state called "Superior."
There are numerous lakes and marshes in both peninsulas, and the coast is much indented. Keweenaw, Whitefish, and the Big and Little Bays De Noc are the principal indentations on the Upper Peninsula, while the Grand and Little Traverse, Thunder, and Saginaw bays indent the Lower Peninsula. After Alaska, Michigan has the longest shoreline of any state—3,288 miles (5,326 km). An additional 1,056 miles (1,699 km) can be added if islands are included. This roughly equals the length of the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida. The state has numerous large islands, the principal ones being the Manitou, Beaver, and Fox groups in Lake Michigan; Isle Royale and Grande Isle in Lake Superior; Marquette, Bois Blanc, and Mackinac Islands in Lake Huron; and Neebish, Sugar, and Drummond Islands in St. Mary's River (see also Islands of Michigan).
The state's rivers are small, short and shallow, and few are navigable. The principal ones include the Au Sable, Thunder Bay, Cheboygan, and Saginaw, all of which flow into Lake Huron; the Ontonagon, and Tahquamenon, which flow into Lake Superior; and the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Grand, and Escanaba, which flow into Lake Michigan. (See List of Michigan rivers). The state has 11,037 inland lakes and 38,575 square miles (62,067 km) of Great Lakes waters and rivers and 1,305 square miles of inland water on top of that. No point in Michigan is more than 6 miles (10 km) from an inland lake or more than 85 miles (137 km) from one of the Great Lakes.
Detroit is the only major city in the United States from which one must travel southward to cross the border into Canada. Metropolitan Detroit/Ann Arbor/Flint/Windsor is also the world's largest international metropolitan area.
The state is home to one national park: Isle Royale National Park. Other national protected areas in the state include: Keweenaw National Historical Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Father Marquette National Memorial. The North Country National Scenic Trail also passes through Michigan. Michigan also has the largest state park system of any state.
Michigan has a humid continental climate throughout the state, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) has a warmer climate (Koppen climate classification Dfa) with hot, humid summers and cold, but shorter winters. The northern part of Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Koppen Dfb), with warm, humid but shorter summers and long, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state averaging high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the late fall through the middle of February the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake effect snow. The state receives a good amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging from 30-40 inches (750-1000 mm) annually. Typically, from December through March is slightly drier, while July through September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year, although this difference isn't extreme as in some other states.
The entire state averages around 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year, and these can be severe, especially the further south in the state one goes. The state averages 17 tornadoes a year, and these are much more common in the extreme southern portion of the state with portions of the southern border nearly as vulnerable historically as parts of Tornado alley. Further north, in the Upper Peninsula, tornadoes are rare, but have occurred.
The geological formation of the state is greatly varied. Primary boulders are found over the entire surface of the Upper Peninsula (being principally of primitive origin), while Secondary deposits cover the entire Lower Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula exhibits Lower Silurian sandstones, limestones, copper and iron bearing rocks, corresponding to the Huronian system of Canada. The central portion of the Lower Peninsula contains coal measures and rocks of the Permo-Carboniferous period. Devonian and sub-Carboniferous deposits are scattered over the entire state.
The soil is of a varied composition and in large areas is very fertile, especially in the south. However, the Upper Peninsula for the most part is rocky and mountainous, and the soil is unsuitable for agriculture. The climate is tempered by the proximity of the lakes and is much milder than in other locales with the same latitude. The principal forest trees include basswood, maple, elm, sassafras, butternut, walnut, poplar, hickory, oak, willow, pine, birch, beech, hemlock, witchhazel, tamarack, cedar, locust, dogwood, and ash.
The religious affiliations of the people of Michigan are:
Christian – 82%
- Protestant – 58%
- Baptist – 15%
Methodist – 10%
Pentecostal – 7%
Lutheran – 5%
Reformed – 4%
United Church of Christ – 3%
Church of Christ – 2%
Other Protestant – 12%
Catholic – 23%
Other Christian – 1%
Muslim – 2%
Jewish – 1%
Other Religions – <1%
Non-Religious – 15% Religion
See also: List of companies based in Michigan and Economy of metropolitan Detroit
The Michigan economy leads in information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Michigan ranks fourth nationally in high tech employment with 568,000 high tech workers, including 70,000 in the automotive industry.
- Baptist – 15%


– a physical oceanographer;
– most interested in polar and/or deep water masses;
– a Marie Curie research fellow at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden;
– a regular author on the EGU Cryosphere Division blog;
– in the CLIVAR/CliC Northern Ocean Regional Panel;
– French (in case you wondered).
I am involved in a variety of projects about the North Atlantic Deep Water, from the variability of its formation in the Labrador Sea to its interaction with sea ice and Greenland marine-terminated glaciers. My favourite tools are global climate models, but I also work with in-situ measurements, including some that I myself collect at sea. I am currently supervising two Master’s students and co-supervising one PhD student from Chalmers University of Technology.
I finished my PhD at the University of East Anglia (UK) in March 2015 where I was working on a CASE studentship with the UK Met Office. I investigated how the current generation of climate models represent Antarctic Bottom Water, and what their biases mean for the reliability of sea level rise projections.
I then reworked briefly with the LOCEAN (France) to finish a paper from my Master’s degree before moving to Gothenburg.
You can find the full text of my publications on this website and on my ResearchGate profile.
Otherwise, I genuinely enjoy writing and outreach. I am notably a regular author for the EGU blog of the Cryospheric division, and when at sea, I blog and post pictures on Polarfever. And I do water tank demonstrations in and around Gothenburg when I can.


Date of Degree
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Demography, Population, and Ecology | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Geographic Information Sciences | Physical and Environmental Geography | Place and Environment | Spatial Science
Low elevation coastal zone (LECZ), Social vulnerability, risk to hydro-climate related hazards, National Family Health Survey of India (NFHS-4) dataset, spatial analysis, India
Background & Problem Statement:
This study assessed social vulnerability and risk to hydroclimate hazards of Indian urban and rural populations in the Low Elevation Coastal Zone (LECZ), a contiguous coastal area with elevations less than 10 meters. The LECZ is considered an at-risk area as hydroclimate hazards tend to be heightened. Moreover, being the most populous country in the world, any hydroclimate hazards that hit the LECZ would disproportionately impact a large number of Indian populations. Understanding the social vulnerability and risk of the LECZ populations can help mitigate and prevent potential adverse outcomes for the populations.
Importantly, this study used the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) datasets as the data source for social vulnerability evaluation. The NFHS-4 datasets included GPS survey locations representing surveyed household clusters. However, all GPS locations have been intentionally displaced to protect the interviewees’ privacy. Therefore, this study also aimed to evaluate how the NFHS-4 GPS survey location displacements impact social vulnerability and risk measurements.
The study aimed to answer the following research questions: (1) What was the potential social vulnerability and risk to hydroclimate hazards of LECZ urban and rural populations? (2) How did social vulnerability and risk vary by state? (3) What was the uncertainty of the social vulnerability and risk in the LECZ when considering the displacement of the NFHS-4 GPS survey points?
To answer the research questions, the LECZ social vulnerability index (LSVI) scores and LECZ risk index (LRI) scores were calculated for all thirteen LECZ states and for urban and rural populations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fifth Assessment Report (IPCC AR5) framework for climate change risk was employed as the conceptual model in indices’ constructions.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial techniques were used to analyze and integrate the NFHS-4 datasets with other spatial datasets, including global human settlement layer (GHSL) datasets and LECZ data. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impacts of the NFHS-4 GPS survey location displacements on the index scores by calculating LSVI and LRI scores under four different scenarios, namely, the benchmark, the use-as-given scenario, the alternative scenario, and the maximized scenario. Each scenario used different spatial criteria in selecting NFHS-4 household samples relative to the LECZ. R programming language packages were used to calculate index scores and perform statistical tests on the index scores.
Findings & Results:
The results show that LECZ populations in all LECZ states were socially vulnerable and at risk. The index score rankings from all scenarios yielded similar results and were in agreement. Social vulnerability and risk have identical patterns: the statewide rural population has the highest social vulnerability and the highest risk. The LECZ rural population has the second highest social vulnerability and risk. Statewide urban population has the third highest social vulnerability and risk. LECZ rural population has the lowest social vulnerability and the lowest risk.
The ranking agreement across scenarios also implied that the NFHS-4 dataset could be used to assess social vulnerability and risk within the LECZ at a state level. However, a researcher should classify LECZ states into groups rather than using absolute ranking numbers to represent all states' social vulnerability and risk rankings.
Moreover, the maximized scenario was chosen to represent the social vulnerability and risk of LECZ populations. A choropleth map visualizing the maximized scenario’s index scores reveals that most east coastal states are extremely socially vulnerable or extremely at risk, or both. The west coastal states are relatively less socially vulnerable and less at risk than the east coastal states. However, most west coastal states tend to have higher risk ranking positions than social vulnerability ranking positions.
Wongchanapai, Paradorn, "Low Elevation Coastal Zone (LECZ) Population Social Vulnerability and Risk: A Spatial Analysis Based on the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) of India" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
This work is embargoed and will be available for download on Thursday, August 01, 2024
Graduate Center users:
To read this work, log in to your GC ILL account and place a thesis request.
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Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Spatial Science Commons


Tuscaloosa, AL has a population of 96,352, including 51% white, 44% black, and 3% latino.
|Median Income (Household)||$40,542|
|Number Of Employees||39,319|
|Median Property Value||$170,800|
The median household income in Tuscaloosa, AL is around $40,542, while the median age is 28.6. This city is a home to major universities: Doctoral Universities: Higher Research Activity, Doctoral Universities, and The University of Alabama. 39,319 employees work in Tuscaloosa, AL. The homeownership rate among the residents is 47.88%. The median property value that you should keep in mind is $170,800.
Past year Tuscaloosa, AL universities awarded around 27,429 degrees. Statistics show that the population of students in Tuscaloosa, AL include 3,860 male students and 5,283 female students. Tuscaloosa, AL offers private and public tuition with a median cost of $9,548 for private four-year colleges and $0 for in-state public four-year colleges. The largest university of this city is the The University of Alabama with the majority of graduates. The Shelton State Community College and Stillman College hold the second and the third place respectively. The share of the public colleges in Tuscaloosa, AL is 98.7% and 1.3% go to the private colleges.
The age groups that most likely have the health care coverage in Tuscaloosa, AL are 18-24 years old for men and 18-24 years old for women. Tuscaloosa, AL offers a 73 primary care clinician to 1 patient ratio. Data records state that dentists ratio is 48 to 1, speaking of mental health doctors ratio, it’s 112 to 1 resident.
|Primary Care||1 to 73|
|Dentists||1 to 48|
|Mental Health||1 to 112|
|Other||1 to 66|
|Rent Price||Oct||vs Last Month|
|1 bed rentals||$1,354||-9.6%|
|2 bed rentals||$915||+39.4%|
|3 bed rentals||$1,284||+0.8%|
|4+ bed rentals||$790||+21.6%|
|Rent Type Price||Oct||vs Last Month|
Over the Nov 2019, the average rent for an apartment in/near Tuscaloosa, AL increased by 2% to $1096. Breaking it down in details, we now see that the average price for 1-bed apartment decreased by 10% to $1354. Pricing for 2-bed apartment also increased by 39% and a place of this size will now cost you $915. 3-bed apartment rent pricing starts at $1274, it increased by 1% lately. We tend to note the rise of 4- and more bed apartment pricing. It increased by 18% and made it up to $650.
The median rent for an apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL decreased by 1% to $1103. Statistics show that house rent price increased by 25% this month making it up to $1650. An average room will now go for $507, the median rent price for a room decreased by 6%.


Have your say on the future of public services in North Yorkshire and York
Residents, businesses and local organisations are being invited to have their say on the future of public services in North Yorkshire and York, through a series of virtual engagement events.
Over the coming weeks, the Leaders of the seven district and borough councils want to hear your views on local government reorganisation. To sign up for an engagement session, go to www.get-change-right.com/consultations
The Government has made it clear to local councils in North Yorkshire and York that they must reorganise local government in order to secure a devolution deal for the region.
The Leaders of the county’s seven district and borough councils have unveiled a proposal for an ‘East-West model’ which would create two brand new councils. The first would serve communities in Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and York. The second would serve communities in Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate and Richmondshire.
North Yorkshire County Council would like to see a ‘mega-council’ across the whole county, alongside a separate, much smaller council serving the City of York.
Speaking on behalf of the seven council leaders, Councillor Richard Foster, leader of Craven District Council, said: “The re-organisation of local government services may not sound like the most exciting thing on earth, but the reality is that it will affect everybody who lives, works or runs a business in North Yorkshire and York.
“It is not only about how your everyday services will be delivered in the future, it is about the ability of communities to shape the future of where they live, and determine how we can bring new investment, jobs and growth to our region. That’s why it is so important that people have their say.”
The Leaders say the East-West model would ensure that local democracy is delivered closer to communities, protecting local identity and resulting in more equal democratic representation.
Research from KPMG shows that an East-West model is also likely to be better value for money for taxpayers when compared with North Yorkshire County Council’s bid to create what would be the largest unitary authority in England.
Eight engagement sessions on Zoom have been organised for residents, businesses and community groups to enable people to find out more and feed in their views. They will take place on the times/days shown below.
Shortly after signing up, you will be sent details of how you can access the Zoom session.
Comments can also be sent to Councillor Richard Foster, Craven District Council, Belle Vue Square, 1 Broughton Rd, Skipton BD23 1FJ.
To sign up for an engagement session, go to www.get-change-right.com/consultations or click the links below.
Zoom events for residents
Wednesday September 2, 5-6pm
Tuesday September 8, 4-5pm
Zoom events for businesses
Thursday 3 September 2020 3-4pm
Wednesday 9 September 2020, 5-6pm
Wednesday 16 September 2020, 4-5pm
Zoom events for community groups
Tuesday 9 September 2020, 3-4pm
Tuesday 15 September 2020, 5-6pm
Wednesday 16 September 2020, 2-3pm
For more information on the emerging proposal from the seven district and borough councils in North Yorkshire go to www.get-change-right.com


Former Zenit FC player Kazachenok dies at 64Sport March 27, 1:37
Russian senior MP calls on EU politicians not to hide heads in sand in Syrian settlementRussian Politics & Diplomacy March 26, 18:09
Three Russian fans stabbed after football match in BelgradeSport March 26, 3:28
Russia ready to take part in restoring oil production in Syria - energy ministerBusiness & Economy March 26, 3:27
Moscow disappointed over new US sanctions against Russian companies - Foreign MinistryRussian Politics & Diplomacy March 26, 1:28
US sanctions 8 Russian companies over non-proliferation lawWorld March 25, 21:53
Russia's Defense Ministry says US-led coalition unlikely to launch battle for Raqqa soonRussian Politics & Diplomacy March 25, 19:06
Russia cuts oil production by 185,000 barrels per day as of today — energy ministerBusiness & Economy March 25, 18:30
OPEC has no objections to speed of Russia's oil production cutsBusiness & Economy March 25, 12:38
ULAN-UDE, February 06, 21:42 /ITAR-TASS/. Lake Baikal in Russia’s eastern Siberia did not start freezing before February in the current winter season, experts of the regional department of the State Inspection of Small-Size Vessels of the Russian Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) have said.
A month’s delay was caused by the anomalous mild winter, the experts said adding that it affected the formation of solid ice cover on the lake. Environmentalists confirm the fact speaking about “a relatively warm winter and high winds in the area that got in the way of Baikal's being fully covered with ice.”
“By the beginning of February, the lake's ice would usually be strong enough to withstand trucks,” researchers from the united management of the Barguzinsky National Biosphere Nature Reserve and Transbaikal National Park said.
Thick ice on Baikal Lake is vitally important for local population, visitors and researchers -- for everyone traveling on the frozen surface.
“The latest checks in Chivyrkui Bay showed extreme inconsistence in thickness and structure of the ice which is posing danger for driving,” the researchers also said.
Russia’s republic of Buryatia had unusual warm weather in December and early January as the Atlantic cyclones warmed up the air by about ten degrees over the average temperature readings, the Buryatia met office said.
In mid-January the temperatures plummeted rather sharply and now reach -32 degrees Celsius.


Lonely Planet's 1000 ultimate experiences / [written by Andrew Bain ... [and others]
Contributor(s): Bain, Andrew | et al | Lonely Planet Publications (Firm).Material type: BookPublisher: Footscray, Vic. ; London : Lonely Planet, 2009Edition: First edition.Description: 348 pages : color illustrations ; 21 cm.Content type: text Media type: unmediated Carrier type: volumeISBN: 9781741799453 (pbk.); 1741799457 (pbk.); 9781741799453 (pbk.); 1741799457 (pbk.).Other title: One thousand ultimate experiences | 1000 ultimate experiences [Spine title].Subject(s): Travel -- Guidebooks | Voyages and travelsDDC classification: 910.2
|Item type||Current location||Collection||Call number||Copy number||Status||Date due|
|Non-Fiction||Davis (Central) Library Non-Fiction||Non-Fiction||910.202 LON||1||Available|
Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:
"Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher*"
Want to know where the greatest markets are or the best value destinations? 1000 Ultimate Experiences brings together 1000 ideas, places and activities to inspire and entertain for travellers and lovers of life-lists alike. Get inspired and start ticking off those boxes of places you've always wanted to see and things you've always wanted to do. Who knows where you'll end up Sleep under the stars in a Bedouin tent in Jordan Find out the best beaches to swing a hammock Jump on board the Ghan for a trip through Australia's remote Red Centre Spot Banksy's art in Bristol Come on, get happy in Bhutan
Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet.
About Lonely Planet: Started in 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel guide publisher with guidebooks to every destination on the planet, as well as an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet's mission is to enable curious travellers to experience the world and to truly get to the heart of the places where they travel.
"TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2012 and 2013 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category"
"'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times"
"'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) "
"*#1 in the world market share - source: Nielsen Bookscan. Australia, UK and USA. March 2012-January 2013"
11 27 37 68 74 96 97 98 103 104 134 135 138 147 172 177


Glacier Park has turned the snowplows loose, starting with Camas Road . . .
Spring in Glacier National Park means firing up snow plows in the annual effort to clear park roads of snow.
Park plow crews hit the road Tuesday, starting with Camas Road on the west side of the park. When that’s completed, they will start work on Going-to-the-Sun Road, park spokeswoman Denise Germann said.
On the east side, plow crews began work on the Chief Mountain Road. They will move on to the St. Mary, Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas next before heading up Sun Road.
Note: You can keep an eye on plowing status and road openings by visiting this page: http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goingtothesunroad.htm. Click on the “more…” link in the “Road Status” section. (Don’t try going to the “Road Status” page directly as it may not update correctly.)


It was a lot easier to pick out the best eco-friendly resorts and tours about five years ago, but thanks to Al Gore, the floodgates have opened and every major supplier is claiming to have gone green. In fact, Googling "ecotours" will return about 1,310,000 hits.
Some suppliers are legit, while others are little more than adventures with no education involved, so be sure to ask your agent whether the hotel in which you will be staying—or the operator with whom you will be touring—are certified.
As far as destinations go, the U.S. has a host of great ecotours, especially in California and Puerto Rico, but the leader in green tourism has to be Central and South America. Not to be forgotten, Mexico has also become a major player in recent years.
Perhaps Mexico's best-kept eco-secret is Los Cabos, at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. On the surface, it's a great romantic getaway, but when you delve deeper into this region, you'll find an abundance of great ecotours to go along with your intimate vacation. Here, you can do everything from releasing newly hatched sea turtles into their natural habitat to viewing the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains at about 6,500 feet above ground level.
In South and Central America, you won't find any hidden eco-gems: They're all over the place. You can throw a stone in Latin America and it will probably land on an eco-destination. Green tourism can be found anywhere from Costa Rica to Ecuador to Belize. The region is filled with tours that consist of everything from touring underwater volcanoes to hiking in a rainforest to combing jungles.
But before you start your voyage, it's probably best to find out exactly what ecotourism and going green really means. Home-Based Travel Agent recently sat down with Guido Bauer, CEO of Green Hotel Certification, a company that offers hotels, agents and operators green tourism credentials. According to Bauer, although some travel companies use the term loosely to mean adventure travel, standards have been set to establish the definition of ecotourism. An ecotour, he says, is a small, individually guided tour that encourages conservation and preservation issues and teaches the tourists something about the nature and culture of the area they are visiting.
"The secret is going to be to differentiate those who are serious about the environment and those who just want to use the word 'green,'" says Bauer. "Recently, Coco Tours (www.cocotours.com), a major ground operator in the Dominican Republic, decided to commit to a Green Certification. Again, this will be a standard in the near future. A Green Certification will have the same decision factor as free wireless or free breakfast. Travelers are becoming more and more aware of green standards and will pick destinations, as well as hotels and ground services, by certification."


Touring this amazing nation, it gives the individuals a lifetime expertise, which they will treasure for the remainder of their lives. This unbelievable country is among the best tourist locations of the world and attracts many people. This is without doubt one of the busiest locations to visit in Dehradun where you could find a wide range of things to buy like fancy bags, sneakers, handicrafts, and clothes. This park is an abode for around four hundred species of birds and a number of other animals like leopard cat, sloth bears, cheetah, monitor lizard, civets, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, and plenty of extra. A digicam is a must while visiting Rajaji National Park in order to seize the flora and fauna. Sprawled in three Uttarakhand districts, Rajaji National Park is a must-visit place in Dehradun. How can a visit to Dehradun be complete with out a little bit buying? So, make sure that you head for purchasing and purchase just a few issues on your beloved ones.
Believers from all around the nation head to this temple once in a year. The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is held every year and is famed for the Night Glows. It is thought for quite a few gala’s and festivals which might be held everywhere in the 12 months in the totally different parts of the nation. Run by Tibetan Community, there are several things to buy like handicrafts, art items, picket showcases, jewelry items, wind chimes, and handbags. It is house to a number of animals like nilgai, peacock, two-horned deer, and extra. But if you are like us who have never purchased any canine grooming objects (apart from shampoo and powder) we recommend that you purchase them now. BMW’s trademark quad exhaust pipes are poking out from under the rear valance. Don’t forget to type out your accommodation in Bristol as early as doable because the festival is very talked-about and so accommodations and B&B’s book up in a short time. Local companies sponsored balloons and had been even allowed on board to help out.
Spectators witnessed a mass ascent of 27 balloons and loved the weekend-long show of flying. Mass ascents occur between 6am and 6pm on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The odd shaped balloons are additionally launched on the Thursday at about 6pm. You may see all sorts of wacky shapes from lighthouses to homes. The history of the fiesta starts in September 1978 with Don Cameron of Cameron Balloons fame. The International Balloon Fiesta is Europe’s largest ballooning occasion and often attracts over a hundred balloons and crowds in their a whole lot of hundreds. This 12 months’s balloon fiesta might be 11th – 14th August. You possibly can really feel the cool breeze and sprinkles of water that may take away all the worries. To achieve the falls, one can take a ropeway journey and cosplay props benefit from the panoramic views additionally. One of the English “Metaphysical Poets”. It’s now one of the highest religious places in Dehradun that nobody can miss on a trip. This is the large function, and also you cannot miss it when you select this type of outfit for the fullmetal alchemist cosplay.
At the same time, Bleach cosplay costumes are one of many most important issues for cosplay party the present. It is clearly that ultimate fantasy cosplay has change into one of the mainstreams on the planet of cosplay, and we might find that there are all the time so many boys and girls dressing up as ff character at various activities. Shaggy, meanwhile, has consistently been reputed to be a stoner, due to his slovenly look, his persistent case of the munchies, and his addiction, shared by Scooby, to a treat referred to as “Scooby Snacks.” (The 2002 movie has enjoyable with the stoner myth, too.) Throw in the fact that Shaggy was voiced for the higher part of 4 a long time by Casey Kasem, the DJ responsible for American Top 40, and the character was a walking bundle of youth-tradition signifiers. On a relate be aware towards Deadpool, the character of Bob, Agent of Hydra was featured within the film, but his connection to HYDRA wasn’t mentioned and he was merely referred as “Bob”, because the rights of HYDRA have been already held by Marvel Studios when the movie was released.
A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent offered it to Stark confirming that it was delivered by an unknown legal professional. Aquantia PHY and Marvell Ethernet PHY each have 100% overlap. Marvell needs to ensure clients that they are secure in the palms of “the new Marvell”. There are several famous hill stations similar to Ooty, Coonoor and Valparai which lies near city promotes tourism in the town. This place is a heaven for both nature and animal lovers as you get to witness the wilderness up close. Don’t get me fallacious now, I nonetheless suppose Juggs is invulnerable as nicely, since all of the stories had been spot on. Well, yukata is available in cotton fabric. She is an extensively educated spy, however we have very little information about her past. Shredding documents will take up much less house, as well as eliminate any private info that may be on the paperwork. Today, there are several supermarkets as well as clothing shops which supply several types of colorful dresses for children. Good vantage factors are at a premium so attempt to get there early! Possibly simply no information is nice declaration for solar corporations in the present-day trade, however the agonizes from of the 2 companies leaves me to marvel what’s extra necessary for photo voltaic panels: better presentation or lower values?


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Madeira has various micro-climates, which vary according to altitude, solar exposure, and maritime currents. Madeira island’s weather is mild, with a low annual thermal range.
There is a clear difference between the weather on the north and south sides of the island and between Madeira and Porto Santo Island, which has a semi-arid climate.
Throughout this article, we will detail what to expect in terms of climate in Madeira, noting the variations between different locations and seasons.
Download our complete guide: Living in Madeira
Madeira has a small temperature range. This means that the temperature doesn't vary much throughout the year.
In July, August, and September (full summer in Madeira), average temperatures are around 25ºC, occasionally exceeding 30ºC. Autumn is usually the rainiest season, but it maintains mild temperatures, with minimums of 15/16º C.
January, February, and March are usually the coldest months in Madeira, with highs of 20ºC (68ºF) and gradually rising until springtime.
Madeira's climate is very humid, with an average relative humidity of over 70%. Rainfall varies a lot, especially according to altitude. The rainiest months are usually November, December, and January.
At high altitudes (above 1,500m), temperatures can occasionally drop below zero and are accompanied by frost and, less frequently, snow.
There are several climatic differences between the island's north and south sides. But first, we must distinguish what is meant by north and south in Madeira Island.
The south side comprises the cities of Funchal, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Calheta, and Machico (Machico being somewhat in the transition zone from south to north). The southern cities have more sun exposure, are warmer and have less rainfall.
The north side of the Madeira includes the towns of Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, and their respective parishes. This north offers a more humid climate, less hot and with less sun exposure, on average. Rain is more frequent in the north.
The city of Funchal is the most populated and touristy in Madeira. The capital of Madeira is set in a natural amphitheatre, facing the sea and with mountains as a backdrop.
Funchal is one of Madeira's cities with the best climate: hot, relatively humid, and not very rainy. The average temperature ranges from 26ºC in summer to 20ºC in winter.
The beginning of summer in Funchal is usually accompanied by persistent clouds over the bay, creating an authentic "helmet" over Funchal. It is common, especially in spring and autumn, to have clear skies over the bay of Funchal and fog and rain in the upper areas of the city.
Porto Santo has a semi-arid climate, partly due to the island's low orography. Winters are milder than in Madeira, and summers are hotter. Porto Santo, like Madeira, has high humidity levels but substantially less rainfall.
In Porto Santo, you can enjoy the beach almost all year round: the sun is practically always guaranteed, and the water temperature varies between 25ºC in summer and 20ºC in winter.
Madeira has warm waters throughout most of the year. The maximum temperature of the Madeiran waters is usually in August and September, around 24 or 25ºC. The south coast has generally warmer waters than the north coast.
The season is one of Madeira's most significant factors of weather variation. Below we highlight the main changes in Madeira's climate according to the season.
Spring in Madeira corresponds to April, May, and June. The island is in bloom, and temperatures rise, although with some rain. The Flower Festival, which takes place from the end of April to the beginning of June, is one of the best times to visit Madeira.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Madeira and corresponds to the months of July, August, and September. The weather is generally fantastic, with plenty of sunshine and long days. It's the perfect time to go to the beach, for levada walks, or explore Funchal. Bear in mind that the ultraviolet index is usually very high during the summer.
October starts with slightly lower temperatures and more rainfall. The days begin to shorten. However, the weather still invites walks and even diving, as the water temperature is still warm. This season corresponds to the months of October, November, and December.
Winter is when temperatures in Madeira drop, reaching minimums of 13/14ºC. However, Madeira's winter is mild and not so severe compared to other European cities. January and February are generally the coldest months, with temperatures starting to rise in March.
Download our complete guide: Living in Madeira


More about Nereto
Discovering the Hidden Gems of Nereto, Italy
Nereto is a charming town located in the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists, but it is definitely worth a visit. The town is rich in history and culture, and there are many interesting places to explore. One of the main attractions in Nereto is the Church of San Salvatore, which dates back to the 12th century. The church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and is definitely worth a visit. Another interesting place to visit is the Palazzo Baronale, which was once the residence of the local nobility. Today, it houses the town hall and is open to the public.
Top Reasons to Visit the Quaint Town of Nereto
Nereto is a small town with a big heart. It is a place where you can experience the true essence of Italian culture. One of the top reasons to visit Nereto is its beautiful countryside. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. It is also home to some of the best vineyards in Italy, where you can taste some of the finest wines in the world. Another reason to visit Nereto is its rich history. The town has a fascinating past, and there are many historic sites to explore. Finally, Nereto is a great place to relax and unwind. It is a peaceful town where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Traveling to Nereto: Your Ultimate Guide
Nereto is located in the Abruzzo region of Italy, approximately 200 kilometers east of Rome. The easiest way to get to Nereto is by car, as there are no direct train connections. If you are flying into Italy, the closest airport is Pescara Airport, which is approximately 40 kilometers from Nereto. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Nereto. Once you are in Nereto, the best way to get around is by car. There are also buses that run between Nereto and other towns in the region.
Unleashing the Fun: Things to Do in Nereto
Nereto may be a small town, but there are plenty of things to do. One of the best things to do in Nereto is to explore the countryside. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful landscapes, and there are many hiking and biking trails to explore. If you are interested in history, there are many historic sites to visit, including the Church of San Salvatore and the Palazzo Baronale. If you are looking for something more relaxing, you can visit one of the many vineyards in the area and taste some of the best wines in Italy.
Why Book Your Nereto Hotel with Agoda.com
Agoda.com is the perfect place to book your hotel in Nereto. We offer a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and preferences, from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels. Our website is easy to use, and you can find the perfect hotel in just a few clicks. We also offer great deals and discounts on hotels in Nereto, so you can save money on your stay. Finally, our customer service team is available 24/7 to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
The Best Time to Visit Nereto: A Seasonal Guide
The best time to visit Nereto is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the time when the vineyards are in full bloom, and you can taste some of the best wines in Italy. The fall is also a great time to visit Nereto, as the leaves on the trees turn golden and red, creating a beautiful landscape. The winter months can be cold and rainy, but the town is still beautiful and there are many indoor activities to enjoy.
Expert Tips for Travelers Visiting Nereto
If you are planning a trip to Nereto, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is a good idea to rent a car, as there are no direct train connections to the town. Second, make sure to bring comfortable shoes, as there are many hiking and biking trails to explore. Finally, be sure to try the local cuisine, which includes delicious pasta dishes and some of the best wines in Italy.
Where to Stay in Nereto: Accommodation Guide
There are many great hotels to choose from in Nereto. One of the best hotels in the town is the Hotel Europa, which is located in the heart of the town and offers comfortable rooms and great amenities. Another great option is the Hotel San Salvatore, which is located near the Church of San Salvatore and offers stunning views of the countryside. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the B&B La Casa di Paola is a great choice.
Indulging in the Flavors of Nereto: What to Eat
Nereto is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of pasta dishes and some of the best wines in Italy. One of the most popular dishes in Nereto is spaghetti alla chitarra, which is a type of pasta that is made by hand and served with a tomato-based sauce. Another popular dish is arrosticini, which are skewers of lamb that are grilled over an open flame. Finally, be sure to try the local wines, which include Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo.
Getting Around Nereto: Your Transportation Options
The best way to get around Nereto is by car. There are many car rental companies in the town, and renting a car is easy and affordable. If you prefer not to drive, there are also buses that run between Nereto and other towns in the region. However, the bus service can be infrequent, so it is a good idea to check the schedule in advance. Finally, if you are staying in a hotel, the staff can help you arrange transportation to local attractions.


Singapore and Hongkong are two Asia cities with global business men wish to have their offices.
Singapore, a close US ally with cordial relations across the region, has faced little international criticism.
Lee, in office since 2004, also told the US think tank that he was reconsidering his previous plan to retire in less than two years.
Lee’s People’s Action Party has ruled Singapore for six decades and, to no surprise, retained power in July 10 general elections in power for 31 years.
But its share of the popular vote declined sharply amid concerns over an economic downturn caused by the global pandemic.
Singapore’s prime minister said on Tuesday he was not looking to woo businesses out of Hong Kong, saying it was more important to preserve calm after China’s controversial security law.
“We think it’s better for Hong Kong and better for the region – and Singapore – if Hong Kong is stable and calm and prosperous,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.
On balance, I would say I much prefer Hong Kong doing well than to have people looking for places to go out of Hong Kong,” he told a virtual event of the Atlantic Council in Washington.
Singapore and Hong Kong are two of the major hubs in Asia for international companies, which are drawn to the prosperous cities’ investor-friendly policies and rule of law.
Lee said the two cities had a “friendly competition” but not a “very serious rivalry,” pointing to advantages enjoyed by each metropolis including Hong Kong’s position as a gateway to China.


2020 Volume 129 Issue 2 Pages 181-194
The Santo Hoiki (Record of Mountain and Island Bearings) is a record of survey results obtained by Inoh Tadataka and his group, of which 67 volumes are existent today. These volumes were handed down through his family and are currently in the possession of The Inoh Tadataka Museum. The Santo Hoiki is among the 2,345 documents of Inoh Tadataka Related Materials, which have been designated a national treasure. The Santo Hoiki is classified into two types, namely Type A, which consists of 65 volumes, and Type B, which consists of two volumes. Both Type A and Type B record the bearings of mountains and islands. However, the former is a record of bearings of mountains and islands by observation spot, while the latter is a record of bearings by mountain and island. Type A Santo Hoiki contains data from a part of the third survey and all of the fourth through ninth survey records. More specifically, the third survey Santo Hoiki is compiled in one volume, the fourth survey in four volumes, the fifth survey in 14 volumes, the sixth survey in five volumes, the seventh survey in 17 volumes, the eighth survey in 20 volumes, and the ninth survey in four volumes. Each volume contains records of bearings in the order of observation date; therefore, it can be assumed that the records were transcribed directly from field record notes in order to determine the locations of mountains and islands and to correct survey errors. Type B Santo Hoiki was probably compiled from Type A volumes to draw bearing lines on Inoh's map. Research comparing bearing lines in the No. 3 Santo Hoiki to the names of mountains and islands recorded on Inoh's Medium Scale Map (1:216,000) after the fifth survey reveals that the No. 3 Santo Hoiki was compiled in order to draw bearing lines on Inoh's Medium-scale Map.


Dates - December to May
Prices - from €75 per person per day
Accommodation - hotels from €30 per person per night (sharing)
Our winter mountaineering and winter skills courses are held in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains during the months of December through to the end of May. These hills are ideal with good snow lasting well into June. They will teach you to travel and progress safely in the winter mountains.
If you enjoy 3 season hillwaking, maybe even a bit of scrambling, and wish to progress to travelling safely in the winter mountains then this may be for you.
Be aware that that the winter mountains are tough and a certain amount of hardship will be endured. In our opinion real life experience is by far the best way to learn.
You will be taught and coached by our professional guiding team backed by 40 years experience in the Alps, Patagonia and Kamchatka. If you also wish to include travelling safely on glaciers, alpine ascents or expeditions then you should try our 4 day "Alpine Introduction Course".
We would really like to thank you for our amazing journey in the Sierra Nevada. We sure learnt a lot of useful stuff but we also discovered a new beatiful mountain range, got to know wonderful people that live the mountain as a passion and had a lot of fun
The 3000m mountains of the Sierra Nevada offer both beginner and the more experienced experienced mountaineer good long routes in a quiet environment. Few others will be seen. In addition the ample sunshine hours normally guarantee good weather. Our 4 wheel drive vehicles transport you to 2,500 metres in the Sierras. Here are excellent training areas with snowbowls, gullies and cliffs galore. No 3 to 4 hour walk-ins to the snows anymore!
Maximum time can be spent in learning the skills necessary to be in the hills in winter or to ascend Alpine peaks. After acquiring those new skills we take you into the hills, thus allowing you to put them into practice in a big mountain environment.
We are in the course of producing an online guidebook to this area. This great climbing venue is still relatively unknown and provides a fantastic alternative with much more chance of that magical combination of sun, snow and splendid isolation!
You'll gain a clear understanding of the principles and quickly attain the skills. You'll be able to choose the most appropriate technique for the terrain and conditions. With adequate time given over to practise, you'll finish the course proficient in both the technical winter skills and those essential winter navigation techniques. If you:
and ..... plus a whole lot more ... then this will be the course for you!
For those going on Expeditions to Polar or Greater Ranges we run a short 2 day course which can be "bolted on" to our existing Winter Skills Mountaineering or Alpine Introduction Courses
4/6 DAY COURSE - Additional to the 2 day course a combination of the following will be done depending on snow and weather conditions:
Contact us via our Contact Page Spanish Highs Tours Ltd Head Office:
41 Axholme Drive,
Registered Office: 20-22 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GU, England © 2019 Spanish Highs, Sierra Nevada
Email: [email protected]
N.B Phone calls can be arranged by prior appointment via email
Company Number 09960909 Registered in England & Wales
Spanish Highs Tours Ltd
Head Office: 41 Axholme Drive, Epworth, DN91EL, North Lincolnshire, UK. Registered Office: 20-22 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GU, England
© 2019 Spanish Highs, Sierra Nevada
Mountain database, refuges, altitude sickness, avalanche dangers, equipment lists, gear rental, FAQs etc


Fortuna's Sausage Abruzzese Salami
Abruzzese comes from Abruzzo, a region of Italy located along the East-Central coast of the nation. The food of the Abruzzo region tends to be rustic and simple with a high focus on the ingredients. Our Abruzzese is made from choice cuts of fresh pork that are combined with natural seasonings and is dry-cured for at least 10 weeks to achieve a mellow Italian salami flavor. One of our more mild sausages, this is one you will want to have on hand as it is a sure favorite for everyone!


REPORT: Interstate 80 is the Deadliest Highway in Wyoming
According to a report published by Geotab, a fleet management firm, Interstate 80 is the deadliest highway in Wyoming. I-80 holds the distinction of the deadliest highway in Nebraska and Iowa as well.
CBS News reports that upwards of 21 people die each year on Wyoming's section of I-80.
"To determine the most dangerous highway in each US state, we calculated a Fatal Crash Rate that is based on the annual number of road fatalities and fatal crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, adjusted for the average daily traffic counts provided by the Federal Highway Administration.." - Geotab
Interstate 80 runs from San Fransisco, California across the midsection of the United States to Teaneck, New Jersey. The Wyoming section runs across the southern part of the state for just under 403 miles through Uinta, Sweetwater, Carbon, Albany, and Laramie counties. The interstate runs along the same route of Highway 30 in most of the state.
I-80 reaches its maximum elevation of 8,640 feet at Sherman Summit, near Buford.
Construction of the Wyoming section of I-80 took place mostly in the 1960s.


Fascination About Knee Scooter in French Gulch CA 96033
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French Gulch CA - BingNews Search results
French Gulch, California
Thank you for reporting this station. We will review the data in question. You are about to report this weather station for bad data. Please select the information that is incorrect. We track six ...
2018 Wildfire Season Outpacing 2017
CoreLogic is monitoring the wildfire in French Gulch, California and will provide updates as the situation progresses. To keep an eye out, please visit Hazard HQ.  http://www.calfire.ca.gov/ About ...
UPDATE: French Gulch, Lewiston residents can go home
... Gulch Road east of French Gulch. Whiskey Creek Road is open to residents only. Residents of Ono and along Muletown Road in the community of Shasta are being let back into their neighborhoods, ...
As Carr Fire continues growth, officials having to circle back in evacuation zones
Along the northern edge of the fire, California Highway Patrol officers and other law enforcement were canvassing French Gulch, urging people who defied original evacuation orders to leave as fire ...
California wildfires, Tour de France, 'Animal House' turns 40: 5 things to know this weekend
believed to have started earlier this week in the Gold Rush-era hamlet of French Gulch from a vehicle problem, claimed the lives of two people this week and has put firefighting agencies on ...


All countries of the European Union (EU) have committed to establishing a common network of protected sites called Natura 2000.
Latvia has also established its share of this network since 2004. It was made up of already existing specially protected nature areas, with a further 122 new sites s. Protecting rare and threatened plant and animal species and their habitats (habitats) is a key condition for the creation of sites across Europe. . The lists of such species and habitats are included in two EU directives, the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, and their protection is mandatory for all EU countries. m. Of the species and habitats listed in the directives, 20 species of plants, 34 invertebrates, 29 mammals, 3 reptiles, 11 amphibians, 13 fish, 93 birds and 58 habitat types are found and protected in Latvia.
Natura 2000 sites in Latvia
The net of Natura 2000 in Latvia includes 333 territories – 4 nature reserves, 4 national parks, 239 nature closures, 37 nature parks, 9 protected landscape areas, 7 protected marine areas, 9 natural monuments and 24 microreserves. Terrestrial territories cover 12% or 787729 ha of the whole terrestrial area of the Latvia. These areas have different protection and management regimes, ranging from minimum restrictions in protected landscape areas to a complete ban on economic activity in strict nature reserves. The territories are listed in the Annex to the Law On Specially Protected Nature Areas.
What does Natura 2000 mean for landowners, residents?
Including of the land property in the Natura 2000 territory does not mean termination of any management. However, economic activities are more or less restricted, depending on the purpose of the creation the protected area. For example, in a swamp, where protection regime is stated to protect the ecosystem, the peat extraction is forbidden, but hunting, picking berries, bird-watching and nature trails are allowed. In many nature reserves economic activities can be carried on: land farming, mowing the meadows, ,grazing the grass, and considerately manage the forest. To make sure that the protection and management will be carried out in a proper way, nature protecton plans are developed. They are worked out in cooperation with local authorities and land owners, to get out most of both the nature protection and successful profitable management. Financement from EU funds for the management is available. To help land owners with compensations to cover losses that occur because of the restrictions concerning economic activities in protected areas, the law „About restrictions in protected territories” is prepared. This law will state the order of compensation ways and amounts – money compensations or land exchange.
In order to compensate landowners for losses that may arise from restrictions on economic activity in nature protected areas, the Law on compensation for restrictions on economic activity in protected areas has been prepared.
Possibilities of visiting Natura 2000 sites
Visitors are allowed to all Natura 2000 territories, except a part of nature reserves. There are numerous nature trails and information boards already waiting to welcome interested parties.
However, it is necessary to remember the main purpose of creating these territories – the protection regime for rare and endangered nature values. This means that nature should be traeted here carefully, especially in spring, when birds and animals are mating and breeding their offspring.
Walking in the protected territories is allowed only along roads and paths, fires can be made on spesially allowed places and no litter can be left behind. Behaving quietly will increase the chances of seeing more birds and animals.


Surprise Shirts - Shirt of the Week - San Pedro Pirates 2022 Home
You won’t Belize your eyes! That’s right, pack your suncream and snorkelling gear, this week we’re heading to the Caribbean paradise of Belize. This central American country might be known more for its coral reefs than its football, but this 2022 home shirt made for the San Pedro Pirates is certainly going to make some waves.
And with two shocking puns out of the way already, let’s get into it.
San Pedro Town sits on the southern edge of the Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize. And the town’s local team has definitely taken inspiration from their seafront surroundings with this kit.
Manufactured by Mexican sportswear company Vindex, the “tsunami blue” base is complimented by lighter tones on the sleeves and V-neck collar, this same shade is also used to create the brilliant pirate ship silhouette that runs across the lefthand side of the shirt.
The main shirt sponsor plays right into the nautical theme, too. Tourism is massively important for the local economy and scuba diving is at the forefront of that. So it's no surprise that the Belize Pro Diving Center is featured on the front of the shirt. The fact that their logo incorporates a map of Belize just makes it all the more perfect.
But for all the brilliant quirks of this shirt, the club badge is our favourite feature. Featuring twice here, once in the traditional location on the chest and again in a larger iteration on the righthand side of the shirt, it is truly unique. The modernised jolly roger esque mascot perched atop the blue, black, and grey shield gives this badge a distinctly Americanised look to it that we absolutely love.
The only professional club on the Ambergris Caye, the Pirates have represented their town on the national stage since the 2017-18 season after the disbandment of the San Pedro Sea Dogs.
And disbandment is not uncommon in Belize, over the years football here has been turbulent, to say the least. In fact, in June 2011 the Belizean government declared that both the country’s national team and its football federation would be no longer recognized by those in power, causing FIFA to temporarily suspend football in the country citing “severe government interference”.
The only team in this now rejuvenated league not to hail from the mainland, San Pedro are the outsiders in Belize’s top division, but that hasn’t stopped them from achieving success.
In the 2018-19 season, they won the closing stage of the league, sitting in first and advancing into the playoffs. The 4 team competition kicked off in late April and San Pedro wasted no time in sending a message to the other competitors. They hammered the quite ironically named Belize Defence Force 7-1 over two legs, with diminutive Argentine striker Facundo Garnier hitting four in the second leg.
In a two-legged final against Belmopan Bandits, they started poorly, a 1-0 defeat away from home meant it would be an uphill battle if they were to lift the trophy. But if they were going to do it anywhere, they could do it at the Ambergris Stadium with the local crowd behind them. 0-0 at the break, it looked like time might be running out, before that man again, Facundo Garnier pulled it level in the 67th minute. All square with momentum on their side, just 9 minutes later, Brazilian defender Mailson Moura fired home giving them that vital second goal and with it, the title.
They made their town proud in 2019, can they do it again this year?
A season in the Belize Premier League is separated into two, mini-seasons, the opening, and closing sections. It’s the opening section reaching its climax right now, with just a handful of games left, everything is left to play for at the top of the league.
A shaky start meant that it didn’t look like San Pedro would be troubling the title contenders this year as consistency was hard to come by. But a cagey 1-0 victory in match day 4 was the catalyst for a brilliant turnaround. Winning games but perhaps just as importantly turning losses into draws, San Pedro remained unbeaten for their next six matches.
And with a playoff place all but secured, attentions began to turn toward clinching top spot. Sitting in third meant they would have to outdo the teams around them though. So on the 16th of October, when Hankook Verdes came to town, only one result was good enough. Life on the island stood still as football took precedence, an electric atmosphere that extended onto the pitch gave cause for a lively encounter in which San Pedro secured the win in an exhilarating 3-2 victory.
That win, which extended their unbeaten run to seven, was enough to leapfrog Verdes. As the most in-form team in Belize right now, San Pedro has league leaders Altitude FC firmly in their sights and they’ll be ready to pounce if Altitude slips up. So keep an eye out as the drama unfolds in the Caribbean throughout October. Order a box now and you might have a San Pedro Pirates shirt in time for the last game of the season…
Written by @ZacWelshman1


Travellers rate UK holiday rental accommodation as some of the best in the world, it was revealed today.
Somerset and Gloucestershire have the highest-rated rental properties, the survey by TripAdvisor found.
Asked to rate 275,000 worldwide holiday rental properties, global travellers gave an average score of 4.57 points out of a possible five.
But UK properties exceeded this figure, with an average score of 4.71.
Properties in Somerset and Gloucestershire topped the UK list, both on 4.8 points, followed by East Anglia (4.79) and North Wales (4.78).
The lowest regional score for the UK was London (4.56), although this was only fractionally below the worldwide average figure.
TravelAdvisor spokeswoman Laurel Greatrix said: "This shows that the UK holiday rentals industry is ahead of the curve.
"It seems property owners here go the extra mile to please their guests and this has evidently paid off, with each of these holiday rental hotspots scoring no less than 4.46 points out of five."
These were the average ratings region by region for UK holiday rental properties:
East Anglia 4.79
North Wales 4.78
East Sussex 4.77
Scottish Highlands 4.70
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Posted/Updated by Bryan Penberthy on 2012-09-08.
Although it is a much smaller harbor than its nearby neighbor New London, it was important enough that the Federal Government felt that it should be lit. Congress had appropriated $3,500 for construction of a light on May 7, 1822. Contractor Benjamin Chase started construction in 1823 of a one-and-a-half story stone dwelling and thirty-foot cylindrical stone tower, which was completed in 1824. It was illuminated by a Lewis optic and was visible from twelve miles.
The lighthouse would not stay in use long due to constant erosion. By 1836, high tide was only forty-five feet from the base of the tower. References found in the Army and Navy Chronicle dating to 1837 show that measures to stop the erosion were investigated:
Dec. 1. Survey and estimate for the erection of a sea-wall for the protection of the harbor of Stonington, Connecticut; Lt. Prescott.
Within two years, the tower was in imminent danger of being swept out to sea. At that point, the decision was made to rebuild at another location further up the peninsula. The lighthouse was dismantled and many of the stones were reused to build a new one-and-a-half story stone dwelling. When the tower was constructed, it was raised several feet bringing it to a height of thirty-three feet.
The tower displayed a fixed white light from eight lamps surrounded by sixteen-inch reflectors. They were employed until sometime in 1856, when they were replaced with a more efficient sixth order Fresnel lens.
There are records that indicate a breakwater lighthouse was built before 1888. Records from the Office of the Lighthouse Board show that the Providence Steamboat Company had established and maintained a light and fog signal at the eastern end of the breakwater, thus mitigating the importance of the harbor lighthouse.
The Annual Report of the Lighthouse Board dated 1886 defines the structure as follows:
Stonington Breakwater, on the outer side of the breakwater, Stonington Harbor, Connecticut - A gray stone pyramid against a square brown tower, with a bell and lantern on top, was made and maintained by private parties. Upon completion of the light-house now in process of construction at the extremity of the breakwater the light and bell will be no longer maintained, and the beacon will be dropped from the list.
Given the success of the Providence Steamboat Company's private aid to navigation, it was recommended to discontinue the harbor lighthouse. Also recommended was a government constructed and funded breakwater lighthouse.
Work on the breakwater lighthouse was started in 1888, and was finished a year later. The lighthouse was a conical twenty-five foot tall iron tower with a fog bell displaying a fixed red light. Benjamin Pendleton, the keeper of the harbor light, was reassigned as keeper of the breakwater light. The harbor lighthouse was discontinued on November 1, 1889.
Although the keeper continued to live in the dwelling attached to the harbor lighthouse, a small shack was constructed on the breakwater for times when it was too dangerous to make the trek back to the house. A 1901 inspection found the living conditions at the harbor lighthouse dwelling unhealthy. The inspector commented about the high rates of sickness among the inhabitants over the past twenty years, and recommended a new dwelling be built. It would be 1910 before that new dwelling was constructed. The property next door to the harbor lighthouse was used for the new dwelling.
Given that the harbor lighthouse, dwelling, and property were no longer of use, the government offered it up for sale in March of 1925. The only bid received was from the Stonington Historical Society. Upon winning the property, the group has since refurbished the lighthouse and converted it to a museum. For more information on the museum, visit www.stoningtonhistory.org.
In 1926, the breakwater lighthouse was dismantled, having been replaced by an automated skeletal tower.
Directions: The lighthouse is located at 7 Water Street, Stonington, Connecticut. From US-1 in Stonington, follow North Water Street south. It will change names to Water Street. Follow this to the end.
From the parking lot of the Stonington Lighthouse, you can see the Latimer Reef Lighthouse in Fishers Island Sound, just offshore.
Access: The lighthouse is owned by the Stonington Historical Society. Grounds open. Tower open in season.View more Stonington Harbor Lighthouse pictures


Survey results are broken out across seven data dimensions. These are: Age, Gender, Urban Density, Income, Parental Status, Geography, and Publisher Category.
The Geography dimension is organized in a ragged hierarchy that distributes data members by REGION-STATE-CITY. All other dimensions are simple one-level non-hierarchical data.
This reference is provided for anyone who needs the full list of all possible values for each data dimension.
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