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More Valuable Sunk than Sailing.

2008-03-22T13:52:00.003-07:00

More Valuable Sunk than Sailing.

The Queensland Tourism Minister says the scuttling of HMAS Brisbane , off the Sunshine Coast has brought in a million dollars in tourism profits. The former Navy ship was scuttled on the 31st of July, 2005 to create an artificial reef for a dive site. Desley Boyle is quoted to have said

“There is also the amazing story of the artificial reef that has grown at a great rate around the wreck, very much faster than had been predicted,”

Though these artificial reefs enhance the diversity of marine life in the midst of barren sea beds, providing a venue for ecotourism, some environmentalist believe that the process is an interference in the natural order of things.

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Via: Yahoo News

Tags: Artificial Reef, Brisbane, Ecotourism, Queensland, Scuttling, Sunshine coast, Travel

Coral Cay Conservation takes the cake

2008-03-22T13:52:00.001-07:00

Coral Cay Conservation takes the cake

Coral Cay Conservation, an award-winning non profit organization that has been running conservation expeditions since 1986. Their aim being to protect the world’s most endangered coral reefs, tropical forests and yet help people sustaining their livelihood. Peter Raines is the founder and CEO of Coral Cay Conservation (CCC).

According to Raines, Coral reefs can bring in a lot of trade for the tourism sector, reef-based tourism alone is estimated globally to be worth something like GBP 6bn (EUR 8.8bn) per annum. Economically the coral reefs can be used only for fishing and aquaculture, the only other source of revenue is Tourism. CCC makes sure that this kind of tourism does not take place at the cost of harming the ecology of the reef or making the fishermen loose their jobs.

In Fiji due to their recommendations about 20 Marine Protected Areas have come up. Because of their efforts Belize barrier reef was declared a heritage site.They are not so much for artificially created reefs the only help latest technology has been for them has been the accessibility of high resolution satellite images to help them in the work they do.

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Thanks: Peter Raines

Via: Eco Club

Tags: Belize, Coral Cay Conservation, Coral Reefs, Fiji, Peter Raines, Travel, World Heritage Site

Draw your Dream trip along Danube’s Delta

2008-03-22T13:51:00.003-07:00

Draw your Dream trip along Danube’s Delta

Starting in Germany formed with the amalgation of Brigach and the Breg, river Danube crosses through various European countries to finally flow into the Black sea. It is here that it forms the second largest delta of Europe, a 1.6-million-acre World Biosphere Reserve. Preserved as a world heritage site this delta is home to varied varieties of birds and animals. It’s a bird watchers paradise where Birds from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean come during the migration seasons. A dream trip would be to follow the river across northern Romania to its Black sea coast between Constanta and the Ukrainian border.

A good place to stay would be Diwaker Singh and Munteanu’s Delta Nature Resort opened in May 2005.

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Via: Los Angles Times

Tags: Bird Watchers, Black Sea, Danube, Delta, Delta Nature Resort, Europe, Travel, World Biosphere Reserve

Thrill and Chill at Killer Whale Safari

2008-03-22T13:51:00.001-07:00

Thrill and Chill at Killer Whale Safari

Norwegian Coastal Voyage is introducing 7 days long Killer Whale Safaris to Norway’s rugged Lofoten Islands from October 22 to December 26. These islands have been made famous by the narrow inlet of Tysfjord where about 600 killer wales( also called orcas) migrate in the winters to feed on herrings. To get the early booking Specials log on to their website.

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Tags: Herrings, Norway, Norwegian Coastal Voyage, Travel, Tysfjord, Whale Safaris

Sulphur Emissions to Reduce Global warming?

2008-03-22T13:50:00.006-07:00

Sulphur Emissions to Reduce Global warming?

Paul Crutzen , Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry in 1995, of Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, suggests infusing the stratosphere (above the troposphere and directly below the mesosphere, it has a stratified temperature) with particles of Sulphur which could reflect back the Sun’s ray’s. His views are published in the journal Climate Change. Crutzen’s theory would work like the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions, which send large sulfur-rich clouds into the atmosphere.

Even with nation’s working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, extreme measures like this may become necessary to give more time. But a lot of people disagree with touching the natural balance, skeptics abound towards Geo-Engineering . The scientist himself hopes such a stage would not arise. Positive end would be brilliant sunrises and sunsets on the horizon and negative might result in raining Sulphur.

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Thanks: Kate Ravilious

Via : National Geographic

Tags: Atmosphere, Chemistry, Geo-Engineering, Global Warming, Paul Crutzen, Stratosphere, Sulphur, Travel, Volcanic Eruptions

Dead Waters of Oregon

2008-03-22T13:50:00.005-07:00

Dead Waters of Oregon

Waters low in Oxygen have created a death trap for aquatic life off the coast of Oregon. This has been occurring since the summer of 2002. Deep sea fish and crabs that don’t move away from these waters die out. If the situation continues it might extend unto the Washington shores. Jane Lubchenco, a marine biologist at Oregon State University in Corvallis said :

“This is the first year we’ve seen the dead zone expand,”

It’s something unusual triggering this unnatural, deadly phenomenon the answer is upwelling, a natural process of moving ocean currents that might result in Dead Zones. Some experts think the shifting winds are changing the timing of the upwelling, and in turn, the size of the dead zone.

One theory is that bacteria feeding on dead plankton(that sank due to early upwelling) used up the oxygen. These oxygen depleted waters then end up next to the shores due to upwelling. Oregon’s oxygen-poor area is one of nearly 150 dead zones that pop up around the world.

Another might nitrogen and phosphorous dumped as industrial wastes by human activities into the sea.

Either way all attempts should be made to bring alive these dead zones.

Still others think that all this is a result of Global Warming.

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Thanks: Cameron Walker

Via: National Geographic

Tags: Dead Waters, Dead Zone, Global Warming, Nitrogen, Ocean Currents, Oregon, Phosphorous, Travel, Upwelling

Shark Safari

2008-03-22T13:50:00.003-07:00

Shark Safari

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island is planning a shark safari for 4 days in August and September. The participants will get to see sharks in their natural environment. The trip will be coordinated to watch the tagging of sharks by the National Marine Fisheries Service research study.

It is scheduled for 21st and 28th August, 6th and 13th of September. From 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets are priced at $78 for members of the Audubon society, $88 for non-members. To further information, call 949-5454, ext. 3041, or e-mail programs@asri.org. Book your tickets soon for seats are limited.

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Via: The Jamestown Press

Tags: Audubon Society, environment, National Marine Fisheries Service, Rhode Island, Shark Safari, Travel

Village Tourism in Zambia

2008-03-22T13:50:00.001-07:00

Village Tourism in Zambia

A new tourism concept called ‘village tourism‘ has been introduced by Thorn Tree Safaris. The concept cannot be truly regarded as new as it has been explored under “agritourism” The concept means living with the villagers getting a feel of their culture and food habits .

According to Stephanie Gabriel, it is aimed at showcasing the hospitality of Zambians. It’s a two way process in which the villagers are also helped and the guests entertained. Thorn Tree has aligned with Miyamba and Chipwa villages. The Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB) will this year be promoting Luapula and Northern provinces through the ‘Visit Zambia 2006′ campaign.

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Thanks: David Silwamba

Via: All Africa

Tags: Africa, Culture, Food habits, Hospitality, Thorn Tree Safaris, Travel, Village Tourism, Z.N.T.B, Zambia

Melting Ice , Rising Oceans

2008-03-22T13:49:00.005-07:00

Melting Ice , Rising Oceans

As per a study recently conducted the Greenland ice sheets are melting 3 times faster. This further strengthens the fact that global warming has increased in the recent years. Greenland ice loss now amounts to more than 48 cubic miles (200 cubic kilometers) each year. Global sea levels have risen by about 0.1 inch (2.8 millimeters) a year over the past decade.

The new study is based on an analysis of gravity measurements collected by satellites that orbit the Earth. The satellites are part of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), which was launched in March 2002 and is run by a team of experts in the U.S. and Germany. Melted Greenland would result in the rise of global oceans by about 21.3 feet (6.5 meters). The question is how long global warming is going to take to waste the island ?

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Thanks: John Roach

Via: National Geographic News

Tags: Decade, Germany, Global Warming, Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, Greenland, Ice Sheets, Melting, Travel, U.S

Poland not complying by “Natura 2000”?

2008-03-22T13:49:00.003-07:00

Poland not complying by “Natura 2000”?

Natura 2000 is a European Union programmed to preserve the 25-nation bloc’s most important wildlife areas and species. According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), half of Europe’s mammal species, one-third of reptile, amphibian and fish species, as well as one-third of plant species are threatened with extinction.

European Commission biodiversity expert Agata Zdanowicz has described the situation as being serious stating that Poland has failed to protect 85% of its designated 72 sites. Poland defended itself through its tourism minister Mr. Mazurek who said

“Some areas have been appointed without a detailed knowledge of what is in them. Local governments do not agree on many of those areas,”

Natura 2000 protects 18% of land in the 15 countries that formed the EU before its growth in 2004.

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Via: BBC News

Tags: European Union, Mammals, Natura 2000, Poland, Species, Tourism, Travel, Wildlife

Safari the African Style

2008-03-22T13:49:00.001-07:00

Safari the African Style

Get wild on the African wildlife safari. Numerous countries, with various parks and private reserves, lodges, excellent camping equipment, excellent transport facilities through jeeps or canoes are there for you to pick out of. In case your vision of Africa consists of sweeping grasslands, big game and images of Mt. Kilimanjaro, then your destination is Kenya or Tanzania. If you envision a remote getaway, consider the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

For those exclusively in search of specific animals; Lion-watchers can head to Serengeti in Kenya and Tanzania, and Masai Mara in Kenya; rhino fanciers to Namibia; leopard lovers to South Africa and Zambia; gorilla trekkers to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Weather Should be kept in mind while planning a trip. So go on and enjoy this once in a lifetime trip!

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Tags: Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Parks, Rawanda, Safari, Tanzania, Travel, Wildlife

Weekend in Missoula ; Montana

2008-03-22T13:45:00.007-07:00

Weekend in Missoula ; Montana

Hundreds of miles of trails weave in and around Missoula. Missoula is located in a deep valley surrounded by mountains and is cut by three major rivers, the Clark Fork River, the Bitterroot River and the Blackfoot River. The city is the namesake and center of the large, ancient Glacial Lake Missoula The 61,000-acre (24-686 hectare) Rattlesnake National Recreation and Wilderness Area is five miles (8 kilometers) away and the Montana Snowbowl resort, nine miles (14 kilometers) from town.

This year Brennan’s Wave white-water park opened on the stretch of the mighty Clark Fork River that passes through town, allowing kayakers to show off alongside eclectic bistros and bars. For stunning views of the Missoula Valley, hike or bike the challenging path to 7,971-foot (2,430-kilometer) Stuart Peak. So come to this haven of four major mountain ranges , numerous trout-laden streams and an adventure mindset.

Via: National Geographic

Tags: Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River, Glacial Lake, Missoula, Montana, Rattlesnake, Snowbowl, Travel

High of Smoky Mountain

2008-03-22T13:45:00.005-07:00

High of Smoky Mountain

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a United States National Park that includes the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains which are a part of the larger chain. It offers undulating ridges, forested valleys, and tumbling streams.

The true beauty of the park lies in one key detail: 80 inches (203 centimeters) of rain a year. The flow feeds primeval hardwood forests and innumerable creeks that tumble down hazy mountainsides.

1) The Alum Cave Trail of Mount Le Conte is the most popular of the five paths that lead to the summit of the mountain.

2) Another popular hiking trail leads up to the pinnacle of the Chimney Top mountains.

3)The Laurel Falls and Cling man’s Dome trails offer relatively easy, short, paved paths.

After hiking and simple sightseeing, fishing is the most popular activity in the national park, although there are strict regulations under which fishing must be conducted. Horseback riding , bicycling is all also available within the park.

Image:Q.T.Luong

Via: Wikipedia

Tags: Alum Cave Trail, Appalachians, Chimney Tops, Laurel Falls, National Park, Smoky Mountains, Travel, United States

Rhode island

2008-03-22T13:45:00.003-07:00

Rhode island

Some of the most scenic views can be seen above the cliffs in Narragansett Bay within Beavertail State Park, located on the southernmost tip of Conanicut Island near Jamestown. It is situated in between Newport and Rhode Island’s west bay along the New England coastline. The park attracts people from all over, to enjoy its pristine environment and panoramic views. Beavertail offers a spectacular view of the Ocean State’s coastline where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic.

Larry Price says:

Whether it’s adventurously sitting on the cliffs, sunbathing on the rocks below, or just viewing from your car at one of four overlooks, the vista stirs the soul and quiets the mind.

The 170-acre state park also offers hiking and biking trails, saltwater fishing, and a naturalist program. Rhode islands often called the Ocean State, offers one an extensive shoreline waiting to be explored.

Via: CNN

Argentina Court Probes Minister on Arms Sales

2008-03-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

Argentina Court Probes Minister on Arms Sales

An Argentine judge has ordered Defense Minister Nilda Garre to be questioned over possible tax evasion in government weapons sales, in the latest corruption probe before October’s general election.
Garre said on Thursday she was not involved in any wrongdoing and called the court order politically motivated.
News of the summons came three days after Felisa Miceli was forced to resign as economy minister over an inquiry into some $60,000 found in a bag in her office.
In the arms case, a court is investigating whether a state-run company sold rifle parts to a U.S. company at prices well below the market rate. La Nacion newspaper reported the small, Connecticut-based company was owned by an Argentine.
The judge leading the probe is looking into allegations the weapons parts were undervalued to avoid customs taxes.
“I was summoned in writing to give information or evidence that I believe could help clarify the case,” Garre told reporters. “I don’t know what reasons the judge might have had, but anyone … can see that the Defense Ministry’s potential responsibility is completely overblown.”
The investigation garnered attention on the same day that the first lady, Sen. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, was due to launch her presidential campaign.
Argentina’s election, scheduled for Oct. 28, is also for some provincial governors, legislators and other posts.
In May, President Nestor Kirchner fired two midlevel officials over alleged corruption on a government pipeline project. Another public works official resigned.
Earlier this month, Kirchner’s Cabinet chief was forced to publicly defend the environment secretary after a newspaper investigation accused her of hiring relatives and spending lavish amounts of government money.
Kirchner still enjoys high approval ratings despite the investigations and an unrelated energy crisis.
“We are in an electoral campaign, and it seems that some people believe any means can be used efficiently to sully a campaign that should be carried out with normality and respect,” Garre said.

Oboronprom Takes Control of Russia’s Mil Helicopter Plant

2008-03-22T13:44:00.006-07:00

Oboronprom Takes Control of Russia’s Mil Helicopter Plant

Russian state-controlled Oboronprom, the core company in the government-led consolidation of the national helicopter industry, announced July 12 it has taken majority ownership of Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.
A subsidiary of Rosoboronexport, the state arms-trading monopoly, Oboronprom has acquired 25.07 percent of Mil from the Russian Abilis Holdings, according to an Oboronprom press release. Oboronprom already owned 36.35 percent of the Mil plant. Neither company would disclose the amount paid by Oboronprom.
The remaining shares of the Mil plant are spread among U.S. company Sikorsky International Operations (9.39 percent), Russian companies Energia (5.58 percent) and Pentapol (5.11 percent) and more than 4,600 private shareholders.
Created in 2002 and designated in a 2004 decree by President Vladimir Putin as the vehicle for consolidation of Russia’s helicopter-making industry, Oboronprom already controls the Ulan-Ude aviation plant, Vperyod Moscow machine-building plant and Stupino machine-building industrial enterprise.
By the end of 2007, Oboronprom plans to consolidate a controlling stake in two other helicopter producers:
• The Kazan aviation plant. Oboronprom now owns 29.92 percent, while Rosoboronexport has 21 percent. Russia’s TFK company, which is 50 percent-owned by the Kazan Helicopter Plant, holds 11.41 percent, with the remainder spread among more than 10,000 shareholders, including the government of Tatarstan.
• The Kamov plant. Oboronprom currently owns 49.46 percent in Kamov, while the state-owned MiG Corp. manages 49.64 percent.
By early 2008, Oboronprom plans to acquire a blocking stake in the Rostvertol helicopter plant, in which it currently owns 4.22 percent, while the governmental Federal Property Agency owns 3.44 percent. Forty-eight percent of Rostvertol’s shares are floated, and the remaining shares are owned by the company’s management.
In 2006, the enterprises that are slated to become part of the Russian helicopter-production holding rolled out 110 helicopters, earning more than $1.1 billion, according to Oboronprom.

US troubles in landing Turkish defense contracts set to continue

2008-03-22T13:44:00.005-07:00

US troubles in landing Turkish defense contracts set to continue

During a March 15 hearing in Congress, a senior Pentagon official criticized Ankara’s defense acquisition policies in unusually candid language, saying the present approach by the Turkish procurement agency “is hindering Turkey’s military modernization, interoperability with NATO allies and U.S.-Turkey defense industry cooperation.”"Onerous terms and conditions – liability, work share, technology transfer, and upfront U.S. government approval requirements in Turkey’s standard contracts – have kept U.S. firms from bidding,” Dan Fata, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Europe and NATO, told the hearing on U.S.-Turkish relations at the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs.Since then, U.S. concerns voiced by Fata have remained in place, with Ankara selecting non-U.S. suppliers in three critical programs altogether worth billions of dollars over a decade. And the future does not look bright for potential American commercial sales to Turkey.To avoid misunderstandings in evaluating the current status of Turkish-U.S. defense industry relations, the relationship’s foundations should be first analyzed correctly. It is a two-fold relationship: First, Turkey’s government-to-government purchases from the United States, based on a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism; and second, commercial sales in which US companies usually have to compete against rivals from other countries. It is the second category where the Americans face problems.The United States has been Turkey’s closest Western partner and largest weapons supplier in modern times. Each year Turkey buys defense equipment worth more than $1 billion from the United States on the FMS scheme. FMS loans are U.S. government credits designed to enable allied nations to buy U.S. defense equipment.And such government-to-government weapons sales will continue to flourish, with Turkey set to buy new aircraft and related fighter services worth nearly $15 billion over the next 10 to 15 years.

Lucrative FMS deals:

Those deals include a Turkish plan to buy 100 next generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets worth $10.7 billion; an agreement for the sale to the Turkish Air Force of 30 F-16 Block 50 fighters worth $1.85 billion; and an ongoing modernization of older Turkish F-16s for $1.1 billion. In all these cases, U.S. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor.

In addition, Turkey continually buys various types of Air Force and naval missiles and other related services under FMS deals with the United States.Now back to commercial programs. In the 2000s, U.S. companies have managed to secure only two major direct commercial sales: First a nearly $1.6 billion contract with Boeing in 2002 for four airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft (which is faltering, bythe way, with huge delivery delays because of Boeing’s bad planning); and a $580 million agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft last year for 17 S-70B Seahawk naval warfare helicopters. Sikorsky is the only major U.S. survivor in the rocky Turkish defense market in terms of commercial sales.But in major commercial deal decisions over the past few months only, the Turkish government and military opted for non-U.S. solutions for attack helicopters, training aircraft and a model for main battle tanks.Earlier this year, the Defense Industry Executive Committee, Turkey’s top decision-making body on defense procurement whose members include the prime minister, the chief of the general staff and the defense minister, selected the Italian-British AgustaWestland, maker of the A-129 Mangusta International, over South African rivals. The program is estimated to cost $2.7 billion for 90 platforms.And in late June the Executive Committee opted for South Korean solutions for the tank and trainer aircraft programs.The trainer aircraft program is worth about $450 million and involves up to 54 platforms. Ankara awarded the deal to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), maker of the KT-1 Woongbi, which beat the Super Tucano from Brazil’s Embraer.

US faltering in commercial sales:

On the tank program, South Korea’s XK-2 platform, developed by the Agency for Defense Development, was chosen as the model on which Turkey’s new main battle tank would be based.Turkish officials said that the fresh business for Korean companies may easily exceed $1 billion as the tank program would most likely involve several follow-on contracts. U.S. companies were non-players in these three competitions. Boeing, maker of the U.S. Army’s AH-64D Apache Longbow, and Bell Helicopter Textron, maker of the U.S. Marine Command’s AH-1Z, could not bid for the attack helicopter contract, and Raytheon failed to take part in the trainer aircraft competition, all blaming the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), Turkey’s procurement agency, for drafting strict terms and conditions for program specifications, which they said were incompatible with U.S. export laws and regulations.And two years ago, U.S. General Atomics lost a major contract on Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles to the Israeli Aircraft Industries.The target of criticism by Pentagon’s Fata, other officials and U.S. companies, SSM rejects the charges. SSM chief Murad Bayar says his undersecretariat has greatly softened its terms and conditions to enable U.S. participation in Turkish programs, but American officials say the changes in Turkish specifications are cosmetic and not sufficient for their participation.”We have done what we can. Other countries do not have such complaints, and can easily bid for our programs,” countered one SSM official.

Undeclared policy?

“The Turks are sick and tired of the United States’ notorious restrictions on technology transfer and strict rules of export, which have caused so many problems for Turkey in past years,” said one Turkish defense analyst. “So in a kind of undeclared policy, the Turks are now selecting non-U.S. suppliers whenever they can, to avoid hassle with the Americans.

They are effectively saying, ‘OK, if I can buy this system from this or that country, why should I beg you?’”SSM is happy with the Ankara government’s selections in the recent commercial sale programs, and has no plans to further soften its rules to meet U.S. demands for many future programs. That means the United States may have no chance to sell defense systems that arealso offered by companies from other countries meeting Turkish requirements, the analyst said.But there are exceptions. For future commercial sales, U.S. military helicopters appear to be items that Turkey likely will continue to buy. For example, in ongoing competition between U.S. and European companies for 32 military utility helicopters worth more than $500 million, Ankara is expected to buy versions of Sikorsky’s S-70 Black Hawk, continuing its tradition for this platform.Also Turkey in the longer term plans to buy up to 10 heavy lift helicopters, and Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook has emerged as the strongest candidate.

Except for the United States and Russia, no other country manufactures heavy lift helicopters, and Russian equipment is incompatible with Turkey’s NATO-based systems.In another example, the Raytheon/Lockheed group, maker of the Patriot PAC-3 systems, is expected to compete with Russian rivals marketing the S-300 or S-400 systems for Turkey’s $1.3 billion program for anti-missile air defense systems. For the Russian option there is a compatibility problem, but Greece, another NATO member, has been operating the S-300s.So in the foreseeable future, Turkey will continue to buy U.S. systems when it specifically needs them, but may opt for other solutions whenever it can, as seen in several recent examples.

Australia, US concerned over China’s military buildup

2008-03-22T13:44:00.003-07:00

Australia, US concerned over China’s military buildup

Australia and a top U.S. military official expressed concern Thursday that China’s rapid military buildup and use of a missile in space could

add to instability in the Asia-Pacific, and backed a greater role for Japan in regional security.

Releasing his government’s first defense policy update since 2005, Prime Minister John Howard said China’s economic rise was good for the world, but added a caution

that it was also a pivotal player in several tense issues in the region.

“The pace and scope of its military modernization, particularly the development of new and disruptive capabilities such as the anti-satellite missile, could create misunderstandings and instability in the region,” the policy report said.

The policy brings Canberra closely into line with Washington, which has expressed similar concerns about China’s military expansion. The two are already close allies, with a defense pact and Australian contributions to U.S.-led operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Separately Thursday, the commander of the United States’ Japan-based naval battle group voiced Washington’s concern about China rapid military expansion.

“Certainly we are a bit wary of China,” Rear Adm. Rick Wren, the commander of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk’s battle group, told The Associated Press. “They seem

to be fairly opaque in communicating what they intend to do with this large military buildup.”

Wren, speaking aboard the carrier as it came into Sydney Harbor for a port visit, said the United States wants China to become a stabilizing force in Asia.

“Certainly we need them to be a stabilizing force in this region,” he said. “But until we can actually define that, we will continue to practice our skills and be ready for

whatever the president calls on us to do.”

More than 5,000 U.S. sailors were due to take shore leave in Sydney after completing the Talisman Saber exercises, a biennial event that this year pitted 20,000 U.S. troops and

7,500 Australian forces and dozens of ships and planes against fictional enemies in a variety of land and sea-based scenarios off Australia’s northeastern coast.

Japan took part in the Talisman Saber exercises as an observer, and Wren said Japan would take a “much bigger” role in future exercises. He did not elaborate.

“The importance of multilateral alliance in this theater is very important,” Wren said. “What we both want to do is expand that in the interest of creating a stronger and

long-lasting regional stability, and so we are bringing in many other nations.”

Cooperation could include non-combat roles such as disaster relief and other humanitarian operations, he said.

The Australian policy document said cooperation between Australia, Japan and the United States would become increasingly important in maintaining stability in Asia,

and noted “Australia has no closer nor more valuable partner in the region than Japan.”

“Japan’s more active security posture within the U.S. alliance and multinational coalitions is in keeping with its economic and diplomatic weight,” it said.

Howard said China’s economic rise was good for the world, but that “U.S.-China relations, China-Japan tensions and long-standing flash points in Taiwan and the Korean

peninsula will require continuing careful management.”

The report said mishandling tensions between Taiwan and China could have “disastrous consequences for the region.”

The United States and Japan are stepping up efforts to build a joint missile defense system in Asia, partly as a bulwark against regional threats such as a nuclear-armed

North Korea. Australia, a steadfast U.S. ally that has about 2,000 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, is studying whether to participate in the defense shield.

Australia and Japan signed a security agreement in March that will enable Japanese forces to train alongside Australians for disaster relief and peacekeeping missions,

and boost cooperation between the two countries in counterterrorism measures and intelligence sharing.

Japan Makes Missile Defense Shield a Priority

2008-03-22T13:44:00.001-07:00

Japan Makes Missile Defense Shield a Priority

Japan said July 6 it aims to erect a missile defense shield as quickly as possible as North Korea develops increasingly sophisticated weaponry, including long-range rockets.
Japan’s annual defense report warned that North Korea is improving its missile system to cover all of East Asia, including Japan, and potentially reach the northern tip of Australia, as well as part of Alaska.
The report, approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet, was the first published by the defense ministry, which was upgraded from agency status in January in line with Abe’s initiative to expand the role of Japanese troops.
North Korea’s ballistic missiles “are now regarded as more practical,” the report said.
“North Korea is improving its capability of managing ballistic missiles. It is considered that North Korea is trying to further extend their firing range.
“It is necessary to finish deploying a ballistic missile defense as quickly as possible,” the annual paper said, noting the need for Tokyo to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. military.
The defense report comes after a series of North Korean missile launches that have heightened tensions in the region.
In 1998, North Korea sparked alarm in Japan by test-firing a long-range missile over the country, prompting Japan and the U.S. to start working on an advanced missile shield.
North Korea also shocked Japan with its first nuclear test last October.
Hopes are rising that a long-stalled pact on North Korea’s nuclear program will finally be realized, with the communist state hinting that it is ready to meet its promise to close a nuclear reactor.
While there is a chance that the reclusive state will take action to freeze its nuclear program, it is expected to continue developing missiles, a direct threat to South Korea and Japan, independent analysts said.
“Talks on nuclear weapons appear to move forward, but there is no progress in missiles at all,” said Masao Okonogi, professor of international politics at Keio University and an expert on the North Korean issue.
“Security in northeast Asia will remain fragile for the time being, centered on North Korea’s missile development,” Okonogi said.
Japan has set aside $1.3 billion on development and deployment of its missile defense for the current fiscal year to March 2008, up 4.4 percent from the previous fiscal year.
“While the entire defense budget has declined, we are spending our budget on what we have to spend, and the missile defense is the one,” said Mamoru Koutaki, press secretary of the defense ministry.
In March, Japan installed two Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air interceptors at the Iruma Air Self-Defence Force base in suburban Tokyo.
The U.S. installed Japan’s first anti-missile system on the southern island of Okinawa last year.
The ministry plans to deploy the U.S.-developed PAC-3s, which can cover a 12-mile radius, at a total of 11 bases in eastern and western Japan by March 2011.
Independent experts agree North Korea is also upgrading its missile technology.
“North Korea has improved the capability of missiles by receiving technology from other countries,” said Hideshi Takesada, professor at the National Institute for Defense. “Military tensions in northeast Asia are much higher than in the past. The race for development and deployment of missiles is a global trend and northeast Asia is no exception.”

Russia Threatens European Rocket Deployment

2008-03-22T13:43:00.011-07:00

Russia Threatens European Rocket Deployment

Russia issued a veiled threat Wednesday to deploy rockets in its Kaliningrad enclave bordering the European Union if the United States builds a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe.
The two sides are locked in a standoff over the U.S. plans for a radar station in the Czech Republic and interceptor rockets in Poland. Russia says it is a threat to its security.
The threat to put missiles in Kalingrad was made by First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov only two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin again raised the missile shield dispute with U.S. President George W. Bush.
Putin has suggested to Bush that the United States use a Russian-controlled radar in ex-Soviet Azerbaijan, near the Iranian border instead of having a shield in Eastern Europe.
Putin has also offered the use of an early warning station under construction in southern Russia.
“If our offers are accepted, Russia will not consider it necessary to deploy new rocket units in the European part of the country, including Kaliningrad, to counter the threat” from the U.S. plans, Ivanov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.
Ivanov, who was on a visit to Uzbekistan, said Russia had “found an asymmetrical and effective response” to the U.S. project for a European shield.
“We know what we’re doing … If our proposals are not accepted, we will take adequate measures,” Ivanov said.
Washington insists its shield is to guard against possible attack from “rogue states” such as Iran. Moscow believes the systems are directed against Russia.
Ivanov’s comments suggested that tensions remain high despite efforts to calm the atmosphere at a meeting between Putin and Bush in Kennebunkport, Maine, this week.
Putin has already suggested that Russia could point its missiles at European targets if the U.S. plan goes ahead.
Kaliningrad, which Russia won at the end of World War II, lies on the Baltic Sea, separated from the rest of Russia by Poland and Lithuania.
Responding to Ivanov’s comments, Moscow-based defense analyst Pavel Felgenhauer said Russia in fact had no missiles of a range that could be fired from Kaliningrad and hit the proposed interceptors in Poland.
“It’s a threat aimed at the Polish people” designed to encourage them to protest against the U.S. plans, Felgenhauer said. “It’s an empty threat.”
NATO has backed the U.S. plan for a missile shield in Europe.

Thai Military Draws Fire for Post-Coup Budget Hike

2008-03-22T13:43:00.009-07:00

Thai Military Draws Fire for Post-Coup Budget Hike

Thailand’s army-appointed parliament on July 4 debated a 24 percent military spending hike, which has raised questions about the motives of the generals who launched last year’s coup against Thaksin Shinawatra. The 28 billion baht hike in the 2007/08 defense budget, certain to be approved, to 143 billion baht ($4.5 billion) capped a similar increase for this year — a combined 66 percent rise since the military ousted Thaksin as prime minister in September.
At the time, the generals cited “rampant corruption” under the billionaire telecommunications tycoon as the main reason for launching Thailand’s 18th coup in 75 years of on-off democracy.
Surayud Chulanont, the former army chief appointed prime minister after the coup, gave no reasons for the hike other than a passing allusion to the 3-year insurgency in the Muslim-majority far south in which 2,300 people have been killed.
The government would “raise the efficiency of intelligence and operations” and “integrate efforts of resolving security problems in border provinces in the south to boost public trust in government security enforcement,” Surayud said.
Analysts said the increases at a time of slowing economic growth could come back to haunt the army, squeezed by civilian governments since its attempt to install a general as prime minister after a 1991 coup ended in mass riots and bloodshed.
“The military was in disgrace throughout the 1990s,” said political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University.
“They’ve suffered as an institution financially and now they are making up for lost time.”
Abhist Vejajiva, head of the former opposition Democrat Party, said the military “should be careful because this raises suspicions.”
Others said the armed forces could even be building up a war-chest for a run at politics after elections scheduled for November or December.
SCANDALS BREWING
“The military and the government it appointed should know there is strong suspicion across the country that the generals are padding the military budget for no other reason than because they can,” the Bangkok Post said in a recent editorial.
“There are many unanswered questions about whether the military is making essential purchases or acquiring more means to cling to power.”
The budget is not the only area in which the Council for National Security (CNS), as the coup command calls itself, is coming under scrutiny.
Saprang Kalayanamitr, a CNS general appointed chairman of state-owned telephone company TOT after the coup, was roundly criticized in the Thai media for ordering the firm to pay for 800 million baht of unspecified telecoms kit wanted by the army.
When TOT president Vuthiphong Preibjrivat refused to pay the money, Saprang fired him and appointed a colonel as his successor. TOT has since approved the deal.
Anti-coup campaigners are also furious about a clause in the new constitution being drawn up by an army-appointed council that enshrines the army’s right to receive adequate “military forces, weapons, ammunition, military equipment and technology”.
Although there has been little in the way of public outrage, analysts say the combination of scandals, constitution and budget could eventually crystallize serious opposition to army rule, as happened in 1991-92.
“There’s no immediate moral outrage, but I think that it is creeping in,” Thitinan said. “This sort of thing is certainly raising the stakes for the army because long term they are generating more and more opponents.”

Indian Army Commissions BrahMos Cruise Missiles

2008-03-22T13:43:00.007-07:00

Indian Army Commissions BrahMos Cruise Missiles

India’s Army put the BrahMos joint Russian-Indian supersonic cruise missile into service Thursday at an official ceremony in the capital. The missile has been developed as a joint venture between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s Mashinostroyenia research-and-production center.
“BrahMos is the best example of Russian-Indian cooperation,” said India’s President Abdul Kalam, who is often called “the father of the Indian missile program.”
BrahMos is designed to destroy surface targets flying at an altitude as low as 10 meters (30 feet) and at a speed of Mach 2.8, which is about three times faster than the U.S.-made subsonic Tomahawk cruise missile.
The missile was first tested successfully in 2004. Its sea-based version was adopted in June 2006 and deployed on Project 11356 Talvar-class (Kryvack) frigates built in Russia for the Indian Navy.
However, it took Russian and Indian experts a while longer to develop the missile so it was capable of destroying ground targets.
“We had to do some additional work on the guidance and satellite navigation systems [of the missile],” said Alexander Dergachyov, board chairman of the BrahMos joint venture.
The company is currently working on the development of an airborne version, which could be installed on the Sukhoi-30MKI air superiority fighters of the Indian Air Force.
Experts estimate that India might purchase up to 1,000 BrahMos missiles for its Armed Forces in the next decade and export 2,000 to third countries during the same period.

Turkey set to forge major S. Korea defense deals

2008-03-22T13:43:00.005-07:00

Turkey set to forge major S. Korea defense deals

Turkey has decided to start contract negotiations with South Korea’s Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the production of 55 basic training aircraft (BTA) and with Rotem, another South Korean company, for the local production of main battle tanks, with both projects estimated to cost around $1 billion in total.

Turkey’s Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM), the country’s civilian arms procurement agency, announced via its Web site on June 20 that the SSM Executive Committee, the top decision making body on arms, had decided to start contract negotiations with KAI for BTA production.
Brazil’s Embraer was also competing in the project with Super Tucano.
The SSM Executive Committee this time did not hold a meeting, but signatures were collected from their members, i.e., Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül and Chief of General Staff Gen. Yaşar Büyükanıt.

South Korean press, meanwhile, reported on June 21 that Seoul will export its next-generation tank XK-2 Heukpyo, a.k.a. Black Panther, and training plane KT-1 Ungbi to Turkey. The contract is worth more than 500 billion won ($1 = W 938), the second-largest arms export deal in Korea’s history, said Korean media reports.
Korean media quoted the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) as saying on Thursday that the Turkish government had announced the launch of negotiations with KAI to purchase the training planes.
KT-1 Ungbi was developed by DAPA in 1988, and the first KT-1 went into service in November 2000 — the Korean Air Force uses 85 of them. A DAPA official said 12 KT-1s have been exported to Indonesia. The training plane has a top speed of 574 kilometers per hour with a 950 horsepower engine.
The SSM issued a request for proposal (RfP) on Jan. 6 last year for the procurement of 36 plus 19 optional BTA that will include maximum local content. Turkey’s plans to acquire BTA date back almost six years.
The project was further delayed when a disagreement occurred between the SSM and the Turkish Air Force Command in 2005 with the former objecting to buy the aircraft sole source from US Raytheon through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) credit. But upon the SSM’s insistence the Turkish Air Force Command abandoned the sole-source purchase plan, paving the way for the acquisition of the BTAs via international competition.
South Korea beats Germany in tank project
As part of a policy of increasing local input in all projects while giving an end to joint production models, the SSM seeks a the establishment of a production line at the Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) facilities near Ankara with maximum usage of local industry. Local defense firm ASELSAN is expected to play a leading role in the avionics suite supply. The SSM seeks a 60 percent offset and local content in the project.
Turkey has Italian Agusta-made SF-260D as well as Raytheon-made T-37C and T-38A BTA aircraft in its inventory, with all of them now close to becoming obsolete.
Meanwhile South Korea’s Rotem beat German Krauss Maffei Wegman in Turkey’s bid to locally produce four main battle tank (MBT) prototypes for an estimated cost of around $500 million.
Turkey has selected local Otokar in late March this year for the local design and development of around four MBT prototypes. Once prototypes are produced, the SSM will decide on the production of 250 tanks under a separate deal. The local FNSS-BMC partnership was also competing in the project.
Otokar, the main contractor in the project, plans to produce the first diesel fuelled tank in 2012. Rotem was competing with German Krauss Maffei Wegman as subcontractors in the project to extend technology support in tank production. The latter was offering a workshare deal in the project, while Rotem’s bid was based on technology transfer, according to a local industry source.
Korean media quoted DAPA as saying on Thursday that the technology to manufacture the Heukpyo tank will be exported to Turkey and the vehicle will be produced there. The tanks cost 8.3 billion ($9 million) won each.
The tanks will have a 120-mm gun and can protect themselves from chemical, biological and radioactive attacks. Their maximum speed is 70 kilometers per hour, courtesy of a 150-horsepower engine, and they can function under 4.1 meters of water.
DAPA and Rotem, an affiliate of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, invested 200 billion won over the past 12 years in development of the tank. It will be put into service in 2011, said the South Korean local press.
MBT production has been a long-awaited capability in Turkey; indigenous design, development and production was chosen following the cancellation of an MBT co-production project in May 2004.
Turkish-South Korean cooperation in arms projects was first launched in 2001 when the two countries signed a record $1 billion defense deal in Seoul for the procurement of Howitzers, codenamed Fırtına (storm).
South Korea’s Samsung Techwin has been supplying howitzer components to Turkey. The deal is the first part of a 10-year agreement under which the Korean firm will supply components for more than 300 howitzers.

Powerful Partnerships Ensure Gripen Future

2008-03-22T13:43:00.003-07:00

Powerful Partnerships Ensure Gripen Future

A powerful partnership between Saab and some of the world’s leading aerospace companies has been established to prepare the launch of the Gripen Demonstrator programme. At the Paris Air Show, Saab launched its plans for a new Gripen Demonstrator programme, aimed at demonstrating a range of future technologies and capabilities to ensure that Gripen remains at the leading edge of fighter aircraft performance and capability well into the future. A new flying platform The demonstrator programme will include the development of a new Gripen test flying platform, Gripen Demo, and the Gripen Avionics Rig. Gripen Demo will include new features such as a new engine with increased thrust, an AESA radar, increased range, new landing gear, increased weapons and stores capabilities and enhanced avionics structures. New leading aerospace partners The Gripen Demonstration programme involves new partnerships with some of the world’s leading aerospace companies like General Electric together with Volvo, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, APPH, Martin-Baker and Terma, which has been established for the Gripen Demonstration programme. “We are very pleased that these highly respected companies have chosen to invest in the Gripen Demonstrator programme and are looking forward to start the co-operation”, says Åke Svensson, President and CEO for Saab.
A powerful partnership between Saab and some of the world’s leading aerospace companies has been established to prepare the launch of the Gripen Demonstrator programme. At the Paris Air Show, Saab launched its plans for a new Gripen Demonstrator programme, aimed at demonstrating a range of future technologies and capabilities to ensure that Gripen remains at the leading edge of fighter aircraft performance and capability well into the future. A new flying platform The demonstrator programme will include the development of a new Gripen test flying platform, Gripen Demo, and the Gripen Avionics Rig. Gripen Demo will include new features such as a new engine with increased thrust, an AESA radar, increased range, new landing gear, increased weapons and stores capabilities and enhanced avionics structures. New leading aerospace partners The Gripen Demonstration programme involves new partnerships with some of the world’s leading aerospace companies like General Electric together with Volvo, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, APPH, Martin-Baker and Terma, which has been established for the Gripen Demonstration programme. “We are very pleased that these highly respected companies have chosen to invest in the Gripen Demonstrator programme and are looking forward to start the co-operation”, says Åke Svensson, President and CEO for Saab. Driven by future needs The programme is driven by the future needs of current and potential customers, and incorporates state-of-the-art technology. The programme complements and enhances Gripen’s ongoing technology insertion programme with the Gripen C/D version now being delivered to customers worldwide.

Saab is launching its plans for a new Gripen Demonstrator programme in partnership with some of the world’s leading aerospace companies. “This programme will keep Gripen at the leading edge well beyond 2040″, says Johan Lehander, Managing Director Gripen International. A powerful partnership between Saab and some of the world’s leading aerospace companies has been established to prepare the launch of the Gripen Demonstrator programme. This new programme is aimed at demonstrating a range of future technologies and capabilities to ensure that Gripen remains at the leading edge of fighter aircraft performance and capability well beyond 2040. The demonstrator programme will include the development of a new Gripen test flying platform - Gripen Demo - and the Gripen Avionics Rig. Gripen Demo will include new features such as a new engine with increased thrust, an AESA radar, increased range, new landing gear, increased weapons and stores capabilities and enhanced avionics structures. The programme is driven by the future needs of current and potential customers, and incorporates state-of-the-art technology that will keep Gripen at the leading edge well into the future. This programme complements and enhances Gripen’s ongoing technology insertion programme with the highly successful Gripen C/D version now being delivered to customers worldwide. Investment in the programme will be made by Saab and its international industrial partners, as well as potential future customers. In April 2007, Norway signed a Letter of Agreement regarding the future development of Gripen, valued at around USD 25 million, and the Swedish government is also expected to make a decision soon. These decisions represent a significant national and international government investment and commitment to Gripen’s future. General Electric together with Volvo, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, APPH, Martin-Baker and Terma are just some of the world-leading aerospace companies that, together with Saab, will jointly invest in the Gripen Demonstrator programme. Saab is continuing its discussions with other industrial partners and suppliers regarding further investment in the programme. This combination of international corporate partnership and national and international commitment, through a jointly funded industry and government investment programme, is a very powerful testament to Gripen’s future. “The Gripen Demonstrator programme, supported by our world leading industrial partners, will strengthen our position in the international market and will keep Gripen at the leading edge throughout its lifetime, well beyond 2040″, says Johan Lehander Managing Director Gripen International. — General Electric: GE Aviation and Volvo Aero Corporation will be working collaboratively on the new F414G fighter engine for the Gripen Demonstrator programme. The F414G engine selected by Saab uses a similar architecture to the popular F414-GE-400 engine powering the F/A-18 Super Hornet, with minor changes to the alternator (for added aircraft power) and modified Full Authority Digital Electronic Control software for enhances single-engine operation. The F414 engine is capable of producing more than 22,000 pounds (96 kN) of thrust. These engines combine advanced technology with proven reliability, maintainability and operability of its successful F404 predecessor while providing 35 % more thrust, with approximately 750,000 flight-hours and 700 engines delivered, the F414 engine continues to exceed U.S. Navy reliability goals. — Honeywell: Honeywell is providing environmental control systems, air data computers, life support systems, pressure regulators, shutoff valves and radar altimeters to enhance safety and reliability. — Rockwell-Collins: Rockwell Collins is providing an avionics suite of state-of-the-art Flight Management Computers, including switching, data transfer units and video processing capability. Rockwell Collins is also supplying three new intelligent 6″ x 8″ colour Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD) Head-Down displays, and is integrating enhancements to the existing Rockwell Collins Head-Up Display. This cockpit solution builds upon experience built up over many years in the market and will leverage future technology investments. — Martin-Baker: Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Limited, a world leader of aircrew escape systems, is to be involved with the new Gripen Demonstrator Programme. Martin-Baker will supply a first-class ejection seat for this aircraft and support Saab in future aircrew safety requirements. — APPH: APPH Ltd, a BBA Aviation company, will be a part of the exciting new development of the Gripen. The design enhancements to the existing and already proven landing gear system will contribute towards the Gripen Demonstrator programmes future success. — Terma: Terma is sub-contracted to supply a variety of machined metal parts for the Gripen Demonstrator programme. As the leading defence and aerospace company in Denmark, Terma has unique knowledge, capabilities and experience within design and production of advanced structural parts for military and commercial aircraft. BACKGROUND NOTES: Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers´ changing needs. Gripen is the first of the new generation, multi-role combat aircraft to enter service. Using the latest available technology it is capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface operational missions and employs the latest weapons. Gripen is designed to meet the demands of current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs. Gripen is in service with the Swedish, Czech Republic and Hungarian Air Forces and has also been ordered by South Africa. The UK Empire Test Pilots´ School (ETPS) is also operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.

AESA Radar Successfully Conducts First In-Flight Communications Test

2008-03-22T13:43:00.001-07:00

AESA Radar Successfully Conducts First In-Flight Communications Test

BALTIMORE, June 13, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and its teammates L-3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE:LLL) and Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) have successfully conducted the first in-flight communication’s link with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.”We took our targeting radar and turned it into a ‘talking’ radar by enabling it to transmit and receive unprecedented amounts of information,” said Teri Marconi, vice president of Northrop Grumman’s combat avionics business unit. “We’re revolutionizing the way that data is collected, stored and distributed on the battlefield.”BALTIMORE, June 13, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and its teammates L-3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE:LLL) and Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) have successfully conducted the first in-flight communication’s link with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.”We took our targeting radar and turned it into a ‘talking’ radar by enabling it to transmit and receive unprecedented amounts of information,” said Teri Marconi, vice president of Northrop Grumman’s combat avionics business unit. “We’re revolutionizing the way that data is collected, stored and distributed on the battlefield.”The Radar Common Data Link (R-CDL) represents the most advanced concept and approach in providing a high-speed pipeline to offload data and imagery from a tactical platform. R-CDL uses the AESA radar’s fire control transmitter and antenna to perform high-data rate, two-way communications at long ranges.Synthetic aperture radar map imagery and streaming video were relayed from a Northrop Grumman BAC 1-11 test aircraft to an L-3 Communications ground station. During the mission, the team transmitted and received in full duplex at 274-megabits per second burst rate. The airborne and ground terminals used off-the-shelf, L-3 programmable modems with the addition of a new R-CDL waveform.This capability complements tactical data links and supports potential future missions conducted by the Lockheed Martin fifth-generation fighter aircraft. This will allow pilots to relay important combat information to the global information grid (GIG) in seconds.Marconi added that the flight test represents the beginning of new connectivity to the GIG and the next step in network centric warfare.

Australia to upgrade AP-3C Orions

2008-03-22T13:42:00.009-07:00

Australia to upgrade AP-3C Orions

BAE Systems Australia has signed a contract worth 76.1 million Australian dollars ($63.3 million) for an upgrade to the Electronic Surveillance System installed on the Australian Defence Force’s AP-3C Orion Aircraft.
The contract requires BAE Systems to replace existing subsystems and associated ground support systems. The new contract is part of a series of up to 600 million Australian dollars of AP-3C upgrades that are anticipated over the next seven years.
Expected to enter service in 2011, the upgrade is designed to build on developments for the Boeing Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
Australia’s AP-3C Orion aircraft, which are operated from RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, perform maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions, while retaining a strike capability.

U.S. Military Set For New Missile Defense System Test

2008-03-22T13:42:00.007-07:00

U.S. Military Set For New Missile Defense System Test

The U.S. military is set to carry out another test of its controversial missile defense system, this time seeking to shoot down a long-range test missile launched in Alaska with interceptors from California.
Pentagon officials said the test could be carried out between 1500 GMT and 1900 GMT on May 25, but foul weather at the test site in Alaska’s Kodiak Island could postpone it to May 26, or even into next week.
Rick Lehner, a spokesman for the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency, said May 24 that it will be the second time that the system will be tested with all its operational components — a complex network of radars, command centers and an interceptor missile topped with a “kill vehicle.”
If it works, the kill vehicle will collide at high speed with a mock warhead in space over the Pacific, pulverizing it.
“It’s a continuing process of testing under what we call operationally realistic conditions,” Lehner said.
“We have an operationally configured interceptor, launched from an operational site, using operational crews, with an operational kill vehicles,” he said.
A test failure would be a blow to the program at a time when the U.S. is negotiating to install missile interceptors and a radar in Poland and the Czech Republic over vehement opposition from Moscow.
The last test on this segment of the multi-layered missile defense system was carried out in September 2006, but the program’s history is one of hits, misses and technical glitches. Critics say the tests are scripted to succeed.
Lehner said the test will essentially repeat the September test, except that this time an interception is the primary objective.
“The target is launched from Kodiak, Alaska, heads down the west coast of the U.S. and then we launch the interceptor from an operational [site] at Vandenberg Air Force Base [on California’s central coast],” he said.
They include a powerful X-band targeting radar mounted on a seagoing oil drilling platform, a smaller X-band radar at Vandenberg, and an air defense radar aboard an Aegis warship in the Pacific.
The crews manning the interceptor missile will be given a “general window” for the launch but will not know when the target missile has been launched until it is picked up by an early warning satellite, Lehner said.
Critics argue that the system is incapable of distinguishing a warhead from even simple decoys in space.
“Coming in the midst of a congressional funding debate, a hit or miss is likely to be taken as a sign of the health of the program,” said David Wright, with the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“But the test will tell little or nothing about whether the system will be able to intercept attacking warheads,” he said.
Pentagon officials say the system is designed to intercept a limited nuclear attack by a rogue state, and is not intended as defense against larger, more sophisticated Russian or Chinese arsenals. –>

S-300 crisis: Revelation about a routine tension in our neighborhood

2008-03-22T13:42:00.005-07:00

S-300 crisis: Revelation about a routine tension in our neighborhood

Excerpts of a new forthcoming book by former president of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Klerides were published in Greek Daily To Vima last month, shedding light on behind the scenes diplomatic discussions over the Greek Cypriot purchase of an S-300 missile system in 1997 and the crisis it created in the region. The memoirs of Klerides, in office from 1993-2003, reveal that Greek Cyprus was obliged to reverse its decision after a meeting with the Greek government during which Greece put pressure on Cyprus to send the missile system to Crete fearing reaction from the United States, the European Union and the foreign diplomatic community. The crisis among Turkey, Greek Cyprus and Greece dominated the East Mediterranean after the Greek Cypriot government signed an agreement with Russia to purchase an S-300 surface-to-air theater missile defense system in 1997.
However the tension between parties only deepened in the fall of 1998 when Russia announced that they were ready to deliver the system to Greek Cyprus. The S-300 system is capable of intercepting and destroying aircraft at ranges up to 150 kilometers, and incoming missiles at ranges of up to 40 kilometers.
With this move, the Cypriot government was potentially simply trying to challenge Turkey’s air force superiority while at the same time protecting its newly built military base in Paphos.
Having strongly reacted to the agreement, Turkey warned Russia not to sell this system to Cyprus, arguing that these missiles would pose a threat to its security. In response, the Greek Cypriot government argued that this was a defensive system and would pose a threat only to Turkish military aircraft that violate Cypriot airspace.
Determined not to allow Greek Cypriots to purchase these missiles, Turkey started to check the suspected ships passing through the Turkish straits. As the situation escalated, the United States stepped in and tried to cool down the tension, urging both parties to refrain from moves that could have destabilized the entire region.
After strong reactions from Washington and London, in a move to step back from their insistent policies, Greece and Greek Cyprus decided on Dec. 29, 1998 to deploy the system in Crete. The region escaped another big crisis with a compromise made by Nicosia. The following chapter from Klerides’ forthcoming book gives an insider’s view into how Greece and Greek Cyprus leaders made the decision to send the S-300 defense system to Crete. Klerides in his book gives a detailed account of the crucial meeting between attended by Greek and Greek Cypriot delegations headed by Glafkos Klerides and Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

Northrop Grumman Awarded $104 Million Contract to Equip NATO NE-3A Aircraft

2008-03-22T13:42:00.003-07:00

Northrop Grumman Awarded $104 Million Contract to Equip NATO NE-3A Aircraft

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a $104.6 million contract to outfit 17 NATO AWACS aircraft with the company’s Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems.
Under the terms of the contract with the U.S. Air Force’s Electronic Systems Center on behalf of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Program Management Organization, Northrop Grumman will commence LAIRCM system deliveries in 2007, with final deliveries expected in 2009.
Integration of the LAIRCM system on the NE-3A aircraft will provide NATO with the latest generation of infrared countermeasures technology, providing warfighters and high-value AWACS aircraft protection against man portable missile threats in operational theaters.
“This contract further demonstrates Northrop Grumman’s commitment to the protection of the warfighter,” said Jeffrey Palombo, vice president of Infrared Countermeasures programs at Northrop Grumman’s Defensive Systems Division. “Integrating LAIRCM on NE-3A will give NATO proven infrared countermeasures technology while providing a foundation for using LAIRCM on the remaining domestic and international AWACS fleet.”
Northrop Grumman’s LAIRCM system is a laser-based countermeasures system that operates automatically by detecting a missile launch, determining if it is a threat and activating a high-intensity infrared countermeasure system to track and defeat the threat. The only such system currently in production, Northrop Grumman’s Nemesis AN/AAQ-24(V) is being installed on several hundred military aircraft including more than 27 different fixed- and rotary-wing platforms for the U.S. military and several allied countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Denmark.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Slovenian Army’s New APCs: Patria’s AMVs

2008-03-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

Slovenian Army’s New APCs: Patria’s AMVs

The Slovenian Ministry of Defence announced that Patria’s Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) had been selected as the preferred vehicle for the its armored vehicle program. Patria notes that the order will include 135 wheeled armored personnel carriers in 4 different versions, including one variant with Patria’s new unmanned NEMO 120mm mortar turret. The deal has now been negotiated at EUR 278 million (about $367 million), with deliveries to take place from 2007-2013.

The AMV’s most frequent competition comes from General Dynamics’ twin subsidiaries: Steyr with its Pandur II, and MOWAG with its LAV III Piranha. The December 2006 Patria release touts their AMV’s status as “…first of its kind in the world with the unique level of mine protection certified by South African authorities.” Even so, each competitor has seen its share of recent wins…
AMV w. RLS IFV turret(click to view full)Patria has won some of these competitions, including a large 690-vehicle contract in Poland, plus 84 AMV orders from Finland so far that include 24 breech-loading 120mm AMOS twin-mortar variants. It has also lost competitions in Belgium (242 LAV III Piranhas for $850 million) The Czech Republic (199 Pandur IIs for $1 billion), and Portugal (260 Pandur IIs for $482 million).
The Slovenian award is a significant win for Patria in this context, and it’s also significant as the first sale of their new single-barreled New Efficient MOrtar 120mm system, introduced in June 2006. Patria is better known for its twin-barreled and manned AMOS 120mm mortar turret, developed in partnership with BAE Hagglunds. Despite initial orders of 2 AMOS systems for the Finnish Army and 2 evaluation systems for Sweden, Defense Update describes AMOS as having an “inhibitive price tag.” This may create a market opportunity for the single-barreled, lower rate of fire NEMO.
On June 22, 2006, Patria announced the formation of a new joint venture company for the Slovenian AMV programme with Slovenian partners The Gorenje Group and Rotis. Rotis d.o.o. was established in 1990, and sells pipes, steel, and machines. The Gorenje Group is a household appliances maker under the Gorenje, Korting, Mora and Sidex brands; they are Slovenia’s largest net exporter, and recently supassed EUR 1 billion in annual sales.
The AMV vehicles will be manufactured in Finland and in Slovenia with local co-operation partners. Industrial offsets will include 30% direct offsets within the contract, and 70% other Slovenian items exported globally. Production will gradually be transferred to Slovenia in 2007 and 2008, with Rotis and Gorenje in prominent roles.
Patria Oyj is owned 25%/75% by the Finnish State and EADS, and its AMV has been in serial production since 2004.

India’s Fighter Upgrades: Mirage 2000s Next?

2008-03-22T13:38:00.003-07:00

India’s Fighter Upgrades: Mirage 2000s Next?

DID has covered India’s accelerating round of fighter fleet upgrades before. Now India Defence reports that the Indian Air Force is “close to finalising” a EUR 1.5 billion (about $2 billion) deal to upgrade its fleet of 52 Mirage-2000 ‘Vajra’ fighter jets. Work would be performed by a French-Indian consortium including Dassault (aircraft manufacturer), Thales (weapons systems integrator), MBDA (missiles) and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The aim is to give the aircraft, inaugurated into IAF service in 1985-1988, another 20-25 years of service life; no word on whether any additional Mirage 2000s acquired from France would also come with a similar upgrade set.
Word is that the upgrade will include new radar, combat display, and electronic warfare systems; these will be tied into a joint tactical information data link system (JTIDS, usually Link 16 compatible but not always), along compatibility with helmet-mounted sights for off-bore-sight heat-seeking missiles and “long-range sensors.” Those sensors may involve a long range IRST system, because the aircraft will reportedly be equipped with MBDA’s Mica family of medium range missiles. As DID’s AMRAAM coverage noted, while the MICA’s radar-guided version has mediocre range, there is also a heat-seeking IR version that offers a potent short-medium range ‘no warning’ targeting option.
MBDA will probably be unamused by India Defence’s description of its wares as “an advanced medium-range missile that is the French counterpart to the more capable American AMRAAM missile.”

France Says Defense Budget To Stay Near 2 percent of its GDP

2008-03-22T13:38:00.001-07:00

France Says Defense Budget To Stay Near 2 percent of its GDP

France’s defense budget will remain at around 2 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), although some programs might be delayed or abandoned, defense minister Herve Morin said in a newspaper interview published Saturday.
Morin, who became defense minister last month after Nicolas Sarkozy won the presidential election, also reiterated in an interview with Le Figaro that France was still working with Britain on the building of new aircraft carriers.
With Britain looking for new ships in 2012 and 2015 and France needing one around the same time, the two sides are looking at how to combine their efforts.
Morin added France would also carry out a review of its military equipment needs.
He also confirmed that French troops would remain in Afghanistan for the time being. –>

Finmeccanica Appoints New U.K. Chairman

2008-03-22T13:37:00.011-07:00

Finmeccanica Appoints New U.K. Chairman

Italian defense group Finmeccanica said July 2 it had appointed Sir Kevin Tebbit as chairman of Finmeccanica UK.
Tebbit will join Finmeccanica UK Chief Executive Alberto de Benedictis in managing the Finmeccanica group’s activities in the United Kingdom, where it employs 9,000 staff and has sales of more than 1.8 billion pounds ($3.6 billion).
Until 2005, Tebbit worked for seven years as a permanent secretary to the British Ministry of Defence, working as principal policy adviser to ministers, Finmeccanica said in a statement.
He has also held a number of positions at the Foreign and Commonwealth office, including deputy undersecretary of state overseeing foreign policy aspects of defense, security and intelligence, as well as working with NATO and the British intelligence services. He is a nonexecutive director of Smiths Group.
Tebbit is the latest of several British citizens to be hired by Finmeccanica for senior U.K. management positions.
Former BAE Systems executive Steve Mogford was hired in April to run Finmeccanica’s Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems unit.
Last September, Lord Bach, the former British defense procurement minister, was appointed nonexecutive chairman of Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems. In April 2006, Finmeccanica hired former Royal Air Force strike command chief Sir Brian Burridge as its senior strategic marketing adviser in the U.K. –>

Budget hotel accommodation

2008-03-22T13:37:00.009-07:00

Budget hotel accommodation

Booking for budget hotel accommodation online is steadily increasing.
From students to families and business travellers just looking for a clean base to stay, budget accommodation is here to stay.

The popularity of independent travel seems to be responsible for this upcoming trend and hostel and cheap hotel owners are responding offering more services and comfort than ever before.

That being said, it does depend upon your destination. If you book a cheap hotel in London and want anything more than a base from which to explore the city then it’s highly likely that you will be disappointed.

Book a cheap hotel in Bangkok like the 3* Viengtai Hotel which comes has an excellent location and great online rates and you wont be disappointed.

If you have never booked a budget hotel before, then to get the most out of your stay you need to make sure that you will not expect too much or you will certainly be disappointed and if this is likely to be the case then its best to pay a little more to make sure you get what you really want.

Budget hotel check list
Budget hotels generally fall into the 1-2* category and have limited facilities

Location. Don’t expect a prime location if you are booking a budget hotel
Shared facilities. Check the hotel description. You may have to share bathroom facilities though not always.
Room size. Expect your room to be a little cramped. Possibly not a wardrobe but hooks on the wall for your clothes.
Street noise. It’s highly unlikely that your room will have soundproofing.
Double beds. Probably not. More than likely 2 Single beds to sleep 2 people instead of 1 large bed.

To sum it up, if you are looking for a base with no frills from which to explore a city then you will get the most out of a budget hotel and enjoy your stay.

Tags: Budget hotel, independent travel

Belfast to Faro

2008-03-22T13:37:00.007-07:00

Belfast to Faro

Aer Lingus are now flying from Belfast to Faro 3 times a week.

From Faro airport you can easily get to your destination by taxi, hire car or using the services of Eva buses.

Faro airport is used by visitors to Portugal and is only about 7km to Faro itself.

Most visitors to Portugal tend to head for the beach resorts such as Lagos and Albuferia but why not take time and spend some time in the city of Faro itself.

From Faro harbour you can take a boat trip and enjoy the channels of the Ria Formosa nature park. From the boat you will have the opportunity to enjoy the nature and do a spot of bird watching at the same time. The nature park is well known to attract hundreds of different migrating birds especially during the spring and autumn periods.

In Faro itself you should visit the old town with its cobbled streets and the largo da se Square and the cathedral.

For nightlife head for Rua do Prior where you will find plenty of bars and clubs.

Faro is also home to a bizarre attraction, the Chapel of bones ( Capela’Ossos). This is a 19th century chapel and as its name suggests, its walls and ceiling are covered with human skulls and bones.

Less of the bones and more of the shopping then head for Rua Santo António.

Time for the beach then take the number 16 bus to Praia de Faro a beautiful long stretch of sandy beach.

Where to stay? The 4* Faro hotel has a great location overlooking the marina. From the marina you are able to take one of the water taxis to the sandy beaches on the Islands in the Ria Formose nature park.

Tags: faro, Portugal

Manchester to Malaga flights

2008-03-22T13:37:00.005-07:00

Manchester to Malaga flights

On the 1st May 2008 easy jet start flying from Manchester to Malaga.With Malaga’s mild climate it is a popular year round destination.Flying time from the UK is only between 2.5 to 3 hours so it’s a short flight to get some winter sunshine and Malaga’s airport is only about 8km from the city itself so the transfer time is very short.As well as car hire and taxis you can also get from Malaga airport to the city by bus or rail.
Local trains go from the station which is located opposite the airports terminal 2 while bus number 19 connects the airport with the centre of MalagaCheck out the respective websites; for rail travel you need renfe.es.com and for the bus options emtmalaga.com and ctsa-portillo.com. The latter company provides transport to Marbella and other popular destinations.

Many visitors travel to Malaga to see the birthplace of the artist Pablo Picasso who was born in the city in 1881.

Visitors to Malaga should not miss seeing the impressive Alcazaba, the building was built in the 11th century and a visit to the area makes for a very enjoyable afternoon.

If you want to shop then you will not be disappointed, from large shopping centres to quaint shops in the historical part of the city there is something for everyone.

No visit to Malaga is complete without a visit to a Tapas bar or without tasting the local ice cream!

Malaga also has a nice promenade running along the clean beach so you are travelling during the warmer months you may enjoy a dip.

Where to stay?

The hotel Don Curro offers a good base from which to explore the city. This 3* hotel is right in the city centre.

Tags: easyjet, Malaga, Malaga airport, Manchester airport, where to stay

Flights from Manchester to Innsbruck

2008-03-22T13:37:00.003-07:00

Flights from Manchester to Innsbruck

Easyjet start flying from Manchester to Innsbruck on the 30th March 2008.Innsbruck is a popular year round destination. The town is particularly beautiful and with its surrounding mountains really looks like a picture postcard.Innsbruck airport is approx 5km from the city. You can either take a taxi or there is a bus that runs frequently to Innsbruck main train station. The respective bus stops are in front of the station and airport terminals.

The old town of Innsbruck is full of medieval buildings and narrow alleyways and its here that you will find the Golden Roof.

Feeling lucky? Did you know that you can try your luck at the casino in Innsbruck? The casino is fully accessible to wheelchair users and those with walking disabilities.

In Innsbruck you can also find a trail for the blind. This is situated along the river Sill. It is also wheel chair accessible and it’s interesting and open to everyone.

From Innsbruck you can also take the new designer-funicular by Zaha Hadid from the town centre right up to the Nordpark skiing area!

The ski lifts and cable cars are open year round so in the spring and summer months offer hikers the change to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

During the summer months you can swim and sunbathe for no charge at the Lake of Natters

Just outside the city you will find the large modern shopping centres. These are accessible by public transport.

Check out the selection of Innsbruck hotels from http://www.otel.com/hotels/austria.htm

Tags: Cheap flights, Innsbruck, Innsbruck airport, Manchester flights

Recycling

2008-03-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

Recycling

What is recycling?Recycling is basically turning old materials that we have used into new products that can again be used.

Why recycle?

When we recycle we are preventing wasting materials that are able to be used again and therefore reduce the expenditure of fresh materials and energy and this in turn reduces the greenhouse gas emissions compared to when a product is made completely from non recycled materials.

Think before you throw anything into the rubbish bin. Can it be recycled?

Here is a list although by no means complete of the household items that you can recycle.

Class bottles and jars
Empty aerosol cans
Cardboard
Plastic bottles and jars
Paper bags
Aluminium and metal cans
Aluminium foil and trays
Newspapers
Paper bags
Phone books
Paper or card boxes such as those used for frozen food
Mail and magazines
Cloth and clothing can be donated to charity shops for example

Check with your local council or local authority to find out where your closest recycling banks are. Your local library will more than likely have this information to hand also.

Think before you shop. Don’t always accept the shops own plastic bag. In the UK along an astonishing 150,000,000 plastic bags are used every week. Every one of these bags takes literally hundreds of years to disintegrate in a landfill site.

Use a canvas bag…Much more attractive than the plastic bags and less likely to split as you are carrying your shopping home!

Get involved, get recycling

Tags: recycle

Athens

2008-03-22T13:36:00.008-07:00

Athens

Moderators commentsI should like to thank Panayiotis from the Miramare hotel Athens for submitting this Blog

http://www.otel.com/hotels/hotel_miramare_athens.htm

History

In this Region Parliaments lived in the all periods of antiquity, from the proistoriki season as the Byzantine years. The total of almost her extent constituted the ancient Attic municipality of Aixonidon Alon.
The name of municipality Aixonidon Alon is owed obviously in his geographic place and in the natural configuration of region, that is to say in his adjacency with Aixoni and in the existence of saltmarshes at length of coast.
The soft climatic conditions that characterize the space in combination with the adjacency with the sea constituted factors particularly encouraging for the growth permanent katoikisis.

In 1934 were approved the demand of constitution of Community and in 1936-1937 were recorded 44 houses. In 1982 Voula becomes Municipality.
Today the extent of her Municipality Parliaments is roughly 10.000 acres and her population reaches the 40.000 permanent residents roughly.

At the same time, from 1920, is founded by the EES Asklipieio Parliaments. The hospital, that was dedicated in the treatment fymatiosis, it knew big growth and constituted one from the basic components of growth of region. In the decade 1930 begins still the action of PIKPA, that will offer multifaceted services during the next decades.

Distant and rural Voula of mesopolemikis period is to a large extent changed progressively, first in seasonal settlement and centre of recreation, and afterwards more and more in Athenian proasteio.

In her region Parliaments it was built in 1960 specifically for you the travellers,their paratheristes and sessions of patients, hotel MIRAMARE that naturally anakainisthike enough times from then, with last renovation this year in 2007.

It is a ideal hotel next to the sea (with the free beach in the100m. And the organised beach) for you that you want to enjoy the hot helium of Greece, as well as for’ those that want they enjoy the nightly life of Athens.

Tags: Athens

Cambodia

2008-03-22T13:36:00.007-07:00

Cambodia

Moderator comment

I should like to thank Mr Bunhong Oung,the owner of the Orient D’Angkor Hotel for submitting this Blog

http://www.otel.com/hotels/orient_dangkor_hotel_siem_reap.htm

Why not joining wells digging volunteer activities with local parliamentarian Seang Nam in the area of world heritage Angkor Watt?In the year 1998 at the Siem Reap constituency Mr. Seang Nam won the first parliamentary seat, decides to run a campaign for wells digging activities to the poor people in Siem Reap, especially the district near Kulen Mountain where former Khmer Rouges stronghold based on, not just only removing mines but looking through the normal way of life at village people in that area where drinking water is in need for help, the villagers using 5 meters wells as their daily consuming water.

Lack of hygiene causes diarrhea especially to children. Based on this research, to improve way of life for villagers, to provide the hygienic clean water to the people, Mr. Seang Nam decides to dig a well with hand made water pumping in the depth of 30 meters in standard for them, of course, the wells digging activities are most welcomed to all tourists who come to visit the world heritage of Angkor Watt. One water well is US$200 (Make your payment upon well inspection),
it will take 3 days to be completed with an english written signboard based on request upon ordering.

Mr. Seang Nam organizes a well digging committee to keep tracking about water quality, water in need family and wells inventory for maintenance. Until today with the help from japanese travelers joining this volunteer activities, more than 1228 wells are already in places.

Why not you can join also.

Stay at Orient D’Angkor hotel with us and you can place your order

Tags: Cambodia, volunteer

Memorial Day

2008-03-22T13:36:00.005-07:00

Memorial Day

Celebrating Memorial Day

Memorial Day was first celebrated in the United States on the 30th may 1868 after the Civil war.

At this time shops would close for a day to honour the soldiers who had lost their lives however these days shops will stay open and many offer discounts on this day and the days running up to Memorial day and for most this is a time for celebration rather than remembrance.

Memorial Day is not only a time to remember those in the armed forces who lost their lives but is also a day for personal remembrance of loved ones.

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May and while this originally started out as a day for remembrance and honour, these days it generally holds no special meaning other than a day off work and the chance to get away for a break or to spend the day with friends and family.

If you will be spending quality time with the family or travelling then it’s important to plan and book in advance over this period.

The Memorial Day Commemoration in New York will take place at 10.30 am at the Riverside Park’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Manhattan.

After the service there will be a Remembrance walk led by the National Park Service re enactors of the Civil War to Grant’s Tomb at 122nd Street. At Grant’s Tomb, there will be a Civil War encampment and a re-enactment of the life of a Union Solider, including musket demonstrations.

For a wide selection of hotels in New York ranging from the highly popular budget candy hostel with shared facilities to the elegant Waldorf-Astoria hotel which has been offering renowned luxury since 1893 you can book with confidence with otel.com

http://www.otel.com/hotels/new_york_ny.htm

If you will be spending Memorial Day in Washington DC then the National Memorial Day parade will begin at 14.00hrs. It’s a flag-waving event with marches and floats. The Parade is an annual tradition of remembrance for those who have died during the course of duty

http://www.otel.com/hotels/washington_dc.htm

Rates for a Double room for the night of the 26th May in Washington Dc start from USD 109 for the Phoenix Park to USD 425 for the St Gregory Hotel (excluding taxes)

Wherever you will be, what ever you will be doing on Memorial Day, enjoy and take a moment to remember why Memorial Day is celebrated.

When flow’ry Summer is at hand,
And Spring has gemm’d the earth with bloom,
We hither bring, with loving hand,
Bright flow’rs to deck our soldier’s tomb.

Gentle birds above are sweetly singing
O’er the graves of heroes brave and true;
While the sweetest flow’rs we are bringing,
Wreath’d in garlands of red, white and blue.

With snowy hawthorn, clusters white,
Fair violets of heav’nly blue,
And early roses, fresh and bright,
We wreathe the red, and white, and blue.

Soldiers Memorial Day
words by Mary B. C. Slade and music by W. O. Perkins, 1870.

Tags: Memorial Day

Sunway International Hotels & Resorts

2008-03-22T13:36:00.003-07:00

Sunway International Hotels & Resorts

Moderator comments;

I should like to thank Mr Bunsoeuth Kousum from the ALLSON ANGKOR HOTEL (EX. Angkor Hotel) for submitting this Blog

http://www.otel.com/hotels/angkor_hotel_siem_reap.htm

Sunway International Hotels & Resorts is also pleased to inform our customers, partners and the public that we have been granted the management of two more hotel in Siem Reap: The Angkor Hotel & Angkor Paradise Hotel, to be managed under ALLSON BRAND. This expansion of our activities in Cambodia is part of our development plan for a deeper and stronger involvement in the growing tourism industry of the kingdom. ALLSON ANGKOR HOTEL is one of the 8 Siem Reap based hotels to have received the ASEAN GREEN HOTEL REGCONITION AWARD 2008. Sunway International Hotels & Resorts is an International Chain Hotels & Resorts Management with 2 branded under the same umbrella – Sunway & Allson, which currently own and manage 15 Hotels and Resort in 5 Asian countries – Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. With the professional and dynamic team, it is currently expanded the body to other part of the world.

Tags: Allson Angkor hotel

Pet phone hates

2008-03-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

Pet phone hates

Pet hates on the Telephone

Can’t live without it though sometimes it feels like we would really rather live without it! What is this thing that we love to hate? Yep, the telephone

Let’s have a look at our pet phone hates

You call a company and are asked to make your selection by pressing 1,2,3,4,5, then you have to press it all again for a different department and are then kept waiting, and waiting and…
Having to listen to some terrible ‘On hold’ music.
Colleagues who have dialled the wrong extension number and when you answer they just hang up.
Being kept on hold for what seems like an eternity and then the line goes dead.
Terrible sound quality so you have to keep repeating what you have originally said.
Calling someone only to have them screaming at their kids to be quiet while you are trying to talk.

Please leave a comment for this Blog and let us have your pet phone hates

Tags: Pet hates on the telephone

No Smoking ban in Paris

2008-03-22T13:35:00.003-07:00

No Smoking ban in Paris

Smokers in France will no longer be able to smoke a cigarette over coffee as cafes, restaurants and nightclubs have joined a nationwide ban on smoking as of January 1 according to a report by Agence France Presse .Smoking was already banned 11 months ago in workplaces, schools, hospitals and shops, and now the ban has been extended to bars and bistros, with some owners predicting the demise of France’s lively cafe culture. The ban will come into effect gradually which offers some mild relief to the countries estimated 14 milion smokers. I wonder what people in general think of this move. Are we really becomming more health conscious? How difficult will this ban be for the smokers who enjoy a cigarette after their meal?

Living and working overseas

2008-03-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

Living and working overseas

How many of us wish to be able to leave our 9-5 desk job behind us and travel to some sun drenched country where we can open up a small bar and sit peacefully watching the world go by as we sip on a Sangria? Moving to another country. It it all that its cracked up to be or are you better off at home?

Well, that’s a hard one to answer. Personally I believe it depends a lot upon luck and how much you are willing to put into your new home. If you go overseas and expect everything to be the same as in your home country then you will be disappointed. Similarly if you dont make any effort to change and adapt then it will never truly work unless that is you have moved into some ex pat community, but if you choose the latter option then why have you take the step to move abroad at all? Originally from the Uk I moved to Istanbul nearly 7 years ago. Arriving with a bag of clothes and no money it was probably, looking back now an act of foolishness. At first I didnt miss anything from the UK but over the years I do get an ocassional pang for Branston Pickle, Marmite and Fish N Chips! Last year I was fortunate to be able to travel to Kuala Lumpur on business. Actually once I had arrived in Malaysia I thought I had arrived in Heaven. There was Cream Soda, Salad Cream, Marmite and best of all I had Fish N Chips with Sarsons vinegar. However once I had fulfilled my craving of Fish and Chips I started to miss Turkish food and longed for Pide ( Turkish pizza ) I headed for the only outlet for Turkish food in Kuala Lumpur. Aptly named ‘Istanbul kebab’. My craving for Pide was satisfied and it was soon time to head for home.

Home is Istanbul. Not England. I dispair when people ask me whats happening in ‘ My Country’ or ask me whats the weather like in London! ‘My Country’ What does this mean? and I have not been back to the UK since I arrived here so I honestly have no idea what the weather is like in London, but ask me if its raining in the Black sea and I will be able to answer you.

Who blocked facebook?

2008-03-22T13:34:00.003-07:00

Who blocked facebook?

I Just want to talk! They blocked facebook at my school with smart filter, apparently its a dating service and that’s the reason they blocked its so dumb.
I cant open facebookwhat can I do I’m lost without facebook……pls help…its blocked every where…………………..I am really lost. My workplace has blocked facebook. My life is over. Please help me to find a way to get my life backPlease, I have been without facebook for weeks now plz guys find a way around these idiots that block facebook all the time.

Make a search through the Internet and you will find thousands of pleas like the ones above. If you are one of these people whose workplace has blocked facebook then its time to move on, update those CV’s and search for a new job!

The main criteria for your new job search is that you will have all day access to the Internet and all day acess to facebook. Obviously this rules out applying for a job frying chicken so we need to set our sights on a office job.

Once you have found a job that may be considered suitable, been called for an interview, then the most important thing you need to remember is to be prepared and list the most important questions that you must ask at the interview

1. Will I have my own computer in the office?
2. Will I be working in an open plan office ( so everyone can see what you are doing ) or will I have my own office ( Obviously your own office is the option we are aiming for here )
3. So you have found out that you wont have your own office!In this case you need to make sure that you will at least be partially hidden in a cubicle. You can ask the interviewer
4. I am such a hard worker that I cannot work with lots of office noise and distractions. Will you provide me with my own cubicle so I can be the most industrious worker in your company and exceed all your expectations of me
5. Great, that worked and you will get your own cubicle. Now we have to get to the nitty and make sure that you are going to be able to spend all day on facebook and finally get your life back
6. What is the company’s view on the social side of the internet? Maybe the interviewer wont
understand this question so you must clarify
7. What do I mean? Well basically do you want me to remain a batchelor for the rest of my life or will you allow me to search for a spouse?
8. Let me clarify for you. DO YOU BLOCK FACEBOOK?

Tags: Facebook

Loyalty programs

2008-03-22T13:34:00.001-07:00

Loyalty programs

Do you always book your holidays through the same high street travel agent or online travel agency? What makes us book with the same company all the time? Is it because the guy selling the tours in the high street is very cute or because you get cheaper rates by booking online? More likely the reason that you stay loyal to one brand or company is because you are happy with their services, customer care and prices and that you are a member of their loyalty program.What is a Loyalty programme?

A Loyalty program will reward you each time you shop or use their services. You benefit from cheaper pries, reward points or special offers and the company benefits from retaining loyal customers

Of course companies cannot solely rely on loyalty programs to keep loyal clients. Companies with sucessful reward programmes such as Otel.com have built up their customer care programmes and staff training to a peak level and customer satisfaction is high.

Otel.com, established in 2004 currently has 225,000 members who are benefiting from their Loyalty 5 Program.

Otel.com wanted to show their appreciation to their loyal clients and by way of a Thank you for your loyalty and custom the FivePlus program was introduced. This rewards customers you every time they make a hotel booking through the Otel.com website

Every time you make a hotel booking through Otel.com you earn credits to the value of at least 5% or more. Each credit is equivalent to $ 1 and are non expiable and can be used as you wish.

Loyalty programs from other companies work on a similar principal. In the USA and UK for example the supermarket chain Safeway are the main leaders in Loyalty programmes and many others tie in with the Air Miles programs. The major Australian banks for example offer credit cards with reward programs often in conjunction with the Quantas Frequent flyer program

At the end of the day Loyalty programs do benefit the customer and of course the company offering the Loyalty program but it also has to be noted that loyalty programs alone do not lead to consumer loyalty. They merely enhance it.

Tags: cheap rates, loyalty 5, loyalty programs, online booking

Little Green men and little Green tips for the environment

2008-03-22T13:33:00.011-07:00

Little Green men and little Green tips for the environment

Everyone is aware of the climate changes that we are experiencing. Climate change because of natural reasons is not something that we need to be unduly concerned about, but our concern should be for the climate changes that we are experiencing that are man made. What we are talking about here is the Greenhouse effect which is causing a rise in the temperature on Earth.What causes the temperature to rise?
Man made gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide retain the energy that comes from the sun. If we did not have these gases then the energy that is retained would simply be released back into space and the temperature on Earth would be colder. Because of this we do need the green house effect otherwise the planet would be at least 60 degrees colder than it is now and it would not be able to sustain human life. But if the Greenhouse effect continues to warm the Earth then this will cause problems for the survival of plants, animals and of course mankind.

Am I responsible for sending these Greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere?

If you do any of the following for example, then yes you are responsible,

Using a hairdryer
Using your play station
Using a washing machine
Using the air conditioner at work
Using the microwave

These contribute to the greenhouse effect because you are using electricity and the power plants that the electric we take for granted use oil and gas to produce the electric which in turn releases gases that in turn contribute to the greenhouse effect

Even when you have a clear out at home and throw things out to the rubbish, you are contributing to the greenhouse effect. The reason for this is because the rubbish dumps let of the gas methane

The list can go on considerably. At the end of the day we are all guilty and must help to reduce the greenhouse effect

We can’t expect everyone to suddenly stop driving their cars for example but what is popular in many countries is carpooling, so instead of 4 cars being driven to work, you can share one car with 3 colleagues.

Plant a tree. Why? Because trees help to absorb carbon dioxide.
Recycle. Why? Because when you recycle you are sending less waste to the rubbish dumps.

Turn off any electrical devices when you are not at home and don’t keep them on standby.
Walk instead of driving where possible.
When storing food don’t use cling film etc but use reusable containers.
At work don’t print unless it’s really necessary.
When shopping take your own bag rather than accepting plastic carrier bags from shops.
Buy soaps and detergents that don’t contain phosphates.
When you clean your windows and mirrors use the old fashioned method of mixing vinegar and water on crumpled newspaper. It’s a sure way to a smear clear window or mirror.

These tips are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Why not join and environmental group to really get involved or collect information from the internet or your local library

Save a tree. Please do not print this article

Tags: climate changes, environment

Please help to stop animals being skinned alive

2008-03-22T13:33:00.009-07:00

Please help to stop animals being skinned alive

Please take a few moments to check the link below.

There are also some videos going around showing animals in China being skinned alive. I have to be honest and say I could not watch and people I know have never managed to watch the whole video

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/265446562

Lets try to stop this practice and and you can sign a petition from the link

Thank you

Where to spend Valentines Day

2008-03-22T13:33:00.007-07:00

Where to spend Valentines Day

With Valentines Day officially over, let’s count up those votes and see which city took the most votes in our poll to find out which city you would most like to be in on Valentines Day

First place with 25% of the votes goes to Paris (No surprise there)

Second place with 20% of the votes goes to London

Third place with 19% of the votes goes to Rome

Fourth place tied with Madrid and Istanbul both getting 18 % of the votes

For me I think the most romantic place to be on Valentines would have to be the Cappadocia Cave Suites. Have a look at the hotel below and you wont believe how beautiful it looks, especially at night time

http://www.otel.com/hotels/cappadocia_cave_suites_hotel_cappadocia.htm

News Release

2008-03-22T13:33:00.005-07:00

News Release

We are proud to announce our company’s new Fresh image, ready to coincide with our 10th anniversary this year.The new brand name and logo is seen as an important move for our future goals to be the leading online supplier in this global marketUnder the name MetGlobal we have streamlined all our brands together; Gtahotels.com, Allstarhotels.com, Otel.com,Tatil.com, Gtstravels.com and HotelsPro which will overall improve our appearance and efficiencyMetGlobal is a global brand that symbolises the fact that we are featuring and reaching the whole world. Our program is to actively expand our Global business market

We would like to welcome all our valued customers and partners to our new brand and based on our past success we are confident that our new Image will allow the company to progress even further and reassure you that your needs will always be first and foremost

Tags: Metglobal, News release

Manchester to Paphos

2008-03-22T13:33:00.003-07:00

Manchester to Paphos

On the 30th march 2008 easyjet will be flying from Manchester to Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos airport provides easy access to the resorts of Coral bay, Limassol and of course Paphjos town itself which is a mere 16km from the airport

Airport facilities at Paphos airport include a bureau de change, ATM, bar and other refreshment outlets. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal to whisk you to your resort.

Paphos is a popular resort and one which is also full of history. A visit to the open air site, the Tombs of the kings is a must. Just be prepared if you go in the summer months because there is little shaded shelter at the site.

The harbour in Paphos is a great place to spend an evening with its bars and restaurants open till the early hours

If beautiful beaches are more to your liking then at just 12km from Paphos you will find the stunning Coral beach. There is a diving schools at Coral beach and plenty of water sports on offer as well a bar offering snacks

Hotel accommodation in and around Paphos ranges from modest family run establishments to the popular 5* Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel which has many guests that visit year after year

Who was the first travel agent?

2008-03-22T13:33:00.001-07:00

Who was the first travel agent?

The first modern day travel agent was Thomas Cook, born in 1808 in Derbyshire UK.After leaving school at the age of 10 he worked as a cabinet maker and part-time publisher of Baptist and Temperance pamphlets before he became a Baptist minister Thomas Cook’s first operation in 1841 was to run an excursion from Leicester and back. He charged passengers a shilling for the return journey. At this time Thomas was only paid a share of the fares he actually charged. This was because the railway tickets issued were legal contracts between the Train Company and passenger only.From this modest venture Thomas Cook continued to arrange train excursions and later years he planned his first overseas excursion to Calais. The following year tours of Europe were arranged and during the 1860’s groups went to Switzerland, Italy, Egypt and United States.In 1874, Thomas Cook introduced ‘circular notes’, a product that we know today as traveller’s cheques.To trace the first online travel agent is a little harder. It was probably established during the late 1990’s as the web did not become well known to the general public until 1994

Our first website was started in 1999, though at that time selling only two countries.

Tags: online travel agent, Thomas Cook, travel agent

Skiing in Turkey- Bolu Dorukkaya

2008-03-22T13:32:00.004-07:00

Skiing in Turkey- Bolu Dorukkaya

For those of you who think that Turkey is a sun drenched country or solely for summer fun. Read on and you will be in for a surprise.

Last weekend at the beginning of January myself and some work colleagues headed from Istanbul to Bolu and a resort called Kartalkaya which is one of the top ski resorts in Turkey. Just 4 hours away from Istanbul by bus.

The resort has 8 ski-lifts and 11 ski tracks all at different difficulty levels and lengths and year long high snow quality for skiers and snowboarders alike

After a day on the slopes there are of course the evening Apres ski parties. I can highly recommend a visit even if only for one night as we stayed. If you are in Istanbul during the winter then you can arrange a short package to Kartalkaya. Skis and outfits are available to hire at the resort. Enjoy!

You can stay at the Dorukkaya Hotel Bolu as we did. The hotel offers Ski hire and direct access to the pistes. Bookable with unbeatable rates through otel.com.

http://www.otel.com/hotels/dorukkaya_hotel_bolu.htm

Tags: Bolu, Skiing, Turkey

Istanbul- A view from within

2008-03-22T13:32:00.003-07:00

Istanbul- A view from within

For those of you who have not visited Istanbul before then I can promise that you are in for a surprise. Be it a nice or not so pleasant surprise, I will leave that up to you to find out, but either way it’s a city that once visited that you can never leave behind.

Sultanahment is known as the historical part of the city and where the majority of the tourist sights are. If you can ignore the touts on the streets then you will enjoy your time in this area.

Having lived in Sultanahmet I consider it a village in the city. Take a walk from the Blue Mosque through the back streets and you will find the gypsy areas where families live and squabble. The cobbled streets and crumbling ottoman houses which were once grand homes of writers and poets in the area are now crumbling and dirty and house the poorer tenants of the area.

Those ottoman houses fortunate not to have fallen to the ground without a second though have been turned into boutique hotels and many have unique features such as the Naz Wooden House Inn which is 2 doors away from where I used to live. This small Boutique hotel is actually built right into the ancient city walls, if you stay at the hotel then don’t expect wallpapered guest rooms. Instead you will have cave like walls unique for the Wooden House Inn. The original walls have been preserved for historic purposes and this gives guests a genuine historic feeling of an ancient Ottoman guest house but with modern day conveniences.

Right behind this particular street you will find the old railway line where the trains rattle past either from or on their way to Sirkeci station.

For Orient Express buffs, there is no need for me to tell you that Sirkeci used to be the last stop of the Orient Express. The station was built in 1888 and very magnificent at the time. You can still see the original entrance although these days is not used as the main entrance to the station, instead you will need to walk past the ugly blue main entrance that has been added and turn right to see the original entrance. The main entrance that is used these days has to get my vote as one of the ugliest things in the city.

At the station you will find the Istanbul Railway Museum which opened in September 2005.
There are three hundred cultural objects currently being exhibited in the museum. The museum is open everyday except Sunday, Monday and national days. Here’s the best part….Entry is free!

You can check out the museum and history of the station from the link below which is in English

http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/istanbul_ing.htm

Since we have left Sultanahment and are now in Sirkeci, lets continue to exlore this area a little. From the train station looking to your right you will see the ferries continually transporting people from the European to the Asian side of the city. You can also catch a ferry from there to the islands. Look for the signs adalar ( islands ) which is the first fery station you will come accross. The Islands are a peaceful haven as no motorised traffic is permitted. If you visit the last island which is the biggest (Buyuk adası) then the best way to see this sland is to take a horse and carriage ride. Prices are fixed and the driver will make a short stop en route for you to take refreshments. While I say horse and carriage, it is indeed this but dont expect anything too grand!

Back from the Islands and you are in Eminonu again. If you dont have the time to take the hour boat trip to the big Island then I suggest the ferry to Kadiköy, this will take about 15 minutes. The ferries are full of character and if you take a wander you can look into the engine room. I have seen dolphins while making this trip so keep a look out!
Kadiköy is on the Asian side and you will feel the difference in character as soon as you step off the ferry. Its worth spending a short while here to wander and enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere. In the summer months there is a tethered balloon ride that you can take. The balloon rises about 150 feet which is high enough to give you a good view of the city.

From Kadiköy you can take a dolmuş ( Shared taki ) to Taksim. This gives you a different view of the city and the view are you go over the Bosphorus bridge which spoans from the Asian to the European side is well worth seeing

For those of you who wish to travel using public transport then the IETT have a great website in both Turkish and English with public transport routes etc in Istanbul. You can check this from the link below;

http://www.iett.gov.tr/

The dolmuş will stop close to the main square of Taksim so it’s very easy to get your bearings. If you are staying in Sultahamnet then to get back to your hotel and if you have the time I recommend you walk from the main square end of Istiklal street right to the far end where you can take the Tünel train from to Pera to Galata This little train route ( one stop) underground train was built originally to allow diplomats and businessmen to ride between their offices along the water in Karaköy ( Galata ) and their hilltop residences in Pera. At that time is was only the 3rd underground in the world to have been built. It was also home to the shortest route!

The walk along Istiklal street can be a pleasant one. Always packed and busy especially in the evenings. For those of you who are looking for nightlife,bars, live music and cinemas then look no further. You can find bars and clubs offering every type of music. For the dance music lovers I recommend Riddim club which plays black origin music like R n B, Hip Hop and Reggae. Itss a very popular venue.

You can check our Rittim club in both Turkish and English from the link below

http://www.riddim.com.tr/v2/

During the day the street is a shoppers haven. Take time to wander through the passages where you will find clothes being sold from market like tables and at prices to match. Check the quality before you buy.

Times to avoid Istiklal street and Taksim are New Years eve unless you want to be acosted by hoards of drunk Turkish men! Seriously this area is not safe nor a pleasant experience on New Year and it will leave you with a sour taste in your mouth if you do go. Trust me on this one!

My favourite place in this city of ever changing colours is the Koç Museum

If like me you have childhood memories of the Science museum in London then you will love the Koç Museum, Istanbul.

The museum itself is housed in separate historic buildings on the shore of the Golden Horn. One part of the museum is across the road so don’t forget this when you go!

For children or the young at heart, there is a hands on gallery. The Submarine tour is also worth a visit. My favourite part of the museum has to be the vintage car collection.

There is also the Barbarossa Pub at the museum and this stays open after the museum closes.

I highly recommend a visit to the museum and you will find it a welcome relief to get away from the regular tourist traps! At the time of writing the museum did not accept credit cards for the entry and Submarine tour fees

http://www.rmk-museum.org.tr/english/index.html

To get there is easy and to get back even more so! I recommend that you take a taki there and you can return by the cheaper option of bus . The retrun bus stop is right outside the museum main entrance and will whisk you to Eminonu in 10 minutes. There is also the bus number 54 on the HASKÖY - TAKSİM – MECİDİYEKÖY line that stops at Taksim square and then goes past harbiye and the Military museum

The Military museum is also worth a visit, especially on a rainy day as all the exhibits are inside. The museum is also home to the Merter – the worlds oldest military band who play a 20 minute concerts in the afternoons starting at 3pm. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday and the entry fee is nominal.

If you are at the Military museum, then for all the shopaholics among you, then I have to tell you that you are now just 5 minutes away from some great shopping experiences. From the museum entrance turn right and you will be in Nişantaşı…What more can I say? Wander and enjoy. Here you wont find a bargain but there are plenty designer shops to drool over and plenty of cosy cafes offering delicious foods . I particularly like Tribeca where you can have a warm bagel filled with cream cheese washed down with a mug of piping hot tea this will only set you back 7 ytl. There is also a garden here if you are visiting outside of the colder months.

For bargains head from Nişantaşı past McDonalds on your left and walk towards the traffic lights. Turn right or left into the main street and enjoy the shops along here. If you have turned right then keep walking and you will go past the house where Ataturk used to live. This is a pink house and is open as a small museum. Entry is free of charge but as most of Ataturk’s belingings are kept in Ankara there is not a lot of interest in this museum which is a shame

Anyway now you can keep walking in the same direction from Nişantaşı and the road will take you to the left. Walking past the French hospital you will soon come across Cevahir which is a big shopping and entertainment centre. Worth a visit if you have children or if you are a big child at heart because there are cinemas, rides and a bowling alley on the lower floors.

Anyone who knows me will know where I really love to shop and with a bag of small change of 50ytl I will head for Fatih street market. This is one of the oldest and biggest street markets in the city and is held every Wednesday. To get here from Sultanahmet is very easy. Just take the Tram to Aksaray and you will take a short walk past the Metro station which you should easily find. If in doubt just follow the crowds! From the Metro you will need to walk a little further and best to follow the direction of women carrying black carrier bags with their market brought goods!

If you cant get to Fatih market on a Wednesday then there is another street market which is held every Friday and extremly easy to get to from Sultahahmet. Again you will take the tram but this time you will need to get off at Fındizade which is where the market is held. If you stand or sit on the left side on the tram you will be able to see the starting point of the market by the canopies that will cover the street.

With the final note on street markets I close my city guide. Its rather appropriate to close it here because there is so much to experience on the streets of Istanbul from the street sellers selling their wares to the children begging on the streets and to the rubbish that is continually thrown on them. It’s real life and sometimes smacks you in the face. From my home I am woken every morning with street sellers selling breakfast pastries and household wares. This always reminds me of the film Oliver Twist! Victorian Britain. Modern day Istanbul. Welcome and experience!

Tags: Istanbul

Passports and holiday day

2008-03-22T13:32:00.001-07:00

Passports and holiday day

I have just read an interesting article in that today, the 7th January is set to become ‘Holiday Day’ - Seemingly its the most popular day of the year for us to book a summer holiday.

Apparently the first full week back at work reminds us Brits of the reality of office life and our immediate plan to escape is to go and book our summer holiday, according to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and ABTA.

In the rush to book their holiday and plan their escape. It seems that many would be travellers forget one main contingent. The passport !Its vital to make sure that your passport is up to date. Dont leave it to the last minute. If you need a new passport its best to apply now rather than leave it to chance at the last minute and risk not being able to travel

ABTA chief executive said: “Booking a holiday is a great way of beating the post-Christmas blues which is why we find January to be such a busy time for our travel agents. But before booking, customers should ensure their passport is valid.”

I hope that you find this interesting….My passport is all up to date so for me its time to snuggle down and check out the summer sun holiday brochures

Tags: passports

Childhood holiday memories

2008-03-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Childhood holiday memories

Having just read an article entitled ‘Nostalgia tourism’ which reveals that 90% of us Brits would rather use our holiday time to re-live the images that we have of our childhood or a city which holds some sentimental hold on us rather than exploring somewhere new gave me time to think back to my childhood holidays and indeed when a few years back when I decided to take my nostalgic trip and introduce my daughters to the delights of Cornwall.

Holidaying in Cornwall in the late 60’s

My childhood holiday memories have to start with the excitement of waking at 3am in the morning when it was still dark and the rest of the street was sleeping.

At that time there was no motorway connection from the South to the West so the journey was long and we needed to get started early to avoid the traffic.

Our suit cases would go on the roof rack of our Volkswagen beetle. There was not just myself and parents going on holiday but also my grandfather and grandmother, Tina the poodle and a gerbil of whom who’s name I forget as I had many gerbils as pets over the years! Anyone who knows how big or how small a Volkswagen Beetle is will know that it was by no mean feat that every year to fit in four adults, one child and two animals!!

Our destination was Mevagissey and our home for the week in May would be a quaint old fishermen’s cottage on the pathway overlooking the harbour.

As soon as we could hear the noise from the seagulls I knew that we had arrived. The harbour Master permitted us to park our car in the harbour area. This was generally forbidden but as there was no road outside the cottage and with 2 elderly passengers we were exempt from such regulations.

The sights and sounds of the harbour were enticing; The fishing trawlers would return in the mornings and unload their catch ready to be sold. We would also embark on a fishing trip but on a much smaller scale. We would take trip on Tom’s fishing boat and with a spinner and line we were ready to catch our dinner! Mackerel! Once we made such a grand catch that we bestowed much of our mackerel to an elderly resident and her many cats. There were many a whiskers being washed that night!

We would also hire our own boat from behind the aquarim where there was a slipway….But as I remember these boats always seemed to break down and we ended up waving frantically to get rescued and towed back in before we ended up drifting of to France!

As we were holidaying in May we would witness a May Day celebration to mark the coming of spring and the passing of winter. Its origins are thought to be in pagan times. We would walk to the fair ground where there was always an old fashioned roundabout with colourful horses and their manes flowing. From here we would join the pocession and head to the village to the tunes of a brass band and the Floral dance!

Next to the 15th century Fountain Inn in the village there was a small shop that sold and baked on the premises the most delicious cornish pasties. Once it closed there was nowhere else that could compare to the pasties that were made there.

I have so many childhood memories of Mevagissey and Cornwall. The smuglers museum in Polperro, the famous House on Props, Cornish ice cream!! Sitting on the harbour side at Mevagissey eating chips from newspaper!! Eating fish and chips from newspaper was not forbidden at that time…To all you non believers, yes we did eat fish N chips from newspaper and to no ill effect. Before you say UGH! Can I say that in all honesty it’s the only way to eat fish N chips.

Charlestown was and I am pleased to say still is one of the most fascinating places on the Cornish coast and is still a working port and a small amount of china clay is still exported in an average of 30-40 ships a year.

My Nostalgic return to Mevagissey was not a disappointing experience but I have to say that nothing can recapture childhood memories and much had changed which was sad. I am however happy to report that some things still remained the same, the weather and the small fishing boat that we rented still broke down.

Tags: childhood holidays, Cornwall, Nostalgic travel