A Smoother Outlook In Turbulent Times
Written by Admin on October 11, 2008 – 11:11 am -There hasn’t been much good news lately in the airline industry – for carriers or customers alike. But work done by a research team in the American state of Georgia could lead to smoother, safer and more economical flights. The scientists have developed a new method of predicting turbulence, specifically clear air turbulence – the violent air movement that can cause sudden bumpiness and even the plummeting of an airliner during a flight. It’s not just about that cup of coffee that lands in your lap; turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries. There are countless reports of passengers who were hurt while moving about the cabin when clear air turbulence was encountered. In the past, airlines have used weather forecasting-style... more
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Hazardous
Written by Admin on October 10, 2008 – 4:11 am -An important change has been introduced to the driving laws in France which will affect not only domestic motorists but also all visitors intending to use a car there. From this month, drivers who are not carrying a hazard warning triangle and reflective jacket could be liable to an on-the-spot fine of around 100 Euros (£77 / $136). The triangles are designed to be placed about 90ft behind a car that has stopped by the roadside because of an accident or mechanical failure. The Automobile Association is asking British motorists to help it monitor the situation to ensure that they’re not being unfairly targeted. However, the AA President, Edmund King, said there had to be an acceptance that tourists learn the road rules of the country they’re... more
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Swimwear - Sexy And Safe
Written by Admin on October 8, 2008 – 9:11 pm -Now, for the woman who has everything … a smart bikini. Not just smart looking, but intelligent: it has a built-in alarm that tells the wearer to get out of the sun when UV rays are too powerful for sunbathing. The two-piece is held together by decorative beads that change colour depending on the intensity of the rays. It works even on cloudy days when people might not be so aware of the sun’s danger. A tag attached to the bikini has a colour-coded chart explaining the various UV levels and their safety range as well as advice on what factor sun cream to use. The “SmartSwim UV Intensity Bikini” costs around £56 ($100) and is made by a Canadian company called Solestrom. by Andy Moreton SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Swimwear - Sexy And... more
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Sink And Swim
Written by Admin on October 8, 2008 – 9:11 pm -An old American warship is to be sunk off the Cayman Islands to create an artificial reef. The USS Kittiwake, 250 feet long and built in 1945, is the first US military vessel to be acquired by a foreign country. It was a submarine rescue ship in the US Navy during World War II and was decommissioned in 1994. After toxic materials have been removed, the Kittiwake will be submerged next June off Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman so that there is just 15ft of water above it. This will make it accessible to novice divers and snorkellers. The islands’ Minister of Tourism, Charles Clifford, says the Kittiwake should attract large schools of fish to deserted cabins and halls. “Our seafaring heritage, our strong interest in presenting varied... more
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Age Of The Train
Written by Admin on October 7, 2008 – 2:11 pm -Many years ago, there was an advertising slogan for British Railways, ‘Let the train take the strain.’ And that was the message at the recent conference of the opposition Conservative party here in the UK. Delegates heard that a future Conservative government would scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in favour of a £20 billion ($36 billion) high-speed rail line. It would link Heathrow with central London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, cutting journey times in half. The Conservatives say high-speed rail links should replace short-haul flights – they estimate that 66,000 flights a year in British skies could be cut in this way. But in an age of high speed and high tech, the romantic dream of unhurried and luxury train... more
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When Superman Went To School
Written by Admin on October 5, 2008 – 12:11 am -I’ve just stumbled on my favourite quirky museum so far – it’s dedicated to lunchboxes. This is how it introduces itself on its website (http://cwpsecure.com/lunchbox/index2.html): “You remember it well, that rectangular metallic friend, bearing the image of your favorite teen idol, sports star, cartoon character. It swung daily at your side, filled with tuna sandwiches, tomato soup and browning banana from home. Your lunch box: faithful childhood companion, deserving of a place in your personal history.” The shrine to the humble lunchbox can be found above a country music radio station in Columbus, Georgia – both are run by Allen Woodall. Of the thousands he’s collected over many years, his favourites are the early metal ones... more
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A Breath of Fresh Air
Written by Admin on October 3, 2008 – 5:11 pm -If you’ve ever been in a crowded London underground train in high summer (well, as high as it gets in London!) you’ll know what a stuffy and unpleasant experience it can be. For years, experts have been trying to find an air-conditioning system that will operate efficiently that far under ground. Now, it seems, the problem’s been solved and soon, riding the Tube will be cool. London’s Mayor, Boris Johnson, unveiled an example of a new train model last week. The new air-conditioned trains will serve the Underground’s Metropolitan line beginning in 2010 and additional lines after that. They are all expected to be up and running by 2015. “I can assure passengers who will use them that, rather than arriving at their destinations... more
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A Piece of History
Written by Admin on October 2, 2008 – 10:11 am -Italy has given Greece back a fragment of the Parthenon sculptures. The 2,500-year-old marble piece, measuring 14 inches by 13, depicts part of the robe and right foot of the Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis. It was in a large frieze that originally stood above the entrance to the temple in Athens. It was among the marble pieces stripped from the temple in the early 19th century. A large proportion of them were taken by Lord Elgin, the then British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, of which Greece was a part. He sold them to the British Museum, where they reside today, despite Greece’s efforts to secure the return of what have become known as ‘The Elgin Marbles.’ The fragment given back to Greece had been in a museum in Sicily – Elgin... more
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Unsporting
Written by Admin on October 1, 2008 – 3:11 am -British Airways is apparently ready to follow the lead of some low-cost carriers in charging passengers extra to carry skis and golf clubs. Ryanair, for example, currently charges £64 ($118) on a return ticket for sports equipment, and easyJet has a levy of £50 ($92). BA hasn’t set a fee yet, although a charge of £25 has been considered. A spokeswoman for the Ski Club of Great Britain said the proposal could make British Airways less attractive. “BA was favoured by skiers as it had routes to places like Innsbruck, Geneva and Zurich. Those passengers might look at other options - some might even think of taking the Eurostar (through the Channel Tunnel).” BA’s move to consider charging for sports equipment is the latest sign of... more
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Belt-tightening At The Bistro
Written by Admin on October 1, 2008 – 3:11 am -It seems the credit crunch is beginning to hit the French in the stomach. Eating out in France has always been an important part of everyday life, but there’s growing evidence that the café culture is becoming a victim of the economic downturn. According to the respected French newspaper, Le Figaro, custom at restaurants fell by between 10 and 30 per cent in the first quarter of the year, forcing 3,000 cafes and restaurants out of business. Owners say that as well as money being tight, regulars have been chased away by the ban on smoking. It seems French diners are skipping the traditional aperitif, requesting tap water and doing without their beloved shot of espresso. Some are simply skipping courses to save money – and Le Figaro says... more
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