Japan Joins Green Asia and Pacific Aviation Partnership

Japan became the latest partner in the Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE), which is designed to make aircraft operations in the region more efficient in order to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

“This is an important milestone in our collective effort to lessen aviation’s environmental footprint,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, who signed the agreement along with Ryuhei Maeda, the Director General of the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), today in Osaka. “We have all pledged to adopt and promote best practices that will benefit the environment.”

Japan joins the FAA, Airservices Australia and Airways New Zealand as partners to ASPIRE, which began in February 2008. Goals of the partnership include identifying and sharing procedures that produce environmental benefits, quantifying green enhancements in the region over the last decade, and establishing fuel and emissions baselines for current operations, along with future performance benchmarks.

A Japan Airlines flight from Honolulu to Osaka preceding the signing ceremony is the latest ASPIRE flight demonstration to reduce emissions and to save time and fuel by utilizing the most efficient, advanced technologies and procedures. These include procedures such as just-in-time fueling, using preferred routes over the ocean, optimizing speed and altitude and using a tailored-arrival approach to the destination airport.

There have been three previous ASPIRE demonstration flights. An Air New Zealand 777 flying from Auckland to San Francisco last September saved 7,700 pounds of fuel and 27,700 pounds of carbon dioxide. A Qantas A380 flying from Los Angeles to Melbourne last October saved 19,600 pounds of fuel and 61,700 pounds of carbon dioxide. And a United 747 flying from Sydney to San Francisco last November saved 10,500 pounds of fuel and 33,100 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Electric vehicle e3 by esave transport systems inc

Green Space Age Cars

Funny driving

This is a new type of invention in transport. It is a different type of driving, the car is designed in the form of shoe which shows diverse image from the other cars.

One-Litre Car from Volkswagen

The world's first One liter car

This is a great Innovation of Volkswagen launched in 2010. It's named as the One-Litre because it can pass through 100km/litre (283mpg), has two seats and powered by a 330cc single-cylinder diesel engine.

Expect Volkswagen can keep the price point down so it will be reasonable to majority of people. Or else it will turn out to be one of those expensive nice to have toys.

Smart Car

This is about GM plus Segway’s new project P.U.M.A.


Carsharing 2.0 would mostly include on demand pick-up or drop-off, electric vehicles that charge while parked and automatic driving or parking. That last one would probable be carsharing 3.0 or 4.0 or 5.0.


This vehicle is part of a tendency of new vehicles planned particularly for cities. It makes the Smartcar appear like a Hummer! while stored it takes up a part of the space of a compact car. It’s rotating radius is zero, meaning similar parking is as simple as rotating your head. It is totally electric. One more disapproval, is that there is no cargo space, but according to the depiction below, a small cargo like to the Smartcar’s would extra than likely be incorporated in a production model.

Aerorider

This is not the tricycle you rode behind the driveway like a child. The Aerorider Sport is a part-electric, fraction muscle-powered cross under expansion in the Netherlands. Through a number of electric help, a traveler can handle to driove at 45 mph. Its aluminum unbreakable fiberglass corpse is lightweight (about 130 pounds) but protect the rider from the essentials. The Aerorider Sport’s 48-volt battery be able to last wherever from 12 to 60 miles, depending on the land traveled and the dimension of the battery set. The vehicle happily holds one driver and baggage. Its designers say the vehicle’s 4-foot height, headlight, tail lights and stop lamp make sure it’s safely able to be seen to other drivers. It includes a airing system and an electric wiper to assist give the driver a clear outlook, as well as two adaptable back view mirrors to stay an eye on travel.

According to Aerorider Company proprietor Bart de Wert, a little number have been shaped to date for trying and encouragement. A wholesome human-powered account of the Aerorider Sport known for the Sunrider is obtainable for acquire.

Women in Automobile Inventions

Prior to the manufacture of Henry Ford's Model A, Mary Anderson was granted her first patent for a window cleaning device in November 1903. Her invention could clean snow, rain, or sleet from a windshield by using a handle inside the car. Her goal was to improve driver vision during stormy weather.

The automobile gave women ample opportunity for invention. In 1923, of the 345 inventions listed under "Transportation" in the Women's Bureau Bulletin No.28, about half were related to automobiles and another 25 concerned traffic signals and turn indicators. Among these inventions were a carburetor, a clutch mechanism, an electric engine starter, and a starting mechanism. During the 1930s, Helen Blair Bartlett developed new insulations for spark plugs. A geologist by training, her knowledge of petrology and mineralogy was critical in the development of innovative uses of alumina ceramics.

Humorous Painted Cars

Urban Improvement and Transport

The City of Salisbury's Urban Development and Transport Policy Direction is to apply innovative planning policies and strategies to optimise ecologically sustainable urban development within the City, and to encourage and facilitate integrated transport networks and reduce reliance on fossil fuel motorised forms of transport.

KoH public transport method designed for little distances

The history of transport

The first invention of a person was maybe a stick, which a person began to use as a staff. But people needed to cross rivers without getting wet. And more than 4000 years ago the first means of transport was created, when prehistoric people learned to tie together sticks and logs creating a raft in such way. Later rafts were developed to make the transportation more comfortable and safe.

In Ancient Egypt people were building rowing boats using papyrus. They were wide with flat floor, with several matches. Later Ancient Egyptians started to use wood to build their first boats.

So the most ancient means of transport is water transport. And raft is the father of all boats. But Egyptians were not the only one to travel by water. In ancient Phoenicia people built big sea ships. They even had several kinds of ships: military and trade ones.

Later first ships appeared and developed a lot in Ancient Greece and Rome. They were much more comfortable and safe than those of Ancient Egypt. The 10th century was the century of prosperity of water transport.

The first wheel was one of the greatest inventions of humanity that allowed the development of many kinds of transport. It was invented in Mesopotamia in 4 b.c. It was a disk put on the axle. And it was the base of creating of the first automobile.

The first car was created in 1770 by the French scientist. Later in 1886 two German scientists created the car with explosion engine. And from that time this means of transport became very popular increasing competition with trains and ships. Nowadays it is impossible to imagine the world without cars.

The first steam locomotive was created by English inventor. But it couldn't be used because it was too heavy. Later it was developed and updated and was used for cargo transportation. And day by day new locomotives appeared until the plant of production of locomotives was created in 1823. And two years later the first passenger railway appeared.

Trains were developing but they lost their popularity with the spread of cars in the world. But they were developed a lot and updated so much that the result of it was the appearance of underground. The first underground system was built in London in 1863. And its length was only 3, 6 kilometres. After it underground system appeared in NY, Paris, and Budapest.

Trams are not so popular as they were later. This public transport at short distances was substituted by modern buses and cars. But this means of transport is ecological. The first tramway was created in Berlin in the 80-s of the 19th century. Its length was 2, 5 kilometres and a tram was moving with a speed 30 km/hour. At once this transport became popular for transporting people over in boarders of the city. Some cities still use it.
source : http://www.theironmonsters.com/thehistoryoftransport.html

Personal Pod Transport Is The Future

It seems like the idea of pod transportation is emerging strong. To be honest, it looks good to me to. A different type of transportation that can lower traffic, lower pollution, and help get to your destination faster.

The latest idea in pod transportation is the Personal Rapid Transit, PRT. PRTs are systems of independent vehicles that provide private, on-demand, nonstop travel for people or small freight, riding on small, overhead guideways. The cars run above existing roads and are powered entirely by electricity. Advocates of pod transport say it offers the convenience and personal experience of an auto without the gasoline, insurance, pollution, accidents, or congestion.

Another splendid point to this type of transportation is the amount of money saved. It would take 25 to 40 million to build a mile while it takes 100 to 300 million to build a road. As you can see, the future really is here and projects for the PRT are already on the way.
source : internetautoguide.com/6299533/industry-news/personal-pod-transport-is-the-future/index.html

Transport

This is designed by Harsha Vardhan this advanced concept motor vehicle is destined to work with power generated through magnetic fields beginning it’s electrical motor.

A Unicycle That’s a Motorcycle?

If you thought balancing on two wheels was hard enough, try balancing on one wheel. When we go to the circus, typically, we’ll see a few clowns riding unicycles. Isn’t it neat to see them do that? Well, now you can do that too, with the world’s first unicycle motorbike. A young, 18 year-old inventor named Ben Gulak has come up with a motorbike called the Uno that still uses two wheels, but they are paired side by side to create one wheel. Additionally, this unicycle motorbike uses something called gyroscopic technology (similar to what is used in the infamous Segway) in order to help the motorbike stay up without falling over. So, balancing might not be a hard as it looks.And it’s Even Eco-Friendly Too!

In order to operate this contraption, the rider leans forward to accelerate to speeds of 25mph. In order to slow down, you need to lean back. If you’re worried about what other “complicated” things there are about it, perhaps the most confusing feature is the switch to turn it on (which only has two positions: on and off). While this motorbike may look incredibly awkward, it is also incredibly eco-friendly. The motorbike runs on electricity and is small enough and light enough to be brought inside and carried around.

Gulak said that the inspiration for the bike came from visiting China and seeing all of the smog there. Part of the concept for the bike stemmed from his thinking that if it didn’t look cool, people wouldn’t be interested. The owner also reassures people that they don’t have to worry so much about the balancing part; the bike is actually self-balancing. Kudos to Gulak for this creative invention. Who knows- in a few years, you might be riding a Uno to work!
Source : nationaltransportllc.com/blog/a-delicate-balancing-act-a-unicycle-thats-a-motorcycle

The Future Of Personal Transport

If researchers from Kyoto University have their way, then this could be the future of personal transport, a vehicle that runs on electricity and is made from bamboo. The car has been named the Bamgoo is a single seater, weighs in at just sixty kilos and has a range of thirty miles on just one charge.Bamboo is very versatile material, which is highly sustainable too. However, there has to be some concern over the safety issues related to driving around in a car like this.

Source : http://keetsa.com/blog/auto/the-future-of-personal-transport/

The accident of world’s Costliest car

Russia: One of the richest cars in the world is Lamborghini, the owner of a car will never sleep even if he found any scratches on the car, but here a driver hit the car in roadside tree. And hence multimillion cars are now going to warehouse. This kind of accidents can be overcome by only car loans and insurance alone, without insurance the owner will never buy this kind of richest car.

Source : http://allamericanautotransport.blogspot.com/2009/04/accident-of-worlds-costliest-car.html

Inland water transport

Up to 240 million tonnes of bulk goods are transported per year via the German Federal waterways, which amounts to between 60 and 65 billion tonne-kilometres. This equals almost 90 per cent of the goods transport by railway in this country or about 14 million lorry journeys. Moreover, some 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers are carried via inland waterways, which corresponds to another 700,000 lorry journeys.

This way, inland shipping makes a most significant contribution to satisfying the industry's demand for transport services, which are delivered on schedule and in a cost-effective and environmentally compatible manner. German inland shipping and inland ports keep around 400,000 people in work. Inland passenger vessels, including river cruise ships, are also growing in economic significance. Many millions of tourists travel in them each year, enjoying the delightful waterside landscapes.

Source : http://www.bmvbs.de/en/Transport/Waterborne-transport-,1898.964413/Waterways-as-transport-routes.htm

Edinburgh Airport improves transport information

Passengers will be able to get transport information from Edinburgh Airport after the hub installed touch-screen terminals, according to reports.

City space has provided the interactive information pods located in Edinburgh Airport's arrival halls, which will give passengers access to Traveline Scotland journey planning and BBC road and rail travel news.

Lois Proctor, planning and development executive at Edinburgh Airport, said: "Increasing the uptake of public transport is key to our growth plans and is central to the Airport Surface Access Strategy over the next five years."

It is hoped that the new pods will encourage passengers travelling though Edinburgh Airport to explore Scotland's capital city by travelling on public transport.

"Having access to local and national transport information at the point of need makes public transport a much more attractive option," said Guy Wolfenden, transport director, Cityspace.

Passengers using Edinburgh Airport have been reminded not to wear jewelry designed to look like weapons after complaints from local police.

Sources : http://www.fhr-net.co.uk/

Transport planning

Transport is a key issue in Medway today. It affects the economic success of the area and the social fabric of the environment. Following public consultation and engagement processes, it became clear that key issues for improvement included:

• tackling congestion;


• improvements to public transport services;


• the journeys to school and work;


• highway maintenance.

Transport has also been recognised as a key issue when Medway Council consults on other matters, such as rural and youth issues or the provision of services for older people.

The council is required by government to produce a Local Transport Plan built around a five-year integrated transport strategy, devised at local level in partnership with the community.

Making it easier to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking

English local authorities will be able to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking more easily.

From June, councils which carry out parking enforcement will be able to issue Penalty Charge Notices to motorists who park at dropped kerbs or double-park, without the need for these prohibitions to be indicated with specific traffic signs or road markings. This follows consultation which showed strong support for the move.

Authorities in London have successfully used this tool for a number of years to help wheelchair users and those with prams manoeuvre on and off pavements - as well as stopping inconsiderate motorists from blocking residents' driveways. It has also helped deter motorists from blocking the road when parking.

Transport Minister Paul Clark said: "Dropped kerbs are there to help wheelchair users and those with powered mobility vehicles or prams get around easily and safely. They also allow residents to access their garages and driveways.

"The Highway Code is clear that drivers should not stop or park in such places and we believe placing of traffic signs or road markings to indicate these restrictions should not be necessary - as is the case in London. The same rules will apply to double parking - a dangerous activity that causes an unnecessary obstruction of the road, putting all road users at risk.

"While we believe signs and markings are not necessary in these circumstances, we expect local authorities who want to use these powers to do so in a fair and transparent manner and publicise their plans to do so. All other restrictions will continue to require clear signs and markings."

Thousands up for grabs for WA Inventors

Western Australia's brightest thinkers from schools, universities, business and industry are being urged to take part in the State Government's inaugural WA Inventor of the Year Award.

The Inventor of the Year Award program is administered by the Department of Industry and Resources through its Innovation Centre at Technology Park, Bentley.

Premier Alan Carpenter and Science and Innovation Minister Francis Logan launched the awards last Wednesday (29 March) at an event that attracted some of WA’s best inventors.

On display were such companies as Arbortech Industries Limited with their Airboard and Allsaw, Thumtronics with their musical instrument the Thummer, VibraQ Corporation with their Blood Platelet Agitator and even a new bicycle design from UWA Professor Boris Tarasov.

Premier Carpenter said the awards were a $2million election commitment over four years and were aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the State's public, private and education sectors.

The awards are part of the State Government's $50million InnovateWA2 policy, which focuses on the further development of science and innovation in WA.

The four award categories are:

• industry - open to private sector businesses;
• research organisations - open to universities, co-operative research centres, centres of excellence and private research bodies;
• government - open to State and local government statutory authorities, TAFE Colleges and other government entities; and
• schools - open to primary and secondary students.
  

There will be close to $300,000 in total prize winnings that will help entrants in the industry, research and government categories take their innovation to the next stage.

Award winners will receive significant financial assistance and in-kind support such as access to professional services and resources appropriate to their stage of development and commercialisation.

The Inventor of the Year Award program is administered by the Department of Industry and Resources through its Innovation Centre at Technology Park, Bentley.

TAWS

What is TAWS?

TAWS (Transport and Works (Scotland) ) is a new order making process which avoids the need for private Bills for transport related developments such as a new railway, a canal, tram system or any other form of guided transport system in Scotland.

TAWS and the Scottish Government

Applications for TAWS orders are made to the Scottish Ministers by (or on behalf of) the applicants of the scheme.

The Scottish Ministers are seeking proposals to come forward under the TAWS Order process that can demonstrate both a very positive benefit to the economy of Scotland and bring about improvements to the country's infrastructure. Transport is one of Scotland's most vital public services, influencing our economy, our communities, our environment, our health and our quality of life and Ministers attach significant importance to inviting new projects to come forward that will enhance the benefits of living and working in Scotland.

The Scottish Ministers also value greatly the public participation measures contained within the TAWS, which invites those who have an interest in proposals to offer their views, either of support or objection, at the earliest possible opportunity. This might come from people whose property or business is affected, or who may be concerned about the effect on the local environment. The purpose of the procedure is to ensure that Scottish Ministers come to an informed view on whether it is in the public interest to make the TAWS order.

The Scottish Ministers consider each application carefully and without bias. They make decisions only after considering all the comments made, sometimes through a public local inquiry. They can make TAWS orders (with or without amendments), or they can reject them.

Some other interesting facts regarding the use of mobile phones in vehicles are as follows:-

• Using a hand held phone has the greatest impact on performance – so hands free is safer but even using hands free is far more dangerous than driving under the influence of drink.

• Reaction times are, on average, 30% slower when using a mobile phone compared to being drunk – and 50% slower than normal – with drivers unable to maintain a constant speed or safe distance from the vehicle in front.

• As outlined above, research shows that drivers are 4 times more likely to crash while using a mobile phone. This enhanced period extends for several minutes after the call is terminated.

• There is no evidence to suggest that legislation should differentiate between the use of hand held or hands free.

• Specific bans on using hand-held mobiles while driving are already in place in the following : Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Rep., Chile, Denmark, Eire, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Malaysia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Rep., Slovenia, S.Africa, S.Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the USA. Portugal and New Delhi also have legislation that prohibits hands-free.

Light Rail

The City of Sydney is committed to working in partnership with the State Government to deliver a sustainable transport strategy that will result in quick, affordable, reliable, clean, safe, accessible and frequent transport for the future.

The City supports extending the current light rail system between Central Station and Circular Quay to relieve CBD transport congestion.

The City has committed funds to assist with public infrastructure works required for the extension of light rail, and will continue to call on State and Federal Governments to support the proposal.

The City needs a world-class public transport system that is well planned and resourced, efficient and integrated.

An efficient and integrated public transport system is also an essential cornerstone of sustainable development.

Growth, especially in the airport to CBD corridor, is creating increasing demands on our transport system. As a result, Sydney faces significant traffic congestion and a lack of capacity in public transport.

Cycling in Edinburgh

Cycling is a cheap, quick and healthy way to get around the city. The City of Edinburgh Council is working towards ensuring that cycling is an attractive, safe and secure option for all short and medium distance journeys.

“It’s faster and cheaper for me to take the bike, and I get regular exercise. Cycling also lets you take in your surroundings more and stop off at a shop or the bank on the way without having to worry about parking.” - Julia, Edinburgh

Features of Tata Nano Car

TATA Nano features 624cc petrol engine 33BHP 20km per litre mileage, upto 26km per litre on highway 30 liter petrol tank 4 door, 5-seater Rear engine, front boot 4 speed manual gear box On road price expected to be around Rs. 1 lakh 25 thousand front disc brakes and drums in the rear Euro 4 compliant Top speed 90kmph 21% more space than Maruti 800! Standard model would cost roughly Rs. 1,25,000 onroad

Old Bikes

Early 19th century

Mid 20st century
21st century

28 dead after dam bursts in Indonesia

Heavy rains broke a dam in Indonesia's capital Friday, sending water rushing into hundreds of homes and killing at least 28 people, a government official said.

The dam broke early Friday in southern Jakarta and rescuers were scrambling to save people from the floodwaters, said Mardjito of Indonesia's social affairs ministry.

People fled to the rooftops of their homes and were waiting to be rescued, said Mardjito, who goes by one name.

"Eighteen people are dead so far, but we can expect more, since most of the houses are covered by muds. We're still trying to get into the houses, but the problem is, muds are getting in our way," the official said.

Many family members frantically tried to find their missing loved ones.
Source http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/indonesia.dam/

Earth's Crust Melts Easier Than Thought

Earth's crust melts easier than previously thought, scientists have discovered.

In a paper published in this week's issue of the journal Nature, geologists report results of a study of how well rocks conduct heat at different temperatures. They found that as rocks get hotter in Earth's crust, they become better insulators and poorer conductors.

The findings provide insights into how magmas are formed, the scientists say, and will lead to better models of continental collision and the formation of mountain belts.

"These results shed important light on a geologic question: how large bodies of granite magma can be formed in Earth's crust," said Sonia Esperanca, a program director in the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the research.

"In the presence of external heat sources, rocks heat up more efficiently than previously thought," said geologist Alan Whittington of the University of Missouri. "We applied our findings to computer models that predict what happens to rocks when they get buried and heat up in mountain belts, such as the Himalayas today or the Black Hills in South Dakota in the geologic past.

"We found that strain heating, caused by tectonic movements during mountain belt formation, easily triggers crustal melting."

In the study, the researchers used a laser-based technique to determine how long it took heat to conduct through different rock samples. In all their samples, thermal diffusivity, or how well a material conducts heat, decreased rapidly with increasing temperatures.

The thermal diffusivity of hot rocks and magmas was half that of what had been previously assumed.

"Most crustal melting on Earth comes from intrusions of hot basaltic magma from the Earth's mantle," said Peter Nabelek, also a geologist at the University of Missouri. "The problem is that during continental collisions, we don't see intrusions of basaltic magma into continental crust."

These experiments suggest that because of low thermal diffusivity, strain heating is much faster and more efficient. Once rocks get heated, they stay hotter for much longer, Nabelek said.

The processes take millions of years to happen, and scientists can only simulate them on a computer. The new data will allow them to create computer models that more accurately represent processes that occur during continental collisions.

NASA Launches 'Eyes on the Earth 3-D'

New interactive features on NASA's Global Climate Change give the public the opportunity to "fly along" with NASA's fleet of Earth science missions and observe Earth from a global perspective in an immersive, 3-D environment.

Developed using a state-of-the-art, browser-based visualization technology, "Eyes on the Earth 3-D" displays the location of all of NASA's 15 currently operating Earth-observing missions in real time. These missions constantly monitor our planet's vital signs, such as sea level height, concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, global temperatures and extent of sea ice in the Arctic, to name a few.

Visitors to "Eyes on the Earth 3-D" can: - Ride along with a spacecraft, observing Earth as it sweeps below in accelerated time. - View authentic data maps of ozone, sea level or carbon dioxide distribution, mapped onto the surface of the globe. - Compare the size of each satellite to a car or a scientist. - Blast through a global carbon dioxide map to uncover some of the world's most populous cities in the new interactive game, "Metropolis."

"This innovative new Web application gives the public an unprecedented perspective on our changing planet, as only NASA can," said Michael Greene, manager for public engagement strategy at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

Turning the Camera Towards Tasmania

The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, has addressed the San Francisco Art Institute as part of a collaborative presentation by Tourism Tasmania and Adobe Lightroom Adventure, to raise awareness of Tasmania as a destination for artists.

Hosted by award-winning photographer and best-selling author Mikkel Aaland from digital media publisher O’Reilly Media, the event was part of Tourism Tasmania’s G’DAY USA 2009 activities.

Speaking after the presentation at the prestigious education institution, Ms O’Byrne said Tourism Tasmania’s partnership with Mr Aaland and the software giant, Adobe, began in January last year at G’DAY USA 2008 and resulted in O’Reilly Media bringing the 2008 Adobe Lightroom Adventure to Tasmania in April.

“Over a 10-day period, 17 of the world’s best photographers took Adobe’s new Lightroom 2.0 software for a ‘hands-on’ road test through Tasmania’s iconic locations.

“The resulting book, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure, featured stunning photographic images and stories from the journey, and went on sale in October.

In his address, Mr Aaland discussed his craft and his recent trip to Tasmania, telling the audience how this visit influenced his work, presenting photographs and stories from the Adobe Lightroom Adventure Tasmania 2008.

Ms O’Byrne said her speech was an opportunity to introduce the targeted audience to Arts Tasmania’s Artists Residency Program.

“This innovative program provides American artists with the opportunity to explore Tasmania as part of a program of artist residencies, and I encouraged the students to apply.

“Attendees were further encouraged to visit Tasmania through special travel packages tailored specifically towards photography buffs, and provided in partnership with US-based organisation “The Adventure Travel Company.”

Ms O’Byrne said more than 70 students and staff members attended the lecture, drawn in not only by famed photographer Mikkel Aaland, but also a variety of pre-event promotion and Tasmanian themed giveaways at the event itself.

“I was also pleased to present SFAI with a donation of photographic equipment on behalf of the Tasmanian Government.

“At G’DAY USA 2009, the Tasmanian delegation has been emphasising that our State is more than just a holiday destination – it is a place where you can have a enriching and transforming experience and is full of wonderful artistic opportunities,” she said.

G’DAY USA is a two-week spotlight on Australia, presented by the Australia Week Committee, with a diverse program of activities and events showcasing the very best of Australian culture, fashion, food, wine, tourism and business .

G’DAY USA 2009 runs from 13-24 January 2009 with events in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

GM posts $9.6-billion quarterly loss

The troubled Detroit automaker also says it lost $30.9 billion for all of 2008 -- its second-worst year on record.

General Motors is officially on life support.

The automaker said Thursday that it lost $9.6 billion in the fourth quarter and nearly $31 billion for all of 2008, its second-worst year on record.

But even more troubling is the revelation that the century-old automaker essentially has become dependent on the U.S. government, unable to continue operations -- even for a few months -- without recurring cash infusions from taxpayers.

"They basically have been saying, 'Give us money or we're going bankrupt,' " said Aaron Bragman, auto industry analyst at IHS Global Insight. "And these latest financial results prove that."

In the fourth quarter, GM burned through $6.2 billion of its cash stockpile, $68 million a day, a furious clip that left it with only $14 billion at the end of last year, less than half the reserves it had a year earlier.

Subtract the $4 billion that came from the U.S. Treasury in late December, and GM falls below the $11-billion- to $14-billion level GM has said it needs to finance ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, GM said Thursday that it soon expected to receive a "going concern" notice from its auditors, indicating that on an operating level, it is no longer solvent.

GM's fourth-quarter loss, at $15.71 a share, was more than double analysts' average expectation of $7.40 a share. GM shares fell 17 cents, or 6.7%, to $2.38.

The underlying message, industry experts say, is that GM's predicament is everyone's, or at least every U.S. taxpayer's. If the administration fails to support the automaker, it could quickly collapse, and with it millions of direct and indirect jobs. But if the government elects to keep dispensing cash, there may be no end to the funding needs.

"The only question is whether the hole GM is in is so deep that it can't climb out of it even with government aid," said Shelly Lombard, credit analyst at research firm Gimme Credit, calling a bankruptcy filing "very likely" without government intervention.

As such, GM finds itself becoming something of a vassal to the federal government, dependent on it for funding and increasingly forced to play by the government's rules.

GM's chairman and president were in Washington on Thursday, meeting for several hours with members of the administration's auto task force to explain its financial position and to beg for $2 billion more cash to fund March operations, along with $2.6 billion for April.

All told, the automaker has requested an additional $16.6 billion beyond the $13.4 billion it has already received.

"We found a genuine willingness among the task force to understand our business, industry challenges and GM's restructuring plan," the company said in a statement after the meeting.

Chrysler, which is also seeking aid, has received $4 billion already and is requesting $5 billion more. Its leaders met with the auto task force Wednesday.

Along with Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, President Obama has installed a buyout specialist from Wall Street, Steven Rattner, and a labor negotiator known for completely reshaping the steel industry, Ron Bloom.

Although it seems likely that the administration will find a way to prop up the automakers in the short run, it also is holding a number of strict restructuring requirements over their heads. If they fail to jump those hurdles by a March 31 deadline, the government could recall the loans it has already made.

Beneath the auto panel's gaze, GM has been furiously negotiating with United Auto Workers to cut labor costs and cash obligations to a retiree health trust. It also has been meeting with bondholders in an attempt to get them to swap two-thirds of their debt for equity in the company.

Meanwhile, it has announced plans to make deep cuts, including laying off 47,000 workers worldwide this year, cutting its lineup of U.S. brands in half and slashing production.

The company has made small internal changes, including reducing office supplies and eliminating perks for dealers, in an effort to make ends meet. And it's spreading the pain to suppliers and other vendors.

Source www.latimes.com/business/investing/la-fi-gm27-2009feb27,0,3123926.story

Park Promenade

The Park Promenade is a passageway running from the Disneyland Resort Public Transport Interchange and the Disneyland Resort Station in the north to the Disneyland Resort Pier in the south. The highlight of this passageway is the prominent "Bauhinia Fountain" facing the entrance of the theme park. The fountain jets are designed with fully programmable system of water effects, lighting and audio systems employed to create various effects. Feature fountains of descending scale can be found at the central plaza and southern plaza.

Opening hours : 6 am to 2 am

Teaching With Documents

Documents and Photographs Related to Japanese Relocation During World War II

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared that the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, would live in infamy. The attack launched the United States fully into the two theaters of the world war. Prior to Pearl Harbor, the United States had been involved in the European war only by supplying England and other antifascist countries of Europe with the munitions of war.

The attack on Pearl Harbor also launched a rash of fear about national security, especially on the West Coast. In February 1942, just two months after Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt as commander-in-chief, issued Executive Order 9066, which had the effect of relocating all persons of Japanese ancestry, both citizens and aliens, inland, outside of the Pacific military zone. The objectives of the order were to prevent espionage and to protect persons of Japanese descent from harm at the hands of Americans who had strong anti-Japanese attitudes.

In Washington and Oregon, the eastern boundary of the military zone was an imaginary line along the rim of the Cascade Mountains; this line continued down the spine of California from north to south. From that line to the Pacific coast, the military restricted zones in those three states were defined.

Roosevelt's order affected 117,000 people of Japanese descent, two-thirds of whom were native-born citizens of the United States. The Issei were the first generation of Japanese in this country; the Nisei were the second generation, numbering 70,000 American citizens at the time of internment. Within weeks, all persons of Japanese ancestry--whether citizens or enemy aliens, young or old, rich or poor--were ordered to assembly centers near their homes. Soon they were sent to permanent relocation centers outside the restricted military zones.

For example, persons of Japanese ancestry in western Washington State were removed to the assembly center at the Puyallup Fairgrounds near Tacoma. From Puyallup to Pomona, internees found that a cowshed at a fairgrounds or a horse stall at a racetrack was home for several months before they were transported to a permanent wartime residence. Relocation centers were situated many miles inland, often in remote and desolate locales. Sites included Tule Lake, California; Minidoka, Idaho; Manzanar, California; Topaz, Utah; Jerome, Arkansas; Heart Mountain, Wyoming; Poston, Arizona; Granada, Colorado; and Rohwer, Arkansas.

As four or five families with their sparse collections of clothing and possessions squeezed into and shared tar-papered barracks, life took on some familiar routines of socializing and school. However, eating in common facilities and having limited opportunities for work interrupted other social and cultural patterns. Persons who became troublesome were sent to a special camp at Tule Lake, California, where dissidents were housed.

In 1943 and 1944 the government assembled a combat unit of Japanese Americans for the European theater. It became the 442d Regimental Combat Team and gained fame as the most highly decorated of World War II. Their military record bespoke their patriotism.

As the war drew to a close, the relocation centers were slowly evacuated. While some persons of Japanese ancestry returned to their home towns, others sought new surroundings. For example, the Japanese American community of Tacoma, Washington, had been sent to three different centers; only 30 percent returned to Tacoma after the war. Japanese Americans from Fresno had gone to Manzanar; 80 percent returned to their hometown.

The internment of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II sparked constitutional and political debate. In the 1940s, two men and one woman--Hirabayashi, Korematsu, and Endo--challenged the constitutionality of the relocation and curfew orders. While the men received negative judgments from the court, in the 1944 case ExParte Mitsuye Endo, the Supreme Court ruled that, "Mitsuye Endo is entitled to an unconditional release by the War Relocation Authority." Some people refer to the relocation centers as concentration camps; others view internment as an unfortunate episode, but a military necessity. During the Reagan-Bush years Congress moved toward the passage of Public Law 100-383 in 1988 which acknowledged the injustice of the internment, apologized for it, and provided a $20,000 cash payment to each person who was interned.

One of the most stunning ironies in this episode of American civil liberties was articulated by an internee who, when told that the Japanese were put in those camps for their own protection, countered "If we were put there for our protection, why were the guns at the guard towers pointed inward, instead of outward?"

Young Scots join the National Conversation

More than 100 young people from across Scotland were brought together in Edinburgh today to consider the shape of Scotland's future.

The National Discussion Day in the Edinburgh Jam House forms part of Scotland's National Conversation, towards which Young Scot have been running a consultation.

More than 5,000 young people have completed an online questionnaire, and 1,000 have attended local events, while local investigation teams of young people have been set up to lead discussion with their peers.

Today those young people gathered to feed back their findings to the First Minister and a panel including Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, Professor Susan Deacon, Lara Friedman of Scottish Business in the Community, Neil Stevenson of the Law Society Scotland and Andrew Macqueen MSYP.

First Minister Alex Samond said:

"Today young people prove their value, ambition and enthusiasm for Scotland. The energy with which the Young Scot consultation has been met sends a clear signal that our citizens of the future want to play a part in the decisions that affect them, their families and their communities.

"Already the on-line questionnaire has given us clear evidence that Scotland's young people are engaged with the issues affecting the nation, with a range of opinions and full of ideas. Reason and debate have long been recognised among Scotland's strengths and that's why it's great to see the next generation confirming our international reputation.

"This is in stark contrast to the disappointing and negative response from the UK government to the possibility of change for Scotland. The willingness of our young people to debate and consider the choices they face and the responsibilities they involve is a great sign of hope for the future in every aspect.

"I'm looking forward to hearing the findings of the local investigations teams, and to continuing discussions today and beyond. We want to encourage the greatest possible participation in Scotland's National Conversation, so the opportunity to contribute doesn't end here.

"I hope that every young Scot who has today expressed their desire to participate in deciding how Scotland should be governed will be encouraged by today's exciting agenda and will continue to inspire their peers to join in the ongoing conversation."

As part of the National Conversation the Scottish Government asked Young Scot to consult with young people to see what they think about Scotland and its future. The consultation was launched on March 1 at the Scottish Youth Parliament's first sitting this year.

Young Scot is the National Youth Information Agency for Scotland. Its aim is to provide young people with information and other services to help them make informed life choices and play an active part in their own communities.

The Young Scot consultation includes:

1. Local investigation teams of young people to lead consultation with their peers. These have been established in Aberdeenshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Midlothian, North Ayrshire, and North Lanarkshire


2. Over 50 local events for young people, using mobile cyber cafes and roadshows


3. Specially designed focus group sessions


4. Cutting-edge online consultation, including facilitated web discussions and an online questionnaire which has received over 5,000 responses

Charge to the working group on Biomedical Computing

The biomedical community is increasingly taking advantage of the power of computing, both to manage and analyze data, and to model biological processes. The working group should investigate the needs of NIH-supported investigators for computing resources, including hardware, software, networking, algorithms, and training. It should take into account efforts to create a national information infrastructure, and look at working with other agencies (particularly NSF and DOE) to ensure that the research needs of the NIH-funded community are met.

It should also investigate the impediments biologists face in utilizing high-end computing, such as a paucity of researchers with cross-disciplinary skills. The panel should consider both today's unmet needs and the growing requirements over the next five years (a reasonable horizon for extrapolating the advances in the rapidly changing fields of computing and computational biology).

The result of deliberations should be a report to the NIH Director, which will be presented to the Advisory Committee to the Director. The report should include recommendations for NIH actions to support the growing needs of NIH-funded investigators for biomedical computing.

Blueprint to join up journeys

SPT today released its blueprint to make it easier to join up journeys in west central Scotland. The document is SPT's response to the Scottish Executive's transport consultation and outlines how a regional transport body like SPT can deliver the public's and the Executive's ambitions for better transport.

The response makes it clear that transport has to be planned on a travel-to-work area and that given the right powers and finance that SPT can deliver the joined up transport that we all want to see.

SPT has risen to the challenge presented by the Scottish Executive to look at how transport could be delivered better. We agree that structural change is needed but stress that it is vital that it adds value to the delivery of transport and not more bureaucracy or fragmentation of decision making.

We accept the need for closer policy co-ordination between public transport and roads functions and have called for some responsibilities for bus infrastructure and bus priority management to be given to the passenger transport authority.

There is consensus in west central Scotland that there could be better organisation and delivery of transport. We want to ensure that public transport is at the heart of any change.

Best practice shows that it is important that there is an organisation dedicated to the planning and delivery of public transport. To that end we are suggesting the continuance of a passenger transport executive, but a more strategic overall approach with the merging of the membership of the Passenger Transport Authority and the Westrans grouping.

It is important the Scottish Executive builds on the strengths of the organisations that are already in place. The consultation pointed to the expertise and professionalism of SPT staff and it is vital that major organisational upheaval doesn't put that in jeopardy and risk further delay of important transport projects like Crossrail or the airport rail links.

Commenting on the SPT response Councillor Alistair Watson, Chair of SPT, said:

"The Scottish Executive set out a challenge for us to demonstrate how better transport could be delivered. We have made a constructive response to that challenge showing how the west of Scotland has been served well by SPT over the last 30 years. SPT has a good story to tell but there are areas that could be improved.

"SPT has delivered many innovative and effect public transport projects including the multi-modal ZoneCard ticket, taxi-buses, the most extensive dial-a-bus network, school transport, daytripper and playscheme tickets, one of the largest park and ride estates in Britain, extension of CCTV and the provision of local and mobile travel centres and information. Although similar examples exist individually elsewhere in Scotland, nowhere else has the collective scale and success of these projects.

"Our response to the Executive's consultation answers their challenge to look at how delivery can be improved, how journeys can be better integrated and at the best structures for doing that.

"We have worked hard at creating a consensus in west central Scotland and I am confident that all the parties can work together to improve transport delivery."

"The most important thing that the Scottish Executive needs to deliver is better and secured funding and a long term national transport strategy. If that is done then the rest of the pieces will fall into place.

Malcolm Reed, Director General of SPT, said:

"Strathclyde is a unique area in terms of transport and the fact that it is Scotland's only true conurbation accounting for more than half of all the public transport journeys in the country. West central Scotland requires a transport body that will deliver for the area's unique needs and circumstances. These include a including the high proportion of commuting across council boundaries, relatively low car ownership and a higher dependence on public transport than other parts of Scotland.

"SPT does not agree with the consultation document's suggestion that the PTE delivery model is now less relevant because it does not provide a single functional approach to public and private transport.

"If central government is prepared to provide a planning and funding framework which is fit for purpose, effective transport integration can be achieved and delivered at the regional level within existing structures. This is clearly demonstrated by the way the English PTEs have been able to take the integrated transport agenda forward in their regions - several of them gaining government "centre of excellence" designation in the process - and by general practice in similar conurbations elsewhere in western Europe.

"SPT remains of the opinion that a professional public body which is geared specifically to public transport delivery is the appropriate solution for west central Scotland, as in comparable regions elsewhere in Britain and Europe. The size and complexity of the delivery requirement justify the specialised response that such a functionally-based organisation is able to provide.

"Independent analysis commissioned by SPTE has shown the difference that regional specification can make to passenger growth. The work showed that half of the patronage growth on the SPT rail network over the past decade is directly attributable to initiatives taken by the PTE."

EASTERN REDBUD - Cercis canadensis, Linn

EASTERN REDBUD LENDS a quaint charm to the Missouri hillsides in early spring when the pink hues of the flowers are in sharp contrast with the brown leaves covering the forest floor.It is believed by some that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had a hand in naming this tree. Legend has it that it was this tree upon which Judas Iscariot hanged himself. Each year in remorse it weeps tears of blood-like blossoms at Easter time. Blossom time coincides with that of serviceberry and wild plum. In most years it blooms slightly before dogwood.

This is a legume and the fruit is a pod. The flat pod is two to three inches long and hangs onto the twigs throughout the winter. Bright reddish, pea-like blossoms are clustered along the twigs before the leaf buds unfold.Heart-shaped leaves identify this tree. They are dark green in summer, turning yellow in autumn.Bark is red-brown, separating into thin scales. Trees growing rapidly will produce heavy flaking of bark, giving the trunk a diseased appearance. Diameters seldom exceed six inches while heights rarely exceed 15 feet.

Eastern redbud is distributed over the entire state and often can be found growing in abandoned fields, in open woods, and along fence rows. While it is a valuable and widely used ornamental, it has little value as a commercial timber tree because of its small size. However, its wood is a soft brown color, very durable, hard, and takes a fine polish.Beavers use the bark as a source of food while birds make the small, hard, bony seed a part of their wintertime diet.

SunButter: "Spreading" Across America

A tasty sunflower-seed butter—perfect for spreading on breads or crackers, for example—is now sold in an array of flavors and textures. Marketed as SunButter, the spread comes in creamy, natural, natural crunch, honey crunch—and even a low-carb version.

ARS scientists based in New Orleans, La., at the Southern Regional Research Center, and colleagues at Red River Commodities, a Fargo, N.D.-based sunflower seed processor, developed the spread several years ago.

The product is a satisfying option for the roughly three million Americans who suffer from peanut allergies. Twelve states now include SunButter in their school lunch programs. And, some airlines provide snacks made with SunButter, as an alternative to peanuts.

Mineral Exploration and Mining in British Columbia

British Columbia’s $6 billion mineral exploration and mining industry is an integral part of the provincial economy. Competitive taxes, an ample supply of low-cost power, and government's commitment to the industry make this province an ideal place to invest.

The Mining and Minerals Division of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources manages British Columbia's substantial mineral resources. The Division implements policies and programs that encourage the responsible development of these resources and ensures that all mining activities respect the safety of workers, the public and the environment.

Wuling National Forest Recreation Area

Wuling National Forest Recreation Area occupies the northeast corner of Heping Township in Taichung County, central Taiwan. It stretches from the rear part of the Wuling River terrace through Wuling Farm to dense growths of pine, encompassing a unique landscape of forests, rivers, waterfalls and high peaks. The crystal waters of the Cijiawan River are home to the rare Formosan landlocked salmon.

The climate here maintains at a pleasingly cool 22 degrees centigrade in summer, making it a popular destination in the hot season. In autumn, the foliage dons beautiful golden hues and in winter the snowcapped peaks lend a northern air to the landscape. Each season offers a different experience at Wuling.

Hedge fund

"Hedge fund" is a general, non-legal term used to describe private, unregistered investment pools that traditionally have been limited to sophisticated, wealthy investors. Hedge funds are not mutual funds and, as such, are not subject to the numerous regulations that apply to mutual funds for the protection of investors — including regulations requiring a certain degree of liquidity, regulations requiring that mutual fund shares be redeemable at any time, regulations protecting against conflicts of interest, regulations to assure fairness in the pricing of fund shares, disclosure regulations, regulations limiting the use of leverage.

UK attract FDI

The UK's inward investment promotional effort combines both national and regional agencies in a co-ordinated network. This consists of staff based overseas in the principal markets from which FDI is sourced; UK Trade & Investment's HQ in London; and the English regional development agencies (RDAs) and the devolved administrations (DAs) in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. UK Trade & Investment has a key role in managing this network and co-ordinating the efforts of both the public and private sector partners around the UK to make the best case for "UK plc". This ensures that potential investors have access to all the available help and advice they need to make the best commercial decisions. UK Trade & Investment's principal objectives in the area of FDI are to attract, retain and add value to UK investment.

Italian painting of the 15th century

All over Europe, the late middle ages favored a decorative and courtly manner known as the International Style. By the early 15th century, however, people in Florence and other towns of central Italy genuinely believed they were living in a new era—the Renaissance. Not only did the Renaissance bring new, more naturalistic styles, but also increased patronage from private individuals, and new, secular subjects.

In the fifteenth century, artists learned to depict the visual world in a naturalistic manner. They extended their understanding of light and shadow, of space and anatomy. The idealized statuary of classical antiquity served as models, while in architecture the classical orders were applied to Renaissance buildings.The prosperous mercantile economy of Florence helped to nurture the arts. Commissions came from the church, the state, and wealthy families. Classical as well as biblical heroes and heroines were portrayed as examples of virtue and moral fortitude.

However, to view the art of the Renaissance as a mere conquest of naturalistic representation would overlook the complexity of the period. Carlo Crivelli painted sumptuous altarpieces in a boldly ornamental manner, and Cosimo Tura frequently departed from logical, naturalistic norms in favor of an energetic idiom with an eccentric elegance. Portraiture flourished during the Renaissance, and the Venetians, foremost among them Giorgione and Bellini, excelled in their depictions of pastoral landscape.