Fabulous Christmas Trees

Fabulous Christmas Trees: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The tradition of lighting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York began in 1933. These days, the lighting ceremony is an NBC-TV special that makes the tree a worldwide celebrity. The 74-foot-tall Norway spruce was illuminated by 30,000 lights during a ceremony that featured performances by Neil Diamond, Cee Lo Green and Carole King. The tree is decorated with five miles of lights, which will be on until Jan. 7. After that, it will be turned into lumber for the housing charity Habitat for Humanity.

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How To Grow Tobacco

Tobacco plantations in Chilik district of Almaty region were established during the time of the Union, when manufactured cigarettes "Kazakhstan", popular for its quality and flavor. Since then gave way to factories, instead of Kazakh cigarettes, new brand, and the plantations have continued to grow tobacco.

 Tobacco seeds are usually sown in February and transplanting in the open ground is carried out in April-May

 Grade of this tobacco is called "ordinary tobacco" (Nicotiana tabacum). A large plant with long leaves, up to a half or two feet tall. Information for our readers to name the plants 'nicotine' was in the XVI century and was named in honor of the French Ambassador to Portugal Jean Nico, who coined the French court snuff

 Collection of first tobacco leaves from mid-July until late August, when the leaves begin to turn yellow. On one bush ranges from 12 to 18 leaves, which are harvested by hand, starting from the bottom. Scrub with a broken lower leaves continue to grow for several days, had to develop the remaining leaves. Then removed middle leaves, and a few days later, the uppermost - they are the most intense and juicy

 To avoid absorption of tobacco tar in the skin, workers use gloves and closed clothes

 Unprofitable to remove the leaves in the immature or very green state, so long as they get dry and rough material that impairs their quality of commodities

 On the plantation area of 6 hectares per break-up is going to about a ton of raw material

 One sack weighs 30-45 kg of leaves

 Initially, all bags are collected under the canopy, then spread out the leaves and begin the next stage - a bunch of

 The most long and tedious step is just stringing the leaves

 During one working day strung cords 20-25

 During the six months of continuous work, he could earn 1,000 to $ 1,500. Work on tobacco plantations in the main inhabitants Kyrgystana and Uzbekistan, who specially come in season earnings. According to unofficial estimates of 4 to 30 thousand people

 But even if they are legally in Kazakhstan to talk about themselves they are not in a hurry - no need to once again remind ourselves of the immigration police. In addition, the press did not cease scandals against child labor in tobacco fields

 Of tobacco tar hands blackened. In addition, there are so-called "green tobacco sickness," when, because of the nicotine absorbed into the skin there is dizziness, headache, nausea and a red rash

 But for employees of the plantation - the only way to make money, so these "little things" do not pay attention

 After the tobacco leaves are collected in garlands, they are hung outdoors to dry

 

Weather permitting, the leaves are dried two or three days

 Rainy weather spoils the tobacco, the leaves start to turn black

 Ripe and the leaves give nedospevshie tobacco smoking with poorer qualities. By the highest grade is light yellow leaves

 Reddish-brown hue - this is the second grade, with a hint of blue and green - the third, black and green - the fourth and the lowest grade - green

 In addition to damage tobacco can carry and use. Tobacco oil made ​​from the flowers of tobacco, regulates the restoration of the body's cells through the skin in severe psoriasis

 Technology of production of this oil has been developed in Kazakhstan, an expert in plant and inventor Chebotovoy Alla Nikolaevna
P.S. Soon comes the season for cutting and pressing of tobacco, and after his surrender of the tobacco company. Voxpopuli will try to show all the steps. To be continued ...

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Labor Day Trivia : September 2011

Labor Day trivia- Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September (September 5 in 2011) that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.
The Labor Day Holiday was created by Labor Unions as a day to celebrate the achievements of working people and the value of work. More Pennsylvanians celebrate Labor Day than in any other State in the Nation. Join us as we carry on this great American tradition, which started over 100 years ago.

Origin of Labor Day

Labor Day was created to pay tribute to the social and economic achievements of U.S. workers in 1882.
The first big Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882, by the Central Labor Union of New York. It was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882.

Historic signing

President, Grover Cleveland, signed the bill that designated the first Monday in September as Labor Day.

Modern-day workforce

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately how many people age 16 and older are in the nation's workforce, 154 million people in workforce 2011

Fastest-growing careers

Occupation do experts say will grow at the fastest rate from 2002 to 2014, home health aide fastest growing career.

Annual median income

The annual median income for a male year-round worker in 2005, annual median income 2005 $41,000

Holiday's infamous roots

Infamous incident in U.S. history led to the establishment of Labor Day as a federal holiday, Pullman Strike
The Pullman Strike was a nationwide conflict between labor unions and railroads that occurred in the United States in 1894. The conflict began in the town of Pullman, Illinois on May 11 when approximately 3,000 employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company began a wildcat strike in response to recent reductions in wages, bringing traffic west of Chicago to a halt. The American Railway Union, the nation's first industry-wide union, led by Eugene V. Debs, subsequently became embroiled in what The New York Times described as "a struggle between the greatest and most important labor organization and the entire railroad capital" that involved some 250,000 workers in 27 states at its peak.

First states to honor Labor Day

The first U.S. state to declare Labor Day a state holiday, Oregon, United States

Labor Day around the globe

Labor Day on May 1, +China labor day May 1,

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Great Moments in Nature Hosts' Careers: Steve Irwin

Great moments in nature hosts' careers: Steve Irwin: On the anniversary of Steve Irwin's tragic death, Steve Irwin stingray death , in 2006, we remember this famous animal-loving Australian  nickname the crocodile hunter who never ceased to amaze TV audiences with his dangerous wildlife stunts, Steve Irwin crocodile wrestling. Crikey, Steve Irwin crikey, Steve, you are missed but never forgotten.
TV show +The Crocodile Hunter TV

Bear Grylls
This British adventurer real name Edward Michael Grylls, shot into the spotlight when he became the youngest Briton, Northern Ireland, to climb this intimidating mountain, Mount Everest, at the age of 23. He continues to wow TV audiences today with his daring outdoor stunts, Bear Grylls stunts.
TV show Man vs Wild
Jack Hanna
Currently the director define Emeritus at an American zoo, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, this famous naturalist nickname Jungle Jack Hanna continues to entertain his fans by hosting multiple nature television shows and specials.
TV show +Jack Hanna's Into the Wild
Nigel Marven
A well-known personality in England, United Kingdom, this nature enthusiast got his start working as a producer for a famous British nature-show host, David Attenborough, Real name: David Frederick Attenborough, Date of birth: May 8, 1926, Occupation: Director, Actor. Nigel Marven finally stepped out from behind the camera in 1998, and his unorthodox and spontaneous presentation style, +Nigel Marven compared to Steve Irwin , grabs audiences' attention.
Bindi Irwin
The daughter of a world-famous nature show host, Steve Irwin, Real name: Stephen Robert Irwin, Date of birth: February 22, 1962, Date of death: September 4, 2006, this child star began appearing on television with her father at the age of 2. After his tragic death, Steve Irwin cause of death, Bindi Irwin 8 years old when her father dies, she continues to follow in his footsteps, reaching nature-loving audiences throughout the TV world.
Joan Embery

Born near a famous wildlife attraction, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, this animal advocate has been a staple on late-night television since 1971. A favorite of this "Tonight Show" host, Johnny Carson, Real name: John William Carson, Date of birth: October 23, 1925, Date of death: January 23, 2005, she regularly introduced exotic wildlife to American viewers.
Sir David Attenborough
Possibly the best-known television naturalist of all time, this BBC staple, BBC Sir David Attenborough, was the voice of an influential nature series for 29 years. Today he continues writing and producing nature shows, Frozen Planet, to educate viewers on environmental issues.
Jeff Corwin
After graduating with a master's degree, Jeff Corwin masters degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation , he got his TV break serving as an expedition naturalist on a National Geographic program, national geographic JASON Project.  From there he was launched into the spotlight, hosting many popular nature shows, Jeff Corwin biography.

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Jackie O Believed Lyndon B Johnson Killed Jfk

Jackie o believed lyndon b johnson killed jfk- EXPLOSIVE tapes by John F Kennedy's wife Jackie Onassis reveal she believed vice-president Lyndon B Johnson was behind his assassination.
The recordings show she thought her husband's successor and Texas businessmen plotted with gunman Lee Harvey Oswald.

They also suggest that JFK was having an affair with a White House intern.
But Jackie - who later married Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis - admits to cheating with actor William Holden and Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli.
Leading historian Arthur Schlesinger Jnr recorded the tapes with her months after her husband was shot in 1963.
Jackie, who died in 1994, banned their release until 50 years after her death. But her daughter Caroline is said to have unveiled them early to ABC in exchange for the US TV network dropping a drama on the Kennedys.

Read more about this at the source of this article here: The Sun

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Fun Funiculars & Trams

Fun Funiculars & Trams

CPT technology is actually the basic mother of funiculars and trams and gondolas which are world famous fun travel attractions. Though they differ in engineering details, all rely on cables to draw passenger cars uphill and bring the same cars back down in a reverse journey. Aerial Trams are like larger Gondolas. Aerial Trams are an out-dated mode of Cable-Propelled Transit. A funicular, also known as an inclined plane or cliff railway, is a cable railway in which a cable attached to a pair of tram-like vehicles on rails moves them up and down a steep slope; the ascending and descending vehicles counterbalance each other. Funiculars, on the other hand, are very similar to Cable Cars except Funiculars are used almost exclusively to ascend steep inclines.
Many of these world-famous tourist attractions carry visitors to popular sights, some of which are given below.

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Victoria Peak Tram

The Victoria Peak Tram is a funicular railway in Hong Kong, which carries both tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island. Running from Central district to Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels, it provides the most direct route and offers good views over the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong. The Peak Tram was opened for public service on 28 May 1888 by the then Governor Sir George William des Voeux. As built, the line used a static steam engine to power the haulage cable. It was at first used only for residents of Victoria Peak. The Peak Tram is owned and operated by the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Group (HSH), the owner of Hong Kong's famous Peninsula Hotel along with many other properties.

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Peak-to-Peak Gondola

Whistler’s Peak-to-Peak Gondola to Blackcomb Mountains in British Columbia Canada was opened On December 12, 2008 from two hours north of Vancouver. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola which spans the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is world-class in many respects like

• It has greatest vertical height of 1,427 feet above Fitzsimmons Creek Canyon.
• It has longest free span of about 1.88 miles.
• Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, surely one of the most conspicuous as for the first time the IOC has bestowed that designation on a community.

Open to skiers in winter, hikers and bikers in summer and awe-struck tourists year-round, the 2.7-mile ride provides spectacular views of the Coast Range peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park (see images). It’s also hugely practical: skiers can shuttle between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in 11 minutes, once an hourlong journey.

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Valparaiso, Chile, funiculars

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Pittsburgh Inclines

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Klein Matterhorn tramway

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Fløibanen

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Christchurch Gondola

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Wallowa Lake Tram

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Schilthorn Gondola

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Festungsbahn

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Mount Roberts Tramway

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Lookout Mountain Incline

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Sandia Peak Tramway

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Roosevelt Island Tram

Fun Funiculars & Trams: Old Quebec Funicular

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What Are the Odds

Plane Crash

When you’re contemplating a vacation, some travel scenarios are riskier than others. In April, the National Transportation Safety Board announced that no fatalities occurred on U.S. airlines or commuter airlines in 2010. Statistically speaking, flying on commercial airlines remains relatively safe. Furthermore, according to the National Safety Council, flying on a scheduled airline in the U.S. is safer than taking a railroad passenger train — including Amtrak — bus or car. But if flying still gives you the willies, consider taking a fear-of-flying class or research a fear-of-flying clinic in your area.

Shark Attack

Thanks to films like “Jaws” and the Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week,” it might have something to do with large toothy fish in the sea. But consider the statistics. “In reality, only one person on average is killed annually in the United States by sharks,” said Stephen P. Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University in Miami. That pales in comparison to the 100 or more people who drown and tens of thousands of swimmers who struggle in deadly rip currents every year. “Clearly, rips are the real killers,” Leatherman said. “Yet most people do not even think about rip currents, much less fear their power or even know how to recognize them.” Read on for more stats on rip currents.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water moving in an offshore direction. They can occur along any coastline with breaking waves, but are prevalent along most U.S. coastlines. A rip current pulls swimmers away from the shore into deeper water at speeds of up to 8 feet per second — faster than an Olympic swimmer. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea, and thus are dangerous to all swimmers. Rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that more than 100 people die each year due to rip currents on U.S. beaches.

Pirate Attack

Do you hesitate to go on a cruise or sailing vacation for fear of a pirate attack? Certainly, deadly pirate attacks have been in the news. In February, pirates killed four U.S. citizens who were piloting a sailboat several hundred miles south of Oman. The International Maritime Bureau reported that piracy at sea hit an all-time high in the first three months of 2011; pirates murdered seven crew members in that time period. Heart disease killed 616,067 people in the United States in 2007, and cancer killed 562,875, according to the CDC. Perhaps it makes more sense to lie awake at night worrying about diet and exercise rather than a pirate attack.

Catching Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of viruses, previously known as Norwalk-like viruses, that can affect the stomach and intestines. In the United States, the CDC estimates that more than 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis each year are due to norovirus infection. That means about one in every 15 Americans becomes sick with norovirus each year. Norovirus is also estimated to cause more than 70,000 hospitalizations and more than 500 deaths annually in the United States. The CDC lists three reasons:
1. Health officials track illness on cruise ships, so outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land. 2. Close living quarters may increase the amount of group contact. 3. New-passenger arrivals may bring the virus to other passengers and crew.
How can you prevent getting norovirus, Wash your hands often, avoid shaking hands during outbreaks, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cruise ships have plenty of sanitizer stations these days. It’s a good idea to use them.

Murdered in Mexico

Last year, 111 U.S. citizens were reported to the U.S. State Department as having been murdered in Mexico. Meanwhile, millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. While the odds are small that you’ll die from foul play in Mexico, you can take action to avoid drug-related violence while traveling there. The State Department’s website recommends avoiding the U.S. Mexico border. “You should be especially aware of safety and security concerns when visiting the northern border states of Northern Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.” Learn more by reading the department's travel warning for Mexico.

Hurricanes

The National Weather Service reports there were no fatalities from tropical storms or hurricanes in the United States in 2010. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina killed 1,836 people. When you average hurricane fatalities over the period from 2001 to 2010, the average is 116 deaths per year. Knowing that, will you change your vacation plans? Perhaps not, but it may interest you to know that 40 percent of all U.S. hurricanes hit Florida. See how many hurricanes have hit your state.

Tornadoes

The National Weather Service reports there were 45 deaths from tornadoes in the United States for all of 2010. However, 2011 is already shaping up to be the sixth-deadliest tornado year in U.S. history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with 536 tornado-related deaths so far, including 151 in Joplin, Mo. See where tornadoes touched down in May, typically the most active month for tornadoes in the United States.

Earthquakes

The National Safety Council’s report “Injury Facts 2011 Edition” says the lifetime odds of someone in the United States dying in an earthquake or other earth movement is one in 148,756. For perspective, the lifetime odds of dying from heart disease are one in six, dying from cancer is one in seven, and dying in a motor-vehicle accident is one in 88. Even being struck by lightning is a more likely scenario, where the odds are one in 84,079. Check the USGS website, Top Earthquake States.
What about the rest of the world? The 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan in March 2011 was one of the five most powerful earthquakes in the world since record-keeping began in 1900. The earthquake and tsunami caused 15,538 deaths.

Motor-Vehicle Accidents

Driving is risky business. The National Safety Council reports that about 34,700 motor-vehicle fatalities occurred in the United States in 2010, making it a far more likely cause of death for Americans last year than dying because of a domestic airline crash, shark attack or norovirus infection, or being murdered in Mexico. In 2004, the World Health Organization reported that the highest road-traffic mortality rates are found in some Latin American countries. In El Salvador, the rate was 41.7 deaths per 100,000 population; in the Dominican Republic, it was 41 deaths per 100,000 population; and in Brazil, it was 25.6 deaths per 100,000 population.

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Most World Extreme Castles

Extreme Castles: Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Castles generally aren’t something you’d call run-of-the-mill, but some of the world’s historic castles take things to extremes. Here’s a tour of some of the most notable castles you’ll find — no castle-storming needed.
No place symbolizes the extremes of the romantic, fantastical castle ideal like Neuschwanstein Castle, rising from the hills near Germany’s border with Austria. The brainchild of Ludwig II of Bavaria — who also built several other extravagant castles, and left behind plans for still more — the 19th-century castle is a turret-bedecked, theatrically ornate confection that seems made for a fairy tale. No wonder Neuschwanstein reportedly served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Extreme Castles: Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Bounded by water on all sides, Eilean Donan Castle commands a dramatic landscape from a small island in the Scottish Highlands. In the castle’s early days, waterways were the main transit arteries in this inlet-filled region, and the castle — perched at the convergence of three sea lochs — was perfectly situated for defense. First built in the early 13th century as protection against marauding Vikings, Eilean Donan Castle has been associated with the Clan MacRae for centuries.

Extreme Castles: Predjama Castle, Slovenia

A castle on an island is one thing, but a castle in a cave? Slovenia has just that in the form of Predjama Castle, built in the mouth of Postojna Cave, about 100 miles east of Venice, Italy. The in-cave location provided excellent defensive capabilities for the castle, whose history goes back at least to the 13th century; these days, cave tours are popular with visitors to the castle.

Extreme Castles: Windsor Castle, England

Just west of London, Windsor Castle is huge, and it’s hugely old, too. According to the British government, Windsor Castle — one of Queen Elizabeth II’s official residences — is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Its history dates back to William the Conquerer; in the nearly 1,000 years since then, Windsor has expanded to a floor area encompassing about 480,000 square feet.

Extreme Castles: Palácio da Pena, Portugal

With its multicolored exterior walls and its eclectic aesthetic styles, Portugal’s Palácio da Pena almost resembles a cake covered with colorful frosting. The romantic, fanciful castle was built on a craggy hill near Lisbon in the first half of the 19th century and incorporates elements of German, Moorish and other architectural traditions. These days it’s a Portuguese national monument and is used for state occasions.

Extreme Castles: Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle is widely considered the world’s largest castle complex. Dominating the Prague skyline from a hill overlooking the Vltava River, Prague Castle has an area of about 750,000 square feet. The castle was probably founded around 880, and it houses the crown jewels and relics of the Bohemian kings who ruled from there over the centuries.

Extreme Castles: Bled Castle, Slovenia

Watch your step here! Bled Castle is dramatically perched on a 415-foot-high cliff looming over Lake Bled, in northwestern Slovenia. The ancient castle was first mentioned in an early 11th century document that called it "castellum Veldes" — the castle on the cliff. The strategic location and the great view have attracted visits by prominent officials over the years; some of the more recent guests have included then-first lady Laura Bush and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Extreme Castles: Burghausen Castle, Germany

At close to 3,500 feet long — that’s considerably more than half a mile — Burghausen Castle is believed to be the longest castle in Europe. Burghausen was founded in the 11th century or earlier, and it saw plenty of military action over the years; this led to the expansion of its fortifications over several centuries. Burghausen lies about 60 miles east of Munich, and it still boasts the majority of its medieval fortifications.

Extreme Castles: Citadel of Aleppo, Syria

Just which castle is the world’s oldest is up for debate, but Syria’s Citadel of Aleppo should at least be part of the conversation. Its history goes back to the Hellenistic period more than 2,000 years ago; even before that, the Assyrians built a temple on the site, and the biblical prophet Abraham is said to have walked these grounds.

Extreme Castles: Malbork Castle, Poland

Castles don’t come much bigger than the one in Malbork, Poland, near the Baltic Sea. The castle was founded by the Teutonic Order in 1274 and was expanded several times over the years to accommodate the increasing number of Teutonic Knights, of whom up to 3,000 may have lived here in the castle's heyday. It’s considered one of the best examples of Gothic brick castle complexes in existence.

Extreme Castles: Castle Stalker, Scotland

Few castles look lonelier than Castle Stalker at high tide. Castle Stalker — pronounced "stall-ker" — sits on what is usually a tiny island in western Scotland, although at low tide the water recedes enough that you might be able to wade over from the mainland. Castle Stalker may be one of the most-seen in the world, at least on screen: The 14th-century castle starred in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," appearing in the final scene as Castle Auuggh.

Extreme Castles: Chapultepec Castle, Mexico

There’s one castle in continental North America that has housed sovereigns: Mexico’s Chapultepec Castle, which Emperor Maximilian I called home during the short-lived Second Mexican Empire in the 1860s. The castle’s hilltop location in present-day Mexico City was once sacred to the Aztecs the modern castle’s history dates to the 18th century.

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Most Expensive Cocktails

Expensive cocktails

You thought the $14 martini was pricey? A sip from these could pay your house note.

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
Cocktail: Woodford Reserve Mint Julep, Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Cost: $1,000 USD

Original Mai Tai
Cocktail: Mai Tai, Merchant Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Cost: 750 pounds sterling, roughly $1,267 USD

  
Ritz-Paris Sidecar
Cocktail: Sidecar, Bar Hemingway, Ritz-Paris, France
Cost: 1,250 euros, roughly $1,670

 Macallan Single Malt Whiskey
Cocktail: Macallan 55, Single Malt Whiskey, Skyview Bar, Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cost: 14.500 AED per 30 ml, roughly $4,000 USD

 Vegas's Ono Champagne Cocktail
Cocktail: Ono, XS at the Encore Wynn, Las Vegas
Cost: $10,000

The Diamond Is Forever Martini
Cocktail: Diamond Is Forever, Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, Japan
Cost: 1,800,000 JPY, over $22,600 USD

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