Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Super Hurricanes, is This the End of Days?

Many are watching Super Hurricane Wilma with amazement as 21-30 inches of rain washes out Western world weather Records in the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. This is adding additional weight on the tectonic plates, which have been moving around a bit. Some believe this is what has caused the recent Volcanic Activity and Seismic Earthquakes. One has to ask the question if all these events along with the Solar Cycle being off and intense Sunspots and Solar Flares if all this is no coincidence at all.

Yet the Mayan Calendar shows we are good to go until 2012, but the Christian Biblical version of future events does not give a time or day, in fact it warns no man shall know the time or the day. Indeed, but does this mean someone else might? Perhaps a woman, a mother, How about Mother Nature?

If this isn't the end of days as many are starting to wonder with this recent wicked and willful Super Hurricane Wilma, then when is it? And if we are all going to get through this, how much will it cost? And where will 2 million people with washed away homes live? Will they come to the United States? Can we take anymore? And what about the Earthquake and Volcano victims and all those who did not make it and are buried in Mudslides where they are laid to rest? Is this all a bad dream or is Mother Nature telling us something; namely the surface of the Planet is a dangerous place to live and if you dare to live under sea level or along a coastline, you are going to have to build things a lot tougher than that. Because as Climate Change shows an increase of heat scientists are predicting more Super Storms in the coming years; so hang on tight. Think on that.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Top 5 Unforgettable Vacations Spots in Hawaii

America's 50th state, Hawaii, offers its visitors a veritable treasure trove of unforgettable vacation experiences. From its active volcano, Kilauea, to the vivid tropical fish in its waters, to many Polynesian cultures that formed its society, Hawaii bursts with opportunities for a memorable visit. Here are five of the most unforgettable vacation spots in the Aloha State.

1. The island of Oahu

Oahu, home to the state capital of Honolulu, bursts with vibrant life. The capital city boasts a fabled array of shopping, dining and entertainment. For some, however, Oahu means Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head and other natural attractions. These include making some new finny friends at Sea Life Park at Makapu'u Beach or getting "up close and personal" with the tropical denizens of Hanauma Bay, a world-famous snorkeling site. Those with an interest in history will want to take in the battleship USS Arizona Memorial, commemorating the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces, or visit the "Mighty Mo," the battleship USS Missouri Memorial.

2. The Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu

No Hawaiian visit would be complete without a genuine Polynesian luau, and that's a major feature of The Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie, about an hour's drive north of Honolulu. Before the festivities start, however, travelers can take in the cultural center's seven different village exhibits from Hawai'i, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Tonga and Maori New Zealand (Aotearoa), to learn about Polynesian peoples.

3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island (Hawaii)

This spectacular park on The Big Island draws some 3 million visitors every year. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses two of the world's extraordinary volcanoes: Kilauea, the most active and dormant Mauna Loa, the largest. The 11-mile Crater Rim Drive around Mauna Loa's summit gives visitors breathtaking vistas of natural Hawaiian beauty. Any park visit should start at The Kilauea Visitor Center for information on safety precautions, road conditions and campaign and hiking availability.

4. The NaPali Coast, Kauai

The unspoiled, uninhabited and spectacular NaPali Coast on the island of Kauai, with its jaw-dropping cliffs, could cause a visitor to get sunburned on the roof of the mouth. In fact, some travelers say that NaPali encapsulates all of Hawaii's natural beauty. The oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai boasts a 111-mile coastline ringed with coral reefs and beaches of golden sand. Inland Kauai is home to mountain rain forests including Mt. Wai'ale'ale, whose average annual rainfall of 460 inches makes it one of the earth's wettest locales. Visitors don't need umbrellas though, because showers are brief, punctuated by sunshine producing glorious rainbows.

5. The island of Maui

Maui seems to enthrall its visitors. Nature lovers come in winter to view humpback whale. Adrenaline junkies speed across canyons on zip lines, a sports sub underwater or cycle down the side of a volcano. Athletes love Maui for its golfing and beach sports, such as kite-boarding and windsurfing. Lovers of nightlife can find taste-tempting restaurants and thrilling stage shows in Lahaina. Maui's film festival and writers' conference draw those of artistic bent. And if all that excitement wears out visitors, they can seek out the care of holistic healers at Haleakala, reputed to be one of the world's strongest natural energy points.

Many things can be considered truly Hawaiian. Author Sam Kanakanui and creator of Truly Hawaiian Teriyaki Sauce is just such a person. Born on Oahu, Sam has brought his families 100 year old teriyaki sauce recipe to the mainland to share with his extended ohana (family). He can be contacted at http://www.TrulyHawaiian.com

The Colta Lake - Natural Beauty Among Conquests and Ruins

In the Pan-American Highway, 17km (10 miles) south of Riobamba, among beautiful landscapes where green and blue tones predominate, we get to a place full of history, culture and natural beauty. A place inhabited by friendly people who live among hills and volcanoes. Its name is Colta, an extraordinary spot that, seen from the highway, could be described as a big, crystal clear lake that beautifully reflects Ecuador's highest volcano; and in whose shores the country's oldest village was erected. It is a perfect mix of Nature and History what makes this place magical.

To get to the lake's shores, the road goes another 2km (1 mile) forward. Before arriving to the village we find the ruins of what once was the city of Riobamba -currently known as Cajabamba or Sicalpa- destroyed during the Colonial period (1797) by a big earthquake that took the life of 5000 people. The remains are those of their streets, their temples and their handcrafts. Arriving to the place, the big cracks caused by the earthquake can still be observed at the hills.

Going a little further in the way to the village (or taking the alternative road, right beside the lake, aboard the train that goes to the "Devil's Nose") we find the Colta Lake. In the indigenous language, the lake is called kulta kucha, which means "Duck's Lake". Here, the senses are awakened by a colorful parade: the indigenes navigating in their "Caballitos de Totora" (reed watercrafts), the wildlife, the multicolor little houses, the animals, the kids playing, and the great Chimborazo volcano... They are all part of the autumn-like landscape of this historical lake.

At the end of the road and facing the lake, we find the population known as "Santiago de Quito", name whose similarity to that of Ecuador's capital, San Francisco de Quito, is not just a coincidence. In 1534, with the arrival of the conquistadors to the land that is nowadays the country of Ecuador; the Colta area was designated as the place to build the capital of the region, since the lake would provide water for the village. The area received the name of "Santiago de Quito". Later on, the place was subject of confrontations between the conquistadors. To prevent more fights, the capital was moved further to the North. Even as time went by, the settlement found at the shores of the Colta Lake is still known as Santiago de Quito. The village's parish, called the Balbanera, is the first Catholic Church ever built in Ecuador, and it was erected more than 475 years ago.

Colonial ruins, spectacular landscapes and the history of the beginnings of the Republic is what visitors will find at this magical, edifying place. The Colta Lake and the Santiago de Quito Parish have been fitted out so that they support responsible, sustainable and ecological tourism, offering their visitors activities such as hiking, horseback riding, camping, photography, fauna and flora observation, sightseeing, adventure tourism and the amazing indigenous fair that takes place every Sunday.

Ecuador is a diverse and surprising destination with beautiful landscapes and an unprecedented biodiversity, making it one of the most magical places on earth. A sustainable, diverse, surprising, beautiful and unique paradise in Latin America worth knowing.

Choking the Trees to Death

A few years later, climbing plants were already choking the trees to death and transforming the new forest into a tropical jungle complete with orchids, butterflies, snakes, and numberless birds and bats, and with a small lake. Krakatoa became a naturalist's paradise; the Dutch made it a Nature reserve and allowed no one but accredited scientists to set foot on the island. The naturalists worked out a complete inventory of life on Krakatoa. They counted the steadily growing number of new arrivals and observed how they lived with each other and fought each other. Then, one day, the scientists discovered that still another sort of life was stirring on Krakatoa-life in the earth itself. The old volcano was not dead.

Deep down under its rocky foundations a pocket of lava were seeking an outlet for its energies. The bottom of the inland sea was heaving and buckling again. A submarine cone was building up; on January 26, 1928, it broke the surface and showed its top, a flat, ugly island a few hundred feet across, which the waves washed away a few days later. A year passed. Then, suddenly, not far from the place where Danan and Perboewatan had first appeared, a geyser began to spout steam and ashes. Sulphurous fumes were drifting over the ocean. Again the sea was covered with dead fish floating belly-up. The scientists measured the temperature of the water a hundred yards from the geyser. It was 30° F. warmer than the surrounding sea. The new geyser is still there. Its identity has been established; it is a portion of the ancient crater rim with mud deposited on its top and flanks and a flue in its center-a safety valve for the stupendous pressure generated by the lava pocket underneath. The natives call the new volcano "Anak Krakatoa," the "Child of Krakatoa." No name could be more ominous.

Now that the guns are stilled and men fly on missions of peace, the question arises as to what war did to the birds of sea, land and air in the Pacific. Much of the havoc of war is indirect, and only a careful study can measure its total effect. However, on the basis of certain facts, plus experience and conjecture, we can arrive at some conclusions. These are both interesting and important. From time immemorial most of the central Pacific islands have been nesting places for myriad sea birds. Guided by hereditary impulses, these birds returned, year after year, to the island of their original nest. There was virtually no month in the year in which birds of some species were not on these islands. These birds were threatened, in 1939, when naval bases were established on a number of low-lying coral islands. Then came war itself, with the necessity for speed and extensive development that could reckon with nothing save the goal of victory. Such activity could not be reconciled with the normal routine of great colonies of birds carrying on their life cycles in vast isolation. Into this peaceful avian picture came man and his machines.. Then, one day, the scientists discovered that still another sort of life was stirring on Krakatoa-life in the earth itself. The old volcano was not dead.

Deep down under its rocky foundations a pocket of lava were seeking an outlet for its energies. The bottom of the inland sea was heaving and buckling again. A submarine cone was building up; on January 26, 1928, it broke the surface and showed its top, a flat, ugly island a few hundred feet across, which the waves washed away a few days later. A year passed. Then, suddenly, not far from the place where Danan and Perboewatan had first appeared, a geyser began to spout steam and ashes. Sulphurous fumes were drifting over the ocean. Again the sea was covered with dead fish floating belly-up. The scientists measured the temperature of the water a hundred yards from the geyser. It was 30° F. warmer than the surrounding sea. The new geyser is still there. Its identity has been established; it is a portion of the ancient crater rim with mud deposited on its top and flanks and a flue in its center-a safety valve for the stupendous pressure generated by the lava pocket underneath. The natives call the new volcano "Anak Krakatoa," the "Child of Krakatoa." No name could be more ominous.

Now that the guns are stilled and men fly on missions of peace, the question arises as to what war did to the birds of sea, land and air in the Pacific. Much of the havoc of war is indirect, and only a careful study can measure its total effect. However, on the basis of certain facts, plus experience and conjecture, we can arrive at some conclusions. These are both interesting and important. From time immemorial most of the central Pacific islands have been nesting places for myriad sea birds. Guided by hereditary impulses, these birds returned, year after year, to the island of their original nest. There was virtually no month in the year in which birds of some species were not on these islands. These birds were threatened, in 1939, when naval bases were established on a number of low-lying coral islands. Then came war itself, with the necessity for speed and extensive development that could reckon with nothing save the goal of victory. Such activity could not be reconciled with the normal routine of great colonies of birds carrying on their life cycles in vast isolation. Into this peaceful avian picture came man and his machines.

David is the author of many articles including Best Friend Quotes and also the author of Best life quotes

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Top 10 Tourist Destinations in East Java

Indonesia is a hub for tourist activities, and if you ever want to witness the beauty of nature blended with African like savannah in Asia, then you could certainly choose to go to east Java.

The province is one of the best tourist destinations not just in Indonesia, but probably in Asia. East Java is filled with natural tourist destinations, national parks, volcano sightseeing and lots of beautiful restaurants where you would be served top of the line delicacies. East java is also the most developed province in Indonesia.

Here are top 10 tourist destinations in East Java.

• Baluran national park is one of the best tourist destinations in East Java. The park not only has a large area of 25,000 hectares, but also considered to be a forest area, preserved in a perfect manner, to give it a presentable look.
  
  Baluran national park has a tinge of African outlook, with its large savannah grasslands. It's a must see destination, and it's very easily accessible from any part of east Java.


• If you want to witness a volcanic mountain, then you should make it a point to visit Blitar. The town came in to limelight for being the birth place of Indonesia's founding father. It also contains beaches and a Hindu temple.


• Active volcanoes in east Java province had made it a hot tourist destination, and in case you are harbouring any plans to view an active volcano, then proceed to Bromo- Tengger-Semeru National park. The park is made out of 2 popular mountains, one is a volcanic mountain, where volcano eruptions are frequent, and the other, Mount Bromo is a top blown off mountain. However, you need to take permissions to climb the mountain.


• Try going to Pulau Sempu, and you would be able to witness Lagoon in the attractive national park. Pulau Sempu is an ideal place to visit when you have a dry weather.


• Madura Island is a picture of acute poverty, but you would love the island for its natural beauty. Poverty is not the reason for you to visit the island. In fact the island has some very beautiful tourist destinations where you would be able to have a great time.


• Bull racing in Madura is probably the best outing you could have in Madura in the east Java province. Tourists make it a point to visit Madura to witness the bull racing championships during fall.


• Kangean islands are one of the best places in east Java province to witness marine life. Kangean Island is the largest island in Madura, and good place for snorkelling.


• Tombs in east java province, especially those located in Madura islands are worth watching. The Ratu Ibu Tomb and Asta Tinggi Tombs are one of the best royal toms in Madura. The tombs have to be covered by going into the villages.


• One of the remarkable rural attractions for tourists is the fishing villages inside Madura. Once you go deep through Bangkalan, you would encounter many fishing villages in the northern coast of Madura. Most of the fisherman use large boats to catch fish.


• Meru Betiri National park is one of the biggest national parks in east Java province. The size of the park is a large area, and you would find the park spread to 50,000 hectare.

If you want to know more tourist destinations in Indonesia. please visit www.visittoindonesia.com
Renting a Jakarta apartment is ideal for your vacation.

Aeolian Islands!

Aeolian Islands are a group of remote islands that lies on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the north side of Sicily. This archipelago is well-known for its belt of volcanoes which is present on this set of islands. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in past years. Yet, it is one of the most admired tourist destinations around Sicily. According to the official data, around 200,000 visitors from whole world reach Aeolian Islands every year. Although the Aeolian Islands are very small with limited land area, yet UNESCO has announced them as a World Heritage area.

These Islands are named over the Greek mythological figure Aeolus or Elolus who is considered as the 'ruler of the winds'. Aeolian Islands is a group of eight islands namely, Alicui, Filicudi, Alina, Lipari, Culcano, Panarea, Basiluzzo and Stromboli. Lipari Island is the largest of these eight Islands and therefore the Aeolian Islands are also known as Lipari Islands.

Lipari Island, being the the biggest Island of the group offers the best accommodation facilities for the tourists. There are many shopping centers, restaurants, multiplexes, bars and a lot more. At Lipari Island, you will be able to enjoy the whole historical and cultural activities of Sicily. There is a historical church that was built in the Norman era and the Aeolian Islands are famous for the national museum and the archaeological park. The Graceo-Roman castles and forts of the medieval era are amazingly beautiful and they invoke the feeling of a mysterious attraction towards the past era. Ponente Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the whole area.

If you are looking for a little more privacy where you can enjoy the closeness with nature and obtain internal relaxation, you may want to visit the Vulcano Island. You will be amazed by the experience of visiting the steaming thermal resorts that are located along the Gran Cratere volcano. The Volcano is inactive and the last time it expelled fire was 1890. Yet, you will be able to see the clouds of sulphur that are ejected from the inactive volcano. There is only one active volcano on the Aeolian Islands and it is a major attraction of a tour to the Aeolian Island. The active volcano is on the Stromboli Island. It offers one of the most amazing natural sight as you will be able to see the striking works of magma that erupts out almost every night.

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State Highway Highlights - You Might Wanna Stop to Take a Look Here!

There are so many things to see everywhere all around New Zealand. And there is just so little time to see everything. This is a list to tell you the main interesting highlights along the 8 National Highways.

It is not possible to cover all the major attractions along all the highways, as some of them are relatively short with not much scenic views unless you consider paddock, cow and sheep as scenery.

State Highway 1 - Desert Road
The Rangipo Desert is not an actual desert, but it looks like one. The vegetation is minimal and in shades of yellow and brown. The lack of greenery is due to the harsh alpine conditions, poor soil quality and drying winds.

A large portion of Rangipo Desert is 1,000 metres above sea level, with ground frosts for about 270 days annually, and heavy snowfalls. Hence, Desert Road is frequently closed off during winter.

Along this road, you get a fantastic view of the 3 volcano peaks - Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Do you know that the Black Gate of Mordor scenes were shot in this Rangipo Desert in year 2000?

State Highway 2 - Napier
Napier is well known for the 1930s Art Deco architecture all around the town. Art Deco is an artistic and design style originated from Paris in 1920s. At that time, this style was seen as elegant, functional and modern.

In 1931, the Hawkes Bay earthquake changed the entire landscape of the region. The coastal areas around Napier were lifted by 2 metres. This caused about 40 square kilometres of seabed to turn into dry land.

Over at Marine Parade, the statue called Pania of the Reef is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. Pania, a figure in Maori mythology, is a beautiful maiden living in the east coast.

State Highway 3 - New Plymouth
There is an award-winning walkway here in Taranaki region. This 7km stretch gives a close-up experience of the Tasman Sea, from the mouth of Waiwhakaiho River in the east and Ngamotu Beach in the west, passing New Plymouth CBD.

You can cruise around the Sugar Loaf Islands and Marine Park Reserve in Happy Chaddy's Charters. The Captain takes you through some magical humps and bumps of nature to enjoy the volcanic remnants on the coast.

At this region, there is a volcano named Mount Taranaki or Egmont. It is considered unusual as it experienced at least 5 of its major eruptions by method of cone collapse. Only few volcanoes have undergone more than once.

State Highway 4 - Tongariro National Park
This is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and the fourth national park established in the world. Tongariro National Park is also one of UNESCO 25 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites today.

Tongariro National Park surrounds the 3 volcanoes - Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. The biggest ski field - Whakapapa - is located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the most popular one-day tramp in New Zealand. Most of this track is also part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, a 3-4 days 50-km tramp around Mount Ngauruhoe in this National Park.

State Highway 5 - Fitzgerald Glade
As you drive between Tirau to Rotorua, you will pass through this section known as the Fitzgerald Glade. This area on the western side of Mamau Plateau is a well-known native forest remnant.

Keep a lookout for the Fitzergald Glade sign, even though you may or may not miss this stretch. It is rare in New Zealand where the native bush grows right up to the roadside, and the trees forming a canopy overhead like a green tunnel.

Stop by at the café, or perhaps enjoy the view for a moment. At this scenic reserve, you can try spotting some New Zealand native trees such as Tawa, Mangeao, Rewarewa, Pukatea and Nikau.

State Highway 6 - Haast Pass
Haast Pass is one of the 3 passes where a road crosses through the Southern Alps. The other 2 passes are Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass. There is also a Homer Tunnel that goes under the Main Divide.

The highest point of Haast Pass is 563metres above sea level, at the valley of Haast and Makarora River. It is also the lowest of the passes traversing the Southern Alps.

The Maori name of this trail is Tiorapatea, which means, "The way is clear." This road for Haast Pass follows an ancient trail used by Maori travelling to the West Coast in search of greenstone (also known as jade, pounamu or nephrite).

State Highway 7 - Hamner Springs
This award-winning Hamner Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is set in a natural landscape surrounded by forests and mountains. Even the spa is one of the better ones I have seen in New Zealand.

Thermal waters contain a wide variety of minerals, such as sulphur, sodium chloride, calcium, carbonates, magnesium, potassium and others. Not only is it relaxing, you can soak in the water for hours and your skin won't wrinkle!

Like all places, this spa is opened 364 days a year, except Christmas Day. I spent the last day of my South Island holiday at Hamner Springs, relaxing in the pools for hours and ended off with a facial. That was awesome!

State Highway 8 - Cromwell
Cromwell is a place where it looks quite different throughout the year. It is known as the "Fruit Bowl" of the South with the large number of orchards around here. You can try fruit picking if you are here at the right time!

The world's first bungee is located here at the Kawarau Bridge, where AJ Hackett and Henry van Ash started it all. This is one of the bungees where you can choose to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed.

You will also get to see the Clyde Dam as you drive along the highway on the Clutha River. This is New Zealand's largest concrete gravity dam, with a height of 100m, length of 490m, and width of 70m on base and 10m at crest.

Most people enjoy road trips around New Zealand. That's because these are some of the places you can't access without a car. Coach buses don't really stop there, and walking there is quite a challenge.

To many, New Zealand is a relatively small island. However, in comparison to Singapore, it is a big country. There are just so many things to see and do all around the country.

Copyright 2010 Doris Chow

About the Author: Doris Chow is an blogger on http://www.FunNewZealandTravel.com. The blog shares about Doris' experiences and lessons learnt in her 3-year stay in New Zealand.

Visit Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park to Get Back to Nature

One of the stand-out attractions for people taking holidays in Costa Rica is bound to be its wildlife and natural scenery and there is no better place to experience both of these than the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Established in 1972, the nature reserve may be small but it certainly has a lot to offer those visiting the country on adventure holidays, with a host of walking trails and beautiful beaches just waiting to be discovered.

If you want to include a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park on your Costa Rica adventures then you will need to plan ahead as visitor numbers are limited to help protect the area and the creatures that call the park home.

Before you begin exploring the rainforest and beaches in the reserve, you may want to pay a visit to the ranger station, where you will be able to find out about the various animals that you could spot during your time in the park, as well as picking up maps of the trails that lead you through the jungle.

One of your primary reasons for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park is likely to be to see some of the exotic creatures that live here and you may also want to consider hiring a guide to make sure that you don't miss anything.

As you walk through the rainforest, be sure to keep your eyes on the tree canopy as you look for monkeys. There are various species that live here, including the white-faced capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys.

But primates are not the only things that are hiding in the trees - if you are lucky you may be able to spot a sloth or an iguana resting on one of the branches.

Manuel Antonio National Park is also a haven for birds, with toucans and macaws among the most colourful feathered residents of the area.

The nature reserve's boundaries also extend to include several islands which serve as breeding colonies for a number of seabirds, such as brown pelicans, ahingas and frigate birds. Male frigate birds are easily recognisable due to the bright red pouch on their chest.

If you want to have a good chance of spotting some of these birds then you should head to one of the park's four beaches.

Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur are the two largest and most popular beaches to visit. Each boasts beautiful white sand fringed by the vibrant green of the rainforest, while the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean laps at the shore.

You may want to extend your search for wildlife to the sea, in which case you should make sure that you bring your snorkelling equipment. There is a small coral reef just a short distance off Playa Manuel Antonio where you will find vibrant and colourful corals and fish.

But if you would like to get an overview of some of the coastline in the Manuel Antonio National Park then you should take the walking trail that leads to Serrucho Point. Once you have climbed to the top you will be rewarded with stunning views across the ocean and the islands just offshore.

The cliffs around Serrucho Point are also worth a visit because they have been eroded over the years into a host of sea caves.

Meanwhile, Cathedral Point - which is where Cathedral Island joins the mainland - is another must-visit location if you are seeking spectacular views during your visit to the park.

Due to the restricted visitor numbers, you are bound to enjoy getting back to nature here and if you take the time to walk along the coast and explore you will come across secluded coves and beaches in pristine condition.

Although you cannot stay overnight in the park, it is easily accessible from the nearby town of Quepos, which is located just 5 km away.

You should also remember that there are no restaurants or shops in the nature reserve, so make sure you pack some lunch - as well as other supplies such as sun cream and swimwear - if you intend to spend an entire day in the park.

A trip into Manuel Antonio National Park is bound to be a highlight of any Costa Rica holiday, so make sure you plan ahead and add this attraction to your itinerary.

If you are planning adventure holidays, why not take a look at what holidays in Costa Rica have to offer? Get in touch with TrekAmerica for more details about Costa Rica adventures and the destinations you can visit in the country.

Places to Visit in Costa Rica

When it comes to places to visit in Costa Rica it's difficult to know quite where to start. For example, Costa Rica is such a diverse country and so much of the country is aimed at tourists that there are so many things to do and so many places to visit in Costa Rica you probably couldn't do it all in 6 months. I visited for a month the first time and barely managed to scrape the surface!

So the first thing to think about before you visit Costa Rica is in an ideal world - what would you like from your vacation?

Do you want to lie by a pool or on the beach? Do you want the action and adventure of zip lines, rock climbing and surfing? Do you want to see some Costa Rican nature - with all the plants and animals that comes with such a diverse place. Do you want to experience culture? Or do you want to see some amazing views? You can accomplish all of these things and more and frankly entire guide books have been written on the places to visit in Costa Rica so I could never hope to cover everything.

But perhaps I can just help draw your attention to a few particular highlights which will give you food for thought and may help to "kick start" your research before your trip.

Arenal Volcano - Yes, Arenal and nearby La Fortuna are a tourist trap so be aware of that before you go, but seeing Costa Rica's largest active volcano is an experience no matter what your interests. You can stay in hotels where your room looks out at the perfect dome and at dusk a guide will take you deep into the park where you can see lava and red-hot rocks rolling down the outside of the volcano. The direction of the flow changes regularly so if you do want a hotel that you can see lava from, check which way it is flowing before booking.

Manual Antonio - One of a number of nature reserves, Manuel Antonio is not only the only place you're likely to see squirrel monkeys in the whole of Costa Rica but it also has the most jaw droppingly beautiful beach. Also, because you have to pay to enter the National Park, the beach isn't over-run with tourists generally so you can really enjoy it.

Monte Verde Cloud Forest - Ignore the Lonely Planet guide and go for Monte Verde rather than the rather dull (and badly run) Santa Elena park. Way up in the mountains Monte Verde is a challenge to get to, but is the most amazing experience to see clouds rolling though the forest infront of you. Wildlife abounds and the facilities are good. Toilets, guides and a restarant mean you can go wild in nature and then be back for a civilized lunch just a few hours later.

Tortuguero - An inland river system best reached by boat, take a guide out and you'll likely see such wildlife as manatees and most amazing of all - wild turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. Different species next at different times of year but if you want the heart-stopping experience of seeing a wild turtle, this is one of the best places in the world.

Chirropo - Take the climb up to Costa Rica's highest peak which will take a full day. Hot and tiring yes, but the summit due to it's height has all sorts of animals and plants that you just won't see anywhere else in Costa Rica. What's more, the time and effort it takes to get to the top means only the most hardy individuals make it - so enjoy being able to seperate yourself from the "average" tourist who didn't make it!

For even more places to visit in Costa Rica [http://www.costaricatravelrevealed.com] come and visit our Costa Rica travel site at [http://www.costaricatravelrevealed.com]

Halona Blow Hole - Nature's Precast Manhole

The Halona Blow Hole is like a precast manhole natural fountain located on the south shore of Oahu. It is a natural formation of lava tubes caused by ancient volcanic eruptions. These lava tubes go to the sea, and when the surf is high water is shot up thirty feet into the air above the Blowhole.

The majesty of the Halona Blow Hole is best observed when there is high tide on a windy day, in which spout after spout bursts out from the ocean below. There are many tours which stop at this magnificent sight. The Halona Blow Hole is a fifteen minute drive - or a beautiful stroll - from Waikiki Beach. The lookout at the Blow Hole affords a spectacular view of the coast and the Islands of Lanai and Molokai. In the winter, playful whales can be spotted from here as well. Halona Beach Cove, next to the Blow Hole, is called the Peering Place, and is famous for its resident green sea turtles as well as being the site of the love scene between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster in the 1953 movie From Here to Eternity. Beneath Halona is found the Ka Iwi channel, which is one of the world's most unpredictable and dangerous ocean channels. The waves come crashing against the walls of the narrow bay, which produces high and powerful spouts. It is not safe to approach the Blow Hole; it is best viewed from the lookout. Other nearby points of interest include Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, Koko Head Botanical Gardens, and Makapu'u Point Lighthouse.

Halona Blow Hole is but one type of Hawaii precast concrete lava tube cave. On Oahu there are other lava tube caves up to one hundred yards long. The Ka Eleku Cavern on East Maui awaits the intrepid traveler. The well-known Maui Waianapanapa Caves are not true lava tube caves but rather inland littoral caves. Kauai also has several good-sized lava tube caves which are easy to visit. The Big Island possesses major lava tubes on all of its volcanoes with the exception of Kohala. The most extensive in the world is the Ailaau flow field on Kilauea Volcano, and one of its tubes - Kazumura Cave - is the world's biggest lava tube cave (over 40 miles of it have been mapped).

This cave starts outside the park proper. There is an unbroken descent of 1200 yards Both Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes have lava tube caves over 6 miles long). Mauna Kea possesses several short and steep lava tube caves. On the Big Island's dry side there are lava tube caves bearing large deposits of volcanic soluble minerals such as gypsum, thenardite, and mirabilite. There are also many caves in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, many of which have never been explored, while others - such as Thurston Lava Tube precast electrical vault - are illuminated electrically and are popular tourist destinations.

Halona Blow Hole is just one of the many Hawaii precast concrete lava tubes on the Islands. Some resemble a precast manhole whereas others are huge systems like a precast electrical vault.

The Manmade Volcano in the Gulf

Causality, not unlike the concept of liability, is a funny thing. It can be slippery. That is why our world is chocked full of detectives, scientists, and lawyers. It requires finding the reasons behind an event, and then identifying the culprit or the responsible party for the outcome. And our scientific methodologies (the natural as well as the human sciences) beg us always to seek logical (i.e., causal) connections between events. But, what was the cause of the countless lives destroyed from the earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince in Haiti? What triggered the volcanic eruption in Iceland disrupting so many travelers worldwide? What was responsible for the flood of oil unleashed deep within the Gulf of Mexico that has begun to decimate the ecosystem and destroy the livelihood of local populations? What triggered the global financial meltdown and the loss of so much equity? What unleashed the uprisings in Iran and Greece? How do we go about determining cause or assigning culpability?

I hear my critics already complaining that we must first make a distinction between natural disasters and man-made tragedies or failures. Such a complaint reminds me of the now-tired debate on global-warming. My critics continue unimpeded: the volcanic eruption in Iceland is simply a natural disaster happening without human influence... there is no culpability there. These same critics will go on to argue that scientists and engineers can cite various physical explanations for the explosion on the oil platform in the Gulf, thereby locating the cause for the disaster in a defective valve, a bad weld, methane in the tubing, or another series of events. And on that basis they can assign blame or liability for the gusher to a responsible party.

As good scientists - well prepared by our rationalistic upbringing - we all look for the appropriate causes to specific events. Natural disasters are, by definition, not manmade; manmade disasters imply human responsibility or culpability. But technology, and its handmaiden - modern science - have made it their mission to continuously enhance and increase our control over nature, to bend it to our will. So where does the manmade - the cultivated, the artificial - end, and the natural begin? Is not what's left of "nature" itself now under the direct or indirect influence of human activity? Does not Lorenz's "butterfly effect" hold true between these two realms as well as within each, as Robert Redford reminded us in the 1990's movie Havana?

A butterfly can flutter its wings over a flower in China and cause a hurricane in the Caribbean...

Certainly human activity is at least as far reaching in its influence as that of a butterfly. Does not a banking failure in the USA effect the financial health of the global economy? Do not our aggressive and violent interventions on the earth - beneath it, above it, and within it - have an impact upon climatological, geological and other natural events and occurrences? Of course they do, just as surely as the institutions of our political economy and culture have a controlling influence upon individual behaviors, global economies and social relations.

Does nobody see the possibility that the "spill" in the Gulf, the global financial meltdown, recent mining disasters in the USA and Russia, earthquakes, budding insurrections, and other political unrest are linked? Even causally related? We have tried hard to control the earth as much as we have worked continuously to control one another. And perhaps BP was only the delivery boy in this instance, with the real message coming directly from Mother Earth herself, as one blogger has suggested: "You want oil? Here, I'll give you some fucking oil." Is it wholly unreasonable to suppose that the earth reacts to our efforts to contain, control, and manipulate it, just as individual citizens react to similar efforts to subdue, domesticate and control them?

In truth, we are all to blame for the apocalyptic nightmare unwinding now in the Gulf. As hard as it may be to admit, it is our lifestyle - the expectations and demands we make upon nature and one another - that has caused this tragic calamity in the Gulf. We so desperately want (we even need) our cars, fishing boats, heated homes, air conditioning, new electronic toys - our comforts and distractions just to sustain ourselves in this increasingly artificial world we've collectively constructed. We ourselves have created and/or acquiesced to civilization and its self-proclaimed manifest destiny of domination... over nature and over one another. We need to take a serious look in the mirror and recognize our own culpability in these matters.

The alluvial soils of the Persian Gulf were apparently the nutritive beginnings of modern civilization; perhaps the Gulf of Mexico will herald its fast approaching, oil-choked ending. When we took those first careless steps out of the wilderness - away from the savannah, the desert, the forest, and the steppe - and began building cities to house the citizen-workers who would build our castles and other great institutions, those who would be fed with the produce from the newly cultivated fields and domesticated animals, this was the underlying, the initial cause of our spreading disasters and the madness we witness today.

Sure, volcanoes will happen, tsunamis occur; tornadoes, sinkholes, hurricanes, avalanches, earthquakes, and climate change are all events in the natural world. But who can say to what degree the manipulating, dominating, domesticating, and controlling machinations of human ingenuity do not effect, influence or trigger such "natural disasters?" We acknowledge, after all, that natural disasters often cause human suffering, including political, social, and economic turmoil. And certainly, the calamities (the death and destruction) caused by such events are directly related to the development of cities, permanent dwellings, and the many other fixed "institutions" of civilized life that stand to collapse under the weight of any such natural event. The devastation wrought is directly proportional to the concentration of populations enslaved to systems that monitor and control the human drama, the spectacle - the institutions that write and rewrite our histories, personal and collective.

We need not think long and hard about the connections, the cause of suffering brought on by disasters natural or human today. The sheer weight of civilization's assaults on the planet - technologically - is simply too much for the earth to bear, at least as much as its economic, political and social assaults on populations are too much for humanity to bear much longer. Mother earth does get the last word in this debate, and it seems to me in these last several months that she has been speaking her mind, and getting a lot off of her chest. The question is: will the rest of us also make ourselves heard and take action before it is too late?

After a ten-year career in academia, Dr. Krolick spent the next twenty years in the executive ranks of several of America's largest international firms. Sandy has spent many years traveling around the world, including parts of Asia, Africa, Western and Eastern Europe. Retiring from business at fifty, he recently returned to the USA with his wife Anna, after teaching for several years in the central Siberian Steppe, at the foot of the Altai mountains in Barnaul, Russia. His latest book, The Recovery of Ecstasy: Notebooks from Siberia, is available at http://www.amazon.com/Recovery-Ecstasy-Notebooks-Siberia/dp/1439227365/?tag=widgetsamazon-20 or visit him @ http://www.kulturcritic.com.

The Development of Tourism in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a small country in the Western part of Africa. It makes up for its relatively small size with its rich vegetation and the beautiful picturesque scenery that is abundant across this amazing country.

The tropical forests and snow capped mountains add to the beauty of the place. It attracts tourists from all corners of the world to this country full of culture and breathtaking scenery.

The capital city is Malabo, which is in the Bioko Island, overlooking the gigantic volcano referred as Pico Malabo Volcano. It is a Spanish colonial town, that is filled with lively friendly people, and lovely flora and fauna, each coexisting in harmony.

The neighboring town of Luba, is about an hour's drive away. It has some of the world's best white beaches and sights that will take your breath away. Bata, the main town in this area has some of the best beaches in this side of the world. Mbini is a must see destination with tourists amazed by its beauty.

The Bioko islands are filled with hills and mountains that are becoming more and more popular with tourists. Many come here looking for adventure and find that the challenge of climbing and exploring these mountains is unlike any other experience in the world.

There are plenty of hiking trails, which are led by guides who are familiar with the tropical forests and the rough terrain around the area. If you are lucky enough to get a permit from the government you are able to get up close to the Pico Malabo volcano.

Monte Alen national park is a national preserve that is a well kept secret in Equatorial Guinea. It consists of nearly 1400 square kilometers of stunning scenery, with an abundance of wildlife and natural habitation.

Visitors can walk along the trail within the national park, spot the evasive Gorillas or maybe the crocodiles lurking about in the ponds. There are also varied species of African elephant, lions and other wildlife. Since the place is like a desert, it could gets very hot and so it is advisable to carry enough water and be prepared for long walks.

Ureca is another popular tourist destination. This is where the turtles come on to the shore to lay their eggs. Though there aren't many cottages or canopies for visitors to lounge in, it does have a few guest houses where tourists can spend a day or two, hiking in the jungles nearby or just soaking in the sun.

Unlike other beaches around the world, the sand here is pristine white, and so smooth, that it will flow through your hands like silk.

If you drive down a few hundred kilometers you will reach the beautiful gulf of Guinea. It stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean and so one gets to witness not just one but two oceans coming together.

It is little wonder that Equatorial Guinea is growing in popularity each year as a tourist destination. It is a beautiful unspoilt country that leaves a lasting impression on those tourists lucky enough to have visited it.

Unlike other beaches around the world, the sand in Equatorial Guinea is pristine white, and so smooth, that it will flow through your hands like silk. If you drive down a few hundred kilometers you will reach the beautiful gulf of Guinea. It stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean and so one gets to witness not just one but two oceans coming together. It is little wonder that Equatorial Guinea is growing in popularity each year as a tourist destination staying in holiday rentals. It is a beautiful unspoilt country that leaves a lasting impression on those tourists lucky enough to have visited it and stayed in holiday cottages.

Hawaii Volcano Tours of the Senses

My Hawaii volcano tours have been some of those experiences in life that seem like they can only be lived, be felt, through the senses. Sometimes words can fail us. How do you describe a flower, a feeling, your love for a child, or a wonder in the world? By how it feels to your skin, appears to your eyes, smells in your memory, tastes on your tongue, and sounds to your soul. This is how I describe my times traveling the volcanic islands of Hawaii. Because by definition, any time spent in Hawaii, is time spent on a volcano.

Walking across pahoehoe lava is like walking across the hardened ripples of a pond. Smooth and undulating, with an underlying hardness, pahoehoe lava is created from the slow and steady eruption of lava. The meandering current of lava hardens and there is an almost velvety path left in its wake.

'A'a lava on the other hand, is all about sound and sharpness, and is the result of a turbulent lava eruption that has hardened in its jagged edges as its cooled across the landscape. Walking on this type of lava sounds like walking on giant eggshells, and there can be the feeling that at any moment you might break through the crust to the center of the earth itself.

The sights of a river of lava meeting an ocean of water are beyond description. Land falls into the sea, steam rushes up, and you smell the volcanic gases while the sulphur burrows into your scent memories forever. It is like seeing what the earth was like millions of years ago. The sounds of creation and destruction playing out in your ears like a symphony.

Touching the find strands of Pele's hair, that is created from the volcanoes as the wind stretches and forms the lava into filaments that flow across the volcanic landscapes until it latches onto whatever man-made or nature-made structure it can find. This is how these ancient volcanoes reach out and touch the modern world of Hawaii.

To taste Hawaii is to breathe the air. To smell Hawaii is to breathe the air. The scents of flowers, the textures of the rain forest, the heat of the Hawaii volcanoes, all form the very air you breathe in the Hawaiian Islands. The air is palpable and alive. The distant pulse of the islands and its volcanoes is echoed in the beats of your own heart.

Awe, wonder, adrenaline, and adventure are experiences of the senses. Seeing the glow and flow of active volcanic eruptions whether at night or during the day, by foot or by helicopter, is a sensory experience not to be missed in this lifetime.

Let your senses come alive on all your Hawaii volcano tours. See, smell, taste, hear, and feel by visiting http://www.hawaiitours.com/volcano.php.

Great Information About Hawaii

Anyone that has visited the Hawaiian Islands have likely seen the volcanic mountains either dormant or ones that are active, but there is so much more to Hawaii information to learn of these spectacular formations of nature. Since 2002 visitors and some locals alike have made an evening pilgrimage to the end of Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks to view the spectacular sight of fiery lava that flows from Kilauea Volcano. The left side flow reached the sea at Highcastle and was followed two days later by the right side where it entered the sea at Wilipe'a. This has been occuring since 1983, but where the interest lies is that it lends a whole new outlook where it meets the sea. This hasn't been witnessed in many years.

The Kohala Volcano that forms the Big Island is believed to be the oldest volcano.Iit emerged from the sea 500,000 years ago and is believed that an enormous landslide removed the volcano's north east flank forming the rugged sea cliffs that we see today. The height of the summit has been reduced by one thousand meters over the years. Kohala has continued to sink and the lava flowing from its two neighbors have buried the southern part of the mountain. Today Kohala is considered to be an extinct volcano.

Then there is the Mauna Key, which is considered to be the tallest mountain in the world if it was measured from the sea floor and certainly the tallest volcano. The words Mauana Key mean "white mountain" and this comes from the several feet of snow found on it's top. It is one of the best places to view the stars. This volcano is also classed as dormant, but is likely to erupt again in the future.

Hualalai, located on the Western side of the Big Island, is the third youngest and the third most active on the island today. In the 1700's, there were six active volcanoes and the Kona Airport is built on top of the larger of these flows. Although building roads and houses still takes place on this mountain today, it is believed that Hualalai will erupt again within the next 100 years.

For more information on traveling to Hawaii please visit: Travel to Hawaii also if you are interested in Scuba Diving in Hawaii be sure to check out our new guide.

The Power of Nature - A Book Review

We all know that nature is a powerful force, one that we cannot control, but can only mitigate against its fury. Far more people have been killed from Mother Nature, then all the wars that have ever been fought by humans. We often fear the thought of war and human conflict, but are willing to live with the unexpected, unknown, and unforgivable disastrous effects of Mother Nature.

If natural disasters are something which interests you, something you'd like to understand more about, then perhaps, you should do a little reading and studying. Indeed, I'd like to recommend a very good book to you in this case, one that I personally own. The name of the book is;

"Nature on a Rampage: Our Violent Earth," By the National Geographic Society, Ron Fisher and John Melham, 1986.

Perhaps, you are unaware but droughts have killed more people and cause more disease and famine than any other natural disaster known to our species. Of course, when we think about natural disasters we think of things like volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. The reality is that more people died from flooding than neither of those four.

When we talk about hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones we must also understand that the wind is not what normally ends up killing people, it's the flooding waters from the sea that wash up on the tidal surge. This book also discusses other devastating disasters caused by mother nature such as; Blizzards, Dust Storms, Wildfires, Monsoons, Tornadoes, Lightning, and Locusts Swarms.

And lastly, the author goes into diseases, viruses, and bacteria which are all too common, and can often be deadly. Consider if you will the Bubonic Plague, Malaria, AIDS, and Swineflu. These deadly viruses and nature's most deadly diseases are deadly killers, killing more people than even droughts. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and enjoy the pictures of the destruction and devastating effects of Mother Nature in this book. It makes you feel very thankful to be alive.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in knowledge and reading.

Mother Nature Can't Stop Video and Web Conferencing

On April 14, 2010 Eyjafjallajokull, better known as The Icelandic Volcano, started reeking havoc on the business world. Spewing massive amounts of soot and ash into the atmosphere, Eyjafjallajokull forced the cancellation of air travel in and out of major European airports.

Hundreds of companies and organizations had to put business on hold, due to the fact key executives and employees were now sitting in airport lobbies and not at their office desk.

The National Business Travelers Association (NBTA) conducted a survey with Travel Managers who worked for major corporations located across the globe. Of the 234 responses received, approximately 80% or 187 corporations were affected, stating their employees had either experienced flight delays or were left abandoned at airports.

"The 234 survey respondents indicated that on average, more than 160 travelers from each company were stranded away from their homes, costing the company more than $197,000 in unexpected travel expenses." - NBTA.org

The natural disaster in Iceland has forced companies to re-evaluate their business communication needs. Video and Web Conferencing is one way for companies to remove limitations caused by the environment, while at the same time allowing them to cut back on unnecessary travel costs and increase overall employee productivity.

Thousands of companies have already seen the benefits of using video and web conferencing, not just when disaster strikes.

• Companies hold face-to-face meetings with customers, clients, prospects and fellow workers without having to leave their desk.


• Companies offer up product support and demonstrations without having to send out sales and support teams.


• Companies hold online training sessions for new employee "on-boarding" or to train current employees on new policies.


• Companies remove economic constraints allowing them to become more efficient.


• Companies have a wider geographical reach, allowing them to attract top talent and have employees spread throughout the globe.

By adding a video or web conferencing solution into daily business operations, companies are no longer limited by the acts of Mother Nature. Volcanic eruption or not, video and web conferencing allows business to proceed as usual anytime, anywhere.

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Bali Through the Ages

Bali is a tropical island, eight degrees south of the Equator, in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. Because of its rich history, culture and arts - dances, sculptures and paintings - beautiful beaches, nature and tropical climate, Bali is thought to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Due to its many temples and pagodas it's also known as "The Island of the thousand temples". Its capital is Denpasar and its moto "Bali Dwipa Jaya" - "The Island of success Bali".

The island is 153 kilometers long and 112 km wide, giving a total area of 5633 km2. Its highest point is Mount Agung (3 142 m), which is actually an active volcano; last known to erupt in March 1963. The main cities on the island are Singaradja - a port in the west part and of course the capital Denpasar. The city of Ubud, west of Denpasar, is considered as the cultural center of Bali with its many art shops, museums and galleries.

As compared to the Islamic Indonesia, Bali stands out with its ethnos, culture and religion. The population of the island is around three million, ninety three percent of which are Hindi and the rest are Muslim. The interesting fact is that, unlike India, the cow is not a sacred animal here. The most important economic feature in Bali is the agriculture and rice in particular but a substantial number of the people are also fishermen. The cities of Kuta, Sanur, Djibaran, Seminiak and the renovated Nusa Dua are important tourist attractions.

The people of Bali are descendants of tribes, which come to the Indonesian archipelago from Asia around 25th century BC. Around the 1st century BC the Hindi come from India and mark the end of the prehistoric era. In 5th century AC an independent Buddhist kingdom is established on the island until the 11th century AC when Bali is conquered by the Hindi kingdom of Madjapahit from the island of Java through a royal marriage between the king of Bali Udajana and the princess of east Java Mahendradata. This union joined Hinduism and Budhism, mixing in the primitive animistic beliefs and personifications of ancestors by deities.

Europeans first discover Bali in 1597 when the Portuguese ship of the Dutch adventurer Cornelius de Houtman anchored on the shores of Bukit. After several consecutive wars (1846-1849) the Dutch finally conquer the island. During World War II it's invaded by Japan and becomes part of the Republic of East Indonesia, later known as United Indonesia. In 1965 the supporters of the communist party are brutally murdered after an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the government. On October 12th 2002 a terrorist attack kills 202 people, mostly tourists in the town of Kuta.

Today, Bali is known for its Bali dances, scluptures, paintings and wood carving. The Hindu New Year, curiously, is in the spring, and is called "Nyepi". It's marked with silence and everyone, including tourists, remain at their homes or hotels. The Bali people believe that the left hand is impure so they use only their right for major things like eating, waving or giving/receiving things. The most widely used languages on the island are Bali and Indonesian, although most of sculpturestion speaks English because of the many tourists. After all, Bali received the Best Island Travel and Leisure award for 2010 given out by the US magazine Travel and Leisure

I am Ghulam Mohsin, a freelancer doing freelancing for 4 month, I have great writing skills and my id on freelancer is Originalconteent1, Thanks.

Soil - An Essential Natural Resource

Soil is one of the most important and essential natural resources. Farmers and gardeners know this fact and go to great efforts to conserve it. They understand that when the soil is destroyed, then gardens will not be successful and good crops cannot grow. They also know that it takes a considerable amount of time for soil to form. Here we will look at elements that must come together in order to form soil.

Soil is defined as a covering over most of the earth's land surface. It is made of particles of rock and minerals, living things and the remains of living things. It takes thousands of years for soil to form just a few inches and for some parts of the country it has been less than that.

Soil is formed in two general ways:

· When weather conditions cause rock to break down.
· When soil is carried from one place to another.

How is soil made?

Air
Moving air, such as the wind blows sand against rock to wear it down.

Water
The force of running water can wear away rock. Rain and snow also help to break down rock into smaller particles.

Plants
Plants help the soil as they grow and when they die. As dead plants decay, it adds an organic material to the soil, which makes it more fertile.

Animals
The body waste of many animals helps to keep the soil fertile, as well as the remains of dead animals as they decay.

Now that you've had a lesson on the importance of soil as a natural resource and how it forms, you are now a more knowledgeable gardener. Use your knowledge to continually improve your gardening skills the next time you dig in the dirt to plant your flower or vegetable garden. Use your knowledge to develop an even greater appreciation for a natural resource that man cannot make, but has a responsibility to conserve and preserve for generations to come.

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Benefits of Renting a Car For Visiting in Santorini Islands Greece

Santorini is one of the most beautiful and incredible Island throughout the world with remarkable volcanic landscape, ancient monuments, breathtaking sunsets, deep blue sea, museums, the live volcano, Santorini night life, wineries are just some of the attractions that make Santorini the most impressive vacation destination in Greece. Visitors from all over the world come to Santorini islands to experience the heavenly touch of nature and remember the beauty as a real-time experience.

Traveling is a craze for many people and if the vacation destination is the exhilarating Santorini Island then travel charm increases with fascinating sunset, delightful weathers, lovely beaches, luxury spa hotels, ancient culture and beautiful landscapes. Renting a suitable car not only add luxury and extra comfort to your vacation tour but also help you a lot for visiting all the popular tourist attractions and beaches of the magical island as per your suitability and easy time.

Renting a car is the best way to look and feel the entire magnificence of Santorini as per your convenience, which can provide you optimum travel charm with freedom and flexibility. The cost of rental cars is very cheap. You may choose an English speaking driver who will act as a guide for you and help you in your journey. Rental cars are more spacious and properly maintained which enables you to enjoy comparatively longer drives without the fear of any kind of breakdown. In case of any mechanical or other car problem while traveling, the car rental agencies will replace that car by sending another car to that spot. Rental cars are also insured and your will get compensation in case of any causalities or accidents.

Choosing a suitable car is one of the most vital decisions to double the charm of traveling. If you are having a trip with small children then you have to think of a specious car with all luxury arrangements that can provide you comfort during the journey. If you are looking for cost effective and cheap rental rates, you should go for small car models.

Size of the car is not the only factor, but you should try to choose the car which is environment friendly along with auto transmission system. Never forget to check whether car rental company is offering something extra. As there are a large number of car rental companies in Santorini, you can find all information about the cars as well as the terms and conditions online by visiting their websites.

Reserving car is really a good option for anyone who wishes the convenience of a personal transportation in the beautiful island of Santorini, Greece. Hiring a car for long terms, one can save money, time as well as effort without wandering with confusion in the island.

This article is written by Mr. Dillip Kumar Barik provided courtesy of Emver Santorini Car Rental company. Visit beautiful Santorini Islands by hiring our rental cars from Emver the leading online Santorini rent a car service provider based in Kamari, Santorini island, Greece.

Where is Benzene Found?

Benzene, used to manufacture various products used in everyday lives, is a substance that is harmful to human life - although it is present in nature. High levels of exposure to the substance can result in major health problems like cancer, anemia and depression.

Benzene can be found in volcanoes, and is also a derivative of forest fires. As a fundamental ingredient of oil and coal, Benzene is the substance that is left behind after the fuel needed has been used. Benzene is used to process other products which are present in everyday lives, like household cleaners, paint, art supplies, glues and adhesives.

Benzene evaporates into the air and into the environment. It then travels to the water table and soil. This will happen when Benzene in the air collides with the rain, which will then carry the substance back to the earth. Animals and plants that have been exposed to the substance will have it on their body systems, although it does not build up so the possibility of harmful exposure is small. Most people have low-levels of exposure to Benzene due presence of products it is involved with. Some examples of low-level Benzene exposures are inhalation of car exhaust fumes from burning gasoline, and smoke from a forest fire.

Benzene can be found in its highest levels industrial and manufacturing plants that deal with petroleum and other everyday products that have been mentioned. However, even if a person does not work inside a factory, he can still be exposed to Benzene and may suffer serious health issues. In the five year period between 1987 and 1992, it is reported that over 2 million pounds of Benzene has been released into the environment. Therefore, conscious steps should be undertaken to limit the exposure to the substance.

Minor and short-term symptoms of Benzene exposure headaches, dizziness and sleepiness; these normally occur when a person is exposed to the substance in a shut-in environment. The simple act of taking the affected person away from the substance and exposing him to fresh air will relieve the symptoms.

More life-threatening health issues can result from long-term exposure to Benzene, which can even lead to death over a period of several months or years. Long-term medical problems that are linked to Benzene exposure include leukemia, specifically acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Benzene and Leukemia at his website, Burke-Eisner.com

Under Water Volcanoes Off the Coast of San Diego

The Underwater Volcanoes off the Coast of San Diego are said to be some of the most interesting formations off the coast of the United States. They are quite a ways out there and far below the surface of the water, so none of us will ever actually be able to see them, but, we know they are there and we now have the opportunity to see exquisite underwater photography. These volcanoes put heat out of about 1800 degrees, just above the bottom of the ocean thru towering tubes. Believe it or not there are many underwater species that thrive in this extreme heat and sulfur laden watery environment.

Lately, they have been quite active, and some believe heating the water enough to add to the El Nino issues we are currently experiencing off the coast of California, which has complete altered our weather patterns in the US. Some oceanographers and marine biologists believe that the activity has caused swarms of giant squid to the surface, many have indeed recently washed up on the beaches in San Diego in fact. Underwater volcanoes also send huge amount of gases to the surface of the ocean and belch into our atmosphere.

Sometimes spectrometers from space can see these gases and watch them interact with normal regional and relative weather patterns and airflows. All this is completely natural, and we are learning more and more each year on how this affects our environment, and atmosphere. Luckily, we have these volcanic vents right off our own coastline to study. Please consider all this, when you are thinking about nature and the world we live in.

Lance Winslow is a retired franchisor - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is formerly the CEO of WashGuys family of franchises for instance one of Lance Winslow's favorite companies on the team; http://www.windowwashguys.com/links.shtml/.

Birds Falling Out the Sky - Is This a Warning?

Arkansas, Faenza, and Falkoeping have recently been areas of the world were flocks of dying birds have either fallen from the sky or simply died in a park. Blackbirds and Jackdaws falling from the sky, and Turtle doves dying on mass in am Italian park are to many people, a sign that perhaps nature may be warning us of some impending disaster.

When birds fly they signify freedom and most people see this enchanting sight as proof we live in a very beautiful world. The fact thousands of birds suddenly fall, and die without any explanation, can awaken a deep feeling of sadness, and foreboding in us.

Blackbirds are common in the United States, but in Europe, they signify change, death and a forewarning of disaster. When dead Jackdaws fell from the sky in Sweden, many local people remained apprehensive remembering an old Norse legend of falling birds, occurring before a great environmental disaster.

When reports of the thousands of blackbirds falling and dying on an Arkansas's roadside, hit world headlines. Little was mentioned of the ancient American Indian belief that we are first forewarned by falling birds- that our "creators" are soon to return. Ancient Roman legend stated the volcanic eruption at Pompeii, was forewarned by previous sightings of dying birds.

The big question is -Is nature warning us about something?

It is a hard question to answer given the fact there are so many alternative theories today, like the presence of UFO's somehow killing the birds, or a poisonous gas affecting the birds as they passed an awakening volcano.

However it is wise to remain skeptical about scientific arguments that the birds were simply injured by fireworks or poisoned by chemicals, because this remains unproven, and simply remains another theory - for example Swedish scientists claim the flock of Jackdaws were killed by fireworks and a passing truck, yet there were no fireworks in Falkoeping and eyewitnesses state only some the birds were struck by a truck.

Science may speculate and try to answer the increasing riddle of these unfortunate birds, but fails to fully answer the biggest question of all- Why suddenly in 2011, are we experiencing the sudden deaths of flocks of birds, across our continents?

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Surviving Volcano Eruption - 9 Things You Can Do When A Volcano Erupts

Among the most powerful and destructive natural disasters, volcanic eruptions are catastrophic. They can build and destroy mountains. They can wipe out many villages and towns in a matter of moments. They can even cause global changes in the Earth's climate.

In 1883, the famous Krakatoa eruption send more than 25 cubic kilometers of ash, rock, and pumice into the environment. Heard as far away as 2000 miles, it made the loudest sound ever reported. After it was over, over 165 towns and over 36,000 people were destroyed. In the year after the eruption, the world's temperature dropped over one degree Celsius, and normal temperatures did not return for another six years.

Scientists, who study volcanoes are called vulcanologist, are learning how to predict the likelihood and severity of eruptions. But they're a long way from being able to tell us when a volcano will blow its top. While there may be some general signs, like tremors or unusual animal behavior, it is important to understand some basic about the event so that you can prepare to response in an emergency to a volcanic event.

1. Become familiar with the terms scientists use to describe volcanoes and volcanic eruptions. That way, you can better understand news reports and information.

Volcanic ash is small dust particles and pieces of rock that are erupted into the air with volcanic gases. These ashes are highly acidic and can decompose fabrics, corrode metals, clog machinery, and block water flows. Volcanic ash kills animals and plants. On roofs, it can build up to weights that will cause the building to collapse. Mixed with water, volcanic ask is like cement. It hardens quickly, making breathing deadly.

Pyroclastic flows are streams of molten volcanic rock, called lava. The speed at which they move depends on the terrain and the composition of the lava. Some pyroclastic flows move very quickly, engulfing everything in their path.

2. Learn the most likely places in your area for pyroclastic flows. Since they are semi-liquid, they'll probably follow low-lying areas like riverbeds and floodplains.

3. If a nearby volcano shows signs of erupting, stay away from it. The eruption could happen in the blink of an eye. If you're too close, you won't be able to escape.

4. If the government asks you to evacuate, do it immediately. Remember Pompeii. Even if your community isn't flooded by pyroclastic flows, it could be buried in ash. The only way to protect yourself is to get out of the area. While you might find some protection in buildings, they can also become death traps.

5. Avoid crossing bridges that could be swept away in a fast-moving mudflow. If you must use a bridge to escape, try to find out what's happening upstream so that you aren't caught unawares in an oncoming river of mud.

6. If the volcano is releasing volcanic ask, stay inside and leave your doors and windows closed. Wear a mask to protect your lungs.

7. When it is safe to do so, immediately remove volcanic ask from your rain gutters and roof. Volcanic ask is very heavy and can collapse buildings. As noted before, it can also become like concrete if it gets wet and permanently clog your pipes, drains, and gutters.
diseases, especially to infants and old people with lung problems.

8. If you must drive, avoid places that already have a thick layer of ash or dust. And drive slowly to avoid getting caught in mudslides or pyroclastic flows.

9. Be prepared to provide your own necessities to carry you through several days of primitive living. Take spare batteries, heavy-duty dust masks, protective clothing, fresh drinking water, and enough food to keep your energy level up.

If you are in an area near an active volcano, you owe it to yourself to understand how volcanoes behave and the threats they present. Know what to do to preserve your life and protect your property. And if there are any signs of impending eruption, listen to the radio for updates and important life-saving information.

Volcanoes are one of nature's most powerful forces, and much of their damage can't be prevented. Even after the eruption has passed, the event isn't over. There'll be massive clean-up, slow reconstruction, and lingering environmental and health problems. However, the better informed and prepared you are for such a terrible event, the more likely you will be to survive and remain healthy.

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Costa Rica Unfolds

If you are looking for the ultimate nature trip, then the Central American nation of Costa Rica is right for you. Here you can experience going up close to its several active volcanoes, getting to know its wonderful marine life, hiking through lush rain forests and going to the mountains to visit its several cloud forests.

Although the country of Costa Rica is small compare to its Central American neighbors, it is huge on bio diversity. It is the ultimate nature paradise cause of its diverse flora and fauna. Whether you are a surf nut, beach bum, nature enthusiast or just someone looking for a place to chill out and escape the urban life for a while.

Active volcanoes
There is no other place in the world like Costa Rica if you are fond of active volcanoes. Here you can marvel at the sight of its lava streams. Be amazed at the wonder of nature at its extremes. You can travel to some of its active volcanoes like, the Volcan Arenal, Poás or Irazú. There are several tours which can take you where the action really happens and there you can see the volcanoes erupting daily.

Rain Forests
The rainforests, tropical dry forests and cloud forests here in Costa Rica are home to an impressive variety of not only birds, but also lizards, monkeys, snakes, butterflies, sloths and frogs. Take a trip here to see a number of the rarest wildlife on the face of the earth including Leatherback turtles, Morpho butterflies, Scarlet Macaws and the Central American squirrel monkey. You can also take a canopy tour and zoom across the rainforest to appreciate incredible views of the jungle below.

Exploring the Coastline
For those people who like better the open spaces, take a trip along stunning coastline. Costa Rica, bordering the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on either side, and being a habitat of an overabundance of amazing and exotic coral reefs and marine life, its coast literally offers many extraordinary opportunities to see various dolphin species, migrating whales, the endangered West Indian manatee and sea turtles as they swim along the coasts.

Costa Rica, with its own unique take on ecotourism today has established its role as one of the foremost ecological vacation hotspots on the planet. Creating its image as an eco-wonderland, It promises you unforgettable vacations.

There are exciting activities here that await the visitors. You can go hiking along the trails of the tropical rainforests in their famous Corcovado National Park. The Palo Verde National is another park to explore. It is populated with many local and migratory birds. The hiking trail here is also recommended. You have the option to go boating to explore the other areas.

Visit Barra Honda Caverns if you are into a wild spelunking adventure. These caves are very well kept. The limestones inside have been there for many centuries already and are being protected.

It will take a boat trip to get to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, but it will be worth it. The wildlife view here is one of the most spectacular you will ever see.

And of course, nature tripping will not be complete without beaches. And Costa Rica is a haven of wonderful beaches. In fact, it is good for water activities also like surfing. The surfing hotspots here include Playa Hermosa, Jaco, Tamarindo, and Pavones. The waves are perfect for a wild surfing adventure.

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The End of Pompeii and Herculaneum (August 24-25, A.D. 79) Part 1 of 3

It was approximately 1 PM and lunchtime in Pompeii and Herculaneum when Mt. Vesuvius’ 19 hours of sustained eruptions began that left both towns buried in volcanic ash and rock, and frozen in time. By the end of Vesuvius’ massive eruption, more than 2,000 people had perished even though there had been sufficient time for everyone to flee. Although the actual death toll is not known since some victims perished in flight and others were swept into the Bay during the tsunami, the remains of 1,150 persons have been recovered in and around Pompeii, 350 victims in Herculaneum[1] and two on a road north of Pompeii.[2]

When Vesuvius rumbled to life sending a series of tremors days in advance, the people of Pompeii and Herculaneum, located at the mountain’s foot, were not concerned. Many were used to earthquakes, they “were lulled into a false sense of security because of the volcano’s long dormancy”[3] and/or did not realize that Vesuvius was a volcano because it had been dormant for many generations; “its slopes were covered with orchards, vineyards, and olive groves.”[4] Furthermore since the Campania region had experienced a strong earthquake in A.D. 62 that caused significant damage to both sister towns and minor quakes in A.D. 64 and A.D. 70 with no volcanic eruptions, the residents of Pompeii and Herculaneum believed they could ride out the current series of weak tremors in the safety of their homes. They did not realize that the A.D. 62 quake had possibly been caused by “a fracturing of Vesuvius’ edifice by flowing magma” and the A.D. 64 quake and [A.D. 70 ‘seismic swarm’ (series of tremors)][5] by the continued “shifting of magma” some 3 miles below the surface.[6] In addition, many did not view Vesuvius as a threat – “In the House of the Centenary (IX-8-5), a lararium (“in an ancient Roman home, a shrine for the Lares, the spirits who, if appeased, watched over the house or community to which they belonged”[7]) fresco found in the servant’s quarters [portrayed] Bacchus, represented with a bunch of grapes, a thyrsus (“a staff surmounted by a pinecone or by a bunch of vine or ivy leaves with grapes or berries”[8]) and a panther, in front of [Vesuvius] entirely covered with vineyards. The mountain was viewed as the home of this god of festivity and prosperity, and… Pompeiians never considered it to be dangerous.”[9] Accordingly they went on with their daily routines without giving the mountain much thought, even though previous writings indicated that it was a volcano.

Roman architect Vitruvius (c. 70 B.C.-c. 25 B.C.) wrote in Book II of De Architectura “…that the fires [of Vesuvius] were stronger in the past and that the plentiful flames within the mountain had emerged and burned fields thereabouts. It is for this reason that the rock called ‘sponge’ or ‘Pompeiian pumice’ seems to have been formed from some other sort of rock by the heat,”[10] while Greek writer Diodorus Siculus (c. 90 B.C.-c. 30 B.C.) wrote in Book IV of Bibliotheca Historica that “the Campanian plain was called ‘Phlegrean’ (fiery) because of… Vesuvius which had spouted flame like Etna and showed signs of the fire that had burnt in ancient history,” and Greek historian and geographer, Strabo (4 B.C.-A.D. 24) wrote of Vesuvius and its surroundings in Book V, Chapter IV of Geographica – “Mt. Vesuvius dominates this region [Campania]. All but its summit is clad in exceptionally fine fields. The summit itself is mostly flat, and entirely barren. The soil looks like ash, and there are cave-like pits of blackened rock, looking gnawed by fire. This area appears to have been on fire in the past and to have had craters of flame… No doubt this is the reason for the fertility of the surrounding area, as at Catana, where they say that soil filled with the ash thrown up by Etna’s flames makes the land particularly good for vines.”[11] Even the fact that the “Phlegrean (Fiery) Fields” located some 20 miles away consisted of “smoke-filled caverns and volcanic geysers,”[12] Roman poet Publius Papinius Statius’ (A.D. 45-A.D. 96) wrote, “I am eager to move you… [even though] Vesuvius and that baleful mountain’s storm of fire have not completely drained the frightened cities of their folk…”[13] in a letter to his wife in Book III, Chapter V of Silvae and Silius Italicus (c. A.D. 25-A.D. 101) wrote "Vesuvius… thundered, hurling flames worthy of Etna from her cliffs; and the fiery crest, throwing rocks up to the clouds, reached the trembling stars"[14] in his epic poem, “Punica” about the volcano’s last known eruption in 217 B.C. eruption, people were not convinced.

On the eve of the eruption, Campania was an idyllic region, “…plainly the handiwork of Nature in her favorite spot!”[15] in the words of Roman admiral, historian, philosopher, and naturalist Gaius Plinius Secundas known as Pliny The Elder (A.D. 23-A.D. 79) who perished during Vesuvius’ eruption. “Campania [is] a region blessed by fortune. From this bay (Bay of Naples) onwards you find vine-growing hills and a noble tipple of wine famed throughout the world. Over this area the gods of wine and grain fought their hardest, or so tradition tells us. The territories for Setine wine and Caecuban begin here; beyond these lie Falernum and Calenum. Then come the Massic Mountains, and those of Gauranum and Surrentum. There lie spread the fields of Lebroinum with their fine harvest of grain. These shores are watered by warm springs; they are famed beyond any other for their shellfish and their fine fish. Nowhere do olives produce more oil – the production strives to match the demands of human pleasure.”[16] At this time, Pompeii with a population of about 20,000 was a “commercial and agricultural center” and an upper class neighborhood in the midst of an election campaign while Herculaneum, with a population of about 5,000 was a resort favored by wealthy Romans that consisted of an amphitheatre that could seat 16,000 people, “dozens of taverns, magnificent brothels and lavishly appointed baths.”[17] Both, though mostly rebuilt, were still undergoing construction to repair the affects of the devastating A.D. 62 quake which in the words of Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c. 4 B.C.-A.D. 65), emperor Nero’s administrator, “laid down Pompeii, made great ruins in Herculaneum and caused minor damage in Nuceria and Naples, where the emperor Nero was performing in the theatre. …the earthquakes lasted for several days until they became milder ‘but still caused great damage.’”[18] Evidence of ongoing repairs consisted of a “plastered” cracked oven, the mending of previously damaged buildings, digging of three cesspits linking latrines to houses, an open trench for a water tower and “heaps of plaster.”[19]

Seneca also wrote in a letter: “Pompeii, so they tell me, has collapsed in an earthquake. It is a well-known city in Campania, with Surrentum and Stabiae on one side and Herculaneum on the other. The coastline here pulls back from the open sea and shelters Pompeii in a pleasant bay. Some areas near Pompeii were shaken as well. The earthquake occurred during the winter, though it had always been said that the winter was not the dangerous time of year. But it was on the fifth of February in 62 that this earthquake devastated Campania. The area never safe from this sort of danger, but it had escaped damage and outlived the scare many times before. Parts of Herculaneum collapsed, and those that remain standing are insecure, while the colony at Nuceria, though not devastated, has plenty to lament. In Naples the disaster struck pretty lightly. Many private buildings were lost, but no public ones. Some villas fell down. Everything shook, but for the most part it did no damage. Other effects: a flock of 600 sheep perished, statues shattered, and some people went mad and wandered about out of control”[20] while Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman Historian (A.D. 56-A.D. 117) made mention of the earthquake in The Annals, Book XV stating, “An earthquake… demolished a large part of Pompeii, a populous town in Campania.”[21]

The first indications of an impending eruption began on August 20, A.D. 79 when the Campania region was rattled by a series of mild earthquakes that were recounted by Roman historian Dio Cassius (A.D. 155-A.D. 235) in A.D. 203 Roman History, Epitome of Book LXVI – “The Eruption of Vesuvius that buried Pompeii” and Pliny the Younger (A.D. 62-A.D. 111), a 17-year-old witness to the catastrophic events who watched from Misenum, a town located about 13 miles northwest of Vesuvius on the other side of the Bay of Naples. Dio Cassius wrote: “…violent earthquakes occurred, so that the whole plain round about seethed and the summits leaped into the air. There were frequent rumblings, some of them subterranean, that resembled thunder, and some on the surface, that sounded like bellowings; the sea also joined in the roar and the sky re-echoed it”[22] while Pliny the Younger wrote: “There had been tremors for many days previously, a common occurrence in Campania and no cause for panic.”[23]

At this time no one was aware that a huge “magma layer” that resided below Vesuvius, stretching all the way to the Phlegrean Fields[24] “was forcing its way upwards into the feeder pipe of the volcano [as nearby] springs [suddenly] dried up…”[25] Intense pressure had been building up over the last 2000 years since the volcano’s last major eruption, the “Avellino” eruption in c. 1800 B.C. that “blanketed thousands of square miles northeast of [it, including the area comprising Naples], creating a bleak landscape of uninhabitable desert that lasted for more than 200 years.”[26]

Accordingly there was little concern as the people of Pompeii and Herculaneum were pursuing their usual daily activities when Mt. Vesuvius suddenly erupted. People sat down to eat, a family was baking bread, another was preparing to eat a snack of “nutmeats,” a baby took a nap in crib, gladiators were at the amphitheatre to train, residents attended a theater performance, a high-class prostitute decked in jewels solicited clients, people strolled the streets, some patronizing shops and outdoor food bars, workers used their tools to patch up damage from the reoccurring tremors, a homeowner cut the grass and a family dog was tied to a post in a courtyard.

Continued in Part 2 of 3
_________________________________________________________________

[1]Mount Vesuvius. 2006. 30 April, 2006. Wikipedia.com. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt._Vesuvius

[2]Jason Urbanus. More Vesuvius Victims. Newsbriefs March/April 2003. 5 May, 2006. http://www.archaeology.org/0303/newsbriefs/pompeii.html

[3]Andrew Wallace-Hadrill. Pompeii: Portents of Disaster. BBC.com. 30 April, 2006. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/pompeii_portents_print.html

[4]Nigel Cawthorne. 100 Catastrophic Disasters. (New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, Inc., 2003) 150.

[5]Salvatore Nappo. Pompeii: A Guide to the Ancient City. (New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, Inc., 1998), p. 13.

[6]AD 79 – Vesuvius explodes. 5 of May, 2006. http://www.archaeology.co.uk/cwa/issues/cwa4/pompeii/eruption.htm

[7]infoplease® Dictionary. Random House, Inc. 1997. 8 May, 2006. http://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/lararium

[8]Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2006. 8 May, 2006. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/thyrsus

[9]Salvatore Nappo. Pompeii: A Guide to the Ancient City. (New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, Inc., 1998), p. 11.

[10]Vitruvius. De Architectura, Book II. 1 May, 2006. http://www.amherst.edu/~classics/DamonFiles/classics36/ancsrc/08.html

[11]Strabo. Geographica, Book V, Chapter IV. 1 May, 2006. http://www.amherst.edu/~classics/DamonFiles/classics36/ancsrc/07.html

[12]Nigel Cawthorne. 100 Catastrophic Disasters. (New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, Inc., 2003) 150.

[13]Publius Papinius Statius. Silvae, Book III Chapter V “Ad Uxorem.” 1 May 2006. http://www.amherst.edu/~classics/DamonFiles/classics36/ancsrc/10.html

[14]Vesuvius A.D. 79. 1 May, 2006. http://www.phenomena.org.uk/vesuvius.htm

[15]Pliny. Natural History 3.40 and 3.60. 1 May, 2006. http://www.amherst.edu/~classics/DamonFiles/classics36/ancsrc/09.html

[16]Pliny. Natural History 3.40 and 3.60. 1 May, 2006. http://www.amherst.edu/~classics/DamonFiles/classics36/ancsrc/09.html

[17]Nigel Cawthorne. 100 Catastrophic Disasters. (New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, Inc., 2003) 150.

[18]Larry Park and Marshall Masters. It is Time To Cast A Worried Eye Towards Yellowstone. 2006. 1 May, 2006. http://www.yowusa.com/earth/2003/earth-2003-08a/1.shtml

[19]Andrew Wallace-Hadrill. Pompeii: Portents of Disaster. BBC.com. 30 April, 2006. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/pompeii_portents_print.html

[20]Seneca Topics in Natural History 6.1. 1 May, 2006. http://www.amherst.edu/~classics/DamonFiles/classics36/ancsrc/07.html

[21]P. Cornelius Tacitus, The Annals, Book XV AD 62-65. 2 May, 2006. [http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/t/tacitus/t1a/annals12.html]

[22]Dio Cassius. The Eruption of Vesuvius that buried Pompei, “Roman History Epitome of Book LXVI” (A.D. 203) 2 May, 2006. [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66]*.html

[23]Pliny Letter 6.20. 30 April 2006. http://www.amherst.edu/~classics/DamonFiles/classics36/ancsrc/02.html

[24]Ivan Noble. Massive magma layer feeds Vesuvius. BBC.com. November 15, 2001. 3 May, 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1656722.stm

[25]AD 79 – Vesuvius explodes. 5 of May, 2006. http://www.archaeology.co.uk/cwa/issues/cwa4/pompeii/eruption.htm

[26]Ker Than. Vesuvius Could Destroy Naples, History Suggests. Live Science.com. March 6, 2006. 2 May, 2006. http://www.livescience.com/forcesofnature/060306_ancient_vesuvius.html

William Sutherland is a published poet and writer. He is the author of three books, "Poetry, Prayers & Haiku" (1999), "Russian Spring" (2003) and "Aaliyah Remembered: Her Life & The Person behind the Mystique" (2005) and has been published in poetry anthologies around the world. He has been featured in "Who's Who in New Poets" (1996), "The International Who's Who in Poetry" (2004), and is a member of the "International Poetry Hall of Fame."