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How is Wrought Iron Made? - History of Steel
Here is some great background information we found on the internet from the University of Wisconsin Department of Engineering web site. Its a bit technical, but it really helps explain the difference between iron and steel, and how we actually get "wrought iron".
The making of iron is the most basic of the blacksmith's trade. The process of making the various kinds of iron and steel is described below. The difference between iron and steel is based on the amount of carbon contained in the metal. If less than 0.1% carbon is present in the metal, it is termed wrought iron, and it remains a ductile metal that can be heated and welded, but not hardened; it can be softened but not made fluid by an ordinary furnace, even with an intense blast. Increasing the carbon content causes the metal to develop the qualities of steel. With 0.65% carbon, the metal increases its tensile and compressive strength; it can be welded, remains ductile, can be hardened and will flow at an easily obtainable temperature. With 1% carbon, tool steel is obtained. Increasing the carbon content to 1.5% increases the hardness but the ductility and welding properties decrease. When the carbon content reaches 2% or greater, the metal loses it ductility; it cannot be welded or tempered and it is known as cast iron. The development of the process of casting iron has been considered one of the greatest technical contributions of the Middle Ages. Smiths extended their techniques of casting bronze to casting the much more abundant cast iron. The ability to cast iron made a strong and comparatively inexpensive metal available to the mass market, instead of the more expensive wrought iron and crucible steel bars which were beaten into strips and laminated into tools and weapons.
The process of making iron begins with the preparation of the metallic ore. The first stage begins in the mine itself as the metallic ores are separated from the non-metallic earth and stones. The metallic ores are then removed from the mine and crushed into manageable pieces. The ore is crushed on a heavy stone pavement with a long-handled hammer or a heavy stone. After crushing the hard ores are often roasted, sometimes two or three times.
Roasting ore serves two purposes. First, it softens hard ores, making them more easily broken or crushed, which helps the melting process. Secondly, roasting reduces the sulfur content of ores, which is harmful to the iron-making process. Roasting of ore can be done in several different ways: in heaps, stalls or kilns. Heap roasting with coal is done in the following manner. The ore is broken into pieces weighing 3-5 kg and placed on a sloping bed of coal 7 m long, 2.5 m long, and 15 cm deep. The ore is heaped 1 m high in the center and is covered in coal dust and ashes and then the heap is ignited. The ratio of coal to ore is 150-200 kg per ton. The roasting can take over 15 days.
Roasting stalls consist of square areas dug out of the earth and lined on three sides with stone or brick walls in order to retain the heat more effectively. The roasting of ore in stalls consumes 50-150 kg of charcoal per ton of ore, and can accommodate up to 300-350 tons of ore. The ore is laid down in alternately layers with charcoal and wood to a height of 2.5 to 3 m. A layer of fine sand of the same ore is spread over the pile and pounded into it to keep it from collapsing before it has been roasted.
Roasting ore in kilns is the most efficient method. A rectangular roasting kiln is typically 3 to 4 m high, 4.5 m long and 2 m wide. The kiln is filled with alternating layers of charcoal and ore. The ore is broken down as small as 12 mm and placed in layers 60 cm deep; the layers of charcoal are 30 cm deep. The kiln consumed 50-100 kg of fuel per ton of ore and was capable of an output of 15-30 tons of roasted ore per day.
After the ore has been roasted, it is crushed or ground to a fine sand. The tools for crushing and grinding ore range from simple hand tools to elaborate water- or steam-powered stamping mills or grinding wheels. A detailed description of many types of crushing and grinding machinery used in the 1500's can be found in Agricola's De Re Metallica. The type of machinery used will be dependent on the scale of the mining operation. After the ore is crushed or ground it is washed to decrease the silica and alumina content. As with the crushing machinery, the machinery for washing ores can be simple or elaborate.
At this point the ore is ready for smelting. There is a tremendous variety in the number of different types of furnaces to smelt iron (and other metals). Details for constructing a furnace are not considered here-the reader should consult De Re Metallica or a good text on the history of metallurgy for specific details. Whether the iron ore was smelted in open hearths or in small or large blast furnaces, the product was wrought iron. Iron was produced by direct reduction of the iron oxide into iron metal. Despite the fact that iron has a melting point of 1540 degrees C, iron oxide can be reduced to metal at 800 degrees C. At a temperature of 1100-1500 degrees C, the reduced iron flows together forming a semi-fused porous mass called a bloom. A slag forms during this process, some of which is trapped in the semi-porous bloom. The bloom is hammered while glowing hot to force out the slag and at to shape and form the iron into a usable form. Producing iron by this method is rather inefficient. The yield from the best ore rarely exceeds 50% of the iron found in the ore. Ordinarily the yield is on the order of 20% and the remaining iron is lost in the slag. Iron ores range in composition, depending on where it is mined from around the world.
The reducing agent responsible for converting the iron oxide to iron metal is carbon from the charcoal used in the smelting process. Another consequence of using charcoal in the smelting process is that at smelting temperatures, carbon will migrate into the iron. If the carbon content is higher in the atmosphere or in the surrounding materials, carbon will enter and diffuse through the iron. If the carbon content is higher in the iron than in the surroundings, carbon will migrate toward the surface and out of the iron. The absorption of carbon is called carburization; the removal of carbon is called decarburization. Improved furnaces and the resulting higher temperatures introduce the problem of carburization into the iron-making process. At elevated temperatures the charcoal and its hydrocarbon gases of combustion supply excess carbon, and carburize the bloom, making it hard and unworkable. A two step process is then required; the first producing the carburized bloom and the second, a heat-treatment to decarburize the iron for proper forging. As temperatures increase even higher, the iron will actually melt, producing a molten metal which may be cast. This cast iron has a high carbon content and is therefore very hard and brittle.
To produce a malleable iron from cast iron or "pig-iron", as it is sometimes called, the cast iron is packed in crucibles containing pulverized iron ore and heated to a bright redness for many days. At elevated temperatures, the chemical affinity of oxygen for carbon is stronger than its affinity for iron. As the carbide in the iron gives up is carbon, the iron ore packed around the castings releases oxygen which combines with the freed carbon to form carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which escape from the furnace. The decarburization process is partial to complete, depending on the thickness of the casting and on the temperature and time of heating. This process produces a metal which is almost free from carbon and provides castings possessing toughness and ductility. Depending on the final carbon content, the smith may be left with pure iron, a mild steel, or a high carbon steel.
An alternative method for producing steel, is that used historically to produce Damascus steel. Damascus steel was produced in India where it was called wootz. This steel was traded in the form of castings, cakes of metal, which were approximately the size of a hockey puck. The process began with wrought iron produced by the direct reduction of iron oxide to metal, as described above. The bloom was broken into small pieces (0.5-2.0 lb.) and placed in a clay crucible with pulverized charcoal (1/10 of the weight of the wrought iron). The crucible was sealed to prevent oxidation and then heated to approximately 1200 degrees C. At this temperature, the carbon diffuses into the iron, forming an alloy known as austenite. The addition of carbon lowers the melting point of the metal; when a "sloshing" sound is heard when the crucible is shaken, it is taken as an indication that a significant portion of the carbon has diffused into the iron. Up to 24 crucibles are heated at one time in the furnace. This process takes 2.5 to 4 hours. At this point the crucible is cooled very slowly, over a period of many days. The slow cooling produces a homogeneous distribution of 1.5 to 2 percent carbon throughout the steel. As the temperature falls below 1000 degrees C, a network of iron carbide, or cementite, forms around the austenite grains. Cementite is very hard, but also very brittle at room temperature. The resulting Damascus steel gains its legendary toughness only after forging and extensive hammering to break down the cementite network. Damascus steel is forged at temperatures between 650 degrees C and 850 degrees C, which is lower than a European smith would normally forge a lower carbon steel (<1% carbon). Hammering the steel at temperatures below 850 degrees C will break down the cementite network which causes the steel to be brittle, but leaves spheroidal particles of cementite which still function to strengthen the steel. After forging, a Damascus blade is hardened by heat treatment. By heating the blade above 727 degrees C (the temperature at which ferrite converts to austenite) and then quenching it in water or some other material, the blade is hardened. If ultrahigh-carbon steel (1-2% carbon) is allowed to cool slowly from the austenite phase, as when the wootz is first cast, the austenite is converted into pearlite: alternating layers of soft, carbon-poor ferrite and carbon-rich cementite. If the steel is quenched, however, the transformation of austenite to pearlite is suppressed and instead martensite is formed. The structure of martensite allows room for carbon atoms and so is still hard.


A while back I was asked by a friend, Ian Taylor, if I would be interested in going on a trip he had organised. I was to go in the capacity of medic and guide. He knows my background well as I had worked for his company previously and he vets all who work for him very strictly. Ian's approach to the welfare of his clients is paramount. My background is as an active mountain rescue medic trained on rope rescue and all aspects of mountaineering rescue.
The plan for the trip was to guide a group of 22 clients to Everest base camp. The group then planned to split with a smaller group of 7 making our way up the Imja Valley to a peak called Imja Tse, more commonly known as Island Peak. We would all then meet up again back at Kathmandu. We would then have a few days of down time to see the amazing sights around the city. It would take 22 days in all from Kathmandu to achieving our goal and returning.
We met all our clients and soon to be very good friends in Kathmandu in a lovely hotel called the International Guest House. We made all our introductions and went over a brief itinerary and route on a map just to give people an outline of what was ahead of us. As soon as that was over we went straight into business mode. We went through each team member's kit. What to bring, what not to bring. If we can bring luxuries or practical things instead, chocolate or spare underwear is a hard decision when it comes down to it. Ian then introduced me to the Sherpa's that we would be working with for the entire trip. They were so nice in welcoming me to their country and hoping that we have a safe and happy trip. Little did I know how much I would have to rely on these few men for so much of the trip. I would consider myself competent in the hills with my abilities but these true gentlemen are on a whole different playing field. Dawa, Little Dawa, Ang Kami, Sonam, Tendi and Purba, all of these men opened my eyes to what generous and caring people are. We were to leave for the airport at 5 am so we all packed our kit and retired for the night to be ready for our long journey in the morning.
We got our kit together for the yak herders to take and set off up the trail to our first stop called Monju. It was a handy day, a sort of introduction day. Ian and me spread out through the group watching people's water intake, speed of walking, any signs of needing a helping hand or just reading the group as to better take care of them. It was a short day but it was also a wet day. We were all saturated as we arrived into Monjo. We arrived in to lovely cups of ginger lemon tea and milky coffee. It was our first night on the trail and in the lodges so of course the packs of cards got broken out and we all get stuck in to a few games. Everyone brought their own twist to the game. We agreed the game of the trip would be S*#THEAD, which I was called many a time after losing. We would all head to our cots around 8 or 9 to be up and ready by 7am for breakfast and out on the trail for 8. We always attempted to get up early, arrive to the next spot early and enjoy the rest of the day. It also means that if any problems arise we have plenty of light to deal with them.
The next day was going to be a long day. We were heading from Monju up the valley climbing all the time to Namche Bazaar where we were going to be taking 3 days for acclimatization. We would be going on different training hikes gaining altitude each day and coming back down in the evening. We entered Sagarmatha Park that day too. It was a great day; sun splitting the sky and the entire group were gelling nicely. We could see the friendships sparking already. I stayed at the rear as back marker to help or motivate anyone that was finding the going difficult. We always had fun at the back chatting and laughing the whole day along the trail. We stopped at a suspended bridge along the way to take a break. We were all taking photos and re-hydrating. Suddenly, one of the group stepped out of an oncoming porter's way but inadvertently stepped off the start of the bridge area and down the side of it. I thought when I saw her fall off the bridge that it was lights out. She fell about 10 feet down into a ditch area rather than the 500ft fall just metres away. She had a severe break to her right ankle. As a mountain rescue medic I dealt with the injury and got her assessed and splinted. While I was doing that, Ian was organising an evacuation plan and helicopter evacuation. We also had a doctor and a nurse on the hike with us so the casualty was in very good hands. We got her back up onto the bridge and then without any hesitation the Sherpa's decided that they would take turns and carry her down to a suitable heli landing zone further down the gorge. As they carried her I went along side protecting her ankle along the way from anymore damage. We got the heli in and the casualty out without any trouble and got back on the trail. It was an experience that made the group realise just how things can go from good to bad in a split second. I am happy to say that despite suffering a severe leg injury our group member received excellent care and after being treated in Kathmandu flew home to recover and recuperate.
Tenzing Norway memorial above Namche Bazaar on the Everest base camp trek.
The next two days were spent chilling out in the afternoons after small morning hikes. We all got to acclimatise well and were really fighting fit when we set off for our next stop in Tengboche further up the valley. The days were glorious with sunny mornings and with views that stopped you in your tracks every time you looked up. To our right the whole way up the valley standing at an impressive 6,814 mts was Ama Dablam. The mountain seemed to glare down upon us all day screaming "climb me". Maybe it was just me but I may have fallen for her allure. She certainly could draw you in. I may have a couple of photos of her!
We stayed in Dingboche for two nights and we had an acclimatisation day with a gain of 400-450mts and then back down. That evening as usual we all sat around playing cards and chatting about the coming few days. Another Mountaineering team happened to be staying in the same lodge and we got talking to Alan Arnette that night about his group which was heading for Lhotse, Everest and possibly with a double Everest /Lhotse climb.
The next day we all headed for Lobuche 4,900m. As we got into camp, the weather changed with massive clouds rolling in along with a heavy dumping of snow. The snowfall continued all night. When we awoke there was a solid dump of around a foot of snow. It was unfortunate but after a lot of debating and discussion, Ian had to make the decision based on what was safest for the group. That decision was to descend back down to Pheriche 4,200m and cancel going forward to Everest base camp. It snowed for a further 3 days after this. It was a tough decision but the safest and correct decision for the group.
We had a full day of training the next day, firstly ascending the ropes using a jumar then traversing along the top using the same method and on to a descending line using a figure of 8 and safety line. We pushed everyone hard that day even when it started snowing and the weather got very cold we kept pushing people saying that if you can do it in this weather you can do it in any weather.
The next morning we packed our tents up and headed for high camp. We wanted to get there just after lunchtime, get to bed, have some sleep and set off for the summit at 12.30 or 1.30 at the latest. It all went pretty much to plan and we were all on route for crampon point in good time and in high spirits. We got geared up at crampon point. We all got harness, crampons and roped together to cross the crevasse field ahead. Ian asked me to go first and keep an easy pace and he stayed at the rear to keep a good eye on the team. We came through the crevasse field in good time and headed for the headwall which is around 250mts of 45 to 60 degree ice. Our lead Sherpa had made easy work of it and had gone ahead to fix our own new lines so we wouldn't have to work with insufficient ropes that may have been damaged. The head wall really put us through our paces and really made us earn the summit which all of us got to sit on top of fortunately.
We then headed back to Chukkung for a well-deserved sleep after starting at 1.30 am. We finally reached Chhukung at 7 pm the next evening. It was a seriously long day! The next morning I woke at 6 am to a very bad situation. In the midst of all the excitement I had overlooked my very cold feet and the next morning they were still icy cold. On closer inspection I discovered I had mild frost bite to both big toes and blistering on the toes on either side. Ang Kami, Ian and me discussed it and decided that the best course of action was to heli out and get medical care for my feet rather than walk out with the risk of more damage. I got a heli ride to the Ciwec Clinic in Kathmandu where I received excellent treatment. I got released from hospital the same day and went to the hotel to chill out and take care of my feet for 3 days while the others made their way out. It was unfortunate but hey I got a lift out and was at the bar before the rest of the group. I was a little frostbitten but what's an expedition without a little frostbite!
The next day, Saturday 25th April, a few of us were going to do a bit more sightseeing and shopping in the local markets. Viktor and Paul were going to go shopping and then meet up with us in Durbar square. Magda and me were going to go for a decent coffee and then visit the Sherpa shop before following the lads up to Durbar square. All was going to plan till we came across this little local market and had decided to go for a closer look. Just before we entered we were laughing at how dangerous the roof looked from the outside. The market was of bamboo structure with plastic sheeting over the top and tires in the sheeting to stop it blowing away.
We were only inside the market for a few minutes when the earthquake hit. The market went completely black a few moments before the shaking started. As soon as it started we knew this wasn't normal and that we needed to get out of there. We had passed an exit on our left about 20 mtrs back and I grabbed Magda and we both made a dash for it. There was a lot of screaming and crying, it was surreal. When we got outside we followed a few locals that were congregating just outside in an open area but we were still surrounded by electricity poles and masts. I didn't feel safe so we kept on moving and found a large square without any buildings and no overhead lines. I was shaking like a leaf and the ground was still vibrating under us. A local man came over to us and calmly asked if this was our first earthquake. He told us to sit down and wait as there would be aftershocks. We sat for a while in complete shock finding it hard to comprehend what forces could move us like that. It was extremely frightening. After about 20 mins we decided that we should continue on up to Dunbar square as it should only be around five mins from where we were. We wanted to regroup and make our way back to the hotel. On route we had to take a minute to stop and sort our heads out, the adrenaline was still firing around my body in fight or flight mode and I couldn't stop shaking or even think straight. Having Magda there helped to keep me focused. I had someone that I felt responsible for and that I needed to keep safe. We continued up an avenue just down the road from Durbar square when a second shock hit us. We ran down the road to an island in the middle of the road where a lot of Nepalese had gathered away from the buildings. We got talking to two guys on the roundabout/Island and they had told us that Durbar square was completely destroyed and there would be no point in continuing up to it. We decided we would head back towards the city and assess the situation as we went along. It was complete chaos, roads had split apart, buildings had been completely flattened, there were people crying and screaming all around us. One siren turned into two sirens until it just sounded like one continuous siren. As we were walking down we were passing a large park and it seemed like hundreds if not thousands were congregating in it. We continued on passing by fallen buildings and collapsed arches until the roads seemed un-passable. Walking by the back of some shop or store room we noticed locals were buying water. We picked up some water not knowing how long we may be displaced. We had already been 4-5hrs without water or food. Both of us decided that we should go and sit in the park and try to contact our families to let them know we were alright and then try and contact the rest of the team. Luckily I got one call out to my family as did Magda. It was becoming apparent that this was a lot more serious than we first thought. We managed to get in contact with Ian and he had the rest of the team all together and safe. He was delighted to hear we were safe and well too, you could hear the relief in his voice! It was getting close to 4pm and we didn't have any kit or gear to take care of ourselves if we got stuck out in the dark. We started making our way back to the rest of the group. Buildings were down all over the place. Every street we went down there was devastation and 100's of people were wandering around in shock at what was happening around them. We kept feeling tremors, they were only minor but they still made us shake. When we got back to the hotel it was hugs all round, we were so lucky that the entire group were safe and uninjured.
We had our camp set up and it felt good to be out of the hotel. For the next three nights we stayed in the tents. We ventured out in search of any place serving food or hot meals and then returned to the hotel courtyard. We worried every time there was an aftershock. As we walked around the streets we started to see the amount of damage that had been caused. It's quite incomprehensible how or where they will start to rebuild. If houses weren't damaged the ones next to it were so they were still unsafe to go back inside. There were complete neighborhoods absolutely decimated by the whole event. Outside the city was going to be even worse off. The houses weren't as well built and the resources just weren't on the ground to help. In the entire 4 days after the event we didn't see one ounce of government help or aid to any of the locals and we were in their capital city. I could only imagine the damage and lack of resources outside the capital. The only help that was going on was from local to local! In the aftermath of the earthquake a shop that opened for a few hours a day still sold water for 25 Nepal rupees. They never raised their prices. There was no exploitation, no greed. It just shows the character of the people. I am convinced even when they have nothing they would still give you the shirt of their back.
I truly feel guilty about getting out safely. I know that I shouldn't but I do. I feel for the guys that I made friends with and I worry about their families. They are truly the salt of the earth I cannot speak any more highly about them. I would give them the shirt of my back anytime! This tragedy will go to the back of people's minds once the news stations decide to pick something new to report. What we do now will define who and what we are. It is human nature to help others, well I think it is and if there is anyone reading this that can or will help please do not hesitate to get in contact with me. This was a Himalayan adventure that would certainly shake things up.
PLEASE DONATE TO THE GOLI VILLAGE APPEAL.


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George Pater Madden (March 6, 1887 – June 11, 1977) was an American lawyer and politician.

Madden was born in Waseca, Waseca County, Minnesota. He lived in Waseca, Minnesota and practiced law. Madden served in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1935 and 1936.

References

1887 births
1977 deaths
People from Waseca, Minnesota
Minnesota lawyers
Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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One Day Hike - Mount Kilimanjaro
If you want just a taste of what Mount Kilimanjaro has to offer, we can cater to you too. Starting from your hotel after breakfast, our driver will take you to Marangu Gate. Situated at 1980m, you'll start from here and hike through the rainforest to visit Maundi Crater and the Mandara encampment.
This half-day trip gives you an opportunity to spot colobus monkeys and a startling array of birdlife in their natural habitat.
Best time to go:
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!
Day 1: Marangu gate to Mandara Hut
Nights in total: 1
Let's plan your trip to the One Day Hike - Mount Kilimanjaro
You will start your journey after breakfast. Our driver will wait for you in Arusha/Moshi to transport you to the village of Marangu.
Choosing this route your journey will start at the Marangu gate (1,980 m), where you should sign in at the Park Office.Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys. After lunch, hike back to park gate and drive back to Moshi.
+ Extend your tour by adding stopover related
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Top-up your
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Three Day
Northern Circuit Special
Shadows of Africa recommends add one stopover to this tour
Three Day Northern Circuit Special
You don't need a lot of time to see a lot of Tanzania!
Our three day Northern Circuit Special takes you through three of Tanzania's famous Northern Circuit Parks: Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the real treat - the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
From Manyara's tree climbing lions and Tarangire's large elephant population to the stunning environment and wildlife diversity of the World Heritage listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll have the time of your life chasing the Big Five in these three fantastic parks.
DAY 1 - ARUSHA - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the approximately two hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way you'll pass bustling Masai villages and the vast, open plains that have become synonymous with images of Africa.
Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and Baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.
A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!
Driving through the park you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes. If you're particularly lucky, you might even see endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.
After your day's drive is done, you'll retire to your accommodation for the evening.
ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTION
MORE ABOUT TARANGIRE
DAY 2 - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO CRATER
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater; sometimes considered as the 8th Wonder of the World.
Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
You'll then overnight in a nearby lodge.
MORE ABOUT NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
DAY 3 - NGORONGORO - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart from your hotel for Lake Manyara National Park.
The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller.
In the afternoon, you'll head back to Arusha.
MORE ABOUT MANYARA
Read more about this stopover tour
Safari to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro - 2 days
Safari to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro - Two days
If you're pressed for time, two beautiful days in Lake Manyara National Park and the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area should do the trick!
Between Manyara's tree climbing lions, astonishing variety of birds, and wallowing hippos, and Ngorongoro's high population of predators as well as cape buffalo and black rhinoceros - this itinerary offers you the chance to see the entire Big Five in just 48 hours.
DAY ONE - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, but we'll pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter's paradise.
After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY TWO - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater sometimes considered as the 8th Wonder of the World.
Home to over 120 species of mammals including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. Thereafter, you will drive back to Arusha.
JOIN THE GROUP Three Day Northern Circuit Special
Share the fun & cost! Guaranteed departures & small groups!
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Departures every Friday from Arusha
Maximum group size: 6 pax
Minimum size: 2 pax - single supplement applicable
Four Day
Tanzania Express Safari
Four Day Tanzania Express Safari
The perfect balance of attractions and time, the four-day Tanzania Express is the best itinerary for seeing as much as humanly possible when you're on a tight time budget.
You'll hit three of the northern circuit's major parks: Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and your choice of either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park for four days of incomparable game driving that will show you the best that Africa has to offer.
In addition to chasing the Big Five and seeing some stunning landscapes, you'll also have the option to embark on a cultural safari by adding on visits to a Maasai boma and/or the historic Oldupai Gorge Museum.
DAY ONE - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK OR TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
On this day, you can choose to go to Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park. Depending on the time of year, each of these parks offers a different safari experience. Your guide can advise you as to which is best to visit during your safari.
IF TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
IF LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
DAY TWO - LAKE MANYARA/TARANGIRE - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
We'll take an early breakfast, as we've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us!
We'll begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way we'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth.
It's a nearly four hour drive to the Serengeti park gates, but you can choose to break up the drive with one or both of the below optional activities:
Oldupai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Oldupai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country.
Maasai boma visit: Pay a visit to one of the famous Maasai bomas, where you'll have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market.
Both of the above activities attract an additional cost. Speak with your safari expert about adding them to your itinerary.
After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it's time to explore the Serengeti itself. Witness Africa's iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains.
Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.
MORE ABOUT SERENGETI
DAY THREE - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO
After breakfast, we get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Crater National Park.
Our drive takes us back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you on day two. As far as the eye can see, you'll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators.
You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion.
Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in nearby Karatu Town according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.
MORE ABOUT NGORONGORO
DAY FOUR - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater, considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognizable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
Safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro - 2 Day
For those pressed for time, this two day/one night safari packs in two of Tanzania's most beloved national parks. You'll have the chance to see the Big Five and plenty more as you travel to these two wonderful parks.
Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania's largest elephant population, is a fascinating park during the dry season when the Tarangire River becomes a vital source of water for animals throughout the region. As vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move to the river to replenish, the park's lions, leopards, and hyenas capitalize in a dynamic display of nature's cruel beauty.
It's then on to the world famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus can be spotted amid the caldera's verdant plains. A picnic lunch by the hippo pool is a rare treat, allowing you to have a meal within a few dozen feet of these intimidating herbivores.
DAY 2 - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater, sometimes considered as the 8th Wonder of the World.
Serengeti Safari
Fly inn 3 days
Serengeti Safari Fly inn 3 days
If you're pressed for time and the Serengeti is your priority, why not cut out the driving and fly directly to the world-famous National Park?
A three-day fly-in safari lets you maximize your time on the Serengeti, and also features a visit to the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
DAY ONE - ARUSHA - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha in the morning for your flight to the Serengeti National Park. Sit back and relax as Tanzania's stunning landscape unrolls beneath you.
Upon your arrival in the Serengeti, your Shadows of Africa driver will meet you and you'll commence a day long exploration of the Serengeti National Park. You'll chase the vast herds of zebras and wildebeest, look for lions sunning themselves on rocks, spy shy leopards in acacia trees, and marvel at the majesty of elephants and giraffes as they graze.
During the day, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch while out on safari, before returning to your lodge for the evening.
MORE ABOUT SERENGETI NP
DAY TWO - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO
You'll wake early for a sunrise game drive on the Serengeti, which offers you the best opportunity to see predators in action. You'll also have the chance to see a stunning Serengeti sunrise as the rising sun seems to set fire to the savannah.
After a late breakfast, it's time to head to Ngorongoro. The drive is a game drive all of its own, and your driver will do his best to ensure you spot the Big Five, Wildebeest Migration, or whatever else your heart might desire along the way.
Once you've departed the park, you can continue directly to your accommodation to relax. Alternatively, you may wish to experience one or both of the below optional cultural activities:
Olduvai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Olduvai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country.
You'll then retire to your accommodations for dinner and a good night's sleep.
DAY THREE - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool before returning to Arusha.
MORE ABOUT ARUSHA
JOIN THE GROUP Four Day Tanzania Express Safari
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 13, 20, 27
Departures every Monday from Arusha
In addition to chasing the Big Five and seeing some stunning landscapes, you'll also have the option to embark on a cultural safari by adding on visits to a Maasai boma and/or the historic Olduvai Gorge Museum.
DAY 1 - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK/TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
MORE ABOUT LAKE MANYARA
DAY 2 - LAKE MANYARA/TARANGIRE - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 3 - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Group of teenagers to collectively roll incredibly bad joint
SIX teenagers have announced a plan to collectively roll a unsmokeably bad joint.
Each of the teenagers will have a hand in the completed spliff, which will involve multiple rolling papers, cardboard reinforcement rings, a cocktail stick splint and Sellotape.
17-year-old Joseph Turner said: "It's beyond each of us individually, but I believe if we work together we can create a cannabis joint that will get us all thoroughly stoned.
"Jordan's on tobacco, Jack's handling the actual weed, Olivia and Chloe are dealing with the Rizla end of things – we got five packets in case something goes wrong – and Ellie's currently Googling what a roach is.
"We won't get this right first time, or indeed second, but we'll get there. And when we do, wow, blast off."
Following construction of the Frankensteinian monstrosity the teenagers then plan to follow a strict pass-and-puff rule, to make it fairer, until its inevitable collapse.
Turner added: "In theory we've got my brother's bong. But we've been looking at it for an hour and can't figure out how the hell it works."
Wetherspoons impossible to boycott
BRITONS who would like to boycott Wetherspoons because of its chairman's political views have admitted it is impossible.
Following Tim Martin's endorsement of Brexit and subsequent demand that immigration rules be waived for his staff, Remainers considered a boycott before realising they would only be hurting themselves.
Drinker Tom Logan said: "We'd like to. We'd honestly like to. But post-Brexit we really need to drink.
"And not only do Wetherspoon's do a solid breakfast for a very acceptable price, their bar prices mean you can party like it's 1993 rather than slink home glumly after two rounds.
"They renovate nice buildings, educate you about obscure local historical figures, hire enough bartenders to actually get you served when it's five deep at the bar, and don't play any Ed fucking Sheeran.
"Boycott it? I'm there every night."


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MMLeonard
1000 Word Book Reviews
Crowd Sourced Writing Project: Exploits of a Midnight Traveler
Contributing Authors & Table of Contents
March 25, 2016 May 24, 2016 1000 Word Book Review Leave a comment amazonbook reviewhugh howeymichael blackbournnanotechnologyrobert heinleinroko's basiliskwriting
1000 Word Book Reviews: Roko's Basilisk by Michael Blackbourn
Roko's Basilisk by Michael Blackbourn
The author was up front in saying the story picks up around 2800 words in. For me, he was right. Much of the first couple pages involves the main character's daily routine except the character was going through pain. Much focus is spent describing the way his body is feeling and giving sensory descriptions. This continues for a few pages and didn't quite hook me.
Eventually, the focus of the story became more clear on page 5, which I think is way beyond 1000 words. The story is about a VitaVax shot, which is nanotechnology that repairs cells. This is what was causing much of the issues of the first few pages.
To me, the author should have dived into the plot narrative a little faster. Other than that, I didn't quite know the time or setting or any background to the story.
Does the first 1000 words show it as edited?
Yes, however some of the formatting was off. The thoughts of the character were not italicized as usual in a third person point of view story. There a couple odd uses of words like "She looked up from her phone and smiled. Smiling from bed." Some of the sentences didn't have a noun and a verb, which can be fine, but was a little weird in the context. "The VitaVax shot" and "Casual pants and a dark button-down shirt" and "Go" and "Stressed about the Presentation." None of the sentences were dialogue or part of a POV narrative, so to some, I could see how it wouldn't be typical. Note: I write short truncated sentences, but mostly in my first person POV stories. Additionally, sometimes stream of consciousness stories almost require the story to be filled with this.
Do I care about the characters after the first 1000 words?
The first 1000 words doesn't do enough to get me to care. By the time it gets to the VitaVax shot, I am a little more interested in the story. There wasn't much to identify with Thomas yet early on. Perhaps it picks up later.
Do I like the world building?
I didn't gather in the first few thousand words what the world was. So I couldn't assess this. For me, consider this as not observed.
Overall Assessment: Would I continue reading past the 1000 words?
If reading this on Amazon, the first 1000 words wouldn't get me to continue past. If it would have started with the VitaVix shot paragraph, and given a single flashback/filler paragraph to get me up to speed on the headaches, it would have propelled me enough to the next plot point.
One thing I would have liked seeing:
For a man with so much pain, I would have liked to see a little more interaction. We get that Thomas is suffering, but that can be told in one paragraph. He can describe his pain in one interaction with Jane while also establishing the world and the shot he got. It doesn't really have to be a mystery. Just jump into it and go.
Overall Story Beginning Rating: 1/5 Happy Go-Lucky Red Pandas
Q&A with Michael Blackbourn
How long did the first draft take to write?
About a year. this was my second story after my kids book and the first 'grown up' sci fi I've written. Everything seems to take longer than I would like. When I used to jump out of planes and blow stuff up for a living everything seemed to go more quickly. Writing takes me a frustrating length of time to get right.
Did you change the ending in the middle of writing?
I added an entire parallel story inter-weaved with the main plot after I finished. It made the entire concept of the short much much stronger and I couldn't imagine the book without that element now.
Did you submit traditionally?
No. This story is about to hit amazon as soon I as I have part 2 completely edited. They are going up as a pair. Both have strong endings (no cliffhangers) where I leave no room for a sequel, so I'm hoping the fact that there is more will be a draw to people, wondering how it might go on.
Where do you want to go with the series?
I have a second part that is done and I'm just polishing, it's 3 times longer than this initial piece. And I have a third part outlined. There is a lot of room in this concept for more.
Favorite author who has influenced your writing?
Howey and Heinlein. One when I was in highschool – he was my into to science fiction, and the other more recently for how well he writes the internal monologue of characters.
March 17, 2016 May 8, 2016 Book Reviews Leave a comment book reviewcomicongrokmartiannovelrobert heinleinstranger in a strange landvalentine michael smithworldcon
Book Reviews: Stranger in a Strange Land
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
This my favorite story opening of all time. Do you grok this? I mean, do you really grok this? Valentine Michael Smith is the first Martian to return to Earth and discovers a civilization and culture he does not understand, and vice versa. The first ten pages are really strong in the Heilein tradition before going off the rails the second half. To me, the dark ending and overall message doesn't detract on wonderful storytelling and powerful ideas he was trying to convey.
The story itself is almost a story of what if your religion's prophet returned. Would you recognize him? Would he be warmly accepted and embraced, or would the religious powers that be wage a campaign against him (as far as I know, most major religions somehow only expect it to be a man for some reason).
I mean, cult-like figures always meet a tragic end, right?
On a side note, if you are ever out on a blind date, and think you are being clever by asking your date if she groks you, believe me, this is a poor move. This can only be a punchline at the nerdiest of nerdy events, say ComiCon or WorldCon, and your odds then are maybe only 20% at most. Bonus points if you drop the line in a swimming pool, if so, please email or tweet me and tell me your story.
Book Rating: First Half 10/10, Second Half 5/10
A REVIEW OF MY FAVORITE TIME TRAVEL NOVEL OF ALL TIME
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Asia-Pacific, Development & Aid, Headlines, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights
AUSTRALIA: Compensation Isn't Justice in Aboriginal Death – Critics
By Stephen de Tarczynski Reprint | | Print |
Stephen de Tarczynski
MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug 10 2010 (IPS) - Late on a hot summer morning in January 2008, 46-year-old Aboriginal elder Mr Ward climbed into the back of a prisoner transport van for the 360- kilometre, four-hour journey from the small Western Australian goldfields town of Laverton to Kalgoorlie, a larger mining centre, where he was due in court to face drink driving charges.
But Ward, whose full name cannot be used for cultural reasons, never made it.
Instead, with outside temperatures that day topping 40 degrees Celsius and the airconditioning unit not working inside the stifling enclosed section of the van in which Ward was being transported, he collapsed and was taken directly to Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after efforts to revive him failed.
A post-mortem examination found that Ward died of heatstroke, which Western Australian state coroner Alistair Hope last year concluded was "a result of being held in the rear pod of the (prisoner transport) vehicle in conditions of grossly excessive heat."
But no criminal charges will be laid despite Hope's finding that the state's Department of Corrective Services and GSL – the company that was contracted to provide custodial services in Western Australia and that has since changed its name to G4S – as well as the two GSL transportation officers all contributed to Ward's death.
The western state's Director of Public Prosecutions Joe McGrath considered the case but in June reported that "there was no reasonable prospect for conviction" of anyone involved.
Q&A: "Aboriginal Women Need to Lead from the Front"
RIGHTS-AUSTRALIA: Indigenous Groups Still Say No to Gov't 'Help'
AUSTRALIA: Climate Change – Further Threat to Aboriginals
To compensate Ward's family, the state government announced on Jul. 29 that it would be making ex-gratia payments totalling 3.2 million Australian dollars (2.96 million U.S. dollars) to his widow Nancy and their children.
While the state's voluntary payment has been welcomed, there remains a strong sense here that those responsible for Ward's death have escaped justice.
"Financial compensation is not unimportant in such circumstances, but it is no substitute for justice and the systemic review and reform that should flow from the proper application of justice," wrote federal Member of Parliament Melissa Parke on the social media website wangle.com.au, two days before the ex-gratia payment offer was made public.
"No amount of money can ever compensate for the enormous loss suffered by Mr Ward's family and community," added Dennis Eggington, chief executive officer of the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA). Ward, whose talents included hunting, land care and art, was a highly respected elder within his community at Warburton, located south of the Gibson Desert in Western Australia.
He was also a leader and activist, having battled for his people's rights within the Gibson Desert Nature Reserve for years and representing the Ngaanyatjarra cultural group's lands in Australia and overseas, including as part of a delegation to China.
The ALSWA will consult with Ward's family about possible civil proceedings against the government and G4S, while WorkSafe WA, the state's work safety watchdog, has until January 2011 to investigate and decide whether to lay civil charges.
The ALSWA is also calling on G4S to match the government's compensation payment, although such a voluntary response appears unlikely, at least for now. A company spokesperson told IPS that while G4S accepts responsibility for its part in Ward's death, the issue of whether it will also be making an ex- gratia payment "hasn't been discussed."
Marc Newhouse, chair of the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (DICWC) of Western Australia, said that despite the government's payout, Ward's family is "still angry and adamant that…there should be some form of justice."
The DICWC was established in 1993 by a range of organisations and individuals including church groups, unions, lawyers and Aboriginal organisations to monitor the implementation of the 339 recommendations stemming from the 1987-1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
The Commission was set up in response to concerns regarding the high number of indigenous deaths in custody, with exactly 100 indigenous Australians dying prematurely while incarcerated from the beginning of 1980 to the end of May 1989.
The commissioners found that the deaths of indigenous inmates were roughly proportionate to their over-representation in Australia's prison population.
Newhouse says that one of the key recommendations of the Royal Commission "was that imprisonment should be used as a last resort and that's clearly not the case under this state government and previous Labor (Party) governments."
In his report, Coroner Hope noted several procedural errors after Ward was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, including the way in which he was refused bail and the fact that bail was not considered as an option.
"One of the most disturbing issues to come out of the death of Mr Ward is how the litany of errors that occurred highlights how the system operates in ways that result in unequal outcomes for Aboriginal people who come into contact with the justice system," Newhouse told IPS.
While an inquiry into the transportation of detainees, prompted by Ward's death, is before the Western Australian parliament, Newhouse wants "an independent public inquiry into systemic racism in the administration of the justice system" to be established.
Aboriginal people "simply don't have confidence or faith in how the current system works," he said.
The controversy surrounding Ward's death comes at the same time as fallout continues from the 2004 death in a Queensland state police cell of Aboriginal man Mulrunji Doomadgee.


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The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals (governing Georgia, Alabama, and Florida), recently held that the three-year statute of limitations for the False Claims Act (FCA) begins when the government learns of alleged violations of the FCA, rather than when a whistleblower/relator learns of alleged violations. As we previously explained in the FMGBlogLine, the FCA allows whistleblowers to bring claims for violations on behalf of the government in return for a share any recovery. In United States of America ex rel. Billy Joe Hunt v. Cochise Consultancy, Inc. d/b/a The Parsons Corporation, a former employee alleged that certain contractors defrauded the Department of Defense out of millions of dollars for work performed pursuant to a wartime contract in Iraq. According to the Complaint, an Army Corps of Engineer officer forged contract documents after accepting bribes and gifts. The United States declined to intervene in the lawsuit.
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama dismissed the suit on the basis that Billy Joe Hunt (the employee) was outside of the three-year limitations period for FCA claims. FCA claims must be filed (1) within six years after the violation occurred, or (2) within three years of the time the appropriate government body is made aware of the violation and within ten years of when the fraud occurred. The Eleventh Circuit determined that this second, three-year limitations period applies even where the United States declines to intervene in a qui tam action. Indeed, although the employee knew of the fraud more than three years before he filed suit—his claim was timely because he filed the suit within three years of disclosing the underlying facts to the United States officials. Simply put, in the Eleventh Circuit, the limitations period begins to run when the relevant federal government official learns of the facts; when the whistleblower learns of the fraud is simply immaterial to the statute of limitations.
There is now a three-way circuit split in the Federal Courts of Appeals regarding the tolling deadlines for FCA claims. In contrast to the Eleventh Circuit's holding above, the Fourth, Fifth, and Tenth Circuits have ruled that the three-year limitations period does not apply to whistleblowers at all. The Third and Ninth Circuits have held that the three-year period begins when the whistleblower learns of the fraud. As there is a split in the circuits, this particular action could be ripe for a decision by the Supreme Court if the defendants petition for a writ of certiorari.


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Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > October 2016 > October 17, 2016 (PM)
October 17, 2016 (PM)
REPORTER: The Advisory Council that will discuss easing the burden of the official duties and public activities of His Majesty the Emperor will be meeting this evening. The Advisory Council is set to compile a proposal. Suppose that during the meeting, there is discussion on the need for some sort of legal measures for His Majesty to abdicate. In that case, do you expect that the Advisory Council will go so far as to say in the proposal that a special measures act is ideal, or that the Imperial House Law should be revised, or mention other concrete legal measures?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government hopes that the Advisory Council will hold discussions on easing the burden of the official duties and public activities of His Majesty free of assumption. This is to say that the Advisory Council does not have a concrete proposal in mind before going into the discussions today. In any case, if the discussions point us in a certain direction, then the Government will take that into account in addressing this matter.
REPORTER: I have a related question. While this question may have been asked before, can you tell us how the Government will flesh out the proposal after it receives it and about how much time the Government intends to spend doing this?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: So as I stated moments ago, we will not be working off a preset schedule. First, we would like to calmly advance the discussions, while thoroughly listening to the opinions of a variety of experts. However, we consider that this is a vital issue which concerns the foundation of our state, and we believe that we should not postpone our response aimlessly.
REPORTER: I have just one more question regarding this topic. Recently it was reported that the Government has begun studying the possibility of holding the Daijosai ritual (rite of offering of new rice after the enthronement ceremony) in November 2018 for His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince to succeed the imperial throne from His Majesty. Is this the timing that the Government has in mind?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have no knowledge of this at all. We would like the Advisory Council that will be meeting from today to calmly advance the discussions on easing the burden, free of assumption. I cannot understand why this article was published when this has not been discussed at all.
REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Advisory Council. You stated that the Government would like the Advisory Council to advance the discussions free of assumption. What about the proposal that will be compiled at the end? Does the Government want the Advisory Council to present a single direction in terms of the Government's responses? Or is there a possibility that the Advisory Council will identify multiple responses and directions depending on how the discussions go?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We would like the discussions to begin free of assumption. Therefore, we have no views regarding this.
REPORTER: Today, the Prime Minister offered a masakaki votive stick to Yasukuni Shrine in the name of "Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan." In what capacity did the Prime Minister make this offering? Was the offering a public or a private expense?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I am of course aware that the Prime Minister made a masakaki offering. I understand that this was done in a private capacity, and I believe this is not a matter on which the Government should make comments. In any case, I would assume that the Prime Minister made an appropriate judgment.
REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in this connection. The name on the offering is "Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan." It is written, "Prime Minister of Japan." Even then you perceive that the Prime Minister did not make the offering as a Government official?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is correct. As a custom, the job title is frequently written down to refer to an individual with standing.
REPORTER: I would like to ask a related question. The Prime Minister has not visited Yasukuni Shrine since December 2013. However, some members of the Cabinet have visited the shrine or expressed interest in visiting the shrine again. Can you once again explain the Abe Cabinet's policy on visiting Yasukuni Shrine?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The visits are made in a private capacity, and therefore, there is no Cabinet policy.


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Home Football Highlighted Sanjeev Rajput Claim Pole Position In Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions Trials
Sanjeev Rajput Claim Pole Position In Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions Trials
Indian shooter Sanjeev Rajput has claimed the top position in the men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions T4 national selection trial. Elavenil Valarivan won the T4 trials with a score of 251.6 in the women's 10m Air Rifle T4, while Yashaswini Deswal finished as the best in the women's 10m Air Pistol T4 trials.
Veteran shooter Sanjeev Rajput, already a Tokyo Olympics quota holder claimed added yet another feather to his cap, by winning a Gold medal in the men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions T4 national selection trails in New Delhi. With the win, the two-time Olympian won three of four trials held this year, having qualified for the finals in each of them.
The shooter also his best score of the four qualifying trials – 1182 to advance to the eight-man final in pole position. Following him closely behind was another Tokyo Olympics holder Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar – with a score of 1181. Rajput also stormed through the finals, with a season high score of 463.1 to outclass second-placed Niraj Kumar, who registered a score of 459.6.
Elavenil Valarivan, the current world number in women's 10m Air Rifle was also in top form, as she won the T4 trials with a score of 251.6, having topped the qualification round with a score of 632.1, just 1.9 shy of the world record. Yashaswini Deswal, also bound for Tokyo, claimed a top-finish in the women's 10m Air Pistol T4 trials with a score of 242.9 in the finals.
Sanjeev Rajput
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Partecipazioni olimpiche

Palmarès
Giochi olimpici
: bronzo nel completo individuale e a squadre.
: argento

Mondiali
1994 - L'Aia: oro nel completo a squadre.

Europei
1995 - Pratoni del Vivaro: oro nel completo a squadre.
2009 - Fontainebleau: oro nel completo individuale e a squadre.

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Nati nel West Sussex


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India's 1.5 Million Electric Vehicles & Why You've Never Heard Of Them
by Kyle Field
Published on 3 December 2018
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In Italy, there are scooters everywhere, in Amsterdam, people love their bikes, and Thailand has its tuk-tuks. Over in India, there are rickshaws by the thousands. These low cost people movers are now being converted to low cost electric vehicles by the thousands, with over 1.5 million battery-powered electric rickshaws already zipping silently around the country. This is the electric vehicle revolution you've probably never heard of.
The mass adoption of electric rickshaws is being driven by pure economics as rickshaw operators opt for the silent, low maintenance, lower cost to operate electric rickshaws over petrol or manual cycle rickshaws because it's just good business. Compared to a cycle rickshaw, an electric rickshaw enables the operator to give more rides per day, which translates to more profit.
On the other hand, the lower cost per mile of the electrified rickshaws compared to their petrol powered friends means all those extra rides come with a lower operating cost per kilometer which also translates to more cash in hand at the end of the day.
These economics have been true for quite some time, but what has really enabled electric rickshaws to take over in recent years is the falling cost of lithium ion batteries. Electric cars require thousands of batteries and they are singularly responsible for the more than doubling of the world's production capacity of lithium ion batteries in just the last 3 years.
That scale, combined with technological improvements and changes to the chemical composition of lithium ion batteries, have helped lower the cost to the tune of 7-8% each year. The plummeting cost of batteries has made the electrified rickshaws much more attractive financial propositions and have made the electrification of 2- and 3-wheel electric vehicles a priority for the country.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime, transformational opportunity that we're looking at,'' said Goldie Srivastava, chief executive officer and co-founder of SmartE, a rickshaw ride sharing app with around 800 e-rickshaws serving New Delhi. "When we look at electric mobility, the focus should be: Are you as a government enabling products that are designed for the future?''
The Ministry of Finance in India is working to finalize a plan to invest $600 million over the next five years to establish the backbone of electric vehicle infrastructure in the country. The funds will go towards new electric bus subsidies and to improve the public plug-in vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.
BNEF estimates that India has a total of less than 500 public chargers at present, which is little more than a handful of pilots for a growing country of over 1.3 billion. More work is needed on public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as a recent BNEF report noted that even with the new government program, the number of charging points will only reach 2,800 by 2022. The difficulties in deploying the public charging infrastructure required for private vehicles highlights the opportunity for 2- and 3-wheel electric vehicles, and supports their success to date.
"India needs to focus on electrifying two-wheelers and three-wheelers,'' said Amitabh Kant, chief executive of NITI Aayog, a government policy institute developing solutions for new energy technologies. These smaller vehicles don't require the larger, higher amperage, higher cost charging hardware that private electric vehicles need to charge and can simply plug into any normal wall outlet to recharge.
Combined with the better cost of operation, easier charging is just one more reason these compact personal electric vehicles could prove to be the best way for the people of India to slash their emissions and take ownership of their local air quality.
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