Before Traveling: History of Aberdeen
October 31, 2007
Located at the mouth of the Dee River, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, a thriving commercial centre and seaport that boasts of a rich and colourful history.
Aberdeen is known historically as The Granite City in reference to the numerous buildings constructed there from stones from local quarries. In the modern world, it is known as the Oil Capital of Europe, an identify forged in the seventies when it served as one of the biggest service bases for the extraction of crude oil in the North Sea.
The history of Aberdeen is a tale two rivers, the rivers Don and Dee or, more appropriately, a tale of the two early burghs that resided near these rivers, referred to separately as Old Aberdeen and New Aberdeen. The former originated at the mouth of the River Don while the latter is located at the River Dee, near the estuary where the Denburn entered and formed a fishing and trading settlement.
Aberdeen received a number of royal chapters over the years, starting with the one granted by King William the Lion in 1179 and others until the Great Charter of Robert the Bruce granted the city its financial independence in 1319. The Great Charter allowed Aberdeen residents to own property and manage their own financial resources. Its granting was a watershed moment in Aberdeen’s history, thanks largely to Bruce and his high regard for Aberdeen.
This high regard stems from his outlaw days when Robert the Bruce received strong support from the citizens of Aberdeen. They provided shelter and rose in arms to help Bruce win the battle of Barra and overcome the English garrison at the Castle. In return, Bruce granted Aberdeen with the nearby Forest of Stocket, a prime piece of property whose income goes to the city’s Common Good Fund, a mode of financial assistance that, to this day, benefits all citizens of Aberdeen.
In 1336, England’s Edward III burned Aberdeen to the ground but the city soon rose again as New Aberdeen and its borders expanded. For several centuries afterwards, a host of neighbouring lords attacked and invaded New Aberdeen. This included the Royalists and Covenanters, the main protagonists during the Scottish Civil War, who both plundered Aberdeen from 1644-47. In 1647, the bubonic plague wiped out one-fourth of Aberdeen’s population.
The elegantly furnished Town Hall, the Infirmary at Woolmanhill and the Lunatic Asylum were all constructed in the 18th century. George Street, King Street and Union Street were all open by 1805 and served as the main venue for the core of the Granite City buildings, designed by John Smith and Archibald Simpson, among others.
Aberdeen’s economic importance grew by leaps and bounds in the 19th century with the growth of shipbuilding and fishing industries. It was at this time when many of the structures of today’s Aberdeen harbour were constructed, such as Victoria Dock, the South Breakwater and the extension to the North Pier. Massive expansion would, however, prove to be costly and would lead to a state of bankruptcy in 1817. Thankfully, a great period of prosperity followed the Napoleonic wars. Gas and streetlights came in 1824, the Union Palace reservoir and an improved water system followed in 1830 and the underground sewerage system was built in 1865. Aberdeen was first incorporated in 1891.
By 1901, Aberdeen spanned over 6,000 acres and had a population of 153,000 people.
Today, despite having different charters and histories, Old Aberdeen and New Aberdeen are no longer distinct. Present-day Aberdeen covers the former burghs of both Old Aberdeen and New Aberdeen as well as other old burghs like Woodside and the Royal Burgh of Torry just south of the River Dee. Its total territory spans 71.22 square miles or 184.46 sq. kms.
In terms of national representation, Aberdeen has two MPs (both from the Labour Party) in the United Kingdom Parliament as well as three MSPs (one Labour, one Scottish Nationalist and one Liberal Democrat) in the Scottish Parliament.
In 1996, the Scottish government created the Aberdeen City Council. There are currently 43 councillors in the city council representing the city’s various wards. The Lord Provost (currently John Reynolds) heads the city council.
As of 2006, the city council is comprised of 20 Liberal Democrat councillors, 14 Labour councillors, 6 Scottish National Party councillors and three Conservative councillors.
Since 2003, the Liberal Democrat and Conservative coalition has had control of the city council with 23 of the 43 council seats. Before 2003, Labour had the majority of seats in the council.
The next general election is slated for May 5, 2007 during which time all seat will become vacant. Unlike previous elections, the 2007 polls will utilize the single transferable vote system and multi-member wards for the first time, with each ward electing three or four councillors. The new system seeks to create more proportional representation in the city council, as stipulated in the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004.
The Where, When, And What Of Traveling With Kids
October 31, 2007
With a little bit of planning and preparation, traveling with kids can be easy as a walk in the park; well almost. The key to traveling with kids is to stop thinking of it as a business trip that is planned with military precision. Instead, think of it as an adventure; expect the unexpected and go with the flow. Minor mishaps happen and it’s nothing to explode about. It’s just part of the excitement of traveling with kids. Go with the right attitude and you and your kids are likely to have a fun time, mishaps and all.
Having said that, do yourself and your kids, and do spend some time making preparations so as to avoid unnecessary distress. A few things you need to think about would include where to stay, when to go and what to take.
Where to Stay
Planning on booking that hotel you stayed in during your last business meeting would be a definite disaster. Instead, look for a hotel that is more kid-friendly with plenty of place for kids to run around in, a swimming pool, a games room or perhaps a kid’s room. Several hotels organize special movies, magic shows and other kinds of kid’s entertainment every evening. It provides kids with the perfect opportunity to meet up with and mingle with other kids of all ages while the two of you have a romantic meal and some quiet time together.
When to Go
If you have a choice, avoid booking a flight that leaves very early in the morning. If you have to leave your house at midnight you are going to be juggling suitcases as well as a handful of cranky zombies. Choose your timing well. If your travel involves crossing time zones, keep in mind the time of departure as well as the time it will be at your destination.
What to Take
Medicines are a must when you are traveling with kids. You don’t want to be lugging a sick child and looking for a drug store in the middle of the night in a strange city. Carry essential cough, cold and fever medications as well as emergency supplies of band-aids. Carry sufficient anti-allergy medication if your child takes any.
Don’t forget to take along enough books to read, crayons and coloring books and a few travel board games so the kids can entertain themselves in between outdoor excursions and sightseeing trips. Avoid carrying toys with lots of small, moving parts that are likely to get vacuumed away by over-conscientious housekeeping.
Cheap Travel Deals For Your Family
October 31, 2007
All-inclusive vacations sound ideal. You pay one price and everything is taken care of for you. You don’t have to stop to worry about where your next meal is coming from. You don’t have to concern yourself with airplane tickets, lodging, or transportation to and from your resort. An all-inclusive vacation should ideally be exactly that - all-inclusive. But beware of false advertising. Do your research beforehand so you know exactly what you’re kidding into. Some resorts will advertise their cheap vacations as all-inclusive but you don’t realize until you arrive that there are hundreds of hidden fees tacked onto the original holiday price.
All-inclusive vacations should be free of stress and hassle. This is why they are perfect for the people who just want to get away from it all and don’t want to deal with day-to-day stressors when they’re on holiday. Package deals typically provide the hotel, the flight, the activities, and the food. These cheap travel deals are especially fun and convenient in a place like Disney World where your admission tickets and meals are taken care of in advance. Shuttles run you to and from the park and there are typically more perks involved. Major resorts often offer hundreds of activities like horseback riding, water parks, miniature golf, and more. Try to get a package deal that includes at least a few sources of entertainment, especially if you are traveling with children.
Your family might prefer a vacation on the open range, rather than a theme park. You can purchase an all-inclusive vacation at a dude ranch in the Wyoming outback, where cowboys fit you to a horse and cook all your meals. If it’s winter, you can all go skiing in Colorado at a resort that will take care of all the details such as lift tickets and ski rentals.
One risk of signing up for an all inclusive holiday is that it won’t be as inclusive as advertised. Buyer beware! It is essential to do research beforehand. Talk to friends and family who have been to the same place and ask them about their experiences. Sometimes a place or a deal that looks really good online or on paper can be disappointing in person. If you sign up for a vacation deal at a resort in Cancun for instance, make sure that it’s not an expensive ferry-ride away from the rest of the nightlife. You don’t want to incur traveling fees by being far away from the action. Find out as many details as you can. Is the buffet decent? Do you have to tip all the help? Are excursions extra? Do you have to pay more money to rent equipment or to go snorkeling? Don’t be timid about calling the resort and getting your questions answered before you spend your money. Make sure you ask if the hotel does not allow tipping or if there are tip jars everywhere and if you expect lesser service if you don’t tip. Your finances can be quickly depleted that way.
2008 BMW 1 Series Review
October 31, 2007
2008 BMW 1 Series Review
BMW adds an all-new vehicle for 2008 with the rear-wheel-drive 1 Series Coupe. When it makes its debut early next year, the car will be the least expensive in the company’s impressive lineup.
Available in two versions, the 1 Series uses the capable powerplants from its big brother, the 3 Series. The entry-level 128i is powered by the 3.0-liter, 230-bhp inline-6 from the 328i while the 135i features the 335i’s 3.0-liter 300-bhp twin-turbocharged inline-6, this latter unit taking the rakish 2-door from 0–60 mph in a little more than 5 seconds. And while this born-again BMW 2002 may be easier on the checkbook, it won’t skimp on features from its pricier relatives. Available amenities include a navigation system with iDrive interface, adaptive xenon headlights (standard on the 135i), Boston leather, HD and Sirius radio, active steering and six airbags (standard on both editions).
With essentially the same drivetrains as those found in the 3 Series shoehorned into a smaller, lighter, less expensive package, will the hard-core enthusiast think, in this instance, that 1 > 3?
What is Polycarbonate Luggage
October 31, 2007
Zero Halliburton has reinvented travel with the new lightweight luggage designed of Polycarbonate. The Zero Halliburton aluminum business and travel cases were introduced to the world nearly 70 years ago. To this day, they continue to stand proudly as an American icon in terms of product design and brand quality. These new Polycarbonate cases are flexible and light, yet strong enough to secure your valuables and clothing against damage and rough handling by common carriers. You can feel good and you do not need to worry about rough handling when traveling by plane, boat, bus and train with this new luggage. This polycarbonate luggage is durable and dependable. Manufactured by the premier manufacturer of aluminum hard-side cases, these cases are great looking and tough. They come complete with integrated TSA locks that can be easily opened by airport security when necessary. These are the only locks allowed by TSA for air travel.
All of the cases have the classic and function-driven “double-bars” design. These are built into the exterior design of their business cases and luggage and are recognized throughout the world as pillars of strength and protection. The 19” and 21” carry on style cases have two wheels. There are also four multidirectional wheels on the 21”, 24”, 27” and 29” styles. This is four custom-designed wheels positioned at the corners to allow for traditional two wheel or four wheel pulling or pushing. The four wheel system allows you to walk along beside your luggage. This is extremely handy when going through a crowded area. The 27″ and 29″ sizes also have a removable packing suiter included. The 21″ carry on size is constructed with two super-alloy wheels for easy trolley style maneuvering through busy travel terminals. All of your travel accessories will fit comfortably inside these roomy cases. All three sizes have a 2″ zippered expansion for bringing home important purchases, souvenirs and more. Of course, all of your travel accessories will comfortably fit inside these roomy cases.
These “ Zeroller” cases have many features. Besides the extremely durable trolley system, there are heavy-duty side and top carrying handles. The TSA locking system is an integrated part of the case. The reinforced wheels are engineered for heavy travel packing. There is state of the art super-polycarbonate dual exterior shell technology and fully lined, stain resistant interior fabric. The free wheeling system allows you to make rolling through a parking lot, the airport terminal, train station or the aisle a breeze. The laundry bag inside the case makes it easy to pack dirty clothing away from your clean items. The 9010 alloy polycarbonate shell provides lightweight, super durable enclosure with solid color all the way through. The available colors are bright, shiny black, silver and red. The shiny finish on these bags stand out on every luggage carousel. These cases can be used for corporate gifts and company logos or individual initials can be personalized on a separate leather tag.
For a limited time, there’s a removable trifold suiter garment bag in the carry on. This creates individual packing options and efficiency. It also provides additional mesh pockets, as well as a tie pocket. This trifold suiter reduces wrinkles in blouses, shirts, suits, trousers and skirts. As you travel near and far with this luggage, you will enjoy standing out from the crowd carrying their discount luggage. These “Zerollers” say that you have arrived, and arrived in style. Zero Halliburton has reinvented travel protection with lightweight, flexible, polycarbonate cases to secure your valuables against damage and rough handling. The luggage is durable, dependable and extremely lightweight with a zipper closing.
2009 Dodge Journey Review
October 31, 2007
Review
Signaling Chrysler Corp.’s global ambitions, the newly independent company took the wraps off the Dodge Journey crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new people hauler-will be sold in America and export markets beginning early next year as a 2009 model. With two-box edgy styling, the Journey will be available in front- or all-wheel drive and in base models will seat five passengers, with optional third-row seating that boosts cabin capacity to seven occupants.
The Journey, which rides on a 113.8-in. wheelbase, slots neatly between the entry-level Caliber and the full-size Grand Caravan. Adapted from the mid-size Avenger sedan architecture, the new vehicle effectively replaces the short-wheelbase Caravan, which was dropped when the minivan lineup was revamped for the 2008 model year.
In the U.S., buyers will choose among three trim levels, a base SE with a 173-bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, the mid-line SXT and its optional 186-bhp 2.7-liter V-6, or the top-line R/T, which has a 235-bhp 3.5-liter V-6. Only the large V-6 comes with the optional all-wheel drive. The base four and 2.7-liter engines offer a choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic. Export markets will be offered a 138-bhp 2.0-liter turbodiesel equipped with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle.
(photo: John Lamm, Road and Track)
Audi A4 Review - Sports Car
October 31, 2007
Audi A4 Review - Sports Car
In advance of its formal unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi has released photos and information on its next-generation A4. Using the same architecture as the recently introduced A5 and S5 coupe, the new Audi sedan shares the same expressive front-end styling, but in a more formal 4-door configuration. The large grille is hemmed in chrome, and LED driving lights underscore the headlamps. The flanks are defined by a strong character line running fore-to-aft, while the lower surfaces are sculpted in a cove shape. The rear end is tidy and clean, in keeping with the car’s elegant, yet understated design ethos.
The interior is also modeled on the coupe version, with the center navigation/ entertainment system neatly tied into the main tier of instruments. Auxiliary controls and the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) knob are nestled in the center console. Like the exterior, the cabin is understated, yet elegant, trimmed in high-quality materials including a choice of wood or satin-finish accents.
The new A4 is larger than the car it replaces, riding on a 110.6-in. wheelbase and measuring 185.2 in. long and 71.9 in. wide. Although final equipment and models are yet to be announced for the U.S. market, it is likely the base engine will be a 200-bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged four, with a 3.2-liter direct-injected V-6 making 265 bhp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque as optional. Buyers will also have a choice between front- and Quattro all-wheel drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is available with either engine, while the four will come with a Dual Shift Gate (DSG) gearbox, and the V-6 will offer a conventional 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic sequential shift.
A new feature on the A4 is the “drive select” option that remaps accelerator pedal response, automatic transmission shift points, power steering boost, steering ratio and the stiffness of the electronically controlled shocks. The three settings provide for comfort, automatic or dynamic modes, while a fourth selection called “individual” allows the driver to program up to 24 different parameters through the MMI system.
(photo: John Lamm, Road and Track)
Winter Skiing In Aspen
October 31, 2007
Aspen Vacations
If you are looking for a bit of adventurous winter skiing vacation, the Aspen Ski Resorts in Colorado may be just what you are looking for. When people talk about winter skiing vacation in Aspen, they most likely are referring to the Ajax Mountain, which rises directly above Aspen town.
Unknown to many people, there are actually 4 ski mountains linked together to the name of Aspen and all of the four ski areas are further linked together on the same lift ticket.
The Roaring Fork Valley, another ski resort in Aspen is technically the most challenging ski area in Colorado Aspen, followed by the Buttermilk, which is often billed as the best beginner ski mountain in the Rocky Mountains.
Then there is the massive Snowmass, a ski area which is bigger than the other 3 resorts put together. Any wonder why this ski area is called Snowmass?
The Snowmass prides itself on its extensive intermediate skiing terrain and have plenty of extreme slopes too for the more adventurous and advanced skiers.
The ski trails and ‘dump’ runs in Ajax have queer sounding names like Bear Paw, Zaugg Dump, Last Dollar, Perry’s Prowl and Short Snort. All these dump runs are fairly short, sharp and challenging descents are built on the steep mountain slopes where gold miners of old once tunneled their way into the mountain in search of the precious metal.
Novice skiers are discouraged from skiing Ajax not so much so because of the challenging terrain but because getting off the mountain at the end of the day can be a very intimidating experience.
Most of the skiing is done at the top of the mountain but the main ski slopes such as the Cooper Bowl and Spar Gulch tend to be somewhat fast and furious in which intermediates and expert skiers in Aspen Colorado plunge their way down in dizzying speed.
Unless the novice skiers travel back down on the Silver Queen gondola, they will be forced into the very narrow and steep gullies to plummet like a heat seeking missile. This can be a very terrifying experience for someone new to winter snow skiing. The gentler ski area at the Buttermilk will be a better choice for novice skiers and beginners.
The Aspen Highlands is Aspen’s real attraction. It is the only one of the four ski resorts in Aspen that is independently owned. The Highlands had developed a reputation for being the most challenging and yet the cheapest and least expensive resort in the Roaring Fork Valley.
While most skiers in Aspen will only ski at the Ajax Mountain, hard core skiers and speed demons will make their way to the ski lift system to take them to the breathtaking steep slopes of Aspen Highland’s Olympic Bowl, Steeple Chase and Temerity, skiing exhilarating runs like Mushroom, Aces and Eights and Deception which starts steep and gets steeper along the way.
Have you tried winter skiing at Aspen Colorado? Why not give it a try in your next winter vacation?
Ford Kuga Review
October 31, 2007
Ford Kuga Review
Inspired by the iosis X concept, the 5-passenger Ford Kuga is a crossover SUV based on the midsize Mondeo/S-Max platform. The shape of the car embodies Ford’s “kinetic design” philosophy of flowing body panels that give the vehicle a sense of motion even when standing still.
It is the first crossover for Ford completely developed in Europe and features a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 2.0-liter 135-bhp turbodiesel mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Like the iosis X concept’s sculpted body panels and large wheel arches filled with massive tires, the Kuga has a similar muscular look and rides on optional 19-in. alloy wheels. The show car’s coupe-like roof has been raised to a more conventional wagon appearance on the Kuga.
The interior has a spacious and airy feel thanks to a large panoramic glass roof. The black interior features some technical-grained materials and leather with contrasting orange piping. This is offset by piano-white accents on the center console and in the door inserts. A Blaupunkt navigation system with 7-in. screen dominates the center stack and incorporates images from a rearview camera when the vehicle is in reverse.
(photo: John Lamm, Road and Track)
BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Review
October 31, 2007
BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Review
BMW chose its home show to unveil its new X6 model, its take on the next generation of SUVs. Unlike its boxy station-wagon-like X5, the X6 is characterized as a Sports Activity Coupe, even though it has four doors.
The steeply raked rear atop the muscular body is designed to be more sporty than utilitarian. The front view sports a toothy BMW trademark split grille, while the flowing lines and sleek greenhouse are contrasted by muscular wheel arches filled with 21-in. wheels. It will be interesting to see if it can carve out a niche in the crowded SUV market—the closest competitor to the X6 is Infiniti’s FX35/45.
To address concerns that SUVs are fuel-wasting behemoths, BMW’s thinly disguised concept of the X6 production vehicle was introduced as the ActiveHybrid, which incorporates a dual-mode hybrid transmission jointly developed with GM and DCX. This system uses two different electric motors, one for low speeds and the other for highway cruising. In addition to providing the correct levels of torque, depending on road conditions, engine loads and on- or off-road use, the X6 ActiveHybrid boasts a 20-percent reduction in emissions and fuel consumption when compared to a car of equal size on a conventional drivetrain.
The X6 is scheduled to be built alongside the X5 at BMW’s U.S. assembly plant in South Carolina with an on-sale date sometime next year.
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