Geographical articles from April 2003

Geographical archives from April 2003

A world of possibilities.(travel)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... One of the great joys of childhood is that everything is so new and exciting. I myself was lucky enough to grow up near bushland in the northern suburbs of Sydney, Australia, where I could regularly chance upon something I'd never seen...

Stop press.(Brent Stirten wins 2003 World Press Photo award)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The announcement of the winners of the 2003 World Press Photo competition saw recognition for Brent Stirten, whose images of African circumcision ceremonies (Severance pain) appeared in the September 2002 issue of Geographical. Brent was...

Wildlife in frozen waters.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2003... Greetings from Zimbabwe. My wife has just started teaching geography and recently began receiving Geographical. In addition to making her want to visit 25 different places a month, your magazine is an inspiration to her in the classroom,...

Viking victors. (letters).(Comment on the date of Viking versus Chinese "discovery" of North America)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2003... With reference to Geographical January 2003 (In conversation), why do Gavin Menzieg and Christian Amodeo ignore the Norse site at L'Anseaux-Meadows, Newfoundland, a World Heritage site dating from about 1000 AD, identified in 1960 and excavated...

Too much travel.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2003... I have been psyching myself up for a few issues to write this letter. In recent months, I have been increasingly disappointed with the way that Geographical is heading. Not being a geographer, but having enjoyed the magazine for several years,...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
April 1, 2003... Geographical, February 2003 Wilderness Scotland In our What to see in 2003 travel pages we inadvertently printed an incorrect telephone number and web address for the travel company Wilderness Scotland, which runs sailing and walking...

Dolphin threat. .(dolphin-safe tuna laws threatened)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... US government plans to redefine 'dolphin-safe tuna' are being fiercely contested by conservationists. A lawsuit filed by nine groups is challenging the decision. Since the 1950s, dolphin schools in the eastern Pacific have been encircled...

Vampire-bat saliva could soon be used to treat strokes.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Vampire-bat saliva could soon be used to treat strokes. Australian scientists have isolated a substance from the saliva that can destroy fibrin, which is produced during blood clotting, without any risk to the brain. About 80 per cent of...

The Indian army is having to play `hunt the landmine' with a colony of rats.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Indian army is having to play `hunt the landmine' with a colony of rats. The rodents have hidden thousands of mines, planted last year along the 3,200km border, threatening the safety of local farmers.

The mummy's curse has been laid to rest. .(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The mummy's curse has been laid to rest. Dr Mark Nelson of Monash University, Australia, has found that the average lifespan of 25 people present at the opening of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922 was 70, contradicting the myth that they would die...

Rainmaker.(British scientis awarded grant)
April 1, 2003... A British scientist has been awarded a 105,000 [pounds sterling] government grant to investigate the feasibility of building a rain-making machine. Professor Stephen Salter of Edinburgh University proposes placing a floating, vertical-axis...

Banana killer.(pesticide-resistant fungus known as race 4)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The world's leading export banana is being threatened by a pesticide-resistant fungus known as race 4. Cavendish bananas in Australia, South Africa and parts of Asia are already being attacked by the fungus and French scientists claim it will...

Getting crabby. (worldwatch).(crabs can measure distances)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Australian scientists have discovered that crabs are cleverer than they appear. Dr Jan Hemmi of the Australian National University has found that a crab's ability to measure the distance between objects is comparable to that of a human.

The water road: Paul Gogarty examines the history of Britain's extensive network of canals and explains how, after years of neglect, it is undergoing a major overhaul.(www.britishwaterways.co.uk)(Column)
April 1, 2003... WHEN TOM ROLT MADE A 640-kilometre narrowboat journey through the Midlands in 1939, he found closures, dereliction and unbridled pollution; conditions he summed up in a single observation: "The Trent is so black and foul after its journey...

History in the making.(tanneries in Marrakech and Fes, Morocco)(Illustration)
April 1, 2003... As we career headlong through our technological age, Morocco's imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez maintain a link with a bygone era. Nowhere is this more true than in their tanneries Where, for hundreds of years, tight-knit family...

Changing our world view: in 16th-century Europe, the rise of the renaissance saw science become the new religion. In this age of exploration and discovery--of both the physical and metaphysical--geographers had their work cut out for them. Nicholas crane describes how Gerard Mercator, a poor cobbler's son, became one of the world's greatest cartographers and literally changed the way we look at the world.(history)(Illustration)
April 1, 2003... TAKE AWAY A MARINER'S MAPS AND HE WON'T know where he is. But take away a geographer's maps and he won't know who he is. Maps are the principal means of geographical discourse, with their own vocabulary and cosmic scope. "[They] belong to the...

Pack tracking: at one time, the grey wolf had the largest natural distribution of any land mammal other than humans. Centuries of persecution have cost it that record, and while the wolf is returning to some areas, many small populations are still vulnerable. Paul Evans joined a team of volunteers helping monitor wolves in Poland in an effort to stop them being hunted into local extinction.(Bieszczady Mountains)
April 1, 2003... IT'S A SOUND TO CHILL THE BLOOD. In the preternatural stillness that descends with the falling snow, a wolf howls. A reply comes almost instantly. For millennia, this call and response-both territorial display and an aid to pack cohesion--has...

Left out in the cold.(Inughuit, Greenland)(Illustration)
April 1, 2003... The Inughuit of northwestern Greenland survive according to the whims and rhythms of an uncompromising climate reminiscent of the last ice age. Only two generations ago, these polar hunters lived in small family clusters, their myths,...

Destination Mars.(Beagle 2 Probe)(Interview)
April 1, 2003... NEXT MONTH,THE BEAGLE 2 PROBE WILL SET OFF ON ITS 400-MILLION-KILOMETRE JOURNEY TO THE RED PLANET. DOUG ALEXANDER SPEAKS TO PROFESSOR COLIN PILLINGER, THE MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING A LITTLE BIT OF BRITAIN ON MARS ON 23 MAY--IF ALL GOES...

Friend of the Earth.(Wild Things)(Book Review)
April 1, 2003... WILD Things by Britta Jaschinski, Thames & Hudson, hb, pp 104, 16.95 [pounds sterling] Available from 7 April Because of its observational nature, wildlife photography is rarely presented in an abstract or avant-garde fashion. However, with...

The blue planet.(Spirit of the Sea)(Book Review)
April 1, 2003... Spirit of the Sea by Marie-France Boyer Thames & Hudson, hb, pp120, 15.95 [pounds sterling] The world of the fisherman is one touched by passion and grief in equal measure. The exquisite pleasure of a prosperous day's fishing is tempered...

The joy of chocolate.(Indulgence: Around the World in Search of Chocolate)(Book Review)
April 1, 2003... Indulgence: Around the World in Search of Chocolate by Paul Richardson Little, Brown, hb, pp256, 14.99 [pounds sterling] Appealing to both chocolate connoisseurs and sweet-shop junkies, Indulgence takes readers on a trip around the world to...

Life through the lens.(Barbican Centre, London, England)
April 1, 2003... Until 1 June 2003 Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS Tel: 020 7638 8891; www.barbican.org.uk/art Open Mon, Tue, Thur-Sat: 10am-6pm, Wed: 10am-9pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm Admission: Adults 7 [pounds sterling], Concessions 5 [pounds sterling]...

New face at the society: Steve Brace has recently joined the RGS-IBG as head of information services and resources. As the society progresses with its 7 million [pounds sterling] `unlocking the archives' project--which aims to widen access to its heritage resources--Steve gives us an insight into his new job and the challenges ahead. (In society: a round-up of news, views and events happening at the RGS-IBG this month).(Royal Geographical Society - Institue of British Geographers)(Interview)
April 1, 2003... What attracted you to the job at the Society? Primarily it was my love of geography But I also had a desire to help promote greater access to, and interest in, the Society's fascinating collections of maps, pictures, books and artefacts...

Heritage alive and kicking online. (In society: a round-up of news, views and events happening at the RGS-IBG this month).(Royal Geographical Society - Institute of British Geographers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Society is launching its new Unlocking the Archives website in mid-March. This online resource brings to life, and builds upon, the educational potential of the Society's heritage archives, which cover centuries of geographical history. ...

New award for budding photographers. (In society: a round-up of news, views and events happening at the RGS-IBG this month).(Royal Geographical Society - Institute of British Geographers - www.rgs.org/grants)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Environmental photography helps to raise public awareness of our surroundings, and brings geographical issues to wider public attention. A new award offered by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is available for young photographers who...

Good news for geography. (In society: a round-up of news views and events happening at the RGS-IBG this month).(Royal Geographical Society - Institute of British Geographers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Last month's In Society editorial highlighted the omission of geography from the government's Specialist Schools Programme. Soon after the issue went to print, the Department for Education and Skills announced that two further specialisms have...

A selection of RGS-IBG events for April. (In society: a round-up of news views and events happening at the RGS-IBG this month).(Calendar)
April 1, 2003... For further details, please contact the Events Office on 020 7591 3100 (unless stated otherwise) or see the full listings at www.rgs.org/events AT THE SOCIETY 2 April, 5.30pm YOUNG MEMBERS' FIELD TRIP A seminar on state-of-the-art...

Benefits of joining the society and subscribing to the magazine. (In society: a round-up of news views and events happening at the RGS-IBG this month).(Royal Geographical Society - Institue of British Geographers - Geographical)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is a world centre for geographers and geographical learning dedicated to the development and promotion of knowledge together with its application to the challenges facing society and the environment....

Mapping the world. (exploration & discovery).(geographic information systems www.rgs.org/mapping)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... When British explorers visited uncharted areas in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they used simple equipment such as theodolites to make maps of their discoveries and reported their findings to the Royal Geographical Society. This approach...

Wanted: crew for tall-ship voyage. (exploration & discovery).(travel on the Tenacious, Jubilee Sailing Trust, www.dif.org.uk)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Jubilee Sailing Trust is looking for 36 sea dogs with an appetite for adventure to man the tall ship Tenacious on a five-day voyage. The Tall Ships Trip departs from Southampton on 27 July, and the route will take in northern France. The...

Altai ethnomusicology expedition. (exploration & discovery).(Imperial College London)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Republic of Altai in Siberia, a state forged in the furnace of the Mongol Empire, has revealed its rich musical heritage to an expedition from Imperial College London. The team spent six weeks in the region, which is bordered by...

Schools follow captain's weather log. (exploration & discovery).(www.education.hsbc.com/education)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... An around-the-world yachtsman is sending weather data to UK schoolchildren, enabling them to learn about global weather systems as they occur. The project is part of the Royal Meteorological Society's MetLinkInternational scheme and the Global...

Adventures in Xinjiang. (exploration & discovery).(field trip)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Later this year, geoscientists will have a one-off opportunity to learn innovative field techniques in a fascinating area of northwestern China that is normally restricted. Imperial College London and HME Partnership are organising a 14-day...

EAC courses in April. (exploration & discovery).
April 1, 2003... FIELD TECHNIQUES FOR PEOPLE-ORIENTED RESEARCH 16 April 2003 Durham University Chaired by Dr Emma Mawdsley, this workshop examines the many issues surrounding people-oriented research in overseas projects and gives practical...

Royal Cruising Club awards 2003. (exploration & discovery).(Eric Brossier and Ellen MacArthur awarded)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Following in the wake of legendary yachtsman-mountaineer HW Tilman, some of today's finest expedition sailors have been recognised in the annual awards of the Royal Cruising Club. Heading the list was French yachtsman Eric Brossier, who won...

Wildlife trail. (exploration & discovery).(Sarawak, Malaysia www.oragutan.org.uk)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... What may be the world's longest tropical rainforest trail has been opened in Sarawak by five intrepid explorers from the UK-based Orangutan Foundation. The trail follows Iban tribal hunting routes and involves hill walking, river wading and...

Foreword: all geared up and raring to go: now that spring is here, it's time to begin venturing out into the open again. In Geographical's extended kit guide we reveal the best gear and latest gadgets for your outdoor needs, and how to make your kit last. (Gearing Up For The reat British Outdoors).(mountaineering)(Column)
April 1, 2003... Whenever you walk, climb or trek, the equipment you take with you should enhance the experience. For more than 15 years I would only wear 35 [pounds sterling] Eastern European leather boots from my local shoe shop. But after completing a climb...

Future fabrics: thanks to numerous innovations in the textile industry, today's outdoor clothing and kit enables us to climb higher, trek farther and move faster than ever before. (Gearing Up For The Great British Outdoors).(mountaineering)
April 1, 2003... Has it ever crossed your mind while traversing Snowdonia's Crib Goch on a blustery spring day that you are closely linked with astronauts, soldiers and hernia surgeons? Given the relative simplicity of acts such as hiking and mountain biking,...

Gear up with Gore. (Geographical Promotion).(Gore-Tex fabric guide)(Product/Service Evaluation)
April 1, 2003... TIME WAS WHEN THERE WERE JUST GORE-TEX[R] JACKETS. YOU KNEW THEY WOULD KEEP YOU DRY AND THAT YOU WOULDN'T GET HOT AND SWEATY WEARING THEM. NOW THERE ARE GORE-TEX[R] FABRICS FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY OUTDOOR PURSUIT AND KNOWING WHICH ONE TO...

Trade secrets: reindeer skin or hi-tech fleece? Waxed jacket or Gore-Tex? Geographical asked some familiar names what they take into the great outdoors. (Gearing Up For The Great British Outdoors).(Sir Chris Bonington; Benedict Allen; Bear Grylls; Caroline Hamilton; Bill Oddie; Chris Sparrow; Sir Ranulph Fiennes)(Interview)
April 1, 2003... Sir Chris Bonington The UK's best-known mountaineer, famous for his pioneering expedition up the Southwest Face of Everest in 1975 What is your favourite item of outdoor kit? Infinity Pro Berghaus insulated jacket. It's light, very...

Travellers' most wanted: we're always being told what to buy, but it doesn't necessarily follow that we then head out and do so. Geographical asked retailers to name their most popular products. So here, then, are the hottest travel products around. (Gearing Up For The Great British Outdoors).(modern kit; includes England's National Trails listing)(Buyers Guide)
April 1, 2003... Lifeventure Soft Fibre Trek Towel Compact, quick-drying and easy to wash, this towel from Lifeventure uses a revolutionary highly water-absorbent microfibre and comes in a neat, mesh-fronted carry case. It's available in three sizes:...

Be prepared. (Gearing Up For The Great British Outdoors).(modern kit)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... ANYONE WHO SPENDS TIME OUT OF DOORS IN BRITAIN KNOWS THAT IT IS PERFECTLY POSSIBLE--ESPECIALLY IN HIGHER COUNTRY--TO EXPERIENCE ALL FOUR SEASONS IN THE SPACE OF A FEW HOURS. WHILE BEING FROZEN, DRENCHED OR BAKED MIGHT ONCE HAVE BEEN AN...

For life's adventure: travel is a demanding business that takes its toll on your luggage. If you are ill-equipped, sooner or later it will catch up on you. Lifeventure's adventure trail range offers robust bags designed with comfort in mind--which should help take the weight off your shoulders. (Geographical Promotion).(Product/Service Evaluation)
April 1, 2003... When you choose a rucksack to take travelling, there are certain things that are always going to be important. It must hold all of your kit, be comfortable to carry when full, be durable enough to last the journey and, lastly, it must look...

Dive in the Arctic. (Travel Update).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... This summer, between 13 and 24 July, Poseidon Arctic Voyages is giving a handful of divers the chance to dive among icebergs, seals and walruses in sub-zero waters near the formerly restricted islands of Franz Josef Land in high-Arctic Russia....

Secrets of the Aegean.(new nature park being built)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... A new nature park is in the final stages of development on the island of Tilos in the Dodecanese Islands in Greece. The new land and marine park will seek to combine responsible tourism with the protection of indigenous wildlife. * Further...

Ramble on. (Travel Update).(third North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The third North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival takes place between 2 and 5 May, providing 40 guided walks for people of all ages and abilities. * Further information: www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk

Hadrian's walk.(opening of new national trail)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Next month sees the opening of the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail. The 135-kilometre signposted trail will allow visitors to walk the entire length of the ancient boundary on an unbroken path for the first time in its history. ...

Stanfords in Manchester.(new store branch opening)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... A new branch of the map and travel shop Stanfords has opened in Manchester. The store boasts the widest range of maps and travel books in the region. * Info: www.stanfords.co.uk

Car-rental scheme combats pollution.(Car Hire Online donates to environmental cause)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... An internet-based initiative designed to offset pollution from rental cars is helping to reduce tourism's impact on the planet. Car Hire Online, which operates in association with Responsibletravel.com and Climate Care, has offset a total of...