Geographical articles from September 2005

Geographical archives from September 2005

A new era in Antarctica.(Editorial)
September 1, 2005... At the time of writing, news is reaching the editorial office here at Geographical Towers that a futuristic design by Faber Maunsell and Hugh Broughton Architects has won the competition for the new British Antarctic Survey Halley Research...

An international team of archaeologists who discovered trace fossils of human footprints preserved by volcanic ash in a quarry near Puebla, Mexico, in 2003 has announced that the prints are around 38,000 years old.(MEXICO)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... An international team of archaeologists who discovered trace fossils of human footprints preserved by volcanic ash in a quarry near Puebla, Mexico, in 2003 has announced that the prints are around 38,000 years old. This evidence contradicts the...

Police in the heavily forested eastern state of Jharkhand in India have reported that female criminals are stripping off.(INDIA)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Police in the heavily forested eastern state of Jharkhand in India have reported that female criminals are stripping off in order to distract the police's attention away from illegal felling of trees by fellow gang members and give them enough...

A report by the international Medical Corps says that humanitarian organisations are failing to meet the mental health and women's health needs of Darfur's displaced populations, with conditions being particularly bad in southern Darfur, where 2.3 million people rely on aid to survive.(SUDAN)
September 1, 2005... A report by the international Medical Corps says that humanitarian organisations are failing to meet the mental health and women's health needs of Darfur's displaced populations, with conditions being particularly bad in southern Darfur, where...

Harmonising European mapping.(Worldwatch)(INSPIRE)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... EUROPE European geographical information is set to become more accessible and interoperable thanks to a new EU initiative. Known as INSPIRE, the programme aims to develop common standards, services and licensing practices for spatial and...

Ashden awards celebrate clean-energy projects.(Worldwatch)(Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... UK A host of projects aimed at bringing clean, sustainable energy to a wider public have been recognised at the fifth Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy. Twelve projects won prizes of between 10,000 [pounds sterling] and 30,000 [pounds...

Hydrogen vehicles unveiled.(Worldwatch)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... UK Gas company BOC has unveiled a hydrogen-powered car that runs on less electricity than it takes to power a lightbulb. The Ech2o vehicle, which has a top speed of 50km/h and whose only emission is water, has been designed to demonstrate...

Top 10 number of tourist arrivals.(Worldwatch)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... TOP 10 Number of tourist arrivals ('000) 1 France 77,012 2 Spain 51,748 3 USA 41,892 4 Italy ...

Glaciers threatened by mine.(Worldwatch)(gold company plans to relocate glaciers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... CHILE They say some people would move mountains for gold. Well, now Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold is planning to move glaciers in the Huasco Valley in northern Chile to get at an estimated 17.6 million reserve ounces of the metal. The...

A free pocket-sized booklet with the latest set of sustainable development indicators has been published by DEFRA.(UK)(Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)(United Kingdom)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... A free pocket-sized booklet with the latest set of sustainable development indicators has been published by DEFRA. To receive a copy of Sustainable development indicators in your pocket, email Defra Publications at defra@iforcegroup.com and...

The Asia-Pacific region is at the crossroads in its fight against HIV/AIDS and faces a 150 per cent increase in victims over the next five years, according to a recent UNAIDS study.(ASIA)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Asia-Pacific region is at the crossroads in its fight against HIV/AIDS and faces a 150 per cent increase in victims over the next five years, according to a recent UNAIDS study. Around 12 million people are likely to become infected unless...

Sir John Murray: (1841-1914) the founder of modern oceanography, John Murray pioneered research on the ocean depths and oceanic sediments and was a leading light in marine biology.(Late Great Geographers #59)(Biography)
September 1, 2005... What was his background? John Murray was born on 3 March 1841 in Coburg, Ontario, Canada, to Scottish parents. He travelled to Scotland to study at Stirling High School before entering Edinburgh University to study medicine. However, he...

50 years ago today ... Geographical magazine, September 1955.(Worldwatch)(Australian Gold Rush, 1851)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The September 1955 Geographical contained a short article by two academics from the University of Sydney, Australia, reporting the discovery of a memorandum written by Edward Hammond Hargraves. This long-forgotten note, held in the university's...

Veteran climber George Band is to give a Kangchenjunga 50th anniversary fundraising lecture in aid of the Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust UK and Kids in Need of Education on 5 October at 7.30pm at the London headquarters of the RGS-IBG.(UK)
September 1, 2005... Veteran climber George Band is to give a Kangchenjunga 50th anniversary fundraising lecture in aid of the Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust UK and Kids in Need of Education on 5 October at 7.30pm at the London headquarters of the RGS-IBG. To...

Researchers from three British universities and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre suggests that Northern Europe could become colder as the Southern Hemisphere heats up.(GLOBAL)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Researchers from three British universities and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre suggests that Northern Europe could become colder as the Southern Hemisphere heats up. Their 14 year study used isotope analysis of samples...

Native and ancient woodlands gain extra protection.(WORLDWATCH)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... UK Government policy and activities towards forestry in England are to undergo a significant shift in emphasis, with the protection of ancient and native woodlands and the removal of non-native trees to become major priorities, Jim Knight, the...

Latvia.(GEOGRAPHICAL FLAGS OF THE WORLD)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... DESCRIPTION Red with a single white stripe. The flag's unusual carmine colour is often described as 'Latvian red'. HISTORY One of the world's oldest flags, it was rediscovered in the 19th-century by a student at the University of Tartu. He...

The Earthwatch Institute.(Geographical Organisations of Note)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... When and why was the Earthwatch Institute founded? Earthwatch was founded in the USA in 1971 to support scientists who wanted to carry out field research but lacked the necessary resources. What does Earthwatch do? Earthwatch funds...

Hurricanes: weatherwatch with BBC weather forecaster Helen Willetts.
September 1, 2005... To win a copy of Collins Gem's Weather (4.99 [pounds sterling]), Collins' Wild Guide Weather (8.99 [pounds sterling]) and Collins' How to Identify Weather (12.99 [pounds sterling]), send a postcard marked 'Weather' to the address on page four...

Research into how hummingbirds hover has shown that they only produce 25 per cent of their weight support during the upstroke, as opposed to half, as was previously thought.(USA)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Research into how hummingbirds hover has shown that they only produce 25 per cent of their weight support during the upstroke, as opposed to half, as was previously thought. Other birds produce all of their lift during the downstroke.

Mountains are formed much more quickly than previously thought, according to researchers from the University of New South Wales.(Australia)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Mountains are formed much more quickly than previously thought, according to researchers from the University of New South Wales. It takes a mere 13 million years, rather than the previous estimate of 40 million years, for a mountain to rise,...

Greenhouse gases must be reduced by 40 per cent over the next 25 years to ensure global temperature levels don't rise more than 2[degrees]C above pre-industrial levels, the European Environment Agency has told the EU.(Europe)
September 1, 2005... Greenhouse gases must be reduced by 40 per cent over the next 25 years to ensure global temperature levels don't rise more than 2[degrees]C above pre industrial levels, the European Environment Agency has told the EU. According to the agency,...

Quizzical: this month, you wanted to know how polar bears would cope in the Antarctic, which country is Europe's poorest and when Thailand changed its name. And, as always, Chris Edwards has all the answers.
September 1, 2005... Which country is Europe's poorest? R Alford, Carlisle Moldova is by far the poorest country in Europe and trails a number of African countries in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per head. At less than US$2,000 (1,137 [pounds...

Unseen island life.(photographs of the Caribbean in 1908-09)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... This exhibition, to be held at the RGS-IBG headquarters, will feature 70 photographs of the Caribbean taken by Harry Johnston in 1908-09. The photos illustrate everyday life in Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad, including scenes from...

Become a CGEOG.(Chartered Geographer)
September 1, 2005... Do you work in geography and want to be united with others in your field? If so, you may be interested in becoming a chartered geographer. Chartered status represents the EU-recognised professional qualification for geographers, and is open to...

Broadening global perspectives.(In Society: A round-up of news, views and recent and forthcoming events at the RGS-IBG)(Royal Geographical Society)(Institute of British Geographers)(Global Perspectives in Higher Education project)(Editorial)
September 1, 2005... EDITORIAL The G8 conference caused quite a stir in July--and the many demonstrations, peaceful or otherwise, proved just how passionate our society can be about the big issues of today, from climate change and globalisation to immigration and...

Member profile: Mike Parker.(In Society: A round-up of news, views and recent and forthcoming events at the RGS-IBG)(Royal Geographical Society)(Institute of British Geographers)(Brief Article)(Biography)
September 1, 2005... As supporters of the Society come from all walks of life and possess a wide variety of different interests--all under the geographical umbrella--it's difficult to categorise them. However, one thing that many of our Fellows and members have in...

A selection of September's Society events.(In Society: A round-up of news, views and recent and forthcoming events at the RGS-IBG)(Royal Geographical Society)(Institute of British Geographers)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... For details, please contact the Events Office on 020 7591 3100 5 September, 8pm An evening with Bill Bryson (LECTURE, CHESTER) A highly entertaining and informative evening with bestselling author Bill Bryson, "the American with a...

Event focus: Land Rover driver training.(In Society: A round-up of news, views and recent and forthcoming events at the RGS-IBG)(Royal Geographical Society)(Institute of British Geographers)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... 6-7 September: Expedition Advisory Centre event (Hereford) Motor accidents are a major cause of injury overseas, so the Society's Expedition Advisory Centre (EAC) has teamed up with our corporate benefactors, Land Rover, to provide a...

Join the society--get the magazine.(In Society: A round-up of news, views and recent and forthcoming events at the RGS-IBG)(Royal Geographical Society)(Institute of British Geographers)
September 1, 2005... 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....

Lighting up the Channel: map showing the English Channel's lighthouses (1914).(MAP OF THE MONTH)
September 1, 2005... While many maps are simply general depictions of a region, others have a much more specific purpose. This chart--entitled 'English Channel shewing the characteristics of the principal lights'--aims to record the positions and characteristics of...

Royal geographical society with IBG: advancing geography and geographical learning.(MAP OF THE MONTH)(Institute of British Geographers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Patron Her Majesty The Queen Honorary President HRH The Duke of Kent The Council President Sir Neil Cossons OBE Vice Presidents Elspeth Insch OBE, Professor Keith Richards, Professor David Thomas Honorary Treasurer David Lyon...

Spices, slavery & seaweed.(Zangzibar)
September 1, 2005... ZANZIBAR In recent years, its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and palm-fringed desert islands have made Zanzibar one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Yet there's a lot more to this Indian Ocean archipelago than this...

Women of the white continent: ever since the time of Scott and Shackleton, Antarctica has been associated with bearded pipe-smoking men. But nowadays, women are just as likely to be selected for scientific expeditions as their male counterparts. However, as polar adventurer and field scientist Felicity Aston explains, it took a while.(ANTARCTICA)(British Antarctic Survey stations)
September 1, 2005... The ship nudged its way southwards through broken sea ice. I stood on deck, glued to the railings as a small cluster of green buildings came into view. Dwarfed by a landscape of immense glaciers and ancient mountains, I caught my first glance...

Rubbish: with our modern consumer society generating an ever-growing mountain of rubbish, Victoria James discusses the available option for dealing with it.(Geographical dossier)(e-waste)
September 1, 2005... It has no legal definition. Each day, the UK creates enough of it to fill the Albert Hall. It's becoming increasingly dangerous, yet every year we're producing more of it: rubbish. So how big a problem is waste? We throw away in excess of...

Kenya gets back to business: the international reaction to the suicide bombing of an Israeli-run hotel on the Kenyan coast in 2002 devastated the country's tourism industry. Nearly three years on, Ben Winston reveals how Kenya's people have been affected and why rebuilding the industry is vitally important for their future.(KENYAN TOURISM)
September 1, 2005... Whatever Kafedha Masha Mramba knew about the Israel-Palestine problem, she would never have suspected it would end her life. As a rural Kenyan and head of a small family in Kikambala, a remote, dusty village of limited prospects beside the...

The white elephants of Burma: Paul Spencer Sochaczewski travels through Myanmar and finds a country that, despite its unattractive global image, has a rich cultural and historical heritage bound up in the rarest of creatures--the so-called white elephants of Burma.(WHITE ELEPHANTS)
September 1, 2005... White elephants are taken very seriously indeed 1769 the kings of Thailand, Cambodia and Burma fought a series of violent and important battles over, in part, which ruler had the greatest number of pale pachyderms. During one particularly...

A storm in the Western Isles: the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003 granted crofting communities the absolute right to buy the land on which they live. But as the Scottish Executive considers the first applications, Rob Penn discovers that plans to build wind farms on the land have seen local tensions reach boiling point.(SCOTTISH LAND REFORM)
September 1, 2005... The Blackhouse in the village of Arnol on the northwest coast of Lewis is an intriguing museum. This reconstruction of a traditional Highland dwelling, which the inhabitants would have shared with their livestock, provides an architectural link...

Snap happy in the far east: Rob Fraser reports back from the trip to Malaysia that he won as runner-up in the 2004 Geographical Photographer of the Year competition.(MALAYSIA)
September 1, 2005... A myriad of colours pulsed before my eyes, as if a bucketful of rainbows had been emptied into the warm Malaysian waters surrounding me. This single heaving mass moved so swiftly that it seemed to defy focus or shape, and filled the entire...

A very British bushman: despite having spendt more than 30 years honing his survival skills, Ray Mears feels he still has plenty to learn about bushcraft. As he explains to Jo Sargent, there is always something new to discover.(GEOPEOPLE: RAY MEARS)(Interview)
September 1, 2005... It was horrendous. The helicopter broke up and somersaulted four times. The fuel landed on top of us, 80 gallons of it. I crawled out. I knew I was alright and I knew the cameraman was alive because I felt him move, then I heard him say that he...

The conservation conundrum: plenty of wildlife-watching holiday operators claim that their luxury trips help to conserve wildlife and provide an income for local communities. But is this just a sales ploy to make you feel less guilty about your extravagance in poor countries?(TRAVEL MATTERS)
September 1, 2005... The steak was medium rare (to perfection); The salad had a fancy French vinaigrette. The vegetables--mange tout, beans and mini-carrots--were steam-cooked crisp. The bread was freshly baked and there was garlic butter in a side saucer. The...

Kenya: a landscape in flux.(GEOGRAPHICAL ARCHIVE)(Illustration)
September 1, 2005... Following a series of expeditions into the interior of the continent, East Africa was divided up between Germany, France and the UK during the late 19th century, a period that has become known as the Scramble for Africa. In it's colonies of...

Andalucia: The Taste of a Place.(cuisine book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Andalucia: The Taste of a Place by Vicky Bennison Chakula Press, pb, pp156, 12.99 [pounds sterling] Recipe books don't often appear in the review pages of Geographical, but then again this isn't a common-or garden recipe book, more a...

Passage to Torres Strait.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Passage to Torres Strait by Miles Hordern John Murray, hb, pp 290, 20 [pounds sterling] Labelled the Black Islands in recognition of their indigenous inhabitants' dark skin and reputation for savagery, Melanesia has occupied a unique place...

Mayflower: The Voyage that Changed the World.(book)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Mayflower: The Voyage that Changed the World by Christopher Hilton Sutton, hb, pp256, 20 [pounds sterling] In August 1620, more than 100 men, women and children sailed from Southampton in the Mayflower. About a third were Separatists, who'd...

The Past from Above.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... The Past from Above by Georg Gerster Frances Lincoln, hb, pp450, 50 [pounds sterling] Writing as a maniacal in-flight ground-gazer, The Post from Above is a work of absolute wonder. It took Swiss-born journalist and photographer Georg...

Northern Shores: A History of the Baltic Sea and its Peoples.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Northern Shores: A History of the Baltic Sea and its Peoples by Alan Palmer John Murray, hb, pp448, 25 [pounds sterling] For those born after the Second World War, the history of Europe remains a partial affair. In 1946, Winston Churchill...

Between Heaven and Hell.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Between Heaven and Hell by Akhil Bakshi Odyssey Books, pb, pp562, 495 rupees (6.45 [pounds sterling]) The old adage 'Never judge a book by its cover' is certainly true of Akhil Bakshi's Between Heaven and Hell. The subtitle, 'Travels...

Visions of Buddhist Life.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Vision of Buddhist Life by Don Farber University of California Press, pb, pp246, 12.95 [pounds sterling] The cynic in all of us would probably say that when actor Richard Gere calls Don Farber's Visions of Buddhist Life a "kind, gentle,...

In the South Seas.(book)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... In the South Seas by Robert Louis Stevenson First published in 1896. Most recent edition published by Penguin Classics, pb, pp336, 10.99 [pounds sterling] The great Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges once wrote, "If you don't like...

Empires of the Word.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Empires of the Word by Nicholas Ostler Harper Collins, hb, pp624, 30 [pounds sterling] "If language is what makes us human, it is languages that make us superhuman." Documenting the most widely spoken of those languages since written...

Gannibal: The Moor of Petersburg.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Gannibal: The Moor of Petersburg by Hugh Barnes Profile Books, hb, pp288, 16.99 [pounds sterling] It's accepted that Abram Petrovich Gannibal was the great grandfather of Alexander Pushkin, but beyond this, the details grow hazy. He might...

From Our Own Correspondent.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... From Our Own Correspondent edited by Tony Grant Profile Books, hb, pp320, 16.99 [pounds sterling] I don't envy the editor of this book. There's nothing wrong with the source material at his disposal other than the fact that there's so much...

The Explorer's Eye: First-hand Accounts of Adventure and Exploration.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... The Explorer's Eye: First-hand Accounts of Adventure and Exploration edited by Fergus Fleming and Annabel Merullo Weidenfeld & Nicolson, hb, pp264, 25 [pounds sterling] Over the centuries, the world of exploration has undergone significant...

Pizarro: Conqueror of the Inca.(book )(Brief Article)(Book Review)
September 1, 2005... Pizarro: Conqueror of the Inca by Stuart Stirling Sutton Publishing, hb, pp256, 20 [pounds sterling] With a reputation as one of history's most reviled figures for his role in the ransacking of the Inca world, Francisco Pizarro is a tough...

Base-and mid-layer clothing: essential gear: picking the right material for your base and mid-layer is one of the most important clothing decisions you can make.(GEAR ESSENTIALS)
September 1, 2005... During the 1980s, I organised a youth expedition to walk the length of the West Highland Way. The trip culminated with an ascent of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak. A good friend, Darren Tulley (who was to go on to bigger things in the Andes...

Scuba prices dive.(British Sub-Aqua Club lessons)(Directory)
September 1, 2005... Between 26 September and 2 October, the British Sub-Aqua Club is running Come and Dive, offering newcomers to scuba diving a one-hour lesson with a qualified instructor for just 10 [pounds sterling] (usual cost 20 [pounds sterling]-25 [pounds...

Time please.(promotional travel alarm clocks)
September 1, 2005... Insect-repellent company Mijex has given Geographical 20 promotional travel alarm clocks worth 6.99 [pounds sterling] to give away to readers. To be in with a chance of winning one, simply write your name and address on a postcard marked...

Gorge yourself.(Somerset's Gorge Outdoor Festival)(Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... Somerset's Gorge Outdoor Festival, which boasts a full programme of guided walks and activities, is being held in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on 3-4 September. * Info: 01934 742 688; www.thegorgeoutdoors.co.uk

In the pink.(Breast Cancer Campaign)(Mag-Lite key ring)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Mag-Lite has teamed up with Breast Cancer Campaign (BCC) to raise money for cancer research. The result is a pink Mag-Lite Solitaire that comes in a pink presentation box with a limited-edition pink ribbon pin. They cost 14.95 [pounds sterling]...

Trio make a meal of extreme altitude.(GEAR ESSENTIALS)(world's highest formal dinner party)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Three adventurers have broken the record for the world's highest formal dinner party, beating the previous record set in the Himalaya by more than 600 metres. Britons David Hempleman Adams, Bear Grylls and Lieutenant Commander Alan Veal flew a...

Berghaus puts its best foot forward.(GEAR ESSENTIALS)(walking shoes)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2005... Comfortable, sturdy and rather smart, the Berghaus Borasco XCR is a top-of-the-range all rounder for those in need of a dependable travel or walking shoe. Large grips on the sticky Vibram Planet sole will help you keep to the straight and...

Dengue fever: medical advice from Jason Gibbs, head pharmacist at Nomad Travel stores and health clinics.(Travel health)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Dengue fever is a virus transmitted by the daytime feeding Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is very widespread across Southeast Asia, much of Africa, Central America and the northern parts of South America. There are four types of dengue, all...

Trailblazer.(The Geographical Good Guide Guide)(travel guide publishers)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2005... A BIT OF HISTORY Trailblazer was started in 1991 by traveller and author Bryn Thomas, who was annoyed that other guidebooks only seemed to contain information that was of no use to him. WHAT ARE THEY LIKE? Different. While other...

Explorer's essentials: Chris Bonington, British mountaineering legend.(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2005... A comfortable pair of walking boots They want to be light with a good, flexible sole--I favour the Berghaus Explorer boots. * Info: www.berghaus.com Twin ski poles An absolute essential to protect knees and hips The Brasher...

A whiter shade of pale: geo photo: surprisingly enough, the biggest problem you face when photographing snow and ice isn't the cold, it's the light. But don't fret, Keith Wilson has the solutions.(#2: SNOW AND ICE PHOTOGRAPHY)
September 1, 2005... There can be few more stirring scenes than a vast, white, frozen landscape viewed from the air as you come in to land on a polar airstrip. On a sunny day, such a place can seem like the clearest, brightest place on Earth. And therein lies the...

Recent grant winners.(John Radford Award for Geographical Photography)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The John Radford Award for Geographical Photography, an annual grant of 700 [pounds sterling] for a photographic project that highlights an environmental change in progress, was recently awarded to Virginia Fitzherbert. Fitzherbert will be...

Correction.(Journey of a Lifetime Award broadcast)(date changes)(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2005... BBC Radio 4's Journey of a Lifetime Award broadcast will now take place on 16 September at 11am. The show will document the six months that last year's winner, Chris Brown, spent with the Kharnak nomads of the Himalaya.

Forthcoming grants deadlines.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... 27 SEPTEMBER Journey of a Lifetime Award: 4,000 [pounds sterling] and the chance to record a documentary for BBC Radio 4, for those with an idea for an inspiring and original journey 30 SEPTEMBER British Airways Travel Bursaries: two return...

Rising to the Shulman challenge.(Grants news)(Neville Shulman Challenge Award)(Canoe Tokelau project)
September 1, 2005... The Neville Shulman Challenge Award was set up with the aim of furthering the understanding and exploration of the planet and its cultures, peoples and environments. Activities such as these often present those undertaking them with great...

Size matters.(Mailbag)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... I was extremely interested to read the answer in Quizzical as to why the area of Belgium is often used as a unit of measurement for describing grand-scale phenomena such as deforestation, desert encroachment and the like (August 2005)....

Scenic Socotra.(Mailbag)(May, 2005 article)(response and correction)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... I was very pleased to see Geographical turn its attention to the scenically wonderful island of Socotra with its magnificent and literally unique assemblage of plants and animals including the famed dragon's blood trees (May, 2005). I strongly...

Not so central.(Mailbag)(Mexico is part of North America)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... I am just now reading the April Geographical, especially the photostory on Mexico by Peter Mallet (Of pyramids and progress). The photography is beautiful, but the reference to Mexico's place in the Americas is incorrect. Mexico is not a part...

The white stuff.(Mailbag)(cocaine and zinc tablets used in early Antartic expeditions)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Explorers heading for Antarctica at the start of the 20th century had few advantages over the adventurers of today, what with the huge advances in equipment, clothing and geographical knowledge. I was therefore interested to learn, while...

Respect for life.(Letter of the month)(India)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Victoria James's incisive article regarding democracies (Dossier, July 2005) indicated that India is a surprising democracy and that its culture strives to attain democratic ideals. India is a dynamic nation wherein peaceful religions such as...

Spirit of the age.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2005... thus... the capacity of the of the Royal Albert Hall plus the area of Belgium equals a lot of hot air... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Lost in the post.(LETTERS)(Illustration)
September 1, 2005... Changing colour with the seasons and time of day, this lake's name means 'swampy marsh'. Its remarkably clean waters, which average just three metres in depth, are fed by about 40 canals and streams and attract millions of bathers in summer. At...

Perfectly clear.(LETTERS)(National Deaf Children's Society response to charity article in July issue)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Contrary to your article on charity challenges in the July issue (Time for clarity on charity challenges), the National Deaf Children's Society is very open about the costs of its overseas challenge trips. We keep costs as low as possible,...

Gregory Colbert is a Canadian photographer whose work explores our relationships with animals. His Ashes and Snow exhibition has just finished its run in New York. Colbert has also founded a charity that supports conservation through art.(Christian Amodeo in conversation with ...)(Interview)
September 1, 2005... What kind of reaction did Ashes and Snow receive in New York, the first stop on its world tour? Over weekends, we've been seeing more than 5,000 people per day coming down to the Nomadic Museum at Pier 54 to see the exhibit, which is many...