World's first hybrid train to be launched in Japan

After the runaway success with hybrid cars, Japan is bringing the world’s first environment-friendly hybrid train. The train named Kiha E200, developed by East Japan Railway Co. is the latest entrant in the battle against global warming and is scheduled to debut on the Koumi Line in central Japan on July 31, 2007.

It’s a two-train car that is powered by a diesel engine and electric batteries. Also, there is lithium iron battery installed on the train’s roof that has a capacity equal to the batteries of 3,000-4,000 regular mobile phones. The batteries of the train are charged when the train slows down.

The train has 46 seats and can hold 117 people including standees. Compared to conventional trains, the new technology will help reducing emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter by up to 60 percent. The fuel consumption is cut by up to 20 percent.

In addition to the hybrid train, the Railway Technical Research Institute of Tokyo plans to develop a hybrid-type next-generation streetcar or light rail transit (LRT) by next year.

Libya's Green Mountain Project: Blend of environmental and cultural tourism

Libya is planning to build a green village to protect the Greek and Roman ruins in Cyrene from haphazard developments. Cyrene is one of the oldest and the richest Greek cities and lies in a lush valley in the Jebel Akhdar uplands. It is home to some of the most beautiful ancient structures like the Temple of Apollo, the temple of Demeter and the temple of Zeus. Most of these were damaged under the orders of Moammar Al Quadhafi in 1978.

The project, the Green Mountain Conservation , will be powered with wind and solar energy and the trash generated would be recycled and converted into biofuel. The architecture of the resorts, hotels, villas and residences would be in sync with the rugged landscape. The idea is to blend environmental and cultural tourism across the thousand miles of undeveloped coastlines.


The area is also the last breeding ground for some species of turtles and tuna in the Mediterranean, so care is taken to see that the ecosystem remains intact and is not subjected to dangers.

Foster and Associates, a British architectural firm would be designing the Green Mountain Conservation and Developmental zone while the UNESCO aid the restorations of the ruins.

Though, the idea is welcoming, the skeptics are unsure about the tourist inflow as the basic infrastructure like an airport is missing. Hopefully, the basic amenities will be taken care of soon.

Best of India

Story of Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan met Mumtaz Mahal and fell in love. He married her after five years and they were leading a very happy life. While giving birth to their last child, Mumtaz Mahal died due to some complications. A few years later Shah Jahan built the world's most beautiful monument "Taj Mahal" in the memory of his wife.

One of the wonders of the world "Taj Mahal" has a beautiful love story behind its construction. Taj Mahal love story is about Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan, initially named Prince Khurram, took birth in the year 1592. The son of Jehangir, the fourth Mughal emperor of India, he fell in love in Arjumand Banu Begum at first time. At that time he was 14 years old and she, a Muslim Persian princess, was 15. After meeting her, Shah Jahan went back to his father and declared that he wanted to marry her. Read on to know more about the love story behind Taj Mahal of Agra.

The match got solemnized after five years i.e., in the year 1612. Shah Jahan became the Emperor in the year 1628 and entrusted Arjumand Banu with the royal seal. He also bestowed her with the tile of Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the "Jewel of the Palace". Though Shah Jahan had other wives also, but, Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite and accompanied him everywhere, even on military campaigns. In the year 1631, when Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to their 14th child, she died due to some complications.

It is said that Shah Mahal was so heartbroken after her death that he ordered the court into morning for two years. Some time after her death, Shah Jahan undertook the task of erecting the world's most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers to construct the monument, which is also said to be the last wish of Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent monument came to be known as "Taj Mahal" and now counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World.

This is the true story of the Taj Mahal of India, which has mesmerized many people with its bewitching beauty.


India's $42 billion travel and tourism industry today has secured itself the fifth rank amongst the 134 most preferred tourist destinations in the world. With over 3 million tourists visiting the the Seventh Wonder of the World - the Taj Mahal - alone every year, the floodlights were focused at Agra, until globetrotters began to look around. They found India studded with delights more than many and gradually the attractions were unraveled, one after the other. 

The architectural archipelago that India is, owes its genesis to the various dynasties that ruled different parts of India at different periods. The most significant embossing on the Indian landscape was that of the Mughals and the erstwhile British masters. The Mughals believed in luxuriant living and their palaces were a rich blend of Indo-Islamic and Persian architecture. Their fascination for gardens got a whole legion of them laid at different parts of their territory. The British brought in their Victorian and Gothic elements and built monuments of use (railway stations, educational institutions, museums et al), while the Rajput and the Gupta rulers, keeping in with their jealous territorial stronghold, got some of the most splendid Palaces and Forts built. South India, of the Chandelas and the Pallavas, boasts of some of the most magnificent temples. India's coastline, hill-stations, adventure trails and so on, are recent boosts of the tourism industry and needless to say, they have surpassed the oldies.

We have randomly handpicked the most popular tourist attractions in India so that you know what not-to-miss.

View of Manhattan from Lincoln Center

A view of Manhattan from the Julliard School,
located in Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, NYC.

Image: antonee, 10 May 2009

I posted this picture of Manhattan, which I snapped yesterday, to let you know that I am thinking of you, but I am working hard on a writing project right now. My deadline is Friday, and I am hopeful that I will deliver a good product. As you know, Friday evening, I will be visiting AMNH's sneak preview of their new mammals exhibit, so I won't be doing much writing until Saturday (although I plan to post a photoessay of the exhibit ASAP, which means it might become live on Friday evening sometime). The mystery birds and other daily features will still appear as scheduled, but my essays are further delayed.

I do have some news about whom I am writing for that might make you happy .. but I don't feel I can tell you who it is until after I have finished and delivered my essay to them, but I will share that news with you soon, though.

Switzerland Top for Tourists (Not Because of Chocolate)

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, has compiled it’s top 10 places in Europe to propose, according to TripAdvisor travellers and editors.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Confirm Paris’ reputation as the city of love, by proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower overlooking spectacular views of the city. Afraid of heights? Set the tower as the backdrop by popping the question at nearby Trocadero Park. A TripAdvisor traveller advises, “Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and pop the question atop the Eiffel Tower after enjoying the beautiful views of Paris.”

2. London Eye, London, England
Lift that special someone off their feet and propose high in the sky on the London Eye - the largest observation wheel in the world. Avoid spectators by hiring a private capsule – complete with champagne – for that special moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A romantic place to propose might be the Millennium Wheel (or London Eye). It gives you a great view of London.”

3. Oia, Santorini, Greece
Watch the sun set over the caldera in Oia, on Santorini, overlooking the breathtaking Aegean Sea, renowned for its striking sunsets. Squeeze through the narrow passageways and white buildings, to the cliff-like Kastro walls – known for having the best views. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “The village of Oia is a romantic village perfect for your proposal plans.”

4. Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Described as a “pearl set in emeralds” by Moorish poets, the Alhambra in Granada, a former palace and fortress, is a perfect place to propose to your gem. Stroll through the magnificent gardens with cypress-lined walkways and listen to the water dance from the fountains. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A great private place [to propose] would be in any garden in the Alhambra in Granada.”

5. Canals of Venice, Venice, Italy
An over-the-top romantic? Work up the nerve to pop the question while reclining on a gondola, gliding under the Venetian bridges, through the windy canals of Venice. Hire a opera singing gondolier so you’re hands-free for that perfect moment (and response). As one TripAdvisor traveller recommends, “Take a gondola ride and hire a guy to sing. See if he can sing something romantic while you propose. Hide some flowers and champagne for when she says yes.”

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
Propose like royalty at Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th century Bavarian palace and former home to King Ludwig II. Channel medieval times by riding up the steep hill to the castle, located on Romantic Road, in a charming horse-drawn carriage. According to one TripAdvisor traveller, the Neuschwanstein Castle is “by far the most fairy tale-like building that I have ever visited.”

7. Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland
Don’t get cold feet at the summit of Mount Pilatus near Lucerne Switzerland, after chugging up the side of the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Celebrate by shouting from the mountaintops, featuring panoramic views of more than 70 peaks and five lakes. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “From the summit you can take the semi-safe trails to the mountain's precipice and really get a feel of the Alps (don't look down!). What a great place to propose to your significant other.”

8. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
For the exhibitionist couple, the Trevi Fountain in Rome guarantees an audience and (ideally) cheering crowd. Toss a coin (not the ring) into the fountain, which legend says will ensure your return to Rome, hopefully not alone. As one TripAdvisor traveller recalled, “At Trevi Fountain, a guy asked his girl to marry him and the whole piazza started cheering.”

9. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Secure a life long connection at the 13th century Charles Bridge in Prague, featuring dreamy views of the Prague skyline. Lined with baroque statues and protected by three bridge towers, visit this walkway at night for a more peaceful moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Many people I know proposed on the Charles Bridge at night, very romantic!”

10. Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy
With sweeping views of the entire city, Piazza Michelangelo overlooks Florence, the Arno River, and golden Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Get down on one knee near dusk when the crowds disperse, and a magical glow is cast on the city below. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot....buona fortuna, e auguri, or mazel tov, as the case may be!”
source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Travel_Guides/article-16127