1. The Shawshank Redemption – 1994

This film is based on Stephan King’s novel “Ritta Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. The cast constitutes Tim Robbins as Andy and Morgan Freeman as Red.
The story rotates around Andy spending two decades in fictional Shawshank prison, with his inmate friend Red. Andy is accused of murder of his wife and her lover and he is awarded two life sentences in state prison run by Warden Samuel Norton, where his friendship develops with Red. Andy uses Red’s connections outside the prison to get a rock hammer, posters of leading actresses and contraband for the fellow inmates. Andy is a banker and helps the guard Captain Hadley and others in saving on taxes legally. He gains favors in exchange and starts a prison library with inmate Brooks. He used his good will with guards and soon expands this library.

The Warden Norton develops a scheme to replace skilled labor with prison labor for public works. He undercuts cost and manipulates kickbacks. Andy again helps him to launder the money under false identity. A new inmate Tommy breaks news to Andy that Elmo Blatch had actually committed the murders for which Andy was charged. In order to prevent Andy’s release and to protect his illegal stakes, Norton puts Andy in solitary confinement. He also had Tommy killed as an “escapee”.
Sometimes later Andy tells Red about his desire to live in Mexican coastal town Zihuatanejo. Andy also tells him that when he is freed, he should visit a specific place in Buxton for a gift that Andy will leave there for him.
Next morning Andy’s cell is found empty. Norton discovers a tunnel behind the poster of Welsh that Andy dug in ten years. Andy escapes with his few belongings. He cashes Norton’s money using his false identity. He also sends all evidence to a news paper. The news leaves no choice for Norton but to commit suicide while Hadley is arrested.
Soon Red gets a parole after forty years confinement and joins his old job. Then he remembers to visit Buxton Town and retrieves a cache of money. Violating his parole, he joins Andy in Mexico. They live happily thereafter.

2. The Godfather – 1972

This film was released in 1972 is based on 1969 novel “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo. Marlon Brando leads the cast. The story reflects the underworld crime activities of Italian and American Corleone families and their struggle for dominance. It specifically features the rise, fall and again gaining supremacy by Don Vito Corleone family in a period from 1945-1955. Won Academy Awards besides being selected for USA National Film Registry and declared second greatest American film after “Citizen Kane”. Its part 2 was released in 1974 while part 3 in 1990.
Don Vito Corleone, the head of Corleone mafia family, sends his counselor, Tom Hagen, to manage a movie role for his godson, singer Johnny Fontane, to revitalize his career. Jack Woltz, studio head in California, refuses to cast him at first but caves in when he finds his prized $600’000 race horse’s head in his bed.

Don Vito puts down financially lucrative proposal of Virgil Sollozzo to protect rival Tattaglia family’s heroin business, to save his political contacts from messing with drugs. His enforcer Luca Brasi was executed while probing Sollozzo’s business and Don himself survives a life attempt. Tom Hagen is also abducted to pressurize Don’s eldest son Sonny for the same deal. Don wished his youngest son Michael to stay aloof of family business but he averts a second attempt on his father in the hospital and is beaten by corrupt Captain McCklusky. Sonny revenges this by having Bruno Tattaglia killed.
Sollozzo offers Michael to settle disputes but he prefers and kills him and McCklusky. Then escapes to Sicily and marries a local girl. Fredo, third son, takes refuge in Las Vegas with casino operators. Now Corleones are at full war with other five families. The police also activate to clamp down mafia activity.
The adverse developments take toll. Sonny is killed in an ambush. Michael escapes a car bomb that kills his wife. Don Vito reconsiders and draws peace by withdrawing opposition to Tattaglia’s heroin business and meanwhile gets convinced about their contacts with powerful Don Brazini. With peace restored Michael returns and marries his girl friend Kay. His father now feels confident and hands him the control of entire family business. Michael promises to legitimize the business in five years.
Michael plans to move business to Nevada. Hagen is replaced and given other responsibilities. To buy time he allows his rival families to encroach his market but consolidates his family members that will stay back in New York. Michael wishes to buy Las Vegas casino shares from Moe Greene, who refuses and Fredo defends him. Meanwhile Don Vito dies. He had warned Michael of the changing attitude of Tessio, tilting towards Brazini.
On the burial day Tessio arranges a meeting (actually a murder plan) of Michael with the dominant Don Brazini fixed for the same day of christening of Connie and Carlo’s son with Michael being his godfather. On christening day, in a major sweep, Corleone’s commandoes kill all Don Heads of other New York families including Moe Greene. Michael confronts Carlo who confesses of assisting in Sonny’s killing and is vanquished along with Tessio.

The discrete planning restored the dominance of the Don Vito family.  All opposing forces were cut to size and long time peace ensured. In the last scene the office door shuts as Kay sees Michael get all the respect from all mafia families just as his father Don Vito Corleone did.

3. No Country for Old Men – 2007

This crime thriller is based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film secured a cluster of awards—three British Academy of Film awards, two Golden Globs and four Academy awards.
The western style film describes how fate and circumstances interplay. A man gets a fortune by chance and spends his life securing it, first for himself and then for his family.
The Sheriff, Ed Tom Bell ponders over the increased violence in his region and recalls
how his father and he survived to become sheriffs.
Llewelyn Moss, while hunting, comes across some dead bodies, a wounded Mexican and two million dollars. He hides the booty under his trailer home and returns with water for the wounded. He is spotted and chased into the river. He retrieves the cash and sends his wife Carla to her mother’s home for safety. He hides the money in the vent of a motel.

The hit-man, Anton Chigurh is a criminal and is hired to recover the money satchel. He traces it through concealed radio transponders. Chigurh attacks and kills the Mexican team set to ambush Moss. Moss had rented the adjacent room instead, runs along with the money before Chigurh could grab it. Moss is again tracked in a hotel of border town.  A gunfight climaxes in street leaving both wounded badly. Moss crosses border, collapses and wakes up in a Mexican hospital. There Carson Wells, another hired operative, negotiates money for Moss’s life. Chigurh tends his wounds and traces Wells and kills him. Moss now becomes defiant. Moss contacts his wife in El Paso to pass on the money. All the hunters converge in El Paso but Carla and bell reach after Moss dies in a shoot out.
Carla returns from mother’s funeral to find Chigurh waiting. He tries to negotiate her life for money over a coin toss, but she refuses to toss. Having no option left, disheartened Chigurh leaves and breaks his arm in a car accident. He quickly leaves the scene to avoid police.
Later Bell describes his two dreams to his wife. The first dream is about his losing some money his father gave him. In the second he was riding through a snowy mountain pass when his father passed him, carrying fire in a horn, going on to make fire in the dark cold night. Then he woke up.

4. A Beautiful Mind – 2001

A beautiful Mind is an American film based on the life of John Forbes Nash, Jr., who is also a winner of Noble prize in Economics. The film was produced in 2001 and was directed by Ron Howard. A book by the same name written in 1998 by Silvia Nasar, was proclaimed a best seller. The book was also nominated for Pulitzer Prize and became the main source of inspiration for the film.

The film proved very successful and received appreciation from all quarters of the industry. This well acclaimed film amassed business worth $300 million worldwide. A Beautiful Mind proceeded to win four Academy Awards, including the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and the Best   Supporting Actress. However, the film did not escape the attention of the critics. They objected that some aspects of Nash’s life were not portrayed in true circumstances. The hallucinations were actually not visual but auditory. There is also some confusion over the administration of the drugs.

The story relates to the early years of Nash’s life at Princeton University. He had a gifted mind and was concentrating on his ‘original idea’ that would revolutionize the mathematical circles.

John Nash has received the prestigious Carnegie Prize for mathematics before he joins the Princeton University as a graduate student. He had expected a single room but was now to share one with a literature student Charles Herman. They soon become friends. Nash was too much given to studies and could not adjust with people and particularly the women. He was quite uncomfortable with other math students namely Martin Hansen, Sol, Ainsley and Bender.

Martin Hansen, in an encounter, challenges Nash to play the game Go if not scared. Nash plays all the moves correctly but still looses. Hansen mocks him gentlemen,’ The Great John Nash’. This quote sticks in Nash’s mind, and objects, knocks over the board and falls. He recovers walks to the camera with pant fly open.

Nash skips his classes. The headmaster restricts him from work until he finishes his thesis, prompting him to define his original idea in the paper. He needed inspiration badly to restore his confidence. A woman at the bar helps him to come out of the dilemma to produce his best in the concept of ‘governing dynamics’, which is a theory in mathematical economics.

Later he joins the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with his friends Sol and Bender. Five years later an interesting problem in Calculus brings him close to his student Alicia Larde. They fall in love and marry. Nash pays a visit to Princeton and meets his roommate Charles and his young niece Marcee. He also receives a call from the Department of Defense, Pentagon, to solve a complex encryption of an enemy telecommunication. Nash decodes the riddle mentally and surprises all the code breakers. Here he encounters the mysterious William Parcher of Defense Department, who assigns him to observe critically magazines and newspapers to find clues for Soviet plots and wanted a written report to be dropped in specified mail box.

Nash soon starts to behave erratically after being harassed by the Russian Agents. After a guest lecture at Harvard University, Nash felt being watched by hostile persons and flees to avoid Soviets who intend to extract information from him. Hr gorily digs out of his palm an implanted listening device by DoD. His wife Alicia seeks emergency help from psychiatric hospital. She also visits the mail box where Nash delivered the ‘top secret’ documents and retrieves them unopened. Nash now realizes that he is hallucinating. He further observes that he sees Charles niece as still a little girl.

Nash takes insulin shock therapy sessions but the drugs bring negative side-effects affecting his emotional and intellectual capacity. He skips his medication and psychosis returns. Nash is bathing his infant son and suddenly leaves him absently. Alicia saves the child. Nash tells her seeing Parcher who wants him to kill her. Instantly Nash hits at Parcher’s gun and knocks Alicia and son down. Frightened she seeks psychiatric help again. Alicia and Nash try to live with the abnormal condition between his antipsychotic paralysis and his delusions.

Nash approaches his rival friend Martin Hansen who allows him to teach again at Princeton. He shoves aside his hallucinations and concentrates on his work. Nash is soon honoured by his fellow professors for his achievement in mathematics and succeeds to win Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics for his revolutionary work on ‘game theory’. He again sees Charles, Marcee and Parcher at the auditorium door. He leaves with Alicia ignoring them.

5. The Usual Suspects - 1995

This crime film is written by Christopher McQuarrie and directed by Bryen Singer. The story is about police investigating a fire on a ship at Los Angles port in San Pedro Bay. The distorted evidences narrated by captives lead to nowhere. The film budget was $6 million and was released in stages, after favorable reviews. It won two Academy Awards.

The scene opens on a ship deck in San Pedro, California. “Keyser Soze” speaks to an injured Keaton, for a while before shooting him and sets the ship ablaze. FBI agent Jack Bear and US customs agent Dave Kujan commence investigations on two survivors. The hospitalized Hungarian tells that Keyser Soze, a Turkish criminal master-mind was in the harbor killing many men. He describes and police sketch artist draws Soze face.
The second survivor, “Verbal Kint”, testifies on almost total immunity and records his statement with district Attorney, who allows him post bail on minor weapons charge. Sergeant Jeffery Rabin is surprised by Verbal’s connections as the Governor also inquired of him. While release formalities are underway, Kujan requests to question Verbal who narrates his story.

Verbal ( with cerebral palsy) was one of the five criminals caught in New York. Dean Keaton ( a corrupt police officer), Michael McManus (a crack shot), Fred Fenster ( Fred McManus partner) and Todd Hockney (a hijacker).
During the holdup McManus convinces all to rob the corrupt NPYD police officers that escort smugglers. After successful proceedings they sell the loot to McManus friend, Redfoot. Redfoot reveals another job of stealing herion from a Jewel dealer and introduces Kobayashi who worked for Keyser Soze. He somehow compels them to attack a ship at San Pedro harbor instead. He tells them the ship carried $91 million worth cocaine for Soze rivals. The assignment was to destroy the drugs or wait for the buyers and split the money among themselves.
Verbal continued to state that Keyser Soze was a Turkish criminal harassed by Hungarians. Keyser killed his family to avoid complications and later murders all the opponents in one sequence and vanishes. He stated that Kobayashi killed Fenter for a runaway attempt. He also warned all the thieves that Soze henchman and Edie will kill their loved ones if they do not finish the job.
The buyers of cocaine, Hungarian mobsters are on the deck as well as the sellers, Argentine mobsters. Keaton cautions Verbal to hide and if plans go amiss, deliver the money to one ‘Edie’ with his regrets. Shooting starts and Hockney is killed. Keaton and McManus discover no cocaine on boat. Hungarians are now killed along with a well guarded Argentine passenger by an unknown person. McManus is killed by a knife and as Keaton tries to leave he is shot by Keyser Soze after a brief talk, (the opening scene). Kujan’s harsh questioning forces Verbal to admit that everything was planned by Keaton.

Kujan and Baer conclude that hijacking was not for cocaine but to eliminate the Argentine passenger and all others that could recognize Soze. Keaton was Keyser Soze who has faked his death, deliberately leaving Verbal as witness.
Meanwhile Verbal’s bail is posted. He picks his personnel effects from property officer and leaves quickly dropping his feigned cerebral palsy. Mr. Kobayashi immediately drives him away.
While relaxing in Rabin’s office Kujan recalls the names in Verbal’s story and unintentionally locates them on the various objects in the room, including Kobayashi logo on the coffee mug. He rushes after Verbal and passes by a fax machine receiving police artist’s sketch of Keyser Soze face that resembles Verbal kint. Verbal has bluffed them very intelligently. He runs out of the police station to find him – nowhere, except his cerebral palsy. Then he remembers his last words “and like that — he’s gone!

50th Anniversary

Disneyland has developed into a key Resort of USA. All locals and foreigners desire to visit this fantastic creation that instantly recalls youth days in the visitors – although for a few hours. In 1959 Soviat Premier Nikita Khrushev, during his state visit, desired but could not go there for security reasons. This dejected Walt Disney also, who wished to show him his World’s largest fleet of sub-marines.

Walt Disney and his team is creating, adding continually and updating attractions and enjoyment facilities to create an impression of First Visit on each repeat visit.

Photo by wikimedia.org

Disneyland – History

Walt Disney visited Griffith Park with his daughters Diane and Sharon. A floating idea generated that adults should also have fun with children in recreational parks. This concept gained impetus when his father developed grounds for the World’s Columbian exposition in 1893 in Chicago. Hence, the birth of Disneyland took place. He conceived a land filled with stages, pools, play grounds, rides, slides, stucco buildings, all designed to represent historical shapes and landscapes, recalling child-hood, fairy land stories and images. This entire wonderland encircled by narrow gauge rail track with old time engines and bogies.  However, all this imagination could take physical shape much later in 1950’s.

Walt Disney originally planned an 8 acre “Mickey Mouse Park” on Riverside Drive. He explored existing parks everywhere for new ideas. He was soon convinced that he needed a much bigger area for his imagined park. His consultants encouraged him, so he soon acquired a 160 acre (0.65 square km.) land of orange grove and walnut trees in Anaheim, Orange County, near Los Angeles. The next target was to manage huge funds needed to build structures representing minutely the 19th Century period buildings, themed figures with corresponding surroundings, attractions, rides etc. He probed and decided to use the then popular ABC TV for ads. In return the network agreed to finance the projected park.

Disneyland Inc. was formed for five years with partners Walt Disney Productions, Walt Disney, Western Publishing, and ABC. By 1960 Walt Disney Productions purchased back all the shares from its partners.
The construction of the park began on 18th July 1954 with estimated cost of US$ 17 million and was completed in 1 year. The approach was available from US Interstate Route Five. This road was expanded by two lanes to accommodate the expected increase in traffic load to Disneyland.

Opening Day – 18th July 1955

“International Press Preview” event was organized on 17th July 1955 for media / press and guests by invitation only and for dedication. ABC live broadcasted with extensive coverage of the Park complex.

This grand opening preview somehow got mixed up and messed up into a bizarre event, and was later termed as “Black Sunday” by the executives and celebrated as such for many years.

The problems started with the plumber’s strike on a hot day (101oF or 38oC) which left the park drinking fountains dry. Pepsi had sponsored this opening event, so it was blamed for intentional soda sale promotional technique. The ladies high heels sank in the freshly laid asphalt causing movement problems. The park was over crowded through counterfeit tickets resulting in food and supplies shortage. A gas leak forced closure of many sections of the Park. People flew their children over others heads to reach rides. The resultant media publicity was very adverse.

Walt Disney re-invited the press later to show them the true Disneyland along with a party in the hotel.

On 18th July crowds inflow started at 2 am. Walt Disney pre-reserved ticket # 1 for himself. The next two to enter were children Christine Vess Watkins (5 years) and Michael Schwartner (7 years), who were awarded historical lifetime passes.

1990: Park becomes a Resort

The Disneyland begins to expand. The adjoining areas are acquired. Separate hotels are built on each component park. The present structures are rebuilt or redesigned adding theme sections. The recreational fun areas are brought up to date. A six storey parking lot is constructed to house over ten thousand vehicles of “Mickey and Friends”, the then largest in USA.

The management teams are reorganized, but they proved profit oriented and ignored maintenance for a decade. The criticism from public resulted in major managerial changes with maintenance being speeded up.

2003: Matt Ouimet was promoted as team leader of Disneyland Resort while Greg Emmer as Senior Vice President, operations. Both had enough experience at leadership posts within Disneyland network. They welcomed customer comments and restored maintenance procedures ensuring the initially devised safety standards. They inspected every site physically and often rode fun attractions for satisfaction.

2005: 50th Anniversary of Disneyland Resort

The eighteen month celebrations on 50th Anniversary started on 5-5-05 and were the longest ever held in all the Disney Theme parks throughout the World. Classic attractions were restored like Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. These celebrations ended on 30th September 2006, and were replaced by Disney Parks “a Year of Million Dreams” celebrations that lasted even longer ending on 31st December 2008 (27 months).

Photo by Mastery of Maps

Park Layout

The eighty five acre park has four projections that extend from the Central Plaza. The guests get completely absorbed in amusements as they enter each section which are isolated for intersection sound interference. The different five theme lands are connected by passages.

1. Main Street, USA – is a 20th Century Mid West Town
2. Adventure Land – Jungle themed adventures.
3. Frontier Land – Showing Western Frontier
4. Fantasy Land – Converting Fancy into reality
5. Tomorrow Land – Future Lifestyle Explored

Additions at later years

1. New Orleans Square (1966) – 19th Century New Orleans
2. Bear Country – Themed like mountain forests of south. Later renamed Critter Country
3. Mickey’s Toon Town (1993) – Theme on Film “Who framed Roger Rabbit”

Disneyland Theme Lands

1. Main Street, USA:

Walt Disney reflected his boyhood town memories of Marceline, Missouri, a 20th Century Mid-West Town. The designers and architects reproduced the main street appeal. This is also the first view to the guests on entry.

At the center of the Fantasy Land or the Magic Kingdom, stands Sleeping Beauty Castle, flanged by Adventure Land, Frontier Land and Tomorrow Land. The entrance is by a Draw Bridge. The Main Street USA recalls old culture showing Victorian period train station, Town square, City Hall, Theatre etc. The visitors ride vehicles on the Main Street that include Horse-Drawn street car, Double Decker bus, automobile and fire engine. These are replicas of the 1903 cars.

2. Adventure Land

This represents a tropical place in far off jungles of Asia and Africa. The attractions offers jungle cruise “Temple of Forbidden Eye” (Indiana Jones Adventure), Tarzan / Swiss family Robinson’s Tree houses (A Walt Disney Film) and Enchanted Tiki Room employing Audio – Animatronics by sound and Robotics synchronization. Disneyland band replays the old Town Band on the Main Street.

Photo by Ray Horwath

3. New Orleans Square

Opened in July 1966. It projects 19th Century New Orleans. Its popularity revolves around most appreciated “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Haunted Mansion” The Blue, Bayou Restaurant is the only place in Disneyland that has a private members “Club 33” that serves alcoholic drinks.

4. Frontier Land

This theme land describes American Frontiers during the discovery days reflecting life and culture of the time. The Animatronics play Native American Band, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mark Twain River Boat, Frontier Shooting Exposition and Sailing Ship Columbia. “Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer Island” (2007) and Golden Horse Shoe Saloon that stages old west shows. “Billy Hill and Hillbillys” spread joy daily.

Photo by DolceDanielle

5. Critter Country

Originally Bear Country (1972) where Indian Villagers perform their dances etc. The attractions include Uncle Remus “Splash Mountain”, animated segments of 1946 awards winning Disney’s film “Song of the South”. Winnie the Pooh adventure of dark ride now replaces Country Bear Jamboree that featured a singing bear.

Photo by StartedByAMouse

6. Fantasy Land

Childhood dreams are simulated to come true like flying with Peter Pan over moonlit London or jumping in Alice’s Wonderland. These classic stories become lively and involve everyone. Some attractions are the King Arthur’s Carousel, some dark rides and joyrides.

Photo by jameskay

7. Mickey’s Toon Town

The Walt Disney Studios 1988 release “Who framed Roger Rabbit”, inspired the theme Mickey’s Toon Town (opened 1993). His most popular cartoon character of 1930’s features “Gadgets go Coaster” and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are in their homes here.

Photo by pup ajax

8. Tomorrow Land

In 1955, Walt Disney himself described Tomorrow Land to benefit the children for generations to come. Our scientists are opening the doors to Space Age. The attractions will offer opportunity to see the blue prints of our future – Rocket to the Moon, Astro-jets and Autopia.

Photo by Mikeesteeez

Theatrical Terminology

Disneyland is a World different and distant. The theatrical approach excites fantasy and drama symptoms in the thousands of visitors referred to as guests while employs are called cast members. The various terms make them feel the difference. Audience (crowd), Costume (uniform), Role (job), Script (rules / codes), Autograph (Signature on Receipt), Stage Managers (Supervisors), Office (Production Office), to mention a few.

Backstage

The area includes the storage, commodity handling, repair shops, building material and so on. This also contains employ residences, scrap yards, garbage store, resorts animal stables, and maintenance / paint shops. This is a “No Go” area for guests.

Disneyland Railway

Ever since Disney conceived the idea of a park, it included rail track encircling it. He engaged designer Bob Gurr who designed the track and engines in 1954. The initial engine fleet of 5 drove three trains on the three foot narrow gauge track. These ran around the park’s outer perimeter and crisscrossed the various theme areas touching over a dozen old style stations. The Main Street USA is also the starting and final stop being nearest the Main Park’s entrance. The Grand Circle Tour extends to the Grand Canyons.

Photo by Raisin Morben

The Disneyland’s main attraction, the Monorail Mark II was operational in 1959 in Tomorrow Land. It runs a track length of four kilometers. These light weight Mono trains ware out quickly. The most recent fifth Mark VII Generation train is in use installed in 2008, being especially created for Disneyland. Since 2001 new stations have been added.

Disneyland Helipad

Los Angeles Airways provided helicopter passenger service between Los Angeles Airport and Disneyland. This service was suspended in 1968 after two fatal crashes.

Fireworks

Elaborate fireworks shows are a part of daily displays since 1958. These elaborate fireworks employ latest techniques and equipment to provide adequate and un-boring entertainment. These also include recent Pyrotechnics System that reduces low level smoke and is environmental friendly.

Photo by hkysk8r187

Golden Horse Shoe Revue

This Saloon offers live stage shows that stars old theme performances and comedy shows. It also stages musical programmes and humorous joke skits.

Parades

These had been a constant feature at Disneyland at day and night time since 2005, 50th Anniversary. The parades display classic stories like the Lion King, Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland and Pinocchio. During Christmas Disney presents a Christmas fantasy parade.

Tomorrow land Terrace

This is a two storey stage with one rising from below, producing special effects. In 1960 the musical performers used it and now Club Buzz stages a Buzz Light Year theme. Stage training and other programmes are also held for children on more modern topics.

Attendance

Every year the number of visitors rose steadily from 1 million in 1955 to 9 million in 1969. Thereafter the crowd varied between 10 million to 12 million a year. Now the number is static around 14 million a year.

Tickets

In the beginning the park visitors paid a nominal entrance fee besides separate tickets for each entertainment facility. In 1982, Disney introduced 1 admission ticket for availing access to all attractions. This reduced checking / ticketing staff and procedures. The ticket value was $10.75 (1981) increasing to $69 in 2008.

Photo by Melani

Fantasmic

This popular nighttime show started in 1992. The stage is Tom Sawyer Island and River of America, facing sections of Frontier Land and New Orleans Square, from where people view the show. Mickey Mouse with other characters and Disney’s classic spirit perform to defeat evils that turn his dreams into nightmares. Synchronized lighting, floating barges, fountains, lasers and fireworks all are combined to create special effects on a 30 foot tall water screen upon which animated scenes are projected including a 45 foot fire breathing dragon.

Besides the attractions Disneyland provides live amusements all over the park. Disney characters greet children and pose for photos with them. Special characters are limited to theme lands. Mickey and Minnie mouse are found in their homes. They also climb Matter-Horn attraction daily.

Disney security personal perform military style flag (American) lowering ceremony daily at 4:30 pm.

The expiatory church of La Sagrada Familia has since become a sign of identity of Barcelona, Spain. In fact it is promoted by peoples’ will and inspiring religious beliefs. 125 years have passed and construction is still going on at a slow pace and is expected to complete in early 21st century.

La Sagrada Familia is a private expiatory under construction church, dedicated to Holy Family. It is managed by ecclesiastical foundation that controls budgets and building project in accordance with guide lines of Antoni Gaudi.

The private casual funds generate from donatives admission fee paid by about 3 million visitors every year. They come to appreciate and study the architectural and religious aspects. Gaudi’s works depict symbolic Christianity all over. He displays faith—Jesus and Virgin Mary—The Apostles, Evangelists and Saints in appropriate mode and suggestive symbolizing architecture and carvings around the church interior and in 18 bell towers.

History:

Josep Maria Bocebella Verguer founded the Spiritual Association of Devotees of Saint Joseph in 1866. They decided to construct an expiatory church dedicated to the Holy Family in 1874. Generous donations were received and a plot measuring 12’800 sq. meter was bought in 1881 in the centre of Barcelona city. The foundation stone was laid on 19th March 1882 (on Saint Joseph Feast) by the Bishop of Barcelona. The building initiated with Neo-Gothic design representing crypt beneath the apse by the architect Francisco de Paula Villar. However, early disagreements made him resign and Antoni Gaudi took charge.

Antoni Gaudi was an outstanding figure of Catalan Culture and known in International Architectural circles for creating very lively works and landscapes that appeal to human senses.

Gaudi received an anonymous large donation in around 1890. He then aspired to scrap the present plan and redesign and built a huge monumental structure incorporating better innovations, high towers and sophisticated detailed sculpture formations to explain the teachings of Gospels. In 1882 he laid foundations of Nativity façade, completed the apse façade in 1894 and the Roser door of Nativity Cloister in 1899.

He also built Temporary schools for children of workers of La Sagrada Familia. Nativity Façade model was displayed in 1910 in Paris at Grand Palais, by Eusebi Guell. The work commenced in 1882 using old means. Gaudi sensed the task difficulties and deviated from traditions. He adopted modern techniques to speed up work and create better quality. He had railway track laid suitable for small wagons for easy transport of materials. Employed cranes and built workshops at site for convenience. He replaced manual tools by electric machines and gadgets for finer workmanship.

2000: The Central Nave Vaults were completed. Work began on Glory Façade foundations. On Millennium occasion, a mass was held inside the church so that the people could view the Grandeur and spread of detailed craftsmanship.

2001: The Passion Façade was completed. Joan Villa Grau installed the stained glass windows, dedicated to the Resurrection. Center of crossing four columns were completed.

2002: International Gaudi year and his 150th birth anniversary were celebrated by Barcelona Council. La Sagrada Familia participated fully by commissioning Temporary schools and holding a show “Night of Light and Fire” on 1st June. Special Illuminations and a memorable Castle of fireworks was the main highlight of this event. The wall of prophets and patriarchs, located in the Passion Façade was completed by Josep Maria.

2005: The Eucharistic symbols of bread and wine sculptured by a Japanese Etsuro Sotoo were placed in Central Nave window. Ascension sculpture was placed between Façade Towers.

2006-8: Glory Façade Choir and apse vaults were completed.

2008-10: The Vaults of apse and crossing are completed so that the Central Lantern Tower could be finished. This Lantern will be crowned by a 170m high cross, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Four more towers, dedicated to evangelists will surround central tower.

Construction of the main Façade will complete the Church La Sagrada Familia.

Birth: 30th August 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska USA
Father: Howard Buffett
Marriage: Married Susan Thompson in 1952
Children: 3 children, Sussie, Howard and Peter
Education: Woodrow Wilson High School, Washington D.C. (1945). Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1947-49). Transferred to University of Nebraska (1950) and received a B.S. in Economics enrolled in Columbia Business School for an M.S. in Economics from Columbia University in 1951 (to benefit from Benjamin Graham, the teacher and author of book “The Intelligent Investor”).

Career

An American investor, business man and a Philanthropic.

Net Worth

Over US$ 60 Billion (2009)

Early Life

Warren Buffett started his business career in early life. He worked at his grandfather’s grocery shop. He was also a newspaper delivery boy and deducted $35 as his work expense for his cycle and watch, from his first tax return filed in 1943. Buffett and his friend purchased a used pinball machine for $25 and placed in barber’s shop. Soon they owned three such machines.

Photo by trackrecord

He married Susan Thompson in 1952. They had 3 children. By the time the children matured this couple began to live separately from 1977. Susan wanted to pursue her singing career in San Francisco. At the age of 76 Buffett married his long time companion, Astrid Menks, 60 years old. His wife had herself introduced them before leaving.

He had purchased his small house for $31’500 in 1958 in the Central Dundee (now valued at $700’000) and still prefers to live there, although he has a $4 million house in Laguna Beach, California. He never preferred a lavish life nor was spendthrift. He was brought up a Presbyterian but seldom follows religious beliefs strictly. He does not have a desk computer nor carries a cell phone. He drives his car himself.

Business Career

Buffett was an Investment salesman at Buffett-Falk and Company, Omaha (1951-54)

He was securities analyst in Graham-Newman Corporation, New York (1956-59)

He was a General Partner in Buffett Partnership Limited, Omaha in 1970 and Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Omaha-Till date.

Buffett Still remembers his teacher Ben Graham described stock market as “Consider stocks as business, take advantage of market fluctuations while keeping safety margins”

Buffett was a stock broker in Omaha at a starting salary of $12’000 a year, with Benjamin Graham Partnership that closed in 1956. Buffett initiated Buffett Partnership Limited, an investment company from his personal savings of around $170’000. By 1960 he was operating successfully eight partnerships-Buffet Associates, Buffet Fund, Dacee, Emdee, Glenoff, Mo-Buff, Underwood and Sanborn Map Company. In 1958 Sanborn shares book value was $65 against stock selling at $45.

His Wealth Glide

In 1962 Buffett’s partnerships worth put together was $7’178’000 that included his own $1’025’000. He merged all companies into one and invested most of it in a manufacturing firm Berkshire Hathaway Limited. He bought enough shares and took control at the board meeting and named his own new President, Ken Chace. In 1956 he discouraged new capitol unless the incoming partners brought new assets.

Berkshire paid its first and only dividend of 10 cents in 1967. Buffett liquidated his partnership in 1969 and transferred all assets to all partners. The success career continued. Berkshire share traded in early 1979 at $775 each and ended same year at $1310. Thus, raising his net worth to $620 million and Forbes placed him among the 400 richest persons in the world.
Buffett decided in 2006 to gradually gift 85% of his Berkshire Holding to 5 Charity Foundations with over 80% to Bill and Gates Foundations. He is also looking for his management successor.

Forbes declared Buffett as the world’s richest man in 2008 with net worth over $60 billion, breaking Bill Gates 13 years continued lead. However, Bill Gates re-gained the lead in 2009.

Business Acquisitions

• 1973: Berkshire Hathaway acquired stock of Washington Post Company.
• 1974: Berkshire Hathaway acquired WESCO.
• 1979: Berkshire acquired stock in ABC and Capital City also bought $3.5 Billion stock in ABC. Warren helped finance the deal for 25% stake in combined company Capital City / ABC.
• 1987: Berkshire bought Salomon Inc. 12% stock.
• 1988: Buffett bought 7% stock in Coca Cola Company for dollars 1.02 Billion.
• 1998: He acquired General Re, a Re-Insurance Company.
• 2002: Buffett concluded $11 Billion Forward Contracts to provide $US against World Wide Currencies. In four years he gained $2 Billion.
• 2008: Buffett agreed to buy General Electric preferred stock of $3 Billion at $22.25 per share in 5 years and receive 10% dividend in 3 years.
• 2009: Warren invested over $2 Billion in Swiss Re to raise its equity. Most of the above acquisitions placed Buffett on their Board of Directors with major individual share holding.

Recession Since 2006

During the World wide recession Berkshire Hathaway suffered over 70% loss in earnings. His other investments also declined in profits. The assets devalued around $7 Billion. Buffett is still maintaining his all major holdings inspite of the allegations of mistiming and misplanning of deals. He believes in and practices “Buy America”.

Politics

Warren Buffett has political attachments and numerous contributions to his credit. This time he openly supported Barrack Obama in Presidential run and attended $28’500 a plate fund raiser. His own views differed widely from John McCain’s.

His Writings

He writes very adequate annual reports himself. His articles on various economic topics are very straight forward and hit the target. He described inflation as an indirect devastating tax that consumes capital. The end result is same with 15% tax deduction or 15% inflation without tax deduction. In an article for Fortune, he warns investors on unrealistic expectations.

Philanthropy

He does not feel any guilt on accumulation of wealth with him. It is the result of talent bestowed on him. He feels the indirect injustice for the deprived. He feels that his own policies may have affected some people adversely and terms it society’s numerous claim checks on him that ought to be returned to society by way of charity. He further cautions the “members of the Lucky Sperm Club” who, with zero real investment, inherit fortunes equal to many jackpots put together, are at risk to Divine intervention. He sums up his very positive intentions and feelings on inherited wealth saying “I want to give my kids just enough so that they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they would feel like doing nothing”. He declared that all his surplus wealth is for charity.

Public Exposure and Response

Berkshire Hathaway’s annual 20’000 share holders meeting in Qwest Centre, Omaha, is nick named “wood stock for capitalism” and is a mixture of business and humor cum jokes. Some like Buffet’s style while others underrate his virtues and advices. He analyzed profit in tobacco business as excessive but pledged never to invest in it.

Buffett was pursuing 6 projects to produce electricity from coal near Salt Lake City. The local petitioners and citizens along with regional organizations approached him personally to consider and uphold the interest of the local population, their health, water contamination and so on. Buffett responded very positively and cancelled all six coal fired power plants.

On one occasion Buffett commented on non-productive aspect of Gold, saying “it is dug out of Earth, melted, transformed and again buried (stored) and people are paid to guard it. It has no utility. Anyone watching from Mars could be scratching his head.

Warren Buffett’ s advice for 2009

Hard work: All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. [At least make your Investments get you second earnings)
Spending: If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need. (i particularly like this one! H.A.)

Savings: Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.

Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.

Accounting: It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

Auditing: Beware of little expenses; A small leak can sink a large ship.

Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both feet. [Have an alternate plan ready]

Investment: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket .

I’m certain that those who have already been practicing these principles remain financially healthy. I’m equally confident that those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly regain their financial health.
Let us become wiser and lead a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful life.
“Warren Edward Buffett”

Nature forms and deforms our earth in ways beyond our imagination. The Grand Canyon Architecture is a good example. Colorado River has carved this deep gorge through five million years of erosive workmanship.

Appreciating The Grand Canyon grandeur, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the area within the Grand Canyon National Park, to preserve it.

The Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long and 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km) wide and over a mile (1.83 km or 6000 feet) deep. The Colorado River and its tributaries eroded land layers to create channels in west and east of Colorado plateau, which was uplifted. These channels later expanded sideways and became one stream over thousands of years. This water merger is termed as “Grand Canyon Event” occurred over five million years ago, in the area known as Kaibab ARC. The erosion still continues.

The original Native Americans built cave-homes in the Canyon walls. These Pueblo people considered Grand Canyon as Sacred. The first Spanish visitor in the area came in 1540.

Geography

The Grand Canyon rift in Colorado Plateau shows Proterozoic and Poleozoic strata, uplifted. The detailed geological history exposed is unmatched in the world. The Canyon is not as deep as the Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal nor it is as wide as Carpertee Valley in Australia. The Canyon’s mammoth size and colorful landscape is unique. The varied colored sediments and layers of rocks preserved in the Canyon walls speak openly about geological data of North America.

The Colorado plateau was formed by uplifting mountain forming movements in earth’s crust, steadily pushing sediments and rocks thousands of feet upwards. The river flow in a curve is set accordingly around Kaibab uplift, the North Rim and South Rim.

Geology

The Colorado River Basin developed in the past 40 million years. The scientists utilized uranium-lead dating to analyze calcite deposits found on the nine cave walls. The existing height of the strata, that usually forms below sea level, proves that Colorado plateau was uplifted 5000 to 10000 feet about 65 million years ago (during Laramide Orogeny). This lift speeded the water flow and its rock cutting force. The Ice-ages also increased the water flow forcing faster and deeper erosion. The terraced walls of the Canyon shows varied speeds of erosion at different time periods. Volcanic activity deposited lava over the western Canyon area obstructing river flow.

Photo wikimedia.org

The ruler of Dubai, Sh. Muhammed bin Rashid al Makdoum, wanted Dubai to be known for something very special and unique, besides his intention to diversify from trade base economy to a service and tourism oriented. Burj Dubai has returned the title to the Middle East, once again, for having the tallest building. This was snatched by Lincoln Cathedral, England, in 1311 from the Great Pyramid of Giza (Middle East) which remained the highest man made structure for four millennium years.

Burj Dubai is designed by M/s Skidmore Owings and Merrill – Andrian Smith being the main architect till 2006. This company also designed Willis Tower in Chicago, World Trade Centre in New York, besides numeral high rises. This design is similar to planned tower The Illinois, a mile high skyscraper. The original intention of promoters of Burj Dubai was a residential tower with 73 floors. Andrian Smith proposed major changes in height to make top crown section to look more elegant. The steel frame super structure (antenna) at the top is designed so as to vary its height as desired to maintain the tallest rating.

The Burj design resembles the flower Hymenocallis. The three lobed elements wrap around the tower core, rising in spiral form. The cross section area is reduced in periodic set-backs, narrowing the tower as it rises. The Y-shape structure design offers wide aerial view of the Persian Gulf from all sides. The exterior of the building is covered by stainless steel panels, glazed for maximum reflection of light and heat to with stand and reduce extreme summer temperatures to comfortable levels. However, top floors will stay 6oC (11oF) cooler than the base floors-by height differential. The structural design limits the tower sway by wind pressures to a maximum of 1.2m (4ft) at the highest point.

The construction contractor is Samsung Engineering and Construction. They also built PETRONAS Twin Towers and Taipei 101. The structure uses reinforced concrete. The tower base is supported by 192 concrete piles dug in 50m (164ft) deep. The huge height needed concrete pumping by very special pumps. Most of the concrete, mixed with ice, was poured at night to prolong setting time for uniform cool curing to avoid any cracking possibility, under massive weight of the structure.

The seven hundred private apartments have been laid out on floors 45 through 108. These were sold completely within the same day of offer. The Armani Hotel occupies lower 37 floors. The remaining floors and spiral towers will house thousands of office suites and mini homes. A swimming pool is located at 78th floor, while 123rd is a lobby. 124th floor will contain indoor / outdoor observation / security deck. The top spire will hold communication equipments. An estimated 38000 persons can be housed at one time. Double deck super fast elevators are being installed. Further the project includes, 7 acre Parkland, Dubai Mall and a 30 acre man made Dubai Lake.

Dubai Fountain

A very costly (DH 800 Million) fountain has been installed on the outside of Burj Dubai, this is 900 ft long and shoots water jets 500 ft upwards. Over 600 lights through 50 color projectors illuminate it, accompanied by world class and traditional music.

Check illustration

Height Increases History

The original plan was a 73 story residential building. The upper limit was revised many times (secretly) probably to push through height ratings. These changes created a sort of history as it rose above the recorded towers one by one. In February 2007, it crossed the Willis Tower. Continuing progress over other middle order ones, it topped the highest Warsaw Radio Mast in Poland, Standing at 628.8m (1815ft.), on first September 2008. Burj Dubai achieved its ultimate height, finishing at 818m (2684ft.) on 17th January 2009. Inauguration is expected in December 2009.

The National Geographic and other TV Channels have shown documentaries on the Big, Bigger and Biggest series, detailing the typical engineering challenges faced by the builders during construction, compelling design changes and altering completion schedule twice.

Technical Statistics on the World’s Tallest Sky Scrapper and (Part of Downtown Burj Dubai Project)

Building height: 818m (2684 ft.) – (Half mile or 0.8 Km)

Top Antenna or Spire: 200 m (700 ft.)

Floors and Area: 162 usable floors, each 334’000m2 (3’595’100 sq. ft.)

Architect: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (Adrian Smith till 2006)

Developer: EMAAR Properties, South Korea.

Completion: Expected 2nd December 2009 (Extended Twice) Construction started 21st September 2004

Occupancy: Offices, Hotels and Residences.

Previous Highest building: Taipei (101 Floors) 509.2 m (1671 ft.) and Willis Tower (Sears Tower) 527.3m (including antenna)

Price Project: Burj Dubai over US& 4 Billion while total Downtown Burj Dubai US& 20 Billion.

Price Office: Over US$ 43’000 per m2 (2009)

Price Residence: Over US$ 38’000 per m2 (2009)

Record Comparisons:

Burj Dubai Previous Tallest

Tallest with 160 Floors                                                                      World Trade Centre 110 Floors

1. Tallest Free Standing Structure 818m                                           KVLY TV Host 628.8m
2. Tallest Free Standing Structure 818m                                          CN Tower 553.3m

World’s Fastest Elevators at speeds of 60 km/h or 16.7m / second. First World’s tallest building to include residential homes.

Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower,The World’s Tallest Sky Scrapper

Product: Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 – a mid – engine tourer

Manufacturer: Bugatti Automobiles SAS, Molsheim, France

Editions: Veyron, Veyron 16.4, Pur Sang, Hermes, Sang Noir, Targa, Vincero Bleu Centenaire and Grand Sport (Convertible).

Production: This special Veyron concept car is produced at the main plant in Chateau St. Jean, Alsace, France. So far about 200 units are produced out of planned total 300 cars, which include all models.

Since introduction in the market, it is recognized worldwide as a technological feat, comparing it to the Concorde Supersonic civilian airliner.

The development of Veyron started in 1999. The Volkswagen Group, Fardinand Piech, announced to produce it at Geneva Motor Show 2000. It was stated to be the fastest car having a speed of 407 km/hr. with most powerful engine producing 736 kilowatts (987 bhp), generating 1250 Newton meters (922ft.lbs) of torque and said to be the most expensive car ever made.

The development continued in 2001. The official car name confirmed as “Bugatti Veyron 16.4” and nick-named the production plant as “Atelier” (Artists Workroom). The new Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder carried out major revisions and design modifications, engaging former Volkswagen Group Engineer, Wolfgang Schreiber.

Price:

The basic cost of Veyron is €1’100’000 net (UK £900’000 or US$ 1’500’000). A customer can request extra facilities, custom modifications and gadgets improvements. The cost of these additions can equal to that of a Rolls Royce Phantom.

Performance

Veyron turbo charged W16 Engine has 16 cylinders in 2 banks of eight, equivalent of two narrow angle V8 engine mated in “W” configuration. The valves total 64 (4 per cylinder), driven by 4 overhead camshafts. The engine’s four turbochargers displace 7993 cubic centimeters (488 cu in.)

The top speed was testified in 2005 and 2006 at Volkswagen Group’s private test track, and list 408 km/hr. (253.5 mph) or one-third the speed of sound at sea level. At top speed the fuel runs out in 12 minutes while tires wear out totally in 15 minutes.

The car’s normal speed is around 300 km/hr. at fast speed the car is very stable. As soon it crosses 200 km/hr., special hydraulics lower the car frame from 12.5 cms (5 inch) to 9 cms (3.5 inch) or 6.5 cms (2.6 inch) at top speed, while deploying the spoiler and the wing to help provide downward force for firmer road grip.

Fuel:

Veyron consumes more fuel than any other car. In casual driving it uses 40 liters per 100 kms and at low speeds 25 liters per 100 kms. at top speed it simply gulps 115 liters per 100 kms. and empties the tank in just 12 minutes.

Brakes:

Bugatti Veyron, as claimed, will come to a standstill from 400km/hr. in less than 10 sec. it employs special Silicon Carbide carbon fiber reinforced composite discs to resist brake fade, instead of conventional cast iron discs. At speeds over 200 km/hr. the rear wing locks at 55 degree angle, providing airbrake deceleration of 0.68 G (4.9 m/s2). It also has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) installed on handbrake, in case of brake failure.

Peak name: Mount Everest, Survey Mark XV, Sagarmatha (Nepali), Chomolungma (Tibetian), Zhumulangma (Chinese)

Height: 8848m (29029 ft.)

Location: On Nepal and Tibet border in Himalayan Range, Asia.

Mount Everest attracts climbers worldwide. The novices are more enthusiastic to experience the thrill of the first climb. The more experienced ones improve their feats and guide the new comers. A greater number come to Everest as it is far safer to climb as compared to K2 or Nanga Parbat. Still there are risky zones and allied dangers posed by climatic conditions, winds, altitude sickness above 8000m. The climbing season starts before the monsoons, when the wind speeds are less so reduce resultant risks.

Photo by bigtrip2005

Mountaineering on the highest peak is very costly. The experienced guides charge heavy fees for a turnaround climb. The Nepal government has fixed permit fee of US$ 25’000 per person. It is a good revenue source. The Everest has been summited by about 3’000 individuals so far Although less difficult still about 200 persons died, mostly while descending. Retrieving bodies from death zone is simply impossible. They stay there where they fall and are often visible from climbing routes.

The Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS)

A survey of India was conducted to establish the highest mountain. They determined in 1856 the height of Mount Everest as 29’002 ft. (8840m.). In 2005, another accurate survey fixed the rock top level at 29’017 ft. The ice and snow topping was 3.5m. The final height totaled 29’029 ft. (8848m).

The GTS started in 1808 from Southern India. The team was equipped with 500 kg theodolites, carried by 12 men each. They reached Himalayas by 1830. Nepal refused entry for political reasons and did not budge. British resumed survey in 1847 from border locations 240 km away. Till then Mount Kangchenjunga was considered the highest. The British Surveyor General noted a higher peak 230km away. He marked it peak XV. This find started a series of detailed observations, months long calculations and verifications. In 1852, an Indian mathematician Radhanath Sikdar, was first to declare peak XV highest in the World. After more study, the British also confirmed in 1856 that peak XV was highest.

For comparative analysis, MOUNT MAUNA KEA in Hawaii and MOUNT McKINLEY in Alaska are taller than Everest when measured from sea bed. Mount Mauna Kea totals 10200m, but it is only 4205m above sea level.

Naming the Peak XV

The British surveyors became prejudiced as they were not allowed to enter Nepal. So they ignored Nepali and Tibetan local names, although against the rules of GTS. After much debating, it was proposed to name the peak XV after Colonel Sir George Everest, as Mount Everest. The Royal Geographic Society officially adapted this name in 1865.

Everest Climbing Routes – Mainly Two

•    The Southeast Ridge from Nepal, technically easy and mostly preferred.
•    The Northern Ridge from Tibet, China, seldom used.

Southeast Ridge

This route was discovered by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing in 1953. A Base Camp was setup at 5380m (17700 ft) on South side. Air travelers fly to Lukla (2860m) from Kathmandu and trek to Base Camp in 6 / 8 days. The equipments are carried by Yaks or porters. The climbers acclimatize for a few days while Sherpas set ropes across dangerous Khumbu Icefalls. Seracs, Crevices and shifting ice blocks have killed many sherpas. Climbers move before dawn to reach Lhotse face Advance Base Camp (ABC) at 6500m. They cross near Nuptse Base via the narrow passage or “Nuptse Corner” or “Valley of Silence”. From ABC, fixed ropes are used to reach Camp III (7470m.) A quick trot of 500m to Camp IV, crossing “Geneva Spur” and “Yellow Band”, (inter-layered marble e.t.c). On the South Col at 7920m (26000ft.) or “Death Zone”.

Now the climbers have just a few days to attempt summit bid as soon the weather is favorable or descend to Base Camp. From Camp IV, climbers move at mid-night so as to reach summit by mid day. On the way they pass “Balcony (8400m)” for brief rest and to see serene view of peaks and valleys around. Further up they cross rock steps with waist deep snow and serious avalanche hazards. At 8750m South Summit is indicated by a Dome of Ice. Then “Cornice Traverse” where snow clings between rocks. One wrong step on this dangerous portion, to the right means a fall of 3000m on Kangshung face while one step to left means 2400m down the Southwest face. The final obstacle is the 12 meter rock wall or Hillary step at 8760m. Ahead is easy climb to the Summit. Climbers have about half an hour stay to enjoy success before commencing a tough descend.

Northeast Ridge

The Northeast Ridge route starts on North side Tibet. Rongbuk Glacier is traversed to reach Base Camp at 5180m. Climbers ascend Glacier up to base of Changtse for Camp II at 6100m. Camp III (ABC) is at North Col 6500m. Camp IV at 7010m is reached by fixed ropes. Onwards ascends the rocky ridge to Camp V at 7775m. The route crosses the North Face to base of “Yellow Band” and reach Camp VI at 8230m (27000 ft.). The next difficult traverses are First Step 27890-28000 ft, Second Step 28140-28300 ft (includes climbing by metal “Chinese Ladder” left in 1975) and Third Step 28510-28870 ft. From here 50 degree snow slope takes to the final Summit top.

Early Climbing History

• In 1921, George Mallory explored Everest base, discovered northern approach making a non-serious attempt  climbed up to 7000m.
• In 1922, George Finch reached 8320m using bottled oxygen.
• In 1924, Mallory and Bruce attempted but failed by weather.
• In 1924, again Norton and Somervell climbed 8558m in good weather.
• On 8th June 1924, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine went via North Col. – and Never Returned.
• In 1952, Swiss expedition led by Edouard Wyss – Dunant reached Khumbu Icefall and ascended South Col. To 7986m.
• In 1953, British Expedition led by John Hunt. Tom Bourbillon and Charles Evans were just 100m short of Summit, but returned exhausted on 26th May, 1953. Two days later Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay (Sherpa) reached Summit at 11:30 am on 29th May 1953. British Queen Elizabeth II immediately made him Knight in the Order of the British Empire (KBE) and Tenzing was awarded George Medal by UK. John Hunt was made a life Peer in Britain.

First attempt without Oxygen

On 8th May 1978, Reinhold Messner (Italy) and Peter Habeler (Austria) Summited successfully, without oxygen. On 20th August, 1980 Messner went solo, without help and oxygen for the first time via the more difficult Northwest route successfully.

Climbing Mt. Everest without (bottled) oxygen. Sometime between 1 and 2 in the afternoon on May 8, 1978, Messner and Peter Habeler achieved what was believed to be impossible — the first ascent of Mt. Everest

First Winter Ascend

In 1980, Polish team led by Andrzej Zawada, Leszek Cichy, and Krzysztof Wielicki became the first to reach Summit during the winter season.

Disaster 1996

In 1996 season 15 climbers died while descending. Eight of them died on 11th May alone. Reportedly oxygen level in the air fell suddenly by 14% on that day. This disaster was given worldwide coverage by all media.

Rescue Controversy

In 2006, a climber got stranded 450m below Summit, under an over hung rock. No one attempted his rescue. When descending, people are tired low on oxygen and lack strength for pull up. Any rescue attempting physically unfit could end in more deaths. Sometime later an Australian climber Lincoln Hall was rescued by ascending four climbers. But they had to give up their Summit attempt. Therefore, fully equipped Sherpa Rescue teams are essential, for retrieving the injured and disabled.

2008 Summer Olympic Torch Summit

China has recently constructed a l30 km long road from its Tingri County to Base Camp on Northeast route. China also routed 2008 Olympic Torch Relay over the Everest, on way to Beijing.

Death Zone

The term death zone applies to altitudes higher than 8000m (26246 ft). The potential risks are increased. Oxygen level in air is reduced by 30%. The storms are stronger exposing climbers to death by slipping and falling. The temperatures can fall suddenly resulting in frost bites. The high winds could last days causing survival problems and make retreat difficult. An injured person cannot walk, impossible to be carried by climbers or by helicopter. The left behind 150 dead bodies so far, cannot be retrieved and can be seen lying frozen below along the climbing routes.

Using Bottled Oxygen

Above 8000m use of Oxygen is considered a standard. Climbers need mental alertness in low oxygen air, low temperatures and tough weathers. The critics claim that oxygen encourages immature climbers to take chances risking their own and others lives. On the day of disaster, of 11th May 1996, there were 34 climbers jammed at Hillary Step (8760m) that delayed all.

Thefts and other Crimes

Reports of theft of supplies during climbing are repeating and could be life threatening. Michael Kolas in his book, High Crimes, details gambling and prostitution by unethical guides and Sherpa are taking place enroute to Summit, including frauds in sale of oxygen bottles.

Records of Successful Ultimate Climbers

• The youngest Summiter-15 year old Nepali Sherpa girl, Ming Kipa.
• The youngest non-Nepali 17 year old Malibu resident Johnny Strange (2009)
• Apa Sherpa has climbed maximum, 19 times till May 2009
• The oldest climber 76 years old Min Bahadur Sherchan (25th May 2009)
• The fastest ascend in 2007, Austrian Christian Stangl, from Camp III to Summit, 10 km distance in 16 hours and 42 minutes.
• The fastest ascend over Southeast Ridge, 17 km by a French Marc Batard in 22 hours and 30 minutes (in 1988).
• The fastest ascend over Southeast Ridge, 17 km by a Nepali Pemba Dorjie Sherpa in 8 hours and 10 minutes, using oxygen (2004).

Animal Life at high altitude

Climbers have spotted a black jumping Spider at about 7000m in Crevices feeding on probably stray insects pushed up by high winds. Birds seen include Chough and Bar-headed, Goose probably living on food and even corpses left behind.

[View with PicLens]

K-2, the Savage Mountain (Nickname)Height: Peak elevation from sea level 28’251 ft. (8611 m.)

Location: One of the many peaks of the Karakorum Range, on the border of China and Pakistan, (Taxkorgan Tajik county China and liberated Kashmir, Pakistan).

Topography: K-2 is ranked 22nd by Topography Prominence.

K2, Highest in Pakistan and 2nd Highest in the World.

K2 offers a beautiful serene sight to look at. This extremely picturesque peak rises single over 3000 m above the valley bottom at its base. The relief in comparison to height is unique. K2 is placed far away from travel routes and inhabited areas. It gained attention of climbers only in early 20th century. K2 is consistently steep pyramid on almost all sides, offering very difficult access.

This truth is unwelcome by climbers, who call it the “Savage Mountain”, forgetting totally the artistic scenery and visual appeal of the ranges. What else could they expect at an elevation of 8611 m. besides rock, ice and glaciers. The savagery is highlighted as the fatality rate is 2nd highest among 8000 m peaks after Annapurna being first. One of four climbers dies from those who reach K2 Summit. So far all attempts to climb this mammoth peak in winter have failed.

The Name K2

The great Trigonometric Survey (GTS) was conducted in 1856 by Thomas Montgomerie. In his first survey of Karakoram from mount Haramukh, about 210 Km South, he labeled two highest peaks as K1 and K2 and lower ones K3, K4 and K5. In GTS, preference is given to local existing names when defining / recording. The peaks K1 to K5 were already known as Masherbrum, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II and Gasherbrum I, while K2 had no local name being located so remote and invisible from Askole, the last village. Only a feeble glimpse is possible from Baltoro Glacier.

Casual names attributed to K2 were scarcely used including Chogori (Big Mountain), Qogir (Chinese) and Lamba Pahar (Urdu, tall mountain). Therefore, the survey mark K2, steadily became known and adopted locally in the Balti language also.

The Italian climber Fosco Maraini, when summited Gasherbrum IV, described K2 as “bare bones”, all rock, ice, storm and deep abyss but nothing human.

Early Climbing Attempts

In 1892 British Expedition led by Martin Conway reached ‘Concordia’ on Baltoro Glacier. The first serious attempt to climb K2 was made in 1902 by Oscar Eckenstein and Aleister Crowley from North Ridge. He could reach only 6500m after 5 costly attempts in the record longest duration of 68 days, of which only 8 were clear days.

The next expedition in 1909 by Luigi Amedeo, Duke of Abruzzi, reached 6250m on South East Spur (now termed Abruzzi spur or Ridge) with extreme difficulty. He failed to find a better alternative route and declared that K2 cannot be climbed at all.

Charles Houston, an American, attempted in 1938. He surveyed and concluded that Abruzzi spur was the best route and reached about 8000m. Extreme Bad weather forced him back. Next year Fritz Wiessner was only 200m. Short when disaster struck and four climbers disappeared. Charles Houston again attempted K2 in 1953. A strong storm pinned the team at 7800m for ten days. In a desperate retreat attempt, a mass fall occurred. Fortunately Pete Schoening managed to save the entire team except Art Gilkey, who got killed. This team effort and courage is a milestone in mountaineering history.

Successful Attempts

An Italian expedition finally ascended K2 on 31st July 1954. Ardito Desio led his team of Lino Lacedelli, Achille compagnoni and a Pakistani Colonel Muhammmed Atta Ullah. Walter Bonatti and porter Mahdi proved vital for success, carrying oxygen to 8100 m. On 9th August 1977, Italian Ichiro Yoshizawa and a Pakistani Ashraf Aman summited via Abruzzi route using 1500 porters.

In 1978 an American, James Whittaker succeeded using new route, the long corniced North East Ridge. The team Louis Reichardt, John RosKelley, Rick Ridgeway and Jim Wickwire who suffered overnight bivouac, at highest level, 150m below summit. In 1982, a Japanese Mountaineering Association team ascended from North Ridge on Chinese side. The team was Naoe Sakashita, Hiroshi Yoshino and Yukihiro Yanagisawa reached the top, but Yanagisawa died when descending. Four more team members topped summit the next day.

A Czech climber Josef Rakoncaj climbed K2 Twice. Firstly, in 1983 with Italians led by Francesco Santon and Secondly on 5th July 1986 as member of Agostino da Polenza’s expedition.

Recent Attempts

K2 is attracting more and more mountaineering enthusiasts. Since 2008, 299 people climbed, dominating the K2 tough challenges. In the same period 2600 individuals summited the popular but far easier mount Everest. With improvement of equipment and facilities, climbing is becoming easier but the climbing challenge seekers would stay with and dominate K2, preferably.

Bottled Oxygen

The climbers used oxygen very scarcely in the past. Since 2004 the trend to carry bottled oxygen has increased tremendously. Over 50% summiters used it. Still acclimatization is a must for high climb and to avoid high altitude sickness like ‘Hape’ and ‘Hace’.

Women Mountaineers

The first woman to reach K2 summit was Wanda Rutkiewicz of Poland in 1986. The next four successful women however, died while descending. A rumor of Mountain curse spread among women, but brave ladies broke this curse by successful summiting namely, in 2004 Edurne Pasaban, in 2006 Nives Meroi (Italy) and Yuka Komatsu (Japan), in 2007 Eun-Sun Oh, in 2008 Cecilie SKog and Mi-Sun Go became the 11th woman to reach the summit and descend safely.

Routes to the K2 Summit and difficulties

Climbing explorers have experimented all the routes available to discover the easiest, but K2 is not prepared to concede fully. Some common difficulties exist on all routes. Oxygen becomes scarce by 30% at the peak causing fatigue. The mountain steeps require a committed effort when ascending or descending. These steeps also make retreat in storms risky. The extreme storms continue for days and weeks at times without break. This causes supplies shortage, forced retreats, accidents and deaths mostly on down way. All major routes are on Pakistan side, where base camp is located.

Abruzzi Spur

This route now is most common. This southeast Ridge was first used in 1909. It begins at 5000m. altitude. Climbers follow rock ribs, ice fields; climb two tough spots to “House’s Chimney” and “Black Pyramid”. Then difficult skidy slopes are crossed to reach the “shoulder”. The last obstacle is the narrow “Bottleneck” or an ice cliff in east of summit. In 2008 a section of ice cliff snapped, broke the rope, killing climbers.

North Ridge

This is on the Chinese side opposite Abruzzi Spur. Few climbers choose this route as hazardous Shaksgam River has to be crossed. It ascends a tough long steep rock ridge that lands on the mountain “Camp IV, “Eagle’sNest” at 7900m. It crosses a dangerous hanging glacier and then to the summit.

North East Ridge - Long and difficult route joins to the upper part of Abruzzi route, used in 1978.

West Ridge – Used in 1981South west Pillar or “Magic Line” First climbed in 1986 by Polish-Slovak trio. The only next successful climb was by Italian Jordi Corominas, despite many other attempts.

South Face or “Polish Line”- In 1986, Jerzy Kukuczka and Tadeusz Piotrowski summited on this route. This dangerous avalanche route is also called “Suicidal Route” as no one else even attempted it.

Northwest Face – climbed in 1990

Northwest Ridge – (finishing on North Ridge) Climbed in 1991

South – Southeast Spur or “Cesen route”

A safer alternative as it avoids the obstacle “Black Pyramid” It ends on Abruzzi Spur. First climber in 1994

West Face – (difficult at high altitude)
Russian team summited successfully in 2007

External Readings
K2 breaking news: Wilco found alive!
Tragic Toll After Chaos on Mountain
Tales of Chaos and Survival on K2

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Maldives  or Maldive islands is a marvel of nature and a unique gift for the tourists, the only of its kind on earth. Basically a spray of 1190 islets composed into twenty six groups (Atolls). Only about two hundred are inhabited. These numerous islands are in the sea just like stars grouped in a tiny galaxy in the sky. This smallest Asian country has a local population of 300’000 only. Maldives is about 700 km. in the south west of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean between Minicoy Islands and Chagos Archipelago.

The original inhabitants were probably casual stray sea travelers and fishermen from Sri Lanka and South West Indian Ports. The earliest settlers are traced back to the Ashoken period in 3rd Century BC. The World renowned travelers called it very rightly as Garland of Islands. The Arab Ibn-e-Batuta expressed his appreciation and called it “Mahal (Palace)”. The aerial view is beautiful to observe, very picturesque. But nature has created this site in a manner that it stays vulnerable, climatically with geographic advantages and disadvantages.

Many narrations abound on how the name Maldive Islands came out of different earlier versions. The different language speaking settlers exposed the local population differently in their times. In 1558, the Portuguese occupied the Islands. A century later, in 1654 the Dutch superseded them. Finally in 1887, it became a British protectorate. Gained independence in 1965, and was declared a republic in 1968, with Male’ as the capital.

Geography

Maldives is the lowest country in the world. The maximum ground level above sea is 8 ft. and average falls below 5 ft. This dangerously low land cannot stop the sea waves from flooding even in mild storms. This eternal threat of existence comes from the Indian Ocean. The global warming is posing another danger of drowning. The sea level has risen by 8 inches so far. The people and the President, Muhammed Nasheed, seeing no alternative to the ultimate devastation, have decided to buy land and create settlements in Sri Lanka, South India or may be Australia.

The Islands consists of reefs of live and dead coral. The parallel line setting of reefs dissipates high waves acting as wave-breakers. The soil consists of a six inch top layer of humus and two ft. of sandstone below it, then sand and fresh water. Vegetation is limited by high salt ratio in soil. The little variety of plants include banyan, mangrove and mostly coconut palms, some seasonal flowers and shrubs. This is supplemented by abundant coral and marine life.

The 300’000 inhabitants occupy only 1 percent of the 90’000 sq. km. of land. Out of 1190 islets of archipelago only 200 are inhabited. The others are used for tourism resorts, agriculture or are simply unusable being too small or unviable for commercial use.

Tsunami

The Tsunami in the Indian Ocean earthquake in December 2004, caused very serious and irreparable environmental damage. It devastated infrastructure which left thousands homeless and jobless. Maldives suffered a loss of around US$ 500 million and about hundred people died. The unique Natural protective aspect observed was that the huge waves couldn’t gain height in the absence of any continental shelf around the Islands to support it. In fact, the impact was mitigated by the numerous Islands placed in a specific style. The tallest waves reported were below 15 ft. Only six islands could avoid flooding.

History

The cultural traditions show that Dravidians from Kerala, Southwest India and Sri Lankan Tamils first settled around 3000 B.C. Local tales and religious books confirmed that Male’ was the main centre for the trade links of varied settlers in these Islands, including Arabs. Another myth relates that one exiled Sinhale from Bengal, Prince Kalinga Vijaya settled somewhere in 550 B.C.

The Maldivian kings promoted Buddhism until 12 century A.D. This is evident from carvings of sculptures. The oldest copper-plate book written in 1194 A.D. Isdhoo Lomafanu, was discovered in Maldives.

Mr. Bell, a British commissioner of Ceylon, conducted the first archeological study on the early cultures and the Buddhist ruins’, in Maldives. He asserted that ancient people followed Theravada  Buddhism, but Male’ museum also displayed Mahayana and Vajrayana iconography. The Tamil Emperor Raja Chola may have invaded Maldives in 11th Century. Another story states that a nobleman Koimala of Lion Race, from Ceylon reached Male’ in 12th Century A.D. He established a Kingdom and freed the locals from Tamil Chola rule. Some Arabs claim a queen, Siri Raadha Abaarana (Sultana Khadija), having ruled before Koimala.

Islam was introduced in the Islands by the end of 12th century A.D. A saint from Tabriz or from Morocco subdued a demon (Ramnamaari Dhoveni Kalaminja) and thus converted the people into Islam in 1153 A.D. The sailors from Bengal and Arabian countries also influenced spread of Islam in Maldives.

Independence and Republic Declaration

Maldives was an independent Islamic Sultanate from 1153 A.D. to 1958. A British protectorate from 1887 till 25th July 1965. Full political independence attained from 26th July 1965 from Britain, but King Muhammed Fareed Didi continued rule for three more years. On 11th November, monarchy was abolished, declaring it Republic of Maldives. The first president was Ibrahim Nasir. Political tussle came about between rival factions in 1975 and Nasir fled to Singapore in 1978 with millions of dollars.

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom took over as president. He proved very successful winning six, five year terms in a stretch to complete a 30 year rule without opposition. However, during these years he survived three tough coups with the help of Indian Government. During this stable period Maldives developed a lot.

Economy, Tourism and Industry

The Arabs had dominated the Indian Ocean trades in 2nd century A.D. They called these as “Money Islands”, being famous for cowry shells, coir rope, and tuna fish and cocoa. Cowry shell is known to have been used as international currency once. Cowry is now symbol of Maldives Monitory Authority.

The Maldives Government is initiating reforms to improve Tourism, that generates major shares of taxes and GDP (30%) and dominates foreign exchange earnings (60%). The Government is liberalizing regulations to allow foreign investments. Amazingly this smallest country has the highest Per Capita Income of US$ 4600 (2007) amongst South Asian countries.

The first tourist resorts opened in 1972 in Kurumba village and Bandos Islands. Today about hundred such resorts are operating with bed capacity of about 20’000, offering latest facilities. Maldives attracts over 600’000 visitors annually. The traditional fishing boat Dhoni was mechanized in 1974 which developed the fishing industry manifolds. This necessitated the installation of a fish canning plant. A Japanese joint venture helped out. Tourism based cottage industry is also gaining momentum. The traditional matt weaving, lacquer work, handicrafts, garment construction, and bottling of aerated water, and so on. The fisheries sector was improved by opening up of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an expanding technical education on fisheries to the public in school curriculum.

2008 Elections

Violent political protests in 2005 led to the initiation of a new political two party system and a multi-candidate election. In 2008, Muhammed Nasheed won the Presidential election by 54% with Dr. Waheed as Vice President. This elected democratic government is restoring order in the Islands and fulfilling ignored projects. After the Tsunami devastations the new government has much more difficult challenges to face like unemployment, corruption, drugs among youth and above all rising sea levels due to global warming.
Many Islands carry similar names. To facilitate communications, code letters or words are added before each Island name. Although this system proved quite successful, still some foreigners stay confused, not being accustomed to local names and language.

Maldives Society

Maldivian identity is a mixture of cultures and languages adopted from varied settlers. The religion also influenced a lot. The social status of a person depends upon his occupation, Islamic Virtue and wealth, instead of the typical rigid Indian caste systems. The social elite are centered in Male’ mostly. The tourist resorts are built on Islands free on native population, discouraging casual contacts.

The consensus since 1905 shows a static local population of around 100’000. But after independence in 1965, the health conditions improved. The population simply doubled by 1978. By 2007 it crossed 300’000. The major factors are decline in infant mortality rate from 27/1000 in 1978 to 12/1000 and increase in life expectancy from 46 years in 1978 to 72 years in 2007. Adult literacy stands at 99%. Since 2008 over 100’000 foreign employees also live in Maldives, coming from neighboring countries, to fill in manpower shortage.

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