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Feel Safe And Secure In Your Hotel When You Travel On Your Holiday

July 31st, 2009

Whether they drive or take a flight, many people when they travel on vacations or holidays usually stay at a hotel or a resort. What they may not know/be aware of is that their vacation could be ruined by professional thieves who make their living by targeting some unsuspecting tourist. These thieves usually hang around hotels and resorts, mainly in the lobbies, waiting for tourists who seem to be easy pickings.

Here are a number pertinent travel tips that may help you be more secure in your hotel room when you travel on a vacation or a business trip.

First of all, the lobbies of hotels and resorts should never be considered secure, even in the five star ones. People on vacation may be easy pickings for opportunistic thieves, especially at peak times when the hotel reception staff are busy with new guests arriving and other guests that are trying to check out. Never leave your travel luggage, even for a minute, unless you know for sure that its being looked after by a bellman.

If you are having a bite to eat in the hotel restaurant when on holiday, especially a buffet, never leave your briefcase, laptop, or handbag unguarded to get a drink or something more to eat. It would only take a thief a split second to make off with them. It would be almost impossible for the staff of the hotel to be constantly looking out for these criminals.

When you are booking your hotel room, try to book one that is on the second, third, fourth, or fifth floor, as the ground floor rooms are more susceptible to break ins. Keep in mind that hotel rooms above the fifth floor may not be easily accessible by many fire engine ladders if a fire breaks out in your hotel.

Be sure and check to make sure that the door to your room locks properly, and that the windows and sliding doors open, but also lock securely. Many hotels and resorts use electronic card keys for their hotel room doors as they offer more security than metal keys. Do not carry your key card in its folder if the folder has the room number on it. Jot down the room number on a piece of paper, keep it on your person when you go out, and leave the folder in your room.

Always identify unexpected staff or visitors to your room before opening the hotel door. Call the front desk if you are in doubt as to the authenticity of that person. Its advisable to not give out your room number to anybody that you dont know and trust.

It may not be a good idea to hang a clean the room sign on the door knob when you go out, as that signals to a would be thief that theres probably no one in the room.

Dont take for granted that your hotel room door is locked just because it closes automatically when you go out. Check to make sure that it has really locked. If your room has a balcony, make sure that the sliding glass door is also locked as it may be possible for a thief to climb on to your balcony from a balcony beside, above or below yours.

Do not leave any valuables lying around in plain view in your room. They may be too hard to resist for some cleaning staff. Place any small valuables in your room safe if there is one. Keep in mind that safes that use metal keys arent as secure as the ones use electronic key cards.

The next best bet if there is no safe in your hotel room is to lock your small valuables in your largest suitcase when you go out. Locked, hard-sided travel luggage offers you best security. Some travelers even use duct tape to secure small valuables to the underside of the room furniture.

Always use your doors deadbolt and chain lock at night before you go to sleep, or if you feel like taking a nap.

There is a very small, inexpensive, battery-operated, motion-sensitive, burglar alarm that can be hung on the inside hotel door knob, or there is a wedge-shaped alarm that you can shove under the door that accomplishes the same thing. If someone tries to open your door, the alarm will ring.

There are two less sophisticated methods you could use. You can move a chair in front of the hotel door and place the back rest under the knob, or wedge a standard rubber door stopper under the door. Either one of these two methods are also effective.

When you are packing and getting ready to check out of your hotel or resort, dont forget to empty your room safe. And last but not least, count the number of pieces of luggage you brought and make sure that everything has been put in your taxi.

The most important point to remember is to always be aware and vigilant of your surroundings at all times when you travel on vacation.

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Vacations

Snacking On Steamed Dumplings And Exploring Beijing Culture

July 19th, 2009

When visiting Beijing, the great variety of snacks is something you just cant miss. While satisfying your hunger, the food really allows you to get a taste of local culture.

Yet, as the well-known Wangfujing Snack Street serves everything from fried silk worms to crickets, many find the food pretty weird, even most Beijingers.

So, where is a better place to go for real Beijing Snacks?[I:http://tresoryakro.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/DavidCheng37.jpg]

Tucked in a small alleyway next to the famous Houhai lake, just a short cab ride from the Hwa Apartment Hotel, the big courtyard restaurant Jiu Men Xiao Chi holds a dozen of Beijings oldest and most famous brand name snack stalls, some dating back a hundred and fifty years.

Snacks offered here are the most authentic Beijing snacks, and you wont find them anywhere else in China. So it would be a great pity if you missed them during your trip to Beijing. Even Beijingers travel from all across the city to have a meal here.

So hurry up and join the queue of hungry eaters! But first, you need a quick cultural note to make yourself look like a real Beijigner.

Jiu Men Xiao Chi, or Nine Gate Snacks, refers to the nine gates that used to stand along this street. The name makes you immediately think of the ancient history of Beijing.

The food stands moved from their previous location on the famous Qianmen Street that recently underwent a major renovation project. They gathered under one roof to attract a larger number of customers. Business has been great since the move.

Once inside, the atmosphere can really bring you back in time! Food stalls line up an indoor hutong-style walkway. Nice black and white photos of old Beijing adorn the walls. And diners sit in traditional wooden chairs at old-style tables.

You will need to walk from one stall to another for your order. And at each stall, there seems to be something unique.

Wan Dou Huang, a dish of soybean cakes offered at Qians, is loved by those with a sweet tooth. The food tastes quite smooth and fresh and used to be on the imperial menu for the emperors. Lv Da Gun, a dish of glutinous rice rolls, literally means rolling donkey. It is up to you to find out why it has such a weird name.

For soup, Bais offers authentic bean juice that often goes with donuts. The juice is said to have been one of Emperor Qianlongs favorite for breakfast![I:http://tresoryakro.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/DavidCheng38.jpg]

Mas Sheep-Head Mutton attracts eaters with their skills of slicing. Also, it is served in cattle horns. The dish is cooked with a secret recipe, and has been included into the Chinese National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Weis serves celebrated cheese that has the subtle wine fragrance.

The list goes on

Also, there is chance to see some special Beijing acts that are increasingly rare in Chinas capital city. One hit is Old Beijing Calling, which vendors used to perform to attract customers.

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Travel & Leisure

Secrets Of Provence France

July 10th, 2009

Provence France which is bordered on the west by the Rhone River is a Province in France. The river which is on the western side of the Province forms a common frontier with neighboring Languedoc. On the east the Provence France is bordered by an Italian border. Over all, the Province stretches over one hundred and fifty miles. Provence France spans over a one hundred mile around from Serre-Poncon in the north to the islands of Hyeres in the south.

The Provence France is boarded on the west by the Rhone River which is a fast flowing frontier river. The Durance which is the true artery of Provence was once a seasonally destructive torrent. The river has now tamed by the use of dams. The Durance River curls around a broad valley sluggishly like a snake. These two rivers are really must see sights for those people who are hoping to do some sight seeing in the Provence France.

Provences landscape is filled with many distinct contrasts and characters. You will find lush valleys throughout Provence. These lush valleys are commonly associated with areas with less fertile vegetation. The Alluvial plains are lined along the edges of the major rivers. The Camargue offers an interested landscape that is great for sight seeing as there is often a blurred distinction between the land and the sea. The wildlife of Camargue is similar to that of an African environment.

There are many sections of Provence France in which the water meets the land which has carved many caves under the surface of the limestone rocks. There are some of these caves that are really large and easily accessible. These caves are the ones that are some of the most famous for sight seeing. Many gorges have been formed when rivers cut deeply into the limestone. The Verdon Gorge is one of the most famous gorges in all of Europe. You should be sure to visit it if you are in the area.

There are many complicated mountain ranges in the Provence France including those that lay west of the Verdon Gorge. This happens to be the same area in which the folds of the Alpine and Pyrennean meet. The very famous Mont Ventoux is also located in this area. The Mont Ventoux is the highest peak in all of the Province. By traveling further south you will come across some buckled mountain ranges known as the Montagne Ste Victoire. These mountain ranges are extremely popular and were even one of the favorite perspectives of Paul Cezanne.

Provence France follows in suit with the rhythms of the common Mediterranean climate in which seasons tend to change in abrupt succession. You will find that the rapid autumn rains of autumn quickly end the extensive heat of summer. Winters really tend to be mild in Provence France. The region gets the most rainfall in the spring which is around the same time that the plant life explodes into growth.

The Province of Provence France is actually located on the north tip of the Sahara Desert. Being located in this particular location, the Province can have some brutally hot summers. Without the Mediterranean, the Province of Provence France would be completely Saharan. The Mediterranean is an extremely salted inland sea that rarely sees any tides. There are period of time when the Algeria can go without rain for six months. The Provence will go without rain for a period of three months at times.

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Destinations

Planning Gay Vacations to Australia

July 7th, 2009

Australia is an incredible gay vacation destination, filled with nature adventures and exciting cities. Its cities are open and gay friendly. and vibrant, perfect for gay visitors. The country is diverse with wonders, both natural and manmade.

Australia is a welcoming destination for the gay traveler. There are activities to fit the needs of all travelers. Many gay couples and singles are heading for this beautiful continent.

When you’re in Australia you are rarely far from experiences that will excite you as never before. For the wine connoisseur, try going to Yarra, Coal River or Swan Valleys. Visit the wineries and their tasting rooms to experience first-hand the contrast between a smooth white and smoky red. Excitement junkies can go diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Visitors can swim with giant whale sharks at Ningaloo. In the Northern Territory at Darwin Harbor, you can dive World War II shipwrecks. In Tasmania you can hike national parks and ancient rainforests, home to interesting plants and animals.

Australia is home to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world: Sydney. From the grandeur of the Sydney Opera House to boho galleries and fine dining; from the North and South Coast beaches to tropical environmentsin Sydney, the gay traveler is just steps away from action and new experiences at every turn. Museums, art galleries, zoos, gourmet dining, first-rate shopping, spas and sporting events”these are just a few of the diversions you can find in this historic city. Be sure to grab a copy of the Sydney Star Observer (Sydney’s gay newspaper) for information on the local scene, including nightlife and clubs.

The food, yes the food.. from purely Australian, to Asian, with a generous helping of Mediterranean, French and other exotic offerings, there is enough to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are upside down from those of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Australia takes place December through February. Australia is a very big continent, so check with your travel agent for weather information about your particular time of travel and your destination.

Australia has a very wide range of accommodations. From hostels to small inns for romantic holidays, to high end spa retreats and everything in between, making a gay vacation to Australia affordable, no matter what you budget might be.

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Vacations

Easy Pay New York City Hotels

July 4th, 2009

New York City is one of the most enchanting places of the United States of America. This city is famous through out the world for its world class living standards, luxurious houses, attractive locations, adventurous theme parks and shimmering night life. Even your kids would enjoy this place because it has various theme and adventure parks which are sure to keep them spellbound.

This city provides excellent accommodation even to budget travelers. So, now let me tell you about some of the low tariff hotels located in this city.

1. Ameritania Hotel This is an average discount boutique hotel which is suitably located in at 54th and Seventh Avenue. There are more than 250 rooms here which are all fashionably furnished and adorned with simple furniture. In this hotel you can also find a relaxing lobby and a lounge for spending peaceful hours. . The hotel has all the standard facilities like a refrigerator and high speed internet access.

2. Chelsea Star Hotel Chelsea Star Hotel is positioned in Madison Square Garden and has 42 well furnished rooms. Here you can easily find discounted rooms with unusual themes like Madame Butterfly, Shakespeare, Betty Boop and Cher. Each room has a flat-screen TV, fine art work and mahogany furniture with private bathrooms. It is the perfect place for international visitors travelling on budget.

3. Gershwin Hotel The Gershwin Hotel is positioned very near to the Empire State Building. It has 133 rooms and is very suitable for European and Asian visitors. All the rooms have attached bathrooms and you can also find dormitory accommodations here. The hotel provides Wi-Fi service and an indoor heated pool for the relaxation of the guests. In the rooms you have an air-conditioner, a refrigerator, internet access, tea maker and a color TV.

4. The Marcel This is a small hotel which offers a safe and comfortable environment to families on very inexpensive rates. The staff members are friendly and the amenities offered by the hotel authorities are good. Some of the facilities offered here include fine dinner and lunch facility, well furnished rooms with attached bathrooms, refrigerator and internet access.

These are some of the best cheap hotels located in New York City where you can enjoy comfortable and relaxing vacations with family and friends.

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Travel & Leisure

Good Places for a Tropical Vacation

June 29th, 2009

Tropical vacations are a great way to relax and get away from the stresses of life. You can head to the beach, turn off the cellphone, and just enjoy your surroundings. Tropical places are filled with great diving, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and exotic wildlife. Theres a reason why so many people go to a tropical place during their vacation. Here are some good places to go to the next time you want to travel somewhere.

The countless movies featuring the Caribbean beaches should give you the same number of ideas on what kind of vacation you are going to have in this prime summer destination. Considered as one of the best beaches in the world for the temperature, marine biodiversity, and cerulean blue oceans, the Caribbean should be on top of your vacation location list. The Bahamas, Cuba and Guadeloupe beaches should have reached your ears for their promising vacation offers.

If you are looking for a place that is not very far, but can offer you a unique vacation holiday, Hawaii should be a top consideration. The pristine islands and surf-worthy ocean and beaches feature their natural beauty. You can even hold your dream wedding in these fantastic islands. In addition, it is one of the prime destinations all over the world so you will not find it hard to arrange your most awaited tropical getaway. Every airline drops by Hawaii, but you will be surprised that this destination does not seem to get beaten by the number of vacationers each year.

Are you looking for a vacation spot apart from the Caribbean or Hawaii? If you are a beach bum, you have probably frequented these beaches already that you are now looking for a different summer escapade. If you want to experience a more exotic vacation, travel to any of the Asian beaches that are mostly recommended by word of mouth. Thailand may be in your list as the Ko Phi Phi beach has been immortalized in the movie, The Beach. You can further delight yourself over the sandy beaches and islands, as well as Thais spicy delicacies.

If you like diving, a good place to visit then is the Gili islands in Indonesia. This is a chain of three very small islands. There is no real tourist infrastructure here. Gili Trawangan is famed for its white beaches, coral and tropical fish-laden waters, and big party scene. There is incredible diving here and for those looking to get somewhere well off the beaten path, this place would be it.

When you are thinking about taking a tropical vacation, think about these exotic locations. Youll find that these locations will be the best to get away from the crowds, enjoy great beaches, disconnect from the world, and finally get back to yourself and relax. Thats the most important thing you want during a great vacation.

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Vacations

Hobby Farming

June 23rd, 2009

Sure, you have the tools and the finances needed to start your very own business, but what business will you start? You often hear the terms “You should do what you love and do what you do best” or “Be in the know with what you’re doing, and do it for the sake of craft, and not for money”. Well, let me tell you something, the world is a bit more complicated than that which can be explained by a few quotes.

With the argument of doing something you like versus it’s profitability; let us take the universal truth, most people do not need trinkets and baubles. Perhaps if they have the money to spare, of if they have something they truly love; then they will spend money on it.

Unless your craft includes valued stones and gems (which are all good investments for the future), most people will not give in their money for something that would be seldom used or moderately valuable stuff. In any case, think as to the value and what your product can give to people. Educate and elucidate the use and practicality of your item in order to coax them to buy.

Belief and practicality are different. Your terms of people will buy this, is different from what actual people need. If the mass doesn’t need, or doesn’t like your product, don’t force it. Simply look for other markets that will readily accept your products. Forcing it will merely provoke reports of unintentional harassment in their part and yours.

When you do find your calling, give it your very best, like your business depends on it. Because it does! Improve upon your trade and give people the aura that it’s a good investment. And prove that it is a very good business to settle on. Create networks and socialize to enforce your craft.

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Travel & Leisure

How to Travel the World

June 12th, 2009

Traveling around the world can be a great experience. Youll find out about yourself, meet people from different cultures, see the wonders of the world, and have a much better time than you would in an office. There is a lot to see and do around the world but if you want to have a great trip, there are some things you need to plan before you just go away. Logistical things need to be done.

Before you go away, you should plan out your budget. Its great to want to see all the places around the world but you need to have a budget in mind so you know just how long you can travel too and what is feasible. If you only have a limited amount of money, traveling through Europe for 8 months is not feasible. Start with a budget and then work from there.

Another important set in planning your trip is to get travel insurance. A lot of things can go wrong on the road and you want to make sure you are protected. The longer you are going away, the more likely something will go wrong.

Vacationing to other countries means dealing with their time zones. Jet lag is a factor to consider. Bringing medications to help you cope with this problem is advisable because jet lag may keep you in your hotel room holding you back from the great sites ahead. By checking the times and dates of the places you are visiting you can prepare your brain for time changes. Other very important things to consider during your trip are the currencies and health. They are always the biggest issues when traveling.

Make sure you are open on the road to new experiences and people. If you are not very social or dont like traveling alone, then you should travel with a group. There are a lot of people on the road you can meet great people but you need to open up to the experience. If you arent good at meeting people, consider traveling with a group so you get used to talking to strangers.

Travel around the world is great experience and will change your life. Youll never come back the same but it is a great growing experience. However, there are many things that can go wrong on a trip around the world and that is why you need to plan carefully before you leave. If you dont, youll be ill prepared to face the challenges that face you on the road. A little planning goes a long way.

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Travel Tips

The Mysteries of Ed Leedskalnin’s Coral Castle

May 27th, 2009

Almost at the tip of southern Florida is an amazing structure that has garnered the attention of tens of thousands of visitors each and every year. Located just over 30 miles of Miami Florida exists one of the most amazing and mind altering tourist attractions in the world. Compared most often to Stonehenge in England, this megalithic marvel rests on the side of the South Dixie Highway as you travel to the Keys

Originally called “Rock Gate Park”, the Coral Castle is a complex built entirely of coral. Its builder, Edward Leedskalnin, constructed this structure over a 20 year period from 1920 until about 1940. Standing only 5 feet tall and weighing a mere 100 pounds, the mystery and the secrets behind the Coral Castle and its builder still confound experts today.

Edward Leedskalnin came to America after courting the love of his life in the country of Latvia. After being rejected before his wedding day, Ed left his homeland in search of something better. Although some say he was motivated to build the Coral Castle to prove his love to the woman that he had lost, there is more behind the mystery, something that borders on the fringe of reality and fantasy.

Just 24 hours before their betrothal, Ed received the bad news. Agnes no longer wanted to marry Ed. Though he loved her, she could not return his love in the same way. There are many possibilities as to the motivations that led Agnes to no longer want Ed in her life. It could have been his lack of education. It could’ve been his lack of money. Whatever the case, her rejection of him was firm and life-changing.

Whatever the reason was, this was a very life changing event for Ed Leedskalnin. It cost him to pack up and leave his hometown in Latvia and journey across the ocean to Canada to start his new life.

Edward Leedskalnin was also a very hard working individual. After traveling throughout Canada and working in the lumber industry, he descended into the United States going through California and eventually arriving in Texas possibly due to participating in a cattle drive. Unfortunately for Ed, he developed a very bad case of tuberculosis, a disease that during the early 1900s had taken the lives of millions. It was not until 1946 that the antibiotic streptomycin was created and that an effective treatment and cure became possible.

For the many thousands that have seen the Coral Castle, one might think that it was the creation of someone who is well acquainted with engineering and was strong enough to move and manipulate several thousand tons of coral. Edward sadly developed a near fatal case of tuberculosis, an illness that would lead them toward an oncoming destiny.

Ed’s small stature, standing only 5 feet tall and weighing a mere hundred pounds, may have been useful working on cattle drives and in the lumber industry, but it was no match for the tuberculosis that he found himself infected with. After being found near the dead in South Florida by a local realtor, through their kindness he was able to recover completely from this illness, something that was virtually unattainable in the latter stages of this disease. Once he was healthy enough, he purchased a single acre of land near Florida City where he began the construction of his monument to the woman that never loved him.

Armed with the belief that America was the land of extremes came true, and began to build in business for himself. Constructing what has been called a garden of rocks; Ed quarried, lifted, and sculpted domestically shaped pieces of coral directly out of the ground that he purchased. Ed carved out chairs, tables, and even a 30 ton obelisk that stood 40 feet high without using modern machinery.

The history of Florida is quite amazing, with coral playing a large role in the construction of the state itself. Over several thousand feet thick in some areas, coral can be easily found just a few inches under the topsoil. Ed’s initial creations were domestic representations of things that related to the life that she wanted to have. He created chairs, tables, beds, and even a crib made of solid coral for the child that he would never have.

Although it has been said that no one ever saw Edward Leedskalnin working, there are several pictures that can be seen that show Ed at work apparently using enormous tripods with a black box attached to the top of them. Enormous pulleys seem to be aiding in the excavation of the Coral at the Homestead site. Unfortunately, researchers such as Christopher Dunn have shown that based upon the photographic evidence, and the primitive tools left behind which can be seen at the Coral Castle today, there is no way that this is the answer to the 1100 ton question.

One of Ed’s greatest creations is a single piece of coral called the Obelisk which weighs nearly 30 tons, stands 40 feet above the ground, and rests in the 6 foot deep hole. Today, modern engineers and modern equipment would be unable to duplicate what Ed was able to do with simple tools over 70 years ago. His secrets died with him in Miami in 1951, secrets that still puzzle modern engineers today.

In the 1980s, the most famous part of the Coral Castle, the 9 ton gate, stopped working because it had worn the ball bearings upon which it rested and turned flat. Engineers and workers from the University of Miami came to fix it, along with a 60 ton crane. After their attempt to fix this 18,000 pound door, it is still possible to turn this gate, but it is no longer perfectly balanced, something that Ed and did all by himself without the aid of engineers or a 60 ton crane to help in the lifting.

It is literally only a 30 minute drive from Miami. Take an hour out of your day to not only see one of the most amazing tourist attractions in South Florida. You will not be disappointed and you will be left completely amazed.

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Vacations

Beamed Energy Propulsion and Future Aircraft

May 27th, 2009

In 2003 we had a great centennial celebration of powered aircraft flight. A century of progress made a breathtaking path from fragile, toy-looking Kitty Hawk to something like B-2 Spirit, a quintessence of modern technology, which even looks like an alien warship from Star Wars. Could Orville and Wilbur Wright even imagine how far their enterprise of bicycle spokes and glued spruce would evolve over a hundred years?

There is a new turn ahead on the road of our aeronautic progress. This change will come from the worldwide exhaustion of fossil fuels. The day will come when every engine which gets in motion out of burning of natural hydrocarbons will stop for good. So what will come in its place, how we will keep all the gears of our mechanical world turning? It will be light. And turning to the aviation, the light will keep our aircraft flying longer and farther than one could ever dream.

Fumeless and silent, the aircraft of the future will be powered by light. During the day they will be using solar energy, while during the night they will feed on light beamed to them from power stations. Light aircraft will substitute our cars, i.e. they will provide to our needs of local, daily transportation. The upper range of daily routine driving will be expanded from modern 30 - 50 miles to several hundred miles of daily flying, just as this happened when automobile took the place of a horse. On a larger scale, the new planes will drive out jumbo jets, and the cost of jet fuel no longer will be dictating the price of long-distance travel.

What will be the major features of new aircraft?

It will be built from lightweight composites. The upper surface of airplane wings will be covered with solar cells. During the day flight the photovoltaic elements will convert light energy into electricity, which will run the motors of the plane. Part of this energy will be accumulated in the batteries for keeping engines running when the light is blocked by clouds or during the night. Sounds like too much dependence on capricious weather and too much battery weight? Perhaps, but the beamed energy can permanently fix both problems: reduce battery weight and eliminate the risk of power outage. Of course, this will take a network to build, but the effort will bring hundredfold benefits.

Imagine a network of airborne power stations, which will charge the passing aircraft with beamed energy of light. The stations can be lifted on aerostats fixed at 3 to 5 thousand feet altitudes and equipped with directed light sources (spotlights or lasers, this will depend on the range and type of photovoltaic elements on planes). Each airborne station could cover an area of at least 120 square miles. Alternatively, the beaming sources can be placed on towers: this will reduce the range of coverage and require additional photovoltaic cells on lower surfaces of the flyers. For the same time, ground-based stations will be much easier in operation and maintenance, not to mention building costs. The stations will be beaming light at passing aircraft and literally re-charging it with electricity.

Power beaming will be something similar to modern day in-flight fueling, excepting that the process will be much easier and safer to perform and it will be available to everyone. If in-flight charging still sounds too logistically challenging, as an intermediate solution the stations could charge hovering flyers, the process somewhat similar to modern-day car fueling at gas stations. In this case in-flight power beaming will be the next step of new technology. Individual aircraft will fly in the night from station to station and as far as the network goes (on-board batteries will cover dark zones). When sun rises, the stations will be turned off till the next sundown or cloudy day.

I hope that one day the picture sketched in this brief note will become a reality. Individual, lightweight, capable of hovering, vertical take-off and landing (like modern tiltrotor flyers V-22 Ospray), light-driven aircraft will take the place of modern gasoline vehicles. They will be delivering us to our daily destinations without noise and fumes, they will rule the sky day and night. How close to reality is this picture? You can read about full-scale flying on solar power planes in article of Don Lorenzo in May 09 issue of Aerospace America. To find out more about power-beaming for transportation, please, visit the web site of American Institute of Beamed Energy Propulsion.

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Aviation