1
POPSNelson's flagship Victory aids adventure to Australia Goss, 45, who is building his replica craft at a boatyard in Cornwall, hopes to set off in October from the port of Newlyn, where the original Mystery departed. He is hoping to launch Spirit of Mystery in June. Oak from local woodlands has also been used to build the boat for the adventure, which Goss said began "with an idea and a chainsaw". The chart table, made from a four-foot long piece of ash beam from the Victory, also contains a piece of one of her thousands of copper rivets and will be used by Goss to plot his way across the world. Part of the rigging from Isambard Kingdom Brunel's SS Great Britain is also being used.
2
POPSBeautiful Beef An unmarked Hereford calf. Hereford cattle (Bos taurus) are a widely used breed in temperate areas, mainly for beef production. Originally from Herefordshire, England, they are found in the temperate parts of Australia, the Southwestern US, Argentina, Uruguay and New Zealand. Photo credit: John O'Neill (No offence to veggie Clippers.)
1
POPSOn this day, Bernardo O'Higgins . . . In 1810, he joined the nationalist rebels fighting for independence from Spain. In 1814, his Chilean rebels were defeated by the Spanish and retreated into the Andes. In 1817, O'Higgins went back on the offensive with the aid of Argentine General José de San Martín. On February 12, 1817, he led a cavalry charge that won the Battle of Chacabuco. He became the first leader of independent Chile, and was granted dictatorial powers as Supreme Director on February 16, 1817. On February 12, 1818, Chile was proclaimed an independent republic.
1
POPSThe 'Ghan' Construction of what is now known as the Ghan began in 1878 when Sir William Jervois broke ground at Port Augusta. The line reached Hawker in June 1880, Beltana in July 1881, Marree in January 1884 and Oodnadatta on 7 January 1891. It wasn't until 1926 that development to Alice Springs began, and that section was completed in 1929. Prior to completion, the final leg of the train journey was still completed by camel. In fact, the train's current name honors Afghan camel drivers who arrived in Australia in the late 19th century. While there were plans from the beginning to extend the line through to Darwin, by the time the Alice Springs connection was complete, the Ghan was running at a financial loss, and plans for connection to Darwin were put on indefinite hold. The original Ghan line followed the same track as the overland telegraph, which is believed to be the route taken by John McDouall Stuart during his 1862 crossing of Australia.
0
POPSCamels Downunder The famous train the 'Ghan' which runs between Adelaide and Darwin in Australia was named after the Afghan camel drivers who navigated their animals along the pioneering trails.
3
POPSMonadnocks These examples are all in the USA. The most famous example in the world is probably Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia. Stone Mountain - Georgia; Sugarloaf - Maryland; Pilot Mountain - N Carolina; Katahdin - Maine; Enchanted Rock - Texas; Mt Monadnock - New Hampshire
5
POPSFlesh-eating Starfish go for lunch "We witnessed a number of active outbreaks of this coral predator. There was little to suggest that the reefs have been much affected by climate change as yet: the threats appear far more localised." The scientists found there were still healthy populations of certain species around the reefs and believe there is still time to reverse the damage. (DT)
Newest Clips
see Newest Clips
2
Latest Pops
Latest Comments
Most Pops
Tags
Print
Save
Turn on live update