sorghum: a golden foaming syrup

This sorghum was produced in a small community in the rolling hills of southern Kentucky, by 12 or more families . Working hard from spring till fall, plowing, planting, cultivating, hoeing. Then finally in September comes the harvesting. Taking the leaves off and cutting the cane all hand labor. The stalks are hauled in to the horse drawn mill, where they go around and around squeezing the juice out of the stalks. The juice is boiled down on a wood fired evaporator, as the impurities are dipped off in a green scum. The foam boils up in a pure white, and finally comes down to a golden foaming syrup. This syrup can be used in many different ways, but what is better than hot bisquits, butter and sorghum on a cool fall morning?

Google Licenses Technology for 3D Maps

Google has licensed technology that will enable Google to map out 3-D versions of cities world wide.

According to a Mercury News report, the technology was developed by a team of Stanford University students and was used to run a robotic car that won the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge.

Although Google is the market leader in mapping, to date it has lagged behind Microsoft's Virtual Earth in terms of 3-D functionality.

The new technology will allow photo-realistic 3-D maps of cities creating the possibility that the 3-D data could be used as a basis to launch a virtual world, or licensed to existing online worlds such as Second Life.

The technology differs from the existing 3-D rendering in Google Earth; the licensed technology will allow Google to model 3-D cities using computer power alone and without the need for developer input.

An official announcement is expected at the Where 2.0 conference May 29-30.

Wooden Anchor Could Be Oldest Found

News — Archaeology

Rossella Lorenzi, Discovery News   Submit to:            May 17, 2007 — The world's oldest wooden anchor lies at the bottom of an ancient harbor in Turkey off the Aegean Sea, according to a team of Israeli and Turkish archaeologists. Dating to the end of the 7th century B.C., the anchor was found in the Turkish port city of Urla, where the ancient site of Liman Tepe is located. The anchor was recovered wedged into the ground about 5 feet below the surface. "It is still there, we have not removed it from its position. It was covered with 7th century B.C. ceramics. The anchor is preserved in the ceramic layer, clearly dating from the same period," study leader Michal Artzy, of the University of Haifa's Institute for Maritime Studies in Israel, told Discovery News. Just a portion of the anchor — a wooden log with a metal-covered crown — remains. According to Artzy, the anchor broke when sailors at the time tried to pull it up. Located on the Bay of Izmir, Liman Tepe is one of the oldest harbors in the Aegean. Inhabited from the Neolithic Age until the end of the late Bronze Age, and continuing into the Classical Age, it was also the site of the Greek colony of Klazomenai. It became among the most ancient and regularly used ports in world history. "A quay and the ancient harbor floor, dating from 700 B.C., are clearly visible. We noticed a sunken terrestrial area, which indicates that the port slid into the sea following a natural disaster, probably an earthquake, in the 6th century B.C.," Artzy said.       More [ 1 . 2 ]   next »

Angling Masters: Social Networking Comes to Fishing

Just when you'd thought you'd seen everything, along comes Angling Masters, a social networking site for recreational fisherman that also supports the creation of user generated online fishing tournaments.

Angling Masters has the standard features you would expect from a MySpace style social networking platform. Users are given their own page (called a cabin) and can add photos, buddies (friends), maintain a blog and list personal details such as location, memberships etc. The layout is slick. It has a nice, be it somewhat masculine feel to it, but unlike the many MySpace clones out there some one actually thought this one through.

The addition of user generated online fishing tournaments is claimed to be a first and I couldn't find any other site competing in the space.

The "Buddy Tournament feature" allows users to create and participate in online competitions with their fishing "buddies" located anywhere in North America. The vast differences in rivers, lakes and the many fish species inhabiting them is overcome with an interesting twist. Length conversion tables and a series of algorithms allow fish of one species to be compared to fish of another, no matter where they were caught so all participants compete on a level playing field. 12 species of fish are covered and the back end considers how large each species typically grows in each geographic region and scores fish caught accordingly.

Cheating is overcome with tournaments having options such as requiring a witness for the catch and/or the requirement of participating anglers to use the official Angling Masters Measuring Tape to provide accurate measurements of the fish.

If fishing is your thing there are some great features on this site. The idea of competing in fishing competitions online seems so simple I'm surprised it hasn't been done before.

top picks

Qu�bec City, Canada
Winter Carnival
January 31st – February 16th

Historic Qu�bec City is transformed into a winter wonderland during

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this 17-day extravaganza. Thousands take part in the fire-lit night
parades, ice slides, skidoo races and live music events.

7.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin International Film Festival
February 6th – February 16th

This year marks the 53rd Berlin International Film Festival. Thousands
will attend this leading European film event to see who will be honored
with the Golden and Silver Bear awards.

8.
Venice, Italy
Venice Carnival
February 21st – March 4th

This outdoor masquerade ball features nightly parades, theatre
performances and live music. Venetians and the thousands of Europeans
who attend spend all year creating their elaborate masks and costumes.

9.
Rio De Janeiro , Brazil
Rio De Janeiro Carnival
March 1st – March 4th

This carnival of carnivals attracts thousands from all over the world
with its incredible costumes and infectious music. Samba dancing,
parades and live music fill Rio during this unbeatable event.

10.
Binche, Belgium
Binche Carnival
March 2nd – March 4th

The Gilles, strange, costumed carnival characters, are the signature of
this unique festival. Dancing in the street, parades, bands and pelting
the crowd with oranges make up this one-of-a-kind event.

11.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mardi Gras
March 4th

Masks, music and mayhem! Enjoy live jazz bands in festive costumes,
delicious Cajun food and thousands of paraders partying along Bourbon
Street during this wild New Orleans festival.

12.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin's St Patrick's Festival
March 14th – March 17th

A spectacular parade, premier street carnival, live music, fireworks,
city-wide treasure hunt and lots of Guinness are all part of Dublin's
magnificent St. Patty's Day celebrations.

13.
Boston, Massachusetts
St. Patrick's Day
March 17th

Boston hosted America's first St. Patrick's Day celebration in 1737 and
still boasts one of USA's biggest St. Patty's Day parties. Don't miss
the parade with many colorful floats and merry entertainers.

14.
Liverpool, England
The Grand National
April 5th

Place your bets! The Grand National is regarded as the greatest
steeplechase in the world. Race day buzzes with excitement as hundreds
watch the winning horse approach the finish line.

15.
Augusta, Georgia
US Masters
April 10th – April 13th

Tiger Woods defends his title against the best golfers in the world as
they compete for one of golf's most coveted prizes, the Masters green
jacket.

16.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh International Science Festival
April 11th – April 22nd

Stimulate your mind every Easter in Edinburgh! Each year science
enthusiasts, young and old, gather for over 250 fascinating events,
workshops and exhibitions. James Watt would be proud!

17.
Whistler, Canada
World Ski & Snowboard Festival
April 11th – April 20th

Definitely the largest music and snow-sports extravaganza in North
America, this raucous event includes the World Snowboarding
Championships, free outdoor concerts, film premieres, photography
events and endless parties.

18.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Marathon
April 21st

This Olympic inspired event is the world's oldest contested marathon
and the first to officially recognize wheel-chair athletes.
Established in 1887, it is New England's most widely viewed sporting
event.

19.
Seville , Spain
La Feria de Abril
April 28th – May 4th

From the official lighting of the lanterns at midnight on opening day
to the finale of fireworks, Seville's April Fair is a celebration of
Flamenco, folklore and endless fun.

20.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Queen's Day
April 30th

One of the most vibrant Dutch holidays, it celebrates the birthday of
former Queen Juliana. Every city transforms itself into a dazzling
fairground with live music and outdoor markets.

21.
Paris, France
Fiore de Paris
April 30th – May 12th

This huge fair marks its 99th anniversary with over 3000 d�cor, travel
and health and beauty exhibitors, live jazz bands and culinary
specialties from around the globe.


22.
Atlanta, Georgia
Music Midtown
May 2nd – May 4th

This 10th annual Atlanta tradition features over 100 of the world's
leading musicians performing across 11 stages. World-class
entertainment and great food draw over 300,000 people to this
celebrated festival.

23.

Portim�o, Portugal
Algarve International Film Festival
May 4th – May 18th

Join film buffs for Portugal's oldest cinema event. Held every year in
the town of Portim�o, this short film competition is open to animated

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and live action 35-mm shorts.


24.
Cannes , France
Cannes Film Festival
May 14th – May 25th

In its 55th year, Cannes is revered as the most glamorous and important
cinema event. Movie stars, the coveted Palme d'Or award and chic
parties make up this penultimate festival.

25.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Monaco Formula One Grand Prix
May 29th  – June 1st

Begun in 1929, this Grand Prix is considered the most famous motor race
in the world. Drivers speed through the narrow, winding streets at an
incredible 88 miles an hour.

26.
Basel, Switzerland
Art Basel
June 18th – June 23rd

Basel transforms into a Mecca of art hosting one of the world's most
significant art events. Selected galleries from around the world
feature works from contemporary masters to emerging artists.

27.
London, England
Wimbledon Tennis Championship
June 23rd– July 6th

Last year, Serena Williams reigned as Queen of one of the world's most
important and historic tennis tournaments. Since 1877, this classic
sporting event has come to define the British Summer.

28.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal International Jazz Festival
June 26th – July 6th

Widely considered one of the finest jazz festivals in the world it
attracts the best international and local jazz artists. Over 2000
musicians perform over 500 shows in beautiful Montreal.

29.
Glastonbury, England
Glastonbury Festival
June 27th – June 29th

Enjoy the mystic English countryside, groove to many top artists and
party all night long at one of the UK's biggest, best and most famous
music festivals.

30.
Siena, Italy
Il Palio
July 2nd  and August 16th

Parades, religion, rivalries and a feast: what more could you want?
Siena has hosted this 3-lap, 10-horse bareback romp around the main
town square since 1147.

31.
New York City, New York
Macy's Fireworks Spectacular
July 4th

What better way to spend Independence Day in the big apple? Join
thousands along the East River to watch this one of the country's most
brilliant fireworks extravaganzas choreographed to music.

32.
Rouen , France
Tour de France
July 5th – July 27th

This famed event began in 1903 and is widely considered to be the
world's most prestigious and grueling bicycle race. The remarkable
participants cover over 2500 miles of arduous road.

33.
Pamplona, Spain
Feast of San Fermin
July 6th – July 14th

The patron saint of bakers and wine merchants is honored during this
vibrant Fiesta. Soak up massive street parties, colorful parades and –
for the very brave – the Running of the Bulls.

34.
Berlin, Germany
The Love Parade
July 12th

In 1989 this wild, street party started with 150 revelers, now this
hugely popular event attracts over a million party-goers and some of
the hottest DJs in the world.

35.
Paris, France
Bastille Day
July 14th

This important national holiday celebrates the storming of the Bastille
in 1789 and the beginning of the French Revolution.  Festivities

included a parade down the Champs-Elys�es, street parties and
fireworks.

King Herod's Tomb May Have Been Found

May 8, 8:38 AM EDT By STEVE WEIZMAN Associated Press Writer

AP Photo Science Video Advertisement Buy AP Photo Reprints JERUSALEM (AP) -- An Israeli archaeologist on Tuesday said he has found remnants of the tomb of King Herod, the legendary builder of ancient Jerusalem, on a flattened hilltop in the Judean Desert where the biblical monarch built a palace. Hebrew University archaeologist Ehud Netzer said the tomb was found at Herodium, a site where he has been exploring since the 1970s. Netzer said a team of researchers found pieces of a limestone sarcophagus believed to belong to the ancient king. Although there were no bones in the container, he said the sarcophagus' location and ornate appearance indicated it is Herod's. "It's a sarcophagus we don't just see anywhere," Netzer said at a news conference. "It is something very special." Netzer led the team, although he said he was not on the site when the sarcophagus was found. Stephen Pfann, an expert in the Second Temple period at the University of the Holy Land, called the find a "major discovery by all means," but cautioned further research is needed. He said all signs indicate the tomb belongs to Herod, but said ruins with an inscription on it were needed for full verification. "We're moving in the right direction. It will be clinched once we have an inscription that bears his name," said Pfann, a textual scholar who did not participate in Netzer's dig. The fragments of carved limestone found at the sandy site are decorated with floral motives, but do not include any inscriptions. Herod became the ruler of the Holy Land under the Romans around 40 B.C. The wall he built around the Old City of Jerusalem during the time of the Jewish Second Temple is the one that can be seen today. He also undertook massive construction projects in Caesaria, Jericho, the hilltop fortress of Massada and other locations. It has long been assumed that Herod was buried at Herodium, but decades of excavations failed to turn up the site until now. The first century historian Josephus Flavius described the tomb and Herod's funeral procession. Herodium was one of the last strong points held by Jewish rebels fighting against the Romans, and it was conquered and destroyed by Roman forces in A.D. 71, a year after they destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hebrew University had hoped to keep the find a secret until Netzer's news conference on Tuesday. But the university announced the find in a brief statement late Monday after the Haaretz daily found out about the discovery and published an article on its Web site. © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy .

Lastminute.com to launch talking phrase books for mobile phone users

Lastminute.com is set to launch talking phrase books for mobile phone users. The phrase books allow travellers to look up phrases on the screen of their mobile phone. The software then speaks the phrase in the local language, overcoming pronunciation problems.

Online travel service Lastminute.comis set to launch talking phrase books for mobile phone users.

The phrase books allow travellers to look up phrases on the screen of their mobile phone. The software then speaks the phrase in the local language, overcoming pronunciation problems.

"Instead of you having to flick through the pages of a phrase book to find what you want to say, you simply click your phone menu, select the phrase you need and voila!" said Mark McCulloch, Lastminute.com's head of brand development.

The software, which currently runs on Nokia and Sony Ericsson handsets, costs £3 per language to download. Currently the developer - coolgorilla.com - offers six languages: French, German, Greek, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Each download contains between 250 and 300 phrases developed in conjunction with Lastminute.com's travel experts.

According to coolgorilla, developing translation software for mobile handsets makes sense, because the mobile phone is one item almost everyone takes on their travels, and because it is easy to play back an audio clip to a local person from a mobile phone.

The company started working with Lastminute.com by developing a series of phrasebooks for iPods. Although the iPod phrasebooks are free to download for Lastminute.com customers, and they include 800 phrases, the lack of a speaker in the iPod makes that software more of a learning tool than a practical option for travellers who need instant help.

Get the full story at IT Pro