City of Sails

Photo of Auckland, New Zealand looking east courtesy 123rf.com

One of my favorite cities in the world is Auckland.  I love all of New Zealand:  the people, their government, the terrain, the climate, their wines, just about everything.  Apparently many others feel much the same as Auckland is ranked on different lists as being 3rd, 4th, and 9th of all cities in the world for quality of life.  Other interesting Auckland statistics include:  the population is about 1,400,000; 1 in 3 households own a boat, so it is sometimes called "City of Sails"; it is the 23rd richest city in the world; and the main three religions are Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Presbyterian.  For more information 1click here, 2click here, and 3click here.

What did you learn today?

11-12-11, 11:12 A.M., In Harm's Way

Photo courtesy Naval History & Heritage Command

On November 16, 1778, American Navy Captain John Paul Jones (1747-1792) wrote a letter to the French government hoping they would provide for him a ship to use in the Americans' rebellion against the British.  In the letter he stated, "I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way."  His phrase "in harm's way" has most often been used to refer to people in the military who are sent "in harm's way" during wartime.

For more information, in addition to the above links, see the websites of the U.S.S. John Paul Jones and The Top 10 Quotes About & By the U.S. Marines.

Fully Intact Viking Boat Burial Site Discovered in Scotland

"The UK mainland's first fully intact Viking boat burial site has been uncovered in the west Highlands, archaeologists have said.  The site, at Ardnamurchan, is thought to be more than 1,000 years old.   Artefacts buried alongside the Viking in his boat suggest he was a high-ranking warrior.  Archaeologist Dr Hannah Cobb said the 'artefacts and preservation make this one of the most important Norse graves ever excavated in Britain'."  Read more and see pictures at BBC News Highlands and Islands.