Did you know...

http://losmitosdedaniellefer.blogspot.co.at

...that in Pennsylvania exists a city called Centralia that is literally built on coals? Centralia is also called ghost town as beneath her surface a mine fire has constantly been burning since the year 1962. Many residents had to give up their live in this place during the 60s, as living there is too dangerous. As a result its population declined from over 1000 people to 12 people (in 2005). Despite the fact that the town is considered of being uninhabitable, due to the poisonous gases that rise from beneath the ground, some inhabitants refuse to leave their homes. 

Many people think that the fire started when the waste disposal site was set on fire, but it‘s also possible that it inflamed itself, because when coal and oxygen meet heat is created which is going to light if it can‘t be diverted. Since the time the fire has started many attempts to extinguish it have been made. It is said to have cost more than 70.000.000 $ so far - without success.  The fire is still burning and there is no end in sight. Scientists expect the fire to burn another 100 to 200 years.

have you ever heard about...

...the maunsell sea forts

http://strawdogs.wordpress.com

I have recently read an article about the Maunsell sea forts, also known as the Maunsell forts. These are small fortified towers that were built in estuaries of the riv

ers Thames and Mersey during the Second World War to help defend the United Kingdom. They are named after their constructor, the architect Guy Maunsell. 

Each f

ort consisted of a group of seven towers that were connected by a walkway to the central control tower. The construction of the towers was relatively quick, between February 1942 and December 1943. They were built on land, floated out to sea and grounded in water, no more than 30m deep. It is said that the forts shot down 22 aircraft and about 30 flying bombs during the Second World War. 

They were fully in use until 1945. By the end of the 1950s the forts were gradually closed down, the guns dismantled and the crew withdrawn.

Many of the towers were destroyed by ships colliding with them in the 1950s and 60s. In 1996 another fort collapsed in a storm. 

As you can imagine only a few of the fortresses were preserved. Among them are Roughs Tower, Red Sand, Shivering Sands and Knock John. 

The Roughs Tower is the most famous one, because Paddy Roy Bates, a former pirate radio broadcaster, occupied it in 1967 and set up Radio Essex (later renamed In BBMS- Britain‘s Better Music Station). In the course of time he declared it Principality of Sealand. 

I have not heard of these forts before and I am sure that there are plenty of other people who do not know them either, because these forts are considered being a forbidden place. 

I personally think that it‘s important and interesting knowing about it, because it‘s part of the world‘s history.

more than just shopping ;)

K&Ö

Have you ever been at the top of Kastner & Öhler? No? As soon as you are near the Hauptplatz take your time and enjoy the most magnificent view Graz has to offer. It‘s incredible, especially at night and during the winter months, when it‘s snowing. In my opinion it‘s more beautiful than on the Schlossberg and of course you don‘t need to climb hundreds of stairs until you reach your destiny, just jump into the elevater press a button and you are there ;) You can not only see the Herrengasse, the Rathaus, etc. but the Schlossberg as well. In addition, besides breathing fresh air and enjoying the sight/view you can also take a shopping tour. For me it‘s one of the most beautiful places in Graz. Trust me guys, it‘s worth a journey (and don‘t forget your camera) :)