The largest hydroelectric dam in the world

The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. It is located in the middle of the tree gorges on the Yangtze River, the third longest in the world, in the Hubei Province of China. The Yangtze River Dam was approved by the Chinese government in 1992. However, construction didn’t begin until 1994. It is scheduled to be completed by 2009. The $25 billion project is being internationally funded by companies, export credit agencies, and banks from Canada, Switzerland, Germany, France, Sweden, and Brazil. Controversy about the project arises from human rights issues (as many as 1.3-1.9 million people have been forced to relocate) and environmental impacts.

The dam is by far the worlds largest in both size and hydroelectric power generation. Its an astonishing engineer feat.

You see the Three Gorges Dam up close - and pass through its incredibly large locks in your ship. The Three Gorges Dam is a Hillman Wonder Bronze Medal winner.
Unfortunately, from the tourists perspective, it is raising the river water level behind it so high that formerly breathtaking rapid currents of the Yangtze River are all but disappearing. And, the water is permanently inundating some scenic and cultural riverside attractions (and forced over a million people to relocate).
However, much of the stunning natural beauty of the sheer gorges remain. And, the visit to the new dam and its locks have substantially added to the cruises appeal.
On balance, the Yangtze River cruise is still so exceptional that the sightseeing losses the dam caused should definitely not discourage travelers from making the voyage. Think of the marble statue Venus de Milo. She lost her arms but still is an object of beauty.

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Amazing Hawaii whale

Hawaii whale-watching is truly a memorable experience. In this article, we will focus on whale-watching off the island of Maui. Whale-watching season starts as early as November, but the largest number of whales travel through Hawaii waters from mid-December to mid-April. Each year during this time, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 humpback whales migrate south from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic. Scientists estimate that this 3,000 mile swimming trip takes them from 80 to 100 days.

 Amazing Hawaii whale

The whales seem to favor the calmer bays and wide bank areas between the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. With their bulky heads and two blow-holes, they can often be seen cavorting in the warm waters, breaching and slapping the surface of the water. Here they mate, or bear their "calves" conceived the previous winter.
A mature humpback whale is about 45 feet in lenth and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Their calves weigh around 3,000 pounds at birth and feed off their mother's high-fat milk for six to eight months, consuming 100 to 130 gallons per day. 

  Amazing  whale

Strangely enough, the adult whales do not eat while in Hawaii, since they are "seasonal" feeders. However, when they return to their Arctic habitat an average humpback whale will consume 4,500 to 5,000 pounds of plankton, krill (small, shrimp-like creatures), and fish per day!
On Maui, the opportunities for whale-watching from land are extensive. A good vantage point for seeing whales from land is basically anywhere you get a pretty a wide ocean view. McGregor Point, at mile marker 9, as you head from Maalaea, toward Lahaina, is a well-known whale watching place. Continuing toward Lahaina, whales can also be seen off the Olowalu Reef--between McGregor Point and the town of Olowalu.

Hawaii whale

When you head south on the Wailea coast, the Outrigger Wailea Resort provides another excellent viewing spot, with a telescope installed by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. South from Wailea, Puu Olai overlooking Makeena Beach is considered Maui's best spot for whale-watching.
Whale watching requires patience. Scan the horizon for a cloud of spewing water that rises from 10 to 20 feet above the ocean's surface. Watch for a good half-hour or so; whales need to breath every 7 to 20 minutes, and their spray is simply water vapor that they exhale from their blow hole. So once you locate that tell-tale spray of water, focus your eyes on the area for another one. Here binoculars are especially helpful.
But the best way to see humpback whales is out in their domain--and you can book a whale-watching cruise for that. Maui is the home of the Pacific Whale Foundation. A non-profit whale research organization, it supports its research by offering whale-watching tours.

  Amazing Hawaii whale 1

In addition, almost every snorkel and dive-boat in the area becomes a whale-watching vessel in winter. Maui whale-watching tours leave Lahaina and Maalaea harbors daily during the winter months. In addition to humpbacks, sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, beaked whales, melon-headed whales and "false" killer whales can often be seen there. You can also view the whales on a rafting expedition. These excursions also leave daily from Lahaina harbor.
The whale may play a little game with you -- he will poke his head just above the water's surface to "scope out the scene." That kind of behavior is actually called a "spy hop," meaning it's his way of showing off (if he feels so inclined). He'll then leap completely out of the water. If he's only in the mood to exchange nods, he'll slap his tail or wave his side fins at you -- that's the humpback whale's way of saying "Hi!"

  Amazing  whale 2

Whales communicate underwater through mysterious "songs," forming a perplexing series of sounds. Most whale-watching charters on Maui have a hydrophone on board, which will enable you to hear and enjoy the complex sounds of these majestic creatures.Remember that humpback whales are protected by the Marine Mammals Protection Act, and you may come no closer than 100 yards. Even at that distance you will sense the power and beauty of these creatures, and you will come away with memories of a lifetime.

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Attractive , sexy holliwood star Paris Hilton 

 

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Paris Hilton

sexy star Paris Hilton

 sexy holliwood star Paris Hilton