Posts Tagged ‘Brief’

National news in brief, 6/29

National news in brief, 6/29
News items from across the nation

Read more on The San Angelo Standard-Times

Malibu’s Toilet and Tire Dive — A Highliner Studios Theatrical News Brief

Last Wednesday I jumped on the Tritan, a commercial urchin boat, and dove down to 100ft to video (using the Canon 7D with an Aquatica Housing) a discovery Glen Dexter found some three years ago; a collection of approximately 500 toilets and 500 tires. There was some small sea-life that had found a home in the toilets and tires but the drop location was onto a pre-existing healthy reef. By removing these toilets, the divers were exposing a natural reef. The tires were mostly situated on the sand but our history has shown that tires do not make good underwater homes (tires leach toxins). There is a lot of controversy about this cleanup, but the Tritan commercial vessel and the UC Davis has the best of intentions with some of the most educated and experienced staff.

The Sling Shot ride News Brief

Magical Midway Sling Shot ride!!!

Travel news in brief

Travel news in brief
Vermont skiing has begun

Read more on The News-Herald

The Wood, The Legend: A Brief History of Cypress Tables

Cypress tables, though beautiful, rarely get a second thought. That is because few people are familiar with the diverse and interesting history of the wood that stems from ancient times. Also, because the tree is not indigenous to the United States, a lot less is known about how it stacks up to popular American species, like teak, cedar and oak. The following fact versus fiction set-up will help the potential buyer to make an informed decision before settling on anything else at the expense of cypress furniture.

Myth: Cypress trees are only found on Cyprus

Truth: Yes and no. The species is indeed native to the island of Cyprus, but it is also common to other regions in the Near East and Mediterranean. As a matter of fact, the cypress, Latin name Cupressus Sempervirens, was the tree of choice for Persian royal gardens thousands of years ago. Since then, the popularity of the wood has spanned the globe because of its attractive grain and durable nature. In the colonial era, cypress was often used to build homes, and today it is often seen in furniture, bridges, porches and more.

Myth: The oldest tree in the world is a Cypress planted in the year of Christ’s birth

Truth: This one is also a half-truth. The cypress species, a conifer in the family Cupresseaceae, is credited with having the oldest specimen in existence. It can be found in Soma, Lombardy, a region of Italy. However, researchers have found that the tree is in fact older than first believed, having been around for about 40 years before the birth of Christ. At an impressive 120 feet high, it is also the tallest known cypress tree. Another famous cypress, this one in Monza, Italy, measures 90 feet and is said to be 150 years old. Most trees, though, rarely grow above 50 to 60 feet tall, unlike some other towering hardwoods. A cone-shaped branch structure and short stem give the tree its unique and unmistakable shape.

Myth: Cypress is a softwood, and therefore no good for building

Truth: The truth is, cypress actually is a softwood, but because of its properties, is often grouped with and grown alongside hardwoods. The wood of the cypress tree is hard and durable, owing to its evolution in a variant climate. The straight, close grain of the wood makes it strong, while being naturally resistant to fungus, insects and weather damage. In addition, cypress tables are coated with cypressine, a naturally produced oil which preserves the wood and helps against cracking, warping and splitting. For building, the wood is ideal because it is lightweight and with few knots.

Myth: Cypress wood is not as good-looking as cedar or other richly colored woods

Truth: Completely untrue! Cypress tables can take on a lighter color, but the most common shade is a gorgeous reddish-brown hue. Over time, this color, like any other wood left untreated, will fade to an elegant grayish silver as a result of exposure to the sun. Besides, not many other woods can claim the lush, spicy aroma of cypress resin.

Myth: Cypress brings bad luck

Truth: This is also untrue. Cypress has gotten a bad rap because of its involvement in mythology. In Greek legend, it was associated with the underworld, grief and mourning. It also played a predominant role in ancient Roman funerary rites. In modern times, cypress trees can still be found in many Western and Muslim cemeteries. However, these negative connotations should not deter the buyer. Take chrysanthemums as an example. Considered by Americans to be a beautiful blossom which makes a great gift in bouquets, in Japan the chrysanthemum is given solely at funerals and is called the flower of death. Rest assured, cypress tables can do wonders livening up a dull room or patio setting. Though not as well known as American woods, cypress furniture is some of the most unique and worthwhile available on the market.

A Brief History Of Orlando

As a major city within Florida, Orlando has a population of more than two million people. The fifth largest in the state of Florida, it is one of the most important within the ‘Sunshine State’ but where did Orlando come from?

Prior to settlers arriving from Europe in 1836, the city which is now known as Orlando was populated by the Creek and Seminole tribes. Unfortunately for those visiting today, very little archeological evidence still exists although it is possible to see a small amount at the city’s historical museums.

Prior to being named Orlando, the area was known as Jernigan. The original city name takes its origin from its first permanent settler, a cattleman known as Aaron Jernigan who managed to acquire land under the Armed Occupation Act of 1842.

Although it’s uncertain as to where exactly the name Orlando came from, local legend suggests it came from a soldier named Orlando Reeves who fought and died in the area when the Second Seminole War took place.

Another story suggests a gentleman by the name of Orlando Acosta lived about 30 miles north in Volusia County in an area known as Spring Garden. Orlando is believed to have run a plantation and a sugar mill there. Upon arriving in the area settlers found a tree with the name Orlando Acosta carved into the trunk. It wasn’t long before the area became known as Orlando Acosta’s Grave and then, later on, ‘Orlando’.

Regardless of how it got its name, Orlando quickly grew into a thriving and populous area, thanks in part to its citrus industry. This was particularly the case during the years between 1875 and 1895, a time now remembered as Orlando’s Golden era.

Aside from oranges, most of Orlando’s successes have come from tourism during the 20th century. This was started in 1965 after Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World, a theme park which is still today one of the most popular in the world.

Walt Disney had originally planned to build the theme park in either Miami or Tampa, however in the end Orlando seemed to be the most suitable option as the others were often frequented with hurricanes.

The resort finally opened in 1971, bringing with it a rush of tourism facilities in the form of other theme parks, Orlando hotels and resorts. Today, the city of Orlando boasts more theme parks and entertainment attractions than any other city in the world, making it a popular destination for tourists.