The Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada met its demise on Superbowl Sunday of 2000 when 75 pounds of explosives packed inside the structure’s support columns brought it to the ground. The controlled demolition came despite years of effort by a number of groups within the community to preserve the building with lawsuits, redevelopment proposals, and grass roots lobbying efforts. The National Trust for Historic Preservation even took up the cause, challenging the destruction in a lawsuit that eventually reached the Nevada Supreme Court.

While the logic and necessity of demolishing the Mapes is very questionable, one thing that is certain is that the hotel was an important part of Northern Nevada history. The opening of the Mapes in’47 ushered in a new era in casino gambling, and changed the economy and way of life in Nevada forever. The Mapes was actually the first property in the country to combine a hotel, casino and live entertainment under the same roof. It also became the hotel of choice for celebrities staying in Northern Nevada. Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe stayed at The Mapes during the filming of ‘The Misfits’. Joseph McCarthy, America’s famed anti-Communist crusader, admitted to a reporter over cocktails in the Mapes Lounge that he really didn’t have a list of Communists in the US despite his frequent and vitriolic insistence to the contrary.

In the 50s and 60s it became, along with Lake Tahoes Cal-Neva Lodge the place to be seen in Northern Nevada. The top floor, window-walled Sky Room showcased performances by the legends: Sinatra, Louis Prima, Mae West, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Marx Brothers among others. Subsequent years were not kind to downtown Reno but the Mapes prospered during the 60’s and 70’s. The hotel finally closed in’82, due more to financial difficulties experienced by the Mapes family caused by one of their other Northern Nevada gaming properties than anything else.

While the last twenty years brought an amazing boom in the population and economy of Southern Nevada, the Northern part of the state didn’t see much of it at all. For that reason, the urgency of destroying the Mapes is even more questionable. In the Las Vegas area, its easy to justify the demolition of older hotels with simple economics–the older properties simply can’t compete in the current mega-resort dominated marketplace. Furthermore, the insane valuation of the land on which they sit makes it financially unfeasible to preserve them as pop culture museums.

That’s not the case in Reno, where vacant land and/or buildings ripe for redevelopment are abundant downtown and in the other casino areas of the city. The official reason that the Mapes had to come down was that the city needed the land to expand its vision for downtown redevelopment. While this is certainly a much needed effort, to suggest that the existence of the Mapes was a barrier is absurd. In fact, many of the proposals rejected by the city would have gone a long way to enhance the revitalization of downtown Reno and included artists lofts, office space and other mixed used properties. Despite receiving a number of viable concepts for the Mapes Building, the City Redevelopment Authority rejected all of them and the Mapes was destined for demolition.

The role of the City Redevelopment Authority was questioned throughout the process. Overlooking the Truckee River, the hotel was on a prime location between the downtown casino area and the riverfront district. Back in’96, the city of Reno purchased the hotel and began entertaining proposals for renovation and redevelopment. A number of sound financial proposals were presented that would preserve the integrity of the structure including condominiums, office space, and perhaps most viable, upscale senior apartments. Oddly, all of these proposals were turned down by the citys Redevelopment Agency which eventually led to the demolition of the structure.

Following the 2000 demolition, the lot remained vacant for over a year until a temporary ice skating rink was hastily constructed the following winter. The site now houses a permanent ice skating rink which, while not a bad use for the land, isn’t the sort of game changing improvement suggested by the City Redevelopment Agency and their adamant insistence that the building be demolished. To the contrary, it appears they had no specific plan or even general idea of what to do with the land but for some reason wanted to see the hotel come down. This has led to all manner of speculation, ranging from financial self interest to a rumor that the structure was ‘haunted’ and needed to be destroyed to forestall future paranormal activity in Washoe County. Whatever the reason, the city of Reno lost a valuable landmark that played a significant part in the economic growth of the entire state.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Magically placed in the Indian Ocean, about 1600 km off the East African Coast, the Seychelles is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The archipelago comprises a group of about 115 islands and is made up of 41 spectacular granitic islands. Beautiful surroundings and the slow paced life are easily what attracts the archipelago’s visitors.

The beauty of this paradise is that different Islands present a different set of landscape, atmosphere and hidden secrets. Praslin Island is grandly blessed with some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Amongst them, Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Kerlan and Anse Volbert: widely praised for having longer and wider stretches than those on Mahe.

Many visitors tour Praslin to see Valle de Mai, a preserved forest area where coco de mer palms are abundant. Valle de Mai is the only place in the world where the special coconut grows. The coconut that resembles a female pelvis is considered an object of mystical sexual powers. You’ll need to keep in mind that it will be expensive and you will need a registration number authorizing its sale.

Located about a 30 minute ferry ride from Praslin, La Digue Island is a destination to die for. Home to one of the most popular and most-photographed beaches – Anse Source d’Argent, the island has its huge share of relics of a past generation, including them cemetery of the early settlers, a working calorifer, magnificent Creole mansion and a giant tortoise pen.

The bright world of the coral isles of Bird and Denis are located some 52miles north of Mah. Seabird colonies, nesting turtles, silver surf and golden sands adore these secreted gems. At the edge of the shallow Seychelles bank, the ocean plummets to 2000m thus creating a nirvana in which fishing, snorkeling and diving fanatics go hysterical.

While in the Seychelles, you should remember to visit the Giant Tortoises en Masse in Aldabra Atoll, one of the region’s two World Heritage Sites. Although it is not easily accessible, the island embraces over 150, 000 of the slow veggie-eating giants: which is by far the largest population of tortoises anywhere in the world and a show to cherish.

Thinking of travelling to Seychelles? Visit the author’s Travel to Africa website where you will find useful information on planning your Seychelles Tour including Seychelles Hotels . Africapoint.com is an Africa travel portal that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.

The Edmonton Eskimos survived a wild back and forth CFL shootout against the Calgary Stampeders before prevailing 38-35 to take over sole possession of first place in the CFL West. Ricky Ray hit Fred Stamps with a 23 yard touchdown pass with just nine seconds to play to earn the victory, erasing the lead that Calgary had earned with their own TD pass less than a half minute earlier.

After the game, winning QB Ricky Ray said that he enjoyed playing in the shootout:

“That was a ton of fun. In the CFL you get to play in a lot of games like this, especially against a guy like (Calgary quarterback Henry) Burris, who has done this to us. It’s great to come out on the winning end of a shoot-out like that. It’s a great uplift for the team. It’s a huge win for us.”

Eskimos head coach Richie Hall said that the outcome couldnt have been timed any better:

“Regardless of what happens, we are coming back in first place. Now we have one up on Calgary. It’s going to be a dogfight for all the teams in the West and any chance you get to win, especially a win like this, it’s a real bonus. It’s great for our confidence.”

Calgarys Burris remembered a very similar game last year:

“They got us last year in this situation and of course you didn’t think it was going to happen again or even could happen again. It felt so great to get that late touchdown and with 38 seconds on the clock nobody was even thinking about last year. We had to stop Jackson and we didn’t. And we had to stop Ray and we didn’t. Kudos to Edmonton.”

Both teams have a bye next week. Calgary returns to action on Aug. 28 in Toronto while the Eskimos will next play on Aug. 29 when they host Hamilton. The two CFL provincial rivals from Alberta will face each other twice more this season.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and noted authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

With so many fun things to do in Australia it is essential that you plan a few days into your trip to visit the Gold Coast theme parks. With many options to choose from there will be something to keep every member in your family occupied.

As a must see you have to take a day out to visit Warner Brothers Movie World. With things for the kids like the Looney Tunes Village and the Main Street Star Parade as well as thrill seeking rides for the big people, like Superman Escape where you will fly like the man himself at speeds of up to 100km/h in a mere two seconds. With technology advancing daily, you have to see the DreamWorks Shrek 4D Adventure where you can take a trip to Ogre land and find out for yourself what it is all about.

Next on the list of things to do is Sea World, also on the Gold Coast. If you love the outdoors and wildlife then this is the place for you as you will get to get up close and personal with all kinds of creatures big and small. The thrilling Shark Bay will allow you to get closer than ever to some of the biggest and baddest sharks and Polar Bear Shores and the Water ski Wipeout show will give you and the family some laughs and exciting moments.

For the days when the sun is shining and you need something to keep you cool then Wet n Wild Water World is the place for you to visit. For some high speed entertainment you can try the Whirlpool where you will find yourself swirling around amongst the rapids. For a roller coaster experience with some water thrown into the mix try the worlds first wet roller coaster at Wet n Wild Water World. Here you will fall 30 meters whilst spinning on a giant surfboard and racing through water sprays. Also on offer at this park is the Giant Wave Pool and Calypso Beach for the kids.

Option number two on the days the sun is beating down is Whitewater World. This water park is one of the most advanced in the world and boasts some of the worlds best water slides. So no matter what your weather or your idea of fun Australia’s gold coast has something for you.

Last on the list but by far not the least is Dreamworld. With fun for the whole family this park should not be missed. If wild life is your thing then you have to visit Tiger Island. At Dreamworld you will also get to pet Australian locals like kangaroos and koala bears. For some thrill seeking make sure that you try out the Tower of Terror which will let you see what it would feel like to free fall from 38 storeys.

If you are planning a fun filled short trip and want to make sure that you get to visit all of the parks then you can take advantage of the Fun Pass which will give you one entry into each park over a five day period.

If you are hanging around for a longer period of time then you may want to get your hands on the Super Pass. This will give you unlimited entry to any of the parks for a period of two weeks. That means that you will be able to visit any of the parks as many times as you wish over those fourteen days.

The Queensland Gold Coast is without any doubt one of the planet’s most awesome holiday break destinations and is definitely brimming with sight-seeing possibilities for all age groups. Visit Bailey Jamiesons recommended website Gold Coast Accommodation where everyone will certainly find an extensive range of Gold Coast accommodation options as well as tour information and facts.

If you want a vacation spot that gives you plenty to see and do in a location ideal for just relaxing, you want to go to Torrevieja, Spain.

Torrevieja is located on the Costa Blanca (”white coast”) of Spain, world-renowned for its white, sandy beaches. There is so much to see and to do, this region has become very popular throughout Europe.

Once you arrive from Alicante airport, you will be delighted with the beach, which extends for miles. Be sure to allow for some time to just enjoy the sun and the sea breezes. The Costa Blanca is sunny most of the year so good weather is virtually guaranteed.

Part of the fun of touring is seeing new sites, so be sure to visit all that Torrevieja has to offer. There are many beautiful places to hike, bike, boat and golf. You can swim, fish and water ski within an easy distance, so there is something for every member of your family to enjoy.

If your tastes extend more toward culture, you won’t be disappointed. History abounds in Torrevieja and there are many museums and historic sites to explore, from ancient churches to art museums. For example, the Church of the Immaculate Conception is an important site in the area. The region has a fascinating history that you will enjoy learning about. You will enjoy seeing many works created by local masters.

Torrevieja’s people are what make the area special. You will enjoy getting to know them at the many local festivals that take place throughout the year, from religious to civic events. There is always something going on. The population is very diverse so you will enjoy a pleasing mix of cultures.

When the sun goes down, the excitement just begins in Torrevieja: From restaurants to theater to nightclubs, you will find there is plenty of action. Sample some of the local cuisine for a delicious treat.

As you explore, you will be delighted at the many shopping opportunities available. Be sure to pick up gifts for your loved ones here, as well as a special something for yourself. You will want to remember your vacation here.

Accommodations are important in any trip. You will find a great variety here, from affordable hotels to luxurious rental properties, you will find just the site you and your family needs in the right price range. Just be sure to start looking well before your vacation to get the best selection.

As you can see, Torrevieja, Spain is an ideal place to spend your vacation. While it is a very popular destination for Europeans, it is a hidden secret for most North Americans. Why not start today to plan to visit so you can find out what you’ve been missing?

Peter Wilson regularly pens detailed articles on issues relating to hotels in torrevieja costa blanca. His abstracts on torrevieja accommodation can be found on his site .

Plans regarding traffic management encompass making use of lots of types of equipment, tools, and vehicles so as to be a success. All kinds of equipment are available to handle the variety of traffic issues. These pieces of equipment are either a temporary or a permanent measure.

It’s essential for the traffic management team to have just the right kind of equipment available for their use, equipment that should always be in top shape in order to be used well. These things are usually the key to being able to solve all the trials that might be encountered in traffic. That’s why not only do these teams need to have the right gear, they also need to be aptly trained on how to use them correctly, so that they can handle the traffic crisis that they are facing.

Now, what are the most popular traffic management devices out there? First, you have the ubiquitous electronic stop lights flashing green, yellow and red at regular periods. Everywhere you turn, you see these devices, which is great considering how useful they are. Then you have the pedestrian walk lights, which seem to always come hand in hand with the stop lights. These keep people from rushing into traffic and getting into an accident. However, people should also take responsibility since these road signs can only do so much.

In addition, a major part of the traffic management equipment is the less conspicuous, but still very important, road signage system. Basically, they are the signs that are displayed all over the sides and even above the streets. You can find them on posts and railings. Some of the more common signage systems are the famous ‘No Parking’, ‘One Way’ or even the arrows that are pointing to all the different directions.

The traffic equipment does not stop there. Other traffic control equipment includes items like bollards, which are barricades that keep vehicles from entering unauthorized roads and streets. Then you have speed bumps, which keep cars from going too fast in certain areas and let’s not forget the small orange traffic cones that mark areas, as well as serve as guides to cars for where reroutes need to take place in cases of emergencies or other traffic problems.

Automobiles are also important traffic management equipment. You have your trucks, cars and other forms of vehicles that make it possible for the traffic groups and emergency factions to expedite to the scene of an emergency or congestion. However, as with any kind of tool or equipment, it’s vital that you master their various modes of transportation if you want to successfully use them. Whilst it is not essential to be supreme experts on all aspects of each piece of equipment, sufficient knowledge on the ins and outs will be more than beneficial.

Discover the best traffic management plan for your traffic problems and concerns. Know how and where to get the exact solution that your city road needs by visiting the provided link.

The term budget light does not only mean to budget lightly but this also refer to the fact of getting cheap airline tickets, which will be light on the budget. So I came up with some pointers which will help you get those budget light tickets.

1.) Be fully aware of what is going on with the airfare wars. You can do this by looking for promotional fares from major airline companies in the news, newspaper or magazines. Usually new airline companies give out very low airfare as a promotional strategy. Always be alert since these cheap fares are for a limited time only.

2.) Don’t be adamant with your flight schedule. Try to be flexible with it because there are days, such as Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday when tickets become cheap. Also the time of the day matters as well. Cheap tickets can also be acquired if you travel late nights or very early morning. Another thing is, one stop flights are usually discounted.

3.) Some airlines offer discounts for car rental or hotel accommodations in your travel destination. These are usually included as a package in your ticket. So make sure to make it clear with the airline if such is provided.

4.) Learn how to inquire with the airline reservations officer whether there you are availing of the cheapest tickets and find out other options which will eventually get you the cheapest one. If you have an internet access, go to all the airline websites and compare their prices. Basically, buy the cheapest airfare.

5.) Ask about standby fares if your flight is off-season. Peak season is not a good time to fly standby because many airlines have the tendency to overbook flights. This will only give hassles in finding spare seats.

6.) Check the travel section of the newspaper under ‘Ticket Consolidators’ and buy tickets from them. Consolidators buy tickets in bulk from airlines to help them fill up seats. These consolidators then sell the tickets at a discount.

7.) Another way of availing discounts is simply to book your ticket 21 days ahead of schedule. Should you want to fly during holidays, such as November and December, make sure to book even earlier. Just remember that frequent flier miles cannot be used during holiday ‘blackout periods’.

8.) Stick with the same airline for a round trip to avail of their discounts.

So there you go, cheap airline tickets, one way of traveling light heartedly. Bon Voyage.

Visit the blog of Malcolm Reed for other useful travel tips and information on how to get cheap flights Philippines

What is the best way that you can do luxury train travel? It’s really a simple answer if you’re in Africa you only need to remember one name. That is of Rovos Rail, a company that is owned by a family that has taken much pride in what they have accomplished. All for a very good reason, one that will give you the opportunity to enjoy a romantic time.

Though it has taken some time to get many of the fleet in their selection. It is something that has been accomplished very well. Through years of searching and refurbishing you now have a chance to ride a classic train with modern pluses.

The oldest of the engines they have is the 439 Tiffany and what it delight it is. It was built in 1893, by Dubs and Company out of Scotland. At that time it was made for the use of the Cape Government. Originally it would be used for the trip that many would take from Johannesburg all the way into Cape Town.

Having been rebuilt from the original firebox type they are now more efficient than ever with the Belpaire firebox boiler. The family would purchase this loco after Rohan saw it during a trip and loved the way it looked. Buying it in 1987 and doing an overall refurbishment to make it look beautiful.

The next three in the fleet were those fantastic 19D class of locomotive. This model would only see a total production of 235 of them during the years of 1937 until ending in 1948.

Those three have been modified to give them more running time and a larger area that they can cover. They now have Vanderbilt tenders that can hold more coal and water than originally.

The first of these models that would be acquired would be the 2702 Bianca that was built during 1938. It would be acquired by the family during 1986 when it was found in a scrap metal yard. Again it would be given the right touch to get it back into working condition.

Again a metal yard would be the place where they would get the second of the 19D classes. This time it would be the 2701 Brenda that would be bought. Sending it to the yard to be brought back into condition to run.

The last of the 19D class that would be added was something that Rohan would come across while checking the yard where the other trains were fixed up. It was the 3360 Shaun, and it would of course be done up just perfect again.

This is really a once in a lifetime chance that many should think of taking. A chance of riding in a classic train that has all the modern needs that you seek. The inside of these trains is completely wonderful.

There is really nothing that you will not be able to find on board while you are traveling. A truly fantastic opportunity that has been made possible by the Rovos train line to you. Everything can be found on board from meals that are prepared with a loving touch, and anything else you may require. A time to enjoy something that you will remember for the rest of your life.

If you think of luxury train travel one thing should come to mind that is Rovos Victoria Falls . It’s known the pride of Africa this wonderful collection of top quality trains that can take you on an exciting journey.

With a population of more than 46000 inhabitants, Ayr is the largest town, port as well as settlement in the Ayrshire. Ayr has held the status of a royal burgh since 1205 and is currently the administration centre for the council area of south Ayrshire. Ayr was among the four Scottish counties competing for the commemorative status of the city upon Queen Elizabeth II’s golden jubilee in the year 2002.

Towns like Prestwick, famous for its golf and aviation as well as Glasgow Prestwick international airport, and Alloway, famous for its association with Robert Burns adjoin Ayr but fail to overshadow it. It was one of four Scottish towns and counties to compete for the title of city in Queen Elizabeth’s golden jubilee commemoration in 2002, though the title was won by Stirling.

Lying on the mouth of river Ayr, Ayr is a coastal town. Most of the land being flat and low lying, however much of the land towards the south of Ayr is higher than most other areas in the county of Ayrshire. It lies an approximate 35 miles southwest of Glasgow. Due to the close proximity of the sea, Ayr experiences mild winters and cool summers. Generally rainfall s mild and the area almost never see any fog or mist. Even snowfall is very rare here due to the overall mild climatic conditions.

Being a riverside town very near to the coast, the county of Ayr enjoys very mildewed weather. The close proximity of the sea ensures that winters in Ayr are mild and summers here are cool. Most of the land in the county is flat and low, though the outlying land to the south a bit more elevated than the all the rest of Ayrshire. Due to the flat terrain, there is close to no chance of fog or mist settling in, even snowfall in Ayr is a rare happening.

The industry has slowly flourished through time with only one major setback to the economy. The county has major trade in and out flux because of the local harbor. Through time, the county has pulled its weight through various trades like ship building, coal and copper ore export and even textile industry.

Ayr is a well connected county; three main roads serve as connections to the outside world. Ayr has its own functional railway station and though ferry service is not yet available, traveling via air is possible through Glasgow Prestwick international airport just two miles farther. Though most of the European destinations are thus accessible, the Glasgow international airport just 35 miles away allows accessibility too many other destinations across the world.

The slow yet steady improvements have taken their positive effects even on Ayr’s beach. Pleasure cruises, sea wall, shelters, lavatory accommodation, bathing and automatic sweat meet machines all add to contribute in making Ayr the prime tourist spot outside Glasgow.

Look for hotels in Ayr.

The wonderful Spanish city of Malaga is the ideal for a holiday. You’ll discover there is abundant entertainment for your vacation in this area. Malaga offers and an array of information concerning the history, culture, sights, attractions, entertainment, as well as a general Malaga city overview in this holiday location. Well liked among tourists from Europe, Malaga is situated in a very sought after part of Spain. It is agreed among most vacationers that this is the ideal place to vacation.

You’ll certainly enjoy your holiday if you enjoy terrific weather, natural beauty, a vibrant ambiance, and profusion to see and do. You will find it easy to travel around this city, which means that you can make the most of your time here, and you can look ahead to the pleasure of wonderful Malaga. Malaga, the capital city of Costa Del Sol, has much to offer holidaymakers. When you arrive at this location, you`ll look ahead to an enriching and exciting holiday experience, adorned with natural beauty and fabulous scenery, rich in history and culture.

The Malaga City Guide – What to See and Do Visiting Malaga you will discover there is so much to see and do that you’ll never be bored or light on entertainment. You will discover everything you require within easy reach, from leisure amenities and breathtaking views to relax to cultural events and festivities. There is ample shopping facilities and vibrant nightlife.

This is the birthplace of the celebrated artist, Pablo Picasso. Holiday makers will explore the artists home, which remains very well liked appeal amongst vacationers. You might also delve into the early years and culture regarding the area’s roots, and his origins with in the historic quarter. Visit the renowned but incomplete cathedral, the city’s Moorish castle, and fortress, then take in the fantastic gardens. Malaga is home to an array of festivities during the year, which includes Holy Week and the Summer Fair.

Malaga City Guide – a City For Young and Old The historic sites that draw the holidaymakers, you`ll discover enriched events and festivities in Malaga, that will show reveal the remarkable nightlife of the city. Other amenities available are the taverns, clubs, eateries, and live amusement. relaxing and enjoying a drink, a tasty meal, or dancing till dawn, you will discover all this in Malaga.

If you are a die-hard shopper, you will be delighted to at the array of bargain shopping available here. There are world class shopping services, to exclusive boutiques in Malaga selling a selection of unique or one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs. People of all ages find Malaga a city offering something to suit everybody. There is fun, adventure, entertainment, and sights, to look ahead for a really magnificent and unforgettable holiday experience.

Kurt Schefken wrote principally for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a website with information about cheap malaga hotels and accommodation tips for Malaga Spain. His comments on hotels in malaga can be found on his website .