UTA’s Moot Court Club has a bittersweet return from competition in Austria

Posted on 16th April 2012 in The monuments of world

UTA’s Moot Court Club is feeling bittersweet about being back in the states after a wonderful trip, said Olivia Llanes, president of the club.

The four students returned from Vienna, Austria, last week where they took on competitors from law schools all across the world at the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot competition.

Llanes said the trip was not only an educational experience but also a cultural one.

“It was a life-changing experience — it’s something I’ll never forget,” Llanes said.

Political science seniors Llanes, Jesse Calderon, Neal Parekh and Verica Todorovic, traveled to Vienna to argue a case against teams from Switzerland, Romania, Czech Republic and Brazil, group adviser Joseph Ignagni said.

“I believe we did really well, I was really proud of my team,” Llanes said.

Ignagni said even though UTA’s moot court was the only undergraduate team at the competition, it held its own against law students who sometimes spend entire courses preparing.

The team was split into two pairs, each participating in two matches. Although the team did not advance to the second round, Ignagni said he thinks UTA won at least two of the matches. The final scores won’t be released until May.

“They were being asked these very intense questions from impressive figures, so they had to be on their toes,” Ignagni said. “It won’t get any tougher than this in real life.”

Calderon said he learned a lot about the difference between how Americans and Europeans argue cases. In Europe, its important to prove a point but not to completely crush an opponent, Llanes said.

“Its much more of a gentleman’s game, you have to be very courteous to your opponent,” Calderon said.

Llanes said each arbitrator had his or her own preferences in judging the matches. Points could be taken off for anything like not keeping enough eye contact, crossing your legs or having too many notes on the table, she said.

Calderon said even the vibe of the city was different as well. No one is really in a hurry, and everyone walked everywhere he said. Ignagni said Vienna is known as a cafe society — people stop in and spend hours at cafes because people can’t get coffee to go.

“There, you might walk into a cafe, and you are served by a man in a tuxedo as he gives you the most delicious coffee you will ever drink,” Ignagni said.

Calderon said the people, although they are dressed up to go out all the time, enjoy life in a more leisurely way. The city was beautiful he said, and there were historical monuments within walking distance.

Also, while on its trip, the team got to experience a world-class opera and travel to Salsburg to visit the site where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed, Ignagni said.

Llanes said now after the trip, she is having a hard time getting back into her normal routine.

“I miss it so much already, Llanes said. “I’m spoiled. Coffee and pastries aren’t good anymore, I really got accustomed to it.”

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WWII veterans from SC take trip of a lifetime to visit memorials during 'honor flight'

Posted on 11th April 2012 in The monuments of world

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

WASHINGTON — It was a one-of-a-kind field trip for about a hundred World War II veterans from South Carolina to Washington, D.C.

These men served their country in far-away places during the 1940s — from the South Pacific to the battlefields of Europe — but many of the veterans on this trip have never seen the monuments that were built in their honor, which is what the Honor Flight is all about.

The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina paid for the vets to make the trip and News 12 was invited along to tell their story — our trip was paid for as well.

The veterans left Columbia, S.C., at sunrise on Wednesday and touched down at the nation’s capital. Their first stop on Wednesday was the World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004. The memorial honors the 16 million American soldiers who served in the armed forces.

From there, it was on to the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and the Lincoln Memorial. They also got to pay a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where they saw the changing of the guard.

These veterans are in their 80′s and 90′s now, but many of them were just teenagers when they were called to serve their country. After the war, they went back home to find jobs and start families. But on Wednesday, this band of brothers got back together again.

Dick Witter, 86, is one of those brothers. He says a “lucky break” kept him out of one of the bloodiest battles of the war when he broke his leg playing baseball.

“It kept me out of the Battle of The Bulge. All the fellas that graduated with me went to the Battle of the Bulge,” he said.

Instead, Witter ended up in the South Pacific, arriving in Manila just days after the fighting there.

“All the buildings had been bombed out. There were still dead Japanese in the buildings,” he said.

Walter Chelchowski saw the horrors of war, too, but he saw it from high above in a B-17 bomber.

“I tell ya — when that thing came back, it came back in pieces, but it came back,” he said.

And even though he flew wartime missions, one of his strongest memories is one of the most peaceful.

“Flying over the Alps. I ain’t never seen them Alps coming up out of them clouds … the clouds are way down low … and the Alps are way up there,” he said.

It was a lifetime ago, and a long way from home for Witter and Chelcowski, who were both born in New York and both live just a few miles apart in Aiken now.

They both know they were part of something special.

“Well, the sacrifices that group made to the United States … their willingness to do it, more than anything,” Witter said. “Of course we were being attacked. And we’re gonna stand up and fight.”

Chelcowski said it’ll bring tears to your eyes thinking about it sometimes.

“There’s a lot of guys who deserve a lot more honor than going to Washington to see that memorial,” he said.

Washington is full of memorials, and members of the Greatest Generation worry about the next generation.

“It all depends on the future generations … somebody’s gotta teach these kids in school what these memorials mean,” Chelcowski said. “They’re just not statues over there. They have a meaning — a deep meaning behind ‘em.”

Have information or an opinion about this story? Click here to contact the newsroom.

Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.

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Culture under fire

Posted on 8th April 2012 in The monuments of world

Culture lies on the front line of conflicts across the world. Timbuktu has fallen into the hands of Tuareg rebel forces and shots have been fired around the city’s grand mosque, a Unesco World Heritage Site. This follows on the heels of the shelling of the city of Apamea in Syria.

The citadel of Madiq and the ancient villages in the north of Syria, all of which are Unesco World Heritage Sites, could become collateral damage. They need our protection.

It may seem incongruous to denounce crimes against culture and call for their protection at a time of political instability and humanitarian crisis, but it isn’t.

Protecting culture is a security issue. There can be no lasting peace without respect. Attacks against cultural heritage are attacks against the very identity of communities. They mark a symbolic and real step up in the escalation of a conflict, leading to devastation that can be irreparable and whose impact lasts long after the dust has settled.

Attacks on the past make reconciliation much harder in the future. They can hold societies back from turning the page toward peace.

So protecting cultural heritage is not a luxury. We cannot leave this for better days, when tensions have cooled. To lay the ground for peace, we must act now to protect culture, while tensions are high.

We have seen the power of World Heritage to bring together divided communities and promote international cooperation in difficult contexts.

I witnessed this personally in southeast Europe, for instance, when Unesco helped rebuild the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, destroyed during the war in the 1990s.

The power of culture was also on display during the restoration of the Koguryo tombs complex in North Korea, undertaken with the financial support of South Korea.

In Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, societies are drawing today on their millennial heritage to come together and look toward the future.

At these times of increasing uncertainty and diminishing resources, this is an asset we cannot overlook.

This doesn’t make it easy. To succeed, nations must unite. The very notion of World Heritage draws on the idea of collective responsibility for a common good. It was born in Egypt in the 1960s, with the international campaign to save the Nubian monuments and remove the Abu Simbel temples from danger. Less than one generation after the devastation of World War II, this was a campaign for global solidarity to safeguard stones and statues, and, through them, a concept of shared humanity.

We need ambitious leadership again today.

Protecting the cultural heritage of the world concerns us all. It is force for mutual understanding and a powerhouse of local development. Unesco is the custodian of this idea and its practice. We are celebrating this year the 40th anniversary of our World Heritage Convention, which embodies this vision.

This is a fragile process that can never be taken for granted. A few shells are enough to destroy a millennial site forever. We all remember the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. A few hours of pillaging are enough for priceless antique objects to disappear in illicit trafficking.

This is why Unesco alerts states of their responsibility to protect culture properties in the event of conflict and to prohibit and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. This is why we are working with the national authorities, with the World Customs Organisation and Interpol, and the International Council of Museums, as well as auction houses, to protect humanity’s cultural heritage and prevent its pillaging.

We do all of this, because we believe culture matters for peace. For culture too, there is a responsibility to protect.

Irina Bokova is director general of Unesco, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

©IHT

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Landmarks dimmed for Earth Hour

Posted on 1st April 2012 in The monuments of world

Hundreds of world landmarks from Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to the Great Wall of China have gone dark, part of a global effort to highlight climate change.

Earth Hour, held on the last Saturday of March every year, began as a Sydney-only event in 2007. The city’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House were dimmed again this year.

Australia is among the first countries to flick off the light switches each year – in New Zealand, Sky Tower in Auckland and the parliament buildings in Wellington switched off two hours earlier; Tokyo Tower was also dimmed and in Hong Kong, buildings along Victoria Harbour also went dark. All the events took place at 8.30pm local time.

The WWF, the global environmental group which organises the event, said the number of countries and territories participating has grown from 135 last year to 147 this year.

“Global warming is a big issue,” said Rudy Ko, of Taiwanese environmental group Society of Wilderness. “Everybody can help reduce the problem by turning the lights off.” Ko said children should invite their parents “to turn the lights off, go out, go to the parks to do some exercise, and enjoy some family time instead of watching TV or play video games.”

In Europe, 5,000 candles were lit in the form of a globe in front of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate before city officials switched off the monument’s lighting.

More than 230 monuments and major gathering points in Paris were expected to dim lights for an hour – including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, as well as fountains and bridges over the Seine.

There was one major exception – the Eiffel Tower, which the mayor’s office said would go dark for only five minutes “for security reasons”.

Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral were among the other London landmarks to go dark. Managers at the Savoy hotel planned to light the lobby, bars and restaurants with candles.

“Earth Hour 2012 is a celebration of people power – the world’s largest mass event in support of the planet,” WWF official Dermot O’Gorman told reporters in Sydney.

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Adventures by Disney® Introduces Families to the Far East in 2013

Posted on 26th March 2012 in The monuments of world

BURBANK, Calif., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Continuing its tradition of creating award-winning immersive experiences around the globe, Adventures by Disney announced today an all-new destination for 2013 – Southeast Asia. Featuring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the 12-day, 11-night itinerary will give travelers the opportunity to experience some of Asia’s most exotic and culturally-rich cities – including Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat – in a way they may not have thought possible; as a family.

The leader in privately-guided group excursions, Adventures by Disney specially designs its itineraries to engage guests of all ages, providing authentic, hands-on experiences that leave each participant with memories to share and deeper knowledge of the world around them. In Cambodia, adults will have time to take in the unique architecture of the Temples of Angkor Wat while Junior Adventurers live the history of the ancient structure on a tuk tuk vehicle treasure hunt. Families will work together in Laos at an organic rice farm where they will have a hand in each of the 13 stages of rice production. Meal preparation is a team effort in Vietnam where guests will hand-pick ingredients from a Hoi An market, and then learn to make their own Vietnamese delicacies with the guidance of a local chef.

Beyond the popular tourist spots, Adventures by Disney gives families a unique view of each destination with another of its signature features – off-the-beaten path experiences. From a horseback ride through the rural villages of the Cambodian countryside to getting acquainted with students at a school in Laos, families will gain a true-to-life perspective of Southeast Asia and its people. Two knowledgeable Disney Adventure Guides lead explorers every step of the way, taking care of all the details and ensuring that each member of the group – even mom and dad – can let go and take in every moment. The Southeast Asia itinerary also includes time to enjoy some fun in the sun along the coast of the South China Sea and features luxurious hotel accommodations, such as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and private transportation throughout the trip.

“We are thrilled to invite families to experience new corners of the world with Adventures by Disney, as we expand our portfolio of more than 20 destinations to include Southeast Asia,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “This exotic new itinerary holds true to Disney’s dedication to storytelling, exceptional customer service and incredible value. With our award-winning itineraries, families are treated to a worry-free experience, perfect for vacationers taking their first international excursion or even the seasoned traveler.”

Also new, Adventures by Disney will launch a first-ever one-day tour of the Los Angeles area, “Lights, Camera, Magic,”allowing families to discover the iconic locations and star-studded sites of Hollywood, The Walt Disney Studios and Beverly Hills. Guests will be transported back in time during a behind-the-scenes look at The Walt Disney Studios, which is both a working studio and the headquarters of The Walt Disney Company. Then, it’s on to experience famous locations like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Hollywood’s famed Sunset Strip.

Whether it’s a brief journey close to home or an enchanting quest across the globe, Adventures by Disney provides families with the ultimate adventure. Additional details and dates for the new Southeast Asia itinerary and other 2013 offerings will be available on the Adventures by Disney website in late spring. In the meantime, guests are encouraged to contact the reservations center at 1-877-728-7282 with any questions.

About Adventures by Disney
Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided-family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.  Families traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary experiences at locations including: the South African plains, the great cities of Europe, North America’s national parks, the ancient monuments of Egypt, Costa Rica’s rich rainforest, the ruins of Pompeii and Machu Picchu, Australia’s Outback and the Great Wall of China.

Over the last seven years, Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its excellence in family tourism and was ranked #1 among Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters for Families in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best awards 2011 readers’ survey.

With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights everyone. Visit AdventuresbyDisney.com, call 1-877-728-7282 or contact a travel agent.

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Joan of Arc's 600th birthday in Rouen

Posted on 20th March 2012 in The monuments of world

The pilgrimage stream of tourists is never-ending. Everyone wants to see the place where history was written. On May 30, 1431, executioners dragged Joan from Orleans, barely 19-years-old, before a crowd of gaping people, tied her to a stake and set her on fire. Then they threw her ashes into the Seine River.

Every year, the event is marked by memorial ceremonies in Rouen, and in 2012 these will be on even a larger scale than usual because it is the 600th anniversary of the birth of Jeanne d’Arc.

Everything began at the outset of the 15th Century. During the 100 Years’ War, England had the north of France, extending to the Loire River, under its occupation.

The farmer’s daughter Johanna from the Lorraine region would later claim that as early as the age of 13 higher powers had bestowed on her a mission to fight the invaders. After a brief period of fame, Jeanne fell victim to intrigues. To this day, she is revered throughout the country.

But it is not only because of her that the medieval city of Rouen stands very near the top of the list of historical landmarks in France. Both the Gothic cathedral as well as the astronomical clock from the 14th Century, along with the palace of justice built in 1509, once the largest non-secular building in Europe, also attract the tourists. Then there is the historical old market square, lined by carefully restored half-timbered buildings.

“A city of a hundred church steeples, whose tolling of the bells soars heavenwards” is how French novelist Victor Hugo described Rouen. Above all he had the Notre Dame cathedral of Rouen in mind, with its seven steeples towering above the city. All the Gothic architectural styles are united in this one building.

The main belltower rises 151 metres up towards the skies. “No other church steeple in France is taller,” tour guide Francois Legand points out. “Up till 1880 it was also the tallest steeple in the world, but then the Cologne cathedral was completed. Its tallest point surpasses ours by 6 metres.”

Also famous in Rouen is the butter tower. Actually, during the Lent fasting season the enjoyment of butter was prohibited. But in order to collect money to build the tower, the church temporarily suspended the ban on butter.

Pierre Claudel, who studied medieval history at the local university, points out other things worth seeing which one might initially overlook. These include the plague house and the ossuary of L’aitre Saint-Maclou.

“In the year 1348 the so-called Black Death wiped out nearly three-quarters of the population. The victims were initially buried in a mass grave in the middle of the city,” Claudel says about the plague years.

Skulls sculpted into the facades of the half-timbered buildings of the 14th Century recall the period. Today, artists are at work in the rooms of such buildings.

The historical old city centre is criss-crossed by pedestrian zones. During the day, the small alleyways appear somewhat deserted.

“But in the evening there’s a lot of action, for the taverns are open,” points out German student Vivian Bartels, who is attending a four-week language course in Rouen. “Above all you’ll meet young people, students that you can quickly come into contact with.”

Tour guide Pierre Claudel leads his group on further to see other landmark spots. These include the Gros Horloge, the tower with the astronomical clock, and further on, the palace of justice, which likewise is listed among France’s national monuments.

During summer days, people are drawn to the banks of the Seine, which divides the city.

“Rouen is a port city – both for ocean-going ships and for river vessels,” Claudel says. “From here, it is just 125 kilometres to the English Channel.”

Along the quays, merchant freighters from overseas are berthed. “Every few years – the next one will be in 2013 – the world’s biggest gathering of windjammers takes place here,” Claudel notes.

Until then, it will be the river cruise vessels which will be bringing tourists hoping to experience the medieval flair of the city of Joan of Arc.

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British Olympic great finally honoured – in Melbourne

Posted on 18th March 2012 in The monuments of world
Launceston Elliott, Britain's first Olympic medallist.

Britain’s first Olympic champion, Launceston Elliott.

BRITAIN’S first Olympic champion, the mustachioed and hulking Launceston Elliot, lay for decades in a grave marked with nothing more than number 960 in a corner of Melbourne’s sprawling Fawkner cemetery.

Monuments had been built and commemorative postage stamps issued for Australia’s equivalent sporting legend Edwin Flack who, like Elliot, triumphed at the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896.

But as Britain’s Sports Minister Hugh Robertson confessed before witnessing the righting of his nation’s sporting history, even he didn’t know of Elliot’s feats, let alone what had become of him, until a month ago.

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“I suspect if he’d been buried at home somebody might have twigged earlier on. We’re just grateful that it has been brought to our attention and that we can do something about it,” Mr Robertson said in Melbourne yesterday.

Among the 30 present for the unveiling of a headstone that outlines his accomplishments was Elliot’s granddaughter, Ann Elliot Smith, who never met her grandfather. “My heart is bursting with pride,” she said.

Conceived in Launceston, before his parents, who were of Scottish descent, married in Carlton, Victoria, in 1873, Elliot was born in India on June 9, 1874.

After his father retired as a magistrate in Bombay, the clan returned to Britain and, as an impressively sized 16-year-old, Elliot entered the world’s first national weightlifting championships at London’s Piccadilly Circus in 1891.

Three years later he was British champion and on March 26, 1896, he and the British Olympic team boarded the SS Congo for Athens.

He entered the 100-metre sprint, rope climbing and wrestling events, but excelled in the discipline he was trained in. In the two-handed lift, Elliot tied with Dane Viggo Jensen on a weight of 111.5 kilograms, but Jensen’s execution was considered more stylish by judge Prince George of Greece, who had known Danish ties but no known expertise in weightlifting.

The one-handed lift was contested on the same day and Elliot raised 71 kilograms above his head to Jensen’s 57.2. It marked Britain’s first Olympic triumph, yet the Athens committee could not afford gold medals so winners were presented with silver mementoes, an olive branch and certificate.

By the 1900 Paris Olympics, Elliot had set four records at the amateur championships, but the sport was not on the program so he contested the discus. His throw of 31 metres ranked 10th but still set a British record.

A change of direction after those Games had Elliot tap into showmanship. The star of a circus-style strongman act, Elliot led a troupe who performed in leopard skins and togas all over Europe and in South America.

In retirement, soon after World War I, Elliot retreated to a farm in England before the family returned to Australia in 1923 and settled in Whittlesea. Following surgery on a cancerous growth on his spine, Elliot died in 1930, aged 56.

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Chinese economic crash could create big bang

Posted on 14th March 2012 in The monuments of world

Anyone who stands in the middle of Guangzhou’s high-rise district and looks up is liable to suffer dizziness.

The 600m Canton Tower, China’s tallest structure, sits across the Pearl River from several other newly-constructed giants, including the 103-storey International Finance Centre. The sensation is akin to strolling through a forest of enormous metal trees.

If the Chinese economy – represented by these vertiginous monuments – does fall to earth, one cannot help thinking that it would create a very large bang indeed; one that would be felt in every corner of the earth.

And fears have been spreading in recent months that China might be heading for precisely such a scenario. Economic indicators have been flashing red in recent months. There has been a sharp drop in residential property prices and a succession of disappointing car and retail sales figures.

But the most alarming news came at the weekend with the revelation by the customs department that China experienced a dramatic fall in exports in February.

Much of this was attributable to the Chinese New Year holiday, when factories traditionally shut down.

But concerns have also grown that China – the world’s workshop – is beginning to suffer from falling demand from Europe and America. China’s gigantic export sector is simultaneously the source of China’s strength and also its great weakness. Even the most prosperous of shops cannot remain in business if its customers decide to stop buying.

The country’s leadership is certainly preparing for a slowdown. At the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress in Beijing last week, the Chinese premier, Wen Jiabao, lowered this year’s growth target from 8 per cent to 7.5 per cent.

So the question is, will the Chinese economic landing will be hard or soft?

The soft argument is more popular. China rode out the 2008 global financial crisis with a colossal state spending and lending programme, equal to 15 per cent of GDP. If necessary, it can repeat the trick, say analysts.

“In China, the fundamentals are good, confidence is likely to prove resilient and the policy cupboard is still pretty full,” says Gerard Lyons, of Standard Chartered Bank.

Stephen Roach, a former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia, agrees. He argues that because inflation has been falling in recent months, the Chinese central bank has plenty of room to cut interest rates to stimulate the economy. Others argue that even if the property market correction were to turn into a rout, which wiped out the country’s over-extended local banks, Beijing would be able to spend some of its vast currency reserves to stabilise the situation.

Yet the Communist Party authorities might not be able to manage events in the manner the optimists suggest. In China there is the wild card of social unrest.

There are some tens of thousands of riots every year in the countryside, prompted by the seizures of land by corrupt officials. China’s great metropolises, such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, are also hubs of discontent. Around 200 million internal migrant workers are treated as second-class citizens. They are denied the same healthcare benefits as local residents. Their children attend sub-standard schools. The 2008 financial crisis cost around 20 million jobs across China.

There is another problem with the optimistic scenario. Investment accounts for a full 45 per cent of China’s GDP. And that investment has primarily been in factories, heavy industry and infrastructure geared towards bolstering the country’s export capacity. Even if China does manage to avoid a hard landing, it is on an economically unsustainable road.

What the country urgently needs is a rebalancing of its economy away from exports and investments to domestic consumption and the services sector.

The country’s giant annual trade surplus – which results in China sending hundreds of billions of dollars of capital every year to wealthy America and Europe – needs to come down. China needs to grow organically, by allowing Chinese workers a greater share of the fruits of their labour. And workers need to be encouraged to spend, rather than save.

This means providing a more comprehensive social safety net so ordinary Chinese feel they do not need to put aside such a high proportion of their income to cope with old age or potential sickness.

The authorities in Beijing do acknowledge these realities. The Communist Party’s 12th “five-year plan”, unveiled last year, promises reform along these very lines. They have also pledged to allow the Chinese currency, the renminbi, to increase in value against the US dollar, which should facilitate rebalancing.

But it remains to be seen whether they will be able to deliver. The Chinese export lobby is likely to resist any measures that could undermine its profit margins. Some within the regime are already saying the renminbi has appreciated enough.

Who will prevail: technocrats or vested interests? The fortunes of China in the coming months and years do not only depend only on skilful economic management – they also depend on messy politics. And those battles take place behind closed doors.

- Independent

By Ben Chu

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Newcomers' lead in sport's heartland puts them on road for world title

Posted on 8th March 2012 in The monuments of world
Coming to the boil ... Matt Goss.

Coming to the boil … Matt Goss. Photo: Getty Images

The historic stage win in Europe by GreenEDGE in the Tirreno-Adriatico race in Italy has given weight to the Australian team’s belief in one of its biggest goals of the year: to win the inaugural trade team world championship at the Road World Championships at Limburg, in the Netherlands in September.

GreenEDGE have often spoken of their ambitions in the upcoming European spring one-day classics and stages in tours, especially the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana.

Less known is their team time trial world title ambition. After claiming their first European win in Wednesday’s stage one 16.9 kilometre team time trial in Tirreno-Adriatico, a world title in the same discipline would be a superb bookend to their first year in cycling’s first division.

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Wednesday’s distance was far less than the 53.2 kilometres of the world title, but in a season when there are only a handful of team time trials it was a valuable opportunity not to be wasted – nor was it.

”When you do a team time trial, any opportunity to rehearse the big one – and the big one for us is the world championship – is an opportunity to look at riders and technique,” GreenEDGE team general manager Shayne Bannan said.

There could not have been a more fitting way for the world tour newcomers to claim their first win in the heartland of international cycling than in a team time trial.

They even won by as much as 17 seconds over the US Garmin-Barracuda and RadioShack-Nissan teams and 23 seconds over third-placed British rivals Team Sky.

It was a big improvement for GreenEDGE on their first team time trial, over 11.3 kilometres at the Tour of Qatar where standard bikes were used by all teams, rather than the aerodynamic equipment they raced with on Wednesday, and they finished seventh.

Their win in this world tour event also allowed the eight-man team to celebrate on the podium together rather than in a normal road stage when one rider is the winner.

Yet due to their win in the team time trial, where times are taken off the fifth-placed rider in the team, a GreenEDGE rider also took the overall race leader’s blue jersey.

That went to Tasmanian Matt Goss, their first rider across the line, who has been under scrutiny in the lead up to the Milan-San Remo classic on March 17.

Goss became the first Australian to win Milan-San Remo – the first of cycling’s five monuments – last year. In this week’s team time trial Goss showed that he is coming to the boil when it matters.

But the win was not just about Goss, who was followed across the line by Canadian Svein Tuft, Dutchman Sebastian Langeveld, and Australians Stuart O’Grady and Cameron Meyer – whose time of 18 minutes 41 seconds became the team’s winning time as he was the fifth finisher.

It was for the entire team that included Australian Baden Cooke (at 5s), and powerhouses Dutchman Jens Mouris (at 20s) and Lithuanian Tomas Vaitkus (at 30s) whose early efforts helped GreenEDGE get the fast start they needed and got before finishing so strongly to win.

Which six riders race for GreenEDGE in the world titles is some way from being decided. But after Wednesday’s win, the Australian team has every reason to believe they will be in the hunt.

Twitter: @rupertguinness

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Make plans for March

Posted on 4th March 2012 in The monuments of world

Break out in a happy dance and celebrate the end of winter, the arrival of spring, and school break, too, all in March. Irish luck, blooming flowers and thrilling dare-devils make for a fun-filled month.

LUCK OF THE IRISH

Bring on the bagpipes, green beer, and bangers and mash! Dublin is transformed into one big St. Patrick’s Day party, March 16-19, and you’re invited. Head on over to Ireland and celebrate four fun-filled days of eclectic activities, carnivals, concerts and more, including the famous festival parade with its scientific theme, in honour of Dublin’s status as “The City of Science.” There’s even a free science-related treasure hunt along famous Dublin landmarks. From street performances and boat races to a 5-km road race and Irish artisan food, experience authentic Irish fun — or “craic” — at its best, including kicking up your heels with traditional dancing at the Festival Ceili. Check out stpatricksfestival.ie.

– Embrace your inner Celtic closer to home. Massachusetts turns shades of green and bagpipe sounds will fill the air as Irish-inspired events run throughout the month of March. Whether it’s taking in South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 18 — the second largest parade in the United States — or walking the Irish Heritage Trail, which offers 300 years of Irish-American history, get your Irish on. Visit many of the 70 landmarks throughout the state, including museums, monuments and historic pubs, including The Black Rose and The Burren. For event listings, see massvacation.com.

CRASH COURSE

Feed your need for thrills and spills with the insanely exciting Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship running March 15-17 in Quebec City. Combine hockey, downhill skiing and boardercross, and you’ve got downhill daredevils soaring across the ice at dizzying speeds of 60 km/h. Quebec’s steep downhill course is the longest, fastest and toughest of the championship series with spine-tingling jumps, twists and hairpin turns through city streets. And all of this mayhem is free. More information at redbullcrashedice.com.

FLOWER POWER

– Paradise on earth: Seven million tulips and other flowering bulbs in bloom! Wander through hectare after hectare — 32 in all — of dazzling colours, textures and fragrances at the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands, March 22 through May 20. In honour of the international flower exhibit’s theme this year, Poland: Heart of Europe, Chopin blossoms before your very eyes. A flower bulb portrait of the composer is created from almost 50,000 flowers and measures 12-by-20 metres. Enjoy other works of art, flower shows and inspirational gardens galore. See keukenof.nl.

– Wander behind historic Charleston’s private garden gates for an award-winning tour, Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens, showcasing elegant gardens and architecture dating back to the 18th century. From March 22 to April 21, get a rare glimpse inside the private homes and gardens of this South Carolina city while it’s rich in blooms. Festival events at historiccharleston.org.

– See beauty bloom closer to home at Canada Blooms, the country’s largest flower and garden festival. Re-energize and de-stress as you stroll through 2.5 hectares of colourful gardens; take in over 200 hours of free educational workshops and gardening demonstrations during March 16-25 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. Check out canadablooms.com. The Fairmont Royal York is offering a one-night stay in a Fairmont Room and two tickets to the Canada Blooms, with rates beginning at $135. For reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414, or visit fairmont.com/royalyork.

MAGICAL MOMENTS

It’s still not too late to enjoy the winter we never had. Spend the night in an igloo and dine in one, too! Snow Village in Montreal is constructed entirely out of snow and ice, and features a 24-room hotel and six igloos, a 60-seat restaurant, a bar, convention centre and even a wedding chapel. Fun family activities include a maze, slides, entertainment and snow sculpture workshops. Splurge over March Break and stay the night: Sleeping in an igloo starts at $195 per person and includes a hi-tech thermal sleeping bag, continental breakfast and access to the village. Located in Parc Jean Drapeau, the village is open until March 31, weather permitting. March Break specials run March 5-9 and March 12-16; enjoy daily snow village activities for a rate of $10 per parent when accompanied by one child under 12. See snowvillagecanada.com.

WHALE OF A GOOD TIME

Celebrate the return of 20,000 grey whales on their migration of 13,000 km, from the waters of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to the Bering Sea, at the 26th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival in Tofino, B.C. The festival hosts over 60 events for all ages with a week-long calendar of educational, culinary and cultural arts events from March 17-25. Highlights include a performance by Juno award winner, Jim Brynes, a Chowder Chowdown, and gala dinner with silent auction. Many events are free and suitable for all ages. Wildlife enthusiasts, foodies and lovers of the arts are welcomed to be inspired by the world’s largest whale celebration. See pacificrimwhalefestival.com.

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