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Content For You
B'nai B'rith International Pays Tribute To Cardinal Walter Kasper Upon Retirement As Chief Vatican Liaison To The Jewish Community
B'nai B'rith International has sent a letter to the Vatican's main point person on Catholic-Jewish relations expressing sadness at the news of his retirement.Walter Cardinal Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and its Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, demonstrated an "approach of constructiveness and healing" in his engagement with Jewish leaders.
The letter, written by B'nai B'rith International President Dennis W. Glick, Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin, and Director of U.N. and Intercommunal Affairs David J. Michaels, notes: "we have been privileged to know the warmth, openness and spirit that you have brought to your work."
B'nai B'rith described Kasper as a true and faithful partner, occasionally in difficult times, in advancing the Catholic-Jewish friendship over the decade he held the post.
Glick, Mariaschin, and Michaels wrote: "Your leadership of the Commission for nearly a decade has been characterized by great devotion – indicative of the profound importance of, and immense strides over the course of less than half a century in, the Catholic-Jewish relationship. Undoubtedly, your personal role in caring for and advancing this endeavor has been significant."
B'nai B'rith expressed the hope that even in his retirement, the cardinal's contributions will continue to provide an enduring foundation for the advancement of relations between Catholics and Jews.
Dutch Parliament Ban On Ritual Slaughter A Setback To Religious Freedom
B'nai B'rith International has sent a letter to the Vatican's main point person on Catholic-Jewish relations expressing sadness at the news of his retirement.
Walter Cardinal Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and its Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, demonstrated an "approach of constructiveness and healing" in his engagement with Jewish leaders.
B'nai B'rith International Condemns Venezuelan President's Anti-Israel Statement
B'nai B'rith International strongly condemns Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's statement on June 27 pronouncing Israel as a "genocidal" government and calls on the international community to denounce such anti-Israel rhetoric. The comments occurred during a meeting between Chavez and Syrian President Bashar Assad in Caracas.
Chavez's meeting with Assad comes during a time when Venezuela and Iran have formed a partnership in opposition to Israel and the United States.
"This is another example of the deplorable anti-Israel sentiment coming from the Venezuelan president," B'nai B'rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. "This has not been the first time Chavez has made these types of statements and will probably not be the last. They continue to be unacceptable and cannot stand."
Chavez voiced strong views that the Golan Heights be returned to Syria and criticized Israel's blockade of Gaza. He referred to Israel as "the murderous arm of the Yankee empire," and aligned with Syria by describing them both as having "common enemies."
B'nai B'rith International Urges Fair Presbyterian Approach To Middle East
Yossi Beilin, Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Issues Letter to Church Delegates
B'nai B'rith International is urging delegates to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to oppose the adoption of reports and resolutions that demonize Israel and target it with such measures as a proposed suspension of American military aid. The mainline Protestant denomination's biannual convention gets underway July 3 in Minneapolis.
Among the materials slated for consideration by the assembly is a Middle East Study Committee report whose content dramatically emphasizes perceived Israeli wrongdoing and Palestinian suffering, while belittling Arab obligations, historical Jewish roots in the land, and the Jewish state's efforts for peace in the face of terrorism. The report also fails to recognize that Israel is the Middle East's only free, pluralistic society and the only country in the region whose Christian population has grown in actual numbers.
The 172-page report positively cites "Kairos," itself a highly inflammatory Palestinian Christian document, and endorses the recommendation of the church's Mission Responsibility Through Investment committee to denounce one company for its lawful sale of products to the Israel Defense Forces. Individual presbytery overtures go even further, calling for outright divestment from the company and explicitly endorsing "Kairos," which refers to terrorism as "resistance," embraces outdated supersessionist ideas, calls for boycotts against the Jewish state, and labels Israeli policies a "sin against God."
B'nai B'rith is circulating a letter from former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Yossi Beilin urging church delegates against unbalanced or counterproductive steps on the Middle East.
In his letter (text below), Beilin, notes economic sanctions directed at a democracy like Israel only weaken peacemakers.
The letter text:
With greetings from Israel, I write to you as someone whose career as a cabinet member, a member of Parliament and peace activist has been defined by vigorous engagement in the pursuit of reconciliation and coexistence in the Middle East. I was an initiator of the historic Oslo peace process between Palestinians and Israelis, and successfully sponsored legislation to guarantee equal representation for the Arab minority in my country itself.
Having been blessed with so many friends of all stripes across the United States, I recognize the importance of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a faith community and a part of American society. I can imagine how weighty are the responsibilities of your service at the 219th General Assembly of the PC (USA).
It is in this vein, and in a spirit of friendship and genuine respect, that I write to you. It goes without saying that I would not normally comment on policy deliberations such as those at the General Assembly, but I am confident that you would appreciate direct and honest perspectives from someone impacted by particular such deliberations.
I know that, over recent years, your partners from the spectrum of the mainstream American Jewish community have shared their hope that prospective PC (USA) actions on the Arab-Israeli conflict would reflect a sensitive, nuanced and balanced approach, and avoid importing the tensions of the Middle East beyond the region.
I, too, would urge that you decline adopting materials and proposals that place inordinate blame on Israel for the conflict, without due appreciation for the extent of the physical threats – both rhetoric and deeds – that its people face. As much so, the singling out for censure or punitive measures of businesses engaged with one side to one complex conflict is highly counterproductive. Among the overtures before you is a call for divestment from such a company. The Middle East Study Committee report would also both call into question vital American aid to Israel while viewing positively, without stated qualification, the polemical "Kairos Palestine" document – which promotes a blanket "system of economic sanctions and boycott to be applied against Israel" alone. I do believe in economic sanctions, but when they are directed against democracies they are counter-productive.
For all its shortcomings, Israel is a democracy, and one well-known for extraordinarily robust political debate. However, narratives and activism that appear to target Israelis or exclude recognition of any of Israel's positive contributions to peace only make the people of my country, including the most progressive and moderate of us, feel isolated, insecure and less capable of encouraging the kinds of concessions and risks for peace that I have long strongly advocated.
I urge you to act for peace in a way that strengthens Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers alike.
B'nai B'rith International Applauds Senate And House Passage Of Iran Sanctions Act
B'nai B'rith International commends the U.S. Senate and House for passing historic and tough action that will place meaningful economic sanctions on the Iranian regime where it will hurt them the most.
The new measure targets Iran's refined petroleum sector and international financial institutions that do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard and with Iranian banks. These sanctions expand the multilateral sanctions approved by the United Nations and sanctions under discussion in the European Union.
B'nai B'rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin called the Congressional action "a powerful step toward thwarting the nuclear threat of the tyrannical regime in power in Iran. Because they represent the greatest threat to humanity today, it is essential that the world come together to prevent Iran from achieving its destructive nuclear ambitions."
B'nai B'rith has long advocated the imposition of strong and comprehensive sanctions against Iran. Mariaschin congratulated Congress for its action: "Your declaration that Iran must immediately cease its relentless drive toward becoming a nuclear power will serve as a strong warning to those institutions that would choose to do business with Iran that such a move will have serious economic consequences."
B'nai B'rith urges the president to sign the legislation into law quickly.
B'nai B'rith Calls For Release Of Israeli Soldier Gilad Shalit
Hamas Has Held Captured Soldier Since 2006; International Outrage is Focused Elsewhere
June 25 marks four years since Hamas terrorists captured Israeli then-corporal Gilad Shalit in an unprovoked cross border raid. He has been held captive ever since. Two other soldiers were killed in the 2006 attack. Though Shalit (promoted to staff sergeant during his captivity) was wounded, Hamas has denied him medical care and visits from humanitarian groups, an unacceptable violation of the Geneva Convention.
B'nai B'rith International is astonished that an incident such as the Gaza flotilla last month has garnered such international condemnation against Israel, while Shalit's mistreatment at the hands of terrorists receives scant attention. Shalit's family approached the Gaza flotilla leaders with a letter and small package to deliver to him. The flotilla, on a supposed humanitarian mission, refused. Delivering such items to the kidnapped soldier would have been in keeping with what was supposedly a humanitarian mission.
"The treatment of Gilad Shalit is an unacceptable affront to international laws and moral convention," B'nai B'rith President Dennis W. Glick said. "Kidnapped at 19, Shalit is being used by Hamas as a symbol and a pawn. His treatment is an affront to basic human rights."
It is beyond unfortunate, and a prime example of bias against Israel, that the international community has remained largely silent on the Shalit kidnapping.
The limited proof Hamas has provided about Shalit's condition includes a video of him released in October 2009—the first time he has been seen since he was captured.
"Four years of captivity with no humanitarian visits—that's beneath contempt," B'nai B'rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. "Such treatment should cast a harsh light on Hamas terrorists. To kidnap and hold an Israeli soldier all these years, not even allowing any international medical personnel to check on his health, is contemptible."
B'nai B'rith commends public efforts over the years to call attention to Shalit's situation. The cities of Miami, New Orleans, Paris, and Rome have each made Shalit an honorary citizen.
B'nai B'rith International Welcomes New U.S. Treasury And European Union Sanctions On Iran
B'nai B'rith International welcomes tough new sanctions against Iran announced by the U.S. Treasury department and the European Union.
In both cases, these new sanctions target businesses and industries that can directly aid Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.
"These new measures by the United States and the European Union, building on the recent United Nations-passed sanctions, are essential to the process of stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons," B'nai B'rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. "Targeting a broader range of Iran's business sector will help isolate Tehran."
The new sanctions are designed to close loopholes that have enabled Iran to continue to spin its centrifuges and conduct international business dealings related to its nuclear program, even in the face of sanctions. The United States has now added even more businesses to its list of those banned from having transactions with Iran. B'nai B'rith expects that private companies will avoid doing business with Iran for fear of violating these new regulations.
The European Union sanctions announced on June 17 will implement an updated set up of sanctions to help further isolate Tehran.
"These new regulations should make it that much harder for Tehran to make an end-run around existing sanctions," B'nai B'rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. "The adoption of new sanctions in the U.S. and in Europe should be seen as important steps in building what we hope will be efforts that are far more united than in the past to stop Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons."
The international community must give this issue the attention and urgency it deserves, and implement sanctions to the fullest extent possible. While the world has been discussing and debating sanctions, Iran has continued to develop nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them.
B'nai B'rith International Launches Command And Control Center In Israeli City Hard-Hit By Hezbollah Rockets
B'nai B'rith International is inaugurating a command and control center in the Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona to help the area deal with emergencies. President Dennis W. Glick will join Kiryat Shmona Deputy Mayor Amram Shachar on Friday, June 18, to launch the new facility.
The need for a system that would allow improved oversight in emergencies and enable enhanced response in the city, particularly in times of conflict but also in peace time, became painfully evident during the 2006 Second Lebanon War as Kiryat Shmona and the surrounding areas were hit by more than 4,000 rockets fired from Lebanon by Hezbollah.
"The people of Kiryat Shmona have endured more than most people could possibly imagine—rockets falling with little warning, running for shelter, and spending days inside in cramped bomb shelters," Glick said. "We are glad to be in a position to be able to bring a measure of normality to residents' lives."
Israel's largest defense company, Elbit Systems, built the civilian version of its advanced command and control systems in use by Israel Defense Forces and other armies.
B'nai B'rith International is supporting the initial phase of the project with funds raised during the Second Lebanon War. The system will integrate information from high-definition cameras and other sensors and will serve as a platform for further upgrades as additional funding becomes available. When completed, the system will be the most advanced civilian command and control center of its kind in Israel.
The B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem identified the project together with the Kiryat Shmona municipality three years ago as the flagship B'nai B'rith effort to assist the citizens of northern Israel following the considerable physical and emotional damage inflicted by the war.
Kiryat Shmona Director General Eli Cohen noted the importance of the project to his community: "Kiryat Shmona, which has suffered from rocket attacks from Lebanon for decades and is one of the most threatened cities in Israel, needs fast solutions in case of emergency. These will be provided by the highly advanced integrated system. The municipality and the residents of Kiryat Shmona are grateful to B'nai B'rith International, and its members and supporters for making this project possible."
To attend the opening of the center, or arrange interviews, contact World Center Director Alan Schneider,02-6251743, or 052-5536441, or e-mail: worldcenter@bnaibrith.org.
Jewish Organizations Need To Support Israeli Government Policies According To B'nai B'rith Survey Of Israeli Attitudes Toward World Jewry
A majority of Jewish residents of Israel (54 percent) believe that Jewish organizations that advocate for Israel with foreign governments and call themselves "pro-Israel" should always support the government's policies, while 28 percent do not, according to the fifth annual Survey of Contemporary Israeli Attitudes Toward World Jewry. The survey, conducted by KEEVOON Research, on behalf of the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem, reported statistics on current issues such as Israeli feelings toward Jews in the Diaspora.
The survey also found that 56 percent of adult Israeli Jews disagree with the "Call for Reason" petition issued by JCall, a European-based nonprofit advocacy group on the Middle East and Israel, stating that unequivocal support of Israeli government policies by the Jewish Diaspora is not in the best interests of the country, while 30 percent agree with it.
"The results of the survey were significant and demonstrated interesting insights into Israeli attitudes," World Center Director Alan Schneider said. "Whereas Israelis were divided on particular policy issues, especially those being put forth by Diaspora Jewish organizations, they believe that those organizations who lobby on behalf of what they believe to be best for Israel should support the elected government. They also believe that unwavering support of Israel is not detrimental to Israel's long term goals."
Nearly half (47 percent) of Israelis disagree with Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky's plans to eliminate Aliya as the main focus of the organization. Only 35 percent support his plan to shift the priority to building the Jewish identity of every Jew in his or her country.
While 55 percent of those polled believe that a two-state solution is essential to Israel's survival as the Jewish homeland and a thriving democracy, that group is almost evenly divided between those who agree strongly or only somewhat. Only 36 percent of Israelis disagreed.
Israelis questioned felt strongly that American Jews should criticize President Obama's policies toward Israel. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of them held this position, while only 12 percent felt American Jews should support their president's Israeli policies.
Other questions in the survey focused on the law of return and conversion, anti-Semitism, and the pursuit of settlements in the West Bank and Arab districts of East Jerusalem.
"The World Center takes this survey on contemporary Israeli opinion on the Diaspora seriously and believes its results are extremely valuable," World Center Chairman Haim V. Katz said.
The telephone survey was conducted June 1-4 and included representatives from the Jewish Israeli population over the age of 18. Five-hundred people were interviewed and there is a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percent.
The B'nai B'rith World Center is the permanent and official presence of B'nai B'rith International in Jerusalem and serves as its public affairs arm in Israel. To see a PowerPoint presentation on the full survey, please visit: http://www.bnaibrith.org/press_releases/annual_survey.cfm. For additional survey information, contact Alan Schneider at: 02-6251743 or 052-5536441; or e-mail: worldcenter@bnaibrith.org.
B'nai B'rith International Honors Colombian President With Its Highest Award
The premier B'nai B'rith International honor was presented on June 9 to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in Bogota. The Presidential Gold Medallion for Humanitarianism is awarded to only a select few recipients who practice outstanding leadership and service to their communities.
B'nai B'rith International President Dennis W. Glick presented the award to Uribe and praised his efforts to combat terrorism and promote democratic values, as well as his support of the Jewish community and Israel. He also praised Uribe's strong ethical and moral principles, through reference of the Jewish concept, "Pirke Avot."
"The Pirke Avot tells us 'Who is honored? He that honors mankind.'"Glick said at the award presentation. "It is a concept that says so much about why we are honoring you with this important award."
The event was attended by more than 200 people, including members of the local Jewish community, diplomats, government officials, and the press.
Uribe was humbled and grateful in accepting his award.
"We in Colombia care and love the Jewish fellow countrymen and women who have brought to this country strong will to work hard for all the society, great creativity and imagination, culture and education," Uribe said, "And I have a deep feeling of respect and admiration for Israel, a brave country always fighting for its rights and democracy. I feel deeply moved by this B'nai B'rith award but I receive it on behalf of the entire Colombian people."
As its latest recipient, Uribe joins select company honored with this prestigious award. Past winners include first Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion; fourth Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir; former U.S. Presidents Harry S. Truman and John F. Kennedy; former Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Fraser; and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"We are pleased to present President Uribe with this award as he joins the many important leaders who have earned this honor," B'nai B'rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. "While President Uribe is such a good friend of the Jewish community and Israel, his greatest trait is his courage to act on moral principles when it is not always popular."
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text:
1Design and development
2Operational history
4Operators
5Aircraft on display
5.1Australia
5.2Chile
5.3Cuba
5.4New Zealand
5.5United States
6Specifications (OS2U-3)
8.2Bibliography
Vought OS2U Kingfisher
Observation floatplane (in service 1938-59)
OS2U Kingfisher
Observation floatplane
Type of aircraft
1959 (Cuba)
Primary users
Royal Australian Air Force
Soviet Navy
Number built
The Vought OS2U Kingfisher is an American catapult-launched observation floatplane. It was a compact mid-wing monoplane, with a large central float and small stabilizing floats. Performance was modest because of its low-powered engine. The OS2U could also operate on fixed, wheeled, taildragger landing gear.
The OS2U was the main shipboard observation seaplane used by the United States Navy during World War II, and 1,519 of the aircraft were built. It served on battleships and cruisers of the US Navy, with the United States Marine Corps in Marine Scouting Squadron Three (VMS-3), with the United States Coast Guard at coastal air stations, at sea with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, and with the Soviet Navy. The Royal Australian Air Force also operated a few Kingfishers from shore bases.
The Naval Aircraft Factory OS2N was the designation of the OS2U-3 aircraft built by the Naval Aircraft Factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The OS2U first flew on 1 March 1938.
Design and development[edit]
In the late 1930s, Vought engineer Rex B. Beisel was tasked with designing an observation monoplane aircraft for the U.S. Navy suitable for many tasks, including directing battleship fire. In replacing the standard biplane observation aircraft with a more modern monoplane design, Beisel incorporated innovations making it the first production type to be assembled with spot welding, a process Vought and the Naval Aircraft Factory jointly developed to create a smooth fuselage that resisted buckling and generated less drag. Beisel also introduced high-lift devices, spoilers and in a unique arrangement, deflector plate flaps and drooping ailerons located on the trailing edge of the wing were deployed to increase the camber of the wing and thus create additional lift.[1]
For combat missions, the pilot had a .30-caliber Browning M1919 machine gun, the receiver mounted low in the right front cockpit, firing between the engine cylinder heads, while the radio operator/gunner manned another .30-caliber machine gun (or a pair) on a flexible Scarff ring mount. The aircraft could also carry two 100 lb bombs or two 325 lb depth charges.[1][2] Additionally, the "Kingfisher", as it was designated, served as a trainer in both its seaplane and landplane configurations.[3]
Aviation cadet in OS2U Kingfisher at the Naval Air Base, Corpus Christi, Texas
Beisel's first prototype flew in 1938, powered by an air-cooled, 450 hp Pratt & Whitney R-985-4 Wasp Junior radial engine.[1]
Operational history[edit]
Downed American airmen near Truk await rescue on the wings of an OS2U Kingfisher
The first 54 Kingfishers were delivered to the U.S. Navy beginning in August 1940 and six had been assigned to the Pearl Harbor-based Battle Force before the end of the same year. Many of the following 158 OS2U-2s were attached to flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, but 53 were assigned to equip the newly established Inshore Patrol Squadrons, based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. In 1942, nine more Inshore Patrol Squadrons were established, all exclusively equipped with OS2N-1s built by the Naval Aircraft Factory.[4]
The Kingfisher was widely used as a shipboard, catapult-launched scout plane on U.S. Navy battleships, heavy cruisers, and light cruisers during World War II and played a major role in support of shore bombardments and air-sea rescue. Two examples showing the plane's rescue capabilities include the recovery of World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker and his crew from the Pacific in November 1942[5] and Lieutenant John A. Burns' unique use of the aircraft on 30 April 1944 to taxi airmen rescued from Truk Lagoon to the submarine Tang, which was serving rescue duty near the atoll on that date. In all, LT Burns rescued 10 survivors on two trips[6] and was awarded the Navy Cross for his efforts.
The United States Coast Guard also received 76 OS2U-3 Kingfishers starting in 1942, under whom they engaged in anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search and rescue roles. No Coast Guard Kingfisher is credited with sinking any enemy submarines, however they were successful in rescuing sailors from ships sunk by enemy torpedoes. The Coast Guard operated Kingfishers until October, 1944.[2]
Australia received 18 Kingfishers from a batch of aircraft ordered by the Dutch East Indies that was diverted to Australia in 1942. They were initially used as training aircraft for pilots destined for flying boats, but in 1943, they were used to equip No. 107 Squadron RAAF, which carried out convoy escort duties until disbanded in October 1945.[7] One Kingfisher was used in support of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition in 1947–48.[8]
Throughout its U.S. Navy service, the OS2U and even its predecessor, the Curtiss SOC Seagull served much longer than planned, as the planned successor, the Curtiss SO3C Seamew, suffered from an insufficiently powerful engine which was a complete failure.[9] The OS2U was only slowly replaced in the latter stages of World War II with the introduction of the Curtiss SC Seahawk, the first examples reaching the U.S. Navy in October 1944.[10]
An OS2N-1 at the Naval Aircraft Factory, 1941.
XOS2U-1
Prototype Vought Model VS.310 powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-4 engine, one built.
OS2U-1
Initial production variant as the prototype but powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-48, 54 built.
Production variant with minor equipment changes and powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-50, 158 built.
Based on the OS2U-2 with self-sealing fuel tanks, armour protection, two .30 cal (7.62 mm) guns (dorsal and nose mounted), and able to carry 325 lb (147 kg) of depth charges or 100 lb (45 kg) bombs, powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN2 engine, 1006 built.
Two aircraft converted with narrow-chord and high-aspect ratio wings, also fitted with full-span flaps. Not developed.
OS2N-1
Naval Aircraft Factory built OS2U-3 with a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 or -AN-8 engine, 300 built.
Kingfisher I
British designation for the OS2U-3, 100 delivered to the Royal Navy.
Operators[edit]
An OS2U of 107 Sqn RAAF.
A Fleet Air Arm 778 NAS Kingfisher at Arbroath.
Cuban Vought-Sikorsky Kingfisher.
No. 107 Squadron RAAF
15 aircraft, operated 1942–1957.
Cuban Naval Aviation
Operated four aircraft between 1942 and 1959.
(Three aircraft)
Mexican Navy
Six aircraft, 201 Squadron.
24 aircraft, not delivered in time for hostilities.
Soviet Naval Aviation
2 aircraft on the ship USS Milwaukee (Murmansk)
Fleet Air Arm
Received 100 aircraft.
United States Coast Guard – the USCG operated 76 aircraft.[2]
Uruguayan Navy
Received six OS2U-3s in 1942 to 1959 under Lend Lease.[11]
Aircraft on display[edit]
Iowa launches (left) while Missouri recovers (right) Vought OS2U Kingfishers in 1944.
At least eight Kingfishers survive in collections of historic aircraft around the world:[12]
Australia[edit]
5985 – Whale World, Albany, Western Australia. It is waiting to be restored. Originally built for the Netherlands Navy in the Dutch East Indies, it was transferred to the RAAF in 1942, serving with Seaplane Training Flight (later 3 OTU) and 107 Sqn before being sold as war surplus in 1945.[13] Now with Pioneer Aero Ardmore New Zealand for restoration, see below.
Chile[edit]
5925 – Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio, Santiago.[14]
Cuba[edit]
bureau number unknown (marked #50) – Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolución), Havana, Cuba. It is fitted with fixed landing gear rather than a float.[15]
New Zealand[edit]
5985 – Pioneer Aero, Auckland, New Zealand. Currently undergoing restoration. Originally built for Netherlands Navy in Dutch East Indies, it was transferred to the RAAF in 1942, serving with Seaplane Training Flight (later 3 OTU) and 107 Sqn before being sold as war surplus in 1945.[16]
5982- Pioneer Aero, Auckland, New Zealand. Currently in Storage for future restoration.
United States[edit]
1368 (marked #60, painted as 0951) – Obtained years ago from Mexico, this aircraft was previously displayed aboard the battleship Alabama and is now displayed inside the aircraft pavilion adjacent to the battleship in Mobile, Alabama. The building and the aircraft sustained some damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.[17]
5909 – Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, DC.[18]
Kingfisher donated by Lynn Garrison to North Carolina Battleship Commission
5926 – National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola, Florida. It was one of six OS2U-3 Kingfishers that were transferred by Lend-Lease to the National Navy of Uruguay during World War II. This aircraft operated as a seaplane until 1958 and was obtained in 1971.[19]
Lynn Garrison salvaged Vought Kingfisher from Calvert Island, British Columbia, February, 1965
3073, (marked #8 based on assigned air group) – is on board the battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, NC. With the assistance of a Royal Canadian Air Force Piasecki helicopter, Lynn Garrison salvaged this Kingfisher from Calvert Island (British Columbia), during the winter of 1963. It crashed there on a ferry flight to Alaska during World War II. It was initially restored for display by volunteers at Vought Aeronautics in Grand Prairie, TX[20]
bureau number unknown – in storage at the Yanks Air Museum, Chino, California.[21][22]
Specifications (OS2U-3)[edit]
OS2U Kingfisher at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Data from Jane's Fighting aircraft of World War II[23]
Length: 33 ft 7.2 in (10.241 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 10.7 in (10.940 m)
Height: 14 ft 8 in (4.47 m)
Wing area: 261.9 sq ft (24.33 m2)
Airfoil: root: NACA 23015; tip: NACA 23009[24]
Empty weight: 3,335 lb (1,513 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
Fuel capacity: 144 US gal (120 imp gal; 545 l) in an integral wing tank
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN2 Wasp Junior 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 450 hp (340 kW) for take-off
400 hp (298 kW) at 5,000 ft (1,524 m)
Propellers: 2-bladed Hamilton Standard constant-speed propeller
Maximum speed: 171 mph (275 km/h, 149 kn) at 5,000 ft (1,524 m)
Cruise speed: 152 mph (245 km/h, 132 kn) with 75% power at 6,000 ft (1,829 m)
Landing speed: 55 mph (48 kn; 89 km/h)
Range: 908 mi (1,461 km, 789 nmi) with 75% power at 6,000 ft (1,829 m)
Service ceiling: 18,200 ft (5,500 m)
Rate of climb: 960 ft/min (4.9 m/s) at 4,000 ft (1,219 m)
Wing loading: 19 lb/sq ft (93 kg/m2)
Power/mass: 0.08 hp/lb (0.13 kW/kg)
Guns: 1 fixed, forward firing .30 in (7.62 mm) M1919 Browning machine gun with 500 rounds and 1 .30 in (7.62 mm) M1919 Browning machine gun with 600 rounds, flexibly mounted for the observer.
Bombs: 650 lb (295 kg) of bombs or depth charges.[2]
Aviation portal
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List of aircraft of World War II
^ a b c Noles, James Jr "Old, slow and ugly." Archived 2008-09-07 at the Wayback Machine Air and Space, February/March 2005, p. 66.
^ a b c d "Vought OS2U-2 / 3 "Kingfisher"". Coast Guard Aviation Association. United States Coast Guard Aviation History. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
^ Hickman 2010, p. 59.
^ Bowers 1990, p. 447.
^ Doll and Jackson 1975, pp. 122–123
^ Doll and Jackson 1975, pp.123, 127.
^ Vincent 1998, pp. 54–59.
^ Steinemann Air International February 1992, p. 73.
^ "Vought OS2U (Kingfisher)." Archived 2012-04-03 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Enthusiast Corner. Retrieved: 12 January 2011.
^ "OS2U-3 Kingfisher/5985 in Australia." airliners.net. Retrieved: 12 January 2011.
^ "OS2U-3 Kingfisher/5925 in Chile" (in Spanish language). Archived 2008-06-17 at the Wayback Machine museoaeronautico.cl. Retrieved: 12 January 2011.
^ "OS2U-3 Kingfisher/Unknown in Cuba." airliners.net. Retrieved: 12 January 2011.
^ [1] http://www.pioneeraero.co.nz/. Archived 2017-04-06 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved: 5 April 2017.
^ "OS2U-3 Kingfisher/1368." Archived 2012-09-04 at the Wayback Machine USS Alabama Museum. Retrieved: 13 June 2012.
^ "OS2U-3 Kingfisher/5909." Archived 2011-04-02 at the Wayback Machine NASM. Retrieved: 12 January 2011.
^ "OS2U-3 Kingfisher/5926." National Museum of Naval Aviation. Retrieved: 12 January 2011.
^ "OS2U-3 Kingfisher/Unknown at USS North Carolina." Archived 2011-01-12 at the Wayback Machine and sent to the battleship in 1971. The 2018 restoration of the Kingfisher was managed by a Wilmington resident and the Carolina Chapter of the Flight Deck Veterans Group (http://www.fdvg.org/single-post/2018/02/08/FDVG-Strikes-Again-with-Operation-Restoration-USS-North-Carolina). Archived 2011-01-12 at the Wayback Machine USS North Carolina. Retrieved: 12 January 2011.
^ [2] Yanks Air Museum – Vought OS2U-3 Kingfisher. Retrieved: 6 October 2018.
^ [3] Aerial Visuals - Airframe Dossier Retrieved: 6 October 2018.
^ Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1989). Jane's Fighting aircraft of World War II (1995 ed.). New York: Military Press. p. 214. ISBN 0517679647.
^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
Bibliography[edit]
Adcock, Al. OS2U Kingfisher in Action (Aircraft in Action No. 119). Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc., 1991. ISBN 0-89747-270-5.
Bowers, Peter M. United States Navy Aircraft since 1911. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1990, pp. 447–448. ISBN 0-87021-792-5.
Doll, Thomas E., and B.R. Jackson. "Vought-Sikorsky OS2U Kingfisher". Aircraft in Profile, Volume 14. Windsor, Berkshire, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1974, pp. 113–136. ISBN 0-85383-023-1.
Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng, eds. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002, ISBN 0-7607-3432-1.
Hickman, Patrick M. The Aircraft Collection. Pensacola, Florida: The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc., 2010.
Pattison, Barry. Kingfisher in the Antipodes. Glen Waverly, Victoria 3150, Australia: Red Roo Model Publications, 1998.
Steinemann, Peter. "Protector of the Plate". Air International, Vol. 42, No. 2, February 1992. pp. 73–78. ISSN 0306-5634.
Sturtivant, Ray and M. Burrow. Fleet Air Arm Aircraft: 1939 to 1945. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air Britain (Historians) Ltd, 1995. ISBN 0-85130-232-7.
Vincent, David. "Kangaroo Kingfishers". Air Enthusiast, No. 77, September/October 1998. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing. pp. 54–62. ISSN 0143-5450.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vought OS2U Kingfisher.
Wainwright, Marshall. "Kingfisher goes to war" Air Classics, June 2004.
"Slingshot Planes" Popular Science, May 1943 also page 62 of the same article
NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive Vought OS2U Kingfisher
Vought, Vought-Sikorsky, and LTV Aerospace aircraft
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100 (II)
VE-7/VE-8/VE-9
VE-11
V-141
XF2U
F8U/F-8
XF8U-3
V-505/V-507
Scout / Attack
OS2U
XSO2U
SB2U
XSB3U
XTBU
XQM-93
Unbuilt
XS2U
XWU
Corsair Junior
F4U/AU
A-7 (II)
Crusader (I/II)
Crusader III
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USN observation aircraft designations, pre-1962
O2C
Huff-Daland
Berliner-Joyce
Loening
O2L
O3M
Naval Aircraft Factory
O2N
Pennsylvania Aircraft
Observation Scout
OSN
OS2N
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Australian Defence Force aircraft serial-number prefixes
Italics indicate prefixes not used.
RAAF Series One
A1 DH.9A
A2 S.E.5
A3 504
A4 Pup
A5 Wapiti
A6 DH.9
A7 Cirrus Moth
A8 DH.50A
A9 Seagull
A10 IIID
A11 Southampton
A12 Bulldog
RAAF Series Two
A68 (I)
A68 (II)
RAN Series1
N1 Firefly
N2 Dakota
N3 Gannet
N4 Sea Venom
N5 Sycamore
N6 Vampire
N7 Wessex
N8 Scout
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N10 Quail
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N13 Skyhawk
N14 MB-326
N15 HS 748
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RAAF Series Three
Tri-Service series
A1 Sioux
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A7 MB-326
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A35 F-35A Lightning II
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A40/N40 MRH-90
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N42 A109E
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A44 F/A-18F Super Hornet
A45 Heron
A46 EA-18G Growler
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N48 MH-60R Seahawk
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N52 EC135 T2+
A53 1900C
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Aircraft of the RAAF
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1 Prior to adoption of Tri-Service prefixes.
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Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vought_OS2U_Kingfisher&oldid=1135945398"
Vought aircraft
1930s United States military reconnaissance aircraft
Single-engined tractor aircraft
Carrier-based aircraft
Naval Aircraft Factory aircraft
World War II reconnaissance aircraft of the United States
Low-wing aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1938

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A Mass Effect game was teased at The Game Awards 2020, here's what we know
The Game Awards 2020 went on for about as long as a Peter Jackson film, but there was plenty to see tonight including a new Mass Effect trailer. Although the footage was nothing more than a teaser for things to come, we can do a little speculation and round up the details we know from the months prior. First things first though, let's break down this trailer.
The trailer leads in to a miniaturized model of the universe with Morgan Freeman giving a…. no, not this time. Instead, we hear some faint dialogue from different voice actors as we traverse the expanses of space and observe the vibrant nebulas and system clusters that the game famously depicts via star charts. Soft, atmospheric music plays on as the voices recollect the symbolic feats of humanity's journey into the stars. Some of the mentions sound relevant to actual history, while others are clearly lore from the Mass Effect universe. The iconic sounds of Reaper weaponry can also be heard while the camera drifts through space station wreckage.
The trailer finally culminates with a shot of a lone explorer traversing a harsh and frigid landscape. A snowstorm mercilessly rages around the figure, but they carry on to find something buried and forgotten in the desolation. Something significant. The character kneels down to recover a fragment of a very familiar helmet with N7 badging printed on the side. That's got to belong to our boy Shepard, right? It's hard to say, but judging by the subsequent face reveal of the explorer, it might. The character is an Asari, and who else could it be besides Liara T'soni? She then looks towards the horizon where a small freighter awaits her. That's it though.
Time to let our imaginations run wild
In truth, EA didn't do much to reveal Mass Effect or any other new projects during The Game Awards 2020. Therefore we can only speculate in this case, but we won't go too far down the rabbit hole. The first detail we may consider is the lead in to the game. It seems to recollect humanity's first trip into the stars and references the First Contact War. That was a brief conflict between humanity and Turians, and featured the voice of Colonel Anderson. This could suggest a prequel, or just a recollection.
However, it's also possible at this time that the narrative pushes into post-Reaper War territory seeing as Liara appears to be searching for Shepard. Their relationship of course didn't exist until the events of Mass Effect 1, so this could tell a personal story of the aftermath. The last theory is less revolutionary, but sure to please most fans. We know that a remaster of the trilogy is coming, and this could have simply been a first look at some of the updated graphics. It's just too hard to say, but in the words of EA, "Mass Effect will continue." Whatever that means.
Time for some facts
We didn't see any clues of events related to Andromeda in this trailer though, so it's likely this game will relate to the original trilogy. Bioware went on record in the past to say it wasn't done with the Andromeda trilogy, though, so we will just have to wait and see. In a recent piece of news, Bioware Studio Manger Casey Hudson stated that the team was working on "the next chapter of the Mass Effect universe." Hudson and Bioware Executive Producer Mark Darrah then abruptly departed from the company, which is certainly unsettling. It makes the timing of this trailer seem like an attempt to reassure fans that Mass Effect is still alive. Losing some of the original creative talent behind the series is never good for business or fans though.
At the very least, we can look forward to the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition trilogy remaster confirmed for a spring 2021 release. Details on that project are equally scarce, but we'll be sure to let you know when the full reveal takes place.
Read More: A Mass Effect game was teased at The Game Awards 2020, here's what we know
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Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8: Is the Series Returning on NBC?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8 Updates: The series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" is an American web TV series. The entire series was based on the genre of comedy, police procedural, and sitcom drama.
This series was created by two members and includes Dan Goor and Michael Schur. The music of this series was composed by Dan Marocco.
There were two networks in this series and they include Fox and NBC. This series had good reviews from the audience. There were already 7 seasons in this series and each episode runs up to 21 minutes.
The Cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8
There was a huge production team for this series and some of the producers include Marshall Boone, Norm Hiscock, Matt Nodella, Andy Samberg, Neil Campbell, Matt Lawton, Cortney Carrillo, Richard H. prince, Evan Susser, Van Robichaux, Carol Kolb, Phil Augusta Jackson, and Sierra Ornelas Miller. I am sure the same production team will return for the second season. Let us discuss the release date and all information about this series.
There were so many starring characters in this series and some of the starring characters include Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta, Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz, Terry Crews as Terry Jeffords, Melissa Fumero as Amy Santigo, Joe Lo Truglio as Charles Boyle, Chelesa Peretti as Gina Linetti, Andre Braugher as Raymond Holt, Dirk Blocker as Michael Hitchcock, Joel McKinnon Miller as Norm Scully, etc.
Image Source: Deadline
The story of this series follows so many detectives and they work hard to find the criminals. There some special detectives to maintain some of the main criminal cases.
The entire team was very confident to solves criminal cases and the entire story was narrated in an active manner. One of the main detectives played his role in an interesting manner and he was named Jake Peralta.
Jake Peralta is the only one to solve all the main cases. He had solved various criminal cases with his mastermind and so these series become a good review for all of the audience. The entire story continues in an interesting manner.
There was the biggest question among the fan clubs and it was all about the release date. The very first season was released on September 17, 2013.
The release date was delayed for this series and the eighth season will be revealed soon. Due to the COVID-19, the release date was delayed for this series.
Stay tuned to discover some more new information about this series and keep on watch our daily news.
Tags: Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8 ArriveBrooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8 CastBrooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8 PlotBrooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8 PremiereBrooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8 Release Datestorylines of this show


The ZTE BLADE is runnning Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread), comes with a 3,89 inches (9,87 cm) touchscreen display with a resolution of 800x480, and is powered by ARMv6-compatible processor rev 5 (v6l). The RAM measures at 420 MB. The ZTE BLADE packs 162 MB of internal storage and supports expendable storage of up to 0 MB (Removable).


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Romance of Persia Iranlife Tour (17 Days)
Intended destinations: Tehran, Shiraz, Abarkuh, Yazd, Meybod, Nain, Varzaneh, Isfahan, Golpayegan, Hamadan, Kangavar, Kermanshah, Oramanat Takht, Sanandaj, Takab, Zanjan, Soltaniyeh, Rudbar, Manjil, Gazorkhan, Tehran
On this tour, you will visit the west of Iran, the birthplace of some of the most beautiful Persian love stories, such as Shirin and Farhad. You will enjoy great historical works of art including traditional music, group dancing, unique handicrafts, and delicious foods. Moreover, you will visit the unique tourist attractions in major cities of the country. The unforgettable experiences and happy memories from this tour will have a special place in your heart and a valuable chapter in the novel of your life.
As with all Iran Life Tours, your guide will lead you into circumstances in which you will have the opportunity to interact in everyday situations with the kind and hospitable people of the areas you visit. Hence it makes your trip to Iran much more exciting than you could have expected.
Arrive in Tehran, visit Tehran, fly to Shiraz
Sightseeing: The National Museum of Iran, Golestan Palace, Bazaar, National Jewelry Museum,
Upon your pre-dawn arrival at Tehran airport, our representative carrying our show card (transfer information) will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our morning tour of Tehran begins. To avoid heavy traffic, taking the subway is the best way to visit Tehran. We take the subway and charter taxis so that we make most of the day and visit as many sites as possible. We begin the day early morning with a trip to the National Museum of Iran; an institution formed of two complexes; the Museum of Ancient Iran which was opened in 1937, and the Museum of the Islamic Era which was opened in 1972. It hosts historical monuments dating back through preserved ancient and medieval Iranian antiquities, including pottery vessels, metal objects, textile remains, and some rare books and coins. We will see the "evolution of mankind" through the marvelous display of historic relics.
Next on the list is visiting the Golestan Palace, the former royal Qajar complex in Iran's capital city, Tehran. It is one of the oldest historic monuments of world heritage status belonging to a group of royal buildings that were once enclosed within the mud-thatched walls of Tehran's Arg (citadel). It consists of gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Then we go for a walk through bazaar. Bazaar, in Iran, is the economic life of the country. Moreover, social relations are formed here and a fairly wide range of people get the chance to socialize more. It is also a logical place for political parties to rule their own policies. Soon after we go to have lunch.
Our Tehran excursion will end at the priceless National Jewelry Museum where we will visit a world of jewels, one of which includes one of the two greatest diamonds; Darya-e-Noor (sea of light).Afterwards we will transfer to the airport for the flight to Shiraz.
Visit Shiraz
Sightseeing: Karim Khan Palace, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Saraye Moshir, Nasir Almolk Mosque, the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh, Jahan Nama Garden, Eram Garden, and the tomb of Khajoy-e-Kermani
Shiraz has a reputation for being an enlightened city that has been at the cultural heartland of Iran for more than 2,000 years. It had once been the country's capital.
Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture, and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan Palace, the splendid Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saraye Moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, and the Nasir Almolk Mosque. Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants in Shiraz.
This gorgeous city is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi, and historical sites from different eras dating back to 6,000 years ago can be found. Hafez is one of the great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Saadi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of tourism. He travelled to different countries and cities about seven centuries ago. Then he collected all his experiences in verse and rhyme prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to the tombs of these great poets.
In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. We will take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally we will visit the Eram Garden and the tomb of Khajoy-e-Kermani from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will remain in our mind.
An excursion to Persepolis & Necropolis, visit Shiraz (the ancient historical-cultural heritage of Sang-e-sia District)
Sightseeing: Persepolis, Necropolis, Sang-e-sia District, Bibidokhtaran, Mirhadi Mosque, Moshir Mosque, the tomb of Sibooyeh, Niayesh traditional chain hotels
In the morning, we first pay a visit to Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a showplace and a spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowruz.
The second place we stop by is Necropolis. Opposite Mount Rahmat, ten minutes to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid periods.
Then we return to the hotel and get some rest. In the evening, we take a walking tour of the historical and cultural district of Sang-e-sia (black stone), visit the shrine of Bibidokhtaran with its unique architecture which is a sample of the well-known Dome of Soltaniyeh in Zanjan (the third largest dome in the world after the domes of Florence Cathedral and Hagia Sophia, its importance in the Muslim world may be compared to that of Brunelleschi's cupola for Christian architecture.), visit the historical cypress in Mirhadi Mosque, visit Moshir Mosque and walk past an Armenian church (as a Christian, you may get the chance to pay a visit if you ask for), visit the tomb of Sibooyeh, visit Niayesh traditional chain hotels which include the historical houses of Moayedi, Mostafavi, and Nematollahi. You will see the evolution of the Iranian architecture from 200 years ago to the Qajar era and the present time. You will get to know some elements of the architecture in the interior decoration of the ancient Pahlavi houses such as backyard, courtyard, and chambers around the courtyard, guesthouse, pool, shahneshin, orsi, panjdari, and gushvareh. We will make our day by having Shirazi dinner and drink at Delgosha restaurant.
Drive to Abarkuh, visit Pasargadae on the way
Sightseeing: Pasargadae, Abarkuh (the ancient living cypress tree, Icehouse, Gonbad-e Aali, Nizamiyeh School, desert)
Today we leave Shiraz for Abarkuh in the morning. On the way, we will stop by Pasargadae which was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire in ancient Persia under Cyrus the Great who had issued its construction (559–530 BC). We will visit the most majestic monuments there of which the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the great founder of the Achaemanid Empire, is the oldest. The wonderful architecture of the tomb and the huge fertile land over there inspire the visitors. It was the worshiping place for the followers of several religions and is today an archaeological site and one of Iran's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Afterwards we continue all the way to Abarkuh, a historical city located at an altitude of 1510 meters. We will visit an ancient living cypress tree (4500 years old) in Abarkuh. Old trees in any region are the symbol of archaism and tell the truth that appropriate weather and nice conditions are quite helpful to lead a long life. Abarkuh Icehouse is the next attraction to which we will pay a visit. Icehouses are buildings used to store ice throughout the year, commonly used prior to the invention of the refrigerator. Some were underground chambers, usually man-made, close to natural sources of winter ice such as freshwater lakes, but many were buildings with various types of insulation. Then we will visit Gonbad-e Aali (Aali Dome) which is the oldest structure remained in the town since 11th century, Dailamite period. It is one of the earliest tomb towers in Iran located on top of a hill just at the outskirt of the town. The last place we will stop by in the day is the Nizamiyyah School, which is one of a group of the medieval institutions of higher education established by Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk in the eleventh century in Iran. The name nizamiyyah derives from his name. Founded at the beginning of the Seljuk Empire, these Sunni Islam theological schools are considered to be the model of later Islamic religious schools. Finally we will make an evening excursion to the desert and stay overnight in Abarkuh.
Visit Yazd
Sightseeing:Zoroastrian Towers of Silence & Fire Temple, Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Yazd Water Museum, Jame Mosque, Old City, Alexander's Prison, Dowlatabad Garden, confectionary and handicraft workshops
Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world which is surrounded by the 4000m summit of Shirkooh and two majestic deserts of Iran, Dasht-e-Kavir and Kavir-e-Lut. This ancient city is furnished with mosques of stunning beauty. The co-existence of the splendid fire temples and the holy sites of different religions astonish every visitor.
Today's tour begins with visiting Zoroastrian Towers of Silence; circular raised structures built by Zoroastrians for excarnation (for dead bodies to be exposed to carrion birds), and Fire Temple; the place of worship for Zoroastrians. Next, we will visit Amir Chakhmaq Complex; a prominent structure noted for its symmetrical sunken alcoves.It is a mosque located on a square of the same name. It also contains a caravanserai, a tekyeh (a place where Shiite gather for mourning of Muharram), a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionery. Then we head for Yazd Water Museum. This 124- year-old Museum displays the tool, techniques used for the past 4000 years in Iran in creating underground waterways (called qanats) and connecting them to the city and field locations for agricultural and other uses. Yazd water museum was set up in 2000 in the wake of the first international conference on qanat in Yazd. The museum building has once been a merchant's house built in 1929. Two qanats are running beneath the museum at different levels, which are reachable through a special stairway called Payab. This museum has put on display a variety of water objects from qanat to water ownership documents. The museum is one of the best tourist destinations in Yazd, which receive hundreds of visitors every day. Afterwards we pay a visit to the Jame Mosque, the old city of Yazd, the 15th-century domed school known as Alexander's Prison because of a reference to this apparently dastardly place in a Hafez poem. Whether the deep well in the middle of its courtyard was in fact built by Alexander the Great and used as a dungeon seems doubtful, no matter what the guide says. The building is worth a look for the small display on the old city of Yazd, but mostly the fee covers access to a warren of craft workshops.
Then we move on to Dowlatabad Garden; an authentic Iranian garden that annually attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. This is a complex built according to the original Iranian architectural style and consists of a large garden and some buildings. Finally we pay a visit to confectionary and handicraft workshops.
Drive to Isfahan, visit Meybod, Nain & Varzaneh on the way
Sightseeing: Narin Castle in Meybod, abaya-weaving workshop in Nain, Jame Mosque in Varzaneh
Today we leave Yazd for Isfahan (around 300 kms) at 8 in the morning. On the way, first we will visit Maybod; an ancient city that goes back to pre-Islamic arena and is the home to many ancient points of interests. It was the capital of Iran during the Mozaffarid period. Mozaffari kingdom originated from Meybod where the first king was born. One of the oldest castles in Iran is Narin Castle in Meybod, which dates from the Sasanid. It is one of the most important relics of the province dating back to the period before the advent of Islam to Iran, and has been recorded as one of the national buildings. This ancient castle has been constructed on the top of Galeen hill and overlooks the city.
Then we drive to the beautiful city of Nain. More than 3,000 years ago, the Persian learned how to construct aqueducts underground (qanat in Persiankariz) to bring water from the mountains to the plains. In the 1960s this ancient system provided more than 70 percent of the water used in Iran. Nain is one of the best places in all the world to see these qanats functioning. We will stop by an abaya-weaving workshop in Nain. The abaya "cloak", sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment covering the whole body except the head, feet, and hands, worn by clergymen and some women in parts of the Muslim World.
In the end, we move to Varzaneh which is famous regionally and all over the world for its spectacular desert having the highest sandy dunes. Here we will pay a visit to Jame Mosque of Varzaneh, go for a walk along the river, have lunch in a local house, and finally hit the road to Isfahan.
Visit Isfahan
Sightseeing: Imam Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Ali Qapu, Chehel Sotoun, Hasht Behesht, Bazaar
Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmoures or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled "Half the World".
Today we start our tour with the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square.
Then we pay a visit to the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and finally visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where we can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. We stay overnight in Isfahan.
Visit Isfahan, drive to Golpayegan
Sightseeing: Jame' Mosque, Vank Cathedral, Menar Jonban, Si-o-seh pol, Gouged Stronghold
Isfahan's Jame' Mosque holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident.
Then we will visit Vank Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Afterwards, we will stop by Menar Jonban; the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges.
Our day will conclude with a visit to Allahverdi Khan Bridge popularly known as Si-o-seh pol; the bridge of thirty-three spans. It is one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design and the longest bridge on the Zayanderud (the largest river of the Iranian Plateau in central Iran) with the total length of 297.76 meters. We leave for Golpayegan in the afternoon. We will visit Gouged stronghold and stay overnight there. In the peace time, the stronghold was used as a caravansary, but during the war time or when the bandits attacked, it was used as a castle. At present, the stronghold is used as a traditional three star hotel. The Gouged stronghold is one of the biggest adobe and mud structure in Iran. It was built approximately 400 years ago. The only document related to this structure dates back to 140 years ago.
Drive to Hamadan, visit Ali-Sadr Cave&
Sightseeing: Ali-Sadr Cave
Today we leave Golpayegan for Hamadan in the morning. Upon our arrival in Hamadan around noon, we have lunch and soon after hit the road (about 100 kilometers north of Hamadan) to stop by the amazing Ali-Sadr Cave, the world's largest water cave which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Excavations and archeological studies of the cave have led to the discovery of ancient artworks, jugs and pitchers dating back to 12,000 years ago. Animals, hunting scenes and bows and arrows are depicted on the walls and passages of the exit section. These images suggest primitive man used the cave as their abode. The cave was known during the reign of Darius I (521-485 BC) which can be verified by an old inscription at the entrance of the tunnel. However, the knowledge of the existence of the 70-million-year-old cave was lost, and it was only rediscovered in 1963 by Iranian mountaineers. Because of the cave's proximity to large cities such as Hamadan, it is a highly recommended destination for tourists from all corners of the world. You can have a tour of the cave by sitting in a boat and watching the view. In the summer of 2001, a German/British expedition surveyed the cave, finding to be 11 kilometers long. The main chamber of the cave is 100 meters by 50 meters and 40 meters high.
The cave walls can extend up to 40 meters high, and it contains several large, deep lakes. The cave has a river flowing through it and most travel through the cave system is done by boat. More than 11 kilometers of the cave's water canals have been discovered so far. Some routes are 10 to 11 kilometers long and all lead to "The Island", a centrally located large atrium. At the end of the day, we drive back to Hamadan and stay overnight there.
Visit Hamadan
Sightseeing: the tomb ofEsteroo Mord Khay, Ganj Nameh, Avicenna Mausoleum, Hegmatane Archeological Palace, Gonbad-e Alavian, is the tomb of Baba Taher
Hamadan is believed to be among the oldest Iranian cities. It is possible that it was occupied by the Assyrians in 1100 BCE; the Ancient Greek historian, Herodotus, states that it was the capital of the Medes, around 700 BCE. Hamadan has a green mountainous area in the foothills of the 3,574-meter Alvand Mountain, in the Midwest part of Iran. The special nature of this old city and its historic sites attract a good number of tourists during the summer. The main symbols of this city are the Ganj Nameh inscription, the Avicenna monument and the Baba Taher monument. The majority of the population is Persian; however, there is a considerable Azerbaijani minority.
Today we begin with a visit to Esteroo Mord Khay (Ester and Mord Khay) Tomb. Located in the city center, the structure has been constructed of brick and stone. This is the tomb of Ester the Queen of Shoosh (the wife of Khashayar Shah of Iran). Mordecai (Mord Khay) was her uncle. The structure was originally constructed about 11 centuries ago in order to pay homage to these two personalities. There is a probability that the current structure has been built on the original site in the 7th century AH. This vicinity is a place for pilgrimage by the Jewish sect, and is also held in respect by Moslems.
The second place we stop by is Ganj Nameh (literally: Treasure epistle), an ancient inscription, 5 km south-west of Hamadan, on the side of Alvand Mountain in Iran. The inscriptions were carved in granite in two sections. The one on the left was ordered by Darius the Great (521-485 BC) and the one on the right by Xerxes the Great (485-65 BC). Both sections were carved in three ancient languages: Old Persian, Neo-Babylonian and Neo-Elamite. The inscriptions start with praise of the Zoroastrian God (Ahura Mazda) and describe the lineage and deeds of the mentioned kings.
Then we pay a visit to the Avicenna Mausoleum. Dedicated to the Iranian polymath Avicenna, the complex includes a library, a small museum, and a spindle-shaped tower inspired by the Ziyarid-era Kavus Tower. We pay tribute to Avicenna by visiting his tomb. He was a Muslim Persian physician and philosopher who wrote almost 450 treatises on a wide range of subjects, of which around 240 have survived. In particular, 150 of his surviving treatises concentrate on philosophy and 40 of them concentrate on medicine.
Afterwards we go on to visit Hegmatane Archeological Palace dating back to the 6th century BC. The said structure is from the times of the Medes. 'Kiyakesar Madi' and 'Nabopolasar Baboli' were responsible for its construction in the year 614 BC. The decorative pieces used in this palace were ransom from earlier battles. The famous Greek historian has mentioned this palace in his records. In latest archeological excavations many discoveries related to the Achaemenian period have been found.
The next fascinating site will be Gonbad-e Alavian, one of the best masterpieces in architecture and stucco work after Islam in Hamadan. This dome is related to the end of Seljuk in the 6th century which was first built by Alavian clan as a mosque. In the other eras because of cellar in the underground, it was changed to the tomb of that clan. On the exterior, it resembles the Gonbad-e Sorkh of Maragheh.
Our final site to visit in Hamadan is the tomb of Baba Taher which is located in a park, surrounded by flowers and winding paths. Baba Taher is known as one of the most revered and respectable early poets in Iranian literature. He was known by the name of Baba Taher-e Oryan (The Naked), which suggests that he might have been a wandering dervish. His poetry has touched many souls.
Drive to Kermanshah, visit Kangavar & Bistoon on the way, visit Kermanshah
Sightseeing: Kangavar, Bistoon, Taq-e Bostan (The Garden Arch)
Today we leave Hamadan for Kermanshah. On the way, we will have a stop in Kangavar. In the small town of Kangavar, ruins of a majestic historic site start to appear by the roadside. Kangavar was mentioned by the Greek geographer Isidore of Charax in the first century AD, as Konkobar in the ancient province of Egbatana; its name may be derived from the Avestan Kanha-vara, 'enclosure of Kanha'. The site is known as the Temple of Anahita, built by an Achaemenian Emperor, 404 BC to 359 BC. This temple was built in honor of 'Ardevisur Anahita', the female guardian angel of the waters. Architecture of this temple coincides with palaces and temples built during the Achaemenian period, 550 BC to 330 BC, in western Iran. From Kermanshah the road runs along the bottom of a fine velvety fawn colored cliff.
The next place we stop by on the way is Bistoon which clusters around a source nearby a vertical rock wall. The carvings at Bistoon are set high in the rock facing by an important trade route for all travellers to see. The site is 30km from Kermanshah city near the village of Bistoon.
Then we head for Kermanshah which was one of the cities for recreation during the Sassanid era. It has a moderate and mountainous climate. The province has a rich Paleolithic heritage. Many caves with Paleolithic remains have been surveyed or excavated there. Some of these cave sites are located in Bistoon and north of Kermanshah. There is only one vestige to which we will pay a visit; the remarkable Taq-e Bostan (The Garden Arch). It is a group of rock sculptures, several of them protected by a porch roof which forms a grotto. Motifs date back to the great Sassanid period (3rd century A.D. until Islam). We stay overnight in Kermanshah.
Drive to Oramanat Takht
Sightseeing: Oramanat Takht Village, The tomb of Peer Shahriar Urami
Today we leave Kermanshah for Oramanat Takht village. The Oramanat Takht Village is one of the attractive rural areas of Kurdestan which besides its panoramic views has valuable tourism capacities because of the annual performance of an ancient and wonderful ceremony of Peer Shahriar. The Sirvan River flows in the deep valleys of this region and enter Iraq. Here the lands are covered with walnut, pomegranate, fig and mulberry trees.
The tombs of Peer Shahriar Urami, writer of the book Acquaintance of Peer Shahriar are one of the creditable pilgrimage sites of the people, which was a Zoroastrian celestial before the advent of Islam. Stay overnight in Oraman Takht village.
Drive to Sanandaj, visit Zarivar Lake on the way, visit Sanandaj
Sightseeing: Zarivar Lake, Old Bazaars of Sanandaj, Hajar Khatoon Mosque
Today we leave Oramanat for Sanandaj. On the way, we will stop by Zarivar Lake, a lake in the Zagros Mountains, within Kurdistan Province around 3 kilometers west of Marivan. It has a length of 5 km (3.1 mi) and a maximum width of 1.6 km (0.99 mi). The lake's water is fresh and has a maximum depth of 6 meters (20 ft.). Zarivar Lake is a major touristic attraction in the region. There is a great deal of folklore about the origins of this lake amongst the Kurdish people of the area.
Then we continue the way to the beautiful city of Sanandaj. Sanandaj is the capital of Kurdistan province. The economy of Sanandaj is based upon the production of carpets, processing hides and skins, milling rice, refining sugar, woodworking, cotton weaving, metalware and cutlery.
For sightseeing, we will visit Old Bazaars of Sanandaj and Hajar Khatoon Mosque which is architecturally a unique and ancient Muslim mosque (now a tourist destination) in the city. Hajar Khatoon Mosque was built more than hundred years ago by Haj Sheikh Shokrollah who was a very prominent Sunni cleric or Sheikh in that region. We stay overnight in Sanandaj.
Drive to Zanjan, visit Takab on the way
Sightseeing: Takht-e Soleyman Complex, Anahita Temple
Today we drive to Zanjan which lies 298 km north-west of Tehran on the main highway to Tabriz and Turkey and approximately 125 km from the Caspian Sea. It is a strategic city that connects Iran's central plateau to Azerbaijan region. Dating back to the Sassanid era, it used to be one of Iran's major centers in the illkhanate era. Zanjan is known for its beautiful handicrafts such as knives, traditional sandals, called charoogh, and malileh, a handcraft made with silver wires. Zanjani artists make many things like various decorative dishes and their special covers as well as silver jewelry. In ancient times, Zanjan was known for its stainless and sharp knives. Many villagers today are traditional carpet weavers, perhaps Zanjan's most popular handicraft.
We will visit Takab on our way to Zanjan. It is an ancient city and a major economic center for the Medes, ancient Iranian people who lived in an area known as Media (northwestern Iran) and who spoke the Median language.
World Heritage Sites of Takht-e Soleymān known as Azar Goshnasp (the Fire of the Warrior Kings) and Zendan-e Soleyman (Prison of Solomon) lie very near the present-day town of Takab. The complex includes a natural lake, the remains of a Zoroastrian fire temple eulogizing water and fire built during the Sassanid period and partially rebuilt during the Ilkhanid period, Anahita Temple, chartaqi (four arches); an architectural unit consisted of four barrel vaults and a dome, and a royal palace to which we will pay a visit. These ancient monuments portray the glory of the region in the ancient times. We stay overnight in Zanjan.
Drive to Ghazvin, visit Soltaniyeh
Sightseeing: Soltaniyeh Complex
Today we hit the road to Ghazvin and take an excursion to Soltaniyeh, located 240 kilometers (150 mi) to the north-west of Tehran. It was built as the capital of Mongol Ilkhanid rulers of Iran in the 14th century. Its name refers to the Islamic ruler title 'Sultan'. In 2005, UNESCO listed Soltaniyeh as one of the World Heritage Sites. The city flourished in Öljaitü period in which it was rebuilt and for this reason lots of artists, craftsmen, and merchants were summoned to cooperate. The central magnet of Soltaniyeh's several ruins is the Mausoleum of Ilkhan Öljeitü traditionally known as the Dome of Soltaniyeh. The structure, erected from 1302 to 1312 AD, has the oldest double-shell dome in Iran. Its importance in the Muslim world may be compared to that of Brunelleschi's cupola for Christian architecture. The Dome of Soltaniyeh paved the way for more daring Iranian-style cupola constructions in the Muslim world, such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi and the Taj Mahal. Much of its exterior decoration has been lost, but the interior retains superb mosaics, faience, and murals. People have described the architecture of the building as "anticipating the Taj Mahal." Visiting the dome, you will get to know part of the historic glory of the region.
Drive to Tehran, visit Alamoot Castle on the way
Sightseeing: Alamoot Castle
Today we leave for Tehran. On the way, we will pay a visit to the historic monument of Alamoot Castle near Ghazvin. Alamut was a mountain fortress located in Alamut region in the South Caspian province of Daylam near the Rudbar region in Persia. The origins of the Alamut fortress can be traced back to the Justanid ruler Vahsudan who chose the site for the construction of a fortress. Alamut remained under Justanid control until the arrival of the Ismaili chief da'i (missionary) Hasan-i Sabbah to the castle in 1090 AD, marking the start of the Alamut period in Ismaili history. Between 1090 and 1256 AD, under the leadership of Hasan-i Sabbah, Alamut became the site of intense activity for the Shi'a Nizari Ismai'lis, functioning as the headquarters of their state, which consisted of a series of unconnected strategic strongholds scattered throughout Persia and Syria, surrounded by huge swathes of hostile territory (the Seljuq Empire). In 1256, Ruknu-d-Dīn Khurshāh surrendered the fortress to the invading Mongols, and its famous library holdings were destroyed. Sources on the history and thought of the Ismailis in this period are therefore lacking and the majority extant are written by their detractors. After the Mongol destruction, the castle was of only regional significance, passing through the hands of various local powers. Today, it lies in ruins, but because of its historical significance, it is being developed by the Iranian government as a tourist destination. We go on to arrive in Tehran and stay overnight in Tehran.
Visit Tehran, depart from Iran
Sightseeing: Carpet Museum, Sa'ad Abad Complex, Reza Abbasi Museum, Milad Tower, Nature Bridge (by choice, at an extra cost)
Today we get an early start to visit the Carpet Museum which houses more than 100 spectacular pieces from all over Iran. Here we will get a chance to see a variety of Persian hand-woven carpets and rugs. We will also be given an insight into the history of these carpets.
Then we pay a visit to Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense area of 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces two of which we will visit. The complex was first built and inhabited by Qajar monarchs in the 19th century. After an expansion of the compounds, Reza Shah of the Pahlavi Dynasty lived there in the 1920s, and his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, moved there in the 1970s. After the 1979 Revolution, the complex became a museum. It will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on us. Soon after we go to have lunch; a tasty Iranian dish in a traditional restaurant.
Afterwards we stop by the Reza Abbasi Museum located in Seyed Khandan. The museum was named after Reza Abbasi; one of the artists in the Safavid period. It is home to a unique collection of Persian art dating back to the second millennium BC, from both the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras.
Finally we make a visit to Milad Tower; the sixth-tallest tower in the world standing at 435 meters from the base to the tip of the antenna (if it is open). At night we can take a tour of the Nature Bridge by choice (at an extra cost). It is the largest pedestrian overpass built in Iran. The 270-metre (890 ft.) bridge connects two public parks—Taleghani Park and Abo-Atash Park—by spanning Shahid Modarres Avenue, one of the main highways in northern Tehran.
What comes last is our transfer to IKA and depart from Iran, the land of history, culture, nature, beauty and hospitality, of which you will have fond memories forever. (In "Romance of Persia", we didn't consider it necessary to book a hotel for this night. On request, we can book the hotel at IKA for some hours or a whole night in accordance with your departure time).
Tour Services:
1. 17-day tour with an experienced English-speaking guide
2. 17 nights stay in 2&3-star hotels
4. Domestic flights
5. Breakfasts and lunches
6. All entrance fees
7. Invitation letter for Iranian visa
8. Arrival and departure transfer
9. Special offers
Our web tour prices are for each person in DBL room. The SNG supplement is 20% of the total tour.
The differences of 3 versions of our tours are as below:
We do not have Iranlife tour anymore.
Economy tour only includes 2* hotels with breakfast and English speaking driver (basic English) and invitation letter of Iran visa and domestic flight if available in the tour.
Nothing more is included in our economy tours.
American, British and Canadian cannot choose this economy version because in this version there is no guide and these nationalities need to have guide to book the tour and apply for visa.
In Standard tours hotels are 3*/4*.
in Luxury tours hotels are the best options in each city (mostly 4*/5* except in cities that has no 4*/5*).
Iran Spas
timetable Persian Gulf (12 Days)
For Emergency Calls
Tehran Laleh Hotel
Picking Pomegranate
Mashhad Tehran Hotel
Romance of Persia Tour (17 Days)


Venue: International Convention Center (No.2727, Binjiang Avenue, Shanghai).
Steel market in 2016 is out of all our expectation, only goes as Mr. Wu Wenzhang expected. In 2016, steel mills enjoyed profits with steel prices recovered and picked up; coal mines stood out all of a sudden; iron ore price also rallied up slightly. After the price rally, steelmakers and traders mostly work on meeting domestic demand, while monthly export remains at about 8 million tons. Where will steel prices go in 2017? How about Chinese steelmakers' export plans in 2017?
To ease Chinese overcapacity situation, some steel mills seek ways to transfer capacity to abroad, or let steel "go out" with infrastructure construction projects by One Belt & One Road. Will capacity and facilities transfer work out on relieving China's supply pressure?
In 2016, Chinese government has made some progress in resolving excess steel capacity. Some regions have accomplished the elimination task ahead of schedule. Will the government continue to cut capacity or accelerate industry acquisition and reorganization in 2017?
Welcome to join XIII Steel Development Strategy Conference, all questions will be solved.
What Can You Do During Your April 2017 Trip?


The New Zealand e-commerce industry is dominated by small local businesses that relate to customers at a personal level. For long these local e-commerce businesses have been able to reign the marketplace based on customer loyalty, and preference to support local businesses.
However, in recent years the giant multinational e-commerce businesses have challenged the supremacy of these small businesses, offering better bargains to gain customers. The financial might of these international e-commerce giants enable them to outplay local businesses with competitive pricing, and promotional discounts. This has, in turn, compelled local businesses to up the ante for their own services and as a first step they are looking to overhaul their websites and that's what we will be discussing in this article.
What's the best way to get professional web development services in Auckland?
Well, to be brutally honest, DIY web development projects aren't going to take your local business website anywhere. Your best bet is to hire some professional web development Auckland agency that has been in the field for some years and that understands local market trends.
What's the benefit of local web development Auckland agency?
The biggest benefit of going with a local web development Auckland agency is that you will be working with professionals who aren't just competent in developing robust, and reliable websites, but are also familiar with local market trends. Understanding the business trends of local markets is an irreplaceable trait that can't be matched by any offshore web development company.
How to find the right web development Auckland agency?
Ok, so you are now looking for a professional web development company in Auckland. Going with a local company will surely serve your interest well in long runs. Below we will be discussing two key considerations that will help you choose the right web development Auckland agency for your local business.
The first thing that you should look out is the working experience of any web development company. Why? Well, because website development is an extremely evolving field and newer trends are always emerging in the industry. A company that has been in the industry for some time will be equipped with the right tools, and gears to offer you a robust, and reliable web development services. Most small businesses make the mistake of hiring an amateur freelance web developer with zero experience working in the professional field. Now, this might come with a more affordable price tag than professional agencies, however, the newbie won't be able to understand and design the right structure for your website and there might be many bugs in your structure. Thereby, your best bet is to secure services of a professional web development Auckland agency who has done such jobs over and over again.
Another key consideration in selecting the right web development Auckland agency is to hire a company that's offering other integrated services as well. Ok, by integrated services we are referring to services like website design, and search engine optimization. Web design and SEO are two important aspects of any e-commerce website and a company who offer these services will surely be able to comprehend the obligations in these aspects as well.


Believe it or not, since we got back from our world travel adventures, we have been asked for more tips and suggestions for visiting Berlin than anywhere else we went. I reckon I've sent my travel notes to at least ten people in the last couple of months, so I figured that I'd post a quick Berlin travel guide based on our time spent exploring the city.
Nestled along the Danube, just an hour from Vienna, is Bratislava. One of the smallest and, in our opinion, most perfectly formed capital cities in Europe.
Frankfurt is well known as the financial heart not just of Germany but of the EU, and as such isn't always seen as a tourist hot spot. Most travellers to Germany tend to gravitate towards cities like Munich, Berlin and Cologne or nature hot spots like Kromlauer National Park or the Alps.


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