Visiting the Maginot Line: Relic of World War II Sep 1, 2009
Although not technically part of the Maginot Line, a similar line of fortifications was built along France's border with Italy from the Swiss Alps all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea. Set amid the breathtaking Alpine landscape, several of those forts also are open to the public. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Cricket legends take game to new heights Aug 23, 2009
Grand Raid battled up and down the Swiss Alps ... ch that thousands of competitors on Saturday had to grind their way up and down a searing 5,430 vertical metres of spectacular terrain along some of the toughest paths through the Alps ... ch: Where did this rather crazy idea come from to organise a mountain bike race of more than 120km through the Alps. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
How wellbeing might sound Aug 20, 2009
"Sound is a shelter from negative influences, so we sing prayers on the Alps, to shelter the Alps," said Roth. Sound is a shelter from negative influences. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
Tourism industry casts eye to the future Aug 20, 2009
CSIRO principal research scientist Kevin Hennessy used climate change modelling to predict what may be in store by 2020, 2050 and 2070 for top destinations Kakadu, Cairns, the Blue Mountains and the Victorian Alps. Hotter temperatures, more intense rain but less rainfall, more severe cyclones, less snowfall, an increased fire danger and more frequent coral bleaching were all in the mix, Mr Hennessy said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Why More Autumn Leaves Are Red In America And Yellow In Europe: New Theory Aug 18, 2009
In Europe, on the other hand, the mountains the Alps and their lateral branches reach from east to west, and therefore no protected areas were created. Many tree species that did not survive the severe cold died, and with them the insects that depended on them for survival. (Science Daily)
Battle scars and baseball: Book's reluctant subject opens up Aug 18, 2009
Book signing What: Lou Brissie signing copies of "The Corporal was a Pitcher: The Courage of Lou Brissie" When: 1 p.m. Saturday Where: Borders Books, 196 Alps Road Call: (706) 583-8647 ... " Brissie will visit Athens at 1 p.m. Saturday to autograph copies of "The Corporal was a Pitcher" at Borders on Alps Road. Brissie admits that the promotional work he's been doing on the book has prevented him from actually reading it. "I read a lot of the preliminaries, but I haven't sat down to read the... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Large dinosaur tracks found high in the Alps Aug 17, 2009
Researchers working high in the Alps of canton Graubnden have uncovered the highest and largest dinosaur tracks of their kind, a find 205-210 million years old ... Geological forces over millions of years folded the land into the Alps and took the tracks with them ... The Jura mountains on the opposite side of the country have yielded thousands of fossilised dinosaur tracks in the past, but the rolling chain of peaks is considerably lower than the Alps. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
Mountain Biking Holidays in Morzine... Aug 17, 2009
Enjoy Mountain Bike Riding in the French Alps Portes du Soleil Area ... Les Gets has the most extensive Singletrack and Downhill mountain biking in the Alps, with many permanent man-made Downhill courses and Freeride cyclo cross and enduro tracks for all levels of rider. (Suite101.com)
New Heart Helped Woman Reach New Peaks Aug 16, 2009
The 5-foot-2, 100-pound Perkins was an active woman who loved the outdoors before she became ill with a racing heartbeat following a trip to the Swiss Alps in 1992. Doctors determined that a virus had infected her heart. (CBS News)
Book explores boy's pain after accidental shooting Aug 16, 2009
99) When: 2 p.m. Aug. 30 Where: Borders, 196 Alps Rd. Cost: Free Call: (706) 583-8647. It's a cold November morning in rural Georgia, and Daniel Sartain would much rather be at home. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Obituaries in the news Aug 13, 2009
Cassin died at his home in Piani Resinelli, a hamlet north of Milan at the foot of the Alps, his climbing equipment company said. The cause of death was not announced. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Riccardo Cassin, 100, pioneer on ascents of mountains Aug 13, 2009
Mr. Cassin died Aug. 6 at his home in Piani Resinelli, a hamlet north of Milan at the foot of the Alps, his climbing equipment company said. The cause of death was not announced. (Boston Globe)
Pioneering climber dead at 100 Aug 13, 2009
Riccardo Cassin, credited with a hundred first ascents from Alaska to the Himalayas, died last Thursday at his home in Piani Resinelli, a town north of Milan at the foot of the Alps ... "He took the techniques he learned in the Alps and went to the Alaska Range with them. He really pushed the standards. ". (Anchorage Daily News)
Lars Anderson Aug 11, 2009
I've been skiing the Rockies in Colorado since I was 10 and I've made several trips to Canada, but I've never slid down the Swiss Alps. Specifically, I want to hit the Matterhorn, one of the most beautiful mountains anywhere. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Europe's highest vineyard spins heads Aug 10, 2009
"Heida loosens on 00004000 e's tongue and assists one in reaching a blissful frame of mind," he wrote in his "Monograph from the Swiss Alps". In addition, "locals appear to be able to handle the wine better than outsiders", swissinfo. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
‘Last of His Kind’ recounts life of mountaineer Bradford Washburn Aug 9, 2009
We think of him atop some peak in the Alps or Alaska, or in the bend of a glacier, or holding a flag in a snowfield, or occasionally in his office atop the Boston Museum of Science, a man half mountaineer and half myth, a figure from the recent past but really a pathfinder from another age. Bradford Washburn was one of the Magellans of the mountains, one of those whose deeds in the high altitudes were no less daring and courageous than those of the explorers and commanders of the high seas. (Boston Globe)
Smith: Vive la French hospitals, nurses Aug 8, 2009
After a glorious week in the French Alps, even an unfortunate experience only served to heighten my appreciation for the French. Driving home late at night after dinner, my friend Francois remembers that he nodded off. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Charlemagne: Milky mess Aug 7, 2009
But French milk production is well below the ceiling set by the quotas, thanks to national rules that hobble production in dairy-friendly spots like Normandy, while helping pretty but unproductive regions such as the Alps. None of this stops French farmers from rioting for the preservation of the milk quotas just as they did when the EU introduced them in 1984. (The Economist)
Vanishing Bolivian Glacier Ends Highest Ski Run, Threatens La Paz's Water Aug 6, 2009
From the Andes to the Alps, glaciers have retreated for 18 years, and twice as fast as a decade ago, says the University of Zurichs World Glacier Monitoring Service. Worrisome to city planners is that as Bolivias glaciers recede, the landlocked Andean nations water supplies grow more at risk -- a trend that may spread throughout South America and elsewhere as glacial melting is accelerating at a quicker pace than a United Nations forecast of just two years ago. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Putting Switzerland on record Aug 5, 2009
And yet it's difficult not to feel pleased if you live in Switzerland to hear that there are more mountains in the Swiss Alps over 4,000 metres than anywhere else in Europe, or that the Aletsch glacier is the continent's longest. Over the next months, swissinfo. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
News Analysis: New NATO chief has mountains to climb Aug 4, 2009
To relax, Anders Fogh Rasmussen likes nothing better than to cycle up some of the toughest peaks in the French Alps. In his first day of the office, the secretary general set himself some new mountains to climb. (Xinhuanet, China)
Opinion: Contador defied everyone, including Lance Aug 1, 2009
On each occasion, be it on the slopes of the Pyrenees in Andorra or up the final climb to Verbier in the Swiss Alps, they came with stunning efficiency. On each occasion he only needed to stab once. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Snow in the summer caps-off trip of firsts out west Jul 30, 2009
I was 15 years old and on a trip to the Alps in Grindelwald, Switzerland. It was June 17, 1987. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Budget Geneva: Dips in the lake, free concerts Jul 30, 2009
From there on a clear day you can look across the lake to the white peak of Mont Blanc, at 15,780 feet the highest mountain in the Alps ... 75 (4 francs) and overlook the city toward the Alps and the Jura mountains. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
JUST AMONG FRIENDS Jul 30, 2009
The journey continued to the scenic towns of Lugano and Lucerne, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, where they ascended Mt. Pilatus via the steepest cogwheel train in the world ... Bill says the Alps are spectacular, but after two weeks of European cuisine and scenery, his favorite food and best views are still to be found at Cabin 616A at the Neshoba County Fair. (Philadelphia Neshoba Democrat, MS)
The Alps Meet the Rockies at Breckenridge's Annual Oktoberfest Jul 30, 2009
The quaint town of Breckenridge brings the feel of the Alps to the Rockies with an authentic Oktoberfest celebration in a charming mountain setting. In true Bavarian spirit, the Brewmaster's Dinner on Friday evening kicks off the weekend's festivities. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Ex-Tour teammates exchange barbs Jul 29, 2009
While Armstrong briefly held a slight edge over the Spaniard in the first week, Contador proved too strong in the mountains and was able to pull away for a decisive edge in the Alps. On a few occasions, Armstrong questioned Contador's tactics during the race, saying they went against the good of the team. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Contador's reign on Tour expected to last Jul 28, 2009
Even after securing the yellow jersey in the Alps, Contador was confronted by his team for his tactical choices. Asked Sunday on French TV what the hardest moment in this race, Contador said: "It was in the hotel.". (FindLaw News)
Contador's reign just beginning, Armstrong says Jul 28, 2009
"Well, he's that good and he's not that old, so you can do the math,'' said Armstrong, who was bested by his Astana teammate's devastating attacks in the mountains and power in the time trials. Back to competition this season after 3 1/2 years of retirement, the Texan quickly realized he wouldn't be able to unsettle Contador on the road and challenged him mentally. Armstrong criticized his teammate's strategy following the first mountain stage in the Pyrenees, hinting that the Spaniard was... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Contador wins; Armstrong third Jul 28, 2009
The race looped from Monaco, across the Mediterranean rim into Spain, up the Pyrenees, diagonally across central and northeastern France to the Alps, and then down to Saturday s race climax on the dreaded Mont Ventoux in southeast France before the Paris finish. Schleck was 4:11 seconds behind. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Zermatt Resort provides Swiss Alps ... Jul 28, 2009
Zermatt Resort provides Swiss Alps Experience. Zermatt Resort provides Swiss Alps Experience ... The town of Midway, Utah, was settled by Swiss immigrants who thought the mountains looked like the Alps. (Suite101.com)
Second Tour title for Contador as Armstrong finishes third Jul 27, 2009
Armstrong stayed in contention for almost two weeks but he discovered his limits in the Alps and in the final time trial in Annecy, which Contador won. It was the ninth Tour title for Astana s Belgian team manager Johan Bruyneel, who masterminded Armstrong s seven victories on the three-week race. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Contador crowned Tour de France champion Jul 27, 2009
Contador, 26, finished the 21st and final stage into Paris wearing the yellow jersey he claimed back on stage 15 at Verbier in the Swiss Alps ... After some thrilling stages in the Alps, where Schleck proved his only worthy rival, Contador continued to dominate before ending any doubts over his superiority by defiantly winning the second time trial. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Bad Weather Activities in Chamonix ... Jul 26, 2009
Top 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Summer in the French Alps. For action seeking holiday makers; wet weather activities should be calculated into vacation plans. (Suite101.com)
Stage is set for Contador Jul 25, 2009
The Spaniard leads Luxembourg s Andy Schleck by 4 minutes 11 seconds and Astana teammate Lance Armstrong by 5:21 heading into the last big stage - the 104-mile ride today from Montelimar to a punishing finish up Mont Ventoux in the Alps. It s really hard. (Boston Globe)
Trail cairns can help, but can also be confusing Jul 24, 2009
"That's confusing," says Leon Nelson, 74, an avid hiker who specializes in the Trinity Alps in Northern California. A retired Redding dentist, he's been backpacking for 60 years. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
The new old Lance is more fun to watch Jul 24, 2009
The only thing bigger than the Alps in the Tour de France is Lance Armstrong's ego. Whether he can channel his ambition to his advantage or whether it will prove to be his undoing - and his team's - will be the most fascinating psychological drama of the race. (Fresno Bee)
Be the king of the mountain, Anderson urges Cadel Jul 23, 2009
Evans's (Silence-Lotto) overall ambitions for this year's Tour ended in Alps in the 159km 16th stage from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice that was won by Spaniard Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi) ... "I am out of it. I'm out the race for the podium at least or a place that is worthy of it,'' the Victorian said after. Because of his setback in the first two days of Alps, Anderson said it would probably take several days for Evans to be back at full strength again. He said while Thursday's 18th... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Steady progress from Contador Jul 23, 2009
LE GRAND-BORNAND, France - Alberto Contador closed in on victory at the Tour de France yesterday after finishing second behind Frank Schleck in the 17th stage as the race left the Alps. Lance Armstrong trailed by more than two minutes and fell from second to fourth place overall in the 105-mile ride from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand - seen by many as the toughest stage this year. (Boston Globe)
Armstrong to step up if Contador has bad Tour day Jul 23, 2009
Armstrong, speaking after the 16th stage in the Alps, stressed he doesn t expect that to happen and only a big shake-up would allow for such a scenario ... Armstrong says he s feeling better on his bike than he did during Sunday s entree into the Alps, when Contador dusted him and the entire pack on the ride up to the Swiss ski station of Verbier. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Spaniard holds off Schlecks to keep yellow jersey Jul 23, 2009
The Spaniard spoiled the brothers party by sticking with them in the last two of five climbs on the final stage in the Alps, strengthening his overall lead with four days left in the race. Alberto has now won the Tour, his Astana team chief Alain Gallopin told reporters on the finish line. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Contador moves closer to Tour victory Jul 23, 2009
LE-GRAND-BORNAND, France - Alberto Contador closed in on victory at the Tour de France Wednesday after finishing second behind Frank Schleck in the 17th stage as the race left the Alps. Lance Armstrong trailed by more than 2 minutes and fell from second to fourth place overall in the 105-mile ride from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand - seen by many as the toughest stage this year. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Texan has muscle, plan Jul 22, 2009
Armstrong, speaking with The Associated Press after the 16th stage in the Alps, stressed he doesn't expect that to happen and that only a "big shake-up" would allow for such a scenario ... Stage: A 99-mile ride in the Alps from Martigny, Switzerland, to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France, featuring two punishing climbs, the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard and the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard ... This stage is regarded as the most difficult in the Alps this year. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Ecuador: Small Wonder Jul 22, 2009
It's a crazy amalgam of a landscape, with the gentle greens of the English countryside, the tall saplings of the Pacific Northwest, the high lush meadows full of Holsteins seemingly plucked from the Alps. But the odd combination of the occasional palm tree and a volcano gives a clue to where we really are. (Concierge.com)
Washington holds out on legal-status screenings for license seekers Jul 21, 2009
Rosey Glasses wrote on Jul 20, 2009 5:13 PM:" theonlyjuan? First off, I have a lot of respect for the Native Americans, however, your ansestors on the east coast not only welcomed the pilgrims with open arms, they helped them survive those first years. Then many of the western coastal tribes did the same for Lewis & Clark. You have no one to blame but your (and some of my) ansestors. My family came here from Ireland and the Beer mountains of the Alps, they breed with your ansestors. I am so sick... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Contador wins, Lance drifts back Jul 21, 2009
As the three-week race entered the Alps, the 26-year-old Spaniard recovered the celebrated shirt that he hadn t worn since his Tour victory in 2007 ... Sunday s ride was the first of three stages in the Alps, and the only one of those with an uphill finish. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
* Tour de France: Ivanov wins stage after solo attack Jul 20, 2009
HELPING HAND: Thanks to some help from the Garmin team, AG2R were able to keep Rinaldo Nocentini in the yellow jersey ahead of the three stages in the Alps AFP , BESANCON, FRANCE Monday, Jul 20, 2009, Page 18 ... With Nocentini expected to lose the jersey on the first day of three in the Alps, it left Ivanov as arguably the days only winner. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Contador takes control of Tour Jul 20, 2009
Stage: A 129-mile trek in the Alps between Pontarlier and Verbier, Switzerland ... 9-mile ride in the Alps between Martigny, Switzerland, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France ... As the three-week race entered the Alps, the 26-year-old Spaniard recovered the celebrated shirt that he hadn't worn since his Tour victory in 2007. (Athens Banner-Herald)
My worst day: Cadel Evans Jul 20, 2009
Photos The Tour de France hits the Alps as Alberto Contador claims the yellow jersey. As the Tour moves into the Alps, Dan and Scott from Ozcycling ... Video Alberto Contador claims yellow with a crushing display of power in the Alps on Stage 15 of the Tour de France. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Garmin's Australian boss fends off conspiracy theories Jul 20, 2009
Photos The Tour de France hits the Alps as Alberto Contador claims the yellow jersey ... Video Alberto Contador claims yellow with a crushing display of power in the Alps on Stage 15 of the Tour de France ... And with the French Alps to come, that risks seeing them left without friends or teams willing to help their two riders high up in the overall placings - Bradley Wiggins and Christian Vande Velde - improve their places. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Spectator killed at Tour de France Jul 19, 2009
Spectator killed in cycling's Tour de France - CNN.com. Spectator killed in cycling's Tour de France. (CNN -- Law)
Tour de France: U.S. team takes heat for race conduct Jul 19, 2009
Sentiment aside, Hincapie in yellow would have meant that his powerful Columbia team would take on the tough job of protecting the race lead in today's 15th stage -- the first ride in the Alps and a likely pivot point for the overall race standings ... He isn't expected to fare as well as Contador and Armstrong in the Alps or in a critical individual time trial in and near Annecy in Thursday's Stage 18. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Cycling: Haussler wins as Lance stays third Jul 18, 2009
Sunday sees a mountain top finish at Verbier in the Swiss Alps and a likely showdown between Armstrong and Contador. Share this on. (CNN -- International)
Haussler claims stage win Jul 18, 2009
" Spaniard Amets Txurruka of the Euskaltel team was second, at just over four minutes behind, while Frenchman Brice Feillu of Agritubel was third at 6:13. The peloton with all the main favourites, and current yellow jersey wearer Rinaldo Nocentini, arrived 6min 43sec behind Haussler. Nocentini, who has now spent a week in the race lead, still has a six and eight second lead on Astana's race favourites Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong. With Saturday's 14th stage set for a possible sprint... (iAfrica.com)
Tour could be decided Sunday Jul 18, 2009
Alps stage will reveal who's top climber Lance, Contador or someone else ... With a week of rolling stages between the end of the Pyrenees and the beginning of the Alps today, there were some big unknowns about the true condition of the yellow jersey contenders. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Pope Benedict XVI Leaves Hospital After Breaking Wrist Jul 18, 2009
While John Paul liked to hike, Benedict spends most of his time inside the chalet that looks out on Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. Among adults over 65, falls are the leading cause of deaths caused by injuries. (Fox News)
Rogers defeats pain - now for his breakaway Jul 17, 2009
Everyone wants to be there, but I will have a go for sure," Rogers said after Wednesday's 192km 11th stage from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau in which British teammate Mark Cavendish won his fourth stage in a bunch sprint. If Rogers can't get in a breakaway, he hopes to at least be able to assist the revelation of his US team, German Tour rookie Tony Martin, who was seventh overall at 1:00 to Nocentini going into Thursday's 12th stage. Martin, 24, has potential but his team will not pressure him to... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Leipheimer escapes spill with sore wrist Jul 17, 2009
Sunday's ride into the Swiss Alps certainly will. "We are approaching the really hard stages," Astana's Alberto Contador said. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
After flat Stage 12, riders looking to stretch legs in mountains Jul 17, 2009
"Some might say he is five or six minutes behind and his race is finished, but if he gains back time, he has the Alps, and then if he is close enough on the (Mont) Ventoux, he could present a problem.". Armstrong briefly looked to be in trouble after about 37 miles on Thursday, when he had to pull over to let his Astana team repair a puncture in his back wheel. (USA Today -- Sports)
Armstrong wary of Vosges stage, storms forecast Jul 17, 2009
BEIJING, July 17 -- Seven times Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong warned that today's 13th stage in the Vosges mountains would be much more than just a foretaste of the Alps ... The Vosges, at the Franco-German border, provide usually less grueling climbs than the Alps but the stage from Vittel to Colmar, in the wine region of Alsace, includes five hills and a category one ascent, the Platzerwasel ... "You have to watch all the rivals, even someone like (Russian Denis) Menchov. "Some might... (Xinhuanet, China)
Evans finds new barrier to overcome: on his back Jul 17, 2009
FOR the overall Tour de France contenders, it was to have been a "transition stage" for the battle to come in the mountains of the Vosges and Alps. But the 11th stage of the Tour through the Loire Valley from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau became one of the most hazardous for Australian Cadel Evans, who had an inflatable promotional arch fall on top of him 15 kilometres into the 192km stage, which was won in a bunch sprint by Briton Mark Cavendish (Columbia). (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Bold Evans can win with surprise attacks, says French great Jul 16, 2009
Evans' next real chances to make time are in the mountains of the Vosges on Friday's 13th stage, and then the Alps from Sunday to next Wednesday. "Nothing is certain. He could get in a very good breakaway and gain a number of places," he said when asked if Evans' winning hopes were over. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Winter Resort Jobs Jul 16, 2009
From Finland to Switzerland , from the French, Italian and Austrian Alps to Canada, tourists and seasonal workers alike flock to winter destinations over the Christmas holidays and sometimes beyond. Winter tourism and hospitality offer several diverse positions for people interested in working in the international circuit that comes together at the world s foremost skiing destinations. (Suite101.com)
Armstrong Riding 3rd in Return to Tour Jul 15, 2009
The punishing climbs through the Alps, where Armstrong is known to triumph, are still to come next week. Those mountains will determine whether the phenomenal story of Lance Armstrong is over. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Alps ahead, but Evans can't see past Astana Jul 14, 2009
au/news/sport/tourdefrance/alps-ahead-but-evans-cant-see-past-astana/2009/07/14/1247337108823. htmlsmh. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
