Coalfinger!!!

Take a look at Greenpeace's latest campaign to stop new coal-fired power stations which energy companies around the world are forging ahead with plans for, despite the drastic effect on the climate.

There are plans the world over for even more coal-fired power plants. The British government is reviewing plans for the first coal-fired power station in 30 years at Kingsnorth in Kent, with another seven in the pipeline behind that. India has plans to build another 73 coal plants in the next 10 years. Germany utilities are planning 27 new coal plants, six of which have already been stopped by environmental campaigns.

And it doesn't stop there, the US is literally blowing the tops off of mountains to get at thin seams of coal which has damaged or destroyed about 1200 miles of streams. There are plans on the drawing board to build over 150 new coal plants in the US in the next few years, but 63 of these have already been stopped by environmental groups and people like you.

In Australia, it's the same story, there are only six weeks to convince Prime Minister Rudd to stop the planned billion dollar handouts to coal power generators.

For much more information on this, and to see how you could get involved, visit coalfinger.com

Golf Fanatics Heading to Turkey

With Turkey being awarded "Best Golf Destination in Europe 2008" there is no surprise that golf fanatics are heading to Turkey to experience high quality golf courses. With 300 days of sunshine, Turkey is now a hotspot for those wanting to improve their game as well as enjoying the wonderful views that Turkey has to offer. Vita Park in Bodrum was the first golf resort in Turkey and continues to provide a fantastic golf experience.
Close to Vita Park is the innovative FlipFlops development, which is situated, in the stunning village of Gulluk. This is an ideal location for those golf enthusiasts wanting to live a life of sun, sea and golf! As FlipFlops is such a popular development there are now only a few remaining apartments available with prices starting at £51,950. For further information click here.

Bayram Festival This Week

This week sees Bayram in Turkey. Otherwise known as Seker Bayram, or the Sugar Festival, Bayram is a three-day holiday where sweets are eaten to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims.

Many have been fasting for the last month leading up to the celebrations only eating and drinking before the morning call and after sunset. Over the next few days’ new outfits will be worn and traditionally younger family members will visit their elders bringing deserts, chocolates and candles. Copious amounts of food will be devoured after the previous controlled fasts and similar to Halloween in the UK; Turkish children will knock at other houses to receive sweets and gifts.

The festival is a favorite with children and when you visit Turkish friends or encounter children during Seker Bayram, you’ll often see them kiss your hand and place it on their forehead as they bow to you. It’s a Turkish tradition for children to show respect for elders in that way. They put the back of your hand against their forehead to show you that you have a position “at the top of their head.” The correct response is to kiss the child on both cheeks as a sign of love and sympathy for them. You’ll then often see the children put out their hands afterward, expecting a bit of pocket change! It’s traditional to give the child a coin or some coins when they do that.

As Bayram is a national religious holiday, banks, schools etc will be closed and building work will stop during this time. Due to the family visits, traffic will also be busy during the first day and typically shops are also closed on the first day of the festival,but they open up again on the second day. The festival will last until the 24th September when business will return to normal.

If you are planning a visit to Turkey during this time the phrase for wishing a happy holiday is Iyi Bayramlar, which literally means “good festivals”, or "I wish you a happy festival".