Fort Saskatchewan

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History

In 1875, under the command of Inspector W.D. Jarvis, the North West Mounted Police established Fort Saskatchewan as a fort on the North Saskatchewan River. The fort was later incorporated as a village in 1899, a town in 1904, and a city in 1985.

The Canadian Northern Railway reached Fort Saskatchewan in 1905, placing the town on a transcontinental rail line. The first bridge across the river was also built at this time, with the rail company paying for it in exchange for free land for its station in Fort Saskatchewan. Prior to the bridge, the only method to cross the river at Fort Saskatchewan was via ferry. In the decade after the railway arrived, the town's population nearly doubled to 993. licorice tea

A new $200,000 provincial jail opened in 1915 at the end of what is now 100th Avenue to replace the 34-cell guard house that had been in used to hold prisoners since the NWMP fort was constructed in 1875. The jail would see various additions throughout the next 70 years, including the construction of more cell blocks and a stand-alone power plant. By 1973, the jail employed 220 residents. The jail was replaced in 1988 when a new provincial jail was built south of Highway 15 on 101st Street. The original jail cell blocks was subsequently demolished in 1994. Only one building from the complex as well as the Warden's House still stand today. oolong chinese tea

In 1952, Sherritt Gordon Mines started construction on a $25-million nickel refinery in Fort Saskatchewan, which started production in 1954. Following Sherritt Gordon's locating in Fort Saskatchewan, more industries constructed plants in the town. Between 1951 and 1956, the town's population doubled from 1,076 to 2,582. oolong tea organic

Dow Chemical acquired 700 acres in Fort Saskatchewan in 1959, opening its plant in 1961 and further expanding it in 1967. After Dow started operations, the population again saw a significant increase to 4,152 in 1966, up from 2,972 five years earlier.

Since Fort Saskatchewan was incorporated as a town in 1904, it has had 29 residents serve as its mayor.

Demographics

Fort Saskatchewan City Hall

The population of the City of Fort Saskatchewan according to its 2009 municipal census is 17,469.

In 2006, Fort Saskatchewan had a population of 14,957 living in 5,825 dwellings, a 14.0% increase from 2001. The median income for private households in 2005 was $89,699 but the median earnings for individuals over the age of 15 was $33,947.

The city has a land area of 48.12 km2 (18.6 sq mi) and a population density of 310.8 /km2 (805/sq mi).

Residents work mostly in trades (2,130), retail (1,840) or business/finance (1,575).

According to the 2006 census, the largest visible minorities in the community were Chinese with 95 residents followed by Filipino with 55 residents.

English is the first language of 91.7% of the population. French (2.2%) is the second most common first language.

Government

Fort Saskatchewan is directly governed by a city council consisting of one mayor and six councillors.

Municipal elections occur every three years on the third Monday in October. The next election is scheduled for 18 October 2010. The mayor is elected separately from the councillors, who are elected at-large (as opposed to the ward system).

Currently the city council consists of:

Mayor Jim Sheasgreen (second term as mayor)

Coun. Don Westman (fourth term)

Coun. Tom Hutchison (third term)

Coun. Stew Hennig (first term)

Coun. Howard Johnson (first term)

Coun. Gale Katchur (first term)

Coun. Ed van Delden (first term)

On the provincial level of government, Fort Saskatchewan is part of the riding called Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. It is represented by Premier Ed Stelmach (Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta).

On the federal level, Fort Saskatchewan is part of the Edmontonherwood Park riding and is represented by Tim Uppal (Conservative Party of Canada).

Economy

Sherritt International Corporation

Fort Saskatchewan's main industries are commercial and heavy industry. Fort Saskatchewan is part of Alberta's Industrial Heartland, the largest Canadian industrial area west of Toronto. Companies with operations in the area include Dow Chemical, Sherritt International, Agrium and Shell Canada. These plants are major employers for residents of Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding area.

With the city's growth in recent years, the commercial service sector has also grown. Multi-national corporations with stores in Fort Saskatchewan include Wal-Mart and Home Depot, with Canadian Tire, Safeway and Sobeys acting as some of the other major employers.

Recreation & Culture

The centrepiece of Fort Saskatchewan's recreation and culture is the Dow Centennial Centre (DCC), a multi-use facility that includes an ice arena, gymnasium, fieldhouse, indoor track and fitness centre. The facility, which opened in September 2004, also features a 550-seat performing arts theatre, a permanent art gallery with monthly shows, a banquet hall and the local Pottery Guild.

The city also has two other indoor ice arenas -- the Jubilee Recreation Centre and the Sportsplex -- that are used during the winter months by hockey, ringette and figure skating associations. In the summer months, the lacrosse association uses them.

Fort Saskatchewan also has Harbour Pool, which is an indoor swimming pool that includes a hot tub, sauna and slide.

Over 30 km of paved trails meander through the city's dozen parks, including Legacy Park, which is the city's main gathering place and hosts festivals in the summer.

There is one nine-hole golf course located within the city's boundaries with three others within a 10-minute drive.

The Fort Saskatchewan Museum (c. 1909) is on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. The museum, which sits adjacent to Legacy Park along 101 Street, features a red brick courthouse, a historic school, church and house that were relocated to the site from their respective locations around the region.

The city's west end features a boat launch into the North Saskatchewan River, called Red Coat Landing, and a provincially preserved natural area, called the Fort Saskatchewan Prairie.

Elk Island National Park is located immediately southeast of the city.

Education

Fort Saskatchewan currently has no post-secondary schools. Most residents commute or move into Edmonton to attend post-secondary classes at the University of Alberta, Grant MacEwan University or another institution.

Fort Saskatchewan's schools are governed by two different school boards -- Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) and Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS). Both school boards have their head offices located in Sherwood Park.

Fort Saskatchewan's elected trustees on the EIPS board are Pat McLauchlan and Glen Buchan. Gerald Mykytiuk is the lone Fort Saskatchewan trustee on the EICS board.

The following schools are located in Fort Saskatchewan:

Elementary Schools

Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School (Grades K-6)

James Mowat Elementary School (Grades K-6)

Ecole Rudolph Hennig (French Immersion K-6)

Win Ferguson Community School (Grades K-6)

Fort Saskatchewan Christian School (Grades K-8)

Pope John XXIII Catholic School (Grades K-4)

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School (Grades 5-8)

Junior High Schools

Fort Saskatchewan Junior High (Grades 7-9)

Rudolph Hennig School (Grades 7-9, in either English or French)

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School (Grades 5-8)

Fort Saskatchewan Christian School (Grades K-8)

High Schools

Fort Saskatchewan High School (Grades 10-12)

John Paul II High School (Grades 9-12)

Next Step Outreach School (Alternative)

Climate

Climate data for Fort Saskatchewan

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Year

Record high C (F)

10

(50)

15

(59)

18.9

(66)

31.1

(88)

33.5

(92)

33.4

(92)

35.6

(96)

36

(97)

33.3

(92)

29.5

(85)

18.9

(66)

12.5

(55)

Average high C (F)

-8.1

(17)

-4.6

(24)

1.5

(35)

10.9

(52)

17.9

(64)

21.1

(70)

22.8

(73)

22.2

(72)

17

(63)

10.7

(51)

-0.8

(31)

-6.4

(20)

8.7

(48)

Average low C (F)

-18.8

(-2)

-15.7

(4)

-9

(16)

-1.4

(29)

4.5

(40)

8.7

(48)

10.6

(51)

9.3

(49)

4.4

(40)

-1.3

(30)

-10.3

(13)

-16.6

(2)

-3

(27)

Record low C (F)

-45

(-49)

-41.5

(-43)

-45.6

(-50)

-28

(-18)

-9.5

(15)

-3.3

(26)

2.2

(36)

-1

(30)

-10

(14)

-24.5

(-12)

-36

(-33)

-43.9

(-47)

Precipitation mm (inches)

23.4

(0.92)

13.5

(0.53)

14.4

(0.57)

24.6

(0.97)

43.8

(1.72)

88.8

(3.5)

83.1

(3.27)

61.7

(2.43)

43

(1.69)

17.2

(0.68)

22.4

(0.88)

23.3

(0.92)

463.5

(18.25)

Source: Environment Canada 2009-07-07

Health care

Fort Saskatchewan has one hospital -- the 32-bed Fort Saskatchewan Health Centre. A new 38-bed hospital is currently under construction.

The city also has a 58-bed, public-operated, supportive-living seniors lodge, called Dr. Turner Lodge. Southfort Bend, a privately operated facility, also has supportive living for seniors. The lone assisted-living facility in Fort Saskatchewan is the Rivercrest Care Centre.

Sports

The Fort Saskatchewan Traders, of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, were long a part of the city. After the 2006-07 season, the team relocated to St. Albert and was renamed the St. Albert Steel.

The Pyramid Corp. Hawks of the Capital Junior Hockey League and the McEwen Chiefs of the Chinook Hockey League are currently the only professional hockey teams in the city. Both use the Jubilee Recreation Centre as their home rink. The Edmonton Chimos female hockey team of the Western Womens Hockey League also played some home games at the JRC during the 2008-09 season.

Fort Saskatchewan is also home to the Fort Saskatchewan Athletics of the Sunburst Baseball League. Former college and professional baseball players make up the core of the baseball club.

Fort Saskatchewan has youth sports associations for hockey, soccer (indoor and outdoor), baseball, ringette, indoor lacrosse, figure skating, cross-country skiing[dead link] and swimming.

Media

Fort Saskatchewan has two local newspapers. Both are free.

The Fort Record, which is a weekly newspaper with home delivery, was first published Wednesday, Apr. 5, 1922. It took over the offices and plant of The Conservator, the previous weekly newspaper.

The Sturgeon Creek Post, which is a weekly newspaper available from local businesses, was established in 1997.

Other newspapers commonly read in Fort Saskatchewan are the Edmonton Journal and the Edmonton Sun. Fort Saskatchewan has no television or radio stations of its own due to its close proximity to the Edmonton broadcasting market.

See also Media in Edmonton.

Notable residents

Evangeline Lilly - Actress, notably from the television series Lost, was born in Fort Saskatchewan.

Ray Whitney - Current NHL player, Stanley Cup Champion (2006)

Richard Matvichuk - Current NHL player, Stanley Cup Champion (1999)

Mike Commodore - Current NHL player, Stanley Cup Champion (2006)

Joffrey Lupul - Current NHL player

Allen Pedersen - Retired NHL player

Carl Mokosak - Retired NHL player

See also the category People from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

References

^ City of Fort Saskatchewan. "City Council". Archived from the original on 2007-08-28. http://web.archive.org/web/20070828003621/http://www.fortsask.ca/city_council/index.cfm. Retrieved 2007-06-23. 

^ a b c d e f Statistics Canada (Census 2006). "Fort Saskatchewan - Community Profile". http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4811056&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=Fort%20Saskatchewan&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=&GeoCode=4811056. Retrieved 2008-12-31. 

^ a b Alberta Municipal Affairs. "Alberta 2009 Official Population List". http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ms/2009pop.pdf. Retrieved 2009-12-11. 

^ City of Fort Saskatchewan. "Our Mascot". http://www.fortsask.ca/ftsk_Visitors/ftsk_Our_Mascot.aspx. Retrieved 2009-03-04. 

^ a b Ream, Peter (1974). The Fort on the Saskatchewan. Metropolitan Printing. p. 337. 

^ a b Ream, Peter (1974). The Fort on the Saskatchewan. Metropolitan Printing. p. 339. 

^ a b c Ream, Peter (1974). The Fort on the Saskatchewan. Metropolitan Printing. pp. 420-425. 

^ Ream, Peter (1974). The Fort on the Saskatchewan. Metropolitan Printing. p. 459. 

^ Ream, Peter (1974). The Fort on the Saskatchewan. Metropolitan Printing. p. 471. 

^ a b Ream, Peter (1974). The Fort on the Saskatchewan. Metropolitan Printing. p. 465. 

^ Canadian Register of Historic Places.

^ Environment Canadaanadian Climate Normals 19712000. Retrieved 07 July 2009.

^ The Record. "New hospital rising, opening still unknown". http://www.fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1526785. Retrieved 2009-09-28. 

External links

City of Fort Saskatchewan

Fort Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Fort Air Partnership

Morinville

Gibbons

Bruderheim

St. Albert

Lamont

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Edmonton

Sherwood Park

Tofield

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Categories: Fort Saskatchewan | Cities in Alberta | Settlements on the Saskatchewan River | Edmonton Capital RegionHidden categories: All articles with dead external links | Articles with dead external links from January 2010

Ayurveda Law and Globalization

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Response of other nations to globalization

Globalization has helped nations to claim intellectual property rights for traditional knowledge including traditional medicine. The TRIPS Agreement reflects this. The traditional Chinese medicine has already secured a good share of the world market. They could achieve this through internal regulations and Constitutional protections. The Chinese Constitution of 1949 has recognized and defined the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the health care system. A national policy was evolved with sound legal support. Vietnam adopted a national policy on traditional medicine in 1955. The Republic of Korea adopted a national policy on traditional medicine in 1969. Even small countries like Singapore have already made substantial progress in this matter. They have made an attempt for regulation of the practice of traditional Chinese medicine by the enactment of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act, 2000 (Act No. 34 of 2000), which is broadly in conformity with the WHO guidelines. This has helped those countries to attain international recognition for their traditional medicine and thereby get a share from the international market. Their legal support to the traditional medicine has helped them to get them classified by WHO in the group of countries as having integrative approach to traditional medicine, whereas India, with so much of knowledge and practice and acceptance of traditional medicine among its people stands clubbed with countries having only an inclusive approach to traditional medicine. As far as India is concerned, it could bring out a Draft National Policy on Indian System of Medicine only by the year 2001 and it still remains in an embryonic stage. As public health is a subject coming in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India, both the Central and State Governments are entitled to bring in legislation in this area. Kerala being a State having wide recognition for Ayurveda, can definitely take the lead in these matters. As such, it would only be appropriate for the State of Kerala to bring in a State Policy and a State law, which can act as a role model for rest of India to follow. It is high time that the draft policy of the Government of India is transformed into action by appropriate comprehensive legislation.

The existing law being thoroughly inadequate and perhaps counter productive, there is need for a comprehensive legislation for regulation, registration and standardization including quality control in conformity with International Trade Rules. Apart from this, legislation is required for protection from bio-piracy and protection of Intellectual Property Rights. Further, control and regulation of drugs and cosmetics manufacturing, framing of guidelines for internal patenting of proprietary Ayurveda medicines and Product Information and Regulation are essential. The enactment of a comprehensive Health Professions Act or at least an Indian Medicine Practitioners Act is the need of the hour. Consumer Protection in its various facets, insurance coverage for Ayurvedic treatment and finally the integration of Indian System of Medicine with the National Health Care System are mandated. Any attempt for legislation should address these aspects. sauna thermometer

Integrated approach wet sauna

An all-inclusive integrated approach can be made by enacting a Health Professions Act which in turn should give scope for passing of Regulations by the subordinate legislative body with adequate representation of qualified and experienced hands in the relevant field as may be required for each branch of medicine including modern medicine. However, this approach has the basic and inherent weakness of being overshadowed by Allopathic Practitioners and there may be a step-motherly treatment to the traditional medicine practitioners under this scheme. steam bath generator

Separate and special legislation

For the aforesaid reasons, it is felt that separate and special legislation dealing with Indian System of Medicine would be more beneficial to Ayurveda and it requires an in-depth study involving clinical practitioners and legal experts. As regards defining the contours of the concepts, definitions and prescribing standards of practice, it is the clinical practitioners who can provide the outlines and guidelines. An analysis of the existing Indian law and its inadequacies especially in the context of the regulations and policies prescribed by the WHO, would require inputs from legal experts as otherwise Ayurveda cannot transcend the national boundaries and attain international recognition. The separate legislation should give emphasis and attention in the following areas.

Quality control and standardization

Quality control in the process and products is an area where the law has to intervene. The first and foremost aspect is education and its standard. The system of education must be revamped. Separate Universities, either under the State or Central legislation, should be established for Ayurveda. Research Centers must be brought under the Universities or special Boards.

Further, it is essential to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs and ensure that the legal and regulatory mechanisms are set up to maintain the quality of drugs and that they perform their role. Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) can play a role in the health system of a country only if the drugs have been prepared in a manner that inspires confidence and with the Government support for the use of such drugs. Special attention should be paid to the completion of Pharmacopoeias for all drug-based ISM systems, observance of Good Manufacturing Practices, labeling provisions requiring declaration of ingredients, therapeutic claims in the case of P.P medicines to be backed by efficacy trials, inscription of expiry dates, use of only permissible excipients and frequent testing of survey and statutory samples to build public confidence. States should be encouraged and supported to set up State Drug Testing Laboratories and to renovate and modernize pharmacies. The Industries should be encouraged to make use of Quality Certification Scheme to be introduced by a Statutory Body for batch-by-batch testing and a special drive should be made to stop misleading advertisements. The application of the Magic Remedies and Objectionable Advertisement Act should be reviewed in in relation to the ISM sector and an SM Product Information and Regulation Act may be enacted. Quality Control Centers should be set up or recognized on a regional basis to standardize the in-process quality control of ISM products, modernize traditional processes without changing the concepts of ISM . While framing policies and bringing out legislation, it has to be born in mind that the deliberations and formulation of guidelines by WHO on the subject be adhered to for attaining international recognition for Ayurveda.

Massage parlours and panchakarma centres

An area of misuse of Ayurveda in India is the establishment of Massage Parlours and Panchakarma Centres without adhering to the specific Rules or Regulations in force. The legal system is not that rigid in the matter of enforcement of the law regulating Ayurveda.Governmental apathy is the root cause of this malady. This would endanger the acceptance of Ayurveda as a scientific system of medicine. As regards the establishment of Massage Parlours, there should be some definite legal frame work. The Kerala Ayurveda Health Centres (Issue of Licence and Control) Act, 2007 is only a feeble and half-hearted attempt and it is only an eye-wash. In fact, the Singapore legislation (assage Establishments Act) would perhaps serve as a useful tool in dealing with the matter.

The Government of India has prescribed specifications and qualifications for the establishment of Panchakarma Centres. This mandates the availability of a qualified Ayurveda Doctor and minimum space and staff requirements in such establishments. Unfortunately, none of these specifications is followed nor are any standards enforced. In fact, standardization is essential for its acceptance in the global village. Intervention of law is highly essential in this area.

Parampariya chikitsa or parampariya vaidhyam and the right for patent

The threat to Ayurveda in attaining global recognition emanate from the quacks who go on practicing Ayurveda in the name of traditional practice or what is known in local parlance as parampariya chikitsa or parampariya vaidhyam. It can be found that the enactment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act does not take into its fold traditional practitioners of Chinese medicine who were otherwise not qualified in the system. In fact, the Act attempts to regulate the practice of Chinese medicine and not legalize traditional practice of Chinese medicine. While attempting legislation in India, precisely this aspect has to be born in mind. In fact, it can not be disputed that traditional knowledge does not exist. In case, any person has specific knowledge of a process or a product, that can be allowed to be patented but that should not give a license for that person to practice Ayurvedic system of medicine without legally recognized qualification.

The enforcement of standards would require enlistment of qualified medical practitioners. Enlistment requires a process of registration. The present enactment Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970- does not make it mandatory to obtain registration by a practitioner in the Central Register. A new law should make a provision for the maintenance of both a State Register and a Central Register as in the case of Allopathic Practitioners, as mandatory.

Intellectual Property Rights and Ayurveda

While attempting legislation, registration and patenting, the issues relating to intellectual property rights are to be dealt with meticulously as otherwise the traditional knowledge would fall into the hands of private proprietary owners and thereby deprive the people of the inexpensive remedy available in Ayurveda. The establishment of a Traditional Knowledge Resource Classification and a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library and a Data Base on the medical knowledge of Ayurveda as contemplated in the Draft National Policy, would go a long way in safeguarding the rights of the people and that of Ayurvedic Practitioners. This might forestall the grant of patents for the medicinal use of plants used in Ayurveda and other Indian medical systems which have been codified and have been in the public domain for centuries. The increased awareness about the value of traditional knowledge and bio-diversity resources and the provisions relating to natural resources under the TRIPS agreement makes it all the more important to declare a policy for this sector. Issues relating to intellectual property regimes are to be addressed by completion of the data base to inventorise the codified knowledge of Ayurveda, so that the grant of patents can be prevented by showing that there is no discovery or invention in the use or applications which have been known for centuries and documented.

Insurance

At present, mediclaim policies of Insurance Companies do not give coverage for securing Ayurvedic treatment and Ayurvedic services. For Ayurveda to attain a status equivalent to other systems of medicine, it is highly necessary to offer health insurance coverage for Ayurvedic treatment and Ayurvedic products. Unfortunately, such a proposal has not found a place in the Draft National Policy and this would keep Ayurvedic treatment one step behind other Traditional Medicine/Complimentary and Alternative Medicines (TM/CAM) in the world. Even in the classification by the WHO, unless insurance coverage is provided for Ayurveda practice, India would always be clubbed with countries having only an nclusive approach to traditional medicines. Legislative measures are required for insurance coverage for Ayurvedic treatment and products so as to bring it in par with modern medicine.

The ISM Industry

The science of Ayurveda can attain its objectives only if it is technologically made viable. Technological viability requires large scale industrial production of Ayurvedic medicines. To achieve this end, the ISM industry should be declared as a priority Industry and as a Green Industry (Generating no toxic, using natural raw materials-Tax benefits HP model (100% tax holiday for 5 years, 30% for another 5 years.). There must be 100% Tax exemption on funds contributed to Medicinal Plants Board by Industry and no Central Sales Tax shall be levied on identified cultivated Medicinal Plants traded as raw material. Tax benefits ought to be given to companies using cultivated herbs. Income tax exemption should be given to ISM Practitioners/Consultants earning Foreign Exchange. Access to bank loans should be facilitated for undertaking completion of measures set out in GMP. Industries should be encouraged to adopt modern dosage form and follow reasonable shelf-life periods for drugs and formulations. The use of Classical and Shastra preparations should be encouraged. Guidelines should be framed for patent and proprietary Ayurveda medicines and manufactures should be encouraged to have efficacy and safety studies conducted before licenses are granted for new PP medicines. These are some of the measures to expedite export of Ayurvedic medicines and services to other countries to secure foreign exchange so vital for the revival and survival of the system. However, the Indian System of Medicine as a whole gets only 2% of the total health budget of the nation, while 98% goes to the western type modern medicine. A corrective policy needs to be initiated so that ISM can fully realize its potential and occupy a much larger share of the health services as otherwise, it would not be possible for Ayurveda to realize its share of the global market.

Now, therefore, consolidation, codification and up-gradation of the law, in tune with global standards on traditional medicines, have become essential for Ayurveda to claim its due share of the national and global markets. Adoption of such a policy will be in tune with the public policy of making medicines available to the poor at affordable prices.

See also

Ayurveda Law

Indian Law

Categories: Ayurveda

Cheapside Street Whisky Bond Fire

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Explosion

The Arbuckle and Co. warehouse contained over a million gallons of alcoholic spirit held in 21,000 wooden casks. As the temperature of the fire increased, some of these casks ruptured, causing a massive BLEVE explosion, killing 19 of those fighting the fire.

Firefighters and salvagemen killed alpha lipoic acid l carnitine

The following is a list of the fire fighters/salvagemen killed on 28 March 1960 during this event: choline inositol

Fireman John Allen Glasgow Fire Service lycium barbarum

Fireman Christopher Boyle Glasgow Fire Service

Sub Officer James Calder Glasgow Fire Service

Fireman Gordon Chapman Strathclyde Fire Brigade

Fireman William Crockett Glasgow Fire Service

Fireman Archibald Darrock Glasgow Fire Service

Fireman Daniel Davidson Glasgow Fire Service

Fireman Alfred Dickinson Glasgow Fire Service

Fireman Alexander Grassie Glasgow Fire Service

Salvageman Gordon McMillan Glasgow Fire Service

Fireman Ian McMillan Glasgow Fire Service

Fireman George McIntyre Glasgow Fire Service

Sub Officer John McPherson Glasgow Fire Service

Leading Salvageman James McLellen Glasgow Salvage Corps

Fireman Edward McMillan Glasgow Fire Service

Salvageman James Mungall Glasgow Salvage Corps

Superintendent Edward Murray Glasgow Salvage Corps

Salvageman William Oliver Glasgow Salvage Corps

Fireman William Watson Glasgow Fire Service

.

Memorial service

The men who were killed were buried in the rubble, but were later laid to rest in the fire service tomb in Glasgow Necropolis. A memorial service is held on 28 March each year, with representatives of the fire service and Glasgow City Council present.

Preparations are under way for a series of events and a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster in 2010.

References

^ North east Glasgow Headquarters/Cheapside memorial committee (2009). "Minutes of cheapside street memorial committee". Archive/conf meeting. Strathclyde fire. http://www.strathclydefire.org/rea/pdfs/MINUTES%20OF%20CHEAPSIDE%20STREET%20MEMORIAL%20COMMITTEE.pdf. Retrieved 2009-11-20. 

^ Scotland Herald, (2003). "Night 19 firemen died in explosion event CHEAPSIDE FIRE DISASTER, glasgow DATE MARCH 28, 1960". News story. The Herald. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/night-19-firemen-died-in-explosion-event-cheapside-fire-disaster-glasgow-date-march-28-1960-1.122729. Retrieved 2009-11-20. 

^ Catriona Fox (2002). "Dad never came home". Archive. Sunday Post/Govan Fire brigade. http://www.sunnygovan.com/PLACES/Places/CheapsideStreetFire.HTML. Retrieved 2009-11-20. 

^ Glasgow Story (2009). "Ceremony to mark Cheapside fire". Archive. Glasgow story. http://www.theglasgowstory.co.uk/image.php?inum=TGSA01950. Retrieved 2009-11-20. 

^ Jeremy Watson (2004). "Past tragedies pave the way for improvements in fire safety url=http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/roseparknursinghomefire/Past-tragedies-pave-the-way.2499639.jp". News story. Scotland on Sunday. 

^ BBC News (March 28th 2009). "Ceremony to mark Cheapside fire". News story. BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7969682.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-20. 

^ Scotland Herald, (2003). "Night 19 firemen died in explosion event CHEAPSIDE FIRE DISASTER, glasgow DATE MARCH 28, 1960". News story. The Herald. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/night-19-firemen-died-in-explosion-event-cheapside-fire-disaster-glasgow-date-march-28-1960-1.122729. Retrieved 2009-11-20. 

^ Graeme Kirkwood (2005). "The History of Scottish Fire Brigades". Archive. Strathclyde brigade. http://www.btinternet.com/~graeme.kirkwood/SFB/Memorial.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-22. 

^ BBC News (March 28th 2009). "Ceremony to mark Cheapside fire". News story. BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7969682.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-20. 

Categories: Fires in Scotland | 1960 disasters | 1960 in Scotland | History of Glasgow | Fire and rescue in the United Kingdom

East Kentwood High School

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History

East Kentwood High School was built in 1969. Since then it has undergone numerous renovations, including the addition of the West Wing in 1975 and the construction of the Freshman Campus in 1994. Further construction was done in 1983, 1986, and 1994. The 1994 project included a renovation of the fieldhouse and expansion of the West Wing, which involved adding several new science classrooms. In the mid-1980s a south corridor was completed to shelter students crossing each wing. East Kentwood is the only public school in the state of Michigan to have its own ice arena on campus, it is often referred to as the best ice arena in the state as well; East Kentwood also has its own competitive and community swimming pools, and a 1,600-seat Fine Arts Auditorium.

The original Kentwood high school, which is now Crestwood Middle School, opened in 1960. When the new site was built in 1969, the new school was named East Kentwood because there were plans to eventually build a second high school, which would have been known as West Kentwood a few years later. West Kentwood would have built on the same physical campus as East Kentwood. When the first vote for a second high school was turned down in the early 1970s it lead to the construction of East Kentwood's first swimming pool as well as what was referred to as the Freshman wing. To this day, talks of building a second high school periodcially resurface but have so far been turned down in favor of the economic advantages of running one large high school. Thus, East Kentwood continues to grow while West Kentwood remains the answer to a trivia question. hp calculator 10bii

Current discussions for future development projects include creating a college-campus like setting with multi-storied buildings specializing in math and science, literature and the arts, and business and apprentice training (health, medical, etc) programs. Included in the arts building would be a small theatre for dancing/drama productions. calculator watch casio

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East Kentwood 10-12 Building during construction

In 2003 a $85.5 million bond was passed that allowed new construction at the High School Campus. A new athletic stadium was built with a capacity of over 7,500 along with a new 38 meter pool and a 75 foot community pool. Further work was done at the Freshman Campus to build it out to the supportable core of 1,450 students with the moving of office and support staff to a new highly visible wing, and renovation of the previous office space with 6 classrooms and adding onto the existing classroom wings with 10 rooms. Additional work was done at the 10-12 main campus with the addition of more performing arts space including new practice rooms along with work at the auditorium with more dressing rooms, staging areas, and a new lighting and sound system. Furthermore the seating was also refurnished.

Another major project was the expansion of the east wing cafeteria and renovation of classrooms in that wing. The circle drive that has been a mainstay of the school was removed with a new corridor built to link the west and east wings. The new corridor also puts a large commons area in front of the school with the pools, field house, and auditorium on each side. This hallway added 6 entrances, which is twice as many as before, along with creating two courtyards. Beyond the front of the school work the art department was given a remodel which includes a new art gallery. Along with all of this new carpeting has been placed through the school. Furthermore, a south side road was placed between the school and the practice fields along with a possible storage facility was added between the new south road and the field house. A renovation of the softball and baseball diamonds was also done then which included new home plate structures, scoreboards, and permanent bleachers.

Diversity

East Kentwood Freshman Campus

East Kentwood High School has a student population of over 2,900 students. Over 900 of them are in the Freshman Campus while sophomores, juniors, and seniors are in the 10-12 building.

Within the student body, 50.0% of students are Caucasian, 38.4% African American, 7.6% Asian American, 4.4% Hispanic, 0.4% Native American and 0.3% Multi-racial. 92% of Kentwood Public Schools parents, 96% of staff, and 85% of students believe it is important to attend a school in a culturally diverse community, such as Kentwood.

East Kentwood students represent over 50 different countries and 48 languages.

Security

Private security officers patrol the halls, and classes are dismissed on a staggered basis during lunches to prevent the overcrowding of the halls. Starting in January 2007, students and teachers were required to wear lanyards with IDs to provide better security throughout the campus. Lanyards are different colors based on which the building the student mostly uses. The Freshman Campus students are required to wear a white lanyard, the High School students wear a red lanyard, and all teachers wear black lanyards.

Curriculum

East Kentwood offers 12 Advanced Placement courses; more than any other school district in the area. Those courses include AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Economics, AP English, AP Government, AP Latin, AP Psychology, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP U.S. History, and AP Art.

The AP Government class offers students the opportunity to compete in We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, a program in which teams of students debate issues related to the United States Constitution by delivering prepared statements on constitutional issues and citing case law and Common law to support their assertions. The EK team has won several state competitions in Michigan as well as placing in the top 10 in the country several times.

In addition, EK offers a four year debate curriculum. EK debaters have won numerous state titles, tournament championships, and speaker awards. EK competes throughout the country and at all levels (novice, junior varsity, and varsity).

Performance overview of the school system

Students exposed to a variety of coursework through requirements in life skills, science, math, English, and technology. Unique classes, such as aviation technology; A+ Certification; computer networking, programming, operating systems certification; computerized accounting; a young entrepreneurs club providing real-world experience and application. Additionally, East Kentwood offers a newly built art gallery focusing on a dozen art classes from drawing to sculpturing, painting to ceramics, jewelry making to computerized graphics, photography and film development/editing, and even air-brushing under hooded workstations.

The recent Michigan graduation requirements passed by Lansing will require an updated class requirements for the 2011 class and then additional requirement for the 2016 class, although it appears they may be moving towards those goals sooner. From the 05-06 course catalog little change in requirements has occurred. English went from 3.5 years to 3 years, Math, History, Government, Economics (Social Science), and Science are still 2 years, Humanities (Art, Foreign Language, World History, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Acting, Public Speaking) and Life Skills (Business, Technology, and Life Management) are still 1 year. Physical Education, however, went from 2 years to just 1 year. Elective amounts have gone up and down as the school went from a straight 6 hours back in 1999, to the block scheduling in 2005. In 2006, the school went to trimester scheduling, allowing students to pursue electives from astronomy to wild animal care and biology, electronics and metal shop to personal finance and do-it-yourself home care and fix-it projects (plumbing, electricity, etc), to meal-preparation for young single adults and young children nutrition and baby care.

Extra-curricular activities

EKHS has one of Michigan's largest high school marching bands. In 2004, EK had the largest high school marching band in the state, with over 350 members. EK has one of the top jazz programs in the state, frequently posting top results in area and state jazz competitions. In addition, Kentwood has a Summer Stock Theatre Program that involves children in grades kindergarten to 12. 147 students were represented in the most recent production. East Kentwood also offers a policy debate program that has done well at numerous state and national competitions.

The dual enrollment program allows students to augment their curriculum by taking classes through local colleges and universities. In 2006, in partnership with Grand Valley State University, an introduction to nursing course has been brought on campus.

Clubs

East Kentwood offers these clubs: Animal Club, Animation Club, ESL Support Group, Chess Club, EK-4-Christ, DECA Club, Equestrian Club, French Club, German Club, G.S.A (Gay Straight Alliance), International/Multicultural Club, Latin Club, Literary/Poetry Club, National Honor Society, Photography club, Policy Debate, Quiz Bowl, SADD, Science Olympiad, Shakespeare Club, Ski Club, Spanish Club, STAR, Teen Institute, Y.E.S., Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Model United Nations, Mock Trial, Improv, Leaders Out Loud, Reptile Team, Ping Pong Club, and Ultimate Frisbee Club.

Competition Teams

School colors are red and black and school mascot is the falcon. East Kentwood High School competes in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red Division. In the 1998-1999 school year, the AP Government class won the state Championship in the "We the People" state competition, and went to the National competition in Washington D.C. where the team placed in the top 10 in the country. The athletic teams have routinely won Conference titles and most sports have been in the MHSAA Playoffs. EK also has a competitive policy debate program which has secured numerous awards. Model UN and Mock Trial are a few other competitive academic programs offered.

Athletic Teams & Facilities

Girls' Sports Women's Competitive Cheer, Women's Dance, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Sideline Cheer, Women's Softball, Women's Volleyball,

Boys' Sports Men's Baseball, Men's Football, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's Wrestling,

Coed Sports Men's & Women's Basketball, Men's & Women's Bowling, Men's & Women's Cross Country, Men's & Women's Soccer, Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving, Men's & Women's Tennis, Men's & Women's Track & Field, Men's & Women's Waterpolo, Equestrian

Athletic Facilities

Main Fieldhouse Gym incorporating 4 fullsize basketball courts, a large balcony training area, a wrestling center, and a West-Wing wood-floor gym for girl's volleyball practices. The main fieldhouse will seat 3500 fans. Moreover, the fieldhouse integrates a number of athletic events throughout the school year to accommodate as many sporting events as is possible.

Girl's Gymnastics Athletic Training Center used for girl's aerobic and fitness training. Additionally used for extra-curricular classes for elementary and middle school ages.

The Falcon Stadium is an artificial turfed arena seating 10,000 spectators with separate in-stadium facilities for the public and for visiting teams. It doubles up in the springtime as a state-sponsored track-and-field site.

An Aquatics Center featuring a 90m pool with movable wall, 2-1.5m and 2-3m diving platforms, balcony and side conference rooms and separate locker/shower facilities. A 40m community pool with separate locker/shower facilities and community classes. Two racquetball courts.

The Kentwood Ice Arena featuring warming stands, community room, pro shop, concession and locker rooms. East Kentwood is the only public high school in the state to have an ice arena on-campus. It is often considered the best ice arena in the world.

Baseball Sportsplex featuring two baseball fields and a softball field. The outer circumference and woods along the back providing for a maintained cross-country meet circuit. The upper ball fields each have their own multi-level buildings for scoring, dugouts, stands and a general public concessions/restrooms facility.

An off-campus Soccer Sportsplex which is renowned in the state for its artificial turfed field and facilities.

Championships

Year

Sport

Place

2008

Boys Track & Field

Runner Up

Boys Soccer

Champion

Boys MITCA Track & Field

Champion

Girls MITCA Track & Field

Runner Up

Novice Debate

Runner Up

2007

Boys Soccer

Champion

Boys Track & Field

Runner Up

Boys MITCA Track & Field

Champion

Girls MITCA Track & Field

Runner Up

2006

Boys MITCA Track & Field

Champion

Girls MITCA Track & Field

Runner Up

Volleyball

Champion

2005

Ice Hockey

Runner Up

2004

Volleyball

Runner Up

Competitive cheer

Runner Up

2002

Football

Runner Up

2001

Boys Golf

Champion

2000

Volleyball

Champion

Gymnastics

Champion

Girls MITCA Track & Field

Runner Up

1999

Ice Hockey

Runner Up

1998

Debate

Champion

1997

Boys Water Polo

Runner Up

1990

Ice Hockey

Champion

Volleyball

Champion

Debate

Semi-Finalist

1996

Ice Hockey

Runner Up

Debate

Semi-Finalist

1994

Debate

Champion

1990

Ice Hockey

Champion

1989

Boys Swimming & Diving

Champion

1988

Boys Swimming & Diving

Runner Up

1986

Boys Swimming & Diving

Runner Up

1985

Boys Swimming & Diving

Runner Up

1983

Boys Swimming & Diving

Champion

Volleyball

Runner Up

1982

Gymnastics

Champion

1981

Gymnastics

Runner Up

1980

Gymnastics

Champion

1978

Baseball

Runner Up

Note: The MITCA is the majority of the Track and Field coaches and Cross Country coaches in the State of Michigan for High and Middle Schools. Each year since 1998 they have hosted meets for a team track and field championship. The teams represented are the regional winners and given the option of attending. Where the MHSAA State Meet only has the best individuals of each region attending, the full team attends for the MITCA meet and competes against other teams.

Notable alumni

Mike Knuble, NHL hockey player

Loy Vaught, NBA basketball player

Joe Warren, 2006 Wrestling World Champion

References

^ East Kentwood High School, Michigan Schools | Schoolmatters.com

^ a b http://www.kentwoodps.org/high_school/about_us.htm

External links

EKHS Homepage

Kentwood Public Schools District Website

East Kentwood Football Website

East Kentwood Swimming and Diving Website

East Kentwood Football History Website

East Kentwood Cheer Team Website

Google Maps Image of the Campus

Coordinates: 425103 853709 / 42.8507N 85.6193W / 42.8507; -85.6193

Categories: High schools in Michigan | Educational institutions established in 1969Hidden categories: Articles needing additional references from April 2007 | All articles needing additional references | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from April 2007 | Articles with unsourced statements from May 2009 | Articles with unsourced statements from August 2008

Advanced American Telephones

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History

American Bell Consumer Products was created on January 1, 1983 as a unit of American Bell, Inc., upon declaration by the Modification of Final Judgment that American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) had to sell equipment to the public through an entirely separate subsidiary. American Bell Consumer Products sold terminal equipment traditionally available through the Bell System, such as the Trimline telephone. American Bell products could be found at Bell PhoneCenter Stores, as well as department stores such as Sears and Target. American Bell products were not marked with any Bell name, but simply marked "Western Electric" and the Bell logo, as any products sold through American Bell were not "Bell System Property".

Upon the divestiture of the Bell Operating Companies from AT&T, American Bell was renamed AT&T Information Systems, and American Bell Consumer Products was renamed AT&T Consumer Products, and Bell PhoneCenters were renamed AT&T PhoneCenters. Bell and Western Electric markings were replaced with AT&T on telephone housings. AT&T Consumer Products became responsible for leased telephones and manufactured telephones on January 1, 1984. AT&T Consumer Products was absorbed into AT&T Technologies in 1989. AT&T Consumer Products ceased operations of AT&T Phone Centers in 1995, deciding to simply focus on leasing equipment and on sales at department stores. It, along with the rest of AT&T Technologies and Bell Laboratories, became a part of Lucent Technologies in 1996, following completion of its spinoff from AT&T. recliner loveseat

Lucent Technologies Consumer Products, L.P. (LTCP) became the new name of AT&T Consumer Products in 1996. Its operations remained largely unchanged from its operations at AT&T. In 1997, LTCP was placed in the unsuccessful Philips Consumer Communications joint venture. LTCP was retained after the venture failed. reclining loveseat

In 2000, Lucent opted to reorganize its equipment units, spinning off its Networks Systems unit as Avaya, and selling off its Consumer Products unit. Its telephone leasing operation was sold to Consumer Phone Services, and its consumer telephone manufacturing division was purchased by VTech on April 2, 2000. swivel chairs leather

Today

Renamed VTech Innovation, L.P., the former LTCP manufacturing division does business as Advanced American Telephones. Telephone production was abruptly shifted to China. Advanced American Telephones also entered a ten-year licensing agreement with AT&T to use the AT&T brand on all telephones it would produce.

Phones made today by Advanced American Telephones primarily include cordless telephones and some corded phones, such as Trimline, and some multi-line desk phones. Advanced American Telephones also holds the trademark rights to the Trimline and Design Line names, as well as others.

References and notes

^ Not to be confused with the AT&T of 2005 and later, a renaming of SBC Communications, Inc.

External links

AT&T Phone Store

Press Release regarding sale to VTech

History of VTech

v  d  e

Spinoffs of American Telephone & Telegraph

1956: Bell Canada Northern Electric

1984 divestiture: Ameritech  Bell Atlantic  Bell Communications Research  BellSouth  NYNEX  Pacific Telesis  Southwestern Bell  U S WEST

1996: Lucent Technologies  NCR

1997: AT&T Submarine System, sold to Tyco International

2001: AT&T Broadband  AT&T Wireless

Second-Generation Spinoffs

Advanced American Telephones  Agere Systems  AirTouch Avaya  Dex Media Idearc MediaOne Group Northern New England Spinco QLT Consumer Lease Services  R. H. Donnelley Publishing & Advertising of Illinois Telcordia Technologies  Teradata

v  d  e

Categories: Alcatel-Lucent | AT&T | VTech | Manufacturing company stubs

Unmanned Aircraft System

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Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is the term introduced by The United States Department of Defense (DoD) and adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to replace the term Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A typical UAS consists of the Unmanned Aircraft (UA), the Control System, the Datalink, and other related support equipment. For example, the RQ-7 Shadow UAS consists of four Air Vehicles, two Ground Control Stations (GCS), one Launcher, one portable GCS, two Ground Data Terminals (GDT), one portable GDT, and one Remote Video Terminal. Certain military units are also fielded with a maintenance support vehicle.

References lc patch cord

DoD UAS Roadmap 2005-2030 rg6 coaxial cable

FAA UAS FAQ coaxial cable rg6

The Remote Control Aerial Photography Association commercial UAS operators

See also

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Remotely Piloted Vehicle

Remotely Operated Aircraft

Drone

Unmanned Aircraft

Ground Control Station

Control system

Datalink

External links

Current Unmanned Vehicles and Systems

Aerovironment Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sky Tractor UAS and more

Attopilot Users

Categories: Military aviation

Himachal Pradesh

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History

Main article: History of Himachal Pradesh

The history of the area that now constitutes Himachal Pradesh dates back to the time when the Indus valley civilisation flourished between 2250 and 1750 BCE. Tribes such as the Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars and Kirats inhabited the region from pre-histotic era. During the Vedic period, several small republics known as "Janapada" existed which were later conquered by the Gupta Empire. After a brief period of supremacy by king Harshavardhana, the region was once again divided into several local powers headed by chieftains, including some Rajput principalities. These kingdoms that enjoyed a large degree of independence were devastated by Muslim invaders a number of times. Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered Kangra at the beginning of the 10th century. Timur and Sikander Lodi also marched through the lower hills of the state and captured a number of forts and fought many battles. Several hill states acknowledged Mughal suzerainty and paid regular tribute to the Mughals. alfred dunner clothing

Sansar Chand (c.1765-1823) corduroy fabric

The Gorkhas, a martial tribe came to power in Nepal in the year 1768. They consolidated their military power and began to expand their territory. Gradually the Gorkhas annexed Sirmour and Shimla. With the leadership of Amar Singh Thapa, Gorkhas laid siege to Kangra. They managed to defeat Sansar Chand, the ruler of kangra, in 1806 with the help of many provincial chiefs. However Gorkhas could not capture Kangra fort which came under Maharaja Ranjeet Singh in 1809. After the defeat the Gorkhas began to expand towards the south of the state. However,Raja Ram Singh,Raja of Siba State re-captured the fort of Siba from the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Samvat 1846. organdy

This led to the Anglo-Sikh War. They came into direct conflict with the British along the tarai belt after which the British expelled them from the provinces of the Satluj. Thus the British gradually emerged as the paramount powers. The revolt of 1857 or first Indian war of independence resulted due to the building up of political, social, economic, religious and military grievances against the British government. People of the hill states were not as politically active as the people in other parts of the country. They remained more or less inactive and so did their rulers, with the exception of Bushahr. Some of them even rendered help to the British government during the revolt. Among them were the rulers of Chamba, Bilaspur, Bhagal and Dhami. The rulers of Bushars rather acted in a manner hostile to the interests of British.

The British territories in the hill came under British Crown after Queen Victoria's proclamation of 1858. The states of Chamba, Mandi and Bilaspur made good progress in many fields during the British rule. During World War I, virtually all rulers of the hill states remained loyal and contributed to the British war effort both in the form of men and materials. Amongst these were the states of Kangra, Jaswan, Datarpur, Guler, Nurpur, Chamba, Suket, Mandi and Bilaspur.

After independence the Chief Commissioner's Province of H.P. came into being on 15 April 1948. The province comprised the hill districts around Shimla and southern hill areas of the former Punjab region. Himachal became a part C state on 26 January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India. Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory on 1 November 1956. On 18 December 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971. Thus Himachal emerged as the eighteenth state of the Indian Union.

Geography and climate

Main article: Geography of Himachal Pradesh

Dal Lake

A summer view of Khajjiar.

Himachal is situated in the western Himalayas. Covering an area of 55,780 kilometres (34,660 mi), Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state with elevation ranging from about 350 metres (1,148 ft) to 6,000 metres (19,685 ft) above the sea level.

Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh.

The drainage system of Himachal is composed both of rivers and glaciers. Himalayan rivers criss-cross the entire mountain chain. In fact the rivers are older than the mountain system. Himachal Pradesh provides water to both the Indus and Ganges basins. The drainage systems of the region are the Chandra Bhaga or the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, the Sutlej and the Yamuna. These rivers are perennial and are fed by snow and rainfall. They are protected by an extensive cover of natural vegetation.

There is great variation in the climatic conditions of Himachal due to extreme variation in elevation. The climate varies from hot and sub-humid tropical in the southern tracts to cold, alpine and glacial in the northern and eastern mountain ranges with more elevation. The state has areas like Dharamsala that receive very heavy rainfall, as well as those like Lahaul and Spiti that are cold and almost rainless. Broadly Himachal experience three seasons; hot weather season, cold weather season and rainy season. Summer lasts from mid April till the end of June and most parts become very hot (except in alpine zone which experience mild summer) with the average temperature ranging from 28 C (82 F) to 32 C (90 F). Winter lasts from late November till mid March. Snowfall is common in alpine tracts (generally above 2,200 metres (7,218 ft) i.e. in the Higher and Trans-Himalayan region).

Flora and fauna

Main article: Wildlife of Himachal Pradesh

Asian Paradise Flycatcher in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India.

According to 2003 Forest Survey of India report, legally defined forest areas constitute 66.52% of the area of Himachal Pradesh, although area under tree cover is only 25.78%. Vegetation in the state is dictated by elevation and precipitation. The southern part of the state which is at lower elevation has both tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests and tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. A part of the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests, the vegetation is dominated by sal, sisham, chir pine, dry deciduous and moist broad-leafed forests. The temperate region grows oaks, deodar, blue pine, fir and spruce. In the uppermost region, trees are sturdy with a vast network of roots. Alders, birches, rhododendrons and moist alpine scrubs are there as the regional vegetation. The rhododendrons can be seen along the hillsides around Shimla from March to May.

Himachal is also said to be the fruit bowl of the country with orchards scattered all over the place. Meadows and pastures are also seen clinging to steep slopes. After the winter season, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wild flowers, while gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips and lilies are carefully cultivated. The state government is gearing up to make Himachal Pradesh as the flower basket of the world.

Himachal Pradesh is a well known habitat to a variety of animals. There are around 1200 bird and 359 animal species in the state. This includes the leopards, ghoral, snow leopard, musk deer (the state animal) and Western Tragopan (the state bird). It has 12 major national parks and sanctuaries the largest number in the Himalayan region. The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district was created to conserve the flora and fauna of the main Himalayan range, while the Pin Valley National Park to conserve the flora and fauna of the cold desert.

Subdivisions

Main article: Districts of Himachal Pradesh

Bilaspur

Chamba

Hamirpur

Kangra

Kinnaur

Kullu

Lahaul and Spiti

Mandi

Shimla

Sirmaur

Solan

Una

Himachal Pradesh is divided into 12 districts namely, Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Una, Chamba, Lahul and Spiti, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Solan and Shimla. The state capital is Shimla which was formerly British India's summer capital under the name Simla.

A district of Himachal Pradesh is an administrative geographical unit, headed by a Deputy Commissioner or District Magistrate, an officer belonging to the Indian Administrative Service. The district magistrate or the deputy commissioner is assisted by a number of officers belonging to Himachal Administrative Service and other Himachal state services. Each district is subdivided into Sub-Divisions, governed by a sub-divisional magistrate, and again into Blocks. Blocks consists of panchayats (village councils) and town municipalities. A Superintendent of Police, an officer belonging to the Indian Police Service is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and related issues of the district. He is assisted by the officers of the Himachal Police Service and other Himachal Police officials.

Government

Main article: Government of Himachal Pradesh

Town Hall in Shimla.

The Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh has no pre-Constitution history. The State itself is a post-Independence creation. It came into being as a centrally administered territory on 15 April 1948 from the integration of thirty erstwhile princely states.

Himachal Pradesh is governed through a parliamentary system of representative democracy, a feature the state shares with other Indian states. Universal suffrage is granted to residents. The legislature consists of elected members and special office bearers such as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker who are elected by the members. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker in the Speaker's absence. The judiciary is composed of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and a system of lower courts. Executive authority is vested in the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, although the titular head of government is the Governor. The Governor is the head of state appointed by the President of India. The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor, and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly. The Assembly is unicameral with 68 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Terms of office run for 5 years, unless the Assembly is dissolved prior to the completion of the term. Auxiliary authorities known as panchayats, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs.

Governments have seen alternates between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) & Indian National Congress (INC), no third front ever has become significant. In 2003, the state legislative assembly was won by the Indian National Congress and Virbhadra Singh was elected as the chief minister of the state. In the assembly elections held in December 2007, the BJP secured a landslide victory. The BJP won 41 of the 68 seats while the Congress won only 23 of the 68 seats. BJP's Prem Kumar Dhumal was sworn in as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh on 30 December 2007

Economy

Main article: Economy of Himachal Pradesh

Gross State Domestic Product at Current Prices

figures in millions of Indian Rupees

Year

Gross State Domestic Product

1980

7,940

1985

13,720

1990

28,150

1995

66,980

2000

135,900

2005

230,240

2007

254,350

The era of planning started in Himachal in 1948 along with the rest of India. The first five year plan allocated Rs.5.27 crore to Himachal. More than 50% of this expenditure was incurred on road construction since it was felt that without proper transport facilities, the process of planning and development could not be carried to the people, who mostly lived an isolated existence in far away areas. Himachal now ranks fourth in respect of per capita income among the states of the Indian Union.

Agriculture contributes over 45% to the net state domestic product. It is the main source of income and employment in Himachal. Over 93% of the population in Himachal depend directly upon agriculture which provides direct employment to 71% of its people. The main cereals grown are wheat, maize, rice and barley.

Himachal has a rich heritage of handicrafts. These include woolen and pashmina shawls, carpets, silver and metal ware, embroidered chappals, grass shoes, Kangra and Gompa style paintings, wood work, horse-hair bangles, wooden and metal utensils and various other house hold items. These aesthetic and tasteful handicrafts declined under competition from machine made goods and also because of lack of marketing facilities. But now the demand for handicrafts has increased within and outside the country.

Himachal is extremely rich in hydel resources. The state has about 25% of the national potential in this respect. It has been estimated that about 20,300MW of hydel power can be generated in the State by constructing various major, medium, small and mini/micro hydel projects on the five river basins. The state is also the first state in India to achieve the goal of having a bank account for every family.

As per the current prices, the total GDP was estimated at Rs 25,435 crore (Rs 254,350,000,000), as against Rs 23,024 crore (Rs 230,240,000,000) in the year 2004-05, showing an increase of 10.5%.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Himachal Pradesh

Kalka-Shimla Railway

Roads are the major mode of transport in the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh. The state has road network of 28,208 km (17,528 mi), including eight national highways (NH) that constitute 1,234 km (767 mi). Some roads get closed during winter and monsoon seasons due to snowfall and landslides. Regular bus services connect Shimla with Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Delhi, Mandi, Pathankot, Ambala, Chail and Dehradun. Local taxis are the major local transport here. District Hamirpur has got the highest road density in the country.

Railway track is accessible only to a few places in Himachal Pradesh. The Pathankotogindernagar line connects Punjab with Himachal Pradesh. The other railway tracks pass through Shimla, Solan and Una. Shimla is connected with Kalka by a narrow gauge railway line, which in turn is connected with the major cities in India. Himachal has two narrow gauge rail tracks. The Kalka-Shimla Railway track has a length of 96 kilometres. It passes through 102 tunnels and crosses 864 bridges.

There are three domestic airports in the statehimla Airport, Bhuntar Airport serving Kullu and Manali, and Gaggal Airport serving Kangra and Dharamsala. The air routes connect the state with Delhi and Chandigarh. There are no international airports in Himachal Pradesh. Deccan, Air India, MDLR has flights from Delhi, Chandigarh to Kullu & back. Jagson Airlines has flights from Delhi to Shimla.

Demographics

Traditional home, Manali

Population Growth

Census

Pop.

 %

1951

2,386,000

1961

2,812,000

17.9%

1971

3,460,000

23.0%

1981

4,281,000

23.7%

1991

5,171,000

20.8%

2001

6,077,900

17.5%

Source:Census of India

The population of Himachal in 2001 stood at 6,077,900 as per the provisional results of the Census of India 2001. The population of Himachal Pradesh includes estimated population of entire Kinnaur district, where the population enumeration of Census of India, 2001 could not be conducted due to natural calamity. In terms of population it holds the same position (twenty first) among States and Union territories as at the previous census. The population of the State rose by 17.53% between 1991-2001. The sex ratio (i.e., the number of females per thousand males) of population was recorded as 970, which has declined from 976 in the previous census. Total literacy of the State rose to 77.13% from 63.94% in 1991. Himachal Pradesh has a Total Fertility Rate of 1.9, one of the lowest in India, and below the TFR, of 2.1, required to maintain a stable population. (see Indian states ranking by fertility rate)

The main communities are Brahmins, Rajputs, Gujjars, Rathis, Gaddis, Ghirth(choudhary), Kanets, and Kolis.The Ghirth(choudhary)community is found in mainly distt.Kangra. Himachal also has a sizeable population of Tibetans Himachal Pradesh has the highest proportion of Hindu population in India (95%). Other religions that form a small percentage are Buddhism and Sikhism. The Lahaulis of Lahaul and Spiti region are mainly Buddhists. Sikhs mostly live in towns and cities, and are mostly descended from the refugees from West Punjab (now Pakistan), who settled in what became Himachal Pradesh.

The major spoken languages include Hindi, Punjabi, Mahasui, Kulluyi, Lahauli, Kinnauri, Chambyali, Sirmauri, Gojri (by Gujjars), Bilaspuri, Pahari, Dogri, Kangri.

The life expectancy at birth in Himachal Pradesh is 62.8 years (higher than the national average of 57.7 years) for the period 19861990. The Infant mortality rate stood at 62 in 1999 and crude birth rate has declined from 37.3 in 1971 to 22.6 in 1998, below the national average of 26.5 in 1998. The crude death rate was 7.7 in 1998. Himachal Pradesh's literacy rate grew by 34.65% between the period 1981 and 2001.

Languages of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Himachal Pradesh are the Sunam language 558 (1998), Gahri language 4,000 (1997), Jangshung language 1,990 (1998), Kanashi language 1,400 (2002 Chauhan), Kinnauri language 48,778, Kinnauri Bhoti language 6,000 (1998), Chitkuli language 1,060 (1998), Pattani language 11,000 (1997), Shumcho language 2,174 (1998) and the Tukpa language 723 (1998).

Culture

Main article: Culture of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. With the technological advancements the state has changed very rapidly. It is a multireligional, multicultural as well as multilingual state like other Indian states. Some of the most commonly spoken languages includes Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Dogri, Mandialli Kangri, Gojri and Kinnauri. The Hindu caste communities residing in Himachal include the Brahmins, Rajputs, Gujjars, Gaddis, "Girth (choudhary)," Kannets (come under RAJPUTS), Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal population in the state which mainly comprise , Kinnars,Pangawals, Sulehria, and Lahaulis.

The state is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, metalware, woodwork and paintings are worth appreciating. Pashmina shawl is one of the product which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. Extreme cold winters of Himachal necessitated wool weaving. Nearly every household in Himachal owns a pit-loom. Wool is also considered as pure and is used as a ritual cloth. The well known woven object is the shawl, ranging from fine pashmina to the coarse desar. Kullu is famous for its shawls with striking patterns and vibrant colours.

Local music and dance reflects the cultural identity of the state. Through their dance and music, they entreat their gods during local festivals and other special occasions. Apart from the fairs and festivals that are celebrated all over India, there are number of other fairs and festivals also that are of great significance to Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla, the state capital is home to Asia's only natural Ice skating rink.

The day to day food of Himachalis is very similar to the rest of the north India. They too have lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread. Some of the specialities of Himachal include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery, jhoul, Patrode, Sidku, Beduan, Chutney, Madra, Khatti Dal, Khatta and Ambua.

Famous people associated with Himachal include Dalip Singh Rana, Anupam Kher, Amrish Puri (who studied here), Prem Chopra (brought up here) and Mohit Chauhan, the third Supreme Court chief-justice and former prime minister of Kashmir in 1947 Mehr Chand Mahajan, economist and former vice-president of World Bank Shahid Javed Burki, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, Satyananda Stokes who introduced apple in the region, writer Idries Shah, ornithologist Allan Octavian Hume (had his home here), former general of Pakistan Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq and current President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai who both studied here.

Education

Main article: Education in Himachal Pradesh

Main article: List of educational institutions in Himachal Pradesh

Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital at Shimla.

Himachal Pradesh has one of the highest literacy rates in India. Hamirpur District is among the top districts in the country for literacy. Education rates among women are quite encouraging in the state.

The standard of education in the state has reached to a considerably high level as compared to other states in India. The state has several reputed educational institutes for higher studies.

The Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla ,the NIT, Hamirpur,the Jaypee University of Information Technology,Waknaghat,The Chitkara University,Distt.solan,and Baddi University of Emerging Sciences & Technology Baddi, newly coming up IIT, Mandi are some of the pioneer institutes located in the state. Himachal Pardesh Agriculture University (HPAU) is one of the most renowned hill Agriculture Institutes in world. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry has earned a unique distinction in India for imparting teaching, research and extension education in horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines.

The government is working constantly to prepare various plans and projects in order to strengthen the education system of the state. Recently, the State Government has decided to start three nursing colleges to develop the health system in the state. There are over 10,000 primary schools, 1,000 secondary schools and more than 1,300 high schools in Himachal. The state government has decided to start up with 3 major nursing colleges to develop the health system in the state. In meeting the constitutional obligation to make primary education compulsory, Himachal has now became the first state in India to make elementary education accessible to every child in the state.

The State has got Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital. Besides that there is Himachal Dental College which is the first recognised Dental Institute in the State.

Media and communication

Though situated in a remote part of the country, Himachal Pradesh has an active community of journalists and publishers. Several newspapers and magazines are published in more than one language, and their reach extends to almost all the Hindi speaking states. Radio and TV have permeated significantly. Judging by the number of people writing to these media, there is a very large media-aware population in the state.

The Telegraph, The Statesman, Asian Age, Hindustan Times, Punjab Kesari and The Times of India are the newspapers published here. Vernacular newspapers such as those in Hindi, Punjabi and Nepali are also read by selected readership.

Doordarshan is the state-owned television broadcaster. Multi system operators provide a mix of Nepali, Hindi, English, and international channels via cable. All India Radio is a public radio station. Private FM stations are also available in few cities like Shimla. BSNL, Reliance Infocomm, Tata Indicom, and Airtel are available cellular phone operators. Broadband internet is available in select towns and cities and is provided by the state-run BSNL and by other private companies. Dial-up access is provided throughout the state by BSNL and other providers.

State Profile

Source: Department of Information & Public Relations.

Area

55673 Sq. km

Total Population

60,77,900

Males

30,87,940

Females

29,89,960

Population Density

109

Sex Ratio

968

Rural Population

54,82,319

Urban Population

5,95,581

Scheduled Caste Population

15,02,171

Scheduled Tribe Population

2,44,587

Literacy Rate

77.13%

Male Literacy

86.02%

Female Literacy

68.08%

Districts

12

Sub-Division

52

Tehsils

75

Sub-Tehsils

34

Developmental Block

75

Towns

57

Panchayats

3,243

Panchayat Smities

75

Zila Parishad

12

Urban Local Bodies

53

Nagar Nigam

1

Nagar Parishad

20

Nagar Panchayats

32

Census Villages

20,118

Inhabited Villages

17,495

Health Institutions

3,835

Educational Institutions

17,000

Motorable Roads

30,000 Km

National Highways

8

Identified Hydroelectric Potential

20,787 MW in five rivers basins i.e. (Yamuna, Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Himurja)

Potential harnessed

6353.12MW

Food grain production

16.69 lakh tonnes

Vegetable production

9 lakh tonnes

Fruit Production

6.95 lakh tonnes

Per Capita Income

Rs. 36,783 (20062007) Expected

Social security Pension

2,37,250 Persons, Annual Expenditure: Over Rs. 60 Crore

Investment in Industrial Area

Rs. 27,380/- crore, Employment Opportunities: Over 3,37,391

Employment generated in Government Sector

80,000

See also

Chintpurni

Thaneek Pura

Notes

^ http://himachal.gov.in/cm.htm Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh

^ http://hpvidhansabha.nic.in/ Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha

^ http://hphighcourt.nic.in/gifs/jprofile.htm High Court oF Himachal Pradesh

^ a b "Statistical Facts about India". www.indianmirror.com. http://www.indianmirror.com/geography/geo9.html. Retrieved 2006-10-26. 

^ "Literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh". www.himachalpradesh.us. http://www.himachalpradesh.us/geography/himalayas_in_himachal.php. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 

^ "History section". Suni system (P). http://www.webindia123.com/himachal/history/history.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-28. 

^ a b c "Economy of Himachal Pradesh". Suni System (P). http://www.webindia123.com/himachal/economy/econodeve.htm. Retrieved 2006-04-28. 

^ NEW ERA OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HIMACHAL PRADESH OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY yesbank.in Retrieved on- April 2008

^ "India Corruption Study - 2005". Transparency International. http://www.transparency.org/regional_pages/asia_pacific/newsroom/news_archive__1/india_corruption_study_2005. Retrieved 2007-05-29. 

^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "History of Himachal Pradesh". National informatics center, Himachal Pradesh. http://himachal.nic.in/tour/history.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-31. 

^ "History of Himachal Pradesh". HimachalPradeshIndia.com. http://www.himachalpradeshindia.com/history.html. Retrieved 2008-03-31. 

^ Verma, V. "Historical Perspective". The Emergence of Himachal Pradesh: A Survey of Constitutional Developments. Himachal Pradesh (India): Indus Publishing. pp. 2835. ISBN 8173870357. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=QpWloqN5LTAC&dq=himachal+history&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0. Retrieved 2008-03-31. 

^ "Himachal at a glance". www.himachalpradesh.us. http://www.himachalpradesh.us/himachal/himachal_glance.php. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 

^ "Rivers in Himachal Pradesh". www.himachalpradesh.us. http://www.himachalpradesh.us/geography/himachal_rivers.php. Retrieved 2006-10-26. 

^ a b "Rivers in Himachal Pradesh". Suni Systems (P). http://www.webindia123.com/himachal/land/rivers.htm#R. Retrieved 2006-04-28. 

^ "Climate of Himachal Pradesh". www.himachalpradesh.us. http://www.himachalpradesh.us/geography/himachal_climate.php. Retrieved 2006-10-26. 

^ a b Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. "The Forests". National Informatics Center, Himachal Pradesh. http://www.hpforest.nic.in/frst2.htm. Retrieved 2008-04-03. 

^ In Himachal Pradesh Striking gold with marigold

^ "Fauna". http://www.himachalpradeshindia.com/geographical_info.html. Retrieved 2007-05-28. 

^ "Himachal Pradesh (gov) Introduction". National informatics center. Computer Centre, Lok Sabha Secretariat. http://legislativebodiesinindia.gov.in/States/Himachal/himachal_w.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-03. 

^ "Legislative Assembly". Legislative Bodies in India. National Informatics Centre. http://legislativebodiesinindia.gov.in/. Retrieved 2006-10-28. 

^ "Current GDP". H. K. Dua, The Tribune House. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070306/himachal.htm#6. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 

^ a b "Himachal Pradesh: Infrastructure". Public Private Partnerships in India. Ministry of Finance, Government of India. http://www.pppinindia.com/states_hp_infrastructure.asp. Retrieved 2008-04-06. 

^ "Hamirpur road density". Hari Jaisingh, Published from The Tribune House. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020518/himachal.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-22. 

^ Hughes, H., (1994) Indian Locomotives Part 3, Narrow Gauge, 1863-1940. The Continental Railway Circle, Harrow, UK. ISBN 0-9521655-0-3

^ "MapsOfIndia article on Kalka-Shimla Railway". http://india.mapsofindia.com/transportation/special-trains/kalka-shimla-railway.html. Retrieved 2007-03-13. 

^ "Transportation in Himachal Pradesh". Himachal Transport Dep. Co.. http://www.himachalpradeshindia.com/route.html. Retrieved 2007-01-31. 

^ "Census Population" (PDF). Census of India. Ministry of Finance India. http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf. Retrieved 2008-12-18. 

^ a b c d e f g "Ethnic composition". The First Report on Religion : Census of India 2001. Archived from the original on 2007-06-15. http://web.archive.org/web/20070615002344/http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/Summary+Hindus.pdf. Retrieved 2007-01-31. 

^ a b c "The people and tribes". www.123himachal.com. http://123himachal.com/himachal/info.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 

^ "Highlights of Himachal Pradesh HDR (2002)" (PDF). Government of Himachal Pradesh (2002), Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2002, Government of Himachal Pradesh, pp. 40. http://www.undp.org.in/media/HDRC/shdr/Himachal%20Pradesh/Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf. Retrieved 2007-05-26. 

^ "Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Kanauri.". Gordon, Raymond G., Jr. (ed.), 2005. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. http://www.ethnologue.com/show_family.asp?subid=90419. Retrieved 2007-07-09. 

^ "Ethnicity". http://www.himachalpradeshindia.com/culture-of-himachal-pradesh.html. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 

^ "Culture of Himachal Pradesh". Indialine (2007). http://www.indialine.com/travel/himachalpradesh/culture.html. Retrieved 2007-05-03. 

^ "Ice-skating rink completes 100 sessions again". The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010211/himachal.htm#21. Retrieved 2001-02-11. 

^ a b c d e f "Educational Profile of Himachal Pradesh". General Overview of Education in Himachal. Pragati Infosoft Pvt. Ltd.. http://www.himachaleducation.net/EducationProfile/. Retrieved 2007-03-16. 

^ Himachal Govt. Website "Factual source on Education in Himachal". Government of India. http://himachal.nic.in/educ/ Himachal Govt. Website. Retrieved 2007-03-16. 

^ Dua, H.K.. "Educational updates- Himachal". The Tribune Trust, 2006. The Tribune House. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030629/himachal.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-16. 

^ Indira Gandhi Medical college Retrieved on- April 2008

^ Himachal At A Glance

References

Ahluwalia, M.S. (1998), Social, Cultural and Economic History of Himachal Pradesh, Indus Publishing, ISBN 8173870896, http://books.google.co.in/books?id=tG0fnF0VRk0C&dq=himachal+history&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0, retrieved 2008-03-31 

Batta, R.N. (2000), Tourism and the Environment: A Quest for Sustainability, Indus Publishing, ISBN 8173871108, http://books.google.co.in/books?id=lDJrdjwM7qYC&dq=himachal&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0, retrieved 2008-03-31 

Singh, Sarina (2005), India, Lonely Planet, ISBN 1740596943, http://books.google.co.in/books?id=Fk8FQa2ZSFQC&dq=himachal+history&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0, retrieved 2008-03-31 

Tiwari, A.K. (2000), Infrastructure and Economic Development in Himachal Pradesh, Indus Publishing, ISBN 8173871051, http://books.google.co.in/books?id=aaXQwI5j9-MC&dq=himachal&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0, retrieved 2008-03-31 

Verma, V. (1995), The Emergence of Himachal Pradesh: A Survey of Constitutional Developments, Indus Publishing, ISBN 8173870357, http://books.google.co.in/books?id=QpWloqN5LTAC&dq=himachal+history&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0, retrieved 2008-03-31 

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2002), Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2002, Government of Himachal Pradesh, ISBN 0195219155, http://www.undp.org.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=128&Itemid=216, retrieved 2008-03-31 

Statistics and Data, Planning Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh

External links

Himachal Pradesh travel guide from Wikitravel

Official website of Himachal Pradesh Government

Himachal Pradesh Census 2001

Himachal tourism department Co.

Himachal Tourism Website

Himachal Pradesh Development Report

Himachal NGO

Wooden Temples in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Month/Day in USA

Birds of Himachal Pradesh

Butterflies of Himachal Pradesh

Landscapes of Himachal Pradesh

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Himachal Pradesh

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v  d  e

Himachal Pradesh topics

Major cities

Shimla (Capital)   Solan  Mandi  Manali

Districts

Bilaspur  Chamba  Hamirpur  Kangra  Kinnaur  Kullu  Lahul and Spiti  Mandi  Sirmaur  Shimla  Solan  Una

Culture

Arts and crafts  Languages (Kangri  Kinnauri  Mandiyali  Pahari)  Music  Traditional dances

Economy

Agriculture  Animal husbandry  Industry  Social services  Transport

Jurisdiction

Chief Ministers  Governors  High Court  Government  Vidhan Sabha

Geography

Lakes  Rivers  Districts  Climate  Protected areas

History

Prehistory and protohistory  Early history  Mughal rule  British rule  Freedom struggle  Kangra-Lambagraon  Punjab Hill States agency  Guge

Education

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry  Green Hills Engineering College  Himachal University  IITT college of Engineering  Indian Institute of Advanced Study  Institute of Engineering and Emerging Technologies  National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur  Jaypee University of Information Technology  Chitkara University  Lawrence School  University Institute of Information Technology (UIIT)

People

Anuj Sharma  Ruskin Bond  Chander Kumar  Dhani Ram Shandil  Narain Chand Parashar  Pratibha Singh  Prem Kumar Dhumal  Rajendra Krishan  Baba Kanshi Ram  Preity Zinta  more

Images

Picture gallery  Image gallery at Wikimedia Commons

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States and territories of India

States

Andhra Pradesh  Arunachal Pradesh  Assam  Bihar  Chhattisgarh  Goa  Gujarat  Haryana  Himachal Pradesh  Jammu and Kashmir  Jharkhand  Karnataka  Kerala  Madhya Pradesh  Maharashtra  Manipur  Meghalaya  Mizoram  Nagaland  Orissa  Punjab  Rajasthan  Sikkim  Tamil Nadu  Tripura  Uttar Pradesh  Uttarakhand  West Bengal

Union Territories

Andaman and Nicobar Islands  Chandigarh  Dadra and Nagar Haveli  National Capital Territory of Delhi  Daman and Diu  Lakshadweep  Puducherry

Disputed territories

Territory disputed with Pakistan  Territory disputed with China

Categories: Himachal Pradesh | States and territories of India | States and territories established in 1971Hidden categories: Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2001 | All articles containing potentially dated statements | Articles including recorded pronunciations

Farscape

China Suppliers


Plot

Farscape features a widely diverse and eclectic ensemble of characters who are all escaping from corrupt authorities called Peacekeepers. The protagonists live inside a giant space-dwelling creature named Moya, which serves as their ship. In the first episode, they are joined by the main character, John Crichton (Ben Browder), a modern-day American astronaut who accidentally flew into the entrance of a wormhole near Earth. On the same day, another stranger is picked up by Moya: a stranded Peacekeeper named Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black) who appears human. Despite his best intentions, John does make a few major enemies; the primary of these is known as Scorpius. There are a few stand-alone plots, but the show centers on the unfolding events surrounding John's battle against Scorpius, John's search to find another wormhole back to Earth, and on another front, his relationship (or lack thereof) with Aeryn.

Production m14 airsoft

Farscape first ran on Australian TV Channel Nine Network and the Canadian YTV channel[citation needed], then in the U.S. on the Sci-Fi Channel. The series was originally conceived in the early 1990s by Rockne S. O'Bannon and Brian Henson under the title Space Chase. The series is told in a serialized format, with each episode involving a self-contained story while contributing to a larger storyline. Nearly the entire cast originates from Australia and New Zealand, with the exception of Ben Browder, who is an American actor. hole doll parts

Farscape's characters frequently make use of suggestive slang such as "frell" and "dren" as a substitute for English expletives. gearbox toys

Cast

From left to right: Bialar Crais, Rygel (front), Chiana, Zhaan, Aeryn Sun, John Crichton, D'Argo.

Main article: List of Farscape characters

Main characters

John Crichton (Ben Browder), an astronaut from present-day Earth. At the start of the series, a test flight involving an experimental spacecraft of his own design dubbed Farscape I goes awry, propelling Crichton through a wormhole to a distant part of the universe. He quickly runs afoul of the Peacekeepers and is recovered by the crew of Moya, a living ship which is the main setting for Farscape.

Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black), a renegade Peacekeeper officer. At the start of the series, she is stripped of her rank and marked for death after protecting Crichton. Trained as a soldier since birth, she initially lacks any emotions or empathy. Her severance from the Peacekeepers allows Aeryn to rediscover her compassionate nature.

Ka D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe), an ill-tempered Luxan warrior of impressive stature. He was imprisoned by the Peacekeepers for killing his wife, a crime for which he was falsely convicted. He carries a weapon called the Qualta Blade, a broadsword capable of transforming into a rifle.

Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan (Virginia Hey), a bald, blue-skinned female who belongs to a plant-like species, named Delvians. Once a Priestess of her religious order, Zhaan murdered her lover after discovering he was a Peacekeeper collaborator. Regarded as an anarchist by her captors, she was jailed along with D'Argo and Rygel. Like other members of her species, Zhaan is a telepath; she can share "unity" with other beings (two minds in one body, they can share thoughts, sensations...) and also, as a Pa'u, she is able to share pain with another being.

Dominar Rygel XVI (voiced by Jonathan Hardy), a diminutive creature who was once ruler of the Hynerian Empire. He was deposed by his treacherous cousin and handed over to the Peacekeepers. Despite his size, he is quite arrogant and provides a source of comic relief. Rygel is one of two puppet characters who regularly appear on Farscape. When nervous, Rygel farts heliumften causing his annoyed crew mates to complain in high-pitched voices.

Chiana (Gigi Edgley), a mercurial thief and con artist. She is a Nebari, a grey-skinned species whose society is heavily-regimented by a governmental body called "The Establishment". Chiana's rebellious nature made her a leading candidate for reprogramming (euphemistically known as "cleansing").

Pilot (voiced by Lani Tupu), a multi-limbed creature who acts as the ship's pilot. He is biologically connected to Moya's nervous system and also serves as her voice to the crew. Pilot is portrayed by an animatronic puppet.

Stark (Paul Goddard), a Stykera, a specialized subrace of the Banik, who was first encountered by Crichton at the end of the first season. Stark wears a half-mask - strapped to his head by two separate buckles - of an unidentified metal, covering an incorporeal area that glows dark orange when uncovered, on the right side of his face that he only reveals when he is taking away someone's pain or "crossing over" a souliding or comforting a person in the moments prior to their death. He is also mentally unbalanced, a trait that gets on the nerves of many on Moya.

Bialar Crais (Lani Tupu), the inital antagonist of the series, a Peacekeeper Captain who relentlessly hunts Moya and its crew. He is driven by the death of his brother, a pilot who accidentally collided with Crichton's ship when it exited the wormhole. At the end of the first season, Crais is usurped by Scorpius. Crais mentally bonds with Moya's offspring Talyn, and becomes something of an ally to the crew in later seasons.

Scorpius (Wayne Pygram), a commander of the Peacekeeper forces. Scorpius is a hybrid created from the DNA of a human-like Sebacean and a reptilian Scarran. He is obsessed with extracting the secret of wormhole technology from Crichton.

Recurring characters

As the series progressed, a revolving cast of characters joined the crew of Moya. Jool (Tammy MacIntosh) is an orange-haired academic who appears sporadically throughout seasons three and four. When frightened or enraged, her hair becomes red. Her screams can melt metal. Noranti (Melissa Jaffer) is an elderly, three-eyed alien and a skilled herbalist. At 293 years old, she occasionally appears to be senile and falls asleep at inconvenient times. Captain Meeklo Braca (David Franklin) usually serves as a subordinate to most of the series' villains, feigning obedience as he steadily rises up the ranks.

In the third season, a new antagonist arrives in the form of Commandant Grayza (Rebecca Riggs), a manipulative Peacekeeper who aims to put an end to Scorpius' wormhole research. Ruthless and ambitious, she has a gland implanted in her chest that secretes a substance which bends men to her will. Sikozu (Raelee Hill) is a brilliant Kalish woman who joins the crew at the beginning of the fourth season. Hard-edged and dangerous, she gradually allies herself with Scorpius.

Plots

Main article: List of Farscape episodes

John Crichton is an IASA (International Aeronautics and Space Administration) astronaut working on an experimental project dubbed "Farscape One". During a test flight above Earth's orbit, a wormhole suddenly appears, hurling John to a distant part of the universe. Upon his exit, Crichton's space module clips another craft, a fighter, which then spins out of control and hits a nearby asteroid, killing the fighter's pilot. Crichton is set adrift, but is noticed by and rescued by a large nearby ship, named Moya, which has been hijacked by escaped convicts of various alien species. Early on, the crew must contend with a belligerent regime known as the Peacekeepers. Originally set up as a law enforcement agency, by the start of the series they have degenerated into a mercenary force.

In the premiere episode, they are pursued by Officer Aeryn Sun, a Peacekeeper commando sent to recapture Moya. During the chase, Aeryn's ship is caught up in the wake of Moya's propulsion system and she is taken captive. After Aeryn is brought aboard, it is discovered that the pilot who hit Crichton's ship was Tauvo Crais, brother of the Peacekeeper Captain Bialar Crais. Shortly thereafter, the vengeful Bialar confronts Moya's crew, promising to catch and dissect his brother's killer. When Aeryn comes to Crichton's defense, Crais deems her "irreversibly contaminated" from her contact with alien species. Stripped of her rank and guaranteed the death penalty upon her return, Aeryn is forced to flee along with the rest of the prisoners, providing the basis for a long-running story arc.

The first season episode "Nerve" marks the introduction of Scorpius, a ruthless Peacekeeper commander. A Peacekeeper/Scarran hybrid, Scorpius must wear a protective coolant suit at all times to prevent himself from overheating. (This is due to the nature of his biological existence: his Scarran genetics generate great amounts of heat, while his Sebacian side has an overwhelming weakness to it, and can even die from it.) Upon discovering that Crichton's brain is implanted with the secrets of wormhole technology, Scorpius vainly tries to extract them, only to find that even Crichton cannot access them. Scorpius later usurps the position of Bialar Crais, becoming the main antagonist for the remainder of the series.

The love-hate relationship between Crichton and Aeryn features prominently throughout each season. Aeryn, who was once considered an exemplary soldier, has difficulty dealing with any emotions, regarding them as "weakness". For his part, Crichton is torn between his bond with Aeryn and his steadfast desire to return to Earth. This dilemma is uniquely dealt with in the third season, when an accident leaves Crichton "twinned" effectively split into two identical beings; neither can be definitively called a copy, and are both equally John Crichton. When the crew is forced to split up in order to mislead a Peacekeeper battalion, one Crichton resumes his task of getting home, leaving the other Crichton stranded with Aeryn. This proves to be an unhappy development after Aeryn confesses her love to Crichton, only to watch him die keeping wormhole technology from the Scarrans. Though the remaining Crichton survives, the trauma of this event creates a rift between himself and Aeryn.

Miniseries

Main article: Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars

Production of a four-hour miniseries began in December 2003, written by creator Rockne S. O'Bannon and Executive Producer David Kemper and directed by Brian Henson. In May 2004, the Sci-Fi Channel, now owned by NBC Universal, announced that it would run a two-episode conclusion titled Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars that was intended to wrap up the Season Four cliffhanger and additionally tie up some general elements of the series. The miniseries first aired on Sunday October 17, 2004.

Henson refers to the four hours as episodes 4.23-4.26, though the New South Wales Film Office refers to the production as a '2 x 2 hour telemovie.' Production of the miniseries ended in March 2004 and, in addition to the announced airing on the Sci-Fi Channel in the U.S., was also scheduled to be broadcast in the UK on Sky1 on January 16 and 23, 2005, and by Five on March 8. The Peacekeeper Wars earned a 1.7 household Nielsen rating, drawing 1.96 million viewers and making the Sci Fi channel the #1 non-sports cable network for people aged 2554 and 18-49 for the time period over the two nights.. However, the ratings were lower than those of most other SciFi Channel miniseries, and not a significant improvement.

Early fan speculation hoped that high Nielsen ratings for The Peacekeeper Wars miniseries would prove the viability of renewing the series, but since the ratings were unexceptional, continuation as a new weekly series has been ruled out. Brian Henson has stated on many occasions that he would like to bring the Farscape saga to the big screen, but there has been no development on that front for years. In October 2005, Farscape entered syndication in the U.S., airing on Superstation WGN and on a variety of local, cable, satellite and broadcast affiliates, but vanished from syndication after about two years.

Reception

Praise

Between 2000-2002, Farscape won two Saturn Awards for Best Syndicated/Cable TV Series and Best TV Actor (Browder). Additionally, in 1999, it received nominations for Best TV Actress (Claudia Black as former soldier Aeryn Sun) and Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television (Virginia Hey as the Delvian Priestess Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan). In 2002, it received nominations for Best TV Actress (Claudia Black as former soldier Aeryn Sun) and Best Supporting TV Actor (Anthony Simcoe as the Luxan warrior Ka D'Argo) and Best Supporting TV Actress (Gigi Edgley as the Nebari rogue Chiana).

On July 14, 2005, Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars received an Emmy Nomination for "Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special." In 2007, over four years after its completion, Farscape was named as #4 on TV Guide's list of "The 30 Top Cult Shows Ever".

Cancellation

In September 2002, the Sci-Fi Channel (then-owned by Vivendi Universal) unexpectedly opted to withdraw its funding of the fifth season, canceling the show, just before the fifth season was to air. While there was much fan criticism of this decision, the Sci-Fi Channel concluded that the series was too expensive to renew, as ratings had declined during the fourth season. Fans mounted a massive letter, phone, and e-mail campaign, hoping to restore the show or transfer it to another network. Early plans to scrap the sets after production were postponed after news of the cancellation broke, partly as a result of the fan campaign. The sets were instead put in storage pending a possible future revival of the show.

Cartoonist Bill Amend, creator of the syndicated comic strip FoxTrot, addressed the series' cancellation in an October 8, 2002 strip wherein the character Jason Fox petitioned to have the Sci-Fi channel renew Farscape. Soon after the strip ran, Amend remarked that it "generated more e-mails from readers than anything else I've done in the past. I had no idea that so many people owned computers, even I shudder to think what the mail boxes at the Sci-Fi Channel must be like these days."

Farscape's cancellation received considerable notice by news media. Thanks to the attention generated by the fan campaign, various financial backers in Europe offered their support to Brian Henson, and in 2004, The Jim Henson Company produced a four-hour mini-series to wrap up the series storyline.

Stargate SG-1 parody/homage

Following the series' cancellation, Ben Browder and Claudia Black were both cast as series regulars on Stargate SG-1 during its final two seasons. In the 200th episode, Black's character Vala Mal Doran pitches an idea for a movie to a producer, who immediately recognizes it as The Wizard of Oz. She then pitches a second idea the producer recognizes as Gilligan's Island. He advises her that if she is going to rip something off, it should be something more obscure. This leads into a parody of Farscape, with Black reprising her role of Aeryn Sun, and various SG-1 characters dressed as D'Argo, Stark, Chiana, and Rygel. Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks) stands in for John Crichton, an in-joke referencing the sexual tension between Vala and Daniel on SG-1. Shanks was originally intended to play Stark, with Browder reprising the role of Crichton, but the parts were switched the day before filming at the behest of the actors. The scene also parodies the wide array of invented swear words used in the show. When the scene switches back to the real world, the producer replies that he has "no idea what that is", likely referring to Farscape's relative obscurity. Coincidentally, the announcement of Stargate SG-1's own cancellation was made shortly after this episode ran.

Multimedia

This section may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this section if you can. (March 2008)

DVD releases

AD Vision originally issued Farscape in volumes which they later combined into box sets. Production of Season One box sets was discontinued after the licensing rights were ceded to Sony, who have chosen not to re-release it. Due to the prohibitive price of the completed sets, the series was later re-released as individual volumes under the "Starburst Edition" heading. The Region 2 and Region 4 box sets contain Seasons 14 as well as the Peacekeeper Wars television movie.

More recently, A&E Home Video has released both the Farscape Complete Series Collection and individual season boxed sets.

A&E Home Video announced that Farscape: The Complete Series will be released in thinpack packaging housed in a colorful space-saving packaging. On November 17, 2009, Farscape: The Complete Series as well as all four individual seasons of Farscape were released on the same day. Farscape: The Complete Series has an MSRP of $149.99 while the individual seasons retail for $49.99 each.

In addition, it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con International 2009 that Farscape Undressed, a Farscape special that was created to catch fans up to events that previously happened in Farscape, would be included with the release. However, Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars is not included since Lions Gate Entertainment still retains the rights to the mini series. Upon its release in the US, retailer Best Buy had a limited number of complete series sets which did include The Peacekeeper Wars as a store exclusive bonus. The two miniseries discs were identical to those of the normal Lions Gate release and were included in the last DVD case along with the two discs of bonus material that normally come with the complete series set.

Other releases

In January 2008, seasons 1 and 2 were made available for download through Apple's iTunes Store for customers in the United States. Season 3 was added in March 2008, with Season 4 following in May. The episodes can be purchased individually or as entire seasons.

Seasons One, Two, Three, Four, and The Peacekeeper Wars are available to watch on Netflix.

Webisodes

On July 15, 2007 it was announced that Farscape would return in ten webisode installments. The episodes are expected to be a few minutes long each and may eventually be broadcast on the Sci Fi Channel. The webisodes were to have been launched as early as fall 2007. In an interview with TV Guide, Brian Henson stated that the webisodes will be 36 minutes long and may feature D'Argo Sun-Crichton. TV Guide also reported that Ben Browder is in talks to appear in the webisodes. Sci-Fi Wire reported that Brian Henson and Rockne O'Bannon would pen the episodes.

Several news sources have reported that the web series may lead to an on-air revival of the series, but Sci Fi general manager Dave Howe said that there were no plans to revive the show. Brian Henson has stated that he hopes the webisodes would lead to a TV sequel.

At the Burbank 2007 Farscape Convention in November 2007, Rockne S. O'Bannon stated that the webisodes would likely be released in 2008. Farscape star Ben Browder told SCI FI Wire that he looked forward to reprising the role of astronaut John Crichton in the webisodes. The 2008 writers' strike put a damper on the plans, and Browder said that it was too early to figure out to what extent he would be involved. Browder said that he had a brief discussion with Henson about the Web series at last year's Comic-Con International in San Diego:

They haven't come to me with any specifics yet, and I don't read anything into that. But at Comic-Con, Brian discussed it and said, 'Yeah, we're still figuring it out.' The writers' strike happened immediately after that, ... and a lot of things went on hold, and it will take a little while before a number of things get going again.

At Comic Con 2008, Rockne O'Bannon announced that the ongoing Farscape comic series would tie into the upcoming webisodes. The first comic was scheduled for release in November 2008. On December 4, 2008, O'Bannon told MTV "There a new character that youl meet in the very first comic book who ends up a significant player in the webisodes. Villain or hero? I not saying!"

On June 10, 2009, Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune announced via Twitter, "Farscape webisodes are 'still in play.' they're still being developed but not yet at script stage."

At the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, Brian Henson stated that the webisodes were "ready to go" but that they were still looking for financing on the project.

At the 10th Anniversary Farscape Convention in Los Angeles, 2009, Brian Henson again stated that they are still waiting for funding. Ben Browder was asked how the fans could help with funding, and said he wasn't sure what could be done.

Literature

Boxtree in the UK and Tor Books in the U.S. published three Farscape novels: House of Cards by Keith R.A. DeCandido, Dark Side of the Sun by Andrew Dymond, and Ship of Ghosts by David Bischoff. DeCandido was in talks to do a fourth novel, to be published by Tor, but negotiations between Henson and Tor broke down, and then the show was cancelled.

Scott Andrews' Uncharted Territory: An Unauthorised and Unofficial Guide To Farscape (Virgin Publishing 2002, ISBN 0-7535-0704-8) covered Farscape's first three seasons exhaustively. Paul Simpson wrote The Illustrated Farscape Companion series for Titan Books, one book per season (Book 1 with David Hughes; Books 2 and 3 with photographer Ruth Thomas) with exclusive official content.

Jes Battis, author of Blood Relations: Chosen Families in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel (McFarland & Company 2005, ISBN 0-7864-2172-X), published the first book of critical essays on Farscape in 2007 with Investigating Farscape: Uncharted Territories of Sex and Science Fiction (ISBN 1-8451-1342-X) through U.K. publisher I.B. Taurus. The book examines Farscape from a post-colonial, Marxist, gender studies, and queer theory perspective.

The Creatures of Farscape: Inside Jim Henson's Creature Shop, released in 2004, offered a colorful look inside the famous creature shop that created the stunning array of creatures and make up effects. Previously unseen and behind the scenes images; it includes exclusive contributions from the show's stars and make-up artists, and a foreword by executive producer Brian Henson.

There is an "Illustrated Companion" for each season 1-4, a total of four, by Paul Simpson.

Farscape Forever!: Sex, Drugs and Killer Muppets released September 28, 2005; in which Science fiction and fantasy authors analyze every aspect of the innovative, action-packed, and always surprising science fiction tv series in this innovative - irreverent essay collection. Contributors include Martha Wells on characters Crichton and D'Argo's buddy relationship, P. N. Elrod on the villains she loves to hate, and Justina Robson on sex, pleasure, and feminism. Topics range from a look at how Moya was designed and an examination of vulgarity and bodily functions to a tourist's budget guide to the Farscape universe. Included is an "expert's" advice to the Peacekeepers who, despite their viciousness, yet never quite seem to pull it off.

Shortly after season 3 began airing, Titan Magazines released a Farscape magazine. Available bi-monthly, the magazine ran from its April/May 2001 issue through to its 12th issue, April/May 2003. The magazine had a lot of in-depth material, including interviews with the cast and crew, behind the scenes information on many episodes, original fiction (by O'Bannon, DeCandido, Greg Cox, John Kenneth Muir, and others), and a regular column by David Kemper. There were two versions of the magazine produced each issue, with the only difference being the front cover, and the magazine also had two special issues - a season 3 special (issue 7), and the final issue (issue 12) containing an episode guide for the four seasons to date, as well as sketches for ideas and the Horizons fiction.

"Horizons" fiction

In the final issue of its run, the Farscape magazine published a piece of fiction written by series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon. Set a long time after the end of the fourth season, this details some of the adventures the Moya crew has had since and what has happened to them all. Since "Horizons" was written before the Peacekeeper Wars miniseries, there are some plot inconsistencies between the two, which could be resolved at some later stage.

Comics

During 2002, Wildstorm Productions produced a two-part Farscape comic entitled "War Torn", with the first part available in April and the second in May. The comics featured two stories, each spanning both issues. "War Torn", the main story, featured the Moya crew becoming ensnared in a war between two planets over a third, and took up roughly three quarters of the comic. "The Forth Horseman - featuring Chiana" was a Chiana-only story as she came across old friends and foes on the run from the Nebari. Both stories seem to have been set during Season 2. The second issue also included a double-page spread of some of the preliminary sketches.

Farscape returned to the comic form in 2008 through a partnership between The Jim Henson Company and BOOM! Studios in a series of mini-series that fit into established Farscape canon. BOOM! is publishing several four-issue mini-series that will expand and explore the Farscape universe, which will later be collected into trade paperbacks, under the direct supervision of series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon. The first two miniseries, The Beginning of the End of the Beginning (first issue on sale December 24, 2008) and Strange Detractors (first issue scheduled for March 2009) are written by O'Bannon and Keith R.A. DeCandido, author of the Farscape novel House of Cards. Art is by Tommy Patterson for the first miniseries, Will Sliney for the second. The third miniseries, D'Argo's Lament (set during the events of Season 3) is being published concurrently with Strange Detractors. Two further miniseries were announced: Gone And Back (which started in July 2009) and D'Argo's Trial (which started in August 2009). In November 2009, an ongoing Farscape series was launched, the first arc entitled Tangled Roots. As well as the main titles, BOOM! are also publishing the scripts of these stories separately.

Games

Main articles: Farscape: The Game and Farscape (role-playing game)

A video game based on the television series was produced by Red Lemon Studios and released mid-2002 for the personal computer. Set during the first season, the game featured voice acting by the original cast of the television series. Reviews of the game, however, were generally negative, with many reviewers citing poor gameplay mechanics.

A Farscape table-top role-playing game was released by Alderac Entertainment Group in 2002. It uses the d20 System and includes creatures not appearing in the established television universe. The game also features an original short story by Keith R. A. DeCandido set after the second season. The game was nominated for ENnie awards for Best Graphic Design and Layout and Best d20 Game in 2003.

See also

Extraterrestrial life in culture

Space opera

List of space aliens in fiction

Blake's 7

References

^ Ryan, Maureen (2005-10-10). "Why the frenzy over 'Farscape'?". chicagotribune.com. http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2004/10/why_the_frenzy_.html. Retrieved 2008-11-06. 

^ new Farscape comic by O'Bannon & KRAD - The Trek BBS

^ Breaking News - SCI FI'S YEAR-END RATINGS WIN! | TheFutonCritic.com

^ "TV Guide Names the Top Cult Shows Ever". TVGuide. http://www.tvguide.com/news/top-cult-shows/070629-01. Retrieved 2007-06-29. 

^ a b "Farscape F.A.Q.". Sci Fi Wire. http://www.scifi.com/farscape/faq/. Retrieved 2008-09-22. [dead link]

^ "Farscape cult Web site, 08 January 2003 from article "Farscape cancellation facts"". http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/news/cult/2003/01/08/1693.shtml. 

^ Sun, December 08, 2002 from article "Sci-Fi Network vs. the "Scapers"" By JULIO OJEDA-ZAPATA, Pioneer Press Newspaper

^ "Web support for 'Farscape' out of this world". CNN. http://archives.cnn.com/2002/TECH/09/17/hln.wired.farscape/index.html. Retrieved 4 February 2007. 

^ "Fans Rally as "Farscape" Flames Out". E!News. http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=afaa358d-3de0-4fb8-91a0-23554c3c93d3. Retrieved 4 February 2007. 

^ "Black, Browder Talk New SG-1". Sci Fi Wire. 2006-05-05. http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/print.php?id=30979. Retrieved 2008-09-22. [dead link]

^ Ryan, Maureen. 200 laughs in a memorable 'Stargate SG-1' episode. The Watcher. Chicago Tribune (August 16, 2006). Visited August 23, 2006.

^ "SG-1 Ends Run; Atlantis Back". GateWorld. 2006-08-22. http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=2&id=37607. Retrieved 2008-09-22. [dead link]

^ "Farscape Comes to DVD from A&E Home Video". http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Farscape-Complete-Series-Coming/12228. 

^ Farscape The Complete Series: Cover Art, Pricing and Release Dates

^ Farscape Comic Con Details

^ "SciFi Channel Press Release". http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=07/15/07&id=20070715scifi02. 

^ a b c "SciFi Channel Press Release". http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Tv-Guide-News/Exclusive-Farscape-Producer/800019251. 

^ "Exclusive: Farscape Producer Talks About the Franchise's Future". http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Tv-Guide-News/Exclusive-Farscape-Producer/800019251. Retrieved 2008-11-25. 

^ http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=42833[dead link]

^ Tuned In: New NBC exec says he's landed dream job

^ Hughes, Mike (July 16, 2007). "'Farscape' returns online, Sci Fi readies 'Galactica' TV movie". Gannett News Service. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/tv/articles/0716farscape0716.html. Retrieved 2009-06-06. 

^ "Browder Eager For Web Farscape". Sci Fi Wire. 2006-03-14. http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=1&id=50330. Retrieved 2008-09-25. [dead link]

^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Relations:_Chosen_Families_in_%22Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer%22_and_%22Angel%22

^ CCI: Rockne O'Bannon on BOOM!'s "Farscape" Comics, Comic Book Resources, July 25, 2008

^ "Farscape: The Game (pc: 2002): Reviews". metacritic.com. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/farscapethegame. Retrieved 2009-06-06. 

^ "The ENnie Awards- 2003 ENnies Archive". http://ennieawards.com/2003.html. Retrieved 2007-09-04. 

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Farscape

Official website

The Nitty Gritty on How Farscape Got Cancelled

Farscape World

(French) Farscape-Scapers

Farscape at the Internet Movie Database

Farscape at TV.com

v  d  e

Farscape

Creators

Brian Henson  Rockne S. O'Bannon

Characters  Episodes  Races  Peacekeepers  Farscape: The Game  Farscape Roleplaying Game  The Peacekeeper Wars

v  d  e

Main cast of Farscape

Ben Browder  Claudia Black  Gigi Edgley  David Franklin  Paul Goddard  Jonathan Hardy  Virginia Hey  Raelee Hill  Melissa Jaffer  Tammy MacIntosh  Wayne Pygram  Anthony Simcoe  Lani Tupu

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