Niagara Falls ran dry

The day Niagara Falls ran dry: Newly-discovered photos show the moment the iconic waterfall came to a standstill

By Graham Smith
Last updated at 3:04 AM on 16th December 20
It's taken 41 years, but a previously unseen set of photos of the mighty Niagara Falls reduced to nothing more than a barren cliff-top have finally surfaced.
The stark images reveal North America's iconic - and most powerful - waterfall to be almost as dry as a desert.
In June 1969, U.S. engineers diverted the flow of the Niagara River away from the American side of the falls for several months.
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Stark: A completely dry Niagara Falls has never been seen before or since the six months in July 1969 when U.S. engineers set about restructuring the American side of the twin landmark

Mountain of rubble: This set of photos only recently came to light when Russ Glasson found them in a shoebox in his in-laws' Connecticut garage

Their plan was to remove the large amount of loose rock from the base of the waterfall, an idea which they eventually abandoned due to expense in November of that year.
During the interim, they studied the riverbed and mechanically bolted and strengthened a number of faults to delay the gradual erosion of the American Falls.
The team, made up of U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, blew up their temporary dam in November 1969 and six million cubic feet of water once again thundered over the falls' sides every minute.

Now, after lying unseen for more than four decades, a set of images showing the eerie calm at the American Falls that year have been unearthed by a man from Connecticut.

Plan: The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers studied the riverbed and mechanically bolted and strengthened a number of faults to delay the gradual erosion of the American Falls

Historical moment: In order to stop the Niagara River running over the American Falls, engineers constructed a dam consisting of 27,800 tons of rock, stopping the water for the first time in 12,000 years

Russ Glasson recently stumbled across the pictures, which were taken by his in-laws, and had been left in an old shoebox in their garage for over four decades.
Mr Glasson said: 'My in-laws took these pictures during the six months through June to November that the Army was working to improve the health of the American Falls.'
Two rockslides from the plate of the falls in 1931 and 1954 had caused a large amount of rock to be collected at the base.
In 1965, reporters at local newspaper Niagara Falls Gazette revealed that the America Falls would eventually cease to flow and stop altogether if the rocks were not removed.
Four years later, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers were charged with de-watering the falls to clean the river bed and to remove any loose rock at the bottom of the falls.

Gradual deterioration: Two rockslides from the plate of the falls in 1931 and 1954 had caused a large amount of rock to be collected at the base

Eerie calm: The temporary dam can be seen in the top-right of this photograph

Thunderous: The American Falls as they normally appear, with millions of gallons of water hurtling over the edge every minute

To achieve this the army had to build a 600ft dam across the Niagara River, which meant that 60,000 gallons of water that flowed ever second was diverted over the larger Horseshoe Falls which flow entirely on the Canadian side of the border.
The dam itself consisted of 27,800 tons of rock, and on June 12, 1969, after flowing continuously for over 12,000 years, the American Falls stopped.
Over the course of the next six months thousands of visitors flocked to the falls to witness the historic occasion.
Once the engineers had removed the collected rocks from the falls base and made geological testing to make safe the rest, the falls were re-watered on November 25 in front of 2,650 onlookers.

Tourist hotspot: The Maid Of The Mist cruise boat journeys near to the Canadian Falls. The American Falls can be seen in the distance on the left

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1338793/Niagara-Falls-ran-dry-Photos-moment-iconic-waterfall-came-standstilll.html#ixzz18FugEiL9

Metrodome collapsed

Minneapolis Metrodome's inflatable roof collapses as 20 INCHES of snow is dumped on Midwest in ONE DAY

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 8:38 AM on 13th December 2010

• Video captures dramatic moment  Metrodome collapsed
• Collapse forces cancellation of Vikings-New York giants game
• Roads closed across five states as 20inches of snow falls
• State of emergency declared in Wisconsin 'as a precaution'
• Delta cancels all flights into Minneapolis

The giant inflatable roof above the Minneapolis Metrodome collapsed yesterday under the weight of a massive snowstorm that swept across the Midwest.

Stadium staff watched in horror as the 580,000lbs roof, which is made of Teflon-coated fibreglass and supported by twenty 90-horsepower fans, slowly fell in - just hours before Minnesota Vikings were due to play the New York Giants.

No one was hurt but the dramatic incident - captured on video - forced the National Football League to shift the game to Monday night at Detroit's Ford Field.

Snow fall: The Metrodome's roof collapsed after 20 inches of snow hit Minneapolis

Before and after: The inflatable roof of the metrodome collapsed today

Icy pitch: Tons of snow fell through the roof and covered half the field meaning the Minnesota Vikings may not be able to play until Tuesday

Caught on camera: An incredible video captures the moment a build-up of snow forced the inflatable roof of the Minneapolis Metrodome to collapse

MSFC director of facilities and engineering Steve Maki said: 'This just came very fast. It was heavily loaded, and the wind was just unbelievable.'
Bill Lester, the MSFC's executive director, added: 'There were no injuries, which we're thankful for.'

Meanwhile a team of people from the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has been working to clear the snow from the Metrodome.
It was not the first time the stadium's roof has failed. It deflated in 1981, 1982 and 1983 due to heavy snowfall.
The instability of the roof could be why the Vikings has been lobbying for a new home building for the past ten years. Next season is the final year of their tenancy at the Metrodome.

Blizzard: Pedestrians make their way to a Minnesota college basketball game in a snowstorm yesterday

The snowstorm which broke the stadium's roof was expected to be followed by dangerously cold conditions - North Dakota had experienced wind chills of -16C.

Roads were closed across five states as 20 inches of snow - or half a metre - fell across the upper Midwest in the U.S. yesterday.

The Chicago Department of Aviation said more than 900 flights were canceled at O'Hare airport and another 250 at Midway airport.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle declared a state of emergency for the state's 72 counties as a precaution, calling the National Guard to active duty to help local authorities.

'Conditions continue to deteriorate and it is becoming critically important for vehicles to stay off the roadways," Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent David Collins said.

Eastern Minnesota's Oakdale area got 20 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm was moving east and it had dumped about a foot of snow - 30 centimetres - in Chippewa County in northwestern Wisconsin and 24 inches of the white stuff - 61 centimetres - were expected to fall by Sunday morning in the Eau Claire area.

Amrita Mukherjee, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, said: 'It's looking very frightening. Since morning, it's been snowing heavily and the wind is really strong. And each hour, it's getting even worse.'

Lisa McGrath was shovelling her front walk in southeast Minneapolis, but knew she'd likely have to do it again in a few hours.

At a standstill: A man tries to help move a car on an icy street in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Chilly: Shoppers walk to an electronics store amid blowing snow, in Omaha, Nebraska, yesterday

'It's good exercise - the only exercise I'm going to get today,' she said as she hoisted the shovel.

The State Patrol said there had been 76 crashes reported statewide, but there were no serious injuries. An additional 319 reports of vehicles sliding off roads had been received by the control room.

Wisconsin authorities issued a statewide no-travel advisory because of blizzards and winter storms in nearly every county.

Flyers with Delta, United, U.S. Airways and Continental had all been told they could change their flights without penalty because of the conditions.

Delta had cancelled all flights into Minneapolis because of snow on the runways.

Meanwhile, small riverside towns in Washington and areas of Portland, Oregon, were expected to flood as six inches of rain - 15 centimetres - was forecasted to fall across the Pacific Northwest.

Freezing: A pedestrian uses plastic bags for boots as he walks down a street during a snowstorm in Minneapolis

Transportation managers said on Saturday that mudslides caused by the storms forced the suspension of Amtrak service between Portland and Seattle until Monday.

Portland officials warned residents in flood-prone areas such as the Johnson Creek watershed to be prepared to evacuate.

The tributary empties in the Willamette River south of downtown Portland.

The National Weather Service also expects the Chahalis, Snohomish and Snoqualmie rivers in Washington state to reach flood stage. Forecasters say flooding is likely to be widespread.

Misi Menyelamat Di Kepulauan Mentawai

Suka Duka Misi Menyelamat Di Kepulauan Mentawai

Oleh AU YEONG HOW

 

Kampung Bosua yang musnah dilanda tsunami pada 25 Oktober 2010. - Foto Ihsan DR MOHAMMAD IQBAL

PENGALAMAN menunggu selama lima hari oleh rombongan bantuan kemanusiaan Mercy Malaysia (misi kedua) untuk tiba di Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia yang dilanda tsunami pada 25 Oktober lalu merupakan detik yang mungkin tidak dapat dilupakan oleh para sukarelawan Malaysia.
Gempa bumi yang direkodkan pada skala Ritcher 7.7 sudah cukup untuk melakukan kemusnahan yang tidak terimaginasikan oleh sesiapa sahaja lebih-lebih lagi kepada kita rakyat Malaysia yang tidak pernah ada pengalaman melalui detik-detik cemas seperti mana yang telah dirasai oleh rakyat negara jiran kita, Indonesia.

 

Keadaan Desa Bosua dilihat seperti padang jarak padang terkukur selepas dilanda tsunami, 25 Oktober 2010.

Difahamkan 400 mangsa dari 150 perkampungan hilang dalam kejadian gempa bumi selama 10 minit pada hari kejadian.
Bagi mereka yang lemah semangat, langkah paling mudah ialah berpatah balik lebih-lebih lagi, kehadiran para sukarelawan kita seolah-olah terasa seperti tidak dihargai.
Apatah lagi setelah berdepan dengan pelbagai halangan mereka perlu terlebih dahulu berdepan dengan masalah termasuklah menunggu sehingga lima hari sebelum dapat tiba di kepulauan berkenaan.

 

Sebuah rumah di Kampung Tumalai ranap menyembah bumi ekoran dilanda tsunami, 25 Oktober lalu.

Namun para sukarelawan Malaysia tekad meneruskan langkah pertama yang mereka lakukan ketika meninggalkan tanah air dalam misi tersebut.
Segala aral melintang dijadikan pembakar semangat seorang doktor sukarelawan, Profesor Madya Dr Mohammad Iqbal Omar atau Ye Htut.
Beliau bersama seorang pembantu perubatan, Chee Fook Wah dan empat anggota perubatan menyertai rombongan kemanusiaan itu di bawah naungan Mercy Malaysia dari 31 Oktober lalu sehingga 7 November.
Perjalanan mereka bermula apabila tiba di Padang beberapa hari lebih awal untuk membuat penilaian ke atas bantuan yang diperlukan.

 

Peta menunjukkan Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia.

Dari Padang, mereka perlu bertolak ke Kepulauan Mentawai iaitu tempat kejadian. Mereka yang hendak ke Kepulauan Mentawai harus menggunakan Pelabuhan Sikakap yang menghubungkan Padang ke Pulau Pagai.
Perjalanan bot ke situ memakan masa selama 12 jam jika laut bergelora atau satu setengah jam jika menggunakan helikopter.
AHAD (31 OKTOBER) - Hari Pertama:
Rombongan Mercy Malaysia sepatutnya menaiki kapal milik Port Authority Naval Sea kira-kira pukul 10 malam. Bagaimanapun, pihak berkuasa tempatan tidak membenarkan orang asing menaikinya.
Ekoran itu, para sukarelawan Malaysia terpaksa berpatah balik ke hotel di Padang. Mereka mendapat tahu terdapat helikopter ke pulau berkenaan pada keesokan harinya.
ISNIN (1 NOVEMBER) - Hari Kedua:
Pada 6.30 pagi Isnin, mereka pergi ke hangar milik polis dan tentera dan menunggu selama hampir tiga jam. Sekali lagi, cuaca yang tidak menentu menghalang usaha mereka ke situ.
“Cuaca sukar diramalkan di sini. Hujan boleh turun dengan lebat untuk setengah jam dan kering setengah jam kemudiannya,” kata Dr Mohammad Iqbal.
Misi untuk ke Kepulauan Mentawai terkandas untuk kali yang keduanya.
SELASA (2 NOVEMBER) - Hari Ketiga:
Jelas beliau, perkhidmatan feri antara laluan Sikakap dan Padang memang disediakan, tetapi semua tempat duduk telahpun ditempah. Maklumlah ia adalah bot komersial yang lebih mementingkan keuntungan. “Kami kerap menerima mesej Mercy Malaysia misi pertama menerusi khidmat pesanan ringkas (SMS) yang memberitahu mereka memerlukan pertolongan kami,” katanya.
Sebelum kedatangan mereka, satu rombongan Mercy Malaysia misi pertama telah pun dihantar ke situ. Mereka terdiri daripada dua wakil Mercy Malaysia dan dibantu lima penuntut perubatan yang belajar di Indonesia.
RABU (3 NOVEMBER) - Hari Keempat:
Masa terus berlalu begitu sahaja. Pada Rabu, mereka dimaklumkan helikopter dibenarkan berlepas.
“Alangkah kecewanya saya apabila Gabenor serta pihak tentera secara diplomatiknya memberitahu kami, helikopter tidak mempunyai ruang untuk membawa penumpang,” katanya dengan nada kecewa.
Dr Mohammad Iqbal tidak dapat menyembunyikan kekecewaannya kerana misi mereka adalah untuk melakukan kerja-kerja kesukarelawan di pulau berkenaan tetapi mereka masih tidak dapat bertolak ke lokasi bencana alam walaupun telah menanti selama empat hari.
KHAMIS (4 NOVEMBER) - Hari Kelima:
Keesokannya, mereka pergi ke lapangan terbang persendirian Minangkabau (dan tunggu dari pagi hingga tengah hari).
“Pada lebih kurang jam 8 pagi, ramai orang kenamaan (VIP) yang tiba hadir. Mereka juga ingin bertolak ke Kepulauan Mentawai. Sekali lagi kami dihampakan kerana tiada ruang untuk kami.

 

Sukarelawan dari Mercy Malaysia misi kedua ketika menaiki kapal navigasi yang belayar dari Sikakap ke Kepulauan Mentawai.

“Kami tinggalkan hangar dan bergegas ke Pelabuhan Sikakap kerana kononnya ada kapal navigasi ke situ,” ujarnya.
Akhirnya rombongan Mercy Malaysia misi berjaya menaiki kapal tersebut pada jam 2.30 petang dan sampai di Kepulauan Mentawai menjelang 12.30 tengah malam.
Kapal tersebut dilabuhkan di lautan dan para penumpang perlu menggunakan bot laju mudah alih ke persisiran pantai.
Kerana kepekatan malam, mereka mengambil keputusan untuk memulakan misi apabila fajar menyingsing.
Kumpulan Mercy Malaysia misi kedua seterusnya bergabung dengan kumpulan Mercy misi pertama yang berpangkalankan sebuah bot sewa.
Ketika itu, tiga penuntut perubatan terpaksa pulang kerana perlu meneruskan pengajian mereka di universiti.
Ini bermakna tinggal lima sukarelawan dari misi pertama dan enam sukarelawan dari misi kedua meneruskan usaha Mercy Malaysia.

 

Sukarelawan Mercy Malaysia di atas kapal Arimbi yang disewa.

BOT ‘RUMAH’
Dr Mohammad Iqbal dan lain-lain sukarelawan menjadikan bot itu sebagai tempat penginapan pada waktu malam.
Bot tersebut disewa selama sepuluh hari untuk misi menghantar bantuan kemanusiaan.Di situlah mereka makan, tidur dan mandi.
Menurut beliau, bot tersebut yang disewa untuk tempoh 10 hari itu memiliki catuan makanan untuk 14 penumpang termasuk kru.
Katanya, semua penumpang makan sayur-sayuran, telur, ikan sardin, mi segera dan nasi semasa berada di atas kapal tersebut.
“Makanan mentah disimpan dalam peti sejuk. Kami minum air botol mineral. Dalam keadaan ‘darurat’ sedemikian, kami hanya mandi sekali dalam sehari. Itupun air hujan yang disimpan. Air hujan juga digunakan untuk membersihkan tandas selepas digunakan,” katanya.
JUMAAT (5 NOVEMBER) - Hari Keenam:
Destinasi pertama ialah Desa Maonai di Pulau Pagai di utara Kepulauan Mentawai. Ahli-ahli sukarelawan Malaysia memberikan rawatan perubatan kepada kira-kira 20 mangsa bencana alam dari 9 pagi hingga 2 petang. Kira-kira tujuh sukarelawan bekerja dalam setiap operasi.

 

Sukarelawan Mercy Malaysia menaiki bot ke kampung yang dilanda tsunami untuk memberikan bantuan perubatan.

“Kami diberitahu, apabila tsunami menghentam persisiran pantai, ia mengakibatkan lebih 300 orang Mindanao kehilangan tempat tinggal (atau Internally Displaced Person),” kata Dr Mohammad Iqbal.
Pelarian tersebut, kata Dr Mohammad Iqbal, rata-ratanya tidak tercedera ataupun mempunyai masalah serius dan hanya menerima rawatan pesakit luar.
Tambahnya, kebanyakan mereka lebih memerlukan sokongan psikologi.
Mereka turut memantau sama ada berlaku pemerebakan wabak kerana faktor kebersihan.
SABTU (6 NOVEMBER) - Hari Ketujuh:
Rombongan Mercy Malaysia misi kedua tiba di Batu Monga pada 9 pagi. Oleh kerana sudah terdapat pegawai Indian Red Cross, maka mereka tidak menghabiskan masa terlalu lama di situ.
Mereka bertolak ke Batu Malai dan merupakan pasukan sukarelawan yang pertama tiba di situ tepat pada pukul 12 tengah hari.
Terdapat kira-kira 120 penduduk dari 45 keluarga menetap di situ. Semua rumah ranap kecuali satu bangunan tinggi. Majoriti penduduknya beragama Kristian.
Dr Mohammad Iqbal memberitahu, terdapat satu kematian dan dua kecederaan di perkampungan tersebut akibat tsunami.

 

Dr Mohammad Iqbal menjalankan satu pembedahan kecil keatas seorang mangsa tsunami pada lututnya yang tercedera.

“Salah seorang daripadanya mengalami jangkitan pada lutut. Kami juga melakukan beberapa pembedahan minor keatas kanak-kanak yang menghidap jangkitan pada kulit selain mengesan beberapa insiden pasca traumatik,” ceritanya.
Apa yang paling menyayatkan hati, katanya, ialah seorang wanita menitiskan air mata kegembiraan dengan kehadiran mereka.
“Dia merayu kami menyelamatkan suaminya yang mengalami kecederaan kepala dan dalam koma akibat tsunami tempoh hari. Kami melakukan apa yang terdaya dan menguruskan penghantarannya ke hospital,” katanya.
Lelaki tersebut difahamkan sedang mencari rotan bersama dua rakannya ketika tsunami melanda kepulauan itu. Seorang mati manakala seorang lagi cedera.

 

Dr Mohammad Iqbal merawat seorang bayi di klinik bergerak di Desa Maonai, Pulau Pagai di utara Kepulauan Mentawai.

Dr Mohammad Iqbal dan rakan-rakannya membantu 53 pesakit dari 12 tengah hari hingga 4 petang.
Persinggahan mereka di situ tidaklah terlalu lama kerana laut bergelora pada lewat petang dan ini membahayakan keselamatan.
AHAD (7 NOVEMBER) - Hari Kelapan:

 

Sebuah klinik bergerak Mercy Malaysia di Kampung Tumalai.

Destinasi terakhir ialah Pulau Sipora. Mereka melawat ke Desa Bosua yang dihuni kira-kira 420 keluarga di bahagian selatan pulau itu dari jam 9 pagi hingga 2 petang.
Dr Mohammad Iqbal berkata, mereka berjaya merawat 55 pesakit dan menjalankan dua pembedahan kecil.
Sementara itu, beliau berkata, pasukan perubatan tidak mengikuti rombongan sukarelawan Mercy ke Desa Kobi Bara untuk menghantar bantuan kemanusiaan.
“Ini kerana sudah ramai sukarelawan dari Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah, pertubuhan bukan kerajaan dari Australia, dan South Surfer Aid ada di situ,” katanya.
Secara keseluruhannya, dari 31 Oktober hingga 7 November, Dr Mohammad Iqbal memberitahu, mereka melawat sembilan kampung, merawat 566 pesakit dan mewujudkan tujuh klinik. Tambahnya, Mercy turut membawa 100 helai selimut, 44 kotak mi segera (Indomie) dan 45 kotak botol air mineral untuk mangsa-mangsa.

 

Sukarelawan Mercy Malaysia di atas kapal Arimbi yang disewa selama 10 hari untuk misi kemanusian ke Kepulauan Mentawai pada Oktober dan November 2010.

“Kami pulang dengan bot sewa apabila genap sepuluh hari,” katanya.
Ditanya apakah pengalaman paling berharga sepanjang berada di situ, Dr Mohammad Iqbal tidak teragak-agak menyatakan ia adalah kasih sayang sesama manusia yang tidak mengenal sempadan.
Beliau bersedia untuk menyahut panggilan Mercy agar dapat menawarkan bantuan kepada sesiapa sahaja dan di mana jua.

Smoking in pregnancy

Smoking in pregnancy could increase baby's sudden death risk 'by affecting breathing regulator in brain'

Last updated at 2:01 PM on 10th November 2010

Babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy have a far higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, now researchers think they know why.
Researchers, reporting in the journal Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology,  found nicotine could be affecting the development of brain centres that regulate breathing.

Research revealed babies of mothers who smoked during pregnancy had more pauses in breathing (infant apnea)

SIDS is the leading cause of death during the first year of a baby's life and the link between maternal smoking and SIDS is well-established.

Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke puts infants at a two to five fold increased risk of SIDS and contributes to premature birth, which is another risk factor.
However what was known was how exposure to the chemicals in cigarette smoke in the womb increased this risk.
Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio analysed evidence from a number of human and animal studies.
They found nicotine exposure in the womb led to altered breathing patterns and ventilatory responses that compromised respiratory arousal and auto-resuscitation.
Babies of mothers who smoked during pregnancy had more pauses in breathing (infant apnea) and had a decreased ability to wake up from sleep in response to low oxygen.
Journal editor Dr Harold Farber, said: 'These findings highlight the importance of public health policies to prevent the development of tobacco dependence in adolescent girls and the importance of treatment of maternal tobacco dependence prior to pregnancy.
'Perhaps when young women are freed from the chains of tobacco addiction we can then truly say that "you have come a long way… for your baby."'

Ultimate boys' toy

Ultimate boys' toy: A magnificent hand-crafted 145ft Scalextric track... which took three YEARS to build

Last updated at 8:37 AM on 10th November 2010
With Christmas just around the corner, many boys will be being especially good so that Santa delivers the toy of their dreams under their tree on December 25.
And when they see this magnificent Scalextric track, Father Christmas could have a job on his hands pushing it though chimneys.
For here is a 1/32 scale Formula One course, which is 145ft long, lovingly hand-crafted by American big kid James-Michael Harlan... and he spent three YEARS making it.

The need for speed: Designer and car fanatic James-Michael Harlan has spent three years creating the White Lake Formula One track

Attention to detail: The unmarried 39-year-old has spent over £3,700 and 7,000 hours on the track, which is the envy of slot car racers all over the world

Grand plans: Mr Harlan said: 'This isn't the end though, there is so much more I want to do. I've only just begun.'

The course, named the White Lake Formula One Ring, has just been completed and is the envy of all slot car enthusiasts around the world.
With 19 hair-raising turns and a complex track, complete with four lanes, pit stops and a grandstand, this miniature Formula One track is the ultimate boys' toy.
An exhibition designer and car fanatic, Mr Harlan has thought of absolutely everything, including miniature safety cars and podiums to stadium lights, cameras and stunning landscapes.
The elaborate track, which stands at 2.5ft high, has a 20ft bridge, straight and surrounding scenery of skyscrapers, viewing towers and countryside.
But amazingly the unmarried 39-year-old from White Lake, Michigan, who built the track in his basement, has used little more than copper tape, MDF, electrical wire and some paint to create the impressive track.
Having spent $6,000 (£3,740) in total on the track and cars, and about 7,000 hours creating it, he said: 'I guess you could say I've always had a need for speed.
'But I suppose I've taken it pretty far beyond what has already been done.
'I know it's quite an unusual thing for a designer to do and sometimes when I sit back and look at it, I realise I have created something quite extraordinary.
'I hold race nights with about 30 people and I run it all properly with qualifying laps and everything.
'I've even been known to run 24-hour races where the track is lit by day and illuminated with on-track lighting by night for an authentic feel.'

Hand-crafted: Mr Harlan, from White Lake, built the track in his basement, and has used little more than copper tape, MDF, electrical wire and some paint

Checkered flag: There are tiny figures and the attention to detail around the 19-bend track is breath-taking

He added: 'This isn't the end though, there is so much more I want to do. I've only just begun.
'It’s a true passion and one I will enjoy for many many years to come.'
Scalextric, a brand of slot car racing, first became popular in Britain in the 1950s when it was created by Minimodels.
Hornby bought Minimodels out and the toys are still going strong - for small and big kids.

Record-breaker: Top Gear's James May and 350 helpers created the biggest Scalextric track in the world - a life-size copy of Brooklands, which was 2.95 miles in length

In 2009, BBC Top Gear presenter James May recreated the full length Brooklands racing track using Scalextric track and cars with the help of 350 volunteers.
They built the track from an uncounted number of pieces of Scalextric track, navigating ponds and roads, closely following the route of the old Brooklands track.
The event broke the Guinness World Record for the longest ever Scalextric track in the world, measuring 2.95 miles (4.75 km) in length.

Obama vows to end 'years of mistrust' between West and Muslim world

Obama vows to end 'years of mistrust' between West and Muslim world as he impresses Indonesians with local language

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:44 AM on 10th November 2010

• Obama describes Indonesia as shining example of tolerance and democracy to other Muslim countries
• President speaks in Indonesian, telling students 'I've come home to the village' after returning to country he lived in as a boy
• He and wife fit in visit to mosque and university before fears Air Force One will be grounded by volcanic ash force them him to fly to South Korea early
• Former neighbours reveal he was known as 'chubby Barry', the naughty 'boy who runs like a duck'

U.S. President Barack Obama today vowed to try and repair relations between the West and the Muslim world in a bid to end the ‘years of mistrust’.
Mr Obama, who is visiting Indonesia, also said the world’s most populous Muslim country – where he lived as a boy – was a shining example to others.
In a speech peppered with Indonesian phrases, he said: ‘Your achievements demonstrate that democracy and development reinforce one another.’

Happy to be here: U.S. President Barack Obama delivering a speech at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta today. He fondly recalled the country he grew up in and peppered his speech with Indonesian phrases

Welcome 'home': Mr Obama was cheered like a rock star as audience members rushed to meet him

Cheers: Around 6,000 students in the packed hall greeted Mr Obama's speech enthusiastically

The president - who has been treated as a returning hero, in sharp contrast to the anger he has faced in America – added: ‘Indonesia is a part of me.’
Mr Obama - who later boarded a flight to South Korea for the G20 summit, after being forced to cut short visit over fears that an ash cloud from the deadly Mount Merapi volcano could prevent Air Force One from taking off - hopes to repair confidence in Muslim nations following his initial gains after entering office last year.
His speech was an update to a major address he gave 17 months ago in Egypt where he declared a ‘new beginning’ in U.S.-Muslim relations after the tensions over the September 11, 2001, attacks and the former President George W Bush’s response to them.

MRS OBAMA'S MOSQUE DRESS-UP

First Lady Michelle Obama covered up during her tour of a mosque – but still managed to display some of her famous fashion sense.
In a bid not to offend her hosts at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in southeast Asia, Mrs Obama (pictured below with her husband) wore a beige animal-print headscarf.

But there was a nod to her sartorial instincts in the form of beads and turquoise fringing at the neck.
Though her wide-legged Stephen Burrows trouser suit was simple in cut, Mrs Obama is never one to shy away from vibrant colour, and the edgy chartreuse hue was evidence of that.
She last wore the outfit by the Harlem, New York-based designer back in July.
Taking off their shoes, as another sign of respect in the place of worship, she and her husband (pictured below) strolled along a carpet laid across the sprawling courtyard together.

Along the way, the mosque's imam explained that a Christian church visible in the distance uses the mosque's car park during Christmas celebrations because it doesn't have enough space.
A smiling Mr Obama then relayed that story to reporters.
He called it an example of cooperation between the different religions in Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population.

Since his Cairo address, irritants remain on both sides.
Al Qaeda still seeks to attack its Western enemies.
Little progress has been made in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute and U.S. troops are still in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Confidence in Obama has dropped in many Muslim nations as a result.
‘In the 17 months that have passed we have made some progress, but much more work remains to be done,’ Mr Obama said.
Speaking to a crowd of thousand that cheered him like a rock star, he said ‘no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust’.
But he promised: ‘No matter what setbacks may come, the United States is committed to human progress.
‘That is who we are. That is what we have done. That is what we will do.’
On the Middle East specifically, Obama said the Israeli-Palestinian peace process faces ‘enormous obstacles’ after he relaunched talks in September only to see the dialogue bogged down over disputes between the parties.
‘But let there be no doubt: we will spare no effort in working for the outcome that is just, and that is in the interest of all the parties involved: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.’
Despite having to cut short his twice-postponed trip to Indonesia, Mr Obama and his wife, Michelle, still managed to visit  the capital Jakarta's national Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in southeast Asia.
Taking off their shoes, as a sign of respect in the place of worship, they along a carpet laid across the sprawling courtyard together, along with the imam.
He gave his speech at the University of Indonesia, where he drew rapturous applause and cheers from the mostly young audience, especially when he spoke in Indonesian.
Introducing himself, he prompted laughter when he said: ‘Pulang kampung, nih,’  meaning ‘I've come home to the village’.
Indonesia was the second stop on Mr Obama's four-country, ten-day tour of Asia, which will end with a visit to Japan before heading back to the U.S. on Monday.
He repeated the success of his visit to India by fondly recalling the four years he spent as a boy in Indonesia, where he moved as a six-year-old with his mother in 1967.
He lived in the village of Matraman-Dalam as a boy with his white American mother,  Stanley Ann Durham, and his Indonesian stepfather, Lolo Soetoro.
Far from the suave and athletic figure he cuts today, his former neighbours there remembered him as ‘chubby Barry’, the ‘boy who runs like a duck’.
Djumiati Satjakoesoemah, 69, who recalled the nickname, revealed that Mr Obama attended the local school with classmates who couldn’t even afford shoes.
But even then, he seemed to have one eye on his destiny.
Another childhood friend, Slamet Januadi, told the New York Times that ‘Barry’  once asked a group of boys if they would rather be a president, a solider or a businessman when they grow up.

He said that, although a president would have nothing, the solider could have weapons and the businessman could have money.
None of the other boys said they wanted to one day be president.
‘Then Barry said he would become president and order the solider to guard him and the businessman to use his money to build him something. 

A hero's return: Passenger's on a train wave and shout as Mr Obama's convoy passes a street during his visit

Respect: Mr and Mrs Obama are given a tour of the Istiqlal Mosque by imam Ali Mustafa Yacub

Opposition: Indonesian protesters outside the University of Indonesia where Mr Obama spoke

Threat: Ash spewing from Indonesia's Mount Merapi forced the Obamas to leave the country earlier than planned

We told him: ‘You cheated. You didn’t give us those details.’
‘But we all became what we said we would,’ he added.
Some of his old neighbours recalled him as being a bit of a trouble-maker.
‘Barry was so naughty that my father even scolded him one time,’ said an old classmate Sonni Gondokusumo, 49.
While he was there he was under the charge of an openly gay nanny, who apparently dated the local butcher and later joined a  transvestite group that entertained people with street dancing in Jakarta.

Muslim minister claims he was 'forced' to shake hands with Michelle Obama on Indonesian visit

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:04 PM on 10th November 2010

 

An Indonesian politician has come under attack for shaking hands with Michelle Obama, swiftly resorting to Twitter to announce it as forced contact.
Tifatul Sembiring, the country’s information minister, flaunts his conservatism, and as a Muslim he claims to avoid touching women who aren’t related to him.
Indonesia - which has the world’s largest Islamic population, the vast majority moderate - had been debating how to handle encounters between the First Lady and observant Muslim officials far in advance of the Obamas’ arrival in the country.

Indonesian information minister Tifatul Sembiring shakes hands with the First Lady as the Obamas arrive in Jakarta. Sembiring now insists it was 'forced'

Sembiring sought to deflect criticism by claiming that Tuesday’s skin-to-skin contact was all Michelle Obama’s fault.
‘I tried to prevent [being touched] with my hands but Mrs. Michelle held her hands too far toward me [so] we touched,’ Sembiring tweeted.
Footage on YouTube shows otherwise, sparking a debate that has lit up Facebook, Twitter and the rest of the blogosphere.
The minister was among the dignitaries in a receiving line that greeted President Barack Obama and his wife as they arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday - a homecoming of sorts for the president who spent part of his childhood here.

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle walk down the red carpet as they arrive in Jakarta

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife Kristiani Herawati drink a toast at a state dinner to honour the Obamas

Indonesians gathered around television sets across the country to watch the American president touch down. Children at the school he attended practised a song dedicated to him just in case he visited.
In footage of the official welcome, Sembiring appeared to share his countrymen’s enthusiasm. He smiled broadly as he shook the president’s hand and then reached with both hands to grasp Michelle Obama’s. But later he said she forced their contact.
His denial was in a response to tweets from Indonesians who noted the handshake and questioned his long-standing claims that, as a good Muslim, he restricts his contact with women.
Many posts had a ‘gotchya’ quality to them.
One female journalist - who said the minister had refused to shake her hand - gleefully noted that now he would no longer be able to wriggle out of it.
Sembiring has often tweeted controversial comments, including blaming natural disasters on a lack of morality and joking about Aids.

Modestly chic: Michelle Obama dons a headscarf as she visits mosque on Indonesia trip

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:53 AM on 10th November 2010

Her impeccable dress sense has been praised throughout the world.
So it was no surprise that Michelle Obama managed to be stylish and show respect to her Muslim hosts when she visited a mosque on her tour of Indonesia.
The First Lady covered her hair with a beige animal-print scarf as she toured Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in southeast Asia.

Elegant: Michelle Obama chose an animal print scarf and modest suit as she visited the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia

Tour: Mr Obama and the Michelle were shown round the Istiqlal Mosque by Grand Imam Yaqub

But there was a nod to her sartorial instincts in the form of beads and turquoise fringing at the neck.
Though her wide-legged Stephen Burrows trouser suit was simple in cut, Mrs Obama is never one to shy away from vibrant colour, and the edgy chartreuse hue was evidence of that.
She last wore the outfit by the Harlem, New York-based designer back in July.
Taking off their shoes, as another sign of respect in the place of worship, she and her husband strolled along a carpet laid across the sprawling courtyard together.

 

Along the way, the mosque's imam explained that a Christian church visible in the distance uses the mosque's car park during Christmas celebrations because it doesn't have enough space.
A smiling Mr Obama then relayed that story to reporters.
He called it an example of cooperation between the different religions in Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population.

Well-dressed: Her vibrant coloured suit was by New York based designer Stephen Burrows

Mark of respect: The President padded round in his socks while Michelle also removed her shoes