The eastern brown snake is the species responsible for most deaths caused by snakebite in Australia, although, with the advent of efficient first-aid treatment and antivenom, there are now usually only one or two deaths per year. A large adult brown snake is a formidable creature. They may exceed two metres in length and, on hot days, can move at surprising speed. It has a slender body and is variable in colour ranging from uniform tan to grey or dark brown. The belly is crea

“Here is one of the great innovations of human history - diplomacy on a truly international scale., when major kings chose not to fight but to seek peace, and created all the neccesary protocols and instruments for diplomatic solutions to international problems” — Brotherhood of Kings, Amanda Podany Tal came in from an adjoining room. “This next room is full of tablets, almost like a library.” “Oh, it's the Amarna Room,” Neal said. “These are the clay tablets Akhenaten used t

Zenobia is a roll on roll off ferry that sank on her maiden voyage from Sweden to Syria. She never reached her destination, as computer problems with the ballast system caused her to begin to list not far off the coast of Cyprus. Each time the Ship's captain tried to compensate for the listing, she would begin to over-correct and list to the other side. Eventually, a distress call was placed to the Cypriot authorities. Zenobia was not in good shape! The response was not quick

“Rabies, there is no rabies virus living in Australia yet, and the Australian government wants to keep it that way.” Things quieted for a while and Jen changed the subject. “Why are Australians so afraid of rabies?” She asked. “Australians are NOT afraid!” Billy replied exasperatedly. Jen backtracked and tried a different approach although she couldn't hide the irritation in her voice. “What I meant is that other countries have rabies and the people seem to be doing okay with

The drive out of Beirut went smoothly. There were no roadblocks or checkpoints. Jay drove through the suburbs following the coast route. Evidence of the recent battles diminished, and Katie relaxed, at ease for the first time in two days. René gazed out the window. “Now this looks like the Mediterranean vacation I’m talking about.” “We call this the sahil.” Jay gestured to the land between sea and mountain. "Long ago, before the Romans were here, this entire coastal area was