Cannes Castle

Brick wall

Image taken on 2009-10-15 12:56:00 by lopstad.

Cannes castle

Image taken on 2009-08-10 20:21:08 by Vokabre.

Chess: Choosing A Perfect Opening Theory

A number of theories are available for opening of chess. These recommended theories are practiced almost everywhere although there are a number of other variations are also available. A large number of variations just prove the complexity of the game! Some variations are considered equally good for both the White and the Black. However you don’t need to learn these openings, they come through experience. You must use your logical and healthy thinking to play chess.

Each opening has a name of its own so to classify a game one needs to know the move which characterizes an opening. Each of the openings also has a number of variations and these variations also have different names! Openings which are similar lead to positions which have similar features.

The classification of the openings depends mainly on the first move. An opening can be an open opening, a semi- open opening or a closed opening. An opening is called Open if White starts the move with 1.e4 and Black responds with 1.e5. It is called semi-open if White starts with 1.e4 but Black does not respond with 1.e5. An opening is called closed if White does not start with 1.e4.

Some of the most common open openings are described below:

Italian game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4] White castles while making the most of the piece’s mobility. d5 square is controlled by 3.Bc4 move. The free move d7-d5 is thus inhibited. It also keeps a check on a weaker square f7 and also on the square which is immediately related to the safety of the Black King.

Spanish Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5] The black pawn is threatened by White with 2.Nf3. Black also supports it with 2.Nc6. White now moves 3.Bb5 which threatens the pawn as he may capture c6 and e5.

Scotch game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4] White opens the lines for the pieces quickly. The answer that one gets is 3.exd4. White may either play 4.c3 or take the pawn back with 4.Nxd4. The former is a variation which is known as Scotch Gambit.

Four Knights Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6] This non demanding opening is stable for White. 3.Nc3 faces no threats and the opening is thus non-demanding.

Phillidor’s Defence- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6] The opening results in closed positions though the plans are still open.

Russian Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6] It is an interesting opening theory though it’s not used much now.

Bishop’s Opening- [1.e4 e5 2.Bc4] It is an extremely old opening which is rarely used nowadays.

King’s Gambit- [1.e4 e5 2.f4] White captures the f pawn later on after 2.exf4. To keep the material advantage Black will like to settle for cover.

Some of the most common semi-open openings are described below:

French Defence- [1.e4 e6] Black prepares to play the freeing move which is d7-d5.

Caro-Cann Defence- [1.e4 c6] Black plays d7-d5. Bc8 develops easily which is a major difference from the French Defence.

Scandinavian Game- [1.e4 d5] Black opens the position on its own and tries to play actively.

Alechkin’s Defence- [1.e4 Nf6] If White moves 2.e5, Black does not move the same piece again. Black weakens its centers with the side thrusts like d7-d6, c7-c5 if White moves his centre pawns.

Sicilian Defence- [1.e4 c5] Many possibilities are available for both and hence it is the most commonly used opening. It also leads to wild strategies.

Some of the most common closed openings are described below:

Queen’s Gambit- [1.d4 d5 2.c4] White captures c4 later on if Black captures c4.

English Game- [1.c4 e5] It almost always leads to closed positions.

King’s Indian Defence- [1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d6] This opening has gained popularity due to its rich strategies and tactics. It is used in games of top class.

Dutch Defence- [1.d4 f5] This opening usually leads to closed tactical positions.

Slav Defence- [1.c4 c6] Tactical considerations play a very important role here. It leads to drawish and balanced positions.

A good player should know about all the openings and then play accordingly. One should try to gain experience and knowledge about these openings. Each opening possesses a key idea, which becomes easier to implement once it is perceived.

French Holidays

Once it was the one thing to holiday in or at least tour France, and then holidays in other parts of the world became more popular. Now the pendulum is swinging back, with many people finding a holiday on the French Riviera the ultimate luxury. At least there are no actual wars being fought in France, so one feels relatively safe travelling in that country.

One exciting thing about taking a holiday in France – especially the French Riviera – is that many celebrities go there, so you are quite likely to catch a glimpse of a famous face. Even if you don’t, all those charming towns and places you have heard of from childhood will entrance and entertain you. You can find follow the footsteps of Bizet, Picasso and Matisse at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, explore the treasures of St Tropez, Cannes or Nice and do a hundred other things.

There are art galleries, boutiques, museums and gardens to wander through and explore the delights of. If you are feeling more active you can climb the 100+ steps of the Colline du Chateau at Nice to enjoy the sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean as the sun sets. Or meditate amongst the tropical plant paradise, Le Jardin d’Eze at Eze. If flea markets are more your thing then don’t miss the Cours Saleya at Nice for flowers, food, produce and many other interesting items.

Or if you are more into rugged locations, you could take a holiday in Brittany, France and explore the rugged coastline, amazing medieval towns, islands and inland woods. The fascinating customs and dress in the Western Peninsula particularly remain much as they were in years gone by, making it a journey into the past. You can visit ancient castles, amazing pink granite formations and churches adorned with fairies, elves and many other weird and wonderful creations. One thing is for sure, you could never be bored on a tour of France. For more details vivit our website www.slowtours.com

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The Beauty of Paris – A Perfect Place to Spend Your Holidays

Paris is known to be the city of lights and is one of the most visited cities in the whole world. A lot of people really do flock the city that in a year alone, there can be over 30 million visitors who spend their vacations here. Maybe because romance never misses to fill the atmosphere of Paris, which is why lovers and honeymooners always consider this place to visit despite of the expenses that they will incur. Paris is a romantic city that even a simple stroll along the Seine and the spires of Notre Dame is considered to be a walk like no other. The Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe are just some of the many wonders you are going to see when you visit Paris.

If you are one of the museum goers, Paris would always be the right city for you as the city is the home of world-class museums such as the Picasso, the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. If ever you have visited the famous museums, you can always take a stroll and explore Montmartre, which is Paris’ artists’ community before. Then going up the highest hill of Paris, you will then reach the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, which any traveler should not miss out when visiting Paris. In addition to this, you can also go to the Chateau de Versailles, and in the southwest of Paris, you can visit Louis XIV’s castle and head to its beautiful gardens.

France is not just a beautiful country but also holds so many areas of interests. One of the most favorites is the Loire Chateaux which is actually a collection of beautiful castles that are built in the Loire Valley. Another area of interest is no other than the Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera that has known to stretch from St. Tropez to Cannes, Monte Carlo, Nice and Menton.

French Riviera has really been a director and producer’s favorite as the coastal highways have been featured in many movies already. This is because the highway offers panoramic views of the mountains as well as the Mediterranean. And if you still want to explore more, you can always go to the Provence. The Provence is the hinterland of the Riviera which has greatly inspired a number of artists already. Such artists do include Van Gogh and Cezanne.

To sum it all up, a visit to Paris is like a visit to the heart of art and travel back to the renaissance period. The city is rich with European culture and is known to be the one of the best cities in the world. And not only that! The city is also the capital of a country which is also rich in history and culture, France. So, when planning to have a vacation in Europe, why not try to drop by at the most romantic city of the world and enjoy the enchanting spell that wraps the place? And as you enjoy the wonderful city try to visit its famous tourist spots and take a trip that, for sure, you will never forget.

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Finding a Holiday Cottage in France – Important Travel Tips

As you begin to narrow down your possibilities, perhaps the hardest aspect what part of the country you’d like to focus on. French fashion, perfume, gastronomy and wine are famous all over the world, but you can’t fully comprehend them unless you visit first hand. Apart from the capital city of Paris, France has so much to offer, that it is impossible to experience it all in just a one or two week stay in a holiday cottage in France.

France’s coastal region offers you a wide range of choices from the jewel like waters of the Mediterranean to the powerful ocean waters of the Atlantic. As you travel from shore to shore you find a blend of vineyards, castles, and breath taking mansions that are unlike any in the world. Whichever of France’s spectacular landscapes you prefer, staying in a holiday cottage in France will transport you to another time and place.

In the north western part of the country is located the regions of Normandy and Brittany. Farms abound in both regions, and if you like cheese, then you’ll definitely enjoy a stay here. Normandy is well known for its coastal location, and unsurprisingly its seafood is second to none. The local cuisine promises to make your holiday cottage stay one of dining delight.The cheese and seafood alone will make your visit worth it, your taste buds will never forgive you when your return home! When driving through the landscape in these two regions, you can’t help but noticing the many orchards which dominate the countryside. Luckily the local restaurateurs will make sure that they make this wonderful cider available to you during meals.

If your tastes run to the more bucolic, be sure to look into holiday cottages in the green and fertile Loire Valley. The valley is a monument to the royalty and nobility of the 1500s with its castles, palaces, and royal gardens. In fact, based on the area’s importance in history it is designated as a World Heritage Site. For outstanding beauty and heritage, the Loire Valley is guaranteed to tick all the boxes when looking for a holiday cottage in France.

If you are one of the many people who loves learning more about wine, France’s vibrant vineyards are reason enough to holiday in the region, and find out for yourself why French wines are legendary. Famous wine growing regions include Bordeaux, Champagne and Cognac. From Bordeaux to Champagne, just look at the bottles and you will find the perfect destination for your holiday! When you choose to holiday in any of the wine regions, you’ll find a holiday cottage very near a vineyard.

For beaches that are ranked as among the best in the world, travel south to the Mediterranean shores. You will never find any beach resort areas as renown as those of Cannes, Nice, and Saint Tropez. This country is so varied, both in its countryside and its reputation, and you are certain to be able to find the perfect region to meet your criteria for the ideal holiday. Enjoy a beverage under the protection of a palm tree while enjoying your favorite cool drink. When you tire of just relaxing, walk just feet to the pure aquamarine of the seas and dive in. From the sublime beaches to the glitz of Parisian life, you will have all the choice you need when selecting experiences to enjoy while staying at your holiday cottage.

Living it Up in the French Riviera

Oh the beautiful French Riviera, a popular destination for celebrities, where you can see the stars during the famous film festival at Cannes, try your luck at the casinos in Monte Carlo or have a nice time in Nice. The region, also known as the Cote d’Azur, attracts visitors all year round with its stunning scenery, amazing designer boutiques and enchanting towns and villages.

A long time favourite with the English, the French Riviera oozes Mediterranean charm from its sandy beaches to the beautiful villas. You cannot fail to be enchanted by its towns as you cruise along the coast. Below are some of what I believe to be the highlights to see when you step ashore.

Cannes

Cannes was a humble fishing village before Lord Brougham, the former Lord Chancellor of England, was detained there on his way to Nice in 1834 and liked it so much that he had a villa built just outside the village. He also persuaded his friends to live there so many more homes were built and Cannes began to prosper. Queen Victoria’s court also visited the place and it soon became renowned as a resort for the rich and famous.

Of course, as soon as you mention the word Cannes, it makes you think of the famous film festival and the jet set. But, if you’re like me and prefer a bit of culture to people watching or spending a fortune in designer stores, there’s plenty to see and do. Work off some of that food with a climb to the top of the town, Haute Ville, for some spectacular views of the coast and then wend your way back to sea level through the narrow streets. For something less taxing, stroll along the Croisette that follows the curve of the bay and leads you past beautiful gardens full of flowers and trees.

Go back in time at the Musée de la Castre (located in the Old Town) where you’ll find Mediterranean artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria and Cyprus. Primitive art from Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas is another area of focus. If a walk around the museum doesn’t tire you out, climb the medieval tower for a panoramic view of Cannes and its bay.

If the Man in the Iron Mask, subject of various films and books, captures your imagination and you’ve got enough time, the Musee de la Mer on Sainte-Marguerite island’s Port-Royal (about 1km from Cannes) is where you can visit his cell. The museum is also full of maritime treasures, including remains of cargos from ships that date back to Roman times.

Monte Carlo

Did you know that Monte Carlo’s first casino came into being when Prince Charles III decided that to prosper, after Monaco had sold half its territory to France for independence and cash, tourism and gambling were the key? Since then, Monte Carlo has flourished and become a gamblers’ paradise, as well as home to one of the most exciting grand prix races in the world. The town boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, so after visiting you may be tempted to move there to avoid the traditional British “summer”!

If lady luck doesn’t grace you with her presence at the casino and you can’t face your other half, you can hide underground in the Observatory Caves located 200 feet below the Exotic Gardens (south of the casino). To find out what lies beneath, visit the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium (located on the coast at Avenue St Martin) with its amazing collection of sea creatures in the museum itself and spectacular display of marine flora and fauna in the aquarium. If you’re lucky you might see Nemo or his friend Doree swimming around.

You could find yourself waxing lyrical about the wax museum that shows historical episodes from the Grimaldi’s (the rulers of Monaco) past and present life (on the Rue Basse in the old town), or drooling over the Prince of Monaco’s car collection (20 minutes walk from Casino Square) that boasts around 100 vehicles.

Don’t fancy being on your feet all day but want to explore? Easy! Just take the “train” from outside the Oceanographic Museum that passes Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, before returning to the Old Town with its City Hall and finally the magnificent Prince’s Palace.

Nice

A little story for you. Legend has it that in 1543, advance guards of an invading Turkish army approached Nice. To frighten them off, a large common laundress (also reputed to be ugly), climbed a ladder and mooned at the Turkish guards. The Turks retreated and the new heroine of Nice was adopted as the patron saint of the city. Hopefully there is no danger of that now!

Get a panoramic view of the city by walking up the Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), situated between the old town and port, and build up your appetite for dinner at the same time.

Admirers of art, both past and modern, have a choice of museums to visit. If you’re like me and think most modern art is just plain weird and that kids can draw better, head off to the Musee Matisse (just north of the city centre) that houses drawings and paintings by Henri Matisse, including the famous Still Live with Pomegranates and Flowers and Fruits. Alternatively the Musee Chagall boasts the world’s largest collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by Marc Chagall (the Russian born French painter). Modern art lovers can find the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum) near Nice’s Acropolis Convention Centre. The museum features art works by Andy Warhol, Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle. Works from the Ecole de Nice are also featured.

Of course you can’t talk about Nice without mentioning the Promenade des Anglais. The English arrived in the 18th century and began building houses and churches. However, during the winter of 1821-22 an unusually sharp frost stopped more building and there was a lot of unemployment. The English church raised funds and put many of the unemployed to work to build a walkway by the sea. The long walkway stretches along the Mediterranean seaside for about 3 miles. Perfect for working off lunch.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

As its name suggests, Villefranche literally sits on the sea. A deep water harbour, the town dates from 1295 and is full of history. The Marine and Zoological Laboratory (near the harbour), for example, used to be a prison for galley slaves. More recently, the Promenade des Marinieres, which stretches along the waterfront, served as the base for the US 6th Fleet until 1967

The Chapelle St-Pierre, located on Quai Courbet, is a sight to behold. Dating from the 14th century, it became a storeroom for fishermen’s nets and equipment. Fortunately for the building, it was restored by Jean Cocteau, helped by locals, in the 1950s.The chapel is well worth a visit for its amazing murals by Cocteau and makes it stand out from the traditional décor found in other chapels.

Built to protect the bay, the citadel is home to two art museums and the town hall. The Musee Volti houses sculptures by Volti, whilst you can see works from Picasso and Miro at the Musee Goetz Boumeester.

Cannes is renowned for its film festival, but several films have been shot at Villefranche-sur-Mer, including Hitchcock’s To Catch A Thief, The Jewel of the Nile starring Michael Douglas, and the James Bond film Never Say Never.

I could go on forever, but hopefully I’ve given you a taster. Cruise lines visiting the French Riviera include P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Carnival, MSC, Fred. Olsen, Celebrity and Ocean Village so you’ll be spoiled for choice. So go on, explore the French Riviera. You never know who you might meet (I’m hoping for Johnny Depp).

Treat Yourself And Travel To France

No country embodies the grandeur of European travel quite like France. From the international artistic reputation of Cannes to the luxurious leisure of the Riviera, France has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to overcome a tumultuous history by enriching the quality of life with those experiences. The diversity of the country will leave you stimulated, satiated and asking for more when you finally treat yourself and travel to France!

France from Renaissance to Revolution

Throughout European history, France has been the undisputed pioneer of social revolution and cultural renaissance. An enlightened society with classic charm, France will guide your journey seamlessly through centuries of power and progress, defeats and suffering, all of which possess an essence of timelessness. Travel France in July and witness Bastille Day, a commemoration of the destruction of the prison that King Louis XVI and his predecessors used to quiet social disruption and censor or torture public irritants. The day is symbolic of the value of social freedoms and democratic governance to the French people. The main celebration takes place in Paris at the former site of the Bastille.

Go further back in time and explore the French countryside, which is rich with Roman Ruins dating up until the 5th Century. Gréoux-les-Bains, in the south of France, is known not only for its hot springs but also for the ruins of Roman bath tubs and swimming pools that depended on these springs as a source for hot water. Aix-en-Provence is a well known town central to France’s wine and art culture, but also shares a Roman past as an ancient city with two aqueducts demonstrating the technological prowess of the Roman people.

For a more unique experience, travel to the Loire Valley, a bastion of medieval castles, and have yourself a true Châteaux experience. Many of the ancient and classical castles have rooms available for rent, mainly during the summer season. There is no better way to be immersed in French history; plus, the castles often offer the best of the surrounding wine region.

French Travel: More Than a History Lesson

Not only is France a gateway into Europe’s enchanting history, the country that is world renowned for its irresistible food, fabulous wines and sophisticated lifestyle does live up to its reputation. Visit Nice to enjoy the coveted Riviera way of life while avoiding the throngs of tourists that swarm to St. Tropez just up the coast. While in Paris, make sure to enjoy a quiche lorraine in a local café somewhere on the outskirts of town in addition to scaling the Eiffel Tower or getting lost in the Louvre. However you choose to travel, there is no way to miss the robust culture and resilient history of France.

World War II Names Still In Our Vocabulary -Part Two -The Bikini

Winter is almost over. The warm weather is here. The beaches are calling. And heeding the call is that fabled teeny tiny piece of female attire known as the bikini. From the time of its inception in the 1950s to the present day, the bikini is the most singular word spoken in every language on the globe.

The history of the bikini began long before the official introduction of the swimsuit in the summer of 1946. It would have to wait until that momentous year of 1946 before it would bear the name “bikini”. Some historians believe that the two piece swimsuit may have been one of the first public swimming costumes in existence. Drawing evidence from 300 A.D. Roman mosaics, historians point to this as the swimsuit of choice for ancient Roman women.

Where did the name “bikini” come from? It all started with (you guessed it) the aftermath of World War II.

Bikini Atoll is located in the central Pacific. It is one of the 29 atolls and 5 single islands that form the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Bikini is perhaps best known for its role in a series of nuclear tests conducted by the United States in the 1940s and 1950s.

Just prior to World War II, Bikini suddenly became strategic. The Bikini islanders’ peaceful life of harmony drew to an abrupt close when the Japanese decided to fortify Bikini Atoll to guard against an American invasion of the Marshalls. Throughout the conflict the Bikini station served as an outpost for the Japanese military headquarters in the Marshall Islands,

However, Bikini became a quiet Japanese stronghold whose garrison spent the war gathering flowers. American naval strategy used submarines and aircraft carriers to leapfrog over such islands and carry the war to Japan.

World War II came to a formal end in September 1945 with the detonation of nuclear weapons at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It would now be Bikini’s turn to face the aftermath of World War II. The developers of the two piece bathing suit had still not given it a name. Soon they would have an outstanding name for their creation.

Because of its location away from regular air and sea routes, Bikini Atoll was chosen to be the new nuclear proving ground for the United States Government.

While the 167 Bikinians were getting ready for their exodus, preparations for the U.S. nuclear testing program advanced rapidly. Few people would think the Bikinians were terribly interested in the development of the nuclear bomb or the two piece bathing suit in 1946. Their interests were simply that of survival. They were faced with finding food, raising families and maintaining their culture. They could barely understand the progression of events set in motion by the Cold War. Events that happened in Washington and Moscow were for the most part out of their control. The residents of Bikini Atoll were not about to model swimwear, either.

The nuclear legacy of the Bikinians thus began in March of 1946 when they were first removed from their islands in preparation for Operation Crossroads. The history of the Bikinian people from that day forward has been a story of their struggle to exist in the midst of Cold War issues.

Operation Crossroads was an atmospheric nuclear weapon test series conducted in July 1946. The series consisted of two detonations, each with a yield of 23 kilotons. The two atomic bomb blasts of Operation Crossroads were both about the size of the nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. These were the first nuclear tests held in the Marshall Islands.

In preparation for Operation Crossroads, the Bikinians were sent 125 miles eastward to Rongerik Atoll. Within two months after their arrival on Rongerik, they began to beg U.S. officials to move them back to Bikini.

Meanwhile, the official history of the bikini swimwear also began in the summer of 1946. Almost immediately after Operation Crossroads, Jacques Heim, a fashion designer and beach shop owner in the French resort town of Cannes, introduced his swimsuit creation, the “Atome,” The swimsuit was named after the two atomic bombs that were set off in Bikini lagoon.

Heim intended to sell his swimsuit in his beach shop. To drum up business and increase awareness of the new swimsuit, Heim sent skywriters high above the Cannes sky, proclaiming the new Atome to be “the world’s smallest bathing suit.” It soon got its better name, which was the bikini.

Just three weeks after Heim began marketing his swimsuit, Louis Reard, a mechanical engineer who had decided to dabble in swimsuit design, He also sent out skywriters over the French Riviera. The message these skywriters carried was simple but powerful marketing: “Bikini-smaller than the smallest bathing suit in the world.”

Perhaps due to Reard’s obvious marketing skills or a simple turn of fate, the name “bikini” became the official tag for the two-piece swimsuit. The thunderous impact of the two nuclear explosions certainly had more to say about the new bathing suit. Life on Bikini Atoll would never be the same again. Life on every beach and resort around the world would never be the same, either.

While sales of the bikini swim suit soared to astronomical heights around the world, the native Bikinians were living a miserable existence. They were sickened by irradiation from Operation Crossroads, no matter where they were resettled in the Marshalls. It was now time for yet another chapter in the Bikini Atoll tragedy. This was Operation Castle.

Operation Castle was a series of tests that would include the first air-deliverable, and the most powerful hydrogen bomb ever detonated by the United States.

Early in the morning on March 1, 1954, the hydrogen bomb, code named Bravo, was detonated on the surface of the reef in the northwestern corner of Bikini Atoll. The area was illuminated by a huge and expanding flash of blinding light. A raging fireball of intense heat that measured into the millions of degrees shot skyward at a rate of 300 miles an hour. Within minutes the monstrous cloud, filled with nuclear debris, shot up more than 20 miles and generated winds hundreds of miles per hour. These fiery gusts blasted the surrounding islands and stripped the branches and coconuts from the trees.

Millions of tons of sand, coral, plant and sea life from Bikini’s reef, from three islands [Bokonijien, Aerokojlol, Nam] and the surrounding lagoon waters were sent high into the air by the blast. Three to four hours after the blast, white, snow-like ash began to fall from the sky virtually everywhere.

Bravo was a thousand times more powerful than the Fat Man and Little Boy atomic bombs that were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima during the end of World War II. Its “success” was beyond the wildest dreams of the American scientists who were involved in the detonation–they thought that the blast would only carry a payload of approximately 3 megatons.

Not understanding what was happening, the Rongelapese watched as two suns rose that morning. They observed with amazement as the radioactive dust soon formed a layer on their island two inches deep. The fallout turned everything into a state of terrified panic.

The people had received no explanations or warnings whatsoever from the United States Government. Two days after the test the people of Rongelap were finally taken to Kwajalein for medical treatment.

On Bikini Atoll the radiation levels increased dramatically. In late March following the Bravo test, the off-limit zones were expanded to include the inhabited atolls of Rongerik, Utirik, Ujelang and Likiep. It is startling to note that none of these islanders were evacuated prior to this blast or even before the subsequent nuclear weapons tests. In the spring of 1954, Bikar, Ailinginae, Rongelap, Rongerik, were all contaminated by the Yankee and Union weapons tests which were detonated on Bikini Atoll.

Between 1957 and 2007, the problems subsided but the memories and the long range effects of radiation did not go away. There was no further nuclear testing except for a test conducted in New Caledonia by the French in the late 1980s. The Soviet Union faded into history and the Russian Federation did not resume nuclear testing of any type. With countries such as India, Pakistan, and North Korea still on the loose, nuclear weaponry continues to be a threat.

The name “bikini” will never pass from our vocabulary. It is now 50 years since Bravo was tested. It is very doubtful that those living today will remember the horrifying message left in Bikini Lagoon with the Bravo test. It is well that only the name of the bathing suit “bikini” remains.