A state of isolation

Article Abstract:

Pres Woodrow Wilson accidentally selected Anchorage, AK, in 1914 as the railroad midpoint between the area's harbors and the coal and oil fields of the interior. Pres Franklin D. Roosevelt relocated a group of midwestern farming families there during the Depression and farming remains an important source of income today. With World War II the area also became key to the defense industry. When Alaska became a state in 1959, Anchorage was its largest city and with 237,000 inhabitants today has almost half of Alaska's population. The discovery of oil in 1968 fuelled additional growth, which has not been without problems such as alcoholism and increasing crime.

Economic development, Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska

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Waiting for kick-off

Article Abstract:

Geelong, Australia, is an old rival to the more populous and prosperous Melbourne. Both cities were founded in the early 19th century and developed at approximately the same pace until the 1851 gold rush. Melbourne businessmen published a map falsely showing their city as the most direct access to the gold fields, and it outgrew Geelong. Rabbits and hares were introduced in 1858 in Geelong, producing biological disaster. A multi-million dollar development is planned for its waterfront, and its near-fanatic sports rivalry with Melbourne continues.

Australia, History, Melbourne, Australia

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Tantalising Tana

Article Abstract:

The cultural and ethnic diversity of Madagascar's capital city, Atananarivo, makes it an ideal place to visit. A mix of Asian, African and French influences can be detected in the architecture, the clothing, the food and the people themselves. The city's long history of having suffered cultural diffidence and foreign occupation is not one of its least fascinating aspects.

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