Official Google Blog: Encouraging people to contribute knowledge

Official Google Blog: Encouraging people to contribute knowledge
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Google Encyclopedia

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Google Inc. is working on a new Internet encyclopedia that will consist of material submitted by people who want to be identified as experts and possibly profit from their knowledge.

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The concept, outlined late Thursday in a posting on Google's Web site, poses a potential challenge to the nonprofit Wikipedia, which has drawn upon the collective wisdom of unpaid, anonymous contributors to emerge as a widely used reference tool.

Google is calling its alternative "knol" -- the Mountain View-based company's shorthand for a "unit of knowledge."

For now, submissions are by invitation only as Google fine tunes the system, but the Internet search leader said it will eventually publish articles by all comers.

"There are millions of people who possess useful knowledge that they would love to share, and there are billions of people who can benefit from it," Ubi Manber, Google's vice president of engineering, wrote in the company's posting about the new service. "We believe that many do not share that knowledge today simply because it is not easy enough to do that."

Since it was founded on the same knowledge-sharing premise six years ago, Wikipedia has compiled 2.1 million English-language articles as well as millions more in dozens of other languages. The topics cover everything from Albert Einstein's theory of relativity to video games like "Beavis and Butt-head in Virtual Stupidity."

Wikipedia attracted 56.1 million U.S. visitors in October, making it the eighth most popular Web site, according to comScore Media Metrix. Google's properties, which include video-sharing site YouTube, drew 131.6 million U.S. visitors, second only to Yahoo Inc.

In a Friday interview, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales downplayed Google's latest move. "Google does a lot of cool stuff, but a lot of that cool stuff doesn't work out so great," he said.

Google's flops include a service that used to hire researchers to track down hard-to-find answers for befuddled Web surfers. The feature never took off in its 4-year existence, prompting Google to pull the plug last year.

While Google tinkers with its encyclopedia, Wales already is poised to invade Google's turf with a Wikia search engine scheduled to debut later this month. The search engine will be operated by Wikia Inc., Wales' for-profit venture.

The Googlepedia, as some observers are already calling the new offering, will differ from Wikipedia by identifying who wrote each article and striving to reward the authors by giving them a chance to make money from Google's lucrative advertising network.

Critics say Wikipedia's cloak of anonymity has made its articles more vulnerable to mischief and other abuses that have led to inaccuracies.

Citizendium, an Internet encyclopedia launched earlier this year, also insists on identifying the writers of its articles. But, unlike Google, Citizendium relies on a collaborative editing process to verify the accuracy of its articles.

"Google will not serve as an editor in any way, and will not bless any content," Manber wrote. "All editorial responsibilities and control will rest with the authors."

Google is hoping to keep the contributors honest by allowing visitors to rate the entries and leave comments.

That won't be enough, predicted Larry Sanger, Citizendium's editor-in-chief who also helped start Wikipedia.

"Knol is apt to produce precisely the same sort of uneven content, with many of the same abuses, that Wikipedia has," Sanger wrote in a posting on Citizendium's site. "Without actual editors, the same sort of problems about misleading and damaging information are apt to plague knol."

Google, which is expected to earn more than $4 billion this year, also wants to make money off its encyclopedia. Although the resource will be available for free just like Google's search engine, the company wants to place ads related to the topics covered on each page.

The advertising is an option being left up to person submitting an article. Google is trying to persuade the writers to participate by guaranteeing they will receive a "substantial" share of the revenue.

The profit incentive could turn Google's encyclopedia into a magnet for articles about highly commercial subjects instead of more academic topics, Wales predicted. "You may see an awful lot of articles about Viagra."

On The Web:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/

Bhutan make it to semi-finals

The idyllic Prem Oval in Chiang Mai can’t have seen many better innings in its two and a half-year existence than Bhutan’s Jigme Singye’s against China in the ACC U-15 Challenge Cup. He was the difference between the two sides as China fought hard in their defense of 113.

Bhutan won by eight wickets.

China chose to bat after winning the toss. Bhutan’s pace bowlers, Dorji and Dilip, swung the ball considerably but the batsmen held firm. Yang Haiming, China’s left-hander, played a memorable cover-drive and, with his captain Du Jinlong, put on 48 for the second wicket off 50 deliveries.

Little Susil Sharma broke their stand, catching Du Jinlong off his own bowling. China’s batsmen found Sharma’s mixed bag of off-spin, the occasional leg-break, coupled with yorkers speared in at pace, very hard to play. Bhutan’s fielders didn’t support their team as well as they would have liked with some fumbles in the outfield and two dropped catches, but the bowlers kept getting wickets. China was all out for 113 in the 30th over, having collapsed from 56 for 1.

In reply, Jigme reached his 50 off 39 deliveries, playing shots all around the park. The Myanmar team came to practice at the Prem nets adjacent to the ground and, before they started, sat to watch the end of this match. “Give us a 6, captain,” they called out to Jigme. He gave them a 4 through backward square.

Earlier, on December 8, Bhutan beat China by a massive 200 runs. Man of the match, Dilip Suba, took four wickets for 11 runs. Bhutan’s second match on December 10 against Myanmar ended with a similar facile victory, beating them by seven wickets. Captain Jigme Singye took five wickets at the cost of only nine runs.

Susil Sharma won Man of the Match for his five wickets against China on Friday, but it was Jigme Singye, who China had most trouble with. “It’s up there with my top 10 innings,” said Jigme afterwards. A scholar at the Prem School since last year, he said, “It’s nice to play so well on your home ground.”

He’ll have to play well in Bangkok too if Bhutan are to win the tournament. Bhutan will play Myanmar again on December 13. Their opponents in the semi-final will be Qatar or the Maldives. Source: Kuenselonline

UN conference on climate change in Bali, Indonesia begins

If Climate change has become a household word, it is for worrying reasons. The emission of greenhouse gases continues. Greenhouse gases are known to cause global warming and global warming is bad news for humanity.

On Tuesday at the launch of the Human Development Report on Fighting Climate Change, Bhutanese heard that if climate change continues unabated, many Himalayan glaciers will disappear in the next 28 years.

The Deputy Minister of the National Environment Commission Dasho Nado Rinchen says glaciers in Bhutan are already melting and creating lakes which are filling up fast.

While the international and the scientific community acknowledges that Bhutan has not contributed to climate change, we are already bearing the effects of climate change.

At the ongoing UN Conference on Climate Change, Bhutan will be joining other nations to discuss Climate Change. Bhutan signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2002.

In an interview with BBS before he left for the climate change conference in Bali, Dasho Nado Rinchen said Bhutan will continue to support the protocol Beyond 2012.
Source: Kuenselonline

UN conference on climate change in Bali, Indonesia begins

If Climate change has become a household word, it is for worrying reasons. The emission of greenhouse gases continues. Greenhouse gases are known to cause global warming and global warming is bad news for humanity.

On Tuesday at the launch of the Human Development Report on Fighting Climate Change, Bhutanese heard that if climate change continues unabated, many Himalayan glaciers will disappear in the next 28 years.

The Deputy Minister of the National Environment Commission Dasho Nado Rinchen says glaciers in Bhutan are already melting and creating lakes which are filling up fast.

While the international and the scientific community acknowledges that Bhutan has not contributed to climate change, we are already bearing the effects of climate change.

At the ongoing UN Conference on Climate Change, Bhutan will be joining other nations to discuss Climate Change. Bhutan signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2002.

In an interview with BBS before he left for the climate change conference in Bali, Dasho Nado Rinchen said Bhutan will continue to support the protocol Beyond 2012.
Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Travel Information

Information before coming to Bhutan

Peak Season Rates:

For The Months Of January, February, March, April, May, June - September, October, November, December.
US$200 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$230 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$240 per day for a single individual

Off Season Rates:

For The Months Of July and August.
US$165 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$195 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$205 per day for a single individual

These rates include government mandated surcharge of US$40 per day for one person and US$30 per day per person for a group of two.

You get a lot more for your money in Bhutan!

The above price does not include round trip airfare on National Airline Druk-Air:

Here’s what’s Included!

While on Cultural Tour:

• Imported Japanese Car with Driver
• Fluent English Speaking Cultural Guide
• All Accomodations in Twin Sharing basis l
• All Three Meals with evening tea
• Museum Fees
• Road Permit / Special Permits to enter old monasteries

  While on Trekking Tour:
  · The North Face Sleeping Bag (Minus) -30 Degree Celsius
  · The Thermarest Air Mattress
  · The 2 men sleeping Tent
  · Dining Tent
  · Kitchen Tent
  · Shower Tent
  · Toliet Tent
  · Handy Shower
  · Comfort Chair
  · Table
  · Geographic Positioning System (GPS)
  · Satellite Phone
  · Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)
  · Walkie Talkie
  · Leki Poles
  · Ice Axe
  · Hot Water Bottle
  · Drinking Water Bottle
  · Trekking Cook & Waiter
  · Horses to carry trek goods and luggage

  Here’s what’s NOT Included!

  USD 20 as Visa Fee
  Laundry
  Alcohol / Beverages
  International Telephone Calls / Internet
  Souveniors / Gifts
  Tips for Guide / Driver / Trekking Team
  Round trip Air fare

  The rates quoted above are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Any other rates seen advertised is illegal. Many tour operators think they have to “undercut” prices that the government has set in order to compete. This inevitably leads to poor customer service as tour operators herd as many guests as they can in large groups, and put their guests in sub-standard hotels to cut expenses and hire unqualified guides to haul you around.

Accommodations:
The costs of all accommodations are included in tour costs. In the major towns of Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing, comfortable hotels are available for the visitor. In smaller towns, modest, but adequate, hotels, lodges and guest houses are readily available. We will ensure that the best available accommodations are arranged for you. The Department of Tourism (formerly known as Tourism Authority of Bhutan: TAB) regulates hotel standards and all travel regulations in Bhutan.

Food and Drink:
Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian, and Continental fares are served. The more adventurous can try the local delicacies like the tasty and fiery the national dish of Bhutan, Emma Datshi which is made with chilies and Local Bhutanese cheese. Meals are normally served buffet style in the hotels. On trekking tours a trained cook will accompany your group to provide simple but nutritious dishes. All meals while you trek or visit in Bhutan are also included in the daily tour cost. Other services include trekking arrangements. Your only extra expenses will be, liquor, laundry, souvenirs and tips if you choose.

Ground Transport:
Again, all ground transportation is already included in your daily tariff. We use only clean, comfortable and well maintained cars, vans and coaches to transport our guests. Our experienced drivers are trained and licensed by the DOT and the Road Safety and Transport Authority. You will be at ease riding in the mountains of Bhutan unlike the experiences you will have had in Nepal and India. Sanity on the road prevails, and drivers are courteous to each other.

Guides:
Guests of the kingdom are required to have guide accompaniment throughout their stay in Bhutan. You will have a very fluent English speaking guide and driver at your disposal at all times. This is not to say you have to have your hand held everywhere you go. We are very accommodating and we can be flexible. Our guides have all been trained and licensed by the DOT (Department of Tourism). Our trekking guides and cooks undergo additional mountain training, including safety and first aid. None of our guests have ever needed a rescue, but we have helped lost trekkers from other tour agencies get out of the high passes safely. We have been successfully leading groups through the Bhutan highlands ever since tourism was privatized.

Tourist Seasons:
A visit to Bhutan can be planned anytime of the year but the best period is from mid September to November and March to June. There are many festivals during these months, and visitors should take advantage of trekking and the Tsechu. Most hotels sell out during this time and it is important for us to plan in advance if you want to attend.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding the tour costs. The daily rate may sound high at first, but remember that this includes all your accommodations, meals, guided tours, and all ground transportation in Bhutan, museums fees.

Travel Visa Application:

Tourist Visas: Your visa has to be approved prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan. Once you are ready to confirm your tour arrangements we will apply for your visas. We will need all of the following details.

01: Your full name (EXACTLY as it appears in your passport)
02: Permanent address
03: Occupation
04: Nationality
05: Passport number
06: Date of issue and expiration of passport
07: Date and place of birth
08: Telephone Nos

Your Bhutan visa will be stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan. Bhutan Visa Fees of US$ 20 which you need to wire together with your Airline and Tour Payment to Bhutan Majestic Travel in advance to process your Bhutan Visa and purchase Druk Air tickets.

Bhutan Geography

The northern region of Bhutan consists of an arc of glaciated mountain peaks with an extremely cold climate at the highest elevations. Most peaks in the north are over 7,000 m above sea level; the highest point is the Kula Kangri, at 7,553 m, and Gangkhar Puensum, at 7,541 m, has the distinction of being the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Watered by snow-fed rivers, alpine valleys in this region provide pasture for livestock, tended by a sparse population of migratory shepherds. The Black Mountains in central Bhutan form a watershed between two major river systems: the Puna Tshang Chhu and the Drangme Chhu. Peaks in the Black Mountains range between 1,500 m and 2,700 m above sea level, and fast-flowing rivers have carved out deep gorges in the lower mountain areas. Woodlands of the central region provide most of Bhutan’s forest production. The Kuri Chu, Mangdi Chu, Drangme Chu, Puna Tsang Chu and Amo Chu are the main rivers of Bhutan, flowing through this region. Most of the population lives in the central highlands.

In the south, the Southern foot Hills are covered with dense, deciduous forests, alluvial lowland river valleys, and mountains up to around 1,500 m above sea level. The foothills descend into the subtropical Duars plain. Most of the Duars is located in India, although a 10–15 km wide strip extends into Bhutan. The Bhutan Duars is divided into two parts: the northern and the southern Duars. The northern Duars, which abuts the Himalayan foothills, has rugged, sloping terrain and dry, porous soil with dense vegetation and abundant wildlife. The southern Duars has moderately fertile soil, heavy savannah grass, dense, mixed jungle, and freshwater springs. Mountain rivers, fed by either the melting snow or the monsoon rains, empty into the Brahmaputra river in India. Over 70% of Bhutan is forested. The climate in Bhutan varies with altitude, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the highlands and polar-type climate, with year-round snow, in the north. Bhutan experiences five distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. Western Bhutan has the heavier monsoon rains; southern Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters; central and eastern Bhutan is temperate and drier than the west with warm summers and cool winters.

Mountain Peaks

Chomolhari (Jumolhari): 7,314 metres,
Mountain Chomolhari of the Himalaya has the border between Tibet and the Paro district of Bhutan. The name means Mountain of the Goddess in Bhutanese.

Gangkhar Puensum:7,570 metres,
Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Gangkhar Peunsum or Gankar Punzum means “White Peak of the Three Spiritual Brothers”.

Climate

Bhutan’s climate is as varied as its altitudes and, like most of Asia, is affected by monsoons. Western Bhutan is particularly affected by monsoons that bring between 60 and 90 percent of the region’s rainfall. The climate is humid and subtropical in the southern plains and foothills, temperate in the inner Himalayan valleys of the southern and central regions, and cold in the north, with year-round snow on the main Himalayan summits.

Temperatures vary according to elevation. Temperatures in Thimphu, located at 2,200 meters above sea level in west-central Bhutan, range from approximately 15° C to 26° C during the monsoon season of June through September but drop to between about -4° C and 16° C in January. Most of the central portion of the country experiences a cool, temperate climate year-round . In the south, a hot, humid climate helps maintain a fairly even temperature range of between 15° C and 30° C year-round, although temperatures sometimes reach 40° C in the valleys during the summer.

Annual precipitation ranges widely in various parts of the country. In the severe climate of the north, there is only about forty millimeters of annual precipitation–primarily snow. In the temperate central regions, a yearly average of around 1,000 millimeters is more common, and 7,800 millimeters per year has been registered at some locations in the humid, subtropical south, ensuring the thick tropical forest, or savanna. Thimphu experiences dry winter months (December through February) and almost no precipitation until March, when rainfall averages 20 millimeters a month and increases steadily thereafter to a high of 220 millimeters in August for a total annual rainfall of nearly 650 millimeters.

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues through the pre-monsoon rains of late June. The summer monsoon lasts from late June through late September with heavy rains from the southwest. The monsoon weather, blocked from its northward progress by the Himalayas, brings heavy rains, high humidity, flash floods and landslides, and numerous misty, overcast days. Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterized by bright, sunny days and some early snowfalls at higher elevations. From late November until March, winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds down through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan its name– Drukyul, which in the Dzongkha language mean Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Dzongkhag (Districts)

Bhutan is divided in 20 Dzongkhags (districts)
1. Bumthang
2. Chukha (old spelling Chhukha)
3. Dagana
4. Gasa
5. Haa
6. Lhuntse (old spelling Lhuntshi)
7. Mongar
8. Paro
9. Pemagatshel (old spelling Pemagatsel)
10. Punakha
11. Samdrup Jongkhar
12. Samtse (old spelling Samchi)
13. Sarpang
14. Thimphu
15. Trashigang (old spelling Tashigang)
16. Trashiyangste
17. Trongsa (old spelling Tongsa)
18. Tsirang (old spelling Chirang)
19. Wangdue Phodrang (old spelling Wangdi Phodrang)
20. Zhemgang (old spelling Shemgang)

Welcome to Bhutan Majestic Travel Blog

Dear All,

Welcome to the official blog of Bhutan Majestic Travel.
Created by Namgay Dorji, Founder of Bhutan Majestic Travel.

Hope you all have fun and enjoy every detail information on traveling to Bhutan.

Cheers!

Namgay