The Abby dates to c.709, when legend has the Archangel Michael appearing before, and directing bishop Aubert of Avranches to build a shrine on an islet called ‘Mount Tombe’. This islet lies at the southern most point off the Normandy coastline, just before Brittany to the west. This is the base of a Bay of Mont Saint-Michel that opens into La Manche [channel waterway between England and Northern France]. The islet consists of a nearly 80 meters high rock with a circumference of about .8 km. It is connected to the mainland by a very narrow and long causeway.
Bishop Aubert had an oratory constructed on the top of the rock. A monastery was started in 1017, with stones hauled at low tide from the mainland in Brittany. Blanche of Castile, regent of France, ordered the gothic cloister in 1211 added to the earlier Carolingian abbey. A town developed at the base. Both the abby and the town had fortified defenses. The Mont is half surrounded by water, except twice a day it is besieged by swift moving tides that leave only the causeway route for access. Defenders of this fortress abbey have the advantage of its Saint Aubert’s spring. Nearby is a smaller islet, called ‘Tombelaine Island’, which is very baren and was used to discpline individuals.
In 966, monks of the Benedictine order under abbot Maynard replaced the previous monks. They encouraged the cult of Saint Michael and received pilgrams. By the time of William the Conqueror, the abbey benefited from many noble protectors. The abbot Robert de Thorigny administered the abbey at its peak of fortune. The shrine has seen is number of miracles and fostered many legends. Site of early medieval religious feasts and ceremonies.
Mont Saint-Michel was besieged and taken as part of Philippe Auguste’s conquest of Normandy from the Plantangenets in 1214. The site continued to have an increased role in medieval European pilgrimages. Sometimes it was the destination, and at others it was only a stop for those traveling to sites further south. Lower class pilgrims were quartered in the town, but nobles were received by the abbot in the grand abbey.

The Story of Mont Saint-Michel in the Hundred Years’ War

Note: No pot of gold was found at this event.

Spiral Stair (Australia)

Fascinating spiral stairs at Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia. 6.5 revs and five stories from top to bottom.(Link | Photo)

Staircase at the Vatican Museum (Italy)

The Vatican Museums spiral staircase is one of the most photographed in the world, and certainly one of the most beautiful. Designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932, the broad steps are somewhere between a ramp and a staircase. The stairs are actually two separate helixes, one leading up and the other leading down, that twist together in a double helix formation. Little did the Vatican Museum know in 1932 that this formation would come to represent life itself, with the discovery of the double helical DNA strand.

Loretto Chapel Staircase (USA)

The Loretto Chapel is a chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, known for its unusual spiral staircase that is an exceptional work of carpentry. The construction and builder of the staircase are considered a miracle by the Sisters of Loretto and many who visit it, because it had no central support (a support was added later). The resulting staircase is an impressive work of carpentry. It ascends twenty feet, making two complete revolutions up to the choir loft without the use of nails or apparent center support. It has been surmised that the central spiral ofthe staircase is narrow enough to serve as a central beam. Nonetheless there was no attachment unto any wall or pole in the original stairway. Instead of metal nails,the staircase was constructed using dowels or wooden pegs. The wood for the staircase cannot be found anywhere in the region. The stairs had 33 steps, the age of Jesus when he died. The mystery had never been satisfactorily solved as to who the carpenter was or where he got his lumber, since there were no reports of anyone seeing lumber delivered or even seeing the man come and go whilethe construction was being done. Since he left before the Mother Superior could pay him, the Sisters of Loretto offered a reward for the identity of the man, but it was never claimed.

Note: some historians claime that most of this story is a myth. (Thanks, drxwes)

Staircase at the Queen’s House  (England)

The elegant Tulip Stairs in the Queen’s House are the first geometric self-supporting spiral stairs in Britain. Although called the ‘Tulip Stairs,’ it is thought that the stylized flowers in the wrought-iron balustrade are actually fleurs-de-lis, as this was the emblem of the Bourbon family of which Queen Henrietta Maria (wife of Charles I) was a member. The Tulip Stairs are also the location of the Rev R. W. Hardy’s famous ‘ghost’ photograph taken on 19 June 1966, which when developed revealed what appear to be two or three shrouded figures onthe staircase.

Staircase at Lello Bookshop (Portugal)

This interesting grand staircase in Lello Bookshop in Portugal stands ominous and heavy. The steps are like two channels pouring and swirling to a single point. The side view gives you a closer idea of the immense curves and giddy sinking feeling to each step.

San Francisco’s Tiled Steps (USA)

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, perhaps the world’s longest mosaic staircase (163 steps, 82′ high), was conceived and fabricated by Irish ceramicist Aileen Barr and San Francisco mosaic artist Colette Crutcher. Over a two and a half year period, a tireless group of neighbors raised funds and lobbied city government to make the project, unveiled in August 2005, a reality. Over 2000 handmade tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, mirror and stained glass went into the finished piece, located at 16th Ave. and Moraga, in San Francisco.

“Umschreibung” at KPMG Building Munich (Germany)

This artistic staircase designed by Olafur Eliasson is called Umschreibung (Rewriting), and was completed in 2004. It’s in the courtyard of the global accounting firm KPMG in Munich.

Stairs at the Longchamp Store (New York)

Constructed in 1¼” hot-rolled steel and taking six months to be built, the stair landscape weighs 55 tons and is an installation of ribbon-like forms that divide and converge to form a topography of walkways, landings and steps.

Vertigo Staircase at the QVB Building (Australia)

This image shows “The Grand Staircase” of Sydney’s Grand Queen Victoria Building. This building, now affectionately known as the QVB, wasdesigned by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. Built as a monument to the long reigning monarch, construction took place in dire times, as Sydney was in a severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specially planned for the grand building so the Government could employ many out-of-work craftsmen – stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists – in a worthwhile project.

Bridge-stair at the Traversinertobel (Switzerland)

The bridge over the Traversinertobel, a side valley of the Via Mala, is the latest structure of this kind designed by engineer Jürg Conzett and his associate Rolf Bachofner . They solved the problem of connecting two different elevations over the gorge by creating a staircase.The staircase replaces a rope bridge for hikers that was wiped out by a rock slide. This suspended footbridge spans a distance of 56 metres, with a difference in height of 22 metres between the two ends.

When you buy a wireless router it is not secure and its default configuration will allow unwanted users that are in the vicinity of your router to connect to the internet and “steal” your wireless router internet connection. They could also gain access to your PC and steal files and folders of data. Manufacturers leave the configuration “open” so that the user can easily set up the router and get it up and running quickly. However, there is a risk if the router is not secure.

Accessing Your Wireless Router’s Configuration

To gain access to your wireless router settings and configuration menu then connect to the router either wirelessly or via a Ethernet cable. Open a web browser and type either:

http://192.168.1.1 or

http://192.168.2.1

1) Change Admin password

Most wireless routers ship with a blank password. It is essential that this is changed else a potential hacker could get into your router configuration and lock you out of your own hardware.

2) Change The Network Name (otherwise known as the SSID)

The default network name is usually made up of the name/model of your wireless router. This information gives a head start for a hacker and makes it easier for them to break into your network. Don’t rename it to something like your surname or house name as this unnecessarily exposes personal information. Rename it to an alpha-numeric string – this can be up to 32 characters long.

3) Turn off SSID broadcasting

By default, a wireless router’s SSID is broadcast so anyone in the vicinity of your wireless router can see that it. SSID broadcasting can be turned off thus making your wireless router virtually invisible.

4) Enabling Encryption

This is switched off by default. There is a choice of WEP, WPA and WPA2. Currently the latest encryption method is WPA2 so use this where possible. Both your wireless router and wireless PC adaptor must be configured to use the same encryption.

5) Mac Address Control

All hardware has a unique MAC address associated with it, including your PC adaptor card. This MAC address can be added to access control list in the wireless router. Only devices added to the router’s access control list are allowed to be connected.

6) Update router firmware

It is recommended that the latest router firmware is downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and installed in the router. This will hopefully fix any bugs that have been found for your router and also help with any known security flaws in the router itself.

7) Backup settings

Finally, backup all router settings. If you reset the router back to its factory default settings for whatever reason, your configuration can later be easily and quickly restored back into the router.

With wireless networks becoming the norm in network computing both at home and in offices, it is not surprising that these users of wireless networks are now turning as well to setting up a wireless printer to address whatever printing needs that they may have. After all, since wireless printers do not require Ethernet or local area network cables, it is more economical to install them instead of laying out meters upon meters of network cables either at home or in the office.

Setting up a wireless printer is not a complicated matter to accomplish. It can take as short as five steps to get the whole thing done.

Step #1: The Location of the Wireless Printer.

Since more than one computer would be making use of the wireless printer. It makes sense to figure out the best place to put it. The wireless printer should be set up at a place at home or in the office that is accessible to everyone and where there is ample space for paper, printer ink and other such paraphernalia.

Step #2: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?

There are two connectivity choices when it comes to setting up a wireless printer, and these two choices are none other than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Most new computers and printers nowadays are equipped with either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capacities, but if not, it is easy to get a wireless card that can be plugged using a USB port. The only difference is that Bluetooth printers has a smaller range than Wi-Fi.

Step #3: Enable Printer Sharing

The server computer’s operating system must be informed that the printer that will be added to its network is a wireless printer. In Windows Vista, this is done by accessing the network settings in the Control Panel and then activating file and printer sharing in the local area network settings.

Step #4: Share the Printer.

The other computers on the network must also be set up for using the wireless printer. To do this in Windows Vista, open the Control Panel in the classic view and then open Printers. Right click on the printer that is going to be shared, and then open Properties. In Properties, check the box that allows the printer to be a shared device.

Step #5: Continuous Troubleshooting

Wireless networks are prone to interruptions, and so it is important for whoever it is that is maintaining the wireless network at home or at the office to keep the connections to the wireless printer active. Nothing is more irritating that setting up a wireless printer and then encountering numerous glitches afterwards.

Mo…

The Wireless Doorbell is yet another extension of modern society’s focus on function and electronics. The Wireless Doorbell’s ability to be applied without any installation and its increasing signal strength make it a valuable for purchase for many consumers.

It can be used in homes, apartments and even RVs or mobile homes. Since it does not require any wires, it is especially valuable to people who live in leased homes and apartments. It can be taken with the purchaser when they move to another place and easy to take out because of no wiring.

Price:

Models can vary in price with the cheapest models costing about $15 to $20 and the most expensive ones going up to $150. The more expensive naturally tend to either have more additional features and/or have unique decorative designs. Regardless, of this price range, a good functional wireless doorbell can be purchased for roughly $50 to $80.

Range

Wireless Doorbells vary in range with most items extending out to 75 to 150 feet. Although, you can now purchase longer range wireless units that can extend out to 300 feet. Also, you can buy multiple bell receivers which will allow you to place the bell receivers in different parts and floors of the house.

Energy Source

Wireless doorbells come into two varieties for their energy source: battery-operated and plug-ins. The Battery-operated ones will vary somewhat with some weaker models using Triple A batteries and the stronger models using D batteries. The main feature to look for in this area is battery life. We recommend going with a unit requiring D batteries as these will tend to last longer.

For plug-ins, as the name suggests, the bell receiver is plugged into a wall socket. These can be useful if you do not want to fool with batteries as some can even double as night lights. However, these have less functionality as they take up outlet spaces and may not be ideally suited around the house for maximum noise distribution.

Sounds and Chimes:

The options in this area are endless. There are types that you your basic sounds like Westminster, Dong, or Ding Dong and then there are others that offer a lot more. Some types will play a list of over 50 songs and some will even let you record a message or play your favorite song in a CD quality recording. This can be an especially intriguing option around the holidays as there are a number of different holiday songs. At the very least, this feature will be a good conversation piece. Also, for those who already have a wireless doorbell, you can even purchase add ons that provide more chimes or sounds. Regardless, of the option chosen most devices offer 12 or 13 basic chimes. Whether you want to go beyond this list will depend a lot on your personality and personal taste.

Amplifiers or Sound Extenders:

There are several units that offer plug-ins or additional bell receivers which allow the sound to be extended throughout the house. This is particularly useful in large homes and out of the way areas of the house like basements and attics.

Portability:

This is one of wireless doorbells main advantages over wired systems. The bell receiver can be placed anywhere in the house and then moved again. There are even some models that work well outside and some that can even be placed on a belt clip and carried with you throughout the home.

Limitations:

Sometimes wireless doorbells will go off unexpectedly due to conflict with car alarms and garage door openers. The cheaper models are especially susceptible to this whereas the more expensive versions have a number of frequency jammers to help eliminate this issue.

Another limitation may be the wireless signal itself. Some people feel uncomfortable about additional signals being sent through the airways of your home. It is currently unclear whether wireless signals pose a health risk; however, it is something to consider. The good news is that a wireless doorbells signal is a lot weaker than other wireless signals and so its impact for possible radiation will be a lot less significant than a cell phone or a wireless network home computer.

As you can see the wireless doorbell has a lot of unique features that make it more than just an alternative to the wired doorbell.

There are several available wireless phone services, but one is not best for everybody. However, the process of choosing the best wireless phone service for a certain person is typically the same for everybody.

First, the owner needs to consider where he or she plans to use his or her wireless phone. For instance, if he or she plans to use the phone while traveling or in faraway places, it would be wise to check if the wireless phone service has a large local toll-free calling area. Roaming needs can also be checked to ensure that service will not be affected when the owner is in places that are not covered by his or her wireless phone network.

Next, the owner needs to assess how he or she plans to use the wireless phone. Some users have become more demanding regarding the services they want. This being the case, it would be good to check if the wireless phone service has additional features such as voice mail, caller identification, call forwarding and call waiting.

Wireless phone owners should also look at the specific time of day when they think they will most likely use their phones. This would help them in choosing the most attractive peak and off-peak definitions laid down by different wireless phone services. Knowing this can possibly help them save money.

After all these things have been analyzed, the owner still has to decide how much he or she is capable of spending for his or her monthly phone bills. They should remember that monthly phone bills typically include fixed amounts that will be charged to them whether or not they have consumed such services. Some wireless phone services also charge activation fees. These things should be considered to get a more accurate computation of the possible monthly phone expenses of an owner.

My Wirelesses is the most advisable Wireless Phone service Provider. It provides opportunities to earn residual Income on the wireless services of others, provide Leadership bonuses and customer acquisition bonuses

The business travelers often have to suffer from lack of Internet facility in their laptop or being able to connect when they are on the move, or traveling to other destinations. Generally, as a solution, they have to rely on Wi-Fi systems available in the hotel rooms and have to be completely dependent on the speed and quality of the service offered by their internet providers.

For those business executives who travel on regular basis, wireless aircard comes as a perfect solution; it provides you with mobile internet connectivity anywhere and everywhere it is possible. The aircards gives you global access to Internet via wireless connectivity allowing you to connect while you are traveling on road or staying in hotel room. Sierra Wireless Aircard is the leading and most reputed maker of wireless internet cards and provides most innovated wireless connectivity solutions which are both compatible and reliable.

Sierra has recently come up with two wireless aircards, namely Aircard 595 and Aircard 597. Both of these aircards are of the highest quality, providing un-interrupted wireless connectivity at broadband speed. The Sierra wireless aircards have great advantages of having low energy consumption which is one of main concern when you connect through laptops at remote locations.

No matter which part of the world you are traveling to, by using Sierra wireless data card, you will have access to the Internet at all places having wireless connectivity. The fast data rates, by using this aircard, can go up to 1.8 Mbps downlink and 384 Kbps uplink, which lets you access to the same data rate which you get through DSL and cable modems. The sierra wireless aircards come with easy installation process using easy-to-install software which makes task of installing, configuring and managing your wireless internet aircard easier.

To the ultimate benefit of the consumers, the Sierra wireless aircards can be rented at considerably low cost. The aircard rental services offer cost-effective alternative of renting the wireless air cards instead of spending higher amount of money on buying. This makes it easier for business travelers who require wireless connectivity for few days to weeks but do not want spend hundreds of dollars on purchasing such cards. To their greater advantage, the companies providing wireless aircard rental services also offer complete support and assistance in installing, configuring in the rental period.