Flying Over a Strip of Beach

Princess Juliana International Airport (IATA: SXM, ICAO: TNCM) (also known as Sint Maarten International Airport) serves the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin. In 2007, the airport handled 1,647,824 passengers and 103,650 aircraft movements. The airport serves as a hub for Windward Islands Airways and is the major gateway for the smaller Leeward Islands, including Anguilla, Saba, St. Barthélemy and St. Eustatius. It is named after Juliana of the Netherlands, who as crown princess landed here in 1944, the year after the airport opened. There is also an airport on the French side of the island near Marigot, called Aéroport de Grand Case or L'Espérance Airport.The airport was started as a military airstrip in 1942. It was converted to a civilian airport in 1943. In 1964 the airport was remodeled and relocated, with a new terminal building and control tower. The facilities were upgraded in 1985 and 2001. More Images after the break...

10 American Rivers at Risk

1. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California was second on the list. American Rivers cited two efforts to reenginer the water supply and flood control systems as threats to the delta. This photo shows the Sacramento River. This post features a list of 10 American rivers which are according to from the U.S. environmental group American Rivers are really endangered. More images after the break...

2. The Upper Colorado River

The Upper Colorado River could become "a shadow of its former self" if two new water diversion projects proceed, according to a report from the U.S. environmental group American Rivers. The river is on a list of the 10 most endangered waterways compiled by the group.

3. Coosa River in Alabama

Seven hydropower dams were built on the Coosa River in Alabama in the mid-1900s, but American Rivers wants the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to insist on protections for wildlife in the license for Alabama Power Co. to operate the dams for the next 50 years.

4. Cedar River in Cedar Rapids

A June 2008 image shows flooding along the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The report says outdated flood management by the Army Corps of Engineers is hurting fish and wildlife habitat.

5. Gauley River

U.S. regulators should stop mountaintop mining in West Virginia that is hurting the Gauley River, American Rivers says. The river is known for its whitewater rafting.

6. Monongahela River

The view from the Hot Metal Bridge of downtown Pittsburgh, where the Monongahela River meets the Allegheny River to form the Ohio. The Monongahela is threated by pollution created by natural gas extraction.

7. Eastern Idaho's Teton River

Eastern Idaho's Teton River provides habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, but there's a proposal to rebuild the Teton Dam, which collapsed in 1976, killing 11 people and causing more than $1 billion in damage.

8.The Upper Delaware River

The Upper Delaware River is at the top of American Rivers' endangered list. The group says the river in New York state, source for drinking water for 17 million people, is threatened by chemicals from natural gas drilling and poor flood management.

9. National Wild and Scenic Chetco River

National Wild and Scenic Chetco River in Oregon's Kalmiopsis Wilderness and one of the areas proposed for mining.

10. North Carolina's Little River

Top 10 Caribbean Islands

1. Anguilla

A sister of the Leeward island chain, Anguilla is truly one of the most romantic places on earth. Tucked away in the middle of the tranquil Caribbean Sea, a magical island lives and breathes a dynamic culture amidst a Garden of Eden of white sandy beaches and scintillating azure waters. As one sways with the ebb and flow of the gentle currents, you become a witness to nature's perfect functions when left untouched.

The Caribbean is unlike any other place in the world. It is home to some of the most beautiful islands and waters you will find anywhere. You will see white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters filled with some amazing marine life. The cultures that you will encounter are among the most carefree and relaxing in the world. More images after the break...

2. Antigua

Antigua means ancient or antique in Spanish, and it is the perfect name for that tropical and charming island in the Caribbean. Located in the West Indies, Antigua was colonized by the Spanish in the fifteenth century, and makes the absolute perfect destination of Caribbeans. Antigua is also famous as a best wedding destination in the world. Antigua is historic but not run down, and it has a special charm and beauty that makes it the most desired tourist destination in the Caribbean.

3. British Virgin Islands

The pristine BVI has long attracted yachties and royalty to its turquoise waters, thanks to posh resorts like Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, and Peter Island. The British Virgin Islands are part of the British Territories in the Caribbean. They are located northeast of the US Virgin Islands, on the northeast corner of the Caribbean Sea. Their exotic beaches are considered among the best Caribbean Beaches and the Islands are famous for Caribbean fishing, Sailing, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.

4. Curacao

Curacao has historically trailed its sister Caribbean islands of Aruba and Bonaire when it comes to attracting vacationers, largely because oil refining and financial services, rather than tourism, dominate its prosperous economy. Sea Aquarium is a must for any one in Curacao for holiday. You can swim with the dolphins, kiss the sea lions (or get kissed by them actually) and see the beautiful flamingos.

5. Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is an island with many features and incredible history. Dominican Republic main attractions gets the attention of many tourists with its great historical landmarks and nice people. The country has too many places to see and explore. One of the places located in the capital is the Cathedral of Santa Maria. The Aquarium with lots of beautiful marine life to see is another great attraction. The beaches are something you cannot forget. There is more than a 1000 miles of beaches all around. Punta Cana and Cabarete are worldwide known to have incredibly beautiful beaches. You can also go to a tour that will take you to Saona island and Catalina island for some of the best scuba diving you have ever seen.

6. Grenada

Grenada is a spectacular beautiful island that has golden beaches; crystal water falls, flourishing green mountains and aromatic spice trees, which give this island its nickname as the Isle of Spice. There are 46 sun soaked beaches around the Spice Island of Grenada. One important reason to visit Grenada is its wild and lively carnival held every year in the third quarter. It seems that anyone who visits will not be lacking in things to do and sights to see because of the many beautiful spots and year-round festivities Grenada is known for.

7. Jamaica

Jamaica vacations don't just mean luxurious resorts with all amenities at your fingertips. Besides its pristine beaches lapped by warm turquoise water, Jamaica boasts a host of natural scenic wonders which are well worth a visit. Well, the most exciting is Dunn's River Falls, where visitors can climb up the falls as part of a human chain, and enjoy the soothing effect of the massage parlor's rushing waters as they cascade to the ocean. There are also nature trails through the lush tropical foliage of bamboos, ferns, ginger lilies, orchids, crotons, palms and breadfruit trees. Shoppers will delight in the straw crafts, wood carvings, and other artworks available at the craft park and there is a cafeteria specializing in Jamaican delights such as jerked chicken and curried goat.

8. St. Lucia

St Lucia is one of the smaller more leisurely Islands in the Caribbean, boasting beautiful beaches with a welcoming light breeze, like the popular Anse de Sable beach. As most Caribbean Islands, it has the typical white sands where the calm ocean waves are ideal for water sports, like sailing and para-gliding. The island is a popular stop for both cruise visitors and vacationers coming for a long-term stay at nearly 100 hotels, resorts and inns.

9. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Before St. Vincent served as the setting for "Pirates of the Caribbean", this remote island and the whole Grenadine chain was primarily known only to sailors and seclusion-seeking rock stars. Indeed, Mick Jagger and David Bowie discreetly frequent the exclusive Grenadine isle of Mustique. These days, however, the even prettier, quiet island of Bequia is on the rise, thanks to buzz about newcomer Firefly Plantation Bequia and the halfway complete Bequia Beach Hotel. Canouan Island already boasts a sprawling, superluxe Raffles resort that evokes the South Pacific. And lush St. Vincent is touching up its popular sights like the panoramic Belmont Lookout and the canopied Vermont Nature Trail.

10. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Vieques, Puerto Rico is one of the most unspoiled islands of the Caribbean. It is an unforgettable and very affordable destination for any traveler. Since embracing tourism in 2003 after decades as a U.S. naval base, the tiny island of Vieques has been the most accessible "uncharted territory" in the Caribbean. With Vieques harboring more than 40 miles of unspoiled sand and the Caribbean's largest wildlife refuge, its small hotels and casual restaurants have attracted easygoing, eco-minded tourists.

The Most Unusual Buildings Around The World

1. The public library in Kansas City, USA

All the buildings reflect the desire of their creators. The builders have stepped away from the ordinary standard of architecture, we can say that these prominent structures are among the unique treasures of the world, which transmit the bizarre sense of uniqueness, which shows contemporary exotic forms of external and internal design and permissible visionary architect. More images after the break...

2. Atomium in Brussels, Belgium

3. Milwaukee Art Museum (Museum of Art, Milwaukee). Milwaukee, USA

4. Church of hallgrimur (Lutheran Church) in Reykjavik, Iceland

5. Longaberger Basket Building. Newark, USA

6. Wonder works. Pigeon Forge, United States

7. Another upside-down house (Upside down house) in Shimbarke, Poland

8. Crooked house. Sopot, Poland

9. Tenerife Auditorium. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

10. Bull ring. Birmingham, United Kingdom

11. La Tete au Carre in Nice, France. Inside is a library

12. Eden project. Britain

13. Snail House in Sofia

14. Edificio mirador in Madrid

15. Nautilus house. Mexico

16. Calakmul building - a building in a giant washing machine. Mexico

17. The residential complex Habitat-67. Montreal, Canada

18. Montreal biosphere. Montreal, Canada

19. Olympic Stadium in Montreal

20. Lotus Temple. New Delhi, India

21. Wooden skyscraper in Arkhangelsk. Demolished in 2009

22. Stone House (Stone house) in Guimaraes, Portugal

23. Mammy's Cupboard. Natchez, USA

24. National Library, Minsk

25. Cubic houses. Rotterdam, Netherlands

26. Casapueblo. Maldonado, Uruguay

27. Library of Alexandrina. Alexandria, Egypt

28. Cathedral of Brasilia (Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida) - Catholic cathedral in the capital of Brazil - Brasilia. Serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Brasilia

29.

30. Denver Art Museum - Denver Art Museum

31. Graz Art Museum - Museum of Arts in Graz, Austria

32. Le Palais Ideal (Ideal Palace) in Hauterives, France. Built usual French postman Ferdinand Cheval enthusiast for 33 years (1879-1912).

33. Casa Battlo Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona

34. The National Stadium in Beijing

35. National Theatre in the same

36. Museum Ripley's Believe It or Not! near Niagara Falls in Canada

37. Palais bulles in Cannes

38. Experience music project. Seattle, USA

39. Back view

40. Skyscraper Gherkin building in London or cucumber

41. Banpo Bridge in Seoul, South Korea

42. Dynamic Tower in Dubai. Tower, whose every floor is moving on its own axis, independently of the others. The first building that can change its shape. Still under construction.