Fact behind the Fiction - Book 2
The 'Adventures of Eric and Ursula' are a series of fiction books but it is important to me to try and build as much fact as possible into the stories. Here is an A to Z of the fact behind the fiction for Book 2 – Survival Instinct.
A10 motorway
The ring road around Amsterdam.
Read https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/A10/@52.3767256,4.9075673,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x47c609ba9e719d55:0x936a8cb7b916b4b
Artificial Intelligence
Is the engineering of ‘intelligent’ machines, in particular computers. It is also the subject I studied at university.
Read http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/node1.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq3_G3_wylo
Alexei N. Kosygin
Kosygin was a senior politician of the USSR. In 1967 he visited Niagara Falls.
Read http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/alexei_kosygin.htm
Read about Niagara Falls Visit http://niagarafallsupclose.com/russias-kosygin-skipped-check-visiting-niagara-falls/
Video http://www.nbcuniversalarchives.com/nbcuni/clip/5112495816_s01.do
The A-Team
Four Vietnamese vets are framed for a crime they did not commit. They escape and spend each episode helping someone in trouble.
Read http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084967/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MVonyVSQoM
Beretta
Maker of firearms
Read http://www.beretta.com/en/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/user/BerettaCommunity
Biljimer ArenA/Amsterdam ArenA
The home stadium of Ajax and venue for concerts and other events.
Read http://www.amsterdamarena.nl/home.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM1R_XF7zpM
Black Sites
Secret bases/rendering stations used by the United States. Black Sites’ in Europe include Stare Kiejkuty Military Intelligence Base, near Szymany in Northern Poland; Mihai Koyalniceanu (MK) military base, near Constansa in Romania; plus Temara Detention Facility, Temara and Ain Aouda in Morocco; and sites in Iraq, Afghanistan, Thailand, and Cuba.
Read http://science.howstuffworks.com/covert-cia-prison-system2.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi4hulm2qzs
Blood Groups
Everyone has a blood group. The most common are: A, B, AB or O
Read http://www.blood.co.uk/about-blood/blood-group-basics/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L06TJTMVkBo
Blood Tests
The medical profession can do a number of tests on blood. These can include: white blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, platelet count, electrolytes by measuring the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, blood enzyme tests that measure creatine levels, cholesterol count, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Read http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Blood-tests/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Watch I would have put a link here but I can’t watch blood tests without feeling faint!
Boat safety
In a storm you should be tethered to the deck. More boat safety below.
Read http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5Lp2GJHVnM
Clones
A group of organisms or cells which are identical
Read http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/human-cloning.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tbxN5uwaqA
Collateral Damage
Collateral damage is damage to things that are incidental to the intended target. It is frequently used as a military term where it can refer to the incidental destruction of civilian property and non-combatant casualties. (Wikipedia)
Correction Colony for Foreign Citizens (Lepley in the Republic of Mordovia)
Was a camp for foreign prisoners in the former USSR.
Read http://www.gulagmaps.org/maps/map.php?series=3&map=kp
Cybernetics
The science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things (google).
Read and Watch http://www.pangaro.com/definition-cybernetics.html
Delta-Proteins
Delta-proteins serve as a kind of molecular switch that seems to enhance healing and tissue repair. Normally, delta-proteins switch on in young tissue, but not in older tissue. Quoted from the website below
Read http://sciencenetlinks.com/science-news/science-updates/young-blood/
Dieppe
Town on the coast in Northern France in Normandy
Read http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/normandyandbrittany/739320/Dieppe-my-kind-of-town.html
DNA
The building block of life
Read http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-structure-of-dna.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfVHCSrI9tU
Doctor Fischer (Harvard Medical School)
He thinks greying hair might actually be a safety mechanism that the body uses as it removes damaged stem cells
Read http://www.hms.harvard.edu/dms/BBS/fac/fisher.php
Dolphins (military trained)
Dolphins trained to complete specific tasks as dictated by the US military.
Read http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/whales/etc/navycron.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy_IwblcVOA
ESP
ESP is extra-sensory perception or the ability to use more senses than the average person. Stanford Research Institute conducted research into this psychic phenomenon which was allegedly funded by the CIA. They took a particular interest in Uri Geller. More recently this has been linked to Quantum Entanglement
Read http://www.espresearch.com/espgeneral/doc-AT.shtml
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lERbTkN82go&index=7&list=PLF179601FBE071E3D
First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo
This church was built in 1889.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presbyterian_Church_(Buffalo,_New_York)
Foods to keep you young
Eric and Ursula eat/drink plankton, vitamin D supplements, olive oil blueberries, rich cocoa, nuts and yoghurt. Apart from the plankton these are all healthy foods which, though they may not keep you young, will help your body fight aging.
Read http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/look-younger/20-foods-that-keep-you-young
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg8eNKM27jY
Gdansk
Port of Gdansk is in Northern Poland. The largest port in Poland.
Read http://www.portgdansk.pl/en
Genocide
It is unclear how many people have been victims of genocide (the deliberate killing of a large group of people). In researching, these are the figures that I found for the men mentioned in Book 2: Adolf Hitler - 18 million, Jozef Stalin – 20 to 60 million and Pol Pot – 1.7 million.
Read http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11108059
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45C3IPifmZ0
Grand Prix of Poker at the Golden Nugget hotel (1984)
A poker competition held at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas in 1984.
Read http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/festival.php?a=r&n=4717
Greyhound Buses
The route taken by Professor Ingrid Larsen is accurate. It was possible to do this from the 1939 and is still possible to travel by bus from Roswell to Memphis to Nashville to Cleveland to Buffalo.
Read (scroll down to Bus) http://oshermaps.org/exhibitions/road-maps-american-way/v-transportation-maps-pedal-plane
Harlinjen – Crane Hotel
There is a small hotel in a genuine dockside crane in Harlinjen, Netherlands
Read http://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/CraneHotel
Irish Sea
The Irish Sea separates the islands of Ireland and Great Britain.
Read http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/irishsea.htm
Iron Curtain
The Iron Curtain was the political, military, and ideological barrier erected by the Soviet Union after World War II, read (and watch) more below:
Read and Watch http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/294419/Iron-Curtain
Jacques Cousteau
A French naval officer and explorer of the planet.
Read http://www.cousteau.org/about-us/jaques
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgvzrVD6xww
Japanese Self-Defence Forces
The united military forces of Japan.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces
Jet flying and FAA rules
According to FAA rules jets must be flown by a minimum of two crew.
Read https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/airplane_handbook/media/FAA-H-8083-3B.pdf
KGB
An agency protecting the Soviet Union from internal and external threats.
Read http://russiapedia.rt.com/of-russian-origin/kgb/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eylGsWeSEQs
Lauwersoog
Port in the north of the Netherlands
Read http://www.havenlauwersoog.nl/en
Le Bourget Airport (Paris)
Is the leading business airport in Europe.
Read http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Professionnals/Aeroportuaire/NosPlateformes/ParisLeBourget/
Los Angeles (1984 Olympics)
The Olympic games were held in Los Angele in July 1984. They are the first Olympics that I remember.
Read and Watch http://www.olympic.org/los-angeles-1984-summer-olympics
Magda Syzmanska
Magda is not a real person but she is based on Mariola Przewlocka who was the manager of Syzmany airport. See Syzmany Aiport for more information.
Magneto
Comic character who first appeared in the X-Men comic in 1963.
Read http://marvel.wikia.com/Magneto
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOiBxCtgBVQ
Maid of the Mist
A tourist boat that takes people to see Niagara Falls.
Read http://www.maidofthemist.com/the-maid-experience/maid-history/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLyurlxlG7Y
Marine phytoplankton
Or plankton. There are about 5000 different kinds. It is reported that if you consume it your blood will be cleaned, skin and hair will be healthy, fat will be metabolized, your immune system will be boosted, will act as an antioxidant and control both blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Read http://www.naturalnews.com/023853_marine_phytoplankton_microalgae.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QRky6NTRFc
McCarthyism
Is the name given to a period of American history when people were accused of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence
Read http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/mccarthyism.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh18dZk8QAY
Murlough Bay, County Antrim is in Northern Ireland (The Meyer Cottage)
I read an article in a newspaper on visiting Ireland. The first photograph in the article was of a cottage on Murlough Bay. As soon as I saw, I knew it was a location I was going to use.
Pictures http://www.andymcinroy.com/ir465.htm
Niagara Falls
A group of waterfalls that lie on the border between Canada and USA. See Maid of Mist to see video footage.
Read and Watch http://www.niagarafallslive.com/facts_about_niagara_falls.htm
Olsztynek
Is a town in North West Poland.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olsztynek
Orca (fishing trawler)
The Orca is a fishing trawler. Read the history of trawlers below.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_trawler
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was a poet and writer from the 19th Century. I quoted:
o “A bird at evening flying to its nest, Tells me of One who had no place of rest,” Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Irae Sung In The Sistine Chapel
o , “I only knew what hunted thought Quickened his step,” The Ballard of Reading Gaol
o “The spears of crimson-suited war, The long white-crested waves of fight, And all the deadly fires which are, The torches of the lords of Night.” Ave Imperatrix
o “I remember I never could catch you, For no one could match you,” Rose and Rue
Read Biography http://www.biography.com/people/oscar-wilde-9531078
Read Poetry http://www.publicdomainpoems.com/oscarwilde.html
PADI Course
Is a course to teach you to dive underwater safely and competently.
Read http://www.padi.com/scuba/padi-courses/default.aspx?SessID=
Peeing in your wet suit
Some divers believe peeing in their wetsuit warms them up in cooler waters. Make up your own mind!
Read https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071211073449AA8qAHn
Parts of a boat
I use stern, bow, port and starboard for the parts of the trawler. If these mean nothing to you then read on.
Read http://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/Parts-of-boats-and-ships
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ6O8lB0cII
Phone hacking
The process of listening in to people’s phone calls illegally.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_hacking
Police Radio Frequencies
It used to be possible to tune in and to listen to Police radio but now it is all digital and is not possible. Allegedly, it is not illegal to listen but it is illegal to use the information you may here.
Prague to Amsterdam Train
The train from Prague and Amsterdam is the Phoenix and is exactly how I described it in the book.
Read http://www.seat61.com/train-from-amsterdam-to-prague.htm#.UzQcuqhdUXs
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8_mT7u8PMc
Racial Supremacy
The belief that one race of people is superior to another. I have neglected to put any links below as I could not find anything that I felt presented this subject in a way that would not incite hatred.
RAF Fairford and RAF Welford
Two Royal Air Force bases in the UK that are used by the US Air Force too.
Read http://www.raf-fairford.co.uk/home/welford
Robotic Hand
It sounds hard to believe but people, who have lost limbs are being equipped with robotic one, which they can move through thought alone.
Read http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/12/16/paralyzed-woman-controls-robotic-arm-with-thoughts-alone/
Watch http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/25331063
Stade de France
A sport’s stadium in Paris
Read http://www.stadiumguide.com/stadedefrance/
Sun Traditions in history
These are all things I discovered while researching this part of the book.
o From Greek history we know that Helios, or the sun, rode across the skies in his chariot.
o The Inca civilisations worshipped the sun, as did the native American Indians
o There is a Jewish ceremony that blesses the sun every twenty eight years
o There is a fasting and dancing sun ceremony that last for four days like the native American Indians
o The Incas used to chant to the sun.
o There is a sun eating Indian man. He gazes directly at the sun and believes that this gives him enough nourishment to survive and apart from water he does not consume any other food or drink. This was also practised by the Egyptians, Mayans and Aztecs. I would advise against doing this.
Spectroscope
Is an instrument used to measure the properties of light.
Read http://nfsi-server.yerkes.uchicago.edu/FTProot/spectroscope/Spectroscopy/basics1.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ1xOWl5Axk
Stare Kiejkuty Military Intelligence Base
Is a military base in Poland and allegedly one of the CIAs black sites. The Black site building is located in a part of the base called Strefa B and is officially the home of the OSAW, that’s the Polish Intelligence Agency. You can read more under Szymany Airport.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stare_Kiejkuty_(base)
Stations
Cologne Main Station/Haupt Bahnhof
Read https://www.b-europe.com/Travel/Practical/Station%20information/Koln%20Hbf
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFJDidNzah0
Vršovice station, Prague
Read http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM6NVN_Prague_Vrovice_Train_Station_Ndra_Praha_Vrovice
Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station)
Read http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=1005
Amsterdam Centraal
Read http://www.amsterdam.info/central-station/
Surveillance Equipment
Equipment used to watch/spy on people. Can consist of cameras, heat cameras, listening equipment and other. I have not included any links below as all the websites I found were selling stuff.
Syzmany Airport
An airport located in Poland was supposedly used for rendition by the CIA to black sites.
Read http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jan/04/politics.usa
Read http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/07/rendition-poland
Read Nick Hawton http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6212843.stm
Train Toilets
I have traveled often on trains around Eastern Europe and some of them have only a hole that leads from the toilet down onto the track. My father tells me that this is now illegal.
UFO spots
UFOs have been spotted often over recent history. Eric chooses to highlight a few. These are Roswell 1947, Washington D.C. in 1952, Melbourne in 1966, Shag Harbour in Canada in 1967, Tehran in 1976, Brazil in 1980, Belgium in 1989, Turkey in 2008 and Mount Rainer in 1947.
Read and Watch http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-ufos
Vitamin D
We know that vitamin D is the sun vitamin. It helps cell growth, make bones develop and hardens them, regulates blood sugar, ensures the functioning of healthy nerves and muscles, and may lead to a cure for cancer.
Read https://www.jenreviews.com/vitamin-d/
VOIP Connection
Voice Over Internet Protocol – the most popular example that I can think of is Skype.
Read http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony.htm
Young blood introduced to old brains resulted in new brain cells growing
At least this is true in mice!
Read http://www.theguardian.com/science/neurophilosophy/2011/sep/05/young-blood-rejuvenates-old-brains
Zek
A slang term for prisoner in a Russian prison or Soviet Labour Camp. I used the following memoir by Irina Ratushinskaya
Read http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/694516.Grey_is_the_Color_of_Hope
A10 motorway
The ring road around Amsterdam.
Read https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/A10/@52.3767256,4.9075673,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x47c609ba9e719d55:0x936a8cb7b916b4b
Artificial Intelligence
Is the engineering of ‘intelligent’ machines, in particular computers. It is also the subject I studied at university.
Read http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/node1.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq3_G3_wylo
Alexei N. Kosygin
Kosygin was a senior politician of the USSR. In 1967 he visited Niagara Falls.
Read http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/alexei_kosygin.htm
Read about Niagara Falls Visit http://niagarafallsupclose.com/russias-kosygin-skipped-check-visiting-niagara-falls/
Video http://www.nbcuniversalarchives.com/nbcuni/clip/5112495816_s01.do
The A-Team
Four Vietnamese vets are framed for a crime they did not commit. They escape and spend each episode helping someone in trouble.
Read http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084967/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MVonyVSQoM
Beretta
Maker of firearms
Read http://www.beretta.com/en/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/user/BerettaCommunity
Biljimer ArenA/Amsterdam ArenA
The home stadium of Ajax and venue for concerts and other events.
Read http://www.amsterdamarena.nl/home.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM1R_XF7zpM
Black Sites
Secret bases/rendering stations used by the United States. Black Sites’ in Europe include Stare Kiejkuty Military Intelligence Base, near Szymany in Northern Poland; Mihai Koyalniceanu (MK) military base, near Constansa in Romania; plus Temara Detention Facility, Temara and Ain Aouda in Morocco; and sites in Iraq, Afghanistan, Thailand, and Cuba.
Read http://science.howstuffworks.com/covert-cia-prison-system2.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi4hulm2qzs
Blood Groups
Everyone has a blood group. The most common are: A, B, AB or O
Read http://www.blood.co.uk/about-blood/blood-group-basics/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L06TJTMVkBo
Blood Tests
The medical profession can do a number of tests on blood. These can include: white blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, platelet count, electrolytes by measuring the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, blood enzyme tests that measure creatine levels, cholesterol count, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Read http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Blood-tests/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Watch I would have put a link here but I can’t watch blood tests without feeling faint!
Boat safety
In a storm you should be tethered to the deck. More boat safety below.
Read http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5Lp2GJHVnM
Clones
A group of organisms or cells which are identical
Read http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/human-cloning.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tbxN5uwaqA
Collateral Damage
Collateral damage is damage to things that are incidental to the intended target. It is frequently used as a military term where it can refer to the incidental destruction of civilian property and non-combatant casualties. (Wikipedia)
Correction Colony for Foreign Citizens (Lepley in the Republic of Mordovia)
Was a camp for foreign prisoners in the former USSR.
Read http://www.gulagmaps.org/maps/map.php?series=3&map=kp
Cybernetics
The science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things (google).
Read and Watch http://www.pangaro.com/definition-cybernetics.html
Delta-Proteins
Delta-proteins serve as a kind of molecular switch that seems to enhance healing and tissue repair. Normally, delta-proteins switch on in young tissue, but not in older tissue. Quoted from the website below
Read http://sciencenetlinks.com/science-news/science-updates/young-blood/
Dieppe
Town on the coast in Northern France in Normandy
Read http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/normandyandbrittany/739320/Dieppe-my-kind-of-town.html
DNA
The building block of life
Read http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-structure-of-dna.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfVHCSrI9tU
Doctor Fischer (Harvard Medical School)
He thinks greying hair might actually be a safety mechanism that the body uses as it removes damaged stem cells
Read http://www.hms.harvard.edu/dms/BBS/fac/fisher.php
Dolphins (military trained)
Dolphins trained to complete specific tasks as dictated by the US military.
Read http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/whales/etc/navycron.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy_IwblcVOA
ESP
ESP is extra-sensory perception or the ability to use more senses than the average person. Stanford Research Institute conducted research into this psychic phenomenon which was allegedly funded by the CIA. They took a particular interest in Uri Geller. More recently this has been linked to Quantum Entanglement
Read http://www.espresearch.com/espgeneral/doc-AT.shtml
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lERbTkN82go&index=7&list=PLF179601FBE071E3D
First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo
This church was built in 1889.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presbyterian_Church_(Buffalo,_New_York)
Foods to keep you young
Eric and Ursula eat/drink plankton, vitamin D supplements, olive oil blueberries, rich cocoa, nuts and yoghurt. Apart from the plankton these are all healthy foods which, though they may not keep you young, will help your body fight aging.
Read http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/look-younger/20-foods-that-keep-you-young
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg8eNKM27jY
Gdansk
Port of Gdansk is in Northern Poland. The largest port in Poland.
Read http://www.portgdansk.pl/en
Genocide
It is unclear how many people have been victims of genocide (the deliberate killing of a large group of people). In researching, these are the figures that I found for the men mentioned in Book 2: Adolf Hitler - 18 million, Jozef Stalin – 20 to 60 million and Pol Pot – 1.7 million.
Read http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11108059
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45C3IPifmZ0
Grand Prix of Poker at the Golden Nugget hotel (1984)
A poker competition held at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas in 1984.
Read http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/festival.php?a=r&n=4717
Greyhound Buses
The route taken by Professor Ingrid Larsen is accurate. It was possible to do this from the 1939 and is still possible to travel by bus from Roswell to Memphis to Nashville to Cleveland to Buffalo.
Read (scroll down to Bus) http://oshermaps.org/exhibitions/road-maps-american-way/v-transportation-maps-pedal-plane
Harlinjen – Crane Hotel
There is a small hotel in a genuine dockside crane in Harlinjen, Netherlands
Read http://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/CraneHotel
Irish Sea
The Irish Sea separates the islands of Ireland and Great Britain.
Read http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/irishsea.htm
Iron Curtain
The Iron Curtain was the political, military, and ideological barrier erected by the Soviet Union after World War II, read (and watch) more below:
Read and Watch http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/294419/Iron-Curtain
Jacques Cousteau
A French naval officer and explorer of the planet.
Read http://www.cousteau.org/about-us/jaques
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgvzrVD6xww
Japanese Self-Defence Forces
The united military forces of Japan.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces
Jet flying and FAA rules
According to FAA rules jets must be flown by a minimum of two crew.
Read https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/airplane_handbook/media/FAA-H-8083-3B.pdf
KGB
An agency protecting the Soviet Union from internal and external threats.
Read http://russiapedia.rt.com/of-russian-origin/kgb/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eylGsWeSEQs
Lauwersoog
Port in the north of the Netherlands
Read http://www.havenlauwersoog.nl/en
Le Bourget Airport (Paris)
Is the leading business airport in Europe.
Read http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Professionnals/Aeroportuaire/NosPlateformes/ParisLeBourget/
Los Angeles (1984 Olympics)
The Olympic games were held in Los Angele in July 1984. They are the first Olympics that I remember.
Read and Watch http://www.olympic.org/los-angeles-1984-summer-olympics
Magda Syzmanska
Magda is not a real person but she is based on Mariola Przewlocka who was the manager of Syzmany airport. See Syzmany Aiport for more information.
Magneto
Comic character who first appeared in the X-Men comic in 1963.
Read http://marvel.wikia.com/Magneto
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOiBxCtgBVQ
Maid of the Mist
A tourist boat that takes people to see Niagara Falls.
Read http://www.maidofthemist.com/the-maid-experience/maid-history/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLyurlxlG7Y
Marine phytoplankton
Or plankton. There are about 5000 different kinds. It is reported that if you consume it your blood will be cleaned, skin and hair will be healthy, fat will be metabolized, your immune system will be boosted, will act as an antioxidant and control both blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Read http://www.naturalnews.com/023853_marine_phytoplankton_microalgae.html
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QRky6NTRFc
McCarthyism
Is the name given to a period of American history when people were accused of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence
Read http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/mccarthyism.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh18dZk8QAY
Murlough Bay, County Antrim is in Northern Ireland (The Meyer Cottage)
I read an article in a newspaper on visiting Ireland. The first photograph in the article was of a cottage on Murlough Bay. As soon as I saw, I knew it was a location I was going to use.
Pictures http://www.andymcinroy.com/ir465.htm
Niagara Falls
A group of waterfalls that lie on the border between Canada and USA. See Maid of Mist to see video footage.
Read and Watch http://www.niagarafallslive.com/facts_about_niagara_falls.htm
Olsztynek
Is a town in North West Poland.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olsztynek
Orca (fishing trawler)
The Orca is a fishing trawler. Read the history of trawlers below.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_trawler
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was a poet and writer from the 19th Century. I quoted:
o “A bird at evening flying to its nest, Tells me of One who had no place of rest,” Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Irae Sung In The Sistine Chapel
o , “I only knew what hunted thought Quickened his step,” The Ballard of Reading Gaol
o “The spears of crimson-suited war, The long white-crested waves of fight, And all the deadly fires which are, The torches of the lords of Night.” Ave Imperatrix
o “I remember I never could catch you, For no one could match you,” Rose and Rue
Read Biography http://www.biography.com/people/oscar-wilde-9531078
Read Poetry http://www.publicdomainpoems.com/oscarwilde.html
PADI Course
Is a course to teach you to dive underwater safely and competently.
Read http://www.padi.com/scuba/padi-courses/default.aspx?SessID=
Peeing in your wet suit
Some divers believe peeing in their wetsuit warms them up in cooler waters. Make up your own mind!
Read https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071211073449AA8qAHn
Parts of a boat
I use stern, bow, port and starboard for the parts of the trawler. If these mean nothing to you then read on.
Read http://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/Parts-of-boats-and-ships
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ6O8lB0cII
Phone hacking
The process of listening in to people’s phone calls illegally.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_hacking
Police Radio Frequencies
It used to be possible to tune in and to listen to Police radio but now it is all digital and is not possible. Allegedly, it is not illegal to listen but it is illegal to use the information you may here.
Prague to Amsterdam Train
The train from Prague and Amsterdam is the Phoenix and is exactly how I described it in the book.
Read http://www.seat61.com/train-from-amsterdam-to-prague.htm#.UzQcuqhdUXs
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8_mT7u8PMc
Racial Supremacy
The belief that one race of people is superior to another. I have neglected to put any links below as I could not find anything that I felt presented this subject in a way that would not incite hatred.
RAF Fairford and RAF Welford
Two Royal Air Force bases in the UK that are used by the US Air Force too.
Read http://www.raf-fairford.co.uk/home/welford
Robotic Hand
It sounds hard to believe but people, who have lost limbs are being equipped with robotic one, which they can move through thought alone.
Read http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/12/16/paralyzed-woman-controls-robotic-arm-with-thoughts-alone/
Watch http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/25331063
Stade de France
A sport’s stadium in Paris
Read http://www.stadiumguide.com/stadedefrance/
Sun Traditions in history
These are all things I discovered while researching this part of the book.
o From Greek history we know that Helios, or the sun, rode across the skies in his chariot.
o The Inca civilisations worshipped the sun, as did the native American Indians
o There is a Jewish ceremony that blesses the sun every twenty eight years
o There is a fasting and dancing sun ceremony that last for four days like the native American Indians
o The Incas used to chant to the sun.
o There is a sun eating Indian man. He gazes directly at the sun and believes that this gives him enough nourishment to survive and apart from water he does not consume any other food or drink. This was also practised by the Egyptians, Mayans and Aztecs. I would advise against doing this.
Spectroscope
Is an instrument used to measure the properties of light.
Read http://nfsi-server.yerkes.uchicago.edu/FTProot/spectroscope/Spectroscopy/basics1.htm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ1xOWl5Axk
Stare Kiejkuty Military Intelligence Base
Is a military base in Poland and allegedly one of the CIAs black sites. The Black site building is located in a part of the base called Strefa B and is officially the home of the OSAW, that’s the Polish Intelligence Agency. You can read more under Szymany Airport.
Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stare_Kiejkuty_(base)
Stations
Cologne Main Station/Haupt Bahnhof
Read https://www.b-europe.com/Travel/Practical/Station%20information/Koln%20Hbf
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFJDidNzah0
Vršovice station, Prague
Read http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM6NVN_Prague_Vrovice_Train_Station_Ndra_Praha_Vrovice
Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station)
Read http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=1005
Amsterdam Centraal
Read http://www.amsterdam.info/central-station/
Surveillance Equipment
Equipment used to watch/spy on people. Can consist of cameras, heat cameras, listening equipment and other. I have not included any links below as all the websites I found were selling stuff.
Syzmany Airport
An airport located in Poland was supposedly used for rendition by the CIA to black sites.
Read http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jan/04/politics.usa
Read http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/07/rendition-poland
Read Nick Hawton http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6212843.stm
Train Toilets
I have traveled often on trains around Eastern Europe and some of them have only a hole that leads from the toilet down onto the track. My father tells me that this is now illegal.
UFO spots
UFOs have been spotted often over recent history. Eric chooses to highlight a few. These are Roswell 1947, Washington D.C. in 1952, Melbourne in 1966, Shag Harbour in Canada in 1967, Tehran in 1976, Brazil in 1980, Belgium in 1989, Turkey in 2008 and Mount Rainer in 1947.
Read and Watch http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-ufos
Vitamin D
We know that vitamin D is the sun vitamin. It helps cell growth, make bones develop and hardens them, regulates blood sugar, ensures the functioning of healthy nerves and muscles, and may lead to a cure for cancer.
Read https://www.jenreviews.com/vitamin-d/
VOIP Connection
Voice Over Internet Protocol – the most popular example that I can think of is Skype.
Read http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony.htm
Young blood introduced to old brains resulted in new brain cells growing
At least this is true in mice!
Read http://www.theguardian.com/science/neurophilosophy/2011/sep/05/young-blood-rejuvenates-old-brains
Zek
A slang term for prisoner in a Russian prison or Soviet Labour Camp. I used the following memoir by Irina Ratushinskaya
Read http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/694516.Grey_is_the_Color_of_Hope