When the plumb line exactly intersected both stars, one about 10 degrees above the invisible pole and the other 10 degrees below it, the sight line to the horizon would aim directly north.

BBC: Pyramids lined up with the stars

The mountains, lakes and vegetation have a myriad of colours from greens to blues to reds depending on the season, and the horizon is unadulterated nature, not a house in sight.

BBC: In Mayo, quintessential Ireland holds on

With the Deepwater Horizon oil spill now moving into its second month and no immediate end in sight, BP is ( see WSJ story today) attempting to throw Transocean under the bus as responsible for the disaster.

FORBES: BP Spill Update: Endless Spill, Endless Blame