What is the former name of the People's Republic of Benin?

Benin - Republic of Benin - Country Profile - West Africa Location map of Benin   A virtual guide to Benin. The Republic of Benin is a from north to south long stretched country in West Africa , situated east of Togo and west of Nigeria , it is bordered to the north by Burkina Faso and Niger , in south by the the Bight of Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea, that part of the tropical North Atlantic Ocean which is roughly south of West Africa. Benin's coastline is just 121 km (75 mi) long. With an area of 112,622 km² the country is slightly larger than Bulgaria , or slightly smaller than the U.S. state Pennsylvania . Benin's former name, until 1975, was Dahomey. Porto-Novo , a port on an inlet of the Gulf of Guinea is the nations capital city, largest city and economic capital is Cotonou . Spoken languages are French (official), Fon and Yoruba.   Ethnic groups: 42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, and Bariba. Religions: Indigenous beliefs (animist) 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%. Languages : French     (official), Fon and Yoruba in the south; Nagot, Bariba and Dendi in the north. Literacy: Total population 39%; men 53%, women 25%. Natural resources: Small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber. Agriculture products: Cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm     oil, peanuts, livestock (2001) Industries: Textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement (2001) Exports - commodities:  cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood Exports partners: India 24.2%, Gabon 14.6%, China 7.2%, Niger 6%, Bangladesh 5%, Nigeria 4.9%, Vietnam 4.2% (2015) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products Imports partners: China 42.1%, US 8.9%, India 5.7%, Malaysia 4.8%, Thailand 4.3%, France 4% (2015) Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine   franc (XOF) Note: External links will open in a new browser window. Official Sites of Benin


Which country is the home of the Ashanti?

Ashanti People Ashanti People select code Introduction The Ashanti live in central Ghana in western Africa [map of Ghana ] approximately 300km. away from the coast. The Ashanti are a major ethnic group of the Akans in Ghana, a fairly new nation, barely more than 50 years old. Ghana, previously the Gold Coast, was a British colony until 1957. It is now politically separated into four main parts. Ashanti is in the center and Kumasi is the capital. To the Ashanti, the family and the mother’s clan are most important. A child is said to inherit the father’s soul or spirit (ntoro) and from the mother a child receives flesh and blood (mogya). This relates them more closely to the mother’s clan. The Ashanti live in an extended family. The family lives in various homes or huts that are set up around a courtyard. The head of the household is usually the oldest brother that lives there. He is chosen by the elders. He is called either Father or Housefather and is obeyed by everyone. Boys are trained by their fathers at the age of eight and nine. They are taught a skill of the fathers' choice. The father is also responsible for paying for school. Boys are taught to use the talking drums by their mothers' brother. Talking drums are used for learning the Ashanti language and spreading news and are also used in ceremonies. The talking drums are important to the Ashanti and there are very important rituals involved in them. Girls are taught cooking and housekeeping skills by their mothers. They also work the fields and bring in necessary items, such as water, for the group. Marriage is very important to Ashanti communal life and it can be polygamous. Men may want more than one wife to express their willingness to be generous and support a large family. Women in the Ashanti culture will not marry without the consent of their parents. Many women do not meet their husbands until they are married. Even so, divorce is very rare in the Ashanti culture and it is a duty of parents on both sides to keep a marriage going. The government of Ashanti is shaped like a pyramid. There is one king and he heads the Ashanti Confederacy Council, a group made of paramount chiefs. A paramount chief presides over district chiefs. A district chief presides over a District Council of Elders, which is made up of subchiefs. Villages are brought together by a subchief. Within every village there is a village head council made up of all the heads of households The Ashanti religion is a mixture of spiritual and supernatural powers. They believe that plants, animals, and trees have souls. They also believe in fairies, witches, and forest monsters. There are a variety of religious beliefs involving ancestors, higher gods, or abosom, and ‘Nyame’, the Supreme Being of Ashanti. The Ashanti also practice many rites for marriage, death, puberty, and birth. The golden stool is sacred to the Ashanti. There is an elaborate legend surrounding it that is told by the old men of Ashanti. The golden stool is very carefully protected. No one has ever sat on it and since its arrival, it has not touched the ground. As an Ashanti symbol, the golden stool represents the worship of ancestors, well-being, and the nation of Ashanti. The Ashanti have a wide variety of arts. Bark cloth was used for clothing before weaving was introduced. With weaving, there is cotton and silk. Women may pick cotton or spin materials into thread, but only men are allowed to weave. There are different patterns in weaving, each with its own name. Sometimes the pattern represents social status, a clan, a saying, or the sex of the one wearing it. Patterns are not always woven in the cloth. It can also be stamped on in many designs. Pottery is a skill that is taught to a daughter by the mother. There are many stages to making pots and there are many colors of clay available. The Ashanti also do woodcarving and metal casting. Written By: April West


Where did Idi Amin rule from 1971 -1979?

How did Idi Amin Dada lead a successful coup in 1971? (Part 1, by William Miles) | PublisHistory Blog How did Idi Amin Dada lead a successful coup in 1971? (Part 1, by William Miles) 0 Obote’s actions on the 24th January 1971 set in motion the coup d’etat which was to bring Amin to power. On this evening, Obote, realising that he must contain Amin, called up the officer’s mess at Jinja barracks to order the General’s arrest. However, the switchboard was unmanned and, instead, the message was picked up by Sergeant-Major Mussa who subsequently seized the armoury to prevent the Acholi and Lang’o tribes access to the weapons they needed. Upon hearing this, Amin was forced to act and on the 25th January at 2am, open fire began to be heard in Kampala. Civilians were chased off the streets, government buildings were seized and the airport was closed. By breakfast, the coup had been successful and General Idi Amin Dada had assumed control. But how did Amin gain the popularity and support to achieve such a feat? In this essay I attempt to tackle this question by looking at certain threads of the same tapestry. To begin with I shall focus on the man himself, Amin, for without a powerful figurehead at its forefront, it is unlikely that there would have been any taste for or belief in a successful coup. Next I will look at the situation in Uganda during the run up to the coup as this highlights the development of an environment ripe for change. Finally, I will analyse Obote’s own actions in alienating the Buganda tribe and adding further resentment against himself and his government. So; what of Amin himself? From the outset, he portrayed himself as one of the people. Although the President, he was willing to listen and talk to the people, and all his actions were aimed at helping them. “I am not completely communism and I am not capitalism…I am only leader who is alone completely and following only Uganda…we want just to be free…but we are not going to adopt anything but we only choose what is best for Uganda…” This quote is from the French Documentary ‘General Idi Amin Dada – Autoportrait’. Although one must take this documentary with a pinch of salt (it had Amin’s backing and will have been edited and portrayed in the way that Amin desired) it gives an insight into the man’s character and, by using material to back up what is portrayed, one can see how that gained him the support necessary to lead the 1971 coup d’etat. The quote portrays Amin as a man of the people who is following a policy he believes to be the best for Uganda and all Ugandan people. In the same film Amin says “I lead my country on my best way how I want them to be lead according to my democracy, according to my knowledge and according to my thinking what is the best way of leading them and then I lead them according to that way…direct contact between me and the people, no middle man ”. These quotes clearly highlight a message being put across by Amin that he has the people’s interests at the forefront of all policies he undertakes. Although the documentary was filmed after Amin came to power, this message was prominent during his rise to power as well. In Listowel’s book; ‘Amin’, she first meets General Amin in 1969 when collecting information on the situation in Uganda for the BBC. Although at the time Amin was still just Commander of the Army and Airforce, he clearly commanded respect whilst also fraternizing with the troops; Listowel states “He was surrounded by soldiers – other ranks – drinking beer. His tie was loosened, his tunic unbuttoned and a good deal of back slapping was going on…the soldiers were Obote’s men…there was General Amin drinking and making merry with his men; making friends in the President’s camp” . Further, Listowel provides evidence that, during Obote’s time in office, Amin defended the rights of the people. She refers to a meeting in the summer of 1970 between Obote and Amin where Amin vented his fury at Obote’s and Adoko’s dictatorship, the people’ poverty and loss of freedom, and the corruption and high living of Obote’s men . Thes


In which country are the ruins of ancient Carthage?

Carthage: Ancient Phoenician City-State Carthage: Ancient Phoenician City-State By Owen Jarus, Live Science Contributor | October 24, 2012 12:41pm ET MORE Founded by a seafaring people known as the Phoenicians, the ancient city of Carthage, located in modern-day Tunis in Tunisia, was a major center of trade and influence in the western Mediterranean. The city fought a series of wars against Rome that would ultimately lead to its destruction. The Phoenicians were originally based in a series of city-states that extended from southeast Turkey to modern-day Israel. They were great seafarers with a taste for exploration. Accounts survive of its navigators reaching places as far afield as Northern Europe and West Africa. They founded settlements throughout the Mediterranean during the first millennium B.C.    Ruins at Carthage in Tunisia. Credit: Asta Plechaviciute shutterstock Carthage, whose Phoenician name was Qart Hadasht (new city), was one of those new settlements. It sat astride trade routes going east to west, across the Mediterranean, and north to south, between Europe and Africa. The people spoke Punic, a form of the Phoenician language. The two main deities at Carthage were Baal Hammon and his consort, Tanit. Richard Miles writes in his book Carthage Must Be Destroyed (Penguin Group, 2010) that the word Baal means “Lord” or “Master,” and Hammon may come from a Phoenician word meaning “hot” or “burning being.” Miles notes that Baal Hammon is often depicted with a crescent moon, while Tanit, his consort, is shown with outstretched arms. The city The earliest archaeological evidence of occupation at Carthage dates to about 760 B.C. The settlement quickly grew to encompass a 25-30 hectare (61-74 acres) residential area surrounded by a necropolis (graveyard), notes Roald Docter, of Ghent University. Within a century the settlement would have city walls, harbor installations and a “Tophet,” a controversial installation in the southeast of the city that may have been used for child sacrifice (it could simply have been a special burial ground). A great marketplace (which the Greeks called an “agora”) also developed and, in later centuries, was located by the sea, writes University of Sydney professor Dexter Hoyos in his book, The Carthaginians (Routledge, 2010). “Besides its role as a market, it would be the obvious place for magistrates to assemble the citizens for elections and lawmaking,” he writes. By 500 B.C., the city’s system of government, as suggested by the large marketplace, was a republic of sorts. Hoyos notes that the Carthaginians had two elected sufetes (the Greeks called them kings) that served along with a senate, citizen assembly and pentarchies (five-person commissions). There was also an enigmatic body called the “court of 104” that occasionally crucified defeated Carthaginian generals. As with other ancient (and to some degree modern) republics, wealthy individuals from powerful families had the advantage in getting into office. Nevertheless, the combination of trade opportunities and republican structure appears to have had some success at Carthage. In the second century B.C., just before it was destroyed by Rome, the city boasted a population estimated at more than half a million people. As the city grew, so did its external influence, with evidence of involvement in places such as Sardinia, Spain and Sicily, entanglements that would ultimately lead to conflict with Rome. Legendary foundation It wasn’t unusual for large cities in the ancient world to have elaborate foundation myths, and Greek and Roman writers had a tale for Carthage, one set more than 2,800 years ago. According to legend, Carthage was founded by Elissa (sometimes referred to as Dido), a queen of the Phoenician city of Tyre, located in modern-day Lebanon. When her father died she and her brother Pygmalion both ascended the throne. This did not work out well, with Pygmalion eventually ordering the execution of Elissa’s husband, the priest Acherbas. Elissa, along with a small group of settlers, would leave the city, sailing nearly 1,4


In which country does the White Nile leave Lake Victoria?

Lake Victoria Map and Map of Lake Victoria Depth Size History Information Page Lake Victoria Map and Map of Lake Victoria Depth Size History Information Page Lake Victoria With a surface area of 68,800 sq km (26,600 sq mi), Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake. In addition, it's the largest tropical lake in the world, and the planet's second largest freshwater lake. Only North America's Lake Superior is larger. The lake receives most of its water from direct precipitation. Its largest influent is the Kagera River, the mouth of which lies on the lake's western shore. The only river to leave the lake (flowing north) the White Nile (known as the "Victoria Nile"), leaves at Jinja, Uganda, on the lake's north shore Lake Victoria is relatively shallow. It has a maximum depth of 84 metres (276 ft) and an average depth of 20 meters (66 ft). Lake Victoria as it sits on the edge of Tanzania...


Which African explorer translated the Arabian Nights?

Richard Burton - Scholar, Explorer, Linguist - Biography.com Richard Burton Sir Richard Burton was a British explorer and linguist. He translated The Arabian Nights, and wrote extensively about his travels in Asia, Africa and America. IN THESE GROUPS Famous British People Synopsis Sir Richard Burton was a British explorer and linguist. He demonstrated his talent for learning languages at an early age. By his death, he was able to speak more than 20 European, Asian and African languages. He traveled extensively, supposedly traveling in disguise to Mecca. Although much of his writing was considered too sexual to publish, he translated The Arabian Nights and the Kama Sutra. Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us ! Citation Information


After which American President is the capital of Liberia named?

World Capital Named After a U.S. President   The Question: There are two world capitals named for American presidents. One     is Washington D.C., but what is the other? The Answer: The other capital city named after a U.S. president is Monrovia , the capital     city of the African country Liberia . Monrovia was founded in 1822 during the term of President James Monroe . A port     city located at the mouth of the St. Paul River, Monrovia was     established by the American Colonization     Society as a haven for freed black slaves from America. The     ACS thought that the deportation of blacks would be the answer to     America's slavery problem. The country was originally called Monrovia, but switched to the     Free and Independent Republic of Liberia in 1847. Incidentally there are four U.S. capitals named after     presidents: Jackson, Miss., Lincoln, Neb., Jefferson City, Mo. and     Madison, Wis. —The Editors


In which country were the Mau-0Mau a secret guerrilla movement?

British brutality in Mau Mau conflict | UK news | The Guardian UK news British brutality in Mau Mau conflict As Kenyan veterans prepare for legal action, secret memos reveal colonial policy of violence to break resistance of suspected guerrillas John McGhie Share on Messenger Close Dramatic evidence has been unearthed of such systematic British brutality in the former colony of Kenya that it may require the rewriting of imperial history. Hitherto secret files show that the then colonial secretary, Alan Lennox Boyd, sanctioned a policy of violence towards interned guerrilla suspects. A former colonial official, Terence Gavaghan, now living in London, was, according to a memo written by the governor, Sir Evelyn Baring, authorised to use force. Some detainees allegedly had their mouths stuffed with mud and were beaten unconscious by his men. The evidence is to be detailed on BBC's Correspondent this month to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the state of emergency in Kenya. The revelations appear to bear out the suspicions at the time of campaigners, like the late Labour MP Barbara Castle, that massive abuses were taking place. She and others unearthed individual scandals involving security forces during the 1950s, but the Tory government, headed by Harold Macmillan, denied there was a policy of assaulting prisoners. Mau Mau veterans are preparing to visit London next year to discuss a potentially huge legal action for compensation. A dossier of evidence was handed in to the British high commission in Nairobi a fortnight ago. Campaigners' demands include the investigation for alleged war crimes and human rights abuses of surviving former British officials. In 1957 Mr Gavaghan was ordered to assume the position of officer in charge of rehabilitation at the Mwea camps. Virtually all members of the Kikuyu tribe had taken a secret Mau Mau "oath" and it was considered impossible to release these men until they had "confessed" taking it. A long "secret and personal" memo from Baring to Lennox Boyd describes how their resistance was broken. It was discovered at the public record office in Kew, west London, by Harvard history professor Caroline Elkins. The colonial attorney general, Eric Griffiths-Jones, visited the camp. In an attached memorandum he described the treatment he witnessed of a group of 80 prisoners transferred from a holding camp. As each lorry arrived a group were "hustled off" and made to squat in two rows. They were met by five or six Europeans including Mr Gavaghan. Each group of detainees was ordered to strip and have their heads shorn. "Any who showed any reluctance or hesitation to do so were hit with fists and/or slapped with the open hand," he wrote. "This was usually enough to dispel any disposition to disobey the order to change. In some cases, however, defiance was more obstinate and on the first indication of such obstinacy, three or four of the European officers immediately converged on the man and 'rough housed' him, stripping his clothes off him, hitting him, on occasion kicking him and, if necessary, putting him on the ground. Blows struck were solid, hard ones, mostly with closed fists and about the head, stomach, sides and back. There was no attempt to strike at the testicles or any other manifestations of sadistic brutality." Griffiths-Jones, who had been a PoW of the Japanese during the second world war, continued: "In each of these cases which the visiting party witnessed on this occasion... the man eventually gave in and put on his camp clothes. Mr Gavaghan explained, however, that there had, in past intakes, been more persistent resistors who had been forcibly changed into camp clothing. Some of them had started the 'Mau Mau howl', a familiar cry which was taken up by the rest of the camp, representing a concerted and symbolic defiance of the camp authorities. In such cases it was essential to prevent the infection of this 'oath' spreading throughout the camp, and the 'resistor' who started it was put on the ground, a foot placed on his throat and mud stuffed in his mout


Who was the Danish author of Out of Africa?

National Museums of Kenya - Karen Blixen Karen Blixen Location and Historical Background Karen Blixen Museum Karen Blixen Museum was once the centre piece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills owned by Danish Author Karen and her Swedish Husband, Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke. Located 10km from the city centre, the Museum belongs to a different time period in the history of Kenya. The farm house gained international fame with the release of the movie ‘Out of Africa’ an Oscar winning film based on Karen’s an autobiography by the same title. The Museum is open to the Public every day (9.30 am to 6pm) including weekends and public holidays. Visitors are encouraged to be at the Museum by 5.30.  Guided tours are offered continuously.  A museum shop offers handicrafts, posters and postcards, the Movie ‘Out of Africa’, books and other Kenyan souvenirs.  The grounds may be rented for wedding receptions, corporate functions and other events.   Baroness Karen Blixen The Museum was built in 1912 by Swedish Engineer Ake Sjogren. Karen and her husband bought the Museum house in 1917 and it become the farm house for their 4500 acre farm, of which 600 acres was used for coffee farming. Their marriage failed after eight years and in 1921 the Baron moved on and left the running of the farm to Karen. Karen lived at the house until her return to Denmark in 1931. The house farm was bought by Remy Marin, who broke the land into 20 acre parcels for development. Subsequent development created the present suburb of Karen. Records indicate that a Lt. Col.G. Lloyd, an officer of the British Army bought the house in 1935 and lived there until his death in 1954, when it passed to his daughters, Mrs. G. Robersts and Lavender Llyod.  A transfer of title to Mrs. J.P Robson and Mrs L.B. Hyde is in City Hall records in 1956.  The house was sporadically occupied until purchased in 1964 by the Danish government and given to the Kenyan government as an independence gift. The government set up a college of nutrition and the Museum was initially used as the principal’s house. In 1985 the shooting of a movie based on Karen’s autobiography began and the National Museums of Kenya expressed acquired the house for the purpose of establishing a Museum. The Museum was opened in 1986. Distant View of Karen Blixen Karen also known by her pen name Isak Dinesen was born at Rungstedlund in Denmark on 17th of April 1885 as the second child of Wilhelm and Ingeborg Dinesen’s five children. She came to Africa in 1914 to marry her half cousin and carry out dairy farming in the then British Colony of Kenya. Her husband had however changed his mind and wanted to farm coffee. Her uncle Aage Westenholz financed the farm and members of both families were share holders. The coffee farm did not do well, suffering various tragedies including factory fire and continuous bad harvest. After her divorce, Karen was left to run the financially troubled farm on her own, a daunting task for a woman of that generation. She fell in love with an English man, Denis Finch Hatton, and his death in Tsavo in 1930 coupled with the failed farming left Karen little choice but to return to Denmark. She turned to writing as a career following her departure from Africa and published to increasing acclaim such works as Seven Gothic Tales(1934) Out of Africa(1937) and Babette Feat (1950).  She died on her family estate, Rungsted, in 1962 at the age of 77. Karen Blixen Museum The Karen Blixen house meets three of the customary criteria for  historical significance.  First, it is associated with the broad historical pattern of European settlement andcultivation of East Africa. Second, it is associated with the life of aperson significant to our past as the home of  Baroness Karen Blixen from 1917 -1931.  As such, it served as the setting and basis of herwell known book Out of Africa, written under the pseudonym Isak Dinesenand as a gathering place for other well known personalities of the period.  Third, the building embodies the distinctive characteristicsof its type, period and method of construction.  T


Which new city in Nigeria has been shaped like a crescent, and has replaced Lagos as capital?

Profile - Nigeria   I INTRODUCTION   Nigeria, republic in western Africa, bounded by Cameroon to the east, Chad to the northeast, Niger to the north, Benin to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Until 1991, the capital was the largest city, Lagos, on the southwestern coast; at that time, the new city of Abuja, in the countryï¿½s interior, became capital. Nigeria has a federal form of government and is divided into 36 states and a federal capital territory. The country's official name is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigeria is by far the most populated of Africaï¿½s countries. Its many ethnic groups give the country a rich culture but also pose major challenges to nation building. The economy is dominated by the production of petroleum, which lies in large reserves below the Niger Delta. While oil wealth has financed major investments in the countryï¿½s infrastructure, Nigeria remains among the worldï¿½s 20 poorest countries in terms of per capita income. In precolonial times, the area was home to several kingdoms and tribal communities; in spite of European contact that began in the 16th century, they maintained their autonomy until the 19th century. The colonial era began in earnest in the late 19th century, when Britain consolidated its rule over Nigeria. In 1914 the British merged their northern and southern protectorates into a single state called the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Nigeria became independent of British rule in 1960. Since then, the country has endured decades of on-and-off military rule. II LAND AND RESOURCES   Nigeria covers an area of 923,768 sq km (356,669 sq mi). At its widest, it measures about 1,200 km (about 750 mi) from east to west and about 1,050 km (about 650 mi) from north to south. The countryï¿½s topography ranges from lowlands along the coast and in the lower Niger Valley to high plateaus in the north and mountains along the eastern border. Much of the country is laced with productive rivers. The Nigerian ecology varies from tropical forest in the south to dry savanna in the far north, yielding a diverse mix of plant and animal life. Human population and development pose serious threats to both the ecological and the human environment. A Topographic Regions   The broad, mostly level valleys of the Niger and Benue rivers form Nigeriaï¿½s largest physical region. The Niger enters the country from the northwest, the Benue from the northeast; they join at the city of Lokoja in the south central region and continue south, where they empty into the Atlantic at the Niger Delta. Together, they form the shape of a Y. Population densities and agricultural development are generally lower in the Niger and Benue valleys than in other areas. North of the Niger Valley are the high plains of Hausaland, an area of relatively level topography averaging about 800 m (about 2,500 ft) above sea level, with isolated granite outcroppings. The Jos Plateau, located close to Nigeriaï¿½s geographic center, rises steeply above the surrounding plains to an average elevation of about 1,300 m (about 4,200 ft). To the northeast, the plains of Hausaland grade into the basin of Lake Chad; the area is characterized by somewhat lower elevations, level terrain, and sandy soils. To the northwest, the high plains descend into the Sokoto lowland. Southwest of the Niger Valley (on the left side of the Y) lies the comparatively rugged terrain of the Yoruba highlands. Between the highlands and the ocean runs a coastal plain averaging 80 km (50 mi) in width from the border of Benin to the Niger Delta. The delta, which lies at the base of the Y and separates the southwestern coast from the southeastern coast, is 36,000 sq km (14,000 sq mi) of low-lying, swampy terrain and multiple channels through which the waters of the great river empty into the ocean. Several of the deltaï¿½s channels and some of the inshore lagoons can be navigated. Southeastern coastal Nigeria (to the right of the Y) consists of low sedimentary plains that are essentially an extension of th


Please help here. Is the Great Wall of China 650, 1,450 or 2,050 miles long? View the step-by-step solution to: Please help here. Is the Great Wall of China 650, 1,450 or 2,050 miles long? This question was answered on May 20, 2016. View the Answer Please help here. Is the Great Wall of China 650, 1,450 or 2,050 miles long? georgetutor                                                   posted a question · May 20, 2016 at 2:24am Top Answer josewriter23 answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 2:25am Other Answers May 20, 2016 at 2:26am {[ getNetScore(29627399) ]} May 20, 2016 at 2:27am {[ getNetScore(29627412) ]} Here is the answer... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627414) ]} After working on your question, I... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627421) ]} The way to answer this question is ... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627422) ]} The answer to this question... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627456) ]} Here's the explanation you needed for... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627484) ]} The best way to approach your question... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29628303) ]} Here is the solution... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29635093) ]} View Full Answer or ask a new question Related Questions Need an US History tutor? profjanee 2 US History experts found online! Average reply time is                       1 min Get Homework Help Why Join Course Hero? Course Hero has all the homework and study help you need to succeed! We’ve got course-specific notes, study guides, and practice tests along with expert tutors and customizable flashcards—available anywhere, anytime. - - Study Documents Find the best study resources around, tagged to your specific courses. Share your own to gain free Course Hero access or to earn money with our Marketplace. - Question & Answers Get one-on-one homework help from our expert tutors—available online 24/7. Ask your own questions or browse existing Q&A threads. Satisfaction guaranteed! - Flashcards Browse existing sets or create your own using our digital flashcard system. A simple yet effective studying tool to help you earn the grade that you want!


Where did the Gang of Four try to size power in 1976?

Gang of Four Trial For additional information about the trial and a Chinese language version of this account, see: http://zhenghaiping.fyfz.cn/   The Gang of Four (GoF) was the name given to a leftist political group composed of four Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members. They wielded significant power during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-76) and were subsequently charged of various crimes. Their trial in late 1980 represented a significant change in China’s history since the founding of P.R.C. in 1949.                                       The Gang of Four at trial. From left to right: Zhang Chunqiao,Wang Hongwen, Yao Wenyuan, Jiangqing. (1980/11/20)   I. Background In 1966, Mao Zendong, the Chairman of the CCP, launched the Cultural Revolution, the proclaimed aim of which was to “root out and right-wing capitalist who infiltrated the party.” In the following ten years or so, millions of “Red Guards” (mostly young people) across the country were mobilized to destroy the “right-wing capitalists” --- mostly the intelligentsia and bureaucrats. While Mao was worshiped like a “living God,” almost all the high-level officials who disagreed with Mao were persecuted. During the Cultural Revolution, the GoF, representing the leftist political faction within the CCP, essentially became the central mobilizing force at the National level. The leading figure of the GoF was Jiangqing, Mao’s third and last wife, who became a member of the Politburo in 1969. Her three other associates were all high-level officials by 1976 ---- Zhang Chuanqiao was a vice-Primer Minister of the State Council, Wang Hongwen was vice-chairman of CCP, Yao Wenyuan was a Sectary of CCP in Shanghai. They also held many other positions in the Party, government and even military.  Immediately after Mao’s Death on December 9, 1976, a power struggle occurred between the “leftists” GoF and the “rightists”--- an alliance led by Deng Xiaoping and Marshall Ye Jianying. At that time, the nominal “head” of the country was Hua Guofeng, who was Mao’s designated successor. Although Hua was clearly faithful to Mao, it was unclear whether he would support the “leftist” or the “rightist.” Indeed, Mao chose Hua as his successor largely because Hua was a compromise candidate between the “leftists” and “rightists.” Upon Mao’s death, both sides attempted to convince or even coerce Hua to surrender power to them. The GoF were particularly aggressive. With effective control over the State’s media, the GoF continued to denounce Deng and his “rightist” ally.                  The top leaders of China standing before Mao's remains after Mao's death on Sep. 9, 1976. From left to right: Zhang Chunqiao, Wang Hongwen, Jiang Qing, Hua Guofeng, Mao Yuanxin, Yao Wenyuan, Chen Xillian, Wang Dongxing. (1976/9/12)   After almost three weeks’ struggle, Hua finally leaned toward the “rightist” side. He consented to Marshall Ye’s suggestion to arrest the GoF. However, they knew it was not an easy task. The GoF had certain control in military. Being aware the risk, Hua and Ye secretly worked out a detailed “kidnap” plan.   II. Arrest In the evening of October 6, 1976, each member of the GoF was informed to attend an emergency session of the Politburo. The session was to take place in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. As several important issues were to be discussed, all Politburo members were required to attend the session. Some time between 7:55 PM and 8:30 PM on that day, the members of GoF came to the Great Hall of People. One by one, they were apprehended by military personnel as soon as they passed through the doors into the entrance lobby. All was done in superb efficiency. Without any gunfire, the members of GoF and some of their associates were captured. They did not even have a chance to cry for “help.” In the same night, the GoF and their associates were transported to Qincheng prison, a maximum-security prison located in northwestern Beijing. Also in that night, the Hua group met with other Politburo members informed them that the GoF had been arrested. Soon, the public denuncia


Which Asian city hosted the 1988 Olympic Games?

Which was the first Asian city to host the Olympic Games? Which was the first Asian city to host the Olympic Games? 1 Answer 0 The first Olympic Games were held in 1896, in Athens, in which a total of 245 athletes participated, all men. Since then, London and Los Angeles along with Athens have hosted these games two times each. The first opening ceremonies were held during the 1908 Olympic Games in London. In 2008, Beijing will host the Summer Olympic Games. 2- In 2012, London will be the only city to host Olympic Games three times (1908, 1948 and 2012). 3- The first Asian city to host the Olympic Games was Tokyo in 1964. After that, Seoul hosted these games in 1988. In 2008, Beijing will be the third Asian city to host these games. 4- To date, 16 European cities, six cities from the Americas, two Australian cities, and three Asian cities have hosted the Olympic Games. 5- The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, and the last of that era in 393 AD, when the Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I abolished them. The Ancient Greek Olympics were held every 4 years at Olympia, a district of Elis, in ... more answers.yahoo.com


Who was emperor of Japan during world War II?

Hirohito - World War II - HISTORY.com Google Hirohito: The Early Years Hirohito, the eldest son of Crown Prince Yoshihito, was born on April 29, 1901, within the confines of the Aoyama Palace in Tokyo. According to custom, imperial family members were not raised by their parents. Instead, Hirohito spent his early years in the care of first a retired vice-admiral and then an imperial attendant. From age 7 to 19, Hirohito attended schools set up for the children of nobility. He received rigorous instruction in military and religious matters, along with other subjects such as math and physics. In 1921, Hirohito and a 34-man entourage traveled to Western Europe for a six-month tour; it was the first time a Japanese crown prince had ever gone abroad. Did You Know? Hirohito’s son Akihito, the current emperor of Japan, broke with 1,500 years of tradition by marrying a commoner in 1959. Upon his return to Japan, Hirohito became regent for his chronically ill father and assumed the duties of emperor. In September 1923, an earthquake struck the Tokyo area, killing about 100,000 people and destroying 63 percent of the city’s houses. Rampaging Japanese mobs subsequently murdered several thousand ethnic Koreans and leftists, who were accused of setting fires and looting in the quake’s aftermath. That December, Hirohito survived an assassination attempt, and the following month he married Princess Nagako, with whom he would have seven children. At around the same time, he ended the practice of imperial concubinage. Hirohito officially became emperor when his father died in December 1926. He chose Showa, which roughly translates to “enlightened harmony,” as his reign name. Hirohito as Emperor and the Rise of Japanese Militarism When Hirohito assumed the throne, a universal male suffrage law had just passed, and political parties were near the height of their prewar powers. However, a plunging economy, rising militarism and a series of political assassinations soon caused a crisis for the pro-democracy movement. Hirohito, who as emperor was the nation’s highest spiritual authority and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, essentially fired the prime minister in 1929. The next prime minister was shot and mortally wounded, and in 1932 yet another prime minister was assassinated by naval officers upset about a treaty limiting the number of Japanese warships. From then on, almost all prime ministers came from the military rather than from the political parties, which were disbanded altogether in 1940. More political violence occurred in 1935, when a lieutenant colonel slashed a general to death with a samurai sword. And in 1936, over 1,400 soldiers mutinied in Tokyo, seizing the army ministry and murdering several high-ranking politicians. Meanwhile, Japan’s conflict with China was growing. In 1931, Japanese army officers initiated the so-called Manchurian Incident by detonating a railway explosion and blaming it on Chinese bandits. They then used the event as an excuse to take over Manchuria in northeastern China and set up a puppet state there. Excursions into other areas of the country soon followed, and by 1937 war had broken out. That winter, the Japanese army massacred an estimated 200,000 civilians and prisoners of war in and around the city of Nanking. Rape is thought to have been commonplace, and women throughout Japanese-controlled regions of Asia were brought in to serve as prostitutes. Hirohito did not condone the invasion’s more repugnant aspects, but—perhaps because he worried the military would make him abdicate—he failed to punish those responsible. He also sanctioned the use of chemical warfare and the uprooting of peasants. Japan’s Involvement in World War II In September 1940, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, in which they agreed to assist one another should any of them be attacked by a country not already involved in the war. Japan sent troops to occupy French Indochina that same month, and the United States responded with economic sanctions, including an embargo on oil and steel. A


Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia All... Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia Once nothing more than a dusty, desert outpost, Riyadh has blossomed into one of the most influential and intriguing cities in the Middle East. The Saudi Arabian capital is home to soaring modern towers, high-rise hotels, fabulous fine dining and considerable culture. Although luxury cars speed down the boulevards and sparkling office buildings are added to the cityscape seemingly every day, Riyadh still maintains a conservative, slightly somber atmosphere. This juxtaposition only makes the capital even more interesting. The National Museum is hands-down one of the Middle East's best museums. The state-of-the-art space contains eight floors of galleries dedicated to Arabia's art, history and culture. Highlights include original rock carvings, a full-scale replica of a Nabataean tomb and the 180-degree screens that show films complementing the exhibits. Visitors leave the museum with a better understanding of Saudi Arabia and a context for appreciating Riyadh even more. Remnants of Riyadh's simple past still survive, although oil money has launched massive building projects in the last three decades. The most significant historic sight in the city is the imposing Masmak Fortress, once the heart of the old town. Built in the late 19th-century and stormed by King Abdul Aziz just years later, the fort was renovated in 2008 and today contains a museum filled with fascinating photos of old Riyadh. The museum's second half is dedicated to extolling all the virtues of Saudi education, architecture, art and agriculture. Permits were once required to explore the Murabba Palace, but visitors are now free to roam the mud-brick palace constructed by King Abdul Aziz following his conquest of the Masmak Fortress. The intimidating exterior gives way to two stories of marvelous objects, including the first royal Rolls-Royce. After getting a taste of the city's past, fast-forward to the present day by visiting the Al-Faisaliah Tower, built in 2000 by architect Norman Foster and the Bin Laden construction company. Marked by an enormous shining glass globe made of more than 650 panels, the stunning structure was one of the first to tower above the city's skyline. The 34 floors are filled with some of Saudi Arabia's most luxurious restaurants, apartments, shops and a five-star deluxe hotel. From the viewing platform, visitors can see nearly the entire city. The capital's newest landmark is the Kingdom Tower, rising 302 meters above the ground. The incredible example of modern architecture is especially breathtaking at night, when constantly-changing colored lights illuminate its steel and glass design. High-speed elevators fly visitors to the 99th-floor Sky Bridge at 180 kilometers per hour, offering unbelievable views of the city. Riyadh is a shopper's paradise, and the main roads are lined with one mall after another. Women can shop on the third floor Ladies Kingdom at Al Mamlaka without being disturbed by men, designer stores are abundant and most malls contain at least one Western-style department store. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the Souq al-Thumairi. The maze of shops selling Arabic coffees, spices, carpets, jewelry and more is positively enthralling. Riyadh Geographical Location Riyadh is located to the east of the center of Saudi Arabia on a plateau. It is its largest city and has a population of approximately 6,800,000 within the metropolitan area. Riyadh Language Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Predominant Religion 100% Muslim Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia. Muslims who convert to another religion are subject to the death penalty. Riyadh Currency The Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Climate There is very little precipitation in Riyadh and the summer temperatures are extremely hot. The winters cool down to warm temperatures and usually experience marginally more rainfall. Riyadh Main Attractions


Of which country is Vientiane the capital?

Vientiane is the Capital of What Country? Where is Laos Anyway? - Peanuts or Pretzels Share This Tweet This Free Gift! Get updates via email (we don't spam) & get a FREE Gift! We’ve been in Asia for almost a couple years now.  And when we recently told our friends and family that we were planning to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane, there was a noticeable silence.  “Vientiane – what is that?” they asked us.  “It’s a capital city in southeast Asia” we told them.  “Vientiane is the capital of what country?” they uttered. “Laos,” we replied.  “Where is Laos?” *sigh* We knew this was going to be a long conversation. They were genuinely confused, as I’m sure many people might be.  Most people know about Vietnam, Thailand and even Cambodia – but few have any idea about Laos.  So we decided to put a little something together to sum up some of the things to do in Vientiane and why we were heading to Laos. Strolling the riverside promenade and restaurants of Vientiane, Laos Most Travelers Skip by Vientiane — but It’s Definitely Worth a few Days For those people who know about Laos and the natural beauty it offers visitors, they can understand why we have Laos on our travel list.  But Vientiane? While Vientiane is the capital of a truly beautiful country, the city is often skipped by travelers who are heading off to more scenic and adventurous areas, such as Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. However after spending a few days in Vientiane, we are convinced that travelers who have the time, should at least spend a couple days in this charming capital city.  Especially if it is your first stop in Laos (as it was for us). Where is Vientiane, Laos? Vientiane, Laos is practically in the center of southeast Asia.  The city is just over the border from Thailand and sits along the famous Mekong river.  From Bangkok, you would need to travel east, then north – past Udon Thani toward the Mekong. While you can fly into Vientiane, many travelers who are roaming around southeast Asia prefer to arrive by bus or train.  We were coming from Bangkok , so we opted to take the overnight train from Bangkok to Vientiane.  It actually goes to Nong Kai, at the border of Thailand just before the river.  Then you hop on another train that goes just over the border. However, the city of Vientiane is actually another 20 km away from the train station.  So you need to get on a minibus or tuk-tuk into the heart of the city. Vientiane Surprised Us – In a Good Way! Having never been in Laos before, we weren’t sure what to expect.  We’ve been to Thailand numerous times, and even lived there for some time.  So we are familiar with Thailand, but we knew that Laos was much more rural and less developed.  To be honest, we were looking forward to this change — experiencing Laos is almost like experiencing what Thailand was like many years ago…before all the mass tourism and development took over so many areas. We knew little about Laos, only that it had some French influence and a bit of a tumultuous past.  But upon our morning of arrival, we were already in love with this capital city that actually feels like a small town. In Vientiane we spotted some monks pulling / pushing each other around on carts while doing some work — who says monks don’t have fun?!?! Before checking into our hostel, we stopped off for some breakfast — which included a tasty chicken baguette sandwich and some fantastic, thick and dark coffee! And we were already in love. Our Favorite Things to Do in Vientiane, Laos We only planned to spend a few days in Vientiane, but we loved it so much that we ended up adding a couple days to our trip.  Here are a few of our most favorite things to do in Vientiane. Explore the Many Wats (or Vats) all Over Town Laos is a country full of beautiful Wats (or temples).  And the city of Vientiane is loaded with them, in fact, it felt like there was a Wat on every corner!  Not all of them are worth a visit, and it’s easy to get “templed-out” if you were to check out all of them.  But some of the most popular and worth seeing include:  That Luang (covered in gold!), Wat


Who was the Mongol ruler who conquered Persia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia in the 14th Century?

Who was the Mongol ruler who conquered Persia, Azerbaijan, Armenia,and Georgia in the 14th Century? View the step-by-step solution to: Who was the Mongol ruler who conquered Persia, Azerbaijan, Armenia,and Georgia in the 14th Century? This question was answered on May 20, 2016. View the Answer Who was the Mongol ruler who conquered Persia, Azerbaijan, Armenia,and Georgia in the 14th Century? danieldambuki                                                   posted a question · May 20, 2016 at 2:31am Top Answer josewriter23 answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 2:32am Other Answers Here is the solution... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627493) ]} Here is the explanation for... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627498) ]} {[ getNetScore(29627505) ]} hamniwezi answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 2:33am Mongol conquests of Kingdom of Georgia, which at that time consisted of Georgia proper, Armenia, and much of the Caucasus,... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627511) ]} egerton536 answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 2:34am Mongol conquests of Kingdom of Georgia, which at that time consisted of Georgia proper, Armenia, and much of the Caucasus,... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627516) ]} Timur historically known as Tamerlane was the... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627547) ]} View Full Answer or ask a new question Related Questions Need an US History tutor? Miss-white 2 US History experts found online! Average reply time is                       less than an hour Get Homework Help Why Join Course Hero? Course Hero has all the homework and study help you need to succeed! We’ve got course-specific notes, study guides, and practice tests along with expert tutors and customizable flashcards—available anywhere, anytime. - - Study Documents Find the best study resources around, tagged to your specific courses. Share your own to gain free Course Hero access or to earn money with our Marketplace. 890,990,898 Question & Answers Get one-on-one homework help from our expert tutors—available online 24/7. Ask your own questions or browse existing Q&A threads. Satisfaction guaranteed! 890,990,898 Flashcards Browse existing sets or create your own using our digital flashcard system. A simple yet effective studying tool to help you earn the grade that you want!


Which two Middle-Eastern countries fought a war from 1980 to 1988?

Iran Chamber Society: History of Iran: The United States and Iran-Iraq War 1980-1988 The United States and Iran-Iraq War 1980-1988 By: Stephen R. Shalom Page: 1 2     Page 1 The war between Iran and Iraq was one of the great human tragedies of recent Middle Eastern history. Perhaps as many as a million people died, many more were wounded, and millions were made refugees. The resources wasted on the war exceeded what the entire Third World spent on public health in a decade.[1] The war began on September 22, 1980, when Iraqi troops launched a full-scale invasion of Iran. Prior to this date there had been subversion by each country inside the other and also major border clashes. Iraq hoped for a lightning victory against an internationally isolated neighbor in the throes of revolutionary upheaval. But despite Iraq's initial successes, the Iranians rallied and, using their much larger population, were able by mid-1982 to push the invaders out. In June 1982, the Iranians went over to the offensive, but Iraq, with a significant advantage in heavy weaponry, was able to prevent a decisive Iranian breakthrough. The guns finally fell silent on August 20, 1988. Primary responsibility for the eight long years of bloodletting must rest with the governments of the two countries -- the ruthless military regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and the ruthless clerical regime of the Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran. Khomeini was said by some to have a "martyr complex," though, as U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance wryly observed, people with martyr complexes rarely live to be as old as Khomeini. Whatever his complexes, Khomeini had no qualms about sending his followers, including young boys, off to their deaths for his greater glory. This callous disregard for human life was no less characteristic of Saddam Hussein. And, for that matter, it was also no less characteristic of much of the world community, which not only couldn't be bothered by a few hundred thousand Third World corpses, but tried to profit from the conflict. France became the major source of Iraq's high-tech weaponry, in no small part to protect its financial stake in that country.[2] The Soviet Union was Iraq's largest weapon's supplier, while jockeying for influence in both capitals. Israel provided arms to Iran, hoping to bleed the combatants by prolonging the war. And at least ten nations sold arms to both of the warring sides.[3] The list of countries engaging in despicable behavior, however, would be incomplete without the United States. The U.S. objective was not profits from the arms trade, but the much more significant aim of controlling to the greatest extent possible the region's oil resources. Before turning to U.S. policy during the Iran-Iraq war, it will be useful to recall some of the history of the U.S. and oil. Some Crude History Much of the world's proven oil reserves are located in the limited area of the Persian Gulf (in recent years Arab states trying to change this historic name to the "Arabian Gulf"). Less than four percent of U.S. oil consumption comes from the Persian Gulf, but, according to the official argument, Western Europe and Japan are extremely dependent on Persian Gulf oil and hence if the region fell into the hands of a hostile power, U.S. allies could be brought to their knees, and U.S. security would be fundamentally and irreparably compromised. If one examines the history of U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf, however, protecting the oil interests of Western Europe and Japan never seemed to be one of Washington's foremost goals. As far back as the 1920s, the State Department sought to force Great Britain to give U.S. companies a share of the lucrative Middle Eastern oil concessions. The U.S. Ambassador in London -- who happened to be Andrew Mellon, the head of the Gulf Oil Corporation (named for the Mexican, not the Persian Gulf) -- was instructed to press the British to give Gulf Oil a stake in the Middle East.[4] At the end of World War II, when the immense petroleum deposits in Saudi Arabia became known, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal tol


which body of water lies between China and Japan?   A) yellow sea  B) sea of Japan  C) east china sea  D) korea strait You have new items in your feed. Click to view. Question and answer which body of water lies between China and Japan?   A) yellow sea  B) sea of Japan  C) east china sea  D) korea strait The answer is Sea of Japan. Letter B Expert answered| ahbynaz |Points 110| which body of water lies between China and Japan?  A) yellow sea B) sea of Japan C) east china sea D) korea strait New answers There are no new answers. Comments Weegy: Muslims may have made their great es advanced in medicine. the combined Greek and India knowledge with discoveries of their own. Muslims doctors stared the first pharmacy school to teacher people how to make medicine's. (More) Question what is the name of the common feature of Muslim architecture? Weegy: what is the name of the common feature of Muslim architecture? It is called minaret. A minaret is a slim tower rising from a mosque. They vary in height, style, and number. [ Minarets may be square, round, or octagonal and are usually covered with a pointed roof. Originally used as a high point from which to make the call to prayer (adhan), minarets remain a traditionally decorative feature of most mosques. ] (More) Question describe what would most likely be found on most Muslim works of art Weegy: Islamic art encompasses the visual arts produced from the 7th century onwards by people who lived within the territory that was inhabited by or ruled by culturally Islamic populations.[1] It is thus a very difficult art to define because it covers [ many lands and various peoples over some 1400 years; it is not art specifically of a religion, or of a time, or of a place, or of a single medium like painting.[2] The huge field of Islamic architecture is the subject of a separate article, leaving fields as varied as calligraphy, painting, glass, ceramics, and textiles, among others. Islamic art is not at all restricted to religious art, but includes all the art of the rich and varied cultures of Islamic societies as well. It frequently includes secular elements and elements that are frowned upon, if not forbidden, by some Islamic theologians.[3] Apart from the ever-present calligraphic inscriptions, specifically religious art is actually less prominent in Islamic art than in Western medieval art, with the exception of Islamic architecture where mosques and their complexes of surrounding buildings are the most common remains. Figurative painting may cover religious scenes, but normally in essentially secular contexts such as the walls of palaces or illuminated books of poetry. The calligraphy and decoration of manuscript Qu'rans is an important aspect, but other religious art such as glass mosque lamps and other mosque fittings such as tiles (e.g. Girih tiles), woodwork and carpets usually have the same style and motifs as contemporary secular art, although with religious inscriptions even more prominent. Read more; ] (More) Question what would most likely be found on most Muslim works of art? Weegy: As indicated in Background Notes 4, the decorative arts in Islam are marked by a remarkable degree of stylistic consistency which has been applied to a broad range of materials, each of which had a craft-base of its own, [ the history of which often traces back to pre-Islamic times. The stylistic coherence within the Islamic world and the many variations of its basic themes across time, influenced as they were by local artistic traditions, are all part of the fascination of this art. In Muslim architecture virtually any surface may be regarded as worthy of receiving elaborate decoration and this is particularly apparent in religious architecture, but this principle extends out to woodwork, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, books and many other art forms. ] (More) Question


In which modern country are the ports of Sidon and Tyer?

The Biblical Cities Of Tyre And Sidon The Biblical Cities Of Tyre And Sidon Non-Technical - Jan 26, 2010 - by Gary Byers MA Share/recommend this article: Excerpt The names Tyre and Sidon were famous in the ancient Near East. They are also important cities in the Old and New Testaments. Both are now located in Lebanon, with Tyre 20 mi south of Sidon and only 12 mi north of the Israel-Lebanon border. Today each is just a shadow of their former selves... Continue reading Explore Related Articles Gemstone depicting Alexander the Great found at Tel Dor Excavations in Tel Dor have turned up a rare and unexpected work of Hellenistic art: a precious ston... Ezekiel 26:1-14: A Proof Text For Inerrancy or Fallibility of The Old Testament? This article seeks to give Ezekiel 26:1–14 a close reading. Special emphasis will be given to its li... The Tyrian Shekel and the Temple of Jerusalem Every year, a Jewish man, 20 years old and older, paid a voluntary half shekel Temple tax to the Jer... Tags Support Like this artice? Our Ministry relies on the generosity of people like you. Every small donation helps us develop and publish great articles. Please support ABR! This article was first published in the Fall 2002 issue of Bible and Spade. The names Tyre and Sidon were famous in the ancient Near East. They are also important cities in the Old and New Testaments. Both are now located in Lebanon, with Tyre 20 mi south of Sidon and only 12 mi north of the Israel-Lebanon border. Today each is just a shadow of their former selves. Sidon, called Saida today (Arabic for “fishing”), was named after the firstborn son of Canaan (Gn 10:15) and probably settled by his descendants. The northern border of ancient Canaan extended to Sidon (Gn 10:19). Later, Jacob spoke of it as the boundary of Zebulun (Gn 49:13) and Joshua included it as part of the land promised to Israel (Jos 13:6). Sidon was included in the inheritance of Asher, on its northern boundary (Jos 19:28), but it was not taken by that tribe in conquest (Jgs 1:31, 3:3). Settled from the beginning as a port city, Sidon was built on a promontory with a nearby offshore island that sheltered the harbor from storms. Twenty mi south of Sidon, in the middle of a coastal plain, Tyre (called Sour in Arabic today) was constructed on a rock island a few hundred yards out into the Mediterranean (Ward 1997:247). In fact, the city took its name from this rock island. Tyre comes from the Semetic sr (Hebrew Sor, Arabic Sur, Babylonian Surru, Egyptian Dr,) meaning rock. The port of ancient Sidon is believed to have been located in this area. The Sea Castle in the harbor today was originally built as a Crusader fort to protect the harbor. It is believed the Castle sits over the site of the Phoenician temple to Melkart. Michael Luddeni Located at the foot of some of the Lebanese mountain’s southwestern ridges and near the gorge of the ancient Leontes River (the modern Litani), the rich and well-watered plain became the fortified island’s primary source or food, water, wood and other living essentials. Apparently the island was fortified first and called Tyre, while the coastal city directly opposite was settled later. It was originally called Ushu in cuneiform texts (Ward 1997:247) and later Palaetyrus (“old Tyre”) in Greek texts (Jidejian 1996:19). The Canaanites Historical and archaeological evidence indicate both cities were settled by the early second millennium BC and were important seaports long before the Israelites settled in Canaan. Yet, while Sidon was mentioned many times during the Canaanite and early Israelite periods in the Bible, Tyre first appeared as part of Asher’s western boundary (Jos 19:29). Specifically called a “fortified city” in this passage, it was noted as a significant landmark. Tyre does not appear again in the Bible until Hiram, king of Tyre, sends cedar, carpenters, and masons to build David’s house (2 Sm 5:11). While both cities are mentioned in a number of second millennium BC extra-Biblical documents, the most interesting accounts come from the Amarna Letters. Actual letters


The West Bank of which river has been occupied by Israel since 1967?

West Bank | Define West Bank at Dictionary.com West Bank noun 1. an area in the Middle East, between the W bank of the Jordan River and the E frontier of Israel: occupied in 1967 and subsequently claimed by Israel; formerly held by Jordan. Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for West Bank Expand Contemporary Examples But Serry said events had reached a critical point in the West Bank and cautioned that a collapse would leave Israel accountable. Serbia and Croatia’s Competing Genocide Claims Adam LeBor March 10, 2014 Some courses of action are clear: Israel should halt all construction in the West Bank. British Dictionary definitions for West Bank Expand noun 1. the West Bank, a semi-autonomous Palestinian region in the Middle East on the W bank of the River Jordan, comprising the hills of Judaea and Samaria and part of Jerusalem: formerly part of Palestine (the entity created by the League of Nations in 1922 and operating until 1948): became part of Jordan after the ceasefire of 1949: occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. In 1993 a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization provided for the West Bank to become a self-governing Palestinian area; a new Palestinian National Authority assumed control of parts of the territory in 1994–95, but subsequent talks broke down and Israel reoccupied much of this in 2001–02 and continues to maintain most existing Israeli settlements. Pop: 2 676 740 (2013 est). Area: 5879 sq km (2270 sq miles) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for West Bank Expand in reference to the former Jordanian territory west of the River Jordan, 1967. Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Expand West Bank definition Land on the west bank of the Jordan River , formerly in the hands of Jordan , but captured by Israel in the Six-Day War of 1967. Israel has agreed to hand over part of the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority , but the Israeli government has been widely criticized for continuing to move civilian settlers as well as soldiers into the area. In 2001, in response to terrorist suicide bombings (see terrorism ), Israel staged heavy military strikes against Palestinian cities in the West Bank. The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


Which 15th-century navigator discovered the sea route from Europe to India by the Cape of Good Hope?

Intro (English) to the Resolutions of Cape of Good Hope / History of the Cape of Good Hope of the Council of Policy of Cape of Good Hope History of the Cape of Good Hope A Portuguese discovers the sea route from Europe to India In August 1486 the Portuguese navigator, Bartholomeu Dias, set sail from the Tagus River at Lisbon with his fleet of two small vessels and a cargo ship. The objective of his journey was to sail round the southern point of Africa in order find a seaway and a trade route to India . At Angra Pequena (now Lüderitzbucht , Namibia ) he erected a cross. Then a tremendous storm forced his ships off course and he and his crew did not reach land until they entered the bay, which is known today as Mossel Bay . It was then that Dias realised that they had already passed the tip of Africa and had actually discovered the sea route to the East. The indigenous Khoi pastoralists fled when they saw the ships entering the bay. On the island of St. Croix near Algoa Bay he also erected a cross and probably kept on sailing until they reached the Fish River in the present Eastern Cape . There the small fleet had to turn back because of insufficient supplies on board. On his return voyage Dias, elated by the realisation of having discovered the sea route to India , changed the name Cabo Tormentoso ‘cape of storms’ to Cabo da boa Esperanza ‘cape of good hope’. Portugal continued the expansion of its Indian empire and Portuguese fleets to the East regularly passed the Cape . In 1498 Vasco da Gama named the above-mentioned bay where Dias landed Aguada de Sâo Bras ‘fountain-head of St. Blaize’. On his voyage to India (1501-1502) Joâo de Nova and his fleet also visited the bay and in his turn he named it Golfo dos Vaqueiros ‘bay of herdsmen’. He also built a small chapel, the first Christian structure erected in South Africa . De Nova continued his journey and reached Rio de la Goa ‘river of the lake’, the place that was named in 1544 by Lourenço Marques after himself. In 1503 one of the three squadrons belonging to this fleet was under the command of Antonio de Saldanha who made a navigational error and eventually reached the bay now known as Table Bay . In March 1510 the Portuguese viceroy Francisco d’ Almeida who had just established Portuguese authority in the Indian Ocean, and a number of his high-ranking officers were killed in Table Bay during a skirmish with a group of Khoi. The inhospitable coastline of Southern Africa was the most important reason why the Portuguese rulers were not interested in occupying this country.


What did Burma change its name to in 1989?

BBC News - Should it be Burma or Myanmar? BBC News Should it be Burma or Myanmar? WHO, WHAT, WHY? The Magazine answers... 'Burma' to the pro-democracy camp Protest marches in Burma have entered a ninth day. But why is the country not known in the UK by its official name, Myanmar? The eyes of the world's media are focused on Rangoon, where tensions are rising in the streets, yet news organisations and nations differ in what they call the country. The ruling military junta changed its name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989, a year after thousands were killed in the suppression of a popular uprising. Rangoon also became Yangon. THE ANSWER It's known as Myanmar in many countries and at the UN But the UK doesn't recognise the legitimacy of the regime that changed the name The Adaptation of Expression Law also introduced English language names for other towns, some of which were not ethnically Burmese. The change was recognised by the United Nations, and by countries such as France and Japan, but not by the United States and the UK. A statement by the Foreign Office says: "Burma's democracy movement prefers the form 'Burma' because they do not accept the legitimacy of the unelected military regime to change the official name of the country. Internationally, both names are recognised." It's general practice at the BBC to refer to the country as Burma, and the BBC News website says this is because most of its audience is familiar with that name rather than Myanmar. The same goes for Rangoon, people in general are more familiar with this name than Yangon. But look in a Lonely Planet guidebook to Asia and the country can be found listed after Mongolia, not Brunei. The Rough Guide does not cover Burma at all, because the pro-democracy movement has called for a tourism boycott. HOW IS MYANMAR PRONOUNCED? How to say 'Myanmar' So does the choice of Burma or Myanmar indicate a particular political position? Mark Farmener, of Burma Campaign UK, says: "Often you can tell where someone's sympathies lie if they use Burma or Myanmar. Myanmar is a kind of indicator of countries that are soft on the regime. "But really it's not important. Who cares what people call the country? It's the human rights abuses that matter. "There's not a really strong call from the democracy movement saying you should not call it Myanmar, they just challenge the legitimacy of the regime. It's probable it will carry on being called Myanmar after the regime is gone." Colloquial name The two words mean the same thing and one is derived from the other. Burmah, as it was spelt in the 19th Century, is a local corruption of the word Myanmar. They have both been used within Burma for a long time, says anthropologist Gustaaf Houtman, who has written extensively about Burmese politics. WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular part of the BBC News Magazine, Who, What, Why? aims to answer some of the questions behind the headlines "There's a formal term which is Myanmar and the informal, everyday term which is Burma. Myanmar is the literary form, which is ceremonial and official and reeks of government. [The name change] is a form of censorship." If Burmese people are writing for publication, they use 'Myanmar', but speaking they use 'Burma', he says. This reflects the regime's attempt to impose the notion that literary language is master, Mr Houtman says, but there is definitely a political background to it. Richard Coates, a linguist at the University of Western England, says adopting the traditional, formal name is an attempt by the junta to break from the colonial past. The UN uses Myanmar, presumably deferring to the idea that its members can call themselves what they wish Richard Coates, Linguist "Local opposition groups do not accept that, and presumably prefer to use the 'old' colloquial name, at least until they have a government with popular legitimacy. Governments that agree with this stance still call the country Burma. "The UN uses Myanmar, presumably deferring to the idea that its members can call themselves what they wish, provided the decision is recorded in UN proceedings. The


A 25 km causeway, the longest in the world, links Saudi Arabia with which other country?

A 25 km causeway, the longest in the world, links Saudi Arabia withwhich other country? View the step-by-step solution to: A 25 km causeway, the longest in the world, links Saudi Arabia withwhich other country? This question was answered on May 20, 2016. View the Answer A 25 km causeway, the longest in the world, links Saudi Arabia withwhich other country? solemichael                                                   posted a question · May 20, 2016 at 2:55am Top Answer josewriter23 answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 2:57am Other Answers The way to approach this... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627784) ]} connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. hamniwezi May 20, 2016 at 2:57am {[ getNetScore(29627792) ]} {[ getNetScore(29627799) ]} princessjane answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 2:58am The King Fahd Causeway is a series of bridges and causeways connecting Saudi Arabia and... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627815) ]} The King Fahd Cause way   is a series... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29627842) ]} View Full Answer or ask a new question Related Questions What was a popular nickname for American infantrymen during World War I? Recently Asked Questions Need an US History tutor? Lernon 3 US History experts found online! Average reply time is                       less than an hour Get Homework Help Why Join Course Hero? Course Hero has all the homework and study help you need to succeed! We’ve got course-specific notes, study guides, and practice tests along with expert tutors and customizable flashcards—available anywhere, anytime. - - Study Documents Find the best study resources around, tagged to your specific courses. Share your own to gain free Course Hero access or to earn money with our Marketplace. - Question & Answers Get one-on-one homework help from our expert tutors—available online 24/7. Ask your own questions or browse existing Q&A threads. Satisfaction guaranteed! - Flashcards Browse existing sets or create your own using our digital flashcard system. A simple yet effective studying tool to help you earn the grade that you want!


Beside which river are the Indian cities of Delhi and Agra?

Agra travel guide - Wikitravel Taj Mahal[ edit ] Rules and Regulations at the Taj Mahal Security is tight and rules and regulations are very important and must be followed at the Taj Mahal. There are many rules to be followed at the premises of the monument to maintain the holiness of the monument and other rules are mostly for the maintenance and protection of the monument. Remaining rules and regulations are to be followed for the protection of all the tourists visiting the Taj Mahal. •Arms, ammunition, fire, smoking items, tobacco products, liquor, food, chewing gum, knives, wire, mobile charger, electric goods (except video cameras, photography cameras and similar consumer electronic products like MP3 players, iPhones, Smartphones etc. and music players) are prohibited inside the Taj Mahal complex. Leave these in the hotel or in your driver's car. Avoid carrying a bag altogether if you can as the bag scanning process is cumbersome. •Playing cards, games, dice, etc. may be prohibited depending on the guard. •Mobile phones are allowed. They don't really seem to enforce this with camera phones. •Eating and smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal complex. •Lockers are available at the gates to keep your belongings (of course, at your own risk). •Avoid carrying big bags and books inside the monument as this may increase your security check time. •Video camera (handicam) is allowed up to the red sand stone platform at the main entrance gate of the Taj Mahal complex. There is a charge of 25 Rupees per video camera. •Photography is prohibited inside the main mausoleum, and visitors are requested not to make noise inside the mausoleum. •Tourists must co-operate in keeping the monument neat and clean by making use of dustbins. •Avoid touching and scratching the walls and surfaces of the monument as these are old heritage sites that need special care. •Tourists are advised to hire official audio guides available at the ASI ticket counter or to use only pre-arranged approved guides. Pre-arranged approved guides charge Rs. 900 and the audio guide costs Rs. 100 + taxes Warning - touts regularly exhibit fake identity cards. Some will try to convince you that a guide is included in the ticket price (it's not) - ignore them and walk away. •Tourists are allowed to carry a water bottle inside the monument. Shoe covers, 1/2 litre water bottle and Tourist Guide Map of Agra are provided free of cost with the foreigner's entry ticket for the Taj Mahal. After getting your ticket, proceed to the side of the ticket window to collect your water and shoe covers. •Wheelchairs for disabled persons and First Aid Boxes are available at A.S.I. Office inside the Taj Mahal complex. A refundable charge of ₹1000 is to be deposited as security before wheelchairs are made available for the disabled. •All the above mentioned items along with the mobile phones are banned for the night viewing of the Taj Mahal. •Video cameras are permitted after the security check during night viewing of the Taj Mahal, though extra batteries are prohibited. •Remember that the Taj Mahal is a religious site and it is best to dress conservatively when visiting the Taj Mahal complex, not only because the Taj Mahal itself is a mausoleum, but also because there are mosques inside the Taj Mahal complex, if you wish to visit them as well. Grand Entrance Building to the Taj Mahal Complex Gate to the Taj Mahal Complex showing intricate work and Quranic passages in Arabic Agra Fort, as seen from the Taj Mahal Please note that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. 'If you buy the foreigner high price ticket, you go in a separate, much smaller line and they give you shoe covers and water. Touts (tour guides) will say they can cut the line because they're guides, but you get in the smaller line anyway with your 750 Rupee ticket.' The Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. Taj Mahal means Crown Palace. One of his wife's names was Mumtaz Mahal, Ornament of the Pal


On which inland sea do the ports of Astrakhan and Baku lie?

Caspian Ocean | Article about Caspian Ocean by The Free Dictionary Caspian Ocean | Article about Caspian Ocean by The Free Dictionary http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Caspian+Ocean Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Wikipedia . Caspian Sea (kăs`pēən), Lat. Mare Caspium or Mare Hyrcanium, salt lake, c.144,000 sq mi (373,000 sq km), between Europe and Asia; the largest lake in the world. It is bordered on the northeast by Kazakhstan, on the southeast by Turkmenistan, on the south by Iran, on the southwest by Azerbaijan, and on the northwest by Russia. The Caspian's surface lies 92 ft (28 m) below sea level. It reaches its maximum depth, c.3,200 ft (980 m), in the south; the shallow northern half averages only about 17 ft (5 m). The Caucasus Mts. rise from the southwestern shore, and the Elburz Mts. parallel the southern coast. The Caspian receives the Volga (which supplies more than 75% of its inflow), Ural, Emba, Kura, and Terek rivers, but has no outlet. The rate of evaporation is particularly high in the eastern inlet called Garabogazkol Garabogazkol or Kara-Bogaz-Gol , shallow bay,, in Turkmenistan. An arm of the Caspian Sea, it acts as a natural evaporation basin, drawing off the water of the Caspian and depositing salts along its shores. ..... Click the link for more information. , which is exploited for salt. Variations in evaporation account for great changes in the size of the sea during the course of history. The damming and diversion of the Volga's water for industrial and residential use have been the leading reasons for the lowering of the Caspian's water level, a problem of serious proportions. The chief ports on the Caspian are Bakı a major oil center, and Astrakhan Astrakhan , city (1990 pop. 521,000), capital of Astrakhan region, SE European Russia. A Caspian Sea port on the Volga River's southern delta, it is a center for river transport thanks to a canal built for barge traffic. ..... Click the link for more information. , at the mouth of the Volga. Underlying the Caspian are some of the world's largest oil reserves, and the five surrounding countries, all with major stakes in oil-field development, have disputed zones of control, although Russia has signed territorial agreements with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The Caspian also has important fisheries. The northern part of the sea is the chief source of beluga caviar, but the destruction of spawning areas and illegal fishing has greatly reduced the number of sturgeon, and fishing quotas have been imposed. In 2003 a framework treaty for the protection of the sea's environment was signed by four of the surrounding nations; Turkmenistan did not sign. Caspian Sea   (from the Greek Kaspion pelagos, the Latin Caspium Mare), the world’s largest inland body of water, located on the territory of the USSR (RSFSR, Kazakh SSR, Turkmen SSR, and Azerbaijan SSR) and Iran. The Caspian is frequently considered the largest lake in the world; this is inaccurate, however, since by its size, the nature of its processes, and its developmental history the Caspian is a sea. It received its name from the ancient Caspi tribes who inhabited the eastern part of the Caucasus. Among its other historical names are the Hyrcanian, Khvalyn (Khvaliss), and Khazar seas—also derived from the names of ancient peoples who inhabited its shores. Physical geographic survey. GENERAL INFORMATION. The Caspian Sea extends almost 1, 200 km from north to south, and it has an average width of 320 km and a shoreline of about 7, 000 km (including more than 6, 000 km within the ussr). Its area is about 371,000 sq km, and its level is 28.5 m below the level of the world ocean (1969). The maximum depth is 1, 025 m. in 1929, prior to the considerable drop in the level of the Caspian Sea, its area was 422, 000 sq km. The largest gulfs are Kizliar and Komsomolets in the north, Mangyshlak, Kenderli, Kazakh, Kara-Bogaz-Gol, and Krasnovodsk in the east, and Agrakhan and Baku in the west. In the south there are shallow lagoons. The Caspian has up to 50 islands, predominantly small ones (with a total


Which country was suspended from the Arab League for ten years from 1979?

The Arab League - Council on Foreign Relations Council on Foreign Relations Authors: Jonathan Masters , Deputy Editor, and Mohammed Aly Sergie Updated: October 21, 2014 See More of the Most Viewed Introduction Founded in March 1945, the League of Arab States (or Arab League) is a loose confederation of twenty-two Arab nations, including Palestine, whose broad mission is to improve coordination among its members on matters of common interest. The League was chartered in response to concerns about postwar colonial divisions of territory as well as strong opposition to the emergence of a Jewish state in Palestine, but it has long been criticized for disunity and poor governance. Critics also say it has traditionally been more representative of its various autocratic regimes than of Arab citizens. The organization had the opportunity to advance social interests with the push for Palestinian statehood at the UN and the unrest in many Arab countries in 2011. Some critics see positive developments in the League's actions in Libya, where it supported a no-fly zone and the ouster of Muammar al-Qaddafi, and in Syria, where it orchestrated a fact-finding mission to observe the conflict and called on President Bashar al-Assad to step down after months of deadly clashes with protesters. A League of Their Own According to its charter , the founding members of the Arab League (Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Yemen) agreed to seek "close cooperation" on matters of economics, communication, culture, nationality, social welfare, and health. They renounced violence for the settlement of conflicts between members and empowered League offices to mediate in such disputes, as well as in those with non-members. Signatories agreed to collaborate in military affairs ; this accord was strengthened with a 1950 pact committing members to treat acts of aggression on any member state as an act against all. The charter established the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, created a permanent General Secretariat, and scheduled sessions to meet biannually, or at the request of two members in extraordinary circumstances. A formal commitment to international human rights law entered League conventions in 2004 (it was ratified in 2008) when some members adopted the Arab Charter on Human Rights . The charter has an annex on the issue of Palestine. It affirms Palestinian independence and states that "even though the outward signs of this independence have remained veiled as a result of force majeure," an Arab delegate from Palestine should "participate in [the League's] work until this country enjoys actual independence." The Arab League has no mechanism to compel members' compliance with its resolutions, a void that has led critics like NYU Associate Professor Mohamad Bazzi to describe the organization as a "glorified debating society." The charter states that decisions reached by a majority "shall bind only those [states] that accept them," which places a premium on national sovereignty and limits the League's ability to take collective action. While some actions are taken under the aegis of the Arab League, they are executed only by a small faction. Bazzi says, "During the Lebanese civil war, the Arab League had limited success trying to help negotiate a peace, but in the end it was the individual powers, in this case Syria and Saudi Arabia, that helped end the conflict by convening the Taif Agreement . Technically it was under League auspices, but it was really Saudi Arabia and Syria as the driving force." A Pan-Arab Pedigree The concept of an integrated Arab polity based on shared culture and historical experience, which is at the heart of the Arab League's charter, dates to the Islamic caliphates under the disciples of Mohammed. Modern pan-Arabism, or Arab nationalism, arose in opposition to Ottoman rule and nineteenth-century attempts to impose the Turkic language and culture on Arab subjects. During World War I, the Sharif of Mecca led an Arab revolt against the Ottomans in concert with British forces. The British government a


With what is the Japanese art of bonsai concerned?

The Art of Bonsai Project - Penjing: A Chinese Renaissance The Art of Bonsai Project Discuss this article >> Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) created by Wang Huaishun from Ningde, Fujian Province. The height of the tallest tree is 44". In the West, penjing has come a long way. For decades, the art of dwarfing trees in containers had been attributed exclusively to the Japanese. Bonsai, we were told, was a Japanese invention. The first teachers were Japanese, and the first books were translated from the Japanese or written in English by Japanese immigrants. But then there was Wu Yee-sun, a wealthy Hong Kong banker. He not only possessed a sizeable collection of miniature trees and landscapes but the wherewithal to speak for a country that had become impoverished and isolated from the rest of the world although for over a millennium, it had been the leading cultural influence in Far East Asia. Mr. Wu's title "Man Lung Artistic Pot Plants", first published in 1969 and re-issued in a second and enlarged edition in 1974, caused a stir in the monolithic bonsai universe because he maintained that in China, the art of miniaturizing trees had roots extending back well over a thousand years! And the claims of this "cultured farmer" ("man lung") were just the beginning. In the mid 1980's, two books by Hu Yunhua, a mainland Chinese author, became available in English. "Penjing: The Chinese Art of Miniature Gardens" (Timber Press, 1982) and "Chinese Penjing: Miniature Trees and Landscapes" (Timber Press, 1987) both showcased penjing from various geographic regions of the People's Republic. While many of the trees appeared crude and imperfect to the eyes of bonsai artists trained in the Japanese tradition, they also exuded a spirit of bold personality and brave artistic expression that some Western artists did not fail to notice. Then came the first exhibits and the first visits by Chinese artists on U.S. soil. A few Americans revealed that their initial exposure to penjing resembled a coming-out-of-the-closet type of experience. A genuine liberation. They rejoiced over the fact that the straightjacket of rigid rules and regulations had been cracked and permission granted to pursue a greater level of artistic experimentation. Since the early days, this chorus has grown steadily. Meanwhile, bonsai enthusiasts in warm climates discovered that the more intuitive and free-flowing styling methods of Chinese artists suited their natural environment better than many classical Japanese methods. They found that the vivacity and profuse grace innate to tropical species such as Ficus or Bougainvillea call for a less formal approach to tree art. Fig (Ficus retusa) created by Ye Mingxuan from Guangdong Province. This tree, 42-1/4" tall, has been defoliated for an exhibit to show its fine ramification. It is planted in a 41" container. These advances in the West became possible because by the late 1970's, after many decades of wars and imperial domination, destruction, famines, revolution, international isolation and Communist experiments, the giant formerly known as the Middle Kingdom was stirring and realigning itself. Unknown to the rest of the world, some men had bravely begun to re-evaluate penjing in the hope of revitalizing this ancient art. There were formidable obstacles. Many fine collections had perished in 100 + years of man-made disasters. And much of the former art had degenerated into regional "schools" consisting of craftsmen and folk artists determined to coerce trees into weird, pre-conceived shapes such as dragons, cloud layers, and so on. Undaunted, these visionaries resolved to connect with the lofty spirit of earlier times and to build on their time-honored tradition while experimenting with new forms and techniques. Eventually, a genuine renaissance got underway. And with the substantial economic growth that began in the 1980's and continues through today, particularly the stability that rising living standards have brought to people's lives, penjing in China has once more become a force to be reckoned with. Personally, I was


By what name was Thailand known until 1939?

��ࡱ�>�� 46����3��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5@ ��0�bjbj�2�2 4 �X�X� �������|||||||�XXXXl ����p�����~r4� qssssss$�R2��|������||�������|�|�q��q� �||�x ������X�q�0���:���||||�|X��H ��� � ��������d�d� ���Thailand was known as Siam until 1939. The name "Thailand" means "Land of the Free".  The Mekong River, the longest river in South-East Asia, forms a border between Thailand and Laos. Phunket is Thailand's largest island.  White (albino) elephants were highly prized by the kings of Thailand. The  HYPERLINK "http://www.meezer.com/" Siamese cat was brought to Britain from Thailand in 1884 by the British Consul General of Bangkok.  Thailand's largest reclining Buddha image can be found in the temple, Wat Po. The world's tallest Buddhist monument in the world stands 127 meters (387 feet) in the town of Nakhon Pathom.  Most young men are Buddhist monks for a short time and shaven-head monks go out and ask for alms each morning.  In Bangkok, and elsewhere in Thailand, goods can be bought from floating markets where produce is sold from boats. Silk production has a long tradition in Thailand.   "The Golden Triangle" where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was a centre for growing opium poppies. "The Beach", written by Alex Garland, is about a young backpacker who found a legendary beach in Thailand. The story was later made into a film. On 26 December 2004, a  HYPERLINK "http://www.worldinfozone.com/features.php?section=PartnersDiscussion3" quake occurred under the sea near Aceh in north Indonesia (8.9 on the Richter scale); this produced tsunamis causing flooding and destruction in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the east coast of


What kind of wild cattle with shaggy coats and upturned horns live in the mountains of Tibet?

Yakking | Article about yakking by The Free Dictionary Yakking | Article about yakking by The Free Dictionary http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/yakking Related to yakking: yacks yak, bovine mammal, Bos grunniens, of the Tibet region of China and adjacent areas. It is oxlike in build, with short, thick legs, humped shoulders, large upcurved horns, and a thick coat that hangs down to the ankles. Wild yaks were formerly found from Kashmir to W China, but were so extensively hunted for meat and hides that they now survive only in isolated highlands at elevations above 14,000 ft (4,300 m). They live in herds numbering from 10 to 100 animals, mostly females and young led by a few old bulls; males are mostly solitary. Yaks have been domesticated in Tibet for centuries, and the domestic form has been introduced into other parts of central Asia. The wild yak may attain a shoulder height of 65 in. (165 cm) and have horns 3 ft (90 cm) long; its coat is dark brown. The domesticated yak is smaller, with short horns; its coat, which may be long enough to reach the ground, may be black, brown, reddish, piebald, or albino. Yaks can live on vegetation so sparse that it cannot support other domesticated animals. The domestic yak is a source of milk, butter, meat, hair (for cloth), and leather and is also much used as a beast of burden. Yaks are classified in the phylum Chordata Chordata , phylum of animals having a notochord, or dorsal stiffening rod, as the chief internal skeletal support at some stage of their development. Most chordates are vertebrates (animals with backbones), but the phylum also includes some small marine invertebrate animals. ..... Click the link for more information. , subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, family Bovidae. Yak   (Poephagus grunniens), a ruminant of the subfamily Bovinae. The yak occurs in the wild only in Tibet. A large animal, the wild yak sometimes reaches a height of 2 m and a weight of 1 ton. The body is massive. The legs are relatively short, and there is a hump at the shoulders. The long, rather slender horns of the males spread outward, forward, and then upward. The horns of the females are shorter than those of the males. The black-brown coat is thick, and there is a warm undercoat. The hair is especially long on the abdomen, chest, and legs, forming a “skirt” that keeps the animal warm when it lies on the snow. The tail is covered with long, coarse hair. The wild yak inhabits forest-less high-desert plateaus. It is solitary or lives in groups of two or three. It feeds on herbaceous vegetation, which it can obtain even from under the snow. Mating occurs in September or October, with a single young born in June and July. The wild yak avoids contact with human habitation; hence, crowded out by domestic herds, it is decreasing alarmingly in number. Domesticated yaks are raised in high-mountain regions of China and Mongolia. In the USSR they are raised in the Gomo-Altai AO, the southwestern Tuva ASSR, the Kirghiz SSR, and the Buriat ASSR. They are smaller than wild yaks. Adult males weigh 400–450 kg, and adult females 270–300 kg. The annual milk productivity is 300–350 kg of marketable milk per year; the fat content of the milk is 6–7 percent. The lactation period is 170 to 180 days; the calves are suckled. Yaks pasture under the open sky year-round. They are valuable work animals, able to easily carry loads of as much as 140 kg on mountain trails. Yaks are also kept for their coarse-fibered flavorful meat. Hair clippings yield as much as 3 kg per year; the hair is used to manufacture coarse cloth and rope. Hybrids are obtained by crossing with cattle; bulls are fertile in the third or fourth generation. The hybrids exceed yaks in weight and productivity. yak