Which Portuguese navigator is widely regarded as the first European to discoverer of Brazil?

Explorers and Navigators Explorers and Navigators Idaho Pioneers Top Surnames Amerigo Vespucci (1454 - 1512) Amerigo Vespucci (Italian pronunciation: [ameˈriːɡo vesˈputtʃi]; March 9, 1454 – February 22, 1512) was an Italian explorer, financier, navigator and cartogr... List of Explorers Exploration is the act of searching or traveling around a terrain (including space, see space exploration) for the purpose of discovery of resources or information. Please feel free to add to this project, or even create the framework for an Explorers and Navigators sub-project. How to add a link is explained in the attached document - Adding links to Geni profiles to projects. Timeline 1550 B.C. to 300 B.C. The Phoenicians (1550 B.C. - 300 B.C.), traded throughout the Mediterranean Sea and Asia Minor, and many of their routes are still unknown today. They may even have been to Britain because of the tin that was found in a few of their wares. The Phoenicians traveled far and wide, some scientists even speculate that they traveled all the way to Central America, although this is disputed. Even Queen Dido,[disambiguation needed] in the Virgil's Aeneid, was a Phoenician from the Asia Minor who sailed to North Africa for safety. 4th century BC Pytheas (380 – c. 310 BC) – Greek explorer. First to circumnavigate Great Britain and to explore Germany. Reached Thule, most commonly thought to be the Shetland Islands or Iceland. 3rd century BC Xu Fu (b. 255 BC) – Chinese court sorcerer who led two voyages to the Eastern Seas in 219 BC and 210 BC. 2nd century BC Zhang Qian – Chinese imperial envoy to Central Asia who helped established the Silk Road. 5th century Brendan the Navigator (c. 484 – 577) – Irish monk, allegedly discovered Iceland and America in the 6th century. 8th century Dicuil (born 8th century) – Irish monk and geographer, author of "De mensura Orbis terrae". The Papar – Irish monks who lived in Iceland, 8th-9th centuries, before the Vikings. 9th century Flóki of the Ravens was the first Norseman to deliberately sail to Iceland, he named the entire land Ísland (—Iceland). 10th century Ahmad ibn Fadlan – 10th century Iraqi explorer. Erik the Red (950–1003) – Norwegian Viking explorer. After being exiled from Iceland, he sailed to Greenland and settled there. Leif Ericson (980–1020) – Icelandic explorer. Believed to have been the first European to land in North America. 13th century Marco Polo (1254–1324) – Venetian explorer 14th century Ibn Battuta (1304–1377) – Moroccan explorer.[2] Wang Dayuan (fl. 1311–1350) – Chinese explorer who made two major trips by ship. During 1328–1333, he sailed along the South China Sea and visited many places in Southeast Asia and reached as far as South Asia, landing in Sri Lanka and India. In 1334–1339 he visited North Africa and East Africa. James of Ireland (fl. 1316–1330) – Irish companion of Odoric of Pordenone. Simon FitzSimon (fl. 1323) – Irish author of a itenerum through Egypt and the Holy Land. Zheng He (1371–1433) – Chinese admiral who made seven voyages to Arabia, East Africa, India, Indonesia and Thailand. 15th century Afanasy Nikitin (? - 1472) - Russian traveler and merchant. One of the first Europeans to travel to and document his visit to India. João Fernandes Lavrador (1445? – 1501) – Portuguese explorer. First European reaching Labrador/Newfoundland. Fernandes charted the coasts of Southwestern Greenland and of adjacent Northeastern North America around 1498. In 1501, Fernandes set sail again in discovery of lands and was never heard from again. John Cabot (c. 1450–1499) – Italian explorer for England. Discovered Newfoundland and claimed it for the Kingdom of England. Bartolomeu Dias (c. 1450–1500) – Portuguese explorer. He sailed from Portugal and reached the Cape of Good Hope. Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) – Genoese explorer for Spain. Sailed west in 1492 attempting to reach Asia, but instead arrived in the "New World" of the Americas. Amerigo Vespucci (c. 1454–1512) – Italian explorer for Spain and Portugal. Sailed in 1499 and 1502. He explored the east coast of South America. Ju


What is the name of the cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine, in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade?

I Love Mr Sushi - St. Louis, MO | Groupon I Love Mr Sushi 9443 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63132 9443 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis Directions Today 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM Open All Hours +13144328898 Be the first to recommend this place! null% of 0 customers recommended About this Business Sushi, Japanese, Asian, American, Seafood Meals Sushi, Japanese, Asian, American, Seafood Meals 0 Tips From Our Editors I Love Mr Sushi is slicing up sushi rolls of perfection; every bite will leave you wanting more. Got kids? No problem at I Love Mr Sushi! This sushi spot is a fantastic spot for families to dine together. Drift away from stuffy dress-code conventions and dine in comfort at I Love Mr Sushi. Want to enjoy this sushi spot without the wait? Get it to go. At I Love Mr Sushi, you can easily find parking in the lot next door. At I Love Mr Sushi, bikers can lock their bikes safely outside. Prices at I Love Mr Sushi typically stay below the $30 mark, so you can afford to bring along a friend or a date. Major credit cards are accepted as a form of payment, so patrons are advised to charge responsibly. So when you have sushi on your mind, pay I Love Mr Sushi a visit and enjoy some of your favorite sushi creations. fried tofu served in a light fish broth with scallions & grated daikon radish $4.95 japanese pickled radish, pickled eggplant, pickled cucumber $3.95 round shell shrimp dumpling served steamed $5.95 beef and vegetables dumpling served pan fried $5.95 bbq fresh mussel topped with crab, shrimp with spicy mayo and scallions $6.95 grilled with veggies on a skewer & drizzled with teriyaki sauce. choice of: Chicken grilled with veggies on a skewer & drizzled with teriyaki sauce. choice of: Shrimp grilled with veggies on a skewer & drizzled with teriyaki sauce. choice of: Scallop grilled with veggies on a skewer & drizzled with teriyaki sauce. choice of: $5.95 thinly slices raw fish served w/ garlic scallion & hot olive oil $7.95 spicy shrimp served on thinly slices of cucumber $7.95 seared tuna with radish ponza sauce and scallions $11.95 white clams cooked w/ miso broth $6.95 scallop, green mussel and crabstick cooked in miso broth served with tempura shrimp $6.95 fresh avocado & seaweed salad w/ mayo $6.95 Entrees Teriyaki a cooking technique used in japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade, served with sautéed veggies and white rice Chicken a cooking technique used in japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade, served with sautéed veggies and white rice Salmon a cooking technique used in japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade, served with sautéed veggies and white rice Shrimp a cooking technique used in japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade, served with sautéed veggies and white rice $14.50 sesame-encrusted tuna steak, lightly seared with wasabi-sesame sauce served with white rice and sautéed veggies $23.50 Donburi choice of tempura-battered shrimp or bread chicken with tempura sauce, onion, a poached egg with white rice Shrimp choice of tempura-battered shrimp or bread chicken with tempura sauce, onion, a poached egg with white rice Chicken choice of tempura-battered shrimp or bread chicken with tempura sauce, onion, a poached egg with white rice $14.50 deep fried chicken breast lightly coated in japanese bread crumbs and served with katsu sauce $14.50 california roll and shrimp, smoked salmon, eel & egg nigiri $14.95 california roll, spider roll, eel & cucumber roll $21.95 chef’s choice, 8 pieces of nigiri $19.95 chef’s choice, 8 pieces of nigiri and california roll or spicy tuna roll $24.95 Sushi Boat Special chef’s choice, 16 pieces of nigiri with a spicy tuna roll and a rainbow roll $69.95 chef’s choice, assorted filets of fresh raw fish $21.95 chef’s choice, nigiri & sashimi combo, and california roll, spicy tuna roll & rainbow roll $89.95 assorted fresh fish over a bed of seasoned sushi rice $19.95 sliced raw tuna over a bed of seasoned s


Which American adventurer, the first man to fly non-stop around the world in a balloon, died in 2007 after the plane he was flying crashed in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California?

James Stephen "Steve" Fossett (1944 - 2007) - Genealogy James Stephen "Steve" Fossett Apr 22 1944 - Tennessee, United States Death: Cause of death: Aviation accident or incident - Sep 3 2007 - Sierra Nevada Residence: Apr 22 1944 - Jackson, Tennessee Death: Richard Leigh Fossett, Charalee Fossett Partner: Apr 22 1944 - Jackson, Tennessee Death: Richard Leigh Fossett, Charalee Martez Fossett (born Mizell) Partner: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Fossett James Stephen "Steve" Fossett (April 22, 1944 – c. September 3, 2007) was an American businessman, and a record-setting aviator, sailor, and adventurer. He was the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in a balloon. He made his fortune in the financial services industry, and was best known for many world records, including five nonstop circumnavigations of the Earth: as a long-distance solo balloonist, as a sailor, and as a solo flight fixed-wing aircraft pilot. A fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, Fossett set 116 records in five different sports, 60 of which still stood when he disappeared. On September 3, 2007, Fossett was reported missing after the plane he was flying over the Nevada desert failed to return. Despite a month of searches by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and others, Fossett could not be found, and the search by CAP was called off on October 2, 2007. Privately funded and privately directed search efforts continued, but after a request from Fossett's wife, he was declared legally dead on February 15, 2008. On September 29, 2008, a hiker found Fossett's identification cards in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, and the crash site was discovered a few days later (on 1 October 2008) 65 miles (100 km) due south from Flying-M Ranch where he took off, and 5.3 miles (8.5 km) due west (282 degrees) of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area's base operations, although his remains were not initially found. On November 3, 2008, tests conducted on two bones recovered about 750 feet (230 m) from the site of the crash produced a match to Fossett's DNA. Early years Fossett was born in Jackson, Tennessee but he grew up in Garden Grove, California and graduated from Garden Grove High School. Fossett's interest in adventure began early. As a Boy Scout, he grew up climbing the mountains of California, beginning with the San Jacinto Mountains. "When I was 12 years old I climbed my first mountain, and I just kept going, taking on more diverse and grander projects." Fossett said that he did not have a natural gift for athletics or team sports, so he focused on activities that required persistence and endurance. His father, an Eagle Scout, encouraged Fossett to pursue these types of adventures and encouraged him to become involved with the Boy Scouts early. He became an active member of Troop 170 in Orange, California. At age 13, Fossett earned the Boy Scouts' highest rank of Eagle Scout and was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scouts' honor society, where he served as lodge chief. He also worked as a Ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico during the summer of 1961. Fossett said in 2006 that Scouting was the most important activity of his youth. In college at Stanford University, Fossett was already known as an adventurer; his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers convinced him to swim to Alcatraz and raise a banner that read "Beat Cal" on the wall of the prison, closed two years previously. (He made the swim, but was thwarted by a security guard when he arrived.) While at Stanford, Fossett was a student body officer, and he served as the president of a few clubs. In 1966, Fossett graduated from Stanford with a degree in economics. Fossett spent the following summer in Europe climbing mountains and swimming the Dardanelles. Business career In 1968, Fossett received an MBA from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was later a longtime member of the Board of Trustees. Fossett's first job out of business school was with IBM; he then served as a consultant for Deloitte


Known affectionately as 'The Hungarian Sea' and one of the country's major tourist attractions, which is the largest lake in Central Europe?

Lake Balaton L Lake Balaton Lake Balaton, in the Transdanubian region of Hungary , is the largest lake in Central Europe, and one of its foremost tourist destinations. As Hungary is landlocked, it is often affectionately called the "Hungarian Sea". The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water to the lake, and the canalized Sió is the only outflow. Name In Hungarian, the lake is known as Balaton (nicknamed Balcsi). This name derives from the South-Slavic blato, mud (from earlier Pan-Slavic boltьno), and has no meaning in Hungarian. The Romans called the lake Lacus Pelso ("Lake Pelso"). Pelso derives from a local name for the lake, perhaps from the Illyrian language, as the Illyrians once populated the region. Paleolinguists surmise that "Pelso" meant "shallow" in Illyrian; this deduction is based on a surmised Proto-Indo-European root *pels-, and on examples such as the German name Plattensee ("shallow sea"), a name given to the lake by the Germanic people in the area through the centuries. Climate Lake Balaton affects the local area precipitation per annum. The area receives approximately two to three inches (5-7 cm) more precipitation than most of Hungary, resulting in more cloudy days, and less extreme temperatures. The lake's surface freezes during colder winters. Lake Balaton region's climate has also made it ideal for growing grapes to make wine . Secondary radiation is emitted from the lake doubling the amount of sunlight that the grapes vines of the region receive. The Mediterranean climate combined with the soil (containing volcanic rock) has made the region notable for its production of wines since the Roman period two thousand years ago.[http://www.itthon.hu/images/mtrt/tartalom/balaton/english/balatoni_borkalauz.html] Tourist information The major resorts around the lake are Siófok, Keszthely and Balatonfüred. Siófok is known often as the "Party Capital of Hungary", which attracts many young party goers in summer due to its numerous large discos. Keszthely is the site of the famous Festetics Palace and Balatonfüred is a historical bathing town home to the annual Anna Ball. The high tourist season extends from June until the end of August. The average water temperature during the summer is 25°C, which makes bathing and swimming possible. Most of the beaches consist of either grass, rocks or the silty sand that also makes up most of the bottom of the lake. Many resorts have artificial sandy beaches and all beaches have step access to the water. Other tourist attractions include sailing, fishing and other water sports, as well as visiting the countryside and hills; wineries on the north coast and night life on the south shore. The Tihany Peninsula is an historical district. Badacsony is a famous volcanic mountain and wine growing region as well as a lakeside resort. Although the peak season at the lake is the summer, lovers of Balaton think that it is also worth visiting the lake in winter, when you can go fishing through ice-holes, or, if the ice is thick enough, brave visitors can even skate, sledge or ice-sail on the lake. Balaton is served by Sármellék International Airport. Chief resorts include: Badacsony - Balatonalmádi - Balatonboglár - Balatonfüred - Balatonlelle - Fonyód - Keszthely - Siófok - Tihany - Vonyarcvashegy Trivia The Hungarian government has started a campaign of promoting Balaton as a holiday place for young people. There is a slightly controversial promotional cartoon on the official Balaton tourist page depicting a man who meets a young blonde girl and makes love to her on a boat while hiding his wedding ring. Operation Frühlingserwachen was conducted in the region of Lake Balaton in March 1945, being referred to as "the Lake Balaton Offensive" in many British histories of the Second World War . The battle was a German counterattack by Sepp Dietrich's 6.SS-Panzerarmee between March 6, 1945 and March 16, 1945 and resulted in a Red Army victory. Several Ilyushin Il-2 wrecks have been pulled out of the lake, remnants of the Soviet Air Force. Towns and villages North shore From east to


Often used in sushi, which Japanese delicacy consists of very fresh raw seafood, sliced into thin pieces and served with a dipping sauce?

Sashimi, Tokyo Sashimi, Tokyo Cuisine, Gastronomy in Tokyo, Tokyo Speciality Sashimi Sashimi Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy. It primarily consists of very fresh raw seafood, sliced into thin pieces, and served only with a dipping sauce (soy sauce with wasabi paste or such condiments as grated fresh ginger, or ponzu), and such garnishes as shiso and shredded daikon radish. Dimensions vary but are typically about 2.5 cm (1") wide by 4 cm (1.5") long by 0.5 cm (0.2") thick. The word sashimi has been integrated into the English language and is often used to refer to other uncooked fish preparations. Many non-Japanese use the terms sashimi and sushi interchangeably, but the two dishes are actually distinct and separate. Sushi refers to any dish made with vinegared rice; and, while raw fish is one traditional sushi ingredient, many sushi dishes contain seafood that has been cooked, and others have no seafood at all. Sashimi often is the first course in a formal Japanese meal, but it can also be the main course, presented with rice and miso soup in separate bowls. Many Japanese people believe that sashimi, traditionally considered the finest dish in Japanese cuisine, should be eaten before other strong flavors affect the palate. Culinarily, sashimi represents the Japanese cultural appreciation of subtlety. The finer sensation can vary from salmon (not traditionally Japanese) to squid and everything in between. The sliced seafood that composes the main ingredient is typically draped over a garnish. The typical garnish is Asian white radish, daikon, shredded into long thin strands, accompanied by one green perilla leaf per slice. Wasabi paste is sometimes mixed directly into soy sauce as a dipping sauce, which is generally not done when eating sushi, however. Purists denounce the practice of mixing wasabi into soy sauce, saying that this dilutes the sharp hot flavor of wasabi. Another more correct way to flavor soy sauce with wasabi is to place the wasabi mound into the soy sauce dish and then pour it in. This allows the wasabi to infuse the soy sauce more subtly. A reputed motivation for serving wasabi with sashimi (and also gari, pickled ginger), besides its flavor, is killing harmful bacteria and parasites that could be present in raw seafood.


Which dog that was originally bred in the Congo, is sometimes known as 'The Barkless Dog' as it produces an unusual yodel-like sound due to its unusually shaped larynx?

Basenji - African Hunting Dog | Congo Dog | Hound Basenji Country of Origin – Democratic Republic of the Congo Patronage – Great Britain Male – 22 to 26 lbs. Female – 20 to 24 lbs. Height – 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder Coat – Harsh in Texture Trindle – Which is a tricolor with brindle points, a rare combination. NOTE: All have white chests and stomachs. Life Span – 12 to 16 years Group: Hound   A poised, elegant hunting dog from Africa, the Basenji is smoothly muscular and moves with ease and agility. He is lightly built and possesses a wrinkled head and a high, curled tail. The Basenji is commonly known as the “barkless dog,” but when excited, he makes a noise that sounds like a yodel. Colors include chestnut red, pure black or brindle — all with white feet, chest and tail tip. Prized for its hunting prowess in its native Central Africa, the first specimens of the Basenji were brought from the source of the Nile as presents to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The breed wasn’t successfully introduced in England until 1937, and the first litter of Basenji puppies raised to maturity in America was in 1941. In Africa, the natives use him for pointing, retrieving and driving game into nets.   Right Breed for You? The Basenji is known for his fastidious habits and being full of play and activity. Because he often worked out of sight of hunters, he can tend to be independent and aloof and prefers to meet strangers on his own terms. Grooming is minimal due to his short coat, which lacks the typical “doggy” odor. If you are considering purchasing a Basenji puppy, learn more here. Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1944. Ideal size ranges from 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and 22 to 24 pounds. Hunter, companion.   The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock originating in central Africa. Most of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world place the breed in the Hound Group; more specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale places the breed in Group 5, Spitz and Primitive types, and the United Kennel Club (US) places the breed in the Sighthound & Pariah Group. The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound commonly called a “barroo”, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog”. Basenjis share many unique traits with Pariah dog types. Basenjis, like dingoes and some other breeds of dog, come into estrus only once annually, as compared to other dog breeds which may have two or more breeding seasons every year. Both dingoes and basenji lack a distinctive odor, and are prone to howls, yodels, and other undulated vocalizations over the characteristic bark of modern dog breeds. One theory holds that the latter trait is the result of the selective killing of ‘barkier’ dogs in the traditional Central African context because barking could lead enemies to humans’ forest encampments. While dogs that resemble the basenji in some respects are commonplace over much of Africa, the breed’s original foundation stock came from the old growth forest regions of the Congo Basin, where its structure and type were fixed by adaptation to its habitat, as well as use (primarily net hunting in extremely dense old-growth forest vegetation).   Characteristics Appearance Basenjis are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail and a graceful neck. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, even more so when they are young or extremely young. A basenji’s eyes are typically almond-shaped, which often gives the dogs the appearance of squinting. Basenjis typically weigh about 24 pounds and stand 16 inches at the shoulder. They are a square breed, which means they are as long as they are tall. Basenjis are athletic dogs, and are actually deceptively powerful for their size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a double suspension gallop, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance when running flat out


What was the first name of Mr. Diesel, the inventor of the Diesel engine?

Rudolf Diesel, Inventor of the Diesel Engine Rudolf Diesel, Inventor of the Diesel Engine Rudolf Diesel, Inventor of the Diesel Engine French-born German engineer and inventor Rudolf Diesel (1858 - 1913).  Hulton Archive / Getty Images Share By Mary Bellis The engine that bears his name set off a new chapter in the industrial revolution , but Rudolf Diesel initially thought his invention would help small businesses and artisans, not industrialists.  Early Life Rudolf Diesel was born in Paris in 1858. His parents were Bavarian immigrants, and the family was deported to England at the outbreak of the Franco-German war. Eventually, Rudolf Diesel went to Germany to study at Munich Polytechnic, where he studied engineering. After graduation he was employed as a refrigerator engineer in Paris from 1880.  His true love lay in engine design, however, and over the next few years he began exploring a number of ideas. One concerned finding a way to help small businesses compete with big industries, which had the money to harness the power of steam engines . Another was how to use the laws of thermodynamics to create a more efficient engine. In his mind, building a better engine would help the little guy. continue reading below our video Should I Roll Over my 401K to an IRA?   The Diesel Engine Rudolf Diesel designed many heat engines, including a solar-powered air engine. In 1893, he published a paper describing an engine with combustion within a cylinder, the internal combustion engine . In Augsburg, Germany on August 10, 1893, Rudolf Diesel's prime model, a single 10-foot iron cylinder with a flywheel at its base, ran on its own power for the first time. That same year he published a paper describing the internal combustion engine to the world. In 1894, he filed for a patent for his new invention, dubbed the diesel engine. Diesel was almost killed by his engine when it exploded. Diesel spent two more years making improvements and in 1896 demonstrated another model with the theoretical efficiency of 75 percent, in contrast to the ten percent efficiency of the steam engine In 1898, Rudolf Diesel was granted patent #608,845 for an "internal combustion engine." The diesel engines of today are refined and improved versions of Rudolf Diesel's original concept. They are often used in submarines , ships, locomotives, and large trucks and in electric generating plants. Rudolf Diesel's inventions have three points in common: They relate to heat transference by natural physical processes or laws; they involve markedly creative mechanical design; and they were initially motivated by the inventor's concept of sociological needs—by finding a way to enable independent craftsmen and artisans to compete with large industry. That last goal didn’t exactly pan out as Diesel expected. His invention could be used by small businesses, but it was embraced eagerly by the industrialists, as well. His engines were used to power pipelines, electric and water plants, automobiles and trucks , and marine craft, and soon after were used in mines, oil fields, factories, and transoceanic shipping. Diesel became a millionaire by the end of the 20th century. In 1913, Rudolf Diesel disappeared en route to London while on an ocean steamer.  He is assumed to have drowned in the English Channel.


What is the name of the Italian tennis player who defeated Samantha Stosur to win the Women's French Open title earlier this month?

Samantha Stosur Samantha Stosur Stosur at the 2016 US Open Country (sports) 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) [1] Turned pro No. 4 (21 February 2011) Current ranking No. 21 (26 December 2016) Grand Slam Singles results No. 1 (6 February 2006) Current ranking RR ( 2006 , 2010 , 2014 ) Last updated on: 9 May 2016. Samantha Jane “Sam” Stosur (; born 30 March 1984) is an Australian professional tennis player . She is a former World No. 1 in doubles , a ranking which she held for 61 weeks, and a former World No. 4 in singles. [2] Stosur won the 2011 US Open, defeating Serena Williams in the final and becoming the first Australian woman since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 to win a Grand Slam singles tournament. [3] Stosur has won five other Grand Slam titles to date: the 2005 US Open and 2006 French Open in women’s doubles; and the 2005 Australian Open , 2008 and 2014 Wimbledon Championships in mixed doubles. In addition, she was the runner-up of the singles event at the 2010 French Open , defeating four-time champion Justine Henin , World No. 1 Serena Williams, and World No. 4 Jelena Janković en route to the final. She also reached three additional semi-finals at the French Open in 2009, 2012, and 2016. Contents 10 External links Early life Stosur was born in Brisbane , Queensland, the daughter of Tony and Diane, and has two brothers, Dominic and Daniel. [4] She is of Polish descent through her grandfather. [5] When she was six, the family house and business on the Gold Coast was destroyed by a flood, and the family moved to Adelaide . [6] There she started playing tennis, when she was given a racquet for Christmas at the age of eight. While her parents worked long hours at the cafe they had started, Stosur played at local courts with older brother Daniel, who later encouraged their parents to take her to tennis lessons. [7] Her family returned to the Gold Coast when Stosur was 11 years of age. [8] She attended Helensvale State High School on the Gold Coast and Gaven State School. [9] She went away on her first overseas trip at the age of 13, competing in the World Youth Cup in Jakarta , Indonesia. [4] At the age of 14, Stosur joined the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) under Geoff Masters . In 2001, when she was 16, she joined the Australian Institute of Sport tennis program. [4] Tennis career Early career Stosur first played professional tennis in 1999 on the ITF circuit. She debuted on the Women’s Tennis Association tour in 2000, losing in the first qualifying round of the Australian Open. In 2001 she won four straight ITF titles. In 2002 she lost in the first round at the Gold Coast event. In 2003, Stosur won her first WTA singles matches, reaching the third round of the Australian Open. She lost in the third round to no. 7 seed, Daniela Hantuchová . She also qualified for a WTA event in Memphis . In 2004, Stosur reached the semifinals of the Gold Coast event, before falling to Ai Sugiyama . The next week, she reached the second round of the WTA tournament in Hobart , then the second round of the Australian Open. She later qualified for WTA events in Acapulco , Indian Wells , Vienna and Birmingham . Stosur competed at the Athens Olympics , where she lost in the first round. She continued to play WTA qualifying events, qualifying for the Japan Open and Bali in the autumn of 2004. At the end of the 2004 season, Stosur reached the doubles final in Québec City , partnered with Els Callens from Belgium. 2005: Doubles success In 2005 Stosur reached her first WTA tour final at her home event in Gold Coast , losing to Patty Schnyder . She was runner-up at the Sydney event, defeating by walkover the world no. 1 Lindsay Davenport in the quarterfinal and Elena Dementieva in the semifinal, before losing to fellow Australian Alicia Molik , and won her first doubles title partnering Australian Bryanne Stewart at the same tournament. Stosur lost to world no. 2 Amélie Mauresmo in the first round of the Australian Open , but won the mixed doubles title with Scott Draper over Liezel Huber and Kevin Ullyett . In July, she teamed up with American Lisa R


Which English monarch wrestled with Francis I of France at 'The Field of the Cloth of Gold'?

The Field of the Cloth of Gold History > Tudor > Field of the Cloth of Gold Field of the Cloth of Gold BY DAVID ROSS , EDITOR Background In the early 16th century the balance of power in Western Europe was a precarious one; the major players being Francis I of France and Charles, Holy Roman Emperor. Each monarch tried to build a set of alliances to swing the balance in their favour. Into the mix came England, under Henry VIII. Henry's chief advisor, Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, favoured an alliance with France. Henry's queen, Catherine, favoured the Empire (the Emperor Charles was her nephew). Yet Henry and Catherine's daughter Mary was affianced to Francis's son, the Dauphin. Henry VIII Henry himself was undecided as to which alliance offered him the best chance of personal and national gain. He played a waiting game in an attempt to stay on good terms with both Charles and Francis, hoping perhaps that no matter which monarch gained the ascendancy, England would benefit. The Meeting In 1520 Henry was persuaded to forge an alliance with France. A meeting was arranged between the two monarchs at a location just outside Calais, a bit of unremarkable countryside between the villages of Ardres and Guines. Francis and Henry were personal as well as political rivals, and each king prided himself on the magnificence of his court. Henry brought with him virtually his entire court, and he was determined to impress his host with the size and splendour of his retinue. When it was determined that the castles of both villages were in too great a state of disrepair to house the courts, they camped in fields, Francis at Ardres and Henry at Guines. This was no ordinary camping expedition, however; huge pavilions were erected to serve as halls and chapels, and great silken tents decorated with gems and cloth of gold. DEFINITION Cloth of Gold was a fabric woven with thin strands of gold interspersed with more traditional materials, often silk. It might be used for clothing or for a ceremonial cloth used as a canopy for thrones. It is this ostentatious display of wealth and power that earned the meeting-place between Francis and Henry the sobriquet "The Field of the Cloth of Gold". The meeting lasted for three weeks (June 7-June 24, 1520), during which time each court strove to outdo the other in offering splendid entertainments and making grandiose gestures. Feasts and jousts were held, including a tilt between Henry and Francis themselves. Balls, masques, fireworks, and military sports were just some of the activities on offer. The expense incurred by both monarchs was enormous, and put tremendous strain on the finances of each country. Consequences Yet for all the trouble they went to, the results of the meeting were negligible. Though Henry and Francis agreed in principle to an alliance, it was just two weeks later that Henry met with Charles himself in England. By the terms of this new treaty between England and the Empire, each agreed to not sign any new treaties with France for two years, and the betrothal of Mary to the Dauphin was broken in favour of a new betrothal to Charles himself (this alliance would later be broken also). Over the next several years the three monarchs formed, broke, and reformed alliances in an ever-shifting attempt to gain ascendance in Europe, with no-one gaining any permanent advantage. Related:


What was the first name of Mr. Braille, who devised a system allowing blind people to read and write?

Inventor Louis Braille Biography Inventor: Louis Braille Criteria: First practical.   Modern day prototype. Birth: January 4, 1809 in      Coupvray, France Death: January 6,   1852 in Paris, France Nationality: French Invention: Braille in 1824 Function: noun / named for its inventor Louis Braille Definition: Braille is a tactile      writing system used by blind people. Braille generally consists of      cells of 6 raised dots conventionally numbered and the presence or      absence of dots gives the coding for the symbol. Milestones: 1809 Louis Braille is born in Coupvray, near Paris France on January  4th 1812 Louis becomes blind, the result of an accident while playing in       his fathers shop. 1819 Louis sent to Paris to live and study at the National Institute for  Blind Children. 1824 Louis developed a system,       employing a 6-dot cell and based upon normal spelling 1827 Louis published the first book printed using braille to  describe and teach his system 1828 Louis becomes a full time teacher at the school where he was once a  student 1840 Louis and his friend Pierre Foucault developed a machine to speed  up the printing process 1852 When Louis died at age 43, not one newspaper in all of Paris  wrote of his death. 1868 Braille, his 6-dot method is accepted as a  world wide standard 1952 On the 100th anniversary of his death, the French government honors  Braille's accomplishment CAPS: Braille, Louis Braille, Valentin Hauy,  Charles Barbier, Night Writing, William Bell Wait, Simon-Renï¿½  Braille, Pierre Foucault, Dr. Thomas Armitage, Royal Institute for Blind  Youth,  ARYs:  braille, writing, communications, SIPS, history, biography, inventor,      inventor of, history of, who invented, invention of, fascinating      facts. STORY: Less than 200 years ago, it was said that  the blind would never be able to read. People thought that it was only  eyesight that could help humans see and read words. A young French boy Louis  Braille, who was blind, was determined to find the key to access new methods  for himself and all other blind persons of the world. Louis Braille was born on 4th January, 1809, at Coupvray, near  Paris, France..His father, Simon-Renï¿½ Braille, was a harness and saddle  maker. At the age of three, Braille  injured his left eye with a stitching awl from his father's workshop. This  destroyed his left eye, and sympathetic ophthalmia led to loss of vision in  his right eye. Braille was completely blind by the age of four. Despite his  disability, Braille continued to attend school, with the support of his  parents, until he was required to read and write. Louis Braille was unhappy in school, because his blindness prevented him  from reading books. At age 10, he was sent to Paris to live and study at the  Royal Institute for Blind Youth, the world's first of its kind.  At the school, the children were taught basic craftsman's skills and simple  trades. They were also taught how to read by feeling raised letters (a  system devised by the school's founder, Valentin Haï¿½y). He thought there  had to be a better, easier, and faster way for the blind to read. He was  determined to invent it. From age 12 to 15, he experimented with codes, using a knitting needle to  punch holes in paper to represent letters. He shared his progress with  officials at the institute but wasn't taken seriously. Braille, a bright and creative student, became a talented cellist and  organist in his time at the school, playing the organ for churches all over  France. When Louis was fifteen, he developed an ingenious system of reading and  writing by means of raised dots. Two years later he adapted his method to  musical notation. He used a pattern of 6 raised dots to  represent letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and mathematical symbols. Louis showed his Braille method to his classmates who liked it and  began using it, in spite of the fact that it was banned from the institute.  At age 17, Louis graduated, became assistan


Which English king was overthrown after 'The Glorious Revolution'?

BBC - History -   British History in depth: The Glorious Revolution Print this page Fear of Catholic tyranny The Glorious Revolution of 1688-1689 replaced the reigning king, James II, with the joint monarchy of his protestant daughter Mary and her Dutch husband, William of Orange. It was the keystone of the Whig (those opposed to a Catholic succession) history of Britain. According to the Whig account, the events of the revolution were bloodless and the revolution settlement established the supremacy of parliament over the crown, setting Britain on the path towards constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. But it ignores the extent to which the events of 1688 constituted a foreign invasion of England by another European power, the Dutch Republic. Although bloodshed in England was limited, the revolution was only secured in Ireland and Scotland by force and with much loss of life. England would become merely a satellite state, under the control of an all-powerful Catholic monarch. Moreover, the British causes of the revolution were as much religious as political. Indeed, the immediate constitutional impact of the revolution settlement was minimal. Nonetheless, over the course of the reign of William III (1689-1702) society underwent significant and long-lasting changes. To understand why James II’s most powerful subjects eventually rose up in revolt against him we need to understand the deep-seated fear of 'popery' in Stuart England. 'Popery' meant more than just a fear or hatred of Catholics and the Catholic church. It reflected a widely-held belief in an elaborate conspiracy theory, that Catholics were actively plotting the overthrow of church and state. In their place would be established a Catholic tyranny, with England becoming merely a satellite state, under the control of an all-powerful Catholic monarch, (in the era of the Glorious Revolution, identified with Louis XIV of France). This conspiracy theory was given credibility by the existence of some genuine catholic subterfuge, most notably the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. A new crisis of ‘popery and arbitrary government' erupted in the late 1670s. Public anxieties were raised by the issue of the royal succession. Charles II fathered no legitimate offspring. This meant that the crown would pass to his brother, James, Duke of York, whose conversion to Catholicism had become public knowledge in 1673. Public concern about the succession reached fever pitch in the years 1678-1681. The so-called ‘exclusion crisis’ was provoked by allegations made by Titus Oates, a former Jesuit novice, of a popish plot to assassinate Charles II and place his brother on the throne. The fantastical plot was given credibility by the mysterious death of Sir Edmund Bury Godfrey, the magistrate who first investigated Oates’ claims. Whig politicians within parliament, led by the earl of Shaftesbury, promoted exclusion bills which would have prevented James from succeeding to the throne. But the radical tactics deployed by the king’s opponents, including mass petitions and demonstrations, gradually alienated some initial supporters of exclusion. Charles’s hand was strengthened further by an agreement with France reached in March 1681, by which the king received £385,000 over three years. With this financial support, and with public opinion turning against his critics, Charles was able to dissolve parliament on 28 March 1681. Top Rebellion and revolt James II    © James II’s authority appeared to be secure when he succeeded to the throne in February 1685. The king’s initial promises to defend the existing government in church and state reassured many of those worried by his personal faith. James was well-off financially, with a tax revenue over £1,200,000. The manipulation of borough charters in the last years of Charles II’s reign ensured that James’ first parliament was dominated by loyal Tories. Parliament also voted James considerable emergency sums to suppress the rebellion raised by Charles II’s eldest illegitimate son, the duke of Monmouth in June 1685. James’ army of professio


Thought to be the strongest of all dog breeds and certainly the strongest swimmer, which dog, originally bred in Canada, is noteable for its waterproof coat and webbed feet?

Dog Breeds - K9 TRAINING SERVICES - K9 BEHAVIOURAL SPECIALIST K9 TRAINING SERVICES - K9 BEHAVIOURAL SPECIALIST Akita BACKGROUND The exact origin of the Akita remains unknown. Through skeletal remains and carbon dating, it was traced to 500 BC, although the Akita's specific breed history has only been recorded for the past 350 years. The Akita was also known as the Odate dog – named after the rugged mountainous area of Odate in the prefecture of Akita, on the island of Honshu. As fishing has always been a major Japanese industry, the Akita, with its webbed feet and thick water-resistant coat, readily became the fishermen's workmate. Akitas were then used as cattle dogs, seeing-eye dogs for the blind, sled pullers and police dogs. They were also utilised as "babysitters" looking after children while their mothers worked in the rice fields. They first arrived in Australia in 1982. AVERAGE LIFESPAN These proud dogs often live to eight years of age, but Akitas treated correctly and fed the proper nutrition can live up to 10 years. BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT The Akita very much personifies the enigmatic character of the Orient.A dignified, proud, and courageous dog with a fearless yet steady disposition which does not lose control when confronted with unusual or sudden stress situations. Even as a puppy it displays a certain dignity. It is an ever-patient playmate for children and a no-nonsense protector of family and home. Most of all, in the hands of suitable owners it is a joy to own. COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS Tends to show dominance over other dogs. CARE REQUIREMENTS The Akita loses its coat twice, sometimes three times a year and this is definitely something to consider if you are looking for a dog to live inside the house with you and your family. It requires extensive amounts of exercise and obedience training – this is a breed that needs to learn, from a young age, who is the "leader of the pack". When the Akita loses its coat, its fur literally drops out. At this time it is almost impossible to have it in the house with you so it is necessary to provide an outside fenced area with a warm, dry bed. IDEAL OWNERS Those who accept the challenge and understand what is required to do justice to this breed will be rewarded with a loyal and loving animal.   Afghan Hound BACKGROUND In the country from which the breed derives its name, the Afghan hound is regarded, though unofficially, as the "national" dog. Native Afghans also uphold the belief that the Afghan is the dog portrayed on the cave walls in the northern province of Balkh, which is why the Afghan has also been called the Balkh Hound. The Afghan hound is a sight hound, rather than a hunter by scent. It has exceptional vision and great speed, both of which were used in the hunt for prey. Its thick, luxurious coat protected it against the extreme cold of the upper snow regions, while also shielding it from the merciless sun as it roamed the desert. Its huge thickly padded paws and powerful hindquarters gave the Afghan hound equal ability to skim across hot desert sands or to scale rocky hilltops in mountainous terrain. [ Afghan Puppies ] AVERAGE LIFESPAN Afghan Hounds will often live up to 13 years of age, but with the proper care and nutrition can live up to 15 years of age. BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT The breed is said to have a good, but aloof personality. These dogs are loyal and extremely manageable as adults, however, this is not to say that as puppies they do not have "their moments". On the whole, though, this is a breed that is extremely good with children, whether introduced to the home as a puppy or an adult, and it will adapt readily to the household routine. Afghans should never be off the lead outside their own environment because once the eyes spot a target, the ears "switch off". COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS As adaptable as Afghans are, they do need to be brought up among the animals they will spend time with. Remember they were bred as sight hounds and i


The name of which chemical element is derived from the Greek for 'colour'?

Chromium   - Element information, properties and uses | Periodic Table Chemistry in its element: chromium (Promo) You're listening to Chemistry in its element brought to you by Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry. (End promo) Meera Senthilingam This week an element that adds sparkle and value to minerals, through the colourful characteristics of its compounds. Christopher Blanford In the Western world, the colourful history of chromium begins, suitably enough, at the far end of the visible spectrum with a red-orange mineral that was named "Siberian red lead" by its discoverer, the 18th-century geologist Johann Lehmann. Although Mendeleev's periodic table was still almost a century away at this time, scientists around the world were rapidly discovering new elements - 30% of the naturally occurring elements were first isolated between 1775 and 1825. It was in the middle of this surge of discovery, over 35 years after Siberian red lead was first found that the French chemist Louis Vauquelin showed that this mineral, now known as crocoite, contained a previously unknown chemical element. It took Vauquelin several steps to isolate chromium. First he mixed the crocoite solution with potassium carbonate to precipitate out the lead. Then he decomposed the lemon yellow chromate intermediate in acid, and finally removed the compounded oxygen by heating with carbon - leaving behind elemental chromium. The name for this new element was debated among his friends, who suggested "chrome" from the Greek word for colour because of the colouration of its compounds. Although he objected to this name at first because the metal itself had no characteristic colour, his friends' views won out. When Vauquelin exhibited his pale grey metal to the French Academy of Sciences, he commented on the metal's brittleness, resistance to acids and incapability of being melted. He thought these properties made it overly difficult to work with and thus limited its applications as a metal. He did suggest, however, that chromium's compounds would be widely used as beautiful, brilliantly coloured pigments. A browse through images of chromium compounds on Wikipedia shows a whole spectrum of colours: dark red chromium(VI) oxide, orange-red lead chromate, bright yellow sodium chromate, brilliant chrome green (that's chrome(III) oxide), light blue chromium(II) chloride, and violet anhydrous chromium(III) chloride. The last of these compounds shows an amazing property when hydrated. Its colour changes between pale green, dark green and violet depending on how many of the chromium ion's six coordination sites are occupied by chloride rather than water. Of all these pigments, one of them stands out. I'm a chemist who was born, raised and schooled in the Midwestern United States, so the iconic yellow school buses in North America were familiar sights. Chrome yellow, also known as "school bus yellow", was adopted in 1939 for all U.S. school buses to provide high contrast and visibility in twilight hours. However, the presence of both toxic lead and hexavalent chromium of Erin Brockovitch fame has led to it being largely replaced by a family of azo dyes, known as Pigment Yellows, though chrome yellow is still used in some marine and industrial applications. Of all chromium's natural occurrences, my favourites are gemstones, where a trace of the element adds a blaze of colour. As corundum, beryl, and crysoberyl, these metal oxides are colourless and obscure minerals. But add a dash of chromium, and they become ruby, emerald and alexandrite. The chemist's tool of crystal-field theory, which models the electronic structure of transition metal complexes, provides a surprisingly accurate way of describing and predicting the source and variability of colour in chromium's compounds. In ruby - which is aluminium oxide with a few parts per thousand of the aluminium ions are replaced by chromium(III) ions - the chromium atoms are surrounded by six oxygen atoms. This means that the chromium atoms strongly absorb light in the violet and yellow-green re


Also the name of a popular TV character, who was the father of the apostles John the Evangelist and James the Greater?

Keeping them straight: James the Greater and James the Less |   The New Theological Movement Keeping them straight: James the Greater and James the Less St. James the Greater, of Compostela July 25th, Feast of St. James the Greater “St. James the Apostle, brother of blessed John the Evangelist, who was beheaded by Herod Agrippa about the time of the Paschal Feast, being the first of the Apostles to receive the crown of martyrdom. His sacred bones were translated on this day from Jerusalem to Spain, and buried in the furthest parts of that country, in Galicia, and are piously venerated with great honour by the people of that country, and by the mighty concourse of Christians who go thither to perform their religious duties and vows.” (from the Roman Martyrology) Devout Catholics often feel a certain anxiety when a feast of one of the St. James-es occurs. We often wonder: Which James is this again? And what did that James do? And how many Jameses are there anyways? There are, in fact, as many as five different Jameses presented in the Scripture – and to these, there are also many extra-canonical traditions regarding the Jameses. In this little article, we will not so much attempt to give all the scriptural and patristic proofs of the general tradition, but will instead strive to put forward (clearly and concisely) the scriptural and traditional accounts about the different Jameses. The five important James-figures in Scripture The name "James" in the New Testament is borne by several: 1. James, the son of Zebedee — Apostle, brother of John, Apostle; also called "James the Greater". 2. James, the son of Alpheus, Apostle — Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13. 3. James, the brother of the Lord — Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:19. Without a shadow of doubt, he must be identified with the James of Galatians 2:2 and 2:9; Acts 12:17, 15:13 sqq. and 21:18; and 1 Corinthians 15:7. 4. James, the son of Mary, brother of Joseph (or Joses) — Mark 15:40 (where he is called "the little", not the "less", as in the D.V., nor the "lesser"); Matthew 27:56. Probably the son of Cleophas or Clopas (John 19:25) where "Maria Cleophæ" is generally translated "Mary the wife of Cleophas", as married women are commonly distinguished by the addition of their husband's name. 5. James, the brother of Jude — Jude 1:1. Most Catholic commentators identify Jude with the "Judas Jacobi", the "brother of James" (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13), called thus because his brother James was better known than himself in the primitive Church. [taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia on “James the Less”] Additionally, we know of James who wrote the Letter of St. James, James the bishop of Jerusalem, James who is regularly mentioned together with Peter and John, James whose bones are in Compostela (Spain), and James who is buried in Rome (at Dodici Apostoli). The Church has recognized, in all these James-figures, only two men – who were related as uncle and nephew. James the Less (uncle of James the Greater) The general consensus of the Fathers, Doctors and theologians is that James the Less is the “James” of 2-5 (from the above list), as well as the Bishop of Jerusalem, the author of the Letter of St. James, and who is buried in Rome. This James is the brother (rather, cousin) of the Lord (through both Joseph and Mary), the son of Cleophas (aka Alphaeus, who met Christ on the way to Emmaus and was brother to Joseph the spouse of Mary) and Mary of Alphaeus (the sister of the Virgin Mary), the brother also of Mary Salome, and also the brother of Jude the Apostle, called the Less or the little. This James is also called “James the Just”. His feast is on May 3rd (May 11th in the 1962 calendar, though traditionally on May 1st), together with St. Philip. James the Greater (nephew of James the Less) This is the first James (1) from the above list – James the Greater, the brother of John the Evangelist. James the Greater is called “Greater” as a means of distinguishing him from James the Less (who is called “the Less” from Mark 15:40). This is James who is regularly men


Mount Cook is the highest point in which Commonwealth country?

An Overview and Geography of New Zealand Area: 103,737 square miles (268,680 sq km) Coastline: 9,404 miles (15,134 km) Official Languages: English and Maori Highest Point: Mount Cook (Aoraki) at 12,349 ft (3,764 m) New Zealand is an island country located 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia in Oceania. It consists of several islands, the largest of which are the North, the South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. The country has a liberal political history, gained early prominence in women's rights and has a good record in ethic relations, especially with its native Maori. In addition, New Zealand is sometimes called the "Green Island" because its population has high environmental awareness and its low population density gives the country a large amount of pristine wilderness and a high level of biodiversity. History of New Zealand In 1642, Abel Tasman, a Dutch Explorer, was the first European to discover New Zealand. He was also the first person to attempt mapping the islands with his sketches of the North and South islands. continue reading below our video 10 Best Universities in the United States In 1769, Captain James Cook reached the islands and became the first European to land on them. He also began a series of three South Pacific voyages where he extensively studied the area's coastline. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries Europeans began to officially settle on New Zealand. These settlements consisted of several lumbering, seal hunting and whaling outposts. The first independent European colony was not established until 1840, when the United Kingdom took of the islands. This led to several wars between the British and the native Maori. On February 6, 1840, both parties signed the Treaty of Waitangi , which promised to protect Maori lands if the tribes recognized British control. Shortly after signing this treaty though, British encroachment on Maori lands continued and wars between the Maori and British grew stronger during the 1860s with the Maori land wars. Prior to these wars constitutional government began to develop during the 1850s. In 1867, the Maori were allowed to reserve seats in the developing parliament. During the late 19th century, parliamentary government became well established and women were given the right to vote in 1893. Government of New Zealand Today, New Zealand has a parliamentary governmental structure and is considered an independent part of the Commonwealth of Nations . It has no formal written constitution and was formally declared a dominion in 1907. Branches of Government in New Zealand New Zealand has three branches of government, the first of which is the executive. This branch is headed by Queen Elizabeth II who serves as the chief of state but is represented by a governor general. The prime minister, who serves as the head of government, and the cabinet are also a part of the executive branch. The second branch of government is the legislative branch. It is composed of the parliament. The third is the four-level branch comprised of District Courts, High Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. In addition, New Zealand has specialized courts, one of which is the Maori Land Court. New Zealand is divided into 12 regions and 74 districts, both of which have elected councils, as well as several community boards and special-purpose bodies. New Zealand's Industry and Land Use One of the largest industries in New Zealand is that of grazing and agriculture. From 1850 to 1950, much of the North Island was cleared for these purposes and since then, the rich pastures present in the area have allowed for successful sheep grazing. Today, New Zealand is one of the world's main exporters of wool, cheese, butter and meat. Additionally, New Zealand is large producer of several types of fruit, including kiwi, apples and grapes. In addition, industry has also grown in New Zealand and the top industries are food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, mining and tourism. Geography and Climate of New Zealand New Zealand cons


Colin Firth was nominated for an 'Oscar' for Best Actor this year for his role as 'George Falconer' in which film?

Colin Firth takes the best actor crown at the Oscars | Film | The Guardian Colin Firth Colin Firth takes the best actor crown at the Oscars British star Colin Firth beats Jeff Bridges and Jesse Eisenberg to Oscar with portrayal of King George VI in The King's Speech Sunday 27 February 2011 23.25 EST First published on Sunday 27 February 2011 23.25 EST Close This article is 5 years old British actor Colin Firth has won the best actor Oscar for his role in The King's Speech. Firth was the clear bookies' favourite going into the ceremony, having previously picked up acting prizes at the Baftas and the Golden Globes. In The King's Speech Firth stars as stuttering George VI, who finds his voice in the run-up to the second world war. The 50-year-old actor was nominated last year for his turn in Tom Ford's A Single Man only to lose out to Jeff Bridges. Tonight, however, the tables were turned. Firth emerged victorious from a field that included Bridges (True Grit), Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), James Franco (127 Hours) and Javier Bardem (Biutiful).


Living to an age of 962 years, who was the second oldest person in the Bible?

Who was the oldest man in the Bible? Who was the oldest man in the Bible?   Subscribe to our Question of the Week : Question: "Who was the oldest man in the Bible?" Answer: Genesis chapter 5 lists nine men who had very long lives. How and why they lived such long lives is not specifically said. Adam lived 930 years (Genesis 5:5). Seth lived 912 years (Genesis 5:8). Enosh lived 905 years (Genesis 5:11). Kenan lived 910 years (Genesis 5:14). Mahalalel lived 895 years (Genesis 5:17). Jared lived 962 years (Genesis 5:20). Enoch lived 365 years before God took him (Genesis 5:22–24). Lamech lived 777 years (Genesis 5:21). Genesis 9:29 records that Noah lived 950 years. But the oldest man in the Bible, outliving all the rest, is a man named Methuselah , who lived 969 years (Genesis 5:27). There may have been someone in the antediluvian days who outlived Methuselah, but the Bible has no record of anyone older. Very little is said about Methuselah other than he was the grandfather of Noah. There are two possible meanings of Methuselah’s name: “man of the spear” and “his death shall bring.” There is a tradition outside of the Bible that Enoch, Methuselah’s father, was given a revelation from God that the Flood would not come until his son died. If this is true, Methuselah’s name would essentially mean “his death shall bring the Flood.” The biblical math backs this up, as Methuselah died the same year the Flood occurred. Methuselah fathered Lamech when he was 187 years old (Genesis 5:25). Lamech fathered Noah when he was 182 years old (Genesis 5:28). The Flood occurred when Noah was 600 years old (Genesis 7:6). 187 + 182 + 600 = 969, which is the age Methuselah was when he died. So it appears there may be an interesting story behind the oldest man in the Bible, Methuselah, and why he lived exactly 969 years. In the 2014 movie Noah, Methuselah is portrayed as sort of an eccentric witch doctor. While the Bible says nothing about Methuselah to confirm or deny this portrayal, it seems highly unlikely, considering the family line from Adam to Noah recorded in Genesis 5 is the “righteous” line who obeyed the Lord God. There is very little we can know for sure about Methuselah, the oldest man in the Bible. He lived 969 years and apparently died the same year the Flood occurred. He was the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Adam and the grandfather of Noah. He was likely a godly man to have been blessed by God with such a long lifespan.


Mount Logan is the highest point in which Commonwealth country?

Canada – Mount Logan – Country Highpoints Mt Logan – 19,551ft. Highest point in Canada via King Trench Eric and Matthew Gilbertson May 4-18, 2015 – 15 days plane to plane. First to reach summit in 2015. 18 people total reached summit this year. On the summit We gave ourselves a month to climb Mt Logan, the highest mountain in Canada, and were lucky enough to finish the climb with almost 2 extra weeks to spare. We made good use of this time, packrafting the Jarvis, Kaskawulsh, and Alsek rivers in Kluane National Park for 9 days, getting a helicopter ride out, then renting a car and driving the remote Dempster Highway to the Arctic Circle and into Northwest Territories. Schedule: Day 0: Sat May 2: Fly to Whitehorse, Yukon, buy and repackage a bunch of food, stay in cheap hotel. Day 1: Wait for late luggage to arrive at Whitehorse, shuttle to Kluane Lake Icefields Discovery landing strip, wait for other group ahead to be flown in (only one 2-seater plane). Sleep in hangar overnight. Day 2: Flight onto glacier, camp at 9,300’. Day 3: Move camp to 10,900’, drop cache at 12,100’. Day 4: Move camp to King Col (13,500’), retrieving cache on way. Day 5: Storm, rest at camp. Day 6: Storm, rest at camp. Day 7: Storm, rest at camp. Day 8: Short breakup of storm, drop cache at 14,500’. Day 9: Storm resumes, rest at camp. Day 10: Move camp to Football Field, 16,000’. Day 11: Pick up cache from 14,500’. Day 12: Move camp with 4-days of food/fuel to Windy Camp 17,200’. Day 13: Move to Plateau Camp 16,600’. Day 14: Saturday May 16: Summit day, return to Plateau Camp. Day 15: Hike/sled all the way back to base camp. Day 16: 8am flight back to Kluane Lake, repack and redeploy on 9-day packrafting trip down Jarvis/Kaskawulsh/Alsek rivers with extra time. “Can we stop for another breather?” I yelled up to Matthew. I was exhausted after wading through deep snow for the last three hours while making seemingly no progress up the steep slope. We were each hauling about 60 pounds of gear to cache higher up on the mountain, and it was tough work. We split the gear up between backpacks and sleds, but had to strike a balance – too much gear on our backs made us sink deeper into the snow, but too much in the sleds pulled us back down the slope. In the end we endured both sinking in and getting pulled down the slope by our sleds. “Yeah, but now it’s your turn to break trail,” Matthew shouted back. It was Day 8 of our expedition on Mt Logan, and we had just ridden out a three-day storm at King Col at 13,500 ft. We were taking advantage of a brief clearing to try to haul some gear up and over the headwall, the steepest part of the King Trench route. But the storm had dumped a lot of fresh snow, and progress was painfully slow. “At this rate it’ll be another two weeks before we reach the top!” I said. — Day 0 Matthew and I converged on Whitehorse, Yukon at 2pm Saturday May 2, after the culmination of over a year of planning. We were trying to climb the highest mountain in all 23 countries in North America, and had saved Canada for our second to last country. This trip had been on the verge of fruition in the spring of 2014 – we were days away from buying our plane tickets – but alas, my PhD thesis committee decided I needed a little bit more work before I could graduate, and the post-graduation mountaineering would have to wait. We postponed the trip until 2015, and some major logistical changes occurred in the meantime. Prior to Spring 2015, parties launched Mt Logan expeditions from one of four places – Ultima Thule Lodge, AK, Yakutat, AK, Haines, AK, and Kluane Lake, Yukon. All expeditions launching from Alaska needed, and customarily received, permission from US and Canadian customs officials to cross the border at an un-patrolled location (the middle of a glacier). Generally mountaineers were dropped off by ski plane just on the US side of the border on the Quintino-Sella glacier and walked across into Canada. Launching from the US side had the advantage that the weather was generally more stable than from the Kluane Lake side, meaning you could fly


The 2001 film 'Blackhawk Down' told the story of a US

Black Hawk Down (2001) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error 160 elite U.S. soldiers drop into Somalia to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord and find themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis. Director: From $9.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 39 titles created 03 Sep 2011 a list of 23 titles created 18 Mar 2013 a list of 35 titles created 12 Jun 2013 a list of 23 titles created 08 Jan 2014 a list of 35 titles created 5 months ago Title: Black Hawk Down (2001) 7.7/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won     2     Oscars. Another    8 wins & 37 nominations. See more awards  » Videos A Russian and a German sniper play a game of cat-and-mouse during the Battle of Stalingrad. Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud A tale of war and romance mixed in with history. The story follows two lifelong friends and a beautiful nurse who are caught up in the in the horror of an infamous Sunday morning in 1941. Director: Michael Bay Balian of Ibelin travels to Jerusalem during the crusades of the 12th century, and there he finds himself as the defender of the city and its people. Director: Ridley Scott Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son. Director: Roland Emmerich     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.6/10 X   Marcus Luttrell and his team set out on a mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shah, in late June 2005. Marcus and his team are left to fight for their lives in one of the most valiant efforts of modern warfare. Director: Peter Berg The story of the first major battle of the American phase of the Vietnam War and the soldiers on both sides that fought it. Director: Randall Wallace An American military advisor embraces the Samurai culture he was hired to destroy after he is captured in battle. Director: Edward Zwick     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.3/10 X   Navy S.E.A.L. sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind. Director: Clint Eastwood A dramatization of the 20 July assassination and political coup plot by desperate renegade German Army officers against Hitler during World War II. Director: Bryan Singer In 12th century England, Robin and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power. Director: Ridley Scott During the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work. Director: Kathryn Bigelow A grizzled tank commander makes tough decisions as he and his crew fight their way across Germany in April, 1945. Director: David Ayer Edit Storyline Action/war drama based on the best-selling book detailing a near-disastrous mission in Somalia on October 3, 1993. On this date nearly 100 U.S. Army Rangers, commanded by Capt. Mike Steele, were dropped by helicopter deep into the capital city of Mogadishu to capture two top lieutenants of a Somali warlord. This led to a large and drawn-out firefight between the Army Ranges, US Special Forces, and hundreds of Somali gunmen; resulting in the destruction of two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters. The film focuses on the heroic efforts of various Rangers to get to the downed black hawks, centering on SSG. Eversmann, leading the Ranger unit Chalk Four to the first black hawk crash site, Chief Warrant Officer Durant who was captured after being the only survivor of the second black hawk crash, as well as many others who were involved. Written by Matthew Patay: revised by Co


Which future American President was imprisoned by the British during the American War of Independence?

Andrew Jackson During the American Revolutionary War Essay - 771 Words Essay about American Civ Andrew Jackson ...Cordaveous brown Dr. Dallin American civilization 150 4/7/15 Andrew Jacksons print on America  President Andrew Jackson, considered by some to be the greatest American President during his American presidency term, but some of his actions sparked a lot of controversial thoughts. President Jackson accomplished much for America, most of President Jackson’s... 1718  Words | 7  Pages The Revolutionary War against British for American Freedom Essay ... The Revolutionary War President John F. Kennedy once that said “Life is Unfair”? Well for the Colonist this was very much accurate. A revolution is a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system.Throughout history there has been many revolution with people and the government.They are govern through a powerful system and eventually want change and justice.This is what happened between Great Britain and Colonial America.Considering... 786  Words | 3  Pages An Essay on the Effectiveness of the Americans During the Revolutionary War ...An essay on the effectiveness of the Americans during the Revolutionary war I. INTRODUCTION The United States’ policy was to govern the Philippine Archipelago for the common welfare of the Filipino people and to train the Filipinos for self-governance. The United States was hoping that the Filipino people would be capable of independence someday. President Mckinley assure that the Philippines are theirs, and so it should not be... 1055  Words | 3  Pages Andrew Jackson and the Bank War Essay ...The validity of President Andrew Jackson's response to the Bank War issue has been contradicted by many, but his reasoning was supported by fact and inevitably beneficial to the country. Jackson's primary involvement with the Second Bank of the United States arose during the suggested governmental re-chartering of the institution. It was during this period that the necessity and value of the Bank's services were questioned.  The... 2395  Words | 7  Pages Andrew Jackson True American Essay ...Andrew Jackson was the first "peoples president". His humble frontier heritage and heroic title won support throughout the nation. Jackson was in touch with the common man and had respect for him. This for once, allowed the "people" to have a more dominant role in government, which is something that America prides itself upon today. His Presidency was plagued with controversy, but President Jackson used his power as President to unite a... 1613  Words | 5  Pages Andrew Jackson Essay ... Andrew Jackson was born into poverty. However throughout his life, he began to change that as he was quickly making a name for himself. Before he knew it, his leadership in many national conflicts earned him a heroic reputation. “He would become America’s most influential and polarizing political figure during the 1820s and 1830s” CITATION And \n \l 1033 (Andrew Jackson). Andrew Jackson was... 595  Words | 1  Pages Essay on The American Revolutionary War ...The American Revolutionary War The American Revolutionary War was a very important war. This war allowed the English colonies to gain independence from the country Britain. The war established an independent country which is now called the United States of  America. Events leading to the war helped our nation form a new... 796  Words | 3  Pages American Revolutionary War and Its Struggles Essay ...set forth by sailing west to get to Asia. Spain, England and France all looked for trade routes to Asia. Columbus suggested crossing the Atlantic believing he would hit Asia, not knowing that there would be a country in his way. Every country was at “war” claiming land and trying to colonize. A numbering amount of men died and neglected their expedition by living with other tribes and taking some for wives. Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 discovered Florida and was later met by a... 1767  Words | 5  Pages


Which British architect designed the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg?

The European Court of Human Rights The European Court of Human Rights The European Court of Human Rights / The European Court of Human Rights The European Court of Human Rights is an international court set up in 1959. It rules on individual or State applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. Since 1998 it has sat as a full-time court and individuals can apply to it directly. In almost fifty years the Court has delivered more than 10,000 judgments. These are binding on the countries concerned and have led governments to alter their legislation and administrative practice in a wide range of areas. The Court's case-law makes the Convention a powerful living instrument for meeting new challenges and consolidating the rule of law and democracy in Europe. The Court is based in Strasbourg, in the Human Rights Building designed by the British architect Lord Richard Rogers in 1994 – a building whose image is known worldwide. From here, the Court monitors respect for the human rights of 800 million Europeans in the 47 Council of Europe member States that have ratified the Convention. How the Court works Registry Article 25 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides that: "The Court shall have a registry, the functions and organisation of which shall be laid down in the Rules of Court." The task of the Registry is to provide legal and administrative support to the Court in the exercise of its judicial functions. It is therefore composed of lawyers, administrative and technical staff and translators. There are currently some 640 staff members of the Registry, 270 lawyers and 370 other support staff (see the Organisation Chart below). Registry staff members are staff members of the Council of Europe, the Court's parent organisation, and are subject to the Council of Europe's Staff Regulations. Approximately half the Registry staff are employed on contracts of unlimited duration and may be expected to pursue a career in the Registry or in other parts of the Council of Europe. They are recruited on the basis of open competitions. All members of the Registry are required to adhere to strict conditions as to their independence and impartiality.The head of the Registry (under the authority of the President of the Court) is the Registrar, who is elected by the Plenary Court (Article 25 (e) of the Convention). He/She is assisted by one or more Deputy Registrars, likewise elected by the Plenary Court. Each of the Court's five judicial Sections is assisted by a Section Registrar and a Deputy Section Registrar. The principal function of the Registry is to process and prepare for adjudication applications lodged by individuals with the Court. The Registry's lawyers are divided into 31 case-processing divisions, each of which is assisted by an administrative team. The lawyers prepare files and analytical notes for the Judges. They also correspond with the parties on procedural matters. They do not themselves decide cases. Cases are assigned to the different divisions on the basis of knowledge of the language and legal system concerned. The documents prepared by the Registry for the Court are all drafted in one of its two official languages (English and French). In addition to its case-processing divisions, the Registry has divisions dealing with the following sectors of activity: information technology; case-law information and publications; research and the library; just satisfaction; press and public relations; language department and internal administration. It also has a central office, which handles mail, files and archives.


Which English queen is said to haunt the library at Windsor Castle?

Seeks Ghosts: The Royal Ghosts of Windsor Castle Monday, October 7, 2013 The Royal Ghosts of Windsor Castle Windsor Castle located in Berkshire England is the oldest and largest castle in the world. It has been continuously occupied for almost 1000 years. It is the official residence of the British monarchy.  Today 500 people live and work in Windsor. Witnesses state that several ghostly former members of the English royal family also reside in the castle.  In the 16th century King Henry Vlll ruled Britain and Wales. * His ghost has been heard wandering the castle’s halls and corridors. He is heard groaning and dragging his ulcerated leg in the Cloisters which is the condition that eventually caused his death in 1547.  Several witnesses have described him as “being a large anxious, angry man” he is heard pacing back and forth and sometimes he is heard shouting.  A more recent sighting occurred in the mid 1970s. Castle guards saw the former monarch walk through the battlements. Later they were told that there used to be a door at the spot they saw his ghost disappear. Henry Vlll had two of his wives beheaded, Anne Boleyn who is also seen at Winsor and her cousin Catherine Howard who haunts Hampton Court which I wrote about in another post.  Anne not able to give Henry a son and heir was found guilty of treason, adultery and witchcraft. She was executed at the Tower of London in 1536. Her ghost has been seen in the Dean’s Cloister at Windsor.  She is spotted peering through windows. Some have stated she appeared to be sad, others have stated they saw her weeping. One fanciful legend states she is seen running holding her head under her arm. King Henry’s youngest daughter, Queen Elizabeth l is said to haunt the royal library at Winsor.  Witnesses have heard the sound of her clicking heels as she moves around this wood floor room. She is seen wearing a black dress and shawl.  Both members of the royal family and staff had seen her ghost over the years. One witness, King George lll not only saw her he talked to her. She told him that she was Elizabeth and that she “was married to England.” One hundred years after this encounter Edward Vll told his mistress that he had seen her ghost. He described her dressed all in black stating she resembled the “the great tudor queen.”  Princess Margaret also saw Elizabeth’s ghost. In recent years a guard saw her ghost, he followed her to the library where she then just disappeared as he watched her.  She is considered a harbinger because she has appeared just before war breaks out. George Vl saw her several nights in a row just as World War ll began. Another English king seen at Windsor is George lll. He suffered from mental illness during his reign in the 1700s. When he had bad spells he was kept from prying eyes in a room located below the library.  His ghost was often seen during the Victorian era standing at the libraries’ windows or in the doorway.  Military Guardsmen at Windsor have seen his ghost staring down at them from a window as they perform their various duties. Several have admitted to being rattled by this strange sight.  Other witnesses have heard him mutter a phrase he was fond of saying while alive, "What, what?' He was unhappy in life but some witnesses have stated that they actually saw his ghost smiling. The last royal known to haunt Winsor is Queen Victoria. Ironically, while alive she attempted to get rid of a ghost that hundreds of people had seen over a period of 250 years. **  Herne the Hunter, Richard ll's forester hung himself from an oak tree because he was dismissed from service. Witnesses have seen him wearing deer skins and a helmet adorned with antlers.  In the 1860s Queen Victoria had this tree chopped down and then she burned the logs as fire wood in an attempt to get rid of his spirit--it didn't work.   Her ghost made an appearance during Edward’s Vlll's very brief reign.  A short time after his father died he started to modify the Windsor grounds at the request of his lover, Wallace Simpson whom he abdicated the throne for. She requested several spruce


The British Open Championships of which sport are held annually at Cowdray Park in West Sussex?

Cowdray Park Polo Club Over 100 years of Polo COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open Championships 2017 - June 27 – 23 July SEE OUR NEW FIXTURES FOR THE 2017 SEASON 2017 SEASON Welcome to Cowdray Park Polo Club recognised worldwide as the Home of British Polo. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within Viscount Cowdray’s 16,500 acre estate in West Sussex. The 2016 polo season has now finished, and will restart on the 29th April 2017. News


In which sport does the '40/20 Rule' reward excellence in kicking?

Rugby League Playing Guide Rugby League Playing Guide Introduction Each Rugby League team has 13 players & 4 substitutes available at any time in the game. Each team is made up of 7 'backs' and 6 'forwards'. The backs are generally regarded as the attacking players and usually have more pace than the bigger more powerful forwards who are usually the 'yard' makers. On-field Positions   Object Of The Game: For one team to score more points than the other team. A team can score points through scoring a 'try' or kicking a 'goal'. Each team in effect, is given six tackles or chances to score. If after six tackles they have not achieved this then the ball is given to the other team who then also have the chance to score with six tackles. If a team has not scored by the fifth/last tackle then the 'acting half-back' will generally pass the ball to the teams 'kicker' who will punt the ball downfield in order to gain 'territorial advantage'. The only disadvantage to this tactic is that if the ball goes out of play on the 'full' before bouncing, the opposition gain possession of the ball form where the kick was originally made. It becomes slightly more complicated than this, but if you grasp this concept then you will have a greater understanding of the game. Key phrases and terms A Try A try is worth four points and is scored when one team's player touches the ball down over the goal line/try line of the opposition . A conversion follows and is worth two points if successful. This is achieved by kicking the ball over the cross bar and between the goal posts. For a try and conversion a team will thus score 6 points. Forward Pass/knock on The ball can only be passed in a backwards motion between players. Therefore, if the ball is passed in a forward motion towards the opponents goal-line or knocked forward by the attacking team when attempting to catch it, then play will stop and will be re-started with a scrum awarded to the opposing team. Scrum The two sets of 'Forwards' (six from each team) lock together and the ball is put into the middle by the "Scrum-half" of the team that have been awarded the scrum (called the feed). In modern day rugby, the team feeding the scrum will nearly always win possession from the scrum. Play The Ball After a tackle is made, the tackled player restarts the action and the next "tackle" by standing upright and rolling the ball through his legs to a team-mate stood directly behind him. The opposing team must stand at least 10 metres in front of the player when this is taking place. Offside Several different types but the most common is when at least one member of the opposing defending team, encroaches within the ten metres at the play the ball - a penalty will result. This offence usually leads to the greatest number of penalties within a game and causes the most distress amongst the fans! Penalty Awarded for any foul or rule contravention. The team awarded the penalty can either kick for goal, or kick for touch and take six more tackles level with where the ball landed in touch or continue with six more tackles. Acting half-back This is a player from the attacking team who picks up the ball immediately following a play the ball and passes it to a team mate or makes an attacking run. He is generally the hooker. Advantage Allowing the advantage means allowing play to proceed if it is to the advantage of the team which has not committed an offence or infringement. Blood-bin Occurs when a player has blood showing or flowing from a wound. The referee instructs the player to leave the pitch in order to clear up the blood injury so that it is not visible. The player may leave the field for a maximum period of 10 minutes. Any longer and this temporary substitution becomes a permanent one. Dead Ball Means that the ball is out of play. i.e. the field of play. Drop Goal his type of kick is worth one point to a team if kicked successfully. Sometimes referred to as a field goal, this is a goal scored by propelling the ball on the full, over the cross bar by drop kicking it. Dummy The pretence of passing or otherw


Falco subbuteo is the scientific name for which member of the falcon family?

Falco subbuteo (Eurasian Hobby, European Hobby, Hobby) Falco subbuteo  Eurasian Hobby, Hobby, European Hobby French – Faucon hobereau Taxonomic Source(s): del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A. and Fishpool, L.D.C. 2014. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International, Barcelona, Spain and Cambridge, UK. Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Khwaja, N. & Ashpole, J Justification: This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over 10 years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in 10 years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. Previously published Red List assessments: 2015 – Least Concern (LC) Countries occurrence: Native: Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Andorra; Angola (Angola); Armenia (Armenia); Austria; Azerbaijan; Bahrain; Bangladesh; Belarus; Belgium; Benin; Bhutan; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Botswana; Bulgaria; Burkina Faso; Burundi; China; Congo, The Democratic Republic of the; Côte d'Ivoire; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Djibouti; Egypt; Eritrea; Estonia; Ethiopia; Finland; France; Gabon; Gambia; Georgia; Germany; Gibraltar; Greece; Hong Kong; Hungary; India; Iran, Islamic Republic of; Iraq; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Korea, Democratic People's Republic of; Korea, Republic of; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Latvia; Lebanon; Liberia; Libya; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of; Malawi; Maldives; Mali; Malta; Mauritania; Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Nepal; Netherlands; Nigeria; Norway; Oman; Pakistan; Palestinian Territory, Occupied; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Romania; Russian Federation; Rwanda; Saudi Arabia; Serbia (Serbia); Seychelles; Slovakia; Slovenia; Somalia; South Africa; South Sudan; Spain (Canary Is.); Sudan; Swaziland; Sweden; Switzerland; Syrian Arab Republic; Tajikistan; Tanzania, United Republic of; Thailand; Togo; Tunisia; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Uganda; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; Uzbekistan; Viet Nam; Yemen; Zambia; Zimbabwe Vagrant: Cameroon; Canada; Chad; Faroe Islands; Ghana; Guinea; Iceland; Indonesia; Lesotho; Malaysia; Senegal; Singapore; Taiwan, Province of China; Timor-Leste; United States (Georgia - Native) Present - origin uncertain: ♦ Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Unknown ♦ Extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (AOO): No ♦ Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) - km2: 49300000 ♦ Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Unknown ♦ Extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (EOO): No ♦ Continuing decline in number of locations: Unknown ♦ Extreme fluctuations in the number of locations: No Population [top] Population: The European population is estimated at 92,100-147,000 pairs, which equates to 184,000-295,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015). Europe forms approximately 30% of the global range, so a very preliminary estimate of the global population size is 613,000-983,000 mature individuals, although further validation of this estimate is needed. The population is therefore placed in the band 500,000-999,999 mature individuals. Trend Justification:  The population is declining locally owing to habitat loss (del Hoyo et al. 1994). In Europe the population size


Which South African was a member of the British War Cabinet between June 1917 and January 1919?

British War Cabinet holds emergency meeting in London - Jun 08, 1917 - HISTORY.com British War Cabinet holds emergency meeting in London Share this: British War Cabinet holds emergency meeting in London Author British War Cabinet holds emergency meeting in London URL Publisher A+E Networks On this day in 1917, early in the fourth summer of World War I, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George calls an emergency meeting of his War Cabinet in London to discuss plans for an upcoming British offensive against the Germans on the Western Front. With Russia wracked by revolution and mutinies spreading within the French army after the disastrous Nivelle Offensive in the spring of 1917, the British planned their own offensive, led by General Douglas Haig, to begin that June 10. One prominent member of the cabinet, South African Defense Minister Jan Smuts, had been advocating the earliest possible launch of the offensive, arguing that to delay would mean the Germans would “have time to recover their spirits?. If we could not break the enemy’s front we might break his heart.” At the War Cabinet meeting on June 8, Lloyd George and his ministers heard Smuts’ argument; the prime minister, however, proposed that the offensive be postponed, and that Britain consider “the possibility of a separate peace with Austria,” the purpose of which would be to isolate Germany and put pressure on the kaiser to end the war. Why should Britain alone seek to bear the entire burden of the war, Lloyd George reasoned, when “the French were finding it difficult to go on, and their reserves physically and mentally exhausted?” Smuts urged his colleagues to consult Haig, then in the field, on the viability of the offensive. When the general expressed a vague hopefulness, he was summoned to London to explain in detail his outlook. Arriving on June 19, Haig explained to Lloyd George and other skeptics his belief that Germany was on the verge of exhaustion and that with one more massive push, the Allies could win the war within the year. Lloyd George gave in, and the British offensive–later known as the Third Battle of Ypres–was scheduled for the final day of July. Related Videos


Formerly known as 'Marky Mark', who played 'Charlie Croker' in the 2003 film 'The Italian Job'?

The Italian Job (2003) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error After being betrayed and left for dead in Italy, Charlie Croker and his team plan an elaborate gold heist against their former ally. Director: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC Famous Directors: From Sundance to Prominence From Christopher Nolan to Quentin Tarantino and every Coen brother in between, many of today's most popular directors got their start at the Sundance Film Festival . Here's a list of some of the biggest names to go from Sundance to Hollywood prominence. a list of 44 titles created 21 Jul 2012 a list of 28 titles created 26 Oct 2012 a list of 42 titles created 12 Jun 2015 a list of 24 titles created 7 months ago a list of 25 titles created 5 months ago Title: The Italian Job (2003) 7/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 7 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards  » Videos Frank is hired to "transport" packages for unknown clients and has made a very good living doing so. But when asked to move a package that begins moving, complications arise. Directors: Louis Leterrier, Corey Yuen Stars: Jason Statham, Qi Shu, Matt Schulze Mercenary Frank Martin, who specializes moving goods of all kinds, surfaces again this time in Miami, Florida when he's implicated in the kidnapping of the young son of a powerful USA official. Director: Louis Leterrier     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.2/10 X   A marksman living in exile is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the President. Ultimately double-crossed and framed for the attempt, he goes on the run to find the real killer and the reason he was set up. Director: Antoine Fuqua     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.3/10 X   Martine offers Terry a lead on a foolproof bank hit on London's Baker Street. She targets a roomful of safe deposit boxes worth millions in cash and jewelry. But Terry and his crew don't realize the boxes also contain a treasure trove of dirty secrets - secrets that will thrust them into a deadly web of corruption and illicit scandal. Director: Roger Donaldson Danny Ocean and his eleven accomplices plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. Director: Steven Soderbergh A retired CIA agent travels across Europe and relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, who has been kidnapped while on a trip to Paris. Director: Pierre Morel     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6.1/10 X   Frank Martin puts the driving gloves on to deliver Valentina, the kidnapped daughter of a Ukranian government official, from Marseilles to Odessa on the Black Sea. En route, he has to contend with thugs who want to intercept Valentina's safe delivery and not let his personal feelings get in the way of his dangerous objective. Director: Olivier Megaton Professional assassin Chev Chelios learns his rival has injected him with a poison that will kill him if his heart rate drops. Directors: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor Stars: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Carlos Sanz Danny Ocean rounds up the boys for a third heist, after casino owner Willy Bank double-crosses one of the original eleven, Reuben Tishkoff. Director: Steven Soderbergh Daniel Ocean recruits one more team member so he can pull off three major European heists in this sequel to Ocean's 11. Director: Steven Soderbergh A bored married couple is surprised to learn that they are both assassins hired by competing agencies to kill each other. Director: Doug Liman Ex-con Jensen Ames is forced by the warden of a notorious prison to compete in our post-industrial world's most popular sport: a car race in which inmates must brutalize and kill one another on the road to victory. Director: Paul W.S. Anderson Edit Storyline Led by John Bridger ( Donald Sutherland ) and Charlie Croker ( Mark Wahlberg ) a team is assembled for one last heist to steal $35 million in gold bars from a