What U.S. territory includes the islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas?

United States Virgin Islands United States Virgin Islands America's Caribbean Paradise The United States Virgin Islands (commonly called the U. S. Virgin Islands or USVI) are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an insular territory of the United States of America (commonly called US).  The U. S. Virgin Islands has all the beauty of the Caribbean with all of the conveniences of the US.  The USVI are known for their white sand beaches, strategic harbors and rum production.  English is the official language.  The currency is the US dollar.  The voltage is the same as the US mainland utilizing type A electrical receptacles.  Best of all, passports are not required for US citizens traveling to the USVI.   USVI Facts Communication U.S. Virgin Islands mail service is handled by the United States Postal Service , using the two-character state code "VI" for domestic mail delivery. Zip codes are in the 008xx range: 00801 to 00805 (St. Thomas), 00820 to 00824 (Christiansted), 00830 to 00831 (St. John), 00840 to 00841 (Frederiksted) and 00850 to 00851 (Kingshill). UPS (United Postal Service), FedEx (Federal Express) and DHL Express also ship packages to and from the USVI. The U. S. Virgin Islands area code is 340.  AT&T, Sprint, Choice, and Innovative are the most popular cell phone providers.  Verizon, T-Mobile, and other cell phone services are available but international roaming charges may apply.  There are local, national, and international internet service providers.  Students and faculty typically use wireless network interface controllers to surf the internet using their AT&T or Sprint accounts.   Free Wi-Fi is available to the UVI community on the UVI campuses.  The islands have AM and FM radio stations (mostly on St. Thomas and St. Croix) broadcasting music, religious, and news programming. The U.S. Virgin Islands has 5 local television stations including PBS, ABC, CBS and NBC; extended cable and satellite television channels are also available.  Newspapers include The Avis, The Virgin Islands Daily News , St. John Tradewinds , St. Thomas Source , St. Croix Source and St. John Sun Times . Economy Tourism is the primary economic activity. The USVI normally host 2 million visitors a year, many of whom visit on cruise ships. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum storage, rum distilling, and watch assembly. The agricultural sector is small, with most locally grown produce consisting of mangoes, bananas, coconuts, soursop, passion fruit, sugar apples, avocados, papayas, star fruit (carambola), pomegranates, limes, tamarinds, sea grapes, cucumbers, sapodilla (mespel) and bread fruit. International business and financial services are a small but growing within the 21st century economy. To draw more technology-focused companies and expand this segment of the economy, the government founded and launched the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park in conjunction with private businesses and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Education Head start, preschool, and K-12 public, private and parochial education are available in the USVI.  The schools are accredited and adhere to local and federal education guidelines.  There are a variety of afterschool and summer programs for children.  The Virgin Islands Public Library has a well-stocked collection of fiction, non-fiction and USVI archives. The  University of the Virgin Islands  is the U. S. Virgin Islands' only public, baccalaureate diverse institution of higher education. It is a land grant institution and a Historically Black College and University. The two campuses of UVI have a combined enrollment of approximately 2500 students. [ UVI Fact Sheet ]  The institution offers  more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees  across its  five colleges and schools .  UVI is  accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education . Top 10 enrolled majors: Click for a full list of all of UVI's majors, minors and concentrations. Geography The U. S. Virgin Islands are in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, about 40 miles (64 km) ea


What famous cracked bell can be found in Philadelphia?

The Liberty Bell Virtual Tour of Historic Philadelphia The Liberty Bell Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon. The Pennsylvania Assembly ordered the Bell in 1751 to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges , Pennsylvania's original Constitution. It speaks of the rights and freedoms valued by people the world over. Particularly forward thinking were Penn's ideas on religious freedom, his liberal stance on Native American rights, and his inclusion of citizens in enacting laws. The Liberty Bell gained iconic importance when abolitionists in their efforts to put an end to slavery throughout America adopted it as a symbol. As the Bell was created to commemorate the golden anniversary of Penn's Charter, the quotation "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," from Leviticus 25:10, was particularly apt. For the line in the Bible immediately preceding "proclaim liberty" is, "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year." What better way to pay homage to Penn and hallow the 50th year than with a bell proclaiming liberty? Also inscribed on the Bell is the quotation, "By Order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada." Note that the spelling of "Pennsylvania" was not at that time universally adopted. In fact, in the original Constitution, the name of the state is also spelled "Pensylvania." If you get a chance to visit the second floor of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, take a moment to look at the original maps on the wall. They, too, have the state name spelled "Pensylvania" (and the Atlantic Ocean called by the name of that day, "The Western Ocean"). The choice of the quotation was made by Quaker Isaac Norris, speaker of the Assembly. Centered on the front of the Bell are the words, "Pass and Stow / Philada / MDCCLIII." We'll get to Pass and Stow in a bit. The Crack There is widespread disagreement about when the first crack appeared on the Bell. Hair-line cracks on bells were bored out to prevent expansion. However, it is agreed that the final expansion of the crack which rendered the Bell unringable was on Washington's Birthday in 1846. The Philadelphia Public Ledger takes up the story in its February 26, 1846 publication: "The old Independence Bell rang its last clear note on Monday last in honor of the birthday of Washington and now hangs in the great city steeple irreparably cracked and dumb. It had been cracked before but was set in order of that day by having the edges of the fracture filed so as not to vibrate against each other ... It gave out clear notes and loud, and appeared to be in excellent condition until noon, when it received a sort of compound fracture in a zig-zag direction through one of its sides which put it completely out of tune and left it a mere wreck of what it was." The Bell as Icon The Liberty Bell. Boston: American Anti-Slavery Society, 1856 The Bell achieved its iconic status when abolitionists adopted the Bell as a symbol for the movement. It was first used in this association as a frontispiece to an 1837 edition of Liberty, published by the New York Anti-Slavery Society. It was, in fact, the abolitionists who gave it the name "Liberty Bell," in reference to its inscription. It was previously called simply the "State House bell." In retrospect, it is a remarkably apt metaphor for a country literally cracked and freedom fissured for its black inhabitants. The line following "proclaim liberty" is, "It shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." The Abolitionists understood this passage to mean that the Bible demanded all slaves and prisoners be freed every 50 years. William Lloyd Garrison's anti-slavery publication The Liberator reprinted a Boston abolitionist pamphlet containing a poem


Which major city has the highest percentage of African-American residents (82%)?

Census ranks Seattle among whitest big cities | The Seattle Times Census ranks Seattle among whitest big cities Originally published April 23, 2011 at 10:00 pm Updated April 24, 2011 at 9:01 pm Back to story Restart gallery More Photo Galleries Seattle and Portland are at or near the top of the 50 largest U.S. cities for the percentages of their residents who are white. Portland was No. 1, Seattle No. 5. Share story An African-American blues performer, Anita White often finds herself the only minority at her performances around Seattle. “You get used to it,” she said with a laugh. A lot of people have had to. Most Read Stories Unlimited Digital Access. $1 for 4 weeks. Compared with other large U.S. cities, Seattle is pretty white. Along with Portland, Seattle is among large U.S. cities in which the highest proportions of residents describe themselves as non-Hispanic white, based on 2010 census data. In Seattle, 66 percent of all residents fit that category — the fifth-highest rate among the nation’s 50 largest cities — higher even than Wichita, Kan., and Minneapolis. Seattle rose two notches in the ranking from a decade ago, in part because other cities experienced higher growth in their Latino populations. Portland’s 72 percent white population was the highest in the country, a position unchanged from 10 years ago. None of this comes as a surprise to people who move to the Pacific Northwest from other cities or who have lived elsewhere and come back home. While Seattle has one of the highest concentrations of Asians in the U.S., the proportion of blacks and Latinos is among the lowest. The absence is visible on the city’s streets, in restaurants and at many cultural events. “It’s always been this way,” said White, 52, who works for the city of Seattle and lives in Renton. She spent eight years in Florida in the 1980s and ’90s before coming back to this region. “People think because we are a large city that somehow we should be more diverse,” she said. In a separate measure, which calculates the probability that two people chosen at random in the city would each be of a different race or ethnicity, Seattle also shows up as less diverse than other places. It had the eighth-lowest diversity index among the 50 cities. In fact, among Washington cities with at least 10,000 people, Seattle was ranked 19th, after cities such as Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood and Mount Vernon. In the ranking of big U.S. cities, Portland remained unchanged at No. 3. Detroit, with its overwhelmingly black population, was the least diverse. Outcome of geography Historically, Seattle’s demographic portrait has never varied much, despite the occasional boasting by community and city leaders of the city’s diversity. Part of the explanation is geography. Too far from population centers on the East Coast and in the South, Seattle and Portland are destinations — not way stations to anyplace else in the country. “It’s not that Seattle is vastly more prejudiced than any other city,” said local demographer and geographer Richard Morrill, “it’s just a long way from Alabama and Texas,” states from which blacks originally migrated. More important than diversity numbers is the way people live together and interact with one another, said Duduzile Dhlamini, who also works for the city of Seattle. Born in the Kingdom of Swaziland, which borders South Africa, and the daughter of a career diplomat, Dhlamini said she was “shocked by the intolerance” she found when she lived in some Texas cities that are more diverse than Seattle. It’s different here, she said. “And I think we are enriched by the diversity that we do have.” The economic restructuring of the last 20 to 25 years affected Washington differently than it did Oregon, points out Quintard Taylor, professor of American history at the University of Washington. Employers like Starbucks, Amazon.com , Microsoft and other technology companies have helped draw a more diverse population to Seattle. “I always considered Seattle fairly diverse,” Taylor said, adding quickly, “Maybe that was only in comparison to Portland.


What small city in the Ozark mountains is famous for its musical theatres?

Branson: A history of great entertainment - Branson News Articles - Branson Tourism Center Branson: A history of great entertainment Branson: A history of great entertainment BRANSON, MO -  Seven million people currently visit the small Midwestern town that has  become the home to more than 45 theaters and 80 shows, world-class fishing  and family theme parks. What was dubbed an "overnight success" in the early  1990s is actually a town seeped in lore and rich in history shaped by Mother  Nature, American Indians and backwoods legends. Since the dawn of the 20th Century, Branson, Missouri, has been attracting  visitors, lured by natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The  traveling public was first drawn to Branson following the 1907 publication  of Harold Bell Wright's novel, " The Shepherd of the Hills ." Readers flocked  to the Ozarks to learn more about the lifestyle of the characters in the  novel. The book's success was almost immediate. Millions of copies were sold  in several languages, and four movie versions were filmed. It is now the  fourth most widely read book in publishing history. In those days, visitors came by train, disembarking at Hollister depot, now  renovated and preserved as Hollister City Hall. The Missouri-Pacific  Railroad completed the track of the White River Line through the Roark  Valley in 1906, opening the area to tourism. The White River also attracted visitors who came to fish, swim and enjoy the  rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Ozark Beach Dam (also called the  Powersite Dam) built in 1913 near Forsyth produced Lake Taneycomo, which  became a haven for boaters and those looking for water recreation. The construction of Table Rock Dam, 22 miles up river, formed Table Rock  Lake. In 1959, Table Rock Dam transformed Lake Taneycomo into a cold water  as its waters came from (and still do) the bottom of Table Rock Lake. The  water's chilly temperature discouraged swimmers and skiers from using Lake  Taneycomo as they had in the past. With water recreation now flourishing at  area lakes, the Missouri Department of Conservation discovered that Lake  Taneycomo's cold water provided an ideal climate for trout. Over the next  years, Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake developed national reputations  for boating and water recreation. Anglers also found them to be outstanding  sources for bass, crappie, and other panfish. The area gained national prominence in entertainment in 1954 when Red Foley,  a legendary country singer with 38 Top 10 hits moved to Springfield,  Missouri to host the "Ozark Jubilee," one of the first successful network  television shows. Locally, the Baldknobbers Jamboree is credited as being Branson's first  show. In 1959, the Mabe Brothers, Bill, Jim, Lyle, and Bob began performing  twice a week in a converted building on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront. The  brothers combined popular country tunes with Ozark Mountain music and threw  in a dash of comedy to entertain audiences wherever they could find them.  Jim Mabe created one of the most recognized characters in Branson history,  Droopy Drawers, and has entertained visitors from around the world. In 1968,  the Baldknobbers built a theater on Highway 76 making their act the longest  continuously running show in Branson. In the 1960s, the Presley family began a music show at Underground Theatre  (Talking Rocks Cavern) near Kimberling City with special guests from "Ozark  Jubilee" including Red Foley himself. They then made history in 1967 when  they opened the first music theater on what is now Highway 76. Gary Presley  created the comic character Herkimer who, since 1962, has kept audiences in  stitches and has taken his place among legendary Branson icons. In 1960, two families opened businesses that became popular family-oriented  attractions in the Branson/Lakes Area. Hugo and Mary Herschend opened a  small old-time Ozarks village attraction atop the long-popular Marvel Cave,  about 10 miles west of Branson on Highway 76. They called it Silver Dollar City a


What country is located 70 miles due east of Palm Beach, Florida?

Florida travel guide - Wikitravel UTC -6/-5, UTC -5/-4 Fort Lauderdale Florida is the most south-eastern state in the United States of America . Known as "The Sunshine State", it became a popular winter destination for the well-to-do from colder climates over a century ago, and has gained ever greater popularity since. Its roots in agriculture are still present, with tropical fruits being a chief export. The capital of Florida is Tallahassee , located in the eastern portion of the Florida Panhandle . The beaches are among the most popular attractions, along with some of the world's best known theme parks, including Disney World , Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld. However some of Florida's best-kept secrets are in secluded locations away from tourist areas, but well worth seeing. Florida has something to offer for any kind of traveller. Culture[ edit ] Florida is the most southern of all U.S. states other than Hawaii and is a unique blend of societies. The northern part of the state is part of the cultural region of The South , where you will find traditional southern cooking, entertainment, dialect, and lifestyles, much as you would expect to find just north in Georgia , Alabama , and the Carolinas. Generally, the more south you go in the state, the more unlike the South it seems; you should not expect to experience 'southern' culture everywhere, although southern culture can be found in every region of the state, it is not always the most prominent. Cities such as Tampa and Orlando offer the feel of many different cultures. There are a lot of southerners in these areas, as well as people who are not from the state (midwest, northeast), whereas Miami is unique in seeming like a cross between an American metropolis and a major Latin American city (like Caracas, Rio, or Sao Paulo). There are some Seminole Indian reserves and villages throughout southern Florida (namely in the Everglades) and their indigenous culture can be experienced by visiting a gift shop and browsing arts and crafts. The southernmost Florida Keys offer yet another flavor, full of the slow paced and casual atmosphere of true beach life. All in all, Florida is its own region of the United States in its own right. The Florida State Fair held every February near Tampa is the best event to attend to sense the varying cultures. The fairgrounds are host to a "cracker" village similar to the villages that were found in rural Florida in the 19th century. It hosts an exposition of counties, where each Florida county has a display and a representative to answer questions. In addition, the fair has animal displays and shows, an exhibition dedicated to citrus, various dance & cheerleading competitions, and a large selection of rides and games. A few weeks later, nearby Plant City host the Strawberry Festival, usually the last few days of February and first week of March. Plant City is the "Strawberry Capital of the US" and almost every food vendor at the festival offers several dishes featuring strawberries. Driving near Plant City in February and March, one can find many roadside vendors offering flats(~$10-12) and half-flats(~$5-8) of strawberries. Another common dish found at roadside vendors in north and central Florida is boiled peanuts-a southern dish usually found in "regular" and "cajun" flavors, which taste nothing like roasted peanut. Florida's Natural, a company that sells fruit juice, has a great roadside "welcome center" along US 27 in Lake Wales that includes a display and video on the history of citrus growing in Florida and offers samples of several flavors of juice. Landscape[ edit ] Florida's coastline is world class, with several gorgeous beaches, bays, and estuaries lying on the coast. The Floridian landscape is flat, with many lakes and wetlands throughout most parts of the state. The only exception is parts of the center in Highlands, Polk, Lake, and a few other counties where rolling hills are common. The highest point in the state is 345ft (105m) and Sugarloaf Mountain in Lake County is the highest point on the peninsula at 312f


What ocean gulf borders 5 states, including Florida and Texas?

What Bodies of Water Surround Florida? | USA Today What Bodies of Water Surround Florida? The Atlantic Ocean provides the eastern border of Florida. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images ) Florida Landforms & Natural Attractions More than 82 million visitors visited Florida in 2010. While many came to visit some of Florida's amusement parks, certainly many of these visitors also spent time on the beaches next to the bodies of water that surround the state. The bodies of water -- the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida -- account for nearly 1,200 miles of coastline around the state. Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean technically covers the full coastline of Florida, although the western and southern coastlines are generally referred to as bordering the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida. The Atlantic is the second-largest of the five oceans on the earth (the Pacific Ocean is larger). In all, the Atlantic Ocean covers more than 47 million square miles and is more than six times larger than the United States. Florida features several popular destinations along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, including Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Gulf of Mexico The Gulf of Mexico is part of the Atlantic Ocean, but specifically is the section of the ocean that borders the east coast of Mexico, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Sarasota and Naples are two popular destinations that border the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing is an important industry in the Gulf of Mexico. According to 2008 National Marine Fisheries Service report, the commercial and shellfish harvested from the Gulf states equaled 1.3 billion lbs. and $661 million. Straits of Florida The Straits of Florida are also known as the Gulf of Florida or as the Straits of Bahama. This section of water is also a part of the Atlantic Ocean, but is found just east of the Gulf of Mexico at the southernmost portion of Florida. The Straits of Florida separate Florida from Cuba, which is only 90 miles south of Key West. The strait extends more than 300 miles down into the Bahamas. Bodies of Water Inside the State Residents and visitors can also find several significant bodies of water inside of the state. Florida features more than 11,000 miles of rivers and other water masses, including the Everglades. Florida is also home to the second-largest freshwater lake in the United States -- Lake Okeechobee, which covers 700 square miles. The state's largest river, the St. John's River, is more than 273 miles long. References


In what mountain range is California's Mt. Whitney located?

Mountains in California, Mount Shasta California, The USS Mount Whitney Universal Studios Share The mountains in California are in plain sight from every part of the state. Wherever you go, these majestic mountains glorify each and every landscape as they entice you to climb their peaks and experience all of the hidden wonders of nature. The mountains in California played a significant role in the state's history. In addition to isolating California's various Native American cultures, they served as barriers during the early days of European and American exploration and settlement. There are two major ranges of mountains in California: The Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges. The Coast Ranges of California average less than 4,000 feet in height. They follow an 800-mile course which begins in the northwest corner of Del Norte County and continues south to the Mexican border. This mountainous area has a strong influence on California's climate. The storms that originate over the Pacific Ocean bring significant amounts of rainfall to the western slopes. In the mean time, the eastern slopes remain relatively dry. Some of California's major industries benefit from the climatic conditions created by the coastal mountains. The evergreen trees that the north coast timber industry relies on thrive are nourished by the increased rainfall. The coastal fog cools hot inland valleys that are located east of the coastal mountains. This benefits the cultivation of wine grapes and fruit and nut trees. The impressive Sierra Nevada is about 500 miles long, 70 miles wide, and between 7000 and 15,000 feet high. Occupying one fifth of the state, the Sierra Nevada is the largest mountain range in California. In late October or early November, the first snowfall whitens the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Snow then continues to fall heavily throughout the winter. In between storms, the bright California sunshine prevails. The visual image of the snowy-white mountains glistening in the sunshine is positively magnificent! California Map The famous Mammoth Mountain is bounded on the west by Sierra Nevada crest. While the town of Mammoth Lakes is situated at 7,800 feet, Mammoth Mountain rises dramatically to elevations that exceed 12,000 feet. This makes Mammoth Mountain a popular destination for skiers, hikers and mountain bikers. Mt Shasta Mt Shasta The Mount Shasta Volcano is situated at the northern extremity of the Sierra Nevada. In his book the mountains of California, the naturalist John Muir has written extensively on this impressive mountain. Indeed, he had good reason to do so. Rising from its bed of lava, the Mount Shasta Volcano is a unique and spectacular sight. The highest point of the Mount Shasta Volcano stands at approximately 14,440 feet above mean tide. Mount Whitney is also located in the Sierra Nevada. At 14, 491 feet, it is the highest point in the lower continental United States. This mountain was the inspiration for the construction of the USS Mount Whitney which serves as the Flagship for Commander Second Fleet/Commander Striking Fleet Atlantic. The USS Mount Whitney is the most sophisticated Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship that has ever been commissioned. The USS Mount Whitney is capable of receiving and transmitting significant amounts of secure data from any point on earth through various communications paths, thereby allowing the Joint Intelligence Center and Joint Operations Center to provide the timeliest intelligence available in the Navy. Related Articles


Kansas State Flower | Native Sunflower Kansas State Flower Native sunflower; state flower of Kansas.  Photo by LynnK827/ Flickr  (Noncommercial Use Permitted with Attribution/No Derivative Works). Official State Flower of Kansas Kansas designated the wild native sunflower as official state flower and floral emblem in 1903. All State Flowers The sunflower is also featured on the Kansas quarter, state flag , and even the nickname for Kansas is "The Sunflower State." Sunflower Facts Native Americans were using native sunflowers for food over 3,000 years ago. These wild sunflower seeds were only about 5 mm. long. Over hundreds of years and careful husbandry (selecting only the largest seeds for cultivation), the Plains tribes began the development of today's large modern sunflower, rich with oil. Sunflower heads consist of 1,000 to 2,000 individual flowers joined together by a receptacle base. The large petals around the edge of a head are actually individual ray flowers, which do not develop into seed. There are more than 60 species of sunflowers. The native sunflower grows to 15 feet tall with flower heads up to 2 feet in diameter, and can produce over 1,000 seeds from one plant. The flower head turns and faces the sun throughout the day - tracking the sun's movement. Sunflower seeds are rich in protein and yield a high-quality vegetable oil. Excerpt from Kansas Legislation WHEREAS, Kansas has a native wild flower common throughout her borders, hardy and conspicuous, of definite, unvarying and striking shape, easily sketched, moulded, and carved, having armorial capacities, ideally adapted for artistic reproduction, with its strong, distinct disk and its golden circle of clear glowing rays -- a flower that a child can draw on a slate, a woman can work in silk, or a man can carve on stone or fashion in clay; and WHEREAS, This flower has to all Kansans a historic symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairies, and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present, and richly emblematic of the majesty of a golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name, " the sunflower state "... Be it enacted ... that the helianthus or wild native sunflower is ... designated ... the state flower and floral emblem of the state of Kansas. Kansas


What interstate highway connects the cities of Boston and Seattle?

The Interstate Highway System - Facts & Summary - HISTORY.com The Interstate Highway System A+E Networks Introduction On June 29, 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. The bill created a 41,000-mile “National System of Interstate and Defense Highways” that would, according to Eisenhower, eliminate unsafe roads, inefficient routes, traffic jams and all of the other things that got in the way of “speedy, safe transcontinental travel.” At the same time, highway advocates argued, “in case of atomic attack on our key cities, the road net [would] permit quick evacuation of target areas.” For all of these reasons, the 1956 law declared that the construction of an elaborate expressway system was “essential to the national interest.” Google “The Last Call of the Wild” Today, there are more than 250 million cars and trucks in the United States, or almost one per person. At the end of the 19th century, by contrast, there was just one motorized vehicle on the road for every 18,000 Americans. At the same time, most of those roads were made not of asphalt or concrete but of packed dirt (on good days) or mud. Under these circumstances, driving a motorcar was not simply a way to get from one place to another: It was an adventure. Outside cities and towns, there were almost no gas stations or even street signs, and rest stops were unheard-of. “Automobiling,” said the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper in 1910, was “the last call of the wild.” Did You Know? At 3,020 miles, I-90 is the longest interstate highway. It connects Seattle, Washington, with Boston, Massachusetts. A Nation of Drivers This was about to change. In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model T , a dependable, affordable car that soon found its way into many American garages. By 1927, the year that Ford stopped making this “Tin Lizzie,” the company had sold nearly 15 million of them. At the same time, Ford’s competitors had followed its lead and begun building cars for everyday people. “Automobiling” was no longer an adventure or a luxury: It was a necessity. A nation of drivers needed good roads, but building good roads was expensive. Who would pay the bill? In most cities and towns, mass transit–streetcars, subways, elevated trains–was not truly “public” transportation. Instead, it was usually built and operated by private companies that made enormous infrastructural investments in exchange for long-term profits. However, automobile interests–such as car companies, tire manufacturers, gas station owners and suburban developers–hoped to convince state and local governments that roads were a public concern. That way, they could get the infrastructure they needed without spending any of their own money. Their campaign was successful: In many places, elected officials agreed to use taxpayer money for the improvement and construction of roads. In most cases, before 1956 the federal government split the cost of roadbuilding with the states. (One exception was the New Deal , when federal agencies like the Public Works Administration and the Works Progress Administration put people to work building bridges and parkways.) However, this funding arrangement did not get roads built fast enough to please the most ardent highway advocates. The Birth of the Interstate Highway System Among these was the man who would become President, Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower . During World War II , Eisenhower had been stationed in Germany, where he had been impressed by the network of high-speed roads known as the Reichsautobahnen. After he became president in 1953, Eisenhower was determined to build the highways that lawmakers had been talking about for years. For instance, the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1944 had authorized the construction of a 40,000-mile “National System of Interstate Highways” through and between the nation’s cities, but offered no way to pay for it. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 It took several years of wrangling, but a new Federal-Aid Highway Act passed in June 1956. The law authorized the construction of a 41,000-mile network of inter


What name is given to the vertical bar that divides the sections in a window?

Window Part Terminology Window Part Terminology       Woodworkers try to bring order to the vocabulary universe and define "muntin," "mullion," "bar," "rail," and related window and door terminology. March 26, 2010 Question I had a pleasant discussion with a friend the other day about the real meaning of the terms muntins, mullions, bars and rails. I have a good deal of respect for this individual's intellectual knowledge of woodworking, but am curious how others define these items. When I told him I thought I'd write this post he thought it was a great idea. He wanted to know if others agreed with his definitions. I've been one of those that will describe the divider bars in windows as "muntins or mullions or whatever!" For years I've also referred to the vertical dividers that separate side by side panels as "vertical stiles." I've always known that I was probably wrong in making these references but never put out any effort to become more accurate. So, here are my friend's definitions, in my words. Do you agree? Mullion: a vertical space separating two architectural units such as a stud pocket between an entry door and a sidelight. Not the divider bars between window panes. Rail: a horizontal component separating glass panes that goes between a pair of stiles just like the top, bottom and/or intermediate rails on a door. To be a rail, the part must cross the entire width of the opening in one unbroken piece. Bar: a component separating glass panes that goes either horizontally between a pair of stiles (another name for "rail") or vertically between a pair of rails in a door or window frame. In effect, if the part goes horizontally all the way across the opening it can be called a "rail" or a "bar," but if these primary unbroken components do the same thing vertically, then they are a "bar." Bar rail: totally unrelated to the above but clearly preferred by many at the end of a long hard day. Muntin: The shorter pane divider components that do not go all the way across the opening in one piece, but rather go only between the bars, rails or frame in short segments. Forum Responses I agree with your friend. From contributor T: If there's a bet riding on it, then you need an arbiter. In my opinion, that arbiter should be the AWI manual, since they set the standards for all specified jobs. Their definition of mullion: an upright *or vertical* member between panels. Similar to a cross rail in the way it is fit and machined. Bar: A rabbeted moulding which extends the total height *or* width of the glass opening in a door. Muntin: A short bar, either horizontal *or* vertical, extending from a full bar to a stile, rail, or another bar. From contributor J: From Steven Mouzon's "Traditional Construction Patterns": Muntin: 1) A door muntin is any framing member that does not extend entirely from top to bottom of the door or from stile to stile. Muntins are most commonly used to divide vertical panels. 2) A window muntin is any framing member that divides panes of glass. He defines several specific types of rails, all of them horizontal members that cross an entire door from stile to stile, and all of them surrounding panels (not glass). Mullion: A member that joins wall openings such as doors, windows or cased openings (i.e. the vertical casing that bridges the jambs of two windows set close together is a "casing mullion"). From contributor F: I don't know if I'm correct, but my understanding is: Stile - outside vertical frame member. Rail - outside horizontal frame member. Mullion - inside vertical member. Muntin - inside horizontal member. Bars - another description of muntins and mullions as a whole, i.e. barred (divided) glass as opposed to a single pane. From contributor D: I agree that while there are geographical differences in the terminology and applications, the diversity of definition arises mostly from the lack of continuity and formal education in our chosen profession. The shops I trained in were more than lax in linguistic accuracy, and "that thing" or "the stick" or "them sticks" sufficed for communication and de f


Sarawak is the largest of the thirteen states, which comprise which Asian country?

Malaysia: Land and People Malaysia Land and People Malaysia consists of two parts: West Malaysia, also called Peninsular Malaysia or Malaya (1990 est. pop. 14,400,000), 50,700 sq mi (131,313 sq km), on the Malay Peninsula and coextensive with the former Federation of Malaya, comprising the states of Perlis , Kedah , Pinang , Perak , Kelantan , Terengganu , Pahang , Selangor , Negeri Sembilan , Melaka (Malacca), and Johor , and two federal territories (the cities of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya); and East Malaysia (1990 est. pop. 3,410,000), 77,730 sq mi (201,320 sq km), comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak (the former British colonies of North Borneo and Northwest Borneo) on the island of Borneo and one federal territory, the island of Labuan . The two parts are separated by c.400 mi (640 km) of the South China Sea. West Malaysia is bordered on the north by Thailand, on the east by the South China Sea, on the south by Singapore (separated by the narrow Johore Strait), and on the west by the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea. East Malaysia is bordered on the north by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, on the east by the Celebes Sea, and on the south and west by Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Along the coast within Sarawak is the independent nation of Brunei. Both East and West Malaysia have mountainous interiors and coastal plains. The highest point is Mt. Kinabalu (13,455 ft/4,101 m) in Sabah. The longest of the country's many rivers are the Rajang (c.350 mi/560 km) in Sarawak, the Kinabatangan (c.350 mi/560 km) in Sabah, and the Pahang (c.200 mi/320 km) in West Malaysia. Lying close to the equator, Malaysia has a tropical rainy climate. Over two thirds of the land area is forested. Although it makes up only 31% of the country's area, West Malaysia has more than 80% of its people. Of the total population, most of which is concentrated on the west coast, some 50% are ethnically Malay, almost 25% are Chinese, over 10% are of indigenous descent, and about 7% are South Asian (mainly Tamil). In West Malaysia, Malays comprise about one half of the population, Chinese one third, and South Asians one tenth. In East Malaysia, the two largest groups are the Chinese and the Ibans (Sea Dyaks), an indigenous people, who together make up about three fifths of the total. Conflict between the ethnic groups, particularly between Malays and Chinese, has played a large role in Malaysian history, and recent years have seen increased tension between ethnic Malays and people of South Asian descent. Nearly all of the Malays are Sunni Muslims (they are considered to be Muslim under the constitution), and Islam is the national religion. The majority of Chinese are Buddhists (Confucianism and Taoism are also practiced), and most of the South Asians are Hindu; 9% of the population is Christian. The official language is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), although English is used in the legal system. Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, and other dialects), Tamil, and regional ethnic languages and dialects are also widely spoken. Sections in this article:


"Which WWII aircraft was known as, ""The Flying Porcupine""?"

Rare British World War Two Aircraft at the Hendon RAF Museum Rare British World War Two Aircraft at Hendon This  ancient looking flying boat might not seem like it belongs on a page of  world war two aircraft, but the Walrus, also known as a Seagull, served  throughout the war and production only stopped in 1944.   It  might also seem strange that it was designed by the same Supermarine company  which came up with the Spitfire fighter, but in fact the Spitfire itself  was developed from a floatplane design which the company had used to win  the Schneider Cup.   The Walrus was also highly innovative for  a plane which first flew in 1933, it's the first British military aircraft  with a fully enclosed cockpit and retractable undercarriage - you can just  see the wheel wells under the bottom wings of this example. Here's  another Supermarine flying boat, the Stranraer, which bears a very obvious  family resemblance to the Walrus.   Rather than doing the search  and rescue tasks of the Walrus, it operated as a reconnaisance bomber type  with a 500 or 1100 pound payload.   Although developed after  the Walrus, the Stranraer was the end of the line for biplane flying boats  and had a much shorter service life than its predecessor, being withdrawn  by the British from front-line service in early 1941.   The Canadian  air force used them until 1945, and this sole survivor was an ex-RCAF machine. Here's  one of the main reasons aircraft like the Stranraer went out of service  even though the British were fighting a desperate and under-resourced battle  against submarines in the Atlantic.   The Sunderland flying boat,  built by Short Brothers, was far more capable and represented a much more  efficient use of available aircrews.   It also had several interesting  design features, including a retractable nose turret to allow easier mooring,  platforms built into the leading edges of the wings so the engines could  be accessed simply, and rails under the wings to allow up to 2000 pounds  of depth charges to be winched out from within the hull when attacking  a submarine. Although  it was no speedster, the Sunderland wasn't an easy target, its formidable  defensive armament earning it the name "the flying porcupine".   As well as the nose turret, most Sunderlands had a tail turret, a dorsal  turret and flexible guns on each side facing out through the square hatches  under the wings, as well as four fixed forward-firing guns under the nose  turret -  a total of 18 machine guns, the most of any British aircraft.   In one incident, an Australian Sunderland was attacked off the coast of  France by eight Ju  88 fighters and, although one crewman was killed and the Sunderland  was forced to beach itself on the Cornwall coast, it managed to shoot down  either three or six of the attackers, depending on whose report you believe. Here's  a view of the interior, looking towards the cockpit with the side gun hatches  on either side of the photo.   In the end, 749 Sunderlands were  built, serving with many Commonwealth countries during the war, and the  French navy after the war.   The Royal New Zealand Air Force  operated them the longest, until 1967; my father flew with them up   to Fiji and I grew up near the seaplane base at Hobsonville where they were based. Shifting  from flying boats to land-based aircraft, here's one of only three Fairey  Battle light bombers left in the world.   Entering service in  1937, the Battle was far superior to the Hawker Hind and Hart biplane bombers  it replaced, but it was hopelessly outclassed by the time war broke out.   Although a Battle scored the first British air-to-air victory of the war,  against a Bf 109 fighter in September of 1939, this was an anomaly and  once Germany invaded the west in May of 1940, it was common for Battle  sorties to result in the loss of more than half the aircraft sent out.   By September of the same year the Battles had been relegated to training  and other roles, remaining


Part of the Rootes group, which car company produced a model called the Chamois in the 1960's?

Rootes Group cars - Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam Avenger (II) | Alpine | Solara Hillman was created in Coventry in the 1880s on the crest of a wave of cycle builders. Engineer William Hillman joined John Kemp Starley (who later formed Rover) in in the cycle business; then he formed his own bicycle company, Auto Machinery, and before the turn of the twentieth century, Hillman was a millionaire. William Hillman moved into Abingdon House in Stoke Aldermoor near Coventry and set up a car factory in its grounds. In 1907, Hillman entered the entered the industry in style, launching the 24HP Hillman-Coatalen (Coatalen was its designer). Coatalen left Hillman for Singer , leaving Hillman to produce a succession of conventional models in tiny quantities. Hillman achieved its first real success with the 1913 9HP, which survived the Great War and went on to sell into the 1920s. The model gradually evolved, but the next new car was in 1926, with the 14HP. By then, William Hillman had withdrawn from the running of the company, handing day-to-day decision making to John Black and Spencer Wilks. Both men would go on to much greater things in later years. For 1928, Hillman previewed the enormously expensive 2.6-litre Straight Eight model. It was new from the ground up, and pitched at the luxury end of the market. Delays getting it into production resulted in its launch being put back to 1929 - just as the Great Depression had started. As a result, the Rootes brothers bought out Hillman, and made it the dominant marque in the Rootes Group. Hillmans were sold under other marques, so that the company was one of the few to survive and benefit from acquisition by Rootes. The Imp was planned in 1955, to spread Rootes’ range into the 1-liter class. Michael Parks (project engineer - who later went on to work for the Ferrari F1 team) and Tim Fry (co-ordinating engineer) were given a clean sheet of paper and responsibility for pushing the new car through, but what they came up with did not meet with the board’s approval; numerous demands and changes led to delays, and the Imp did not appear until 1963. Even so, it lasted for many years before being dropped. The Hunter and Arrow came from a desire to replace the Audax range with a conventional, inexpensive architecture; the Arrow would replace the Minx, Super Minx, Sceptre and Rapier models. Arrow took shape as a “pure Rootes design,” as Graham Robson described it; and it ended up being the last pure Rootes car. Some of Hillman’s cars after the War were the ill-fated Imp , the Avenger, Tiger , and the Hunter . Hillman was the mainstay of Rootes Group throughout its history. Humber Thomas Humber founded the Humber cycle company in Sheffield in 1868, but it was not until much later that the company would become involved with the production of motor vehicles. The Humber company expanded through the 1870s to the point where it was producing bicycles in Nottingham, Beeston and Wolverhampton. Factory number four was opened in Coventry in 1889, by which time Humber was seriously looking at motorized transport. There was a brief flirtation with such oddities as tricycles and quadricyles — one of which sported front wheel drive and rear wheel steering. In 1899 the first Humber car, the 3 1/2 horsepower Phaeton, was built at Beeston, but the first Coatalen designed car, the Voiturette, did not appear until 1901. This was followed by the 1903 Humberette, which sported a tubular frame and 5hp single-cylinder engine. Larger cars came in the shape of the 1902 four-cylinder 12hp, which was soon followed up in 1903 by a three-cylinder 9hp and a four-cylinder 20hp model. By this time, Humber car production was concentrated at a new factory in Folly Lane, Coventry, which - coincidentally - was situated close to Hillman. After 1905, the smaller engined models were dropped, allowing Humber to concentrate on the production of its staple 10/12hp model and the larger 16/20hp. In 1907, this range was supplemented by the arrival of the Humber 15hp. Until 1908, Humber cars continued to be produced in Coventry and B


Which TV series featured the characters, Tinker, Eric Catchpole and Lady Jane Felsham?

Lady Jane Felsham - Lovejoy (UK) Characters - ShareTV Lady Jane Felsham Logan was educated at Johnstone High School in Johnstone, Renfrewshire. After school she graduated from ... Character Bio Initially married to Lord Alexander Felsham, and living at Felsham Hall when Lovejoy first meets her, she quickly strikes up a friendly relationship with Lovejoy. She often helps him with his deals and at one point going into business with him. She commonly has to bail out Lovejoy with money at various times during their acquaintance. Episode Screenshots Lovejoy: [interrupting their foreplay after spotting something in the bedroom] Jane, Jane, Jane! You know that an old portfolio always makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! Lady Jane Felsham: [sarcastically] I'm glad something's in working order. Verification code (check your email for the verification code) Verification code has been sent to the following email address: sstmilan@gmail.com If you didn't receive the verification code: 1. Check your bulk/spam folder. 2. Try to whitelist our email address (noreply@sharetv.org) If you mistyped your email address change it here Create a free ShareTV account to make a personalized schedule of your favorite TV shows, keep track of what you've watched, earn points and more. Verify your username and email to complete your Registration Enter the text in the image shown if you are human.


In 1982, Sarah Jane Hutt was the last English winner of which title?

Countries With The World's Most Beautiful Women - WorldAtlas.com Society Countries With The World's Most Beautiful Women Ranked by total number of combined Miss Universe and Miss World beauty contest winners, Venezuela surely has some of the world's most attractive ladies. Olivia Culpo at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival. Culpo was a Miss Rhode Island, Miss USA, and Miss Universe Winner in 2012. She is also an accomplished cellist. Since beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, and considering that beauty certainly comes from all parts of the world, it can be difficult to assert that one nation's females' relative beauties are greater than that of another nation. However, we have made the best attempt possible to rank such physical characteristics by means of ranking countries by the sum of their title-holders in two of the world's most competitive international beauty pageants. Namely, these are Miss World and Miss Universe. 6. United Kingdom (5 Miss World Winners) In terms of beautiful women, the United Kingdom ranks sixth in the world, gifting the world the opportunity to appreciate the stunning beauties of 5 ladies who went on to win the title of Miss World for their country. Rosemarie Frankland became the first British woman, and the seventh European one, to win the title of Miss World in 1961. Ann Sidney, Lesley Langley, and Helen Morgan also won the Miss World titles for United Kingdom in 1964, 1974, and 1983, respectively. The most recent Miss World winner from the United Kingdom was Sarah-Jane Hutt, who achieved the title in the year 1983. 5. Sweden (3 Miss World, 3 Miss Universe) Swedish women are often seen as both beautiful and independent, and have managed to woo the world with their charms for ages. Sweden can thus boast of producing 3 Miss World and 3 Miss Universe winners. Hillevi Rombin Schine was the first Miss Universe winner representing Sweden, and the one who won the title in 1955, becoming the fourth Miss Universe winner in the world. Sadly, in 1996, she became the first Miss Universe to pass away, doing so amidst a plane crash in 1996. Margareta Arvidsson and Yvonne Ryding were the other two Miss Universe winners from Sweden, and they won the title in the years 1966 and 1984, respectively. In 1951, Kiki Håkansson became the first beauty queen to win the Miss World title for Sweden. Her crowning was surrounded by controversy when she wore a bikini during the ceremony, which was ridiculed by the Pope as well as some others in religiously conservative countries. The Swedish beauties May Louise Flodin and Mary Ann Catrin Stävin won the Miss World title for themselves in the years 1952 and 1977, respectively. 4. Puerto Rico (5 Miss Universe, 1 Miss World) The spectacular Caribbean island of Puerto Rico has produced equally spectacular ladies, and several have won universal appreciation for their incredible beauty. 5 Miss Universe and 1 Miss World winner have hailed from this country. Wilnelia Merced, a model, was the first, and only, Puerto Rican to win the Miss World title, doing so in 1975. The first Puerto Rican lady to grab the much coveted Miss Universe title was Marisol Malaret, who was crowned Miss Universe in 1970. In 1985, Deborah Carthy-Deu, and in 1993, Dayanara Yari Torres Delgado, also won the Miss Universe titles from Puerto Rico. Delgado, a multi-talented model, actor, singer, and writer, acted as an ambassador for UNICEF and established the Dayanara Torres Foundation, funding the education of underprivileged children in her home country. The last two Puerto Rican ladies to win the Miss Universe title were Denisse Maria Quiñones August, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2001, and Zuleyka Jerris Rivera Mendoza, who became Miss Universe 2006. 3. India (5 Miss World, 2 Miss Universe) Since ages of long ago, Indian women have been revered and loved for their elegant beauty and radiant looks. The definition of Indian beauty is associated with dynamism, with the mind-boggling ethnic diversity of India reflected in the distinctive appearances of the country’s beautiful ladies. Indian women


"From which stage and film musical does the song, ""My Boy Bill"" come?"

Soliloquy - Lyrics - Soundtrack Lyrics I wonder what he'll think of me I guess he'll call me the "old man" I guess he'll think i can lick Ev'ry other feller's father I bet that he'll turn out to be The spittin' image of his dad But he'll have more common sense Than his puddin-headed father ever had I'll teach him to wrestle And dive through a wave When we go in the mornin's for our swim His mother can teach him The way to behave But she won't make a sissy out o' him Not him! Not my boy! Not bill! Bill... My boy bill I will see that he is named after me, i will. My boy, bill! He'll be tall And tough as a tree, will bill! Like a tree he'll grow With his head held high And his feet planted firm on the ground And you won't see nobody dare to try To boss or toss him around! No pot-bellied, baggy-eyed bully I don't give a hang what he does As long as he does what he likes! He can sit on his tail Or work on a rail With a hammer, hammering spikes! He can ferry a boat on a river Or peddle a pack on his back Or work up and down The streets of a town With a whip and a horse and a hack. He can haul a scow along a can*l Run a cow around a corral Or maybe bark for a carousel Of course it takes talent to do that well. Aha-ha-ha-ha! He might be a champ of the heavyweights, Or a feller that sells you glue, Or president of the united states, That'd be all right, too His mother would like that But he wouldn't be president if he didn't wanna be! Not bill! My boy, bill! He'll be tall And as tough as a tree, will bill Like a tree he'll grow With his head held high And his feet planted firm on the ground And you won't see nobody dare to try To boss him or toss him around! No fat-bottomed, flabby-faced, As peaches and cream is she My little girl Is half again as bright As girls are meant to be! Dozens of boys pursue her Many a likely lad does what he can to woo her From her faithful dad Pink and white young fellers of two or three But my little girl Gets hungry ev'ry night and she comes home to me! I-i got to get ready before she comes! I got to make certain that she Won't be dragged up in slums With a lot o' bums like me She's got to be sheltered And fed and dressed In the best that money can buyi never knew how to get money, But, i'll try, i'll try! I'll try! I'll go out and make it or steal it Or take it or die! [Thanks to Mike Barnes for lyrics]


What name is given to the naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, often used in bygone days in the manufacture of coins?

Copper, Silver and Gold The Royal Family Copper, silver and gold are found in elemental or "native" form at the earth's surface. The best nuggets have been picked up already, since the land has been scoured for them wherever there are people who appreciate them. They are called the currency metals, since they have been used in coins since the beginning of money. The three largest U.S. coins in each of the metals are shown at the right. The large cent was issued 1793-1857, and weighs 11g. The Peace Dollar was minted 1921-1935, and weighs 27g. The St. Gaudens Double Eagle, $20, was minted 1907-1933, and weighs 34 g. At today's prices, the metal in these coins is worth $0.02, $4.27 and $405.61. Now, however, copper alloys predominate in the miserable debased coins of no artistic merit we use every day. They are also called noble metals, and all others base metals. They are the royal family of the periodic table, family IB. Their alchemical symbols are the signs of the three brightest planets, the sun, the moon and Venus, their colors yellow, white and red. All three are not only delightful in appearance and resistant to corrosion, but can be hammered into ornaments of artistic distinction. The three are ductile, capable of being drawn into fine wires, and malleable, capable of being hammered into thin sheets. Gold, indeed, is outstandingly ductile and malleable, able to be drawn into wires thinner than a hair and beaten into sheets thin enough to transmit light. All three metals are important in technology, especially in electronics. Copper and silver, and perhaps even gold, harden when they have been worked, and it becomes impossible to work them further, even with great effort, without danger of cracking and crumbling. This work hardening is seen even when you bend the lid of a tin can back and forth to break it off. However, if the metal is heated sufficiently to allow the metal to recrystallize, on cooling it will be restored to its original soft, workable state. This process of annealing could have been the first metallurgical practice discovered. Copper anneals at a temperature of 200°C - 750°C, the pure native copper at lower rather than higher temperatures. These temperatures are less than a red heat, and are obtained in any common fire. However, the artisans were still limited to the size of the nugget that was picked up. Large objects required large nuggets, and were correspondingly more valuable than a handful of small objects of the same weight. To make larger objects, the metal has to be melted and poured into a mould. The temperature required to melt the noble metals is close to 1000°C, practically a "white heat." This requires a fire blown by bellows or some other means, though in favorable circumstances a good natural draft might suffice. The fusion of metals could have been the second metallurgical process discovered. It should be mentioned that most stories about the history of metallurgy are just that: stories. There is no detailed evidence of methods, only the rare object found in excavations, often misidentified, mislabeled and misinterpreted by those unversed in metallurgy or chemistry. Nobody knows the order of discovery, or who the discoverers were. From the scraps of information, a story is constructed on the basis of our current understanding of metals, just as I did in making annealing the first discovery, and fusion the second. This is logical, but not proved. We have much better evidence from classical times, but still do not know much in detail. Copper knives and weapons were made in pre-dynastic Egypt, perhaps as long ago as 6000 BC by some authorities. Pipes and tubes were found from 2750 BC, and a bronze mirror dates from 1800 BC. However, metals were rare in Egypt, and a non-metallic culture predominated. The smelting of metals from ores is a significant and much later discovery than the use of native metals, annealing and fusion. This is discussed at more length in Tin . This metallurgy may have originated in Mesopotamia around 2000 BC, and perhaps also in India. The Phoenicians made smelt


Which spice is produced from the dried leaves of wild marjoram?

What is Marjoram? (with pictures) What is Marjoram? Originally Written By: Mary Elizabeth Revised By: Angie Bates Last Modified Date: 14 January 2017 Copyright Protected: Can you see through these real-life optical illusions? Marjoram is a perennial herb in the mint family that grows wild in the Mediterranean region. It is used primarily as seasoning in cooked dishes but is also found in beauty and health care products. Often mistaken for oregano , marjoram is frequently called by many different names, including sweet marjoram, knotted marjoram, joy of the mountains, and wintersweet. The current scientific name for this plant, Origanum majorana, is sometimes used interchangeably with its previous name, Majorana hortensis. Culinary Uses A bittersweet, mild spice, marjoram is common in German and Polish cooking, where it is an important part of the spice mixture for sausage. It is also found in the popular English dish of roast goose with chestnut stuffing . In French cooking, it's often included in mixtures of dried herbs called herbes de Provence, and in Italy and Greece, it is often used in sauces and meat dishes. Marinades, salad dressings, and soups can all benefit from this herb. Bouquet garnis, or bundles of fresh herbs, often include marjoram. Both fresh and dried leaves can be used, and marjoram keeps its flavor well when dried. The fresh herb is usually found in the produce section of the grocery store. Either thyme or oregano can be used as substitutes, although their flavors tend to be a bit stronger, so cooks may want to use a bit less than the recipe calls for. Ad Health and Beauty Uses Marjoram is used in body care products, including skin cream, bath bars, body lotion , body wash, and shaving gel. Since the leaves are aromatic, their oils are often added to scent these products. The essential oil is also found in aromatherapy treatments, where it is said to be warming and spicy, and to provide a soothing effect. It is often recommended as a treatment for insomnia and stress. Eugenol , a compound found in this herb, has antiseptic and anesthetic properties, meaning that it kills germs and can numb sensation. It can also act as an anti-inflammatory, relieving swelling. Although this compound is present in relatively small amounts in marjoram, the plant is used by some people to treat inflammation and help with digestion; it may be used as a tea to help relieve both flatulence and nausea. Marjoram may also relieve cramps and increase menstrual flow; therefore, most experts recommend that medicinal quantities not be taken during pregnancy. Gardening The plant can grow to about 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 46 cm) tall and has green, rounded leaves that give off a pleasant, piney fragrance. The small clusters of flowers, ranging from pink to lavender, normally bloom in July. Once the flowers bud, the leaves can be harvested and used for cooking or medicines. Fresh leaves can be dried by spreading them in a cool, well-ventilated place. Although marjoram is a perennial, meaning that it lives for several years, it usually does not survive cold temperatures. It's native to the Mediterranean region, and does best with hot, relatively dry summers and very mild winters. As a result, it must usually be replanted each year if it's grown outside in cooler places. Marjoram can be grown in pots, however, and moved indoors when the temperature drops. It prefers full sun, well-drained soil, and room to spread. Marjoram vs. Oregano There is a great deal of confusion between marjoram and oregano. They are related plants, but are two different species. They also taste similar, although oregano often has a stronger flavor, and both contain high amounts of antioxidants. To make it even more confusing, cretan oregano, O. onites, is also called French or pot marjoram and Greek oregano, O. vulgare, is often called wild marjoram. Despite the many similarities, they are not the same plant. Oregano is a hardy perennial that is taller than the more cold-sensitive marjoram. Marjoram also prefers a moister soil. Historical Significance Some peo


On which island is the city of Syracuse, ancient home to the mathematician and scientist, Archimedes?

The History of Archimedes Palimpsest Exhibition Digital Community Links Archimedes of Syracuse Archimedes was born in the city of Syracuse on the island of Sicily in 287 BC. He was the son of an astronomer and mathematician named Phidias. Aside from that, very little is known about the early life of Archimedes or his family. Some maintain that he belonged to the nobility of Syracuse, and that his family was in some way related to that of Hiero II, King of Syracuse. In the third century BC, Syracuse was a hub of commerce, art and science. As a youth in Syracuse Archimedes developed his natural curiosity and penchant for problem solving. When he had learned as much as he could from his teachers, Archimedes traveled to Egypt in order to study in Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria had, by Archimedes' time, earned a reputation for great learning and scholarship. Euclid was one of the most well-known scholars who lived in Alexandria prior to Archimedes' arrival in the city. Euclid was a renowned mathematician, perhaps best remembered for collecting all of the existent Greek geometrical treatises and assembling them in a logical and systematic order in his book, “The Elements.” This compilation was fundamental to the study of geometry for over 2,000 years, and undoubtedly influenced the work of Archimedes. After his studies in Alexandria, Archimedes returned to Syracuse and pursued a life of thought and invention. Many apocryphal legends record how Archimedes endeared himself to King Hiero II, discovering solutions to problems that vexed the king. Archimedes' Screw One such story recounts how a perplexed King Hiero was unable to empty rainwater from the hull of one of his ships. The King called upon Archimedes for assistance. Archimedes' solution was to create a machine consisting of a hollow tube containing a spiral that could be turned by a handle at one end. When the lower end of the tube was placed into the hull and the handle turned, water was carried up the tube and out of the boat. The Archimedes Screw is still used as a method of irrigation in developing countries. The Puzzle of King Hiero's Crown The "Eureka" Story Read the Story » King Hiero had commissioned a new royal crown for which he provided solid gold to the goldsmith. When the crown arrived, King Hiero was suspicious that the goldsmith only used some of the gold, kept the rest for himself and added silver to make the crown the correct weight. Archimedes was asked to determine whether or not the crown was pure gold without harming it in the process. Archimedes was perplexed but found inspiration while taking a bath. He noticed that the full bath overflowed when he lowered himself into it, and suddenly realized that he could measure the crown's volume by the amount of water it displaced. He knew that since he could measure the crown's volume, all he had to do was discover its weight in order to calculate its density and hence its purity. Archimedes was so exuberant about his discovery that he ran down the streets of Syracuse naked shouting, “Eureka!” which meant “I've found it!” in Greek. Archimedes and the Defense of Syracuse During Archimedes' lifetime Sicily was a hotspot for both geological and political events. The volcanic Mount Etna loomed threateningly over the island, while on all sides the titanic Punic Wars raged between Rome and Carthage. Situated strategically between the two great powers, Sicily naturally became an object of contention. Self preservation demanded that the kings of Syracuse negotiate with the great powers, and as a result the small city-state often found itself allied with one against the other. Such was the case in 214 BC, when pro-Carthaginian factions within the city chose to side with Carthage against Rome. Shortly thereafter, legions of the Roman army sailed to Syracuse and laid siege to the city walls. King Hiero II had anticipated such an eventuality. Before his death in 216 BC, Hiero set Archimedes to work, strengthening the walls of Syracuse and modifying its great stronghold, the Euryelos fort


What is the name of the enzyme in the human body, which breaks down fats?

BBC - KS3 Bitesize Science - Diet, drugs and health : Revision, Page 5 Diet, drugs and health Next Digestion and enzymes Our teeth break food down into small pieces when we chew. This is only a start to the process of digestion, as chewed pieces of food are still too large to be absorbed by the body. Food has to be broken down chemically into really small particles before it can be absorbed. Enzymes are needed so that this break-down happens quickly enough to be useful. Enzymes Take care - enzymes are not living things. They are just special proteins that can break large molecules into small molecules. Different types of enzymes can break down different nutrients: carbohydrase or amylase enzymes break down starch into sugar protease enzymes break down proteins into amino acids lipase enzymes break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are digested in the mouth, stomach and small intestine. Carbohydrase enzymes break down starch into sugars. The saliva in your mouth contains amylase, which is another starch digesting enzyme. If you chew a piece of bread for long enough, the starch it contains is digested to sugar, and it begins to taste sweet. Proteins Proteins are digested in the stomach and small intestine. Protease enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. Digestion of proteins in the stomach is helped by stomach acid, which is strong hydrochloric acid. This also kills harmful micro-organisms that may be in the food. Fats Lipase enzymes break down fat into fatty acids and glycerol. Digestion of fat in the small intestine is helped by bile, made in the liver. Bile breaks the fat into small droplets that are easier for the lipase enzymes to work on. Things that are not digested Minerals, vitamins and water are already small enough to be absorbed by the body without being broken down, so they are not digested. Digestive enzymes cannot break down fibre, which is why it cannot be absorbed by the body. Page


What is the more common name for Vibrissae, found on all feline creatures?

How do whiskers work? | Discover Wildlife How do whiskers work? Why do animals have whiskers? And how do they work? 27th June 2012 - Whiskers are much more widespread and important – in both functional and evolutionary terms – than you might imagine. These modified hairs – vibrissae – form specialised touch organs, found at some stage in the life of all mammals except monotremes (duck-billed platypus and echidnas) and humans, though we still have vestiges of the muscles once associated with vibrissae in our upper lips. Whiskers typically grow around the nostrils and above the lips and eyes, but also on the forelegs and feet of some mammals. Manatees have them all over the head and body, but in most mammals they form an ordered pattern. Rats – whose whiskers are the best-studied – have five rows on either side of the snout, each comprising five to nine vibrissae: shorter microvibrissae at the front, longer macrovibrissae at the rear, a little under 1mm in diameter at the base, tapering to an extremely narrow tip. In contrast, seals’ whiskers are much stiffer and do not taper. Vibrissae can be very long: up to 50mm in rats, and one-third of a chinchilla’s body length. The whiskers of many carnivores, particularly aquatic and nocturnal species, are also very prominent. Whisk assessment So, how do they work? In essence, they function like an old-fashioned gramophone stylus. As whiskers brush an object, irregularities in the surface are translated into movements of the vibrissae; those, in turn, are detected by hundreds of motion sensors inside a heavily innervated hair follicle – rats and cats have 100–200 nerve cells per whisker, seals up to 1,500. These nerves relay detailed information about the direction, velocity and duration of vibrissal movement, thereby allowing the animal to detect the precise location, size, texture and other details of the object. In some mammals, individual muscles allow macrovibrissae around the nose to be moved independently, whereas those elsewhere on the body cannot; neither can microvibrissae. Larger muscles move all of the whiskers together by changing the position or shape of the whisker pad. Small rodents exhibit rapid whisker movements – in fact, the ‘whisking’ motions of rats are the fastest of any mammal. By contrast, in larger rodents, lagomorphs and some carnivores, such ‘vibrations’ (the name derives from the Latin vibrare) are sporadic; bats, ungulates, primates and cetaceans make few whisker movements. Food finders Whiskers serve various purposes, but are most commonly used to locate food. Seals, for example, extend their whiskers forward to follow the hydrodynamic trails left by swimming fish. Indeed, the vibrissae of common seals are so sensitive that they can discriminate the species – or at least the size – of their prey, and the direction in which it fled, long after it swam away. The vibrissal sensory system of Etruscan shrews enables them to distinguish prey from non-prey in a single touch – an ability that scientists are attempting to replicate in robots.  Many terrestrial mammals can also detect air currents with their whiskers, which may warn them of approaching danger. The body vibrissae of manatees may help to detect the movements of other animals, water currents, tidal flows and changes in the contours of the seabed in their shallow-water environment. Whiskers are also important in indicating an animal’s state of mind, and play a role in various social behaviours. But though vibrissae have been the subject of some fascinating research, little is known about the function of cats’ whiskers. The making of mammals The role whiskers played in the early evolution of mammals is perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the topic. The first mammals coexisted with dinosaurs, and became adapted to the main ecological niches available: hunting insects at night, when predatory dinosaurs were least active, and living high up in trees. Facial whiskers would have endowed these early mammals with a sensory advantage, using the increased sensitivity of touch provided by vibrissae to help


"What name is given to the long ""whiskers"" found on some fish of the carp family?"

Larger Unusual Fish Species That Anglers May Encounter - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Enter Search Term(s): Search DEC Skip to main navigation Larger Unusual Fish Species That Anglers May Encounter Note: This article first appeared in the November/December 1991 issue of The Conservationist magazine. Recently updated. Authors- John Hasse & Eileen C. Stegemann. Eighth in a 14-part series describing the Freshwater Fishes of New York. New York State's waters are home to a number of unusual fish. Some, like carp and goldfish, are easily recognized by most people. Others, such as bowfin and gar, may only be familiar to Great Lakes and Lake Champlain fishermen. And still others, such as quillback, have probably only been seen by a handful of New Yorkers. Each of New York State's unusual fish has its own unique qualities and distinct appearance. From the longnose gar with its long snout and numerous sharp teeth to the snakelike eel that can reach 3.5 feet in length, these fish are all interesting animals to observe. Because of the large number of fish species that are in this category, New York State's unusual fish will be discussed in two articles. This article describes a few of New York State's most unusual fish that anglers can encounter. Carp First introduced into New York State waters in 1831, carp are now found across the State. They are distinct in appearance, usually with large heavy scales covering their bodies and two short whiskers (called barbels) surrounding their mouths. Their fins have a deep red tint and the dorsal (back) and anal (bottom rear) fins each have a single thick, saw-toothed spine that can produce a nasty wound if touched carelessly. Carp can grow quite large in New York State's waters, more than 40 pounds! They eat a variety of plant and animal material and are often spotted by the cloud of mud they stir up as they feed. It is not uncommon to see and hear carp sucking in floating insects at the water's surface. Carp display interesting spawning (reproduction) habits. During late spring and early summer, they thrash and splash their way into very shallow, weedy areas and broadcast their eggs. Their bodies are sometimes completely exposed out of the water and the splashing they make is quite a sight to see. A 20-pound female carp will lay nearly 10 million eggs. Originally from Asia, carp were first brought to New York State to provide another food fish. Over time, however, they have become less popular as a food item and instead have picked up the reputation of a "polluted fish." Although carp can tolerate polluted waters, they prefer clean waters. Carp taken from clean waters are excellent to eat. Carp are commercially marketed live, smoked, or cleaned and iced. Goldfish Often considered a pet, goldfish also live in the wild and are found in many waters across New York State. They prefer warm, weedy, shallow sections of smaller ponds and lakes, as well as slow-moving rivers such as the Mohawk and Hudson. While goldfish kept as pets may never get larger than six inches, "wild" goldfish often reach 12 to 14 inches long. They are very similar in appearance to carp, but can be told apart by the lack of barbels around their mouths. Goldfish can be quite colorful in appearance, but most are dull olive green (more effective when hiding from predators). Goldfish are native to China and have been kept as pets for centuries. New York State's goldfish populations are the result of illegally released pets or escapees from bait buckets. They are hardy fish that easily adapt to different waters and are, therefore, prohibited for use as bait. Quillback Quillback have a limited distribution in New York State. They are only found in large rivers and lakes, such as Erie, Ontario, and Champlain and the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers. Although quillback closely resemble carp, they are easily distinguished by the lack of barbels around their mouths. In addition, quillback are generally smaller (ten to 15 inches long) and lack heavy spines at the beginning of their dorsal and anal fins. Quillback get their n


"How is the priest described in the nursery rhyme, ""The House that Jack Built""?"

This is the House that Jack Built | Nursery Rhymes by Hooplakidz - YouTube This is the House that Jack Built | Nursery Rhymes by Hooplakidz Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Mar 14, 2014 Download HooplaKidz Christmas Songs on iTunes http://vid.io/xo26 Sing along to the fine tunes of This is The House that Jack Built nursery rhymes by Hooplakidz and sing along and have a good time !!! Lyrics to Sing Along :- This is the house that Jack built This is the malt that lay in the house that Jack built. This is the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the cat that chased the rat That ate the malt that lay in the house that Jack built. This is the dog that worried the cat That chased the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the cow with the crumpled horn That tossed the dog that worried the cat That chased the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the maiden all forlorn That milked the cow with the crumpled horn That tossed the dog that worried the cat That chased the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the man all tattered and torn That kissed the maiden all forlorn That milked the cow with the crumpled horn That tossed the dog that worried the cat That chased the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the priest all shaven and shorn That married the man all tattered and torn That kissed the maiden all forlorn That milked the cow with the crumpled horn That tossed the dog that worried the cat That chased the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the cock that crowed in the morn That woke the priest all shaven and shorn That married the man all tattered and torn That kissed the maiden all forlorn That milked the cow with the crumpled horn That tossed the dog that worried the cat That killed the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the farmer sowing his corn That kept the cock that crowed in the morn That woke the priest all shaven and shorn That married the man all tattered and torn That kissed the maiden all forlorn That milked the cow with the crumpled horn That tossed the dog that worried the cat That chased the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the horse and the hound and the horn That belonged to the farmer sowing his corn That kept the cock that crowed in the morn That woke the priest all shaven and shorn That married the man all tattered and torn That kissed the maiden all forlorn That milked the cow with the crumpled horn That tossed the dog that worried the cat That chased the rat that ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. To watch all popular nursery rhymes, click here http://bit.ly/19Wxnri For more baby songs click here http://www.youtube.com/user/hooplakidz Subscribe to the Hooplakidz Childrens Youtube Channel


When used in the manufacture of jewellery, which metal is usually alloyed with Platinum?

Precious Metals Used in Jewellery - Platinum Group - Donnell Valuation Services & Jewellers Home » Precious Metals » Precious Metals Used in Jewellery – Platinum Group Precious Metals Used in Jewellery – Platinum Group by Deb Donnell | posted in: Precious Metals | 0 Platinum Platinum is one of the strongest and most durable of all precious metals, however its physical properties make it difficult for jewellery to be manufactured from its pure state. It is therefore alloyed with 5% of other platinum group metals, such as iridium or ruthenium. The finished jewellery item is usually stamped with PLAT, 950, or sometimes Pt.   Palladium Palladium is a metal that was used for jewellery production from 1939 onwards, after platinum was declared a strategic government resource during World War II. However, it fell out of favour once platinum supplies were freed up, as it was more expensive to use and had issues with casting. Palladium does not need to be rhodium plated, and is slightly whiter than platinum. However, palladium does tend to discolour at high soldering temperatures, and may become brittle with repeated heating and cooling, as well as react with strong acids. It is also softer than white gold or platinum. Since 2004, when platinum and gold prices increased and surpassed the decreasing palladium prices, the casting problems were resolved. It is now being used worldwide again, and once alloyed, costs about the same as 9ct white gold to manufacture jewellery from. As it retains its naturally white colour, it is quickly become a preferred choice for contemporary customers who want a low maintenance, lower cost attractive white-metal ring. Rhodium Rhodium is used for plating purposes only, on silver, white gold and sometimes platinum, as it gives a whiter finish. The plating will wear off in time but the piece can easily be replated. Depending on how often the jewellery item is worn will dictate the timeframe for replating, i.e. for a ring that is worn every day, plating would be recommended on an annual basis, although the plating may wear around the back or where it rubs against another ring a lot quicker than this. The cost to have this done for an average sized ring is usually approximately NZ$60.


"What was the name of James Onedin's ship in the TV series ""The Onedin Line""?"

Welcome to the www.TheOnedinLine.com website   Welcome to our  website James Onedin ( Peter Gilmore ), the younger son of old Samuel    Onedin, a miserly ship chandler, was a penniless sea captain    with aspirations to greater things. He married Anne Webster    ( Anne Stallybrass ), who was some years his senior    (The actor playing Anne Webster, Ann Stallybrass, is actually seven years younger than    Peter Gilmore) and the spinster daughter of Captain Joshua    Webster, owner of the topsail schooner Charlotte Rhodes    (portrayed by the schooner Meta Jan). James's only    motivation was to get his hands on the ship. A shrewd and    often ruthless operator, James soon built up a fleet,    assisted by the loyal Mr. (later Captain) Baines ( Howard    Lang ). His other sailing ships included the Pampero, the    Medusa, the Soren Larsen, the "Neptune", the "Falcon", the "Trident", the "Osprey", the steamship "Shearwater", the " Christian Radich", the "Thorsoe", the steamer "Black Pearl",    the "Jenny Peak" renamed the "Letty Gaunt", the "Ondine",    the "Orlando", the "Star of Bethlehem", the "Teawind" and    the "Lady Lazenby". He also initiated the building of a    steamship, the Anne Onedin (until the death of his wife, to    be named the "Golden Nugget") Ships used in the Onedin Line series Sailing vessel: The Charlotte Rhodes The Charlotte Rhodes berthed in the 1860s harbor of    Liverpool, England (In the Onedin Line series). It was operated by Captain James Onedin,    ( Peter Gilmore ) who rose to wealth and power as he    established his flourishing cargo shipping service. The ship "Charlotte Rhodes", called Kathleen and May, is    Britain's last three-masted top sail schooner. It was built    for Captain John Coppack in 1900 in Connah's Quay in    Flintshire, for cargo trading around the Irish Sea Among others, these tall ships were filmed: Sailing vessel: Statsraad Lehmkuhl (See web header of    TheOnedinLine.com) The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a three-masted barque rigged sail    training vessel owned and operated by the Statsraad Lehmkuhl    Foundation. It is based in Bergen, Norway and contracted out    for various purposes, including serving as a school ship for    the Royal Norwegian Navy (using RNoN's prefix "KNM",    English: "HNoMS"). It was built in 1914 as a school training ship for the    German merchant marine under the name Grossherzog Friedrich    August. After the First World War the ship was taken as a    prize by the United Kingdom and in 1921 the ship was bought    by former cabinet minister Kristoffer Lehmkuhl (hence the    name, which means 'Cabinet Minister Lehmkuhl'). With the    exception of the Second World War, when she was captured by    German troops and called Westwï¿½rts, the ship has belonged to    Bergens Skoleskib until it was donated to the Foundation in    1978. In 2000, it was chartered by the German Navy while their    Gorch Fock was overhauled. Sailing vessel: Christian Radich Christian Radich is a Norwegian full rigged ship, named    after a Norwegian shipowner. The vessel was built at Framnï¿½s    shipyard in Sandefjord, Norway, and was delivered on 17 June    1937. The owner was The Christian Radich Sail Training    Foundation established by a grant from an officer of that    name. The vessel is a full rigged three masted steel hull, 62.5 m    long, with an overall length of 73 m including the bowsprit    and a maximum width of 9.7 m. She has a draught of about 4.7    meters and a displacement at full load of 1050 tons. Under    engine power, the Christian Radich reaches a top speed of 10    knots, while she can make up to 14 knots under sail. The crew is 18 all together. It can accommodate 88    passengers. The Christian Radich is well known through the    international release in 1958 of the Cinemiracle widescreen    movie Windjammer. The Christian Radich sailed to the United    States in 1976 as part of the Bicenten


Part of British Leyland, which car company produced a model called the Ital in the 1980's

Category:British Leyland | Classic Cars Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [ show ] History BLMC was created in 1968 by the merger of British Motor Holdings (BMH) and Leyland Motor Corporation (LMC), encouraged by Tony Benn as chairman of the Industrial Reorganisation Committee created by the Wilson Government (1964–1970). At the time, LMC was a successful manufacturer, while BMH was perilously close to collapse. The Government was hopeful LMC's expertise would revive the ailing BMH. The merger combined most of the remaining independent British car manufacturing companies and included car, bus and truck manufacturers and more diverse enterprises including construction equipment, refrigerators, metal casting companies, road surface manufacturers; in all, nearly 100 different companies. The new corporation was arranged into seven divisions under its new chairman, Sir Donald Stokes (formerly the chairman of LMC). While BMH was the UK's largest car manufacturer (producing over twice as many cars as LMC), it offered a range of dated vehicles, including the Morris Minor which was introduced in 1948 and the Austin Cambridge and Morris Oxford, which dated back to 1959. After the merger, Lord Stokes was horrified to find that BMH had no plans to replace these elderly designs. Also, BMH's design efforts immediately prior to the merger had focused on unfortunate niche market models such as the Austin Maxi (which was underdeveloped and with an appearance hampered by using the doors from the larger Austin 1800) and the Austin 3 litre, which was a car with no discernible place in the market. BMH had produced several successful cars, such as the Mini and the Austin/Morris 1100/1300 range (which at the time was the UK's biggest selling car). While these cars had been advanced at the time of their introduction, the Mini was not highly profitable and the 1100/1300 was facing more modern competition. The lack of attention to development of new mass market models meant that BMH had nothing in the way of new models in the pipeline to effectively compete with popular rivals such as Ford's Escort and Cortina. Immediately, Lord Stokes instigated plans to design and introduce new models quickly. The first result of this crash program was the Morris Marina in early 1971. It used parts from various BL models with new bodywork to produce BL's mass market competitor. It was one of the strongest selling cars in Britain during the 1970s, although by the end of production in 1980 it was widely regarded as a dismal product which had damaged the company's reputation. The Austin Allegro (replacement for the 1100/1300 ranges), launched in 1973, earned a similarly unwanted reputation over its 10-year production life. The company became an infamous monument to the industrial turmoil that plagued Britain in the 1970s. At its peak, BLMC owned nearly 40 different manufacturing plants across the country. Even before the merger BMH had included theoretically competing marques which were in fact selling substantially similar "badge engineered" cars. To this was added the competition from yet more, previously LMC marques. Rover competed with Jaguar at the expensive end of the market, and Triumph with its family cars and sports cars against Austin, Morris and MG. The result was a product range which was incoherent and full of duplication. In addition, in consequent attempts to establish British Leyland as a brand in consumers' minds in and outside the UK, print ads and spots were produced, causing confusion rather than attraction for buyers. This, combined with serious industrial relations problems (with trade unions), the 1973 oil crisis, the three-day week, high inflation, and ineffectual management meant that BL became an unmanageable and financially crippled behemoth which went bankrupt in 1975. 1970s Restructuring Sir Don Ryder was asked to undertake an enquiry into the position of the company, and his report, The Ryder Report, was presented to the government in April 1975. Following the report's recommendations, the organisation was drastically restructured and th


Adam's Peak, (also called Buddha's or Siva's Peak), stands in which island country?

Sri Pada Mountain (Adams Peak) | AmazingLanka.com (2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading... Sri Pada Temple at the top – Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage The mountain of Sri Pada is one of the rare places that people of four major religions in the world worship. The mountain is situated in the Rathnapura district with a height of 7,360 feet (2,243 meters). Although this is only the second highest mountains, It rises alone majestically with a conical shape and offers an unobstructed view over land and sea. It is said that the mountain was the landmark of the ancient sea-faring Arabs, who came to Sri Lanka, to trade in gems, spices, ivory etc., and they, having sighted the conical mountain miles off shore, prayed to God for having brought them safely to the island. According to the Sri Lanka’s great chronicle, Mahawamsa, Buddha visited Sri Lanka three times. The last time he traveled from Kelaniya to Sri Pada, and then to Digavaphi . It is said that Buddha left his foot print on the rock at top of the mountain at the invitation of the Deity Saman (Saman Deviyo). The Sri Pada mountain from a distance Photo licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Amila Kanchana Deity Saman is recorded as having met the Buddha on his first visit to the island when he visited Mahiyangana to drive away the Tribe of Yakkas. Saman became a stream-entrant (sotapanna) after listening to the Buddha. Deity Saman then requested a object of worship , and Buddha gave him a handful of hairs with which he enshrined on a dagaba at Mahiyangana . The Theravada Buddhists of Sri Lanka later made Deity Saman the guardian of their land and their religion. With the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, Saman developed into Samantabhadra, one of the four principle bodhisattvas of Mahayana. Like his later manifestation, Samanta is usually depicted crowned and bejewelled, holding a lotus in his right hand and accompanied by a white elephant. At Weligama, an ancient port on Sri Lanka’s south coast, there is a 12 ft high statue which some believe is the figure of Samantabhadra carved out of a huge moss-covered bolder. This statue is now called Kushtarajagala . It is thought that the Pilgrims from India and northern Sri Lanka disembarking at Weligama were greeted by this bodhisattva figure as they set out on the long trek to Sri Pada. The summit of the mountain is a small plateau, and according to measurements made by Lieut. Malcolm (the first European to ascend the mountain in 1816),” it is 74 ft. in length and 24 ft. in breadth” the total area being 1,776 sq. ft. On the top of the Peak broad steps lead up to a walled enclosure containing the rock over which is a tower-like structure. Symbolic Representation of the foot print of Buddha image source : sripada.org According to the Englishman John Davy, who visted the summit in 1817, … It is a superficial hollow, five feet three inches and three-quarters long, and between two’ feet seven inches and two feet five inches wide. It is ornamented with a margin of brass, studded with a few gems, of little value: it is covered with a roof, which is fastened to the rock by four iron chains, and supported by four pillars; and it is surrounded by a low wall. The roof was lined with coloured cloths, and its margin being decked with flowers, and streamers, it made a very gay appearance. The cavity .certainly bears a coarse resemblance to the figure of the human foot: were it really ah impression, it is not a very flattering one, or the encomiums which are lavished on the beauty of the feet of Boodhoo are very improperly bestowed. …. A similar print in Thailand is believed to have the imprint of the Buddha’s right foot, is about five feet long and two feet broad. The real footprint on Adam’s Peak is believed to be set in jewels beneath the visible rock. The soles of the Buddha’s feet are said to be flat with all the toes of equal length. On each sole there are one hundred and eight auspicious marks (mangala lakkhana), with the wheel (chakra) the principal mark at the centre while around it are grouped figures of animals, inhabitants of various worlds an