The Shuttleworth Collection, based in Bedfordshire, is an important National Museum; of what is it a collection?

The Shuttleworth Collection   ? Shuttleworth Collection Shuttleworth is really 3 attractions rolled into one based around the Victorian mansion of Shuttleworth House. First there is a remarkable collection of veteran and vintage airplanes dating back to the earliest days of flight. Unlike many museums, most of Shuttleworth's planes are airworthy, and fly regularly in flying displays held between May and October. Shuttleworth also features regular displays of modern aircraft in addition to the popular vintage machines. The second centre of attraction at Shuttleworth is the collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles, dating back to an 1898 Panhard et Levassor. The extensive collection fills seven large hangers, including a workshop where you can see vehicles being worked on, and a separate coach room for horse-drawn carriages. Shuttleworth is frequently used as a rallying point for vintage and antique vehicle clubs. Also a wide variety of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles such as the Clayton and Shuttleworth steam traction engine and horsedrawn carriages. The third attraction at Shuttleworth is Swiss Garden , a 10 acre early Victorian garden centred about a tiny Swiss style cottage. Swiss Garden is a romantic exercise in gardening, with a variety of rare shrubs and trees dotting a landscape of pools, islands, and wrought-iron bridges. There are exotic structures like an Indian kiosk, mock chapel, and grotto incorporated into the garden. Highlights


Haddon Hall in Derbyshire was used by the BBC to represent which property in a 2006 classic serial?

Masterpiece Theatre | Jane Eyre | Production Notes Behind the Scenes Production Diary by Diederick Santer, producer Diederick Santer previously produced the first three series of the BBC's Cutting It, and two contemporary versions of Shakespeare dramas, including the BAFTA-nominated Much Ado About Nothing. After Jane Eyre, he became executive producer of EastEnders, the popular BBC television soap. Week: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 Week 1 After several months of script development, and ten weeks of prep, our production of Jane Eyre is about to start filming. Over the next four days, myself, Susanna White (director), Helga Dowie (line producer), Rad Neville (1st assistant director) and all the various crew heads will travel together in a small bus to the locations we plan to shoot. At each stop a group of about twenty get out of the van. Susanna tells us her plans for each scene, and each member of the crew considers the practical problems of the location: How will we light it? Is it too noisy? How do we get the trucks in? Is it dangerous? What extra equipment will we need? This is a particularly busy time for Helga Dowie, as all the various requests for equipment come to her: Can we have a crane on this day? We're going to need to build a 100' long scaffold rig outside here. The only way in to this location is by tractor. Where will the extras sit? Are we there yet? It's late February, and everywhere in beautiful Derbyshire where we've chosen to shoot is freezing. We wake to find snow is falling, and we can't get to all our locations. We'll try again the next day. This is the week is when everything suddenly happens. On each show I've produced, most of my energy is not spent working with the director and line producer on making the locations work; they manage that on their own — but rather on lengthy phone calls to our casting director and artists' booker working on deals to secure actors for the show. Why does this always happen when I'm sitting on a bus trying to keep my voice down? Why can't it happen when I'm in an office, with all the figures and dates in front of me? It's because only when the schedule is firmed up, and not until that time, can we book the actors. We're hoping that the brilliant Pam Ferris will play Grace Poole. It's a great character part, but is in a limited number of scenes. She's keen to play the role, but is in huge demand. We will only get her if we can make her dates compact. Achieving this depends on certain locations working out. While climbing from the bus to the top of Stanage Edge [the moors where we find Jane midway through Episode 2], I get a call from Thalia Reynolds, artists' contracts. Pam is on board. Outside the crypt of Bolsover Castle [the location for an interior of Lowood School in Episode 1], Thalia and I discuss accommodation and billing, and to my delight Francesca Annis is confirmed as Lady Ingram. Stuck to the only spot in the grounds of Ilam Hall [an early 19th-century hall now owned by the National Trust and used as a Youth Hostel, serving as the exterior of Lowood School], where I can get a phone signal, I learn that we've got Georgie Henley — star of the recent Narnia movie — for young Jane Eyre. Hooray! We're putting together a wonderful cast. And Derbyshire and the Peak District are providing some great locations. Can't wait to get started. back to top Week 2 The read-through is in London, upstairs at the Bloomsbury Baptist Church on Shaftesbury Avenue. I always try to have read-throughs here as the room is big, light and airy, has good acoustics, and everyone can fit around the table. It's also quite near my house, and perhaps for this reason I am a bit late, arriving after most of the actors. This doesn't go unnoticed by my eagle-eyed executive producer Phillippa Giles. Phillippa is a hugely experienced producer and executive producer, having worked on such great titles over the years as A Fatal Inversion, Gallowglass, Our Mutual Friend and North and South. I'm a classic drama virgin, and many times over the last few months I'


Which 1854 opera was the first in Wagner's Ring Cycle?

The Ring Cycle | The Ring Cycle The Ring Cycle Information on The Ring Cycle including music recordings, events calendar, librettos, videos, and Richard Wagner's Autobiography Search for: You are here: Home / The Ring Cycle The Ring Cycle The Ring Cycle – Der Ring des Nibelungen – The Ring of the Nibelung Brunnhilde in flames The Ring Cycle is a common abbreviation for Der Ring des Nibelungen (English translation – The Ring of the Nibelung), by German composer Richard Wagner. The Ring of the Nibelung is made up of a cycle of four epic operas that if played consecutively would last for about 15 hours. Wagner wrote both the music and the libretto, taking his inspiration from the Norse sagas and the Nibelungenlied (a 12th century German poem). The four operatic dramas are actually a trilogy with a prelude making up the fourth part. NOTE: Some people translate “Der Ring des Nibelungen” as “The Ring of the Nibelungs” but this is not correct. In German the ‘-en’ ending of ‘Nibelungen’ and the article ‘des’ preceding it denotes the possessive (genitive) case making the correct translation to be Nibelung in English and not Nibelungs. Brunnhilde the Valkyrie In chronological order of the events contained in each opera, The Ring of the Nibelung consists of – Das Rheingold (The Rhine Gold) – Prelude Die Walküre (The Valkyrie) – First Day of the Trilogy Siegfried (Siegfried) – Second Day of the Trilogy Götterdämmerung (The Twilight of the Gods) – Third Day of the Trilogy As well as being an epic production in its own right, Der Ring des Nibelungen was also an epic in writing taking Wagner about twenty-six years, from 1848 to 1874 to complete. Each opera can stand on its own but the authors intention was that they be performed as a series. Wagner worked on and off again on the Ring during the twenty-six years between when it was first started and when it was completed. He wrote the poems of the four operas in the late 1840s and early 1850s; the music for Das Rheingold in 1853–54, that for Die Walküre in 1854–56; and in 1856–57 Wagner composed, though he did not score, the first two acts of Siegfried. However, at this point in time he took a break from The Ring for twelve years, in order to concentrate on Tristan und Isolde and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. It was always in his mind to complete The Ring and in 1869 he got back to work on the epic again. Despite the long break his enthusiasm and inspiration had not diminished. He completed Siegfried between 1869–74 as well as Götterdämmerung. The first performance of Das Rheingold was in Munich on 22 September 1869, and it took until 13 August 1876 before it was performed as part of the complete Ring cycle at Bayreuth – where it is still performed today. Today we can enjoy performances of the Wagner Ring Cycle as both live performances by world famous opera houses, or as high quality recordings on CD and DVD . In addition there are modern translations of Wagner’s libretto that make it easy to follow the storyline and understand the plot. The passage of time has confirmed Wagner’s “Der Ring Des Nibelungen” as one of the classic operas of all time, and although it may not enjoy the heights of popularity it enjoyed before World War 1, it still attracts sold out houses wherever it is performed in the world today. If you cannot find something on this page, Search Google Search for:


Tobacco Road and God's Little Acre | New Georgia Encyclopedia Tobacco Road and God's Little Acre Original entry by Edwin T. Arnold , Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, 07/16/2002 Last edited by NGE Staff on 05/16/2016 Explore This Article The Film Although Erskine Caldwell wrote more than sixty books, twenty-five novels among them, he is best known for two works of long fiction, Tobacco Road (1932) and God's Little Acre (1933). Tobacco Road was named one of the Modern Library's 100 best novels of the twentieth century, and God's Little Acre remains Caldwell's single most popular work, having sold more than 10 million copies. Along with the less well-known Journeyman (1935), these books make up a serio-comic trilogy of Georgia life in the first half of the twentieth century. They detail the ruination of the land, the growth of textile mills , and the abiding influence of fundamentalist religion in the South. These books thus present a radical contrast to the traditionally genteel and romantic views of the region, popularized most notably by Margaret Mitchell in Gone With the Wind (1936). Tobacco Road Erskine Caldwell by Charles Scribner and Sons in 1932, was Caldwell's third novel. It was inspired by the terrible poverty he witnessed as a young man growing up in the small east Georgia town of Wrens. His father, Ira Sylvester Caldwell, who was pastor of the local Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, was also an amateur sociologist and often took his son with him to observe some of the more destitute members of the rural community. Erskine Caldwell's sympathy for these people and his outrage at the conditions in which they lived were real, and his novel was meant to be a work of social protest. But he also refused to sentimentalize their poverty or to cast his characters as inherently noble in their sufferings, as so many other protest works did. The novel's Lester family, headed by the shiftless patriarch Jeeter, both appall and intrigue readers with their gross sexuality, casual violence, selfishness, and overall lack of decency. Living as squatters on barren land that had once belonged to their more prosperous ancestors, the Lesters have come to represent in the American public's mind the degradation inherent in extreme poverty. That Caldwell also portrays them as often-comic figures further complicates the reader's response. Tobacco Road is a call to action, but it offers no easy answers and thus has generated intense debate both in and out of the South. Many southerners denounced the novel as exaggerated and needlessly cruel and even pornographic, an affront to the gentility of the region. Northern critics, however, tended to read the book as a serious indictment of a failed economic system in need of correction. Caldwell later explained that the book was not meant to represent the entire South, but for many this work confirmed demeaning southern stereotypes. The Play and Film The stage version of Tobacco Road was written by Jack Kirkland and opened on December 4, 1933, at the Masque Theatre in New York City. Caldwell had little to do with the play version and initially felt it would fail. First reviews were mixed, and after a month of sporadic attendance, the play moved to the 48th Street Theater, where it slowly became a word-of-mouth success. With Henry Hull as the first of five actors who would play Jeeter Lester, Tobacco Road ran for more than seven years, through 3,182 performances. When it closed on May 31, 1941, it had become the longest-running play in the history of the Broadway stage up to that time. Road shows took the play to cities throughout the nation and later into foreign countries. In 1934 Chicago mayor Edward F. Kelly declared the play obscene and closed it down. The producers sued, and in a major court case, the play was allowed to continue. This was the first of numerous attempts to censor the show, which was often taken to court or banned during its many runs. Caldwell tirelessly defended the play and the book and, in the process, became a leading advocate for artistic free


Who was Poet Laureate from 1930 to 1967?

Top 10 Greatest British Poet Laureates - TheTopTens® Top 10 Greatest British Poet Laureates MikeFuller This is a list of the British Poet Laureates I consider to be best. It is not a list of the best poets to be given the post. Example Wordsworth (1770 - 1850) British Poet Laureate 1843-1850 wrote nothing for the post of British Poet Laureate. The Top Ten 1 Alfred Lord, Tennyson (1809 - 1892) Hmm... I prefer prose to poetry. I would certainly be more enthusiastic if you made a list about novels and writers. To be honest from your list I have only read Tennyson and Ted Hughes and I'm not very fond of them. Guilty! British Poet Laureate 1850 - 1892 The poem 'The Charge Of The Light Brigade' by Tennyson is perhaps the most notable ever Laureate poem! He chronicled events so well, and did such a great job! He held the post for 42 years, the longest legnth of time on the post. There was about 4 years gap in respect before Austin was given the post in 1896. - MikeFuller 2 John Masefield (1878 - 1967) British Poet Laureate 1930 - 1967 He was a great poet who represented so well the working classes! He stood for people and working labour and was a great laureate! - MikeFuller 3 Dryden (1631 - 1700) British Poet Laureate 1668 - 1688 Despite being sacked from the post he was a great poet who wrote fantastic verse for the laureateship! - MikeFuller I love his One Happy Moment poem. The emotion just floats from it and into your heart. The verse: "I can die with her, but not live without her..." Just beautiful.


Which 1951 novel by Nikos Kazantzakis became even more controversial when Martin Scorsese's film of the book was released in 1988?

The Last Temptation of Christ (film) - Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia I Live my life to the Fullest!!! coz you know you only get one !!! The Last Temptation of Christ (film) Release date  August 12, 1988 (1988-08-12) Based on  The Last Temptation of Christ  by Nikos Kazantzakis Writer  Nikos Kazantzakis (novel), Paul Schrader (screenplay) Cast  Willem Dafoe (Jesus), Harvey Keitel (Judas), Barbara Hershey (Mary Magdalene), David Bowie (Pontius Pilatus), Harry Dean Stanton (Paulus), Paul Greco (Zealot) Similar movies  The Passion of the Christ, Life of Brian, From the Manger to the Cross, In Search of Historic Jesus, The Hood Samaritan, Jesus Christ Superstar The last temptation of christ 1988 official trailer Sponsored Links Jesus (Willem Dafoe), a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas (Harvey Keitel) despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey). The Last Temptation of Christ is a 1988 American-Canadian epic drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. Written by Paul Schrader with uncredited rewrites from Scorsese and Jay Cocks, the film is a film adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis controversial 1953 novel of the same name. The film, starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Andre Gregory, Harry Dean Stanton, and David Bowie, was shot entirely in Morocco. Like the novel, the film depicts the life of Jesus Christ and his struggle with various forms of temptation including fear, doubt, depression, reluctance and lust. This results in the book and film depicting Christ being tempted by imagining himself engaged in sexual activities, a notion that has caused outrage from some Christians. The film includes a disclaimer explaining that it departs from the commonly accepted Biblical portrayal of Jesus life, and is not based on the Gospels. Scorsese received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, and Hersheys performance as Mary Magdalene earned her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress nomination, while Keitels performance as Judas earned him a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor nomination. Jesus (Willem Dafoe), a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas (Harvey Keitel) despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey). The last temptation of christ 1988 trailer Plot The film begins with a man whispering in despair, "The feeling begins. Very tender, very loving. Then the pain starts. Claws slip underneath the skin and tear their way up. Just before they reach my eyes, they dig in. And I remember. First I fasted for three months. I even whipped myself before I went to sleep. At first it worked. Then the pain came back. And the voices. They call me by the name: Jesus." Jesus of Nazareth is a carpenter in Roman-occupied Judea, torn between his own desires and his knowledge that God has a plan for him. His conflict results in self-loathing, and he collaborates with the Romans to crucify Jewish rebels. The last temptation of christ 1988 martin scorsese movie review project Judas Iscariot, a friend of Jesus originally sent to kill him for collaboration, instead suspects that Jesus is the Messiah and asks him to lead a liberation war against the Romans. Jesus replies that his message is love of mankind; whereupon Judas joins Jesus in his ministry, but threatens to kill him if he strays from the purpose of rebellion. Jesus also has an undisclosed prior relationship with Mary Magdalene, a Je


The King of Navarre and the Princess of France appear as characters in which Shakespeare play?

SparkNotes: Love's Labour's Lost: Characters Love's Labour's Lost Summary Act I, Scenes i and ii Ferdinand, King of Navarre  -  While the play's dramatis personae lists the King as Ferdinand, throughout the play he is referred to only as "King." He is a scholar and has sworn an oath to uphold his scholarship at the expense of earthly pleasures, the most important of which will turn out to be receiving women at his court. Berowne, Longaville, Dumaine  -  Three lords who have joined the King in his oath of scholarship. They fall in love with Rosaline, Maria, and Katherine, respectively. Princess of France  -  This character never has a name other than "Princess." She pays a visit to the King of Navarre and, along with some of her attendants, plays a game of wits with the King and his lords. Rosaline, Maria, Katherine  -  Three ladies attending the Princess who catch the fancy of the King's lords. Boyet -  A lord attending on the Princess, he serves as a messenger to the King's court and exchanges jokes with the lords. Don Armado -  Described in the list of characters as "a fantastical Spaniard." He catches Costard and Jaquenetta in the forest and falls in love with Jaquenetta. Shakespeare uses Don Armado to mock the fallen glory of the Spanish Armada. Mote -  Don Armado's page. Costard -  He is described as "a clown," and therefore fills the role of the fool, a common character in many of Shakespeare's plays. Both Don Armado and Berowne ask him to deliver letters to their respective ladies, but Costard accidentally switches the letters. Jaquenetta -  A country wench caught with Costard by Don Armado. Sir Nathaniel, Holofernes  -  A curate and schoolmaster, respectively. They serve the role of providing learned commentary on the letters of the other characters. They are also responsible for the masque of the Nine Worthies near the end of the play. Dull -  A constable, usually appearing with Sir Nathaniel and Holofernes. He provides a dull contrast to their scholarship. Mercadé  -  Another lord attending on the Princess. His only appearance in the play comes when he arrives to tell the Princess that her father has died.


Change the Witney MP | arguments to remove David Cameron from the post of MP for Witney, Oxfordshire Change the Witney MP arguments to remove David Cameron from the post of MP for Witney, Oxfordshire Search Reply If the people of Witney had an MP who actually lived in the constituency – and let’s not kid ourselves, David Cameron didn’t live in the constituency even before he became Prime Minister – s/he would, by now, have fixed one very obvious problem. The smell of raw sewage at the southern end of Witney is worse than the stink of corruption from the House of Commons. Earlier today I walked to the town’s new B&Q store at Thorney Leys Park. A member of staff was on duty keeping the automatic doors shut – the stench was that  bad. Of course, David Cameron has never experienced this on-going problem. He’s never here. Oh, I’m aware that Mr Cameron wrote a letter to Wessex Water in 2005, but is that it? Really? Is that the best of his efforts? This problem affects several hundred households. And still nothing is done. Reply The politicians, political pundits, television and radio commentators, press and magazines all use the words ‘safe seat’ in a cavalier manner. But when we explode the figures – when we take a detailed look about what really lies behind the notion of a ‘safe seat’ – it becomes apparent that no seat is really ‘safe’. When we examine the facts behind ‘a safe seat’ we see that It is possible for every constituency to change their MP. Even MPs in ‘safe’ seats. Even, for example, MPs like David Cameron. Of course, like every significant course of action – and let’s not fool ourselves, evicting an MP from a ‘safe seat’ is a very significant course of action – removing an MP from office needs a plan. And there must be several different workstreams supporting that plan. To explain just a little of the detail behind my meaning, I will demonstrate how feasible it is to remove an MP – such as David Cameron – from a ‘safe seat’. I shall explode and explain the numbers that make this removal plan so possible. I shall put forward the most appropriate course of action to enable this removal plan to succeed. How do I know this plan would succeed? I am a strategist and a high-level planner. This is what I do for a living. But first, the numbers. The results of the 2010 General Election for the constituency of Witney seem, at first glance, worse than daunting. Many people who want to change David Cameron, change him for an MP who would actually live in and work for the constituents, have looked at these numbers and have been put off, to the point of inaction. But do the numbers tell the full story? This is the published table of results of the 2010 General Election, that can be found from most sources: Cameron (Con)         33973 58.8% Barnes     (Lib Dem) 11233 19.4% Goldberg  (Lab)           7511 13% A majority of 22,740 seems unassailable; it is an impressive margin by any measure. Yet the truth is that this table conceals the full – and proper – picture. If we take the results from above and add to the picture the 27% of the electorate (20997) who did not turn out, the picture changes significantly. If we were to compile a new table and add the 20997, who did not turn out, to the number of voters who did turn out but who did not vote for Mr Cameron (23796), we have, effectively, 44793 people who chose not to support David Cameron for the position of MP for Witney. This comparison alone – 44793 who chose not to support Mr Cameron versus the smaller number of 33973 who did support him – shows that Mr Cameron won the seat of Witney, even though the majority of constituents did not vote for him. His position suddenly seems exposed, mathematically, at least. But how feasible would it be, in the real world, to overturn David Cameron’s majority? Very feasible, I would say, and not just from one angle. At the last election Witney’s ‘second’ party was the LibDems, with 11233 votes. The widely-recognised, lacklustre performance, of LibDem MPs in the coalition government (policy differences and performance issues), coupled wit


The 'merle' is another name for which common bird?

Merle - definition of merle by The Free Dictionary Merle - definition of merle by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/merle [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin merulus, merula.] merle 2  (mûrl) adj. Having a coat with irregular streaks or speckles of a contrasting color. Used of certain dogs. n. (Animals) Scot another name for the (European) blackbird [C15: via Old French from Latin merula] merle (mɜːl) adj (Animals) (of a dog, esp a collie) having a bluish-grey coat with speckles or streaks of black. Often called: blue merle [C20: from dialect mirlet, mirly speckled] black•bird (ˈblækˌbɜrd) n. 1. any of several birds of the New World subfamily Icterinae (family Emberizidae) having shiny black or mostly black plumage, as the red-winged blackbird. 2. a common European thrush, Turdus merula, the male of which is black with a yellow bill. 3. a Kanaka who was kidnapped and sold as a slave in Australia. v.i.


The Thirty Years War was a conflict between France, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands on one side against Austria, who were supported by which other country?

Thirty Years' War | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia The Peace of Augsburg (1555), signed by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor , confirmed the result of the 1526 Diet of Speyer , ending the war between German Lutherans and Catholics, and establishing that: [14] Rulers of the 224 German states could choose the religion (Lutheranism or Catholicism) of their realms according to their consciences, and compel their subjects to follow that faith (the principle of cuius regio, eius religio ). Lutherans living in a prince-bishopric (a state ruled by a Catholic bishop) could continue to practice their faith. Lutherans could keep the territory they had captured from the Catholic Church since the Peace of Passau in 1552. Those prince-bishops who had converted to Lutheranism were required to give up their territories (the principle called reservatum ecclesiasticum ). Although the Peace of Augsburg created a temporary end to hostilities, it did not resolve the underlying religious conflict, which was made yet more complex by the spread of Calvinism throughout Germany in the years that followed. [15] This added a third major faith to the region, but its position was not recognized in any way by the Augsburg terms, to which only Catholicism and Lutheranism were parties. [16] [17] Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia . He urged the Council of Trent to approve Communion in Both kinds for German and Bohemian Catholics. The rulers of the nations neighboring the Holy Roman Empire also contributed to the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War: Spain was interested in the German states because it held the territories of the Spanish Netherlands in the western part of the Empire and states within Italy which were connected by land through the Spanish Road . The Dutch revolted against the Spanish domination during the 1560s, leading to a protracted war of independence that led to a truce only in 1609. France was nearly surrounded by territory controlled by the two Habsburg states (Spain and the Holy Roman Empire), and was eager to exert its power against the weaker German states; this dynastic concern overtook religious ones and led to Catholic France's participation on the otherwise Protestant side of the war. Sweden and Denmark were interested in gaining control over northern German states bordering the Baltic Sea. The Holy Roman Empire was a fragmented collection of largely independent states. The position of the Holy Roman Emperor was mainly titular, but the emperors, from the House of Habsburg, also directly ruled a large portion of Imperial territory (the Archduchy of Austria and the Kingdom of Bohemia) as well as the Kingdom of Hungary. The Austrian domain was thus a major European power in its own right, ruling over some eight million subjects. The House of Habsburg, under a second King, also ruled Spain, including the Spanish Netherlands, south Italy, the Philippines and most of the Americas. The Empire also contained several regional powers, such as the Duchy of Bavaria , the Electorate of Saxony, the Margraviate of Brandenburg , the Electorate of the Palatinate , Landgraviate of Hesse , the Archbishopric of Trier and the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg . A vast number of minor independent duchies, , abbeys, prince-bishoprics, and petty lordships (whose authority sometimes extended to no more than a single village) rounded out the Empire. Apart from Austria and perhaps Bavaria, none of those entities was capable of national-level politics; alliances between family-related states were common, due partly to the frequent practice of splitting a lord's inheritance among the various sons. Religious tensions remained strong throughout the second half of the 16th century. The Peace of Augsburg began to unravel, as some converted bishops refused to give up their bishoprics , and as certain Habsburg and other Catholic rulers of the Holy Roman Empire and Spain sought to restore the power of Catholicism in the region. This was evident from the Cologne War (1583–88), a conflict initiated when the prince-archbishop of the city, Gebhard


Podgorica is the capital of which country?

Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro Podgorica Cetinje Monastery Ostrog 1145 Podgorica is the capital and largest city of Montenegro. Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement. The city is close to winter ski centres in the north and seaside resorts on the Adriatic Sea. Tell your friends Tweet A census in 2011 put the city's population at 150,977. The Podgorica municipality contains 10.4% of Montenegro's territory and 29.9% of its population. It is the administrative centre of Montenegro and its economic, cultural and educational focus. The name Podgorica means "under the Gorica" in Montenegrin language. Gorica (meaning "little hill" or hillock) is the name of the cypress-covered hill that overlooks the city centre. Cityscape Podgorica's mixture of architectural styles reflects the turbulent history of the city and country: as one régime replaced another, the corresponding style was introduced. As part of the Ottoman Empire until 1878, Podgorica has many examples of Turkish architecture. The oldest parts of the city, Stara Varoš (Old town) and Drač are typical of this, with two mosques, a Turkish clock tower and narrow, winding streets. When the city was incorporated to Montenegro, the urban core shifted to the other bank of the Ribnica River, where the town developed in a more European style: wider streets with an orthogonal layout. This part of the city is today traditionally regarded as city centre, and is called Nova Varoš (New town) During World War II, Podgorica was almost razed to the ground, being bombed over 70 times. After liberation, rebuilding began as in other cities of the communist-ruled SFRY. Mass residential blocks were erected, with basic design typical of Eastern bloc countries. All that part of the city on the right bank of the Morača River was built this way. Even the empty spaces in the city centre were filled with near-brutalist structures, resulting in an unfortunate fusion of old and new. The residential and business blocks of the SFRY era provided ample housing but have been much criticized for their uninventive and grey appearance.[citation needed] The main contemporary traffic arteries were laid out during this period, which extended the orthogonal street layout of city center, to the south and west. Residential and infrastructural developments in the SFRY era have mostly shaped the layout of today's Podgorica, and accommodated the unprecedented population growth that followed World War II. However, in area surrounding residential blocks, the city expanded in a form of often chaotic urban sprawl, with densely built private lowrise dwellings leaving little space for streets and sidewalks. The trend of sprawling informal settlements was at peak during the 1990s. Efforts have been made since to improve the infrastructure of those settlements, but many problems remain, especially in large lowrise neighbourhoods in north and northeast Podgorica. A major advance in Podgorica architecture began in the late 1990s and, since then, the face of the city has changed rapidly. Residential and business construction are proceeding rapidly, incorporating contemporary glass-and-steel architectural trends. In an effort to create a recognizable and modern state capital, city officials are routing significant investments in city's public spaces. Thus, the city has gained entirely new squares, parks and monuments. New landmarks include the Hristovog Vaskrsenja orthodox temple and the Millennium Bridge, the main feature of the Podgorica skyline. Podgorica today is transforming rapidly from a featureless town to a modern European capital. Entertainment and performing arts Podgorica is home to many Montenegrin cultural institutions and events. It hosts the Montenegrin National Theatre and a number of museums and galleries. The Montenegrin National Theatre is the most significant theatre not only in Podgorica but in all of Montenegro. Podgori


In the English calendar, which is the first Quarter Day?

celtic calendar cross-quarter quarter days holidays | The Old Farmer's Almanac Rate this Article:  Average: 4.6 (47 votes) Ever wonder how Groundhog Day got started, why weddings were traditionally in June, or why we hold elections in the fall? The timing of present-day rituals and holidays may be based on the calendars of the ancient Celts and other cultures! The year was divided into four major sections, called quarter days. Then, each section was divided in half, creating four cross-quarter days. Together, these made an eight-part year that reflected the natural procession of the seasons. The Quarter Days The days that marked the four major divisions of the year were called Quarter Days; they originally marked the solstices and equinoxes, fitting readily into the rhythm of the ways people farmed. As the 12-month Roman calendar was adopted for both civil and religious purposes, all of the Celtic days began to conform more closely with the liturgical year of the Christian church and became identified with major religious festivals. [Editors’ note: Historians are divided as to whether the ancient Celts observed the solstices and equinoxes (what we call quarter days). Some believe that the Celts divided the year into just four major sections: Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh (what we call cross-quarter days). For this article, we will assume that the ancient Celts observed all eight divisions of the year.] March 25, Lady Day Around the time of the spring equinox, Lady Day became the traditional day for hiring farm laborers for the planting and harvesting seasons ahead. (In the church calendar, this day became the feast of the Angel Gabriel’s annunciation to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Christ.) June 24, Midsummer Day Around the time of the summer solstice, this day was the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest. (The English church later celebrated this day as the birthday of John the Baptist, who foretold the birth of Jesus exactly six months later.) September 29, Michaelmas Around the time of the fall equinox, the harvest commenced on this day, and there were great fairs and festivals. This started the custom of early autumnal elections, because it was a convenient time for people to gather. Elections came to be shifted to November in the American climate, where the harvest season was more stretched out. December 25, Christmas This observance originated as a winter solstice festival and celebrated a time of resting and gathering fertility for a new round of sowing and reaping. The Celtic rituals merged easily with the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. Farm workers were usually paid for their year’s labor at Christmas, giving them reason to celebrate and three months rest before the next season. The Cross-Quarter Days These days marked the midpoint between a solstice and equinox. For the ancient Celts, these marked the beginning of each season, with the major two divisions being winter (Samhain), starting the dark half of the year, and summer (Beltane), starting the light half of the year. February 2, Candlemas Candlemas acquired its English name from the candles lit that day in churches to celebrate the presentation of the Christ Child in the temple of Jerusalem. Originally, this day was called Imbolc (lambs’ milk) because the lambing season began. It was also called Brigantia for the Celtic female deity of light, calling attention to the Sun’s being halfway on its advance from the winter solstice to the spring equinox. Much of this day is grounded in the seasons—estimating how soon spring-like weather will come and when to plant the crops.  It was not held as a good omen if the day itself was bright and sunny, for that betokened snow and frost to continue to the hiring of the laborers 6 weeks later on Lady Day. If it was cloudy and dark, warmth and rain would thaw out the fields and have them ready for planting. Our Groundhog Day is a remote survivor of that belief. Though we recognize animal behavior isn’t always the way to judge planting dates, the t


Which US President introduced Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth. By the President: Abraham Lincoln William H. Seward,


Who was the only bachelor President of the USA?

Bachelor President - Was James Buchanan Gay By Tom Murse Updated March 09, 2016. There has never been an openly gay president of the United States, but some historians have argued the first and only bachelor president , James Buchanan, may have had feelings for a member of the same sex. The nation's 15th president is the nation's only bachelor president. A lifelong bachelor, Buchanan had a very close relationship with William Rufus De Vane King, a diplomat who served as U.S. senator and the nation's 13th vice president. King was the only vice president to never have been married. Buchanan and King, in fact, lived together for more than two decades, although that was a relatively common practice in the 1800s. Buchanan the Bachelor President Historians who believe Buchanan and King were intimate often cite their contemporaries in Washington, who reportedly described King as being effeminate and called him "Miss Nancy" and Buchanan's "better half." They also cite letters written by Buchanan about the man described as his soulmate. After King left the United States to become the minister to France, Buchanan wrote to a friend: "I am now solitary and alone, having no companion in the house with me. I have gone a wooing to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any one of them. I feel that it is not good for man to be alone; and should not be astonished to find myself married to some old maid who can nurse me when I am sick provide good dinners for me when I am well, and not expect from me any very ardent or romantic affection." Also, King showed his own affection for Buchanan at his departure by writing to him: "I am selfish enough to hope you will not be able to procure an associate who will cause you to feel no regret at our separation." Historians Claim Buchanan Was Gay James Loewen, a prominent American sociologist and historian, has been the most outspoken academic who claims Buchanan was the first gay president. "There can be no doubt that James Buchanan was gay, before, during, and after his four years in the White House," Loewen wrote in a 2012 essay. "Moreover, the nation knew it, too - he was not far into the closet. Today, I know no historian who has studied the matter and thinks Buchanan was heterosexual." Loewen has argued that Buchanan's homosexuality is not often discussed in modern times because Americans do not want to believe society was more tolerant of gay relationships in the 19th Century than they are now. Loewen does not explain, however, how or why a gay Buchanan had been engaged to a woman long before he became president. The woman, Ann Coleman, died and the two never wed. Bachelor Presidential Candidate in 2016 The closest the nation has come to having a bachelor president after Buchanan was in the 2016 election , when Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina sought the party's presidential nomination. Graham's candidacy was shortlived, however. Had he been elected, however, he said he'd have a "rotating first lady." "Well, I've got a sister, she could play that role if necessary," Graham also joked. Barack Obama as First Gay President President Barack Obama has been described as being the first gay president, a symbolic label first used in a May 2012 Newsweek magazine headline. The Democrat earned the label during his first term for his vocal support of gay marriage in May 2012 , making him the the first president in U.S. history to take such a position. Obama is married to Michelle Obama , and the couple has two daughters. Newsweek Cover Newsweek's editor, Tina Brown , explained the term and picture of Obama with a rainbow halo superimposed over his head this way: "If President Clinton was the ‘first black president’ then Obama earns every stripe in that ‘gaylo’ with last week’s gay marriage proclamation ," Brown told the online news site Politico. "Newsweek’s cover pays tribute to his newly ordained place in history." Andrew Sullivan, who wrote the Newsweek story, pointed out that the claim was not meant to be taken literally. "It's obviously a play on Clinton being the first b


Which river, the fifth longest in Europe, is Portugal's longest?

European Rivers - Rivers of Europe, Map of Rivers in Europe, Major Rivers in Europe - Worldatlas.com Hundreds of rivers and their tributaries cross the European continent. Here we highlight those over 600 miles in length, and a few others of note. DANUBE Beginning in the Black Forest region of Germany, it flows across central Europe and the countries of Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Yugoslavia. It then forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, turning north across Romania to eventually end in the Black Sea. It's (1,771 miles) (2,850 km) in length, and one of the most significant commercial waterways on the continent. DNIEPER Rising in the southwestern part of the Russian Federation, it flows generally south through Belarus, then southeast through Ukraine, ending in the Black Sea. Overall it's (1,420 miles) (2,285 km) in length. DON Beginning it the southwestern Russian Federation, to the south of Moscow, it flows southeasterly towards the Volga, then turns abruptly west, ending in the Sea of Azov. Overall it's (1,224 miles) (1,969 km) in length. ELBE Rising in the Czech Republic, the Elbe River then flows north through Germany, ending in the North Sea near Cuxhaven. It's (724 miles) (1,165 km) in length LOIRE Recognized as the longest river in France, the navigable Loire begins in the foothills of the Massif Central, then flows north and west across the heartland of France, finally ending in the Bay of Biscay. It's (634 miles) (1,020 km) in length. ODER Rising in the rugged mountains of the eastern Czech Republic, it flows west and north through south-central Poland, eventually emptying into the Baltic Sea. It's (567 miles) (912 km) in length. PO Italy's longest river begins in the upper reaches of the Alps, flowing west to east across northern Italy, ending in the Adriatic Sea. It's (405 miles) (652 km) in length. RHINE Forming in the mountains of southeastern Switzerland, this legendary river flows west, forming Switzerland's northeastern border with Germany, then runs directly north through western Germany forming part of that country's border with France, then finally dissecting the Netherlands and ending in the North Sea. Numerous tributaries and branches run in all directions, and in overall length is (820 miles) (1,319 km). RHONE Begin high in the Swiss Alps, this fast moving river flows into the eastern end of Lake Geneva, then south through south-eastern France, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Small branches run in all directions, and in overall length, it's (300 miles) (485 km). SHANNON Rising in northwestern Ireland, it flows south through a series of lakes, then turns west to eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean. It's 230 miles (370 km) in length. TAGUS The Tagus River rises in the central highlands of Spain, flowing southwest across Portugal, then south to Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean. It's 626 miles (1,007 km) in length. Volga The Volga is the largest river in European Russia in terms of length, discharge, and watershed. It flows through central Russia, and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. It's 3,692 km (2,294 mi) long


Who wrote the play 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof?

SparkNotes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: Plot Overview Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Tennessee Williams Context Character List Brick is taking a shower in the bedroom he shares with his wife, Maggie. While undressing, Maggie complains that his brother Gooper and wife Mae have been having their monstrous children perform for Big Daddy, incessantly reminding him of their own childlessness. Now that Daddy is dying of cancer, Mae and Gooper are trying to cut them out of the estate. The doctors have lied to Daddy and Mama, claiming that Daddy only suffers from a spastic colon, but tonight the truth will be revealed. Brick is not helping any with his incessant drinking and much-publicized stunt on the high school athletic field. Brick broke his ankle jumping hurdles. Maggie is confident of their advantage, because Big Daddy dotes on Brick, abhors Gooper and his wife, and has a "lech" for Maggie herself. Suddenly Maggie catches sight of Brick staring at her in the mirror. She cries that she knows she has become hard and frantic. Living with someone who does not love her has made her a "cat on a hot tin roof." Fiercely Maggie locks the door and draws the curtains. As she attempts to seduce him, Brick warns her against making a fool of herself. Maggie murmurs she has realized her mistake: she should not have confessed to making love with Skipper. Maggie continues and says that Brick and Skipper's love was sad and awful because it could never be satisfied or even talked about. Maggie recalls how on their double dates in college it always seemed the boys were out together. The night of the Thanksgiving game, Maggie confronted Skipper on his desire. He made a pitiful attempt to prove her wrong. Threatening to kill her, Brick hurls his crutch at her. Maggie insists that now is her time of the month to conceive and they must make love. Brick wonders how she plans to have a child by a man who cannot stand her. Big Daddy enters ferociously and greets Brick. The servants enter with Daddy's cake, and a grotesque sing-a-long commences. Daddy furiously orders everyone to stop. Mama sobs that he has never believed that she loved him. "Wouldn't it be funny if that was true" Daddy murmurs. Daddy bellows for Brick. Maggie delivers him, giving him a kiss on the mouth that he immediately wipes off. Daddy asks Brick why he wiped off her kiss. Mae and Gooper have been saying that he won't sleep with Maggie. As Brick freshens his drink, Daddy asks him about his drinking problem. Brick cannot explain. Drawing Brick close, Daddy recalls his world tour with Mama. He anxiously closes the doors and asks if Brick has ever been terrified of anything. He aims to cut loose and get himself a woman. Brick explains that he has not gotten the click in his head that makes him peaceful, and he attempts to flee his father. Daddy makes Brick a deal: he will give him a drink if he tells him why he drinks. Daddy knows that Brick is lying since he started drinking when Skipper died. Daddy asks if there was something "abnormal" in their friendship. Daddy replies that having just come from "death's country," he is not easily shocked. Brick insists that his friendship with Skipper was clean and true until Maggie got the idea Daddy is talking about. Upon his back injury, she put the idea into Skipper's head, and he became a lush and died. Daddy knows he is not telling the full story and Brick says that Skipper made a drunken confession to him over the phone, and Brick hung up on him. Brick's disgust with mendacity is disgust with himself. Daddy curses the "lying dying liars" around him and goes to bed. Mae appears, and the family soon follows. Now that Daddy has gone to bed, they can finally talk. The family surrounds Mama and begins to tell her of Daddy's cancer. Mama calls for Brick, her "only son." She implores Maggie to help straighten Brick out so he can take over the place. Gooper protests and says he has always resented Daddy's love for Brick. Gooper and Mae present Mama with a drafted will and Mama rejects it in disgust. Mama embraces the distant Brick, begging him to provide Bi


In the children's TV programme 'The Flowerpot Men', what was the name of the tortoise?

Watch with Mother Watch with Mother Click         the picture for video When BBC TV began         transmitting again, following the Second World         War, they introduced a children's segment titled         'For The Children' in which the puppet Muffin The Mule originally         appeared. However, 1950 was the year         that children's television really came of age. It         saw the birth of Watch With Mother,         the brainchild of legendary Freda Lingstrom , who became Head         of Children's Television at the BBC. It was the first coherently         planned combination of education and         entertainment specifically for very small         children, each day with its own flavour. Together with Mary Adams,         then the Corporations Head of Television Talks,         Miss Lingstrom created.....   Andy Pandy Tuesdays at 3.45pm. Andy Pandy was first seen on July 11 1950. He was a chubby faced toddler who lived in a picnic basket. He first appeared solo and then was joined by his inseparable pal Teddy and later a rag doll called Looby Loo. Maria Bird brought Andy out to play, opera singer Gladys Whitred sang the songs and Audrey Atterbury (mother of Paul Atterbury of Antiques Roadshow fame, on whom it is rumoured Andy was modelled!) and Molly Gibson pulled the strings. Only 26 original episodes were made, they were seen time and time again, and in 1970, 13 new episodes were made in colour. Bill and     Ben, the Flowerpot Men In 1952 The Flowerpot Men were added to Watch With Mother on Wednesdays. The identical puppets, Bill and Ben were made out of flowerpots, their hands made out of large gardening gloves, and feet of hobnailed boots. With their 'flibadobs' and 'flobadobs' as their way of communicating, they lived in two giant flowerpots at the bottom of the garden, behind the potting shed. They would secretly pop their head over the parapet that was the flowerpot when the gardener went home for a bit of lunch.The merest hint of the approach of 'The Gardener' was enough to send them scurrying back to their pots. Keeping counsel was their neighbour Little Weed, who alerted them to any danger and a tortoise friend called Slowcoach made frequent visits. The burning issue of the day was always "Was it Bill or was it Ben?". The storyline of Bill and Ben was more or less the same in every episode: The gardener goes off for his dinner; Bill and Ben appear from their flowerpots; Little Weed says "Weeeeeeed"; a minor mishap occurs; someone is guilty. "Which of those two flowerpot men, was it Bill or was it Ben?" the narrator trills, in a quavering soprano; the villain confesses; the gardener's footsteps are heard coming up the garden path; the flowerpot men vanish into their pots and the closing credits roll: ....but the man who worked in the garden didn't know anything had happened at all. Nobody knew about the Flowerpot Men. Only you saw them playing...and the Little Weed...and I think the little house knew something about it. Dont You? The Flowerpot Men's language, officially called Oddle Poddle, was notable for being almost completely incomprehensible: "Waddle oo tikoo dop? Gloob a waddle a hop" for example, translates as "What do you think of that? Gloves as well as a hat." Peter Hawkins was the versatile voice of both Bill and Ben. The show was much criticised at the time for promoting immaturity, but it achieved the status of a classic. Click on the picture above for Real Movie Filming originally took place in a tin shed in the Lime Grove studio complex, later moving to a purpose built puppet studio in TV Centre. The original puppets are kept at the Museum of London . In 2000, after more than 30 years in mothballs, The Flowerpot Men were revived by the BBC as a new 13-part series. In the new version, instead of the all-too-obvious strings and wobbly wooden frames, the new Bill and Ben had malleable metal skeletons beneath brightly-coloured rubber faces and resin bodies; and Little Weed had


Marco Polo - Exploration - HISTORY.com Google Marco Polo: The Early Years Marco Polo was born around 1254 into a prosperous merchant family in the Italian city-state of Venice. His father, Niccolò, and his uncle Maffeo had left the year before on a long-term trading expedition. As a result, he was raised by extended relatives following his mother’s death at a young age. Niccolò and Maffeo first spent about six years in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), which had been under Latin control since the Fourth Crusade of 1204. The two brothers then went to the port city of Soldaia (now Sudak, Ukraine), where they owned a house. Did You Know? Christopher Columbus purportedly sailed to the New World with a copy of Marco Polo’s “Travels” in tow. Thinking he would reach Asia and having no idea about the Mongol Empire’s collapse, Columbus marked up the book with notes in preparation for a meeting with Khubilai Khan’s descendent. The Byzantine re-conquest of Constantinople in 1261, along with upheavals in the Mongol Empire, may have blocked their way home. Niccolò and Maffeo therefore turned east in order to trade in such things as silk, gems, furs and spices. After spending three years in Bukhara in present-day Uzbekistan, they were encouraged by a Mongolian embassy to visit Khubilai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan , who controlled a huge swath of Asia. Khubilai quizzed them on European affairs and decided to send them on a goodwill mission to the pope. In 1269, the two brothers finally made it back to Venice, where Niccolò and Marco Polo met each other for the first time. Marco Polo’s Travels Along the Silk Road Two years later, Niccolò and Maffeo sailed to Acre in present-day Israel, this time with Marco at their side. At Khubilai Khan’s request, they secured some holy oil from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and then backtracked to Acre to pick up gifts, papal documents and two friars from newly elected Pope Gregory X. The friars quickly abandoned the expedition, but the Polos continued on, possibly by camel, to the Persian port city of Hormuz. Failing to find any boats to their liking, they instead took take a series of overland traders’ routes that, in the 19th century, would become known as the Silk Road. Over the next three years they slowly trekked through deserts, high mountain passes and other rough terrain, meeting people of various religions and cultures along the way. Finally, around 1275, they arrived at Khubilai’s opulent summer palace at Shangdu, or Xanadu, located about 200 miles northwest of his winter quarters in modern Beijing. Khubilai, who generally relied on foreigners to administer his empire, took Marco Polo into his court, possibly as a tax collector. At one point, the Venetian was sent on official business to the port city of Hangzhou (then called Quinsai), which, like Venice, was built around a series of canals. Marco Polo also purportedly journeyed across inland China and into present-day Myanmar. After many years of seeking a release from service, the Polos finally secured permission from Khubilai to escort a young princess to her intended husband Arghun, the Mongol ruler of Persia. In 1292 the Polos joined a flotilla of 14 boats that set out from Zaitun (now Quanzhou, China), stopped briefly in Sumatra and then landed in Persia 18 months later, only to find out that Arghun was dead. The princess was made to marry Arghun’s son. The Polos, meanwhile, stayed on with Arghun’s brother for nine months before heading to Venice via Trebizond (now Trabzon, Turkey), Constantinople and Negrepont (now Euboea, Greece). They arrived home in 1295, the year after Khubilai’s death sent the Mongol Empire into an irrevocable decline. Marco Polo in Venice Shortly thereafter, Marco Polo was captured in battle by Venice’s archrival Genoa. While in prison he met the Arthurian adventure writer Rustichello of Pisa, with whom he would collaborate on a 1298 manuscript called “Description of the World.” It has since become better known as “The Travels of Marco Polo” or simply “The Travels.” With the help of note


In which county is the preserved heritage steam railway the 'Watercress Line'?

Mid Hants Railway Ltd 'Watercress Line' Mid Hants Railway Ltd 'Watercress Line' The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG Telephone: 01962 733810


Which nymph kept Odysseus on an island for seven years?

Kalypso - The Queenly Nymph Kalypso Previous Page Kalypso is the daughter of Atlas who is most noted because she helped Odysseus when he came to her island as a destitute wanderer. After the Trojan War ended [circa 1240 BCE], Odysseus set off for home as did all the other Achaean Greeks after they had defeated the Trojans and looted Troy. Odysseus was not the only returning warrior to have difficulties but rather than meeting a cruel death on his way home, he incurred the wrath of Poseidon [lord of the Sea] by wounding the god's son. Zeus would not allow his brother Poseidon to kill Odysseus so Poseidon inflicted ordeal after ordeal on poor Odysseus until all his comrades were dead and he finally washed ashore on the island of Ogygia ... Kalypso's home. Ogygia was the Navel of the Sea which might be interpreted to mean a variety of things but I feel comfortable in assuming that Kalypso's island was simply in the middle of Ocean ... that would mean that Ogygia was eastward past the Caucasus Mountains in the now dried up sea which has been called the Asiatic Mediterranean, i.e. an ancient body of water of which all that remains east of the Black Sea are the Caspian and the Aral Seas. Placing Ogygia in the east instead of somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea actually makes Kalypso's home closer to where her father Atlas was stationed to hold up the heavens ... likewise Atlas's brother Prometheus was chained to one of the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. Another substantial indication as to the eastern location of the island of Ogygia is the fact that when Odysseus sailed from the island, Kalypso told him to keep the constellation of Ursa Major [the Bear] on his right ... that would mean that the constellation would have been in the north as Odysseus sailed westward towards Greece. Odysseus was utterly without hope when Kalypso found him but his rugged good looks and noble character soon affected the lonely goddess and she fell in love. Odysseus stayed with Kalypso for seven years but they were long, sad years for Odysseus. He resigned himself to the fact that there was no escape from the island but he still constantly longed for his wife and son. Kalypso offered Odysseus immortality and eternal youth but he refused to accept her offers. During their time together, Kalypso and Odysseus had two sons: Nausithoos and Nausinoos. Perhaps they had a third son named Telegonos but he might have been the son of the Dread-Goddess Kirke [Circe] and not Kalypso. Just as Poseidon was determined to punish Odysseus, the goddess Athene was always looking for ways to help Odysseus. When she reminded Zeus that Odysseus had been on Ogygia for seven years, Zeus sent Hermes with a message for Kalypso ... she was to allow Odysseus to leave ... furthermore, she was to give him the assistance he needed to build a seaworthy craft. Hermes arrived on Kalypso's island and was given a warm welcome ... he and Kalypso drank nectar and ate ambrosia. Finally, he told her of his mission and gave her Zeus's command. At first Kalypso was indignant ... she reminded Hermes of the many gods and goddesses who had taken mortal lovers and wondered why she could not keep Odysseus. Hermes told her that Zeus was adamant ... she must help Odysseus leave Ogygia and she was not permitted to use her charms to detain him. Kalypso accepted her fate and agreed to let Odysseus leave unhindered. By that time, Odysseus was a cautious man. He had endured much trickery at the hands of the Immortals and did not believe Kalypso would actually help him. To insure her sincerity, Odysseus made Kalypso swear a great oath on the waters of Styx that she meant what she said and that she was not trying to deceive him. Kalypso swore the oath and gave Odysseus the tools he needed to build a seaworthy raft. When it came time for him to leave, Kalypso in her loving nature, gave Odysseus provisions and sent him on his way with a fair wind to speed him home. Text References Kalypso in the Odyssey The line numbers listed here correspond fairly well with the Lattimore and Murray/Dimock translations o


The tenor Rolando Villazon is from which country?

About |  Rolando Villazón Contact About “In the previously yawning gap in the entertainment industry for an opera singer who can sing arias and clown like Buster Keaton steps Rolando Villazon.… his brand of chilled-out entertainment is hard to resist.” – The Times Through his uniquely compelling performances with leading opera houses and orchestras around the world, Rolando Villazón has firmly established himself as one of the music world’s most critically acclaimed and beloved stars and as one of the leading tenors of our day. Heralded as “the most charming of today’s divos” (The Times) and “a great singer and brilliant entertainer, at once extremely funny and deeply profound” (Crescendo), Rolando Villazón is among the most versatile artists alive today, maintaining successful careers as a stage director, novelist, and TV personality next to his on-stage career. His singularly beautiful voice and arresting stage presence have prompted critics to hail him as “better than ever before…the sound of his voice is phenomenal…few tenors of such vocal power can shape such pianissimi” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) and “his artistry as astonishing as ever, fusing sound, sense and gesture in an uncompromising quest for veracity” (The Guardian). It was as the winner of several prizes at Plácido Domingo’s “Operalia” Competition in 1999 (including the audience award and the Zarzuela prize) that Rolando Villazón first burst on the international music scene. He made his European debut that same year as Des Grieux in Massenet’s Manon in Genoa, swiftly followed by further debuts at the Opéra de Paris as Alfredo in La traviata; and the Staatsoper Berlin as Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth. He went on to become one of the most sought-after performers of his generation, as highlighted by a string of highly successful debuts with Europe’s leading opera houses such as the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich as Rodolfo in La bohème and the Vienna Staatsoper as Gounod’s Roméo. The tenor has since frequently returned to Vienna for performances as Massenet’s Werther, Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, Des Grieux, the title role in Les contes d’Hoffmann, the Duke in Rigoletto, Alfredo in La traviata, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni and Lenski in Eugene Onegin. Munich audiences have seen Rolando Villazón perform the title role in Gounod’s Faust, Alfredo, Roméo as well as the title role in a new production of Les contes d’Hoffmann with the Bayerische Staatsoper in addition to concert performances of La bohème at the Gasteig which were recorded by Deutsche Grammophon and released on CD in 2008. At the Deutsche Oper Berlin he was recently heard in the title role of Verdi’s Don Carlo. Rolando Villazón made his Salzburg Festival debut in 2005 with triumphant performances as Alfredo in a new production of La traviata alongside Anna Netrebko and Thomas Hampson. Deutsche Grammophon released both CD and DVD recordings of the production in 2005. In 2008, he returned for a new production of Roméo et Juliette which was broadcast live on television and recorded by Deutsche Grammophon for DVD release in 2009. In 2012, he made his acclaimed Mozart-debut at the Salzburg Festival, performing Alessandro in Il re pastore. He returned to Salzburg in 2013 for lauded performances in the title role of a new production of Mozart’s Lucio Silla and Mozart Matinee-performances conducted by Ivor Bolton in 2014. 2015 he made his acclaimed role debut as Pylade in Gluck’s Iphigenie en Tauride alongside Cecilia Bartoli in the title role. Further acclaimed European festival appearances include Bregenz, Glyndebourne, Orange, the Musikfest Bremen and Klara Festival Brussels. Since his debut, Rolando Villazón frequently appears with the Staatsoper Berlin, often collaborating with Daniel Barenboim to great popular and critical acclaim. Highlights include his role debut as Don José in a new production of Carmen, as well as new productions of La traviata, Manon and Eugene Onegin as well as one of his signature roles Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore and Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni. At the Opéra de Paris, audiences ha


Which Suffolk town has hosted an annual music festival since 1948?

1 - 10 | The Sunday Times 1 Show all 1 - 10 Neither city slicker nor country bumpkin? The third part of our guide picks 50 towns, villages and suburbs that give you the best of both The Sunday Times Published: 15 March 2015 Gorgeous Bradford on Avon 1 Aldeburgh, Suffolk While Punch and Judy serves as a cultural highlight in many coastal outposts, Aldeburgh, with its shingle beach and fisherman’s huts, is more than merely a sideshow. The pastel-hued town attracts some of the biggest names on the classical scene to its annual music festival, hosted largely at Snape Maltings, the malthouse turned concert hall/arts centre just outside the town. Once an important port and centre for shipbuilding (the Golden Hind, Francis Drake’s galleon, was built here), the town’s fortunes declined as the River Alde silted up. The longtime resident Benjamin Britten helped to reclaim some of that lost glory when he founded the festival in 1948. The town has since added annual poetry, documentary and food-and-drink celebrations. There are also several good restaurants in town and an acclaimed fish-and-chip shop. An eye-catching seafront statue of two interlocking scallop shells, by Maggi Hambling, serves as an emblem Subscribe now


Which golfer was the first British winner of the US Masters, winning in 1988?

1985 British Open Golf Tournament Winner and Scores By Brent Kelley Updated December 18, 2015. As the 1985 British Open got under way, it had been 16 years since any Briton won the Open Championship. Sandy Lyle put an end to that streak. The Scotsman was a 10-time winner on the European Tour and had three appearances in Ryder Cups , but had posted only one Top 10 finish in a major at this point in his career. Bernhard Langer - who won the 1985 Masters a couple months earlier - and 2-time major winner David Graham were the leaders entering the final round, three strokes in front of Lyle. But it was Lyle, not the previous major winners, who held his nerve. Graham and Langer both carded final-round 75s and finished tied for third. Lyle got round Royal St. George's in 70, holding off a charging Payne Stewart (68) for the win. Lyle held a one-stroke lead as he reached the final hole, but his approach shot missed the green. His chip then failed to get over a hump and the ball rolled right back down to his feel. Lyle made bogey and waited to see what those golfers still behind him would do. continue reading below our video What Size Bike Should I Buy? But Graham and Langer made multiple bogeys each over their final few holes, while Stewart's charge came up short. Lyle later added a second major at the 1988 Masters . For future 3-time major winner Stewart, this was his best finish in a major to date. He also was runner-up in the 1990 Open . The 1985 British Open was the last one with a double cut - one cut after the second round, another cut following the third round. In ensuing years, the tournament used only a single cut after the second round. The last Briton prior to Lyle to win the Open was Tony Jacklin in 1969 , and young Lyle was in the gallery that day around the 18th hole, watching as Jacklin clinched the win. 1985 British Open Golf Tournament Scores Results from the 1985 British Open golf tournament played on the par-71 Royal St. George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, England (a-amateur): Sandy Lyle


Which children's TV programme featured a toad named Gabriel and a rag doll named Madeleine?

The C Programmes - Kids TV - Classic programmes from yesteryear. B From Bad Boyes to Button Moon Bad Boyes : A story of a public school where one of the pupils was called Boyes who was bad (pranks, scrapes, the kind of things boys get up to in kids TV). Fansite Bagpuss : Voted as the best BBC Kids programme of all time. Pink cloth cat that scared the hell out of my mate Chris (his e-mail address can be supplied). Starred Gabriel the banjo wielding Toad (sorry Phill), Madeleine the rag-doll, a woodpecker called Professor Yaffle who was a talking book-end and lots of mice who lived in the marvellous, mechanical, mouse-organ. The mice were hell-bent on heaving everything. Strange how the bigger characters never moved anything! Each episode started with Emily, the very young shop owner, bringing a new item for Bagpuss to look at. BAGPUSS, DEAR BAGPUSS, OLD FAT, FURRY, CAT PUSS. WAKE UP AND LOOK AT THIS THING THAT I BRING, WAKE UP, BE BRIGHT, BE GOLDEN AND LIGHT, OH BAGPUSS, HEAR WHAT I SING. The Banana Splits [DVD] Banana Splits : Bingo, Fleegle, Drooper and Snorky. One of the most memorable theme tunes and a genuinly funny programme. I always enjoyed the car chase at the end with someone always falling for the "My cars broken down" joke. Barnaby The Bear : An orange bear with a white face. Appeared at lunchtime in the early 70's. Quite a lot of marketing for the time as you could get hand puppets and place mats. The Theme Tune BARNABY THE BEAR'S MY NAME NEVER CALL ME JACK OR JANE I WILL SING MY WAY TO FAME BARNABY THE BEAR'S MY NAME BIRDS TAUGHT ME TO SING WHEN THEY TOOK ME TOO THEIR KING FIRST I HAD TO FLY IN THE SKY SO HIGH SO HIGH SO HIGH.... Battle Of The Planets : So early into the alphabet and possibly the greatest show ever, Stirring theme tune, great stories, loathsome enemies. Ah yesterday! 7 Zark 7 - Looked after the undersea base 1 Rover 1 - Gave 7 Zark 7 a hand. Chief Anderson - Their boss Jason - Drove a racing car. Tiny - Flew the Phoenix and was fat (that's why his name was Tiny!) Princess - Rode a motorbike. Keyop - Drove a egg-shaped car thing and spoke funny. The loathsome enemy was Zoltar (who reported to "The Emperor" which was a bird face on a computer screen) A Bear Called Jeremy : This was an ultra cool show about a bear named Jeremy that was made in some sort of stop motion animation. Jeremy went through all sorts of adventures. Beat The Teacher : Mark Curry, who went on to present Blue Peter, was the longest serving host of this pupils v. teachers game of Noughts and Crosses. You had to get a question right to get on the board though. The original presenter was Paul Jones, once of Manfred Man and later featured Howard Stapleton (before moving onto Tomorrow's World, where he'd fall off a swing). Belle and Sabastian : This was a Japanese animation about a boy and his huge white dog (who all the villagers are afraid of because of her enormous size) who live and have adventures in the Pyrenean mountains. I think (if I remember correctly) that he and the dog run away from home to find his Mother. Benji, Zax and the Alien Prince : Small boy and robot land on Earth, travel around America, meet dog, have adventures. Not too taxing really is it! There was some evil bad guy after our regal hero who drove around in a black car and would always try to shoot the robot (Zax) but not our regal hero. Opening titles Bertha : A big green machine that could make anything that Spottiswoods factory needed to make. Some of the weirdest hair-dos ever to be seen on puppets in this programme. Voiced by the mighty Roy Kinnear. Character List: Nell and Flo (packing and stacking) Mrs. Tupp (tea lady) T.O.M. (talk operated machine) Panjid (store room) Bizzy Lizzy : Not sure if this was the programme name but it was the name of the show's star. Bizzy Lizzy was a little girl, Mo was her toy. Lizzy wore a blue dress that had a magic flower attached. She could have 3 wishes by touching the flower. Every episode (I think) the first wish was to have Little Mo become real. I think Mo was an Eskimo doll The Adventures Of Black Beaut


Named after the Belgian-born chemist who invented it in about 1907, what was the first commercial plastic (made from formaldehyde and phenol)?

Celluloid, the First Synthetic Plastic, Invented by John Wesley Hyatt in 1860’s You are here: Home / Technology / Celluloid, the First Synthetic Plastic, Invented by John Wesley Hyatt in 1860’s Celluloid, the First Synthetic Plastic, Invented by John Wesley Hyatt in 1860’s December 21, 2015 KEY TOPICS John Wesley Hyatt was a prodigious inventor best remembered for his development of celluloid, the first synthetic plastic. (More…) The Hyatts made celluloid by applying heat and pressure to a mix of cellulose nitrate and camphor; it was thus a plastic made by modifying natural materials. (More…) He dubbed this substance “celluloid,” and this product is now acknowledged as the first synthetic plastic. (More…) John Wesley Hyatt was one of the seminal inventor-entrepreneurs associated with our modern plastics industry. (More…) In 1869 an inventor named John Hyatt invented type of plastic which could be used as a substitute for ivory in billiard balls. (More…) Celluloid was the first synthetic plastic – a material that can be molded into shape. (More…) Nitrocellulose-based plastics slightly predate celluloid: collodion, invented in 1848 and used as a wound dressing and emulsion for photographic plates, dried to a celluloid-like film. (More…) Wesley Hyatt Jr. issued for a synthetic billiard ball, previously billiard balls were produced from ivory. (More…) POSSIBLY USEFUL Some historians trace the invention of celluloid to English chemist Alexander Parkes, who in 1856 was granted the first of several patents on a plastic material that he called Parkesine. (More…) With the debut in 1939 of nylon, the first all- synthetic fiber, plastics began to take a strange hold on the American imagination, inducing a kind of kitschy madness in which hygiene and similitude were paramount. (More…) See up to 10 related YouTube videos at end. KEY TOPICS John Wesley Hyatt was a prodigious inventor best remembered for his development of celluloid, the first synthetic plastic. [1] In 1870, the American inventor John Wesley Hyatt used chemically modified cellulose to produce an astonishing new product called Celluloid, a plastic that was used for everything from hair combs to silent-movie film. [2] First notable successor of Parkesine was John Wesley Hyatt”s Cellulloid plastic, which was derived from cellulose and alcoholized camphor. [3] In the United States, meanwhile, inventor and industrialist John Wesley Hyatt produced a plastic that was more commercially successful by mixing solid nitrocellulose, camphor, and alcohol under pressure. [4] In the 1860’s, American brothers John Wesley and Isaiah Hyatt began experimenting with cellulose nitrate in order to make billiard balls in a form other than ivory. [5] Celluloid was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt as a replacement for expensive ivory used to produce billiards balls. [6] HYATT, JOHN WESLEY Celluloid is a plastic made from cellulose (it is derived from plants). [7] In the 1860s, a man named John Wesley Hyatt brought plastics production to the United States. [8] This very flammable material was invented in 1869 by the American inventor John Wesley Hyatt (it was invented to be a substitute for the elephant ivory used for billiard balls). [7] The name Celluloid actually began as a trademark of the Celluloid Manufacturing Company, first of Albany, NY, and later of Newark, New Jersey, which manufactured the celluloids patented by John Wesley Hyatt. [9] Crystalate was based on Bonzoline, a plastic produced by John Wesley Hyatt’s US-based Albany Billiard Ball Company. [9] An American inventor, John Wesley Hyatt, while looking for a substitute for ivory as a material for making billiard balls, discovered that the addition of camphor to nitrocellulose under certain conditions led to the formation of a white material that could be molded and machined. [10] In the 1860s, an American, John Wesley Hyatt, acquired Parkes’s patent and began experimenting with cellulose nitrate with the intention of manufacturing billiard balls, which until that time were made from ivory. [9] In 1869, an American chemist na


Who had a hit with 'What becomes of the broken hearted' in 1966 and again in 1974?

Jimmy Ruffin - What Becomes of the Brokenhearted (HQ) - YouTube Jimmy Ruffin - What Becomes of the Brokenhearted (HQ) 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. Uploaded on Jan 15, 2011 I found myself jamming to this track and, being a YouTube music watcher, I set out to find it. I soon saw that my copy was of a higher quality. Thus, I have decided to upload. I hope you enjoy as much as I do! For clarity this song was released as: Soul 35022 (US) / Tamla Motown TMG577 (UK) "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" Add &fmt=18 to the end of the URL to ensure the best audio quality, always! This video is intended to promote the song and artist and no monetary gain is expected or received. Category


What was the title of the Ronnie Barker sitcom in which he played a Welsh photographer?

BFI Screenonline: Barker, Ronnie (1929-2005) Biography and his acclaimed characters, especially Arkwright in Open All Hours and the triumphant Fletcher in Porridge , he proved himself the most accomplished comic actor of his generation. Born in Bedford on 25th September 1929, Barker spent six unfulfilling months studying architecture after leaving school. He then worked as a bank clerk while performing with a local amateur dramatic group. After failing to join the Young Vic Theatre School, he successfully auditioned for the Manchester Repertory Company (based in Aylesbury) by reading in six different accents. As an actor in weekly rep he joined the Oxford Playhouse. There, he met Peter Hall , in whose productions he quickly established himself on the London stage. He also played a seven-year role in the BBC radio series The Navy Lark (1959-77) as Able Seaman Johnson. He made his television debut as a waiter in the serial Sailor of Fortune (ITV, 1956-57) and played regular supporting roles in three series starring Jimmy Edwards The Seven Faces of Jim (BBC, 1961). BBC producer (BBC, 1966-67), where he worked with John Cleese and, for the first time, with future long-term comedy partner, Ronnie Corbett . The grammar school boys hit it off immediately. The partnership continued with Frost on Sunday (ITV, 1969-70) where Barker began contributing to the programme under the pseudonym 'Gerald Wiley'. This allowed his work to be considered on merit. Wiley's sketches were accepted, with Barker managing to keep his secret from everyone involved, until he finally invited the Frost team to a Chinese restaurant and confessed all. He continued to write throughout his career under the pen-name and a host of other bogus names including Jonathan Cobbold and Jack Goetz. He showed his versatility as a Russian ambassador in the sitcom Foreign Affairs (BBC, 1966) and guest starred in two classic television series, The Saint (ITV, tx. 25/11/67). Returning to comedy, he played a host of roles in The Ronnie Barker Playhouse (ITV, 1968) and in a similar vein in Six Dates with Barker (ITV, 1971). Sandwiched between these series was the sketch show Hark at Barker (ITV, 1969-70) where he presided over the topical proceedings as Lord Rustless, a role he had been perfecting for a number of years,. The character had first appeared in The Ronnie Barker Playhouse and would be seen again in the sitcom His Lordship Entertains (BBC, 1972). The previous year he had been perfectly cast as Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream , Barker entered his golden period with the long-running, award-winning The Two Ronnies (BBC, 1971-87). 'Gerald Wiley' initially wrote 75 per cent of the show's material, including all the serials (the Phantom Raspberry Blower saga being particularly memorable). Barker's verbal dexterity with spoonerisms and pismonounciation was showcased in his monologues and sketches. The show ran for 12 successful series plus also two of Barker's 'grumble and grunt' silent movies The Picnic By the Sea (BBC, tx. 12/4/82) written under the double pseudonyms of Dave Huggett and Larry Keith. Considered by Barker to be his finest creation, 'habitual criminal' Norman Stanley Fletcher first saw the light of day in Prisoner and Escort (BBC, tx. 1/4/73) one of seven comedy pilots under the banner Seven of One (BBC, 1976, 81-82, 85). Written by Roy Clarke , Barker played Arkwright, a tight-fisted and lustful corner shop-keeper. Another well judged characterisation by Barker, even Arkwright's stutter - taught to him by his comedy mentor Glenn Melvyn - was never used for cheap laughs. Between the third and fourth series Clarke penned another character for Barker, Plantagenet Evans, a flamboyant, chauvinistic Welsh photographer, but The Magnificent Evans (BBC, 1984) was too exaggerated and far removed from the 'truth' of Porridge and Open All Hours . Barker returned to Arkwright for one more series, bowing out with audience figures of nearly 20 million. In 1987, Barker announced his retirement from professional life due to heart problems. His sitcom swansong was C


In which Italian city was Christopher Columbus born?

Was Christopher Columbus Italian? - Quora Quora There are many theories of his place of birth, but Genoa, in current Italy, is by far the most probable place of Columbus' birth. Any other place lacks any documented and contemporary basis, and rely mainly on speculations. There are several documents stating that Columbus was genoese. In a 1498 deed of primogeniture, Columbus writes: Siendo yo nacido en Genova... de ella salí y en ella naci... —As I was born in Genoa... came from it and was born there... Many historians, including a distinguished Spanish scholar, Altolaguirre, affirm the document's authenticity; others believe it apocryphal. Some believe that the fact that it was produced in court, during a lawsuit among the heirs of Columbus, in 1578, does not strengthen the case for it being genuine. A letter from Columbus, dated 2 April 1502, to the Bank of Saint George, the oldest and most reputable of Genoa's financial institutions, begins with the words: Bien que el coerpo ande aca el coracon esta ali de continuo... —Though my body is here, my heart is constantly there... Although a few people consider this letter suspect, the vast majority of scholars believe it genuine. The most scrupulous examination by graphologists testifies in favor of authenticity. The letter is one of a group of documents entrusted by Columbus to a Genoese friend, after the bitter experiences of his third voyage, before setting out on his fourth. In the spring of 1502, the Admiral collected notarized copies of all the writings concerned with his rights to the discovery of new lands. He sent these documents to Nicolò Oderico, ambassador of the Republic of Genoa. To this same Oderico he handed over the letter to the Bank of Saint George, in which he announced that he was leaving the bank one-tenth of his income, with a recommendation for his son Diego. Oderico returned to Genoa and delivered the letter to the bank, which replied, on 8 December 1502 lauding the gesture of their "renowned fellow-citizen" towards his "native land". The reply, unfortunately, never reached its destination; the Admiral, back in Castile after his fourth voyage, complained about this in another letter to Ambassador Oderico, dated 27 December 1504, and promptly annulled the bequest. So we have four documents: the first preserved in the archives of the Bank of Saint George until, when it was taken over by the municipality of Genoa, the other three in the Oderico family archives until 1670, then donated to the Republic of Genoa. After the fall of the Republic, they passed to the library of one of its last senators, Michele Cambiaso, and in they were finally acquired by the city of Genoa. There are also public and notarial acts (more than a hundred) — copies of which are conserved in the archives of Genoa and Savona — regarding Columbus's father, Columbus himself, his grandfather, and his relatives But, of course, even with these and additional documents, there are some doubts, such as why he always wrote in Spanish or Portuguese and not in Italian, even when addressing to Genoese (like the letter to the Banco de San Giorgio)? 736 Views · View Upvotes · Answer requested by Written Jul 14, 2015 Most scholars believe Columbus was born in 1451 in Genoa to a family if wool weavers. There are a number of references to this issue. There is the famous Assereto document, involving a 1479 lawsuit over a sugar transaction on the Atlantic island of Madeira. In it young Christopher swore that he was a 27-year-old Genoese citizen resident in Portugal and had been hired to represent the Genoese merchants in that transaction. This showed that he was living in Portugal in 1479 and testified that he was born in Genoa.  He couldn't be Italian since Genoa was a (very rich) city state at that time and Italy as a unified nation did not yet exist. It is presumed he spoke the language of Genoa Ligurian and his name would have been "Cristoforo Colombo" 198 Views · View Upvotes · Answer requested by


Who won her first Best Actress Oscar in 1934 and her last in 1982?

Academy Awards Best Actress Blue Jasmine (2013) The Only Best Actress Tie: In the Best Actress category, an unusual tie (the only      occurrence among female acting performances) occurred in 1968 between      Katharine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand, for their respective performances      in The Lion in Winter (1968) and Funny Girl (1968). [Note: With her subsequent win, Streisand became the only performer to win an Oscar for Best Actress (Funny Girl (1968)) and for Best Original Song ("Evergreen" from A Star Is Born (1976)) with lyrics by Paul Williams).] The Most Best Actress Nominations (and Wins): Only one actress has received four Best Actress Oscar       wins, and no actress has yet received three Best Actress Oscars.       There are twelve actresses who have received two Best Actress Oscars.     The number of Best Actress nominations are in parentheses: Katharine Hepburn (12); with four wins (Morning Glory (1932/33), Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter (1968), On Golden Pond (1981)); two nominations were consecutive (from 1955-1956); two wins were consecutive (1967-1968) Meryl Streep (15) - with two wins (Sophie's Choice      (1982), The Iron Lady (2011)); three nominations were consecutive      (from 1981-1983) Bette Davis (10) - with two wins (Dangerous (1935), Jezebel (1938) ); five       nominations were consecutive (from 1938-1942) Ingrid Bergman (6) - with two wins ( Gaslight (1944) , Anastasia (1956));      three nominations were consecutive (from 1943-1945) Jane Fonda (6) - with two wins (Klute (1971), Coming Home (1978)); three      nominations were consecutive (from 1977-1979) Elizabeth Taylor      (5) - with two wins (Butterfield 8 (1960), Roman Holiday (1953) ); two nominations      were consecutive (from 1953-1954) Susan Hayward (5) - with one win (I Want to Live! (1958)); nominations in 1947, 1949, 1952, 1955, 1958 Anne Bancroft (5) - with one win (The Miracle Worker (1962)); nominations in 1962, 1964, 1967, 1977, 1985 Ellen Burstyn (5) - with one win (Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)); nominations in 1971, 1973, 1974, 1978, 1980, 2000 Shirley MacLaine (5) - with one win ( Terms of Endearment (1983) ); nominations in 1958, 1960, 1963, 1977, and 1983 Jessica Lange (5) - with one win (Blue Sky (1994)); two nominations      were consecutive (from 1984-1985) Susan Sarandon (5) - with one win (Dead Man Walking (1995)); two nominations      were consecutive twice (1991-1992, 1994-1995) Jennifer Jones (4) - with one win (The Song of Bernadette (1943)); two other nominations were consecutive (1945, 1946) Jane Wyman (4) - with one win (Johnny Belinda (1948)); nominations in 1946, 1948, 1951, and 1954 Joanne Woodward (4) - with one win (The Three Faces of Eve (1957)); nominations in 1957, 1968, 1973, and 1990 Julie Christie (4) - with one win (Darling (1965)); nominations in 1965, 1971, 1997, and 2007 Geraldine Page (4) - with one win (The Trip to      Bountiful (1985)); nominations in 1961, 1962, 1978, 1985 Diane Keaton (4) - with one win ( Annie Hall (1977) ); nominations in 1977, 1981, 1996, and 2003 Cate Blanchett (4) - with one win (Blue Jasmine        (2013)); nominations in 1998, 2007, 2013, and 2015 Kate Winslet (4) - with one win (The Reader (2008)); nominations in 1997, 2004, 2006, and 2008 Jennifer Lawrence (3) - with one win (Silver        Linings Playbook (2012)); nominations in 2010, 2012, and 2015 Deborah Kerr (6) - with no wins; three nominations       were consecutive (from 1956-1958) -- the only 6-time Best Actress nominee who never won Irene Dunne (5) - with no wins; two nominations were       consecutive (from 1936-1937) Judi Dench (5) - with no wins; two nominations were      consecutive (from 2005-2006) Marsha Mason (4) - with no wins Vanessa Redgrave (4) - with no wins Rosalind Russell (4) - with no wins; two nominations were consecutive (from 1946-1947) Barbara Stanwyck (4) - with no wins Glenn Close (3) - with no wins Consecutive Best Act


What product is made by the company 'Crocs Inc'?

Crocs, Inc. | Company Profile from Hoover’s Call (866) 473-3932 today to get started with a FREE TRIAL !   Crocs, Inc. Company Profile Crocs has taken a bite out of the footwear industry. The company's shoe collection has grown by leaps and bounds from its ubiquitous colorful slip-on shoe to mainstream fashion. Branded as Crocs, its shoes are made of proprietary closed-cell resin and designed for men, women, and children; its collection includes 300-plus four-season footwear styles. Jibbitz are their decorative add-on charms. The company sells its products in more than 90 countries, operating distribution centers worldwide and manufacturing plants in Mexico and Italy. Crocs sells through retailers, such as  Dillard's Dick's Sporting Goods , as well as through about 250 of its own stores and kiosks worldwide. † Some telephone numbers on the Hoover’s site may be on a country’s do not call or do not contact list including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom’s CTPS or TPS registers. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make sales or marketing calls to registered numbers. These are central opt out registers whereby corporate subscribers and individuals can register their preference not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. By using the information provided on the Hoover’s sites, as the direct marketer you represent and warrant that you will use such information in compliance with all applicable local, state, national or international laws and regulations, including any local do not call registers or marketing regulations, and agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Dun & Bradstreet and each of its affiliates in the event your use violates such laws and regulations. Additional Crocs, Inc. Information Sales Preparation


Which mythological reptilian creature could kill with a single glance?

Basilisk Mythology - The King of Serpents Contact Basilisk Mythology Basilisk mythology describes this "king of serpents" as a reptilian creature with sometimes rooster-like qualities who is famous for its ability to kill with a single glance.  Like its bird-lizard cousin, the Cockatrice, basilisks are said to be born from a union of serpents and roosters.  Pliny the Elder pretty much creates basilisk mythology altogether in his work "Natural History" from 79 A.D.  He describes a "serpent called the basilisk" of which "all who behold its eyes, fall dead upon the spot".     [The basilisk] is produced in the province of Cyrene, being not more than twelve fingers in length. It has a white spot on the head, strongly resembling a sort of a diadem. When it hisses, all the other serpents fly from it: and it does not advance its body, like the others, by a succession of folds, but moves along upright and erect upon the middle. It destroys all shrubs, not only by its contact, but those even that it has breathed upon; it burns up all the grass too, and breaks the stones, so tremendous is its noxious influence. It was formerly a general belief that if a man on horseback killed one of these animals with a spear, the poison would run up the weapon and kill, not only the rider, but the horse as well. To this dreadful monster the effluvium of the weasel is fatal, a thing that has been tried with success, for kings have often desired to see its body when killed; so true is it that it has pleased Nature that there should be nothing without its antidote. The animal is thrown into the hole of the basilisk, which is easily known from the soil around it being infected. The weasel destroys the basilisk by its odour, but dies itself in this struggle of nature against its own self.