What is the world's largest nation that is all in a single time zone?

China Only Has One Time Zone—and That's a Problem - The Atlantic The Atlantic See our Newsletters > China Only Has One Time Zone—and That's a Problem The Communist Party's decision to use Beijing time across the country, done to enhance “national unity,” has backfired in Xinjiang. Most Popular Print Text Size Many members of Xinjiang's Uighur ethnicity use a unique time zone two hours behind official Chinese time. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) Imagine that you've found yourself in Kashgar, the western-most city in Xinjiang, China’s western-most region. Your friend sends you a text message and tells you to meet him at 3 pm. Sounds pretty straight forward, right? Not in Xinjiang. If your friend is of China's majority Han ethnicity, you can assume that by 3 o'clock he's referring to Beijing Standard Time. But if your friend is a Uighur, the largest ethnic minority group in Xinjiang, he might be referring to “local time,” which is two hours behind.  The reason for this confusion is simple: China, a country that is of roughly similar size to the continental United States, has one time zone: Beijing Standard Time. This means that when it's 6 o’clock in the nation's capital, it’s 6 o’clock almost 3,000 miles further west, in Kashgar. Allison Schrager, in her widely circulated article from last week advocating that the continental U.S. reduce its time zones from four to two, cited China as an example of why such a change would be less problematic than people would expect. Maybe so, but the single time zone does present odd sights: In the summer, for instance, it isn’t uncommon in Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital, to see people enjoying a beautiful sunset ... at midnight. Or for the sun to rise there in the winter around 10 AM. In order to accommodate people inconvenienced by the time zone change, shops and restaurants in Xinjiang often adjust their hours—but the effect can still be disorienting for the unaccustomed traveler. Related Story Daylight Savings Time Is Terrible: Here's a Simple Plan to Fix It China hasn't always had one time zone. In 1912, the year after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, the newly empowered Republic of China established five different time zones in the country, ranging from five and a half to eight and a half hours past Greenwich Mean Time. But in 1949, as the Communist Party consolidated control of the country, Chairman Mao Zedong decreed that all of China would henceforth be on Beijing time for the purposes of national unity. Given the state of the nation in those days, Mao’s reasoning was legitimate: Just two decades before, China was a fragmented country, with large swathes (such as Xinjiang) beyond the de facto control of the central government. And this decision to unify the whole country under one time zone was hardly unprecedented: newly-independent India, for example, had instituted a similar policy just two years before. For most people in China, the single time-zone is at most a mild inconvenience, a scheduling quirk that simply requires a little adjustment. But in Xinjiang, the question of time divides the region’s population. Among Han Chinese, Justin Jacobs, a Xinjiang expert at American University, told me, use of Beijing Standard Time is universal: “that there’s another clock is not even something the Han think about.” But much of the Uighur population prefers to use their own time. In Urumqi, a city in Xinjiang's east populated mostly by the Han, Beijing Standard Time suffices. But as you head further west, into areas further away from Beijing (and with a higher concentration of Uighurs), knowing “which time” to use becomes trickier. In Xinjiang's extreme west, near China’s border with Pakistan, Beijing Standard Time is so irrelevant that it isn't even used on bus timetables.  Why does this discrepancy exist? For the Uighur population, using their own time is more than just restoring the clock to a more natural equilibrium: it’s also about politics. As hope for greater autonomy within China has faded—due to a combination of government suppression and Han migration—Uighurs consider their time as,


Which moon of the solar system is named after the Greek god of fear?

The Names of the Moons and Their Meanings http://gw.marketingden.com/planets/mercury.html No moons. Venus Roman name for Aphrodite, goddess of love and sex. I don't know why our sister planet got this name. Maybe because its exceedingly dense clouds shroud it in mystery, and the ancients felt that that appropriately describes women and love. http://gw.marketingden.com/planets/venus.html No moons. Earth Known in Greek myth as Gaea (thus fun words like "geography"), Terra to the Romans ("terracing"). The word "earth" comes from Middle English, Old English, and eventually Indo-European, making it a very old word, but with no fun story behind it. It just means dirt. http://gw.marketingden.com/planets/earth.html One Moon with many Greek and Roman appelations, few of which are still used today. Some common ones are Luna, Cynthia, Selene, Diana, Hecate... "Moon" again comes from Old English and Indo-European. Mars Roman name for Ares, god of war. In Greek myth he was a coward and whiner, but was idealized and idolized by the bellicose Romans. The planet acquired the name because of its obviously red hue (blood planet and all that). http://gw.marketingden.com/planets/mars.html Two moons: Deimos (Greek for "fear") and Phobos ("fright"). Named after Ares's sons, who were said to often accompany him in battle. No mother takes responsibility for these dreadful children. Jupiter Roman name for Zeus, king of the gods. He was quite a player. Most of its many, many moons were names after his lovers. http://gw.marketingden.com/planets/jupiter.html Io Zeus turned her into a white heifer to hide from Hera, his jealous wife, but was discovered and relentlessly tormented with a gadfly--an ancestor of Heracles. Europa Seduced by Zeus in the form of a handsome bull, who then carried her off over the sea to Crete. The story is that she eventually populated the country and is where we get "Europe." Ganymede Handsome young mortal man whom Zeus abducted to serve as his cupbearer, superceding Hebe, his daughter by Hera. Callisto Another unfortunate lover of Zeus who was transformed by Hera into a bear along with her son. To make up for it, Zeus placed them in the sky to become Ursa Major (Big Dipper) and Ursa Minor (Little Dipper). Amalthea The goat that fed Zeus as a babe on Crete Himalia A Cyprian nymph who bore Zeus three sons, including Cronius Elara Another lover; to hide her from Hera, he placed her under the earth, where she gave birth to the giant Tityas. Pasiphae Wife of King Minos who was punished for her husband's insult to Poseidon by being forced to fall in love with a bull. With the help of Daedelus, the famous inventor, she contrived a cow costume so she could have relations with the bull. She eventually gave birth to the Minotaur; heaven knows that this has to do with Zeus. Sinope Abducted by Apollo and became mother of Syrus, for whom the city was named; again no relation to Zeus, but still a mortal lover of a god. Lysithea Daughter of Oceanus and lover of Zeus. Carme An obscure lover of Zeus; they produced Britomartis, a Cretan goddess. Ananke As the goddess of unalterable necessity, she was the mother of the Fates, and with Zeus as the father, also produced Adrasteia, distributor of rewards and punishment. Leda On the same day, she had sex with her husband and was raped by Zeus in the form of a swan. Eventually she gave birth to Castor, Polydeucus, Clytemnestra, and Helen (as in "of Troy"). One can only assume that since Polydeucus shares his father's immortality, that one of the sisters must as well. And since Clytemnestra's death was well documented at the hands of her son Orestes, that leaves Helen. This is never mentioned in any myth that I know of, but I find it very entertaining. Metis Her name means "cleverness." Zeus was told that a son from Metis would destroy him, so he swallowed her up to prevent such a possiblity. Not long after, he developed a raging headache and asked Hephesteus to crack open his skull, thus releasing Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Adrastea Mentioned above as Zeus's and Ananke's daughter, the godde


Musicians Sally and Ben Taylor are the children of James Taylor, and which other singer-songwriter?

Sally Taylor —   Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm Sally Taylor (born Sarah Maria Taylor on January 7, 1974) is a singer-songwriter, whose mellow work is noted for witty vocals and strong writing. Taylor is the daughter of singer-songwriters James Taylor and Carly Simon . Her brother, Ben Taylor , is also a musician.


Who is the author of the novel 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'?

Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error Girl with a Pearl Earring ( 2003 ) PG-13 | A young peasant maid working in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer becomes his talented assistant and the model for one of his most famous works. Director: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 35 titles created 12 Aug 2012 a list of 38 titles created 06 Jan 2013 a list of 37 titles created 05 Aug 2013 a list of 44 titles created 19 Jan 2014 a list of 24 titles created 20 Oct 2014 Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) 7/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Nominated for     3     Oscars. Another    17 wins & 41 nominations. See more awards  » Videos Two sisters contend for the affection of King Henry VIII. Director: Justin Chadwick A biography of artist Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage into her work. Director: Julie Taymor A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life. Director: Saul Dibb     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6.4/10 X   The retelling of France's iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette. From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 15 to her reign as queen at 19 and to the end of her reign as queen and ultimately the fall of Versailles. Director: Sofia Coppola A film of the early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England and her difficult task of learning what is necessary to be a monarch. Director: Shekhar Kapur A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert. Director: Jean-Marc Vallée A mature Queen Elizabeth endures multiple crises late in her reign including court intrigues, an assassination plot, the Spanish Armada, and romantic disappointments. Director: Shekhar Kapur A woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community. Director: Lasse Hallström While retaining her secret identity, the illustrious Mrs. Erlynne (Hunt) saves Lady Windemere (Johansson) from making a grand social faux-pas with the scoundrelly Lord Darlington (Moore). Director: Mike Barker At a turning point in his life, a former tennis pro falls for an actress who happens to be dating his friend and soon-to-be brother-in-law. Director: Woody Allen A headstrong young woman returns to New Orleans after the death of her estranged mother. Director: Shainee Gabel A college graduate goes to work as a nanny for a rich New York family. Ensconced in their home, she has to juggle their dysfunction, a new romance, and the spoiled brat in her charge. Directors: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti Edit Storyline This film, adapted from a work of fiction by author Tracy Chevalier, tells a story about the events surrounding the creation of the painting "Girl With a Pearl Earring" by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Little is known about the girl in the painting, it is speculated that she was a maid who lived in the house of the painter along with his family and other servants, though there is no historical evidence. This masterful film attempts to recreate the mysterious girl's life. Griet, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a maid in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer, played by British actor Colin Firth. Vermeer's wealthy patron and sole means of support, Van Ruijven, commissions him to paint Griet with the intent that he will have her for himself before it is finished. She must somehow secretly pose for the crucial painting without the knowledge of Vermeer's wife, avoid Van Ruijven's grasp, and protect herself from the cruel gossip of the world of a 17th century serva


In which country was tennis player Juan Martin del Potro born?

Juan Martin del Potro - Bio, Facts, Family | Famous Birthdays Juan Martin del Potro Libra Tennis Player#5 About He won the 2009 U.S. Open, and he represented Argentina in the Olympics in 2012 and won a bronze medal in singles.


Who was the 20th-21st century composer of the 'Symphony of Sorrowful Songs'?

Henryk Gorecki   Henryk Gorecki Henryk Mikołaj Górecki (IPA: [ˈxɛnrɨk mʲiˈkɔwaj guˈrɛ͡tski], born December 6, 1933 in Czernica, Silesia) is a Polish composer of classical music. Though his earlier work in the late 1950s and 1960s was characterised by a dissonant modernism influenced by Nono, Stockhausen and contemporaries Penderecki and Serocki, he moved in the mid 1970s towards a 'pure' sacred minimalist sound encapsulated by the 1976 Symphony No. 3. Gorecki has since progressed through several distinct styles, from the reverence of Beatus Vir (1979), to the meditative Miserere (1981), to the spiritualism of Good Night (1990). He is married to pianist Jadwiga Ruranska and has two children - Anna, also a pianist, and Mikolaj, a composer. Biography Attending the Katowice State Higher School of Music from 1952, Górecki studied under the composer Bolesłav Szabelski, a former student of Karol Szymanowski. His first public performances were held in Katowice in February 1958, and showed clear influence from both Szymanowski and Bartók. By 1961 he had progressed to the modernism of Webern, Xenakis and Boulez and was at the forefront of the Polish avant-garde, with his Symphony No. 1 gaining international acclaim at the Paris Biennial Festival of Youth. While continuing his studies in Paris, Górecki was influenced by contemporary composers such as Anton Webern, Olivier Messiaen and Karlheinz Stockhausen, composers who were at the time suppressed by the Polish government. In 1975 Górecki was appointed Professor of Composition at the State Higher School of Music in Katowice, but resigned his post in 1979, in protest against the government's refusal to allow Pope John Paul II to visit the city. Style Górecki's music covers a variety of styles, but tends towards relative harmonic and rhythmical simplicity. Considered the founder of the New Polish School, his first works were in the avant-garde style of Pierre Boulez and other serialists, but his later music is more often compared to minimalism, often being labeled “holy minimalism”. Like Arvo Pärt and John Tavener, his works often reflect his religious beliefs (Górecki is a Catholic). Górecki's most popular piece is his Third Symphony, subtitled Symphony of Sorrowful Songs (Symfonia pieśni żałosnych). Slow and contemplative, the three movements are composed for orchestra and solo soprano. The words of the first movement are from a 15th century lament; the words of the second from a teenage girl, Helena Błażusiak, written on the wall of a Gestapo prison cell in Zakopane to invoke the protections of the Virgin Mary; the third movement is a folk song. Selected Works


The Scottish peak Ben More is the highest point on which island?

Scottish Islands Peak Race FAQ Latest News Congratulation to the team on North Star for winning the 2016 Scottish Islands Peaks Race with a time of 52:21:05. Well done Cris, Chris, Tom, James and Eric! Congratulations as well to Es Tressider and Joe Symonds for smashing the 25 year old race record for Goat Fell by a full ten minutes, completing the leg in 2:44:39. To see the list of class winners, and full race results, head on over to our Past Races page.     Next year's race starts noon Friday 19 May 2017. Entries will open in November. Feeling nostalgic for your SIPR experience? Buy yourself some Peaks Race parpaphenalia in our shop to help keep your memories fresh.   Track the race live! The entire fleet carried YellowBrick trackers this year, though not all teams used them on the hills. The race can be viewed in the embedded snapshot above, by going directly to our page on the YB site , or by downloading the YB Tracking app on your smartphone or tablet (choose SIPR 2016 from the menu). A long weekend with a difference! This adventure race is for teams of Sailors and Fell Runners (both adult and teenage) and is held annually on and around the most beautiful parts of the West Coast of Bonny Scotland. The Race starts in Oban with a short hill run, then a sail to Salen on Mull, run over Ben More, sail to Craighouse on Jura, run the Paps, sail to Arran, run Goat Fell, then sail to Troon. The Race takes 3 to 4 Days and caters for Multihulls, Racers and Cruisers. Each team consists of 5 (usually 2 runners and 3 sailors), there is also an allrounders class for sailors that can run or runners that can sail, and a class for young people (with the assistance of a few adults). Runner looking for a boat? Boat looking for runners?


The Roman province of Dacia is now part of which modern day country?

Roman conquest of Dacia ( modern day Romania ) part 1/5 - YouTube Roman conquest of Dacia ( modern day Romania ) part 1/5 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. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Jun 11, 2010 Inhabited by the ancient Dacians, today's territory of Romania was conquered by the Roman Empire in 106, when Trajan's army defeated the army of Dacia's ruler Decebalus ( Dacian Wars). The Roman administration withdrew two centuries later, under the pressure of the Goths and Carpi. The Romanian people was formed by the Romanization of the Roman Province of Dacia. The Romanians are descended from local populations: Dacians (Getae, Thracians) and Roman legionnaires and colonists. In the course of the two wars with the Roman legions, between 101 - 102 A.D. and. 105 - 106 A.D. respectively, the emperor Trajan succeeded after in defeating the Dacians and the greatest part of Dacia became a Roman province. The colonization with Roman or Romanized elements, the use of the Latin language and the assimilation of Roman civilization as well as the intense development of urban centres led to the Romanization of the autochthonous population. The intermarriage of Dacians with Roman colonists, formed the Daco-Roman population, which is part of the ethnogenesis process of the Romanian people. This process was concluded by the 10th century when the assimilation of the Slavs by the Daco-Romanians was completed. Kings of the Dacians The best known Dacian king were Dromihetes, Burebista and Decebalus who organized powerful states and proved to be skilful military strategists. The Dacian king reigned with the help of a council of noblemen and with the advice of the high priest. Dromihetes is known due to his conflict around 300 BC with Lisimah, a general of Alexander the Great who became king of Thrace after Alexander's death. Lisimah attempted to extend his kingdom to the north of the Danube, but Dromihetes wanted Lisimah to return some fortresses from the south of the Danube. Dromihetes won all of the battles capturing Agatocles, the son of Lisimah. Dromihetes won again in 292 BC when Lisimah took his army across the Danube. Dromihetes' capital was Helis which is generally thought to have been in Muntenia. Other kings in this period were Zalmodegicos and Rhemaxos of Dobrogea and Oroles of Transylvania. Burebista reigned from 82 BC to around 44 BC, probably inheriting the position from his father. The kingdom of Burebista included all the Dacian tribes, plus some others. When Burebista offered to support Pompey against Caesar (48 BC) his kingdom stretched from the Beskids mountains in the north, the Middle Danube in the west, the river Dniester in the east, and to the Balkan Mountains in the south. Burebista developed a system of fortifications in the Orastie mountains as a natural stronghold. Burebista notable military campaigns were: •60-59 BC - successful against the Celts that were threatening Dacia from the north-west •55 BC - conquered the Greek cities on the Black Sea coast, from Olbia to Apollonia •The retreat of the Scythians to the river Don •after 48 BC - defeated the Celts to the north-west and the south-west of Dacia The kingdom split into smaller kingdoms after Burebista's death. The kings reigning from Sarmizegetusa situated in the Orastie Mountains were Deceneu, Comosicus, Scorilo, and Duras. Decebal reigned from 87 AD to 106 AD, having been given the throne from Duras. He was previously the leader nobleman of the Dacians at Tapae. He was originally called Diurpaneus, but took the name of Decebal meaning "the powerful one". Decebal's state was smaller than that of Burebista with the borders being the rivers Tisza in the west, Siret in the east, Danube in the south and the northern Carpathians. The Dacian state was powerful enough to win a confrontation with the Romans


Who, in 2010, became the first Green Party member of the House of Commons?

About - www.gp.org 2016 Annual National Meeting & Presidential Nominating Convention The 2016 meeting was held in Houston, Texas, August 4-7, 2016.  Welcome Welcome to the Green Party of the United States (GPUS), an independent political party that is connected to American social movements, and is part of a global Green movement that shares key values, including our Four Pillars: Peace and Non-Violence, Ecological Wisdom, Grassroots Democracy, and Social Justice, and our Ten Key Values. We are a federation of state parties. We have a presence in most states. Find your state party here. Currently we have more than 100 elected officials around the country, mostly at the municipal level, working to enact Green policies. We run many candidates who put Green issues on the table in elections at every level. We don’t take corporate money. We are working to build clean government that works for all of us – not just the 1%. We are fighting for the future. Learn more about why a third party is necessary , how we need to fix our political system, and the issues we're fighting for. Don't forget to sign up and join the fight. How To Plug In Be sure to check out your state party . Please let our  web manager know if you find a broken link. While we have Green groups in many areas, we recognize that you may live a long way from an active group. If you're interested in taking direct action or starting new campaigns,we've developed these Facebook groups to help like-minded people find one another and start organizing. You are our on-the-ground organizers. It is our hope that the plans you devise with one another here become the activities you bring to life In your local community. Perhaps you want to pick a day of action, where the people in your Issue Group all table at the same time in towns and cities across the US. Maybe you’d like to organize letter to the editor campaigns and create templates to share within the group. Or maybe you’ve had a plan burning in the back of your mind but need some help getting it off the ground. That’s what these Issue Groups are for: helping each other develop plans to take action, engage the community, and demand change in the areas that most interest you. These aren’t discussion groups. Everyone there already knows why the issue is important. It’s the next step, the what and the how, that we want you to decide.   Green Party Structure GPUS does not have an individual membership structure, though we encourage people to become Sustaining Donors and commit to supporting the party in that way. The Green Party starts at the grassroots level, with local groups, who might represent a neighborhood, town, or county. Depending on the state party’s chosen structure and the laws governing political parties in each state, these local groups may come together into a city, county, and/or regional structure, with local representatives to the state party leadership body. State parties generally have an elected leadership body including a chair or co-chairs. GPUS does not govern state parties. People may become members of their state Green Parties, through whatever process each state party may have. As of 2014, 30 states plus the District of Columbia have partisan party voter registration ; the other states do not. Where a state has partisan registration and voters can register Green, such registered voters may be considered party members. The Green Party is an “established” party in some states, but not others; rules governing third party access to the ballot vary widely from state to state. Each state party that is affiliated with GPUS sends representatives to the GPUS National Committee (NC), which is the highest decision-making body in GPUS. There are 150 seats on the NC. State parties are represented proportionally in the NC, based on a formula that measures each party’s relative size and strength. Affiliated caucuses also have representation on the NC. The GPUS Steering Committee (SC), along with the party’s staff, oversees and helps execute the day-to-day administration and operations of the party. The SC is ma


The TV series `Downton Abbey' was filmed largely at which stately house?

Television hit Downton Abbey helps save the real stately home where it is filmed - Telegraph TV and Radio Television hit Downton Abbey helps save the real stately home where it is filmed The runaway success of the period drama Downton Abbey has led to a revival in  the nation's interest in all things Edwardian. The cast of Downton Abbey assembled in front of Highclere House Photo: ITV By Richard Alleyne and Laura Roberts 7:00PM BST 17 Oct 2010 Now its also leading to a revival in the fortunes of the magnificent house in which it is set. Highclere Castle, the 'High Elizabethan' style pile, is undergoing a much needed £11m refurbishment to restore it to its former glory thanks to the renewed interest in the 50 room mansion sparked by the ITV show. Lord and Lady Carnarvon the real owners of the home near Newbury, Berkshire, have taken the bold step after being inundated with requests to come to see the home, which is the centre piece of the Sunday night drama penned by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The drama portrays the upstairs downstairs lifestyle played out by members of the Crawleys, an aristocratic family, and their servants on the eve of the First World War. Such is its success that the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon expect a surge in visitor numbers when they open to the public again next year which will be put towards the refurbishment costs. They will also use the fee they receive for hiring out the house for a second series of the programme. Related Articles Sculptor creates giant 'tree spirit' at Stately home Cragside House 18 Oct 2010 The countess has already restored one of her dressing rooms and hopes to carry out further restoration work once Downton Abbey launches in the United States in January. Despite the sumptuous indoor sets and outdoor set pieces, the reality is that Highclere Castle is in desperate need of care and attention. Some of the turrets at Highclere are crumbling, the roof is leaking and many of the rooms need attention. So, too, does the original carriage entrance. “We are delighted the show is so popular,” said the countess. “I’ve been monitoring internet traffic to our website and it has shot up since the opening episode. “A boom in visitor numbers from tourists around the world would really help us to maintain what is really a beautiful building in one of the most scenic areas of southern England.” Parts of Highclere date back to the 14th century. The house was remodelled by Sir Charles Barry, the architect, in 1839 after he had completed the Houses of Parliament. The opening episode of Downton Abbey drew more than 11 million viewers when it was screened last month. It has been so successful that ITV has announced they have commissioned a second series. Fellowes, the actor and writer who won an Academy Award for the film Gosforth Park, said he was delighted that the house was benefiting. "It's a wonderful house and wonderful statement of what the English thought of themselves. You can't fake the kind of history that you get in this type of house. It would costs the entire budget if you tried to construct a library like the one at Highclere. The house is the main character. We wanted a house that was distinctive – not one that could be mixed up with all these Jane Austen adaptations." He said that the house had had its own influence on the drama. "All the Carnarvons' ancestors have become the ancestors of the family at Downton," he said. "I had always wanted the series to be set at Highclere and I took the director there myself so I was delighted that the decision was made to have it there." Parts of Highclere Castle originate from the 14th century. The house was re-modelled by architect Sir Charles Barry in 1839 after he had completed the Houses of Parliament. It was once home to George Edward Stanhope Molyneux Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who financed Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamen in Egypt in 1922. He died a year later from an infected mosquito bite, a victim of the so-called pharaoh’s curse. Earlier this year the Carnarvons had to fend off appr


Common in Australia the wattle is a tree of what genus?

Wattles, genus Acacia - Australian Plant Information Wattle Day interview with Joe Miller on his 'Tree of Trees' Acacia phylogeny in 2009 [MP4 file, 10,000 KB] Introduction The genus Acacia belongs to the family Mimosaceae. There are some      1350 species of Acacia found throughout the world and close to      1000 of these are to be found in Australia. Commonly known as Wattle, Acacia is the largest genus of vascular plants in Australia. Australia's      national floral emblem is Acacia       pycnantha , the Golden Wattle. Wattle Day is celebrated on the      1st of September each year. Distribution Within Australia Acacia occupies vast areas of the continent and is to      be found in a wide range of differing habitats from coastal to sub-alpine      regions and from high rainfall to arid inland areas. They are particularly      prevalent in the arid and semi-arid and the dry sub-tropical regions of      the country. Acacia is to be found in Australia, Africa, Madagascar, throughout       the Asia - Pacific region and in the Americas. Flowers Individual flowers are arranged in inflorescences that may be either       globular heads or cylindrical spikes. Each inflorescence may comprise       from as few as 3 individual flowers (e.g. Acacia lunata) to as       many as 130 or more (e.g. Acacia anceps). Acacia species       flower throughout the year although the bulk of species flower during       spring and summer and a lesser number flower during autumn and winter. Globular inflorescences Foliage Some of the diversity of foliage in Acacia Acacia show a range of foliage types. The true leaves are divided into leaflets, but a large group of      wattles develop modified flat leaf-like structures called phyllodes (which      are simply flattened stems) soon after germination. The foliage colour      of Acacia ranges from light or dark green to blue or silver-grey. Stages of foliage development from true leaves to phyllodes A few species lack true leaves or phyllodes altogether and in these plants      cladodes (which are simply modified stems) function as the leaves. Cladodes      are illustrated at left in this Acacia glaucoptera. Acacia as Garden Plants Acacia make excellent garden plants. They range in habit from      prostrate and low-growing species to larger shrubs and shade trees. Most      respond to pruning immediately after flowering and, if carried out regularly,      pruning can extend the life of the plant. As Acacia species flower      throughout the year it is possible, with careful selection, to have Acacia flowering in the garden at all times of the year. Acacia are a      good source of pollen making some species popular with bee-keepers. The      seeds are also an important source of food for birds. The main pests are stem borers which can be controlled by probing with       flexible wire or by injecting a few millilitres of alcohol into the holes.       Galls are often more difficult to control, but removing the effected branches       can reduce the problem. Acacia Bug (Eucerocoris tumidiceps) can       cause damage to the foliage of wattles with phyllodes and is difficult       to control. Treatment with a systemic insecticide may be required. Propagation Propagation from seed is the most common method. Seeds are readily available      and can be stored for many years. The very hard seed coat needs to be      scarified (worn away) or softened before water can enter and germination      can take place. Pouring boiling water over the seeds and leaving them      to soak for 24 hours will usually soften them. The infertile seeds will      float to the surface and should be discarded. Swollen seeds can be sown,      the others can be retreated. Many species of Acacia can be grown from cuttings using firm new       seasons growth. Cuttings from species with phyllodes are


'The Night of the Hunter' in 1955 was the only film to be directed by which actor?

Super Reviewer ½ This tense and bleak film noir, aesthetically mesmerizing and borrowing heavily from German Expressionism, is all the more surprising when you know that Laughton hated children - and while Mitchum is great as the expressionist villain, he seems though too one-dimensional to be truly menacing. Carlos Magalhães Super Reviewer The very definition of a film noir. Robert Mitchum is spectacular as psychotic preacher and serial killer Harry Powell. Few films actually earn the title "edge of your seat" but this dark and incredibly well made film by first (and only) time director Charles Laughton will certainly have you gripping both seat handles in suspense. Edward Boxler Super Reviewer ½ A phony preacher infiltrates a family in order to find hidden money. I have trouble making sense of Charles Laughton's only directorial effort. On the one hand, the thrills - the film's construction as a suspense - is compelling and oftentimes frightening. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the performance by Robert Mitchum makes the preacher seem like a predecessor of Hannibal Lector. On the other hand, there are clearly images of religious hypocrisy being deployed here, but there doesn't seem to be a coherent statement about faith's effects or faith as an affect. The foiling of Rachel Cooper and Harry Powell doesn't provide much insight about religion as a guise or a guide.  Overall, as a surface thriller, this is quite good, but I think one of us - the film or me - is missing something deeper. Jim Hunter


'At my Mother's Knee (and other Low Joints)' is the first autobiography by which TV personality?

At My Mother's Knee ...: Amazon.co.uk: Paul O'Grady: 9780593059258: Books At My Mother's Knee ... Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Apple To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. or Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here , or download a FREE Kindle Reading App . Product details Publisher: Bantam Press; 1st Edition 1st Printing edition (24 Sept. 2008) Language: English Product Dimensions: 16.2 x 2.8 x 24.1 cm Average Customer Review: Product Description Amazon Review Paul O'Grady, apart from being one of Britain's best loved entertainers, is a classic example of reinvention, as At My Mother’s Knee demonstrates. The young Liverpool entertainer, an altar boy from Irish Catholic Birkenhead, becomes the acid-tongued and outrageous drag queen Lily Savage, and moves from gay pubs to national television, creating something of a British comic institution en route (O'Grady's caustic drag character was a world away from safer predecessors such as Danny La Rue). But O'Grady (like other comic performers such as John Cleese) realised that comic creations can have a limited shelf life, and reinvented himself as ‘Paul O'Grady’, coming out from behind the false breasts and towering wigs as a toned-down (but still camp), more audience-friendly TV presenter (wisely, he retained the abrasive voice and a Scouse accent that could be cut with a knife). At My Mother's Knee and Other Low Joints is an entertaining autobiography from someone who really does have a life that is worth writing about. Gossipy, sharp and colourful, the cast of characters in Paul O'Grady's life includes rogues and rascals galore, all of whom are evoked here with great comic skill. O'Grady was variously a boxer, a civil servant, a conman and even a cat burglar - all of these failed careers are on display here, as is a surprisingly pungent picture of the Liverpool nightclub scene. When so many showbiz autobiographies these days are written by people who have a barely had a life outside of their fame, it's refreshing to encounter one by somebody whose story would be interesting even if he were not a major TV star. --Barry Forshaw Review Paul speaks with warmth and hilarity about a childhood filled with poverty, and reveals a cast of characters with whom he could have created an entire comedy series. Hugely interesting and entertaining. --Jo Hoare, Heat Magazine At My Mother's Knee distinguishes itself on every level --Carol Ann Duffy, The Observer While most celeb memoirs are as memorable as an air kiss, O'Grady's is a proper snog --The Scotsman


Saint-Denis is the chief town on which Indian Ocean island?

St Denis St Denis St Denis Destination Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Reunion's capital city of St-Denis is the northernmost city on the island as well as the largest. Really quite a fascinating city, St-Denis is often pushed aside in favor of a trip to the beach, a hike up a volcano, or a visit to the island's cirques. Too bad! This warm and welcoming town has plenty to offer Reunion Island visitors, so a stop here should definitely be part of your holiday itinerary. St-Denis is also the only location on the island where you'll find a number of cultural sites, including museums. For example, the Musee Leon Dierx boasts quite an impressive collection of modern art. Founded nearly a century ago, this museum includes pieces by famous artists like Picasso and Gauguin. The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle provides visitors with a good overview of the natural history of the islands of the Indian Ocean, including fascinating exhibits on indigenous animals past and present. Architecture aficionados will want to explore the unique Creole homes that dominate the town. A stroll down the street is a pleasant afternoon activity and a few of these homes, like Mansion Folio, are open to the general public for tours. Be sure to have your camera ready! For accommodations in St-Denis, there are currently about a dozen hotels from which to choose, including those from popular chains like Best Western. Most of the hotels are quite elegant, featuring the amenities you'd expect to find on an island resort. There are, however, a few budget-minded properties as well. If you're into dining, St-Denis has the best restaurant scene on the island. Reunion's cuisine, in general, is quite diverse, not unlike its population. In the capital city, restaurants run the gamut, from traditional Creole food to Indo-Muslim cuisine to Chinese specialties. You'll find formal sit-down establishments, casual bistros, and places to grab a quick bite on the run. Don't forget to try the "cari", unique to the Indian Ocean islands, and made with meat, poultry, fish or seafood and containing garlic, onion, lots of tomatoes, turmeric, clove and ginger. Yum!


Galah and Sulphur-crested are species of what kind of bird?

Galahs - Introduction to the Australian Galah   Galahs Galahs, where to begin? Galahs are a pink and grey coloured cockatoo found   in most areas of Australia. Galahs have the reputation of being somewhat   of a pest or nuisance. But Galahs are actually a highly intelligent,   social and   highly adaptable   animal. This website on Galahs is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive   coverage of the Australian Galah on the free internet.   Galahs Search Use Google to search this site or the Internet for specific information   on the Australian Galah.   The Australian Galah (a thorough summary)   Galah is an English word (Australian) pronounced   ga-lah. It originates from the Yuwaalaraay (Aboriginal language of   southeast Australia) word gilaa.   This is highly disputed between… Eolophus roseicapillus The Cacatua genus includes the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos.   Bird Group : Psittaciformes - Cockatoos, Parrots Bird Family : Cacatuidae - Cockatoos, Cockatiel Bird Name : Cacatua roseicapilla - Galah   Galahs are 35 – 38 centimetres in length and weight between 300 – 435   grams. Galahs flight feathers and back are grey; The Galahs crown is pale pink (almost white); The neck and underparts of the Galah are rose-red. Males: Dark brown iris (area of the eye that surrounds the pupil) Females: Pink iris and their body is generally smaller in size. YOUNG galahs have greyish plumage and a grey periophthalmic ring (naked area    around their eyes) fades as the galah approach the immature stage. IMMATURE galahs will have a pale brown iris. The periophthalmic will develop   more wrinkles as the galah ages.   These galahs are found in central and northern Australia. Roseicapillus Galahs have a pink periophthalmic ring. WESTERN - E. roseicapillus    assimilis These galahs are found in Western Australia as far north as the Fortescue     and probably the De Grey Rivers. Assimilis Galahs general have    a paler plumage; crown more strongly suffused with pink; naked periophthalmic    ring    greyish white. NORTHERN - E. roseicapillus Kuhli These galahs are found in the Kimberly region of (northern) Western    Australia Kuhli Galahs general have a paler plumage; crown more strongly suffused    with pink; grey-red periophthalmic ring.   High-pitched, splintered identifying call "chill   chill " Harsher screeches when threatened, fighting or just having fun. Soft, muffled calls to communicate with mates and to initiate close   contact.     Distribution of Galahs Galahs can now be found in every location and state of    Australia (except some rainforest areas).     Galahs and their Spread      across Australia. Galahs are one of the few animals that have benefited from the arrival of   European settlers to Australia. The clearing of land and planting of cereal   crops have really suited galahs. This led to the increase in galah populations,   and the galahs expansion into every corner of Australia (helped also by the   escape of pet galahs, especially in Tasmania). Galahs were originally found to live only in the semi-arid areas of Australia.   Originally galahs were recorded to live on the East Coast or Tasmania.     Galahs    Diets Galahs naturally feed on grasses, herbs, seeds, nuts, berries, roots, green   shoots and leaf buds. Sometimes eating insects and their larvae when additional   protein is required such as when breeding. After the arrival of European settlers galahs also feed on (and often prefer)   grains, cereal crops, sunflower seeds and sometimes fruit. Pet galahs should be fed a mixed diet of seeds (limit sunflower seeds as   its high in fat), grass, leafy vegetables, fruit, oats and corn. Also provide   shell grit and cuttle fish for calcium. Galahs also require a daily supply of fresh water for drinking and occasionally   bathing.     Galahs Social Habits Galahs are a highly social animal. If circumstances    allow galahs will form a close bond with a mate (member of the opposite     sex) whom with they will    breed with f


What prize was won in 2010 by Liu Xiaobo?

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2010 to Liu Xiaobo - Press Release Press Release The Nobel Peace Prize 2010 Liu Xiaobo Chinese [pdf] The Nobel Peace Prize for 2010 The  Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2010 to Liu Xiaobo for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has long believed that there is a close connection between human rights and peace. Such rights are a prerequisite for the "fraternity between nations" of which Alfred Nobel wrote in his will. Over the past decades, China has achieved economic advances to which history can hardly show any equal. The country now has the world's second largest economy; hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. Scope for political participation has also broadened. China's new status must entail increased responsibility. China is in breach of several international agreements to which it is a signatory, as well as of its own provisions concerning political rights. Article 35 of China's constitution lays down that "Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration". In practice, these freedoms have proved to be distinctly curtailed for China's citizens. For over two decades, Liu Xiaobo has been a strong spokesman for the application of fundamental human rights also in China. He took part in the Tiananmen protests in 1989; he was a leading author behind Charter 08, the manifesto of such rights in China which was published on the 60th anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 10th of December 2008. The following year, Liu was sentenced to eleven years in prison and two years' deprivation of political rights for “inciting subversion of state power". Liu has consistently maintained that the sentence violates both China's own constitution and fundamental human rights. The campaign to establish universal human rights also in China is being waged by many Chinese, both in China itself and abroad. Through the severe punishment meted out to him, Liu has become the foremost symbol of this wide-ranging struggle for human rights in China. Oslo, October 8, 2010 Share this: To cite this page MLA style: "The Nobel Peace Prize for 2010 to Liu Xiaobo - Press Release". Nobelprize.org. Nobel Media AB 2014. Web. 20 Jan 2017. <http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2010/press.html>


La Digue and Mahe are islands in which Indian Ocean group?

Seychelles: La Digue Island | Indian Ocean Seychelles: La Digue Island Leave a comment The sensation of being on holiday eternally, the feeling of being on La Digue Island of the Seychelles! The atmosphere is relaxed. Locals moving on their bike while humming! The life on the island seems to have stopped some fifty years ago.  La Digue is a small island. Only 5 km long and 3 km wide. It may seems bizarre but you will find no real roads on La Digue! So no need to rent a car . On the west of the island are found the only three villages of the island: La Passe, La Réunion and L’Union. The small villages are clustered and form a group of houses. The island of La Digue is the most photographed of the islands of the Seychelles with its magnificent granite rocks bathing in turquoise water and its beautiful white sandy beaches! Moreover, La Digue is the most chosen honeymoon destination.  Every year, a large number of couples coming from outside the Seychelles celebrate their weddings on this picturesque island. The island has only one luxury hotel , the rest of the accommodation being mostly guesthouses, villas or apartments for rent (self-catering). The island has no airport or aerodrome, but a heliport connects by Mahé Island found about 45 km away. The island of La Digue rises to 333 m above sea level. Here, the population is mainly black and many men wear dreadlocks similar to those of “Bob Marley”! With its beaches, La Digue is certainly the most beautiful island of the Seychelles. La Digue Beaches The different beaches are accessible by bike or by foot. Neither will you find crowded beaches, nor beaches with sunbeds or umbrellas that often spoil the landscape! Everything is almost wild and just perfect! Some beaches are protected by a coral reef, making swimming very enjoyable, while other beaches are beset by high waves and strong currents, it is then necessary to be very careful when swimming (when allowed). In general, a panel indicates danger. Anse source d’Argent Anse Source d’Argent To get to Anse Source D’argent the best way is to take a sandy trail which will quickly take you  to the famous beach. You will fall in love with this sublime Anse, the Island’s most beautiful site and certainly the Seychelles! It is here that almost all the clichés representing the Seychelles are made. Anse Source d’Argent is characterized by large granite rocks eroded by waves. The site is protected by a coral reef and thus offers a calm sea for bathers. Depending on the tide, swimming is more or less easy. At low tide, the depth is very low and the bottom covered with algae. Anse Coco Petite Anse and Anse Coco are separated by a small peninsula called Pointe Turcy. A twenty minutes walk is necessary to reach Anse Coco from Petite Anse. Again, a beautiful deserted beach without building uplifting the landscape! There is very little shade and the sea is also dangerous. Be cautious if you want to swim. Anse Coco La Digue Fauna and Flora Apart from the beaches, the island is covered with thick jungle with some walkable paths allowing you to discover the beauty of the unique flora of the Seychelles. The island of La Digue is the refuge of the “Black Widow” which are magnificent black birds endemic to the Seychelles. During the day you cannot miss the flight of the big Roussette bats. La Digue: How to get there? The Seychelles consist of One hundred and fifteen islands spread over a total area of One thousand two hundred square kilometers. The island of La Digue is only two hundred kilometers from the main island of Mahé and its international airport. To reach the island of La Digue, there are only two main options. By boat The island of La Digue is generally reached by boat from the islands of Mahé (45 km) or Praslin (7 km).  You only have to report to the port to have a precise schedules of the departures. The journey from La Digue Island to the main island Mahé is about one hour and ten minutes (70 minutes) provided that the boat does not stop in Praslin. The travel will cost you about Sixty Euros (60 Euros) for a one way ticket. The voy


Who is the author of the children's book 'The Story of Tracy Beaker'?

Amazon.com: Story Of Tracy Beaker (9780440862796): Jacqueline Wilson: Books Story Of Tracy Beaker Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Page 1 of 1 Start over Sponsored Products are advertisements for products sold by merchants on Amazon.com. When you click on a Sponsored Product ad, you will be taken to an Amazon detail page where you can learn more about the product and purchase it. To learn more about Amazon Sponsored Products, click here . Remembering Will Jim Yackel A touching and emotional tale of a musician dealing with loss, pain, and addiction while battling persistent supernatural torment. Can he survive? The Heart Island Anomaly Brian Neil Roy Venture into the life of a man trapped in time. Packed with action and adventure, this light science fiction read has unseen twists and turns! This Place: I remember clearly the date I met Edgar J. Love. His research did peak my interest, though I'm still unsure how I ended up in This Place. Jamie A. Lewis Love Lovecraft? Jamie A Lewis captures the pulp horror master's prose perfectly as we follow Edgar J Love to 'This Place'. Kindle Edition Saxon Wrath Robert Faulkner How far could you be pushed before the Saxon in you became awakened? Ãsc discovers his limits. Ad feedback Special Offers and Product Promotions Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly Wilson (Double Act; Bad Girls) presents an insightful portrait of 10-year-old Tracy in the girl's own words. Readers initially make her acquaintance through entries in a fill-in book entitled "My Book About Me." Her revelations are by turn caustic, funny and heartbreaking. Living in a group home for children after two unsuccessful stints in foster homes, Tracy repeatedly expresses her fervent hope and pitiable conviction that her roaming, much-idolized mother will appear to take her away. "There's not much point making friends because I expect to be moving on soon," resolves the heroine, whose tough-kid veneer is wrenchingly transparent. An aspiring author, Tracy takes solace in her autobiographical writing and her new friendship with Cam, a writer who visits the home while researching an article. Despite Tracy's passionate attempts to persuade Cam to take her in as a foster child, her fate is uncertain at the close of the novel. Yet her indomitable spirit and grit leaves little doubt that she will end up on top. Sharratt's drawings help to keep the mood light, as Wilson again shapes a convincing and memorable heroine with a snappy, fresh voice. Ages 8-12. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Read more From School Library Journal Grade 4-6-A first-person narrative about a bright and feisty girl. Tracy has spent most of her life in the British foster-care system, always fantasizing that her mother will come back for her. When Cam, a writer, comes to the home to do research for an article, she and Tracy connect. Not intimidated by the angry 10-year-old's tantrums and fibs, Cam exerts a positive influence on Tracy, who finally makes overtures of friendship to some of the other kids. Tracy is at times a tough character to like-she is rude, sarcastic, and unfriendly. However, perceptive readers will quickly see beneath the outrageous tales and bravado a vulnerable youngster desperate to be loved. The book ends rather abruptly, with Tracy asking Cam to be her foster parent, but readers will be glad to know a sequel is imminent. Sharratt's witty cartoonlike drawings enliven this universal tale of a child struggling to belong. Readers will root for Tracy, who never admits to tears, only to attacks of hay fever. A well-paced and involving novel in which a memorable character learns to cope better with her very real problems. B. Allison Gray, South Country Library, Bellport, NY Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.              --This text refers to the School & Librar


In pop music how is Vincent Furnier better known?

Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs By Michael Gallucci February 4, 2016 9:30 AM REDDIT Hulton Archive, Getty Images The original  Alice Cooper  band — a quintet led by Detroit native Vincent Furnier, who took the group’s name as his own — lasted a little more than five years. During that time, the band practically invented a style of theatrical horror rock that would be adapted by countless (and lesser) artists over the years. But Alice Cooper, the band and the man, were more than just guillotines, electric chairs and big-ass snakes; they had great songs that fed their visually exciting stage shows, which were like splashy Broadway productions for people who liked bloody monster movies. The singer went solo in 1975, taking the name and the shock-theater shows with him. Our list of the Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs spans 20 years of mayhem. 10     At various times Cooper has stated that the Killer album track “Desperado” was about Jim Morrison or a character in the movie The Magnificent Seven. Either way, the song chronicles the story of a young guy with a death wish. It’s part western fantasy, part gunslinger tale and all fuzzy bluster from a self-mythologizing renegade.   From: ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)     “Elected” was originally released as a single in the fall of 1972, just in time for the presidential election. The riff-driven rocker — the follow-up to Cooper’s first Top 10 hit, “School’s Out” (see No. 1 on our list of the Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs) — made it to the Top 30. The album, Billion Dollar Babies, was Cooper’s only No. 1.   From: ‘Welcome to My Nightmare’ (1975)     By the time Cooper went solo in 1975, he was fully invested in his persona as host of whatever horrors haunt the modern world. The Welcome to My Nightmare LP was both concept album and soundtrack to a TV special (yes, it had gotten to that point). It even included a hit ballad, “Only Women Bleed.” The title track shuffles along a groove that steers from disco to jazz to hard rock to horn-blasted R&B in a matter of five minutes.       With a riff borrowed from the Velvet Underground and an attitude copped from the Stones , “Be My Lover” ranks as one of the original Alice Cooper band’s best and most conventional songs. The song didn’t make the Top 40 (it stalled at No. 49), but its arena-ready guitar lines and pop-leaning chorus are among Cooper’s best.       After a decade of irrelevance, Cooper returned in 1989 with his best album in years, Trash. “Poison,” its opening track and first single, became Cooper’s first Top 10 hit since 1977’s icky ballad “You and Me” and tied “School’s Out” (see No. 1 on our list of the Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs) as his highest-charting song. “Poison” sounds like a typical ’80s pop-metal number at times, but Cooper’s intensity brings it to a whole other level.       The first single from the band’s fourth album features one of the original quintet’s best-ever performances. From the stumbling drums that intro the song to the chugging guitar riff that fuels it to one of Cooper’s toughest vocals, “Under My Wheels” is straight-up rock ‘n’ roll played by a band whose greatness was often overshadowed by its theatrics.   From: ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)     One of the last great blasts by the original Alice Cooper band was also the title track of their only No. 1 album. Featuring vocal assist by hippie-dippy ’60s Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan , “Billion Dollar Babies,” like “Elected” (see No. 9 on our list of the Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs), works better within the context of the album than as a single. Still, last hurrah and all that.   “No More Mr. Nice Guy” From: ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)     Unlike the other singles released from Alice Cooper’s only No. 1 album, the fourth makes a killer radio cut. Armed with a massive hook and a jabbing guitar riff, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” remains one of Cooper’s signature songs, a declaration of independence by an artist who was breaking rules from the start.   From: ‘School’s Out’ (1972)     The band’s fifth album finally took them to the Top 10. And i


Who created and wrote the TV series `Downton Abbey'?

Series Downton Abbey | Masterpiece | Official Site | PBS About the Show 2011 Downton Abbey, the award-winning series from Julian Fellowes, spans 12 years of gripping drama centered on a great English estate on the cusp of a vanishing way of life. Nearly six years ago, America fell in love with Downton Abbey‘s Granthams and their family of servants, and has followed them through sweeping change, scandals, love, ambition, heartbreak, and hope ever since. With Julian Fellowes’ crackling writing and its stellar ensemble cast led by Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey delivers wit, warmth, passion and a phenomenon that is, at its heart, utterly human. Support Provided By:


Who is the author of 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard'?

The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter Series) by J. K. Rowling, Mary GrandPre |, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® Meet the author Overview The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers' attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger's new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Warlock’s Hairy Heart," "Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump," and of course "The Tale of the Three Brothers." But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter. This purchase also represents another very important form of giving: From every sale of this book, Scholastic will give its net proceeds to Lumos, an international children’s charity founded in 2005 by J. K. Rowling. Lumos is dedicated to ending the institutionalization of children, a harmful practice that affects the lives of up to eight million disadvantaged children around the world who live in institutions and orphanages, many placed there as a result of poverty, disability, disease, discrimination and conflict; very few are orphans. Lumos works to reunite children with their families, promote family-based care alternatives, and help authorities to reform their systems and close down institutions and orphanages. www.wearelumos.org   Picture Book and Short Story Collections (Single Author) - Kids Fiction Meet the Author The author of the celebrated Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling is one of the world's most successful authors. Her books have created a fantastic world — filled with wizards and muggles — that has completely revitalized a love of reading in both kids and adults. In addition to books, the Harry Potter series includes the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which debuted on the London stage to a sold-out audience. Rowling has also published the novel A Casual Vacancy and several books in the Cormoran Strike series under the pen name Robert Galbraith. Brief Biography


Who has become the first Muslim woman to serve in the Cabinet?

A top Muslim Tory warns Cameron not to alienate Muslims | UK | News | Daily Express UK Don't alienate us over terror top Muslim Tory tells Cameron DAVID Cameron could "alienate" and "demoralise Muslims" by suggesting they are not doing enough to tackle extremism, a former Conservative cabinet minister warned yesterday. 13:10, Sat, Jun 20, 2015 | UPDATED: 13:25, Sat, Jun 27, 2015 GETTY Baroness Warsi resigned from government after disagreeing with its policy on the Gaza conflict Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim to serve in cabinet, has accused the Prime Minister of "demonising" ordinary British Muslims following a speech he made warning about the dangers of British Muslims "quietly condoning" extremism.  A backlash was building last night from community leaders over the Cameron's speech at a security conference in Slovakia yesterday, saying it was the job of British Muslims to stand up and challenge extremism.  Writing in a column for the Guardian, Baroness Warsi said: "My concern is that this call to Muslims to do more, without an understanding of what they already do now, will demoralise the very people who will continue to lead this fight. "The Government is acutely aware of how disengaged it is from large sections of the British Muslim communities.  "So advisers would have been aware how this intervention with its misguided emphasis and call to action, would at best fall on deaf ears, at worst further alienate." Baroness Warsi's remarks follow in a week where a teenager from her hometown of Dewsbury is thought to have become the UK's youngest ever suicide bomber and three Bradford women are believed to have crossed over the border into Syria to join Isis with their nine children.  The former Tory minister is thought to know the family of 17-year-old Talha Asmal, the alleged suicide bomber who carried out an attack in northern Iraq. The former foreign office minister added: "British Muslim communities know that it is they who are being preyed upon and targeted by the likes of Isis. They know that this is their fight and they are fighting it."  She said Muslims "know they have to do more, but they will do it a lot better knowing we are on the same side. PA•GETTY Baroness Warsi is said to know suicide bomber Talha Asmal's family Muslims know they have to do more, but they will do it a lot better knowing we are on the same side Baroness Sayeeda Warsi "Government needs to champion them, support them. Only then will it have the credibility to demand communities themselves to do more." Baroness Warsi also criticised Cameron for making his speech in Slovakia: "He should also have been advised not to choose Bratislava as the backdrop to speak to his own British Muslim communities, but to opt for Birmingham, or dare I even suggest, Bradford."  In a speech at a security conference in Slovakia yesterday Cameron said: "Too often we hear the argument that radicalisation is the fault of someone else. That blame game is wrong - and it is dangerous.  "By accepting the finger-pointing - whether it's at agencies or authorities - we are ignoring the fact that radicalisation starts with the individual." Baroness Warsi's comments came as a leading Muslim backed the Prime Minister's calls.  Manzoor Moghal, of the Muslim Forum, told BBC Radio 4's The World at One: "The Muslim community in Britain is somewhat backward in its thinking, it is refusing to move and become progressive, it is refusing to change its old habits from attire to dress code, it is refusing to come out of an isolation which is self-imposed within certain sects of Islam. "All these things have to change and then we might see an improvement in the behaviour of young people who'd want to stay in society and not be lured away by these false promises."  Mr Moghal wrote this week that "as the lethal cycle of British involvement in jihadism deepens, so the cries of victimhood grow stronger."  Related articles


Who is the author of the novel 'The Horse Whisperer'?

Nicholas Evans - Author of The Horse Whisperer and other works Nicholas Evans contact Nicholas Evans spent his childhood in the English countryside watching American Westerns on TV, riding horses, and reading Jack London books, experiences he put to good use in writing The Horse Whisperer, an epic romance about a man with the power to heal both wild steeds and the desperate woman who comes to him for help. Evans was in dire straits himself when he began his first novel. His career as a journalist and screenwriter was sputtering and, although he'd produced a documentary about director David Lean, his own directing deal had fallen apart. Inspired by a story he heard from an English blacksmith, Evans decided to write a book about a man who communicates with horses, a "horse whisperer." He spent six weeks doing research in the American West -- interviewing animal healers and witnessing awful equine exorcisms -- before returning to London to write. With mortgage payments looming, he showed the first half of his book to an agent friend. The ensuing war for the book's rights among publishers and Hollywood producers netted Evans $8 million, effectively ending his financial worries; he bought a new house in London, where he began work on his second novel, The Loop. Robert Redford directed and starred in the film version of The Horse Whisperer opposite Kristin Scott Thomas. The Divide (Putnam Adult, 2005) The #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE HORSE WHISPERER returns with an epic new novel of the human heart. On a Montana morning, two skiers find the body of a woman embedded in the ice of a mountain creek. She's identified as Abbie Cooper, a brilliant college student who was on the run from charges of murder. But what was the chain of events that led this golden child astray? The answers are in the secrets of an American family fractured by lies and reunited in a tragedy. The Smoke Jumper (Bantam Press, 2001) In a searing novel of love and loyalty, guilt and honor, the acclaimed author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Horse Whisperer gives his millions of readers another hero... The Smoke Jumper. His name is Connor Ford and he falls like an angel of mercy from the sky, braving the flames to save the woman he loves but knows he cannot have. For Julia Bishop is the partner of his best friend and fellow “smoke jumper,” Ed Tully. Julia loves them both--until a fiery tragedy on Montana’s Snake Mountain forces her to choose between them, and burns a brand on all their hearts. In the wake of the fire, Connor embarks on a harrowing journey to the edge of human experience, traveling the world’s worst wars and disasters to take photographs that find him fame but never happiness. Reckless of a life he no longer wants, again and again he dares death to take him, until another fateful day on another continent, he must walk through fire once more... The Loop (Corgi Adult, 1999) The Loop opens as a pack of wolves makes a sudden, savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century before they were slaughtered by the thousands. Now shielded by law as an endangered species, they reawaken an ancient hatred that will tear a family, and ultimately the town, apart. At the center of the storm is Helen Ross, a young wolf biologist sent alone into this remote and hostile place to protect the wolves from those who seek to destroy them. The Loop charts her struggle, and her dangerous love affair with the son of her most powerful opponent, the brutal and charismatic rancher, Buck Calder. An epic story of deadly passion and redemptive love set against the grandeur of the American West, The Loop is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers worldwide. A haunting exploration of man's conflict with nature and the wild within himself, an epic story of deadly passions and redemptive love set against the grandeur of the American West, The Loop is destined to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers everywhere. The Loop was selected as a Main Selection of both The Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Clu


O R Tambo airport serves which South African city?

Johannesburg-O.R. Tambo International Airport | Lufthansa ® Travel Guide How to get there Driving Directions From Johannesburg, take the R24 to the airport; from Pretoria, take the R21. The airport is clearly signposted from these approach roads. Train The high-speed Gautrain (tel: (0800) 428 87426; www.gautrain.co.za ) runs between Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, Malboro and Sandton. The travel time to Malboro is 10 minutes and Sandton 15 minutes, while fares to both start at R115. Bus Magic Bus (tel: (011) 548 0822) operates scheduled bus services to Sun City and other places of interest: it has an office on the ground floor of the domestic car park building. Shuttle Airport Link (tel: (011) 794 8300; www.airportlink.co.za ) and EZ Shuttle (tel: 0861 397 488; www.ezshuttle.co.za ) provide door-to-door shuttle services from the airport to city destinations. Taxi Official taxis operate from in front of the multi-storey car park building. The journey time to central Johannesburg is upwards of 30 minutes (depending on traffic conditions) and the fare is around R500. Car Parking There are several car parks offering short- and long-term parking, including an underground facility as well as outdoor and covered areas. A free 24-hour shuttle bus service operates between the furthest away car parks and the terminals. Further information is available from the ACSA office (tel: (011) 921 6090/1), which is open 24 hours a day. Valet parking, operated by Executive Carports (tel: (011) 390 2062; www.executivecarport.co.za ) is also available. Why not stay for a little while! Choose Lufthansa for a pleasant journey, mobility and a good night's sleep. Be inspired!


Which 2004 Tom Hanks film centres around a stranded traveler from Krakozhia?

SCREEN IT! PARENTAL REVIEW: THE TERMINAL Mild QUICK TAKE: Drama/Comedy: A foreigner finds himself trapped in a New York City airport's international travel lounge when his home country erupts in a civil war and the authorities won't let him return or step onto American soil. PLOT: Viktor Navorski (TOM HANKS) has traveled from his Eastern European country of Krakozhia to New York City with one purpose in mind. Yet, when his homeland erupts in civil war, he suddenly finds himself as traveler from a country the United States no longer recognizes. As a result, airport security director Frank Dixon (STANLEY TUCCI) and head security guard Ray Thurman (BARRY SHABAKA HENLEY) try to inform Viktor that he can neither step foot on American soil or return to his homeland. Thus, Thurman takes Viktor to the international lounge, gives him some food vouchers and tells the foreigner -- who barely speaks any English -- that he must stay there until the situation in Krakozhia is resolved. When Viktor sees footage of the civil war on the terminal TVs, he begins to understand what's occurred. Yet, when he loses his food vouchers to custodian Gupta (KUMAR PALLANA), he must figure out how to survive in this foreign environment. As Frank tries everything in his power to get rid of Viktor -- short of physically escorting him out -- the stranded traveler soon befriends various airport workers as he sets up his home away from home. There's Enrique Cruz (DIEGO LUNA) who agrees to feed Viktor in exchange for him getting personal information about customs official Dolores Torres (ZO� SALDANA). Baggage handler Joe Mulroy (CHI McBRIDE) eventually convinces Gupta that Viktor is okay, while the latter falls for flight attendant Amelia Warren (CATHERINE ZETA-JONES) who occasionally passes through the airport. As the days, weeks and then months pass, Viktor repeatedly adapts to his environment and Frank's repeated attempts to thwart him, all while waiting for the situation in his homeland to be resolved and trying to get Amelia to fall for him. WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? If they're fans of director Steven Spielberg's work and/or anyone in the cast, it's a good bet they might. WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13 For brief language and drug references. CAST AS ROLE MODELS: TOM HANKS plays a foreigner traveler who finds himself trapped at the airport when his country erupts into civil war and thus eliminates his traveling rights. He then proceeds to make the airport terminal his home away from home, befriends the various workers, and tries to get Amelia to fall for him. CATHERINE ZETA-JONES plays an unhappy flight attendant who's having an occasional affair with a married man and gets to know Viktor with her every passing trip through the airport. She uses some profanity. STANLEY TUCCI plays the head of airport security who views Viktor as a constant, problematic thorn in his side. He then does most everything in his power to make the stranded foreigner exit the airport and thus be picked up by immigration. He uses some profanity. CHI McBRIDE plays a baggage handler who befriends Viktor and briefly drinks and smokes. DIEGO LUNA plays a food service worker who helps Viktor in exchange for him finding out information on Torres with whom he's smitten. KUMAR PALLANA plays an airport custodian who's initially suspicious of Viktor (since the former harbors a secret), but eventually befriends and assists him. ZO� SALDANA plays a customs agent who gets to know Viktor since she repeatedly has to turn down his application to leave. Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit? Then read OUR TAKE of this film. (Note:  The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below). OUR WORD TO PARENTS: Here's a quick look at the content found in this dramedy that's been rated PG-13. Profanity consists of a number of "s" words (but many are heavily accented words that sound like that word, but aren't) and a slang term using male genitals


The only stadium to host two soccer World Cup Finals is in which city?

Tournaments - Classic Stadiums - Estadio Azteca - FIFA.com Classic Stadiums CityMexico City Estadio Azteca - A little closer to the gods Mexico City's fabled Estadio Azteca has been the backdrop for some of history's most unforgettable FIFA World Cup ™ moments. Pele's last sparks of invention on the world stage, a final glimpse of the old Jules Rimet Cup and Maradona's famous goals against England in 1986 all took place on the lush grass of the vintage North American gem. Known simply as the Azteca, it is one of the beautiful game's truly great gathering places - and the only one to host two FIFA World Cup Final matches. Teetering 7,200 feet above sea level, the stadium has earned a reputation for Mexico's national team as a fortress of results. In fact, Mexico only saw their FIFA World Cup ™ qualifying unbeaten streak in the stadium end in 2001 when they lost 2-1 to Costa Rica. The bowl's signature roof traps and amplifies noise from the massive upper level, filling the air with high pitch shrieks and a deafening, cacophonous din to make the Mexico City landmark, and home to domestic giants Club America, one of the loudest stadiums anywhere. Add to that its more notorious conditions, namely altitude and smog, and you have the most inhospitable of venues for visiting teams. The perfect football stadium lines up the legends Built in 1966 ahead of the Olympic Games in 1968 and 1970 FIFA World Cup, the cavernous, three-tiered bowl was designed to hold almost 115,000 fans. An over-the-top undertaking for the time, the Azteca is a vivid demonstration of Mexico's mad devotion to the people's game. The full construction took nearly four years to complete. Architects Pedro Ramirez Vasquez and Rafael Mijares travelled the globe before breaking ground to catch glimpses of the finest football stadiums of the time. Trips to Buenos Aires, Madrid, Rome, Florence, Paris, London, Moscow and Warsaw provided the duo with the inspiration they needed to design what many consider to be a faultless football stadium. In addition to being an impregnable fortress for the Mexican national team, the Azteca has witnessed some of the most electrifying and immortal FIFA World Cup moments of the last 40 years. Pele said his goodbye to the international game with a peerless performance in the 1970 Final against Italy, inspiring what many call the greatest team of all time to a masterful 4-1 victory over an Italian side infamous for their cohesive defence. The man many consider the greatest footballer in history scored a perfect low-and-hard header in the 18th minute from Rivelino's swerving cross. Leaving Albertosi with no chance, the celebration that followed involved Pele leaping into Jairzinho's arms and has since become one of the most recognisable snapshots in football history. After a 4-1 result, the Seleção, playing a languid, sultry brand of football never to be seen again, passed the Jules Rimet Cup around the brilliant Azteca grass for what would turn out to be the last time in 24 years. Italy had a magic moment of their own en route to the ill-fated final. After finishing 90 minutes against West Germany even at one apiece, the semi-final's extra time period will go down in the annals of history as one of the most magnificent half hours of football ever played for a mass audience. A double from 'der Bomber' Gerd Muller and goals from Tarcisio Burgnich, Luigi Riva and Gianni Rivera saw a desperate attacking session fuelled by fatigue and the Azteca's extreme altitude. Maradona's Mundial Of all the moments of drama played out on the Azteca's manicured stage down through the years, Maradona's magic act of Mexico 86 stares down all comers. After surviving a massive earthquake one year earlier, the stadium barely withstood the earth-shattering orchestrations of El Diego. Soon after the Azteca witnessed Manuel Negrete slam a scintillating side-bicycle against Bulgaria home to put El Tri in the quarter-finals, the towering ground got its first glimpse of Argentine genius Diego Armando Maradona at the quarter-final stage. When the Albiceleste locked


Who won the Best Director Oscar at the 2011 awards?

2011 | Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Music (Original Score) - Alexandre Desplat Cinematography - Danny Cohen Actor in a Supporting Role - Geoffrey Rush in "The King's Speech" Actress in a Supporting Role - Helena Bonham Carter in "The King's Speech" Costume Design - Jenny Beavan Sound Mixing - Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley Art Direction - Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr Film Editing - Tariq Anwar * Actor in a Leading Role - Colin Firth in "The King's Speech" * Best Picture - Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers * Writing (Original Screenplay) - Screenplay by David Seidler * Directing - Tom Hooper


The French writer Andre Breton initiated which artistic movement in the 1920s, based on Dadaism?

Dada Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story "The history of art is a parody of the history of politics." Dada Maxim "Dada does not mean anything.. We read in the papers that the Negroes of the Kroo race call the tail of the sacred cow: dada. A cube, and a mother, in certain regions of Italy, are called: Dada. The word for a hobby-horse, a children's nurse, a double affirmative in Russian and Rumanian, is also: Dada." Tristan Tzara "Words emerge, shoulders of words, legs, arms, hands of words. Au, oi, uh. One shouldn't let too many words out. A line of poetry is a chance to get rid of all the filth that clings to this accursed language, as if put there by stockbrokers' hands, hands worn smooth by coins. I want the word where it ends and begins. Dada is the heart of words." Hugo Ball's manifesto "We attempted perfection; we wanted an object to be without flaw, so we cut the papers with a razor, pasted them down meticulously, but it buckled and was ruined... that is why we decided to tear prewrinkled paper, so that in the finished work of art imperfection would be an integral part, as if at birth death were built in." Hans Arp Every word that is spoken and sung here (the Cabaret Voltaire) represents at least this one thing: that this humiliating age has not succeeded in winning our respect. Hugo Ball Dada is like your hopes: nothing like your paradise: nothing Like The Art Story on Facebook Beginnings Switzerland was neutral during WWI with limited censorship and it was in Zürich that Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings founded the Cabaret Voltaire on February 5, 1916 in the backroom of a tavern on Spiegelgasse in a seedy section of the city. In order to attract other artists and intellectuals, Ball put out a press release that read, "Cabaret Voltaire. Under this name a group of young artists and writers has formed with the object of becoming a center for artistic entertainment. In principle, the Cabaret will be run by artists, guests artists will come and give musical performances and readings at the daily meetings. Young artists of Zürich, whatever their tendencies, are invited to come along with suggestions and contributions of all kinds." Those who were present from the beginning in addition to Ball and Hennings were Hans Arp, Tristan Tzara, Marcel Janco, and Richard Huelsenbeck. In July of that year, the first Dada evening was held at which Ball read the first manifesto. There is little agreement on how the word Dada was invented, but one of the most common origin stories is that Richard Huelsenbeck found the name by plunging a knife at random into a dictionary. The term "dada" is a colloquial French term for a hobbyhorse, yet it also echoes the first words of a child, and these suggestions of childishness and absurdity appealed to the group, who were keen to put a distance between themselves and the sobriety of conventional society. They also appreciated that the word might mean the same (or nothing) in all languages - as the group was avowedly internationalist. The aim of Dada art and activities was both to help to stop the war and to vent frustration with the nationalist and bourgeois conventions that had led to it. Their anti-authoritarian stance made for a protean movement as they opposed any form of group leadership or guiding ideology. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Spread of Dada The artists in Zürich published a Dada magazine and held art exhibits that helped spread their anti-war, anti-art message. In 1917, after Ball left for Bern to pursue journalism, Tzara founded Galerie Dada on Bahnhofstrasse where further Dada evenings were held along with art exhibits. Tzara became the leader of the movement and began an unrelenting campaign to spread Dada ideas, showering French and Italian writers and artists with letters. The group published an art and literature review entitled Dada starting in July 1917 with five editions from Zürich and two final ones from Paris. Their art was focused on performance and printed matter. Once the war ende


The scaup is a species of what kind of bird?

Greater Scaup | Audubon Field Guide Ducks and Geese Habitat Lakes, rivers, salt bays, estuaries. In summer on lakes and bogs in semi-open country near northern limits of boreal forest, and out onto tundra. In winter mainly on coastal bays, lagoons, estuaries; some on lakes inland. Overlaps with Lesser Scaup at all seasons, but in winter the Greater tends to be on more open bays, more exposed situations. The more northerly of our two scaup species, the Greater is also found across northern Europe and Asia. Winter flocks on coastal bays may number in the thousands. When a flock is feeding on waters where a tide is running, the birds generally face up-current; there may be a continuous shifting as birds from the back of the flock take off and fly to the front, so that the flock stays in roughly the same position despite the down-current tidal drift of individuals. Photo Gallery Feeding Behavior Forages by diving and swimming underwater; large food items brought to surface to be eaten. Occasionally forages by dabbling or up-ending in shallow water. May feed at any time of day, or at night, with timing affected by tides in coastal regions. Eggs 7-9, sometimes 5-11. Olive buff. Incubation is by female only, 24-28 days. Young: female leads young to water shortly after hatching; 2 or more broods may join, tended by 1 or more females. Young feed themselves, are capable of flight 40-45 days after hatching. Young Female leads young to water shortly after hatching; 2 or more broods may join, tended by 1 or more females. Young feed themselves, are capable of flight 40-45 days after hatching. Diet Mostly mollusks and plant material. Diet in winter is mainly mussels, clams, oysters, snails, and other mollusks. In summer (and perhaps in winter on fresh water) consumes plants including pondweeds, wild celery, sedges, grasses, and others; also insects and crustaceans. Nesting Pair formation occurs mostly in late winter and early spring. Several males may court one female. Display elements of the males include throwing the head back sharply while giving a soft call; exaggerated bowing movements, with bill tip lowered to water and then raised high; flicking wings and tail while giving soft whistled notes. Nest site usually very close to water on island, shoreline, or mats of floating vegetation. Nest is a shallow depression, lined with dead plant material and with down. Female chooses nest site and builds nest. Several nests may be close together in loose colony.


Buchanan is a major city in which West African country?

Political Map of Liberia - Nations Online Project Index of Maps ___ Political Map of Liberia Liberia, the "Land of the Free" is a country on the North Atlantic Ocean coast of West Africa between Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone . With an area of 111,369 km² (43,000 sq mi) Liberia is slightly smaller than Honduras, somewhat bigger than Bulgaria and slightly larger than the U.S. state of Tennessee . Geography: The country consists of flat coastal plain that contains creeks, mangrove swamps, and lagoons. Forested hills, between 180 to 370 m (600 to 1,200 ft) high cover the rest of the country. North east of Sanniquellie town are some mountains in the northern highlands. The maximum peak in the Nimba Mountains is 1,383 m (4,540 ft). Mount Wuteve's summit is the highest point in Liberia, the mountain is located in the north western part of the country. Six principal rivers flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Vegetation is predominantly forest, and the tropical, humid climate sees rainfall averages of 465 cm (183 in) on the coast and 224 cm (88 in) in the southeast. The dry season (with Harmattan trade wind, in December and January) splits two rainy seasons. Liberia has a population of almost 4.5 million people (in 2015); capital city is Monrovia . Other major cities are the ports of Harper and Buchanan. Spoken languages are  English (official) and Liberian Kreyol, an English-based pidgin, and there are 16 indigenous languages. Map is showing Liberia and surrounding countries with international borders, the national    capital, county capitals, cities, main roads, railroads and major airports . You are free to    use this map for educational purposes, please refer to the Nations Online Project.   Map based on a UN map. Source: UN    Cartographic Section Map shows the location of following cities and villages in Liberia (county capitals in bold) Babu, Barclayville, Belefuanai, Belle Yella, Bendaja, Bensonville, Bo, Bokoa, Bong Town, Bopolu, Buchanan, Butlo, Careysburg, Debli, Drubo (Dubwe), Duabo, Edina, Fish Town, Gahnpa (Ganta), Galio, Gbange, Gbarnga, Gboyi, Gelahun, Ghapo, Gonglee, Grand Cess, Greenville, Guata, Harbel, Harper, Hartford, Juazohn, Kahnple, Kakata, Klay, Kodeke, Kola (Kola Town), Kolahun, Kongo, Kopo, Kpeaple, Kpein, Marshall, Mendekoma, Monrovia, Nana Kru, Nemeke, Nyaake, Palala, Pelokehn, Plibo, Poabli, River Cess, Robertsport, Sagleipie, Sanniquellie, Sasstown, Sehnkwehn, Shabli, Suakoko, Tapeta, Tatuke, Tawake, Tiehnpo, Timbo, Tobli, Towabli (Towai Town), Town, Trade , Tubmanburg, Vahun, Voinjama, Wiesua, Yakakahn, Yekepa, Yela, Yella, Yibuke (Kaobli), Zekera, Zienzu, Zigida, Zorzor and Zwedru (Tchien).


What was the venue near Newport for the 2010 Ryder Cup?

Ryder Cup row over derelict listed building on course | UK news | The Guardian The Observer Ryder Cup row over derelict listed building on course Terry Matthews, owner of Celtic Manor, attacks Newport council planning committee over refusal to allow eyesore 16th-century farmhouse to be removed from site Sir Terry Matthews by the Little Bulmore farmhouse at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales Photograph: Rex Features Saturday 25 September 2010 19.04 EDT First published on Saturday 25 September 2010 19.04 EDT Close This article is 6 years old The billionaire owner of the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup , which begins this week, says local councillors will make Wales a laughing stock for refusing him permission to knock down a dilapidated Grade II-listed cottage that overlooks the last hole of the golf course. Sir Terry Matthews, who made his fortune in electronics and owns the Celtic Manor resort near Newport , where the three-day competition between Europe and the United States begins on Friday, is angry that television pictures of the 16th-century Little Bulmore farmhouse will be beamed to a global audience of tens of millions as each match reaches its climax on the 18th green. Matthews told the Observer: "I expected that when the Ryder Cup [bid]was won [in 2001] that the farmhouse would go away, because it's sitting over the 18th hole. That's where the TV cameras will be presumably looking for some sort of a terrific finish. "And here overlooking the 18th green is this crock. What sort of image of Wales does that give? I was looking for something that had the appearance of Augusta [home of the US Masters] and instead I'm getting a dilapidated farmhouse that could become a joke, planet-wide." Matthews, 67, was born in a hospital that stood on what is now the Celtic Manor site. He questioned the decision made by local councillors after Newport planning officials and Cadw, the Wales heritage body, had agreed the house could be moved. He said: "Imagine if it was in London – here's 2012 coming up, the Olympics, and here's this dilapidated piece of junk overlooking the site. I would think that the government would get rid of it immediately, wouldn't even think twice about it. "Now if there was some remnant of something useful, like a little bit of a rampart of a Norman castle or a little bit of the remnants of the Roman era, well, I would want to do everything I can to preserve. But I can see no facet of any kind of value in this property at all." A spokesman for Celtic Manor said: "It went to the latest planning process with our plan to take it down pretty much brick-by-brick and restore it to something like its former glory somewhere else, where it could be a useful building, either a residential property or part of the hotel furnishings. "The planning officers at Newport recommended approval for that scheme as did Cadw, the Welsh heritage body. But the planning committee took it upon themselves to vote against it so that left us no time to appeal before the Ryder Cup. "What we've done now is take away some of the uglier modern extensions to the building to leave the historical heart of it, if you like, whatever historical value it does have – so we smartened it up as best we can, but that's all we can do in time for the Ryder Cup." A spokeswoman for Newport council said: "Despite the planning officers agreeing to the suggestion from Celtic Manor, the council's planning committee voted against it."


The site of the 1461 Battle of Mortimer's Cross lies in which English county?

Local Historic Interest - Volunteer Inn, Marden, Hereford Volunteer Inn, Marden, Hereford local historic interest Sutton Walls Hillfort Sutton Walls Hillfort is an elongated ovoid Iron Age Hill fort located four miles north of the city of Hereford, England. It has been quarried for gravel, leaving behind a quarry that was used as a dump for toxic waste during the 1960s and 70s. It was added to the Sites and Monuments Record in 1988. The Sutton Walls hillfort dates back to the Iron Age, at which time it did not have any defences. As time went on, defences began to be added, and by 100BC, the fort had a V shaped ditch and an internal bank, which was revetted with timber and stone. Huts were then constructed later on. The defences were then strengthened around AD25, however archaeological digs have revealed that around AD 48, 24 people were killed in the fort (probably by Romans) and thrown into the ditch. The skeletons show the wounds received, and some were decapitated. This did not end occupation, however, and the fort remained in use until around the 3rd century. Hereford Old house The Hereford Old House is a historic and distinctive black and white half-timbered house in High Town, Hereford, England, built in 1621 and it is now a museum. The Old House is a well-preserved half-timbered Jacobean building in the centre of Hereford. It was built in 1621 as part of Butchers' Row. In 1816, other buildings on the row started to be demolished. It has been used by butchers, ironmongers, and bankers during its existence. Old House is now the only remaining house in the original row, surrounded by more modern buildings. Since 1929, the Old House has been a museum presenting life in Jacobean times. The house is furnished in the style of the period. Objects on display include baby walkers, beds, and wall paintings. Hampton Court Castle Hampton Court is a castellated country house in the English county of Herefordshire. The house is located in the village ofHope under Dinmore, near Leominster. Hampton Court dates from 1427, when a Sir Rowland Lenthall built the original house on an estate which had been granted to him some years previously by King Henry IV on the occasion of his marriage to the king's cousin Margaret Fitzalan, a daughter of the Earl of Arundel. Sir Rowland's house was a quadrangular courtyard house, and despite numerous alterations over the centuries the house has retained this basic form. It was owned by the Coningsby family from 1510 until the early 19th century when the estate was purchased by John Arkwright, the grandson of the inventor and industrialist Richard Arkwright. Some of the original oak panelling was removed, probably during the 17th century, to the private house Wickton Court near Leominster (grid SO525500) where it still adorns the living room. The house was remodelled in the 1830s and 1840s to give it more of a castle air, reversing earlier attempts to make it appear more regular and domestic. It has changed hands several more times. Between 1924 and 1972 it was the seat of Viscount Hereford and was bought by American businessman Robert Van Kampen in 1994. He died in 1999. The formal gardens were still opened with a celebration by the Van Kampen family in the year 2000, where the Indiana Wesleyan University Chorale was featured as a sacred choir and some members as a small madrigal choir. Hampton Court Castle and grounds were sold by the Van Kampen family in 2008. hereford cathedral At a glance: 3 choirs festival · Mappa Mundi · Map of the world · Library building · chained library. Address: 5 College Cloisters, Cathedral Close, Hereford HR1 2NG mappa mundi When you visit Hereford Cathedral - On the wall of the opposite choir aisle, the celebrated Hereford "Mappa Mundi", dating from the later years of the 13th century, hung, little regarded, for many years. It is the work of an ecclesiastic who is supposed to be represented in the right-hand corner on horseback, attended by his page and greyhounds. He has commemorated himself under the name of Richard de Haldingham and Lafford in Lincolnshire, but