In which Mississippi town was Elvis Presley born?

City of Tupelo Mississippi, Elvis Presley's Birthplace | Tupelo Translate ELVIS A 2-room birthplace was just the beginning for Elvis and it is the very tip of the Elvis product in Tupelo!  From full movie poster collections to the church he attended as a child, there are 27 points you can visit just like Elvis did! Get your Elvis on in Tupelo Celebrate! In Tupelo, we have festivals that laud everything from beer and BBQ to arts and, of course, Elvis. Plan a getaway and celebrate the fun things in life in Tupelo! Check it out Be Inspired The birthplace of the King of Rock ‘n Roll and headquarters to the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of America’s Top 10 National Parks, Tupelo is a place of exploration and inspiration. Imagine what you can do here! Discover Tupelo Get Away We know it’s your trip, but we’ve put together some great getaway ideas. Click here and get planning. It’s your getaway; imagine what you can do here! Visit Tupelo Discover Need a little more information on our upbeat, happy destination?  Here’s the place to download a visitors guide, request a printed guide and get all your questions answered!


Lawrence Fox plays the sidekick of which TV detective?

Laurence Fox (Actor) - Pics, Videos, Dating, & News Laurence Fox Male Born May 26, 1978 Laurence Fox is an English actor best known for his leading role as Detective Sergeant James Hathaway in the British TV drama series Lewis (2006â). He is the son of a show business family: his father is the actor James Fox; Edward Fox and Robert Fox are both uncles, and his cousin Emilia and sister Lydia also have successful acting careers. Fox's rebellious nature led to difficult times at Harrow School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).…  Read More related links 'inspector Lewis' Review: Ready For Prime Time San Francisco Chronicle - Jul 05, 2012 '\n         \'Inspector Lewis\' review: Ready for prime time \n\n\n If last week\'s broadcast of \"Endeavour\" on \"Masterpiece Mystery\" left you wanting more reasons to remember John Thaw\'s 33 episodes as \"Inspector Morse,\" how about some new episodes of the \"Morse\" spin-off, \"Inspector Lewis,\" airing over the next four Sundays on PBS?\n\nThe quartet of new mysteries begins with \"The Soul of Genius\" on Sunday night, in which Lewis and his partner, James Hathaway (Lau... Daily Mail (UK) - Apr 12, 2012 'Lewis actor proudly tweeted photos of his one-week-old son\'s tiny feet and hands.' What's On Sunday NYTimes - Sep 04, 2011 '9 P.M. (13, 49) INSPECTOR LEWIS, SERIES IV: OLD, UNHAPPY, FAR OFF THINGS A new season of this \'\'Masterpiece Mystery!\'\' stalwart begins as Inspector Lewis, the long-suffering detective played by Kevin Whately (above left), and his erudite sidekick, Detective Sgt. James Hathaway (Laurence Fox, right), investigate the death of Poppy Toynton, a' Contra Costa Times  Providence Journal Google News - Aug 30, 2011 'âInspector Lewisâ opens up a four-episode run as Lewis (Kevin Whately) and his partner DS Hathaway (Laurence Fox) cope with murder and mayhem in the seemingly idyllic academic mecca of Oxford. 9 pm, Ch. 2. There can never be enough about dinosaurs,' Learn about the memorable moments in the evolution of Laurence Fox. CHILDHOOD 1978 Birth Laurence Fox was born in 1978 in Yorkshire. … Read More At the age of thirteen he entered Harrow School where, according to him, he was "shy around women, sensitive and a bit naÃ¯ve". Although he made friends and liked the drama teacher, he hated the school's strict regimen and felt despised and out of place among pupils with titles and wealth. Constantly in trouble for smoking, fighting, going into town and seeing girls, he was eventually expelled a few weeks before his A-levels. According to him, "It was something to do with a girl at a dance. I went back to take the exams, but I wasn't allowed to speak to anyone." With hindsight, Fox has said that his experience at Harrow enabled him to portray "toffs" â the upper-class boys looking down on him and whom he disliked â with much insight and cynicism.

 Despite doing well in his A-level examinations, because of his report from Harrow he was unable to obtain a place at any university. After working as a gardener for two years, and a stint as an office worker which he loathed, he discovered that he enjoyed acting and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). During his time there he appeared in numerous theatre productions, including the lead roles of Gregers Werle in Ibsen's The Wild Duck, Marcus Andronicus in Titus Andronicus, and Stephen Daedalus in an adaptation of James Joyce's novel Ulysses. However, he was disappointed to find that he was treated "like a nonce" for being an Old Harrovian. Read Less TWENTIES Show Less …  He also made himself more unpopular by being outspoken and taking on roles in his second and third years despite the practice being forbidden by school policy. Read Less One of these was his first break into film â the 2001 horror-thriller The Hole. … Read More Fox feels that in landing the role his name "probably helped â it's a combination of timing, luck and contacts". Nonetheless, "the name opens some doors, but then you have to show you can do the job". Read


Lawrence Fox married which actress in January 2008?

Billie Piper and Lawrence Fox - Dating, Gossip, News, Photos Billie Piper and Lawrence Fox   11 Laurence Fox and Billie Piper have been married for 8 years. They were dating for 2 months after getting together in Jan 2007. After 9 months of engagement they married on 31st Dec 2007. They have 2 children, Winston James (8) and Eugene Pip (4). About Laurence Fox is a 38 year old English Actor. Born Laurence Paul Fox on 26th May, 1978 in Yorkshire, England and educated at Harrow School, London, England, he is famous for The Hole (2000), Becoming Jane (2007) in a career that spans 2001–present. His zodiac sign is Gemini. Billie Piper is a 34 year old English Actress. Born Leian Paul Piper on 22nd September, 1982 in Swindon, Wiltshire, England and educated at Bradon Forest Secondary School and Sylvia Young Theatre School, she is famous for The Canterbury Tales, Doctor Who, Secret Diary of a Call Girl in a career that spans 1996–present and 1998–present and 1996–2001. Her zodiac sign is Virgo. Contribute Help us build our profile of Billie Piper and Lawrence Fox! Login to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions. References Jan 2007 -   present 10 years Billie Piper and Lawrence Fox met whilst rehearsing for their roles in the West End play Treats in Janurary 2007. They were both already involved in relationships with other people, Piper was dating law student Amandu Sowe and sharing her North London home with him and Fox was engaged to be married to the actress Martha Swann. Rumours began to circulate that they had grown close and by the time Treats had opened in March 2007 they had both seperated from their respective partners to be together. They announced that their engagement to one another in the summer of 2007 and moved into a country home together around the same time. They are expected to marry at the end of 2007. More about Billie Piper and Lawrence Fox Less about Billie Piper and Lawrence Fox


Which lake was formed by the building of the Hoover Dam?

Bureau of Reclamation: Lower Colorado Region - Colorado River and Hoover Dam Facts and Figures How is the Colorado River Basin divided? The Colorado River Compact divided the Colorado River Basin into the Upper Basin and the Lower Basin. The division point is Lees Ferry, a point in the mainstem of the Colorado River about 30 river miles south of the Utah-Arizona boundary. The "Upper Basin" includes those parts of the States of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming within and from which waters naturally drain into the Colorado River system above Lees Ferry, and all parts of these States that are not part of the river's drainage system but may benefit from water diverted from the system above Lees Ferry. The "Lower Basin" includes those parts of the States of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah within and from which waters naturally drain into the Colorado River system below Lees Ferry, and all parts of these States that are not part of the river's drainage system but may benefit from water diverted from the system below Lees Ferry. How is Colorado River water apportioned? The Colorado River Compact apportioned to each basin the exclusive, beneficial consumptive use of 7,500,000 acre-feet of water per year from the Colorado River system in perpetuity. In addition, the Compact gave to the Lower Basin the right to increase its annual beneficial consumptive use of such water by 1,000,000 acre-feet. How much water is apportioned to each State in the Colorado River Basin? The Colorado River Compact did not apportion water to any State. On October 11, 1948, the Upper Basin States entered into the Upper Colorado River Basin Compact, which apportioned use of the Upper Basin waters among them. The compact permits Arizona to use 50,000 acre-feet of water annually from the upper Colorado River system, and apportioned the remaining water to the Upper Basin States in the following percentages: Colorado, 51.75 percent; New Mexico, 11.25 percent; Utah, 23 percent; and Wyoming, 14 percent. The Lower Basin States of Arizona, California, and Nevada were not able to reach agreement. In 1952, Arizona filed suit in the United States Supreme Court to determine how the waters of the Lower Basin should be divided. In October 1962, the Court ruled that of the first 7,500,000 acre-feet of mainstem water in the Lower Basin, California is entitled to 4,400,000 acre-feet, Arizona 2,800,000 acre-feet, and Nevada, 300,000 acre-feet. The United States has contracted with the States of Arizona and Nevada and with various agencies in Arizona and California for the delivery of Colorado River water. These contracts make delivery of the water contingent upon its availability for use in the respective States under the Colorado River Compact and the Boulder Canyon Project Act. The United States and Mexico entered into a treaty on February 3, 1944, which guarantees Mexico 1,500,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water annually. This entitlement is subject to increase or decrease under certain circumstances provided for in the treaty. Hoover Dam How much concrete is in the dam? Three and one-quarter million cubic yards. There are 4,360,000 cubic yards of concrete in the dam, powerplant, and appurtenant works. This much concrete would build a monument 100 feet square and 2-1/2 miles high; would rise higher than the Empire State Building (which is 1,250 feet) if placed on an ordinary city block; or would pave a standard highway, 16 feet wide, from San Francisco to New York City. The first concrete for the dam was placed on June 6, 1933, and the last concrete was placed in the dam on May 29, 1935. Approximately 160,000 cubic yards of concrete were placed in the dam per month. Peak placements were 10,462 cubic yards in one day (including some concrete placed in the intake towers and powerplant), and slightly over 275,000 cubic yards in one month. What was an unusual feature of Hoover Dam's construction? The dam was built in blocks or vertical columns varying in size from about 60 feet square at the upstream face of the dam to about 25 feet squar


Which South American country's flag has three horizontal bands of blue, white and blue with a gold sun on the white band?

Flags of South America Resources Flags of South America A flag is a visual representation of the cultural history of a country - what that country feels are the most important aspects of its history or its people. Symbols and colors on a flag can represent geographical information, the spirit of a nation, historical facts or have other significance.  Here are the flags of the twelve independent countries in South America .  Descriptions of each country’s flag are below ( click here ).   Description of Each Country’s Flag Argentina – The flag of Argentina was adopted in 1812 and first raised during the Argentine War of Independence in the city Rosario. It is divided into three bands, with the top and bottom celestial blue and the ‘Sun of May’ (Sol de Mayo in Spanish) in the middle band (added in 1818). Uruguay has a Sun of May emblem in its flag as well. Bolivia – The flag of Bolivia was adopted in 1851 and has three equal horizontal bands that are tricolor: red (representing vigor), green (representing fertility) and yellow (representing mineral resources). The yellow middle band has a Bolivian coat of arms in the middle that has an Andean Condor on top. Brazil – The flag of Brazil was adopted in 1889 and has a green background with a yellow rhombus (or parallelogram) inside and a blue globe inside the rhombus. The blue globe has a smattering of 21 white stars (27 stars in 1992 updated version) and a curved band with the national motto inscribed in it; “Ordem e Progresso” (Order and Progress in English). Chile – The flag of Chile was adopted in 1817 and has a top band that is 2/3 solid white (representing snow of the Andes mountains) and 1/3 blue (representing the sky) with a white 5-pointed star in the center and a lower band that is a solid red (representing blood of patriots who fought for independence) color. Colombia – The flag of Colombia was adopted in 1861 and three horizontal stripes colored yellow, blue and red (no symbols are on the flag). The top half of the flag is solid yellow (representing gold found in the country). The second half of the flag is equal stripes of blue (representing the ocean) and red (representing blood shed by military heros) each 1/4 of flag total. Ecuador – The flag of Ecuador was adopted in 1860 and modified in 2009. It is similar to the flag of Colombia in that the top horizontal stripe that takes up half of the flag is yellow (representing the sun and gold) and the two horizontal stripes below are 1/4 blue (representing ocean and clear skies) and 1/4 red (blood spilled in the fight for independence). A coat of arms of Ecuador is placed smack dab in the middle of the flag. Guyana – The flag of Guayana was adopted in 1966 (achieved independence from Britain). The shape is reprentative of an arrowhead and has three interwoven sections, the first two in the shape of a pointed ‘arrow’. From left to right is first a red (representing zeal of its people) with black (representing endurance) border arrow, inset into a yellow (representing mineral wealth) with white border pointed arrow. The rest of the background and right side is solid green (representing agricultural wealth). Paraguay – The flag of Paraguay was adopted in 1842 and unique to all flags of South America in that each side has a different symbol in the middle of the three equal horizontal bands of red, white and blue (bottom stripe). One side has a coat of arms emblem in the middle and the other side has the circular seal of the treasury in the middle with a half-moon shape border at the top of the emblem displaying the slogan: “Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice in English). Peru – The flag of Peru was adopted in 1825. It is a very simple design with three vertical stripes of equal parts. The first stripe is red (representing blood from fighters who fought for freedom), the second middle stripe white (represents flamingos in flight or peace) and the third stripe red again. Suriname – The flag of Suriname was adopted in 1975 and has five bands of varying widths. The top and the bottom bands are equal widths of an


Which English knight helped put Henry 4th on the throne but later rebelled and was killed at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403?

The Battle of Shrewsbury (21 July 1403) THE STORY OF THE BATTLE OF SHREWSBURY By Henrietta E. Marshall Henry IV knew quite well that he was not the real heir to the throne, although he tried to make people believe that he was. The real heir was Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March . Richard II was the son of Edward the Black Prince , who was the eldest son of Edward III . Edmund Mortimer was descended from Lionel of Clarence , who was the third son of Edward III. Henry Bolingbroke [ Henry IV ] was descended from John of Gaunt , who was the fourth son of Edward III. So, of course, Edmund Mortimer had a better right to the throne than Henry Bolingbroke had. But Edmund Mortimer was only a little boy, and, like so many other little princes, he was passed over and forgotten. The people chose rather to have a strong man who could really rule, than a little boy who could rule only in name. But Henry was afraid of Edmund, and kept him a prisoner in Windsor Castle, although he was not otherwise unkind to him. Henry had seized the throne in an unlawful manner, and he found that it was no easy matter to keep it. No sooner was he crowned than plots thickened around him, and people who had hated Richard were now sorry that they had put Henry on the throne. The Welsh, who had been conquered by Edward I, had never been content to live under the rule of English kings, and Owen Glendower , a Welsh nobleman, now rebelled against Henry. He called himself the Prince of Wales, claiming to be descended from Llewellyn, that Welsh prince whom Edward I had defeated and killed. Nearly all Wales joined Owen Glendower, and although Henry went against them with a large army, he was not able to subdue them. The Welsh took several of Henry's nobles prisoner, among them Sir Edmund Mortimer. This Sir Edmund was an uncle of the young Earl of March, whom Henry kept in prison at Windsor. Henry was quite pleased that Sir Edmund should be a captive, because he was afraid that he might at some time try to put his nephew on the throne. The Scots had meanwhile also been fighting with the English, and had been defeated by the Earl of Northumberland and his young son, who was called Harry Hotspur . He was called Hotspur because he was so quick and brave in battle. Harry Hotspur and his father had taken the Scottish leader, Douglas, prisoner. They expected to get a large ransom from the Scots for him. But Henry said that Douglas must be given up to him. This made the Percies, as Harry Hotspur and his father were called, very angry. They thought that, as they had taken the Douglas prisoner, they had a right to the money which would be paid for his release. The Percies then asked Henry to send money to Owen Glendower to ransom Edmund Mortimer, for Edmund was Harry Hotspur's dear friend. But Henry refused. He did not wish Edmund to be free, because he was afraid of him. This refusal made the Percies still more angry. The Percies had helped to put Henry on the throne, but now they became so angry with him that they were sorry that they had done so, and they turned against him. Instead of giving up the Douglas to Henry, the Percies set him free, on condition that he should help them to fight against the King. They made friends with Owen Glendower, who set Edmund Mortimer free, and persuaded him also to join them against Henry. When the King heard of this great rebellion, he marched with a large army to Shrewsbury, and there he defeated the Percies before Owen Glendower could come with his soldiers to their help. King Henry had been told that some of the rebel nobles had sworn to kill him, so he went into battle in plain armor, while four or five knights went dressed like the King. These knights were all killed, Douglas himself killing three of them. "I marvel to see so many kings rise thus one after the other," he said. "I have this day slain three." But the real king was not among them, although he was in the battle fighting bravely. The Prince of Wales [later Henry V ], or Prince Hal, as he was often called, was only a boy, but he did great deeds at this battle, and even w


Name the composer born in Germany in 1685, he settled in England in 1712, was naturalised English in 1727 and died in London in 1759?

Music History 102 Born: Halle, February 23, 1685 Died: London, April 14, 1759 Born in the same year and country as Johann Sebastian Bach , young Georg Friederich Händel (the original German spelling of his name) was playing the violin, harpsichord, oboe, and organ by the age of eleven. Drawn to the theater from an early age, Handel went to Hamburg in 1703 and began composing Italian operas. From 1706 to 1710, he sojourned in Italy where he met both Domenico Scarlatti and Arcangelo Corelli , and came under the influence of Italian melody. Upon his return to Germany, Handel became Kapellmeister to the Elector Georg of Hanover. Unhappy with his duties there, however, Handel made a trip later in 1710 to London, where Italian opera was fast becoming all the rage. He produced an opera to great acclaim in London and, having tasted success, reluctantly returned to Germany. Obtaining permission to return to England in 1712, Handel once again composed several operas as well as some ceremonial music for Queen Anne. The Queen gave the young composer an annual stipend of £200 in hopes of keeping him in London as court composer. Handel never did return to Hanover. He remained in England for the rest of his life, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1726 and anglecizing his name to George Frideric Handel. A potentially embarrassing situation arose for the composer when Queen Anne died in 1714 and was succeeded by King George I -- the very Georg of Hanover to whose court Handel had never returned! But relations between the two must have remained amicable, for Handel's royal stipend was doubled before too long, on top of which he was granted another stipend from the Princess of Wales. Throughout his career, Handel continually composed much wonderful instrumental music, including many fine organ concertos, a good amount of keyboard music, and celebratory music such as the suite of airs and dances known as the Water Music, written to accompany a royal barge trip down the Thames in 1717. There is also the Musick for the Royal Fireworks, composed in 1749 to celebrate the peace of Aix-la-Chappelle, which had been declared the previous year. Following the model of Corelli, Handel also completed two sets of concerti grossi, some of the finest examples of the genre from the late Baroque, an example of which is the Concerto Grosso, Op. 6 no. 5. Of course, he was obliged to compose much choral music for the court, too. Among these works are the anthems written for the Duke of Chandos, various odes, and the four majestic Coronation anthems from 1727. But these compositions were incidental to Handel's main reason for having settled in England: the composition and production of Italian opera for a fashionable and eager audience. And produce them he did, becoming as much involved with the business end of things as with the creative. Beginning with Rinaldo in 1711, Handel rapidly composed over forty operas between 1712 and 1741. Many of these met with great success and brought Handel a great deal of fame and money. Some of the more famous of these operas are Giulio Cesare (1724), Alcina (1735), and Serse (1738). Many of these scores contain much fine music, and an aria such as "Or la tromba" from Rinaldo illustrates the pomp, grandeur, and vocal virtuosity to be found in the Italian operas of the late Baroque. Yet as dramatic entertainment these works fail to stand up today, mostly because of the ridiculously stilted librettos to which they are set. Indeed, even at that time it was recognized that some changes had to be made, and within the next thirty years, Christoph von Gluck began implementing those changes. Although Handel's operas were immensely popular when they were written, by the 1730s public interest in opera had faded considerably, and Handel ended up losing a great deal of money continually attempting to find further success in the genre. Eager to find a new audience, Handel turned to the composition of oratorio: dramatic, non-staged works for the concert hall, usually with a great deal of choral music, and most often with a Biblical subject,


Which four letters are added to the end of another word to mean inflammation?

Medical Terminology  Example: electrocardiogram, a record of the electrical            activity of the heart elecr- = elecric + cardi- = heart            + -gram = tracing Combining Vowels Word parts are joined together with the combining vowel (o). A combining vowel is usually used when the next linking word         part begins with a consonant. The most common combining vowel is O. However, when the next word part begins with a vowel, or the         preceding word part ends with a vowel, the combining vowel is         usually dropped electrocardiogram, the combining vowel between         the root and the suffix was used even though the root word ended         with a vowel. This represents an exception to the rule of not         using the combining vowel, and may be effective when linking         some root words together. Look at this example. The prefix peri- means around or surrounding. Cardi still refers to the heart. The suffix -itis means inflammation. When you link the prefix peri- with the root word cardi, even         though the root begins with a consonant, no combining vowel is         necessary. Likewise, when you link the root word cardi with the suffix         -itis, no combining vowel is necessary. In fact, in this instance, one of the i's is dropped. Pericarditis. Respiratory System  Example: intra-abdominal (Intr- + abdomen/o            + -al), pertaining to within the abdomen Intra- = within + abdomen/o = abdomen + -al = pertaining to More than one root- Additional Roots Some medical terms contain more than one root. Study the meaning of each root. As your vocabulary grows, you will quickly learn to identify the primary root word--if there is one. Remember, some terms may contain several root words of equal importance to the term's definition.    Example: electrocardiogram, a record of the electrical            activity of the heart elecr- = elecric + cardi- = heart            + -gram = record (root) (root) (suffix) Example: tracheobronchitis, an inflammation            of the trachea and lungs trach- = trachea + bronch- = lungs            + -itis = inflammation of (root) (root) (suffix)   Combining Vowels and Forms Adding a combining vowel to a root word creates a word part called a combining form. Combining vowels make it easier to spell and pronounce medical terms. They also serve as connectors for root words when more than one root is needed to form a term. In addition, a combining vowel may be used to join a root word and a suffix. The most frequency used combining vowel is o; the second most common is i.    Example: abdominocenesis (abdomen/o + -cenesis), the puncture of the abdomen for withdrawal of            fluid abdomen/o = abdomen + -cenesis = puncture for withdrawal of fluid   Tips to Remember


Which is the largest member of the crow family?

Crows, Ravens and Jays - Corvidae - The Animal Encyclopedia Crows, Ravens and Jays Animals & Wildlife Expert By Laura Klappenbach Crows, ravens and jays (Corvidae) are a group of perching birds that also includes jackdaws, rooks, magpies, nutcrackers, choughs and treepies. In total, there are more than 120 species that belong to the crow family. Crows, ravens and jays are medium to large birds. The group includes the largest members of the perching birds. Many crows, ravens and jays have large wingspans. They have a robust body, strong feet and sturdy bills. Their nares (nasal openings) are fringed by bristle-like feathers known as rictal bristles. In temperate areas, most members of the group are partly or entirely black, blue, iridescent blue or iridescent purple. Some species, such as the magpies and jays, are more varied in color. They might have plumage with a mixture of black, white, grey and blue markings. Members of this group of birds are thought to be highly intelligent, not just among birds but among all animals. Crows and rooks have demonstrated tool making abilities while European magpies have exhibited self-awareness in mirror tests. continue reading below our video Test Your General Science Knowledge Many members of the crow family establish and protect territories either during the breeding season or throughout the year. When threatened, some corvids can defend their offspring or territories aggressively and are known to attack large animals such as other birds, dogs or cats. Many species of corvids form social groups and hierarchies for foraging and breeding. Many species of corvids have flourished in human environments. But while such species have enjoyed healthy populations, a few corvids have experienced declines. Examples of threatened members of the crow family include the Florida scrub jay, the Mariana crow and the New Zealand raven. Crows and their relatives form strong pair bonds and in some species this association is life-long. In most species, nests are constructed in trees or on rock ledges. Nests are built using twigs, grass and other plant materials. Females lay between 3 and 10 eggs and young fledge after about 10 days. The largest member of the crow family is the common raven which grows to more than 26 inches in length and weighs 3 pounds. The smallest member of the crow family is the dwarf jay which grows to about 8 inches and weighs little more than an ounce. Crows, ravens and jays have a nearly-worldwide distribution. They are absent from only the southern tip of South America and the polar regions. The group is most diverse in tropical regions of Central America, South America, Asia and Europe. Most members of the crow family do not migrate although when food shortages occur, populations do relocate. Classification Animals > Chordates > Birds > Perching Birds > Crows, Ravens and Jays The crows, ravens and jays are divided into about a dozen subgroups, some of which include New World jays, grey jays, azure-winged magpies, Holarctic magpies, Stresemann's bushcrow, piapiac, true crows, nutcrackers, Old World jays, Oriental magpies, treepies and choughs. The crow family is thought to have originated in Australia and spread throughout the world. The closest relatives of the crows, ravens and jays are thought to be the birds of paradise and shrikes. There remains considerable ambiguity regarding the exact lineages and their relationships within the crow family. The earliest members of the crow family date back about 17 million years ago to the middle Miocene. Known fossils include Miocorvus, Miocitta, Miopica and Henocitta. Crows, ravens and jays feed a variety of foods including small mammals, birds, invertebrates as well as fruits, seeds and berries. Some members of the crow family feed on insects such as grasshoppers while others feed on carrion.


What is the name of Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice'?

SparkNotes: The Merchant of Venice: Character List The Merchant of Venice Plot Overview Analysis of Major Characters Shylock -  A Jewish moneylender in Venice. Angered by his mistreatment at the hands of Venice’s Christians, particularly Antonio, Shylock schemes to eke out his revenge by ruthlessly demanding as payment a pound of Antonio’s flesh. Although seen by the rest of the play’s characters as an inhuman monster, Shylock at times diverges from stereotype and reveals himself to be quite human. These contradictions, and his eloquent expressions of hatred, have earned Shylock a place as one of Shakespeare’s most memorable characters. Read an in-depth analysis of Shylock. Portia -  A wealthy heiress from Belmont. Portia’s beauty is matched only by her intelligence. Bound by a clause in her father’s will that forces her to marry whichever suitor chooses correctly among three caskets, Portia is nonetheless able to marry her true love, Bassanio. Far and away the most clever of the play’s characters, it is Portia, in the disguise of a young law clerk, who saves Antonio from Shylock’s knife. Read an in-depth analysis of Portia. Antonio -  The merchant whose love for his friend Bassanio prompts him to sign Shylock’s contract and almost lose his life. Antonio is something of a mercurial figure, often inexplicably melancholy and, as Shylock points out, possessed of an incorrigible dislike of Jews. Nonetheless, Antonio is beloved of his friends and proves merciful to Shylock, albeit with conditions. Read an in-depth analysis of Antonio. Bassanio -  A gentleman of Venice, and a kinsman and dear friend to Antonio. Bassanio’s love for the wealthy Portia leads him to borrow money from Shylock with Antonio as his guarantor. An ineffectual businessman, Bassanio proves himself a worthy suitor, correctly identifying the casket that contains Portia’s portrait. Gratiano -  A friend of Bassanio’s who accompanies him to Belmont. A coarse and garrulous young man, Gratiano is Shylock’s most vocal and insulting critic during the trial. While Bassanio courts Portia, Gratiano falls in love with and eventually weds Portia’s lady-in-waiting, Nerissa. Jessica -  Although she is Shylock’s daughter, Jessica hates life in her father’s house, and elopes with the young Christian gentleman, Lorenzo. The fate of her soul is often in doubt: the play’s characters wonder if her marriage can overcome the fact that she was born a Jew, and we wonder if her sale of a ring given to her father by her mother is excessively callous. Lorenzo -  A friend of Bassanio and Antonio, Lorenzo is in love with Shylock’s daughter, Jessica. He schemes to help Jessica escape from her father’s house, and he eventually elopes with her to Belmont. Nerissa -  Portia’s lady-in-waiting and confidante. She marries Gratiano and escorts Portia on Portia’s trip to Venice by disguising herself as her law clerk. Launcelot Gobbo -  Bassanio’s servant. A comical, clownish figure who is especially adept at making puns, Launcelot leaves Shylock’s service in order to work for Bassanio. The prince of Morocco -  A Moorish prince who seeks Portia’s hand in marriage. The prince of Morocco asks Portia to ignore his dark countenance and seeks to win her by picking one of the three caskets. Certain that the caskets reflect Portia’s beauty and stature, the prince of Morocco picks the gold chest, which proves to be incorrect. The prince of Arragon -  An arrogant Spanish nobleman who also attempts to win Portia’s hand by picking a casket. Like the prince of Morocco, however, the prince of Arragon chooses unwisely. He picks the silver casket, which gives him a message calling him an idiot instead of Portia’s hand. Salarino -  A Venetian gentleman, and friend to Antonio, Bassanio, and Lorenzo. Salarino escorts the newlyweds Jessica and Lorenzo to Belmont, and returns with Bassanio and Gratiano for Antonio’s trial. He is often almost indistinguishable from his companion Solanio. Solanio -  A Venetian gentleman, and frequent counterpart to Salarino. The duke of Venice -  The ruler of Venice, who presides ov


Which team beat Glasgow Rangers in the 2008 UEFA Cup Final played at the City of Manchester Stadium?

What happened to Rangers' UEFA Cup final team? (From HeraldScotland) What happened to Rangers' UEFA Cup final team? leader: Barry Ferguson captained Rangers in UEFA Cup final in 2008 / Richard Wilson , Sports writer Five years have passed since Rangers played in the Uefa Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium, writes Richard Wilson. It was the culmination of a dogged, disciplined and, at times, remarkable run of games in the competition, and reaching the final alone represented another significant achievement in Walter Smith's managerial career. Rangers lost 2-0 and disturbances in the city during the game by drunken louts who had travelled to Manchester to be part of the occasion marred the night further. Since then, though, Rangers have suffered a series of financial crises, culminating in the liquidation of Rangers Football Club plc and the sale of the club and its business and assets to Rangers International Football Club. Now preparing for a season in the second division, Rangers are far removed from the glories of a European run. This is what became of the Rangers players who competed in the final on May 14, 2008. Neil Alexander Loading article content The only player from the starting line-up who remains at Ibrox, although the goalkeeper is out of contract in the summer and has been unable to negotiate an extension. It never crossed Alexander's mind to leave Rangers 12 months ago, when employment law allowed players to depart on a free transfer after the sale of the club to the consortium fronted by Charles Green, and he remains a popular player with the supporters and the manager, Ally McCoist. Kirk Broadfoot Another who remained at the club last summer. Broadfoot played twice for Rangers during this campaign in the third division, before leaving for Blackpool. The deal suited both parties, since he was on a high wage and wanted to play regularly as a centre-back. He would, though, like to return to Ibrox. David Weir Finally retired from the game in January 2012. At that point, Weir was 41 and not playing regularly at Ibrox as McCoist attempted to freshen up the team under the increasingly erratic and insubstantial ownership of Craig Whyte. Weeks later, the club went into administration. Weir returned to Everton, where he joined the coaching staff, and could be promoted after a new manager is appointed to replace the Manchester United-bound David Moyes. Carlos Cuellar The Spanish defender won two player-of-the-year awards during the 2007/08 campaign, but did not play a match the following season before he was sold to Aston Villa in a £7.8m deal. It was good business for Rangers, and Cuellar impressed in the Barclay's Premier League under Martin O'Neill. Joined Sunderland last summer, but has not played as consistently or solidly for them. Sasa Papac One of the most popular players during his time at Ibrox, and something of an unsung hero. Papac remained at the club until August 2012, when he announced his retirement from the game. He was hampered by a persistent groin injury, but had also suffered several head knocks that were troubling after he suffered a serious car crash several years ago. Brahim Hemdani A player with a curious career at Rangers. A cultured midfielder, he featured prominently during the Uefa Cup run, but did not play for the club again after the final. He remained at Ibrox until June 2009, when his contract expired, but did not feature at all that season. He subsequently drifted out of the game entirely. Steven Whittaker The Scotland internationalist remained at Rangers until last summer, when he took advantage of employment law to leave the club on a free transfer. When a business is sold, the new owners must honour existing employment terms, but staff can also choose to not remain with the company under different ownership. Whittaker, uncertain about Green and the ownership of the club, left and joined Norwich City, where he remains. Barry Ferguson Left for Birmingham City in July 2009, after a season interrupted by injury and a drinking session while on Scot


Who was Prime Minister of Great Britain for just seven months from October 1922 to May 1923?

BBC - History -   British History in depth: Prime Ministers and Politics Timeline On This Day Prime Ministers and Politics Timeline Do you know which prime minister brought 'fallen women' to 10 Downing Street? Or which one fought a duel? Or who was known as 'the Goat'? Take a political journey through nearly 300 years of high ideals and low cunning, from Gordon Brown to the first man to hold prime ministerial powers, Robert Walpole. Margaret Thatcher Conservative, 1979 - 1990 Britain's first female prime minister came to power with the country descending into industrial and economic chaos. A relatively inexperienced politician, she nonetheless adopted a personal style of indomitable self-confidence and brooked no weakness in herself or her colleagues. Derisively dubbed the 'Iron Lady' by the Soviet press, she wore the moniker with pride. Her government's free-market policies included trade liberalisation, deregulation, sweeping privatisation, breaking the power of the unions, focus on the individual and the creation of an 'enterprise culture'. 'Thatcherism' has had a profound and lasting economic and social impact on Britain, and still sharply divides opinion to this day. The first PM to serve three consecutive terms (including two 'landslide' victories) she was eventually toppled by her own party following the disastrous imposition of a 'poll tax'. Nonetheless, she is generally considered to be one of the best peace time prime ministers of the 20th Century. James Callaghan Labour, 1976 - 1979 Callaghan inherited the office of prime minister following the surprise resignation of Harold Wilson. With only a tiny parliamentary majority to support him, he faced an increasingly one-sided confrontation with organised labour in the form of rampant strike action. Things came to a head in the so-called 'Winter of Discontent', a phrase from Shakespeare borrowed by Callaghan himself to describe the events leading up to February 1979. Britain was 'strikebound', with public servants staging mass walk outs, leaving food and fuel supplies undelivered, rubbish uncollected and - most notoriously - bodies unburied. Things became so bad in Hull it was dubbed 'the second Stalingrad'. The tabloid press has since been accused of overstating the severity of the situation (and wrongly quoting him as saying 'Crisis? What Crisis?') but it was enough at the time to sound the death knell for Callaghan's government later in the same year. Harold Wilson Labour, 1974 - 1976 In March 1974, Wilson became prime minister for the third time at the head of a minority government, following the first hung parliament (one where no party holds a majority) for 45 years. Often described as a wily fixer and negotiator, it took all of his skills to hold on to power in the face of economic and industrial turmoil. His party was also sharply divided, with many Labour members of parliament (MPs) bitter about Wilson's manoeuvring against his colleagues. He called another general election in October 1974, thereby ending the shortest parliament since 1681, and was returned to office with a majority of just three seats. He presided over a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Economic Community (EEC), and a collapse in the value of the pound which prompted a humiliating 'rescue operation' by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Exhausted, Wilson resigned saying 'politicians should not go on and on'. Edward Heath Conservative, 1970 - 1974 Heath succeeded in taking Britain into the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the European Union, despite two previous failed attempts by Britain to gain entry, in 1961 and 1967. But his government was dogged by torrid industrial relations and recurrent economic crises. Things came to a head in January 1974, when industry was put on a 'three-day week' to conserve fuel. Fuel was in dangerously short supply following a combination of domestic industrial action (coal miners on 'work-to-rule') and a quadrupling of prices by Middle Eastern oil exporting nations in the wake of Israel's victory in the Yom Kipp


2007 was the 75th anniversary of the mass trespass on which Peak District hill, an action that led to the formation of the Rambler's Association?

Kinder Trespass - Home ::     Acknowledgements Kinder Mass Trespass   In April 1932 over 400 people participated in a mass trespass onto Kinder Scout, a bleak moorland plateau, the highest terrain in the Peak District. The event was organised by the Manchester branch of the British Workers Sports Federation. They chose to notify the local press in advance, and as a result, Derbyshire Constabulary turned out in force. A smaller group of ramblers from Sheffield set off from Edale and met up with the main party on the Kinder edge path. Five men from Manchester, including the leader, Benny Rothman, were subsequently jailed. 75 years later the trespass was described as:   "the most successful direct action in British history" Lord Roy Hattersley, 2007. April 2012 saw the 80th Anniversary of the mass trespass of Kinder Scout celebrated by a week of walks, talks, and exhibitions, with a launch ceremony featuring Mike Harding, Stuart Maconie, and the leaders of major agencies involved in access to countryside. A new book was published, and commemorative posters are on sale. This website sets out to explain why this event had such a far reaching impact that it is still so enthusiastically remembered and celebrated today. The trespass is widely credited with leading to: legislation in 1949 to establish the National Parks. contributing to the development of the Pennine Way and many other long distance footpath. securing walkers' rights over open country and common land in the C.R.O.W. Act of 2000. The trespass was controversial at the time, being seen as a working class struggle for the right to roam versus the rights of the wealthy to have exclusive use of moorlands for grouse shooting. It remains controversial today, both for those reasons and because some think its importance has been overstated. Our aim is to tell the story of the mass trespass, but to put it in the context of all the other contributions made to securing access rights to the moorlands, mountains and countryside of the UK. We hope to go on to set up a permanent Kinder Visitor Centre in Hayfield (where the 400 Manchester trespassers set off from) dedicated to telling this story, and to serve as a focal point for visitors and for current moorland access issues.       BLUE PLAQUE  ï¿½ 24/10/12, Unveiling of a Blue Plaque to commemorate the life of Benny Rothman


At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, who became the first British man to win three gold medals at one Games since 1908?

Road to the Olympics: Ten Olympians to watch - Road to the Olympics: Ten Olympians to watch - CBS News Lauren Moraski May 29, 2012, 10:10 AM Road to the Olympics: Ten Olympians to watch Next Jamaican gold medallist Usain Bolt gestures during the awards ceremony for the men's 200 metres at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Daegu on September 4, 2011.  AFP PHOTO / KIM JAE-HWAN (Photo credit should read KIM JAE-HWAN/AFP/Getty Images) KIM JAE-HWAN This is one of a weekly series of stories, called Road to the Olympics, that will focus on different aspects of the preparations for the Summer Games in London. (CBS News) This summer, while athletes have their eyes on Olympic gold, viewers at home will have their eyes on the athletes. People around the world will watch as Olympians compete for bragging rights, records and medals in their respective sports when the London Games kick off in July. Special Section: London 2012 Summer Olympics We've compiled a list, in no particular order, of althetes to watch this year, representing different countries and excelling in various sports. Some names you'll already know. Others are new faces. But they all  are ones viewers should keep an eye on. Keep clicking to see our 10 Olympians to watch. Road to the Olympics: Ten Olympians to watch Jamaican gold medallist Usain Bolt gestures during the awards ceremony for the men's 200 metres at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Daegu on September 4, 2011.  AFP PHOTO / KIM JAE-HWAN (Photo credit should read KIM JAE-HWAN/AFP/Getty Images) KIM JAE-HWAN Usain Bolt Standing at 6'5" and weighing 207 pounds, the Jamaica-born Usain Bolt caught the world by storm after winning three gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He became the first man in Olympic history to win both the 100-meter and 200-meter races in world record times. Since the age 14, Bolt had been winning regional championships in western Jamaica, as well as national meets in the Caribbean. Ever since accomplishing those feats, Bolt, 25, has had his fair share of successes. In 2007, he broke Jamaica's 200-meter record of more than 30 years, held by the Donald Quarri. Considered the "world's fastest man," Bolt is setting his sights on another Olympic win at the 2012 games in London. Bolt is so serious about the upcoming competition that in May, he reportedly split from Slovakian fashion designer Lubica Slovak so he could concentrate on the games, reports the Jamaican Star and New York Post. In March, he was photographed "racing" Prince Harry during the British royal's visit to Jamaica: Road to the Olympics: Ten Olympians to watch Russia's gold medal winner Yelena Isinbayeva celebrates with a national flag after winning the women's pole vault final at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Athletics Championships at the Atakoy Athletics Arena in Istanbul on March 11, 2012.   AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) ADRIAN DENNIS Yelena Isinbayeva Yelena Isinbayeva, a pole vault champ from Russia, has set 27 world records - 15 outdoor and 12 indoor. She's won nine straight gold medals in indoor and outdoor championships since 2004. She set her first world record of 4.82 meters in Gateshead, England, in 2003. Women's pole vault became an Olympic event at the Sydney Games in 2000. Four years later, Isinbayeva went on to win an Olympic gold in Athens and then again in the Beijing 2008 games. If she wins in London, Isinbayeva, 29, will become the first female track and field athlete to score gold at three consecutive Olympic Games. She recently threw her support behind UNICEF, explaining on her website that she wanted to help out young people who aren't as fortunate as she has been. "I am so happy to be back to competition and able to break new records. Like many of you I have been very saddened by tragic events affecting our youths recently, and they are very much in my mind when I train and throughout my day," she explained . "If I perform so well toda


In mythology, which son of Zeus was immersed up to his neck in water which he could not drink and surrounded by fruits which were eternally out of reach?

Simple Illustrated Guide to Greek Mythology THE UNDERWORLD AND ITS MYTHS The Underworld In the Greek Mythology, all spirits after death went to the Underworld. But to go, a proper burial was needed. Also, a coin, or 'obola' would be placed under the tongue of the dead, since this fare was given to the boatsman, Charon, in order to cross the river Acheron, to reach the underworld. It was said that Artemis and Apollos was partook in shooting arrows at the men and women who died a natural death, and various others Gods caused other deaths. Hermes had the role of transporter of souls, or Pyschopompus to the Underworld. There were a few entrances to the underworld. one in Taenarum, in southern Greece, anothe rin Sicily. The "shadows" ashe soul of the death were called, were conducted through this entrances down to the banks of the River Acheron in the underworld, where they were met by an elderly man rowu=ing a boat, Charon. Charon would inspect for the obolos was present, the shadow had to wait on the shore for one hundred years, before being ferried crossed. On the other shore lay the Gate to the Underworld, guarded by the three headed dog , Cerberus , who would keep all shadows from returning to the upper world. They were met the three infernal judges, Minos, Rhadamanthys, and Aeacus, who determined the souls ultimate destination in the Underworld, of which were three possibilities. 1) Plain of Asphodeal 2) Elysium Fields 3) Tartarus Most of the dead were sent to the 'Plain of Asphodel', a dreary place where souls went about the same activities they pursued in the Upper World, in a slow mechanical fashion. A small number of the souls who were heroic in some way were sent to the "Island of the Blest", or "Elysium Fields. Here were the poets, brave soldiers, priests, living in care free existence, perpetually happy, living a blissful life. At the bottom of the Underworld were sent the wicked and dammed, an area called Tartarus, a place of eternal darkness. Here, the dammed were tortured. Amongst the inhabitants were Sisyphus, the Danaids, Tityus, Ixion, Salmoneus, Tantalus, the Titans, The Hundred-Handed Giants, Otus and Ephialtes, Phlegyas, and Ocnus. They all had done especially sinful acts, usually against the Gods. Ruling over the Underworld was Hades and his wife, Persephone. They were usually surrounded by a retinue, which include the Furies, Hecate , and various other spirits. Near their throne was the Chairs of Forgetfulness, which, if one was unlucky enough to sit ther one would stay ther forever, as did Pirithous in his quest for the hand of Persephone (See myth of Theseus). From the foot of the thrones of Hades and Persephone flowed the rivers which channelled the Lower Lord: 1) Cocytus, rolling salt waves, composed of nothing but the tears flowing contunually from the eyes of the criminals condemned to hard labour in Tartarus 2) Phlegethon, a river of fire 3) Acheron, a black and deep stream to be passed by all souls were they reached Hades' throne and heard his decree; the current of this stream was so sift that even the boldest swimmer could not pass over; Charon ferried the souls across with the only available boat 4) Stix: by whose waters the gods swore their most irrevocable oaths, and whose waters transmitted invulnerability, as ocuured when the Thetis dipped her son, Achilles, into the river by his heels. Since his heels did not make a contact with the water they were vulnerable. 5) Lethe, whose waters had hte power to make one forget all unplesant things, thus preparing the good for a state of endless bliss in the Elysian Fields. The Danaids The Danaids were so named because they were 50 daughters of King Daneus, who resided in Egipt, near his brother, King Aegyptus (after whom the country is named) and has his 50 sons. King Aegyptus proposed a mass marriage between families, but King Daneus, fearing treachery, fled with his 50 daughters to the Greek isle of Argos . But Aegyptus was persistent, following his brother and his children to Argos. Finally, Dameus appeared to agree to the arrangement.


"Of whom did Winston Churchill say ""In defeat unbeatable, in victory unbearable""?"

Winston Churchill - Oxford Reference Oxford Reference Ancient history (non-classical to 500 CE) Early history (500 CE to 1500) Early Modern History (1500 to 1700) modern history (1700 to 1945) Contemporary History (post 1945) Literary studies (early and medieval) Literary studies (19th century) Literary studies (20th century onwards) Literary studies - fiction, novelists, and prose writers Literary studies - plays and playwrights Literary studies - poetry and poets Literary theory and cultural studies Shakespeare studies and criticism Social Welfare and Social Services Sociology Previous Version Page of PRINTED FROM OXFORD REFERENCE (www.oxfordreference.com). (c) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2013. All Rights Reserved. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use. Subscriber: University of Washington; date: 06 January 2017 Winston Churchill 1874–1965 British Conservative statesman, Prime Minister 1940–5, 1951–5. See also Johnson   For a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. address to the inaugural meeting of the Free Trade League, February 19, 1904; Randolph Churchill Winston Churchill: Young Statesman (1967) It cannot in the opinion of His Majesty's Government be classified as slavery in the extreme acceptance of the word without some risk of terminological inexactitude. speech in the House of Commons, 22 February 1906 He is one of those orators of whom it was well said, ‘Before they get up, they do not know what they are going to say; when they are speaking, they do not know what they are saying; and when they have sat down, they do not know what they have said.’ of Lord Charles Beresford speech, House of Commons, 20 December 1912 The whole map of Europe has been changed…but as the deluge subsides and the waters fall short we see the dreary steeples of Fermanagh and Tyrone emerging once again. speech in the House of Commons, 16 February 1922 Anyone can rat, but it takes a certain amount of ingenuity to re-rat. on rejoining the Conservatives twenty years after leaving them for the Liberals, 1924 Kay Halle Irrepressible Churchill (1966) I decline utterly to be impartial as between the fire brigade and the fire. replying to complaints of his bias in editing the British Gazette during the General Strike speech, House of Commons, 7 July 1926 Cultured people are merely the glittering scum which floats upon the deep river of production. on hearing his son Randolph criticize the lack of culture of the Calgary oil magnates, probably c.1929 Martin Gilbert In Search of Churchill (1994) I have waited 50 years to see the boneless wonder sitting on the Treasury Bench. of Ramsay MacDonald speech in the House of Commons, 28 January 1931 [The Government] go on in strange paradox, decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to be impotent. speech in the House of Commons, 12 November 1936 Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry. letter, 11 November 1937 I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. radio broadcast, 1 October 1939 Action this day. annotation as used at the Admiralty in 1940 An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last. in the House of Commons, January 1940 I felt as if I was walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and this trial. on becoming Prime Minister, 10 May 1940 I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. speech in the House of Commons, 13 May 1940; see Byron What is our policy?…to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. speech in the House of Commons, 13 May 1940 What is our aim?…Victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror; victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without


Which county cricket team waited until 1979 before their first county championship title but won it five more times by 1992?

A Brief History | Kent County Cricket Club Kent County Cricket Club Invicta and Victa Kent County Cricket Club first came into existence in 1842. In the mid 19th century there were two clubs playing under the name of Kent: Kent County Cricket Club and the Beverley Kent Cricket Club. But in 1870 a decision was taken to amalgamate into one club, to be called the Kent County Cricket Club with Canterbury as the Club’s headquarters. “Early Days in Kent”, Chapter 2 of “Barclay’s World of Cricket”, states that in 1719 Kent played London in the first match recorded by a representative London side and it is claimed that this constituted the first county match. Further, it records that many prefer to look upon the matches of 1728 as the first real contests between counties and in three matches against Sussex in that year Kent came out on top, thereby earning the title given to them by cricket historian H.S. Altham of “Kent, the first Champions”. Frederick Lillywhite’s “Scores and Biographies” , a 15 volume work covering cricket from the mid C18th to the latter part of the C19th., records the first organised match as that between Kent and All England “played in the Artillery Ground, London, 1746”. Kent won that match by one wicket. Between then and the formation of Kent CCC as we know it today, there were numerous matches played throughout the County. The first recorded inter-county match was played between Surrey and Kent on the Laleham-Burley Ground near Chertsey in 1773. A return match was played shortly afterwards at Bishopsbourne Paddock, near Canterbury, the venue for many such matches at that time. Both of those matches were won by Surrey, the return match by the then overwhelming margin of 153 runs. However, a third match between the two sides played on The Vine at Sevenoaks later in the season, saw Kent get revenge by six wickets. It was in the early 1800s that two Kent men, John Willes and G.T. Knight were largely responsible for the establishment of round-arm bowling. In the mid 1830s Kent proved to be formidable opposition and could field a side worthy to rank with the highest. They frequently played and defeated All-England. The nucleus of that side was five of the finest players to have graced the Game: Alfred Mynn, the most destructive fast bowler in England and a dangerous batsman; Fuller Pilch, probably the best batsman of his time; William Hillyer, a most effective medium pace bowler; “Felix” (Nicholas Wanostrocht), described as a glorious left-hand batsman, and Edward Wenman the leading wicket keeper of his day and a much respected captain. During this period Kent won 98 matches. A further outstanding player at this time was Edgar Willsher, a great left arm fast bowler who took 785 wickets in 145 matches at an average of 12.54. He also had much to do with legalising over-arm bowling. During this period a number of attempts were made to form the County Club. The first of these was at Town Malling in 1835, the initiative coming from Thomas Selby and Silas Norton, who had been responsible for persuading Fuller Pilch to qualify for Kent and for five years most of the County’s matches were played at Malling. But the ground was proved to be too small and in 1842 during the first Canterbury Week the Beverley Club was reconstituted as the Kent Cricket Club. This arrangement faced early financial difficulties and in 1859 a further County Club was formed at Maidstone, not as a rival to the existing one, but to support its efforts. This arrangement proved impossible and moves were made for an amalgamation between the two. In 1870 this was successful and the two clubs were merged into what then became and has remained, the Kent County Cricket Club. The period following the formation of the Club saw serious financial problems and a decline in the quality of the cricket played by the County. The great players of the earlier years had all gone with the exception of Edgar Willsher and although there were many well qualified amateurs they preferred club and country house cricket. But a number of significant events were taking sha


Which male name comes from the Greek meaning farmer or agriculture?

Farmer, Peasant Names for Boys Barric [Beric, Barak, Barrick], Bartholomew [Bat, Thole, Bartt, Bertel, Bartow, Bartome, ..], Bartlet [Bartlett, Bartlitt], Beebe , Bond , Bosworth , Calumet [Callumet], Carley [Carleigh], Carlton ▼ [Carlson, Carston, Carleton, Charlton], Chadwick ▼ [Chadwyck], Charlton [Carlton, Carleton, Charleton, Charleston], Cherokee , Chilton [Chill, Chelton], Dell ▼, Diego [Dago], Egor [Igor, Ygor], Fallows [Fallow], Farmer , Franklin ▼ [Frank, Franklyn, Francklyn, Francklin, Franklinn, Franklynn], George ▼ [Yuri, Ygor, Yorik, Yurik, Yuriy, Yorick, ..] 2. Goran - Walworth Goran , Granger [Grange, Grainger], Harcourt , Jerzy , Jordi , Joren [Jorn, Jory, Jorey, Joron, Jorry, Jorian], Jorge [Jorje], Juri [Yuri, Jaris], Kelby [Kelbey, Kelbie, Kellby], Keoki , Koresh [Choresh], Lathrop , Leonard ▼ [Lonny, Leonid, Leonis, Lonnard, Leonidas, Leonides, ..], Mayer [Meir, Myer, Maier, Meyer], Meyer ▼ [Myer, Meir, Mayer, Meier, Mayor, Mayeer], Northrop [Northrup], Paine [Pain, Payne], Spiridon [Spero, Spiro, Spiros, Spyros, Spyridon, Spiridion], Thornycroft [Thorneycroft], Walworth 3.


What is the surname of retail guru Mary featured in the TV series 'Mary Queen of Shops'?

Mary Portas Mary Portas   ABOut Mary… Widely recognized as the UK’s foremost authority on retail and brand communication, Mary Portas has a multitude of expertise; business woman, advertising executive, retail expert, Government adviser, broadcaster and consumer champion.  The British media crowned her “Queen of Shops”. Beginning her retail career in John Lewis, Harrods and Topshop, she joined Harvey Nichols, progressing to the Board as Creative Director in 1989.  She was credited with leading its transformation into a world renowned fashion store.  In 1997 she launched her own agency, Yellowdoor which has made its mark in the creative advertising landscape, producing category challenging campaigns and championing brand development for clients including Clarks, Louis Vuitton, Oasis, Swarovski, Dunhill, Boden, Thomas Pink, Patek Philippe and Westfield.


What is the American word for a cashier in a bank?

Dictionary of Banking Terms and Phrases Home  >  Dictionary Dictionary of Banking Terms and Phrases A Account Agreement: The contract governing your open-end credit account, it provides information on changes that may occur to the account. Account History: The payment history of an account over a specific period of time, including the number of times the account was past due or over limit. Account Holder: Any and all persons designated and authorized to transact business on behalf of an account. Each account holder's signature needs to be on file with the bank. The signature authorizes that person to conduct business on behalf of the account. See also Joint Account Holder . Accrued Interest: Interest that has been earned but not yet paid. See also Interest-Bearing Accounts and FDIC Insurance . Acquiring Bank: In a merger, the bank that absorbs the bank acquired. See also Acquiring Bank . Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMS): Also known as variable-rate mortgages. The initial interest rate is usually below that of conventional fixed-rate loans. The interest rate may change over the life of the loan as market conditions change.   There is typically a maximum (or ceiling) and a minimum (or floor) defined in the loan agreement. If interest rates rise, so does the loan payment. If interest rates fall, the loan payment may as well. See also ARMs - Variable Rate Feature . Adverse Action: Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, a creditor's refusal to grant credit on the terms requested, termination of an existing account, or an unfavorable change in an existing account. See also Credit Disputes . Adverse Action Notice: The notice required by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act advising a credit applicant or existing debtor of the denial of their request for credit or advising of a change in terms considered unfavorable to the account holder. See also Credit Disputes . Affidavit: A sworn statement in writing before a proper official, such as a notary public. See also Credit Disputes and Forgery and Fraud . Alteration: Any change involving an erasure or rewriting in the date, amount, or payee of a check or other negotiable instrument. See also Alteration . Amortization: The process of reducing debt through regular installment payments of principal and interest that will result in the payoff of a loan at its maturity. Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The cost of credit on a yearly basis, expressed as a percentage. See also APR Change in Term and Other Changes in Term . Annual Percentage Yield (APY): A percentage rate reflecting the total amount of interest paid on a deposit account based on the interest rate and the frequency of compounding for a 365-day year. See also APY and APY for Index-linked CDs . Application: Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), an oral or written request for an extension of credit that is made in accordance with the procedures established by a creditor for the type of credit requested. See also Loan Application . Appraisal: The act of evaluating and setting the value of a specific piece of personal or real property. See also Appraisal and Appraisal Cost . Authorization: The issuance of approval, by a credit card issuer, merchant, or other affiliate, to complete a credit card transaction. See also Authorization and Pre-authorization . Automated Clearing House (ACH): A computerized facility used by member depository institutions to electronically combine, sort, and distribute inter-bank credits and debits. ACHs process electronic transfers of government securities and provided customer services, such as direct deposit of customers' salaries and government benefit payments (i.e., social security, welfare, and veterans' entitlements), and preauthorized transfers. Automated Teller Machine (ATM): A machine, activated by a magnetically encoded card or other medium, that can process a variety of banking transactions. These include accepting deposits and loan payments, providing withdrawals, and transferring funds between accounts. See also ATM/Debit card . Automatically Protected: As of May 1, 2011, up to two mont


Name the W-shaped constellation prominent in the northern sky?

Locate constellation Cassiopeia the Queen | Tonight | EarthSky Locate constellation Cassiopeia the Queen By Deborah Byrd in Tonight | February 17, 2017 Erick wrote: Do you have any information on Cassiopeia’s Chair? Erick, you’ve used the lovely old-fashioned name for this constellation. In the 1930s, the International Astronomical Union gave this constellation the official name of Cassiopeia the Queen. But sky watchers still see the chair, and speak of it. The official borders of the constellation Cassiopeia (and all 88 constellations) were drawn up by the International Astronomers Union in the 1930s. Read more For much of the Northern Hemisphere, Cassiopeia is out all night long every day of the year. At present, Cassiopeia appears in the northwest at nightfall, and rather low in the north-northeast before dawn, as depicted above. Image credit: AlltheSky.com Cassiopeia was an Ethiopian queen in ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, she boasted she was more beautiful than the sea nymphs called the Nereids. Her boast angered Poseidon, god of the sea, who sent a sea monster (Cetus the Whale) to ravage the kingdom. To pacify the monster, Cassiopeia’s daughter, Princess Andromeda, was left tied to a rock by the sea. Cetus was about to devour her when Perseus the Hero happened by on Pegasus, the Flying Horse. Perseus rescued the princess, and all lived happily . . . and the gods were pleased, so all of these characters were elevated to the heavens as stars. Only Cassiopeia suffered an indignity. At nightfall, this constellation has more the shape of the letter M, and you might imagine the Queen reclining on her starry throne. But, at other times of year or night – as in the wee hours between midnight and dawn in February and march – Cassiopeia’s Chair dips below the celestial pole. And then this constellation appears to us on Earth more like the letter W. It’s then that the Lady of the Chair, as she is sometimes called, is said to hang on for dear life. If Cassiopeia the Queen lets go, she will drop from the sky into the ocean below, where the Nereids must still be waiting. Back in stock! Order your 2016 EarthSky Lunar Calendar today! W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia on left side of photo, above mountains. Meteor to far left, above Cassiopeia. Photo taken on the morning of April 19, 2013, by John Bozzell of Las Cruces, NM. Thank you John! View larger. Bottom line: This post tells you how to find the constellation Cassiopeia the Queen on winter evenings, and it explains the mythology of this constellation.


Butterfly Forecast Butterfly Forecasts for  Central Iowa   October 2016 to end of year.     The  end of the butterfly season is upon us.  Soon we will be dealing  with other fun stuff, like snow and freezing rain and cold.  But  there is still a little butterfly time left. Butterflies stick around in good numbers and diversity until the first  frost.  Then smaller numbers of a few species stick around until  the weather conditions no longer allow them to fly. But we can still have some magnificant, butterfly-filled days.  Enjoy them while you can because the seasons are changing. By the first of October the monarch migration is mostly over.  However, the monarch numbers have been fairly high this year and we  should still see some for a while.  Other migratory butterflies  like painted ladies, red admirals, and common buckeyes will be seen, but  we do not normally get high populations from the north migrating through  Iowa.  Some butterflies, particularly those that have multiple generations each  year, can reach high numbers in the fall.  We will see high numbers  of orange sulfurs and clouded sulfurs, along with cabbage whites.  Some of the small grass skippers can be pretty common, particularly  tawny-edged skippers, Peck's skippers, fiery skippers, and sachems.  Common checkered skippers can also be found late in the season. There may be a few eastern-tailed blues for a while yet.  Occasionally gray hairstreaks can still be seen in October. Black swallowtails and eastern tiger swallowtails can sometimes persist.  One year, I even saw eastern tiger swallowtails on Thanksgiving Day. There are a few butterflies that spend the winter as adults.  We  will see these butterflies late in the fall, and they will be among the  first we see in the spring.  They include eastern commas, gray  commas and morning cloaks.  I would rate 2016 as a pretty good year for butterflies--numbers were  probably a little above normal.  I saw 51 species, mostly in central or  southern Iowa, and was able to photograph 46 of them.  Probably my  favorites were the half-dozen or so Henry's elfins that I saw in  mid-April, and the single Reakirt's blue that I saw in July.  Cloudless  sulfurs and sleepy oranges were a treat at Medora Prairie in early  September.   While I never got close enough to get a really good photo,  I saw regal fritillaries in several locations this year, some of them  quite unexpected.  Finally, this butterfly season probably had the  highest number of silver-spotted skippers of any year I can remember,  and silver-spotted skippers are such  charming butterflies that they were a special treat. I  attempted to have a couple of butterfly walks this summer but they were  cancelled by other committments and weather events.  Possibly I  will try some next year.  Try to get out yet this year.  Sunny days will still bring out  butterflies even if the weather is cool.  October days in Iowa can  be hard to beat. Butterflies should still be around until mid-October, and maybe even as  late as late November, depending on the weather. Until next year, happy butterflying. Harlan Ratcliff     The  butterfly season is still here and butterfly numbers are still strong,  but the end is near.  When you look around one day, you will see  lots of butterflies on the goldenrods, asters, and thistles that are  blooming.  If the weather cools down and gets cloudy you might not  see any.  Another sunny day and they are back, but in lower  numbers.  Some species just fade away but others hang on until the  first frost and even later. Swallowtails will be seen visiting the tall and bull thistles when they  are present in the habitat--those flowers seem irresistible to them.  In  central Iowa we should see eastern tiger swallowtails, black  swallowtails, and giant swallowtails.  Some may seem fresh and some will  be quite old and battered.  Zebra swallowtails have resident colonies in  extreme southwest Iowa and extreme southeast Iowa.  Pipevine and  spicebush sw


Which member of the crow family has a grey head?

Birds of The World: CROWS BIRDS of THE WORLD CORVIDAE of The World The Corvidae family contains the crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, treepies, choughs and nutcrackers. They are considered the most intelligent of the birds. They are medium to large in size, with strong feet and bills, and a single moult each year (most passerines moult twice). Most species have bristle-like feathers covering their nostrils. They are omnivores having a varied diet. Corvids are found worldwide except for the tip of South America and the polar ice caps. [abstracted from Wikipedia] Crow Genus Corvus The genus Corvus consists of large birds that are are either black all over, or mainly black with white or gray patches. They range in size from the relatively small Jackdaws to the very large Common Raven. The 40 or so members of this genus occur on all continents except South America and Antarctica. Crow, American Corvus brachyrhynchos   Found: North America Similar to: Fish Crow . Vocal differentiation is usually the best means of identification. The America Crow does the familiar "caw caw" that we associate with crows while the Fish Crow is more nasal. Visual differentiaion between the two specie is improbable unless there are close enough to allow comparison. In this case note Fish Crows tend to have more slender bills and feet. There may also be a small sharp hook at the end of the upper bill. Fish crows also appear as if they have shorter legs when walking. Similar to: Northwestern Crow . Northwestern Crow is smaller than American Crow and often has a messier appearance. However, the species can be very difficult to distinguish by appearance. Northwest Crow has a more nasal call. Image by: 1) Steve Nova   2, 3) Charles Lam - Hong Kong Crow, Fish Corvus ossifragus   Found: east and south North America The Fish Crow is usually found close to water. Similar to: American Crow . Vocal differentiation is usually the best means of identification. The America Crow does the familiar "caw caw" that we associate with crows while the Fish Crow is more nasal. Visual differentiaion between the two specie is improbable unless there are close enough to allow comparison. In this case note Fish Crows tend to have more slender bills and feet. There may also be a small sharp hook at the end of the upper bill. Fish crows also appear as if they have shorter legs when walking. Similar to: Northwestern Crow . Their ranges do not overlap, but both species prefer to be near water and like fish / mollusks. Image by: 1) Ron Knight Crow, Gray   Corvus tristis  Found: New Guinea Image by: 1) Steve Nova   2) Jerry Oldenettel - Papua New Guinea Crow, Hawaiian   Corvus hawaiiensis  Found: only in captivity The Hawaiian Crow has soft brownish-black plumage; long and bristly throat feathers; black bill, legs, feet; thick bill. Image by: 1) USFWS Crow, Hooded Corvus cornix   Found: Europe, Asia The Hooded Crow has mainly ashy-gray plumage; black hooded head, throat, wings, breast marks; black bill, eyes, feet. Similar to: House Crow , Jackdaw , Hooded Crow's black hood covers all of the head; the others only have black on front part of head. Image by: 1) JF Bleak   2) Dick Daniels - Scotland  3, 4) Charlie Westerinen - Warsaw, Poland 5) Cristiano Crolle - Arese, Italy Crow, House   Corvus splendens  Found: Asia, Africa, Australasia The House Crow has black crown, forehead, throat, wings, tail; gray-brown neck, underparts.  Similar to: Hooded Crow , Hooded Crow's black hood covers all of the head; House Crow only has black on front part of head. Similar to: Jackdaw . House Crow has much larger bill with a round end; Jacksaw has short pointed bill. Image by: 1) Laurens  2) Benjamint444  - Pokhara, Nepal  3) Darren Bellerby - Thane Creek, Mumbai, India  4) Dick Daniels - Nepal Image by: 1) Steve Nova   2) Keith Edkins   3) Ron_n_Beth_Pixs Crow, Long-billed   Corvus validus  Found: Maluku Islands of Indonesia The Long-billed Crow has a long bill; white iris. Image by: 1) Paulo Alves Crow, Mariana   Corvus kubaryi  Found: northern Marianas Islands, Guam, and vici


What is the name of the famous cartoon strip drawn by Jim Davis?

Garfield & Friends Jim Davis Cartoonist, Author, Producer, Director, President, Founder, Screenwriter, Playwright, Environmentalist, Philanthropist — all these titles can be used to describe Jim Davis, best-known as the creator of GARFIELD. Jim Davis, 1947 Jim Davis was born July 28, 1945 in Marion, Indiana, and raised on a small farm with his parents, James and Betty Davis, and his younger brother, Dave (Doc). Like most farms, the barnyard had its share of stray cats; about 25 at one time, by Jim's estimation. As a child, he suffered serious bouts with asthma and was often bedridden. Forced inside, away from regular farm chores, he whiled away the hours drawing pictures. Gnorm Gnat In college, he studied art and business before going to work for TUMBLEWEEDS    creator, Tom Ryan. There, he learned the skills and discipline necessary to    become a syndicated cartoonist and began his own strip, GNORM GNAT. When    he tried to sell the strip to a newspaper syndicate he was told, "It's funny, but    bugs? Who can relate to a bug?" After five years of GNORM, Davis crushed the    bug strip idea and tried a new tact, studying the comics pages closely. He    noticed there were a lot of successful strips about dogs, but none about cats!    Combining his wry wit with the art skills he had honed since childhood, GARFIELD, a fat, lazy, lasagna loving, cynical cat was born. Davis says Garfield is a composite of all the cats he remembered from his childhood, rolled into one feisty orange fur ball. Garfield was named after his grandfather, James Garfield Davis. Garfield first appeared in June 19, 1978 The strip debuted on June 19, 1978 in 41 U.S. newspapers. Several months after the launch, the Chicago Sun-Times cancelled GARFIELD. Over 1300 angry readers demanded that GARFIELD be reinstated. It was, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, GARFIELD is read in over 2100 newspapers by 200 million people. Guinness World Records™, named GARFIELD “The Most Widely Syndicated Comic Strip in the World.” Davis’s peers at the National Cartoonist Society honored him with Best Humor Strip (1981 and 1985), the Elzie Segar Award (1990), and the coveted Reuben Award (1990), the top award presented to a cartoonist by NCS members. Garfield quickly became a sensation in the licensing world, too, inspiring Davis to form his own company to take care of Garfield business concerns. Paws, Inc., founded in 1981, manages the worldwide rights for the famous fat cat, and Davis serves as President. Jim has won four Emmy Awards Garfield’s fame spilled over to television and Davis penned eleven primetime specials for CBS-TV. He received ten Emmy nominations and four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program. Movies were next, and Twentieth Century Fox turned out Garfield: The Movie (‘04), and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (‘06). Davis also wrote the original screenplays and executive produced three animated features for DVD: Garfield Gets Real (‘07), Garfield’s Fun Fest (‘08), and Garfield’s Pet Force (‘09). Also in 2009. “The Garfield Show” made its debut on Cartoon Network. Today, the CGI animated cartoon is in its fourth season and is seen in 131 countries, including China, where CCTV broadcasts the show daily. Davis’s philanthropy has been directed at educational and environmental projects. He founded The Professor Garfield Foundation in cooperation with Ball State University, to support children’s literacy. A free educational web site www.professorgarfield.org is the cornerstone of the Foundation’s work to date. Davis spearheaded reforestation, prairie and wetlands restorations, and built the world’s first all natural wastewater plant for commercial use. He was awarded the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Good Steward and Special Projects Award, and the Indiana Wildlife Federations’ Conservationist of the Year Award. Davis spends his leisure time golfing, gardening, fishing, and enjoying his wife, children, and grandchildren. In a nod to Garfield’s friends in the comic strip, Davis also keeps one cat, Nermal, and a dog, Pooky


Name the composer born in Russia in 1882, he became a French citizen in 1934, and an American citizen in 1945, he died in New York City in 1971?

Igor Stravinsky, horoscope for birth date 17 June 1882, born in Oranienbaum, with Astrodatabank biography - Astro-Databank Igor Stravinsky Biography Russian composer and conductor, considered by many to be one of the greatest and most versatile composers of the twentieth century. He helped revolutionize modern music with his vast imagination and impeccable craftsmanship. Stravinsky was to music what Picasso was to art; he departed radically from musical tradition by using irregular, primitive rhythms and harsh dissonances. His greatest works include "The Firebird," 1910, "The Rites of Spring," 1913 "Petrouchka," 1923, "The Rake's Progress,"1951, "Symphony of Wind Instruments," 1920 and "The Dumbarton Oaks Concerts," 1938. Author of "Chronicles of My Life," 1936, "The Poetics of Music," 1947. His later literary works "Memoirs and Commentaries," 1960, "Expositions and Developments," 1962 and "Dialogues and a Diary," 1963, were all co-written with American composer Robert Craft. Stravinsky led a privileged childhood, spending much of his youth on the vast estates of his aristocratic relatives. His father was a Russian opera singer who raised his son to be educated for the law. Music was young Igor's avocation until he met Rimsy-Korsakov in 1902, and began to study music formally with him in 1907. One year later his first symphony was performed. His prodigious ability was brought to the attention of Russian impresario Sergei Diaghilev of the Ballet Russe, who commissioned the young composer to write ballet scores. Dropping his law books forever, Stravinsky became an overnight sensation when his famous ballet "Firebird," was performed in 1910. When the avant-garde ballet "The Rite of Spring," choreographed by Nijinsky, was first performed in Paris three years later, riotous protests broke out in what Stravinsky later called "the battle of May 29, 1913." The following year the work was performed by a symphony orchestra and was recognized as a landmark and masterpiece of modern music. Only seven years prior he had decided on a career in music. After 1914 and the beginning of WW I, he left Russia for Switzerland where he composed ballets based on Russian themes, most notably, "The Wedding" in 1923. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Stravinsky considered himself an exile. Moving to Paris in the late '20s, he became a French citizen in 1934 and joined the Russian Orthodox Church in 1926; his devout Christianity inspired many of his later works. He toured Europe and the US as a pianist and as a conductor of his own works. Stravinsky married a cousin, Katrina Nossenico, on 1/11/1906. They had four children, son Theodore Fyodor, born 1907, daughter Ludmilla, born 1908, son Sviatoslav and daughter Milene born in 1914. In 1939, his wife, daughter and mother all died. He was invited to do the Harvard lecture series and he moved to the U.S. the following year, having lost so much of what his life meant in Europe. He became an American citizen in 1945. Acknowledging the American environment, he composed his famous "Circus Polka" in 1942 for the elephants of Barnum and Bailey Circus and his "Ebony Concerto" in 1945 for Woody Herman. The young American conductor Robert Craft became Stravinsky's inseparable assistant from 1948. On 3/9/1940 he married Vera Day Bosset Suderkine, a woman whom he had first met in 1921; they spent the happiest years of his life after that time. On his 80th birthday in 1962 Stravinsky made a triumphant return to Russia. In 1969 he and his wife moved to New York City. Stravinsky died holding his wife's hand on 4/06/1971, 5:20 AM, New York, NY. Following the death of his widow Vera in 1983, The Morgan library, The New York Public Library, his children and biographer and protégé Robert Craft fought bitterly over the possession of Stravinsky's archives. Swiss conductor and valium millionaire Paul Sacher finally won them for 5.25 million.


Sir Anthony Mamo, who died in May 2008, was the first President of which European country, from 1974 to 1976?

Sir Anthony Mamo: First elected president of Malta | The Independent Sir Anthony Mamo: First elected president of Malta Monday 5 May 2008 23:00 BST Click to follow The Independent Online A scion of one of Malta's oldest families, Anthony Mamo played a vital part in Malta's post-war transition – first to independence from Britain in 1964 and then, a decade later, from a democratic monarchy that had retained the Queen as head of state to a republic within the Commonwealth, of which Mamo was the first elected president. Through the offices he held, and thanks to his non-confrontational style and skill at promoting consensus, Mamo helped make sure these momentous changes proceeded as smoothly as humanly possible, in his tiny but politically fractious country. From 1971 to 1974 he was the island's last (and only native Maltese) Governor-General, technically exercising authority on the Queen's behalf. As such, he presided over discussions between the rival and frequently feuding parties, the Nationalists and the Labour Party, when the latter was led by Dom Mintoff, Malta's dominant 20th-century politician, who was Prime Minister between 1971 and 1984. Thanks to Mamo's quiet encouragement of the parties to find common ground, Malta's parliament approved the changeover to a republic, on 13 December 1974, by a handsome majority. Under the new constitution, which largely followed the Westminster model, the presidency was mainly ceremonial, with real power wielded by the prime minister. But Mamo's dignity and scrupulous sense of protocol made him an ideal figure to be head of state, a post he held until December 1976. His true lifelong passion, however, was the law. After a year in private practice, he joined the civil service in 1936, serving on a commission that produced a revised edition of Malta's entire legal code. In 1942, at the height of the Second World War, he entered the Attorney General's office, first as a Crown Counsel, then as Deputy Attorney General, before becoming Attorney General, the government's chief legal officer in 1954. Through the 1950s and 1960s, Mamo was the embodiment of the Maltese legal system. For 14 years he was Professor of Criminal Law at the Royal University of Malta, before becoming Chief Justice in 1957, then president of the Court of Appeals and finally president of the Constitutional Court in 1964. Until the end of his life he retained an intense interest in the law, "enquiring about this or that judge or lawyer," according to Malta's current President and former prime minister Eddie Fenech Adami, a student of Mamo at the university. In an odd distinction which he also enjoyed, for the last few months of his life Mamo was the world's oldest living former head of state. Rupert Cornwell Anthony Joseph Mamo, lawyer and statesman: born Birkirkara, Malta 9 January 1909; Member, State Law Revision Commission 1936-42; Crown Counsel 1942-51; Professor of Criminal Law, Malta University 1943-57; Deputy Attorney General 1952-54, Attorney General 1955; OBE 1955; Chief Justice of Malta 1957-71; Kt 1960; Governor-General of Malta 1971-74; President of the Republic of Malta 1974-76; married 1939 Margaret Agius (one son, two daughters); died Mosta, Malta 1 May 2008. More about:


On which island in the Thames was Magna Carta signed in 1215?

Magna Carta Island in the River Thames goes on sale - BBC News BBC News Magna Carta Island in the River Thames goes on sale 21 July 2014 Close share panel Image copyright Sotheby's Image caption The island has 400m (437yds) of river frontage and is connected to the mainland by a small bridge An island in the River Thames in Berkshire - which may have been where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215 - has gone on sale for nearly £4m. Magna Carta Island sits in the river opposite the Runnymede Meadow, where, according to historians, the rebellious barons camped ahead of the deal. King John and his men are thought to have gathered opposite for protection. The island comes with a Grade II-listed house, a cottage, outdoor swimming pool and mooring for a boat. A small bridge connects the 3.72 acre (1.5 hectare) island, which has a price tag of £3,950,000, to the mainland. Image copyright Sotheby's Image caption The new owner will become the custodian of a stone on which it is claimed the charter was signed A stone, on which it has been claimed the charter was signed, lies today in a specially-built Charter Room which forms part of the main house. Its walls are hung with the crest of King John and those of the 25 barons elected to keep the Magna Carta safe, including Richard de Montfichet who was the owner of the island , which was part of the Manor of Wraysbury. The house was built by George Simon Harcourt, Lord of the Manor and the Sheriff of the County in 1834. What is Magna Carta? Magna Carta - meaning Great Charter - enshrined basic freedoms and limited the King's authority. The publication has its origins in a dispute between King John and English barons and guaranteed basic freedoms and property rights to "free men" while subjecting the sovereign to the laws of the land for the first time. It is regarded as the cornerstone of liberty in the English-speaking world and the source of fundamental concepts of law, including trial by jury, protection against excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment. The first document was sealed - not signed - in 1215 by King John. The final one was issued in 1300. Seventeen versions survive from the 13th Century. While the charter itself names Runnymede as the place it was sealed, the island may have been considered part of Runnymede at the time. Stuart Cole, from Sotheby's International Realty, said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy a piece of world history where the rule of law was first forged. "Not only is Magna Carta Island a idyllic private island in the Thames with 402 metres of prime river frontage, it is widely acknowledged to have been the site of the signing of the Magna Carta, perhaps the most significant charter in history." Image copyright Sotheby’s Image caption In 2015, the UK is marking the anniversary of the sealing of the first "Great Charter" by King John in 1215


What is the name of Shakespeare's shrew?

Taming of the Shrew: Entire Play Exeunt SCENE II. Padua. LUCENTIO'S house. Enter BAPTISTA, VINCENTIO, GREMIO, the Pedant, LUCENTIO, BIANCA, PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, HORTENSIO, and Widow, TRANIO, BIONDELLO, and GRUMIO the Serving-men with Tranio bringing in a banquet


What is the boiling point of water on the Fahrenheit scale?

The Straight Dope: On the Fahrenheit scale, why is 32 freezing and 212 boiling? What do 0 and 100 mean? Search The Straight Dope A Straight Dope Classic from Cecil's Storehouse of Human Knowledge On the Fahrenheit scale, why is 32 freezing and 212 boiling? What do 0 and 100 mean? December 15, 1989 Dear Cecil: Everybody knows 0 degrees on the Celsius scale is the freezing point of water and 100 degrees is the boiling point. On the Fahrenheit scale, however, freezing is 32 degrees and boiling 212. How on earth were these numbers arrived at? Do 0 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit mean anything? — Leslie, Montreal, Quebec Cecil replies: Researchers have gone to their graves trying to figure out what old man Fahrenheit was up to, Leslie. Here's the story as well as I can piece it together: Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686-1736) was a German instrument maker who invented the first practical mercury thermometer. Casting about for a suitable scale for his device, he visited the Danish astronomer Ole Romer, who had devised a system of his own. As it turned out, it was a case of the blind leading the blind. Romer had decided that the boiling point of water should be 60 degrees. This at least had the strength of numerological tradition behind it (60 minutes in an hour, right?). But zero was totally arbitrary, the main consideration apparently being that it should be colder than it ever got in Denmark. (Romer didn't like using negative numbers in his weather logbook.) In addition to the boiling point of water, the landmarks on Romer's scale were the freezing point of water, 7-1/2 degrees, and body temperature, 22-1/2 degrees. D.G., simple soul that he was, thought this cockeyed system was the soul of elegance. He made one useful change: to get rid of the fractions, he multiplied Romer's degrees by 4, giving him 30 for the freezing point and 90 for body temperature. Then, for reasons nobody has ever been able to fathom, he multiplied all the numbers by 16/15, making 32 freezing and 96 body temperature. Boiling point for the time being he ignored altogether. By and by Fahrenheit got ready to present his scale to London's Royal Society, the scientific big leagues of the day. It dawned on him that it was going to look a little strange having the zero on his scale just sort of hanging off the end, so to speak. So he cooked up the explanation that zero was the temperature of a mix of ice, water, and ammonium chloride. At some point Fahrenheit figured out that the boiling point of water came in at 212 degrees. Over time this replaced body temp as the upper landmark on his scale. Meanwhile, as more precise measurements were made, body temperature had to be adjusted to 98.6 degrees. In short, 100 means nothing at all on the Fahrenheit scale, 96 used to mean something but doesn't anymore, and 0 is colder than it ever gets in Denmark. Brilliant. Lest we get too down on Fahrenheit, though, consider Anders Celsius, who devised the centigrade scale (0 to 100). Everybody agrees Celsius's scale makes more sense than Fahrenheit's. Trouble is, the original Celsius scale had 100 for freezing, 0 for boiling. In other words, it was upside-down. (The numbers were reversed after Celsius's death.) These thermometer guys, what gets into them? Must be too much mercury exposure. OK, you're saying, very interesting. But what I REALLY need is a temperature trivia question that will make me the life of the party. I have just the thing. At what temperature are the Fahrenheit and Celsius readings the same? People will look at you with newfound respect when you reveal the astonishing answer: minus 40. — Cecil Adams