Which Native American Indian tribe bought the Hard Rock chain for a reputed $965m in 2006?

Hard Rock Cafe: The tribe that bought a billion dollar business | The Independent Americas Hard Rock Cafe: The tribe that bought a billion dollar business It's an all-singin', all-rockin' chargrilled phenomenon. From Key West to Kuala Lumpur, millions go there to taste the American dream. Now, the Hard Rock Café chain has been bought by Florida's Seminole Indians for $1bn. What does a 500-year-old tribe want with the world's biggest collection of rock memorabilia? Andrew Buncombe reports Friday 8 December 2006 00:00 BST Click to follow The Independent US My Russian friend Dimitri is blessed with a happy smile and a fierce love for the music of Pink Floyd. He had never before been to the West when - almost a decade ago - he arrived at Heathrow on an Aeroflot flight wearing a bright red jacket and carrying a healthy stash of US dollar bills and a thirst for gentle adventure. After he had thrust a bottle of vodka into my hand, I asked him what he wanted to do during his week in the capital. Did he want to see Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, the Tate? As it was, Dimitri spent most of his week in London - and a decent chunk of his cash - hanging out in just a couple of the city's locations and drinking bottles of Budweiser. One was a bar in Leicester Square where you could sit outside and people-watch as you drank, and the other was the Hard Rock Café. I'm pretty sure that he went home with one of their famous T-shirts packed in his suitcase. "Shine on you crazy diamond!" he yelled when I dropped him back at the airport. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so surprised about the way in which my friend frittered away his seven days in the decadent West. Over the past 35 years, the Hard Rock Café has become a solid institution. Beloved by T-shirt-collecting tourists (and avoided by others), its combination of classic American fare and rock memorabilia has become a genuine global phenomenon that has spread from its first site near London's Hyde Park to almost 125 locations in more than 40 countries around the world. The menu is the same in every one. Yesterday, in the latest chapter in the Hard Rock story, it was announced that Rank Group Plc, the owner of the brand, was selling off the business to the Seminole Indian tribe of Florida, a native American group that traces its history to the 1500s. The price for the 124 Hard Rock Cafés, four Hard Rock Hotels, two Hard Rock Casino Hotels, two Hard Rock Live venues and the world's largest collection of rock'n'roll memorabilia was a decidedly rocking $965m (£510m). Yes, it's a fair question. Seminole Indians and Hard Rock Cafés? Seminole Indians and Jimi Hendrix's Flying V Gibson guitar? Seminole Indians and Madonna's bustier and Elton John's high-heeled shoes? Good golly Miss Molly, what on earth's going on? First up it's worth pointing out that the deal between the Indian tribe and Rank appears to be based on purely business reasoning, rather than the Seminole's love of the Hard Rock Café's chicken wings or pulled-pork sandwiches. Like many American Indian tribes, the Fort Lauderdale-based Seminoles are already involved heavily in the hotel and casino business. Indeed, in 1979 they were the first such group to receive a federal licence that allowed them to open a casino and bingo hall. They already own two Hard Rock Hotels, and operate five other casinos in Florida. More than 90 per cent of the tribe's income comes from gaming revenues. (Across the US, gambling is worth an estimated $22bn to various Indian tribes every year.) "This is a proud moment for the Seminole tribe of Florida and for all Indian tribes," Mitchell Cypress, chairman of the elected tribal council, told reporters yesterday morning. "It is also an opportunity for the Seminole tribe to diversify its business operations and help a very successful company to achieve even greater growth." Even greater growth indeed. The first Hard Rock Café opened in London in 1971, the same year that Pink Floyd released their album Meddle, containing the 23-minute track "Echoes" (and Leonid Brezhnev signed the directives for the n


Passat, the Volkswagen car model, is German for a type of what?

Volkswagen Passat Auto Transport Volkswagen Passat Auto Transport Home Volkswagen Passat Auto Transport Vehicle Make/Model Specifications: Make: Volkswagen Model: Passat The Volkswagen Passat is a sedan, built by Volkswagen AG, that has been produced in various forms since 1973. It is situated between the Volkswagen Jetta and the Phaeton in the Volkswagen line-up. Currently it is produced in Volkswagen's plants in Emden, and Zwickau, Germany. The model is normally known as the Passat in the European and the North American markets, but it has been badged as a variety of other names including the Dasher, the Santana and the Quantum in various regions. In North America, the car was badged the Dasher, and the three-door hatchback model was released in North America for the 1974 model year. The Passat moniker is short for passatwind, which is the German word for "trade wind". Frankly, that is a very strange name for an automobile, but luckily, that has not hindered its success. Anyhow, while the first generation Passat was a compact car, the second generation did grow in size as many cars have done, and even the later Passats are mid-size cars.  The Passat has consistently been one of Volkswagen's most important models, as it falls in the middle of the sedan market segment. It was vital to Volkswagen, as the sales of the aging Beetle were declining, and the larger air-cooled rear-engined models like the Volkswagen Type 3 and 411 and 412 which were based on older technology were also lacking in market presence. Following the Volkswagen Group's acquisition of Audi in 1964, Volkswagen was now able to utilize the engineering expertise of the new member of their family. Indeed, the first Passat was created directly from the Audi Fox and the two still today share the same platform. The new Passat has allowed Volkswagen the ability to compete more equally with its European rivals. The Passat seems to be holding its own quite well in the competitive market. << Back to Vehicle Index Copyright © 2017, AutoTransportDirect.com – License # MC 479342


Which singer-songwriter released an album in 1983 called Hearts and Bones?

Paul Simon - Hearts and Bones CD Album Paul Simon > Hearts and Bones CD music Product Description Hearts and Bones album for sale by Paul Simon was released Oct 24, 2011 on the Sony Legacy label. Audio Remasterers: Daniel Hersch; Bill Inglot. Hearts and Bones CD music contains a single disc with 14 songs. Casual listeners view GRACELAND as a comeback/rejuvenation for Simon, not realizing that throughout his recording career, he never stopped growing, with each album expanding on the artistic advances of the previous one. HEARTS AND BONES was the last link in the chain that led to the epiphany of GRACELAND, the adventurous bridge between that album and the poetic insights of ONE TRICK PONY.   ... See Full Description Hearts and Bones buy CD music Product Reviews Highly Recommended Paul Simon - Hearts and Bones Album Track Listing Trk Additional Track Information Hearts and Bones CD music 6 Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War   The Late Great Johnny Ace    Additional Track Information Hearts and Bones buy CD music 11 Shelter of Your Arms (Unreleased Work In Progress)   Train In the Distance Original Acoustic Demo    Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War Original Acoustic Demo   The Late Great Johnny Ace Original Acoustic Demo    Hearts and Bones album for sale Customer Reviews Average Rating: (0) Bad Timing They say timing is everything. In 1986, the world was ready to experience African music over a New York pop/doo wop sensibility and we had "Graceland" By a reviewer (Ypsilanti, MI., USA) Review is for a different format . (1) (1) A great, underrated album from a great songwriter I have to agree with most everyone here about the "shadowiness" of this album, and the fact that it wasn't as popular as some of his other stuff. By Galen (Anchorage, Alaska) Review is for a different format . (0) (0) A bit monotonous Hearts and Bones songs Overall, the album sounds good, but a little repetitive. Maybe because the synthesizer sounds are now dated. Anyway, I like all the songs, especially "The Late Great Johnny Ace", with its references to The Beatles (my all-time favorite group) and John Lennon's murder, which gives poignancy to the song. By a reviewer (San Juan, PR)  Review is for a different format . (0) (0) Big Difference between Hearts& / Graceland! big dif. thanks to me. Hello! I was so surprised that someone like Paul Simon would write about boring things like allergies. By  heidiberg19 (New York, NY, USA) Review is for a different format . (0) (0) PAULS' 'SHADOW-ALBUM" Music lovers who 'get' this album are usually quite obsessed with it. I am one of them. This remastering captures the 'air' of the original vinyl quite well. By David Martin (Mt. Martha, Australia.) Review is for a different format . cdu4asppid music 8685001 cdu4pidall cdu4pls7 ver260cdu cdu4all 1/20/2017 8:44:09 AM � PreRip Terms and Conditions PreRip is a free option on select CD's displaying the PreRip icon. This option allows you to download the MP3 version of that CD immediately after your purchase. The physical CD will still be shipped to you. If you agree to accept your PreRip MP3s, please be aware that the corresponding CD will be non-refundable and cannot be canceled from your order. This protects us against customers taking the free MP3 and then canceling the CD. PreRip availability may change at any time, so we recommend that you download as soon as possible. Should the CD you receive be defective, we will exchange it for a new one. PreRip is only available to customers in the United States. This is a limitation placed on us by the record labels.


Who was the first woman Speaker of the UK House of Commons?

BBC - iWonder - Firsts for women in Parliament Firsts for women in Parliament Painting credits Smashing the glass ceiling From the first woman in the Lords to the first woman to call "Order!" in the Commons, discover more about these trailblazers. 1919 Viscountess Nancy Astor: first woman MP to take her seat in the Commons Plymouth Art Gallery Detail from Introduction of Lady Astor as the First Woman MP by Charles Sims. Prime Minister David Lloyd George is on the right. Witty and unconventionally brilliant at handling chauvinistic male MPs, Lady Astor was an American heiress who came to the UK for her second marriage. In 1919, her husband Waldorf Astor went to sit in the House of Lords. Lady Astor stood as a Conservative in his Plymouth seat and was elected MP, aged 40. She became an outspoken champion of equal rights and clashed regularly with Winston Churchill, who once remarked, “I find a woman’s intrusion into the House of Commons as embarrassing as if she burst into my bathroom when I had nothing to defend myself with”. Astor retorted, “You are not handsome enough to have worries of that kind.” Women have got to make the world safe for men since men have made it so darned unsafe for women. Nancy Astor Margaret Bondfield: first woman Cabinet Minister Universal History / Getty Margaret Bondfield (1873-1953), the first British woman cabinet minister. Margaret Bondfield was from a working-class family in Somerset and started her career in a draper’s shop, aged 14. Having experienced often shocking working conditions, she became a union representative when union membership was heavily frowned upon. After many years championing women’s organisations, she was elected Labour MP for Northampton in 1923. She was appointed to Ramsay MacDonald’s cabinet in 1929 as minister for labour but her success was short-lived. She lost her seat in the general election of 1931 and never returned to Parliament. I had no vocation for wifehood or motherhood, but an urge to serve the Union. Margaret Bondfield Baroness Swanborough: first woman peer to take her seat in the House of Lords National Portrait Gallery Stella Isaacs, Marchioness of Reading by Herbert James Gunn. By 1958, with a woman sitting on the throne, the establishment was under increasing pressure to modernise. On 21 October, Stella Isaacs, Marchioness of Reading and Baroness Swanborough, became the first woman to take a seat in the House of Lords as a result of the recently passed Life Peerages Act. She was an indomitable woman, heavily involved in charitable works throughout her life, including founding the Women's Voluntary Service just before World War Two. Three other women peers also took their seats in the Lords in 1958. I have no right to speak, except for my experience over many years with a great number of very strong common-sensical women. Stella Isaacs Margaret Thatcher: first woman Prime Minister Parliamentary Art Collection The Right Honourable Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister by Henry Mee. Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first woman PM in May 1979. Her premiership was characterised by her unyielding nature and conviction politics. A global stateswoman, she took the country to war against Argentina over the Falklands, helped facilitate the thawing of the Cold War between the US and USSR, and became known as the 'Iron Lady'. She was in office for 11 years, winning three general elections, and was the longest serving prime minister for over 150 years. Despite smashing the glass ceiling herself, she only appointed one other female cabinet minister. I don't mind how much my ministers talk, as long as they do what I say. Margaret Thatcher Shirley Williams: first woman to found a major political party Parliamentary Art Collection Baroness Young: first woman Leader of the House of Lords Mike Abrahams / Alamy Baroness Young. Appointed by Margaret Thatcher, Baroness Young was the first woman leader of the House of Lords. The leader of the House is the most senior member of the government in the Lords. Lady Young held the post for two years before being replaced. The 'Ir


What is the fifth book of the Old Testament?

An Analysis of the Fifth Book of the Old Testament, Deuteronomy | Kibin An Analysis of the Fifth Book of the Old Testament, Deuteronomy Sign Up & Access Essays Already a member? Login here Pages: 3 This preview is partially blurred. Sign up to view the full document. Sign Up & Access Essays Already a member? Login here End of preview Upgrade to view the full document This is an unformatted preview. Sign up to view the full document End of preview Upgrade to view the full document Deuteronomy the fifth book of the Old Testament generally portrays the Hebrew peoples appreciation and obedience in the presence of a gracious God whose acts have set them free Christensen 59 Deuteronomy calls for the Hebrews to recognize and remember Gods gifts and live lives of obedience in remembrance that God set them free from their bondageDeuteronomy reminds the Hebrews that memory and celebration in terms of God and gods gifts is the only way that they can retain their freedoms Deuteronomy serves as a message and reminder to all Hebrews about the path they must follow in order to remain in Gods favor By a process of faith trust in Gods messages and obedience to Gods rules is a central part of the Hebrew identity and central part of the Hebrew identity and central to the book of Deuteronomy as a wholeDeuteronomy 26 ends the section of the book dedicated to the messages given to Moses from God that provide outline and guidance for life God promises the Hebrews and Moses a new life and a new land with freedom and joy At the same time the Hebrews must follow Gods laws in order to take part in these new freedoms This section offers a number of reminders of the orders of God handed to Moses and presented to the Hebrews prior to their escape Christensen 61Deuteronomy 261-11 offers an initial presentation of the expectations between God and man The symbolic expression of faith and obedience are clearly set forth Gods expectations hold no difficult moral question and no complicated instruction God requires that man now in the promised land follow an obedient course of action God asks that man plant and harvest in the new land and when the crop comes when man can harvest the first fruit of the earth which thou shalt bring of thy hand 262 and present the fruits to God Verses 5-11 are the words of remembrance and @Kibin is a lifesaver for my essay right now!! - Sandra Slivka, student @ UC Berkeley Wow, this is the best essay help I've ever received! - Camvu Pham, student @ U of M If I'd known about @Kibin in college, I would have gotten much more sleep - Jen Soust, alumni @ UCLA


What was the name of the first US satellite, launched 31 Jan 1958?

Explorer 1: The First U.S. Satellite Explorer 1: The First U.S. Satellite By Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor | September 28, 2012 04:59pm ET MORE Explorer 1 was the United States' first satellite in space. The 1958 launch of the satellite — twice the size of a basketball — was an important moment for the country, as the Space Race with the Soviet Union was just beginning. Explorer 1 was the first U.S. satellite and the first satellite to carry scientific instruments. Credit: NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory The satellite marked a moment when the United States got its confidence back after a series of unsuccessful launches and the Soviet Union's successful launch of Sputnik. The satellite also helped buttress the nation's technological confidence in the eyes of the world. It signalled that the country was ready to explore the universe. Spurred by the Soviets Explorer 1's ride to space came through a complicated set of circumstances. The United States actually had at least three main rocket options for sending the satellite into space. The ones that are most remembered today are Vanguard — under development by the Navy — and Juno. The latter rocket was based on an Army rocket designed by German scientist Wernher Von Braun , who worked on the V-2 missile program that sent bombs to England during World War II. The satellite was supposed to launch as the United States' contribution to science during International Geophysical Year (which ran from 1957-1958). Then history intervened. The Soviet Union rocketed Sputnik into space on Oct. 4, 1957. This was the first artificial satellite any nation sent out of the Earth. The launch — revealed only after it was a success — stunned most of the Western world. It was a coup for Soviet rocket technology, and led some to muse that bombs could be launched just as easily as a satellite. This accelerated the United States' plans. Rocket and satellite engineers quickly got to work, trying to prove they were also capable of launching into space. Behind the Vanguard On Dec. 6 of that year, a long two months after Sputnik, live reports of the Vanguard rocket carrying Explorer 1 broadcast in televisions and radios across the United States. Vanguard, according to NASA, was chosen because it had more overtones of a civilian program — a policy decision going all the way up to President Dwight Eisenhower, who did not want the appearance of using ballistic rockets intended for military purposes to usher in the new Space Age. Unfortunately, the rocket exploded moments after the launch in front of TV cameras. Amid headlines such as "Kaputnik," senior space officials took stock and examined their alternatives. Behind closed doors, they decided to proceed with the Juno rocket. Preparations at Cape Canaveral went on in secrecy for weeks, according to NASA, but as launch date approached the media was informed. Explorer 1 successfully flew into space on Jan. 31, 1958. One of history's most famous space photos occurred that night. Von Braun and two other people held a model Juno rocket over their heads during a press briefing concerning the successful launch. It was a good night for the Germans, as well as for the American space program. Explorer 1's science Explorer 1's launch was a large policy coup , to be sure, but what was also interesting was the science the little satellite beamed back. Its prime science experiment was a cosmic ray detector designed by James Van Allen, a physicist at the University of Iowa. Cosmic rays are energetic radiated particles from space — bits of atoms that can include protons, electrons or nuclei. The little satellite detected fewer cosmic rays in its orbit (which ranged from 220 miles from Earth to 1,563 miles) than Van Allen expected. The physicist proposed this might be because radiation in Earth's magnetic field may prevent the cosmic rays from coming in. Explorer 3, launched in March 1958, discovered these magnetic field belts. Today, they are known as the Van Allen Belts . Simplicity and reliability Of Explorer 1's 30 pounds, more than 18 pounds of that was made


Bertrand Russell was a founder member of which British peace-movement organisation, established in 1957?

Bertrand Russell | Psychology Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Wittgenstein , A. J. Ayer , Rudolf Carnap , Kurt Gödel , Karl Popper , W. V. Quine Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell, OM, FRS (18 May 1872 – 2 February 1970 ), was a British philosopher , logician, and mathematician, working mostly in the 20th century. A prolific writer, Bertrand Russell was also a populariser of philosophy and a commentator on a large variety of topics, ranging from very serious issues to the mundane. Continuing a family tradition in political affairs, he was a prominent liberal as well as a socialist and anti-war activist for most of his long life. Millions looked up to Russell as a prophet of the creative and rational life; at the same time, his stances on many topics were extremely controversial. Russell was born at the height of Britain's economic and political ascendancy. He died of influenza nearly a century later, at a time when the British Empire had all but vanished, its power dissipated by two debilitating world wars. As one of the world's best-known intellectuals, Russell's voice carried great moral authority, even into his early 90s. Among his political activities, Russell was a vigorous proponent of nuclear disarmament and an outspoken critic of the American war in Vietnam. In 1950, Russell was made a Nobel Laureate in Literature, "in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought". Contents Edit Bertrand Russell was born on 18 May 1872 at Trellech, Monmouthshire, now in Wales, into an aristocratic English]] family. His paternal grandfather, John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, had been the British Prime Minister in the 1840s and 1860s, and was the second son of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford. The Russells had been prominent for several centuries in Britain, and were one of Britain's leading Whig (Liberal) families. Russell's mother Kate (née Stanley) was also from an aristocratic family, and was the sister of Rosalind Howard , Countess of Carlisle. Russell's parents were quite radical for their times—Russell's father, Viscount Amberley, was an atheist and consented to his wife's affair with their children's tutor, the biologist Douglas Spalding. Both were early advocates of birth control at a time when this was considered scandalous. John Stuart Mill , the Utilitarian philosopher, was Russell's godfather. Russell had two siblings: Frank (nearly seven years older than Bertrand), and Rachel (four years older). In June 1875 Russell's mother died of diphtheria, followed shortly by Rachel, and in January 1876 his father also died of bronchitis following a long period of clinical depression Frank and Bertrand were placed in the care of their staunchly Victorian grandparents, who lived at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park. The first Earl Russell died in 1878, and his widow the Countess Russell (née Lady Frances Elliot) was the dominant family figure for the rest of Russell's childhood and youth. The countess was from a Scottish Presbyterian family, and successfully petitioned a British court to set aside a provision in Amberley's will requiring the children to be raised as agnostics. Despite her religious conservatism, she held progressive views in other areas (accepting Darwinism and supporting Irish Home Rule), and her influence on Bertrand Russell's outlook on social justice and standing up for principle remained with him throughout his life. However, the atmosphere at Pembroke Lodge was one of frequent prayer, emotional repression and formality - Frank reacted to this with open rebellion, but the young Bertrand learned to hide his feelings. Russell's adolescence was very lonely, and he often contemplated suicide . He remarked in his autobiography that his keenest interests were in sex, religion and mathematics, and that only the wish to know more mathematics kept him from suicide. He was educated at home by a series of tutors, and he spent countless hours in his grandfather's library. His brother Frank introduced him to Euclid, which transformed Russel


In Greek mythology what was the name of the old man who ferried the souls of the dead across the River Styx to Hades?

Styx (River) Styx (River) by Michael Dawson The river of which many know its name, without knowing its origin or what it really stood for. A river that separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. Styx it is said winds around Hades (hell or the underworld are other names) nine times. Its name comes from the Greek word stugein which means hate, Styx, the river of hate. This river was so respected by the gods of Greek mythology that they would take life binding oaths just by mentioning its name, as referenced in the story of Bacchus-Ariadne, where Jove "confirms it with the irrevocable oath, attesting the river Styx." There are five rivers that separate Hades from the world of the living, they are: Acheron - the river of woe; Cocytus - the river of lamentation; Phlegethon - the river of fire; Lethe - the river of forgetfulness; Styx - the river of hate. It is thought that Charon , the old ferry man who ferries the dead onto the underworld, crosses the river Styx where the dragon tailed dog Cerberus guards, allowing all souls to enter but none to leave. This is a misconception, Charon crosses the river Acheron where also Cerebus stands his eternal guard. Also while on this subject, Charon only takes the souls across that are buried properly with a coin (called an obol) that was placed in their mouths upon burial. If a god gave his oath upon the river Styx and failed to keep his word, Zeus forced that god to drink from the river itself. The water is said to be so foul that the god would lose his/her voice for nine years. The river is not the subject of any story itself but is mentioned in several. These little pieces give a wonderful view of not only the river but the ancient Greeks view of the underworld. From its Adamantine gates to its separate levels of Tartarus and Erebus onto the Elysian fields. Article details:


What is the state capital of Queensland, Australia?

Brisbane | Queensland | Australia | Photos | OzOutback Queensland Torres S.I. Children Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and the third largest city of Australia, with a population of over 2 million people and a total area of almost 6,000 km², making it qua area one of the world's largest cities. Brisbane's commercial centre lies along the meandering Brisbane River, about 15 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. The city is an important industrial and service centre with a busy port. Since the mid-1900s, many new industrial and residential areas have been built in the suburbs. To see a photo full size, just click on it; you may then send it as a postcard if you wish.   Back to Menu at Top of the Page The British explorer John Oxley was the first European to reach the area of the Yuggera Aboriginal people, where Brisbane now stands, in 1823. A year later a prison settlement was established here by Sir Thomas Brisbane, the governor of New South Wales and the city that grew around it was later named after him. In 1839 the convicts were removed and three years later the area was opened to free settlers. In 1859 Brisbane became the capital of the colony of Queensland and the city has been steadily growing since then. Brisbane is now a thoroughly modern city, its central business district dominated by steel and glass office towers, but with examples of earlier architecture still present among these. In 1988 the World Expo was held on the South Bank of the Brisbane river, as part of Australia's bicentennial celebration. After the fair all structures were dismantled, with the exception of the exquisite Nepalese pavilion and an attractive park was developed here, including a swimming lagoon.


Natasha Khan is better known by what name?

Bat for Lashes Bat for Lashes Age: 37, born 25 October 1979 Country of origin: list by 13th moody grape Published 3 years, 11 months ago View all Bat for Lashes pictures Description: Natasha Khan (born 25 October 1979), better known by her stage name Bat for Lashes, is an English singer-songwriter and musician. She sings and plays the piano, bass, guitar, harpsichord and the autoharp.Khan's debut album, Fur and Gold, released in 2006, peaked at number forty-eight on the UK Albums Chart and was shortlisted for the 2007 Mercury Prize. In 2008, Khan received two BRIT Award nominations for Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Female Solo Artist. In 2007, the album was re-released through Parlophone. Fur and Gold contains the singles "The Wizard", "Trophy", "Prescilla", and "What's Natasha Khan (born 25 October 1979), better known by her stage name Bat for Lashes, is an English singer-songwriter and musician. She sings and plays the piano, bass, guitar, harpsichord and the autoharp.Khan's debut album, Fur and Gold, released in 2006, peaked at number forty-eight on the UK Albums Chart and was shortlisted for the 2007 Mercury Prize. In 2008, Khan received two BRIT Award nominations for Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Female Solo Artist. In 2007, the album was re-released through Parlophone. Fur and Gold contains the singles "The Wizard", "Trophy", "Prescilla", and "What's a Girl to Do?" In 2008, "What's a Girl to Do?" was re-released as a 12" with a remix featuring Scroobius Pip and Plaid. Two Suns is the second studio album by English recording artist Bat for Lashes, released in the United Kingdom on 6 April 2009 by The Echo Label and Parlophone. The album was produced by Khan herself and David Kosten (who also worked on her debut album Fur and Gold), and features collaborations with members of Yeasayer and Scott Walker. Two Suns was recorded in segments in California, New York City, London, Brighton and Wales. According to the accompanying press release, Two Suns is "a record of modern-day fables exploring dualities on a number of levels two lovers, two planets, two sides of a personality", bringing reflection about "the philosophy of the self and duality, examining the need for both chaos and balance, for both love and pain, in addition to touching on metaphysical ideas concerning the connections between all existence." In Two Suns, Khan also presents an alter ego named Pearl, described by the press release as "a destructive, self-absorbed, blonde, femme fatale of a persona who acts as a direct foil to Khan's more mystical, desert-born spiritual self." Upon its release, Two Suns was met with positive reviews from most critics. Additionally, it was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2009, Khan's second nomination after Fur and Gold in 2007. "Daniel" was released on 1 March 2009 as the album's lead single, reaching number thirty-six on the UK Singles Chart. Both "Sleep Alone" (909s in DarkTimes Mix) and "Siren Song" were featured on the American supernatural drama television series The Vampire Diaries, while only the former was included on the series' soundtrack album. 2010–present: The Haunted Man. In early 2010, Khan toured South America supporting Coldplay after a one-off gig at The De La Warr Pavilion. In mid 2010, she collaborated with Beck on the track "Let's Get Lost" for the Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack. Khan expressed interest in working with Beck on her third album, saying he had "creative ideas." In 2010, Bat for Lashes contributed the song "Sleep Alone" from Two Suns to the Enough Project and Downtown Records' Raise Hope for Congo compilation. Proceeds from the compilation fund efforts to make the protection and empowerment of Congo's women a priority, as well as inspire individuals around the world to raise their voice for peace in Congo. For Record Store Day 2010, Bat for Lashes released an exclusive double A-side 7" single comprising a live performance of "Trophy" single B-side "Howl" recorded at De La Warr Pavilion and a cover of Wild Is the Wind, originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington.


P is the symbol for which chemical element?

Chemical Elements.com - Phosphorus (P) Contains an "Introduction to Tungsten", among other things If you know of any other links for Phosphorus, please let me know Bentor, Yinon. Chemical Element.com - Phosphorus. <http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/p.html>. For more information about citing online sources, please visit the MLA's Website . This page was created by Yinon Bentor. Use of this web site is restricted by this site's license  agreement . Copyright © 1996-2012 Yinon Bentor. All Rights Reserved.


In which 1963 film is Maureen O'Hara spanked by John Wayne?

McLintock! (1963) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error Wealthy rancher G.W. McLintock uses his power and influence in the territory to keep the peace between farmers, ranchers, land-grabbers, Indians and corrupt government officials. Director: 2017 Golden Globe Nominees: In & Out of Character Get a closer look at this year's Golden Globe Award nominees in real life and in the roles that earned them fame. Don't miss our live coverage of the Golden Globes beginning at 5 p.m. PST on Jan. 8 in our Golden Globes section. a list of 31 titles created 01 May 2012 a list of 46 titles created 11 Sep 2014 a list of 34 titles created 21 Nov 2014 a list of 29 titles created 20 May 2015 a list of 26 titles created 2 months ago Search for " McLintock! " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. In 1909, when John Fain's gang kidnaps Big Jake McCandles' grandson and hold him for ransom, Big Jake sets out to rescue the boy. Directors: George Sherman, John Wayne Stars: John Wayne, Richard Boone, Maureen O'Hara Ranch owner Katie Elder's four sons determine to avenge the murder of their father and the swindling of their mother. Director: Henry Hathaway Marshal Rooster Cogburn unwillingly teams up with Eula Goodnight to track down the killers of her father. Director: Stuart Millar Cattle baron John Chisum joins forces with Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett to fight the Lincoln County land war. Director: Andrew V. McLaglen J.D. Cahill is the toughest U.S. Marshal they've got, just the sound of his name makes bad guys stop in their tracks, so when his two young boys want to get his attention they decide to rob... See full summary  » Director: Andrew V. McLaglen After the Civil War, Cord McNally searches for the traitor whose perfidy caused the defeat of McNally's unit and the loss of a close friend. Director: Howard Hawks During the Alaska gold rush, prospector George sends partner Sam to Seattle to bring his fiancée but when it turns out that she married another man, Sam returns with a pretty substitute, the hostess of the Henhouse dance hall. Director: Henry Hathaway Texas Ranger Jake Cutter arrests gambler Paul Regret, but soon finds himself teamed with his prisoner in an undercover effort to defeat a band of renegade arms merchants and thieves known as Comancheros. Directors: Michael Curtiz, John Wayne Stars: John Wayne, Stuart Whitman, Ina Balin Army despatch rider Hondo Lane discovers a woman and her son living in the midst of warring Apaches, and he becomes their protector. Director: John Farrow After the Civil War, ex-Union Colonel John Henry Thomas and ex-Confederate Colonel James Langdon are leading two disparate groups of people through strife-torn Mexico. John Henry and ... See full summary  » Director: Andrew V. McLaglen The story of a man who was shot, robbed and imprisoned who returns to steal a large gold shipment from the man who wronged him. The gold is transported in an armored stage coach, the War Wagon. Director: Burt Kennedy When his cattle drivers abandon him for the gold fields, rancher Wil Andersen is forced to take on a collection of young boys as his drivers in order to get his herd to market in time to ... See full summary  » Director: Mark Rydell Edit Storyline George Washington McLintock, "GW" to friends and foes alike, is a cattle baron and the richest man in the territory. He anxiously awaits the return of his daughter Becky who has been away at school for the last two years. He's also surprised to see that his wife Katherine has also returned. She had left him some years before without really explaining what he done but she does make the point of saying that she's returned to take their daughter back to the State Capitol with her. GW is highly respected by everyone around him including the farmers who a


The Copenhagen Criteria define eligibility for national membership of what organisation?

Conditions for membership - European Commission Conditions for membership What were you looking for? Any suggestions? Conditions for membership Conditions for membership The EU operates comprehensive approval procedures that ensure new members are admitted only when they can demonstrate they will be able to play their part fully as members, namely by: complying with all the EU's standards and rules having the consent of the EU institutions and EU member states having the consent of their citizens – as expressed through approval in their national parliament or by referendum. Membership criteria – Who can join? The Treaty on the European Union states that any European country may apply for membership if it respects the democratic values of the EU and is committed to promoting them. The first step is for the country to meet the key criteria for accession. These were mainly defined at the European Council in Copenhagen in 1993 and are hence referred to as 'Copenhagen criteria'. Countries wishing to join need to have: stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; a functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competition and market forces in the EU; the ability to take on and implement effectively the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union. The EU also needs to be able to integrate new members. In the case of the countries of the Western Balkans additional conditions for membership, were set out in the so-called 'Stabilisation and Association process', mostly relating to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations. What is negotiated? The conditions and timing of the candidate's adoption, implementation and enforcement of all current EU rules (the "acquis"). These rules are divided into 35 different policy fields (chapters) , such as transport, energy, environment, etc., each of which is negotiated separately. Other issues discussed: financial arrangements – such as how much the new member is likely to pay into and receive from the EU budget (in the form of transfers) transitional arrangements – sometimes certain rules are phased in gradually, to give the new member or existing members time to adapt. Oversight by the EU institutions Throughout the negotiations, the Commission monitors the candidate's progress in applying EU legislation and meeting its other commitments, including any benchmark requirements. This gives the candidate additional guidance as it assumes the responsibilities of membership, as well as an assurance to current members that the candidate is meeting the conditions for joining. The Commission also keeps the EU Council and European Parliament informed throughout the process, through regular reports, strategy papers , and clarifications on conditions for further progress. Stay connected


What is the Irish finger ring, comprising two hands, a heart and crown, worn to indicate romatic status?

history and customs | Small size design To learn more about Claddagh.. claddagh rings..yellow and white gold The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring . The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh , located just outside the old walls of the city of Galway . The ring was first produced in the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II , though elements of the design are much older. The Claddagh’s distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart , and usually surmounted by a crown . The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols in the giving of the ring was: “With my hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love.” The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer’s romantic availability, or lack thereof. Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart pointing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship , and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship. When worn on the right hand but with the heart pointing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that “someone has captured their heart”. A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger, pointing outward away from the body, generally indicates that the wearer is engaged . When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and pointing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married . Claddaghs continue to be worn, primarily by those of Irish heritage, as both a cultural symbol and as engagement and wedding rings. At their Celtic Pagan handfasting , Scottish American musician Jim Morrison of The Doors and Irish American author Patricia Kennealy-Morrison exchanged claddagh rings. A picture of the rings was included on the cover of Kennealy-Morrison’s memoir, Strange Days: My Life With and Without Jim Morrison, and the claddaghs can be seen in most of her author photos as well. Claddagh rings have made periodic appearances in movies and television, often as a plot device to indicate the ethnic origins or relationship status of a character, to illustrate wedding scenes, or to subtly indicate that the relationship of two characters has changed. In a scene loosely based on the above wedding ceremony, Val Kilmer and Kathleen Quinlan , as fictional versions of Morrison and Kennealy-Morrison, are seen exchanging the rings in Oliver Stone’s movie, The Doors . Sometimes authors of fiction and fantasy works have given the ring a somewhat altered or fanciful symbolism to better suit their purposes, such as writer/director Joss Whedon ‘s use of the ring as a recurring plot device in the television series, Buffy The Vampire Slayer . Whedon reinterpreted the meaning of the ring – when worn on the left hand, facing in, in the usual “married” configuration – as meaning, “the wearer is destined to be with his or her love forever.” While the actual meaning ascribed to the ring in this instance is incorrect, it is used in much the same way as claddaghs have been used in more traditional roles in fiction: to provide an ongoing visual reference to the type of relationship that exists between two of the lead characters, Buffy and Angel . Posted by smallsizedesign dicembre 11, 2008 Wedding rings customs A wedding ring or wedding band consists of a metal ring , often set with diamonds or other precious stones. In certain countries it is worn on the base of the left ring finger . In other parts of the world, it is worn on the right ring finger.Such a ring symbolizes marriage : a spouse wears it to indicate a marital commitment to fidelity . The European custom of wearing such a ring has spread widely in Europe . According to some customs, the wedding ring forms the last in a series of gifts, which also may include the enga


What is the grammatical term for words such as at, in, of, to, by, under, and with?

Grammar Terms | EnglishClub Grammar Terms A glossary of English grammatical and linguistic terms, with definitions, explanations and example sentences. See also this shorter list of grammar vocabulary . This glossary of English grammar terms relates to the English language. Some terms here may have additional or extended meanings when applied to other languages. For example, "case" in some languages applies to pronouns and nouns. In English, nouns do not have case and therefore no reference to nouns is made in its definition here. Term one of two voices in English; a direct form of expression where the subject performs or "acts" the verb; see also passive voice eg: "Many people eat rice" part of speech that typically describes or "modifies" a noun eg: "It was a big dog." adjective clause seldom-used term for relative clause adjunct word or phrase that adds information to a sentence and that can be removed from the sentence without making the sentence ungrammatical eg: I met John at school. word that modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb eg: quickly, really, very adverbial clause dependent clause that acts like an adverb and indicates such things as time, place or reason eg: Although we are getting older, we grow more beautiful each day. affirmative statement that expresses (or claims to express) a truth or "yes" meaning; opposite of negative eg: The sun is hot. affix language unit ( morpheme ) that occurs before or after (or sometimes within) the root or stem of a word eg: un- in unhappy ( prefix ), -ness in happiness ( suffix ) agreement logical (in a grammatical sense) links between words based on tense , case or number eg: this phone, these phones antecedent word, phrase or clause that is replaced by a pronoun (or other substitute) when mentioned subsequently (in the same sentence or later) eg: "Emily is nice because she brings me flowers." appositive noun phrase that re-identifies or describes its neighbouring noun eg: "Canada, a multicultural country, is recognized by its maple leaf flag." verb used with the main verb to help indicate something such as tense or voice eg: I do not like you. She has finished. He can swim. bare infinitive unmarked form of the verb (no indication of tense, mood, person, or aspect) without the particle "to"; typically used after modal auxiliary verbs; see also infinitive eg: "He should come", "I can swim" basic form of a verb before conjugation into tenses etc eg: be, speak form of a pronoun based on its relationship to other words in the sentence; case can be subjective , objective or possessive eg: "I love this dog", "This dog loves me", "This is my dog" causative verb verb that causes things to happen such as "make", "get" and "have"; the subject does not perform the action but is indirectly responsible for it eg: "She made me go to school", "I had my nails painted" clause group of words containing a subject and its verb eg: "It was late when he arrived" comparative, form of an adjective or adverb made with "-er" or "more" that is used to show differences or similarities between two things (not three or more things) eg: colder, more quickly part of a sentence that completes or adds meaning to the predicate eg: Mary did not say where she was going. compound noun noun that is made up of more than one word; can be one word, or hyphenated, or separated by a space eg: toothbrush, mother-in-law, Christmas Day compound sentence sentence with at least two independent clauses ; usually joined by a conjunction eg: "You can have something healthy but you can't have more junk food." concord structure in English where one action depends on another ("if-then" or "then-if" structure); most common are 1st , 2nd , and 3rd conditionals eg: "If I win I will be happy", "I would be happy if I won" conjugate to show the different forms of a verb according to voice , mood , tense , number and person ; conjugation is quite simple in English compared to many other languages eg: I walk, you walk, he/she/it walks, we walk, they walk; I walked, you walked, he/she/it walked, we walked, they walked word


Acrophobia | Define Acrophobia at Dictionary.com acrophobia [ak-ruh-foh-bee-uh] /ˌæk rəˈfoʊ bi ə/ Spell a pathological fear of heights. Origin of acrophobia 1890-95; < New Latin; see acro- , -phobia Related forms Examples from the Web for acrophobia Expand Contemporary Examples Contemporary society has gifted us with a phobia potentially as strong as acrophobia or the fear of flying: smartphone anxiety. Do You Suffer From Smartphone Anxiety? (And if So, What the Hell’s Your Problem?) Melissa Fares April 29, 2014 Historical Examples Probably the commonest is acrophobia, so that the detailed consideration of it shows the indications for other dreads. Psychotherapy James J. Walsh British Dictionary definitions for acrophobia Expand abnormal fear or dread of being at a great height Derived Forms Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for acrophobia Expand n. "morbid fear of heights," 1887, medical Latin, from Greek akros "at the end, the top" (see acrid ) + -phobia "fear." Coined by Italian physician Dr. Andrea Verga in a paper describing the condition, from which Verga himself suffered. In this paper, read somewhat over a year ago at the congress of alienists at Pavia, the author makes confession of his own extreme dread of high places. Though fearless of the contagion of cholera, he has palpitations on mounting a step-ladder, finds it unpleasant to ride on the top of a coach or to look out of even a first-story window, and has never used an elevator. ["American Journal of Psychology," Nov. 1888, abstract of Verga's report] Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper


Idiot Box is a derogatory term for what?

Slang words for unintelligent person, idiot | Urban Thesaurus | The Online Slang Dictionary The Online Slang Dictionary Browsing page 1 of words meaning unintelligent person, idiot (141 words total) The slang words in this thesaurus category appear below the table of contents. Where does this category appear in the slang thesaurus? To expand these results, click one of the above categories. unintelligent person, idiot What slang words have this meaning? The definitions of these slang words appear below the list. Full definitions of all the slang words listed above: # missing or misplaced. My car keys are 404. This definition is questionable and is pending deletion. It will be saved from deletion if legitimate citations are found. See more words with the same meaning: computer slang . See more words with the same meaning: lost, missing, misplaced . Last edited on Jul 29 2012. Submitted by Eric B. from Fort Worth, TX, USA  on Aug 10 1998 . noun an unintelligent person; " moron "; " dimwit ". I wouldn't ask him, he's a 404. This definition is questionable and is pending deletion. It will be saved from deletion if legitimate citations are found. See more words with the same meaning: computer slang . See more words with the same meaning: unintelligent person, idiot . Last edited on Jul 29 2012. Submitted by Walt W. from Natick, Massachusetts, USA  on Jun 17 2003 . a worthless person, place, or thing. Don't go to that bar - it's a 404. This definition is questionable and is pending deletion. It will be saved from deletion if legitimate citations are found. See more words with the same meaning: bad, poor, sucks, common, generally displeasing . See more words with the same meaning: computer slang . See more words with the same meaning: uncool person, jerk, asshole (general insults - list of) . Last edited on Jul 29 2012. Submitted by Robbie G. from Stroud, Hampshire, UK  on Feb 13 2006 . verb to not know or temporarily forget; " draw a blank ". Sorry, I'm 404ing. This definition is questionable and is pending deletion. It will be saved from deletion if legitimate citations are found. See more words with the same meaning: computer slang . See more words with the same meaning: to forget . Last edited on Jul 29 2012. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 04 2009 . origin 404 is the web code for "web page not found." Last edited on Jul 17 2007. Submitted by Anonymous on Jul 17 2007 . + 40-watt club noun a hypothetical club whose members are not very " bright ", meaning intelligent. Origin: 40-watt light bulbs aren't very bright. He's a member of the 40-watt club. This definition is questionable and is pending deletion. It will be saved from deletion if legitimate citations are found. See more words with the same meaning: unintelligent person, idiot . Last edited on Dec 16 2011. Submitted by Spacemonkey from Mansfield, TX, USA  on Jan 24 2003 . + of lower than average intelligence. Riley is a few cans short of a six pack. See more words with the same meaning: unintelligent person, idiot . Last edited on Aug 21 2013. Submitted by Tiffani from IL, USA  on Nov 19 2001 . + airhead noun an unintelligent person; " dimwit ". Contains strong connotations of obliviousness or forgetfulness. Origin: term implies the person's head contains nothing but air. He's confused again. What an airhead! See more words with the same meaning: unintelligent person, idiot . Last edited on Jan 24 2011. Submitted by PJ Spalding from Denver, CO, USA  on Oct 15 1997 . a person who owns and rides an air cooled, horizontally opposed, twin cylinder, shaft drive motorcycle, e.g. older BMW motorcycles. See more words with the same meaning: vehicles (related to) . Last edited on Jan 24 2011. Submitted by Auto on Dec 27 2006 . an airbrush artist. Last edited on Jun 19 2009. Submitted by pam a. on Jun 19 2009 . + used after an adjective to indicate extremes or excessiveness; "very", "really", "extremely".


Which city hosts the headquarters of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?

Read more Press releases International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement deplores the death of Nigerian Red Cross Society aid workers in Rann, Nigeria   The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is deeply saddened by the death of a numb... IFRC Secretary General available for interviews at World Economic Forum on new `localised` vision for channelling humanitarian aid Focus Issue at Davos:  The state of humanitarian need in the world is unprecedented, with over 13... Geneva/Panama – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)... Donate Support our vital disaster response work IFRC in partnership with ammado Latest appeals


What country forms the Easterly edge of the Horn of Africa?

Landforms of Africa, Deserts of Africa, Mountain Ranges of Africa, Rivers of Africa - Worldatlas.com Print this map Atlas Mountains: This mountain system runs from southwestern Morocco along the Mediterranean coastline to the eastern edge of Tunisia. Several smaller ranges are included, namely the High Atlas, Middle Atlas and Maritime Atlas. The highest peak is Mt. Toubkal in western Morocco at 13,671 ft. (4,167 m). Congo River Basin: The Congo River Basin of Central Africa dominates the landscape of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and much of neighboring Congo. In addition, it stretches into Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Zambia. The fertile basin is about 1,400,000 sq. miles (3,600,000 sq. km) in size and contains almost 20% of the world's rain forest. The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa, and it's network of rivers, tributaries and streams help link the people and cities of the interior. Ethiopian Highlands: The Ethiopian Highlands are a rugged mass of mountains in Ethiopia, Eritrea (which is sometimes referred to as the Eritrean Highlands), and northern Somalia in the Horn of Africa. The Ethiopian Highlands form the largest continuous area of its altitude in the whole continent, with little of its surface falling below 1500 m (4,921 ft.), while the summits reach heights of up to 4550 m (14,928 ft.). Sometimes it is referred to as the Roof of Africa for its height and large area. Great Rift Valley: A dramatic depression on the earth's surface, approximately 4,000 miles (6,400 km) in length, extends from the Red Sea area near Jordan in the Middle East, south to the African country of Mozambique. In essence, it's a series of geological faults caused by huge volcanic eruptions centuries back, that subsequently created what we now call the Ethiopian Highlands, and a series of perpendicular cliffs, mountain ridges, rugged valleys and very deep lakes along it's entire length. Many of Africa's highest mountains front the Rift Valley, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and Mount Margherita. Hoggar (Ahaggar) Mountains: The Hoggar Mountains, also known as the Ahaggar, are a highland region in central Sahara, or southern Algeria, along the Tropic of Cancer. They are located about 1,500 km (900 mi) south of the capital, Algiers and just west of Tamanghasset. The region is largely rocky desert with an average altitude of more than 900 metres (2,953 feet) above sea level. The highest peak is at 3,003 meters (Mount Tahat). Kalahari Desert: It's about 100,000 sq. miles (259,000 sq. km) in size and covers much of Botswana, the southwestern region of South Africa and all of western Namibia. The desert plateau is criss-crossed by dry rivers beds and dense scrub. A few small mountain ranges are situated here including the Karas and the Huns. Large herds of wildlife are found in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, located in South Africa near its border with Namibia. Namib Desert: The Namib is a coastal desert in southern Africa that stretches for more than 2,000 km (1,200 mi) along the Atlantic coasts of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, extending southward from the Carunjamba River in Angola, through Namibia and to the Olifants River in Western Cape, South Africa. From the Atlantic coast eastward, the Namib gradually ascends in elevation, reaching up to 200 km (120 mi) inland to the foot of the Great Escarpment. Annual precipitation ranges from 2 mm (0.079 in) in the most arid regions to 200 mm (7.9 in) at the escarpment, making the Namib the only true desert in southern Africa. The Namib is also the oldest desert in the world and its geology consists of sand seas near the coast, while gravel plains and scattered mountain outcrops occur further inland. The desert's sand dunes, some of which are 300 m (980 ft) high and span 32 km (20 mi) long, are the second largest in the world after the Badain Jaran Desert dunes in China. Nile River System: The longest river in the world (flows north), rising from the highlands of southeastern Africa and running about 4,160 miles (6,693 km) in length, to


William Rufus was the nickname of which English monarch?

William II, Rufus the Red William II, Rufus the Red 1087-1100 AD William II earned the nickname Rufus either because of his red hair or his propensity for anger. William Rufus never married and had no offspring. The manner in which William the Conqueror divided his possessions caused turmoil among his sons: his eldest son Robert received the duchy of Normandy, William Rufus acquired England, and his youngest son Henry inherited 5000 pounds of silver. The contention between the brothers may have exerted an influence on the poor light in which William Rufus was historically portrayed. Many Norman barons owned property on both sides of the English Channel and found themselves in the midst of a tremendous power play. Hesitant to declare sides, most of the barons eventually aligned with Robert due to William Rufus' cruelty and avarice. Robert, however, failed to make an appearance in England and William Rufus quelled the rebellion. He turned his sights to Normandy in 1089, bribing Norman barons for support and subsequently eroding his brother's power base. In 1096, Robert, tired of governing and quarreling with his brothers, pawned Normandy to William Rufus for 10,000 marks to finance his departure to the Holy Land on the first Crusade. Robert regained possession of the duchy after William Rufus' death in 1100. William Rufus employed all the powers of the crown to secure wealth. He manipulated feudal law to the benefit of the royal treasury: shire courts levied heavy fines, confiscation and forfeitures were harshly enforced, and exorbitant inheritance taxes were imposed. His fiscal policies included (and antagonized) the church - William Rufus had no respect for the clergy and they none for him. He bolstered the royal revenue by leaving sees open and diverting the money into his coffers. He treated the Church as nothing more than a rich corporation deserving of heavy taxing at a time when the Church was gaining in influence through the Gregorian reforms of the eleventh century. Aided by his sharp-witted minister, Ranulf Flambard, William Rufus greatly profited from clerical vacancies. The failed appointment and persecution of Anselm, Abbot of Bec, as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 added fuel to the historical denigration of William II; most contemporary writings were done by monks, who cared little for the crass, blasphemous king. On August 2, 1100, William Rufus was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed while hunting. Whether the arrow was a stray shot or premeditated murder is still under debate. 1066 and All That, a satire on medieval government, remembers William II in a unique manner: "William Rufus was always very angry and red in the face and was therefore unpopular, so that his death was a Good Thing."


What is the Christian festival, meaning 'fiftieth day', celebrated on Whit Sunday?

Whit Sunday Home   Calendar   Holidays   Whit Sunday Whit Sunday Pentecost is a Christian holiday commemorating the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament of the Bible. It is also known as Whitsunday, or Whit Sunday. According to Christian texts, the Holy Spirit, often symbolized by a dove, descended on the apostles who received the gift of tongues. Pentecost celebrates this event. According to Christian texts, the Holy Spirit, often symbolized by a dove, descended on the apostles who received the gift of tongues. Pentecost celebrates this event. ©iStockphoto.com/kharps What Do People Do? In many parts of the world, Pentecost has become a traditional day for baptisms to take place. On this day, many people enjoy family gatherings, picnics, or outings to the country. Pentecost is called "the Green Holiday" in Poland. It is a time when people decorate their houses with green branches to bring blessings on the home and the people living in it. Whitsunday is linked to pagan spring rites, such as the English custom of Morris dancing and the drinking of âWhitsun aleâ. In the United States, Christians share their perspective about the meaning of Pentecost as well as how the diversity of languages and cultures can enhance their worship and fellowship with each another. Christians see Pentecost as an expansion of God's favor and care from Judaism to all peoples. Many churches celebrate Pentecost with a mass or worship service on this day. Public Life Whitsunday is a public holiday in some places around the world, including countries in Europe such as Estonia and Finland. It is not a federal holiday in countries such as Australia , Canada , the United Kingdom and the United States . Background As recorded in the New Testament of the Bible, it was on the 50th day after Easter that the apostles were praying together and the Holy Spirit descended on them. They received the âgift of tonguesâ â the ability to speak in other languages â and immediately began to preach about Jesus Christ to Jewish people from all over the world who flocked to Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavuot. Christian Pentecost became not only a commemoration of the Holy Spiritâs visit but also marks the birth of the Christian Church. Although it is not certain when Pentecost began to be observed by Christians, it may have been early as the first century. Whitsuntide, also referred to as Whitsun in modern times, is the period beginning with the Saturday before Whitsunday and ending the following Saturday. According to church tradition, Pentecost is always about seven weeks after Easter Sunday, or 50 days after Easter, including Easter Day. In some Orthodox churches, Whitsunday is observed after the date set by the western churches. This is because some Orthodox churches still observe holidays according to the Julian calendar, which preceded the Gregorian calendar adopted by many western churches. Â  The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. Symbols The symbols of Pentecost are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, the breath of God and a dove. In Estonia and Finland eggs are dyed as at Easter because their hens donât lay eggs until this time. In Germany the day is called âPfingstenâ and pink and red peonies, called âWhitsun rosesâ, are the symbols along with the birch trees. The English refer to the holiday as Whitsunday with reference to the white garments worn on Pentecost by the newly baptized. Some churches lower a carved dove into the congregation and call this âswinging the Holy Ghostâ. Cattle are decorated and an overdressed person is said to be âdressed like a Whitsun oxâ. A holdover pagan game is called âhunting the green manâ, a young man dressed in leaves and moss hides, and children hunt him. Quick Facts Many Christians all over the world annually observe Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday or Whit Sunday. Whit Sunday 2017


What is Edward Hopper's famous night-time painting of customers in an American diner?

Nighthawks, 1942 by Edward Hopper Nighthawks, 1942 by Edward Hopper Courtesy of www.EdwardHopper.net Nighthawks is a 1942 painting by Edward Hopper that portrays people sitting in a downtown diner late at night. It is Hopper's most famous work and is one of the most recognizable paintings in American art. Within months of its    completion, it was sold to the Art Institute of Chicago for $3,000, and has remained there ever since. Starting shortly after their marriage in 1924, Edward Hopper and his wife, Josephine (Jo), kept a journal in which he would, using a pencil, make a sketch-drawing of each of his paintings, along with a precise description of certain    technical details. Jo Hopper would then add additional information in which the themes of the painting are, to some degree, illuminated. A review of the page on which "Nighthawks" is entered shows (in Edward Hopper's handwriting) that the intended name of the work was actually "Night Hawks", and that the painting was completed on January 21, 1942. Jo's handwritten notes about the painting give considerably more detail, including the interesting possibility that the painting's evocative title may have had its origins as a reference to the beak-shaped nose of the man at the bar: Night + brilliant interior of cheap restaurant. Bright items: cherry wood counter + tops of surrounding stools; light on metal tanks at rear right; brilliant streak of jade green tiles 3/4 cross canvas at base of glass of window        curving at corner. Light walls, dull yellow ocre [sic] door into kitchen right. Very good looking blond boy in white (coat, cap) inside counter. Girl in red blouse, brown hair eating sandwich. Man night hawk (beak) in dark suit, steel        grey hat, black band, blue shirt (clean) holding cigarette. Other figure dark sinister back at left. Light side walk outside pale greenish. Darkish red brick houses opposite. Sign across top of restaurant, dark Phillies 5c cigar.        Picture of cigar. Outside of shop dark, green. Note: bit of bright ceiling inside shop against dark of outside street at edge of stretch of top of window. Nighthawks was probably Hopper's most ambitious essay in capturing the night-time effects of manmade light. For one thing, the diner's plate-glass windows cause far more light to spill out onto the sidewalk and the brownstones    on the far side of the street than is true in any of his other paintings. As well, this interior light comes from more than a single lightbulb, with the result that multiple shadows are cast, and some spots are brighter than others as a    consequence of being lit from more than one angle. Across the street, the line of shadow caused by the upper edge of the diner window is clearly visible towards the top of the painting. These windows, and the ones below them as well,    are partly lit by an unseen streetlight, which projects its own mix of light and shadow. As a final note, the bright interior light causes some of the surfaces within the diner to be reflective. This is clearest in the case of the    right-hand edge of the rear window, which reflects a vertical yellow band of interior wall, but fainter reflections can also be made out, in the counter-top, of three of the diner's occupants. None of these reflections would be visible    in daylight. Hopper's biographer, Gail Levin, speculates that Hopper may have been inspired by Vincent Van Gogh 's Caf� at Night , which was showing at a    gallery in New York in January 1942. The similarity in lighting and themes makes this possible; it is certainly very unlikely that Hopper would have failed to see the exhibition, and as Levin notes, the painting had twice been exhibited    in the company of Hopper's own works. Beyond this, there is no evidence that Caf� at Night exercised an influence on Nighthawks. Although there is no evidence at all (other than the fact that Hopper admired the story), Levin also    suggests that he may have been inspired by Ernest Hemingway's 1927 short story, The Killers. MOST POP


On which island did Noel Coward spend the last 23 years of his life?

Noël Coward - Biography - IMDb Noël Coward Jump to: Overview  (5) | Mini Bio  (1) | Trivia  (53) | Personal Quotes  (34) | Salary  (1) Overview (5) 6' (1.83 m) Mini Bio (1) Noel Coward virtually invented the concept of Englishness for the 20th century. An astounding polymath - dramatist, actor, writer, composer, lyricist, painter, and wit -- he was defined by his Englishness as much as he defined it. He was indeed the first Brit pop star, the first ambassador of "cool Britannia." Even before his 1924 drugs-and-sex scandal of The Vortex, his fans were hanging out of their scarves over the theater balcony, imitating their idol's dress and repeating each "Noelism" with glee. Born in suburban Teddington on 16 December 1899, Coward was on stage by the age of six, and writing his first drama ten years later. A visit to New York in 1921 infused him with the pace of Broadway shows, and he injected its speed into staid British drama and music to create a high-octane rush for the jazz-mad, dance-crazy 1920s. Coward's style was imitated everywhere, as otherwise quite normal Englishmen donned dressing gowns, stuck cigarettes in long holders and called each other "dahling"; his revues propagated the message, with songs sentimental ("A Room With A View," "I'll See You Again") and satirical ("Mad Dogs and Englishmen," "Don't Put Your Daughter On the Stage, Mrs. Worthington"). His between-the-wars celebrity reached a peak in 1930 with "Private Lives," by which time he had become the highest earning author in the western world. With the onset of World War II he redefined the spirit of the country in films such as This Happy Breed (1944), In Which We Serve (1942), Blithe Spirit (1945) and, perhaps most memorably, Brief Encounter (1945). In the postwar period, Coward, the aging Bright Young Thing, seemed outmoded by the Angry Young Men, but, like any modern pop star, he reinvented himself, this time as a hip cabaret singer: "Las Vegas, Flipping, Shouts "More!" as Noel Coward Wows 'Em in Cafe Turn" enthused Variety. By the 1960s, his reappraisal was complete -- "Dad's Renaissance", called it -- and his "Hay Fever" was the first work by a living author to be produced at the National Theatre. He was knighted -- at last -- in 1970, and died in his beloved Jamaica on 26 March 1973. Since his death, his reputation has grown. There is never a point at which his plays are not being performed, or his songs being sung. A playwright, director, actor, songwriter, filmmaker, novelist, wit . . . was there nothing this man couldn't do? Born into a musical family he was soon treading the boards in various music hall shows where he met a young girl called Gertrude Lawrence , a friendship and working partnership that lasted until her death. His early writings were mainly short songs and sketches for the revue shows popular in the 1920s, but even his early works often contained touches of the genius to come ("Parisian Pierrot" 1923). He went on to write and star (with Gertie) in his own revues, but the whiff of scandal was never far away, such as that from the drug addict portrayed in "The Vortex." Despite his obvious homosexual lifestyle he was taken to the hearts of the people and soon grew into one of the most popular writer/performers of his time. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Steve Crook <steve@brainstorm.co.uk> Trivia (53) HRH Prince Edward Wessex unveiled a statue of Coward at a gathering of the Broadway theatre community on Monday, 1 March 1999, at the Gershwin Theatre (221 West 51st St.). The ceremony was the first in a year-long series of events in New York celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the British playwright, songwriter, and performer. He was created a Knight Bachelor in the 1970 Queen's New Year Honours List for his services to drama. Godfather of actor Daniel Massey . Mother named him Noel because his birthday arrived so close to Christmas. Was performing onstage before he was 10. Wrote some 140 plays, and hundreds of songs. Turned down the role of Humbert in Lolita (1962). Worked undercover for British Intellegence during WWII.


Who illustrated Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass?

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass: Illustrated: Lewis Carroll, Sir John Tenniel: 9781514380291: Amazon.com: Books By A Customer on February 22, 2001 Format: Hardcover I finally, and seemingly permanently, misplaced the 40 year old copy of 'The Annotated Alice' (which I had pilfered from my mother's bookshelf) for the last time. I can't go more than a month or two without it so I rushed to buy a new copy...just weeks before the more beautifully bound 'Definitive Edition' was published. No matter, now I have two (perhaps even three if the original turns up). My point is that this book contributed more to my understanding of logic and wordplay than several semesters of college philosophy classes. If you've read this far then I am probably preaching to the choir but 'Alice in Wonderland' can hardly be classified as a childrens' book, dispite Disney's attempts to do so. The concepts Lewis Carroll and Martin Gardner bring to this tale cover such areas as set theory, meta-language, Aristotelian logic, topography, game theory, several pre-Socratic logic paradoxes, and even quantum physics. Yet John Tenniel's original illustrations remain as an welcome tether to the original publication. Gardner does a wonderful job of bringing all the various aspects of these two stories together as he illuminates layer upon layer of meaning that might not be evident to an American audience or, for that matter, a 21st century one. My favorite gems are the French and German translations of The Jabberwocky. This book ranks in my top five favorite books of all time.


A Hoosier is a native of which American state?

Hoosier | Define Hoosier at Dictionary.com Hoosier a native or inhabitant of Indiana (used as a nickname). 2. (usually lowercase) any awkward, unsophisticated person, especially a rustic. Origin of Hoosier 1920-30, Americanism; of uncertain origin Related forms Examples from the Web for Hoosier Expand Contemporary Examples Our legislators passed laws regarding consent and record keeping to ensure high standards of quality and care for Hoosier women. Swing States Sit Out Obamacare: What Four Holdouts Are Doing David Freedlander September 26, 2013 Historical Examples The Hoosier rosebud allowed a delicate pink to manifest itself on her cheeks, and looked down in soft confusion. David Lannarck, Midget George S. Harney The effect was tremendous, and the Hoosier's shouts could be heard for miles. British Dictionary definitions for Hoosier Expand (US) a native or inhabitant of Indiana Word Origin Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for Hoosier Expand "native or resident of Indiana," by c.1830, American English, of unknown origin; fanciful explanations were printed in 1830s newspapers. Said to have been first printed Jan. 1, 1833, in the "Indianapolis Journal," in a poem, "The Hoosiers Nest," by John Finely, which poem was said to have been written in 1830 ["The Word Hoosier," "Indiana Historical Society Publications," vol. IV, No. 2, 1907], and to have been in oral use from late 1820s. Seemingly it originated among Ohio River boatmen; perhaps related to English dialectal (Cumberland) hoozer, used of anything unusually large [Barnhart]. For other theories, see the above quoted source. Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Slang definitions & phrases for Hoosier Expand A prison guard (1930s+ Prison) [origin uncertain; perhaps related to southern Appalachian hoozer, ''anything unusually large, humdinger''] Hoosier


What is the highest rank of officer in the RAF?

RAF officer ranks | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia 1 Currently honorary/wartime rank only. Origins Edit Lieutenant-General David Henderson originally proposed that Royal Air Force officers use a combination of British Army and Royal Navy ranks. However, the War Office argued that the RAF should have its own ranks and the Admiralty opposed any use of their rank titles. Badges of rank On 1 April 1918, Air Force Memorandum 2 specified rank insignia for the newly established independent force. Rank was to be worn on the jacket cuff and was derived from the Royal Navy's rings, each equivalent rank having the same number of rings. However, Second Lieutenants (now Pilot Officers) displayed a crowned eagle only and the Navy's loop was not used for any rank. Depending on the uniform, either gold or pale blue on grey braid was worn.
In August 1918, Air Ministry Weekly Order 617 added a single band of 1/4 inch braid below the Second Lieutenant's eagle and all other officer ranks also received a crowned eagle above their braid.
<img data-rte-meta="%7B%22type%22%3A%22broken-image%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22RAF_Mess_Dress_Rank_Flt_Lt.jpg%22%2C%22placeholder%22%3A1%2C%22wikitext%22%3A%22%5B%5BImage%3ARAF%20Mess%20Dress%20Rank%20Flt%20Lt.jpg%7Cthumb%7C100px%7Cleft%7CRAF%20%5B%5BMess%20Dress%5D%5D%20cuff%20insignia%20for%20a%20Flight%20Lieutenant%5D%5D%22%7D" data-rte-instance="104-12108615114f6a0a26ad883" class="placeholder placeholder-broken-image" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAEALAAAAAABAAEAQAICTAEAOw%3D%3D" type="broken-image" /> In 1919 the colour of the rank braid was changed to black with a central pale blue stripe. However, on RAF mess dress rank continued to be displayed in gold. Rank titles Edit As mentioned above, it was originally proposed that the RAF ranks were to be derived from existing Royal Navy and Army ranks. Both services were consulted and both reacted unfavourably—the Navy unhappy about the use of its higher ranks and the Army complaining it provided the "junior ranks". This resulted in a compromise whereby the officer ranks were proposed to be Ensign, Lieutenant, Flight Leader, Squadron Leader, Reeve, Banneret, Fourth Ardian, Third Ardian, Second Ardian, Ardian and Air Marshal. A further proposal was Ensign, Lieutenant, Flight-Leader, Squadron-Leader, Wing-Leader, Leader, Flight Ardian, Squadron Ardian, Wing Ardian, Ardian, Air Marshal. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, these contrived ranks were rejected and on 1 August 1919, Air Ministry Weekly Order 973 introduced new rank titles for RAF officers. They were based on Royal Navy ranks and their titles were influenced by the usage in the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) during World War I . For example, the RAF rank of Flight Lieutenant was based on the RNAS rank of the same name. The rank of Squadron Leader derived its na


What is the surname of Eddie played by Adrian Edmondson in the UK TV series Bottom?

Einstein Factor: TV Series - Bottom TV Series - Bottom Q. 'Bottom's' Richie and Eddie share a flat in which West London suburb? A. Hammersmith [and Fulham] Q. Featuring a spiky animal is the name of Christopher Ryanï¿½s character Dave who? A. Hedgehog Q. What large, heavyset, originally German guard dog is also the surname of a character who appeared in the TV series ï¿½Bottomï¿½? A. Rottweiler Q. What is the three-word full name of the character played by Adrian Edmondson in ï¿½Bottomï¿½? A. Edward Elizabeth Hitler Q. In the crossword puzzle scene in the episode ï¿½Cultureï¿½, what was the name of the ironmonger whose dog they ate? A. Harold Q. What is Richie and Eddieï¿½s regular pub that features an animal in its name? A. [The] Lamb and Flag Q. What incongruously large item does Richie extract from his trousers in the episode ï¿½Carnivalï¿½? A. Video Camera / Camcorder Q. The first episode went to air in the United Kingdom on 17 September of which year? A. 1991 Q. In the episode ï¿½Paradeï¿½, Richie and Eddie steal and then pawn a war veteranï¿½s what? A. Artificial/False(etc) leg Q. Lady Natasha of the many names was identified as a countess from where in Eastern Europe? A. Moldavia Q. In the second season, Eddie and Richie join a dating agency called ï¿½Lily whatï¿½? A. [Lily] Lineker's Love Bureau Q. In Season 3, Episode 6, Richie said: ï¿½I was filming my wife accidentally sewing her what to the curtainsï¿½? A. Head Q. Not exactly what Eddie was expecting when he purchased it is which video actually about the history of Victorian pottery? A. Big Jugs Q. The series theme tune is performed by the appropriately named jazz ensemble called the what? A. The Bum Notes BONUS QUESTION In the final episode Eddie Hitler commits suicide in a golf bunker. A. FALSE (he is gunned down by the British secret police


What famous battle began with the English on Senlac Hill?

Senlac | hill, Battle, England, United Kingdom | Britannica.com hill, Battle, England, United Kingdom THIS IS A DIRECTORY PAGE. Britannica does not currently have an article on this topic. Learn about this topic in these articles:   in Battle A ridge to the southeast, called Senlac, was the site of the famous Battle of Hastings in which William I the Conqueror defeated the English in 1066. Before the battle William vowed to build an abbey on the spot if victorious, and in 1094 its church was consecrated, with an altar standing where the English king Harold II fell. The great gateway, built in 1338, survives alongside the town, but...


Vodka, Cointrea (or Triple Sec), cranberry juice and lime-juice make up which cocktail?

Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe Home Page   »  Recipes  »  Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe 60 comments Not overly sweet or too tart, our cosmopolitan cocktail recipe is perfect to shake up for one or even prepare in advance for a crowd. Jump to the Cosmopolitan Cocktail recipe now or read on to see how we make it. While there are many variations, ours comes from what we (and most of our friends) keep stocked in our pantry. Good vodka, triple sec (although you could use Cointreau) and fresh lime. A twist of sweet fragrant orange peel and you’re set. You May Also Like This: How to make one of our favorite cocktails: The Old Fashioned . See our recipe and tips for making the best Old Fashioned at home. What You Need to Know – Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe When choosing the vodka, go for something mid to high range. We’ll usually stock Stolichnaya or “Stoli,” but use what you know you enjoy. The other thing to remember, here is to use fresh lime juice – not the bottled stuff. We realize it’s a little more work, but the taste is so much better. Lastly, we love adding a little orange peel to this. Sure, it may look like an unnecessary garnish, but if you do it right, it’s adds a little sweetness and as you go into to take a sip of the cosmopolitan cocktail, you’ll get orange essence, which hides the strength and scent of the vodka. When you add the orange peel, peel it over the drink. This way, any oils that spray out from the orange, fall into the drink. Rubbing the edges of the glass doesn’t hurt either. It’s such a fresh, bright and happy drink. Don’t you think? TAKE A LOOK: You may also like these cocktails  Ginger Cosmopolitan Cocktail  or this  Champagne Cosmopolitan Recipe Recipe updated, originally posted December 2012. Since posting this in 2012, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear and added a quick recipe video. – Adam and Joanne


What British term equates to the American 'quarter-note' in music?

Note Duration The length of time that a note is played is called its note duration, which is determined by the type of note. The whole note has the longest note duration in modern music. The half note has half the duration of a whole note. Two half notes occupy the same amount of time as one whole note. The quarter note is a fourth (or a quarter) of a whole note. Four quarter notes occupy the same amount of time as one whole note. Two quarter notes equal the duration of a half note. Notes smaller in duration than a quarter note have flags. Each flag halves the value of a note. An eighth note has one flag. Therefore, two eighth notes occupy the same amount of time as one quarter note. A sixteenth note has two flags, halving the value again. Two sixteenth notes equal the duration of an eighth note. Four sixteenth notes occupy the same amount of time as one quarter note. Although it is possible to have notes with three or more flags, they are seldom used. This chart displays the relationship of all five note types discussed in this lesson.


What metal, safely used in food colouring, has the E-Number 175?

What happens when you eat gold? - Quora Quora Written Apr 7, 2016 Gold is a precious mineral that is used in jewelry. Gold is dense, soft, shiny and the most malleable and ductile pure metal known. Currently the gold price has reached above $900 for each troy ounce or 12 ounces. Besides being used for jewelry, gold is also used in drink and food as luxury decoration or a symbol of wealth. The gold we are talking about here is not the solid gold that is used in jewelry, for making rings, earrings, or necklaces, but is gold leaf, gold flakes, or gold dust that is added to be the topping of the food. Pure gold leaf is 24 karat. In its pure state it is very soft and delicate. Therefore, it is typically mixed with other alloys to create different levels of hardness and to adjust the color tone of the leaf. That is why most jewelry is 14kt, 18kt or 22kt gold (mixed with copper, etc.) because 24kt gold is too soft for jewelry for daily wear and tear. Gold leaf is the same principle. Mostly mixed with copper, silver, etc. The alloys mixed in to create these variances are not edible (like copper). The problem is can we eat gold? As we know gold is category as metal element which is toxic in our body and element that can’t be break down or ingest by our body. Edible gold is almost pure gold, but mixed with silver only, which is edible, so it is completely digestible. Edible gold is tasteless and doesn’t offer any nutrition, so it is only used in decorating food and drink to be more luxurious and precious. Gold also has an E number of 175 stated as food coloring. Ten grams of edible gold costs a pound $500 and can usually only be afforded by the wealthy people to show they are rich and fulfill their demand for luxury lifestyle. Many high class restaurant chefs also use edible gold to decorate their food; usually they only put a few edible gold flakes on the top of the food to increase the class and the price of it. Now, if we think about that gold is only a tasteless and non-beneficial mineral to consume, and how expensive it is, the mystery is why do people still demand it? The Frrrozen Haute Chocolate As an example of the use of gold on food items, there is the Frrrozen Haute Chocolate introduced by Serendipity 3, a popular restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan founded by Stephen Bruce. The Frrrozen Haute Chocolate costs $25,000 and was named the world’s most expensive dessert by Guinness World Record. The dessert is a frozen, slushy mix of cocoas from 14 countries, milk and 5 grams of 24-carat gold topped with whip cream and shavings from a La Madeline au Truffle, they even add several gold flakes for more luxury. It is also served in a goblet with a band of gold decorated with 1 carat of diamonds and served with a golden spoon diners can take home. Many visitors came to witness the ceremony of the world's most expensive dessert being recorded for the Guinness Book of World Records, but most of them commented that it is too expensive or too much of a luxury item for a cup of cocoa on a Sunday morning. Goldwasser is a strong root and herbal liqueur which has been produced since at least 1598 in Danzig. The most prominent characteristic of this alcohol beverage is small flakes of 22kt or 23kt gold suspended in it. Alcoholic solutions were used by artists for Gilding, which is believed to be the inspiration for the drink. Alchemy, which was at its high point in the 16th century when Goldwasser appeared, held gold to have many desirable medical properties. Since the flakes are extremely small and thin, the price is not prohibitive. For a 750ml bottle of Goldwasser, it just cost around $30, which is more affordable for all people who want to try a taste of gold liqueur. During Japan's bubble economy period, in Kanazawa, which is the centre of gold leaf production, it is in a hard situation where the demand for gold leaf has decreased rapidly. They then try to sell it by combining the gold leaves with coffee, green tea, and hard candy. The gold leaf used in coffee usually is floating in the cup and in form of tiny letters. Th


Almeria, Merlot, and Waltham Cross are which fruit?

3. GRAPE PRODUCTION IN AUSTRALIA 3. GRAPE PRODUCTION IN AUSTRALIA *Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Horticulture Institute, P.O. Box 501, Stanthorpe 4380, Queensland, Australia. 1. INTRODUCTION The first grapevine planting material arrived in Australia with white settlement in 1788. Today grapes are grown commercially in all States and Territories. Grape growing (wine, raisin, and table) is the largest fruit industry in Australia with production in a wide range of environments from temperate to tropical. Wine grape production and wine making is the largest and most predominant of the three viticulture industries. There has been considerable change in production in all three industries over the last 4 years, up to 1999. Wine grape production has almost doubled to 1,076,207 tonnes and dried grape production has fallen to 119,438 tonnes, largely in response to export markets plus increasing imports of dried grapes. Table grape production has increased by almost 60 percent to 69,891 tonnes fuelled by industry expansion in sub-tropical regions and increasing exports to Asia. A feature of recent industry expansion has been the increased planting of varieties specific to the end use (wine, dried, table). Nevertheless, the multipurpose varieties such as Sultana, Muscat Gordo Blanco and Waltham Cross continue to account for 40 percent of white grape production in Australia. Grape growers redirect their fruit from drying to processing for wine or production of table grapes as the fortunes of each industry waxes and wanes. A comparison with other grape producing countries throughout the world shows that Australia was the 14th largest producer of grapes (tonnes) in 1997, when Australia was ranked 9th in the world for volume of wine produced. While 28 percent of production (170.6 ML) was exported, this amounted to only a very small percentage of world wine exports. Australia is a relatively small producer and exporter of table grapes and raisins by world standards. The viticulture industries in Australia are well developed, innovative and utilize the latest production practices. Australia is ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of average grape yield (t/ha). There is a high degree of mechanization in the vineyard, particularly in the wine grape and raisin industries. A substantial research, development and extension effort continues to generate practices that improve production efficiency and grape quality. 2. CURRENT STATUS OF GRAPE PRODUCTION Grapes are grown in all States of Australia but most of the production is in the temperate zone. The three largest States by production are South Australia (Riverland), Victoria (Sunraysia) and New South Wales (Riverina) (Table 1). Wine grapes are grown in all States, table grapes in all States except Tasmania and raisins in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. Important grape production districts are shown in Figure 1. Over the last five years wine grape production has almost doubled, raisin production declined slightly and table grape production increased moderately (Table 2). Further substantial increases in wine grape production will occur during the next two to three years as non-bearing vines come into production and reach mature cropping levels. Most of the growth in the table grape industry has occurred in sub-tropical areas across northern Australia. Production volumes will increase over the next two years when these new vineyards come into bearing. New plantings of wine grapes are expected to slow down, while raisin grapes will remain static and table grapes show a slight increase. Table 1. Production of Wine grapes, Raisins and Table grapes in Australia, 1998-99 (in tonnes). Wine making Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue No. 1329.0, 1999. 3. PRODUCTION OF PLANTING MATERIAL Production, supply and maintenance of healthy planting material are well organized and wholly undertaken by industry. There are three tiers involved, namely, the national, state and individual nursery operator levels. The Australian Vine Improvement As