Where would you find the Caves of Altamira, famous for prehistoric paintings on the rock?

Prehistoric Cave Paintings discovered in Europe One might expect that the first examples of art would be simple and crude. However the oldest cave paintings are the evidence that modern humans were astonishingly quick in developing their artistic skills. Ancient Cave Paintings Cave paintings are paintings found on cave walls and ceilings, and especially refer to those of prehistoric origin. The earliest such art in Europe dates back to the Aurignacian period, approximately 40,000 years ago, and is found in the El Castillo cave in Cantabria, Spain. The exact purpose of the paleolithic cave paintings is not known. Evidence suggests that they were not merely decorations of living areas, since the caves in which they have been found do not have signs of ongoing habitation. They are also often located in areas of caves that are not easily accessible. Some theories hold that cave paintings may have been a way of communicating with others, while other theories ascribe a religious or ceremonial purpose to them. Nearly 340 caves have now been discovered in France and Spain that contain art from prehistoric times. Initially, the age of the paintings had been a contentious issue, since methods like radiocarbon dating can produce misleading results if contaminated by samples of older or newer material, and caves and rocky overhangs (where parietal art is found) are typically littered with debris from many time periods. But subsequent technology has made it possible to date the paintings by sampling the pigment itself and the torch marks on the walls. The choice of subject matter can also indicate chronology. For instance, the reindeer depicted in the Spanish cave of Cueva de las Monedas places the drawings in the last Ice Age. The oldest known cave art comes from the Cave of El Castillo in northern Spain, and may be more than 40,000 years old. This date coincides with the earliest known evidence for Homo sapiens in Europe. Because of their age, some scientists have conjectured that the paintings may have been made by Neanderthals. The second-oldest known cave art is that of Chauvet Cave in France, the paintings of which date to earlier than 30,000 BCE (Upper Paleolithic) according to radiocarbon dating. Some researchers believe the drawings are too advanced for this era and question this age. However, more than 80 radiocarbon dates had been taken by 2011, with samples taken from torch marks and from the paintings themselves, as well as from animal bones and charcoal found on the cave floor. The radiocarbon dates from these samples show that there were two periods of creation in Chauvet: 35,000 years ago and 30,000 years ago. One of the surprises was that many of the paintings were modified repeatedly over thousands of years, possibly explaining the confusion about finer paintings that seemed to date earlier than cruder ones. In 2009, spelunkers discovered drawings in Coliboaia Cave in Romania, stylistically comparable to those at Chauvet. An initial dating puts the age of an image in the same range as Chauvet: about 32,000 years old. In Australia, cave paintings have been found on the Arnhem Land plateau showing megafauna which are thought to have been extinct for over 40,000 years, making this site another candidate for oldest known painting; however, the proposed age is dependent on the estimate of the extinction of the species seemingly depicted. Another Australian site, Nawarla Gabarnmang, has charcoal drawings that have been radiocarbon-dated to 28,000 years, making it the oldest site in Australia and among the oldest in the world for which reliable date evidence has been obtained. Other examples may date as late as the Early Bronze Age, but the well-known Magdalenian style seen at Lascaux in France (c. 15,000 BCE) and Altamira in Spain died out about 10,000 BCE, coinciding with the advent of the Neolithic period. Some caves probably continued to be painted over a period of several thousands of years. Theories and interpretations Henri Breuil interpreted the paintings as being hunting magic, meant to increase the number of anim


"Complete the title of this James Bond film: ""The World Is Not ... """

The World Is Not Enough (1999) - 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 The World Is Not Enough ( 1999 ) PG-13 | James Bond uncovers a nuclear plot when he protects an oil heiress from her former kidnapper, an international terrorist who can't feel pain. Director: From $12.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 22 titles created 27 Jun 2011 a list of 26 titles created 21 Jul 2013 a list of 24 titles created 10 Jun 2014 a list of 25 titles created 04 Feb 2015 a list of 49 titles created 02 Mar 2015 Title: The World Is Not Enough (1999) 6.4/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 7 wins & 12 nominations. See more awards  » Videos James Bond heads to stop a media mogul's plan to induce war between China and the UK in order to obtain exclusive global media coverage. Director: Roger Spottiswoode James Bond is sent to investigate the connection between a North Korean terrorist and a diamond mogul who is funding the development of an international space weapon. Director: Lee Tamahori James Bond teams up with the lone survivor of a destroyed Russian research center to stop the hijacking of a nuclear space weapon by a fellow agent formerly believed to be dead. Director: Martin Campbell James Bond goes rogue and sets off to unleash vengeance on a drug lord who tortured his best friend, a C.I.A. agent, and left him for dead and murdered his bride after he helped capture him. Director: John Glen James Bond is living on the edge to stop an evil arms dealer from starting another world war. Bond crosses all seven continents in order to stop the evil Whitaker and General Koskov. Director: John Glen A fake Fabergé egg and a fellow agent's death lead James Bond to uncover an international jewel-smuggling operation, headed by the mysterious Octopussy, being used to disguise a nuclear attack on N.A.T.O. forces. Director: John Glen James Bond is led to believe that he is targeted by the world's most expensive assassin while he attempts to recover sensitive solar cell technology that is being sold to the highest bidder. Director: Guy Hamilton James Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads with the help of a KGB agent whose lover he killed. Director: Lewis Gilbert Agent 007 is assigned to hunt for a lost British encryption device and prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Director: John Glen 007 is sent to stop a diabolically brilliant heroin magnate armed with a complex organization and a reliable psychic tarot card reader. Director: Guy Hamilton An investigation of a horse-racing scam leads 007 to a mad industrialist who plans to create a worldwide microchip monopoly by destroying California's Silicon Valley. Director: John Glen James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle and discovers a plot to commit global genocide. Director: Lewis Gilbert Edit Storyline James Bond is back. An oil tycoon is murdered in MI6 and Bond is sent to protect his daughter. Renard, who has a bullet lodged in his brain from a previous agent, is secretly planning the destruction of a pipeline. Bond gains a hand from a research scientist, Dr. Christmas Jones who witnesses the action which happens when Bond meets up with Renard, but Bond becomes suspicious about Elektra King, especially when Bond's boss, M goes missing. Bond must work quickly to prevent Renard from destroying Europe. Written by simon See All (141)  » Taglines: Some men want to rule the world... Some women ask for the world... Some believe the world is theirs for the taking... But for one man, The World Is Not Enough!!! See more  » Genres: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence, some sexuality and innuendo | See all certifications  » Parents Guide: 19 November 1999 (USA) See more  » Also Known As: $35,519,007        (USA) (19 Novem


"What band's lead singer is known as ""Suggs""?"

I want to find a cure for cancer, says Madness singer Suggs - Telegraph Rock and Pop Features I want to find a cure for cancer, says Madness singer Suggs Better known for ska hits like Baggy Trousers and House of Fun, the  rollie-smoking pop star is now taking on the fight against cancer and the  rehabilitation of young offenders in his spare time Madness vocalist Graham 'Suggs' McPherson in Soho Photo: Rex Features Comments Suggs is on a mission. After his wife Anne recovered from breast cancer, her sister Alanah was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She died within a couple of months, in October 2012, at the age of 60. It left him determined to find a cure for her strain of the disease. Brought up as an only child by his mother after his heroin addict father was committed to an asylum (apparently for injecting paraffin), the lead singer of Madness, one of the most successful bands of the 1980s, is a family man. With his wife and two daughters, he would spend every holiday with Alanah, her husband and two sons. “It’s very hard to diagnose so more often than not people with pancreatic cancer are way down the line and that’s the tragedy of it,” he says. “You think, ‘Oh my God, that’s such a virulent form’ because they die so quickly, when in fact it’s not really, it’s just they’ve been diagnosed so late. It can be misdiagnosed as all sorts of things.” We’re sitting in Suggs’ local pub in north London and ironically he’s smoking roll-ups, although he’s planning to give up. He’s heavily set, around 13 stone and six foot one. He has the beginnings of a craggy face, a rugged voice, his hair is turning silver and he’s wearing a beige jacket with a colourful, striped handkerchief peeking out. He was already with Madness by the time he was 16 and never went to university. “I like drinking. All vices in moderation,” he says, before adding, “I like to moderate my moderation.” It’s still mid- afternoon but he orders a beer with a lemonade top . “We’d seen what Anne had been through and our immediate reaction was that, however bad it is, Alanah would get through it because we’re such strong people. "But she didn’t. It was a big shock to all of us.” Suggs and his wife spent what turned out to be some of Alanah’s last days with her in Italy. “We were still trying to get her to swim and obviously she was getting more and more exhausted,” he recalls. As he speaks, a young child starts squawking. Suggs is not impressed. “I hate kids in pubs,” he admits. “Left on the doorstep when I was a kid, and you were lucky to be there.” His compassion seems to go hand in hand with a hint of no-nonsense. Suggs is on a mission to cure cancer Before the very end, Alanah rallied briefly, and the family found her singing "Help Me Make It Through The Night" on her hospital bed. “We had a great, really deep philosophical time with her in the last week. It doesn’t sound a lot but that extra week was something I’ll remember for ever,” says Suggs. After his sister-in-law’s death he thought of running a marathon but didn’t make it past the nearest tube station. One of his two daughters, however, suggested a fund-raising campaign and, through a series of events in which Madness have performed, they’ve raised around £200,000 so far. “We saw some of the research, what’s happening to some of the money we’ve been raising, and it has been really remarkable,” he says. He’s witnessed for himself through the microscope the work being done on trying to train virus-fighting cells to target cancerous ones. Witnessing his sister-in-law “cut down” in her late 40s has made him more aware of how lucky he is to be alive. And the campaign to raise awareness has led him to meet MPs at the House of Commons. “It has started consuming me,” he says. His campaigning, of course, is not what Suggs is famous for. After a childhood spent in London and, for a period, with his cousins in Wales while his mother was looking for somewhere permanent to live, he got to know his future Madness bandmates hanging around Hampstead as a teenager. His mother, with whom he has always had a “fantas


According to Ovid, a giant called Argus had his hundred what preserved forever in a peacock's tail, by the goddess Hera?

greek mythology | Astrology and Art Astrology and Art Astraea (Justice) leaves the Earth Painting by Salvator Rosa (1615-1673) Kunsthistorische Museum, Wien Mercury and Argus by Diego Velazquez 1659, now in Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain In Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes or Argos, guardian of the heifer-nymph Io and son of Arestor, was a primordial giant whose epithet, “Panoptes”, “all-seeing”, led to his being described with multiple, often one hundred, eyes. Argus was Hera’s servant. Hera’s defining task for Argus was to guard the white heifer Io from Zeus, keeping her chained to the sacred olive tree at the Argive Heraion.She charged him to “Tether this cow safely to an olive-tree at Nemea”. Hera knew that the heifer was in reality Io, one of the many nymphs Zeus was coupling with to establish a new order. To free Io, Zeus had Argus slain by Hermes. Hermes, disguised as a shepherd, first put all of Argus’s eyes asleep with spoken charms, then slew him by hitting him with a stone, the first stain of bloodshed among the new generation of gods. According to Ovid, to commemorate her faithful watchman, Hera had the hundred eyes of Argus preserved forever, in a peacock’s tail. Share this: The Education of Achilles by Chiron   In Greek mythology, Sagittarius represents a centaur, a half human, half horse creature with the torso of a man and the body and four legs of a horse. The centaur is depicted as aiming an arrow toward the heart of the neighbouring constellation Scorpio, represented by the red supergiant star Antares. Most interpretations conclude that the mythology of Sagittarius refers to the centaur Chiron. Like the satyrs, centaurs were notorious for being wild and lusty, overly indulgent drinkers and carousers, given to violence when intoxicated, and generally uncultured delinquents. Chiron, by contrast, was intelligent, civilized and kind, but he was not related directly to the other centaurs. He was known for his knowledge and skill with medicine. A great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, Chiron was said to be the first among centaurs and highly revered as a teacher and tutor. Among his pupils were many culture heroes: Asclepius, Aristaeus, Ajax, Aeneas, Actaeon, Caeneus, Theseus, Achilles, Jason, Peleus, Telamon, Perseus, sometimes Heracles, Oileus, Phoenix, and in one Byzantine tradition, even Dionysus. Other interpretations suggest that the myth behind Sagittarius actually refers to Crotus, a satyr that lived on Mount Helicon with the Muses. Satyrs have human heads and torsos with goat legs (and sometimes horns). Crotus, much like Chiron, was a skilled musician and hunter. He even invented the bow, according to Greek mythology. Because he was close to the Muses, they were the ones who asked Zeus to place him in the sky. Share this: aphrodite , eros , greek mythology , pisces According to one Greek myth, Pisces represents the fish into which Aphrodite  and her son Eros  transformed in order to escape the monster Typhon. Typhon, the “father of all monsters” had been sent by Gaia to attack the gods, which led Pan to warn the others before himself changing into a goat-fish and jumping into the Euphrates. A similar myth, one which the fish “Pisces” carry Aphrodite and her son out of danger, is resounded in Manilius’ five volume poetic work Astronomica: “Venus ow’d her safety to their Shape.” Another myth is that an egg fell into the Euphrates river. It was then rolled to the shore by fish. Doves sat on the egg until it hatched, out from which came Aphrodite. As a sign of gratitude towards the fish, Aphrodite put the fish into the night sky. Because of these myths, the Pisces constellation was also known as “Venus et Cupido,” “Venus Syria cum Cupidine,” Venus cum Adone,” “Dione,” and “Veneris Mater”. Share this: Hercules Fighting with the Nemean Lion 1634, Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain In Greek mythology, Leo was identified as the Nemean Lion which was killed by Hercules during one of his twelve labours, and next put into the sky. The first of Heracles’ twelve labors, set by King Eurystheus (his cousin) wa


Which TV series concentrated on the death of Laura Palmer?

Laura Palmer | Twin Peaks Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit Laura Palmer grew up in the town of Twin Peaks, Washington , the only child of Leland and Sarah Palmer On her twelfth birthday, Laura received a diary and, from her father, a pony whom she named Troy. [1] The following night, she had a nightmare that she was near Pearl Lakes and BOB was singing to her as a wind blew at her. Her cat, Jupiter ran into the woods and BOB lifted his hands, stopping the wind. She began to feel a burning heat between her legs and BOB began to sing in her mother's voice. He said "Laura, you are home," and she woke up. Laura slept through much of the next morning, hooting like an owl at some point. Her older cousin, Maddy arrived later in the day. [1] Along with her best friend, Donna Hayward , Laura spent much time with Maddy during the following days. They built a fort in the Palmers' backyard, where they discussed boys and tried cigarettes, the latter which made Laura feel mature. She also tried on some of Maddy's clothes, Maddy telling Laura that they made her look like Audrey Horne , whose father, Benjamin Horne seemed to neglect in favor of Laura. [1] Soon, Laura began to try to resist thinking about sex and try to be good, so that BOB would stop attacking her. However, she found this difficult to do as she would only think about it more, as she began to go through puberty. [1] In September of 1983, she discovered that someone had been reading her diary, so she stopped writing in it until the next October, having found a hiding place for the diary. During the times between entries, her trust in people had dwindled and she discovered that Troy had been given to her by Benjamin Horne, not by her father. Her cat was also hit and killed by a car. [1] A little over a week later, Laura and Donna met three older Canadian boys who introduced them to marijuana, something which Laura happened to enjoy. More than a week after this, the girls met a new set of young men who got them drunk and went skinnydipping with them. During this time, Laura managed to seduce the boys. [1] A few weeks later, she saw a vision of 1400 River Road, and she rode there with Troy. When Laura arrived, Margaret Lanterman , or, the "Log Lady" was waiting. The Log Lady told Laura of several things she knew about her and of owls. [1] Nights later, Laura had a nightmare of a rat trying to bite her foot off until she bit it off herself. She blamed this dream on her activities with the older boys and once again said she would try to resist her mature thoughts. Another nightmare followed the next month where she saw her diary appearing and disappearing on peoples' laps and when they read it, they turned into rats. She did not write again until April 1985, still struggling with her thoughts. [1] In June, she recounted the ways BOB would sexually abuse her, and on her birthday the following month, she tried to lure him -- as the "bad Laura" -- from the woods to no avail. An owl swooped down in front of her as she left. [1] Weeks later, Laura went on a date with Bobby Briggs and they had a sexual encounter inside of an abandoned barn. He told her that he loved her, but she did not openly reciprocate these feelings, as she was trying to suppress the "good Laura." She laughed at him until he cried. [2] Laura then vowed to reveal to the world who BOB was once she found out. Bobby later called her and apologized. [1] Over a month later, Bobby took Laura to a party being thrown by Leo Johnson , who Bobby warned her to never sleep with, for he was into "weird shit." At this party, she performed oral sex on a young woman and she tried cocaine for the first time, soon becoming addicted. During the time following this, she had dreams of BOB and of her father discovering her activities at the party. [1] In November 1986, after Leo gave her a supply of drugs following an orgy, she encountered BOB in her room. A month later, she began tutoring Johnny Horne three times a week for drug money. Donna also began to date Mike Nelson , whom Laura did not think too highly of, especially when h


The Straits of Florida go between the Gulf of Mexico and where?

Straits of Florida | strait, North America | Britannica.com Straits of Florida English Channel Straits of Florida, passage connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean . It is about 93 miles (150 km) at its narrowest width, between the Florida Keys , U.S., on the north and Cuba on the south, and it extends east to The Bahamas . The straits mark the area where the Florida Current , the initial part of the Gulf Stream , flows eastward out of the Gulf of Mexico with a mean surface velocity of 4 to 6 miles (6.5 to 9.5 km) per hour. The Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León first recorded sailing through the straits in 1513. Learn More in these related articles: Gulf of Mexico partially landlocked body of water on the southeastern periphery of the North American continent. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Straits of Florida, running between the peninsula of Florida and the island of Cuba, and to the Caribbean Sea by the Yucatán Channel, which runs... Atlantic Ocean body of salt water covering approximately one-fifth of Earth’s surface and separating the continents of Europe and Africa to the east from those of North and South America to the west. The ocean’s name, derived from Greek mythology, means the “Sea of Atlas.” It is second... Florida Keys island chain, Monroe and Miami-Dade counties, southern Florida, U.S. Composed of coral and limestone, the islands curve southwestward for about 220 miles (355 km) from Virginia Key in the Atlantic Ocean (just south of Miami Beach) to Loggerhead Key of the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico. Bodies... Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Article Title: Straits of Florida Website Name: Encyclopædia Britannica Date Published: February 25, 2014 URL: https://www.britannica.com/place/Straits-of-Florida Access Date: January 18, 2017 Share


Who ordered the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza?

Pyramids of Giza Pyramids of Giza   Sneferu’s Pyramids The fourth-dynasty king, Sneferu 2686 – 2667 BC, was the first to create the pyramid shape that we all recognize and associate with Egyptian architecture. He built three pyramids in all—but the first two were glorious failures. Medum pyramid surrounded by rubble – The Bent Pyramid – The Red Pyramid. His first, the pyramid at Medum, began as a step pyramid and was then modified to form the first true pyramid. But it was unstable and the limestone blocks began to slip. Soon, work on it was abandoned. King Sneferu then moved to Dahshur and built a second pyramid, which we now know as the “Bent Pyramid” because its upper part rises at a shallower angle of incline than the lower part. The Bent Pyramid was originally planned as a true pyramid, but the corners were built on unstable ground and the walls of the burial chambers inside began to crack and shift inward. Of necessity, the building’s geometry was altered at a point just above half its height. The angle of incline was decreased from 54º 31’ 13’’ to 43º 21’. This was probably done to alleviate the stresses in the lower part of the pyramid and make it stronger. But the bent pyramid was never used. Instead, Sneferu began a third pyramid about a mile way. This one is called the red pyramid because of the red limestone blocks used in its construction. It became the world’s first successful true pyramid. The Pyramids of Giza With the red pyramid, Sneferu set the standard for all true pyramids to come. He included aboveground burial chambers, a mortuary temple, and a causeway leading down to a valley temple. This was the model followed by his son, Khufu, wh built the first and largest pyramid at Giza. The Giza pyramids were erected on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile in northern Egypt and were connected, by covered causeways, to mortuary temples in the valley below the plateau. These temples had landing stages which were linked to the Nile by a canal. In ancient times they were included among the Seven Wonders of the World. Pyramids of Giza Khufu – 2575-2566 BC [slideshow_deploy id=’1211′]The largest of the three pyramids at Giza, known as the Great Pyramid, is truly an astonishing work of engineering. It was built over a twenty year period. Some believe that it was built by slaves, but this is not true. One hundred thousand people worked on the great structure for three months of each year, during the Nile’s annual flood when it was impossible to farm the land and most of the population was unemployed. The pharaoh provided good food and clothing for his workers, and was kindly remembered in folk tales for many centuries. The sides are oriented to the four cardinal points of the compass and the length of each side at the base is 755 feet (230.4 m). The faces rise at an angle of 51º 52’ and their original height was 481 feet (147 m). (They currently rise 451 feet [138 m].) It was constructed using around 2,300,000 limestone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. Some blocks weigh as much as 16 tons. For centuries, the Great Pyramid was encased in smooth limestone, but this was plundered in our era to build Cairo. Khafre 2558–2532 BC Khufu’s son, Khafre (also known as Chephren). His pyramid, on a nearby site at Giza, appears taller than his father’s, but this is an illu¬sion; it is built on higher ground and was in fact, origi¬nally at 447 .5 feet (136.4 m), 33.5 feet (10.2 m) shorter than the Great Pyramid. Khafre’s pyramid retains some of its original limestone casing at the apex, and so it is possible to imagine how the pyramids might have ap¬peared in antiquity. Khafre also built the Great Sphinx, which is 66 feet high (20 m) and 240 feet long (73 m) and is part of Khafre’s pyramid complex. It represents Ra-Harakhte, the sun god, as he rises in the east at dawn but the face of the Sphinx is a portrait of Khafre himself, and is contemporary with his pyramid. It was carved from an outcropping of limestone left after quarrying the stone for his father’s pyramid. Unfortunately, the great sphinx has deteri


Whose remains, after he died in 1506 at Valladolid, Mexico, were taken to San Domingo then Havana, and then, in 1898, to Seville?

Christopher Columbus | Wiki & Bio | Everipedia Ferdinand Columbus Christopher Columbus ( /kəˈlʌmbəs/ ; Italian : Cristoforo Colombo; Spanish: Cristóbal Colón; Portuguese : Cristóvão Colombo; Latin : Christophorus Columbus; between 31 October 1450 and 30 October 1451 in Genoa – 20 May 1506 in Valladolid ) was an Italian explorer, navigator, colonizer, and citizen of the Republic of Genoa . Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain , he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. Those voyages, and his efforts to establish permanent settlements on the island of Hispaniola , initiated the European colonization of the New World . In the context of emerging Western imperialism and economic competition among European kingdoms through the establishment of trade routes and colonies, Columbus's proposal to reach the East Indies by sailing westward eventually received the support of the Spanish Crown, which saw in it a chance to enter the spice trade with Asia through a new westward route. During his first voyage in 1492, instead of arriving at Japan as he had intended, he reached the New World , landing on an island in the Bahamas archipelago that he named "San Salvador". Over the course of three more voyages, he visited the Greater and Lesser Antilles , as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Central America , claiming all of it for the Crown of Castile . Though Columbus was not the first European explorer to reach the Americas (having been preceded by the Vikinger expedition led by Leif Erikson in the 11th century [3] [4] ), his voyages led to the first lasting European contact with the Americas, inaugurating a period of European exploration, conquest, and colonization that lasted for several centuries. These voyages had, therefore, an enormous impact in the historical development of the modern Western world. He spearheaded the transatlantic slave trade and has been accused by several historians of initiating the genocide of the Hispaniola natives. Columbus himself saw his accomplishments primarily in the light of spreading the Christian religion . [5] Never admitting that he had reached a continent previously unknown to Europeans rather than the East Indies he had set out for, Columbus called the inhabitants of the lands he visited indios (Spanish for "Indians"). [6] [7] His strained relationship with the Spanish crown and its appointed colonial administrators in America led to his arrest and dismissal as governor of the settlements on the island of Hispaniola in 1500, and later to protracted litigation over the benefits which he and his heirs claimed were owed to them by the crown. Early life The name Christopher Columbus is the Anglicisation of the Latin Christophorus Columbus. His name in Italian is Cristoforo Colombo and, in Spanish, it is Cristóbal Colón. He was born before 31 October 1451 in the territory of the Republic of Genoa (now part of modern Italy), though the exact location remains disputed. His father was Domenico Colombo , a middle-class wool weaver who worked both in Genoa and Savona and who also owned a cheese stand at which young Christopher worked as a helper. His mother was Susanna Fontanarossa . Bartolomeo, Giovanni Pellegrino, and Giacomo were his brothers. Bartolomeo worked in a cartography workshop in Lisbon for at least part of his adulthood. He also had a sister named Bianchinetta. [2] Columbus never wrote in his native language, which is presumed to have been a Genoese variety of Ligurian (his name would translate in the 16th-century Genoese language as Christoffa [2] Corombo [2] pron. IPA:  [kriˈʃtɔffa kuˈɹuŋbu] [2] [2] ). In one of his writings, he says he went to sea at the age of 10. In 1470, the Columbus family moved to Savona , where Domenico took over a tavern. In the same year, Christopher was on a Genoese ship hired in the service of René of Anjou to support his attempt to conquer the Kingdom of Naples . Some modern historians have argued that he was not from Genoa but, instead, from the Aragon region of Spain [2] or from Portugal . [2] These competing hypotheses h


Conventionally, Lent, the period of the Christian calendar leading up to Easter is how long?

BBC - Schools - Religion - Christianity Christianity Lent - begins 05 March 2014 Links RE: Quest - Lent An introduction to Lent Lent is the period of six weeks 40 days (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter, the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday in western Christian Churches. and climaxes during Easter Week . The last week of Lent is called Holy Week. During the 40 days of Lent, Christians remember the time when Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray before beginning his work for God. During this time Jesus was tempted several times by Satan, but was able to resist. Fasting Lent is a time of giving things up. For Christians, it is one way of remembering the time Jesus' fasted in the desert and is a test of self-discipline. There are many foods that some Christians do not eat in Lent, such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods. Some Christians just give up something they really enjoy such as cakes or chocolate. Shrove Tuesday In western Christian churches, the day before Lent starts is Shrove Tuesday. This is also known as Pancake Day. This day was traditionally the last chance to use up the foods Christians would not be eating during Lent. Today people often give up chocolate or alcohol. Festivities take place in many cities all over the world, including Mardi Gras in New Orleans (USA), Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Venice (Italy). People dress up, wear masks, parade and dance in the streets. Ash Wednesday On Ash Wednesday many western Christian churches hold services during which Christians are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes. This is a sign of saying sorry to God for any wrong doing (penitence) and mortality. The ashes come from burning the palm crosses from Palm Sunday of the previous year. Lent is a time of preparation for Easter , ending in Holy Week.


What is the city where the White Nile flowing north from Lake Victoria meets the Blue Nile flowing west from Ethiopia?

Cities | ALGALIB TRAVEL AND TOURIST AGENCY Khartoum Khartoum is the capital of Sudan and of Khartoum State. It is located at the confluence of the White Nile flowing north from Lake Victoria, and the Blue Nile flowing west from Ethiopia. The location where the two Niles meet is known as “al-Mogran”. The main Nile continues to flow north towards Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Divided by the Niles, Khartoum is a tripartite metropolis with an estimated overall population of over five million people consisting of Khartoum proper, and linked by bridges to Khartoum North called (al-Khartūm Bahrī) and Omdurman (Umm Durmān) to the west. The word ‘Khartoum’ is derived from Arabic Al-kartoum   meaning “end of an elephant’s trunk”, probably referring to the narrow strip of land extending between the Blue and White Niles. Captain J. A. Grant, who reached Khartoum in 1863 with Captain Speke’s expedition, thought that the derivation was most probably from the safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) which is called ‘Gartoon,’ and which was cultivated extensively in Egypt for its oil, used in burning. History Khartoum at the Bend of the Nile Ibrahim Pasha, the ruler of Egypt, founded Khartoum in 1821 as an outpost for the Egyptian Army. The settlement grew as a regional center of trade. Troops loyal to the Mahdi Muhammad Ahmad began a siege of Khartoum on 13 March 1884 against the defenders led by British General Charles George Gordon. The siege ended in a massacre of the Anglo-Egyptian garrison. The heavily damaged city fell to the Mahdists on 26 January 1885. Omdurman was the scene of the bloody battle on 2 September 1898, during which British forces under Herbert Kitchener defeated the Mahdist forces defending the city. In 1899, Khartoum became the capital of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. Several explanations have been offered for the design of the new, Anglo-Egyptian Khartoum. One is that Kitchener laid out the city’s streets in a Union flag pattern as a symbol of British dominance. Another is that the grid system and diagonal streets of the city were designed to converge in a way that would allow machine-guns to sweep the town. However, there is no contemporary evidence to support either of these suggestions. Climate Khartoum features a hot arid climate, with only the months of July and August seeing significant precipitation. Khartoum averages a little over 155 millimetres (6.1 in) of precipitation per year. Based on average annual temperatures, Khartoum is quite possibly the hottest major city on the planet. Temperatures may exceed 53°C (127 °F) in mid-summer. Its average annual high temperature is 38 °C (100 °F), with seven months of the year seeing an average monthly high temperature of at least 38 °C. Furthermore, none of its monthly average high temperatures falls below 30 °C (86 °F). This is something not seen in other major cities with hot arid climates such as Riyadh, Baghdad and Phoenix. Temperatures cool off considerably during the night, with Khartoum’s lowest average low temperatures of the year hovering around the 16 °C (61 °F) mark. Economy After the signing of the historic Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLA), the Government of Sudan has begun a massive development project. The biggest projects taking place right now in Khartoum are the Al-Mogran Development Project, two five-star hotels, a new airport, Mac Nimir Bridge (finished in October 2007) and the Tuti Bridge that links Khartoum to Tuti Island. Khartoum has a thriving economy. In recent years Khartoum has seen significant development, driven by Sudan’s oil wealth. The center of the city is well-planned, with tree-lined streets. A busy street in Khartoum has the highest concentration of economic activity in the country. This is slowly changing as major economic developments take place in other parts of the country, like oil exploration in the South, the Giad Industrial Complex in Al Jazirah state and White Nile Sugar Project in Central Sudan, and the Merowe Dam in the North. Among the city’s ind


Platelets fulfil what function in human blood?

Blood Function and Composition | myVMC Blood Function and Composition Blood facts Approximately 8% of an adult’s body weight is made up of blood . Females have around 4-5 litres, while males have around 5-6 litres. This difference is mainly due to the differences in body size between men and women. Its mean temperature is 38 degrees Celcius. It has a pH of 7.35-7.45, making it slightly basic (less than 7 is considered acidic). Whole blood is about 4.5-5.5 times as viscous as water, indicating that it is more resistant to flow than water. This viscosity is vital to the function of blood because if blood flows too easily or with too much resistance, it can strain the heart and lead to severe cardiovascular problems. Blood in the arteries is a brighter red than blood in the veins because of the higher levels of oxygen found in the arteries. An artificial substitute for human blood has not been found. Functions of blood Blood has three main functions: transport, protection and regulation. Transport Blood transports the following substances: Gases, namely oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the lungs and rest of the body Nutrients from the digestive tract and storage sites to the rest of the body Waste products to be detoxified or removed by the liver and kidneys Hormones from the glands in which they are produced to their target cells Heat to the skin so as to help regulate body temperature Protection Blood has several roles in inflammation: Leukocytes , or white blood cells, destroy invading microorganisms and cancer cells Antibodies and other proteins destroy pathogenic substances Platelet factors initiate blood clotting and help minimise blood loss Regulation pH by interacting with acids and bases Water balance by transferring water to and from tissues Composition of blood Blood is classified as a connective tissue and consists of two main components: Plasma , which is a clear extracellular fluid Formed elements , which are made up of the blood cells and platelets The formed elements are so named because they are enclosed in a plasma membrane and have a definite structure and shape. All formed elements are cells except for the platelets, which are tiny fragments of bone marrow cells. Formed elements are: Erythrocytes , also known as red blood cells (RBCs) Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells (WBCs) Platelets Information on re-publishing of our images   Leukocytes are further classified into two subcategories called granulocytes which consist of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils; and agranulocytes which consist of lymphocytes and monocytes. The formed elements can be separated from plasma by centrifuge, where a blood sample is spun for a few minutes in a tube to separate its components according to their densities. RBCs are denser than plasma, and so become packed into the bottom of the tube to make up 45% of total volume. This volume is known as the haematocrit . WBCs and platelets form a narrow cream-coloured coat known as the buffy coat immediately above the RBCs. Finally, the plasma makes up the top of the tube, which is a pale yellow colour and contains just under 55% of the total volume. Blood plasma Blood plasma is a mixture of proteins, enzymes, nutrients, wastes, hormones and gases. The specific composition and function of its components are as follows: Proteins These are the most abundant substance in plasma by weight and play a part in a variety of roles including clotting, defence and transport. Collectively, they serve several functions: They are an important reserve supply of amino acids for cell nutrition. Cells called macrophages in the liver, gut, spleen, lungs and lymphatic tissue can break down plasma proteins so as to release their amino acids. These amino acids are used by other cells to synthesise new products. Plasma proteins also serve as carriers for other molecules. Many types of small molecules bind to specific plasma proteins and are transported from the organs that absorb these proteins to other tissues for utilisation. The proteins also help to keep the blood slightly bas


Henry Croft, an orphan street sweeper who collected money for charity, is associated with what organised charitable tradition of working class culture in London, England?

1000+ images about England: Traditions on Pinterest | Traditional, London and Raise money Forward #buttons "Pearly Kings and Queens, known as pearlies, are an organised charitable tradition of working class culture in London, England. The practice of wearing clothes decorated with pearl buttons originated in the 19th century. It is first associated with Henry Croft, an orphan street sweeper who collected money for charity. In 1911 an organised pearly society was formed in Finchley, north London. Each group is associated with a church in central London and works to raise money for… See More


Jarlsberg cheese comes from which country?

Inside the Uniquely Norwegian Home of Jarlsberg Cheese - Cool Hunting Inside the Uniquely Norwegian Home of Jarlsberg Cheese Where dedication to craft, ingredients and a well-kept secret recipe makes all the difference by Hans Aschim CHEESE NORWAY JARLSBERG FACTORY VISIT COWS MILK DAIRY EUROPE TRAVEL Year after year, Norway consistently tops “Best of” lists in a wide variety of categories. From healthcare to education, the fjord-laden Nordic nation of just over five million people often scores top honors thanks to rich natural resources and a strong culture of inclusiveness and equality. When it comes to dairy products though, Norway is nowhere to be found. Despite the country’s rich soil and postcard-perfect farmland, Norway is decidedly in the quality over quantity camp when it comes to producing dairy and we recently visited the production facilities for the country’s most famous export: Jarlsberg cheese . The average dairy herd in the United States is around 187 cows and it’s these larger farms where the majority of the country’s products come from. In Norway however, the average dairy farm is home to just 26 animals. The smaller average size of farm, coupled with Norway’s clean air and water (they top the list of cleanest countries), means animals roam in larger, purer pastures. And the proof is in the pudding or, in this case, a 22-pound wheel of cheese. "The milk quality is always crucial, and it depends on what the cows eat," explains Unni Sjøflot Export Director at Tine, the dairy cooperative that produces and exports Jarlsberg. Sjøfort says that Norway’s short summers contribute to the composition of the grass and in turn the milk. “The grass has to grow fast and this effects the nutrient content of the feed, which then ensures a really high milk quality.” However the high quality of milk coming into the facility is just one component of what makes Jarlsberg the top specialty cheese in the US. Behind the doors of the dairy in Elnesvågen on the west coast of Norway, a team of dedicated cheesemakers is carrying on the Jarlsberg tradition. Following a closely guarded secret recipe that gives the Emmenthaler-style cheese its smooth, nutty taste and irregular holes, the facility balances modern efficiency with old-school care. “It is in general difficult to make cheese with big holes,” adds Sjøfort. “It depends much of the skill and craftsmanship of the cheesemakers. For Jarlsberg's sake it is also the secret recipe; invented in Norway and known to very few people.” So while the bulk of the production for Jarlsberg is mechanized, there’s still that dose of the handmade. A master cheesemaker closely monitors the size, shape and consistency of the cartoonish holes during the aging process. The holes are actually the result of the unique blend of cultures used to control the ripening process. It’s here that Jarlsberg really holds onto its trade secrets. Their particular culture not only creates the holes, it also contributes to the cheese’s flavor and texture. As the cheese matures, the culture creates bubbles due to a mix of gases in a chemical reaction. Cheesemakers tap the wheels and, based on feel and sound, are able to know when a wheel is ready to move onto the next stage of aging. It’s knowledge that comes only with experience—and a love for the product. It’s not uncommon for a cheesemaker to crack open a wheel in the factory for quality control. Upon ensuring the test wheel is up to snuff, the leftovers are promptly brought to the cafeteria where they’re devoured on rye toast. Celebrating 60 years in business, Jarlsberg continues to modernize its production methods, while keeping the core components that made this cheese such a global favorite the same. Top quality milk comes in from farmers who receive a competitive price for their product. Cheesemakers ultimately make the call based on the human touch. And most importantly, that secret formula remains secret. Images by Hans Aschim


The Gunpowder Plot, planned for 5 November 1605, was an attempt by a group of Catholics to blow up the English parliament and which monarch?

BBC - iWonder - The Gunpowder Plot: Three years in the making The Gunpowder Plot: Three years in the making 1601-1603 30-31 January 1606The plotters are hanged, drawn and quartered The greatest terror plot We all know the story of Guy Fawkes and how he was caught as he tried to blow up the House of Lords with gunpowder. But it took more than one man on a single night to nearly change the course of British history. Thirteen conspirators conceived a terrorist plot on an unprecedented scale. They would blow up Parliament, which would wipe out the King and the whole establishment and trigger a popular uprising. Plotter Thomas Wintour's confession reveals all. 1601-1603 The plotters gather You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Meet the plotters: Leader Catesby, Wright the swordsman, Percy the insider, Wintour the diplomat and Fawkes the bomb maker. Richard Lintern narrates. Transcript (PDF 248k) A circle of young, dashing and disenchanted Catholic gentlemen meet regularly to discuss the future of England. Unlike the majority of Catholics who were loyal to the Crown, they hope to overthrow the Protestant monarchy. Some of them take part in the failed rebellion by the Earl of Essex against the government of Elizabeth I. They are imprisoned but later released after paying heavy fines. A new Protestant monarch James I of England did not reverse the anti-Catholic laws following his coronation. When Elizabeth I dies, her third cousin, James VI of Scotland, becomes also King James I of England. He announces plans to unite his two realms but faces strong opposition both north and south of the border. Although James is a Protestant he is the son of the late Catholic, Mary Queen of Scots. Catholics are hopeful that her son will be more sympathetic to their plight. Catesby starts planning the Gunpowder Plot You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Robert Catesby reveals his grand plan to Thomas Wintour in this dramatisation from BBC Two's Gunpowder 5/11: The Greatest Terror Plot. Transcript (PDF 149k) James I orders Catholic priests to leave the country. He continues the practice of fining Catholics who won’t attend the Church of England services. In February, ringleader Robert Catesby, his cousin Thomas Wintour and John Wright meet in London and start their plans. Wintour travels to Flanders, under Spanish rule at the time, to seek Spain’s support. [Catesby] had bethought him of a way... to deliver us from all our bonds, and without any foreign help to replant again the Catholic religion. Thomas Wintour's written confession Guy Fawkes is recruited as the explosives expert You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Thomas Wintour recruits Guy Fawkes in Flanders. Transcript (PDF 150k) After years as bitter rivals Spain wants peace with England and will not aid the plotters. While he’s in Flanders, Thomas Wintour meets Guy Fawkes, who went to school with the plotter John Wright. Fawkes, who goes by the Italian name of Guido, is fighting for the Spanish army in Flanders and is an explosives expert. He is an English nationalist who hates the Scots and any talk of union. The two men sail back to England. Meanwhile the King and Parliament introduce legislation refusing Catholics the right to receive rent or make wills. 20 May 1604 The plotters swear an oath of secrecy You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. The plotters, who are all devout men, swear an oath to each other on a religious primer. Transcript (PDF 148k) Thomas Wintour and Guy Fawkes meet ringleader Robert Catesby and his friend and fellow plotter John Wright in a London pub. At the Duck and Drake Inn they are joined by Wright's brother-in-law Thomas Percy. Together these plotters create a core of five. They swear an oath of secrecy on a religious primer. June-October 1604 Thomas Percy secures a house near Parliament You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Guy Fawkes poses as Thomas Percy's servant John Johnson. The gunpowder is smuggled to Westminster You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Ho


When was Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state in the world, established?

The Vatican: Rome, Lazio, Italy The Vatican The Vatican City / Citta del Vaticano (Rome, Lazio, Italy) More than just a city, the Vatican is actually the world's smallest independent sovereign state, established by the Lateran Treaties in 1929. It is ruled by the Pope and covers an area of just 108 acres / 43 hectares. Close to the right bank of the River Tiber, the Vatican City has its own civil and judicial systems, post office, bank, newspaper, radio station, supermarket and railway station. Often referred to as the Holy See, the most popular places to visit include St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The Pope usually gives a public audience at 11:00 every Wednesday, and if you wish to attend you should apply at the nearby Prefetura della Casa Pontifica on the day before. Vatican Gardens (Giardini del Vaticano) These beautfiul gardens can only be seen with a guided tour and this should be booked at the tourist office, at least 24 hours ahead. The Vatican Gardens contain monuments, fountains, grottoes and forticifications, dating from the 9th century to the present day. There are many styles of garden, all immaculate and maintained by 30 full-time gardeners. Gardens include a formal Italian garden, a French garden filled with flowers, a romantic English landscape and a small wooded area. Covering 40 acres / 16 hectares, tours take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thurday, Friday and Saturday from March to October, and at other, less frequent times for the rest of the year. Regulations prohibit photography in the gardens. St. Peter's Basilica / Church (San Pietro in Montorio) Address: Piazza San Pietro, Rome 00193 Tel: +39 (0) 6 98853 18 First opened in 326 AD, this great temple stands over the tomb of St. Peter, the founder of the Church of Rome. It was torn down during the Renaissance, to make way for a grand basilica which took around 150 years to complete. The dome, which dominates the church, was designed by Michelangelo and you can reach the top by using an elevator and stairs, where there are some stunning panoramic views of the city, from over 100 metres / 328 feet high. The church contains a number of well-known works, including the canopy over the high altar, a majestic creation by Bernini, the gilt bronze Chair of St. Peter, the monument to Clement XIII by Canova, and Michelangelo's famous 'Pietà', a wonderful marble sculpture. The Basilica is nowadays 187 metres / 613 feet long and 132 metres / 432 feet high and is the heart of Christianity. The cavernous interior holds a staggering 60,000 people for services and blessings. Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) Address: Viale Vaticano, Rome, Italy Tel: +39 (0) 6 6988 4947 The Vatican Museums are a group of palaces which house some of the most important collections in the world. There are several exhibitons, including the Etruscan Museum, Raphael Rooms and Loggias, the Egyptian Museum and the world-famous Sistine Chapel, which is probably the most important part of this vast museum complex. Also worth a visit are Raphael's Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello), several rooms of the Vatican apartment that were painted by Raphael at the request of Pope Julius II. The Vatican Museums are part of the Vatican Palace, which has been the official residence of the Pope since 1377. With painted ceilings, chapels, an estimated 1,400 rooms and many galleries, there are approximately 5 miles / 8 km of exhibits. Open hours: daily - 08:45 to 16:45, Satudays to 13:45 Admission: charge - free entrance every last Sunday of the month The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) Built for Pope Sixtus IV in 1475, the Sistine Chapel is probably the Vatican's ultimate building and crowning glory. In 1483 it was decorated by some of the best painters in the world - Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio, Signorelli and others. However, it was Michelangelo whose painting of the vast ceiling and his masterpiece 'The Last Judgment', that have made this chapel famous throughout the world. Pope Julius II ordered Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Chapel in 1508 and this was an enormous task to underta


"What was the ""Lord of the Rings"" character Gollum originally?"

Gollum | The One Wiki to Rule Them All | Fandom powered by Wikia — Gollum referring to the Ring Gollum, originally known as Sméagol (or Trahald), was at first a Stoor , one of the three early Hobbit-types. The name Gollum was derived from the sound of his disgusting gurgling, choking cough. His birth can be estimated to have happened in the year TA 2430 . His death date is given as March 25 , 3019 . His life was extended far beyond its natural limits by the effects of possessing the One Ring . At the time of his death, Sméagol was about 589 years old, a remarkable age for a creature that was once a Hobbit , but he had been deformed and twisted in both body and mind by the corruption of the Ring. His chief desire was to possess the Ring that had enslaved him, and he pursued it for many years after Bilbo Baggins found it while walking in the Misty Mountains in the book The Hobbit. In the movies, he was a deuteragonist-turned-secondary antagonist. Contents Sméagol wanting to take the Ring from Déagol before killing him Sméagol in his "journey" into becoming Gollum while beginning to possess the Ring Once a predecessor of the Stoorish Hobbits , Sméagol spent the early years of his life living with his extended family under a Matriarch , his grandmother. Around the year TA 2463 , Sméagol became the fourth Bearer of the One Ring, after Sauron , Isildur , and Déagol . Déagol was his cousin, and on Sméagol's birthday, they went fishing in the Gladden Fields north of the mountains. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish. Almost immediately, Sméagol fell to the power of the ring and demanded it as a birthday present. When Deágol refused, Sméagol promptly flew into a barbaric rage and fought with Deagol over the ring, choking him to death and taking the ring as his own. Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and banished by his people; turned by his grandmother out of her hole, he was forced to find a home in a cave in the Misty Mountains in around TA 2470 . The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body, as well as his mind, and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "Precious" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol. Life under the Misty Mountains Gollum in The Hobbit He lived in the Misty Mountains for over four hundred years, living on raw blind fish (which he caught from his small row boat), bats and Goblins when he could get them. Indeed, he made a song about raw fish, that he uses as a riddle to Bilbo and much later sings to Frodo in a longer version. In later years, he found Hobbit and Elven food repulsive. During his centuries under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of dissociative identity disorder : Sméagol, his "good" personality, still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love, while Gollum, his "bad" personality, was a slave to the Ring and would kill anyone who tried to take it. Years later, Samwise Gamgee would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanor), and the bad personality "Stinker". The two personalities often quarreled when he talked to himself (as Tolkien put it, "through not having anyone else to speak to") and had a love/hate relationship, mirroring Gollum's love and hatred for the Ring and for himself. Gollum living in the Misty Mountains In July, TA 2941 , during the Quest of Erebor , the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which he lived and found Gollum's Ring . Gollum had lost the Ring while squabbling with an imp goblin in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As Gandalf says later, it looks after itself, trying to get back to Sauron. After the infamous Riddle Game , during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He su


A modified version of which type of weapon was designed by US frontiersman Jim Bowie?

1000+ images about Bowie on Pinterest | Bowie knives, The alamo and James bowie Forward After a duel turns into an all-out brawl on Sept. 19, 1827, Jim Bowie disembowels a banker in Alexandria, LA, with an early version of his famous Bowie knife. The actual inventor of the Bowie knife, however, was probably not Jim Bowie, but rather his equally belligerent brother, Rezin Bowie, who reportedly came up with the design after nearly being killed in a vicious knife fight. See More


What is the study of the production of very low temperature and the behaviour of materials at those temperatures?

Gas Temperature +        Contact Glenn An important property of any gas is temperature. We have some experience with temperature that we don't have with properties like viscosity and compressibility. We've heard the TV meteorologist give the daily value of the temperature of the atmosphere (15 degrees Celsius, for example). We know that a hot object has a high temperature, and a cold object has a low temperature. And we know that the temperature of an object changes when we heat the object or cool it. Scientists, however, must be more precise than simply describing an object as "hot" or "cold." An entire branch of physics, called thermodynamics, is devoted to studying the temperature of objects and the transfer of heat between objects of different temperatures. We are including some fundamentals of thermodynamics in the Beginner's Guide to help you better understand propulsion. We are also including an interactive simulator to let you study how temperature varies with height through the atmosphere. There are two ways to look at temperature: (1) the small scale action of individual air molecules and (2) the large scale action of the gas as a whole. Starting with the small scale action, from the kinetic theory of gases, a gas is composed of a large number of molecules that are very small relative to the distance between molecules. The molecules are in constant, random motion and frequently collide with each other and with the walls of any container. The molecules possess the physical properties of mass, momentum, and energy. The momentum of a single molecule is the product of its mass and velocity, while the kinetic energy is one half the mass times the square of the velocity, as shown on the left of the above figure. For diatomic gases like oxygen and nitrogen, in which the molecules are composed of pairs of atoms, energy can also be stored in the vibration and rotation of the atoms about each other. The temperature of a gas is a measure of the average translational kinetic energy of the molecules. In a hot gas, the molecules move faster than in a cold gas; the mass remains the same, but the kinetic energy, and hence the temperature, is greater because of the increased velocity of the molecules. Turning to the large scale, the temperature of a gas is something that we can determine qualitatively with our senses. We can sense that one gas is hotter than another gas and therefore has a higher temperature. But to determine the temperature quantitatively, to assign a number, we must use some principles from thermodynamics: The first principle is the observation that the temperature of  an object can affect some physical property of the object, such as the  length of a solid, or the gas pressure in a closed vessel, or the  electrical resistance of a wire. You can explore the effects of  temperature on the pressure of a gas at the  animated gas  lab. The second principle is the definition of thermodynamic  equilibrium between two objects.  Two objects are in thermodynamic  equilibrium when they have the same temperature. And the final principle is the observation that if two objects  of different temperatures are brought into contact with one  another, they will eventually establish a thermodynamic  equilibrium. The word "eventually" is important. Insulating materials reach equilibrium after a very long time, while conducting materials reach equilibrium very quickly. With these three thermodynamic principles, we can construct a device for measuring temperature, a thermometer, which assigns a number to the temperature of an object. When the thermometer is brought into contact with another object, it quickly establishes a thermodynamic equilibrium. By measuring the thermodynamic effect on some physical property of the thermometer at some fixed conditions, like the boiling point and freezing point of water, we can establish a scale for assigning temperature values. The number assigned to the temperature depends on what we pick for the reference condition. So several different temperature scales have


"What rock is where the ""Pilgrim Fathers"" are said to have landed in North America in 1620?"

Pilgrim Hall Museum - About the Pilgrims - The Pilgrims' Landing in America   The Pilgrims' Landing in America Having landed on Cape Cod, a small party set out to explore. Coming on a place where Native People had stored corn underground, they confiscated it to use for seed.  Finding poor soil and lack of fresh water, they decided to look further. The Mayflower’s pilot, Robert Coppin, remembered Plymouth Harbor from a previous visit. An exploring party set out in the shallop: ...though it was very dark and rained sore, yet in the end they got under the lee of a small island [Clark's Island] and remained there all that night in safety... And this being the last day of the week, they prepared there to keep the Sabbath. On Monday they sounded the harbor and found it fit for shipping, and marched into the land and found divers cornfield, and little running brooks, a place (as they supposed) fit for situation. At least it was the best they could find. - William Bradford The Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor by Halsall William Bradford writes of how the exploring party from the Mayflower, sailing in the shallop, survived a storm and landed on Clark’s Island. After spending the Sabbath on the island, the party finally landed for the first time in Plymouth:   From hence they departed, & co[a]sted all along, but discerned no place likely for harbor; & therfore hasted to a place that their pillote, (one Mr. Coppin who had bine in ye cuntrie before) did assure them was a good harbor, which he had been in, and they might fetch it before night; of which they were glad, for it begane to be foule weather. After some houres sailing, it begane to snow & raine, & about ye midle of ye afternoone, ye wind increased, & ye sea became very rough, and they broake their ruder, & it was as much as 2 men could doe to steere her with a cupple of oares. But their pillott bad them be of good cheere, for he saw ye harbor; but ye storme increasing, & night drawing on, they bore what saile they could to gett in, while they could see. But herwith they broake their mast in 3 peeces, & their saill fell over bord, in a very grown sea, so as they had like to have been cast away; yet by Gods mercie they recovered them selves, & having ye floud with them, struck into ye harbore. But when it came too, ye pillott was deceived in ye place, and said, ye Lord be mercifull unto them, for his eys never saw yt place before; & he & the mr. mate would have rune her ashore, in a cove full of breakers, before ye winde. But a lusty seaman which steered, bad those which rowed, if they were men, about with her, or ells they were all cast away; the which they did with speed. So he bid them be of good cheere & row lustly, for ther was a faire sound before them, & he doubted not but they should find one place or other wher they might ride in saftie. And though it was very darke, and rained sore, yet in ye end they gott under ye lee of a smale iland, and remained ther all yt night in saftie. But they knew not this to be an iland till morning, but were devided in their minds; some would keepe ye boate for fear they might be amongst ye Indians; others were so weake and cold, they could not endure, but got a shore, & with much adoe got fire, (all things being so wett,) and ye rest were glad to come to them; for after midnight ye wind shifted to the north-west, & it frose hard. But though this had been a day & night of much trouble & danger unto them, yet God gave them a morning of comforte & refreshing (as usually he doth to his children), for ye next day was a faire sunshinig day, and they found them sellvs to be on an iland secure from ye Indeans, wher they might drie their stufe, fixe their peeces, & rest them selves, and gave God thanks for his mercies, in their manifould deliverances. And this being the last day of ye weeke, they prepared there to keepe ye Sabath. On Munday they sounded ye harbor, and founde it fitt for shipping; and marched into ye land [Plymouth], & found diverse cornfeilds, & litle runing brooks, a place (as they supposed) fitt for situation; at least it w


Which team beat the defending champions, Russia, 21 in the final of the 2010 Ice Hockey World Championships?

Hockey world championship: Canada cruises to gold over Russia - NHL on CBC Sports - Hockey news, opinion, scores, stats, standings Hockey world championship: Canada cruises to gold over Russia United States blanks Czech Republic for bronze The Canadian Press Posted: May 17, 2015 12:51 PM ET Last Updated: May 17, 2015 7:53 PM ET Canada wins Gold in IIHF Men's World Final 1:24 USA wins bronze in IIHF Men's Worlds 0:36 Related Stories IIHF SCOREBOARD: Medal games (Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external links.) Team Canada was perfect in Prague, capping an outstanding run at the world hockey championship with a dominant win over its archrival. After five straight years of quarter-final defeats, the Canadians are heading home with world championship gold medals for the first time since 2007 after a 6-1 thrashing of defending champion Russia on Sunday at O2 Arena. Arguably the deepest team in a tournament rich with big-name stars, the Canadians ran the table in 2015 with a perfect 10-0 record. "Our guys really wanted to win — they really did," said coach Todd McLellan. "I thought that we got a little extra motivation from the Russian team today," said McLellan. "Their staredown in the warmup was just exactly what our team needed. We talked about which staredown would be more important — the one before the game or the one after. We decided the one after would be more important so we appreciated the motivation." Sidney Crosby, Tyler Ennis, Cody Eakin and Claude Giroux paced the Canadian attack with a goal and an assist each. Tyler Seguin and Nathan MacKinnon also scored. Crosby finished the tournament with 11 points and became just the eighth Canadian player to join the Triple Gold Club, adding his world championship win to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 and his 2009 Stanley Cup. "It's a great honour," said Crosby of the achievement. "I've been fortunate to play for some great teams. You know sometimes you just need some luck. I feel fortunate to be a part of it and it's a privilege that we could do this as a group." Crosby was quick to share the tournament win with his teammates. "That was really the story for the whole tournament. Everyone contributed, every line, both offensively and defensively," said Crosby. "We had some guys did a great job on the penalty kill. Smitty (Mike Smith) was awesome in net. It was a total team effort." Evgeni Malkin had the only goal for Russia, and star forward Alex Ovechkin was held off the scoresheet. All tournament long, Canada relied on a potent and balanced scoring attack. On Sunday, the fourth line set the tone for the win. When Canada took a 4-0 lead at the 9:02 mark of the second period, the Russians took a time out in an attempt to regroup, still looking for their first shot on goal in the period. But Canada's dominance was absolute. Giroux, on the power play, and MacKinnon added insurance goals in the third period to lock down Canada's first win in history over the Russians in a world championship gold-medal game-and by the biggest margin of victory ever surrendered by the Russians. Smith's bid for a third-consecutive shutout was foiled when Malkin scored Russia's only goal with 7:13 remaining in the third period. Shots on goal were 37-12 for Canada in the game. Strong at both ends of the ice, Canada's 66 goals scored set a new Canadian tournament record. In the bronze-medal game played earlier on Sunday, forward Nick Bonino of the Vancouver Canucks had a goal and an assist as the United States shut out the host team from the Czech Republic by a score of 3-0. The last medal for the United States was also a bronze, in 2013. Report Typo or Error Send Feedback To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Plea


Sake - types of yeast used in brewing japanese rice wine Land & Weather Yeast and Sake Brewing The importance of yeast in the production of sake is extremely important, as yeast influences many elements of sake taste, most noticeably sake                fragrance. And since our sense of taste is highly influenced by (if not dependent on) our sense of smell, this is crucially important. Indeed, the proper tasting of sake requires a well-developed sense of                smell. There is the initial sniff, noting the general fragrance of a sake. Then comes the fukumi-ka, or the fragrance that arises as you hold the sake in your mouth and breathe. There is also the modori-ka, a third                fragrance that becomes discernible immediately after you expel or swallow a sip. Yeast will affect all of these. What is Yeast? What Does it Do? Yeast converts sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide. It is the heart of the creation of all alcoholic beverages. But different yeast strains will produce different things, like esters, alcohols, and acids and other                chemical compounds that affect the nuances of fragrance and flavor. Each yeast will give rise to its own specific array of chemical compounds, with scary names like ethyln caproate and isamyl acetate.                These will be present in varying quantities, depending on the choice of yeast and the successful progress (or lack thereof) of the fermentation. Which esters, alcohols and other compounds are produced are highly                dependent on the temperature at which fermentation takes place. All of this will help to determine the character and nature of the sake. In this way, the choice of yeast also directly affects flavor. Are All Yeast the Same? How does one strain of yeast physically differ from another? There are many ways, but not all are so obvious. It is often not simply a matter of                size or physical appearance. In fact, when the cells of two yeast strains are set next to each other in a microscope, the average person is not likely to be able to tell the difference. The differences are more evident in other things. Like the length of the life cycle of the yeast: how long will it work before becoming dormant, or how robust or fickle it is against alcohol and/or temperature. Which                alcohols, esters and other things it tends to give off as by-products of its life cycle during fermentation is of course, another important factor. How is Yeast Developed? Although we speak of a yeast being "developed," it is more a matter of being isolated. The process of coming up with a new, specialized yeast strain, usually takes about three years, and is actually a kind of reverse                engineering. Yeast is usually isolated by starting with a tank of sake being made. It may be one in which many, many strains of naturally occurring (i.e.                floating in the air) yeast strains were allowed to initiate the fermentation. Some of the thick foam on the top of the moromi (the fermenting mash)                is taken and analyzed. This foam has the highest concentration of yeast cells in the tank. If the sake comes out well, the strain of yeast that is                most populous is isolated and reproduced for further study. If it continues to demonstrate the desired qualities, it is made available on a larger scale. History of Yeast in Japan In the early 1900s, the Central Brewers Union first began taking                pure yeast strains that had been isolated (usually by larger breweries from particularly good tanks of sake) and making them available to kura (breweries) across the nation in pure form, usually in                small glass vials. These yeast strains have since been assigned numbers by the Central Brewers Union. Yeast Table Same as 601 above. Common Yeast Strains At present, they are up


What do Viva la Vida, No Line on the Horizon, Spore and the Sirocco have in common?

Brian Eno - Electronic Music of Brainvoyager Brian Eno February 14, 2014 No Comment   The story of Brian Eno   Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno, (born 15 May 1948 and originally christened Brian Peter George Eno), professionally known as Brian Eno or simply as Eno, is an English musician, composer, record producer, singer, and visual artist, known as one of the principal innovators of ambient music. Brian Eno was a student of Roy Ascott on his Ground course at Ipswich Civic College. Then he studied at Colchester Institute art school in Essex, England, taking inspiration from minimalist painting. During his time on the art course at the Institute, he also gained experience in playing and making music through teaching sessions held in the adjacent music school. He joined the band Roxy Music as synthesizer player in the early 1970s. Roxy Music’s success in the glam rock scene came quickly, but Brian Eno soon tired of touring and of conflicts with lead singer Bryan Ferry.     Brian Eno’s solo music has explored more experimental musical styles and ambient music. It has also been immensely influential, pioneering ambient and generative music, innovating production techniques, and emphasizing “theory over practice”. He also introduced the concept of chance music to popular audiences, partially through collaborations with other musicians. Brian Eno has also worked as an influential music and album producer. By the end of the 1970s, Brian Eno had worked with David Bowie on the seminal “Berlin Trilogy” and helped popularize the American band Devo and the punk-influenced “No Wave” genre. He produced and performed on three albums by Talking Heads, including Remain in Light (1980), and produced seven albums for U2, including The Joshua Tree (1987). Brian Eno has also worked on records by James, Laurie Anderson, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Paul Simon, Grace Jones, James Blake and Slowdive, among others. Brian Eno pursues multimedia ventures in parallel to his music career, including art installations, a regular column on society and innovation in Prospect magazine, and “Oblique Strategies” (written with Peter Schmidt), a deck of cards in which cryptic remarks or random insights are intended to resolve dilemmas. Brian Eno continues to collaborate with other musicians, produce records, release his own music, and write.   Education and early musical career Brian Eno was born in 1948 at Phyllis Memorial Hospital, Woodbridge, Suffolk, and was educated at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich, which was founded by the St John le Baptiste de la Salle order of Catholic brothers (from whom he took part of his name when a student there), at Ipswich Art School in Roy Ascott’s Ground course and the Winchester School of Art, graduating in 1969. At the Winchester School of Art, Brian Eno attended a lecture by Pete Townshend of The Who about the use of tape machines by non-musicians, citing the lecture as the moment he realized he could make music even though he was not a musician at that point. In school, he used a tape recorder as a musical instrument and experimented with his first, sometimes improvisational, bands. St. Joseph’s College teacher and painter Tom Phillips encouraged him, recalling “Piano Tennis” with Brian Eno, in which, after collecting pianos, they stripped and aligned them in a hall, striking them with tennis balls. From that collaboration, he became involved in Cornelius Cardew’s Scratch Orchestra. The first released recording in which Brian Eno played is the Deutsche Grammophon edition of Cardew’s The Great Learning (rec. Feb. 1971), as one of the voices in the recital of The Great Learning Paragraph 7. Another early recording was the Berlin Horse soundtrack, by Malcom Le Grice, a nine-minute, 2 × 16 mm-double-projection, released in 1970 and presented in 1971.   Roxy Music Brian Eno’s professional music career began in London, as a member (1971–1973) of the glam/art rock band Roxy Music, initially not appearing on stage with them at live shows, but operating the mixing desk, processing the band’s sound with a VCS3 s


What is the collective name for table items such as salt, mustard, vinegar and pepper?

Condiments - definition of Condiments by The Free Dictionary Condiments - definition of Condiments by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Condiments Also found in: Thesaurus , Medical , Wikipedia . con·di·ment n. A substance, such as a relish, vinegar, or spice, used to flavor or complement food. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin condīmentum, from condīre, to season; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] con′di·men′tal (-mĕn′tl) adj. condiment (Cookery) any spice or sauce such as salt, pepper, mustard, etc [C15: from Latin condīmentum seasoning, from condīre to pickle] con•di•ment something used to flavor food, as mustard, ketchup, salt, or spices. [1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French < Latin condīmentum spice =condī(re) to season] con`di•men′tal, adj. condiment - From Latin condimentum, from condire, "to pickle, preserve"; condiments are food substances used to heighten the natural flavor of foods, to stimulate the appetite, to aid digestion, or preserve certain foods. See also related terms for stimulate . ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1. condiment - a preparation (a sauce or relish or spice) to enhance flavor or enjoyment; "mustard and ketchup are condiments" relish - spicy or savory condiment dip - tasty mixture or liquid into which bite-sized foods are dipped flavorer , flavoring , flavourer , flavouring , seasoning , seasoner - something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts table mustard , mustard - pungent powder or paste prepared from ground mustard seeds catsup , cetchup , ketchup , tomato ketchup - thick spicy sauce made from tomatoes chili sauce - tomatoes and onions and peppers (sweet or hot) simmered with vinegar and sugar and various seasonings chutney , Indian relish - a spicy condiment made of chopped fruits or vegetables cooked in vinegar and sugar with ginger and spices steak sauce - pungent bottled sauce for steak taco sauce - spicy tomato-based sauce for tacos salsa - spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions and chili peppers to accompany Mexican foods mint sauce - sweetened diluted vinegar with chopped mint leaves cranberry sauce - sauce made of cranberries and sugar duck sauce , hoisin sauce - a thick sweet and pungent Chinese condiment horseradish - grated horseradish root marinade - mixtures of vinegar or wine and oil with various spices and seasonings; used for soaking foods before cooking soy sauce , soy - thin sauce made of fermented soy beans vinegar , acetum - sour-tasting liquid produced usually by oxidation of the alcohol in wine or cider and used as a condiment or food preservative sauce - flavorful relish or dressing or topping served as an accompaniment to food paste , spread - a tasty mixture to be spread on bread or crackers or used in preparing other dishes wasabi - the thick green root of the wasabi plant that the Japanese use in cooking and that tastes like strong horseradish; in powder or paste form it is often eaten with raw fish condiment


"Which British ruler was nicknamed ""The Merry Monarch""?"

The Open Door Web Site : History : 17th Century England : Charles II : "The Merry Monarch" The Open Door Web Site   History Chapters Main Index Portrait of Charles II by Wright Charles II was secretly a Catholic. Unknown to the majority of his Cabinet, he had signed a secret treaty, called the Treaty of Dover, with Louis XIV of France. By this agreement, Charles was to receive a substantial yearly income if he fulfilled certain conditions. One of these conditions was to restore Catholicism as the state religion in England. In 1672, Charles tried to introduce the Declaration of Indulgences which granted religious toleration to all, including Catholics. Parliament reacted angrily and not only blocked the declaration, but also passed the Test Act. This Act excluded all Roman Catholics from holding any public office. The king's Catholic brother, the Duke of York (and future King James II), was forced out of his position as Lord High Admiral and went into exile to Brussels.   BRITAIN : ISLAND STATE TO EMPIRE Custom Search 17th Century England Charles II : "The Merry Monarch" The restored king, Charles II, was not at all like his father. Tall and dark, he was casual and easy-going. He was cheerful, witty and fond of a good time. After so many years of Puritan rule, the people welcomed a king who loved the theatre, horse riding and spectacular mistresses. Charles had few ambitions but was determined, as he put it, "not to go on his travels again", by which he meant not to be forced into exile. Although most people were pleased to have Charles back, they did not want to go back to the days before 1647 when their monarch had tried to establish absolute power. Charles realised this and allowed Parliament to decide who should be punished for rebelling against his father and, more importantly, how the country's finances should be organised. In return for a million pounds a year as personal income, Charles gave up to Parliament all claims to taxation. Although the Church of England was re-established as the only legal Church, many people, including a number of MP's, remained Puritan (or non-conformist) at heart. They were suspicious of Charles' negotiations with Louis XIV of France and alarmed when they heard that Charles's younger brother, James, Duke of York, had become a Catholic. This looked extremely dangerous. Although he had many illegitimate children, Charles had no legal heirs to his crown. Therefore, Catholic James would be the next king unless something could be done to stop it.   James Duke of York by Henri Gascar (circa 1660s)   The Open Door Web Site is non-profit making. Your donations help towards the cost of maintaining this free service on-line. Donate to the Open Door Web Site using PayPal The Open Door Team 2017 Any questions or problems regarding this site should be addressed to the webmaster © Shirley Burchill, Nigel Hughes, Richard Gale, Peter Price and Keith Woodall 2017 Footnote : As far as the Open Door team can ascertain the images shown on this page are in the Public Domain.


Which country voted in November 2012 to work to become the 51st state of the USA?

Puerto Rico Narrowly Votes to Become 51st State (And What Has Obama Said About It?) – TheBlaze Tweet Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a polling station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. (Photo: AP) (TheBlaze/AP) — A majority of Puerto Ricans voted to change their ties with the United States and become the 51st U.S. state yesterday in a non-binding referendum that would require final approval from Congress. The two-part referendum asked whether the island wanted to change its 114-year relationship with the United States and nearly 54 percent sought to change it, while 46 percent favored the status quo with ninety-six percent of precincts reporting. The second question asked voters to choose from three options, with statehood by far the favorite, garnering 61 percent. Sovereign free association, which would have allowed for more autonomy, received 33 percent, while independence got 5 percent. President Barack Obama earlier expressed clear support for the referendum and pledged to respect the will of the Puerto Rican people in the event of a clear majority. It is unclear whether U.S. Congress will debate the referendum results, or if Obama will consider the results to be a clear enough majority, the Associated Press writes. People ride atop a vehicle waving a Puerto Rican flag during elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. (Photo: AP) “I am firmly committed to the principle that the question of political status is a matter of self-determination for the people of Puerto Rico,” Obama wrote in March 2011 for a White House task force report on U.S.-Puerto Rico relations.  He added that boosts in investment in things like education, bridges, broadband access, clean energy, and healthcare in the United States would also occur in its territory. “We’re giving Puerto Ricans the tools they need to build their own economic future, and this is how it should be,” Obama said. Bloomberg News significantly adds that the task force recommended that the president, Congress and the governor of Puerto Rico decide the issue ‘by the end of 2012 or soon thereafter.'” Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner Pedro Pierluisi, who has championed statehood, did not return calls for comment. He received 48 percent while his opponent, Rafael Cox Alomar, received 47 percent with 96 percent of precincts reporting. The island is currently a U.S. territory whose inhabitants are U.S. citizens but are prohibited from voting in presidential elections.  In the past, they have consistently voted against statehood because at the current time, aside from voting in U.S. elections, they have many of the privileges of citizenship but few of the burdens. The island’s future political status, however, also depends on who governs the island. According to partial election results, pro-statehood Gov. Luis Fortuno was ousted by a razor thin margin by an opponent who supports the island’s current political status. A pro-statehood New Progressive Party supporter waves the U.S. flag during the party’s closing campaign rally in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. (Photo: AP) However, the fact that the majority of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood could well be considered more significant than the governor’s opinions. Puerto Rican Secretary of State Kenneth McClintock went so far as to cite America’s founding documents in the matter, noting that government derives its power from consent of the governed.  By his logic, it seems, maintaining the status quo after the majority vote would be unconstitutional. “The people are withdrawing their consent to be governed the way they are governed,” he said according to CNN.  “Congress will have to address this and will have to pay attention.” —


Which World Championship inaugurated in 1963 has been dominated primarily by the Australian and New Zealand national teams?

WORLDNETBALLCHAMPIONSHIPS -- Crossword entry | Crossword Nexus WORLDNETBALLCHAMPIONSHIPS World Netball Championships The World Netball Championships is a quadrennial international netball world championship co-ordinated by the International Federation of Netball Associations, inaugurated in 1963. Since its inception the competition has been dominated primarily by the Australian national netball team and the New Zealand national netball team . The most recent tournament was the 2011 World Netball Championships in Singapore, which was won by Australia. and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License . Need help with a clue? Try your search in the crossword dictionary! Clue:   Book of the month Francis Heaney and Brendan Emmett Quigley, two of the best in the biz, have teamed up for Drunk Crosswords . Grab yourself a copy today! Store NEW! Get a whole bunch of puzzles, pay what you want, and help charity. Mobile App We've got an app, with versions for iPhone, iPod and (finally!) Android. Snap a picture of the QR code above, or simply follow this link for more info. It's free, and the quickest way to get help for your crosswords on the go. Enjoy!


What Hindu practice involves a widow throwing herself onto her husband's funeral pyre?

Life in India: The Practice of Sati or Widow Burning - Kashgar Tribal Artifacts - Life for the Modern Nomad | Handmade Jewellery, ethnic handicrafts, antique furniture Kashgar Tribal Artifacts - Life for the Modern Nomad | Handmade Jewellery, ethnic handicrafts, antique furniture Life in India: The Practice of Sati or Widow Burning Added over 6 years ago By Linda Heaphy, BSc PhD   Suttee by James Atkinson, 1831 (India Office Collection of the British Library (c) British Library Board 2009)   In this age of ascending feminism and focus on equality and human rights, it is difficult to assimilate the Hindu practice of sati, the burning to death of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre, into our modern world.  Indeed, the practice is outlawed and illegal in today's India, yet it occurs up to the present day and is still regarded by some Hindus as the ultimate form of womanly devotion and sacrifice. Sati (also called suttee) is the practice among some Hindu communities by which a recently widowed woman either voluntarily or by use of force or coercion commits suicide as a result of her husband's death.  The best known form of sati is when a woman burns to death on her husband's funeral pyre.  However other forms of sati exist, including being buried alive with the husband's corpse and drowning. The term Sati is derived from the original name of the goddess Sati, also known as Dakshayani, who self-immolated because she was unable to bear her father Daksha's humiliation of her (living) husband Shiva.  Sati as practice is first mentioned in 510 CCE, when a stele commemorating such an incident was erected at Eran, an ancient city in the modern state of Madhya Pradesh.  The custom began to grow in popularity as evidenced by the number of stones placed to commemorate satis, particularly in southern India and amongst the higher castes of Indian society, despite the fact that the Brahmins originally condemned the practice (Auboyer 2002).  Over the centuries the custom died out in the south only to become prevalent in the north, particularly in the states of Rajasthan and Bengal.  While comprehensive data are lacking across India and through the ages, the British East India Company recorded that the total figure of known occurrences for the period 1813 - 1828 was 8,135; another source gives the number of 7,941 from 1815 - 1828, an average of 618 documented incidents per year.  However, these numbers are likely to grossly underestimate the real number of satis as in 1823, 575 women performed sati in the state of Bengal alone (Hardgrave 1998). Historically, the practice of sati was to be found among many castes and at every social level, chosen by or for both uneducated and the highest ranking women of the times.  The common deciding factor was often ownership of wealth or property, since all possessions of the widow devolved to the husband's family upon her death. In a country that shunned widows, sati was considered the highest expression of wifely devotion to a dead husband (Allen & Dwivedi 1998, Moore 2004).  It was deemed an act of peerless piety and was said to purge her of all her sins, release her from the cycle of birth and rebirth and ensure salvation for her dead husband and the seven generations that followed her (Moore 2004). Because its proponents lauded it as the required conduct of righteous women, it was not considered to be suicide, otherwise banned or discouraged by Hindu scripture. Sati also carried romantic associations which some were at apparent pains to amplify. Stein (1978) states "The widow on her way to the pyre was the object (for once) of all public attention...Endowed with the gift of prophecy and the power to cure and bless, she was immolated amid great fanfare, with great veneration".  Only if she was virtuous and pious would she be worthy of being sacrificed; consequently being burned or being seen as a failed wife were often her only choices (Stein 1978).  Indeed, the very reference to the widow from the point at which she decided to become a "Sati" (Chaste One) removed any further personal reference t