Mathematical Formulae - What is the mathematical formula expressing Einstein's relativity theory?

What is general relativity? | plus.maths.org What is general relativity? David Tong (with the Plus team) Submitted by mf344 on June 12, 2015 When physicists talk about Einstein's equation they don't usually mean the famous E=mc2, but another formula, which encapsulates the celebrated general theory of relativity. Einstein published that theory a hundred years ago, in 1915. To celebrate its centenary we asked physicist David Tong of the University of Cambridge to explain what general relativity is and how Einstein's equation expresses it. You can watch his explanation in the video below, or read on. Start with Newton The general theory of relativity describes the force of gravity. Einstein wasn't the first to come up with such a theory — back in 1686 Isaac Newton formulated his famous inverse square law of gravitation. Newton's law works perfectly well on small-ish scales: we can use it to calculate how fast an object dropped off a tall building will hurtle to the ground and even to send people to the Moon. But when distances and speeds are very large, or very massive objects are involved, Newton's law becomes inaccurate. It's a good place to start though, as it's easier to describe than Einstein's theory. Suppose you have two objects, say the Sun and the Earth, with masses and respectively. Write for the distance between the two objects. Then Newton’s law says that the gravitational force between them is where is a fixed number, known as Newton's constant . The formula makes intuitive sense: it tells us that gravity gets weaker over long distances (the larger the smaller ) and that the gravitational force is stronger between more massive objects (the larger either of and ). Different force, same formula There is another formula which looks very similar, but describes a different force. In 1785 the French physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb came up with an equation to capture the electrostatic force that acts between two charged particles with charges and Here stands for the distance between the two particles and is a constant which determines the strength of electromagnetism. (It has the fancy name permittivity of free space.) The problem with Newton Newton's and Coulomb's formulas are nice and neat, but there is a problem. Going back to Newton's law, suppose you took the Earth and the Sun and very quickly moved them further apart. This would make the force acting between them weaker, but, according to the formula, the weakening of the force would happen straight away, the instant you move the two bodies apart. The same goes for Coulomb's law: moving the charged particles apart very quickly would result in an immediate weakening of the electrostatic force between them. But this can't be true. Einstein's special theory of relativity , proposed ten years before the general theory in 1905, says that nothing in the Universe can travel faster than light — not even the "signal" that communicates that two objects have moved apart and the force should become weaker. Why we need fields This is one reason why the classical idea of a force needs replacing in modern physics. Instead, we need to think in terms of something — new objects — that transmit the force between one object and another. This was the great contribution of the British scientist Michael Faraday to theoretical physics. Faraday realised that spread throughout the Universe there are objects we today call fields, which are involved in transmitting a force. Examples are the electric and magnetic fields you are probably familiar with from school. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) in 1921. A charged particle gives rise to an electric field, which is "felt" by another particle (which has its own electric field). One particle will move in response to the other's electric field — that's what we call a force. When one particle is quickly moved away from the other, then this causes ripples in the first particle's electric field. The ripples travel through space, at the speed of light, and eventually affect the other particle. In fact, the particle that is moved also


Petra Kvitova won the Wimledon Ladies Championship in 2011. What nationality is she?

Maria Sharapova v Petra Kvitova - Wimbledon 2011 women's final as it happened | Scott Murray | Sport | The Guardian Maria Sharapova v Petra Kvitova - Wimbledon 2011 women's final as it happened The moment of victory Saturday 2 July 2011 06.19 EDT First published on Saturday 2 July 2011 06.19 EDT Share on Messenger Close You can't knock the quality of the Ladies Singles this year. The intensity of the fascinating Marion Bartoli. Amazing comebacks for Venus and Serena Williams. Shocking defeats - possibly of the harbinger variety - for Venus and Serena Williams. Promising performances by Plucky Brits® Heather Watson and Laura Robson. The wildcard heroics of Sabine Lisicki. Barry Davies back in the commentary box. The simply astonishing Kimiko Date-Krumm. It's been a blast. Those who continually knock the women's game want to take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror. And with the dust coming down, the two deserving finalists are Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova. The 24-year-old Russian is hot favourite to win her first slam since the Australian Open in 2008 - it would be her second Wimbledon title, after the victory in 2004 which saw her introduce the concept of text messaging to Sue Barker - but the 21-year-old big-hitting left-handed Czech is hotly tipped as a future slam winner. Here's hoping for a classic tussle to put the cherry on a fine 2011 tournament. They'll be out soon to knock up. Play begins at 2pm. The weather: Overcast / sunny. The crowd: Increasingly unfunny. Hugely Talented Sports Star In Feet On Ground shock: Kvitova's just been interviewed on the BBC. A more charming chat you'll do well to lug in on. Do you like designer gear, she's asked? "Nah. I like normal clothes, jeans and t-shirt. Sometimes a dress. I don't want to change, I just want to be like everyone else, I'm nothing special." Here they come. A long march through the clubhouse. Both women are given huge sprays of flowers before they take to the court. Kvitova smiles shyly. Sharapova looks stern and serious. Both look nervous as they wait to be announced to Centre Court. And they have a fair old wait before they're allowed to enter the arena. Which they eventually do, to trademark polite Wimbledon applause. If I'm ranking the flowers, Sharapova's arrangement looks a bit more varied in colour to me. Kvitova's bunch is a tad purple heavy. Too many Purple Flowers (purplus indigo flowerum). Sharapova wins the toss, but strangely allows Kvitova to serve first. Tik tok tik tok tik tok tik tok tik tok tik tok tikky tik tok. They're knocking up. The atmosphere on Centre Court? There's a buzz, albeit a genteel one. Need you have asked? It's nearly 2.10pm; umpire Alison Lang has called time, and we're about to get under way. First set: Kvitova* 0-1 Sharapova (*denotes server). "First set, Miss Petra Kvitova to serve. Ready, play." A shaky start for Kvitova, who hits a forehand into the net, then another way too long. But she wins her first-ever point in a grand-slam final after Sharapova hits long, then sends her opponent skittering this way and that after kicking a beautiful serve wide right. Sharapova comes straight back at her, though, with a couple of big points, Kvitova struggling to return. Sharapova breaks. Not such a strange move to opt to receive, then. A very wise decision. It's only the fifth time Kvitova's serve has been broken all fortnight. First set: Kvitova 1-1 Sharapova*. What a response by Kvitova, who wins the break straight back. The first point looks like it's been won by a lovely cross-court shot, left to right, by Sharapova, but Kvitova races across and whips a delicious winner down the right-hand sideline. Amazing shot, and one that rocks Sharapova on her heels. She's soon 0-40 down, and though she saves the first break point, the inevitable occurs on the next one. This already promises to be a toe-to-toe battle, both women having already landed one huge blow. More, please! First set: Kvitova* 2-1 Sharapova. And now a serve held, though it took some work. Kvitova slices a couple of huge serves out wide, Sharapova overcook


Medicine: What is a patient suffering from based on the following description - a spread of infection into the blood, which thereby carries the infecting agent throughout the body?

Infection Control - Nursing Continuing Education Course 3 Pay & Get Instant Certificate Infection Control Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #12300. This program has been pre-approved by The Commission for Case Manager Certification to provide continuing education credit to CCM® board certified case managers. Course Availability: Expires April 2, 2018. You must score 70% or better on the test and complete the course evaluation to earn a certificate of completion for this CE activity. Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc., provides educational activities that are free from bias. The information provided in this course is to be used for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional healthcare.  Medical Disclaimer   Legal Disclaimer   Disclosures Copyright © 2015 Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BY:  COURSE OBJECTIVE:  The purpose of this course is to prepare healthcare workers to prevent and control the spread of infection using current, evidence-based knowledge of the chain of infection, Standard Precautions and transmission-based precautions, and engineering and work practice controls. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: Summarize the concepts of infection prevention and control. Identify the economic and social impact of healthcare-associated infections on individuals, their designated support persons, and the community. Describe the chain of infection as it applies to infection prevention and control. Describe workplace practices to protect the patient from healthcare-associated infections. Discuss workplace practices designed to minimize the risk of healthcare workers’ occupational exposures to infectious diseases. Explain the difference between Standard Precautions and transmission-based precautions. Discuss types of personal protective equipment, work practices, and engineering controls that protect against healthcare-associated infections. Identify healthcare-associated situations requiring enhanced infection control precautions. TABLE OF CONTENTS References THE NEED FOR INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PRACTICES Preventing the spread of infection has been a key component of healthcare since the work of Semmelweis in the 1840s. Dr. Semmelweis dramatically reduced postpartum fever—a major cause of maternal mortality at the time—by instructing physicians to disinfect their hands before touching their patients. Fast-forward to the 1980s and the emergence of HIV/AIDS and infection control gained an importance that continues today and has expanded to include prevention of the transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses and many other agents within healthcare settings. In 1999, the patient safety movement began with the publication of To Err Is Human by the Institute of Medicine (IOM, 1999). This brought much-needed attention to the problem of medical errors and healthcare-associated infections. Since September 11, 2001, concern about bioterrorism has heightened awareness of infection control. American soldiers treated in field hospitals during the Iraq war returned with highly resistant infections such as Acinetobacter baumanii, a microbe that is now epidemic in hospitals worldwide (Hospenthal, 2011). In 2003, the epidemic of severe adult respiratory syndrome (SARS) focused global attention on the need for infection control. Currently, the problem of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) —“superbugs” such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) —is the subject of attention, as transmission becomes a wider problem both in the healthcare system and in the community. MDROs are increasing in prevalence. Providers working within the healthcare setting can make a difference by being aware of patients at high risk for developing MDROs and by employing measures to prevent t


What was singing legend Frank Sinatra's middle name?

The My Hero Project - Frank Sinatra FRANK SINATRA Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra was born on the 12 of December 1915 as Francis Albert Sinatra. The only son of Anthony Martin and Natalie Della Sinatra, who raised him in Hoboken, a small town in New Jersey that runs alongside the Hudson river separating NJ from New York City. From a young age Frank idolised such figures as Bing Crosby and Billy Holliday and decided at the age of fifteen that he would like to follow in their footsteps. In 1935 he took his first step down the road to success, entering into a radio talent show, grouped with a trio of singers and dancers. The group went on to win first prize and Sinatra started to perform for several different radio stations, singing frequently for them. For a time though, he was working as a singer and waiter at the Rustic Cabin, a restaurant in NJ. This is where he received his big break, when he was noticed by a trumpet player named Henry James who decided that the young Sinatra would be perfect for his band, ï¿½The Music Makersï¿½. After seven months with the band, ï¿½Ol Blue Eyesï¿½ (as he was called) moved on to join a swing orchestra, headed by Tommy Dorsey. It was with this group that the man became a success, making a name for himself due to his unique phrasing as well as the emotional performances he carried out. It was his first recorded song released in 1943 at the age of 28, titled ï¿½All or Nothing at Allï¿½, which served him well and became a huge hit. Over the next five years between 1946 and 1951, Sinatra branched out from his music career to indulge in the acting business, contracted by the major motion picture company MGM with a guarantee of $1.5million per year. Proving himself on stage, his talent came through behind the camera as well, completing many successful films of the time, for example, ï¿½Anchors Aweighï¿½ and ï¿½On the Townï¿½. Frank Sinatra was then becoming a house hold name and by the late forties, he had both fame and fortune, becoming even more increasingly popular among fans of all ages. Unfortunately Frank suffered from his vocal chords haemorrhaging, turning his life upside down as his professional signing career plummeted. At 37 years of age he had to face the music as his employers from Universal, CBS and Colombia Records decided to abandon him along with his personal agent. It was then that Frank turned to his wife at the time Ava Gardner, a Hollywood actor. Ava helped her husband through his difficult times by securing him in the role of Angelo Maggio in the 1953 picture ï¿½From Here To Eternityï¿½ which Sinatra himself believed he was born to play, as it fit him so well. He agreed to take part on a cut of only $8000, a major step down from his previous ventures. Unsurprising to Sinatra, his performance dramatically picked his career up to its natural standard. Proving to the doubting directors that he could play alongside the Hollywood Hotshots like Burt Lancaster and Donna Reed and even walking away with the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work on the film. Sinatraï¿½s acting career wasnï¿½t just a one off flash in the pan, he held on at the top, giving his usual riveting performance as a heroin addict in The Man with the Golden Arm. Sinatra was back on top and his musical career was reborn. Now he was the ï¿½King of musicï¿½, movies and television. Expressing him self in many ways, creating at the same time some of the most popular albums he has ever made. Releasing ï¿½A Swinging Affairï¿½ and ï¿½Come Fly with Meï¿½ alongside major box office hits such as ï¿½High Societyï¿½ and ï¿½Guys and Dollsï¿½. It was, in this time of the late fifties early sixties, where the Frank Sinatra legend takes form due to the calm, cool, and collected way he handled himself through out the limelight of his career. Throughout the 60ï¿½s and 70ï¿½s Sinatra stayed mostly in television, making appearances on the big screen as well. It was in 1988 that the Rat Pack reunion tour was launched; the Rat Pack originally formed in 1995 by actor Humphrey Bogart and was meant to be just a gather


What is the longest running programme on television first broadcast in 1953?

BBC - Panorama - Panorama Quiz Panorama Quiz Info Welcome to the Panorama quiz; 10 questions to test just how much you know about the BBC's flagship programme.  Panorama is the longest running current affairs programme in the world. In over 50 years it has investigated many facts and falsehoods so to help all answers can be found somewhere on our website. Good luck! 1.) Multiple Choice Question Why was the first ever episode deemed a disaster? The presenter was drunk live on air Part of the set fell down live on air A tape was played backwards live on air 2.) Multiple Choice Question What is the name of the current Panorama theme tune? Panorama theme Aujourdâhui Câest Toi 3.) Multiple Choice Question The Duke of Edinburgh's appearance on Panorama in 1960 was famous for what reason? He made a blunder live on air He was the first Royal to be interviewed on TV He became upset by the questions and walked off set 4.) Multiple Choice Question The name Panorama was suggested because? The editor was taken with the view from his office It aimed to give people a view of the world It was chosen at random from a list by BBC Executives 5.) Multiple Choice Question In 1956, Panorama broke a major television taboo, what happened? A guest was drunk live on air It became the first television programme to feature nudity It broadcast the birth of a baby 6.) Multiple Choice Question Panorama's record viewing figures came in 1995 when Martin Bashir interviewed Princess Diana. How many people watched that episode? 12.8 million When can you watch the latest episode of Panorama? Mondays at 8.30pm on BBC One Sundays at 10.15pm on BBC One Saturdays at 8.30am on BBC Three Answers A recording on tape was played backwards live on air - just the start of a series of blunders that led the Channel Controller Cecil McGivern to pull the programme off the air for a revamp. Today's Panorama theme tune is Aujourdâhui Câest Toi originally composed by Francis Lai. It previously appeared on the soundtrack to 1966 French film Un Homme et Une Femme and has been the basis for the programme's theme tune since the 1960s. The Duke of Edinburgh was the first Royal to be interviewed on television when he appeared on Panorama with Richard Dimbleby in 1961. He was interviewed about the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, which was launched that day at the Guildhall. Dennis Bardens was the programme's first editor who chose the name Panorama because of the panoramic view from his office. Other names considered were Eye on the World, Its Happening Now and Vista. Panorama was the first programme to feature the birth of a baby on television. The clip was censored to show just the baby's head but this still caused upset in the tabloid press. A record 22.8 million people tuned in to Panorama to watch Martin Bashir interview Princess Diana in 1995. This remains the programme's largest audience to date. Panorama's first broadcast was at 8.15pm on Wednesday 11 November 1953. It has remained a fixture of the BBC schedules ever since. On April Fool's Day, 1957, Panorama broadcast an apparently serious account of spaghetti harvesting from trees in Switzerland. The BBC switchboard lit up as hundreds of fooled viewers called in. Both Richard and David Dimbleby have presented Panorama. Richard Dimbleby was the first big name to join the team presenting the programme from 1955 until his death in 1965. His son David joined the programme in 1974 as it celebrated its 21st anniversary. Panorama is on Mondays at 8.30pm but keep checking the webiste to make sure you don't miss any special one-off programmes we've got coming up. Your Score


What was singing legend Elvis Presley's middle name?

Elvis Presley - Biography - IMDb Elvis Presley Biography Showing all 302 items Jump to: Overview  (5) | Mini Bio  (1) | Spouse  (1) | Trade Mark  (10) | Trivia  (225) | Personal Quotes  (36) | Salary  (24) Overview (5) The King of Rock 'n' Roll Height 5' 11¾" (1.82 m) Mini Bio (1) Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Presley (née Gladys Love Smith) and Vernon Presley (Vernon Elvis Presley). He had a twin brother who was stillborn. In September 1948, Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he attended Humes High School. In 1953, he attended the senior prom with the current girl he was courting, Regis Wilson. After graduating from high school in Memphis, Elvis took odd jobs working as a movie theater usher and a truck driver for Crown Electric Company. He began singing locally as "The Hillbilly Cat", then signed with a local recording company, and then with RCA in 1955. Elvis did much to establish early rock and roll music. He began his career as a performer of rockabilly, an up-tempo fusion of country music and rhythm and blues, with a strong backbeat. His novel versions of existing songs, mixing 'black' and 'white' sounds, made him popular - and controversial - as did his uninhibited stage and television performances. He recorded songs in the rock and roll genre, with tracks like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog" later embodying the style. Presley had a versatile voice and had unusually wide success encompassing other genres, including gospel, blues, ballads and pop music. Teenage girls became hysterical over his blatantly sexual gyrations, particularly the one that got him nicknamed "Elvis the Pelvis" (television cameras were not permitted to film below his waist). In 1956, following his six television appearances on The Dorsey Brothers' "Stage Show", Elvis was cast in his first acting role, in a supporting part in Love Me Tender (1956), the first of 33 movies he starred in. In 1958, Elvis was drafted into the military, and relocated to Bad Nauheim, Germany. There he met and fell in love with 14-year old army damsel Priscilla Ann Wagner ( Priscilla Presley ), whom he would eventually marry after an eight-year courtship, and with whom he had his only child, Lisa Marie Presley . Elvis' military service and the "British Invasion" of the 1960s reduced his concerts, though not his movie/recording income. Through the 1960s, Elvis settled in Hollywood, where he starred in the majority of his thirty-three movies, mainly musicals, acting alongside some of the most well known actors in Hollywood. Critics panned most of his films, but they did very well at the box office, earning upwards of $150 million total. His last fiction film, Change of Habit (1969), deals with several social issues; romance within the clergy, an autistic child, almost unheard of in 1969, rape, and mob violence. It has recently received critical acclaim. Elvis made a comeback in the 1970s with live concert appearances starting in early 1970 in Las Vegas with over 57 sold-out shows. He toured throughout the United States, appearing on-stage in over 500 live appearances, many of them sold out shows. His marriage ended in divorce, and the stress of constantly traveling as well as his increasing weight gain and dependence upon stimulants and depressants took their toll. Elvis Presley died at age 42 on August 16, 1977 at his mansion in Graceland, near Memphis, shocking his fans worldwide. At the time of his death, he had sold more than 600 million singles and albums. Since his death, Graceland has become a shrine for millions of followers worldwide. Elvis impersonators and purported sightings have become stock subjects for humorists. To date, Elvis Presley is the only performer to have been inducted into three separate music 'Halls of Fame'. Throughout his career, he set records for concert attendance, television ratings and recordings sales, and remains one of the best-selling and most influential artists in the history of popular music. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Ed Stephan and Chris Holland Spouse


To which family of birds does the Siskin belong?

The RSPB: Siskin Conservation status: Green The siskin is a small, lively finch, which is smaller than a greenfinch. It has a distinctly forked tail and a long narrow bill. The male has a streaky yellow-green body and a black crown and bib. There are yellow patches in the wings and tail. It is mainly a resident breeder from southern England to northern Scotland, but is most numerous in Scotland and Wales. Many breeding birds are residents; in winter birds arrive here also from Europe. Illustrations


Which cathedral is the tallest in the UK with a spire height of 123 metres or 404 feet?

7 Impressive Cathedrals in England - Trainline Blog 7 Impressive Cathedrals in England   England does them rather well. Here are some of the best.   1. Canterbury Cathedral   Geoffrey Chaucer made a rather lengthy trek here in the 1300’s. Thankfully, it’s much faster to reach by trains to Canterbury in the 21st century. Canterbury West is just 56 minutes from London St Pancras.     2. Salisbury Cathedral A leading example of early English architecture, Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest church spire in the UK, reaching 123 metres (404 feet). Trains to Salisbury run from London Waterloo, Exeter, Cardiff and Bristol.     3. Truro Cathedral An Anglican Cathedral located in Cornwall, it is one of only 2 in the country that boasts 3 spires. If you’re planning a visit, the Great Western Railway route from London Paddington to Truro offers some of the most stunning views on the British train network.   4. Westminster Cathedral   Westminster Cathedral is none other than the largest Catholic Church in England, and attracts thousands of tourists per year. Jump on a train to London to see it for yourself.   5. Guildford Cathedral   Scenes from the movie ‘The Omen’ were filmed here. If you fancy seeing where Damien was sacrificed on the Altar, this is the one for you. Trains to Guildford run every 15 minutes from London Waterloo.   6. Ely Cathedral   A major tourist destination, Ely Cathedral receives around 250,000 visitors every year. Trains to Ely run from London Kings Cross, Norwich and Birmingham New Street.


Sam Stosur won the American Open Ladies Tennis Championship in 2011. What nationality is she?

Sam Stosur shocks Serena Williams to claim U.S. Open title comment NEW YORK -- Already being outplayed by Samantha Stosur in the U.S. Open final, the last thing Serena Williams needed was to lose a game for yelling during a point. That's exactly what happened early in the second set, leading to an argument between Williams and the chair umpire, a scene less ugly than -- but reminiscent of -- the American's tirade two years ago at the same tournament. In the end, Stosur beat Williams 6-2, 6-3 Sunday in a surprisingly lopsided upset for her first Grand Slam title. "I'm still kind of speechless. I can't actually believe I won this tournament," Stosur said. "I guess to go out there and play the way I did is obviously just an unbelievable feeling, and you always hope and you want to be able to do that, but to actually do it, is unbelievable." Hitting powerful strokes from the baseline, and looking fresher than the far-more-accomplished Williams right from the start, the ninth-seeded Stosur became the first Australian woman to win a major championship since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980. Only 2-9 in tournament finals before beating Williams, Stosur made the U.S. Open the third consecutive Grand Slam tournament with a first-time women's major champion, after Li Na at the French Open, and Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon. "She played really, really well. I mean, I don't think she's ever played that well," Williams said. "Maybe she has; I haven't seen her play that well." This was only the 27-year-old Stosur's third title at any tour-level event, and what a way to do it. She took advantage of Williams' so-so serving and stayed steady throughout -- finishing with 12 unforced errors to Williams' 25 -- despite the bizarre events that unfolded in the second set. Indeed, the biggest victory of Stosur's career so far likely will be recalled by most others for Williams' latest dispute with an official at Flushing Meadows. Down a set and facing a break point in the first game of the second, the 13-time major champion hit a forehand and shouted, "Come on!" as Stosur reached down for a backhand. Chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Williams hindered Stosur's ability to complete the point and awarded it to Stosur -- putting her ahead 1-0 in that set. Williams went over to talk to Asderaki, perhaps confusing her with then-chair umpire Louise Engzell, saying, "I'm not giving her that game." Williams also said: "Aren't you the one who screwed me over last time here? Do you have it out for me? That's totally not cool." Some fans began booing, delaying the start of the next game as both players waited for the commotion to subside. "It was probably the loudest I ever felt a crowd in my whole entire life. You're right in the middle of it. It was definitely a quite overwhelming feeling," Stosur said. "But once I hit that next ball in the court and started playing again, I felt settled. I guess it definitely could have been the big, pivotal point in the match." Tournament director Brian Earley said Asderaki's ruling was proper, according to U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier. International Tennis Federation rules say: "If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent(s), the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something outside the player's own control (not including a permanent fixture)." Williams said later she thought that last part of the rule applied -- and the point should have been replayed -- such as when one player's hat flies off during a point. In the heat of the moment, Williams had trouble putting the whole episode behind her. Later, as her tirade escalated, she defended her right to vent, saying, "We're in America last time I checked." In a final jab, she called Asderaki "unattractive inside." Williams also told the official: "Really, don't even look at me." Asderaki issued a code violation warning for verbal abuse, and the Widmaier said Earley would spea


"Which actor, who died in 2011, became famous when referred to as the best actor in the world by Steven Spielberg? He starred in a succession of movies including ""The Usual Suspects"", ""Brassed Off"", ""Last of the Mohicans"" and ""The Constant Gardener""?"

4 Dec by Kuwait Times - issuu issuu CR IP TI ON BS SU TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2011 Pakistan PM tries to avert government collapse 40 PAGES Cambodia ‘magic pythons’ in wedded blissssss www.kuwaittimes.net Goldman values Facebook at $50bn Seahawks shut down Rams to reach playoffs Pro-govt MPs gloat as PM win looks certain ‘Magic number’ of 25 remains elusive for opposition Max 23 Min 9 Low Tide 13:03 & 23:14 High Tide 06:31 & 18:01 By B Izzak US, Germany developing spy satellites OSLO: Germany and the United States are jointly developing secret spy satellites under the guise of a commercial program despite opposition from France, leaked US diplomatic cables showed yesterday. The project, named HiROS, envisions the construction of an undetermined number of high-resolution observation satellites capable of spotting any object on the planet down to a size of just 50 cm, according to classiﬁed cables from US embassy in Berlin leaked to WikiLeaks and obtained by Norwegian daily Aftenposten. The satellites will have the capacity to take infrared images at night and to send images much quicker back to earth than the satellites currently in service, the cables showed. Due to the controversial nature of the program, US and German oﬃcials have decided it should be presented as a civilian project with environmental aims, run by commercial entities. But in reality it is “under the total control” of the German intelligence service BND and the German aerospace centre DLR, the cables showed. A DLR spokesman yesterday denied HiROS, which stands for High Resolution Optical Satellite System, was a spy satellite. “The purpose of HiRos will be to transmit data for public services, for example for crisis management in natural catastrophes,” Andreas Schuetz told AFP in an email. “HiROS is not a spy satellite nor a secret project,” he said. The US embassy cables quoted in Norwegian by Aftenposten cover a period from Feb 2009 to Feb 2010. They also show that some countries, “especially France,” have tried to stop the project by every means possible. Continued on Page 14 KUWAIT: Opposition and pro-government MPs yesterday traded statements just a day before a crucial vote which the prime minister looks certain to survive, as a number of lawmakers started to speak about the aftermath of the grilling. Pro-government MPs appeared jubilant, with Adnan Al-Mutawwa challenging the opposition lawmakers to carry out their promise to resign if they fail to oust the prime minister. Opposition MPs meanwhile refused to accept that the narrow margin of survival is a victory for the government, with MP Mohammad Hayef calling on Prime Minister HH Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad AlSabah to resign. Meanwhile, MP Adel AlSaraawi warned the government against utilizing upcoming appointments in the oil sector as a way of repaying political supporters. As of late yesterday, the numbers of supporters and opponents of the prime minister remained almost unchanged with 21 MPs set to vote against the premier and 25 with him. Two MPs Hassan Jowhar and Khaled Al-Sultan - remain Continued on Page 14 KUWAIT: A pro-government gathering was held yesterday in Yarmouk at the residence of Eneza tribal chief Sheikh Mislet Zibin Al-Hazzal (inset), who declared his total support to the government and the Al-Sabah ruling family. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Egypt on high alert ahead of Coptic Xmas CAIRO: Egypt was on high alert yesterday ahead of Coptic Christmas in the wake of a New Year’s Day church bombing as investigators hunted the perpetrators of the attack which cost 21 lives. Police cancelled leave for senior oﬃcers and tightened surveillance of airports and ports to prevent suspects from leaving the country, as new checkpoints were set up across the nation. Security was also to be beefed up at churches for Christmas which Copts celebrate on January 7, security oﬃcials said. The clampdown comes amid concerns there may be new protests by Copts following overnight clashes at Cairo’s St. Mark’s Cathedral - headquarters of Coptic leader Pope Shenouda III - during which 45 policemen were


Medicine: What is a patient suffering from, based on the following description - Partial or complete blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot?

Heart Attack information. Signs of a heart attack at Patient | Patient 1041 A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is usually caused by a blood clot, which stops the blood flowing to a part of your heart muscle. You should call for an ambulance immediately if you develop severe chest pain. Treatment with a clot-busting medicine or an emergency procedure to restore the blood flow through the blocked blood vessel are usually done as soon as possible. This is to prevent or minimise any damage to your heart muscle. Other treatments help to ease the pain and to prevent complications. Reducing various risk factors can help to prevent a heart attack. Understanding the heart and coronary arteries The heart is mainly made of special muscle (myocardium). The heart pumps blood into blood vessels (arteries) which take the blood to every part of the body. Like any other muscle, the heart muscle needs a good blood supply. The coronary arteries take blood to the heart muscle. The main coronary arteries branch off from the aorta. The aorta is the large artery which takes oxygen-rich blood from the heart chambers to the body. The main coronary arteries divide into smaller branches which take blood to all parts of the heart muscle. See separate leaflet called The Heart and Blood Vessels for more details . What happens to your heart with a heart attack? If you have a heart attack, a coronary artery or one of its smaller branches is suddenly blocked. The part of the heart muscle supplied by this artery loses its blood (and oxygen) supply if the vessel is blocked. This part of the heart muscle is at risk of dying unless the blockage is quickly removed. When a part of the heart muscle is damaged it is said to be infarcted. The term myocardial infarction (MI) means damaged heart muscle. If a main coronary artery is blocked, a large part of the heart muscle is affected. If a smaller branch artery is blocked, a smaller amount of heart muscle is affected. After a heart attack, if part of the heart muscle has died, it is replaced by scar tissue over the following few weeks. Some newer terms used by doctors A heart attack and myocardial infarction (MI) are commonly used terms, and mean the same thing. However, the term MI is used less often now by doctors. This is because there are actually a range of conditions that can be caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow in a coronary artery. This range of conditions has an overall term called acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Two main sub types of ACS can be diagnosed by what is seen on your heart tracing (electrocardiograph, or ECG). The two main types are called ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). The ST elevation refers to a section on the ECG tracing. NSTEMI can also include unstable angina. Most people with angina chest pains only have pain with a certain amount of exertion. This is called stable angina. If the pattern of your pain changes suddenly and the pains develop after minimal exertion, or while you are resting, this is called unstable angina. This is an emergency and needs immediate medical care. See separate leaflet called Angina for further information . In STEMI, the artery supplying an area of the heart muscle is completely blocked. However, in NSTEMI, the artery is only partly blocked, so only part of the heart muscle supplied by the affected artery is affected. Your treatment can depend upon which type you have - STEMI or NSTEMI. This leaflet mainly discusses STEMI - which is just referred to as a heart attack from now on. See separate leaflet called Acute Coronary Syndrome for more details on NSTEMI, unstable angina and ACS . What causes a heart attack? Blood clot (thrombosis) - the cause in most cases The most common cause of a heart attack is a blood clot that forms inside a coronary artery, or one of its branches. This blocks the blood flow to a part of the heart. Blood clots do not usually form in normal arteries. However, a clot may form if there is some atheroma within the lining of the artery . Atheroma is like fatty patches or plaques that develop within t


"Which sculptor created the famous statue ""St Michael and the Devil"" which is shown on the facade of Coventry Cathedral?"

1000+ images about Keeping Watch on Pinterest | Sculpture, Garden statues and Church Forward 1958 Sir Jacob Epstein St Michael's Victory over the Devil b New York1880 - d London, 1959. British sculptor of American birth. Although he spent his childhood in New York, Epstein defined his identity as an artist only after moving to London in 1905. http://www.all-art.org/art_20th_century/epstein1.html See More


Sheila Hancock was the wife of which deceased actor?

Sheila Hancock - IMDb IMDb Actress | Producer Sheila Hancock was born February 22, 1933. on the Isle of Wight. She later moved to King's Cross in London, where her mother and father ran a pub. Sheila went to Dartford Grammar School, and then with a grant she went to RADA. She then went into nine years of weekly repertory around the country. While in repertory in Bath she met actor Alec Ross , ... See full bio » Born: a list of 130 people created 20 Nov 2010 a list of 940 people created 22 Jan 2012 a list of 142 people created 24 Jun 2013 a list of 13 people created 26 Dec 2015 a list of 2190 people created 2 months ago Do you have a demo reel? Add it to your IMDbPage How much of Sheila Hancock's work have you seen? User Polls  2016 The Dumping Ground (TV Series) Doris  2014 Remember Me (TV Mini-Series) Loveday Hutton  2012 Playhouse Presents (TV Series) Melba  2011-2012 North by Northamptonshire (TV Series) Narrator  2011 Just Henry (TV Movie) Gran  2009 Moving On (TV Series) Liz  2007 Fallen Angel (TV Mini-Series) Lady Youlgreave  2006 After Thomas (TV Movie) Granny Pat  2004 Feather Boy (TV Series) Edith Sorrel  2001 Love or Money (TV Movie) Teresa  2001 The Russian Bride (TV Movie) Dora Blossom  1998 Close Relations (TV Mini-Series) Dorothy Hammond  1997 Kavanagh QC (TV Series) Sarah Meadows  1995 Dangerous Lady (TV Mini-Series) Sarah Ryan  1995 The Buccaneers (TV Mini-Series) Dowager Duchess / Duchess of Trevenick - Plunder (1995) ... Dowager Duchess  1993-1994 Brighton Belles (TV Series) Frances  1993 Comedy Playhouse (TV Series) Frances  1992 Gone to Seed (TV Series) Mag  1990 Single Voices (TV Series) Doreen  1989 Jumping the Queue (TV Series) Matilda Poliport - Episode #1.1 (1989) ... Matilda Poliport  1989 Bradley (TV Series)  1985 Home to Roost (TV Series) Sue  1972 Full House (TV Series) Countdown cast member - Episode dated 16 December 1972 (1972) ... Countdown cast member  1972 Scoop (TV Series)  1971 Frankie Howerd's Hour (TV Mini-Series) Special Guest Star  1969-1971 Mr. Digby Darling (TV Series) Thelma Teesdale - Safe Breakers (1971) ... Thelma Teesdale - Rats (1970) ... Thelma Teesdale  1971 Shadows of Fear (TV Series) Anne Brand  1970 The Mating Machine (TV Series) Freda  1968 ITV Playhouse (TV Series) Kaff / Naomi Woodley  1967 Armchair Theatre (TV Series) Alice  1965-1966 The Bed-Sit Girl (TV Series) Sheila Ross  1965 The Wednesday Thriller (TV Series) Joyce Lambert  1964 Thursday Theatre (TV Series) Olive Leech  1960-1963 BBC Sunday-Night Play (TV Mini-Series) Jackie Lambert / Janet  1960 Bootsie and Snudge (TV Series) Greta  2015 Toast of London (TV Series) Herself  2004-2015 Loose Women (TV Series) Herself  2013 Richard Briers: A Tribute (TV Movie documentary) Herself  2005-2013 Room 101 (TV Series) Herself / Herself - Guest  2012 Strictly Come Dancing (TV Series) Herself - Contestant  2012 Unforgettable: The Sweeney (TV Movie documentary) Herself - Actress and John Thaw's Wife  2012 The Story of Musicals (TV Series documentary) Herself  2012 The Unforgettable John Thaw (TV Movie documentary) Herself - John's Second Wife  2008-2011 The One Show (TV Series) Herself - Guest  2011 In Confidence (TV Series documentary) Herself  2010 A History of the World (TV Series documentary) Herself - Presenter  2010 The British Academy Television Awards (TV Movie documentary) Herself  2010 Over the Rainbow (TV Series) Herself - Judge  2010 Dear Diary (TV Series documentary) Herself  2009 Pinter's Progress (TV Movie documentary) Herself  2009 Fern Britton Meets... (TV Series) Herself  2008 Evacuees Reunited (TV Series documentary) Herself - Interviewee  2006-2008 Grumpy Old Women (TV Series documentary) Herself  2007 There's Something About... Morse (TV Movie documentary) Herself  2006 Grumpy Old Holidays (TV Series documentary) Herself  2004-2006 Richard & Judy (TV Series) Herself  2005 Watchdog (TV Series documentary) Herself  2005 Jeremy Vine Meets... (TV Series documentary) Herself  2004 Grumpy Old Women at Christmas (TV Movie documentary) Herself  2002-2004 Breakfast with Frost (TV Series) Herself  2004 This M


What was the first book to be written by Charles Dickens, completed in 1837?

Charles Dickens Timeline of Important Dates Dickens enrolls in classes at a school next door to his family's home. 1823 Hard Times Owing to John Dickens's numerous debts, he is unable to afford to send his son Charles back to school. His mother opens her own girls' school in an effort to earn more money for the family, but is unable to attract even a single student. Feb 9, 1824 Starts Work Two days after his twelfth birthday, Charles Dickens starts a job labeling jars of shoe polish in a factory. Feb 23, 1824 Father Imprisoned Despite a desperate attempt on behalf of his family to raise the money to keep him out of jail, John Dickens is committed to a debtor's prison for his failure to repay a debt of 40 pounds. The Dickens family pawns everything they own, Elizabeth Dickens and the four youngest children move in to John's prison cell. Charles takes a room at a boarding house, using his income from the boot-black factory to pay his room and board. May 28, 1824 Father Released from Prison After earning a small inheritance, John Dickens is able to negotiate with his creditors and secure his release from jail. The family moves into the boarding house where Charles had been living. Jun 1824 Charles enrolls at Wellington House Academy. 1826 Financial Problems Another round of financial troubles forces Charles and his elder sister Fanny to withdraw from school. Soon after, the Dickens family is evicted from their London home. May 1827 Law Work Charles takes a job as a law clerk to bolster the family's income. He also starts spending time around London's theater – excuse us, theatre – district. Nov 1828 Launches Journalism Career Dickens leaves his job at a law office to work as a freelance reporter. Over the next few years, he writes for several London newspapers. 1830 Falls in Love Dickens falls in love with a young woman named Maria Beadnell. Her well-to-do parents disapprove of the relationship and send her to school in Paris to keep her away from Dickens. Apr 28, 1833 Stage Performances Dickens, by now a major theater buff, stars in and also stage-manages three amateur plays. His three-year romance with Maria Beadnell ends a month later. Dec 1833 Published Dickens' first piece of writing, the short story "A Dinner at Poplar Walk," appears anonymously in Old Monthly Magazine. He publishes several more stories in the magazine over the next several months. Sep 26, 1834 Street Sketches Noticing his talent for writing, Dickens's editor at the Morning Chronicle newspaper encourages him to write more observational pieces. He publishes the first of his "Street Sketches," vignettes of life in London. Feb 1836 Sketches by Boz and The Pickwick Papers Dickens begins publishing his Sketches by Boz, a collection of written pieces. The following month, he publishes the first installment of the serial novel The Pickwick Papers, which runs until November 1937. Apr 2, 1836 Dickens marries Catherine Hogarth, the daughter of a colleague at the Morning Chronicle. 1837 The couple's first child, a son named Charles but called "Charley," is born. Feb 1837 Oliver Twist The first installment of Dickens's serial novel Oliver Twist is published in Bentley's Miscellany, which Dickens now edits. It runs in 24 installments over two years. 1838 The couple's daughter, Mamie Dickens, is born. 1839 The couple's third child, Kate, is born. Mar 1839 Dickens's serial novel highlighting the miserable conditions in schools for poor children begins publication. 1840 Dickens begins another serial novel in the magazine Master Humphrey's Clock, which he edits. 1841 Son Born The fourth Dickens child, a son named Walter, is born. Dickens leaves the editor position at Master Humphrey's Clock. 1843 Two Famous Novels Dickens publishes two novels this year: The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit and A Christmas Carol. The latter is the well-known Christmas tale that turns out to be one of his most beloved stories. 1844 Fifth Child Born The couple's son, Francis, is born while the Dickens family is living abroad in Genoa, Italy. 1845 Sixth Child Born Catherine Dicken


"""The 59th Street Bridge Song"" was an early successful recording by Simon and Garfunkel. What is its better known alternative title?"

Moodswings: SIMON & GARFUNKEL SIMON & GARFUNKEL REMASTER 320 KBPS The most successful folk-rock duo of the 1960s, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel crafted a series of memorable hit albums and singles featuring their choirboy harmonies, ringing acoustic and electric guitars, and Simon's acute, finely wrought songwriting. The pair always inhabited the more polished end of the folk-rock spectrum and was sometimes criticized for a certain collegiate sterility. Many also feel that Simon, as both a singer and songwriter, didn't truly blossom until he began his own hugely successful solo career in the 1970s. But the best of S&G's work can stand among Simon's best material, and the duo did progress musically over the course of their five albums, moving from basic folk-rock productions into Latin rhythms and gospel-influenced arrangements that foreshadowed Simon's eclecticism on his solo albums. Simon & Garfunkel's recording history actually predated their first mid-'60s hit by almost a decade. Childhood friends while growing up together in Forest Hills, NY, they began making records in 1957, performing (and often writing their own material) in something of a juvenile Everly Brothers style. Calling themselves Tom & Jerry, their first single, "Hey Schoolgirl," actually made the Top 50, but a series of follow-ups went nowhere. The duo split up, and Simon continued to struggle to make it in the music business as a songwriter and occasional performer, sometimes using the names of Jerry Landis or Tico & the Triumphs. By the early '60s, both Simon and Garfunkel were coming under the influence of folk music. When they reteamed, it was as a folk duo, though Simon's pop roots would serve the act well in their material's synthesis of folk and pop influences. Signing to Columbia, they recorded an initially unsuccessful acoustic debut (as Simon & Garfunkel, not Tom & Jerry) in 1964, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. They again went their separate ways, Simon moving to England, where he played the folk circuit and recorded an obscure solo album. The Simon & Garfunkel story might have ended there, except for a brainstorm of their producer, Tom Wilson (who also produced several of Bob Dylan's early albums). Folk-rock was taking off in 1965, and Wilson, who had helped Dylan electrify his sound, took the strongest track from S&G's debut, "The Sound of Silence," and embellished it with electric guitars, bass, and drums. It got to number one in early 1966, giving the duo the impetus to reunite and make a serious go at a recording career, Simon returning from the U.K. to the U.S. In 1966 and 1967, they were regular visitors to the pop charts with some of the best folk-rock of the era, including "Homeward Bound," "I Am a Rock," and "A Hazy Shade of Winter." Simon & Garfunkel's early albums were erratic, but they steadily improved as Simon sharpened his songwriting, and as the duo became more comfortable and adventurous in the studio. Their execution was so clean and tasteful that it cost them some hipness points during the psychedelic era, which was a bit silly. They were far from the raunchiest thing going, but managed to pull off the nifty feat of appealing to varying segments of the pop and rock audience -- and various age groups, not just limited to adolescents -- without compromising their music. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (late 1966) was their first really consistent album; Bookends (1968), which actually blended previously released singles with some new material, reflected their growing maturity. One of its songs, "Mrs. Robinson," became one of the biggest singles of the late '60s after it was prominently featured in one of the best films of the period, The Graduate (which also had other Simon & Garfunkel songs on the soundtrack). It was unsurprising, in retrospect, that the duo's partnership began to weaken in the late '60s. They had known each other most of their lives, and been performing together for over a decade. Simon began to feel constrained by the limits of working with the same collaborator; Garfunkel, who wrote virtually none of the mat


"Paul McCartney had a record commonly known as ""The Frog Chorus"" in the top ten for 13 weeks in 1984. What was the formal title of this record?"

Radionomy | Listen to Paul McCartney radio stations for free Please sign in to use this functionality Paul McCartney Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE (born 18 June 1942) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame as a member of the Beatles, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential acts in the history of rock music; his songwriting partnership with Lennon is one of the most celebrated of the 20th century. After the band's break-up, he pursued a solo career and later formed Wings with his first wife, Linda, and Denny Laine.McCartney has been recognized as one of the highest-selling composers and performers of all time, with 60 gold discs and sales of over 100 million albums and 100 million singles of his work with the Beatles and as as solo artist. More than 2,200 artists have covered his Beatles song "Yesterday", more than any other copyrighted song in history. Wings' 1977 release "Mull of Kintyre" is one of the all-time best-selling singles in the UK. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in March 1999, McCartney has written, or co-written 32 songs that have reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and as of 2014 he has sold more than 15.5 million RIAA-certified units in the United States. McCartney, Lennon, Harrison and Starr received MBEs in 1965, and in 1997, McCartney was knighted for his services to music.McCartney has released an extensive catalogue of songs as a solo artist and has composed classical and electronic music. He has taken part in projects to promote international charities related to such subjects as animal rights, seal hunting, landmines, vegetarianism, poverty, and music education. He has married three times and is the parent of five children.1957–1960: the QuarrymenAt the age of fifteen, McCartney met Lennon and his band, the Quarrymen, at the St Peter's Church Hall fête in Woolton on 6 July 1957. The Quarrymen played a mix of rock and roll and skiffle, a type of popular music with jazz, blues and folk influences. The band invited McCartney to join soon afterwards as a rhythm guitarist, and he formed a close working relationship with Lennon. Harrison joined in 1958 as lead guitarist, followed by Lennon's art school friend Stuart Sutcliffe on bass, in 1960. By May 1960 the band had tried several names, including Beatals, Johnny and the Moondogs and the Silver Beetles. They adopted the name the Beatles in August 1960 and recruited drummer Pete Best shortly before a five-engagement residency in Hamburg.1960–1970: the BeatlesInformally represented by Allan Williams, the Beatles' first booking was for a series of performances in Hamburg, starting in 1960. In 1961, Sutcliffe left the band and McCartney reluctantly became their bass player. They recorded professionally for the first time while in Hamburg, credited as the Beat Brothers, as the backing band for English singer Tony Sheridan on the single "My Bonnie". This brought them to the attention of Brian Epstein, a key figure in their subsequent development and success. He became their manager in January 1962. Ringo Starr replaced Best in August, and the band had their first hit, "Love Me Do", in October, becoming popular in the UK in 1963, and in the US a year later. Their fans' hysteria became known as "Beatlemania", and the press sometimes referred to McCartney as the "cute Beatle".In August 1965, the Beatles released the McCartney composition "Yesterday", featuring a string quartet. Included on the Help! LP, the song was the group's first recorded use of classical music elements and their first recording that involved only a single band member. "Yesterday" became the most covered song in popular music history. Later that year, during recording sessions for the album Rubber Soul, McCartney began to supplant Lennon as the dominant musical force in the band. Musicologist Ian MacDonald wrote, "from [1965\] ... [McCartney\] would be in the ascendant not only as a songwriter, but also as instrumenta


What is the name of the American student who was convicted of the murder of Meredith Kercher, along with her Italian boyfriend and released in 2011 after an appeal?

Amanda Knox and ex-boyfriend acquitted of murder of British student Meredith Kercher by Italian court - Mirror Online News Amanda Knox and ex-boyfriend acquitted of murder of British student Meredith Kercher by Italian court A Seattle-based representative for Knox said he was 'overjoyed' after the decision, adding 'the truth has won out'  Share Verdict: A judge has acquitted Amanda Knox and her ex of the murder of a British student (Photo: Reuters / PA / Getty)  Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Italy's highest court has overturned the murder conviction against Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend, bringing to a definitive end the high-profile case. The decision by the supreme Court of Cassation is the final ruling in the case, ending the long legal battle waged by Knox and co-defendant Raffaele Sollecito. Both Ms Knox, who was awaiting the verdict in her US hometown of Seattle, and Mr Sollecito have long maintained their innocence. The supreme Court of Cassation overturned last year's convictions by a Florence appeals court, and declined to order another trial. Long Saga: Amanda Knox has been in and out of court since the killing in 2007 (Photo: Reuter) The decision means the judges, after thoroughly examining the case, concluded that a conviction could not be supported by the evidence. Their reasoning will be released within 90 days. "I personally feel overjoyed that the truth has won out, that she is innocent," said David Marriott, a spokesman for Knox, calling the verdict "unexpected." Lawyers for Knox's ex-boyfriend made a final appeal to Italy's top criminal court today, urging it to overturn the pair's murder conviction for the 2007 murder of Knox's room-mate. Attorney Giulia Bongiorno dissected the decision of an appeal court in Florence last year to show what she said were numerous errors of fact and logic that resulted in prison sentences of 28-and-a-half years for Knox and 25 years for Raffaele Sollecito. Court Decision: Raffaele Sollecito arrives to to appeal his conviction for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher in 2007 (Photo: FameFlynet) Judges at the Court of Cassation in Rome started deliberating shortly after noon. A decision to confirm the convictions could have resulted in an extradition request from Italy for Knox, who is currently living in the US. She had vowed to never willingly return to Italy. In her closing arguments, Ms Bongiorno said even Knox's original statement to police - which was never entered as evidence and was later changed - exonerated her client. Amanda Knox: Timeline of events since death of Meredith Kercher Knox, who along with Ms Kercher had been studying in the university town of Perugia, initially accused a Congolese bar owner of the murder. She also told investigators she was home the night Ms Kercher was killed and had to cover her ears to drown out her screams. Ms Bongiorno said she believed Knox's statement was coerced, but that even if the high court chooses to consider it, Sollecito figures nowhere in her story. Gruesome Murder: Meredith Kercher's throat was slashed during the killing eight years ago (Photo: PA) "My heart is crying because I think she was pressured by an intermediary," Ms Bongiorno said, apparently referring to the person who served as Knox's unofficial translator during police questioning. But within that statement, Ms Bongiorno added, Knox "rules out Sollecito". Ms Kercher, 21, was found dead on November 2, 2007 in the apartment she shared with Knox and two other students. Her throat was slashed and she had been sexually assaulted. Knox and Sollecito were arrested a few days later. They both have maintained their innocence. Video Loading Share this video Watch Next Initially Sollecito said he was working on his computer all night, and that he could not remember if Knox had stayed the whole night with him. Police said there was no sign he used the computer that night. The couple later said they had spent the evening together at Sollecito's place


On this day, 31st January , in 1943, the German army surrendered to the Russians. who was the Commander-in-Chief of the German forces who offerred the surrender?

1000+ images about Paulus on Pinterest | Press photo, Marshalls and East germany Learn more at Uploaded by user General Friedrich Paulus der Panzertruppe (Oberbefehlshaber 6.Armee) discussions with two Sturm-Artillerie commanders who are under his command. On the left is Major Paul Gloger (Kommandeur Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 244), while on the right is Major Hans Zielesch (Kommandeur Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 245). This photo was taken in the 21st or October 22, 1942 when the final plans were made to attack Factory krásný Oktyabr by 79.Infanterie-Division will be done the next day (October 23, 1942) More


During the Battle of Stalingrad who was Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Red Arny forces?

The Battle of Stalingrad | Jewish Virtual Library The Battle of Stalingrad - The Aftermath Background On June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany launched Operation Barbarossa (Unternehmen Barbarossa). The armed forces of Germany and its allies invaded the Soviet Union , quickly advancing deep into Soviet territory. In December, having suffered multiple defeats during the summer and autumn, Soviet forces counter-attacked during the Battle of Moscow and successfully drove the German Army (Wehrmacht Heer) from the environs of Moscow. By spring 1942, the Germans had stabilized their front in a line running roughly from Leningrad in the north to Rostov in the south. There were a number of salients in the line where Soviet offensives had pushed the Germans back, notably to the northwest of Moscow and south of Kharkov, but neither was particularly threatening. In the far south the Germans were in control of most of the Ukraine and much of the Crimean, although Sevastapol remained in Soviet hands along with a small portion of the Kerch peninsula. The Germans were confident they could master the Red Army when winter weather no longer impeded their mobility. There was some substance to this belief: while Army Group Center (Heeresgruppe Mitte) had suffered heavy punishment, 65 percent of its infantry had not been engaged during the winter fighting, and had been rested and reequipped. Army Groups North and South had not been particularly hard pressed over the winter. Planning an Offensive Confusing matters considerably was the recent entry of the United States following Germany’s declaration of war in support of its Japanese ally. To everyone’s surprise, the new Anglo-American Allies stated that their first priority was Germany. Hitler wanted to end the fighting on the Eastern Front, or at least minimize it, before the Americans had a chance to get deeply involved in the war in Europe. Whatever plan they chose it would have to have sweeping strategic importance. Limited operations, like collapsing the salients or finally taking Leningrad, would simply not force the war to a close. Moscow was thus an obvious target. Capturing Moscow could conceivably force the Soviets to surrender, or at least so upset their command, control and manufacturing to remove them as a major force. However, an important part of the German “Blitzkrieg” style of warfare was to attack at the least obvious point, in order to concentrate the offensive against the weakest defense, punching through, and then maintaining a highly mobile offensive in order to keep the enemy off balance. Moscow was just as obvious a target to the Soviets as the Germans, and was heavily defended as a result. Although a successful offensive was certainly possible, it would likely be a costly victory. Another possibility was to upset the strategic balance by cutting off the Soviet supplies. The basic theory behind total war was that if the industrial output of a country could be disrupted, their military forces would be unable to fight and be defeated as a matter of course. Hitler himself had always claimed to favor this style of warfare, and had personally intervened during Barbarossa to capture areas he felt were of prime industrial importance (much to the chagrin of his generals). In this case there was an obvious target, the oil fields of the Caucasus area, which supplied the Soviets with the vast majority of their fuel. An offensive in this area would also complete the takeover of the Ukraine . If the Volga could be reached, grain supplies from much of the Soviet “breadbasket” would be cut off completely, as it traveled either by barge on the Volga, or trains on lines further west that would also be overrun. Importance of Stalingrad The capture of Stalingrad was important to Hitler for two primary reasons. Firstly, it was a major industrial city on the Volga River -- a vital transport route between the Caspian Sea and Northern Russia. Secondly, its capture would secure the left flank of the German armies as they advanced into the oil-rich Caucasus region --


What name is given to the flowers of Willow and Poplar trees?

poplar | tree | Britannica.com Poplar angiosperm Poplar (genus Populus), genus of some 35 species of trees in the willow family (Salicaceae), native to the Northern Hemisphere. The poplar species native to North America are divided into three loose groups: the cottonwoods , the aspens , and the balsam poplars. The name Populus refers to the fact that the trees were often planted around public meeting places in Roman times. The wood of poplars is relatively soft and hence is mostly used to make cardboard boxes, crates, paper , and veneer . European aspen (Populus tremula). Quaking aspen, also known as trembling poplar (Populus tremuloides), is one of the most … AdstockRF The leaves and fruits of an eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides). Named for their … Kitty Kahout—Root Resources/EB Inc. Physical description Poplars are rapid-growing but relatively short-lived trees. They are widely distributed throughout the northern temperate regions, ranging from North America through Eurasia and northern Africa. The leaves are alternate and oval or heart-shaped in outline, with finely to coarsely toothed margins (leaf edges). The leaves characteristically tremble in the breeze, because of their flat petioles (leaf stalks). In North America, aspens usually have nonsticky buds and smooth gray-to-green bark , whereas cottonwoods and balsam poplars have sticky buds and bark that is darker and deeply furrowed. Poplars are dioecious plants. Their male and female flowers grow on separate trees and bloom in drooping catkins (pendulous unisexual flower clusters) before the leaves emerge, to facilitate wind pollination. The fruits are small thick-walled capsules that contain many minute seeds clothed in cottony tufts of silky hairs. The seeds are often released in great quantities, and the fluffy seed hairs assist in wind dispersal. Common species Two well-known poplar species of Eurasia are the white and the black poplar. The white poplar (P. alba)—also known as silver poplar for its leaves, which have white felted undersides, and as maple leaf poplar for the leaves’ lobed margins—is widely spreading or columnar in form, reaching 30 metres (100 feet) in height. The gray poplar (P. ×canescens), a close relative of the white poplar, has deltoid (roughly triangular) leaves with woolly grayish undersides. The black poplar, or black cottonwood (P. nigra), has oval fine-toothed leaves, is long-trunked, and grows to a height of 35 metres (115 feet). Columnar black poplars are widely used in ornamental landscape plantings, particularly among the villas of Italy and elsewhere in southern Europe. White and black poplars are widely planted in the eastern United States and in Canada. Similar Topics filbert The balsam poplar , or tacamahac (P. balsamifera), which is native throughout northern North America in swampy soil, is distinguished by its aromatic resinous buds. The buds of the balm of Gilead poplar (P. ×jackii), which is similar, are used to make an ointment. The western balsam poplar, also called black cottonwood (P. trichocarpa), grows some 60 metres (195 feet) tall and is one of the largest deciduous trees of northwestern North America. The common European aspen (P. tremula) and the American quaking, or trembling, aspen (P. tremuloides) are similar trees and reach a height of about 27 metres (90 feet). Quaking aspen is distinguished by its leaves, which have more-pointed tips, and spreads by rhizomes (underground stems). The American big-tooth aspen (P. grandidentata) grows up to 18 metres (59 feet) and has larger, somewhat rounded, coarse-toothed leaves. A stand of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees. Such stands are often clonal, as the … Charles Hannum/EB Inc. Cottonwood trees have distinctive deeply fissured bark and are exceptionally tolerant of flooding and erosion . Native to North America, the common, or eastern, cottonwood (P. deltoides) reaches nearly 30 metres (100 feet) tall and bears thick glossy leaves. The Fremont, or Alamo, cottonwood (P. fremontii) is the tallest of the cottonwoods and is found throughout southwestern N


In an 1890 novel, Basil Hallward paints whose portrait?

SparkNotes: The Picture of Dorian Gray: Character List The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde Plot Overview Analysis of Major Characters Dorian Gray -  A radiantly handsome, impressionable, and wealthy young gentleman, whose portrait the artist Basil Hallward paints. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian becomes extremely concerned with the transience of his beauty and begins to pursue his own pleasure above all else. He devotes himself to having as many experiences as possible, whether moral or immoral, elegant or sordid. Read an in-depth analysis of Dorian Gray. Lord Henry Wotton -  A nobleman and a close friend of Basil Hallward. Urbane and witty, Lord Henry is perpetually armed and ready with well-phrased epigrams criticizing the moralism and hypocrisy of Victorian society. His pleasure-seeking philosophy of “new Hedonism,” which espouses garnering experiences that stimulate the senses without regard for conventional morality, plays a vital role in Dorian’s development. Read an in-depth analysis of Lord Henry Wotton. Basil Hallward -  An artist, and a friend of Lord Henry. Basil becomes obsessed with Dorian after meeting him at a party. He claims that Dorian possesses a beauty so rare that it has helped him realize a new kind of art; through Dorian, he finds “the lines of a fresh school.” Dorian also helps Basil realize his artistic potential, as the portrait of Dorian that Basil paints proves to be his masterpiece. Read an in-depth analysis of Basil Hallward. Sibyl Vane -  A poor, beautiful, and talented actress with whom Dorian falls in love. Sibyl’s love for Dorian compromises her ability to act, as her experience of true love in life makes her realize the falseness of affecting emotions onstage. James Vane -  Sibyl’s brother, a sailor bound for Australia. James cares deeply for his sister and worries about her relationship with Dorian. Distrustful of his mother’s motives, he believes that Mrs. Vane’s interest in Dorian’s wealth disables her from properly protecting Sibyl. As a result, James is hesitant to leave his sister. Mrs. Vane -  Sibyl and James’s mother. Mrs. Vane is a faded actress who has consigned herself and her daughter to a tawdry theater company, the owner of which has helped her to pay her debts. She conceives of Dorian Gray as a wonderful alliance for her daughter because of his wealth; this ulterior motive, however, clouds her judgment and leaves Sibyl vulnerable. Alan Campbell -  Once an intimate friend, Alan Campbell is one of many promising young men who have severed ties with Dorian because of Dorian’s sullied reputation. Lady Agatha -  Lord Henry’s aunt. Lady Agatha is active in charity work in the London slums. Lord Fermor  -  Lord Henry’s irascible uncle. Lord Fermor tells Henry the story of Dorian’s parentage. Duchess of Monmouth -  A pretty, bored young noblewoman who flirts with Dorian at his country estate. Victoria Wotton -  Lord Henry’s wife. Victoria appears only once in the novel, greeting Dorian as he waits for Lord Henry. She is described as an untidy, foolishly romantic woman with “a perfect mania for going to church.” Victor -  Dorian’s servant. Although Victor is a trustworthy servant, Dorian becomes suspicious of him and sends him out on needless errands to ensure that he does not attempt to steal a glance at Dorian’s portrait. Mrs. Leaf  -  Dorian Gray’s housekeeper. Mrs. Leaf is a bustling older woman who takes her work seriously. More Help


Bourbon Whisly is named after a county in which American state?

Kentucky Bourbon Kentucky Bourbon I. Identification 1. The Issue Whiskey, which translates ï¿½water of life,ï¿½ was brought to the New world by Irish settlers in the 18th century. It was in the western parts of Virginia, which would later become Kentucky, that the derivative known as bourbon was first created in late 1700's. Today, Kentucky Bourbon has evolved into one of the most known and respected distilled spirits traded worldwide. From the procedures of fermentation to the aging process, such stringent rules govern production that the United States has pursued a policy of protecting the cultural and environmental distinctiveness of this product. One may ask why Kentucky, and not Texas, and to that any bourbon distiller would say, it's as much about the land and crops as it is about culture and style. 2. Description I. What is Bourbon? While there are many types of whiskey, from Scotland and Ireland, to Canada  and the US, bourbon is a special form created, distilled, and aged in the  eastern United States, mainly in the state of Kentucky. It is classified as a  distilled spirit made from a fermented mash, mainly consisting of corn, and  aged in white oak barrels for at least two years. The unique nature of bourbon  can be derived from the iron-free water used in the distillation process. Local distillers have used their resources to perfect a world class product with a distinct amber color, and natural flavor. Strict  standards and regulations govern production and ensure excellence, but the  bourbon story continues to be one of history and the pioneering spirit of  early American colonies. For one thing, where did the name bourbon come from,  for these and other bourbon facts, continue now on the journey through  history, trade, and the environment. III. The History The American Colonies- In 1791, Alexander Hamilton imposed an excise tax on whiskey in western Pennsylvania. The farmers who lived on the frontier where mainly of Scottish and Irish descent and depended on whiskey as an important commodity produced from their excess corn and grain yields. They could transport the crops to Fort Pitt on the Ohio River (now Pittsburgh), but raids by Indians and the long distances between farms made whiskey production more practical. The new US government agreed and sent tax collectors to take their fair share, but settlers saw the situation as a mockery to the very principles of liberty and justice. They tarred and feathered the four tax collectors, and the Whiskey rebellion began in 1794. As a result, George Washington led an army of 13,700 men into Bedford, PA and quashed the rebellion. As a settlement, Washington offered incentives for pioneers to move southwest to the frontier of Virginia beyond the Allegheny mountains. However, in conjunction with this migration Thomas Jefferson offered sixty acres to his countrymen to "create a permanent structure and crops of native origin." [1] . This led to the foundation of Bourbon County in 1785, named after the French royal family (whose government helped the US defeat the British not long before). Bourbon was a rich agricultural area consisting of 34 modern day counties and around the turn of the nineteenth century, was on the main frontier of American westward expansion. Bourbon County, KY- Kentucky was admitted to the union in 1792 and as farming region, was heavily dependent on two exports, hemp and whiskey. Trade was conducted at that time by water, and the closest outlet for the Bourbon region was the Ohio River on Kentucky's northern border. The Ohio flowed to the Mississippi, and eventually to the port of New Orleans on the Gulf of Mexico. Upon the entrance of Kentucky into the union, Bourbon county was divided into smaller sub-regions, but economically speaking, products shipped from the area were still designated as coming from "Old Bourbon". Thus, whiskey shipped from the principal port of Limestone (now Maysville, KY) was designated "old bourbon whiskey" to refer to the origin of the product. After about 1840


"Which chemical element, a gas, derives its name from the Greek for ""sun""?"

chemical element | Britannica.com Chemical element rare-earth element Chemical element, also called element , any substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processes. Elements are the fundamental materials of which all matter is composed. This article considers the origin of the elements and their abundances throughout the universe. The geochemical distribution of these elementary substances in the Earth’s crust and interior is treated in some detail, as is their occurrence in the hydrosphere and atmosphere. The article also discusses the periodic law and the tabular arrangement of the elements based on it. For detailed information about the compounds of the elements, see chemical compound . The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica General observations At present there are 118 known chemical elements. About 20 percent of them do not exist in nature (or are present only in trace amounts) and are known only because they have been synthetically prepared in the laboratory. Of the known elements, 11 (hydrogen, nitrogen , oxygen, fluorine , chlorine , and the six noble gases) are gases under ordinary conditions, two (bromine and mercury) are liquids (two more, cesium and gallium , melt at about or just above room temperature), and the rest are solids. Elements can combine with one another to form a wide variety of more complex substances called compounds . The number of possible compounds is almost infinite; perhaps a million are known, and more are being discovered every day. When two or more elements combine to form a compound , they lose their separate identities, and the product has characteristics quite different from those of the constituent elements. The gaseous elements hydrogen and oxygen, for example, with quite different properties, can combine to form the compound water , which has altogether different properties from either oxygen or hydrogen. Water clearly is not an element because it consists of, and actually can be decomposed chemically into, the two substances hydrogen and oxygen; these two substances, however, are elements because they cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by any known chemical process. Most samples of naturally occurring matter are physical mixtures of compounds. Seawater, for example, is a mixture of water and a large number of other compounds, the most common of which is sodium chloride , or table salt. Mixtures differ from compounds in that they can be separated into their component parts by physical processes; for example, the simple process of evaporation separates water from the other compounds in seawater. Historical development of the concept of element Similar Topics principles of physical science The modern concept of an element is unambiguous, depending as it does on the use of chemical and physical processes as a means of discriminating elements from compounds and mixtures. The existence of fundamental substances from which all matter is made, however, has been the basis of much theoretical speculation since the dawn of history. The ancient Greek philosophers Thales, Anaximenes, and Heracleitus each suggested that all matter is composed of one essential principle—or element. Thales believed this element to be water; Anaximenes suggested air; and Heracleitus, fire. Another Greek philosopher, Empedocles , expressed a different belief—that all substances are composed of four elements: air , earth, fire, and water. Aristotle agreed and emphasized that these four elements are bearers of fundamental properties, dryness and heat being associated with fire, heat and moisture with air, moisture and cold with water, and cold and dryness with earth. In the thinking of these philosophers all other substances were supposed to be combinations of the four elements, and the properties of substances were thought to reflect their elemental compositions . Thus, Greek thought encompassed the idea that all matter could be understood in terms of elemental qualities; in this sense, the elements themselves were thought of as nonmaterial. The Greek concept of


What title is used in Scotland for the chief magistrate or convener of a burgh council, the equivalent of a mayor in other parts of the English speaking world?

The Closes of Haddington by Lilian Main - issuu issuu THE CLOSES OF HADDINGTON A WALKING TOUR: Through the backstreets of History 2 Think before you bin this guide! After reading, pass it on to someone else who might find it useful, or recycle it. For electronic copies visit www.visitscotland.com/info/ towns-villages/east-lothian This booklet provides brief histories of the historic closes of Haddington. Each close is connected with a theme that expresses an aspect of cultural or historical life– they are colour coded and correspond with the map that comes as the jacket cover of this booklet. Remember, this only provides a brief snapshot of the burgh- please take your time to explore, experience and enjoy the town of Haddington- we’re sure you’ll keep returning for more! “HADDINGTON IS ONE OF THE SEMI-SECRET JEWELS OF SCOTL AND.” SIR ALISTAIR GRANT WELCOME TO HADDINGTON The Royal Burgh of Haddington, county town of East Lothian, with its medieval ‘herringbone’ street plan and Georgian architecture is centrally positioned in a county famous for agriculture. Nestling beneath the Garleton Hills on the banks of the River Tyne, Haddington is only 17 miles from Edinburgh. Haddington has been a settlement from early times, having been established as a royal burgh in the 12th century during the reign of King David I. It reached the peak of its prosperity in the 18th and early 19th centuries as a major market town. As you would expect of a burgh that is over 800 years old, it has many places of historic and architectural interest. Through this guide however, Haddington’s closes are used to serve as a fresh approach to the telling of Haddington’s history, uncovering stories of some of the town’s lesser known figures. page 8 ROUGHEAD CLOSE 5 While all the closes have historical significance, many have drastically changed or even disappeared over time. A great deal of change has occurred throughout the 19th century, as older dilapidated properties were replaced, creating the townscape much as we see it today. 6 A short history of Haddington Haddington has been a settlement from early times. There are many different explanations as to where the name Haddington came from. In the 5th century, Haden was a Saxon Chief. In Anglo-Saxon, Hadin-tin means ‘town of ordination or holy order’ and in Gaelic - heuedinge-town means ‘princes -town’. Today, almost 9000 people call Haddington home and it is recognised by many as one the most attractive, unspoilt market towns in Scotland. Haddington was established as a royal burgh in the 12th century during the reign of King David I, giving the town important trading privileges. Haddington became an important agricultural market town however when the main railway line by-passed the town, the trade of the burgh was reduced and a period of decline set in. After WWII, the town began to expand and the older part of the town was recognised as a conservation area. 7 Etching of Haddington in 1693, By John Slezer Before we get too up close and personal, letâ€™s first establish a few definitions: CLOSE: An entrance to a tenement, also sometimes providing access to the rear of the building. There is often a gate at the front entrance which is closed at night. WYND: A thoroughfare, open from end to end, often going up or down hill between high buildings, and linking streets at different levels. COURT: A courtyard surrounded on all sides by buildings. LAN D: A tenement block of flats. V ENNE L : A lane or passageway between the gables of two buildings P END : The original Scots word for a covered passageway through a building 8 OPERA CLOSE OPERA CLOSE The origins of the name Opera Close are rooted in Haddingtonâ€™s colourful history of musical performance... 9 Cast of the first performance of The Mikado. The Margaret Pringle Collection, The John Gray Centre THE HADDINGTON AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY Mr Ewen was not only an opera The Haddington Amateur buff, but also a pioneering Operatic Society was Scottish Aviator. In 1911 he formed in 1910 after became the first person to cross the Fir


"From which opera does the ""Humming Chorus"" come?"

Humming Chorus from Madam Butterfly - YouTube Humming Chorus from Madam Butterfly Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Jan 22, 2008 Preston Opera chorus sing the "Humming Chorus" from Puccini's opera Madam Butterfly. Performed in St. John's Minster Preston.Now check out Triumphal March from Aida by Preston Opera Category


In the war in Afghanistan many lives have been lost due to IEDs planted by the Taliban. What is an IED ?

How the IED changed the U.S. military How the IED changed the U.S. military Homemade bombs caused death, agony for troops and prompted changes in military equipment Post to Facebook How the IED changed the U.S. military Homemade bombs caused death, agony for troops and prompted changes in military equipment Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/JJ6srJ CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 24 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs How the IED changed the U.S. military Gregg Zoroya , USA TODAY Published 5:23 p.m. ET Dec. 18, 2013 | Updated 10:29 a.m. ET Dec. 19, 2013 CLOSE x Share November marked 10 years since the first U.S. death in Afghanistan blamed on an improvised explosive device on Nov. 14, 2003. Video by Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Homemade bombs caused death and agony for troops and prompted changes in military equipment. Lt. George Lopez, left, and Staff Sgt. Tim McNiel inspect a bridge. (Photo: Jack Gruber, USA TODAY) Story Highlights The IED has killed more than 3,000 U.S. troops and wounded 33,000 A weapon that costs a few hundred dollars each spawned a multibillion-dollar American response Elaborate equipment now protects troops, but doesn't guarantee their safety ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Three sets of eyes peer out of a massively armored U.S. truck rolling slowly down Highway 1. From inside their reinforced cocoon — constructed layer upon layer with ways to protect the human cargo inside — three Arizona National Guard Army engineers scan highway edges. They look for signs of digging, suspicious debris or any other anomaly in the dirt that hints at a buried explosive. The rate of Americans dying or becoming dismembered by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), for 10 years the tormentor of U.S. forces, has dropped sharply as coalition troops withdraw from the battlefield. But lives still depend on what soldiers see or don't see. It's an enduring legacy of the homemade bomb that has created more American casualties over a decade and two wars than any other weapon. What someone didn't see in the dirt along this same highway just 12 weeks earlier was a buried IED weighing hundreds of pounds. It killed 1st Lt. Jason Togi, 24, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, and an Afghan interpreter on a similar convoy mission riding in the same type of RG-31 armored truck. "There's certain catastrophic explosions that it does not matter if you're in some sort of titanium ball," said Col. William Ostlund, commander of U.S. troops in this province. So in the cramped quarters of the RG-31 this day, amid the smell of beef jerky and the cases of Burn and Rip It energy drinks, there lurks in the recesses of every soldier's mind one thought. Spc. Kyle Esplin, 22, who waits tables in Tucson; Spc. Brody Crane, 24, a part-timer at a Bass Pro Shop in Mesa, Ariz.; and Sgt. 1st Class Ramon Gomez, 33, who has a 5-month-old son, Emilio, back in Tucson, know that everything in their world could end in a violent millisecond. "You don't want to think about it," Crane says over the vehicle intercom system. Somewhere between more than half to two-thirds of Americans killed or wounded in combat in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been victims of IEDs planted in the ground, in vehicles or buildings, or worn as suicide vests, or loaded into suicide vehicles, according to data from the Pentagon's Joint IED Defeat Organization or JIEDDO. That's more than 3,100 dead and 33,000 wounded. Among the worst of the casualties are nearly 1,800 U.S. troops who have lost limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan, the vast majority from blasts, according to Army data. A LETHAL WEAPON Last Slide Next Slide When one of the first Americans serving in Iraq, 25-year-old Pfc. Jeremiah Smith, 25, of Odessa, Mo., died in an explosion under his vehicle in May 26, 2003, six weeks after the U.S. invasion ended, the military wasn't even sure what to call the thing that killed him. The Defense Department inadvertently applied an oxymoron, saying


The northern extremity of Offa's Dyke is in which Welsh town?

Things to do in North Wales | Days Out | Places to Visit You are here:  Counties -> Things to do in North Wales Things to do in North Wales Page Contents Video North Wales includes the north east coast of Wales and borderlands between Wales and England, encompassing several areas each with its own unique scenery and attractions. Unspoiled coastline, beaches, historic sites and gardens enrich North Wales. It boasts lovely countryside, such as the Vale of Clwyd, the Dee Valley and the Conwy River Valley. Caernarfon Castle in Snowdonia Llandudno Llandudno is Wales's largest seaside resort. Overlooking Conwy Bay, it is sheltered between its two famous landmarks Great and Little Orme. The town retains its old world charm, with traditional attractions, cable car, fine gardens, good shopping and dining facilities. Nearby at Llandudno Junction is Conwy RSPB Reserve, the most important site for birdwatchers on the North coast of Wales. Llandudno Conwy Estuary On the Conwy Estuary is the ancient walled town of Conwy and 13th century Conwy Castle , designated a World Heritage Site. View from top of Conway Mountain This medieval fortress was built by Edward 1st as part of the ring of castles to contain the Welsh. The town is a centre of historic and cultural interest, with attractions such as Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House - one of the best preserved Elizabethan town houses in Britain. Bodnant Gardens Even older is Aberconwy House , dating from the 14th century. Along the coast to the east is Rhos-On-Sea and Colwyn Bay . Both have a choice of shops, restaurants and cafes. There are sandy beaches, a pier, launch facilities for visiting boats and an area dedicated to jet skiing. A marked cycleway runs along most of the north coast. Inland is the Welsh Mountain Zoo. The Conwy River valley is well worth exploring. A few miles south of Conwy, on the east side of the valley is Bodnant Garden , one of the finest gardens in Britain. To the south, at the picturesque village of Trefriw, is Trefriw Wells Spa. This spa was discovered by the Romans. The village is also a centre of the woollen industry, with a mill and shop on the banks of the Crafnant River. Snowdonia Betws-y-Coed is in the heart of Snowdonia. Its mountain situation with woodlands and spectacular waterfalls attracted Britain's first artists' colony. Today it has become a centre for walkers and climbers and is ideally placed for exploring Gwydyr Forest. South east is Dolwyddelan Castle , built by Llywelyn the Great - ruler of Snowdonia in the 13th century - and occupying a magnificent location. Caernarfon Castle North Wales Tourist Information can be found in Denbighshire's seaside towns Rhyl and Prestatyn. Both resorts have award winning sandy beaches, traditional seaside attractions, good shopping and dining facilities. A few miles south of Rhyl is Rhuddlan Castle . It's well worth a visit. Offa's Dyke and Sustrans Prestatyn is the start of the northern end of Offas Dyke Footpath . Cyclists can enjoy the Sustrans cycle route along the seashore between Rhyl and Prestatyn. Inland, Denbighshire's County Town Ruthin is a historic market town with many interesting listed buildings and a medieval parish church. Situated at the foot of the Clwydian Range, there are many lovely walks and fine views in the surrounding area. Denbigh, or 'Denbych' in Welsh meaning Little Fortress, the old town is dominated by the town walls and 13th century Denbigh Castle . Other attractions in the town are Denbigh Museum and Art Gallery and St Asaph Cathedral, reputed to be the smallest cathedral in Britain. South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey Llangollen Llangollen is famous for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod held annually in July. Attractions include Llangollen Motor Museum and the LlangollenRailway , which runs along the Dee Valley. In the Vale of Llangollen at the entrance to the Horseshoe Pass are the ruins of Vale Crucis Abbey . Many original features remain including the glorious west front. Llanberis Three miles east of Llangollen, crossing the Riv


The southern extremity of Offa's Dyke is in which Welsh town?

Offa's Dyke | UK trekking | Walking Tour of the southern section Walking the Boundary of King Offa’s Mercia Historic Castles and Abbeys Dating From 1066 Border Country of England and Wales Walking in the Wye Valley Trip Summary Once upon a time in the 8th century, there was a ruthless King of Mercia called Offa. Such trouble had he from Welsh marauders nibbling at the toes of his kingdom, that once and for all he decided to define his territory and built a huge earthwork to do so, generally following the high ground with commanding views into the mountains and down into the valleys. Today the remaining 80 miles of embankment forms Britain’s longest archaeological monument and the basis of a famous walk: Crossing the border between England and Wales more than 10 times, the Offa’s Dyke National Trail path follows some of the finest scenery in both countries for 177 miles (285 km). Our walk follows the southern half of this trail from Chepstow to Knighton, (about half this walking distance in total). It is a journey packed with interest through patchworks of fields, over windswept ridges, across infant rivers, by ruined castles and into the old border market towns. Traditional farming methods have more or less remained intact and the hedgerows, oak woods and hay meadows form good wildlife habitats, home of buzzards and the rare Red Kite. You might even discover the even rarer Welsh Red Dragon! Suitability Moderate. Some long days and steep climbs and descents. Generally however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected. We would not recommend the route for first time walkers. Itinerary Day 1 Arrive Chepstow Make your own way to Chepstow. Located in Monmouthshire Wales, adjoining the border with Gloucestershire located on the River Wye, Chepstow is lovely to explore. If there is time, visit the ruins of Chepstow Castle, Town Gate and Wye Bridge, constructed in 1816. Accommodation: Your first hotel was a 16th century coaching Inn. The rooms are ensuite and there is an award winning restaurant offering Welsh menus. Bar meals are also available. Meals:  Nil Day 2 Chepstow to Redbrook 22.5 km/14 miles This morning, the route starts from the mud flats of the River Severn at Sedbury. The trail then climbs quite steeply in places up to follow the sheer valley side of the River Wye with some fantastic viewpoints. As you head towards the Tintern Abbey meander, you will notice that you are actually walking on the Offa' s Dyke. You can really marvel at the meandering river, the cliffs and the little settlements. Descend to Redbrook, a 19th century industrial village, or up and over the hills again to the famous border town of Monmouth. Accommodation: We stay at a simple guesthouse in this village where there are two options for evening meals. You may instead be staying in Monmouth at a variety of guesthouses or B&Bs. Monmouth has a greater selection of pubs and restaurants. If you would prefer to stay in Monmouth, please let us know at the time of booking. Meals:  B Day 3 Redbrook 26 km/16 miles or Monmouth 21 km/13 miles to Llangattock Lingoed From Redbrook, climb up to “naval temple” for one of the best views of the entire route. Head down to Monmouth for a mid morning refreshment, crossing the 13th century gatehouse bridge. Next climb through boggy King’s Wood and then cross the Trothy River. The countryside becomes quite domesticated. The views to the north are dominated by the shapes of Skirrid and Sugfarloaf Hills. Stop in at Llantillo Crosseny village with its fine 13th century church. The village pub has features dating from the 15th century. The next stop is White Castle a 12th century Norman Castle built to protect the route from Monmouth into Wales. It is in a picturebook setting with intact walls and a little moat. Descending from the castle, bypass the village of Llanvetherine and undulate the last couple of miles along to Llangattock Lingoed. Accommodation: We stay in an attractive 17th century property which stands in an acre of garden, in this unspoilt rural hamlet that nestles in the Welsh border countryside. Meal