What country has the highest number of active military personnel per capita?

stumbleupon Email Comment Having a large armed force is indicative of several things: a large population, significance on the global stage and a fear of outbreaks of violence. It is not always a sign of wealth, as some of the armed forces on this list belong to countries with a nominal GDP outside the top 30 countries. These “poorer” armed forces tend to rely on outdated equipment and less well-trained personnel to fill their ranks. The term “armed forces” is often confused with “army” (which more accurately alludes to a ground force), although even some of the countries on this list call their entire armed forces an army (contrast United States Armed Forces with the Korean People’s Army). For the sake of this round-up of power, armed forces include all active military personnel figures (navy, air force, marines, army, coast guard etc.) available for that nation. Certain countries are notoriously difficult when it comes to providing accurate data, so sourced estimations have been made for them. Reserve forces and paramilitaries have not been included. Numbers have fluctuated considerably over recent years. For example, sources for Turkey state a military strength from 410,500 to 664,049 (the latter figure would have put Turkey in the top 10). However, a very recent figure, published by the official website for the Turkish Armed Forces, stood at 375,374, possibly down to budget cuts and reorganization. Another interesting historical example is that of the British Armed Forces and specifically their army. In 1950 the British Army had an impressive 364,100 regulars; by 1990 this was less than half at 152,800 and the projected figure for 2020 is just 89,000. The goal for some countries is to have a smaller but highly mobile professional force that can adapt to many situations, rather than a large armed force. So while power might not necessarily come in numbers – when we consider that investment, quality of armaments and the training and skill of the forces are all contributing factors to the strength of a nation’s armed forces – the actual number of personnel is still an intriguing and often revealing statistic. With that in mind; which are the 10 countries that can call on the biggest armed forces in the world? 10. Algeria: 511,000 active military personnel Algeria is one of those countries mentioned in the introduction that has a low GDP per capita at $5,583 per person (in the USA it’s $54,609 per capita). Algeria has been building its armed forces – the figure stood at just 147,000 not that long ago. The Algerian People’s National Army is made up of the country’s army, navy, air force and territorial air defense force. Algeria’s large and growing troops have militant groups and border disagreements to deal with. 9. Iran: 583,000 active military personnel The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consist of the army, navy, air force, air defense force and the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution (IRGC, also known as the Revolutionary Guard). Figures for Iran are likely to be bigger now, as new brigades were introduced in 2013, but the country is not known for publishing detailed lists of its military capacity (as proven by the constant cat-and-mouse game of Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program). 8. Egypt: 606,500 active military personnel Figures for the Egyptian Armed Forces fluctuate depending on the source – hardly surprising considering the current volatile state of the nation. Numbers stretched from 468,500 to over 600,000. The branches of Egypt’s armed forces are the army, navy, air force and air defense forces. The Egyptian army alone has around 468,500, hence the higher estimate which considers the other branches of the armed forces. Egypt boasts the largest armed force in Africa and the Middle East (the Israeli Defense Force numbers just 176,500 in comparison). 7. South Korea: 639,000 active military personnel The Republic of Korea Armed Forces is made up of the army, navy and air force. Being backed up by an enormous reserve force of 2.9 million means that South Korea is able to take on jus


What is the name for a group of witches?

What do you call a group of witches? | Reference.com What do you call a group of witches? A: Quick Answer A group of witches is known as a coven, and it was suggested throughout the biggest part of the 20th Century that witches in Europe met in covens consisting of 13 witches. In modern times, followers and practitioners of Wicca, who are known as Wiccans, gather in covens in much the same way that Christians gather in congregations. Full Answer According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is thought that the word "coven" originated in the medieval Scotland around the year 1500, and it was originally used to denote a gathering of any kind. It is a derivative of the Latin "to come together or to gather," which is "convenire." This Latin etymology is also behind the word "convene." The word "coven" was first recorded in use during the trial of a Scottish witch in 1662 — Isobel Gowdie. The term was not commonly applied until 1921, when folklorist Margaret Murray promoted the notion of covens being made up of 13 witches. Although covens of yesteryear probably met in secret locations due to the continual misunderstanding of those who practice non-traditional religions (a behavior that might get them burned at the stake,) today's witches have the option of joining an online coven. Most internet covens have membership numbers of 100 or less, and many of them are subscription based.


"Whose fairy tale ""The Snow Queen"" was the inspiration for the movie ""Frozen""?"

Disney’s ‘Frozen,’ a Makeover of ‘The Snow Queen’ - The New York Times The New York Times Movies |From the Heat of Royal Passion, Poof! It’s Permafrost Search From the Heat of Royal Passion, Poof! It’s Permafrost Disney’s ‘Frozen,’ a Makeover of ‘The Snow Queen’ Frozen Directed by Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical PG Continue reading the main story Photo Anna, a princess besotted with a rogue, and Kristoff, the ice dealer who comes to her aid, with Olaf, the snowman who would be a beach bunny, in “Frozen.” Credit Disney A beautiful princess with magical powers that she can’t control; an adorable snowman, with buck teeth and a carrot for a nose, who longs to sunbathe because no one ever told him that heat melts ice; a picture-perfect prince who is revealed to be a scheming, opportunistic cad. Those are among the unconventional characters in the new Disney 3-D animated movie musical, “Frozen,” very loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Snow Queen.” They are significant departures from tradition in a film that shakes up the hyper-romantic “princess” formula that has stood Disney in good stead for decades and that has grown stale. Treacly, kissy-kissy endings are not enough anymore. Nowadays, a princess has to show her mettle and earn her happily-ever-after stripes. Allegorically, “Frozen” lacks the purity and elemental power of a classic myth like “Beauty and the Beast,” but at least its storytelling is fairly coherent, and its gleaming dream world of snow and ice is one of the most visually captivating environments to be found in a Disney animated film. There are moments when you may feel that you are inside a giant crystal chandelier frosted with diamonds. It all takes place in the fictional Scandinavian land of Arendelle, whose king and queen die in a shipwreck, leaving the country in the hands of Elsa (the voice of Idina Menzel), the elder of two daughters. This blond, high-strung princess has a secret problem. If she isn’t extremely careful, everything around her freezes when she takes off her protective gloves and waves her hands. Elsa’s best friend is her impulsive redheaded younger sister, Anna ( Kristen Bell ), whom she nearly freezes to death by accident. The sisters become estranged when Anna falls in love at first sight with Hans (Santino Fontana), a too-good-to-be-true prince from a neighboring kingdom, and Elsa forbids them to marry. With one wave of Elsa’s hand, eternal winter descends on Arendelle. She is so horrified by her destructive gift that she retreats to a remote ice palace atop a mountain. Video embed As Arendelle suffers through the deep freeze, the resourceful Anna, who still loves her sister, is determined to track down Elsa, who she believes can reverse the spell. Thus begin Anna’s adventures in mountain climbing. Along the way, she meets Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), a rugged ice dealer who guides a reindeer-driven sleigh. During their “Wizard of Oz”-like quest, they are joined by Olaf ( Josh Gad ), that sweet, wisecracking snowman. “Frozen,” for all its innovations, is not fundamentally revolutionary. Its animated characters are the same familiar, blank-faced, big-eyed storybook figures. But they are a little more psychologically complex than their Disney forerunners. Its princesses may gaze at a glass ceiling, but most are not ready to shatter it. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Is it significant that Jennifer Lee, who directed “Frozen” with Chris Buck, is billed as the first female director of a Disney animated feature film? Perhaps. Ms. Lee is credited as the screenwriter of a story that she and Mr. Buck developed with Shane Morris. That screenplay cautiously incorporates some slangy contemporary argot, but its tone is never desperately hip in the manner of the “Shrek” movies. Most of what fun there is revolves around Olaf, a classic Disney sidekick. Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy I


If I need to raise shekels to win election to the Knesset, which country am I in?

Knesset gears up for presidential vote | The Times of Israel Knesset gears up for presidential vote Election of country’s 10th president takes place Tuesday as difficult, scandal-riddled race comes to a close View of an empty meetings room at the President's residence in Jerusalem on June 02, 2014. (Photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90) Newsroom Israel’s presidential frontrunner doesn’t back Palestinian state, but says it’s not his call The Israeli Knesset is set to elect Israel’s 10th president on Tuesday from a field of five candidates, as a difficult and scandal-laden presidential race to succeed Shimon Peres comes to a close. The election is conducted by a secret ballot of the 120 Knesset members and the president serves a single, seven-year term. Peres’s tenure ends July 27. Officially, the presidency is a largely ceremonial office. But Peres, a former prime minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has risen above the post and turned it into a position with international gravitas. The presidential campaign to succeed him will be remembered for its ugly mudslinging. Candidates have complained about private investigators digging into their personal histories, and two campaigns were derailed by scandals. “Shimon Peres was an important president due to his special status in capitals around the world and because of the dignity that he restored at home in the aftermath of the Katsav affair,” columnist Nahum Barnea wrote Sunday. “Peres’s gravitas added an artificial importance and drama to the question of his successor…we need to realize that the next president isn’t going to be Peres.” Presidential candidate and ex-Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin MK (Likud). (Photo credit: Flash 90) The remaining candidates for the post — after Labor’s Binyamin Ben-Eliezer dropped his bid for the position  Saturday following allegations of financial impropriety — are former Supreme Court judge Dalia Dorner, MK Meir Sheetrit of the Hatnua party, MK Reuven Rivlin of Likud, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dan Shechtman and former Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik. Last month, Energy Minister Silvan Shalom chose not to run for the presidency in the wake of allegations of sexual impropriety; the allegations were not substantiated. Dan Shechtman (Photo: Flash 90) None of the candidates was expected to win an outright majority in the first round of voting, forcing a second round between the two top vote getters. On Sunday, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein called an emergency meeting to discuss whether to postpone the elections in light of the recent developments, and ultimately announced that the vote will proceed as planned. Edelstein faced some pressure to delay the vote from, among others, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The harsh atmosphere that continues to surround the presidential race stirs up dissatisfaction with the process and casts a heavy shadow on the candidates and on the Knesset,” Edelstein said after announcing his decision. Former Supreme Court Justice Dalia Dorner (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90) Ben-Eliezer, a former IDF general and defense minister, announced he was withdrawing from the presidential race Saturday afternoon, just three days before the elections and less than 24 hours after police questioned him for nearly five hours, under caution, on suspicion that he illegally received millions of shekels from various sources, using some of the money to purchase his luxury apartment home in Jaffa. Police were also investigating a separate $350,000 payment from a relative, and alleged improprieties relating to other large sums of money. Ben-Eliezer wrote on his Facebook page Saturday that he was quitting the race with a “very heavy heart,” criticizing the “slanderous smear campaign” he says was waged against him from the moment he announced his candidacy for the post. He continued to maintain his innocence. MK Meir Sheetrit (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90) Netanyahu was reported on Saturday to be looking into the possibility of postponing the elections in light of the latest developments. He started putting out feelers to mem


What animal has suffered from colony collapse disorder?

ENY-150/IN720: Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in Honey Bees Jamie Ellis 2 Introduction Beekeepers around the United States have reported higher-than-usual colony losses since the fall of 2006. These elevated losses have been called “Colony Collapse Disorder” (or CCD). Some beekeepers in states reporting CCD have lost 50-90% of their colonies, often within a matter of weeks. Despite these high losses, the average number of colony losses has been ~30% since CCD was first reported in 2006. Regardless, this translates into thousands of dead colonies and millions of dead bees. In a country where honey bees contribute billions of dollars in added revenue to the agriculture industry, these bee losses cannot be taken lightly. Colony Collapse Disorder may not be a new disorder. In fact, many colonies have died over the past 50-60 years displaying symptoms similar to those of CCD. The disorder as described in older literature has been called spring dwindle disease, fall dwindle disease, autumn collapse, May disease, and disappearing disease. We may never know if these historic occurrences share a common cause with modern-day CCD. They do, however, share the symptoms. Colony Collapse Disorder Symptomatically, colonies with CCD can appear healthy just weeks prior to collapse. However, the adult bees soon "disappear" (hence its historic nickname "disappearing disease") from the colonies, leaving behind a box full of honey, pollen, capped brood, a queen, and maybe a few worker bees. Beekeepers report that colonies with CCD do not contain any dead bees, nor are there dead bees on the ground outside of the colonies. The adult bees simply vanish. The final symptom is that small hive beetles, wax moths, and other nearby honey bees ignore the empty hives even though the hives contain foodstuffs on which they ordinarily feed. Generally, the symptoms of CCD are defined as follows: Collapsed colonies complete absence of adult bees in colonies, with few or no dead bees in or around colonies, the presence of capped brood, and the presence of food stores (both honey and bee bread) that are not robbed by other bees or typical colony pests (small hive beetles, wax moths, etc.). If robbed, the robbing is delayed by a number of days. Collapsing colonies an insufficient number of bees to maintain the amount of brood in the colony, the workforce is composed largely of younger adult bees, the queen is present, and the cluster is reluctant to consume food provided to them by the beekeeper. Figure 1.  Healthy colonies of bees (a) contain thousands of worker bees (b). Colonies suffering from Colony Collapse Disorder have few or no bees remaining in the hive. Credit: Sean McCann, University of Florida [Click thumbnail to enlarge.] What causes CCD? The cause of CCD is under investigation. At this point, almost every conceivable and realistic cause remains a possibility. The leading candidates and a brief explanation of their potential role are listed below. This is not a comprehensive list and the candidates occur in no particular order. It is important to note that this list may change as new information on CCD becomes available. Such changes could result in the addition or exclusion of any of the following potential causes. The author makes no attempt to promote or undermine any one of the following theories. Traditional bee pests and diseases (including American foulbrood, European foulbrood, chalkbrood, nosema, small hive beetles, and tracheal mites): Although considered potential causes, “traditional” bee maladies (those nearly-cosmopolitan throughout the United States and globally) likely are not responsible for causing CCD. This is because they do not have a history of promoting CCD-like symptoms. That said, traditional bee pests and diseases may exacerbate the disorder, so scientists have not abandoned experiments investigating them. Honey Bee management practices: Management style is a broad category but it can include the type of income pursued with bees (honey production, pollination services, etc.) or what routine colony management beekeepers pe


"What are outlawed in the novel ""Fahrenheit 451""?"

Banned Books Awareness: “Fahrenheit 451″ by Ray Bradbury - World leading higher education information and services World leading higher education information and services Banned Books Awareness: “Fahrenheit 451″ by Ray Bradbury Share: Posted by R. Wolf Baldassarro | January 3, 2011 | 119159 responseshttp%3A%2F%2Fworld.edu%2Fbanned-book-awareness-fahrenheit-451-ray-bradbury%2FBanned+Books+Awareness%3A+%E2%80%9CFahrenheit+451%E2%80%B3+by+Ray+Bradbury2011-01-02+23%3A03%3A50R.+Wolf+Baldassarrohttp%3A%2F%2Fworld.edu%2F%3Fpost_type%3Dworldedu_posts%26p%3D11915 The first book I have chosen, apropos enough, is Ray Bradbury\’s classic, Fahrenheit 451 .  This classic tells the story of a not-so-distant future in which intellectual thought and books are illegal.  So-called \”firemen\” are charged with the duty of setting fire to books and the places in which they reside. This is a book about censorship and those who ban books for fear of creating too much individualism and independent thought. In late 1998, this book was removed from the required reading list of the West Marion High School in Foxworth, Mississippi. A parent complained of the use of the words \”God damn\” in the book. Subsequently, the superintendent instructed the the teacher to remove the book from the required reading list. It was also banned in other schools for its \”questionable themes\”.  One of the main themes of the story is a government which tries to  suppress freedom of expression should be opposed.  In the early 1950\’s,  when this book was written, this advocacy of opposition was seen as an evil  by real world authoritarian groups (McCarthyism) that claimed to have all the answers and, like the opposition to \”1984\”, the opposition to Fahrenheit 451 seems to grow as the depicted society grows too similar to our own.  The society that exists in the book is one of hedonism and self-centered entertainment.  That\’s a fairly uncomfortable  parallel to today\’s increased use of entertainment in place of learning and culture.  Ray Bradbury has stated that this dumbing down was one of the concerns he was trying to raise. *to read the previous discussion thread visit my original posting of this article on Facebook * Sources: American Library Association © 2011 R. Wolf Baldassarro/Deep Forest Productions 119159 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fworld.edu%2Fbanned-book-awareness-fahrenheit-451-ray-bradbury%2FBanned+Books+Awareness%3A+%E2%80%9CFahrenheit+451%E2%80%B3+by+Ray+Bradbury2011-01-02+23%3A03%3A50R.+Wolf+Baldassarrohttp%3A%2F%2Fworld.edu%2F%3Fpost_type%3Dworldedu_posts%26p%3D11915 destiny


Who chose his rap name, Childish Gambino, using an online Wu-Tang Clan name generator?

Wu-Tang Name Generator Main/News > MSN Nickname Generators > Wu-Tang Name Generator (you are here) WU-TANG NAMES GENERATOR Ooooh baby, do you like it raaaaawwwwww? Join Ghostface Killah, Inspectah  Deck, Method Man, RZA, GZA, Raekwon, the late Ol' Dirty Bastard and the other Staten Island, New York clan members using this Wu-Tang Names Generator. Become a real Wu warrior, entah ur full name 'n smack da ol' dirty button   UPDATE: Like the Wu-Tang Name Generator on Facebook and share your Wu name on our page! And stay tuned for a massive update, cheats, etc. A big thanks to Huffington Post, Mashable and, of course, Donald Glover, whose Wu-Tang name is Childish Gambino, for the mention on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno!


What city's mayor, Rob Ford, admitted to smoking crack while in a drunken stupor?

Toronto mayor Rob Ford admits using crack cocaine in a 'drunken stupor' | World news | The Guardian Rob Ford Toronto mayor Rob Ford admits using crack cocaine in a 'drunken stupor' The mayor's admission follows months of speculation stemming from a video which allegedly shows Ford smoking the drug Tuesday 5 November 2013 13.39 EST First published on Tuesday 5 November 2013 13.39 EST Close This article is 3 years old Toronto mayor Rob Ford admitted on Tuesday that he had smoked crack cocaine "about a year ago", probably in a "drunken stupor". Allegations over his drug use have swirled around Ford for months amid rumours of the existence of a video that showed him smoking crack. He previously denied such a video existed, but Toronto police last week said they had recovered the video. His admission on Tuesday came during a scrum with reporters at Toronto city hall. The mayor asked reporters to repeat questions asked of him in May after Gawker first reported on the existence of the "crack video". One said: "Have you smoked crack cocaine?" "Exactly. Yes I have smoked crack cocaine" he replied. "But, no, do I? Am I an addict? No. Have I tried it? Um, probably in one of my drunken stupors, probably approximately about a year ago." Ford, who has been mayor since 2010, said he did not lie when reporters asked him about a video which allegedly shows him smoking the drug. "You didn't ask the correct questions," Ford said to the reporters. "No I'm not an addict and no, I do not do drugs. I made mistakes in the past and all I can do is apologize, but it is what it is and I can't change the past." Ford's admission follows mounting pressure on him to resign after police said they found a tape which appeared to show him puffing on a crack cocaine pipe. Last Thursday, police announced that a video had been recovered from a computer drive during an investigation of one of the mayor's associates who is suspected of providing him with drugs. Three days ago, Ford apologized for being "hammered" in public and acknowledged the need to curb his drinking, but he didn't address allegations of drug use. In remarks made on his local weekly radio show on Sunday, he said he would remain in the job, despite calls for his resignation. Earlier on Tuesday, the mayor's brother, councillor Doug Ford, called a press conference outside Ford's office to accuse the police chief, Bill Blair, of bias, after Blair called on the mayor to step down, according to the National News.


What is the term for person who doesn't believe in God but also doesn't deny his existence?

How do atheism and agnosticism differ? | Dictionary.com Blog September 29, 2010 by:  Dictionary.com 398 Comments A recent survey on religion caused a stir when it revealed that many Americans lack some basic knowledge about their own religious faiths. Another provocative finding indicated both atheists and agnostics are surprisingly knowledgable about a variety of religions. This prompts us to address a commonly-asked question: What is the difference between someone who defines themselves as “ atheist ” and a professed “ agnostic ?” There is a key distinction. An atheist doesn’t believe in a god or divine  being. The word originates with the Greek atheos , which is built from the roots a- “without” + theos “a god”. ( You may also be interested in our explanation of what “amen,” one of the key words of faith and prayer, literally means. The answer is here .) However, an agnostic neither believes nor disbelieves in a god or religious doctrine. Agnostics assert that it’s impossible for human beings to know anything about how the universe was created and if divine beings exist. Agnosticism was coined by biologist T.H. Huxley and comes from the Greek agnostos , which means “unknown or unknowable.” To complicate matters, atheists and agnostics are often confused with theists and deists . A theist is the opposite of an atheist. Theists believe in the existence of a god or gods. ( One place where science and spirituality intersect is the concept of the “God Particle.” Learn what that means, here .) Like a theist, a deist believes in God. But a deist believes that while God created the universe, natural laws determine how the universe plays out. Deists are often connected to Isaac Newton’s Clockwork Universe theory, where the universe is compared to a clock that has been wound up and set in motion by God but is governed by the laws of science. Are there any questions of religion or spirituality you would like us to define or explore? Let us know.


In what city would you find the original Peninsula and Mandarin hotels?

No. 1: The Peninsula Shanghai | The Best City Hotels in Asia - Yahoo Singapore Finance Yahoo Singapore Finance Tip : Use comma (,) to separate multiple quotes. Learn more... Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 6:09 PM SGT - Singapore Markets closed The Best City Hotels in Asia Asias biggest capitals are major destinations for both business and leisure travelers. Often, these travelers are one and the same: a huge number of business travelers in Asia tack on a weekend of sightseeing after a week in a conference room. This is just one of the reasons why Asia has some of the best city hotels in the world. In cities like Bangkok , Hong Kong , and Beijing , which are saturated with visitors, the best hotels stand out for their convenient locations, up-to-the-moment design, and impeccable service. Every year for our Worlds Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels , resorts, cities , islands ,  cruise lines , spas , airlines , and more. Readers rated hotels on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value. Properties were categorized as city or resort based on their locations. This years winners for best city hotels in Asia are in some of the continents busiest hubs. Large brands known to sophisticated travelers around the globe dominated the list and those based in Asia made an especially strong showing, including the Peninsula, Swire Hotels, The Leela, Oberoi, and Mandarin Oriental. All are known for their five-star service, with staff who are often able to predict their guests needs before a request is made. A grand hotel with impeccable service in all areas, one T+L reader commented about the Leela Palace New Delhi, which ranked third in the category. The staff saw to our every need with a greeting and a smile.  Courtesy of the Peninsula Shanghai Sat, Jul 9, 2016 8:04 PM SGT Loading... SE Asia Stocks-Muted on Yellen's rate hike signal; Philippines up Reuters - 6 minutes ago Jan 19 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stocks were subdued on Thursday as comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen hinted at steady interest rate hikes in 2017 and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's ... … More » Farmers Capital posts 4Q profit Associated Press - 8 minutes ago The bank, based in Frankfort, Kentucky, said it had earnings of 34 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for severance costs and non-recurring costs, were 41 cents per share. The bank holding company posted ... … More » PM May urges firms to end short-term thinking, show global leadership Reuters - 8 minutes ago Multinational businesses must avoid short-term thinking and show leadership to help restore faith in globalisation among citizens who feel left behind by the pace of economic change, British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday. "We must … More » BRIEF-Perak Transit's unit to acquire property for 2.6 mln rgt Reuters - 12 minutes ago Jan 19 (Reuters) - Perak Transit Bhd * Unit entered into a sale and purchase agreement with YS Global Development to acquire a parcel of land located in Bidor, Perak * Deal for total cash consideration ... … More » Halliburton to drill wells for Shell, doubling Iraq's Majnoon oil field output - sources Reuters - 15 minutes ago BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Shell (RDSa.L) has signed a $210 million contract with Halliburton (HAL.N) to drill 30 wells in Iraq's Majnoon oil field, two oil sources said on Thursday. The agreement will double ... … More » Takata Bidders Said to Favor Japan Bankruptcy; Shares Tumble (2) Bloomberg - 18 minutes ago Takata, which is seeking a sponsor after triggering the biggest safety recall in automotive history, may name the buyer in February or March, according to the people, who asked not to be identified as the discussions are private. Takata is still in … More » OPEC output cuts under scrutiny as market tightens - IEA Reuters - 21 minutes ago World oil markets are slowly tightening as demand rises while investors wait to see if production cuts agreed by OPEC and other producers will be implem


What wife of an Asian dictator famously owned more than 1,000 pairs of shoes?

In the Philippines, the Marcos name is back, even as memories of the dictator have faded - LA Times In the Philippines, the Marcos name is back, even as memories of the dictator have faded Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Ted Aljibeted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images Vice-presidential candidate and son of the late dictator Ferdinand, Marcos Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reacts as confetti rains during a campaign event in Manila on May 5, 2016. Vice-presidential candidate and son of the late dictator Ferdinand, Marcos Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reacts as confetti rains during a campaign event in Manila on May 5, 2016. (Ted Aljibeted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images) Jonathan Kaiman, Sunshine de Leon In the Philippines, the Marcos name is back in vogue. For two decades, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos pilfered billions from the country’s public coffers; his government reportedly tortured opponents by shocking them with live wires and burning them with irons. After his ouster in 1986, his legacy was so toxic that then-President Corazon Aquino established an office— the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) — to “restore the institution’s integrity and credibility,” according to its website. ------------ FOR THE RECORD May 7, 6:23 p.m.: An earlier version of this post referred to Ferdinand Marcos' three children. He was the father of four. ------------   Yet memories of the dictatorship’s brutality have begun to fade, even as the country’s next presidential elections, scheduled for May 9, have brought his name back into the spotlight. Marcos’ son Ferdinand Marcos Jr., known by his nickname “Bongbong,” is leading opinion polls in the vice presidential race. (In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately.) In this May 5 photo, vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Aaron Favila / Associated Press In this May 5 photo, vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. gestures during his last campaign rally for Monday's presidential elections in suburban Mandaluyong city, east of Manila. In this May 5 photo, vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. gestures during his last campaign rally for Monday's presidential elections in suburban Mandaluyong city, east of Manila. (Aaron Favila / Associated Press) Many Filipinos believe the country needs a strong, no-nonsense leader to help overcome its struggles with corruption, poverty, drugs and crime. Ronald Chua, a PCGG commissioner, ascribed Marcos Jr.’s popularity to young Filipinos who did not experience life under his father’s rule. “To be honest, millennials, they don’t have any idea of what happened in the '60s and '70s,” he said. “What they know is only what they read in the books, and it’s just not enough information — what you can read in the textbooks now is, I would say, just 1% of what happened during the time.” How a Marcos Jr. vice presidency would coexist with the commission remains an open question. The organization is not partisan, Chua said, but if Marcos is elected, “it will be harder for the office to perform its function.” (Julie Makinen and Sunshine De Leon) Over the past six years, under President Benigno Aquino III, the Philippines’ annual economic growth rate has been above 6%, ranking the country among the world’s fastest-growing economies. Yet more than a quarter of Filipinos remain impoverished, and the extreme gap between rich and poor weighs heavy in the minds of citizens. Rodrigo Duterte, a 71-year-old city mayor and self-styled strongman, is leading in the presidential polls. “People who are supporting Bongbong Marcos are the same people who are favorably inclined toward Duterte,” said Gerard Finin, director and senior research fellow at the East-West Center in Honolulu. “These are people who think strong leadership is necessary regardless of rule of law. I don’t think that’s a majority by any means, but there are people who have forgotten the position martial law left the Philippines in, in terms of human rights, the economy — all the things that have taken decades to rebuild.” See more of our top stori


What Roald Dahl story was about a genius girl with telekinesis?

Precociousness and Telekinesis: Matilda | Tor.com Precociousness and Telekinesis: Matilda Mari Ness Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:00pm 2 comments Matilda , published in 1988, is one of Roald Dahl’s longest and most intricate novels for children. The story of a highly precocious little girl who slowly develops powers of telekinesis, it focuses more on issues of destiny, education and employment than his usual subjects of wordplay, terror and disgusting things, though the book still has more than one incident that will delight kids who love disgusting things more than it will adults. Richer and more questioning than most of his other novels, it may not be entirely successful, but it offers kids, and possibly grown-ups, a lot to think about. Like many of Dahl’s protagonists, Matilda comes from a less-than-ideal home life. Although her parents are decently off, they mostly ignore Matilda, and to a lesser extent her brother. Even when they do notice their kids, they don’t understand them. Matilda’s father, a used car dealer, regularly cheats his customers and brags about it. Matilda’s mother, a housewife, plays bingo every afternoon, leaving Matilda and her brother completely alone in the house, emotionally and mostly physically neglected. When the parents are home, they focus their attention almost entirely on television (for Dahl, who continued to rail against television until his death, a sure sign of villainy), consuming only unappetizing television dinners. Perhaps not surprisingly, Matilda, desperate to find something to read, finds her way to the local library, where she begins reading in earnest—not just children’s books, but the adult books Dahl read and felt that children should be exposed to early on. Especially Charles Dickens, here praised again for Great Expectations. This incidentally gives Dahl an opportunity to comment somewhat unkindly on fellow fantasy authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, critiquing their books for lacking humor. (I think he probably has a point about the Narnia series, but The Hobbit lacking humor? No, no, no. You mix that up with The Lord of the Rings, Mr. Dahl. But I digress.) The reading further solidifies Matilda’s personality as a very sweet, but quiet and intense little girl. The books also raise her awareness of justice, so much so that she does not hesitate to point out that her father is cheating his customers. Her father, furious at getting this criticism from a five year old, yells at her. An equally infuriated Matilda decides to get back at him. It’s mostly revenge, but also, as Matilda thinks it through, justice, not only for his customers but also for the unfair way that he is treating her. Punishing him might correct his behavior.  In fact her first few tricks do manage to chasten him, temporarily ending his bullying ways for short periods. It’s all preparation for the real meat of the novel: Matilda’s arrival at school and her confrontation with the horrible Headmistress Miss Trunchbull.  Miss Trunchbull is every horrible nightmare of a teacher you can imagine in one huge, muscular and hammer throwing presence filled with hatred for children. I say hammer throwing because as it turns out, Miss Trunchbull previously competed in the Olympics in this event, and now uses small children to keep in shape, tossing them when she deems necessary, which is often. Exactly why she chose to become a school administrator is an open question, especially given her belief that the very best schools are those without any kids in them, though I suspect every teacher has had this thought at least once. But we’ll get to that. Fortunately, Matilda also encounters a gifted and sympathetic teacher, Miss Honey, as well as several friends at the school, who warn her about Miss Trunchbull. This is not enough to save Matilda from Miss Trunchbull’s wrath, especially since Matilda’s father has sold Miss Trunchbull a lemon of a car. But that wrath has an unexpected result: it helps trigger Matilda’s latent telekinetic powers. Throw in a rather Gothic tale of a possible murder in a great old house and a terror of


What film festival is held in a Utah ski town?

Sundance Film Festival |                 Utah.com Sundance Film Festival Park City Main Street Park City Main Street In 1981, Robert Redford, one on Utah’s resident celebrities, helped to form the Sundance Institute, an organization dedicated to enhancing the artistic quality of films. He has since been instrumental in one of Utah’s major tourist attractions, the Sundance Film Festival. This festival is held every January. It is centered in Park City and has events Salt Lake City, Ogden City, and at Redford’ s Sundance Village. Each year the Festival programming team reviews thousands of independent films from all across the world. These films span nearly every language known to man, broach any and all topics one could imagine, and represent many different genres — from animation to indigenous works to cult films. The mission of the programming team is to find features and documentaries that “ inspire, challenge, delight, startle, move, and thrill” viewers. Each year thousands of fans and artists alike eagerly greet a line-up of revolutionary and thought provoking productions. Many of these films eventually make their way into mainstream society, but their bragging rights stem from their claim of independence from big-budget studios. The Sundance Film Festival is open to the public, with tickets going on sale in advance; locals can even buy their tickets two days ahead of the rest of the world. Tickets are only $20 per show, but when you see a show at Sundance, you get to sit in on a Q&A session with the director and some of the cast members as well! For those who are not able to obtain any of the highly-prized advance tickets, a Wait List Line is always a likely way for stragglers to be able to participate in at least one film or venue. For those who do not want to wait in lines or venture out into the cold, the committee recently announced the launch of its Sundance Online Film Festival, where patrons can pay a small fee to gain access to many short, animation, and new-form projects on the internet. Aside from the film venues, the Sundance Film Festival boasts several other locations — the Filmmaker Lodge, the Music Café, the Digital Center, and the Sundance House — where people can immerse themselves in festival culture, hobknobb with industry forerunners, and enjoy the benefits of time away in an area that prides itself on being a whole other world. The Festival also features a Film Music Showcase and a Film Music Roundtable, where composers and directors speak and demonstrate the logistics of creating a film’s soundtrack. The Sundance Film Festival Daily, the official Festival newspaper, provides up-to-date info about events, including last minute changes. Pick up a copy at any venue. Current information is also posted on the Festival website. Organizers encourage attendees to come prepared. The Festival is held in the rugged mountain climate of Utah, where the average daytime temperature in January is between 12° and 33° degrees F. The average snowfall during the month of January in Park City and surrounding areas is approximately 30 inches, and organizers suggest dressing in layers and bringing warm coats, gloves and hats. Visitors should also be prepared for the high altitude that accompanies the beautiful scenery. At 6,800 to 10,000 feet above sea level, one should drink plenty of water and be careful not to overexert. The Sundance Film Festival is an ideal way to acquaint yourself with the world of independent film, whether you are an aspiring writer, actor, director, or simply a fan of good cinema.


What is the term for two stars that orbit around each other?

'Impossible' Stars Found in Super-Close Orbits July 25, 2012 07:00am ET MORE This artist's impression shows two active stars — M4-type red dwarfs — that orbit each other every 2.5 hours, as they continue to spiral inwards. Eventually they will coalesce into a single star. Credit: J. Pinfield, for the RoPACS network Four pairs of what astronomers are calling "impossible stars" — stellar twins in orbits so close they defy explanation — have been found in our Milky Way galaxy, scientists say. Astronomers using the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) in Hawaii discovered the four star pairs, each of which is a binary system in which two stars circle each other in less than four hours. Until now, scientists thought that such twin-star setups couldn't exist. Our sun does not orbit another star, but roughly half of the stars in our Milky Way galaxy do, as part of a binary system. These binary stars likely formed close together, and have been orbiting one another since their birth, the researchers said. It was typically thought that if a star formed too close to another, the two stars would quickly merge into a single, bigger star. This theory seemed to agree with observations taken over the last three decades, which reveal that binary systems are abundant, but none of the pairs have an orbital period shorter than five hours, the researchers said.  In the new study, a team of astronomers monitored the brightness of hundreds of thousands of stars in near-infrared light over the past five years, and found several stellar binaries with surprisingly short orbits. [ Top 10 Star Mysteries ] The astronomers focused on binaries of red dwarfs , which are stars that are up to ten times smaller and a thousand times dimmer than the sun. While red dwarfs are the most common type of star in the Milky Way galaxy, they often do not show up in astronomical surveys because they are too dim in visible light. "To our complete surprise, we found several red dwarf binaries with orbital periods significantly shorter than the 5 hour cut-off found for sun-like stars, something previously thought to be impossible," the study's lead author Bas Nefs, from Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands, said in a statement. "It means that we have to rethink how these close-in binaries form and evolve." Early in their lifetimes, stars shrink in size, which suggests that the orbits of stars in these tight binary systems must have also shrunk since they were formed, the researchers said. If not, the stars would have interacted with each other early on, and would have likely merged. But, how the orbits of stars in these binaries shrunk by so much remains a mystery. According to the new study, one possible explanation is that cool stars in binary systems are much more active and violent than was previously thought. As the cool stellar companions spiral in toward each other, their magnetic field lines may become twisted and deformed. This powerful magnetic activity may help slow down the spinning stars, allowing them to move closer together, the researchers explained. "The active nature of these stars and their apparently powerful magnetic fields  has profound implications for the environments around red dwarfs throughout our galaxy," study co-author David Pinfield, from the University of Hertfordshire in England, said in a statement. Detailed results of the new study appear in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Follow SPACE.com on Twitter  @Spacedotcom . We're also on  Facebook  &  Google+ .


Who was nearly 7 feet tall, weighed 500 pounds, and could drink 100 beers in a sitting?

The WAWLI Papers (ED. NOTE--The genesis of my search for an accurate history of professional wrestling came early in life, when in a Ripley's Believe It Or Not cartoon I "learned" that Ed "Strangler" Lewis lost only 33 matches in his long career. The information has been picked up by countless sources since, including the Guiness Book of World Records. It is, of course, palpably false, a fact that is testified to by the hundreds (yes, hundreds) of Lewis losses uncovered in various local newspaper accounts over the entire span of his career, running approximately from 1910 to 1948. I began searching these out in my quest to discover who those 33 guys were who beat Lewis. In no time at all, I was up to 50, then 100, then 150 losses, and so on, and the research continues today, nearly 40 years later.) STRANGLER LOSES TO MAT RIVAL (Portland, Ore., Oregonian, Thursday, Mar. 27, 1947) Ed (Strangler) Lewis, the former world heavyweight mat champion, was upset at Civic Auditorium Wednesday night by burly Fred Atkins, Australian title claimant, who tore into the famed headlock artist from the opening bell. Atkins, who has yet to taste defeat in the Auditorium, took the nod over Lewis in just nine minutes, grabbing the lone fall with a body press. Lewis, however, displayed fine form, showing several features of his greatness. In other bouts, Ken Kenneth of New Zealand downed Juan Sepeda, Jim Spencer debuted with a win over Babe Small(inski) and Bomber Singh defeated Lone Wolf (billed as the brother of Chief Little Wolf). ____________________________ (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Thursday, Oct. 12, 1989) By Thom Gross An hour before the first match, the South Broadway Athletic Club is already teeming. But this looks less like a fight crowd than a church social. Adults outfitted in their Saturday night best sit at tables and chat quietly. Some tend babies. Older children chase each other around the well-scrubbed, brightly lit room. Most people enter, greet friends and take their places with a comfortable familiarity. At 8 p.m. sharp, all rise and pay somber heed to a recorded version of the national anthem. Seconds later, as the night's first contestants make their opening feints toward each other, the air is filled with some of the vilest epithets you can expect to hear in public, expressed with simultaneous rage and delight. The kids come up with the pithiest and most printable cheers. ''Cheater!'' shout the younger ones. ''No fair!'' One boy, about 12, inspires others in the peanut section to take up his taunt for an obese participant: ''Hey mister, get a bra!'' Fan interaction is the key to this entertainment called professional wrestling. The wrestlers spend equal amounts of time inside and outside the ring. Big Daddy, the ''manager'' for most of the villains, spends less time counseling his clients than hissing at the crowd. If professional wrestling is less than a sport, it's also more. It's also a psychedelic melodrama with real-life comic-book heroes, a morality play with a theme of a narchy. Evil triumphs over good, and good is forced beyond the rules to retaliate. Authority, in the form of the bumbling referee, is incompetent and impotent. The ring contains no middle ground. Every color is the brightest, every sound the loudest, every feeling the strongest. The appeal is undeniable. Professional wrestling keeps ascending to new heights of popularity. According to the World Wrestling Federation, 70 million Americans watch its televised matches each month. Its superstars, Hulk Hogan and Randy ''Macho Man'' Savage, are more widely known than the principals of the national pastime. When Hogan and Savage get together these days to vie for the Beautiful Elizabeth - blending the comic-book motif with another popular literary genre, gothic romance - they can pack any arena in the country, as well as several satellite auditoriums carrying the closed-circuit broadcast. But here at the South Broadway Athletic Club, the bouts constitute the minor leagues of pro wrestling. On this night, about 200 people turn out to watch aspiring Hulks m


"What are to the left of me in the song ""Stuck in the Middle With You""?"

Stealers Wheels - Stuck In The Middle With You - Offical Video + Lyics - YouTube Stealers Wheels - Stuck In The Middle With You - Offical Video + Lyics 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 Feb 14, 2009 Lyrics - Well I don't know why I came here tonight, I got the feeling that something ain't right, I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair, And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs, Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, here I am, Stuck in the middle with you. Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you, And I'm wondering what it is I should do, It's so hard to keep this smile from my face, Losing control, yeah, I'm all over the place, Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, Here I am, stuck in the middle with you. Well you started out with nothing, And you're proud that you're a self made man, And your friends, they all come crawlin, Slap you on the back and say, Please.... Please..... Trying to make some sense of it all, But I can see that it makes no sense at all, Is it cool to go to sleep on the floor, 'Cause I don't think that I can take anymore Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, Here I am, stuck in the middle with you. Well you started out with nothing, And you're proud that you're a self made man, And your friends, they all come crawlin, Slap you on the back and say, Please.... Please..... Well I don't know why I came here tonight, I got the feeling that something ain't right, I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair, And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs, Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, here I am, Stuck in the middle with you, Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you, Stuck in the middle with you. Category


The Colossal Squid Exhibition - Anatomy - The beak of the colossal squid The Colossal Squid Exhibition Find out the latest Colossal Squid news - click here to check out Te Papa's Blog The beak of the colossal squid Like all squid and octopus, and their relatives, the colossal squid has a beak . This is essentially the mouth of the squid, and the first stage of the digestive system. The beak is a hard structure rather like a parrot's beak . However, unlike a parrot's beak, the lower beak of the colossal squid overlaps the upper beak. The beak is made of chitin and is surrounded by muscular tissue . The colossal squid uses its beak to chop and slice up prey before the food is passed down the oesophagus into the stomach and digestive organs. The squid has to reduce the food to smaller chunks because its oesophagus is narrow and passes through the middle of the squid's doughnut-shaped brain. Inside the beak, just before the start of the oesophagus, the food is shredded up further by the radula , which is rather like a tongue with teeth. Further teeth (palatine teeth) line the cheeks (palatine palps). The radula moves like a conveyor belt to shunt food down the oesophagus as it is processed by the beak. Squid beak and size Each squid species has a beak that is unique in size and shape . The size of a squid beak is related to the size of the living animal. The measurement used is the length of the straight cutting section of the lower beak, called the lower rostral length (LRL) . Given enough specimens of a squid species, it is possible to work out a mathematical relationship between the size of the beak and the overall size of the squid. Colossal squid and other large squid are rarely captured, so there are only a few large specimens in collections. Sperm whales eat many colossal squid. While squid tissue dissolves very quickly in the stomach juices of the whale, the hard squid beaks are left behind. Large numbers of colossal squid beaks have been found in the stomach contents of stranded sperm whales. The largest colossal squid beak found in a sperm whale stomach had an LRL of 49 millimetres. During the colossal squid examination at Te Papa, a smaller colossal squid was dissected and the beak removed while the scientists waited for the larger colossal squid to thaw in the tank. This smaller specimen weighs about 160 kilogrammes and has a beak LRL of about 40 millimetres. The larger colossal squid specimen weighs 495 kilogrammes and has a beak LRL of 42.5 millimetres . So only a few millimetres difference in beak size corresponds with a much bigger squid overall. There are not enough colossal squid specimens to be able to work out the equation linking beak size and overall size. While we can't say for sure what size colossal squid a 49 millimetre beak length represents, it could be up to a massive 600 or 700 kilograms. Colossal squid beak size and size


What country do bagels come from originally?

Where do bagels come from? - Secrets No One Ever Told You Secrets No One Ever Told You Where do bagels come from? May 13, 2011   Bagels:  Why are they thought of as “Jewish” and how did they end up as housing for lox and cream cheese? Here’s the consensus of opinion along with some links that will tell you more … beginning with excerpts from my favorite of the group: Excerpts from an article in Slate , “A Short History of the Bagel,” by Joan Nathan “After years of research on Jewish food in America, I thought I had discovered all there was to know about the bagel and its journey. But then I read Maria Balinska’s lively and well-researched book, The Bagel: The Surprising History of a Modest Bread . Her book has filled in many of the questions I had about the bagel and raised new ones, too. The basic roll-with-a-hole concept is centuries old [with] a practical advantage to this design—it’s possible to thread such a roll on a stick or a string, facilitating transport. Balinska identifies several possible candidates for the ur-bagel from around the world, including the taralli—hard, round crackers flavored with fennel that have been the local snack for centuries in Puglia, Italy … the Roman buccellatum and the Chinese girde … I came across Egyptian hieroglyphics at the Louvre in Paris, and among the depictions of daily life were rolls with a hole. The evidence suggests that the first rolls with a hole, those of ancient Egypt and of the greater Mediterranean, came in two types: the soft, sesame-studded variety, called bagele in Israel today, eaten plain or dipped in za’atar (a spice combination of wild oregano, sesame seeds, and salt); and a pretzellike crispy Syrian ka’ak flavored much like taralli. Neither is boiled, a distinguishing characteristic of American bagels. “… the Krakow bagel was a product of the 1683 Battle of Vienna. … it is a piece of gastronomic lore … as the story goes, 17th-century Poland was the breadbasket of Europe, and King Jan Sobieski was the first king not to confirm the decree of 1496 limiting the production of white bread andobwarzanek (bagellike rolls whose name derives from a word meaning “to parboil”) to the Krakow bakers guild. This meant that Jews could finally bake bread within the confines of the city walls. Furthermore, when Sobieski saved Austria from the Turkish invaders, a baker made a roll in the shape of the king’s stirrup and called it a beugel (the Austrian word for stirrup). As Balinska says, “Whatever its origin, the story of the bagel being created in honor of Jan Sobieski and his victory in Vienna has endured.” “… The bagel also had the advantage of lasting longer than freshly baked bread because the boiling gave the roll an outer sheen and a crunchy, protective crust. … if it got slightly stale, it was dunked in hot liquid to soften it. Once bagels became popular in Krakow, the Jewish bakers began making them in their own bakeries due to the strictness of Jewish dietary laws.” It is unclear when the first bagels made their way to the United States, but 70 bakeries existed on the Lower East side by 1900. In 1907 the International Beigel Bakers’ Union was created and from then on monopolized bagel production in New York City. What is also certain is that immigrants from Eastern Europe, with their cravings for the foods of the old country, sparked the New York bagel craze. Balinska explains that the Jews of the Lower East Side created a demand for the breads of their homeland—rye, challah, and bagels. The ’50s were a turning point … Jews were rapidly assimilating, moving to other parts of the city, expanding their culinary horizons, and sharing their own culinary traditions with the rest of New York.  In the early 1950s,  Family Circle included a recipe for bageles (their spelling). The copy read: “Stumped for the Hors d’oeuvres Ideas? Here’s a grand one from Fannie Engle. ‘Split these tender little triumphs in halves and then quarters. Spread with sweet butter and place a small slice of smoked salmon on each. … Engle, who later wrote The Jewish Festival Cookbook, did not mention


If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?

GHOSTBUSTERS LYRICS - THE RASMUS Let me tell you something Bustin' makes me feel good I ain't afraid of no ghost I ain't afraid of no ghost Don't get caught alone, oh no Ghostbusters! When it comes through your door Unless you just want some more I think you better call Ghostbusters!


Adderall: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Info - Drugs.com Adderall Generic Name: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (am FET a meen and DEX troe am FET a meen) Brand Names: Adderall, Adderall XR Overview Pricing & Coupons What is Adderall? Adderall contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are central nervous system stimulants that affect chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Important information You should not use Adderall if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe agitation, moderate to severe high blood pressure, heart disease or coronary artery disease, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. Slideshow Does Your Child Have ADHD? Recognizing Signs, Finding Treatment Options Do not use Adderall if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others. Adderall may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Using this medicine improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart. Before taking this medicine Do not use Adderall if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others. You should not use Adderall if you are allergic to any stimulant medicine, or if you have: moderate to severe high blood pressure; heart disease or coronary artery disease (hardened arteries); overactive thyroid; severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (stimulant medicine can make these symptoms worse); or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. Some stimulants have caused sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems or a congenital heart defect; high blood pressure; or a family history of heart disease or sudden death. To make sure Adderall is safe for you, tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had: depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions; motor tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome; seizures or epilepsy; an abnormal brain wave test (EEG); or blood circulation problems in the hands or feet. It is not known whether Adderall will harm an unborn baby. However, taking the medicine during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using this medicine. Adderall is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old. How should I take Adderall? Take Adderall exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Using this medicine improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Adderall may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law. You may take this medicine with or without food. It is best to take Adderall first thing in the morning. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an Adderall XR extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole. To make swallowing easier, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of


Steinway & Sons download our PIANO BUYER'S GUIDE   For over 160 years, Steinway & Sons has been dedicated to making the finest pianos in the world. Our pioneering handcrafted methods are still employed today to ensure our uncompromising standards of quality, in turn ensuring that the Steinway piano remains the peerless instrument of uncompromising expression. “Steinway is the only piano on which the pianist can do everything he wants. And everything he dreams.” VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY


What is the name for a type of atmospheric gas that lets in more energy than it lets out?

Greenhouse Effect: Background Material The Greenhouse Effect This section provides an overview of the earth's atmospheric "greenhouse     effect" by briefly exploring the atmospheres of nearby planets and     discussing our atmosphere's greenhouse gases. The general concepts found     in this section include the following: The earth's "greenhouse effect" is what makes this planet suitable   for life as we know it. The earth's atmosphere contains trace gases, some of which absorb      heat. These gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and      nitrous oxide) are referred to as "greenhouse gases." Albedo has an important influence on the earth's temperature. Greenhouses are structures designed to retain heat. The heat-trapping ability of a greenhouse is influenced by a number of factors   including the transparency of the greenhouse cover, color of the surfaces   inside the greenhouse, and type of surfaces inside. This section includes two classroom activities. Introduction The Goldilocks Principle can be summed up neatly as "Venus is too hot,  Mars is too cold, and Earth is just right." The fact that Earth has an  average surface temperature comfortably between the boiling point and freezing  point of water, and thus is suitable for our sort of life, cannot be explained  by simply suggesting that our planet orbits at just the right distance from  the sun to absorb just the right amount of solar radiation. Our moderate temperatures  are also the result of having just the right kind of atmosphere. A Venus-type  atmosphere would produce hellish, Venus-like conditions on our planet; a Mars  atmosphere would leave us shivering in a Martian-type deep freeze. Instead, parts of our atmosphere act as an insulating blanket of just the  right thickness, trapping sufficient solar energy to keep the global average  temperature in a pleasant range. The Martian blanket is too thin, and the Venusian  blanket is way too thick! The 'blanket' here is a collection of atmospheric  gases called 'greenhouse gases' based on the idea that the gases also 'trap'  heat like the glass walls of a greenhouse do. These gases, mainly water vapor ( ), carbon dioxide ( ), methane  ( ), and nitrous oxide ( ),  all act as effective global insulators. To understand why, it's important to  understand a few basic facts about solar radiation and the structure of atmospheric  gases. Solar Radiation The sun radiates vast quantities of energy into space, across a wide spectrum  of wavelengths. Most of the radiant energy from the sun is concentrated in the visible and  near-visible parts of the spectrum. The narrow band of visible light, between  400 and 700 nm, represents 43% of the total radiant energy emitted. Wavelengths  shorter than the visible account for 7 to 8% of the total, but are extremely  important because of their high energy per photon. The shorter the wavelength  of light, the more energy it contains. Thus, ultraviolet light is very energetic  (capable of breaking apart stable biological molecules and causing sunburn and  skin cancers). The remaining 49 - 50% of the radiant energy is spread over the  wavelengths longer than those of visible light. These lie in the near infrared  range from 700 to 1000 nm; the thermal infrared, between 5 and 20 microns; and  the far infrared regions. Various components of earth's atmosphere absorb ultraviolet  and infrared solar radiation before it penetrates to the surface, but the atmosphere  is quite transparent to visible light. Absorbed by land, oceans, and vegetation at the surface, the visible light  is transformed into heat and re-radiates in the form of invisible infrared radiation.  If that was all there was to the story, then during the day earth would heat  up, but at night, all the accumulated energy would radiate back into space and  the planet's surface temperature would fall far below zero very rapidly. The  reason this doesn't happen is that earth's atmosphere contains molecules that


"In what city must taxi drivers learn ""The Knowledge"" to navigate without the aid of maps?"

The Knowledge Taxi - London Knowledge The Knowledge Taxi - London Knowledge Learning The London Knowledge Pay a visit to London and a black mini cab will probably be one the the first things you will see. The London taxi drivers are almost as famous as the black cabs in which they drive, this is mainly due to their in-depth knowledge of London and ability in taking their occupants to their desired destination amid the congestion and the chaos that you often find when travelling through London’s streets. Easy you might think with the world of sat navs? Think again. Hail down a black cab in London and you can be assured that the driver will know the shortest and quickest route to your destination without the aid of a satnav. It doesn’t matter if you give them a street name, a famous landmark, a hotel name or famous point of interest, they will know exactly where it is and they will get you to it in the shortest route possible. London taxi drivers go through stringent training to obtain their licence, they need to pass “The Knowledge”, a test which is amongst the hardest to pass in the world, it has been described as like having an atlas of London implanted into your brain. No two days are ever the same for London cabbies, they just never know who is going to be climbing into the back of their cabs. Taxi drivers meet people from all walks of life, the rich and famous, arguing couples and tourists who always have a question or two that they would like answering. Add this factor to the amount you can earn as a London taxi driver and it is a career many feel is well worth the effort. An effort that requires you to memorise every possible route through the city as well as memorising landmarks and points of interest, museums, parks, police stations, churches, theatres and schools and not just the famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Nelsons Column. The hardest of all taxi driver tests in the world is how many have described “The London Knowledge” a reputation which very few would argue with. To become an All-London taxi driver or Green badge holder you need to master no fewer than 320 basic routes, all of the 25,000 streets that are scattered within the basic routes and approximately 20,000 landmarks and places of public interest that are located within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross. This is where The Blue book is required, a handbook for budding taxi drivers which contains all of these routes and landmarks. It takes the average person between 2 and 4 years to learn the knowledge, a lot however depends on how much time and effort they are willing to dedicate in learning it. Many students print off pages from the Blue Book which you can download by clicking here  and using a moped they go over and over a route at a time until they have mastered it before moving on to the next one. A big advantage of having the blue book in digital format is the ability to print off pages when required. Could you imagine riding around with a hardback version only to have it destroyed by the English weather. Becoming a London Cabbie Becoming a London taxi driver isn’t something you can achieve in a few weeks, days or even months not unless you have a brain like superman. Because the use of sat navs is prohibited, remembering the many points of interest and quickest routes across London can take two to three years to master and often even longer. Below we have broken down the stages of becoming a London cabbie into easy digestible segments: 1) Send off for an application pack including a medical assessment form in writing to: The Public Carriage Office London N1 9PU 2) Get yourself a copy of the Blue Book and start learning the routes, the quicker you start learning the quicker you can put in for a test. 3) Receive your application pack, fill it in and send it off with your medical report and character checks. 4) Receive a reply from the PCO 5) When ready sit the first self assessment (Usually within the first 6 months and is optional). 6) Sit the written examination. 7) Sit several ‘Appearance’ (1-2-1 oral tests) tests. 8) Final Talk an


What country does the name Pádraig come from?

Padraig - Meaning of Name Padraig - Pronounce Padraig Irish Boy Name Email Shares 98 Meaning of the Irish name Padraig. Listen and learn how to pronounce Padraig so you can get the correct pronunciation for this Irish boy name. MEANING: From the Latin patricius “”nobly born.”” The patron saint of Ireland, it is hard to differentiate between fact and myth. What is probably true is that he was born in Britain around 373 AD and was brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of seven, possibly by Niall of the Nine Hostages (read the legend). Forced to guard sheep on the Slemish Mountains in Country Antrim for six years he had a vision urging him to convert his captors. He escaped to France where he trained as a priest before returning to Ireland where he banished the snakes (i.e. paganism) and converted the population to Christianity. Both Patrick and Padraig are very popular names in Ireland. GENDER: Boy | Male


What, besides water and barley, was the only ingredient that was allowed in Bavarian beer?

What Is the German Reinheitsgebot? What Is the German Reinheitsgebot? What Is the German Reinheitsgebot? Bierdeckel.  mdid CC by 2.0 By Jennifer McGavin Updated December 04, 2016. Reinheitsgebot, also known as the Bavarian Beer Purity Law and Bavarian Beer Ingredient Law, was enacted in 1516 so that only beers made with just three ingredients -- hops , barley malt and water (yeast was unknown at the time) -- were allowed to be labeled a "pure" German beer and fit to drink. After all, beer was considered a food staple at the time. This law is used for marketing beer even today. Gebraut nach dem Reinheitsgebot (brewed according to the purity law) or 500 Jahre Münchner Reinheitsgebot (500 years of Munich purity law) are proudly displayed on beer bottles and in advertisements.   Beyond the question of why you would want to limit your beer ingredients, you might wonder if this was the first law about beer ever written in Germany and is it still on the books. And the answer is no, to both. Preview of the Purity Law The Bavarian Purity Law for beer was passed on April 23, 1516, at the Ingolstadt Landständetag, a meeting with representatives of the nobility, delegates from the city and markets, and church prelates. continue reading below our video Why the Vitamix is Way Cooler Than You Even Thought This law is the reason for the good reputation of German beer. The modern version of the Reinheitsgebot is not the first attempt at steering the production of beer. It is, however, seen as the high point of several hundred years of regulatory development which was aimed at supplying the citizens with qualitatively good beer, a food staple at the time, while regulating the prices. Beer Laws Nothing New Forays into creating laws about beer had been made long before the Bayrische Reinheitsgebot of 1516. Augsburg passed one in 1156, Nuremberg in 1293, Munich in 1363 and Regensburg in 1447. There were many other regional price and manufacturing laws passed in the latter half of the 15th and early 16th centuries as well. A concrete definition as to specific raw ingredients -- water, malt and hops -- for the manufacture of beer was determined in Munich on November 30, 1487, by Duke Albrecht IV. Another direct forerunner to the 1516 law was the 1493 Duchy of Lower Bavaria Beer Decree written by Duke George of Bavaria, which also limited ingredients for beer to malt, hops and water. The law also had very detailed paragraphs stipulating the price at which beer could be sold. This law was enacted to make sure the citizens had good beer at a good price, but also to protect grain which was better used in bread baking. Consumer Protection A high standard of quality was at that time already coupled with the idea of consumer protection. Beer in the Middle Ages was being brewed with all sorts of ingredients which altered its taste or had intoxicating effects while skimping on the expensive ingredients. Malt and/or hops, and the toxic effects were not taken into consideration. By 1486, a Decree for Brewing Ordung des Bräuens, was already stating that "Es sollen ... keinerlei Wurzeln, weder Zermetat noch anderes, das dem Menschen schädlich ist oder Krankheit und Wehtagen bringen mag, darein getan werden." In other words, "... no roots [...] which are deleterious or which can bring illness or pain to a human, may be used." Before 1516, the northern German brewers with their strict guild rules had the best beer quality, but the Reinheitsgebot changed that. The Bavarians quickly increased their product quality and some think they surpassed the northern guilds. Two Systems of Law for Beer In northern Germany in the Middle Ages, beer was accepted as a basic staple food for the citizens. It was regulated by civil laws and was successfully defended from the nobility and the church. Beer production regulations were determined by the city government and the guilds. In southern Germany, the local rulers had more influence over the beer regulations. This was good for the purity law because it went into immediate effect over all of Bavaria. The high quality of be


What city is known as Praha in its own language?

Prague travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] Týn Church in Old Town Square This magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for more than ten centuries. Almost undamaged by WWII, Prague's medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle that looks eastward as the sun sets behind her. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events catering to the independent traveller's thirst for adventure. It is regarded by many as one of Europe's most charming and beautiful cities, Prague has become the most popular travel destination in Central Europe along with Vienna and Krakow . Millions of tourists visit the city every year. Prague was founded in the later 9th century, and soon became the seat of Bohemian kings, some of whom ruled as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town in the 14th century - many of the city's most important attractions date back to that age. The city also went under Habsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918, after World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia. After 1989 many foreigners, especially young people, moved to Prague. In 1992, its historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List . In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries and Prague became capital city of the new Czech Republic. The east bank of the Vltava river The Vltava River runs through Prague, which is home to about 1.2 million people. The capital may be beautiful, but pollution often hovers over the city due to its location in the Vltava River basin. Climate[ edit ] Prague has a temperate climate with variations throughout the year. In the winter, Prague has definitely its own magic. The snow may cover the surface but it sooner or later melts, so it doesn't usually last too long. However, the weather is pretty unpredictable so it very well may burst into a snow storm but that is not very common. Spring season is one of the best times to come for a visit, especially in the month of May with the flora beginning to bloom after months of hibernation. The summer is a very popular time to travel and you can expect to see an influx of tourism throughout the warmer months. The weather is warm and sunny but sometimes the heat waves can be overwhelming, so people with respiratory problems may have some trouble, this is also the country's rainy season. Colourful and chilly - these two characteristics define the fall/autumn season. Getting dressed warmly is a must because the wind and overcast sky may get in your way. Nevertheless, there are also beautiful sunshine days that practically call you out for a walk. Chaty[ edit ] Many Prague residents have a small cottage (which can range from a shack barely large enough for garden utensils to an elaborate, multi-story dwelling) outside the city. There they can escape for some fresh air and country pursuits such as mushroom hunting and gardening. These cottages, called chata (plural form chaty, pronunciation of ch as in Bach), are treasured both as getaways and ongoing projects. Each reflects its owners' character, as most of them were built by unorthodox methods. There were no Home Depots under communism. Chata owners used the typically Czech "it's whom you know" chain of supply to scrounge materials and services. This barter system worked extremely well, and still does today. People had to be careful building these cottages to make them nice, but not too nice that the party officials would take them for themselves. Many were designed to look dilapidated on the outside, but on the inside they are nice and comfortable. Chaty are also sometimes used as primary residences by Czechs who rent out their city-centre apartments for enormous profit to foreigners who can


What type of people are emperiled in parts of Africa, due to the belief that their body parts have magical powers?

Witchcraft in Tanzania: the good, bad and the persecution - CNN.com Witchcraft in Tanzania: the good, bad and the persecution By Errol Barnett, CNN Updated 12:55 PM ET, Mon October 8, 2012 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. JUST WATCHED Witchcraft, evil spirits and curses 11:14 Story highlights Some 60% of Tanzanians believe sacrifices to spirits or ancestors can protect them from harm Witchcraft serves to explain things that are inexplicable to those in rural villages without education, says anthropology professor Albinos suffer discrimination and sometimes danger because some people believe their body parts bring great wealth It conjures images of cauldrons and pointed hats if you live in the western world or exotic masks and sacred objects if you're on the African continent. Around the world a sense of mystery and fear engulfs witchcraft and nowhere is this more evident than in the East African nation of Tanzania. Here, faith in this specific form of African tradition can turn deadly. People with albinism have been dismembered in western parts of the country because so-called witchdoctors perpetuate a belief that albino body parts bring great wealth. From the archives: Scores of albinos in hiding after attacks Those suspected of witchcraft are also targeted; an estimated 600 elderly women were killed in 2011 due to the suspicion they were witches, according to the Legal and Human Rights Center in Tanzania. In fact, the Pew Forum on Religious and Public life conducted 25,000 face-to-face interviews in 19 African nations and found that among them, Tanzanians hold the strongest belief in witchcraft. It says 60% of the Tanzanians interviewed believe that sacrifices to ancestors or spirits can protect them from harm, and that many Christians and Muslims incorporate elements of traditional African beliefs into their daily lives. JUST WATCHED MUST WATCH Can football 'heal' Albinos? 05:02 Dark arts flourished in Tanzania partly because, compared to its neighbors, it was "less colonized" by European powers, explains Joachim Mwami of Dar Es Salaam University. The anthropology professor says for centuries, witchcraft has "served to explain anything inexplicable," in rural villages like a severely sick child or strange illness. Professor Mwami admitted that, "even in my own family, I was advised [as a child] not to visit certain relatives considered to be witches," even though there was no proof. Photos: Why faith in witchcraft persists in Tanzania Photos: Why faith in witchcraft persists in Tanzania Witchcraft and albinism in Tanzania – "Good witch" Mama Safi dons glasses and a red sheet while preparing to perform a healing ritual. She claims she was granted special powers by people wearing a similar uniform when she was sick. Hide Caption 4 of 5 Photos: Why faith in witchcraft persists in Tanzania Witchcraft and albinism in Tanzania – Musa has found support through an informal football team made up of people with albinism. Albino United hope to dispel myths about people with the genetic disorder. Hide Caption 5 of 5 He says without access to education, people are more likely to follow the claims of traditional healers and pass down those beliefs to the next generation. Students at Dar Es Salaam University were reluctant to talk to CNN about opinions relating to witchcraft. Some explained, even if they don't personally believe in the practice, their relatives take it seriously. Others feel one must believe in the practice for it to have any power over them. So even with a university education, some students retain some faith in witchcraft. Read related: Saudi woman beheaded for witchcraft Believers seeking healing regularly visit Mama Safi, a self-proclaimed "good witch," who gained her powers after being visited by spirits, she says. "I'm able to remove evil, stomach sickness, migraines, typhoid and diabetes too," she boasts. Safi conducts parts of her ceremonies in Arabic, even though she claims to have never studied it. Her fee ranges anywhere from $20 to $120 depending


What does one call a member of the Society of Jesus?

Welcome to the Society of Jesus in Canada and the United States The Society of Jesus – Serving the Catholic Church for the greater glory of God. Get Involved Click here to sign up for our award-winning enewsletter, learn about upcoming events and participate in our advocacy campaigns. Support Us No matter your connection to the Society of Jesus, there is an opportunity for you to partner with the Jesuits and become part of their work. Jesuit Parishes and Retreat Centers There are 66 Jesuit parishes and 22 retreat centers in the United States. Jesuit parishes are situated in inner cities, suburbs, rural outposts and on college campuses and Native American reservations. Jesuit retreat centers can be found in places ranging from New England's rocky coast to the foothills of the Rockies and the rustic trails of Santa Clara Valley. They are part of urban landscapes, too. St. Ignatius Loyola Parish The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola is a vibrant faith community located on New York City’s Upper East Side. Find a parish near you Jesuit Retreat House on Lake Winnebago Located 80 miles north of Milwaukee, the Jesuit Retreat House on Lake Winnebago welcomes men and women of all faiths to its silent preached and directed retreats.


What dynasty did King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I belong to?

Tudor England FAQ & Facts: Frequently Asked Questions & Information - English History English History Tudor England FAQ & Facts: Frequently Asked Questions & Information General Questions   Who were the Tudors? The Tudors were a Welsh-English family that ruled England from 1485 to 1603. Henry Tudor was the son of Margaret Beaufort, who was descended from King Edward III through an illegitimate line, and Edmund Tudor, the son of Princess Catherine of Valois and her second husband, Owen Tudor. Through Catherine of Valois, Jasper was the half-brother of the last Lancastrian king, Henry VI. The Yorkist branch of the Plantagenet dynasty would eventually seize the throne from the incompetent Henry VI, but their reign ended when Richard III was killed at the battle of Bosworth Field on 22 August 1485. Henry Tudor then claimed the throne as King Henry VII. He promptly married Elizabeth of York, daughter of the only successful Yorkist king, Edward IV, and niece of Richard III. Henry VII and Elizabeth of York’s second son, three of their grandchildren and one of their great-grandchildren, would rule England as part of the Tudor dynasty. When their rule ended, the throne passed to the Scottish branch of their family – James I was the great-grandson of their daughter, Margaret Tudor. Visit Tudor Genealogy for more information. TOP When did they rule England? The Tudors ruled England from 1485 to 1603. TOP Why are they so famous? The Tudors are famous because their dynasty was full of colorful characters and big events. Henry VIII and his six wives…. the English reformation…. the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey…. the great intelligence of Elizabeth I and the artistic accomplishments of her reign…. During the sixteenth century, England emerged from the medieval world. It was a time of great change, most notably it marked the end of the Catholic church in England. There was an attendant rise in nationalism, a new spirit of confidence and patriotism swept the country. Great naval exploits began the great English seafaring tradition. Whether as pirates or officers or explorers, Elizabethan sailors controlled the seas. And besides the political and religious changes, the Tudors themselves were interesting and complex people. TOP What did they accomplish? The Tudors were able to establish England as a world power. They did so by positioning their country as a peace-maker between the dueling powers of France and Spain/the Holy Roman Empire. They also gave England a century of dynastic stability. With the exception of Lady Jane Grey’s brief reign and Catholic attempts to place Mary, queen of Scots on Elizabeth I’s throne, most Tudor monarchs came to the throne – and remained on the throne – unchallenged. This lengthy period of peace allowed England a much-needed respite from the Lancastrian-Yorkist wars. Government ran more efficiently; royal power replaced that of aristocrats and there was a uniform system of justice and taxation throughout the country. And, as always in times of peace, the arts flourished. TOP Can you give me a brief history of Tudor England? Tudor England began when Henry VII became king in 1485. There were five Tudor monarchs, not counting Lady Jane Grey who ruled for just nine days. The monarchs were, in order, Henry VII (ruled from 1485 to 1509), his son Henry VIII (ruled from 1509 to 1547), Edward VI, son of Henry VIII (ruled from 1547 to 1553), Mary I, daughter of Henry VIII (ruled from 1553 to 1558), and Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII (ruled from 1558 to 1603.) The most powerful Tudor monarchs were Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, though she was far more beloved of the English people. Both were powerful personalities who were able to control their squabbling councilors and answer the demands of an increasingly vocal Parliament. Under Henry VII, the English government came to be more stabilized and centralized. Under Henry VIII, English authority was tested on the Continent, though even military victories were too costly to maintain. A great victory over Scotland early in his reign (1513) was most notable; the attendan


"In what country was ""The Book of the Dead"" written?"

Book of the Dead, an Introduction Contact Us About us Tour Egypt aims to offer the ultimate Egyptian adventure and intimate knowledge about the country. We offer this unique experience in two ways, the first one is by organizing a tour and coming to Egypt for a visit, whether alone or in a group, and living it firsthand. The second way to experience Egypt is from the comfort of your own home: online. Book of the Dead, an Introduction The Book of the Dead An Introduction by Marie Parsons The Book of the Dead is the name given by Egyptologists to a group of mortuary spells written on sheets of papyrus covered with magical texts and accompanying illustrations called vignettes. These were placed with the dead in order to help them pass through the dangers of the underworld and attain an afterlife of bliss in the Field of Reeds. Some of the texts and vignettes are also found on the walls of tombs and on coffins or written on linen or vellum rather than on papyrus. The texts are divided into individual spells or chapters, nearly two hundred in total, though no one papyrus contains them all. Specific chapters could be selected out of the total repertoire. If the prospective owner of a Book was wealthy and his death not untimely, he might commission a scribe to write the text for him, based upon his personal choice of spells. Other less wealthy clients had to make do with a ready written text, a template, in which spaces had been left for the insertion of the name and titles of the buyer. These spells were influenced by and developed after the Pyramid Texts and Coffin Texts . The spells were originally designated by the Egyptians as the Book of the Coming Forth by Day, expressing the freedom granted to the spirit forms to come and go as they pleased in the afterlife. The Spells in this Book, like the Pyramid Texts and the Coffin Texts (which were named those by Egyptologists), primarily served to provision and protect the deceased. It is concerned with descriptions. and with practical help and magical assistance for the hereafter. Early examples of spells from the Book of the Dead are found on mummy cloths and coffins of the New Kingdom , as were used commonly by officials beginning with the reign of Tuthmosis III , and then they appear on papyri. By the reign of Merneptah the spells appear on the walls of certain tomb chambers, beginning with Spell 125, the Judgment of the Dead. The spells also appeared continuously through the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period. Some spells such as #148 and 110 appear on temple walls, the latter at Medinet Habu . The chapters such as spells 26-30, and occasionally spell 6 and spell 126, regarding the heart, were inscribed on scarabs. At first, only in certain cases and for special emphasis did spells include a vignette, a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell. In a burial chamber from the reign of Tuthmosis III, only two of a total of 35 spells are illustrated, but by the Ramesside Period, the reverse is true and only a few spells are un-illustrated. In Dynasty 21 and in the Late Period , vignettes were often used for the spells, without the texts. But in many manuscripts the vignettes constitute a row of pictures, with texts placed beneath them. The earliest Book of the Dead on record dates to the mid-fifteenth century BCE, but some of the spells had their origins in the Pyramid Texts from the 5th and 6th Dynasties , carved more than 1000 years earlier. The Pyramid Texts themselves in part refer in their own turn to rituals and practices probably in common usage 1000 years prior to them. The Pyramid Texts were carved on the inside or pyramid walls of Kings and queens of the 6th Dynasty and early First Intermediate Period for another 200 years. Eventually more spells were added to the Pyramid Text repertoire, and the texts were written now in the cursive script called hieratic , not in hieroglyphics, within the wooden coffins. These texts are thus now known as Coffin Texts. In the Coffin Texts, as in the Book of the Dead, the sun-god


What musical features the character Mr. Mistoffelees?

Mistoffelees | 'Cats' Musical Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia — Three Words In the song "Magical Mister Mistoffelees", he is described as being a rather mysterious, clever and cunning conjuring cat, often found being mischievous or performing amusing antics. In some productions of Cats, he is portrayed as a kitten and is young, still exploring his magical powers and not yet confident in himself. According to film actor, Jacob Brent - "He's a bit of a rascal...A child prodigy of the tribe, brilliant in what he does but a little wacky at the same time. He's not an adult yet, but he's not a kitten, so he's at that in between stage...He has these magical powers, he doesn't quite know how to use them yet. But, he's learning." Role — Casting Calls Mistoffelees is a principal role and maintains most of the same attributes as Eliot's original character, but is much flashier. He has his own song and an extended dance solo in the second act. In most productions he sings the Invitation to the Jellicle Ball . In the original London Cast, Mistoffelees also sang The Old Gumbie Cat , and in the original Broadway production, he sang Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer . He and Victoria dance to invite the audience to the Jellicle Ball. Mistoffelees performs the most difficult choreography in the show, including 24 fouettés en tournant (AKA, "The Conjuring Turn") and dancers cast in the role generally have extensive ballet and gymnastic experience. Because the role's technical demands necessarily trump the performer's vocal abilities, the show permits multiple vocal tracks for the character—thereby allowing some dancers to sing quite a bit, while others do no singing at all. Quaxo Edit Click here for article about ensemble character Quaxo. In some productions Quaxo is an entirely separate character, unrelated to Mistoffelees. In the London production and some others, he is identified as "Quaxo, also called Mistoffelees", where his identity as "The Magical Mister Mistoffelees" remains a secret until his song. "Quaxo" is the name that Mistoffelees goes by while "incognito", prior to his number. In the original production, a prominent feature of Wayne Sleep 's role, besides Mistoffelees' solo, was his tap-dance solo in Gumbie Cat . In some early productions, including those based on the Vienna Production , the name became attached to the tap-dancing beetle, regardless of whether it was played by Mistoffelees. [1] Quaxo has also occasionally been an ensemble character in his own right, or the name used for a Swing Cat . Appearance


What is the all-time most played music video on Youtube?

Top 10 YouTube Videos Of All Time - ReadWrite Top 10 YouTube Videos Of All Time Posted on Contributing Writer Updated 8/7/2014. YouTube has come to define the era of online video, so let’s take a look at its most popular videos of all time. We reported that Psy’s Gangnam Style was the  first video to reach a billion views , and the viral hit is standing strong at number 1 and has reached the coveted 2 billion view mark! Psy makes the cut twice in this month’s YouTube Top 10, reaching the number seven spot with his follow-up single, Gentleman.  We first did this list in August 2007, at which point Evolution of Dance by comedian Judson Laipply was number 1 with nearly 56 million views. The next update was September 2008 , when Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend pop music video was number 1 with 103 million views. In January 2010, Charlie bit my finger – again ! was number 1, with 148 million views. By the beginning of January 2011, Justin Bieber was at number 1 with over 400 million views for Baby—and that video went on to hold the top slot through most of 2012.  Here are the top 10 as of June 2014: