The North Pole, said to be Santa's home, is located in which ocean?

The North Pole: Location, Weather, Exploration … and Santa The North Pole: Location, Weather, Exploration … and Santa By Jessie Szalay, LiveScience Contributor | December 13, 2013 07:06pm ET MORE A true-color image taken on May 5, 2000, by an instrument aboard NASA's Terra spacecraft, over the North Pole, with sea ice shown in white and open water in black. Credit: Image by Allen Lunsford, NASA GSFC Direct Readout Laboratory; Data courtesy Tromso receiving station, Svalbard, Norway The “North Pole” refers to multiple places: the geographically northernmost point on Earth, the magnetic north, and, most enchantingly, Santa’s headquarters. The North Pole has inspired human imagination, scientific exploration and political conflict for decades. Where is the North Pole? The Geographic North Pole is the northernmost point on the planet, where Earth’s axis intersects with its surface. Its latitude is 90 degrees north, and all longitudinal lines meet there. From there, every direction one turns is south. Because all longitudinal lines begin from it, the North Pole has no time zone. The pole is in the Arctic Ocean, where the water is 13,400 feet (4,084 meters) deep and usually covered with drifting ice 6-to-10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) thick. The location of the North Pole changes slightly with time. Earth’s axis has a slight wobble, and since the pole intersects with the axis, it wobbles along with it. Scientists have calculated that the pole wobbles about 30 feet over seven years. The precise point of the pole at any given moment is known as the instantaneous pole. Magnetic North Pole The magnetic North Pole is not the same as "true north;" it is several hundreds of miles south of the geographic North Pole. Earth's iron core and movement within its outer part generates a magnetic field , and the magnetic North and South Poles are where the field is vertical. Compasses point to the magnetic North Pole. The magnetic poles don't line up with the geographic poles, and the difference between them is called declination. Since its discovery in 1831, the magnetic North Pole has been around Canada’s Ellesmere Island, about 500 miles (800 kilometers) from the geographic North Pole. But the magnetic field drifts, causing the angle of declination to change over time. Currently, the magnetic North Pole moves about 25 miles each year in a northwest direction — at a faster rate than it has moved since tracking began in the 1830s. The change could cause problems for migrating birds and human navigation . Eventually, the magnetic North and South Poles will move to the point that they “flip” and compasses would point south. This change will happen slowly and not in our lifetimes. The last “flip” occurred 730,000 years ago. North Pole weather Because of Earth’s tilted axis, the North Pole experiences only one sunrise and one sunset every year, at the March and September equinoxes respectively. During the summer, there is sunlight all day; during the winter, it is always dark. During the winter, the geographic North Pole’s annual mean temperature is minus 40 F (minus 40 C). In the summer, it is 32 F (0 C). Though it is by no means warm, it is considerably warmer than in the land-based South Pole in Antarctica, because the North Pole is over water. Research stations have reported cyclones at the North Pole and, in recent years, ice melt and cracks , which is part of Arctic climate change. North Pole ecosystem The most frequent above-ice inhabitants of the Arctic are migratory birds, such as the small snow bunting, fulmar, kittiwake and the Arctic tern, which has the longest migration of any bird, traveling 43,000 miles (69,200 km) round trip from the North to South Pole every year. Caribou and Arctic foxes do not venture to the North Pole; polar bears make rare appearances. [ Photos: Life at the North Pole ] Under the ice, one finds small crustaceans, shrimp, sea anemones and several species of fish, the most common being the Arctic cod. Marine mammals such as narwhals and other whales rarely venture so far north, though ring seals have been spotted o


Love Learning | Home-School Activities Home-School Activities The New School Year Every new school year the quizzes get tougher, the warnings are less and the rules change, but this year is the biggest changes in school. I just finished 3 weeks of middle school and I noticed the changes. Also the lessons are getting harder like Elements of Poetry, Elemento Ng Kwento (Elements of Stories in Filipino) and Identifying Sources. I know this will get harder but I still love learning and I won’t give up. Hercules Today I have been assigned to do a research of Hercules for an essay. Hercules is well known from the DISNEY® movie Hercules. He is the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. His power was strength and at birth he strangled a snake send to kill him.  Some of the things he did were to: Slay the Nemean Loin. Slay the nine-headed Learnaean Hydra. Capture the Golden Hind of Artemis. Capture the Erymanthian Boar. Clean the Augean stables in a single day. Slay the Stymphalian Birds. Steal the Mares of Diomes. Obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. Obtain the cattle of the monster Geryon. Steal the apples of the Hesperides. Capture and bring back Cerberus.   Study Time Studying is the time to relax and remember what you learned. Maybe also do some homework so you can practice. But to me it is difference. When I do my homework I think just resting my memory then recalling it. After I answer the workbook and it feels like the teacher is there. When the time is right. After remembering what you have learned you can research about your lesson so you will understand the lesson more. Also the teacher won’t tell you every think so take what you remember on scratch paper until you can format it properly. This is good to review even if you have a reviewer writing it yourself will allow you to understand more. I hope you can try this format of studying Happy Today Have you ever had a friend in need? Have you ever saw someone lonely? Did you lend a helping hand? For anyone who needs a lot of help try to talk more and you may reach your goal. If you made someone happy he can do the same to someone else. Sharing some smiles can help someone who doesn’t like you because even if he doesn’t like you he might think that you want to be friends. Happiness means a lot like it can mean friendship and caring. So share a smile today and maybe he will feel love. The Planning of a Christmas Party Merry Christmas! As you know Christmas is fun but have you tried doing it with 7 of your classmates and 2 teachers? It is very hard planning the games, emcees, performances and the food. Guess what this is 1/4 of all the trivia questions we had to pick. 1. In what country, the world’s seventh largest by geographical area, is Christmas known as Bada Din (the big day)? India 2. Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean, is a territory of which country? Australia 3. ‘Three Kings Day’ is known by what numerical name in Britain? Twelfth Night 4. The North Pole, said to be Santa’s home, is located in which ocean? Arctic Ocean 5. ‘And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning…’ is from which Christmas carol? I Saw Three Ships 6. Marzipan is made (conventionally in the western world) mainly from sugar and the flour or meal of which nut? Almond 7. What is the technical name of Mistletoe plant genus, and also Latin for glutinous? Viscum (hence the words viscous and viscosity, referring to semi-solid/semi-liquid and thick sticky substances – derived from the sticky quality of mistletoe berries, and also an early word for birdlime, a sticky substance made from the berries, used to trap birds) 8. Peter Auty sang Walking In The Air in what film? The Snowman 9. Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? Cranberry sauce 10. Which American-born English poet, having first names Thomas Stearns, wrote the poem The Cultivation Of Christmas Trees? T S Eliot 11. Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978? A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas 12. Which British monarch (


What is the technical name of Mistletoe plant genus, and also Latin for glutinous?

A Modern Herbal | Mistletoe [ Top ] ---History--- Mistletoe was held in great reverence by the Druids. They went forth clad in white robes to search for the sacred plant, and when it was discovered, one of the Druids ascended the tree and gathered it with great ceremony, separating it from the Oak with a golden knife. The Mistletoe was always cut at a particular age of the moon, at the beginning of the year, and it was only sought for when the Druids declared they had visions directing them to seek it. When a great length of time elapsed without this happening, or if the Mistletoe chanced to fall to the ground, it was considered as an omen that some misfortune would befall the nation. The Druids held that the Mistletoe protected its possessor from all evil, and that the oaks on which it was seen growing were to be respected because of the wonderful cures which the priests were able to effect with it. They sent round their attendant youth with branches of the Mistletoe to announce the entrance of the new year. It is probable that the custom of including it in the decoration of our homes at Christmas, giving it a special place of honour, is a survival of this old custom. The curious basket of garland with which 'Jack-in-the-Green' is even now occasionally invested on May-day is said to be a relic of a similar garb assumed by the Druids for the ceremony of the Mistletoe. When they had found it they danced round the oak to the tune of 'Hey derry down, down, down derry!' which literally signified, 'In a circle move we round the oak. ' Some oakwoods in Herefordshire are still called 'the derry'; and the following line from Ovid refers to the Druids' songs beneath the oak: '---Ad viscum Druidce cantare solebant---.' Shakespeare calls it 'the baleful Mistletoe,' an allusion to the Scandinavian legend that Balder, the god of Peace, was slain with an arrow made of Mistletoe. He was restored to life at the request of the other gods and goddesses, and Mistletoe was afterwards given into the keeping of the goddess of Love, and it was ordained that everyone who passed under it should receive a kiss, to show that the branch had become an emblem of love, and not of hate. [ Top ] ---Parts Used Medicinally--- The leaves and young twigs, collected just before the berries form, and dried in the same manner as described for Holly. ---Constituents--- Mistletoe contains mucilage, sugar, a fixed oil, resin, an odorous principle, some tannin and various salts. The active part of the plant is the resin, Viscin, which by fermentation becomes a yellowish, sticky, resinous mass, which can be used with success as a birdlime. The preparations ordinarily used are a fluid extract and the powdered leaves. A homoeopathic tincture is prepared with spirit from equal quantities of the leaves and ripe berries, but is difficult of manufacture, owing to the viscidity of the sap. ---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Nervine, antispasmodic, tonic and narcotic. Has a greatreputation for curing the 'falling sickness' epilepsy - and other convulsive nervous disorders. It has also been employed in checking internal haemorrhage. The physiological effect of the plant is to lessen and temporarily benumb such nervous action as is reflected to distant organs of the body from some central organ which is the actual seat of trouble. In this way the spasms of epilepsy and of other convulsive distempers are allayed. Large doses of the plant, or of its berries, would, on the contrary, aggravate these convulsive disorders. Young children have been attacked with convulsions after eating freely of the berries. In a French work on domestic remedies, 1682, Mistletoe (gui de chêne) was considered of great curative power in epilepsy. Sir John Colbatch published in 1720 a pamphlet on The Treatment of Epilepsy by Mistletoe, regarding it as a specific for this disease. He procured the parasite from the Lime trees at Hampton Court, and recommended the powdered leaves, as much as would lie on a sixpence, to be given in Black Cherry water every morning. He was followed in this treatment by other


Which American-born English poet, having first names Thomas Stearns, wrote the poem The Cultivation Of Christmas Trees?

Amazon.co.uk: Customer Discussions: The Sunshine Quiz The Sunshine Quiz Sort: Oldest first | Newest first Showing 201-215 of 215 posts in this discussion Posted on 6 May 2011 15:26:32 BDT BOF © says: I was talking to a golf fanatic (who bored me sh*tless) in the cricket club over the weekend and the question of how many clubs came up I answered 18 he came back with 14, as I had put 14 on your quiz and been told 18 on the answers I had thought no more about it but his reply made me check up. I got this from 'wiki' "A maximum of fourteen clubs is allowed in a player's bag at one time during a stipulated round. The choice of clubs is at the golfer's discretion, although every club must be constructed in accordance with parameters outlined in the rules. (Clubs which meet these parameters are usually called 'conforming'.) Violation of these rules can result in disqualification." Methinks I need an extra point (and anyone else who answered 14). best bones K I love you - no sweat. ;-) best bones Mistress K asks the questions so the answers are as per her definition so there, cut the whinging. No complaints from me K, I've maintained my position in the pecking order. Toffeeman says: One last point...just try singing Happy Birthday with all three names.... And on a related subject, the song Happy Birthday by Altered Images is thirty this year..now how old do you feel. Try not to have a heart attack... but here's a Christmas Quiz. Answers are as per my answer sheet so no quibbling. Answers to me by 12pm on 21/12/11. Christmas Quiz 2011 Music 1. Child star Jimmy Boyd sang which hugely popular 1950's Christmas song, which was initially banned by the Catholic Church in Boston because it supposedly mixed sex and Christmas? 2. What is the English title of the carol written in 1818 by Austrian priest Josef Mohr originally called Stille Nacht? 3. The words "Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes of life, of gathering gloom..." come from which Christmas carol? 4. 'And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning...' is from which Christmas carol? 5. In Coldplay's 2010 Christmas single video, the Latin phrase Credo Elvem Etiam Vivere (seen above the stage) loosely means what? (combining an ironic rock'n'roll myth, with a seasonal sentiment popularised by Greg Lakes's 1975 Christmas hit - and for two bonus points: name the Greg Lake song, and the Coldplay 2010 Christmas single)? 6. Who composed the music known as The Nutcracker Suite, for the Christmas themed ballet The Nutcracker, premiered in St Petersburg, 1892? 7. In the song 'The Twelve Days Of Christmas', how many swans were a-swimming? 8. Driving Home For Christmas was a 1988 hit single for which singer? 9. In which Christmas carol does this line feature: "Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither"? 10. What was Queen's 1984 Christmas single called? 11. What Christmas-time song did James Pierpont compose in 1857? 12. What is the title of biggest selling Christmas single, globally? 13. What Paul McCartney hit song video featured the First World War Christmas Truce meeting of German and British soldiers in no-man's land between the front line trenches? 14. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics '...To save us all from Satan's power, when we were gone astray..'? 15. In what year was Band-Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas the UK Christmas chart-topping record? 16. How many gifts are given in total in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas? 17. What did Frosty The Snowman have for a nose? 18. In the song `Winter Wonderland', who do we pretend the snowman is? 19. In the traditional song, `Go Tell It On The Mountain', what are you supposed to go tell? 20. According to the song, `Frosty The Snowman', what kind of soul does Frosty have? Film and Television 1. Who was the first British monarch to broadcast a Christmas message to the nation? 2. Peter Auty sang Walking In The Air in what film? 3. What is the surname of the family in the 1989 film 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'? 4. Who is the narrator in the 1966 TV special How The Grinch W


Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978?

Dogs Trust slogan in the top ten Adverts : 0161 709 4576 - Editorial : 0161 709 4571 Mail Order : 0161 709 4578 - Subs : 0161 709 4575 - Webteam : 0161 709 4567 Dogs Trust slogan in the top ten To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dogs Trust slogan “A dog is for life not just for Christmas®” the charity has commissioned new research which looks at the success of the slogan and how our relationship with dogs has changed since 1978. The slogan was the brainchild of Dogs Trust’s CEO Clarissa Baldwin and was developed to reduce the large numbers of dogs given as Christmas gifts each December only to be abandoned later the next year. Not only is the slogan one of the most recognisable strap lines in the UK – but its message has been heeded. In 1978 20% of dogs were given as gifts whereas in 2008 this figure was just 1.8%. Although the figure has dropped significantly – it means that almost 131,400 dogs are still given as gifts. Dogs Trust is using its anniversary to highlight the continued relevance of its slogan. With the recent opening of a ‘puppy superstore’ in Leeds, the charity is concerned that it will see an influx of unwanted dogs in 2009 from people who make an impulse purchase at the superstore in the run up to Christmas. Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive Dogs Trust explains: “I am delighted that the ‘dog is for life’ slogan has made such an impact and has helped save thousands of dogs from unsuitable homes. I would like to think that some day our slogan will become redundant, but with the existing problems of puppy farms and puppy superstores, it is just as relevant today as it was in 1978. Our anniversary offers the perfect opportunity to remind people that dogs are not fashion accessories or disposable items that can be upgraded or discarded after a few months.” Over the past 30 years the Dogs Trust slogan has given rise to many parodies and copycat slogans including: · “Fathers are for life, not just for conception” (Fathers 4 Justice, 2008) · “A Rabbit is for life, not just for Christmas” (Ann Summers, 2005) · “A brussel sprout is for life, not just for Christmas (The British Sprout Assoc, 2004) · “A dog is for life, not just for the White House” (BBC News, Nov 2008) · “Tax cuts are for life, not just for Christmas” (David Cameron, Nov 2008) Rory Sutherland, Vice-Chairman Ogilvy Group UK, explains the slogan’s enduring success: “Today the art of the sloganeer has fallen a little out of fashion but there still remain a few examples of the writer's craft that will never fall from grace for they remain a timeless encapsulation of a organisation's philosophy and purpose in a single aphorism. The Dogs Trust slogan is a classic example and belongs in the all-time top ten.” OUR DOGS


Christmas-Themed Quiz Welcome to Forum Towers > The Drawing Room Christmas-Themed Quiz 9. Cranberry Sauce..? Peter: 1.   In which country, the world's seventh largest by geographical area, is Christmas known as Bada Din (the big day)? 2.   mel 3.   'Three Kings Day' is known by what numerical name in Britain? 4.   sd 5.   'And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning...' is from which Christmas carol? 6.   sd 10.   biggles 11.   biggles 12.   Which British monarch (born 1865, died 1936) introduced the custom of giving thousands of Christmas puddings to staff? 13.   In the UK it is traditionally believed that eating a what each day of the twelve days of Christmas brings happiness the following year: Sausage; Mince pie; Carrot; or Turkey drumstick? 14.   biggles 15.   In Coldplay's 2010 Christmas single video, the Latin phrase Credo Elvem Etiam Vivere (seen above the stage) loosely means what (combining an ironic rock'n'roll myth, with a seasonal sentiment popularised by Greg Lakes's 1975 Christmas hit)? (And for two bonus points: name the Greg Lake song, and the Coldplay 2010 Christmas single)? 16.   sd 17.   biggles 18.   Which southern central US state, whose capital city has the same name, was the last to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? 19.   In which country, the largest of its continent, is it said that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck, and so Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs? 20.   What day of the week was Christmas day in the year 2000 (in the conventional western calendar)? 21.   biggles +1 22.   biggles 23.   Name the two administrative and ex-colonial regions of China for whom Christmas day (as at 2010) remains a legal public holiday, whereas in the main country it is not? 24.   In which European country is it said that malicious goblins called Kallikantzoroi (or Kallikantzari - singular Kallikantzoros) play troublesome pranks at Christmas? 25.   Very loosely related to Christmas, the predatory animal 'uncia uncia' is better known by what name? 26.   biggles 27.   biggles 28.   The first singing radio commercial, which aired in the US on Christmas Eve 1926, was for which brand: Rolex; BMW; Wheaties; or Durex? 29.   biggles 30.   sd 31.   Who composed the Lieutenant Kijï¿½ orchestral suite, for a 1934 film of the same name, including the Troika movement, commonly used as Christmas theme music, usually with prominent sleigh bells? 32.   In Mexico, it is said that wearing what colour/color underwear on New Year's Eve ensures finding new love the following year: Yellow; Green; Red; or Brown? 33.   biggles 34.   In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode HOH OHO? 35.   In 2004, the post office of which country (international dialling code 49) gave away twenty million free scented stickers, to make Christmas cards smell like fir trees, cinammon, gingerbread or honey wax? 36.   biggles 37.   'Olive the Other... (what?)', is a Christmas book by Vivian Walsh and J Otto Seibold: Reindeer; Snowman; Otter; or Orangutan? 38.   In which country, an archipelago of 6,852 islands, is it considered inappropriate to send red Christmas cards? 39.   The early pagan religious winter festival celebrated by archaic Scandinavian and Germanic people, later absorbed into Christmas celebrations, is still referred to in what alternative word for the Christmas season? 40.   biggles Dell-Boy: No.12 George 5th.......I didn't know he gave away Christmas Puddings either.    :D  I just know my Monarchs. Dell-Boy:


In the UK it is traditionally believed that eating a what each day of the twelve days of Christmas brings happiness the following year?

Christmas in the UK, British culture, customs and traditions in December - Christmas Celebrations Christmas On-line Advent - (Four Sundays Before Christmas) Advent is not widely celebrated in England, its celebration actually originated in Germany, although in the church calendar Advent is the official start of the run up to Christmas. Two traditions that have caught on in England are the Advent calendar and the Advent candle. The Advent Calendar originated in the 19th Century from the protestant area of Germany. Protestant Christian families made a chalk line for every day in December until Christmas Eve. Before long, commercial entrepreneurs started replacing the ephemeral chalk lines with printed calendars. The first known Advent Calendar is for the advent of 1851. Nowadays it is usually a thin rectangular card with 24 or 25 doors. The doors are numbered 1-24/25. Door number 1 is opened on the 1st of December, door 2 on the 2nd etc. Behind each door there is a Christmas scene (but the most popular ones have a chocolate behind each door) . An Advent candle often has 25 marks on it, a bit of the candle is burned down by one mark each day. In some homes, 24 candles are kept, one for each night from December 1 through Christmas eve. One candle is lit for a while on December 1, then a new candle is added each day for the 24 day period. However, it is now more common to have four candles for the four weeks before Christmas. One candle is lit on the first Sunday, two the second week and so on. The candles were often placed on a wreath upon the dining room table. Advent candles are lit in many homes, schools and churches, in England, with a final central candle lit on Christmas Day; these are often on a hanging decoration known as an "Advent Crown." They became exceedingly popular due to a children's TV programme called Blue Peter, who every year made an advent crown from old coathangers, tinsel and candles! Well, they used to use candles, but because of health and safety insanity they now give instructions using baubles - it's not really the same, but you can make an advent crown following the instructions in this pdf file. Christmas Eve - December 24th In England less emphasis is placed on Christmas Eve than in other countries, much more is made of Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Carol singing, midnight church services and going out to the pub are some of the activities that many families enjoy (sometimes all three activities can be combined into one fun night out!). Night time on Christmas Eve though is a very exciting time for young children. It is the time when Santa or Father Christmas comes. They hang up their stockings and go to sleep. Santa and his elves make all the toys for Christmas in his home in Greenland. On Christmas Eve he piles all of the toys onto his sleigh and rides across the sky with his 9 reindeer (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner (or it may be Donder), Blitzen and of course ... Rudolf!). The most famous one is Rudolf the who is always the one at the front, to lead the way with his red nose. In the morning when the children wake up they open their stocking presents. Traditionally on Christmas Eve mince pies and sherry (or milk) are left out for Santa and nowadays carrots are left for his reindeer. Most children are in bed way before midnight waiting for Santa to visit. Christmas Day The origins of the now traditional Christmas Celebration, distinct from earlier pagan winter holidays, date to sixth century England. By the middle ages, it was a well established important holiday, with traditional pageantry, customs, music and feasting all its own. Customs from pre Christian days were incorporated into the Celebrations, and many still remain. However in 1647, the English parliament passed a law that made Christmas illegal, all festivities were banned by the Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell, who considered feasting and revelry on what was supposed to be a holy day to be immoral. The ban was lifted only when Cromwell lost power in 1660. In Britain, the Holy Days and Fasting Days Act of 1551


What is the surname of the family in the 1989 film 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'?

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Plot Summary - IMDb National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) Plot Summary Showing all 6 plot summaries It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. - Written by Rob Hartill Clark Wilhelm Griswold had some disastrous vacations at both Wallyworld and in Europe. Now he wants to compensate for this by having a special "Griswold Family Christmas", and after months of careful planning he invites both of his parents, both of his wife, Ellen's parents even his uncle Louis and his senile aunt Bethany. However, what Clark does not realize that his no-manner cousin-in law Eddie was coming over in his new trailer. Clark even prepares his house for Christmas with over 20,000 lights and a tree that does not even fit in the living room. As Christmas eve comes, Clark will soon realize that a series of unfortunate events will start to unravel for him, as the Christmas Turkey would burst and have no meat, his aunt's cat would chew on the lights and his uncle Louis will burn up his tree, and he will even soon discover that his boss have cut the Christmas bonus to give him a month in the jelly club, can Clark keep it together and understand the true meaning of Christmas? - Written by John Wiggins Chicago resident Clark Wilhelm Griswold Jr has REALLY got the Christmas spirit this year, and his wife Ellen, son Rusty, and daughter Audrey have noticed it. Clark has invited Ellen's parents Arthur Smith and Francis Smith, his own parents Clark Wilhelm Griswold Sr and Nora Griswold, and his Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis to spend the holidays at the Griswold house in Chicago. Clark is obsessed with making everything go perfectly during the holiday season, but as soon as everyone arrives, things start going haywire, especially when the Griswolds receive some uninvited surprise guests from Kansas -- cousin Catherine, her sloppy husband Eddie, and two of their kids, Rocky and Ruby Sue. Clark decorates the outside of the house with 250 strands of lights with 100 bulbs on each strand for a total of 25,000 light bulbs, enough to make the power company turn on their auxiliary nuclear generator. Clark also annoys his snobby next door neighbors -- Todd Chester and his wife Margo. Even with his bumbling ways, Clark manages to keep things going as he waits for his Christmas bonus from work so he'll have enough money to have a swimming pool put in the back yard. But it turns out that Clark's boss, a scrooge whose name is Frank Shirley, does not intend to give out any Christmas bonuses this year, and this causes Clark to snap and act crazy. This situation gives Eddie the idea for the perfect Christmas gift for Clark after Clark offers to help Eddie treat Rocky and Ruby Sue to a good Christmas. Can Eddie help Clark and the family have a great Christmas? - Written by Todd Baldridge It's Christmas time - Clark decided to invite all the family to have 'the most fun-filled old-fashioned family Christmas', which nobody shall ever forget. When the first relatives arrive, Clark soon flees on the roof to rig the lighting. The one thing the loving father wants to surprise the whole family with is the installation of a pool, which he already ordered. Unfortunately, the bonus check Clark expects any minute is overdue - and tempers rise, but not only because of the check. A big event is the arrival of uninvited cousin Eddie with his family in their mobile home, as well as a little sledding afternoon with a new lubricant from Clark's company, or his shifting relationship with the very hip and clean neighbours. Cousin Eddie chooses to top off all presents with his very own special creation, only intending to deliver a real reason to be jolly. - Written by Julian Reischl <julianreischl@mac.com> This year, Clark Griswold is really into Christmas, and promises his family


Which southern central US state, whose capital city has the same name, was the last to recognize Christmas as an official holiday?

The Only State... Quiz Extra Trivia ...whose current State Capitol building predates the revolution? The Maryland State House, built in 1772, has a unique wooden dome which was constructed without nails. ...to produce two US Presidents whose sons also became Presidents? Coincidentally, both sons shared their Father's names--John Quincy Adams and George Walker Bush. ...to host a Confederate President's inauguration? Jefferson Davis took his oath of office at the Alabama State Capitol building in 1861. ...whose official state seal is not circular? Connecticut's seal, depicting three grapevines and the state motto, is oval-shaped. ...to have two Federal Reserve Banks? The Federal bank in Kansas City covers the Great Plains region, while the bank in St. Louis covers part of the Central US. ...in which the Northern half is in a different time zone than the Southern half? Northern Idaho is on Pacific Time, while Southern Idaho is on Mountain Time. ...to have multiple native sons immortalized atop Mount Rushmore? George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were both born in Virginia, as were six other Presidents. ...that has 'parishes' instead of counties? Louisiana's unique use of the word 'parish' is a holdover from its days as a French Colony. ...with a community-owned major league professional sports team? The NFL's Green Bay Packers are owned by a large group of stockholders mostly residing in Wisconsin. ...whose median age is under 30 years old? The Mormon Church's encouragement of large families may explain why Utah's median age is only 28.8 years. ...to lie entirely above 1,000 meters elevation? Colorado's lowest point, at the border with Kansas, is higher than Pennsylvania's tallest summit. ...where prostitution is legal? However, not all counties have legalized it--including the counties Las Vegas and Reno are in. ...with a state capital of over a million people? The next biggest state capital, Indianapolis, has half a million fewer citizens. ...to be named after an American? Perhaps only George Washington had the gravitas to merit such an honor; a state of Franklin was attempted but failed to be approved. ...whose three largest cities begin with the same letter? The largest city in Ohio is Columbus, followed by Cleveland and then Cincinnati. ...to host three modern Olympic Games? Besides the two Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley. ...never to cast an electoral vote for Ronald Reagan? Minnesota was the only state to spurn the GOP in 1984, remaining loyal to Minnesotan Walter Mondale. ...whose name has no letters in common with that of its capital? This may not be the most interesting 'Only' stat about South Dakota, but it's the only one I could find... ...to border the Canadian province of New Brunswick? Maine has one border with New Hampshire, but is otherwise surrounded by Canadian provinces. ...with a modern city founded by European colonists prior to 1600? St. Augustine, founded in 1565, was originally the capital of Spanish Florida. ...to have a Unicameral Legislature? Nebraska's legislature, nicknamed 'The Unicameral' by residents, is also uniquely unaffiliated with any political party. ...whose legal right to statehood was brought before the Supreme Court? Virginia v. West Virginia, in which Virgina strove to regain counties that had seceded during the Civil War, was decided in favor of the Defendant. ...to have territory in the Eastern Hemisphere? This means that Alaska is technically the northernmost, westernmost, and easternmost State. ...to have a state-owned bank? The Bank of North Dakota was founded in 1919, and receives funds from state agencies. ...whose official State Motto is in Spanish? Montana's state motto is 'Oro y Plata,' or 'Gold and Silver,' in tribute to the state's mining industry. Exceptional Quality ...to border more than two Great Lakes? In fact, Michigan borders four Great Lakes--all except for Lake Ontario. ...with an automobile on its commemorative State Quarter? The auto, an 'Indycar,' is a reference to the famed Indianapolis Motor Spe


In which country, the largest of its continent, is it said that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck, and so Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs?


Under which Puritan leader did the English parliament pass a law banning Christmas in 1647?

Life in England under Oliver Cromwell - History Learning Site History Learning Site Home   »   Stuart England » Life in England under Oliver Cromwell Life in England under Oliver Cromwell Citation: C N Trueman "Life in England under Oliver Cromwell" historylearningsite.co.uk . The History Learning Site , 17 Mar 2015. 16 Aug 2016. Oliver Cromwell remains one of our most famous characters in history. From 1649 to 1653, Parliament ran England but from Cromwell’s point of view, it was not a system that worked effectively and England, as a nation was suffering. As a result, Cromwell, backed by the army, sent home MP’s and he became the effective leader of England from 1653 to 1658. He was the man who really pushed for the execution of Charles as he believed that Charles would never change his ways and that he would continue to be a source of trouble until he died. Cromwell’s signature is one of the easiest to make out on the death warrant of Charles – it is third on the list of signatures. It is said that a shadowy man was seen by guards who were guarding the dead body of Charles. He was heard to mutter “Twas a cruel necessity, twas a cruel necessity.” Was this Cromwell? However, there is no proof that this ever happened and it could be that it is just one of those historical stories that has gone down into legend. Cromwell was a Puritan. He was a highly religious man who believed that everybody should lead their lives according to what was written in the Bible. The word “Puritan” means that followers had a pure soul and lived a good life. Cromwell believed that everybody else in England should follow his example. One of the main beliefs of the Puritans was that if you worked hard, you would get to Heaven. Pointless enjoyment was frowned upon. Cromwell shut many inns and the theatres were all closed down. Most sports were banned. Boys caught playing football on a Sunday could be whipped as a punishment. Swearing was punished by a fine, though those who kept swearing could be sent to prison. Sunday became a very special day under he Puritans. Most forms of work were banned. Women caught doing unnecessary work on the Holy Day could be put in the stocks. Simply going for a Sunday walk (unless it was to church) could lead to a hefty fine. To keep the population’s mind on religion, instead of having feast days to celebrate the saints (as had been common in Medieval England), one day in every month was a fast day – you did not eat all day. He divided up England into 11 areas; each one was governed by a major-general who was trusted by Cromwell. Most of these generals had been in Cromwell’s New Model Army. The law – essentially Cromwell’s law – was enforced by the use of soldiers. Cromwell believed that women and girls should dress in a proper manner. Make-up was banned. Puritan leaders and soldiers would roam the streets of towns and scrub off any make-up found on unsuspecting women. Too colourful dresses were banned. A Puritan lady wore a long black dress that covered her almost from neck to toes. She wore a white apron and her hair was bunched up behind a white head-dress. Puritan men wore black clothes and short hair. Cromwell banned Christmas as people would have known it then. By the C17th, Christmas had become a holiday of celebration and enjoyment – especially after the problems caused by the civil war. Cromwell wanted it returned to a religious celebration where people thought about the birth of Jesus rather than ate and drank too much. In London, soldiers were ordered to go round the streets and take, by force if necessary, food being cooked for a Christmas celebration. The smell of a goose being cooked could bring trouble. Traditional Christmas decorations like holly were banned. Despite all these rules, Cromwell himself was not strict. He enjoyed music, hunting and playing bowls. He even allowed full-scale entertainment at his daughter’s wedding. Despite being a highly religious man, Cromwell had a hatred for the Irish Catholics. He believed that they were all potential traitors willing to help any Catholic nation that w


In which European country is it said that malicious goblins called Kallikantzoroi (or Kallikantzari - singular Kallikantzoros) play troublesome pranks at Christmas?

Love Learning | Home-School Activities Home-School Activities The New School Year Every new school year the quizzes get tougher, the warnings are less and the rules change, but this year is the biggest changes in school. I just finished 3 weeks of middle school and I noticed the changes. Also the lessons are getting harder like Elements of Poetry, Elemento Ng Kwento (Elements of Stories in Filipino) and Identifying Sources. I know this will get harder but I still love learning and I won’t give up. Hercules Today I have been assigned to do a research of Hercules for an essay. Hercules is well known from the DISNEY® movie Hercules. He is the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. His power was strength and at birth he strangled a snake send to kill him.  Some of the things he did were to: Slay the Nemean Loin. Slay the nine-headed Learnaean Hydra. Capture the Golden Hind of Artemis. Capture the Erymanthian Boar. Clean the Augean stables in a single day. Slay the Stymphalian Birds. Steal the Mares of Diomes. Obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. Obtain the cattle of the monster Geryon. Steal the apples of the Hesperides. Capture and bring back Cerberus.   Study Time Studying is the time to relax and remember what you learned. Maybe also do some homework so you can practice. But to me it is difference. When I do my homework I think just resting my memory then recalling it. After I answer the workbook and it feels like the teacher is there. When the time is right. After remembering what you have learned you can research about your lesson so you will understand the lesson more. Also the teacher won’t tell you every think so take what you remember on scratch paper until you can format it properly. This is good to review even if you have a reviewer writing it yourself will allow you to understand more. I hope you can try this format of studying Happy Today Have you ever had a friend in need? Have you ever saw someone lonely? Did you lend a helping hand? For anyone who needs a lot of help try to talk more and you may reach your goal. If you made someone happy he can do the same to someone else. Sharing some smiles can help someone who doesn’t like you because even if he doesn’t like you he might think that you want to be friends. Happiness means a lot like it can mean friendship and caring. So share a smile today and maybe he will feel love. The Planning of a Christmas Party Merry Christmas! As you know Christmas is fun but have you tried doing it with 7 of your classmates and 2 teachers? It is very hard planning the games, emcees, performances and the food. Guess what this is 1/4 of all the trivia questions we had to pick. 1. In what country, the world’s seventh largest by geographical area, is Christmas known as Bada Din (the big day)? India 2. Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean, is a territory of which country? Australia 3. ‘Three Kings Day’ is known by what numerical name in Britain? Twelfth Night 4. The North Pole, said to be Santa’s home, is located in which ocean? Arctic Ocean 5. ‘And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning…’ is from which Christmas carol? I Saw Three Ships 6. Marzipan is made (conventionally in the western world) mainly from sugar and the flour or meal of which nut? Almond 7. What is the technical name of Mistletoe plant genus, and also Latin for glutinous? Viscum (hence the words viscous and viscosity, referring to semi-solid/semi-liquid and thick sticky substances – derived from the sticky quality of mistletoe berries, and also an early word for birdlime, a sticky substance made from the berries, used to trap birds) 8. Peter Auty sang Walking In The Air in what film? The Snowman 9. Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? Cranberry sauce 10. Which American-born English poet, having first names Thomas Stearns, wrote the poem The Cultivation Of Christmas Trees? T S Eliot 11. Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978? A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas 12. Which British monarch (


Christmas-Themed Quiz Christmas-Themed Quiz Author Topic: Christmas-Themed Quiz  (Read 29233 times) 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. biggles « Reply #225 on: December 15, 2011, 01:36:05 PM » 26 Mistletoe « Reply #226 on: December 15, 2011, 01:38:41 PM » 27.  Seven « Reply #227 on: December 15, 2011, 01:38:56 PM » 29  Anwar Sadat?? « Reply #228 on: December 15, 2011, 01:39:08 PM » 33 Advent « Reply #229 on: December 15, 2011, 01:39:19 PM » 36 Welsh « Reply #230 on: December 15, 2011, 01:39:58 PM » 39   Winter Solstice « Reply #231 on: December 15, 2011, 01:40:10 PM » 40  Candlemaker. « Reply #232 on: December 15, 2011, 01:40:43 PM » 29. Nasser Gerroff Biggles!    Logged ï¿½I'm sure the universe is full of intelligent life. It's just been too intelligent to come here.ï¿½ Silvio Dante « Reply #233 on: December 15, 2011, 02:14:08 PM » 16. Grimwalds « Reply #234 on: December 15, 2011, 02:15:26 PM » 30. Chris Rea... « Reply #235 on: December 15, 2011, 02:17:02 PM » 4. Arctic Ocean... « Reply #236 on: December 15, 2011, 02:18:17 PM » 6. Almond Re: Christmas-Themed Quiz « Reply #237 on: December 15, 2011, 02:49:55 PM » 1.   In which country, the world's seventh largest by geographical area, is Christmas known as Bada Din (the big day)? 2.   Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean, is a territory of which country? 3.   'Three Kings Day' is known by what numerical name in Britain? 4.   sd 5.   'And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning...' is from which Christmas carol? 6.   sd 9.   Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? 10.   biggles 11.   biggles 12.   Which British monarch (born 1865, died 1936) introduced the custom of giving thousands of Christmas puddings to staff? 13.   In the UK it is traditionally believed that eating a what each day of the twelve days of Christmas brings happiness the following year: Sausage; Mince pie; Carrot; or Turkey drumstick? 14.   biggles 15.   In Coldplay's 2010 Christmas single video, the Latin phrase Credo Elvem Etiam Vivere (seen above the stage) loosely means what (combining an ironic rock'n'roll myth, with a seasonal sentiment popularised by Greg Lakes's 1975 Christmas hit)? (And for two bonus points: name the Greg Lake song, and the Coldplay 2010 Christmas single)? 16.   What is the surname of the family in the 1989 film 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'? 17.   biggles 18.   Which southern central US state, whose capital city has the same name, was the last to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? 19.   In which country, the largest of its continent, is it said that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck, and so Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs? 20.   What day of the week was Christmas day in the year 2000 (in the conventional western calendar)? 21.   biggles +1 22.   biggles 23.   Name the two administrative and ex-colonial regions of China for whom Christmas day (as at 2010) remains a legal public holiday, whereas in the main country it is not? 24.   In which European country is it said that malicious goblins called Kallikantzoroi (or Kallikantzari - singular Kallikantzoros) play troublesome pranks at Christmas? 25.   Very loosely related to Christmas, the predatory animal 'uncia uncia' is better known by what name? 26.   biggles 27.   biggles 28.   The first singing radio commercial, which aired in the US on Christmas Eve 1926, was for which brand: Rolex; BMW; Wheaties; or Durex? 29.   biggles 30.   sd 31.   Who composed the Lieutenant Kijï¿½ orchestral suite, for a 1934 film of the same name, including the Troika movement, commonly used as Christmas theme music, usually with prominent sleigh bells? 32.   In Mexico, it is said that wearing what colour/color underwear on New Year's Eve ensures finding new love the following year: Yellow; Green; Red; or Brown? 33.   biggles 34.   In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode HOH OHO? 35.   In 2004, the post office of which country (international dialling code 49) gave away twenty million f


In the song 'The Twelve Days Of Christmas', how many swans were a-swimming?

The Origin of the Twelve Days of Christmas Song  This site uses cookies. See our Cookie Policy for information The Origin of the Twelve Days of Christmas Song Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time There is great debate as to the meaning of the carol, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. A Secret Code A popular theory why we sing the song dates back to the time when Roman Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly (1558 until 1829). The song was written as a way of teaching young catholics and had two levels of meanings: a surface meaning and a hidden meaning known only to their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember. The "true love" of the song refers to God. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two Turtle Doves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French Hens stood for Faith, Hope and love. The four Colley Birds* were the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, luke and John. The five Golden Rings recalled the Torah or law, the first five books of the Old Testament. The six Geese A-laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven Swans A-swimming represented the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy. The eight Maids A-milking were the eight beatitudes. Nine Ladies Dancing were the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. The ten Lords A-leaping were the ten commandments. The eleven Pipers Piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve Drummers Drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostle's Creed. *Although most people say / sing "four calling birds", the actually birds are "four colley birds" (blackbirds). A Children's Game Another theory was the song originated from a children's game. Leigh Grant, in his book 'Twelve Days of Christmas: A Celebration and History', says the words from The Twelve Days of Christmas song first appeared in a book titled 'Mirth without Mischief' published in 1780s in England. The words were part of a memory and forfeits game played by children at that time. The leader recited the first verse, the next child recited the second verse, and this continued until someone missed his or her verse and had to pay some kind of penalty in the game. (The tune to the song is thought to date back much further and possibly originated from France.) "The Twelve Days of Christmas" became popular at the " Twelfth night parties " that took place in the Christmas season. How many gifts were handed out in the Twelve Day of Christmas song? The answer is not 78 but 364, almost one for every day of the year. On day one, the character in the song gets a single present (a partridge in a pear tree). But on day two, the beneficiary receives a new present (a pair of turtle doves) plus another partridge in a pear tree. Day three brings a second helping of day two's gifts, plus more new items (three French hens). This carries on all the way to the twelfth day when 12 drummers drumming, and new copies of all the previous day's gifts are received. Table showing number of Presents received Gift


The first singing radio commercial, which aired in the US on Christmas Eve 1926, was for which brand?

Radio Jingles history Radio jingles are those short, catchy musical interludes that tell you the name of the station, the program youï¿½re listening to, identify news networks and other on-the-air features.   Radio jingles can be traced back to 1923, around the same time commercial radio began in the United States. General Mills' "Wheaties" was the worldï¿½s first singing commercial. "Have You Tried Wheaties?", was first released on the Christmas Eve of 1926.  Although most of the effort was devoted to singing the virtues of products, a few stations began airing jingles to promote themselves. This became increasingly important as more and more stations took to the air, and the jumble of call letters that a listener was exposed to began to rise.  Most of the jingles were produced by professional companies, including PAMS  and later JAM Creative Productions in Dallas, Texas . PAMS was founded in 1951, and was the first production company to specialize in the creation and syndication of station identification jingle packages for radio and TV stations.  PAMS Productions jingles were an unmistakable part of top-40 radio in the 1950's, '60s and '70s. PAMS was purchased in 1974 by Jonathan and Mary Lyn Wolfert who formed JAM Creative Productions which today is the leader in the field.   It has made more radio jingles than any other jingle company and has become part of American pop culture. No doubt, many of the jingles heard in this sample were made by PAMS or JAM Creative Productions.  This sample also includes some locally produced (by individual stations)  station ID's.


Driving Home For Christmas was a 1988 hit single for which singer?

Chris Rea —   Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm singer-songwriter Christopher Anton Rea (pronounced Ree-ah), born 4 March 1951, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Middlesbrough, England. Rea's recording career began in 1978. Although he almost immediately had a US hit single with "Fool (If You Think It's Over)", Rea's initial focus was on continental Europe, releasing eight albums in the 1980s. It wasn't until 1985's Shamrock Diaries and the songs "Stainsby Girls" and "Josephine," that UK audiences began to take notice of him. Follow up albums… read more


The Latin word meaning 'coming' gave us what term which still refers to the coming Christmas period, and also to a particular tradition popular with children?

Dictionary of Catholic Terms DICTIONARY OF CATHOLIC TERMS A Abortion: Deliberate termination of pregnancy by killing the unborn child. Such direct abortion, willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. Abraham: The man of faith and patriarch of Israel with whom God made a covenant which promised him land in which to live and many descendants, a great people for whom the Lord would be their God. Through Abraham God formed the people to whom he would later give the law by revelation to Moses. With the advent of Christ, the people of Israel would serve as the root to which the Gentiles would be grafted by their coming to believe. Absolution: Part of the sacrament of penance. It is the formal declaration by the priest that a penitent's sins are forgiven. Abstinence: Refraining from certain kinds of food or drink as an act of self-denial. Usually refraining from eating meat. Official days of abstinence from meat for Catholics are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Acedia: A less common synonym for sloth, one of the seven "capital" sins. Acolyte: A liturgical minister appointed to assist at liturgical celebrations. Priests and deacons receive this ministry before they are ordained. Lay men may be installed permanently in the ministry of acolyte through a rite of institution and blessing. Adam: According to the creation story in Genesis, the first man. From this story the Church has learned that humanity was originally created in a state of holiness and justice and that the first ancestors of the human race lost this state for themselves and all humanity by their sin, original sin. Christ is called the second or new Adam because he ushered in the new creation by forgiving sin and restoring humanity to the grace of God's friendship lost by original sin. Adoration: The acknowledgment of God as God, Creator and Savior, the Lord and Master of everything that exists. Through worship and prayer, the Church and individual persons give to God the adoration which is the first act of the virtue of religion. The first commandment of the law obliges us to adore God. Adultery: Marital infidelity, or sexual relations between two partners, at least one of whom is married to another party. The sixth commandment and the New Testament forbid adultery absolutely. Advent: The liturgical seaSon of four weeks devoted to preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. All Saints Day: The day on which Catholics remember all the saints of the Church, whether officially canonized or not. It is celebrated on November 1st. All Souls Day: The day on which Catholics remember the dead and pray for them recognizing that they may still need to be brought to perfection. It is observed on November 2nd. Almsgiving: Money or goods given to the poor as an act of penance or fraternal charity. Almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, are traditionally recommended to foster the state of interior penance. Altar: The center and focal point of a Church, where the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is made present under sacramental signs in the Mass. Among the Israelites the altar was the place where sacrifices were offered to God. The Christian altar represents two aspects of the mystery of the Eucharist, as the altar of sacrifice where Christ as the sacrificial victim offers himself for our sins and as the table of the Lord where Christ gives himself to us as food from heaven. Amen: A Hebrew word meaning truly; it is so; let it be done, signifying agreement with what has been said. The prayers of the New Testament and of the Church's liturgy, and the Creeds, conclude with amen. Jesus used the word to introduce solemn assertions, to emphasize their trustworthiness and authority. Analogy of Faith: The coherence of the truths of the faith among themselves and within the whole plan of Revelation. Anamnesis: The remembrance of God's saving deeds in history in the liturgical action of the Church, which inspires thanksgiving and praise. Every Eucharisti


In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode HOH OHO?

Christmas 2015 Jeopardy Template In which state is Santa is called Kanakaloka? 100 How do many people spend Boxing Day? A) Working. B) Shopping C) Wrapping presents. 100 What colour are the berries of the mistletoe plant? 100 Just like the ones I used to know What's the second line of "I'm dreaming of a white christmas"? 100 True or false: Joseph married Mary immediately after the angel appeared to him? 200 Arizona and Florida Which two states in the US have towns called Christmas?  A)Arizona and Florida B)Maine and South Dakota C)Washington and Utah D)Louisiana and Alabama 200 Norway London's Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is traditionally given by which country?  A) Canada B) Norway C) Denmark D) Scotland 200 How many points does a snowflake have? 200 I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus Child star Jimmy Boyd sang which hugely popular 1950's Christmas song, which was initially banned by the Catholic Church in Boston because it supposedly mixed sex and Christmas? 200 Canada In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode: HOH OHO?  A) The U.S. B) Canada C) New Zealand 300 Snowflake, Texas Which of the following places is NOT a real U.S. city or town?  A) Snowflake, Texas B) Noel, Missouri C) St. Nicholas, Florida D) Santa Claus, Georgia 300 A six pence (a coin) What's lucky to find in your Christmas Pudding? 300 What country did Christmas Trees originate from? 300 White Christmas (by Bing Crosby) What is the title of biggest selling Christmas single, globally? 300 Charles Dickens One of the most loved Christmas books is A Christmas Carol. Who wrote it? A) Mark Twain B) Charles Dickens C) Hans Christian Andersen D) Thomas M. Sawyer 400 The French drink 'Lait de Poule' What drink was adapted to become the American Christmas drink 'Egg Nog'? A) The Scandinavian drink 'Gløgg' B) The Austrian drink 'Gluhwein' C) The German drink 'Biersuppe' B) The French drink 'Lait de Poule' 400 In the U.S., he's called "Santa Claus" - what's his British name? 400 Rudolph Which of the following names is NOT a name of one of Santa's original reindeers? A) Comet B) Cupid C) Dasher D) Dancer E) Prancer F) Vixen G) Donner H) Rudolph Blitzen 400 1984 (bonus points - Band Aid II was 1989, Band Aid 20 was 2004) In what year was Band-Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas the UK Christmas chart-topping record (bonus point each for the years of reissue success by Band Aid II and Band Aid 20)?  Bonus points (100 each): years of band Aid II + Band Aid 20 400 B: A lump of coal Santa keeps close track of who’s been naughty and who’s been nice! Nice children often receive toys and candy in their stockings, but naughty children may receive: A) A book B) A lump of coal  C) An old shoe  D) An orange 500 North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) What major U.S. facility provides up-to-date information every Christmas Eve on the flight path of Santa Claus? A) The U.S. National Weather Service B) North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) C) The U.S. Geological Survey D) International Arctic Research Center 500 Sandringham House Where does the British Queen traditionally spend Christmas? A) Windsor Castle B) Buckingham Palace C) Sandringham House D) Balmoral castle 500 Ten (Latin, decem - it was the tenth month of the early Roman calendar) From what does the month of December take its name? 500 Silent Night What is the English title of the carol written in 1818 by Austrian priest Josef Mohr originally called "Stille Nacht"? 500 Matheus Which of the following names does NOT belong one of the Three Kings? A) Caspar B) Balthazar C) Matheus D) Melchior


In 2004, the post office of which country (international dialling code 49) gave away twenty million free scented stickers, to make Christmas cards smell like fir trees, cinammon, gingerbread or honey wax?


'Nadolig Llawen' means Merry Christmas in which western European language?

1000+ images about Nadolig Llawen on Pinterest | Christmas trees, Christmas stockings and Snow Nadolig Llawen Bauble £3.00 : Seld, chic interiors from wales. Offering welsh gifts, homewares, furniture and accessories with a contemporary, unusual, unique, design led feel See More


'Olive the Other... (what?)', is a Christmas book by Vivian Walsh and J Otto Seibold?

Olive, the Other Reindeer - Vivian Walsh, J.otto Seibold - Google Books Olive, the Other Reindeer 4 Reviews https://books.google.com/books/about/Olive_the_Other_Reindeer.html?id=Wl4zAWo31wMC Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes "Olive... the other Reindeer... I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!" So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need. Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone's Christmas merry.


In which country, an archipelago of 6,852 islands, is it considered inappropriate to send red Christmas cards?

Love Learning | Home-School Activities Home-School Activities The New School Year Every new school year the quizzes get tougher, the warnings are less and the rules change, but this year is the biggest changes in school. I just finished 3 weeks of middle school and I noticed the changes. Also the lessons are getting harder like Elements of Poetry, Elemento Ng Kwento (Elements of Stories in Filipino) and Identifying Sources. I know this will get harder but I still love learning and I won’t give up. Hercules Today I have been assigned to do a research of Hercules for an essay. Hercules is well known from the DISNEY® movie Hercules. He is the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. His power was strength and at birth he strangled a snake send to kill him.  Some of the things he did were to: Slay the Nemean Loin. Slay the nine-headed Learnaean Hydra. Capture the Golden Hind of Artemis. Capture the Erymanthian Boar. Clean the Augean stables in a single day. Slay the Stymphalian Birds. Steal the Mares of Diomes. Obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. Obtain the cattle of the monster Geryon. Steal the apples of the Hesperides. Capture and bring back Cerberus.   Study Time Studying is the time to relax and remember what you learned. Maybe also do some homework so you can practice. But to me it is difference. When I do my homework I think just resting my memory then recalling it. After I answer the workbook and it feels like the teacher is there. When the time is right. After remembering what you have learned you can research about your lesson so you will understand the lesson more. Also the teacher won’t tell you every think so take what you remember on scratch paper until you can format it properly. This is good to review even if you have a reviewer writing it yourself will allow you to understand more. I hope you can try this format of studying Happy Today Have you ever had a friend in need? Have you ever saw someone lonely? Did you lend a helping hand? For anyone who needs a lot of help try to talk more and you may reach your goal. If you made someone happy he can do the same to someone else. Sharing some smiles can help someone who doesn’t like you because even if he doesn’t like you he might think that you want to be friends. Happiness means a lot like it can mean friendship and caring. So share a smile today and maybe he will feel love. The Planning of a Christmas Party Merry Christmas! As you know Christmas is fun but have you tried doing it with 7 of your classmates and 2 teachers? It is very hard planning the games, emcees, performances and the food. Guess what this is 1/4 of all the trivia questions we had to pick. 1. In what country, the world’s seventh largest by geographical area, is Christmas known as Bada Din (the big day)? India 2. Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean, is a territory of which country? Australia 3. ‘Three Kings Day’ is known by what numerical name in Britain? Twelfth Night 4. The North Pole, said to be Santa’s home, is located in which ocean? Arctic Ocean 5. ‘And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning…’ is from which Christmas carol? I Saw Three Ships 6. Marzipan is made (conventionally in the western world) mainly from sugar and the flour or meal of which nut? Almond 7. What is the technical name of Mistletoe plant genus, and also Latin for glutinous? Viscum (hence the words viscous and viscosity, referring to semi-solid/semi-liquid and thick sticky substances – derived from the sticky quality of mistletoe berries, and also an early word for birdlime, a sticky substance made from the berries, used to trap birds) 8. Peter Auty sang Walking In The Air in what film? The Snowman 9. Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? Cranberry sauce 10. Which American-born English poet, having first names Thomas Stearns, wrote the poem The Cultivation Of Christmas Trees? T S Eliot 11. Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978? A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas 12. Which British monarch (


The surname Chandler derives from the making or selling of what?

Chandler Family Association - The Chandler Name The Chandler Name chandler noun 1. A person who makes or sells candles. 2. A dealer in specified goods or equipment: a ship's chandler Source: Reader's Digest Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary Most people born with the surname Chandler in modern times are descended, in the male line, from men in England who worked as a chandler, making and selling candles. Until about 1350, surnames were only used by the wealthy and were usually inherited by only the eldest son, along with the family property. The poor - most people at that time - had no need for a surname because they had no land to inherit. It was during the years 1350 to 1450 that the use of hereditary surnames became common throughout the English population. This naming - often by trade (e.g. Baker, Smith, Chandler), sometimes by location (e.g. Hill, Marsh, or the name of a town or village), occasionally by appearance (e.g. Long, Small) - would have happened village by village throughout England. Consequently, most of the people acquiring the surname Chandler in this way would not have been related to each other - they would only have been occupied in the same trade. Candles - of vital importance in an age without electricity - were made either of wax (for churches) or tallow (for general use). Tallow is obtained from suet (the solid fat of animals such as sheep and cows) and is also used in making soap and lubricants. The Tallow Chandlers, like many other tradesmen, formed a guild in London in or around 1300 for educational, promotional and charitable purposes. The Tallow Chandlers also dealt in vinegar, salt, sauces and oils. Later, the term "chandler" was used for corn chandlers, and for ships' chandlers who sold most of the fittings and supplies for boats, as well as the candles. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the term "chandler" was often used simply to mean a grocer. The box at right illustrates the many spelling variations encountered in historic documents. Although its origins are probably the same as Chandler, the surname Candler is phonetically sufficiently distinct to be considered deliberately different and is therefore treated as a separate surname rather than a variant of Chandler. However, if you suspect that your Candler brick wall may have a Chandler connection, as was sometimes the case, you are very welcome to contact us. Historical Occurrences At the age of 10, John Chandler and a number of other passengers sailed from England on the Hercules and landed at what became known as Jamestown, Virginia, in 1610. These were not Pilgrims like the Mayflower passengers who landed in Massachusetts 10 years later seeking religious freedom - this was a group of merchant venturers who made the voyage for profit. There are now thousands of people who trace their ancestry to that John Chandler, mainly in south-eastern USA. A number of them belong to the Chandler Family Association (CFA) and have participated in a DNA project to help identify their origins in England (see web page link below). Other DNA Project participants include descendants of: Edmund Chandler, a member of the Pilgrim congregation, who migrated from Leiden in Holland to the New World a few years after the main group William and Annis Chandler of Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England, who settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts in 1637 George and Jane Chandler who left Wiltshire, England, for the New World in 1686: George died at sea but the family survived and settled in Pennsylvania Frederick C. Chandler who founded the Chandler Motor Company in Cleveland, Ohio in 1913. Perhaps the most well-known bearer of the name is author Raymond Thornton Chandler, whose detective Philip Marlow has entertained millions of adults, while their children were thrilled by the stories of Uncle Remus and others, written by Joel Chandler Harris; the tales of the Boxcar Children written by Gertrude Chandler Warner; and by the many books for children written by Christine Chaundler. The character Chandler Bing was popular with many viewers of the TV series �Friends�.


Issue 172 by East Cork Journal (page 54) - issuu issuu Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 - The East Cork Journal The Puzzler WIN2TICKETS FOR... TEL. (021) 4630066 WITH OUR 3 4 Congratulations to last week’s winner: CAROLINE GRIFFIN, Midleton ACROSS 8. Viewpoint (7) 9. Inheritors (5) 10. Winning card suit (5) 11. Low wall on a roof (7) 12. Swerve (4) 13. Mechanic (8) 16. Formal dress for a dance (4, 4) 18. Elegant (4) 21. Reaches a set level (7) 23. Cure (5) 25. Selected (5) 26. Passionate (7) DOWN 1. Ship (4) 2. Number (6) 3. Bundles (5) 4. Cut (4) 5. Pickled cucumber (7) 6. Small hollow on the skin (6) 7. Mysterious (8) 12. Vigour (8) 14. Fresh (3) 15. Sets on fire (7) 17. Soothing substance (6) 19. Radiator (6) 20. Trinket (5) 22. Gentle (4) 24. Poses(4) ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD: ACROSS: 8. Ovation 9. Peach 10. Melee 11. Problem 12. Jest 13. Magnetic 16. Generate 18. Fell 21.Lottery 23. Eagle 25.Novel 26. Absence. DOWN: 1. Boom 2. Faults 3. Hiker 4. Snap 5. Appoint 6. Ballot 7. Chemical 12. Juggling 14. Act 15.Briefly 17. Native 19. Engine 20. Cease 22. Year 24. Even. Name: ______________________________ Address: ____________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Tel (mobile):______________________________ Home:_______________________________ Entries to East Cork Journal, 1st Floor, Watersedge, Riverside Way, Midleton O D Test your concentration with this word ladder L E A P P A R K Five Minutes - Five Questions 1. Name the pin-up celebrity who appeared on a provocative poster for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in 2010, with her body marked as if for cuts of meat? 2. Name Microsoft's hands-free gaming system launched in June 2010, a madeup word alluding to joining? 3. Charles Taylor, in court (along with witnesses Naomi Campbell and Mia Farrow) at the Hague in 2010, the first African president to face trial for war crimes, led which nation? 4. In 2010 India announced the reintroduction of which animal, sixty years after being hunted to extinction in the wild? 5. The new £340m Aviva Stadium in Ireland opened in 2010 on the site of which previous famous sports ground? Answer to last week’s Medium 8 2 ANSWERS TO WORDGAMES: 1. NOSEDIVED 2. LEAK PEAK PERK ANSWERS: 1. Pamela Anderson 2. Kinect 3. Liberia 4. Cheetah 5. Landsdowne Road 1 Find the 9 letter word hidden in this word wheel Answer to last week’s Difficult Tea-Break Crossword SUDOKU


What material invented by Marc Chavannes and Al Fielding originally as a textured wallpaper celebrated 50 years of quite different and popular use in 2010?

Macclesfield Pub Quiz League: April 2012 Macclesfield Pub Quiz League MACCLESFIELD QUIZ LEAGUE CUP FINAL   QUESTIONS COMPILED BY THE OX-FFORD C VETTED BY THE WATERS GREEN RAMS 1. Q Which bird is sometimes referred to as the halcyon? A The kingfisher 2. Q The adjective aquiline is derived from the Latin for which bird? A The eagle 3. Q Whose 1990 album The Rhythm of the Saints featured musicians and rhythms from Latin America? A Paul Simon 4. Q Who wrote the 2006 novel Shalimar the Clown? A Salman Rushdie 5. Q Who was the oldest monarch to succeed to the British throne? A William IV (aged 64) 6. Q In the film Finding Nemo, what was the name of the forgetful fish voiced by Ellen deGeneres? A Dory 7. Q Against which international cricket team did Sachin Tendulkar recently achieve his hundredth century in international first class cricket? A Bangladesh 8. Q What is the name of the principal charity in the UK for single parent families? A Gingerbread 9. Q In which British city are Salisbury Crags? A Edinburgh 10. Q In which American state is Arlington National Cemetery? A Virginia 11. Q Barabas is the title character of which play by Christopher Marlowe? A The Jew of Malta 12. Q What was the name of the island in the Somerset levels on which King Alfred took refuge in AD878? A Athelney 13. Q Who wrote the music for Showboat? A Jerome Kern 14. Q Which spin-off from The Muppets was set in a lighthouse? A Fraggle Rock 15. Q Which regular on the TV show The Comedians, famous for the catchphrase ‘Settle down now, settle down,’ died in February? A Ken Goodwin 16. Q Prussia’s highest military award Pour le Mérite was known by which informal name during World War I? A The Blue Max 17. Q Which actress starred with Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? A Jane Russell 18. Q Which eccentric businessman designed the bra that Jane Russell wore in the film The Outlaw? A Howard Hughes 19. Q In which city are the headquarters of Greenpeace International? A Amsterdam 20. Q Which island country has a name that means old in Spanish? A Antigua 21. Q Which was the first decimal coin introduced in Britain? A 50 pence 22. Q Which institution awards the Pulitzer prize? A Columbia University 23. Q Name either of the jockeys that rode Red Rum to victory in the Grand National. A Brian Fletcher or Tommy Stack 24. Q Medically speaking, vasovagal syncope (vay-so-vay-gal sing-ka-pee) is the most common type of what? A Fainting 25. Q Which member of the cabinet is MP for Twickenham? A Vince Cable 26. Q What was the first name of Field Marshal Montgomery of Desert Rats fame? A Bernard 27. Q In Stieg Larsson’s novels, what is the name of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? A Lisbeth Salander 28. Q Which designer collaborated with Adidas in designing the uniforms to be worn by Great Britain’s competitors in the 2012 Olympics? A Stella McCartney 29. Q In the acronym Radar, what word does the last R represent? A Ranging (RAdio Detection And Ranging) 30. Q In the acronym Sonar, what word does the N represent? A Navigation (SOund Navigation And Ranging) 31. Q What material, invented originally as a textured wallpaper by Marc Chavannes and Al Fielding, celebrated 50 years of a quite different and popular use in 2010? A Bubblewrap 32. Q Which British king was born in Osnabruck Castle? A George I 33. Q In the Thomas the Tank Engine stories, what colour are the Scottish twins Donald and Douglas? A Black 34. Q Which heavyweight boxing champion was known as the Fighting Marine? A Gene Tunny 35. Q Still often referred to as the Place de l’Etoile, what is the current name of the Paris junction where the Arc de Triomphe is located? A Place Charles de Gaulle 36. Q Who played the title role in the 2004 remake of the film Alfie? A Jude Law 37. Q What is the name of the ship that left Southampton on Easter Day this year for the Titanic Memorial Cruise? A MS Balmoral 38. Q Emil Boc resigned as prime minister of which European country in February 2012? A Romania 39. Q What name is used for the helicopter that the President of the USA travels in? A Marine One 40. Q Last Saturda


Name the long-standing Rwanda president in the news during 2010 after human rights criticisms?

Rwanda: Repression Across Borders | Human Rights Watch January 28, 2014 12:50PM EST Rwanda: Repression Across Borders Attacks and Threats Against Rwandan Opponents and Critics Abroad Languages Expand Seven Rwandan Victims of Attacks or Threats Abroad. Top row, from left to right: Kayumba Nyamwasa (victim of assassination attempt), Joël Mutabazi (forcibly returned), Patrick Karegeya (murdered). Bottom row, from left to right: René Mugenzi (victim of threats), Augustin Cyiza (disappeared), Charles Ingabire (murdered), Seth Sendashonga (murdered). © 2012 AP, Reuters, ISCID, Jerome Sharkey, Private. Since the genocide which devastated the country and claimed more than half a million lives in 1994, Rwanda has made great strides in rebuilding its infrastructure, developing its economy, and delivering public services. But civil and political rights remain severely curtailed, and freedom of expression is tightly restricted. The government dominated by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF)—a former rebel movement that ended the genocide—does not tolerate opposition, challenge, or criticism. In the 19 years since the RPF took power, Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of arbitrary arrests, detentions, prosecutions, killings, torture, enforced disappearances, threats, harassment, and intimidation against government opponents and critics. These abuses emerged in the immediate post-genocide period in the mid-1990s and have continued to this day. In addition to the repression of critical voices inside Rwanda, dissidents and real or perceived critics outside the country—in neighboring Uganda and Kenya, as well as farther afield in South Africa and Europe—have been victims of attacks and threats.  This document highlights some of the cases involving attacks or threats against critics outside Rwanda since the late 1990s. This list is not exhaustive. Human Rights Watch has documented these cases or received reliable information indicating that the victims are likely to have been targeted because of their criticisms of the Rwandan government, the RPF or President Paul Kagame. There have been other cases of Rwandans who were murdered, attacked, threatened, or who died in unclear circumstances in various countries, but are not included because of insufficient information surrounding these attacks. [1] Background on Attacks The victims of the attacks abroad have tended to be political opponents or outspoken critics of the Rwandan government or President Kagame himself. Former RPF officials who have turned against President Kagame and become opponents in exile have particularly been targets of attacks and threats. There are similarities between attacks in high-profile cases, for example, the assassinations of former Minister of Interior Seth Sendashonga in 1998 and former Head of External Intelligence Patrick Karegeya in 2014, and the attempted assassination of former army Chief of Staff Kayumba Nyamwasa in 2010, the former in Kenya, and the latter two in South Africa. A number of the victims had been granted refugee status in the country to which they had fled, in recognition of the risks they faced in Rwanda. The fact that even recognized refugees have fallen prey to such attacks has heightened fears among exiled Rwandans, who now believe that no one is out of reach. The persistence of attacks on Rwandan government critics in exile, going back almost 20 years, is striking, with the latest such murder—that of Patrick Karegeya—taking place in January 2014. As critics or opponents of the government, the victims all share a certain profile; prior to these attacks many had been threatened by individuals who were part of, or close to, the Rwandan government. The fact that within Rwanda itself, many government opponents have also faced threats and attacks, and the context of the broader persecution of government critics, provide credibility to the allegation that these attacks were politically motivated. They also raise serious and plausible concerns about the possibility of official state collusion in, or tolerance of, these attacks. When


What state in Mexico was hit by a devastating mudslide in September 2010?

Amid Deluge, Mudslide Strikes Mexican Town - The New York Times The New York Times Americas |Amid Deluge, Mudslide Strikes Mexican Town Search Amid Deluge, Mudslide Strikes Mexican Town By ELISABETH MALKIN Photo A rain-swollen river in Oaxaca, Mexico. Credit Max Nunez/European Pressphoto Agency MEXICO CITY — Pounded by incessant rain, a hillside in the state of Oaxaca collapsed onto a village early Tuesday, burying houses in mud and stones and possibly trapping hundreds of people as they slept, state authorities said. The first team of soldiers and civil protection workers to reach the area on foot Tuesday afternoon said that at least 100 people were thought to be missing in Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, state officials said. They said that the numbers could rise. But by the evening, Interior Minister Francisco Blake and Gov. Ulises Ruiz of Oaxaca said in a joint statement that only 11 people — three adults and eight children — had been confirmed as missing. The landslide buried four houses and threatened 30 more, the statement reported, backing off earlier estimates that as many as 100 to 200 houses were covered. With heavy rains causing landslides and washing out bridges along the road to Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, it seemed unlikely that heavy earthmoving equipment would be able to reach the town soon. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The state government said that helicopters were flying rescue workers and supplies as close as possible to the zone and that the teams were continuing on foot. The first batch of supplies included 200 picks and 200 shovels. President Felipe Calderón said that he had spoken in the morning with officials in Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, who had told him that the town had been trying rescues with two earthmovers but that those efforts had been suspended because they feared more landslides as the rain continued. Photo Credit The New York Times “We are dismayed by this tragedy, deeply saddened, but very determined to do everything we can, God permitting, to save the victims who may still be alive under the landslide,” Mr. Calderón told reporters who were traveling with him as he visited the Gulf state of Tabasco to survey flood damage there. Mexico ’s south and southeastern states have been suffering weeks of rain as a series of tropical storms and hurricanes move over the region. Mexico’s nightly news has been dominated by footage of flooded towns as rain-swollen rivers burst their banks. Mr. Calderón postponed plans to travel to Oaxaca on Tuesday as it became clear that there was no way to reach Santa María Tlahuitoltepec. Mr. Ruiz tried to fly there by helicopter, but the fog and rain prevented him from landing and he returned to the airport in Oaxaca. 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 Military and naval units, along with federal police and rescue workers, were gathering in Oaxaca to prepare to travel to Santa María Tlahuitoltepec with earthmoving equipment once the road was opened. Among the rescue teams were geologists sent to survey the area to determine the risks of more landslides. Tropical Storm Matthew caused heavy flooding in much of Oaxaca last week, but Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, in the Mixe region north of Oaxaca city, the state capital, receives heavy rainfall for much of the year. Under ordinary circumstances, the town is a four-hour drive from the capital. The northern mountains of Oaxaca are some of the most deforested areas in Mexico, heightening the risk of mudslides. A local newspaper, Oaxaca Hoy, reported that a mudslide in Santa María Tlahuitoltepec two weeks ago had opened up a big crack along the town’s borders. Santa María Tlahuitoltepec is a center of the Mixe Indian culture. Most of its inhabitants speak Mixe, and the town is well known for its musical tradition, including raucous brass bands. It is in an area of great poverty, with homes of dirt floors and tin roofs. Many residents in the region have moved to the state capital


In 2010, scenes of tobacco smoking attracted a fine for the broadcasters of what 1950-60s boy-hero cartoon series in Turkey?

Gary Dretzka « Movie City News Naked Nazi Return to BloodFart Lake In the world of micro-budget and do-it-yourself filmmaking, the difference between being seen and being ignored often boils down to choosing the right title. A few weeks ago, I was drawn to a movie that promised more gore and abhorrent behavior than I normally care to see in a month of reviewing DVDs. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that “Dead Hooker in a Trunk” lived up to the promise of its title. While Joseph Guzman’s “Nude Nuns With Big Guns” comes close enough to earn a cigar, it falls well short of enshrinement in the Grindhouse Hall of Fame. This isn’t to say there aren’t plenty of nude nuns or big guns in the story, because there are. Too often, though, they merely compensate for a decreasingly coherent narrative. Here, the bishop of a Spanish-speaking archdiocese is in cahoots with the motorcycle gang, Los Muertos, to distribute heroin. Nuns are required to package the powder, but only after shedding their habits. After a drug transaction with the bikers goes sour, the drug-czar bishop offers Sister Sarah (Asun Ortega) in exchange for the missing heroin. Naturally, the leader of the gang, Chavo (David Castro), enslaves the pretty young nun to heroin and turns her out in a shithole brothel in the desert. Just as she’s about to hit rock bottom, God appears to Sister Sarah, instructing her to exact revenge on the bikers and corrupt priests. This, she does. “NNWBG” is targeted at several generations of Catholic males, who, as lackadaisical students, idled away with their days imagining how their teachers would look naked. The bonus features include the short film that inspired Guzman to make “NNWBG.” Made on a budget estimated to be in the neighborhood of $10,000, “Porn Star Zombies” is exactly the movie you’d imagine it to be. Yes, it revolves around a scene in which a ravenous porn star reveals her true nature by biting off her co-star’s penis. Almost everything else is incidental to the story. Keith Emerson’s debut film may be crudely made, thoroughly predictable and poorly acted, but every penny of the $10,000 can be found on the screen, in one way or another. “Naked Nazi” isn’t so much a horror movie as it is an excuse to show Michelle Young (a.k.a., Amber Lee) masturbating in Nazi fetish gear … minus the matching Hello Hitler bra-and-panties set. After being raped by a client, Young’s Naked Nazi decides to turn the tables on non-Aryan male pigs by dominating and killing them. Only another Nazi fetishist can stop her. Young and Jason Impey last collaborated on “Women Prisoners of SS Camp From Hell,” in which our fair maiden played “Hitler’s slut.” Released in 2009, “Terror at Blood Fart Lake” was a micro-budget parody of such horror flicks as “Sleepaway Camp” and other slasher epics set on the shores of a lake, in a rustic cabin or among vacationers about to be slaughtered by a guy wearing a mask. It follows, then, that “Return to Blood Fart Lake” is parody of “Return to Sleepaway Camp” and other uninspired sequels. Even after watching the movie, I can’t explain what happens in it, except that the “Scarecrow Killer,” Jimmy Van Brunt, is back and still pissed off about something or other. “Return to Blood Fart Lake” is all title and no movie. – Gary Dretzka The Devil’s Rock By all rights, “The Devils Rock” and “Naked Nazi” belong in the same capsule review, if only because the jackets of both movies feature sexy, semi-dressed women wearing Gestapo gear. (The original poster art for “Devil’s Rock” was far less suggestive.) Far more artistically legitimate, Paul Campion’s debut film is a blend of WWII intrigue and satanic horror. It opens with a New Zealand commando team landing on the beach of a heavily fortified island in the English Channel. Their job is to sabotage artillery positions, causing the Germans to think the D-Day landing will occur somewhere other than Omaha and Normandy beaches. As the soldiers descend deeper into the tunnels of the bunker, screams emanating from below grow louder and more terrifying. Upon reaching the comman


With which country did France agree a 50 year treaty in November 2010 entailing joint forces, and sharing an aircraft carrier and nuclear technology?

UK and France agree to joint nuclear testing treaty | UNIAN UK and France agree to joint nuclear testing treaty One centre will be set up... World 12:02, 02 November 2010 The UK and France are to sign treaties agreeing to military co-operation including testing of nuclear warheads, according to BBC . One centre will be set up in the UK to develop nuclear testing technology and another in France to carry it out. Prime Minister David Cameron and President Nicolas Sarkozy will also outline plans, at a London summit, for a joint army expeditionary force. Downing Street called the measures "practical", but Labour said they left "big questions" about the UK`s defences. A Downing Street spokesman said: "This summit marks a deepening of the UK-France bilateral relationship. Ours is now a strategic partnership tackling together the biggest challenges facing our two countries." The summit comes two weeks after the UK government announced cuts to its armed forces, in the first strategic defence review since 1998, as part of savings aimed at reducing the country`s budget deficit. Under the plans £750m will be saved over four years on the Trident nuclear missile system by cutting the number of warheads. Harrier jump jets, the Navy`s flagship HMS Ark Royal and planned Nimrod spy planes will also be axed, but two new aircraft carriers were spared. Mr Cameron and Mr Sarkozy are to sign two treaties - one on greater general military co-operation and another, a 50-year deal on nuclear weapons. `Makes sense` The nuclear treaty will establish a centre in the UK to develop testing technology and another one in France to carry out the testing. Warheads will be tested by technical means to ensure their safety and effectiveness, without having to test them by explosion. It is understood that each country will still control its own warheads, and that nuclear secrets will not be shared. Asked why Britain and France did not jointly buy nuclear weapons to replace Trident, Defence Secretary Liam Fox told BBC Radio 4`s Today programme the UK wanted the "most appropriate" nuclear deterrent and had a "particularly close" relationship with the US on Trident. "We`re not thinking of buying new missiles - we have the Trident D5 missile. We don`t have to think about new warheads until 2019. "We do however have to maintain the safety of the warheads we have at the present time... therefore it makes sense that we become involved in the facilities for the experimental physics that will allow that to happen. "That`s a big cost saving to our taxpayers on both sides of the Channel but it does give us the ability to maintain separate nuclear deterrent programmes." The other treaty will allow the setting up of a "combined joint expeditionary force", thought to involve a brigade of about 5,000 soldiers from each side. Each country will retain a veto for each operation, which will operate under one military commander to be chosen at the time. The UK and France have also agreed to keep at least one aircraft carrier at sea between them at any one time. Each will be able to use the other`s carrier in some form, certainly for training and possibly operations. Meanwhile, France is to use British A400M fuelling aircraft when there is spare capacity, with plans in place for common maintenance and training. `Deepening ties` Joint work on drones, mine counter-measures and satellite communications is also proposed. Dr Fox told the BBC there had been a "great deal of hysteria" in the media about the idea of British troops coming under French command. "Under the existing Nato system our troops could come under Turkish or Polish command. There`s nothing new about that. "This does not affect our special relationship with the United States. It gives us economies of scale and helps us to welcome France back fully into Nato." Asked who would decide what happen if the French were involved in operations about which Britain was not enthusiastic - at a time they were sharing Britain`s aircraft carrier - he said: "That would depend on what the other nation thought. This is not a question


What island nation was hit by an earthquake and tsunami disaster in October 2010?

Indonesia Hit By Volcano Eruption, Tsunami, Earthquake - News - The Ledger - Lakeland, FL Indonesia Hit By Volcano Eruption, Tsunami, Earthquake Tuesday Oct 26, 2010 at 8:44 AM The Associated Press MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia | Indonesia's most volatile volcano started erupting today, after scientists warned that pressure building beneath its dome could trigger the most powerful eruption in years. Up to 20 people were injured by hot ash spewed from Mount Merapi, said an AP reporter who witnessed them being taken away for treatment. The eruption comes the day after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook the area, causing a tsunami that killed at least 113 people and left many more missing. Subandriyo, chief vulcanologist in the area, said today's eruption started after the volcano had rumbled and groaned for hours. “There was a thunderous rumble that went on for ages, maybe 15 minutes,” said Sukamto, a farmer who by nighfall had yet to abandon his home on the mountain's fertile slopes. “Then huge plumes of hot ash started shooting up into the air.” Scientists have warned that pressure building beneath Merapi's lava dome could trigger one of the most powerful blasts in years. “The energy is building up. ... We hope it will release slowly,” government volcanologist Surono told reporters. “Otherwise we're looking at a potentially huge eruption, bigger than anything we've seen in years.” The alert level for the 9,737-foot mountain has been raised to its highest level. Some 11,400 villagers on the mountain were urged to evacuate. But most who fled were the elderly and children, while adults stayed to tend to homes and farms on the mountain's fertile slopes. In 2006, an avalanche of blistering gases and rock fragments raced down the volcano and killed two people. A similar eruption in 1994 killed 60 people, and 1,300 people died in a 1930 blast. Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 237 million people, and the volcano and earthquake epicenter are about 8,000 miles apart. The nation is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire — a series of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and Southeast Asia. There are more than 129 active volcanoes to watch in Indonesia, which is spread across 17,500 islands. The tsunami triggered by Monday's powerful, earthquake pounded villages on remote islands off western Indonesia. The fault that ruptured Monday, running the length of the west coast of Sumatra island, also caused the 9.1-magnitude quake that unleashed a monster tsunami around the Indian Ocean in 2004, killing 230,000 people in a dozen countries. The death toll from the quake late Monday, which struck 13 miles beneath the ocean floor, was expected to climb as reports on damage and injuries began trickling in today. Mujiharto, who heads the Health Ministry's crisis center, said a 10-foot-high wave washed away hundreds of houses on Pagai and Silabu, part of the remote and sparsely populated Mentawai island chain. As many as 500 people are missing. “We have 200 body bags on the way, just in case,” he said. Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire — a series of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and Southeast Asia. Getting to the Mentawais, a popular surfing spot 175 miles from the Sumatra coast takes 12 hours and the islands are reachable only by boat. A group of Australians said they were hanging out on the back deck of their chartered surfing vessel, anchored in a nearby bay, when the temblor hit. It generated a wave that caused them to smash into a neighboring boat, and before they knew it, a fire was ripping through their cabin. “We threw whatever we could that floated — surfboards, fenders — then we jumped into the water,” Rick Hallet told Australia's Nine Network. “Fortunately, most of us had something to hold on to ... and we just washed in the wetlands, and scrambled up the highest trees that we could possibly find and sat u