United States Croquet Association — Rules Figure 1: Court Setup The Court A backyard croquet court doesn't have to be a perfectly manicured lawn, but short grass provides the best playing surface. If you have room, the official full-size court is a rectangle, 100 feet long by 50 feet wide. For backyard play you can adjust the size and shape of the court to fit the available space. Use string or chalk to mark definite boundaries if you choose, or just mark the corners with flags or stakes. The Wickets and Stakes The nine wickets and two stakes are arranged in a double-diamond pattern as shown in the diagram. If you are playing on a smaller court, the distances shown should be scaled down in proportion to the length and width of the court. The wickets should be firmly planted in the ground, and the width of the wickets should be uniform throughout the court. The Balls For a two- or four-player, two-sided game, you need four balls. The colors usually used are blue, red, black, and yellow. One side (with one or two players) plays with blue and black, and the other with red and yellow. For a six-player team game, you need six balls. In team play, one side plays blue, black, and green, and the other side plays red, yellow, and orange. In "one-ball" games, you need one ball per player. The Mallets Each player uses a mallet. Only the striking (end) face may be used to strike a ball, unless the players have agreed to allow the use of "side" shots or other shot-making variations. Optional Accessories You can use colored clips or clothespins to mark the next wicket your ball must go through. The clip is picked up when a wicket is scored, then placed on the ball's next wicket at the end of the turn. You can use string or "chalk" to mark boundaries of the court, or just designate "off the grass" as a boundary. Object of the game The object of the game is to advance your ball through the course scoring points for each wicket and stake in the correct order and direction. The winner is the first side to score 14 wicket points and 2 stake points for each of its balls. In a timed game if the time expires, the team with the most points at the end of the time period wins. The players take turns, and only one plays at a time. At the beginning of a turn the player (called the "striker") has one shot. After that shot the turn ends, unless a bonus shot is earned by scoring a wicket or stake or by hitting another ball. The turn ends when the player has no more bonus shots to play or has finished the course by scoring the finishing stake. The striker may directly hit with the mallet only the ball he or she is playing in that turn (the "striker ball").   A has not started to score the wicket. B has started to score the wicket. C has not scored the wicket. D has scored the wicket. Scoring Wicket and Stake Points Each ball can score wicket and stake points for its side only by going through a wicket or hitting a stake in the proper order and direction. Going through a wicket out of order or in the wrong direction is not counted as a point gained or lost. A ball caused to score its wicket or stake during another ball’s turn earns the point for its side, but no bonus shot is earned as a result. A ball scores a wicket point only if it comes to rest clear of the playing side of the wicket. If a ball passes through a wicket but rolls back, it has not scored the wicket. If a ball travels backwards through its wicket to get position, it must be clear of the non-playing side to then score the wicket in the correct direction. Because wickets can be loose in the ground, it’s best not to run the side if the mallet head up or down either plane of the wicket. It’s always better to use your judgement sighting by eye. Bonus shots The striker earns one bonus shot if the striker ball scores a wicket or hits the turning stake. The striker earns two bonus shots if the striker ball hits another ball (a "roquet"). You are “dead” on a ball for extra shots until you clear your next wicket or on the start of your next turn which


Who is often credited with inventing peanut butter (but didn't)?

George Washington Carver biography | birthday, trivia | American Botanist | Who2 George Washington Carver Biography Carver didn't invent it, but he still gets a pat on the back in this essay Share this: Inventor   George Washington Carver was a celebrated botanist and inventor at a time when it was still rare for African-Americans to reach those heights. The son of a Missouri slave, George Washington Carver grew up to attend Iowa State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1894 and a master’s in 1896. He then joined the faculty of Booker T. Washington ‘s Tuskegee Institute. His attempts to find crop alternatives to cotton led him to the peanut; eventually he created more than 325 products from the humble legume, helping to create demand for the plant and establish it as a major American crop. (Although Carver is often credited with inventing peanut butter,  it seems others had created that product before Carver began his own work with peanuts.) George Washington Carver also worked with sweet potatoes, soybeans and pecans, among other plants, and is often credited with changing the face of agriculture in the American south. Extra credit George Washington Carver’s exact birthdate is unknown; a Missouri census record from 1870 lists George Carver as 10 years old; a photo of that record can be found here … He was an accomplished artist who displayed paintings at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair… George Washington Carver is no relation to President George Washington . According to the Wikipedia, Carver began to use the name George Washington Carver at Iowa State “to avoid confusion with another George Carver in his classes”… Carver was posthumously awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by Iowa State in 1994… Another brilliant botanist of the same era was Luther Burbank .


What type of eyewear is shared by the Monopoly Man and Mr. Peanut?

17 Signs You’re A Millionaire Who Just Doesn’t Have The Money Yet | Thought Catalog 17 Signs You’re A Millionaire Who Just Doesn’t Have The Money Yet Submit Cancel 1. You’re constantly looking on travel websites. Where other people might be doing work or informing themselves about current events, you’re checking out the hottest deals on Kayak and Airbnb, ready to hop on that plane you can’t afford to hit up that destination you can’t stay in. You don’t have time for this 9-5 world you’re in, even though you have absolutely no functional way to escape it. 2. You know how to make yourself look #prosperous on Instagram. It’s all about how you frame the photo. You have mastered the art of snapping your elegant brunch or stylish new top, all while leaving out the piles of struggle in the background, the overfull laundry baskets and IKEA particle board furniture. Your Instagram is a funhouse mirror of your life. 3. A general attraction to fake jewels. One day, you will have one of those mid-aughts rapper-style jewelry collections, all diamonds and baubles and your own name written out in jewels — but for now, you’re not letting your total lack of funds stop you from achieving that aesthetic. You want the Bunny MacDougal look on a Carrie Bradshaw-circa-pawning-Charlotte’s-engagement ring budget. 4. You listen to the Clueless soundtrack more than is acceptable. Something about it makes you just feel so cool and above all this shit, riding around in your nonexistent Jeep and talking on your shoe-sized cellphone. You’re gonna be a supermodelllll. 5. You choose to drink various non-alcoholic liquids out of a big, fancy wine glass. When in doubt, pour your juice into one of those giant, attractive wine glasses that makes the super satisfying clink sounds when you cheers with them. You don’t have to be doing anything important, you just need to up your lounging-around-the-house ambiance with a little bit of unnecessary stemware. (I drank a chocolate milk out of a champagne glass with a bendy straw yesterday, and it was in my top-5 2014 decisions.) 6. You listen to Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” whilst walking down the street wearing sunglasses. “Why is everyone so obsessed with me??” you think, pulling up your collar and adjusting your sunglasses, as absolutely no one looks at you and you step in a piece of chewed gum. 7. When you’re bored, you browse real estate that you couldn’t afford in 10 lifetimes, AND you get judgey about it. “This villa on Sotheby’s in the south of France, pff. Talk about overusing exposed stone. I’ll be taking my 3.2 million elsewhere, thank you very much!” 8. Your inner millionaire tends to come out after a few drinks. Once you get past those first two glasses of Chardonnay, it’s time for the Monopoly Man/Mr. Peanut that lives within you to clean off his monocle and start throwing up 100s in the air. Who wants a drink? Everyone! It’s on you! You have unlimited funds! (Basically the only way your “pricey” nights out make sense is if you were going off the grid the next morning to live in the Appalachians and reject paper money for the rest of your life.) 9. When it comes to lounging, you are an expert. You know how to put on some sunglasses, break out a book, and just exist for hours on end. Going to the beach for you is not about flopping around in the water like a plebe, it’s about staying on the shore and sighing exaggeratedly when the wind blows a few grains of sand get onto your towel. 10. You know A LOT about things you can in no way afford. You can spot luxury cars, designer shoes, and bottles of wine worth thousands, even if you’ve never been physically in the same space as any of them. 11. You hit the vintage store for your Don the Magic Juan style cues. You love fur coats, luxurious silks, and extravagant accessories, but most of them come from vintage stores at the steep, steep price of 30 dollars. Your flawlessness comes secondhand, but it comes nonetheless. 12. You frequently identify as being “over things.” Even if putting on a puffer coat, walking to the subway, and sitting on it for 45 minutes to


The Writings of Henry D. Thoreau   By Elizabeth Witherell, with Elizabeth Dubrulle When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived   alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built   myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massachusetts, and earned   my living by the labor of my hands only. I lived there two years and two months. (Walden, 3) With these words, Henry David Thoreau began the tale of his experiment of simple living at Walden Pond . Over the course of the next three hundred-odd pages, Thoreau outlined his philosophy of life, politics, and nature, laying the foundation for a secure place in the canon of great American writers. Although Walden enjoyed only moderate success in Thoreau's lifetime, his experiment at the pond would spark considerable interest in the years to come. The book has inspired other young people to follow his example and retire to a lonely spot--even if only in imagination--to ponder the world and their place in it. Thoreau's words expressed the concerns of many of his contemporaries as industrialization and war permanently altered the world around them, just as they struck a chord in a generation of young people in the 1960s and 1970s who opposed the modern military-industrial complex and sought peace and simplicity in their lives. For many, Walden has served as a touchstone. In the years following Thoreau's death in 1862, his sister and his friends undertook the responsibility of editing his work. Posthumous editions of his previously unpublished or partially published works were produced by Ticknor & Fields and Houghton Mifflin, and articles about Thoreau and reviews of his writings appeared in newspapers and magazines. Thoreau's life and work have continued to provoke and inspire, and there are almost as many different opinions as there are readers. Which view of Thoreau is most accurate: The dour hermit of Walden Woods? The environmental guru? The antislavery crusader? The irresponsible layabout? The pacifist? The pantheist? The prophet? None suffices to represent Thoreau by itself; all find support in Walden. THOREAU'S  LIFE AT WALDEN POND In late March 1845 Thoreau went to Walden Pond, a sixty-two acre body             of water a few miles from his parents' home in Concord, Massachusetts,  and selected a spot to build a house. The site he picked was on land  belonging to his close friend Ralph Waldo Emerson; he and Emerson  had already discussed Thoreau's plan to live on the land which  Emerson had recently purchased. By July 4 of that same year,  the house was substantially complete and Thoreau moved to the pond.  The experiment had begun. I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. (Walden, 90) He also went to the pond to work on a book that was to be a memorial tribute  to his older brother John, who had died three years earlier of lockjaw.  The narrative frame of the story is provided by a boat trip the brothers  had taken in 1839, but there are many philosophical digressions. This  work, A Week on the Concord  and Merrimack Rivers , was Thoreau's first published book. At Walden, Thoreau worked diligently on A Week, but he also explored Walden Woods and recorded his observations on nature in his Journal. He entertained visitors and made regular trips to town; friends and neighbors began to inquire about his life at the pond. What did he do all day? How did he make a living? Did he get lonely? What if he got sick? He began collecting material to write lectures for his curious townsmen, and he delivered two at the Concord Lyceum, on February 10 and 17, 1847. By the time he left the pond on September 6, 1847, he had combined his lectures on life at Walden with more notes from his journal to produce the first draft of a book which he hoped to publish shortly after A Week. A Week was published i


What award is given to the World Cup's leading goal scorer?

World Cup Top Goal Scorers Home > Events > Football > Football World Cup > History > Awards > Top Scorers World Cup Top Goal Scorers (Golden Boot) These are the 'golden shoe' or 'golden boot' winners from each World Cup event. The record for the most goals at a single World Cup is 13 by Frenchman Just Fontaine in 1958, which he achieved in six games. The overall top goal scorer in the Wolrd Cup is German player Miroslav Klose, who has scored 16 goals overall. See the list of World Cup Top Goal Scorers . The current rules for a tie-breaker, is that if there is a tie for the most number of goals in the tournament, the award goes to the player who has given the most assists (as decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group). If there is still more than one player, the tie-breaker goes to the player who has played the least amount of time. Goals scored from penalty shoot-outs are not counted There is more Goal Scoring Trivia . Are you looking for the top goal scorers from Brazil 2014 ? Year


Plié is a movement that comes from what form of dance?

How to Do a Plie in Ballet: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow How to Do a Plie in Ballet Two Methods: Doing a Demi-Plié Doing a Grand-Plié Community Q&A A plié is a simple ballet step that is learned while covering the basics. There are two version of a plié—a demi-plié and a grand-plié. You can perform each version from all five ballet positions. By learning the right form and movements, you can learn how to plié in minutes; however, mastering the form can take years. Steps Doing a Demi-Plié 1 Learn the different ballet positions. There are five different foot positions in ballet, and you can perform a demi-plié (half bend) in all of them. [1] [2] This means that to perform a proper demi-plié from each position, you must first be comfortable with the basic positions. Each position utilizes turn-out, which is the rotation of the leg from the hip joint. [3] The objective is to have the heels and toes face perpendicular to the direction of the body rather than parallel. Do not expect to perform a perfect turn-out immediately. Forcing turn-out can cause many injuries. Even some professional dancers do not have perfect turn-out after years of practice. [4] In addition to each position having a different foot placement, each position also utilizes a different arm placement or port de bras. [5] You can read more information on the different ballet positions at How to Do All Five Ballet Positions . 2 Begin in first position. Though you can perform a demi-plié in any of the five positions, use the first position for initial practice. First position requires the heels be placed touching (or close to it) with your legs turned out as close to 180 degrees as you can manage. You also want to have your legs and back straight. [6] The turn-out should come mostly from the leg at the hip joint. Do not place excess strain on the knees or ankles by forcing each foot closer to 90 degrees than you can do normally. Use your muscles to keep your knees over the feet rather than the two being out of alignment. [7] Initially your turn-out in first position will look more like a V than a straight line. A wider turn-out simply comes with practice. 3 Bend with your toes.The demi-plié or half bend refers to the bending of the knees, so you need to lower yourself by bending at the knees. Your upper body should remain in the same position—shoulders down, head up, bottom tucked—throughout the movement. [8] One of the most common problems with plié form for beginners is due to sticking out one’s butt while lowering as though lowering into a crouch. Don’t stick your backside out or adjust your hips, simply lower at the knees while keeping the rest of the body straight. [9] 4 Keep your heels planted. Demi-pliés regardless of the beginning position require the heels to stay firmly planted on the ground. [10] Do not bend so far that it forces your heels to come off the ground. Rather than a deep bend, which is the territory of a grand-plié, you only want to bend your knees until they extend just over your toes. 5 Rise slowly and gracefully. While ballet dancers do rise quickly out of pliés and use them as springboards for jumps and pirouettes, beginners should practice rising slowly and fluidly to help perfect the form. Rather than simply straightening your knees, you want to push your weight straight down into the floor with your legs and feet to push yourself back up. [11] Using the legs and feet gives the motion much more fluidity, and it also places less strain on the knees. Continue keeping your shoulders down, head up, and bottom tucked during the upward movement. The motion should look more like the upper body is elevating rather than standing up since the upper body should already be straight. [12] 6 Return to first position. To finish the demi-plié, you will continue rising until the thighs and knees and back together. You will return to first position the same as you were in before performing the demi-plié. 7 Practice demi-pliés from other positions. Once you feel comfortable with the basics of a demi-plié in first position, you can try pliés from


Deserts of Asia, Landforms of Asia - Worldatlas.com Deserts of Asia, Landforms of Asia ASIA DESERTS: Several significant deserts stretch across Asia and the Middle East. Here we highlight of the map and brief description of the major ones, including the Arabian, Gobi, Karakum, Kyzylkum, Takla Makan and Thar. Arabian Desert The Arabian Desert is a vast desert wilderness stretching from Yemen to the Persian Gulf and from Oman to Jordan and Iraq. It is the largest desert in Asia at 900,000 square miles and occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula. This desert is located in the Middle East, and we have additional details and map at this link: Gobi Desert The Gobi Desert is the 2nd largest desert in Asia, covering 500,000 square miles. Extending from northern China into Mongolia, the Gobi Desert receives an average of 7 inches of rainfall each year because the Himalaya mountains block rain clouds from reaching the region. Kara Kum Desert The Kara Kum covers 135,000 square miles, nearly 70 percent of Turkmenistan's land. Because of the desert's location along the Caspian Sea, the weather in Karakum is milder than many Asian deserts, which typically experience frigid winters and scorching summers. Kyzyl Kum Desert Crossing over Kazakhstan into Uzbekistan, this 115,000 square mile desert features a wide variety of flora and fauna. Though the area only receives 4 to 8 inches of rain per year, the rain occurs during the region's cooler period so the water does not dissipate quickly and supports large migratory game. Takla Makan Desert China's largest desert extends over 123,550 square miles. Composed primarily of shifting crescent sand dunes, the Takla Makan is one of the largest sandy deserts in the world. Despite the inhospitable and unpredictable nature of the desert sands, the Chinese government erected a road across the desert in the mid-1990s. Thar Desert Covering 77,000 square miles in India and Pakistan, the Thar Desert is Asia's only subtropical desert. Primarily occupying the Indian state of Rajasthan, the Thar receives up to 20 inches of rain per year, primarily during the monsoon period from July to September, and most crops are grown during this rainy season.


will.i.am - home will.i.am . technology Technology is infused into the world of will.i.am as an essential element. It powers everything that he does. For the Dreamers who bring Tomorrow Today. Welcome to Nexterday. Technology is infused into the world of will.i.am as an essential element. It powers everything that he does. For the Dreamers who bring Tomorrow Today. Welcome to Nexterday. Technology is infused into the world of will.i.am as an essential element. It powers everything that he... Technology is infused into the world of will.i.am as an essential element.  It powers everything that he does. As the Director of Creative Innovation for Intel, will.i.am conceptualizes the next frontier of interactive technology by acting as an idea generator.  Earlier this year,  will.i.am debuted the first song on another planet, premiering his song, “Reach for the Stars” from Mars to mark the successful landing of NASA’s Curiosity rover.  His interest in the interplay between digital photography and augmented technology, will.i.am also created the i.am+ foto.soho, an iPhone case that dramatically improves the quality and social aspects of the built-in camera.       . music Frontman for pop supergroup The Black Eyed Peas (selling 33MM albums and 58 million singles worldwide), will.i.am is a multi-faceted musician and entertainer. Frontman for pop supergroup The Black Eyed Peas (selling 33MM albums and 58 million singles worldwide), will.i.am is a multi-faceted musician and entertainer. Frontman for pop supergroup The Black Eyed Peas (selling 33MM albums and 58 million singles worldwide), will.i.am is a multi-faceted... Frontman for pop supergroup The Black Eyed Peas (selling 33MM albums and 58 million singles worldwide), will.i.am is a multi-faceted musician and entertainer.  will.i.am’s latest album #willpower has already charted a top 10 hit single and will feature artists such as Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, Nicole Scherzinger, Waka Flocka Flame, Diddy, Chris Brown, David Guetta, Baby Kaely and Miley Cyrus.  Throughout the course of his career, will.i.am has won 8 American Music Awards, 7 Grammy Awards, 3 World Music Awards, 2 MTV Video Music Awards, and 1 Billboard Music Award.  Bring the action.   . philanthropy For will.i.am, philanthropy is a top priority in everything that he does. His i.am.angel foundation has partnered with both the California Endowment and College Track to help TRANS4M the youth community Boyle Heights, a... For will.i.am, philanthropy is a top priority in everything that he does. His i.am.angel foundation has partnered with both the California Endowment and... For will.i.am, philanthropy is a top priority in everything that he does. His i.am.angel... For will.i.am, philanthropy is a top priority in everything that he does.  His i.am.angel foundation has partnered with both the California Endowment and College Track to help TRANS4M the youth community Boyle Heights, a neighborhood where will.i.am grew up. The foundation also selects recipients for the i.am scholarship, a program which has given over $500,000 in financial aid to college students. Additionally, in response to the foreclosure crisis, the foundation has launched the i.am home program which works to improve financial literacy and provides grants to help qualifying struggling families. The program has provided over $400,000 to date in home owner assistance grants.


It's 1996. A dance craze is sweeping America. What is it?

The 8 Best “Gangnam”-Style Dance Craze Songs Of The Past 25 Years | Idolator The 8 Best “Gangnam”-Style Dance Craze Songs Of The Past 25 Years Mike Wass @mikewassmusic | October 5, 2012 - 5:30 am Share < br />this article: PSY rode his invisible horse all the way to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 last week. (And now he’s bouncing shirtless !) “Gangnam Style” was always destined for K-pop greatness , but the hilarious dance routine also overcame the language barrier and made the song an international phenomenon . While the Korean superstar has made quite a splash worldwide, it’s not the first time a floor-filler has relied on quirky choreography for chart success. Who hasn’t put their dignity aside to do the Macarena or wished someone would teach them how to Dougie? Unfortunately for PSY, these songs tend to alienate music-buyers in the long run. Will “Gangnam Style” buck the trend, or is Korea’s most popular export since Kimchi destined become a one-hit wonder like the pop-wizards behind the following dance crazes? 1. “Lambada,” Kaoma (1989) French pop group Kaoma caught lightning in a bottle when they adapted a Bolivian folk song to capitalize on a dance craze sweeping South America. “Lambada” sold five million copies worldwide, and eventually peaked at #46 on the Hot 100. It spawned two movie adaptations and inspired thousands of badly-dressed couples to learn the salsa-based choreography. Kaoma even revisited the dance craze on their follow up, “Dançando Lambada,” but it failed to catch on, and the band was largely forgotten until “Lambada” was sampled on J. Lo ’s 2011 hit “On The Floor.” 2. “Cha Cha Slide,” DJ Casper (2000) DJ Casper made line dancing cool again for a hot minute back in 2000 with the “Cha Cha Slide.” The catchy jam tapped into the Chicago stepping movement and soon became popular in urban clubs where patrons would enthusiastically follow the DJ’s instructions. “Cha Cha Slide,” naturally, spawned an album of slide anthems. After that, DJ Casper was never heard from again, but his signature song remains popular at basketball games and school discos to this very day. 3. “Teach Me How to Dougie,” Cali Swag District (2010) The Dougie originated in Dallas, Texas and was immortalized in Cali Swag District’s self-explanatory hit “Teach Me How To Dougie”. Not that the dance really needed instructions. It basically involves moving side to side! Nevertheless, the simple choreography took off and has been performed by superstars like Beyonce and, um, La Toya Jackson . The song reached #28 on the Hot 100 in 2010, and it marked the beginning and end of Cali Swag District’s streak of hits. 4. “Macarena,” Los Del Rio (1995) If you were old enough to stand unassisted in 1995, chances are you did the Macarena. The cheesy rhumba-based dance lesson makes “Gangnam Style” look like a mildly successful entry on the Bubbling Under chart by comparison. Los Del Rio spent a terrifyingly long 14-week stint atop the singles chart and sold more than 11 million copies of the tune worldwide. The Spanish duo even released a festive version called “Macarena Christmas”! And while the lovely pair are warmly regarded as one of the biggest one-hit wonders of all time, don’t feel too sorry for them — they still bring home $250,000 a year in royalties from the song…each. 5. “We Speak No Americano,” Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP (2010) While not having any specific choreography of its own, this international smash had clubbers bluffing their way through vintage dance moves. The handiwork of Australian DJs Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP, “We Speak No Americano” samples a 1956 Italian song called “Tu Vuò Fà L’Americano.” It was an instant sensation, topping the charts in 18 countries and peaking at #29 on the Hot 100. Like many other names on this list, Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP were never to be heard from again. 6. “Party Rock Anthem,” LMFAO (2011) In many ways, LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” is the blueprint for PSY’s “Gangnam Style.” It’s the original half-sung, half-spoken slab of electronica with an irritatingly catchy chorus and iconic choreograp


What sweetener is usually used in Diet Coke?

Is Aspartame in Soda Safe?      A   A    Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in diet drinks like Coke. This sweetener is 200 times sweeter compared to sugar. This sweetener is usually sold under brand names such as NutraSweet and Equal. Since the approval of aspartame in soda by the Food and Drug Administration, issues have arisen about this sweetener causing serious health risks such as cancer and premature birth. The artificial sweetener aspartame in soda has been at the eye of a storm about its safety and side effects.   Aspartame in soda is considered safe as a diet drink sweetener according to the European Food Safety Authority. A review by the agency confirms the safety of the sweetener aspartame in soda without any potential risk of cancer or damage to genes. The review ensures safety of aspartame in soda if consumed in prescribed levels in a diet drink. The safety concerns about aspartame in soda had led to a fall in the sales of diet drinks due to the presence of the artificial sweetener that was believed to cause side effects. Coca-Cola Co. faced this issue and had to launch an advertising campaign confirming the safety of their diet drink.   Aspartame in soda has been under controversy because of safety concerns and side effects that may result from its consumption. Critics opined that aspartame in soda may cause health problems like multiple sclerosis, memory loss, and blindness among others. Health risks associated with aspartame in soda had been examined through lengthy scientific researches. It was found that exceeding 16 cans of diet drink containing aspartame in soda on a daily basis could have safety issues. According to the European Food Safety Authority, a level lower than 16 cans per day of a diet drink with this sweetener is not problematic. The FDA has defined the acceptable daily intake of aspartame sweetener as 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight in adults.   Experts suggest that this sweetener does not have any safety issues. Most people who consume aspartame in soda have not faced any side effects associated with this sweetener. Moreover, there has not been any evidence of aspartame in soda causing any harm. However, research on this sweetener in the diet drink continues. People fond of diet drinks and still wish to avoid using aspartame as a sweetener due to possible side effects can check whether it features in the list of ingredients before purchasing their diet drink. For their part, the approving agencies and regulators have given aspartame in soda a clean sheet if consumed in reasonable amounts.


"In what party game might you hear the phrase ""Right Foot Blue""?"

What does expression mean? definition, meaning and pronunciation (Free English Language Dictionary) epigram ; quip (a witty saying) adage ; byword ; proverb ; saw (a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people) idiom ; idiomatic expression ; phrasal idiom ; phrase ; set phrase (an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up) agrapha (sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels) anatomical ; anatomical reference (an expression that relates to anatomy) tongue twister (an expression that is difficult to articulate clearly) shucks (an expression of disappointment or irritation) dysphemism (an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one) euphemism (an inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive) ambiguity (an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context) advice and consent (a legal expression in the United States Constitution that allows the Senate to constrain the President's powers of appointment and treaty-making) calque ; calque formation ; loan translation (an expression introduced into one language by translating it from another language) logion (a saying of Jesus that is regarded as authentic although it is not recorded in the Gospels) Beatitude (one of the eight sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount; in Latin each saying begins with 'beatus' (blessed)) sumpsimus (a correct expression that takes the place of a popular but incorrect expression) Sense 5 choice of words ; diction ; phraseology ; phrasing ; verbiage ; wording (the manner in which something is expressed in words) Anglicism ; Briticism ; Britishism (an expression that is limited to English as spoken by Englishmen (especially as contrasted with American English)) Americanism (an expression that is characteristic of English as spoken by Americans) idiom ; parlance (a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language) colloquialism (a colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech) boilerplate (standard formulations uniformly found in certain types of legal documents or news stories) archaicism ; archaism (the use of an archaic expression) honorific (an expression of respect) sentimentalism (a sentimental expression or idea) Sense 6


Breeds of Livestock - Clydesdale Horse — Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science Breeds of Livestock - Clydesdale Horse Breeds of Livestock - Clydesdale Horse Clydesdale Characteristics and Origin of the Clydesdale Horse The Clydesdale is a breed of heavy draft horse developed in and deriving its name from the district in Scotland where it was founded. Its type was evolved by the farmers of Lanarkshire, through which the River Clyde flows. The old name for Lanarkshire is Clydesdale. It was bred to meet not only the agricultural needs of these farmers, but the demands of commerce for the coal fields of Lanarkshire and for all the types of heavy haulage on the streets of Glasgow. The breed soon acquired more than a local reputation, and in time, the breed spread throughout the whole of Scotland and northern England. The district system of hiring stallions was an early feature of Scottish agriculture and did much to standardize and fix the type of the breed. The records of these hiring societies go back in some cases to 1837. The Clydesdale Horse Society was formed in 1877 and has been an active force in promoting the breed not only in Great Britain but throughout the world. The Clydesdale alone, of the British breeds of heavy draft, has enjoyed a steady export trade to all parts of the world. The most active trade has been to commonwealth countries and the United States. Today the Clydesdale is virtually the only draft breed in its native Scotland and New Zealand. It holds a commanding lead in Australia and is popular, though not the numerical leader, in Canada and the United States. The Clydesdale is a very active horse. He is not bred for action, like the Hackney, but he must have action. A Clydesdale judge uses the word "action" with a difference. A Hackney judge using the word means high-stepping movement; a Clydesdale judge means high lifting of the feet, not scuffling along, but the foot at every step must be lifted clean off the ground, and the inside of every shoe be made plain to the man standing behind. Action for the Clydesdale judge also means "close" movement.The forelegs must be planted well under the shoulders - not on the outside like the legs of a bulldog - and the legs must be plumb and, so to speak, hang straight from the shoulder to the fetlock joint. There must be no openness at the knees, and no inclination to knock the knees together. In like manner, the hind legs must be planted closely together with the points of the hocks turned inwards rather than outwards; the thighs must come well down to the hocks, and the shanks from the hock joint to the fetlock joint must be plumb and straight. "Sickle" hocks are a very bad fault, as they lead to loss of leverage. A Clydesdale judge begins to estimate the merits of a horse by examining his feet. These must be open and round, not thin and flat. The hoof heads must be wide and springy, with no suspicion of hardness that may lead to the formation of sidebone or ringbone. The pasterns must be long, and set out at an angle of 45 degrees from the hoof head to the fetlock joint. Too long a pastern is very objectionable, but very seldom seen. A Clydesdale should have a nice open forehead (broad between the eyes), a flat (neither Roman-nosed nor "dished") profile, a wide muzzle, large nostrils, a bright, clear, intelligent eye, a big ear, and a well-arched long neck springing out of an oblique shoulder with high withers. His back should be short and his ribs well sprung from the backbone, like the hoops of a barrel. His quarters should be long, and his thighs well packed with muscle and sinew. He should have broad, clean, sharply developed hocks, and big knees, broad in front. The impression created by a thoroughly well-built typical Clydesdale is that of strength and activity, with a minimum of superfluous tissue. The idea is not grossness and bulk, but quality and weight.  As in all breeds of livestock, the Clydesdale has gone through several changes of emphasis, over the years, to meet the demands of the


Casper VS Slimer - Battles - Comic Vine Casper VS Slimer #1 Posted by ClarkJosephKent1938DC (722 posts)   - 6 years, 5 months ago Who is the better ghost, and why?


Take marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate - what do you get?

Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker Cookies | My Baking Addiction Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker Cookies posted by Jamie on March 13, 2015 Karly from Buns in My Oven is sharing one of her favorite cookie recipes with you today. If you’ve never met Karly before, now’s your chance to know someone awesome! You’re going to love every single recipe on her site. Thanks for guest posting, Karly! So, there I was standing in the pantry, feeling like I needed a cookie. Then I saw the oats and thought, hey, I’ll make some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Then I saw the graham crackers and I thought, nope. Forget the oats. I’m grinding up some graham crackers and turning them into cookies. A cracker cookie! A delicious, chocolate filled graham cracker cookie that makes me weep with joy. So, that’s how these happened. Now you know. The texture is a bit different from your average cookie and the flavor really does shout graham crackers if you ask me. The melty chocolate chips are optional, except not, because chocolate. Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker Cookies – a cracker cookie? Yep, and it’s delicious! Just wait until you see what I do to this cookie base next time. I have grand plans. Oh, do I have grand plans. UPDATED: I turned these into s’mores cookies ! Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker Cookies Yield: 15 cookies 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature 1 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 3/4 cup all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Preheat oven to 350°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy Beat in the vanilla and egg until well combined. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using a medium cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes. Cookies will look slightly underdone, but should set up nicely as they cool. adapted from Land O'Lakes Best Ever Oatmeal Cookies recipe


Rome Walking Tour: Ancient Appian Way -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides More Free City Guides The Via Appia Antica ( www.parcoappiaantica.org ), ancient Rome's "Queen of Roads," is the reason we say all roads lead to Rome. Engineered in the 5th century B.C., it was the widest and largest road of its time.  In its heyday this avenue spanned some 330 miles, running from Rome to the port of Brindisi, on the Adriatic coast, where boats left for Egypt, Greece, and North Africa. According to Christian legend, it was on the Via Appia Antica that Jesus Christ appeared to St. Peter. The road today is remarkably well preserved, flanked on both sides by fields punctuated with ruins and other vestiges of Roman history, its large flat paving stones polished by millennia of use and weathering. Start your walk at the (1) San Sebastian Gate (Via di Porta San Sebastiano 18, about two miles south of the Colosseum), where you'll find the Museum of the Walls, with exhibits on Rome's ancient walls and defenses (fee). From the museum, begin making your way down Via Appia Antica. As you proceed, you will spot ruins from Roman times, including sepulchers and columbaria (vaults for funerary urns). The first major landmark will be the (2) Church of Santa Maria in Palmis (Via Appia Antica 51) also known as the Domine Quo Vadis church, on your left. According to legend, it was here that St. Peter, fleeing Rome to escape Emperor Nero's persecution, had a vision of Jesus and asked him, "Domine, quo vadis?"—"Lord, where are you going?" Jesus's answer, "To Rome, to be crucified anew," persuaded Peter that he had to return to the city and accept his own martyrdom. A few minutes' walk farther along the road, on the right, you'll come upon the (3) Catacombs of St. Callixtus (Via Appia Antica 110; 39 06 446 5610; fee). Part of a major burial complex that encompassed almost a hundred acres, with a web of underground galleries, these catacombs were considered the official cemetery for the Christians of Rome. Featured are the Crypt of the Popes, final resting place of nine early popes, and a crypt with the remains of St. Cecilia. The remains of other early saints—St. Gaius, St. Eusebius, St. Cornelius—are also said to rest in these catacombs. More sepulchres and columbaria, including the Hebrew and Pretestatus Catacombs, line the next stretch of road. A little farther along, again on the right side of the road, are the (4) Catacombs of St. Sebastian (Via Appia Antica 136; 39 06 785 0350; fee), created as burial sites for fourth-century Christians. The catacombs descend four dark, musty levels and are not for the faint of heart. Named after the martyred Roman saint originally buried here—St. Sebastian's remains are now in the basilica above the catacombs—the St. Sebastian Catacombs were the first to be called "catacumbas" or "hollows."  The bodies of the apostles Peter and Paul were said to have been buried here for some time. As an increasing number of Christians wanted to be buried near them, the underground cemetery grew into miles of burial sites that astonish even today. Continuing on Via Appia Antica you will see, on your left, the (5) Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella (Via Appia Antica 161; 39 06 7802 1465), a well-preserved tomb and museum dedicated to a Roman noblewoman who was a contemporary of Julius Caesar and laid to rest here. Just past the mausoleum lies (6) the Circus of Maxentius, one of the best-preserved imperial circuses—oval-shaped chariot-racing courses—in Rome. Also here are the remains of a villa once lived in by the eponymous Roman emperor Maxentius, until he was overthrown by Constantine Augustus in the fourth century.


What television host is married to Portia de Rossi?

Shocker! Ellen DeGeneres’s wife Portia de Rossi leaves her for a man? tv Updated: Mar 15, 2016 14:08 IST PTI Television host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife actress Portia de Rossi pose as they arrives for the Saint Laurent fall collection fashion show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California February 10, 2016.     (REUTERS) Comedienne and TV host Ellen DeGeneres and partner Portia de Rossi, who have been married for seven years, are reportedly calling it quits. It is being said that Portia, 43, cheated on Ellen, 58, with a man, reported Aceshowbiz.


Who famously painted endless staircases and other impossible constructions?

M.C. Escher – Biography He is most famous for his so-called impossible constructions , such as Ascending and Descending , Relativity , his Transformation Prints , such as Metamorphosis I , Metamorphosis II and Metamorphosis III , Sky & Water I or Reptiles . But he also made some wonderful, more realistic work during the time he lived and traveled in Italy. Castrovalva for example, where one already can see Escher's fascination for high and low, close by and far away. The lithograph Atrani , a small town on the Amalfi Coast was made in 1931, but comes back for example, in his masterpiece Metamorphosis I and II . M.C. Escher, during his lifetime, made 448 lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings and over 2000 drawings and sketches. Like some of his famous predecessors, - Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Dürer and Holbein-, M.C. Escher was left-handed. Apart from being a graphic artist, M.C. Escher illustrated books, designed tapestries, postage stamps and murals. He was born in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, as the fourth and youngest son of a civil engineer. After 5 years the family moved to Arnhem where Escher spent most of his youth. After failing his high school exams, Maurits ultimately was enrolled in the School for Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem. Escher in Rome, Italy - 1930. Escher with wife, Jetta on beach in Italy - 1924. Escher in Ravello, Italy - 1925. After only one week, he informed his father that he would rather study graphic art instead of architecture, as he had shown his drawings and linoleum cuts to his graphic teacher Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, who encouraged him to continue with graphic arts. After finishing school, he traveled extensively through Italy, where he met his wife Jetta Umiker, whom he married in 1924. They settled in Rome, where they stayed until 1935. During these 11 years, Escher would travel each year throughout Italy, drawing and sketching for the various prints he would make when he returned home. Many of these sketches he would later use for various other lithographs and/or woodcuts and wood engravings, for example the background in the lithograph Waterfall stems from his Italian period , or the trees reflecting in the woodcut Puddle , which are the same trees Escher used in his woodcut " Pineta of Calvi ", which he made in 1932. M.C. Escher became fascinated by the regular Division of the Plane, when he first visited the Alhambra, a fourteen century Moorish castle in Granada, Spain in 1922. During the years in Switzerland and throughout the Second World War, he vigorously pursued his hobby, by drawing 62 of the total of 137 Regular Division Drawings he would make in his lifetime. He would extend his passion for the Regular Division of the Plane, by using some of his drawings as the basis for yet another hobby, carving beech wood spheres. He played with architecture, perspective and impossible spaces. His art continues to amaze and wonder millions of people all over the world. In his work we recognize his keen observation of the world around us and the expressions of his own fantasies. M.C. Escher shows us that reality is wondrous, comprehensible and fascinating.


What was the profession of Loretta Lynn's father?

Loretta Lynn Bio, Wiki, Height, weight, age, Net Worth, Marriage, Divorce, Affairs, Nation Born, birth Loretta Lynn was born Loretta Webb on April 14, 1932.  She was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. Father, Mother, brothers, sisters& Childhood Loretta was the second of eight children born to her parents Melvin “Ted” Webb and Clara “Clary” Marie. Her parents named her after film star Loretta Young. Two of her sisters, Crystal Gayle and Peggy Sue also pursued country music career and her brother Jay Lee Webb did the same. Loretta grew up in a mining community near Paintsville. Her mother falls from Scots-Irish and Cherokee ancestry. Her father professionally was a coal miner, farmer and a storekeeper. Career Loretta Lynn at first started singing in local clubs and later formed a band called the Trailblazers with her brother Jay Lee Webb in the band. On February 2, 1960 she signed her first contract with Zero records. The recording session performed in Hollywood included some of Lynn’s own compositions like: Whispering Sea, New Rainbow, Heartache Meet Mister Blues and I’m A Honky Tonk Girl.  The records became hit.On September 25, 1962 she joined The Grand Ole Opry and was set on becoming a top star. In 1962 her single “Success” made it to the Top 10 followed by many of her other singles. In 1964 her single “Before I’m Over You” reached to No. 4 and “Wine. Women and song” made it to No. 3.In the year 1965 she maintained her solo career with hits like “Happy Birthday”, Blue Kentucky Girl and “The Home You’re Tearing”. That year her two albums, Songs from My Heart and Blue Kentucky Girl were released. She recorded albums like “Singin’ Again” and “If We Put Our Heads Together” with Ernest Tubb in 1967 and 1969 respectively. “You Ain’t Women Enough” became a No. 1 Hit in 1996 and she began writing songs with a feminist viewpoint after that. From 1967 to 1980 she achieved a breakthrough success. Her album “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin” in 1967 became No. 1 and one of the first albums by a female country singer to get 500000 copies to be sold. Her other albums between her breakthrough success tenure were Fist City, Your Squaw Is on the Warpath and “What Kind of a Girl(Do You Think I am)”. Her singles like “You’ve Just Stepped In”, “Women of the world (Leave My World Alone)’, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Rated x continued to be in the charts and top them as well. Lynn came out with another album called “Love Is the Foundation” in 1973. Loretta became the first American female artist to chart over 50 Top 10 hits in the early 80’s. Her duet with Conway Twitty in 1971 was hit and they became vocal duo in many years to come. They released an album together called “Dynamic Duo” in 1977. The same year Loretta recorded an album dedicated to Patsy Cline who was a country singer and her friend who had died in a plane crash in 1963.  The album was called” I Remember Patsy”. In 1980 and 1981 her other two albums Loretta an Looking Good made it to the hit list. One of her last solo releases was “Heart Don’t Do this to me” in the 1985. She made a successful comeback in 2004 with the album Van Lear Rose. She also has published her autobiography “Still Women Enough” and a cookbook called “You’re cooking it Country” Marriage, Divorce, Affairs and Personal Life Loretta married when she was only 15 and already seven months pregnant. . She married Oliver Vanetta Lynn who was 21 at the time. They got married on January 10, 1948. After their marriage they moved to Custer, Washington in an attempt to escape the coal mining industry in their hometown Butcher Hollow. Loretta’s husband cheated on her and was an alcoholic but she stayed with Oliver till he died on August 22, 1996. They fought frequently and their marriage was shaky to the day of Oliver’s death.  About their relationship she quoted “One of the hardest love stories”. She has six children. Nationality and Ethnicity Loretta is an American and falls from Scots-Irish and Cherokee ethnicity from her mother’s side. Height, weight and age Loretta is now 81 years of age. Net Worth Her Net worth is $60


Geographically, which French city is closest to England?

English Channel Map, English Channel Location Facts, Major Bodies of Water, England - World Atlas other bodies of water Some 10,000 years ago as the last Ice Age melted away, new bodies of water formed including the English Channel and Irish Sea , Great Britain and Ireland were now islands and both would eventually benefit from that process. The Roman Legions (40,000 strong) crossed the dangerous English Channel in 43 AD. Literally undefended, the Romans named this wild new province, Britannia, and for some 350 years they controlled and influenced it, until their own Empire collapsed upon itself in 410 AD. Though many invasion attempts occurred via the channel over the centuries (some successful, some not) in modern times the English Channel has helped Britain and Ireland defend themselves from outside invaders, namely the German Army during World War II. The English Channel is a part of the Atlantic Ocean , and it separates the island of Britain (part of the UK ) from northern France and joins the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean . It is today one of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet. It's approximately 350 miles long, and at its narrowest in the Strait of Dover. It's somewhat shallow, with an average depth of less than 50 meters between Dover and Calais. Completed in 1994, the Channel Tunnel, a 31-mile long rail tunnel beneath the English Channel at the Straits of Dover, connects France and England


What profession was shared by Frank Oz and Jim Henson?

Frank Oz | Muppet Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [ show ] Early Years Richard "Frank" Oznowicz was born in England , spent parts of his childhood in Belgium , and moved to America when he was five. The son of puppeteers Isadore "Mike" Oznowicz and his wife Frances, with two other siblings, young Frank was performing as part of the Oznowicz Family Marionettes troupe by age 12. Despite this background, "I don't have a love of puppets," Oz explained in a 1987 interview "I did it as a means of expression. I was able to express myself and please my parents. It was also safe to hide behind puppets because at that point I was a little shy." [2] He had no desire to go into puppeteering professionally: "I just did it as a hobby to get some money-- I really wanted to be a journalist." [3] Beginnings with Henson At the age of 17, Oz first met Jim Henson at the Puppeteers of America festival in California. His first impression of Henson was as "this very quiet, shy guy who did these absolutely ******* amazing puppets that were totally brand new and fresh, that had never been done before." [4] At age 19, in 1963, he joined the burgeoning Muppets, Inc. as a right hand for Rowlf the Dog in variety appearances and later on The Jimmy Dean Show . It was here that Jimmy Dean introduced him as "Frank Oz...," mumbling the last part of his name. Thus, Oz began using the shortened form of his name that he's known by today. [5] He also worked on commercials, replacing Jane Henson as key assistant. While Henson provided all of the voices, he and Oz would alternate when performing such buddy duos as Scoop and Skip , and the new puppeteer assisted on such characters as the Southern Colonel and Nutty Bird . His most notable commercial role was as Delbert the La Choy Dragon . This was Oz's first, and one of his very few, experiences as a full-bodied puppet performer, and one which he did not relish: “ I hated it. I hated doing it totally. Jim knew I hated it. I think he relished it. The La Choy dragon was a *****. I was totally blind in there. I always hated being inside characters, but I was the main performer and that was my job. [4] ” Sesame Street On Sesame Street , Frank Oz originated the characters of Bert , Grover , and Cookie Monster , and performed them exclusively for nearly 30 years. During this time, he performed a great number of minor characters, including Lefty the Salesman . He was also offered the role of Big Bird , but because of his experience as the La Choy Dragon, he turned down the role. [6] Commenting on his performing habits, Fran Brill noted that Oz would often put his hand on top of whoever was doing right hands so they couldn't gesture too much. [7] According to the book Sesame Street Unpaved , during the show's early years Oz was in almost every sketch, but by 1998 he only appeared on the Sesame Street set four days a year, performing nearly fifteen sketches with his characters during those four days. As of 2011, he is still taping appearances during a limited schedule for new segments, one day a year. [8] Despite this, to help keep Oz's characters visible Eric Jacobson is currently the principal performer of Bert and Grover, and David Rudman is the principal performer of Cookie Monster. Oz was confirmed to have performed in segments for season 43 . [9] Middle Years Oz and Henson (with SkekZok ) at the New York premiere for The Dark Crystal. Frank Oz on the set of The Muppets Take Manhattan. Frank Oz made his directorial debut on Sesame Street when he directed the Number Three Ball Film segment. When production began on The Dark Crystal , Jim Henson decided to let Frank Oz co-direct the movie with him. According to an interview with Oz, “ [Jim] said, 'Do you want to direct Dark Crystal with me?', and I said, 'Why?, I don't know how to direct. You could do it yourself. Why would you want me to direct with you?' He said, 'Because it would be better'. And that's all that mattered. He didn't care about the credit. He knew that he had some weaknesses and he knew that I had some strengths, and so we worked together that way. [1


"What movie character said ""Do or do not. There is no try""?"

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - Quotes - IMDb Share this: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Permalink Hide options Yoda : Yes, run! Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice. Luke : Vader... Is the dark side stronger? Yoda : No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive. Luke : But how am I to know the good side from the bad? Yoda : You will know... when you are calm, at peace, passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, NEVER for attack. Luke : But tell my why I can't... Yoda : No, no! There is no "why". Share this: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Permalink Hide options [Darth Vader has just learned of Admiral Ozzel's big blunder, and activates a viewscreen] Admiral Ozzel : [appearing onscreen with Captain Piett] Lord Vader, the fleet has moved out of lightspeed and we're preparing to... [Ozzel stops, and suddenly begins to choke, clutching at his throat] Darth Vader : You have failed me for the last time, Admiral! Captain Piett? Captain Piett : Yes, my lord? Darth Vader : Make ready to land our troops beyond their energy field, and deploy the fleet, so that nothing gets off the system. [beside Piett, Admiral Ozzel utters one last strangled gasp, and falls over dead] Darth Vader : You are in command now... Admiral Piett! Share this: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Permalink Hide options [the storm troopers are taken prisoner by Calrissian's men] Lando : [to Lobot, his aide] Well done. Hold them in the security tower, and keep it quiet. Move. [Lando's aide and their men walk off with the troops as Lando hands Leia the imperials' weapons and starts taking off Chewie's cuffs] Leia : What do you think you're doing? Lando : We're getting out of here. C-3PO : I knew all along. Had to be a mistake. Leia : [angrily] Do you think that after what you did to Han that we're going to trust you? [Chewie grabs Lando by the throat] Lando : [choking] I had no choice! C-3PO : What are you doing? Trust him, trust him! Leia : Oh, well, we understand, don't we, Chewie. You had "no choice". Lando : Just trying to help... Leia : We don't need any of your help! Lando : [gasps] Han! Ha- Ha... Luke : Now all I got to is find this Yoda. If he even exists. It's a really strange place to find a Jedi Master. This place gives me the creeps. [starts to eat something] Luke : Still... there's something familiar about this place. [R2-D2 beeps] Luke : I don't know, I feel like... [suddenly whips around and aims his gun at Yoda, who cowers and whimpers] Luke : ... like we're being watched! Yoda : Away put your weapon, I mean you no harm! I am wondering, why are you here? Luke : I'm looking for someone. Yoda : Looking? Found someone, you have, I would say! Hmm? [laughs] Luke : [lowers his gun] Right... Yoda : Help you, I can. Yes, mmm. Luke : I don't think so. [Yoda frowns] Share this: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Permalink Hide options Captain Needa : [on a hologram] They were damaged, Lord Vader, the last time they appeared in any of our scopes. Considering the amount of damage we've sustained, they must be destroyed. Darth Vader : [not on the hologram] No, Captain. They're alive. I want every ship available to sweep the asteroid field until they are found. [Needa bows and the hologram disappears] Admiral Piett : [walks up to Vader] Lord Vader. Darth Vader : Yes, Admiral, what is it? Admiral Piett : The Emperor commands you to make contact with him. Darth Vader : Move the ship out of the asteroid field so we can send a clear transmission. [Vader goes into his room and bows as the Emperor appears on a giant hologram] Darth Vader : What is thy bidding, my master? Emperor Palpatine : There is a great disturbance in the Force. The quote item below may give away important plot points. Darth Vader : There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you. [pauses] Darth Vader : Luke, you do not y


What animal did Ben Franklin think superior to the bald eagle? (as a national symbol of the US)

Benjamin Franklin and his "Bird of Courage." Illustration by Lisa Larson-Walker. Source paintings via Wikimedia Commons. “OK, is everyone good on this Declaration of Independence thing? Anyone need clarification on the ‘all men are created equal’ bit? No? Great, now let’s get down to some serious business: What should be our new national symbol? All those in favor of the bald eagle say ‘Aye!’ ” That’s how I wish it went down, but that’s not how it went down. The choice to include the bald eagle in the Great Seal of the United States was made after years of the kind of congressional congestion that remains a defining characteristic of the body. As you might expect, it started with a committee. The Continental Congress assigned the task of designing the seal to the Founding Father dream team of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams on July 4, 1776, just after signing the Declaration of Independence. Advertisement Each of the men submitted a proposal, but their designs were awful—blandly allegorical and pedantic. Adams submitted a painting depicting a young Hercules choosing between “the flowery path of self-indulgence” and the “rugged, uphill way of duty to others.” Jefferson submitted an image involving the children of Israel in the wilderness, trailed by a cloud and a pillar of fire. The committee failed, and the Congress agreed in August 1776 to let the proposed designs “lie on the table.” A second committee was formed in 1780 but also failed to produce a worthy design, as did a third committee in 1782. Exasperated, Congress turned the duty over to its secretary, Charles Thomson, an orphan who had risen to become the “ Samuel Adams of Philadelphia ” (not to be confused with Slate’s Sam Adams of Philadelphia or the Samuel Adams brewed near Philadelphia). By late 1782, Thomson succeeded where all others had failed, producing a description immediately accepted by Congress. Thomson submitted a description only, though, not a drawing—probably because his sketches looked like something doodled on the back of my middle school notebook. The most famous story to come out of the Great Seal ordeal is that Franklin preferred the wild turkey to the bald eagle. This story has more truth to it than some others about Franklin (forget everything you’ve heard about the kite-flying experiment), but it’s not so simple. Sick burn, Franklin! Stealing food out of a baby’s mouth! An eagle first appeared in a Great Seal proposed by William Barton of the 1782 committee. Barton’s avian-centric design (it also includes a dove and a phoenix) depicted an all-white eagle of a kind that does not exist in nature. Thomson’s description, however, specified “an American Eagle on the wing & rising proper.” Though golden eagles are also present in North America, “American Eagle” meant bald eagle, a common sight in the Colonies. Advertisement Before and after his time on the first Great Seal committee, Franklin had a number of ideas for the emblem of the United States. In an anonymous letter to the Pennsylvania Journal in 1775, Franklin pondered the virtues of using the rattlesnake as the coat of arms of America. His assessment was perhaps overthought—Franklin recognized both that a rattlesnake “never begins an attack, nor, once engaged, ever surrenders” and that rattlesnakes huddle together in winter for warmth, just like Americans do. (I guess?) Though it didn’t make it onto the Great Seal, Franklin’s rattlesnake comparison and the related “Don’t Tread on Me” slogan and other symbols have been in the limelight in recent years. When Franklin served on the committee with Jefferson and Adams, however, he proposed something much harder to draw: Moses standing on a shore, backlit by rays from a pillar of fire, while an Egyptian pharaoh and soldiers drown—in an uncomfortable level of detail—in waves of the parted Red Sea. Perhaps a little aggressive for a Great Seal, the proposal was rightly dismissed. Courtesy of U.S. Diplomacy Center/Wikimedia Commons Franklin’s lament of the choice of bald eagle comes from a letter he wrote in 1784. He was remar


What language is the language Afrikaans derived from?

Afrikaans - Language Information & Resources Home » Resources » Languages » Afrikaans Afrikaans The Afrikaans language is surrounded by a history of political and social controversy thanks to its inherent historical ties to the oppressive apartheid policies of South Africa’s old Afrikaans governments. The language remains relevant, however, and has regained some prominence in South Africa in recent years. Today, Afrikaans is spoken by an estimated 6 million people in South Africa and Namibia. Other countries where Afrikaans can be heard include Botswana, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Classification of the Afrikaans Language Although it is primarily known for its presence in South Africa, the Afrikaans language was developed from the 17th-century Dutch language. It is therefore classified as a West Germanic language. Afrikaans and Dutch are very similar; however, Afrikaans has always retained a distinct quality that sets it apart as a different language. Major differences occur in pronunciation and the fact that, unlike Dutch, the Afrikaans language lacks case and gender distinctions. Early Development of the Afrikaans Language It is believed that the first Dutch settlers came to South Africa in 1652. These settlers founded the city of Cape Town and over time developed a unique culture, language, and society, helping to form a unified Afrikaner population. Afrikaners, also formerly known as Boers, historically have been defined as those Afrikaans language-speakers of European – especially Dutch – descent who have inhabited Southern Africa since the 17th century. Derived primarily from the Dutch language dialect of South Holland, the Afrikaans language developed grammatical simplifications that made it distinct from standard Dutch. For one thing, case and gender distinctions found in the Dutch language were dropped. Thanks to the influences of other settlers in southern Africa, the Afrikaans language picked up a number of loan words from the English, French, German, and Native African languages. Development of Afrikaans as a Written Language Until the mid-19th century, Afrikaans existed primarily as a spoken language while standard Dutch was used as the writing system among Afrikaners. Around this time, a nationalist Afrikaans movement arose which called for the adaptation of Afrikaans as a written language. Gradually the newspapers, schools and churches of Afrikaner populations in southern Africa came to adopt the Afrikaans language, until it officially replaced Standard Dutch as the writing system of South Africa in 1925. The use of Afrikaans in the South African educational system began in 1914. The language’s status was further solidified when it was adopted by the Dutch Reformed Church in 1919 and when, in1933, the first Afrikaans translation of the Bible appeared in South Africa. British Colonization: Effects on Afrikaner Populations The British take-over of the Dutch Cape colony in 1814 resulted in legal reforms including the abolition of slavery and increased protection for the Khoikhoi peoples who had been largely displaced by the Afrikaners. Afrikaner disagreement with British policy resulted in the Great Trek, a series of Afrikaner migrations in the 1830s and 1840s. An estimated 10,000 Afrikaners fled from British rule, establishing independent Afrikaner states of the Orange Free State and the South African Republic. British attempts to take these Afrikaner republics resulted in the First Boer War, which ended with British victory. As a result, the two Afrikaner states were made a part of the British Union of South Africa in 1910, at which point South Africa was declared a bilingual (English and Afrikaans) state. Afrikaner Government in South Africa From 1910 to 1994, Afrikaners controlled South African government – a difficult social and political era that remains shrouded in controversy. Although racial segregation had been apparent in South Africa since European colonization began in the 17th century, the political segregation policy known as apartheid – literally meaning “separaten


Famous People with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Lou Gehrigs Disease Famous People with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Lou Gehrigs Disease A list of famous and well known people with ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide. ALS is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide, and people of all races and ethnic backgrounds are affected. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig's Disease, or Maladie de Charcot) is a progressive, usually fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. Between 1 to 2 people per 100,000 develop Lou Gehrig's Disease each year. ALS most commonly strikes people between 40 and 60 years of age, but younger and older people can also develop the disease. Scientists have not found a definitive cause for Lou Gehrig's Disease but the onset of the disease can be linked to a variety of risk factors. It is believed that one or more of the following factors are responsible for the majority of Lou Gehrig's Disease cases. Researchers suspect a virus, exposure to neurotoxins or heavy metals, DNA defects, immune system abnormalities, and enzyme abnormalities as the leading causes of the disease. Lou Gehrig's Disease Symptoms The onset of ALS may be so subtle that the symptoms are frequently overlooked. The earliest symptoms of Lou Gehrig's Disease may include twitching, cramping, or stiffness of muscles; muscle weakness affecting an arm or a leg, and/or slurred and nasal speech. Eventually, ALS weakens muscles, including muscles used for breathing, until they become paralyzed. Men are affected slightly more often than women. Famous People with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's Disease Lou Gehrig - Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig (June 19, 1903 - June 2, 1941), born Ludwig Heinrich Gehrig, was an American baseball player in the 1920s and 1930s, who set several Major League records and was popularly called the "The Iron Horse" for his durability. His record for most career grand slam home runs (23) still stands today. At the midpoint of the 1938 season, Gehrig's performance began to diminish. As Lou Gehrig's debilitation became steadily worse, Eleanor called the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After six days of extensive testing at Mayo Clinic, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was confirmed on June 19, Gehrig's 36th birthday. The prognosis was grim: rapidly increasing paralysis, difficulty in swallowing and speaking, and a life expectancy of fewer than three years, although there would be no impairment of mental functions. Gehrig probably was told that the cause of ALS was unknown but it was painless, non-contagious and cruel - the nervous system is destroyed but the mind remains intact. Professor Stephen Hawking - Born on the eighth of January in the year 1942 in Oxford, England. Stephen has conducted work concerning the basic laws that govern the universe itself. Along with Roger Penrose, he has shown that Einstein's General Theory of Relativity implied space and time would have a beginning in the, "Big Bang," and end in black holes. In regards to the disability Stephen experiences, he has some things to say: "I am quite often asked: How do you feel about having ALS? The answer is, not a lot. I try to lead as normal a life as possible, and not think about my condition, or regret the things it prevents me from doing, which are not that many." Mao Zedong - (1893-1976) Chinese military and political leader, who led the Communist Party of China (CPC) to victory against the Kuomintang (KMT) in the Chinese Civil War, and was the leader of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. Regarded as one of the most important figures in modern world history, Mao is still a controversial figure today, over thirty years after his death. He died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known in the U.S as Lou Gehrig's Disease and elsewhere as Mot


What pop star married British movie director Guy Ritchie?

BBC ON THIS DAY | 22 | 2000: Madonna weds her Guy About This Site | Text Only 2000: Madonna weds her Guy The American superstar Madonna has married British movie director Guy Ritchie at an exclusive ceremony in the Scottish Highlands. Journalists and members of the public were kept well away from the heavily guarded Skibo Castle near Dornoch in Sutherland. Among those on the star-studded guest list were Sting, dressed in a kilt, and his wife Trudie Styler. They introduced the couple two years ago. The actress Gwyneth Paltrow was maid of honour and two best-men were nightclub owner Piers Adam and film producer Matthew Vaughn. Also invited were actor Rupert Everett and fashion designers Stella McCartney and Donatella Versace. Tartan and haggis Madonna, aged 42, married Mr Ritchie, who is ten years her junior, in a ceremony steeped in the groom's Scottish heritage. Mr Ritchie wore a kilt in the Hunting Mackintosh tartan and his bride's white Gothic-style dress was adorned with a sash of the same tartan. The bride was given away by her father, Tony Ciccone, and watched by her four-year-old daughter Lourdes. A Church of Scotland minister, the Rev Susan Brown, who had baptised the couple's four-month old son Rocco yesterday in Dornoch Cathedral, presided. Then guests were treated to a smoked salmon and haggis champagne reception followed by a ceilidh - a traditional party with singing, dancing and Scottish music. Mr and Mrs Ritchie are expected to spend their honeymoon in Sting's Grade 1 listed Tudor mansion in Wiltshire. Arrested in cathedral Yesterday hundreds of people came to Dornoch Cathedral to get a glimpse of Madonna and child as they arrived for the christening of Rocco. Some even climbed trees to get a better view of the celebrities. One fan, Sharon Sutherland from Inverness, was herself married at the cathedral seven years ago. "I wanted to come here today because I have always been a fan of Madonna," she said. Two men were arrested at the cathedral and charged with various offences - one of them hid inside the building during the baptism.


What bouncy substance was invented by the absent-minded professor?

The Absent Minded Professor Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb 23 out of 25 people found the following review useful: Good Fun for the Whole Family Author: Chuck Bryan 4 September 2004 It has been years since I have seen this movie! I am glad to see that it is still fun and my girls really enjoyed (4 & 6). What was kinda neat was that the Alonzo Hawk character also returns in Herbie Rides Again (same actor, same personality). Small coincidence, because the movie was also directed by Robert Stevenson. So, if you are looking for a film that will not offend, and offer a few chuckles and will captivate your child's attention, check out The Absent Minded Professor. Also, IMHO, do not wast time with the Flubber remake. Cheers Was the above review useful to you? 21 out of 23 people found the following review useful: Classic MacMurray from Los Angeles, California 30 October 2003 This is probably one of the best live action films Disney has ever released. Fred MacMurray once again proved how great a comedic actor he was and this film is just a confirmation of it. Also, Nancy Olson was great as his frustrated fiancee, Betsy. However, the real scene stealer in this film is Keenan Wynne as old man Hawk. Mr. Hawk was probably one of the biggest weasels in cinematic history and Tommy Kirk is also great as his son Biff. Also, the best scene in the whole film is the basketball game. That scene alone is what makes this film a classic comedy. Was the above review useful to you? 20 out of 23 people found the following review useful: Better than "Flubber," that's for sure... 12 February 2004 The Absent Minded Professor Classic family from from Walt Disney that stars Fred MacMurray in the title role as a rather forgetful and absent minded professor who invents a strange putty substance that drives him and his close contacts bonkers. The movie is much more inspired, likable and family-friendly (not to mention funnier and more charming) than the remake starring Robin Williams, which was written by John Hughes long after his career had fallen downwards. This version is the definitive version--don't let the kiddies convince you to rent the other one before you see this one! **** / ***** Was the above review useful to you? 15 out of 15 people found the following review useful: More Bounce To The Ounce from Buffalo, New York 4 April 2007 The Absentminded Professor was the second film that Fred MacMurray in his second career rebirth with Walt Disney as the midwife. He scored an enormous success in The Shaggy Dog and Disney films together with his My Three Sons TV series established MacMurray as the quintessential family father figure which would endure for the rest of his life. I do remember seeing this in the theater back as a youngster and back then the younger ones in the crowd were looking at Tommy Kirk who was at the height of his Disney popularity. Nevertheless MacMurray gives a delightful performance as science professor Ned Brainerd who's accidentally invented a variation on rubber which has a great deal more bounce to it. He's so wrapped up in his experiment that he's even forgetting his wedding day to Nancy Olson, AGAIN. She's about had it with him and ready to fall for the wolfish English professor Elliott Reid. MacMurray has his own troubles. Other than helping his college win a basketball game with a team that they are way overmatched against, he's not quite decided what use this stuff he calls flubber is good for. But wealthy Keenan Wynn sure wants to get his hands on it. Funniest sequence in the film is Keenan Wynn after MacMurray and Olson trick him into wearing flubberized shoes is seeing bounce slowly into the stratosphere before a quick thinking Tommy Kirk devises a way to counteract his flubberized dad. The AbsentMinded Professor was so popular with audiences that Disney did another version with almost the entire same cast in Son of Flubber. That one was almost as funny, but this still has a lot of laughs even after almost fifty years. Was the above review useful to you? 13 out of 16 people found the following review useful: Wat


What country attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941?

Pearl Harbor - World War II - HISTORY.com Google Pearl Harbor and the Road to War The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise, but Japan and the United States had been edging toward war for decades. The United States was particularly unhappy with Japan’s increasingly belligerent attitude toward China. The Japanese government believed that the only way to solve its economic and demographic problems was to expand into its neighbor’s territory and take over its import market; to this end, Japan had declared war on China in 1937. American officials responded to this aggression with a battery of economic sanctions and trade embargoes. They reasoned that without access to money and goods, and especially essential supplies like oil, Japan would have to rein in its expansionism. Instead, the sanctions made the Japanese more determined to stand their ground. During months of negotiations between Tokyo and Washington , D.C., neither side would budge. It seemed that war was inevitable. Did You Know? The single vote against Congress's declaration of war against Japan came from Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana. Rankin was a pacifist who had also voted against the American entrance into World War I. "As a woman," she said, "I can’t go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else." But no one believed that the Japanese would start that war with an attack on American territory. For one thing, it would be terribly inconvenient: Hawaii and Japan were about 4,000 miles apart. For another, American intelligence officials were confident that any Japanese attack would take place in one of the (relatively) nearby European colonies in the South Pacific: the Dutch East Indies, for instance, or Singapore or Indochina. Because American military leaders were not expecting an attack so close to home, the naval facilities at Pearl Harbor were relatively undefended. Almost the entire Pacific Fleet was moored around Ford Island in the harbor, and hundreds of airplanes were squeezed onto adjacent airfields. To the Japanese, Pearl Harbor was an irresistible target. “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy” The Japanese plan was simple: Destroy the Pacific Fleet. That way, the Americans would not be able to fight back as Japan’s armed forces spread across the South Pacific. On December 7, after months of planning and practice, the Japanese launched their attack. At about 8 a.m., Japanese planes filled the sky over Pearl Harbor. Bombs and bullets rained onto the vessels moored below. At 8:10, a 1,800-pound bomb smashed through the deck of the battleship USS Arizona and landed in her forward ammunition magazine. The ship exploded and sank with more than 1,000 men trapped inside. Next, torpedoes pierced the shell of the battleship USS Oklahoma . With 400 sailors aboard, the Oklahoma lost her balance, rolled onto her side and slipped underwater. By the time the attack was over, every battleship in Pearl Harbor–USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California , USS West Virginia , USS Utah , USS Maryland , USS Pennsylvania , USS Tennessee and USS Nevada–had sustained significant damage. (All but USS Arizona and USS Utah were eventually salvaged and repaired.) In all, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor crippled or destroyed nearly 20 American ships and more than 300 airplanes. Dry docks and airfields were likewise destroyed. Most important, almost 2,500 men were killed and another 1,000 were wounded. But the Japanese had failed to cripple the Pacific Fleet. By the 1940s, battleships were no longer the most important naval vessel: Aircraft carriers were, and as it happened, all of the Pacific Fleet’s carriers were away from the base on December 7. (Some had returned to the mainland and others were delivering planes to troops on Midway and Wake Islands.) Moreover, the Pearl Harbor assault had left the base’s most vital onshore facilities–oil storage depots, repair shops, shipyards and submarine docks–intact. As a result, the U.S. Navy was able to rebound relatively quickly from the attack. Pearl Harbor Awakens the “Sleeping Giant” “Yesterday,” President Roosevelt said on


What was the name of Geppetto's puppet who came to life?

Geppetto | Disney Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia “Good Geppetto, you have given so much happiness to others, that you deserve to have your wish come true.” ―The Blue Fairy before granting Pinocchio life. Geppetto is a major character in Disney 's 1940 animated feature film, Pinocchio . He is a woodcarver who creates Pinocchio and wishes for him to become a real boy. When his wish comes true, he becomes the father of Pinocchio. Contents [ show ] Background Geppetto is described by Jiminy Cricket as a woodcarver who lives in a small home with his kitten Figaro and goldfish Cleo . Aside from his pets, he doesn't seem to have a family but nevertheless remains kind-hearted and humble. According to the Blue Fairy , Geppetto is somewhat of a saint, and he is implied to have spent a majority of his life selflessly bringing joy to others. As mentioned, Geppetto is a woodcarver and is extremely talented in his work. His home is filled with a massive array of original creations, including toys, figurines, clocks, articulated knick-knacks and other items created by Geppetto, himself. He also appears to have some musical talent, as he not only creates a number of music boxes but is seen playing a Template:WikipediaLink:concertina . Personality Geppetto is a humble old man, who gleefully spends a majority of his time working on unique creations in his workshop. Most of these creations are meant for the entertainment of both himself and others, presenting Geppetto as a playful child-at-heart. He doesn't have much sternness in his attitude, nor does has he shown any legitimately negative traits to his character, aside from being somewhat of a passive. He is also very whimsical, with Jiminy describing his dreams as "lovely thoughts, but not at all practical", specifically referring to Geppetto's dream to have Pinocchio become a real boy. He doesn't make much of a fuss of how Pinocchio's sentence came to be, once they met. Additionally, he speaks to and treats both Figaro and Cleo as his children, and at times confidantes, rather than animals. As Pinocchio's father, Geppetto is undoubtedly loving, nurturing, and protective. He was initially shocked at Pinocchio's presence, being a living puppet, but was quick to set that aside for the sake of providing him with the love that any human child should receive. After Pinocchio went missing, Geppetto wasted no time in searching the village, and beyond, to find his son; taking on dark streets, rain storms, and the deadly whale Monstro , Geppetto was relentless in ensuring his son was safe. After the two finally reunite, and Geppetto learned of Pinocchio's mishaps, he made no effort to reprimand his evidently remorseful son, simply feeling grateful to finally be a united family, once more. Appearances Pinocchio When first introduced, Geppetto is shown to be working on his latest, greatest creation, a marionette. Geppetto then names the puppet Pinocchio , for he was made of pine, and plays around with it once he's completed. This makes Figaro very jealous, which Geppetto realizes eventually. Geppetto then realizes it's bed time and spots a wishing star from his bed. He reveals to Figaro his wish for Pinocchio to become a real boy. Afterward, Geppetto dozes off to sleep. During his slumber, Geppetto is visited by the Blue Fairy who grants Geppetto's wish for his acts of kindness to others. Through her magic, Pinocchio comes to life. He walks and talks, complete with a conscience, Jiminy Cricket. While Jiminy and Pinocchio are singing to celebrate their union Pinocchio falls off the shelf and makes much noise. Geppetto meets the living Pinocchio for the first time. The noise awakens Geppetto, who realizes that he, Cleo and Figaro are not the only ones in the house at the moment. Geppetto spots Pinocchio, who he thinks is still just a puppet and places him back on the shelf. Pinocchio speaks to Geppetto. Geppetto believes he's dreaming and splashes water on himself. Geppetto realizes it's not a dream and begins to celebrate along with Cleo and Figaro. Pinocchio innocently catches his own finger on fi


What type of animal would you find in an apiary?

What Animal Are You? "A truly insightful personality test based on a novel psychological idea." The Four Fs of Animal Personalities The fundamental aspects of animal personalities can be summarized with the four Fs: Feeding, Fighting, Fleeing and Sex. Feeding techniques translate into the careers that corresponding human personalities would choose. Bird personalities, for example, would prefer jobs that provide a great deal of freedom, while sheep personalities might flourish under the direction of a strong dog personality. Canine personalities like the wolf , dog and fox instinctively work well with others while bear personas chafe under the direction of authority. Fighting is equivalent to the way in which a person controls his or her environment. Carnivorous personalities are assertive and adventurous, while herbivore personalities tend to be passive and cautious. Fleeing is how people protect themselves from each other. Herd animal personalities find refuge in the company of friends and family, wolves prefer tightly knit social groups, and mice personalities prefer to keep low profiles. Sex describes the ways we seek mates. From the brutal strength display of the wild elk to the seductive display of peacocks , all creatures strive to exert control over their reproductive choices. An animal's mating habits translates into the way that someone conducts their sexual relationships. Some animal species are monogamous while others have a variety of mates. Some personalities like the beaver mate for life, while tiger personalities are solitary and rarely monogamous. From the subtle and coy techniques of the cottontail personality to the aggressive displays of the lion, every species employs a unique mating strategy. These sorts of behaviors come naturally to us and a visit to a public park reveals our animal personalities in action. Young girls walk by pretending not to notice the watching boys displaying their own mating behavior, some of whom adopt masculine stances lounging around with their legs apart, or calling aggressively to the females, while others feign disinterest and use subtle body language to stake their claims. Why Do People's Personalities Resemble Animals? Humans are an unusual and highly successful species that spends a great deal of time examining its higher motives and an equal amount of time ignoring its fundamental ones. —Desmond Morris Have you ever noticed how people tend to assume animal personalities ? We talk of someone being a bear of a man or someone acting like a dog . People we don't care for are weasels , sloths , or sometimes vultures . Why is there such a strong correlation between human and animal behavior? Are these connections coincidental, or is there a more prosaic explanation? A possible clue lies in nature's need for diversity. Life consists of an astonishing variety of animal species, each with its own distinct behavior and physical properties. This diversity appears to be an essential component of life, for without it, an ecosystem cannot successfully maintain itself. At first glance, it would seem that nature would find the most efficient structure for an animal species and duplicate it en masse. However, an ecosystem with a single species cannot survive, and it takes a range of animal species to ensure a healthy habitat. The food chain — or, more accurately, the food web — requires the interaction of predators, prey, burrowing creatures, arboreal animals, and insects to remain stable. It is the interplay Introduction among these divergent species that gives rise to enduring and healthy populations. In a process known as parallel evolution, unrelated animal species separated by vast distances often evolve corresponding behavioral and physical characteristics in order to take advantage of available niches. For example, isolated from the mainland for thousands of years, the marsupial Tasmanian wolf, or thylacine, evolved numerous features similar to the North American wolf . Although almost extinct from being hunted, its doglike body, coughing bark, and canine hunting behavior clos


What Los Angeles street gang is rivals with the Crips?

18th Street Gang in Los Angeles County | Shatto Park | Columbia Lil Cycos | Alsace | Red Shield | South Central | Smiley Dr | Rimpau | 106th | Grand View | StreetGangs.Com By Alex Alonso Staff Writer Streetgangs updated December 22, 2002 updated June 25, 2008 “The spread of 18th Street’s violence is shown by 154 murders linked to the gang from 1985 to 1995. This only plots homicides within Los Angeles where the killings have been tied to the gang.” The killings on the map show 18th Street as both victims and assailants of murder and one can see a concentration west of the 110 Freeway near downtown Los Angeles, November 17-19, 1996. In Los Angeles the 18th Street gang is considered the largest gang in Los Angeles County but that label is very misleading. Even though 18th Street are estimated to have approximately 15,000 members in Los Angeles County, they are actually a collection of approximately 20 separate individual autonomous gangs operating under the same label with separate barrios in the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, the South Bay, South Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles, Pico Union, Inglewood, and Cudahy. Some estimates of the 18th Street are as low as 8,000 members. The notoriety of the gang is based on four distinct barrios, three near downtown Los Angeles west of the Staple’s Center and the 110 Freeway, and one in the West Adams area. The individual factions can number from 50 to several hundred members and they are dispersed throughout the County, but their strong hold and their oldest barrio is located in the Pico Union (Grand View, Hoover clicks) area east of the Staples Center between the Harbor 110 Freeway (east) and Hoover Ave (west). Slightly to the north, are two other barrios in the Shatto Park and MacArthur Park (Colombia Lil Cycos click) areas. There are also two significant size 18th Street Barrios in South LA, one between Vernon (north) and Slauson (south) along Vermont Avenue and the second one being between Florence (north) and 91st Street (south).   One of the most infamous 18th Street neighborhoods would be in the West Adams (Smiley, Alsace, Lil Lowks) because member Catorina Gonzales was convicted for killing LAPD officer Filbert Cuesta in 1998, and more recently, member Pedro Espinoza was charged in the murder of High School star athlete Jamiel Shaw stemming from the conflict with the Bloods. The media often states that 18th Street is the largest gang in Los Angeles, but the largest single Hispanic gang in terms of turf size and membership would be one of 18th Street’s main rivals, the Florencia 13 gang that has a turf that stretches from Western (west) to Compton Avenues (east). Members of this gang were indicted by the Federal Government in a RICO case in 2007 on drug trafficking and murder charges. Historical Background The 18th Street gang formed around 1965 in the Pico Union area when members of larger Westside Clanton 14th Street neighborhood decided to start a new click. Originally, 18th Street was a click of the bigger Clanton 14th Street neighborhood (First Hood) who had another neighborhood, Eastside Clanton that was split by the freeway construction of the early 1950s. As membership of Clanton grew, newer members who lived off of 18th Street decided to start Clanton 18th Street. Forming a new click of a gang can sometimes be a challenge, because some members may look at it as an action that does not unify but separates the neighborhood, and possibly creates division between members that will be forced to choose sides during a conflict. On the other hand, adding a click can expand the turf, bring in more members, and make the neighborhood appear to be stronger. There is usually a protocol to creating a new click and each neighborhood is different when it comes to that, but ultimately Clanton 14 core members did not approve of having Clanton 18. One of the reasons why original Clanton members began to reject the 18th click, was because it was being led by a non Mexican-American, named Rocky Lee Glover (b. 1950 – ). The new click members had to make a decis