Which gangster Meyer Lansky founded Murder Incorporated?

Murder Inc | Mafia, cosa nostra, gansters Murder Inc Murder Incorporated No crime organization in the history of the United States has ever struck terror in the hearts of gangsters throughout the criminal underworld like the notorious crime group dubbed “Murder, Inc.” by U.S. media during the 1930s and 1940s. Murder, Inc was a group of enforcers for the New York Italian and Jewish Mafia that eventually began carrying out its grizzly business on a national scale. The murderous group was once headed at one time or another by the infamous Louis “Lepke” Buchalter and Albert Anastasia, who was also known in some circles as “The Mad Hatter.” It has been reported that Murder, Inc may have been responsible for as many as 1,000 contract murders before the group was publicly revealed by former contract killer turned informant Abe “Kid Twist” Reles. Over the ensuing year’s law enforcement, led by prosecutor Thomas Dewey, tracked down and incarcerated and/or executed numerous members of the shadowy organization until it was driven to extinction. Ironically enough, the informant who turned out to be the catalyst for the eventual demise of Murder, Inc., Abe Reles, was mysteriously killed when he “fell” out of a window. Early Beginnings The core organizers of what was later to become know as Murder, Inc. began as a loosely associated gang of street thugs from Brownsville, New York, committing petty crimes to support their chosen life of crime. At that time they were simply known as the “Brownville Boys,” but their small-time status would change how the Mafia dealt with opposition when they defeated the Shapiro brothers for street supremacy of their turf. During the 1920s three brothers named Meyer Shapiro, Willie Shapiro, and Jacob Shapiro were behind most of the illegal activities that occurred within the Brownsville area of Brooklyn, New York. They were the kingpins of prostitution, gambling, and illegal alcohol who ruthlessly ruled their territory and kept all the proceeds from their ill-gotten gains within their family. It was only a matter of time before they clashed with the Brownsville Boys. When the Brownsville Boys decided that the Shapiro brothers stood in their way of climbing the syndicate ladder it was clear that they had to be eliminated. After a long and bloody confrontation, one-by-one the Shapiro brothers were executed and the stature of the Brownsville Boys was elevated as a ruthless gang of hit men who were ready and willing to carry out contract killings against other members of the mob for a price. The organization was actually dubbed Murder, Inc. by the media in the 1930s to sensationalize their deadly purpose. They were originally founded by the National Crime Syndicate (NCS) under the auspices of gangsters Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Meyer Lansky . The NCS was later run by Louse “Lepke” Buchalter until he was convicted and executed via the electric chair for murder. Neither the police nor general public believed that a criminal organization whose sole purpose was to carry out contract murders actually existed until an angry member of the gang named Abe Wagner turned informant confirmed its existence to the authorities. Wagner subsequently went into hiding but was tracked down by thugs who worked for Bugsy Sigel and executed. Secrecy was always the key to the successful operation of the enforcement arm of the Mafia. It was under the leadership of Louis Buchalter that the gang was molded into an efficient killing organization. Buchalter did everything possible to keep Mafia activities away from public scrutiny. Under the cloak of anonymity, the ruthlessness of the organization could be carried out with impunity. Now the secret was out and there were challenges ahead. How Murder Inc. Worked Few historians dispute that by eliminating the Shapiro brothers the Brownsville Boys gained their reputation as major players in the world of organized crime and could no longer be brushed off as small-time operators. With the death of Willie Shapiro, the Brownsville Boys gained respect within the National Crime Syndicate, whose


Which cartoon gunfighter was so fast he could outdraw his shadow?

Lucky Luke [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk: Jean Dujardin: DVD & Blu-ray Lucky Luke [DVD] Â£5.80 & FREE Delivery in the UK on orders dispatched by Amazon over Â£20. Details Only 2 left in stock. This item can be delivered to your selected dispatch location in the United States. Details Sold by skyvo-direct and Fulfilled by Amazon . Gift-wrap available. Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) is a service Amazon offers sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's warehouses, and Amazon directly does the picking, packing, shipping and customer service on these items. Something Amazon hopes you'll especially enjoy: FBA items are eligible for and for Amazon Prime just as if they were Amazon items. If you're a seller, you can increase your sales significantly by using Fulfilment by Amazon. We invite you to learn more about this programme . Note: This item is eligible for click and collect. Details Pick up your parcel at a time and place that suits you. Choose from over 13,000 locations across the UK Prime members get unlimited deliveries at no additional cost How to order to an Amazon Pickup Location? Find your preferred location and add it to your address book Dispatch to this address when you check out 25 new  from Â£3.18 2 used  from Â£2.22 LOVEFiLM By Post Rent Lucky Luke on DVD from LOVEFiLM By Post See all buying options Lucky Luke [DVD] Â£5.80 & FREE Delivery in the UK on orders dispatched by Amazon over Â£20. Details Only 2 left in stock. Sold by skyvo-direct and Fulfilled by Amazon .              Gift-wrap available. Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) is a service Amazon offers sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's warehouses, and Amazon directly does the picking, packing, shipping and customer service on these items. Something Amazon hopes you'll especially enjoy: FBA items are eligible for and for Amazon Prime just as if they were Amazon items. If you're a seller, you can increase your sales significantly by using Fulfilment by Amazon. We invite you to learn more about this programme . Frequently Bought Together Add all three to Basket These items are dispatched from and sold by different sellers. Show details Buy the selected items together This item:Lucky Luke [DVD] by Jean Dujardin DVD Â£5.80 Only 2 left in stock. Sold by skyvo-direct and sent from Amazon Fulfillment. FREE Delivery on orders over Â£20. Details Sent from and sold by Amazon. FREE Delivery on orders over Â£20. Details OSS 117: Lost in Rio [DVD] [2009] by Jean Dujardin DVD Â£7.99 Only 4 left in stock (more on the way). Sent from and sold by Amazon. FREE Delivery on orders over Â£20. Details What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item? Language: French Subtitles: English Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats. ) Number of discs: 1 DVD Release Date: 28 May 2012 Run Time: 99 minutes  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images ? Product Description Jean Dujardin (Oscar® and BAFTA® winning star of The Artist) stars as Lucky Luke, a crack-shot gunslinger with a lightning fast draw and a conscience to boot. After witnessing the savage murder of his parents at the hands of the vicious Cheater Gang, Luke dedicates his life to bringing the very wildest in the west to justice, that is with a non-lethal twist. Years later, when the President of the United States assigns Luke the task of cleansing the streets of his hometown, the crime-ridden cesspool known as Daisy Town, Luke is stirred back into action. Based on the hugely popular comic series by Maurice De Bevere Lucky Luke is a visually arresting Western with a twist. Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. By Bob Salter TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on 1 July 2012 Format: DVD Jean Dujardin the star of this film is now much better known of course for his starring role in "The Artist". This film is based o


What is the World’s largest bird of prey?

Ten of the Largest Birds of Prey in the World - Rodent Pro You are not logged in.  [ Log In ] [ Sign Up ]   Ten of the Largest Birds of Prey in the World In ornithology, the term “ bird of prey ” is defined as any bird that has a keen sense   of vision, strong talons and a strong curved beak capable of tearing flesh. These vicious characteristics frighten many people and establish an inherent   terror that these birds will attack their pets or even them. Regardless of this fear, birds of prey or raptors are fascinating creatures that continue to   be at the top of the food chain due to their amazing traits and capabilities. In order to showcase some of the mightiest raptors on earth, we decided to pull together the top 10 largest birds of prey in the world. While this list encompasses some of the largest raptors on earth, it is important to note that our definition of a bird of prey includes condors and vultures. Many ornithologists and biologists dispute on classifying vultures and condors as birds of prey. However, we determined to include these species into   our list because of their raptor-like characteristics. Nevertheless, prepare to be astonished by this amazing list of the largest birds of prey on earth. 1. Eurasian Eagle Owl The Eurasian Eagle Owl is found in the mountains and forests of Europe and Asia weighing up to 4.2 kgs with a wingspan of 2 meters. This bird of prey is   among the largest and most powerful owls in the world. While many owls have similar size credentials, this bird of prey deserves to be mentioned because it   is the only owl known to indirectly kill a human being. However, this raptor primarily feeds on rodents, feeder rabbits and small foxes. 2. Martial Eagle The Martial Eagle is known as Africa’s largest eagle with a wingspan of 2.6 meters and weighing up to 6.2 kgs. This raptor is so large and aggressive that   it has been sited catching a variety of large animals including antelopes, lions and even baboons. Many farmers are actually frightened of this bird of   prey because it occasionally attacks their livestock. 3. Steller’s Sea Eagle Found in Russia and Japan, the Steller’s Sea Eagle is the heaviest eagle in the world weighing up to 9 kgs with a wingspan of 2.5 meters. This bird   primarily feeds on fish but is known to attack other large birds and baby seals. Unfortunately, this raptor is labeled as an endangered species because of   lead poisoning. They are poisoned when the eagles ingest lead when scavenging on animal remains left by human hunters. 4. Philippine Eagle The Philippine Eagle is so magnificent that it has become a national symbol in the Philippines. This bird of prey has adapted to hunt in forested habitats   and is incredibly agile even though it weighs up to 7 kgs and has a 2 meter wingspan. The raptor is known to feed on monkeys, large bats, lemurs, pigs and   dogs. In fact, there are rumors that this bird of prey has snatched up multiple children. 5. Harpy Eagle Harpy Eagles are the most powerful eagles in world weighing 9 kgs with a wingspan of 2 meters. Their wingspan length is much shorter than other large birds   because they need to maneuver in densely forested habitats. These raptors have extremely long talons and such a strong grip capable of breaking a human’s   arm or piercing through a human skull! The Harpy Eagle mostly preys on sloths, monkeys and large birds. They are also known to snatch up children. 6. African Crowned Eagle The African Crowned Eagle is a powerful and aggressive raptor residing in the rainforests of tropical Africa. Although this bird of prey only has a   wingspan of 2 meters, it can hunt animals weighing up to 35 kgs! In fact, its talons are so strong that it is known to crush the skulls of monkeys. What’s   even more disturbing is the skulls of human infants have been found in their nests. The Crowned Eagle also preys on Guinea fowl, hyraxes, agwantibos,   chevrotains and small antelopes. 7. Bearded Vulture Also known as the Lammergeyer, this bird of prey is one of the largest raptors in the worl


Which is the fastest running British bird?

Smallest Bird, Largest Bird, Fastest Bird, Slowest Bird | Birds of a Feather B&B Birds of a Feather B&B We had a wonderful time! The dogs were great. We will certainly come again! - Kim & John Beautiful... great experience and hospitality ! - Karen 'Thank you for the nice stay. We enjoyed our short trip to Vancouver Island and now know a fine place to stay for our next trip to... - Andrea & Sven Thanks so much, your B&B was much more than advertized. We chose the right place for our last night in B.C. The 5km run to Royal... - Sarah My recent stay at Birds of a Feather was a great experience. As a new student to Royal Roads University I found the location to the... - Dianne Appleby We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Everything from the views, our room, the comfort, the company, and Dieter's generous hospitality was... - Sonia We had an amazing time here on the island for our honeymoon! This room was perfect! It was our first experience at a B&B, and... - Ryan & Christine Holst This place is magical!! I loved eveything from the wildlife and the scenery to the full moon that took my breath away!!  Thank you... - Diane Todosychuk Lovely place to stay! Dieter gave us the best advice about how to spend our limited time here. We are in awe of the beauty of the... - Patricia Bender & Judy Kelly Thank you for welcoming us into your home, everything absolutely perfect - not often I am left speecless but.... WOW! We have found... - Helena & Ray Farmer Smallest Bird, Largest Bird, Fastest Bird, Slowest Bird Best Price Guarantee Smallest Bird Male bee hummingbirds (mellisuga helenae), which live in Cuba, weigh 0.056 ounces and are 2.75 inches in length. The bill and tail account for half of this length. Smallest Bird of Prey The black-legged falconet ( Micrphierax fringlius ) of southeast Asia and the white-fronted or Bornean falconet ( M. latifrons ) of northwestern Borneo both have an average length of 5.5-6 inches, including a 2 inch tail, and weigh approximately 1.25 ounces. Smallest Parrot [contributed by Harold Armitage, Wild Macaws Wild Macaws] The Pygmy parrots of Papua and nearby islands. Genus Micropsitta. There's six different sorts - Yellow-capped, Buff-faced, Finsch's, Geelvink, Meek's, Red-breasted - all around 3" long (8cm). Thought to eat lichens and mosses but not much is known about their lifestyles.     Fastest Swimming Bird Gentoo Penguin found on the Antarctic Islands can swim 40 km per hour. Large populations are found at South Georgia, Falkland Islands, and Iles Kerguelen although their breeding distribution is circumpolar. An orange bill and a white stroke behind its eye distinguish the black and white gentoos from the smaller adelie and chinstrap species. Long stiff tail feathers stick out behind as they walk, often cocked up in the water, no other penguin has such a prominent tail. They breed in winter at the more northerly sub-Antarctic islands, laying two eggs as early as July. Can dive over 300' though most prey dives are shallower. Most dives last only half a minute.   Largest Carnivorous Bird (contribution by Christoph Kulmann) Titanis Walleri. This bird is known from the early Pleistocene (Ice Age) of Florida. It is the last known member of the family Phorusrhacidae, a group of large, flightless birds which evolved in South America. This creature had an estimated body height of 3 meters (if it stood fully erect, and 2.5 meters in more normal situations). Titanis really had arms instead of wings. Tallest Flying Birdscrane The largest cranes (family Gruidae) can be almost 6 ft. 6 in. tall. Heaviest Flying Birds The Kori Bustard or paauw (Ardeotis Kori) of northeast and southern Africa and the great bustard (Otis tarda) of Europe and Asia weigh about 40-42 pounds. There is a report of a 46 lb. 4 oz. male great bustard shot in northeastern China. It was too heavy to fly. Heaviest Birds of Prey Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) are the heaviest species of bird of prey. Males weigh 20-27 pounds and have a wingspan of at least 10 feet. A male California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) preserved in the Californi


Which birds are classed as strigiformes?

What does Strigiformes mean? definition and meaning (Free English Language Dictionary)  Learn English with... Proverbs of the week  "You can't tell a book by its cover." (English proverb) "He who laughs last, laughs best." (Bulgarian proverb) "I taught him archery everyday, and when he got good at it he throw an arrow at me." (Arabic proverb) "Even the king saves his money." (Corsican proverb)  STRIGIFORMES: related words searches


Classical Mythology: Surf and Turf: The Brothers of Zeus Though not as powerful as their younger brother, Poseidon and Hades could claim to equal his status. For just as Zeus ruled the sky, Poseidon was lord of the seas and Hades the supreme authority in the dark Underworld. Turf Wars Poseidon, who won the right to rule the seas, was also the god of horses and of earthquakes. Poseidon's domain actually extended beyond the oceans to include freshwater rivers, even though the river gods were the sons of Oceanus and Tethys. Mythmakers often depicted Poseidon as gruff and quick to anger. He sometimes resented the greater dominion of Zeus. Perhaps for this reason, Poseidon lived not in Olympus, but in an underwater palace off the eastern coast of Greece. His subordinate position to Zeus made him sensitive about his other rights. Poseidon argued more over city patronage than any other Olympian. He contested the patronage of Argos with Hera and the patronage of Corinth with Helius. Poseidon lost both disputes and had to settle for the patronage of various islands and seaports. The most famous of these patronage disputes was the fight over Athens. Poseidon claimed the land by plunging his trident into the ground of the Acropolis and creating a salt-water spring. But Athena later planted the first olive tree beside this well and claimed the city as her own. Poseidon challenged her to combat, but Zeus intervened and put the matter before a divine tribunal. Wishing to remain neutral and above the fray, Zeus did not vote. That left four other gods, all of whom voted for Poseidon. (Hades, as was his custom, did not attend the Olympian hearing.) The five goddesses, however, all sided with Athena, giving her the right to the land by virtue of her greater gift to the city. In a fury, Poseidon flooded the Attic plain. The Athenians adopted several measures to appease Poseidon's wrath. The city denied the women of Athens the right to vote. It ended the practice of men carrying on their mothers' names. And all Athenians continued to honor both Poseidon and Athena on the Acropolis. Beastly Couplings, Beastly Children Poseidon courted Amphitrite, one of the Nereids (daughters of Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea). Yet Amphitrite scorned the god's advances and fled to the Atlas Mountains. Poseidon refused to give up, sending messengers after her to plead his case. One of these, Delphinus, argued so persuasively for his master that he broke down Amphitrite's resistance. She agreed to marry Poseidon. (The god later showed his gratitude by placing his messenger's image in the sky as a constellation: the Dolphin.) Like his brother Zeus, Poseidon was not exactly the poster boy for fidelity. He, too, had numerous affairs with goddesses, nymphs, and mortals. Like most sea gods, Poseidon had the power to transform his shape, and often did so in order to complete a seduction: He appeared to the maiden Medusa as a bird. Unfortunately, he chose as the setting for this seduction one of Athena's temples. The enraged goddess punished Medusa by turning her into a Gorgon (see The Model Hero: Perseus ). To mate with Theophane, whom he had changed into a ewe in order to hide her from her many suitors, he transformed himself into a ram. When Demeter, overwhelmed by the loss of her daughter Persephone, attempted to escape her brother's attentions by becoming a mare, Poseidon was not fooled. He changed himself into a stallion and mated with her in an Arcadian pasture. What a Life! Otus and Ephialtes, already 50 feet tall at age nine, literally moved mountains. Just because they could, they heaped Pelion, Ossa, and Olympus on top of one another, nearly reaching heaven itself. The twin giants later killed each other in a hunting “accident” orchestrated by Artemis and Apollo (see The A Team: Olympians All ). Poseidon also mated in the shape of a dolphin and a bull. These many transformations had a powerful influence on his offspring, too: Medusa's children were the winged horse Pegasus and the giant warrior Chrysaor. His union with Theophane produced the famous Golden


In Germanic mythology what sort of monster was Fafnir?

Norse and German Mythology Craig   Chalquist, MS PhD Myth     is the foundation of life; it is the timeless pattern, the religious formula     to which life shapes itself…Whereas in the life of mankind the mythical     represents an early and primitive stage, in the life of an individual it     represents a late and mature one. -- Thomas Mann The following    list came from a dozen or so sources, including translations of the Eddas.    Where applicable comparisons with Greek and Roman deities appear. For a brief    discussion of gods and archetypes see my Celtic Deities page. Those of us    with a German or Norse ethnic background have sometimes felt reluctant to    look more deeply into our mythologies. In part this is because they are associated    with conquest, and in part because the Nazis trashed them in their attempt    to regress to the thought patterns of an earlier time. But these, our stories, were never intended for that; and they need reclaiming and dreaming    onward for reasons similar to the need for Christians and Muslims to reclaim    their spiritual roots from theocrats who wage wars in the name of the Prophet    Muhammad or the Prince of Peace. The river of spirit has gotten polluted,    but its headwaters remain clear and nourishing. Very often seekers    who abandon Western culture for Eastern or Native American do not realize    the depths of what they leave behind. Our stories examine reincarnation, spiritual    energy, gift exchange, the vitality of the soul, and the spirit of place.    In the old Nordic worldview everything is in flux and begins, balances out    from, and ends with polarities akin to yin and yang. Even the gods are subject    to this, undergo transformation, and often pay for what they gain with a corresponding    loss. Our concept of wyrd directly relates one's actions and intentions    to personal and intergenerational consequences similar to karma. But our way    of understanding these things reflects our own cultural framework and traditions.    Coming home to them often increases respect for those of other cultures while    eliminating the desperate drive to uproot and appropriate. The pagan elements    surviving in religious observance have often been taken note of. For uncolonized    indigenous people--including the indigenous Celts and Germanics--religion    as such did not exist. Native views of spirituality wed it to time and place,    land and sea and sky, without need of a corporate hierarchy. And so a conqueror    might ransack altars or rewrite the calendar, but the original forces live    on--for example as Sun's Day, Moon's Day, Tiw's Day, Woden's Day, Thor's Day,    Frigga's Day, Saturn's Day, Yule, Eostre, and All Soul's. Our forbears lived    in an enspirited world, and that world abides, as do its animated sacred dimensions.    As H. R. Ellis Davidson puts it, "The gods never cease their struggle    against the creatures of cold and darkness." Dedication: to my ancestors: my foremothers and forefathers who danced like furies,      lived close to Earth, and held back the night in Britain, France, Germania,      Holland, Scandinavia, Spain, Ireland, and Scotland. And what a ruckus      in Rome: Diwrnod i'r bren! Aegir ("AY-ear"): the Norse sea god, master brewer of storms, and husband    to Ran, with whom he had nine daughters who personify as waves. Similar to    the Greek Poseidon. Aesir (Icelandic "AY-seer," Swedish "ASS-seer"; singular "Asa"):   the chief Norse gods. Similar to the Olympians of Greek myth. More associated   with the skyward spirit than the earthy Vanir. The word means "pillars." Alfar ("OWL-var") : male ancestors. See Disir. Alfheim: world of the elves. Alvis ("All-Knowing"): clever dwarf outsmarted by Thor in a verbal contest    for the hand of Thor's daughter Thruth ("Might"). The contest lasted    so long that the sun came up and turned the would-be groom to stone. Andhrimnir: the cook for the


Which hero saved Andromeda from the sea monster Celus?

Perseus | Greek Mythology Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Myth Birth Perseus was born to Zeus and Danae , the daughter of Acrisius, King of Argos. Disappointed by his lack of luck in having a son, Acrisius consulted the oracle at Delphi, who warned him that he would one day be killed by his daughter's son. In order to keep Danaë childless, Acrisius imprisoned her in a bronze chamber, open to the sky, in the courtyard of his palace. Zeus turned into a shower of gold so he could slip in her prison, and from their union was Perseus. Fearful for his future, but unwilling to provoke the wrath of the gods by killing the offspring of Zeus and his daughter, Acrisius cast the two into the sea in a wooden chest, before being picked up by Dictys, a fisherman. The brother of Dictys was Polydectes, the king of the island. Polydectes When Perseus was grown, Polydectes came to fall in love with the beautiful Danaë. Perseus believed Polydectes was less than honorable, and protected his mother from him; then Polydectes plotted to send Perseus away in disgrace. He held a large banquet where each guest was expected to bring a gift. Polydectes requested that the guests bring horses, under the pretense that he was collecting contributions for the hand of Hippodamia, "tamer of horses". Perseus had no horse to give, so he asked Polydectes to name the gift; he would not refuse it. Polydectes held Perseus to his rash promise and demanded the head of the only mortal Gorgon, Medusa, whose eyes turned people to stone. Polydectes did not know of his lineage, and assumed he would be rid of him and Perseus would be turned to stone. Medusa On his way, Perseus encountered three gods. The first was Athena, who gave him a shield of polished bronze. The second, Hermes, who gave him winged sandals and an adamantine sword which Zeus used to chop up Kronos after the war. Hermes told him to take the eye of the Grey Sisters, so he may have two other gifts to aid him. He took the eye, and was told to meet the Nymphs in the north. He did so, and also met the third god. The third, Hades, who gave his Helm of Darkness to him. He also was given a magical wallet. Now fully equipped, Perseus went to the island where the Gorgons resided, and into the cave. He also learned this location from the Grey Sisters. He flew into the cave and turned invisible to sneak past her sisters, Euryale and Stheno , as he could not kill them because they were immortal. He saw her from his shield, and killed her with a swift blow through the neck. He grabbed the head, and put it into the wallet. He then went back to the kingdom. While on the way, though, he found a girl name Andromeda chained to the side of the sea awaiting to be eaten by a sea serpent. He released her and killed the serpent moments later. The two later married. Perseus returned to his homeland, and set the head of Medusa on the table which Polydectes sat. He and his guests, among them, was his grandfather. All of them had turned to stone. His mother was saved, and he lived happily. Perseus would return his sandals to Hermes, the shield to Athena, and the Helm back to Hades. Athena would also ask for Head of Medusa and Perseus gave it to her. She fastened it to her shield, and it would be known as the Aegis . Death Perseus would die of old age, and lived a happy life. He would go to Elysium after death. He was one of the few demigod heroes to die peacefully. Gallery "Perseus with the Head of Medusa'" is a common subject for sculpture, here in an 1801 example by Antonio Canova Perseus and Andromeda


Who played both the Kray twins in the film Legend?

Tom Hardy confirms he will play BOTH Kray twins in Legend | Daily Mail Online comments Tom Hardy has confirmed he will play both brothers in a new biopic about notorious East End gangsters, The Krays. The 36-year-old will face the tricky task of simultaneously playing Ronnie and Reggie Kray in the new film titled, Legend. Confirming the news, Tom said: 'I'm on that right now. I've got to work out how to play both twins, which will be fun. It's another experiment and I'm really looking forward to it. Twice as fun: Actor Tom Hardy has confirmed he will be play both legendary gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, in a new biopic 'I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself, I just want to have some fun. The more of a challenge I give myself, the easier it is to take on more projects which are complicated in the future.'  RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share The Hollywood hunk previously told MailOnline that he was keen to take on the roles as he said: ‘All the plans are on the table. 'There’s a lot of crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s, and there’s a lot of shift and geography to work out.’ Gangster: The actore previously told MailOnline that he would 'absolutely' love to play the criminal brothers Notorious: LA Confidential writer, Brian Helgeland's script will focus on the Kray twins' wheelings and illegal dealings during the fifties and sixties, with Hardy playing both brothers. From a screenplay penned by LA Confidential writer, Brian Helgeland, the story will focus on the Kray twins’ wheelings and illegal dealings during the fifties and sixties, with Hardy playing both brothers. ‘It would be difficult,’ Tom said about the mechanics of playing two characters sharing a lot of the same screen time. ‘It’s quite technical and I’m a bit of an anorak.’ He added: ‘There’s a physical transfer; we’d have to shoot one bit, go away come back and shoot it all again with another part. I’ve never dreamt of playing two people on the screen!’ The working title of the film is Legend, and is currently in development with the expectation to begin production in the UK later this year. And though the Krays might look identical, their characters are far different which will no doubt be a challenge for the actor, as he portrays the struggle of the elder brother Reggie to keep in check the unstable actions of his younger twin, rumoured to have been a paranoid schizophrenic. As heads of the notorious criminal gang The Firm, the Krays were behind numerous armed robberies, murders, arson attacks and protection rackets up until their arrest on 9th May 1968. Their story was previously told on film in the 1990s, with real life brothers Martin and Gary Kemp playing the title roles. Challenge: Tom will portray both The Kray twins in the film, which the actor knows will be difficult but exciting Second time: Martin and Gary Kemp played The Krays in the 1990 movie of their criminal exploits The Oscar-winning screenwriter’s script doesn’t just concern the criminals that the brothers dealt with, but also the likes of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and other celebrities, who frequented their former Knightsbridge nightclub Esmeralda's Barn, which is now the site of the Berkeley Hotel. It is also said to look at Ronnie’s alleged sexual relationship with two British politicians; Lord Boothby, a UK Conservative Party politician, and, Labour MP Tom Driberg. Of course, playing a violent former boxer-turned-criminal won’t be too tough a feat for Hardy, who proved his worth as the title character in Nicolas Winding Refn’s biopic Bronson. He can do hard: Tom previously played 'the most violent prisoner in Britain' in Nicolas Winding Refn's Bronson Reunited: Tom and Cillian Murphy (far right) starred in Inception and act opposite each other in BBC period crime drama Peaky Blinders And he continued down the gangster path with his role in BBC period crime drama Peaky Blinders, opposite his Inception co-star Cillian Murphy. Both actors starred in Christopher Nolan's Inception, and played villains in the director's The Dark Knight trilogy, though they di


Who was the stupidest member of the Bash Street Kids?

Bash Street Kids | Albion British Comics Database Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Share The strip now known as The Bash St Kids was created as 'When the Bell Rings' by Leo Baxendale , and first appeared in The Beano in issue #604 on the 13th February 1954. It became 'The Bash Street Kids' in 1956 and has been a regular feature in the comic ever since, arguably the second most popular feature after Dennis the Menace . The Bash St Kids concerns the misadventures of Class 2B of Bash St School and their cast of supporting characters - notably Teacher (who still wears a mortar board even now, decades after they disappeared from most establishments), the Headmaster (likewise), Olive the dinner lady, the Janitor and Winston the school cat. The kids themselves are: Danny (sometimes called Deathshead Danny because of his distinctive skull & crossbones shirt), Smiffy, Spotty (whose name may actually be Jasper), the myopic 'Erbert, Wilfrid (he of the face obscuring jumper), the twins Sidney and Toots, Fatty, and Plug , though in early strips a huge cast of mostly unnamed kids (the exceptions being Teddy, Jimmy and Ella, though Jimmy may actually have been Smiffy) appeared, with most of the more familiar current cast coming later. There are also a couple of irregular members of the class - Teacher's pet Cuthbert Cringeworthy and Wayne (the latter created as part of a reader's competition: Wayne was perpetually injuring himself). In a run of text stories in The Wizard, some of the characters were given full names: Danny is Daniel "Deathshead" Morgan, Smiffy is James Smith, Sidney is Sidney Pye, Toots is Kate Pye, Plug is Percival Proudfoot Plugsley, Fatty is Fatty Fudge. Spotty didn't get a full name here as he was yet to make his debut. Teacher's real name is apparently Algernon, while his wife (who looks exactly like him, even down to the moustache) is only ever referred to as 'Mrs Teacher'. Plug got his own comic in 1977, which revealed his full name to be Percival Proudfoot Plugsley. Though created by Baxendale, he was replaced in 1962 by artist David Sutherland , who has come to be regarded as the definitive Bash St artist since then (though several others have filled in on occasion). The Bash St Kids has also spawned spin-off strips, most notably the long running Pup Parade , about the kids' pet dogs. In 1967, the Kids' centrespread started putting out a weekly cut-out 'puppet' series kicking off with a unique kid each issue. This very successful series eventually included the majority of BEANO characters from this period, ending with a cut-out 'Billy the Cat' in 1969. The puppet artwork took up around a quarter of the centrepage space, ensuring that the stories were never reprinted within BASH STREET KIDS annuals (which started with stories from the late 1960s anyway).


“Make me” is the twentieth bestselling book in which series?

Amazon.com: Make Me: A Jack Reacher Novel (9780804194860): Lee Child: Books “A superb thriller.”—New York Daily News   “Child’s complete command of the story makes this thriller work brilliantly.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) “I’ve read all twenty of Lee Child’s novels. Maybe there’s something wrong with me. But I can’t wait for the twenty-first.”—Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker   “[The Reacher series] is the current gold standard in the genre. . . . In Make Me Lee Child delivers another Jack Reacher specialty; the total knockout.”—Dayton Daily News   “Child serves up wingding plots, pithy dialogue, extraordinary background on intriguing topics, and cunningly constructed suspense. But what keeps us coming back—by the millions—is the chance to walk around in the skin of that big guy in the middle of everything.”—The Oregonian   “A dark thriller . . . Lee Child’s Make Me, the twentieth in his wildly popular Jack Reacher series, delivers exactly what readers have come to expect from the perennial bestselling author: interesting characters, tight plots and page-turning action. . . . Readers won’t be disappointed.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune   “Jack Reacher is back. . . . Readers new to this series will find this book a good starting point, and fans will be pleased to see Jack again.”—LibraryReads (Top Ten Pick)   “The reigning champ ups the ante. . . . Yes, there’s breakneck action, but what gives this one its zing is the multilayered plot. . . . The beguiling Chang offers a new treat for series fans as well, and a surprise at the end will keep readers short of breath until the next installment begins.”—Booklist (starred review)   “This series remains as compulsively readable as ever. Child is a master of pacing, stretching out the mystery through short chapters that give rise to bursts of well-choreographed violence. . . . Of course, the biggest strength is Reacher himself: impassive, analytical, secretly romantic, and relentlessly honorable. It’s impossible not to root for him. . . . Reacher is still going strong. Will satisfy fans—and newcomers, too.”—Kirkus Reviews By Julia Flyte TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE VOICE on September 2, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition My life is pretty much like this: I spend 11 months and 28 days of every year looking forward to the new Lee Child book and then 2-3 days devouring it. He is the master of the opening paragraph. Immediate hooks. Short sentences. You don't even notice his writing style after the first page or two but it's effortless to read. And there are many things about this book which make it a strong addition to the series. I read it in two days and it definitely gave me the "Reacher fix" I wanted. It starts in the usual way with Reacher turning up in a small town and immediately running into a woman in need of assistance (in this case Michelle Chang, a former FBI agent turned private investigator who is looking for her missing colleague), but it turns into a cross-country investigation that touches on issues that are current and very nasty. And that is one of the issues that I had with the book: it's dark. It goes places that are unpleasant and disturbing. The majority of the book is like a regular Jack Reacher novel, but it changes tone towards the end when it becomes evident what it is that Reacher and Chang are investigating. The villains in this instance aren't just bad guys - they are evil. And I can honestly say that this is one Lee Child book I will never re-read. I didn't like putting those images in my head. Another thing. It struck me halfway through this book that every woman that Reacher teams up with is exactly the same. Even as I write that it occurs to me that Lee Child would probably protest that it's not true because Chang is in her 40s and Chinese American, but that kind of proves my point: only the superficialities change. The banter - and yes, sexual chemistry - between Reacher and Chang is indistinguishable between what he had with Susan Turner or Elizabeth Deveraux or Theresa Lee or Susan Duffy or...you get the picture. There is nothing distincti


Which Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place on the Marina Bay circuit?

Singapore F1 - Formula 1 Night Race - Singapore Grand Prix Enhancements to Marina Bay Street Circuit     28 July 2015, Singapore – With the 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX taking place in downtown Singapore in less than 2 months, race promoter Singapore GP announced that closer racing is expected this year, following a number of modifications to the Marina Bay Street Circuit between Turns 11 to 13.   The changes ride on the back of a number of key enhancements to Singapore’s Civic District and tie-in with the city-state’s 50th anniversary of independence.   The enhancement works by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority aim to integrate the areas at Esplanade Park and Empress Place to form a new arts, culture and lifestyle precinct which includes the Asian Civilisation Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and the National Gallery.   Formula One’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and race promoter Singapore GP have approved modifications to the alignment of the track between Turns 11 and 13 to dove-tail with the new Civic District enhancement plans.   The right-hand Turn 11 will remain, but will be re-aligned to sit tighter with the left-hand side of Fullerton Road for a slightly slower corner speed compared to 2014.   The left-hand Turn 12 will also be modified slightly so that drivers now enter the left lane of Anderson Bridge, before accelerating towards Turn 13 at 200km/h – which is a similar speed to 2014.   The Turn 13 hairpin will be widened by one metre to enable more overtaking opportunities. (See Annex 1 for track modification illustration)   A new 220metre Jubilee Bridge which links the Merlion Park to the Esplanade promenade has also been incorporated into the Circuit Park, providing spectators with an excellent vantage point of the fireworks display once the chequered flag is waved. Patrons can now access the Circuit Park via a new gate at the Merlion Park. Ticketholders are advised to visit the official website ( www.singaporegp.sg ) to be updated on the new Circuit Park gate locations.   Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd, applauded the changes to both the Civic District and the Marina Bay Street Circuit.   “It’s a win-win situation that the development of the new arts, culture and lifestyle precinct will provide an upgraded experience, but also potentially make for closer racing at this year’s FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX,” Mr Syn said.   “We take pride in ensuring our event is one of the best on the calendar, and this will only add to the excitement, on top of the off-track entertainment planned for September 18 to 20 – which already includes Pharrell Williams, Maroon 5 and Bon Jovi.”   Faithful+Gould Senior Project Manager and Engineering Track Manager, Jonathan Giesecke is overseeing changes to the Singapore circuit – and believes they will improve the racing.   “It is a fantastic challenge to translate changes to Singapore’s Civic District into improvements to the Marina Bay Street Circuit. I expect the modifications from Turns 11 to 13 will enable closer racing and the potential for additional passing opportunities.”   The 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX takes place on September 18 to 20, with tickets available at www.singaporegp.sg


Which World 1 American general was nicknamed “Black Jack”?

The Reason General John Pershing Was Called “Black Jack” | Positive Infinity The Reason General John Pershing Was Called “Black Jack” me 2 Comments February is Black History Month in the United States.  I have never done a specifically black history piece on this site, although I have from time to time suggested, for example, that Anglicans realise that the “Anglican Communion” is now and should be the “African Communion” with the centre of authority appropriately relocated. But I also have a major interest in World War I, whose centennial is coming up in a couple of years.  Combining the two makes for an interesting discovery: the real reason the main U.S. land commander in that war, General John Pershing, was referred to as “Black Jack.”  Until recently I always thought, for example, that it was his favourite card game (that gives you an idea of the background I come from!) but the truth is different and much more interesting. Pershing was born and raised in Laclede, MO.  As a young man he taught a group of African-American children.  That experience must have had an impact on him because, in his subsequent duty, much of his command was over black soldiers, who had served in the Union army during the Civil War. In 1892 he took command of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, the so-called “Buffalo Soldiers,” made up of black soldiers.  He commanded this regiment in Montana, rounding up Cree Indians and deporting them to Canada (that creates a serious politically incorrect problem which is beyond the scope of this post.)  Evidently he was satisfied with his service, but many of his white counterparts were not: as a result of this command, he got the nickname of “N—– Jack,” which was softened to “Black Jack,” probably as his rank rose. With the Spanish-American War Pershing and the Buffalo Soldiers acquitted themselves with valour on San Juan Hill in Cuba.  In a battle better known for Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, the 10th Cavalry took much of the brunt of the fighting.  It’s interesting to think that Roosevelt, who witnessed the Buffalo Soldiers in action, had that in mind when he invited Booker T. Washington to the White House during his presidency. Pershing and his cavalry parted company, the former serving in the Philippines and latter hunting for Pancho Villa in northern Mexico.  But his most illustrious command was as Commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France.  Pershing would doubtless have been happy to have Buffalo Soldiers (maybe not a cavalry unit, cavalry did poorly in the trenches of Belgium and France) in the AEF.  But President Woodrow Wilson, academic Ivy Leaguer though he was, was still very Southern in his attitude towards black people.  One of Pershing’s standing objectives was to keep American forces together under American command, but in the end black units were peeled off to serve under the French, as had many aviators done already. And the Europeans had no problem with black soldiers in their military forces.  The French had many who came from their African colonies serving on the front.  And in East Africa, the black troops under German Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck were becoming a military legend that eclipsed the accomplishments of Pershing and the Buffalo Soldiers.  But it would take another war (or two or three) before it became conventional wisdom in the U.S. that all who are willing to take lead for Old Glory deserve their rightful place in the most powerful armed force the world has ever known. But such are the hard lessons of history.  The nation which can successfully mobilise the God-given talents and abilities of the widest spectrum of its population will achieve its destiny.  In a culture where it’s so easy for one portion of the population to denigrate another, losing sight of that lesson will blunt that goal.  And at this point we cannot afford to throw any portion away, now can we? Share this:


Which Formula 1 circuit takes place on the Yas Marina circuit?

Yas Marina Circuit - F1 | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Official Founding Partner for Yas Marina Circuit Official Timing Partner for Yas Marina Circuit Official Electronics Partner for Yas Marina Circuit Official Mall for Yas Marina Circuit Official Yas Drag Racing Centre Lubricant Official Tyre Supplier for Yas Marina Circuit Official Partner Yas Marina Circuit Official Partner Yas Marina Circuit Official Water Supplier for Yas Marina Circuit Official Supplier Yas Marina Circuit Official Partner Yas Marina Circuit Official Partner - Abu Dhabi Sports Council Official Retail Partner - Hackett Yas Marina Circuit


What was the Roman name for the city of Paris?

The birth of the french capital - History of Paris city Home Birth of a capital BIRTH OF A CAPITAL Discover the history of Paris through the centuries… Paris was founded in the 3rd century B.C. on Ã®le           de la CitÃ© by a community of Celts. They were a group of           tribal fishermen called the Parisii who, pushed by emigration           towards the banks of the Seine, made a permanent settlement           there and profited from the area’s fertility and temperate           climate. Furthermore, the islands on the Seine seemed the perfect     place for this little community to establish their capital. At the time of the Parisii’s settlement in the area,           there were seven islands on the river between what is now the pont d'Austerlitz and the pont des Arts . . In giving them           their modern names, the first was the Ile Louviers (which existed until 1843, when it was reunited with the mainland     to become Quai Henri IV), Ile Saint-Louis was           divided into three islets which were successively joined to           each other, the same was the case for Ile de la Cité,     which was originally three separate islets. The collective name of Lutetia is given to the group of habitations           that were constructed on the islands, particularly on Ile de           la Cité, but experts have long been divided about the           etymology of this name. Some say that Lutetia (in French Lutèce)           comes from the celtic word Loulouchezi; meaning “habitation           in the middle of the waters”, from luth (water) thouèze           (middle) and y (dwelling). In something of an enigma, others           claim that it comes from Leug-tec, a Celtic word meaning beautiful           stone, although the Parisians of the time built their homes           exclusively from wood! The settlement was given the name Lutetia by the Romans, and     the name Lucotecia by the geographer, Ptolemy. In the year 52     BC, Lutetia fell to one of Julius Caesar’s lieutenants,           Proconsul Labienus. The title of Civitas Parisorium was then           bestowed upon the city, meaning “the city of the Parisii”,           the name of Paris was finally adopted in the 5th century AD,           so the first people that could really be called Parisians were           Gauls. The city was fortified and began to expand on to the           left bank of the Seine, it was there that the first Roman baths           were built in what is now called Cluny and Arènes de           Lutèce. Lutetia had become a commercial axis for the           Roman Empire and over the course of time; its inhabitants were           progressively Romanised. In the 3rd century they became Christians           and citizens of the Holy Roman Empire, bringing an end to their           persecution. Threatened by barbarian invasions, the Parisians resisted an     attack in 451 by Attila’s Huns. They attributed their           resistance to inspiration from Saint Genvieve and made her the           patron saint of the city. The middle ages is a period of European history that spans from     500-1500 AD. During this millennium, Paris became the capital     of France. This resulted from a long and complicated history     of kings, to which each succeeding dynasty contributed. King Clovis took Paris in 486, and in 508 made it the capital     of the Kingdom of the Francs (Clovis was King of the Francs,     a people who had migrated to the Roman Empire from the East).     The city was soon relinquished and the inhabitants abandoned     the left bank, where there remained only religious establishments     like the powerful abbey of Saint-Germain-d


Racing Demon Written by David Hare Zoë Corrigan Director's Notes The Church that is married to the Spirit of the Age will be a widow in the next. (Dean Inge 1860 - 1954) One of the Bench Theatre's aims has been to mount productions of the best contemporary drama available. We have our own particular favourites in dramatists. Brian Friel has become one of our most performed playwrights. He writes terrific plays for actors and has much to say about the world we live in, which appeals to directors. I was surprised, therefore, to find that David Hare's plays had not been performed before. He has produced such a canon of good plays it was difficult to know where to start. Racing Demon is the first in his trilogy looking at British institutions. As he states in his own book, 'Asking Around', his intention wasn't to theorise but to portray the lives of individuals trying to survive within them. He was amazed to find a group of inner-city priests, who had given up on theology and were spending long hours (and at salaries considerably below those of social workers or DHSS officials) pouring as much love and practical help as they could into "the vacuum created by society's indifference". David Hare spent a considerable amount of time at the General Synod researching for his play, and records his thoughts and ideas in 'Asking Around'. He was struck by the self-flagellation prevalent in the debates within the Church of England. Constantly the institution was being compared unfavourably with other religious groups. He captures these divisions within a team ministry. He portrays a liberal Team Rector (Lionel) beset by pressures from within, in particular, a young charismatic priest (Tony) and from above, his bishop (Southwark). Tony wants a "successful" church packed with people, but David Hare echoes the belief as to whether this can represent Christ, "who conquers through vulnerability and helplessness". The clash with the Bishop of Southwark provided the motif for the production. There is a quote from a vicar in 'Asking Around': "The trouble with bishops is that after a while they think they're God. They move us around like chessmen." One of the best scenes takes place over a chessboard and our set is primarily black and white. The chess pieces of bishops and pawns became the poster design. I thought David Hare was an excellent playwright before this production but our work in rehearsals has shown us just how good is his dramatic technique and how acute his observation of British society. I have been privileged to work with some of the best non-professional actors and, coupled with the support of a fine technical crew, I hope you enjoy their labours this evening. I will leave the last words in these notes to David Hare: "The one thing I have learnt and understood from five years' study is that British society needs not to abolish its institutions, but to refresh them. For, if not through institutions, how do we express the common good?" When I give bread to the hungry, they call me a saint. When I ask why the hungry are hungry, they call me a communist. Peter Corrigan The NewsJames George Treachery and betrayal seem so real Again the Bench Theatre come up with the goods. David Hare's examination of the wider themes of faith and betrayal is slickly cast and generally well-acted. On a practically bare stage the company plays this piece with energy and style. David Penrose is pivotal to the show's success. This chameleon of a man becomes the bumbling, apparently unfocused and failing priest at the centre of the play with consummate ease. Never once are you aware of "acting". He is real. He is impressive and so, so easy to watch. And such able support. Nathan Chapman is impressive, especially later as his character dips his toes into an ocean of religious insanity. Sam Emery got off to a slow start last night, but warmed nicely and played her part to the utmost. But watch those other supporting actors sneaking up on the inside. As fellow priest "Streaky" Bacon, Andy Rees [sic] gives a performance of real warmth. Watch especially for


Which secret establishment was known ‘Station X’ during the Second World War?

Facts about Bletchley Park – the WW2 code-breaking centre that made the D-Day landings possible and spawned the computer age | History Extra BBC History Magazine - 5 issues for £5 The registration room in hut 6 at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire. (Getty Images) Here, writing for History Extra, Sinclair McKay, the author of  The Lost World Of Bletchley Park  (Aurum Press) and The Secret Listeners, tells you everything you need to know about the famous decryption centre. Q: What role did Bletchley Park play during the Second World War? A: Bletchley Park was the Buckinghamshire house and estate that played host to Britain’s code-breaking triumphs – from the success in breaking the ‘insoluble’ Nazi Enigma codes to its incredible work on Japanese cryptology. Its role was so secret – everyone who worked there signed the Official Secrets Act for life – that we only really started to learn about its achievements decades afterwards. And there is still much to emerge. Q: When and how was the code-breaking centre established? A: Before it was evacuated to Bletchley, the Government Code and Cypher School – as it was then known – operated from a building near Westminster. There had been a special code-breaking department since the First World War – then, it was referred to as ‘Room 40’. In the interwar years, they analysed Soviet traffic, among other things. When it seemed obvious that war was coming once more, many of the expert cryptanalysts of Room 40 set up the new establishment at Bletchley in 1938. They recruited crucial new blood, including brilliant young mathematician Alan Turing, as well as lecturers and undergraduates from universities all over the country. Q: How many code-breakers worked there? What did an average day consist of? A: Numbers rose as the war went on; from a relatively small team in 1938 to something like 10,000 people – code-breakers, Wrens, WAAFs, posh debutantes working on the cross-indexing system etc. Obviously, they didn’t live at the house. All these people, mainly young, were billeted around the town and nearby villages. Bletchley locals were disconcerted by some of the eccentric code-breakers, and they formed a theory that the secret establishment was in fact a special lunatic asylum. There was no average day. Code-breaking went on round the clock, in a three-shift system, and in different huts – very often the work was done in plain wooden huts. There could either be months of agonising paralysis (as there was in the battle to crack the nightmarishly complex Naval Enigma) or nights of giddying triumph, as when 20-year-old Mavis Batey broke the code that led to British victory in the Battle of Cape Matapan. Bletchley Park pictured in 1926. (Evening Standard/Getty Images) Q: Roughly how many ciphers and codes were decrypted in total? A: It is simply impossible to know – largely because Bletchley was so mind-bogglingly successful. They read messages from the German army, navy, air force, secret service… even messages from the desk of Hitler himself. Countless thousands upon thousands of communications. They cracked Italian and Japanese cyphers, and the operation was spread across the whole wide world. In posts from Cairo to Murmansk, dedicated secret listeners for the Y Service intercepted all the secret coded radio messages – and relayed them back to England, and ultimately back to this incredible code-breaking factory. The other miracle was the secrecy; the fact that the Germans never really guessed adds to this astonishing success. Q: Is it true that the 'Ultra' intelligence produced at Bletchley Park shortened the war by two to four years? A: President Eisenhower credited the work of ‘BP’, as it was called, with having shortened the war by two years. Think for a moment of how many lives those two years might represent; the countless people saved simply by the ending of the conflict. Bletchley veteran and distinguished historian, Professor Sir Harry Hinsley, reckoned it was three years. Apart from anything else, without Bletchley’s absolutely crucial intelligence, the D-Day landings in 1944 might


What colour overalls are worn by caddies during the US Masters golf tournament?

Masters Golf: 2009 Masters Golf: 2009 Great Tournamentï¿½s Second Practice Round in Augusta       Index To Photosï¿½ /ï¿½ Page Updated April 16, 2009 ï¿½ Twenty-four photos taken by Casey Nolan and his father, Lewis Nolan, at Augusta National Golf Club during the Second Practice Round of the 2009 Masters Tournament are posted in Caseyï¿½s albums at the below link:   ï¿½Sign-in may be required if you should want to purchase prints at a nominal cost. Email lewis_nolan@yahoo.com if you cannot access.   Return to Nolan Travels Home Page   After a long night of tossing around in reasonably comfortable beds in a room at the dumpy Masters Inn in Augusta, GA., where room temperatures ranged from cold to hot, my son Casey and I both got up at 7 a.m.   The weather outside was quite cool, but the skies over the southeastern Georgia town were clearing. It looked like a promising day for us to attend the Second Practice Round at Augusta National Golf Club, site of what we and a great many others think is the Top Golf Tournament in the World.   Casey decided to snooze a bit longer while I went to a skimpy breakfast included in the jacked-up room rate of $200 a night (with 2-night minimum) during Masters Week. A small room off the motel lobby contained an assortment of tiny Danish sweet rolls plus little muffins, small cans of juice and coffee. Always a major eater of breakfast foods, I sampled the offerings and carried a few back to Casey. As is his custom, he passed on breakfast.   We drove a mile or two down Washington Road to a well-marked turnoff to Augusta National Golf Club and found a free parking space for our rental Toyota SUV in a hilly lot loosely covered with gravel. I was quickly reminded of the disparity in our age and physical conditioning (I am 65 and he is 34) as I huffed and puffed up the rather steep hillsides for a mile or more to the main entrance of the golf club. It was no more than a walk in the park for Casey, who ran in a 10-mile race in downtown Washington, DC last Saturday for fun.   At the entrance, we waited in a long line to pass through a metal detector that checks for such forbidden items as cell phones, guns and pocket knives. A security guard checked my carry-on bag the size of a six-pack that contained binoculars (OK only on Practice Rounds days) and guide sheets. She found a sandwich bag containing several dozen salted, roast almonds. The nuts were confiscated and tossed into a basket containing contraband.   By 9:30 a.m., we were though Security and free to go nearly anywhere we wanted on the immaculately groomed golf course. We stopped at a cavernous gift shop by the clubhouse so Casey could buy a blue, cotton sweater to wear underneath his UVA-orange windbreaker plus a blue baseball cap decorated with the Masters logo. I was wearing a black, synthetic material sweater over a short sleeve maroon shirt, with khaki trousers and a medium weight, red jacket plus a baseball cap decorated with the logo of my alma mater, Mississippi State University. We both sported running shoes for the heavy-duty walking on the course.   It was a chilly morning. I wore woolen gloves and was glad I had them. The predicted high temp for the day is only 50 degrees, but brisk winds made it feel like the low 40s. I actually felt a bit sorry for the ï¿½patronsï¿½ (as paying customers are called at the Masters) who were wearing Bermuda shorts and sandals without socks. I fondly remembered our earlier visits to the tournament in 1994 and 2002 when I wore shorts and a lot of Coppertone sunscreen. Links to the accounts of those experiences are at http://www.lewisnolan.com/Masters-1994.htm and Masters-2002.htm .   Casey and I walked through much of the legendary course, stopping here and there to take photos of the gloriously blooming azalea bushes. We arrived at the primary seating area near Amen Cornerï¿½s 11th green and tee box for the 12th hole, with a good but somewhat distant view of the highly scenic green of No. 12 nestled between Raeï¿½s Creek and a hillside of colorful azaleas.   Casey walked to a nearby concession sta


Which Asian nation was the first to make it illegal to smoke in public or to sell tobacco?

Critics say jailing smokers for lighting up is a violation of their rights [Gayatri Parameswaran/Al Jazeera] By Gayatri Parameswaran In downtown Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, Sonam Dema - who requested her real name not be used - owns a small corner shop in a quiet alleyway. Packaged food, drinks, confectionaries and pastries are on display. On a busy afternoon, a Bhutanese man walks into the shop and orders cigarettes in a hushed tone. Dema looks around cautiously. She leans down to her handbag and pulls out a pack of 10 cigarettes. "One hundred ngultrum (about $1.87)," Dema says. The transaction happens under the counter. The buyer slides the pack of cigarettes under his jacket and leaves in no time. "It’s illegal to sell cigarettes here. I don’t sell them to anyone I don’t know," Dema says after her customer leaves. Bhutan, a small Himalayan nation often called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is the only country in the world that completely bans the sale and production of tobacco and tobacco products. Under the law, any individual found selling tobacco can face imprisonment for a period of three to five years. But the youngster confesses that she is only doing it for financial reasons. "Look at everything in the store. Cigarettes bring more profit than anything else. I have to pay rent for this place and if I stop selling cigarettes my profits will plummet," she says. Tough laws Bhutan, with a population of  700,000, has used an index called "Gross National Happiness" as a measure of progress. The government emphasises improving people’s happiness while relying on four pillars of development - good governance, natural environment, sustainable growth and cultural values. The Himalayan nation has a long history of tobacco control. In 1729, it perhaps became the first country in the world to have any kind of tobacco regulation, when the supreme leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal passed a law against tobacco use. "I can’t afford to pay the fine. And I don’t want to pay import duties either. Why can’t I smoke cigarettes at a normal price if I am not selling them to anyone else"  - Tsering Zam In the 1990s, many of the 20 districts of Bhutan began autonomously declaring themselves smoke-free zones. By 2004, the national assembly of Bhutan (which was then a monarchy), banned the sale of tobacco throughout the country as well as smoking in public places, private offices and even recreation centres like bars and pubs. It was lauded for being the first country in the world to go entirely smoke-free. However, the implementation of the ban remained weak. As a response, the government passed the Tobacco Control Act in 2010, under which smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco became a non-bailable offence. Anybody in possession of tobacco could be imprisoned for a minimum of three years if the person is unable to produce a receipt declaring payment of import duties for the products. Last year, more than 80 people were booked under the new law and nearly half of them were sent to prison. The first one to be imprisoned was Sonam Tshering, a Buddhist monk, who was caught with 180 grams of chewing tobacco worth 120 ngultrum (about $2.25). This resulted in a public outcry, and a Facebook group was created called "Amend the Tobacco Control Act" . The group had over 2,900 members, and was the first show of dissent in a country that adopted democracy in 2008 after 100 years of absolute monarchy. Tashi Dorji, who participated in the online protest, says the law took away his individual right as a smoker. "Putting people behind bars for smoking or chewing tobacco is a violation of their rights. The other crimes that get a similar three-year sentence are human trafficking, abduction, rape, arson, robbery, impersonating a uniformed personnel, torture, and riot. What are we trying to say here?" Under public pressure, the parliament amended the act and passed the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Act in January 2012. The amended Act has increased the permissible amounts of tobacco that can be imported for personal consumption. One can now import 300 cig


The sweet-tasting root of which plant is sometimes known as ‘Spanish’?

A Modern Herbal | Liquorice [ Top ] ---Description--- The plants are graceful, with light, spreading, pinnate foliage, presenting an almost feathery appearance from a distance. The leaflets (like those of the False Acacia) hang down during the night on each side of the midrib, though they do not meet beneath it. From the axils of the leaves spring racemes or spikes of papilionaceous small pale-blue, violet, yellowish-white or purplish flowers, followed by small pods somewhat resembling a partly-grown peapod in form. In the type species glabra, the pods are smooth, hence the specific name; in others they are hairy or spiny. The underground system, as in so many Leguminosae, is double, the one part consisting of a vertical or tap root, often with several branches penetrating to a depth of 3 or 4 feet, the other of horizontal rhizomes, or stolons, thrown off from the root below the surface of the ground, which attain a length of many feet. These runners are furnished with leafbuds and throw up stems in their second year. The perennial downward-running roots as well as the long horizontal stolons are equally preserved for use. Various indications point to the habit of this plant of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, as do many others of the family. In the species glandulifera (W. and K.) the pods are covered with thick, glandular spines, and the whole plant is pubescent or roughly glandular. The underground portion is not so spreading and produces a carrot-shaped root larger than the Spanish root derived from G. glabra. This species is indigenous to South-east Europe, Syria and Western Asia, and is both wild and cultivated in Russia. Both the Russian and Persian Liquorice of commerce is derived from G. glandulifera, the Russian reaching this country is peeled or unpeeled: its taste although sweet, is accompanied by a more or less perceptible bitterness. It consists chiefly of roots, not runners. Persian Liquorice root, collected in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates, from G. glandulifera, and exported in bales from Bussorah, is usually unpeeled, and is in rather large, coarse pieces, closely resembling the Russian root. Both the Russian and Persian varieties are largely consumed in the United States the root of G. glandulifera is equally official in the United States Pharmacopaeia with that of G. glabra. G. echinata, a native of Hungary, south Russia and Asia Minor, is the official German species. It has short globular heads of flowers and a small, ovoid pod with long spines. Probably a portion of the root from Italy and Sicily is the product of G. echinata, which grows wild in Apulia. The root is also somewhat bitter and there are contradictory statements concerning its quality, due perhaps to its having been confused with G. glandulifera. Asiatic Liquorice is obtained from G. uralensis (Fisch.), found in Turkestan, Mongolia and Siberia, and little inferior to the best Russian Liquorice. G. lepidota (Pursh), American Liquorice, is a species of the north-western United States. The rhizome is said to resemble that of Spanish Liquorice, but is smaller. It is only grown now to a very limited extent in this country, being cultivated on a small scale near Pontefract in Yorkshire, though formerly it was extensively grown at Mitcham in Surrey, also at Godalming, and at Worksop (Notts). The English Extract of Liquorice, made from the fresh home-grown root, sold in the lozenge form and known as Pontefract or Pomfrey cakes, is said to have a more delicate flavour than that imported, and it is considered that the cultivation of English Liquorice might well be extended, Essex and Surrey being suitable districts for its growth. In southern Italy, large quantities of Liquorice root are grown, but it is chiefly converted into Extract, though some of the root is exported. Spain and the south of France furnish quantities of carefully dried Liquorice root. Up to the year 1890, the cultivation of Spanish Liquorice was small or moderate in comparison with the wild collection. Owing, however, to the depletion of the natural supplies of root of goo


What is the title of the 45-minute extended edition of QI?

QI : Quite Interesting Contact QI United Kingdom On TV: New series of QI are broadcast on BBC Two, usually beginning in the autumn, along with the extended 45 minute-long 'XL' versions. QI is also repeated (very) regularly on Dave. Online: Several series of QI are available to stream on Netflix, and we're working to get more up soon. Episodes broadcast on the BBC are usually available to watch on iPlayer for a short period after broadcast. On DVD: Series A, B and C are available to purchase. See the QI shop for more information. Due to a number of copyright issues there are difficulties releasing further series of QI on DVD - but any developments will be announced on the QI website and on Twitter. The QI Genesis documentary is not currently available to purchase, but is occasionally aired on the BBC.


In 2015, who replaced Dara Ó Briain as the presenter of The Apprentice: You’re Fired?

Jack Dee fires himself from The Apprentice spin-off show | Media | The Guardian Jack Dee fires himself from The Apprentice spin-off show Presenter to step down after one series due to work commitments Jack Dee replaced Dara Ó Briain as the presenter of The Apprentice: You’re Fired last year. Photograph: BBC Jack Dee fires himself from The Apprentice spin-off show Presenter to step down after one series due to work commitments Press Association Tuesday 15 March 2016 06.52 EDT Last modified on Thursday 11 August 2016 05.43 EDT Close Jack Dee has confirmed his departure as host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired after one series. The comedian took over from Dara Ó Briain, who presented the BBC2 spin-off for five years, in 2015, but has stepped down due to work commitments. Dee said: “It’s been a tough decision to leave You’re Fired. “I’d like to thank the Apprentice team, BBC2, the candidates and the ‘big man’ Lord Sugar himself for making me feel so welcome but now, in keeping with the Apprentice tradition, I am firing myself. “Good luck with the next series.” Dee is currently filming series two of Josh Widdicombe’s eponymous sitcom and continues to host Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. His BBC2 comedy Jack Dee’s Help Desk is also set to return for specials throughout the year. A replacement host for the weekly show, which picks apart the show’s business candidates, has not been announced.


The theme music to which 1960s TV series was based on the folk song Johnny Todd?

Edinburgh-born composer of Z-Cars theme dies - Edinburgh Evening News Edinburgh-born composer of Z-Cars theme dies John Keating. Pic: comp Have your say THE man behind two of the most iconic TV themes of all times, Z-Cars and The Onedin Line, has died at the age of 87. Born in Bakehouse Close, off the Royal Mile, the son of Jock Keating, a local bookmaker, John “Johnny” Keating would go on to be one of the Capital’s best respected musicians, songwriters and arrangers. In a career that took him to Hollywood and back, Keating also wrote and produced hits for 60s pop stars such as Adam Faith, Petula Clark, Anthony Newley, Sammy Davis Jr and heart-throb Eden Kane. His film scores included the 1967 movies Hotel and Robbery and Innocent Bystanders in 1972. Most recently, his song Bunny Hop was featured in the 1994 Tim Burton movie, Ed Wood. Hibs fans were also paying tribute to Keating, seen by many as part of the history of the club. A life-long fan, in 1973 he was asked by then Hibs chairman Tom Hart to produce two songs sung by the Hibs team, Turnbull’s Tornados and Hibernian (Give us a Goal) – still sung by fans today. His son Martin said his father had never lost his passion for the Edinburgh club – and had insisted on being buried with his Hibs tie. Martin said: “He was such an inspiration because to go from the poor area where he grew up and make it all the way to Hollywood was incredible. It was one thing that always made me sad, that he never really got the recognition he deserved.” Evening News veteran John Gibson said: “Johnny was an absolutely brilliant musician. He went to Hollywood, was a big hit over there and scored a number of movies. He was huge but he never forgot his Old Town roots.” Keating, with a natural ability for arrangement and composition, joined the Ted Heath Swing Band in 1952 as a trombone player. Within two years, however, it was his skills as an arranger that were in greater demand. But it is for his theme from the TV series crime show Z-Cars, based on the traditional folk song Johnny Todd, that he will be best remembered – it reached No 5 in the charts and was adopted by Everton as their theme song 35 years ago, and remains so to this day. Keating also founded the Johnny Keating School of Music in the city, while his album Space Experience, recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra, spent 14 weeks in the charts. Mr Keating, who passed away on Thursday, is survived by his sons Martin and Kevin and his daughter Jill. liam.rudden@edinburghnews.com


Which brand of spirit uses a black bat in its logo?

Top 10 Alcohol Logos | SpellBrand® Top 10 Alcohol Logos 0 Alcohol beverages are popular throughout most of the world, making this a huge global industry. However, this is an image-conscious industry where a drink must have not only a certain taste, but a certain image as well. Some of these logos are more than a century old, while others are relatively new, but one thing they all have in common is good food and drink logo design. 1. Bacardi Logo Design There is more to this well-recognized logo design than most people realize and should have been featured in our Top 10 Beverage Logos . First, the bat that is the central image is indeed a significant part of the company’s history. When the founder of Bacardi acquired the distillery in 1862, there were many bats living inside the buildings. Because bats are a symbol of good luck in Cuba, where the company originated, this figure seemed like an auspicious choice. The circular shape is also important, because it creates a friendlier feeling to the logo. The red is eye-catching and bold, while the gold communicates quality. The company name is written in a serious, straightforward font that gives the image a little more weight. 2. Hpnotiq Logo Design This logo design ties directly into the company name with a whirlpool-like figure that is indeed hypnotic. The colors here are significant; not only is blue a calming color (read more about color theory), but one that implies that the product is clear and clean as pure water. Again we see the combination of a friendly circle along with straightforward writing, but in this case the writing is underlined for maximum effect. 3. Jagermeister Logo Design This logo design is successful because it is so different from most alcohol logos. However, the unusual images maintain heavy significance in the company lore. It is based on a local legend of a man named Hubertus, who hunted in forbidden woods and came upon a deer, who had a cross between his antlers. Luckily, the animal forgave the hunter, but the story retained enough meaning throughout the years that it was given center position in this popular drink’s logo design. The heavy Gothic writing is reminiscent of the German name and adds to the traditional image. 4. Dos Lunas Logo Design This tequila has a logo design that relates directly to its name, with ‘Dos Lunas’ meaning ‘two moons’ in Spanish. The ‘O’ in the first word is clearly and cleverly formed of two quarter moons, while the rest of the writing is plain and unobtrusive. The blue is graded so that it is lighter at the bottom, implying a night sky with the two moons rising. 5. Johnny Walker Logo Design Again, this logo design refers to the company’s history, which can be important in the alcohol product industry where tradition is a powerful selling point. The man walking in the image is the company founder, Johnny Walker. The writing is arranged to look like a signature, relating back to the founder. The black that is the main color is sophisticated and velvety, while the gold refers to wealth and quality in a way that is likely to appeal to the consumer. 6. Crown Royal Logo Design It’s hard to think of a more crown royal image than the one in this logo design. The crown in this image is situated on a gold edged pillow, which clearly refers to the name. The royal blue and gold both are parts of the same theme. The scrolling font adds to the traditional image, while the wavy accents give a feeling of movement. The touches of red draw viewers’ attention to the image. 7. Smirnoff Logo Design This logo is far more modern than most alcoholic beverage logos, which shows that this company is trying to present itself as a choice more friendly to the modern consumer. The silver and red is ultra modern while also attracting attention to the bottle. The bird images imply movement, while the crown above implies quality worthy of a royal. The name is printed in a banner, another implication of quality. The hard edges of the image add to this image, while hard edges imply strength while adding to the modern feeling of this logo design. 8.


Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ was the 1973 debut album of which artist?

Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ by Bruce Springsteen : Napster Jan 1973 Label: Columbia Springsteen's debut firmly established him as a potent songwriter and a talent to watch. As songs such as "Growin' Up and "Spirit In the Night" demonstrate, Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ bubbles with all the hunger and enthusiasm befitting a young, newly signed artist. Greater things would follow, but Greetings certainly set some high standards. Linda Ryan Twitter About This Album Springsteen's debut firmly established him as a potent songwriter and a talent to watch. As songs such as "Growin' Up and "Spirit In the Night" demonstrate, Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ bubbles with all the hunger and enthusiasm befitting a young, newly signed artist. Greater things would follow, but Greetings certainly set some high standards. Linda Ryan


Which nerve is the longest and widest in the human body?

See What You Need to Know About Sciatica Any problem in the lower spine can affect a nerve that feeds into the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica symptoms. Watch: Sciatica Animated Video Any problem in the lower spine can affect one of the nerves that feeds into the sciatic nerve, causing pain to radiate along that part of the nerve. The sciatic nerve supplies sensation and strength to the leg as well as the reflexes of the leg. It connects the spinal cord with the outside of the thigh, the hamstring muscles in the back of the thighs, and muscles in the lower leg and feet. As such, when the sciatic nerve is impaired, it can lead to muscle weakness and/or numbness or tingling in the leg, ankle, foot, and/or toes. Watch: Sciatic Nerve Anatomy Video The sciatic nerve is actually made up of five nerves. It is formed on the right and left hand side of the lower spine by the combination of the fourth and fifth lumbar nerves and the first three nerves in the sacral spine. See Spinal Anatomy and Back Pain Each nerve exits the spine between two vertebral segments and is named for the segment above it. The nerve that exits the spine between lumbar segment 4 and lumbar segment 5 ( L4 and L5 ) is called the L4 nerve root, and the nerve that exits between the L5 and Sacral segment 1 is called the L5. The nerves that emerge from the sacral foramen include S1, S2, and S3. Article continues below Watch: Sciatica Animated Video The five nerves group together on the front surface of the piriformis muscle (in the rear) and become one large nerve, the sciatic nerve. This nerve then travels down the back of each leg, branching out to provide motor and sensory functions to specific regions of the leg and foot. See Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerve Roots In the lower thigh/above the back of the knee, the sciatic nerve divides into two nerves, the tibial and peroneal nerves, which innervate different parts of the lower leg: Peroneal nerves. The peroneal nerves travel laterally (sideways) along the outer part of the knee and down into the upper foot. Tibial nerves. The tibial nerves continue to travel downward toward the feet and innervate the heel and sole of the foot. Because of the different nerve pathways, symptoms may present in different parts of the leg or foot depending on where the nerve is affected.


Where in the human body is the anatomical snuffbox?

Mapping the body: the anatomical snuff box | Life and style | The Guardian Mapping the body: the anatomical snuff box The first of a new series examining the wonders of the human body The snuff box can be used to detect fractures. Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian Share on Messenger Close Doctors are drawn into their profession for all sorts of reasons. Some follow in the footsteps of a relative or friend. Others excel at science at school. In my case, the decision was made one morning, out of the blue, as I looked into an open body. While studying English literature as an undergraduate I had a friend whose father was a surgeon. When introduced to him, I badgered this man so relentlessly about his job that he asked if I would like to visit his operating theatre. Over the course of a day, I watched him remove a cancer from a man's jaw, then repair it. I will never forget the way I felt seeing someone's face being dissected, layer by layer, then rebuilt. I made the decision then and there that I wanted to go to medical school. It's been nearly 20 years since that day, and now I'm a surgeon myself. But I have never lost my sense of wonder at the human body. This column is about the details of the body that have fascinated me; parts as big as a leg, or as small as a cell. I don't aim to be comprehensive, but to convey something of what continues to fascinate me about the wonderful subject of human anatomy. The hand's early-warning system Get into position to shake someone's hand, and look at where the base of your thumb meets your wrist. Between the two tendons you will find the anatomical snuff box. In bygone times, this pretty dip was just the right size for snorting snuff from, but today it is known as a hazard-zone by any doctor who has been through training in emergency medicine. I did mine at The Royal London Hospital and still remember how important I felt turning up to a department which had its own helicopter. Less glamorous was the lecture I received on my first day about all the ways a junior doctor in A&E could end up being sued. One of these involved the anatomical snuff box. If a person falls on their outstretched hand, they are most likely to break the radius, one of the two main bones supporting the forearm. The most common type of fracture in these circumstances is known as a Colles fracture, where a fragment of bone is broken off the end of the radius and pushed backwards. This is usually detectable on the two routine X-rays requested for any serious wrist injury, and is often correctable under local anaesthetic in the A&E department. What is much easier to miss, is a break in the scaphoid – one of the bones within the hand – which is also vulnerable to damage from a fall on to the palm. These fractures may be undetectable on routine images from the radiographer. Even special x-rays, showing the wrist from different angles, may appear normal for days after an injury. And scaphoid fractures often result in compromise to the bone's blood supply from the radial artery, one of the main two arteries in the forearm, until the substance of the bone is deprived of essential nutrients. If this occurs a patient can have life-long problems with arthritis of the wrist. One should never forget to press in the anatomical snuff box of someone who has fallen on their outstretched hand. Eliciting pain from so doing raises a strong suspicion of a scaphoid fracture, which can then be treated, saving both patient and doctor a great deal of trouble further down the line. Gabriel Weston


Who is the only man to have captained England at both cricket and football?

‘Tip’ Foster: Only man to have captained England in both cricket and football - Cricket Country 'Tip' Foster: Only man to have captained England in both cricket and football Tip Foster's 287 was the highest score in Test cricket at one time. | Updated : April 16, 2016 1:10 AM IST ‘Tip’ Foster © Getty Images Reg [Tip] Foster, born April 16, 1878, still holds the record for the highest score on Test debut. Abhishek Mukherjee looks back at the only man to have led England in both cricket and football. There is a group of people who are so privileged that whatever they touch turn into gold. Reginald Erskine [Tip] Foster was one of them. He remains the only man to have led England in both cricket and football; he still holds the highest Test score on debut, the highest score by any batsman against Australia in Australia, and for a long time he held the record for the highest Test score. He was also a brilliant slip fielder. If that was not enough, he was a successful businessman to boot. Foster came from a family of cricketers. Six of his brothers had played First-Class cricket for Worcestershire, though ‘Tip’ was the only one to play Test cricket. From eight Tests he had scored 602 at 46.30 in an era of uncovered wickets; in all First-Class cricket he had scored 9,076 runs at 41.82. Of all pre-World War I Test batsmen with a 500-run cut-off, Foster ranks only behind Jack Hobbs and Stanley Jackson in terms of batting average. Foster had an impeccable technique, and when he felt like defending there was no contemporary bowler who could get him out easily. However, he was essentially a strokeplayer, and could play his shots in all possible directions. Blessed with amazing hand-eye coordination and astonishingly supple wrists, Foster was next only to KS Ranjitsinhji in terms of elegance. He had mastered the leg-glance, but his trademark shot was the late-cut — which he played so late that it seemed that he had plucked it out of the wicket-keeper’s gloves. Oxford and Worcestershire days Foster made his First-Class debut in 1897, and by 1900 he was hailed as one of England’s most talented batsmen. In 1900 he scored 1,807 runs at 51.62 with 7 hundreds and 5 fifties, which was good enough to make him a Wisden Player of the Year next year. In the same year he scored 171 for Oxford against Cambridge — setting a new record in the prestigious Varsity match. Within a couple of weeks he had scored 102* and 136 for Gentlemen against Players — thereby being the first batsman to score twin tons in a Gentlemen versus Players match. He continued his fine form the next year — and scored 2,128 runs at 50.66 with 6 hundreds and 13 fifties. He was an obvious choice for the ship to Australia the next season, but business commitments kept him out of the tour. In 1902, the Warwickshire match was his only First-Class appearance till June, and he played only 10 matches that summer, and only 3 more in the summer of 1903. A record-breaking Test debut Foster eventually made his Test debut in the Australian summer of 1903-04 at Sydney. After the English seamers bowled Australia out for 285, Foster took charge, coming out at 73 for 3. He added 192 for the fifth wicket with Len Braund, but England soon collapsed to 332 for 8. Foster, meanwhile, had gone past Charles Bannerman’s 165 retired hurt — the highest score on Test debut — and Billy Murdoch ’s 211 — the highest score in all Tests. With eight wickets down, Foster gave Australia the charge. He added 115 with Albert Reif and then 130 (a new 10th-wicket record) more with Wilfred Rhodes in 66 minutes. The hitting was brutal, and Foster had increased the world-record score by many a mile, scoring 287 in 419 minutes. Though Victor Trumper scored 185, Rhodes dismissed Australia for 485, and England won by 5 wickets. The Test proved crucial, as England won the Ashes 3-2. Foster scored 49 in the first innings in the second Test at Melbourne, when a severe chill prevented him from taking any further part in the Test. In the dead rubber in the fifth Test at Melbourne, Foster top-scored in each innings of a low-sc


Which chemical element can exist in white, red, violet, or black forms?

Allotropes - Chemistry Encyclopedia - structure, reaction, elements, metal, gas, number, name, molecule Allotropes - Chemistry Encyclopedia Figure 1. Elements that exist as allotropes. B Bi Po Allotropes are different forms of the same element. Different bonding    arrangements between atoms result in different structures with different    chemical and physical properties. Allotropes occur only with certain    elements, in Groups 13 through 16 in the Periodic Table. This distribution    of allotropic elements is illustrated in Figure 1. Group 13 Boron (B), the second hardest element, is the only allotropic element in    Group 13. It is second only to carbon (C) in its ability to form element    bonded networks. Thus, in addition to amorphous boron, several different    allotropes of boron are known, of which three are well characterized.    These are red crystalline α -rhombohedral boron, black crystalline β -rhombohedral boron (the most thermodynamically stable allotrope), and    black crystalline β -tetragonal boron. All are polymeric and are based on various modes of    condensation of the B 12 icosahedron (Figure 2). Group 14 In Group 14, only carbon and tin exist as allotropes under normal    conditions. For most of recorded history, the only known allotropes of    carbon were diamond and graphite. Both are polymeric solids. Diamond forms    hard, clear, colorless crystals, and was the first element to have its    structure determined by x-ray diffraction. It has the highest melting point and is the hardest of the naturally occurring solids. Graphite, the most    thermodynamically stable form of carbon, is a dark gray, waxy solid, used    extensively as a lubricant. It also comprises the "lead" in    pencils. The diamond lattice (Figure 3a) contains tetrahedral carbon atoms in an infinite    three-dimensional network. Graphite is also an infinite three-dimensional    network, but it is made up of planar offset layers of trigonal carbons    forming fused hexagonal rings (Figure 3b). The C-C bonds within Figure 2. B 12 icosahedron. Figure 3a. Portion of the structure of diamond. This structure      repeats infinitely in all directions. a layer are shorter than those of diamond, and are much shorter than the    separation between the graphite layers. The weak, nonbonding, interaction    between the layers, allowing them to easily slide over each other,    accounts for the lubricating properties of graphite. Diamond and graphite are nonmolecular allotropes of carbon. A range of    molecular allotropes of carbon (the fullerenes) has been known since the    discovery in 1985 of C 60 (Figure 4). The sixty carbon atoms approximate a sphere of condensed    five- and six-membered rings. Although initially found in the laboratory,    fullerenes have since been shown to occur in nature at low concentrations. C 60 and C 70 are generally the most abundant and readily isolated fullerenes. In 1991 carbon nanotubes were discovered. They are more flexible and    stronger than commercially available carbon fibers, and can be conductors    or semiconductors. Although the mechanism of their formation has not been    determined, they can be thought of as the result of "rolling    up" a section of a graphite sheet and capping the ends with a    hemisphere of C 60 , C 70 , or another molecular allotrope fragment. Five- or seven-membered rings    can be incorporated among the six-membered rings, leading to an almost    infinite range of helical, toroidal, and corkscrew-shaped tubes, all with    different mechanical strengths and conductivities. Figure 3b. Portion of the structure of graphite. This structure      repeats infinitely in all directions. Figure 4. A fullerene allotrope of C 60 . Tin is a relatively low melting (232°C) material that exists in two    allotropic forms at room temperature and pressure, α -Sn (gray tin) and β -Sn (white tin). α -Sn is the stable form below 13°C and has the diamond structure    (Fig