Middelburg is the capital of which province in the South West of The Netherlands?

Guide to Middelburg Zeeland Netherlands Middelburg, Zeeland   Middelburg is the historic capital of the coastal Zeeland province in the south-west of the Netherlands. It can be reached by road or rail from Amsterdam and the 200km journey takes around 2 1/2 hours. Zeeland is renowned for having excellent beaches and the best climate of the country. Middelburg makes a great base to explore the surrounding area. The "medieval" centre is a short walk across the bridge from the NS train station - the VVV tourist information is located on Nieuwe Berg. Things to do/see in Middelburg Lange Jan Church Tower - Not far from the VVV is the 90m high Lange Jan ("Long John") church tower which can be climbed by 207 steps (no lift!). Entry is €4 and the tower is open daily between April and November. It's a great place to get a perspective on the city. The surrounding Abbey complex actually contains 3 churches. Zeeuws Museum - This museum houses a mixed collection of Zeeland heritage items, from Roman artefacts and archaeological finds to paintings and traditional costumes. The highlight is a room with the 6 Zeeland tapestries commissioned over 500 years ago - and depicting naval battles during the Eighty Year War against Spain. The museum is located in the Abbey Square and entry is €8.50 (children 0-18 and Museumkaart holders get free entry). Opening hours are 1100-1700 Tue-Sun, closed Mondays. Markt / Stadhuis - Walk down Nieuwe Berg and you come to the large market square and the impressive Gothic style Stadhuis (town hall). There is a mixed market here every Thursday and a fruit/veg market on Saturdays. The Stadhuis is one of the most striking buildings in the country - originally built in the 15th century, it was heavily damaged by German bombing in 1940 - but was renovated to its past glory after the war. Daily tours (except Friday) are available between April and October (departing 1130 and 1515) and cost €4.25. Canal Boat Trip - You can do a rondvaart open-top boat trip around Middelburg which costs €6.50, children 0-10 €3.75. Operates April to November, from Achter de Houttuinen at the western end of town near the Kloveniersdoelen recital hall. Area Around Middelburg Veere - This small picturesque maritime town 8km north of Middelburg is worth a visit. Located on the shore of the Verse Meer, a large inland lagoon. Beaches - Head north-west out of Middelburg to the excellent beaches nearby at Domburg (14km away) and Westkapelle (21km) - easily reached by bus 53 or by bicycle. Another great location for a beach holiday is across the water in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen which has many caravan/chalet parks. Whilst very popular with Dutch and Germans, it is little known to other international visitors despite its proximity to Bruges in Belgium. This region can be reached by road tunnel or taking the train to the port of Vlissingen and then hopping on the short ferry to Breskens. Getting to Middelburg from Amsterdam The train trip from Amsterdam Central to Middelburg costs €25.40 each way (€43.20 in 1st class) - 2016 prices. There is a €1 surcharge for disposable tickets. The Intercity train runs hourly (direction Vlissingen, travels via Schiphol, Leiden, Den Haag, Delft, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Roosendaal and Bergen op Zoom). The journey time is 2 hours 45 minutes - though this can be cut to 2 hours 20 minutes by first taking the high-speed domestic Intercity Direct (€2.40 supplement payable) train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. From there connect to the standard Intercity.   Are you looking for a convenient hotel in the centre of Amsterdam? Please click here to search at Booking.com which offers guaranteed low rates, unbiased reviews and no booking fees. For a hotel in Middelburg, please click here


'Auld Lang Syne': What Does it Mean Again? - ABC News ABC News 'Auld Lang Syne': What Does it Mean Again? December 31, 2012 Play of the Day: 'Auld Lang Syne' Stumps Would-Be Singers ABCNEWS.com Copy (Image credit: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images) Here it is. The answer to a perennial question of what on earth does "Auld Lang Syne" mean? The confusion over the song is arguably almost as much of a tradition as the song itself. As revelers stumble and mumble through the verses-singing the "auld lang syne" part much louder than the rest of the song because it's really the only part people know-someone always asks what the words mean. The title of the Scottish tune translates to "times gone by" and is about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten. Despite its strong association with New Year's Eve, "Auld Lang Syne," written by Robert Burns in the 1700s, was never intended to be a holiday song. Guy Lombardo is credited with popularizing the song when his band used it as a segue between two radio programs during a live performance at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York in 1929. By coincidence, they played "Auld Lang Syne" just after the clock hit midnight, and a New Year's tradition was born. The song, and the confusion that comes with it, has been immortalized in countless movies and TV shows. In "When Harry Met Sally," Billy Crystal's baffled Harry wonders, "What does this song mean? My whole life, I don't know what this song means. I mean, 'Should old acquaintance be forgot?' Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances. Or does it mean that if we happened to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot them?" "Well, maybe it just means that we should remember that we forgot them or something," Sally reasons. "Anyway, it's about old friends." So as you surround yourself with friends old and new tonight, sing on. And if you really want to impress people, here are the lyrics to the English translated version of the song you'll probably hear: Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you'll buy your pint cup and surely I'll buy mine! And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine ; But we've wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne. CHORUS And there's a hand my trusty friend ! And give us a hand o' thine ! And we'll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne. CHORUS


Which Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer used the method of exhaustion to calculate the area under a parabola, and provided formulas for the volumes of surfaces of revolution and a system for expressing very large numbers?

Archimedes (Author of The Works of Archimedes) edit data Archimedes of Syracuse (Greek: Ἀρχιμήδης; c. 287 BC – c. 212 BC) was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. Although a few details of his life are known, he is regarded as one of the leading scientists in classical antiquity. Among his advances in physics are the foundations of hydrostatics, statics and an explanation of the principle of the lever. He is credited with designing innovative machines, including siege machines and the screw pump that bears his name. Modern experiments have tested claims that Archimedes designed machines capable of lifting attacking ships out of the water and setting ships on fire using an array of mirrors. Archimedes is generally considered to be the greatest mathematician of antiq Archimedes of Syracuse (Greek: Ἀρχιμήδης; c. 287 BC – c. 212 BC) was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. Although a few details of his life are known, he is regarded as one of the leading scientists in classical antiquity. Among his advances in physics are the foundations of hydrostatics, statics and an explanation of the principle of the lever. He is credited with designing innovative machines, including siege machines and the screw pump that bears his name. Modern experiments have tested claims that Archimedes designed machines capable of lifting attacking ships out of the water and setting ships on fire using an array of mirrors. Archimedes is generally considered to be the greatest mathematician of antiquity and one of the greatest of all time. He used the method of exhaustion to calculate the area under the arc of a parabola with the summation of an infinite series, and gave a remarkably accurate approximation of pi. He also defined the spiral bearing his name, formulae for the volumes of surfaces of revolution and an ingenious system for expressing very large numbers. Archimedes died during the Siege of Syracuse when he was killed by a Roman soldier despite orders that he should not be harmed. Cicero describes visiting the tomb of Archimedes, which was surmounted by a sphere inscribed within a cylinder. Archimedes had proven that the sphere has two thirds of the volume and surface area of the cylinder (including the bases of the latter), and regarded this as the greatest of his mathematical achievements. Unlike his inventions, the mathematical writings of Archimedes were little known in antiquity. Mathematicians from Alexandria read and quoted him, but the first comprehensive compilation was not made until c. 530 AD by Isidore of Miletus, while commentaries on the works of Archimedes written by Eutocius in the sixth century AD opened them to wider readership for the first time. The relatively few copies of Archimedes' written work that survived through the Middle Ages were an influential source of ideas for scientists during the Renaissance, while the discovery in 1906 of previously unknown works by Archimedes in the Archimedes Palimpsest has provided new insights into how he obtained mathematical results. ...more


What British sitcom features Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone, immature, prosperous, preposterous, substance-abusing fashion obsessed Londoners who value fame and style over substance?

Absolutely Fabulous Absolutely Fabulous MAIN PAGE | TV SERIES | TV SHOWS Absolutely Fabulous (also known as Ab Fab) is a British sitcom created and written by Jennifer Saunders, who also plays the leading character. Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone are two immature, chain-smoking, alcoholic, prosperous but preposterous substance-abusing fashion and fad-obsessed Londoners who value fame and style over substance. Saffron, Edina's disapproving adolescent daughter, provides the persistently dour voice of Edina and Patsy's super-ego.


The 9th Marquess of Queensberry sponsored the rules for which sport?

Marquess of Queensberry rules | Boxing Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Marquess of Queensberry rules Share Ad blocker interference detected! Wikia is a free-to-use site that makes money from advertising. We have a modified experience for viewers using ad blockers Wikia is not accessible if you’ve made further modifications. Remove the custom ad blocker rule(s) and the page will load as expected. A caricature of John Douglas, Marquess of Queensberry, the caption reads "A good light weight" The Marquess of Queensberry rules is a code of generally accepted rules in the sport of boxing . They were named so because John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry publicly endorsed the code, [1] although they were written by a sportsman named John Graham Chambers. The code of rules on which modern boxing is based, the Queensberry rules were the first to mention gloves in boxing. [2] The Queensberry rules are intended for use in both professional and amateur boxing matches, thus separating it from the less popular American Fair Play Rules, which were strictly intended for amateur matches. In popular culture the term is sometimes used to refer to a sense of sportsmanship and fair play. History Edit The boxing code was written by John Graham Chambers a Welshman, and drafted in London in 1865, before being published in 1867 as "the Queensberry rules for the sport of boxing". [3] [4] This code of rules superseded the Revised London Prize Ring rules (1853), which had themselves replaced the original London Prize Ring rules (1743) of Jack Broughton . This version persuaded boxers that "you must not fight simply to win; no holds barred is not the way; you must win by the rules" (17, sect. 5, pt. 1). One early prize fighter who fought under Marquess of Queensberry rules was Jem Mace , who won the English heavyweight title under these rules in 1861. In 1889, the Queensberry rules came into use in the United States and Canada. [5] Rules To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a 24-foot ring, or as near that size as practicable. No wrestling or hugging (clinching) allowed. The rounds to be of three minutes duration, and one minute's time between rounds. If either man falls through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, 10 seconds to be allowed him to do so, the other man meanwhile to return to his corner, and when the fallen man is on his legs the round is to be resumed and continued until the three minutes have expired. If one man fails to come to the scratch in the 10 seconds allowed, it shall be in the power of the referee to give his award in favour of the other man. A man hanging on the ropes in a helpless state, with his toes off the ground, shall be considered down. No seconds or any other person to be allowed in the ring during the rounds. Should the contest be stopped by any unavoidable interference, the referee to name the time and place as soon as possible for finishing the contest; so that the match must be won and lost, unless the backers of both men agree to draw the stakes. The gloves to be fair-sized boxing gloves of the best quality and new. Should a glove burst, or come off, it must be replaced to the referee's satisfaction. A man on one knee is considered down and if struck is entitled to the stakes. That no shoes or boots with spikes or sprigs be allowed. [6] The contest in all other respects to be governed by revised London Prize Ring Rules .


In Greek mythology, who was the son of King Atreus of Mycenae and Queen Aerope, murdered by his wife Clytemnestra on his return home from the Trojan War?

Agamemnon (deceased) - Genealogy Genealogy Join the world's largest family tree Gender Share your family tree and photos with the people you know and love Build your family tree online Share photos and videos About Agamemnon, king of Mycenae Agamemnon From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about a character in Greek mythology. For other uses, see Agamemnon (disambiguation). In Greek mythology, Agamemnon ("very resolute") / (ancient Greek: Ἀγαμέμνων) is the son of King Atreus of Mycenae and Queen Aerope; the brother of Menelaus and the husband of Clytemnestra; different mythological versions make him the king either of Mycenae or of Argos. When Helen, the wife of Menelaus, was abducted by Paris of Troy, Agamemnon was the commander of the Achaeans in the ensuing Trojan War. Upon his return from Troy he was murdered (according to the fullest version of the oldest surviving account,Odyssey Book 11, l.409f.) by Aegisthus, the lover of his wife Clytemnestra, who herself slew Cassandra, Agamemnon's unfortunate concubine, as she clung to him. In old versions of the story: "The scene of the murder, when it is specified, is usually the house of Aegisthus, who has not taken up residence in Agamemnon's palace, and it involves an ambush and the deaths of Agamemnon's followers too"[1]. In some later versions Clytemnestra herself does the killing, or they do it together, in his own home. Forrás / Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agamemnon Atreus was murdered by Aegisthus, who took possession of the throne of Mycenae and ruled jointly with his own father Thyestes, Atreus´twin brother. During this period Agamemnon and his brother, Menelaus, took refuge with Tyndareus, king of Sparta. There they respectively married Tyndareus's daughters Clytemnestra and Helen. Agamemnon and Clytemnestra had four children: one son, Orestes, and three daughters, Iphigenia, Electra and Chrysothemis. Menelaus succeeded Tyndareus in Sparta, while Agamemnon, with his brother's assistance, drove out Aegisthus and Thyestes to recover his father's kingdom. He extended his dominion by conquest and became the most powerful prince in Greece. Agamemnon's family history had been marred by rape, murder, incest, and treachery, a result of the curse placed upon Pelops by Myrtilus, whom he had murdered. Thus misfortune hounded the entire House of Atreus. Agamemnon gathered the reluctant Greek forces to sail for Troy. Preparing to depart from Aulis, which was a port in Boeotia, Agamemnon's army incurred the wrath of the goddess Artemis. There are several reasons throughout myth for such wrath: in Aeschylus' play Agamemnon, Artemis is angry for the young men who will die at Troy, whereas in Sophocles' Electra, Agamemnon has slain an animal sacred to Artemis, and subsequently boasted that he was Artemis's equal in hunting. Misfortunes, including a plague and a lack of wind, prevented the army from sailing. Finally, the prophet Calchas announced that the wrath of the goddess could only be propitiated by the sacrifice of Agamemnon's daughter Iphigenia. Classical dramatisations differ on how willing either father or daughter were to this fate, some include such trickery as claiming she was to be married to Achilles, but Agamemnon did eventually sacrifice Iphigenia. Her death appeased Artemis, and the Greek army set out for Troy. Several alternatives to the human sacrifice have been presented in Greek mythology. Other sources, such as Iphigenia at Aulis, claim that Agamemnon was prepared to kill his daughter, but that Artemis accepted a deer in her place, and whisked her to Taurus in Crimea. Hesiod said she became the goddess Hecate. Agamemnon was the commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. During the fighting, Agamemnon killed Antiphus. Agamemnon's teamster, Halaesus, later fought with Aeneas in Italy. The Iliad tells the story of the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles in the final year of the war. Agamemnon took an attractive slave and spoil of war Briseis from Achilles. Achilles, the greatest warrior of the age, withdrew from battle in


What is the second longest named river in the USA, which runs from Lake Hasca, Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico?

The Mississippi River The Mississippi River River Severn | River Thames The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, with a length of 2,320 mi (3,734 km) from its source in Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth in Gulf of Mexico. The longest is its tributary the Missouri River measuring 2,341 mi (3,767 km). Country


What is the name of the English law that prevents anyone building so as to completely cut out light from a window that had provided light for at least 20 years?

Easements Easements: What is an easement? An easement is a right benefiting one parcel of land (known as the dominant tenement) that permits the rightful users (not necessarily solely the owner) of that land to perform specified actions over a neighbouring parcel of land (known as the servient tenement). Probably the most commonly used easement is one that allows the underground services (water, drainage, gas, electricity, telephone and TV cables, etc) of one property to pass beneath the land of one or more neighbouring properties. Perhaps the most widely known easement is the private right of way. There are others, such as the right to light, right of support. Usually the "rightful user" referred to in the preceding paragraph is the owner of the dominant tenement. In the case of a private right of way it is anyone with a legitimate purpose for visiting the land (which could be the rightful owner, his immediate family who live there, any servants or staff who work there, anyone visiting the land for social or business or duty reasons). This explains why the postman (for example) may make use of the private right of way even though he does not own the dominant tenement. An easement may be created in a number of ways. One is by express grant . In this case there may be a Deed of Grant that states the terms of the easement, or the grant may take the form of a clause in a conveyance deed or a transfer deed. An easement may be created of necessity. Thus a parcel of land will have a right of way of necessity over a road, track or path leading to it if that route is the only means of access between the public highway and that parcel of land. An easement may also be created by prescription. This happens when someone carries out an act (that is capable of being an easement) repeatedly, openly and without the (potentially servient) landowner's permission for a period of at least twenty years. If a parcel of land is sold together with an expressly granted easement then that parcel becomes the dominant tenement that has rights over neighhbouring land. At the same time, if the vendor of that same parcel of land reserves a right over the land being sold then it is also a servient tenement burdened with the rights reserved for the vendor's retained land. If there is a doubt as to whether or not an easement exists then the law tends to favour the existence of the easement. As the Law of Property Act 1925 puts it: "62.(1) A conveyance of land shall be deemed to include and shall ... operate to convey, with the land, all ... liberties, privileges, easements, rights, and advantages whatsoever, appertaining or reputed to appertain to the land, or any part thereof, or, at the time of the conveyance ... enjoyed with or reputed or known as ... appurtenant to the land or any part thereof. " An easement cannot be created as a result of an illegal act. Thus the driving of motor vehicles across common land does not create a private right of way. An easement is very difficult to extinguish and should be thought of as existing forever. The land of the servient tenement is burdened with the easement. The owner of the dominant tenement should not forget that the owner of the servient tenement has a right to the peaceful enjoyment of his land and the legitimate development of his land, and the performance of the easement should not interfere with the servient owner's peace nor prevent him from exercising his right to develop his land (provided that the development caters for the easement). An easement is said to "run with the land", i.e. it cannot be sold separately from the land but must be passed on with the land whenever the land is transferred to a new owner.   A right to pass and re-pass along a privately owned road, or across privately owned land is one form of easement. It is discussed separately at Private Rights of Way   A right for a landowner to park a car anywhere in a defined area nearby is capable of existing as an easement. This is discussed separately at Other neighbour disputes   Right of Support


Bird Aviary Bird Aviary Filed under: Bird Aviary   -    Pinned  | Spread the word ! Bird aviaries are a fantastic way to change the living environment of your birds for the better. Aviaries can come in small varieties or massive types that are located outside or even indoors. An ideal bird aviary will vary depending on the species of your bird and the requirements of it. Assuming that you are an expert on the birds you keep as pets, it should be easy to choose an aviary to suit their needs. First of all, if you have the space required, a large bird aviary would be best. Birds love to fly and enjoy having a large amount of space to live in. It will encourage breeding, happiness, as well as the longevity of your bird. Keep in mind that hook billed birds cannot be subjected to too much dirt, this will require special flooring to protect their health. You can easily purchase or even build your own bird flight aviary for next to nothing too depending on the materials needed. You can opt for chicken wire, wood and chicken wire, or even building like structures for nocturnal birds that prefer darkness. Some people take the route of choosing a greenhouse style bird aviary so that they may grow plants throughout the year to create a botanical environment for the birds. Most aviaries offer a fantastic way to enhance your yard or home and provide plenty of beauty for many years. They are designed to last throughout harsh weather, as well as protect your birds from the climate conditions. An outdoor aviary that is essentially “open” may not be the best option for colder climates. If your birds are tropical for example, it is crucial that you adjust your bird aviary accordingly. Indoor aviaries can be a suitable environment for tropical species if you fear that your climate is too harsh for them to be exposed. (7 votes) How To Protect Your Pet Birds Filed under: Bird Aviary - 19 Nov 2012  | Spread the word ! Bird aviaries are very important as they are very useful for your birds. Your birds can fly, be save from predators and benefit from the natural light of the sun. Nonetheless, there are also some disadvantages and risks as bird aviaries may attract diseases and attract wild birds. Many wild birds carry Psittacosis, which can lead to death throughout the aviary. Design A Great Outdoor Bird Aviary Filed under: Bird Aviary - 13 Jul 2012  | Spread the word ! If you want to be the owner of wonderful and healthy birds, then you have to buy a large bird aviary. As summer is here, you definitely have to buy or build an outdoor bird aviary where you can keep your canaries, lories, finches or toucans. Generally, outdoor bird aviaries are larger than traditional ones, so your birds will feel more comfortable and will have enough space to fly and exercise. Outdoor bird aviaries are more natural environments and your birds are exposed to fresh air and unfiltered sunlight, which is an important source of vitamin D, so your pets will be healthy. DIY Bird Aviary Filed under: Types Of Aviaries - 28 Jun 2012  | Spread the word ! The bird aviary is one of the projects that you have to consider, if you are thinking of having pet birds. For many people, the aviaries that they can find on the market can be rather expensive and that is why the best option is to consider a DIY project. You have two options in this case, which can very much depend on the things that you have around your house or on what you can get from friends and family, in terms of things you or they do not use anymore. You can consider the transformation of a piece of furniture into an aviary or you can make it from scratch. The easy version is the one involving the transformation of the furniture. You can opt for an old armoire, just like the one in the picture. You can remove all the shelves and can replace the glass doors with a more plastic material, so that the birds will not hurt themselves. You also have to consider ventilation spaces, food and water supplies refill paths, doors and so on. Having thought of these technicalities, you can move on to placing all the covers. Insid


In 1898, an agreement was made between Britain and China for a 99 year lease for part of which colony?

Why Did China Lease Hong Kong to Britain? Why Did China Lease Hong Kong to Britain? China Why Did China Lease Hong Kong to Britain? Hong Kong Harbor, taken sometime between 1900 and 1923, during British control of the island.  Library of Congress Prints and Photos By Kallie Szczepanski Updated March 16, 2016. The short answer to that question is that China lost Hong Kong to Great Britain in the Opium Wars , and later leased adjacent territories to the British under duress. Britain's reign over Hong Kong dates back to the 1842 Treaty of Nanking, which ended the  First Opium War .  But what is the longer answer? Nineteenth-century Britain had an insatiable appetite for Chinese tea. However, the Qing Dynasty and its subjects did not want to buy anything that the British produced. The government of Queen Victoria did not want to use up any more of the country's reserves of gold or silver in buying tea, so it decided to forcibly export opium from the Indian Subcontinent to China. The opium would then be exchanged for tea. China's government, not too surprisingly, objected to the large-scale importation of narcotics into their country by a foreign power. When just banning opium imports did not work, because British merchants simply smuggled the drug into China, the Qing government took more direct action. continue reading below our video What are the Seven Wonders of the World In 1839, Chinese officials destroyed 20,000 bales of opium. This move provoked Britain to declare war in order to protect its illegal drug-smuggling operations. The First Opium War lasted from 1839 to 1842. Britain occupied the island of Hong Kong on January 25, 1841, and used it as a military staging point. China was defeated in the war, and had to cede Hong Kong to Britain in the aforementioned Treaty of Nanking. Hong Kong became a Crown Colony of the British Empire . Status Changes of Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories At this point, you may be wondering, "Wait a minute, Britain just grabbed Hong Kong. Where did the lease come in, then?" The British grew increasingly worried about the security of their free port at Hong Kong during the second half of the 19th century. It was an isolated island, surrounded by areas still under Chinese control. The British decided to make their authority over the area official with a legally binding lease.  In 1860, at the end of the Second Opium War, the UK gained a perpetual lease over the Kowloon Peninsula, which is the mainland Chinese area just across the strait from Hong Kong Island. This agreement was part of the Convention of Beijing that ended that conflict. In 1898, the British and Chinese governments signed the Second Convention of Peking, which included a 99-year lease agreement for the islands surrounding Hong Kong, called the "New Territories."  The lease awarded control of more than 200 surrounding small islands to the British. In return, China got a promise that the islands would be returned to it after 99 years. On December 19, 1984, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, in which Britain agreed to return not only the New Territories but also Kowloon and Hong Kong itself when the lease term expired. China promised to implement a "One Country, Two Systems" regime, under which for fifty years Hong Kong citizens could continue to practice capitalism and political freedoms forbidden on the mainland. So, on July 1, 1997, the lease ended and the government of Great Britain transferred control of Hong Kong and surrounding territories to the People's Republic of China .  The transition has been more or less smooth, although human rights issues and Beijing's desire for greater political control cause considerable friction from time to time.


Yale University is in which state of the USA?

Yale University | Undergraduate | Top Universities Yale University Undergraduate Yale University was founded in 1701 as the Collegiate School in the home of Abraham Pierson, its first rector, in Killingworth, Connecticut. In 1716 the school moved to New Haven and, with the generous gift by Elihu Yale of nine bales of goods, 417 books, and a portrait and arms of King George I, was renamed Yale College in 1718. Yale embarked on a steady expansion, establishing the Medical Institution (1810), Divinity School (1822), Law School (1843), Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (1847), the School of Fine Arts (1869), and School of Music (1894). In 1887 Yale College became Yale University. It continued to add to its academic offerings with the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (1900), School of Nursing (1923), School of Drama (1925), School of Architecture (1972), and School of Management (1974). As Yale enters its fourth century, it's goal is to become a truly global universityeducating leaders and advancing the frontiers of knowledge not simply for the United States, but for the entire world. Richard C. Levin, the president of Yale University, says: The globalization of the University is in part an evolutionary development. Yale has drawn students from outside the United States for nearly... Rankings, stats & media


What event led to a US grand jury indicting E. Howard Hunt, Jr. and G. Gordon Liddy for conspiracy, burglary and violation of federal wiretapping laws?

Watergate scandal | Summary, Timeline, & Deep Throat | Britannica.com Richard Nixon Watergate scandal, interlocking political scandals of the administration of U.S. Pres. Richard M. Nixon that were revealed following the arrest of five burglars at Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in the Watergate office-apartment-hotel complex in Washington, D.C. , on June 17, 1972. On August 9, 1974, facing likely impeachment for his role in covering up the scandal, Nixon became the only U.S. president to resign. U.S. Pres. Richard M. Nixon (left) and Charles Wendell Colson—a close political aide … —White House Photo/Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA Burglary, arrest, and limited immediate political effect Early on June 17, 1972, police apprehended five burglars at the office of the DNC in the Watergate complex. Four of them formerly had been active in Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) activities against Fidel Castro in Cuba . (Though often referred to in the press as “Cubans,” only three of the four were of Cuban heritage.) The fifth, James W. McCord, Jr. , was the security chief of the Committee to Re-elect the President (later known popularly as CREEP), which was presided over by John Mitchell , Nixon’s former attorney general. The arrest was reported in the next morning’s Washington Post in an article written by Alfred E. Lewis, Carl Bernstein , and Bob Woodward , the latter two a pair of relatively undistinguished young reporters relegated to unglamorous beats—Bernstein to roving coverage of Virginia politics and Woodward, still new to the Post, to covering minor criminal activities. Soon after, Woodward and Bernstein and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigators identified two coconspirators in the burglary: E. Howard Hunt, Jr. , a former high-ranking CIA officer only recently appointed to the staff of the White House , and G. Gordon Liddy , a former FBI agent working as a counsel for CREEP. At the time of the break-in, Liddy had been overseeing a similar, though uncompleted, attempt to break into and surveil the headquarters of George S. McGovern , soon to become the Democratic nominee in the 1972 U.S. presidential election . Similar Topics Pacific Scandal Presidential Press Secretary Ron Ziegler responded that the president would have no comment on a “third-rate burglary attempt.” The preponderance of early media reports, driven by a successful White House public relations campaign, claimed that there had been no involvement by the Nixon administration or the reelection committee. Meanwhile, the conspirators destroyed evidence, including their burglary equipment and a stash of $100 bills. Jeb Magruder , deputy director of CREEP, burned transcripts of wiretaps from an earlier break-in at the DNC’s offices. The president, his chief of staff, H.R. (Bob) Haldeman , and the special counsel to the president, Charles Colson , Nixon’s close political aide, spread alibis around Washington. Meanwhile, the White House arranged for the “disappearance” to another country of Hunt (who never actually left the United States), part of a plan for the burglars to take the fall for the crime as overzealous anticommunist patriots. On June 23, 1972, the president, through channels, ordered the FBI to tamp down its investigation. Later, this order, revealed in what became known as the Nixon tapes (Nixon’s secret recordings of his phone calls and conversations in the Oval Office), became the “smoking gun” proving that the president had been part of a criminal cover-up from the beginning. United States: The Watergate scandal Throughout the 1972 campaign season, Woodward and Bernstein were fed leaks by an anonymous source they referred to as “Deep Throat,” who, only some 30 years later, was revealed to be FBI deputy director W. Mark Felt, Sr. They kept up a steady stream of scoops demonstrating (1) the direct involvement of Nixon intimates in Watergate activities, (2) that the Watergate wiretapping and break-in had been financed through illegally laundered campaign contributions, and, in a blockbuster October 10 front-p


"Which science fiction writer developed ""The Three Laws of Robotics""?"

Science Fiction Writer Robert J. Sawyer: On Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics Copyright © 1991 and 1994 by Robert J. Sawyer All Rights Reserved. Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence, except where such protection would conflict with the First or Second Law. People in the process of reading my novel Golden Fleece keep saying to me, what about Isaac Asimov 's Three Laws of Robotics? I thought they were guiding modern artificial-intelligence research? Nope, they're not. First, remember, Asimov's "Laws" are hardly laws in the sense that physical laws are laws; rather, they're cute suggestions that made for some interesting puzzle-oriented stories half a century ago. I honestly don't think they will be applied to future computers or robots. We have lots of computers and robots today and not one of them has even the rudiments of the Three Laws built-in. It's extraordinarily easy for "equipment failure" to result in human death, after all, in direct violation of the First Law. Asimov's Laws assume that we will create intelligent machines full-blown out of nothing, and thus be able to impose across the board a series of constraints. Well, that's not how it's happening.  Instead, we are getting closer to artificial intelligence by small degrees and, as such, nobody is really implementing fundamental safeguards. Take Eliza, the first computer psychiatric program. There is nothing in its logic to make sure that it doesn't harm the user in an Asimovian sense, by, for instance, re-opening old mental wounds with its probing. Now, we can argue that Eliza is way too primitive to do any real harm, but then that means someone has to say arbitrarily, okay, that attempt at AI requires no safeguards but this attempt does. Who would that someone be? The development of AI is a business, and businesses are notoriously uninterested in fundamental safeguards  especially philosophic ones. (A few quick examples: the tobacco industry, the automotive industry, the nuclear industry.  Not one of these has said from the outset that fundamental safeguards are necessary, every one of them has resisted externally imposed safeguards, and none have accepted an absolute edict against ever causing harm to humans.) Indeed, given that a huge amount of AI and robotics research is underwritten by the military, it seems that there will never be a general "law" against ever harming human beings. The whole point of the exercise, at least from the funders' point of view, is to specifically find ways to harm those human beings who happen to be on "the other side." We already live in a world in which Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics have no validity, a world in which every single computer user is exposed to radiation that is considered at least potentially harmful, a world in which machines replace people in the workplace all the time. (Asimov's First Law would prevent that:  taking away someone's job absolutely is harm in the Asimovian sense, and therefore a "Three Laws" robot could never do that, but, of course, real robots do it all the time.) So, what does all this mean? Where's it all going? Ah, that I answer at length  in Golden Fleece . More Good Reading


The drink of the Gods is nectar: what is the food of the Gods?

Ambrosia & Nectar - Research Center - Ambrosia Society - AmbrosiaSociety.org Living Water   “Ambrosia” is derived from the Greek ambrotos where a- ("not") and mbrotos ("mortal"). The literal translation of Ambrotos into English would be the word Immortal where im- (“not”) and mortal (“death”). In Greek Mythology ambrosia is sometimes the food, sometimes the drink, of the gods, often depicted as conferring ageless immortality upon whomever consumes it. It was brought to the gods in Olympus by doves (Odyssey xii.62), so may have been thought of in the Homeric tradition as a kind of divine exhalation of the Earth. Ambrosia is very closely related to the gods' other form of sustenance, nectar. The two terms may not have originally been distinguished, though in Homer's poems, nectar is the drink and ambrosia the food of the gods. On the other hand, in Alcman, nectar is the food, and in Sappho (fragment 45) and Anaxandrides, ambrosia is the drink. Derivatively the word Ambrosia (neut. plur.) was given to certain festivals in honor of Dionysus , the bright shining spotted, woodland dwelling God, the original creator of the ancient Greek “wine.” “Nectar” is derived from Latin nectar "drink of the gods", which in turn has its origins in the Greek word (néktar), presumed to be a compound of the elements nek- "death" and -tar "overcoming". “Amrita” is derived from a Sanskrit word that literally means "without death", and is often referred to in the Rig Veda as Soma and or Nectar. Corresponds to the Greek ambrotos (ambrosia). “Soma” is derived from an Indo-Iranian root *sav- (Sanskrit sav-) "to press", i.e. *sav-ma- is the drink prepared by pressing the stalks of the Soma plant. The root is probably Proto-Indo-European (*sewh-), and also appears in son (from *suhnu-, "pressed out" i.e. "newly born"), which leads to interesting questions as to what the concept “son of God” originally meant. In the Rig Veda Hymns, Soma, Amrita and Nectar are found as descriptive terms for the same “plant/God/drink” so the Soma or “pressed” drink was Amrita or "without death"and it was also the nectar or “death overcoming.” In ancient Greek, Soma means “body” and if the Greeks followed the Vedic model, it was from the Soma “body” that the Ambrotos “not-mortal” and Nectar “death overcoming,” sacred food and drink came from. “Living drops” a term for the Soma drink found in the Rig Veda, the Soma drink as an immortal God was composed of “living drops” Rig Veda 9-64-17. “Mead of Poetry” (Old Norse skáldskapar mjaðar), also known as Mead of Suttungr (Suttungmjaðar), in Norse mythology is a mythical beverage that whoever "drinks becomes a skald (Poet) or scholar" able to recite any information and solve any question.The drink is a vivid metaphor for poetic inspiration, often associated with Odin the god of “possession,” “runes.” “magic” and “poetic inspiration”. The “Mead of Poetry” is differentiated in the Norse myths from the common or alcoholic mead made with yeast. The name Poetic Mead or Mead of Poetry implies that the drink inspires elegant Poetry and either tastes like honey or was made with honey. Dried Amanita muscaria when water extracted as a strong solution, looks, smells and tastes remarkably like honey. The Fleece generated from dried Amanita muscaria will also grow quite well on a honey water solution. In the Rig Veda, “Soma” also called the “master Poet” is equated to honey in taste. The “Mead of Poetry” like “Soma” the “Master of the house of Song,” can inspire poetry because it contains Poetry in it self, the drink is liquid poetry, the wellspring of poetry and song. The “Elixir of Life”, also known as the elixir of immortality or Dancing Water or Aab-e-Hayaat and sometimes equated with the philosopher's stone, is a legendary potion, or drink, that grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth. Many practitioners of alchemy pursued it. The elixir of life was also said to be able to create life. It is related to the myths of Enoch, Thoth, and Hermes Trismegistus, all of whom in various tales are said to have drunk "the liquid gold” and t


Of which species of plant found on the floors of east Asian forests from eastern India, Indochina, China and Japan have 93 species been formally described, and, it is speculated, there may be 200 to 300?

aspidistra : definition of aspidistra and synonyms of aspidistra (English) Y. Wan & C. C. Huang. Acta Phytotax. Sin., 25(5): 396 (1987). Distribution: China (Guangxi) Tillich. Blumea 52 (2): 336 (2007). Distribution: Vietnam (Cao Bang) D. Fang & L. Y. Yu. Acta Phytotax. Sin. 40(2): 161 (2002). Distribution: China (Guangxi) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 314 (316, 335-336; fig. 1b-d). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Hai Phong) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 317 (335-336; fig. 1i). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Thua Thien) Hayata. Ic. Pl. Formosan. 2. 145 (1912). Distribution: Taiwan Y. Wan & C .C. Huang. Guihaia, 7(3): 221 (1987). Distribution: China (Guangxi) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 317 (335-337; figs. 1g, 2a-b). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Thai Nguyen) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 317 (-318, 335-336; fig. 1e-f). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Ninh Binh) L. V. Averyanov & H.-J. Tillich, Feddes Repertorium 119 (1 - 2): 37 (2008). Distribution: Vietnam Tillich. Blumea 52 (2): 337 (2007). Vietnam (Tuyen Quang) C. P'ei. Contrib. Biol. Lab. Sc. Soc. China, Bot. Ser., 12. 101, fig. 4. (1939). Distribution: China (Sichuan) Y. Wan & X. H. Lu. Bull. Bot. Res., Harbin, 9(2): 97, fig. 1. (1989). Distribution: China (N Guangxi) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 318 (335, 338; fig. 3h). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Lam Dong) D. Fang & K. C. Yen. Acta Phytotax. Sin., 31(2): 180, fig. 1. (1993). Distribution: China (NW Guangxi) G. Z. Li & S. C. Tang. Guihaia 22(4): 289, fig. 1. (2002). Distribution: China (Guangxi) Y. Wan. Bull. Bot. Res. North-East. Forest. Inst., 4(4): 166 (1984). Distribution: China (W Guangxi) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 318 (-319, 335, 337; fig. 2c-d). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Gialai-Kontum) Y. Wan & X. H. Lu. Guihaia, 7(3): 217, fig. 1. (1987). Distribution: China (NW Guangxi) Tillich. Blumea 52 (2): 338 (2007). Vietnam (Cao Bang) Y. Wan & C. C. Huang. Bull. Bot. Res., Harbin. 9(2): 100, fig. 3. (1989). Distribution: China (Guangxi) Hayata. Ic. Pl. Formosan. 9. 143 (1920). Distribution: Taiwan Gagnep.) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 323. (2005). Distribution: Indo-China X. X. Chen. Guihaia, 2(2): 77, fig. 1. (1982). Distribution: China (SW Guangxi) K. Y. Lang & Z. Y. Zhu. Acta Phytotax. Sin., 37(5): 492, fig. 13. (1999). Distribution: China (Sichuan) Blume. Tijdschr. 1. 76. t. 4. (1834). Distribution: Japan (Osumi Islands) G. Z. Li. Acta Phytotax. Sin., 37(5): 484, fig. 13. (1999). Distribution: China (?Guangxi) K. Y. Lang. Acta Phytotax. Sin., 37(5): 494, fig. 13. (1999). Distribution: China (W Hunan) F. T. Wang & K. Y. Lang. Acta Phytotax. Sin., 16(1): 76, fig. 1. (1978). Distribution: China (Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan) Aspidistra flaviflora K. Y. Lang & Z. Y. Zhu. Acta Phytotax. Sin., 20(4): 485, fig. 1. (1982). Distribution: China (SC Sichuan) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 319 (335-336; fig. 1h). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Thua Thien) Y. Wan. Bull. Bot. Res., Harbin. 4(4): 165, fig. 1. (1984). Distribution: China (W Guangxi) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 319 (-320, 335, 337; fig. 2e-f). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Thua Thien) (Gagnep.) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 323. (2005). Distribution: Laos (La Khon) Tillich. Blumea 52 (2): 341 (2007). Vietnam (Hoa Binh) S. C. Tang & Y. Liu. Novon 13(4): 480, fig. 1. (2003). Distribution: China (Guangxi) W. Y. Chun & F. C. How. Fl. Hainan., 4: 533 (1977). Distribution: China (S Guangdong, EC Guangxi, S Hainan) Aspidistra hekouensis H. Li, C. L. Long & Bogner. Sendtnera 5: 15, fig. 1. (1998). Distribution: China (SE Yunnan) G. Z. Li & Y. G. Wei. Acta Phytotax. Sin. 41(4): 384, fig. 2. (2003). Distribution: China (Gunangxi) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 117(1-2): 145 (144; fig. 4). (2006). Distribution: Japan (Kuroshima Island) W. J. de Wilde & A. Vogel. Folia Malaysiana 6(3-4): 126 (125-130; figs. 1-5). (2005). Distribution: Malaysia (Perak) Tillich. Feddes Repert. 116(5-6): 320 (335, 338; fig. 3d). (2005). Distribution: Vietnam (Thua Thien) K. Y. Lang & Z. Y. Zhu. Acta Bot. Yunnanica, 6(4): 385, fig. 1. (1984). Distri


"Who wrote the songs ""Suzanne"", ""First We Take Manhattan"" and ""Everybody Knows""?"

Leonard Cohen Albums 2016 | Leonard Cohen Albums & Tracks Perth Leonard Cohen Albums Leonard Norman Cohen, CC GOQ (born 21 September 1934) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet, and novelist. His work often explores religion, isolation, sexuality, and interpersonal relationships. Cohen has been inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nations highest civilian honour. Songs From the Road (2010) Heart With No Companion That Don't Make It Junk Bird on the Wire Dance Me to the End of Love First We Take Manhattan I Tried to Leave You Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye Bird on the Wire Dance Me to the End of Love Coming Back to You One of Us Cannot Be Wrong In My Secret Life That Don't Make It Junk Dear Heather (2004) The Essential Leonard Cohen (2002) Suzanne Ain't No Cure for Love Chelsea Hotel #2 Dance Me to the End of Love (live) The Future That Don't Make It Junk Here It Is Field Commander Cohen: Tour of 1979 (2001) Field Commander Cohen Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye The Stranger Song More Best of Leonard Cohen (1997) Everybody Knows Dance Me to the End of Love (live) Hallelujah (live) Dance Me to the End of Love Hallelujah One of Us Cannot Be Wrong If It Be Your Will Heart With No Companion Los 60 de los 60 (1992) Sisters of Mercy Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye So Long, Marianne (1989) Ain't No Cure for Love Jazz Police Dance Me to the End of Love Coming Back to You If It Be Your Will Night Comes On Is This What You Wanted Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye Leaving Green Sleeves Liebesträume: Leonard Cohen singt seine schönsten Lieder (1980) Sisters of Mercy Seems So Long Ago, Nancy I Left a Woman Waiting The Partisan Came So Far for Beauty The Lost Canadian (Un Canadien errant) The Traitor Ballad of the Absent Mare The Guests Death of a Ladies' Man (1977) True Love Leaves No Traces Iodine I Left a Woman Waiting Don't Go Home With Your Hard-On Fingerprints Death of a Ladies' Man The Best of Leonard Cohen (1975) Suzanne Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye Suzanne New Skin for the Old Ceremony (1974) Chelsea Hotel #2 I Tried to Leave You Take This Longing Is This What You Wanted Leaving Green Sleeves You Know Who I Am Bird on the Wire Please Don't Pass Me By (A Disgrace) Tonight Will Be Fine Songs of Love and Hate (1970) Last Year's Man Love Calls You by Your Name Famous Blue Raincoat Songs From a Room (1969) Bird on a Wire A Bunch of Lonesome Heroes The Partisan Seems So Long Ago, Nancy The Old Revolution You Know Who I Am Lady Midnight Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967) Suzanne One of Us Cannot Be Wrong The Stranger Song Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye Teachers An Introduction to Leonard Cohen (0000) The Smokey Life Dance Me to the End of Love Hallelujah If It Be Your Will I'm Your Man That Don't Make It Junk Best () In the House of Mystery The Law Dance Me to the End of Love If It Be Your Will Hallelujah Seems So Long Ago, Nancy Lady Midnight Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye A Bunch of Lonesome Heroes You Know Who I Am Last Year's Man Dance Me to the End of Love Suzanne Seems So Long Ago, Nancy Passing Thru


In what sport would one use a carabiner and a piton?

Types of Pitons (Anchors) for Rock Climbing Pitons are simple climbing tool with several distinct parts. Anvil The end of the piton that you hit with a piton hammer. Eye The hole at the end of the piton that you clip a carabiner into. Shaft The long part of an angle piton that is driven into a crack. Blade The long thin part of a blade piton that is driven into a crack. continue reading below our video 10 Best Basketball Players of All Time Lost Arrow pitons, made by Black Diamond, are blade pitons with an eye and a taped blade shaft. Photograph courtesy Black Diamond. Blade Pitons Blade pitons are exactly that—pieces of metal with a shaft that is thin and bladelike. Blade pitons vary in thickness from ones as thin as a knifeblade (these are called, of course, knifeblades) to ones that are about a centimeter thick (just under half-inch thick). The length of blade pitons varies from about an inch of usable length to about five inches long. The blade is tapered from the thick anvil and eye of the piton to its end where it’s very thin. Three types of blade pitons are in common use today— Knifeblades , Bugaboos , and Lost Arrows. All are made by Black Diamond Equipment, America’s leading piton manufacturer, in the traditional styles designed by John Salathé and Yvon Chouinard. These are all hot-forged tapered pitons manufactured from hard chrome-molybdenum steel (called chrome-moly). Bugaboo Pitons, made by Black Diamond Equipment, are a type of knifeblade piton with two eyes for clipping carabiners. Photograph courtesy Black Diamond Knifeblade Pitons Knifeblades are thin pitons that are best used in extremely thin deep cracks. At one time, a rack of knifeblades was the only way a climber could aid up a thin crack on big walls in Yosemite Valley. Today climbers use other aid climbing tools that cause less rock damage to ascend thin cracks, including Black Diamond Peckers and the Moses Tomahawk, both of which can be placed by hand for clean aid placements. Still, serious aid climbers need a few knifeblades on their rack, especially for placements in horizontal cracks, under roofs, and in expanding flakes. The most commonly used knifeblades are the thicker ones (#2 and #3 Black Diamond rather than the thinnest. Bugaboo pitons , also made by Black Diamond Equipment, are thick knifeblades with two eyes that are offset 90 degrees for clipping carabiners in different positions, especially when they are placed in tight corners. BUY Knifeblade and Bugaboo Pitons Lost Arrow pitons, made by Black Diamond Equipment, are the best and most versatile blade pitons used by aid climbers. Photograph courtesy Black Diamond Lost Arrow Pitons Lost Arrows are blade pitons that are not only superb and useful climbing tools but also works of art. Lost Arrow pitons, originally designed by John Salathé in the 1940s, are the one pin that every serious aid climber has to have on his rack of big wall equipment . Lost Arrows are extremely durable as well as versatile. They fit in thin cracks that are too small for an angle piton, small cam, or nut but are too big for a knifeblade, Pecker, or Tomahawk. LAs are durable and last a long time, which is great because they usually take a lot of beating on aid routes . Back in the heyday of Yosemite big wall climbing in the 1960s and 1970s, Lost Arrows were essential for success but now, with all the clean aid gear available, Lost Arrows are relegated to an extra on most racks. Most modern aid climbers usually carry only the #1 to #3 Lost Arrows, the shorties, which are most useful. The longer Lost Arrows are used less often on aid climbs. The Long Dong is often used as a nut-cleaning tool . Lost Arrows are also good for use in stacked piton placements when the pins are placed back to back or paired up with an angle piton in a shallow placement. They’re also good if pounded in a half-inch or so and tied off with a loop of webbing . Lost Arrow pitons, manufactured by Black Diamond Equipment, come in eight different sizes—Short Thin, Short Medium, Short Thick, Wedge, Long Thin, Long Medium, Long Thick, Long Dong.


What weapon, used by some African tribes, is a light throwing spear, tipped with iron?

Blade on a Stick - TV Tropes Blade on a Stick You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share "Till, bruised and bitten to the bone And taught by pain and fear, He learned to deal the far-off stone, And poke the long, safe spear." A subtrope of Weapon of Choice . A polearm—such as a poleaxe , spear, halberd, or any other weapon that's a long stick with something sharp and metal on one end—is often the province of hapless Mooks : city guardsman, honor guard, angry natives , and so on. Anyone who needs something long to cross over a portal to prevent someone from entering will use a polearm. When not in the hands of mooks, they are the weapon of choice for calm collected individuals, or The Lancer . Polearms are extremely effective weapons. They are highly suitable for massed battles, much more so than the sword. This is due to their reach and the fact that they're more effective at mounted combat and penetrating armor. In medieval combat, the sword was more a sidearm, and the polearm used as the main infantry weapon on the battlefield (similar to how modern soldiers use a pistol as a sidearm, but generally some kind of automatic rifle as their primary weapon). The reason you may not have heard of the importance of polearms is that our cultural obsession with swords is at least a thousand years old. This may be caused by the fact polearms are often Boring but Practical : many longer spears — and especially the pike — are not terribly suited for single combat. Instead, they are defensive weapons, especially effective when used by infantry formations against the decisive force of the medieval battlefield: cavalry charges. The stereotype of polearm being the Weapon of Choice for stoic, collected individuals such as guardsmen likely comes from the discipline required to maintain formation in face of the apparent overwhelming odds. When a hero uses a polearm, he'll generally wield it "open-fashion", swinging it around almost like a staff. Glaives and halberds — and even the Chinese spear ("Qiang" in Chinese), with its leaf- or dagger-like blade — are well-suited to it, but all of these are "individualistic" weapons, requiring a lot of space to be employed effectively and needing a lot of conditioning and experience on their wielder's part. Ordinary spears, and pikes as well, are better used in close formations, and can be used well by poorly-trained troops provided they don't break and run. Spears may also be thrown, even if the weapon in question isn't exactly built for it unless magic is involved. The lances of the Dark Ages were designed to be flung as well as couched, and one occasionally hears of lances being thrown as late as the 16th century. Javelins are spears specifically designed for throwing — which are not very useful at all in hand-to-hand fighting. Polearms are often preferred by a Lady of War , especially in Japanese media; the naginata was traditionally the weapon of a Yamato Nadeshiko while her samurai husband was away, giving it a " feminine " mystique; this was further amplified by several of those "housewives" becoming nigh-mythical warrior figures themselves. A House Wife in the west is more likely to be shown using a Frying Pan of Doom . A weapon whose use is Truth in Television and truly Older Than Dirt as elaborated on in the Real Life folder, being probably not too far behind in use to humanity first picking up things off the ground to defend themselves - even in the age of guns, the weapon's concept lives on as the bayonet which is still taught to modern armies, even if only as a training aid for symbolizing and evoking aggression for new recruits with little expectation to actually use it in combat.     open/close all folders      Anime and Manga  Lind's Weapon of Choice in Ah! My Goddess . Her idea of "practice" is to have someone throw boulders over a cliff at her, which she proceeds to smash with said weapon. Hungary has a spear as one of her Weapons of Choice , the other being her Frying Pan of Doom . Also, a drawing by Himaruya has Greece ◊ Madarame Ikkaku's Hōzukimaru


What is a navigation instrument used until the 18th century to measure the angles between heavenly bodies, or between them and the horizon?

Navigation of the American Explorers - 15th to 17th Centuries | Penobscot Bay History Online Navigation of the American Explorers - 15th to 17th Centuries Seventeenth century travelers to Maine’s coast such as Samuel ChamplainChamplain, Samuel de Samuel de Champlain 1567-1635. Between 1603 and 1635, Champlain made 12 voyages to what was to become Canada, establishing it as a French colony, founding Quebec, and exploring up the St. Lawrence River to the Great Lakes. Read More , George WaymouthWaymouth, George George Waymouth c.1585-c.1612. English ship captain and explorer, and student of mathematics, navigation and ship building. In 1602 he led an unsuccessful voyage in search of the Northwest Passage, exploring the area between Greenland and Labrador. After returning he wrote "The Jewell of Artes" a manuscript on navigation, shipbuilding and fortification presented to King James I. Read More , and John SmithSmith, Capt. John Captain John Smith c.1580-1631. English soldier, sailor, and writer, who became the leader of the Jamestown Colony. Chiefly known in New England for his 1614 voyage in which he mapped much of the coast. Read More carried state-of-the-art navigation tools for both dead reckoningDead reckoning Navigating by applying courses and distances made through the water from the last known observed position. The term dead could be a form of "ded" from "deduced" reckoning. and celestial navigationCelestial navigation Using the sun, moon, stars, and planets to find your location.. Navigation Tools for Dead Reckoning and Piloting Invented in China in the 3rd century BC, the compassCompass Instrument which indicates true or magnetic north, enabling the mariner to guide a ship in any direction and to determine the direction of a visible object, such as another ship, heavenly body, or point of land. Read More did not come to Europe until the 12th century AD. By the time of Columbus'Columbus, Christopher Christopher Columbus 1451-1506. Italian explorer and navigator. After finding Spanish backing for his plan to find a short way to the Orient, he sailed in 1492 and landed in the Bahamas, then explored a portion of the Caribbean before returning. Read More voyage it was common. Instead of degrees, the compass cardCompass card Magnetic marine compasses have the magnets fastened to a circular card which has the directions on it. Traditionally compasses were marked in points of 11 1/4 at every 11 1/4 degrees. The whole card rotates and a mark on the compass housing called a lubber line indicates direction. Read More , on which directions were drawn or printed, showed the points of the compass, including north, south, east, and west. There are 32 points of the compass, the four main quadrantsQuadrant An astronomical instrument for measuring angles with a quarter circle graduated arc. The seaman's quadrant, or simple quadrant, was the earliest instrument used by navigators for measuring the altitude of a heavenly body. Other instruments not strictly quadrants have also been called such. The backstaff may be called Davis Quadrant. The octant was originally called Hadley's quadrant. of the circle each divided into eight 11¼ ° points. Columbus noticed that, as one sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, the variationMagnetic North and Variation Magnetic north is one of two points on the globe where the line of total magnetic force is vertical and towards which the magnetic needle points in all adjoining regions. Variation (also called magnetic declination) is the difference in direction between true north as determined by the earth's axis of rotation and magnetic north as determined by the earth's magnetism. Read More between magnetic north and true northTrue North The direction of the North Pole from any place on the earth's surface, through which all meridians of longitude pass on maps and charts. Read More changed. On future trips he used this to predict, roughly, his arrival in America. The next most important tool was the chip logChip log Device used in the past on sailing vessels for measuring the rate of speed of the vessel.


Creator of original Xbox slams Microsoft's current Xbox strategy • Eurogamer.net By Robert Purchese Published 13/02/2013 The engineer who founded and named the original Xbox and sold the vision to Microsoft has slammed the company's last five Xbox 360 years as "painful to watch". Far from seeing a bountiful future for the next Xbox, Nat Brown - the engineer - wrote on his blog (via GamesIndustry International ) that Microsoft is "living in a naive dream world". "Apple," he said, "if it chooses to do so, will simply kill PlayStation, Wii U and Xbox by introducing an open 30-per-cent-cut app/game ecosystem for Apple TV." Let's start at the beginning. What do you mean it's not easy making your own Xbox games? Microsoft's Xbox division has been "coasting" in the last five years on perceived success, when really that's just been "your competitor's stumbling failure", jabbed Brown. Preaching the entertainment-hub message is fine - the original Xbox was intended as Microsoft's "Trojan horse" way into the living room - but not while "their home town is on fire". "Xbox's primary critical problem is the lack of a functional and growing platform ecosystem for small developers to sell digitally-network-distributed (non-disc) content through to the installed base of Xbox customers, period," Brown stated. Developing small indie games for Xbox 360 is expensive and a faff and Brown pointed out various reasons why. It's even worse when stood next to the equivalent iOS and Android opportunities. "Microsoft, you are idiotic to have ceded not just indie game developers but also a generation of loyal kids and teens to making games for other people's mobile devices," Brown chastised. The second problem is that the Xbox 360 dashboard operating system is "creaky, slow and full of s***". It takes too long to simply get games up and running, not to mention the recurring storage selection and download-an-update interruptions. "These are the two fronts Microsoft is going to lose on in the living room battle with Android and iOS," he declared. "A single custom studio of 150 employees also can not generate enough content to defensibly satisfy 76 million+ customers. Only with quality primary software content from thousands of independent developers can you defend the brand and the product. Only by making the user experience simple, quick, and seamless can you defend the brand and the product." The problem for Microsoft et al is that, well, Apple, basically. iOS device sales are through the orchard roof and, lurking there in the background, is the unfulfilled menace of Apple TV (and Apple's spare �86.6 billion). "Xbox just needs somebody with a brain and focus to get the product in order..." Nat Brown "Apple, if it chooses to do so, will simply kill PlayStation, Wii U and Xbox by introducing an open 30-per-cent-cut app/game ecosystem for Apple TV," wrote Brown. "I already make a lot of money on iOS - I will be the first to write apps for Apple TV when I can, and I know I'll make money. I would for Xbox if I could and I knew I would make money. "Maybe a 'console-capable' Apple TV isn't $99, maybe it's $199, and add another $79 for a controller. The current numbers already say a lot, even with Apple TV not already an open console: 5.3 million sold units in 2012, 90 per cent year-over-year growth, vs. Xbox 360: about 9M units in 2012, 60 per cent YOY decline." The future isn't rosy, not when you factor in "idiotic moves" like trying to eradicate second-hand sales, Brown tutted. "And it makes me sad," he concluded. "Because it just doesn't have to fail, even though it has been punted around poorly for five years. "Xbox just needs somebody with a brain and focus to get the product in order tactically before romping forward to continue the long-term strategic promise of an Xbox in every living room, connected to every screen." Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. For more information, go here . About Robert Purchese Bertie is a senior staff writer. He's part of the fu


According to the Bible, which one of Eve's sons killed his brother?

Where Did Cain Get His Wife?: What About Inbreeding? Where Did Cain Get His Wife?: What About Inbreeding? Introduction Cain's Wife? After Cain was sent into exile east of Eden for  killing Abel he found a wife and built a city. Even if Cain married one of his sisters,  doesn't this produce theological and biological problems? Rich Deem The Bible indicates that Adam and Eve's first son, Cain, slew his younger  brother Abel because of jealousy over the acceptance of his brother's offering  over his own. Immediately after being banished to the east in the land of Nod,  Cain found a wife and raised a family and founded a "city" called Enoch. If Cain was the firstborn of Adam and Abel the second, then how  could Cain have found a wife and built a city? Creation of humanity The Bible describes the creation of humanity in Genesis, the first  book. According to the chapter one account, God created male and female human  beings in His image. 1 Chapter two of Genesis  goes into more detail about the creation of mankind. According to the  narrative, God created Adam, the first man, 2 then, some time later, created  Eve. 3 Adam and Eve sinned and were banished from  Eden. 4 They produced two sons, Cain and Abel. 5 Both Cain and Abel presented sacrifices to God, but Cain's was rejected, 6 because he expended a half-hearted effort. 7 So,  Cain became angry and murdered his brother in a fit of jealousy. 8 Cain is exiled God confronted Cain about the murder of Abel and banished him to the  east of Eden. The problem arises in the next verse, where suddenly Cain  is married and builds a city: Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the  land of Nod, east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16) Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth  to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch,  after the name of his son. (Genesis 4:17) Mesopotamia The assumption seems to be that Cain and Abel were the first two children  of Adam and Eve. Although Cain does seem to be the firstborn, the text is  not clear that Abel was the second born, but only that he was the second  son. 5 Later, the narrative indicates that Adam and Eve produced "other sons and  daughters." 9 So, it is possible that Adam  and Eve produced daughters between the births of Cain and Abel. It is also  likely that others sons and daughters were produced after the birth of Abel.  We don't know how old Cain and Abel were when Cain murdered his brother,  but they seem to be at least young adults, since they are both engage in a  trade for their living. 5 The second thing one  notices is Cain's seeming paranoia about being found and revenge being taken  against his for killing Abel. 10 The only way this makes sense is if the brothers and sisters of Abel were  upset that Cain had killed their brother. Although the period of time  between the birth of Cain and the death of Abel is not given in the Bible,  it would seem that this period was probably over 100 years, since the birth  of Adam's next son, Seth is said to have occurred when Adam was 130 years  old. 11 Adam and Eve could have produced many daughters during that period of  time. Cain builds a "city" So, the Genesis narrative suggests that Cain had other brothers and  sisters when he was exiled by God. One of those sisters married Cain (or  more likely had already been married to Cain when he killed his  brother), became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch somewhere east of  Eden. The next problem that arises is the claim that Cain "built a  city." To us, in the 21st century, this evokes images of skyscrapers and  high density housing. However, the original Hebrew word, translated "city," merely had the meaning of a place that was guarded by a watch or  with a wall. 12 At its minimum, the Hebrew root referred to an encampment or post. So,  it is entirely possible that Cain could have built such a "city." Theological problems Skeptics have pointed out that the only viable solution to the  problem of Cain's wife (Ca


"What type of instrument can be played ""pizzicato""?"

Extended Techniques for Cello by Craig Hultgren   Pizzicato Perhaps more than others, string instruments     best convey the delicate nature of dew-drop sounds when they are plucked.  Such references to plucked notes appear in Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and in Beethoven's late string quartets.  In the delicate realm of     plucking, there comes a variety of wonderful effects and suggestions through     various styles of picking, snapping, slapping, and strumming. Stringed instruments sound in two basic manners     - by strokes from a bow or by plucking with the fingers.  The second     of these is referred to with the Italian expression pizzicato or in the     abbreviation pizz. as is typically used in an actual score.  Normally,     all music for the violin, viola, cello, and bass is assumed to be sounded     with the bow unless the expression pizz. appears above the staff     precisely with the note where plucking is to begin.  The player continues     to pluck until the expression arco appears above the staff as an indication     to return to using the bow.  Pizzicato at the end of a movement does     not carry through to the next movement.  Pizz. must be restated if     the subsequent movement is to begin again with plucking.  This is     the basic on-and-off tenant to pizzicato. Creating a supremely great timbral contrast     to the sound of a bowed string,  pizzicato produces a rather percussive     initial attack followed by a diminishing decay of the sound's volume.  Traditional pizzicatos by a single instrument are not necessarily as loud     as a percussion instrument.  Normally, in an orchestra an entire string     section of eight to fourteen players plucking balances nicely with one     single set of timpani.  Likewise, the diminuendo decay of a typical     pizzicato is much more rapid than the decay of a piano string struck by     a hammer mechanism.  Vibrato is a normal activity for pizzicato.  Notes plucked in the high register above the half-string harmonic tend     to sound like dull thuds with almost completely immediate decay without     any sense of sustained pitch resonance.  In the following excerpt     from Michael Angell's Sonata for cello and tape where the pizzicato passage     travels up into the fifth octave of the instrument, the notes take on a     quality of fleeting, high-pitched ticks. Sonata; 1st movement, "Mercury's Flight Through the Chunnel" for cello & tape by Michael Angell Speed is also a major limiting factor in pizzicato.  Pizzicato requires generally slower tempos than bowing.  This has     to do with the mechanics of plucking the string.  To render a normal     pizzicato, a player must first pull the string with the finger and then     release it to create the sound.  This is comparable on a larger scale     to using a bow and arrow.  The pull and release of plucking a string     does take some extra time which limits how fast passages of pizzicatos     can be played.  Plucking sixteenth notes faster than a metronome marking     of 88 starts to be unplayable and eats up the string player.  If plucked     softly, a player can buy a little faster tempo because the string does     not have to be pulled as much.  Extra speed is also possible if the     player does not have to hold the bow in the hand allowing the use of multiple     fingers in succession in the manner of jazz bassists. The speed with which a player can change from     arco to pizzicato or vice versa is also not lightening fast.  Many     times a player can change once between bowing and  plucking during     an eighth-note duration at m.m. 120.  Rapid alternating back and forth     between arco and pizzicato is physically awkward and requires even more     time to execute.  The following example from Nine Islands, Nine Dialects for solo cello by Holland Hopson includes vocalization     interwoven with many changes between bowing and plucking.  Th


Who became King of Belgium on 9 August 1993?

King Albert II of Belgium: bio, biography, information, crowned, abdication King Albert II of Belgium: The unexpected monarch July 03, 2013 by hellomagazine.com After the announcement that King Albert II of Belgium will abdicate on 21 July, we take a look back at the 20-year reign King Albert II of Belgium announced his intention to abdicate on 21 July, bringing to the end a 20-year reign. HELLO! Online takes a look at the life of the Belgian royal. See photos from his life in the spotlight – from family days out as a young boy, to tender moments with his wife Queen Paola and official engagements as the King of Belgium.   Our gallery also includes photos of King Albert's brother and sister-in-law, Queen Fabiola with her late husband King Baudouin. Prince Albert ascended to the throne when his brother King Baudouin died unexpectedly in 1993.


Which city was founded in 1624 as a commercial trading post by the Dutch, who called it New Amsterdam, and was a nation's capital from 1785 until 1790?

New York - Brooklyn Bridge Panorama | Can be viewed in large… | Flickr New York - Brooklyn Bridge Panorama Can be viewed in large here (1600px):   click    You can see some other photos from New York on my zenfolio homepage (will be updated with many other photos soon):   If you want, you can fight my "brute" here: 500und96.mybrute.com ;)    Technique/Processing:   I've taken 8x7 = 56 shots for this photo. 8 for the panorama to cover everything i wanted and each of them with 7 different exposures for the DRI).   Stitched the 0 EV exposure in PTGui and made it remember all the control points and the exchanged the photos for all other exposures (ranging from -3 to +3 EV).   Those 7 panoramas where then blended in Photoshop using Smart Object Stacking and manual mask painting.   Color and Contrast processing then done mostly using Nik Color Efex.    Info:   The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, stretching 5,989 feet (1825 m) over the East River, connecting the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Upon completion in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, the first steel-wire suspension bridge, and the first bridge to connect to Long Island.   Originally referred to as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, it was dubbed the Brooklyn Bridge in an 1867 letter to the editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and formally so named by the city government in 1915. Since its opening, it has become an iconic part of the New York skyline. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   New York is the most populous city in the United States, and the center of the New York metropolitan area, which is among the most populous urban areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment. As host of the United Nations headquarters, it is also an important center for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City to differentiate it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.   Located on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the Northeastern United States, the city consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. The city's 2007 estimated population exceeds 8.3 million people, and with a land area of 305 square miles (790 km2), New York City is the most densely populated major city in the United States. The New York metropolitan area's population is also the nation's largest, estimated at 18.8 million people over 6,720 square miles (17,400 km2).   New York was founded as a commercial trading post by the Dutch in 1624. The settlement was called New Amsterdam until 1664 when the colony came under English control. New York served as the capital of the United States from 1785 until 1790. It has been the country's largest city since 1790.   Many neighborhoods and landmarks in the city have become world-famous. The Statue of Liberty greeted millions of immigrants as they came to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wall Street, in Lower Manhattan, has been a dominant global financial center since World War II and is home to the New York Stock Exchange. The city has been home to several of the tallest buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building and the twin towers of the former World Trade Center.   The City is the birthplace of many cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance in literature and visual art, abstract expressionism (also known as the New York School) in painting, and hip hop, punk, salsa, disco and Tin Pan Alley in music. It is the home of Broadway theater.   New York is notable among American cities for its high use of mass transit, most of which runs 24 hours per day, and for the overall density and diversity of its population. In 2005, nearly 170 languages were spoken in the city and 36% of its population was born outside the United


Seraglio - definition of seraglio by The Free Dictionary Seraglio - definition of seraglio by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/seraglio Related to seraglio: clove pink se·ra·glio n. pl. se·ra·glios 1. A large harem. 2. A sultan's palace. Also called serai. [Italian serraglio, enclosure, seraglio, probably partly from Vulgar Latin *serraculum, enclosure (from *serrāre, to lace up, from Latin serāre, from sera, door-bar) and partly from Turkish saray, palace (from Persian sarāy, inn; see terə-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] seraglio n, pl -raglios or -rails 1. (Islam) the harem of a Muslim house or palace 2. (Islam) a sultan's palace, esp in the former Turkish empire 3. (Islam) the wives and concubines of a Muslim [C16: from Italian serraglio animal cage, from Medieval Latin serrāculum bolt, from Latin sera a door bar; associated also with Turkish seray palace] har•em n. 1. the part of a Muslim palace or house reserved for the residence of women. 2. the women in a Muslim household, including the mothers, sisters, wives, concubines, daughters, entertainers, and servants. 3. a social group of female animals, as elephant seals, accompanied by a reproductive male who denies other males access to the group. [1625–35; < Arabic ḥarīm harem, literally, forbidden] Seraglio  the inmates of a harem, 1634; a house of women kept for debauchery—Johnson, 1755. Examples: seraglio of the godly (i.e., a nunnery), 1672; of flattering lusts, 1711; of maids of honour, 1860; a cock and a seraglio of seven hens, 1773. ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: living quarters , quarters - housing available for people to live in; "he found quarters for his family"; "I visited his bachelor quarters" Translations Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: serail References in classic literature ? I would not exchange this one little English girl for the Grand Turk's whole seraglio, gazelle-eyes, houri forms, and all I'll not stand you an inch in the stead of a seraglio," I said; "so don't consider me an equivalent for one. View in context I saw Don Gaspar, I told him the danger he was in if he let it be seen he was a man, I dressed him as a Moorish woman, and that same afternoon I brought him before the king, who was charmed when he saw him, and resolved to keep the damsel and make a present of her to the Grand Signor; and to avoid the risk she might run among the women of his seraglio, and distrustful of himself, he commanded her to be placed in the house of some Moorish ladies of rank who would protect and attend to her; and thither he was taken at once. View in context Imagine a revolution brought about in a Turkish seraglio, and the harem rendered the abode of bearded men; or conceive some beautiful woman in our own country running distracted at the sight of her numerous lovers murdering one another before her eyes, out of jealousy for the unequal distribution of her favours View in context No sooner had we got rid of these birds, which occasioned us great annoyance, than we were terrified by the appearance of a fowl of another kind, and infinitely larger than even the rocs which I met in my former voyages; for it was bigger than the biggest of the domes on your seraglio, oh, most Munificent of Caliphs. View in context She had heard of many women, among whom were white women, who had been sold by outlaws such as Achmet Zek into the slavery of black harems, or taken farther north into the almost equally hideous existence of some Turkish seraglio. View in context Accordingly, this man of no principle, who six years earlier had kept a ballet-girl, and who now, thanks to his position, made himself a seraglio with the pretty wives of the under-clerks, and lived in the world of journalists and actresses, became devotedly attentive all the evening to Celestine, and was the last to leave the house.


"Which British sitcom featured Captain Mainwaring's catch phrase ""You stupid boy!"""

Catch phrases from Dads Army                Advertisement Dad's Army (1968-1977), was a British sitcom about the Home Guard in World War II, written by by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. The show focuses on the Walmington-On-Sea platoon of the Home Guard, commanded by pompous bank manager Captain Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe. assisted by his mild-mannered chief clerk, Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier). Other members of the platoon include: Lance Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn), a veteran of the Boer War; Private Frazer, a Scotsman and former Naval CPO; Private Godfrey, the elderly medical orderly; Private Pike, the youngest member of the platoon; and Private Walker, a black marketeer. This motley band of men provide Walmington-on-Sea's last line of defence against the semmingly imminent Nazi invasion. Holy Bargains, Batman!


"Which Irishman wrote the novels ""Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man"", ""Ulysses"" and ""Finnegan's Wake""?"

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce - Read Online About Reviews From the Publisher James Joyce’s first novel, hailed as one of the greatest works of the twentieth century, about a young Irishman’s growth into artistic adulthood A semiautobiographical story mirroring Joyce’s own coming of age, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man begins when Stephen Dedalus is still a young boy. Living with his family in Dublin, Stephen’s first brush with the larger world occurs at boarding school, an unhappy time that he is eager to leave behind. Once home, however, life takes on a somber new tone as his father descends into alcoholism and his family’s finances dwindle. Joyce details young Stephen’s encounters with the Catholic Church, Irish politics, sexual experimentation, and coming-of-age in the twentieth century. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.


What name for an army unit composed of New Zealand and Australian troops was applied to them in World War I?

SOLDIERS' SONGS: THE FOLKLORE OF THE POWERLESS SOLDIERS' SONGS: THE FOLKLORE OF THE POWERLESS Les Cleveland Copyright Les Cleveland, 1984 and used by permission. All rights reserved. A later version of this paper was published in New York Folklore 11 (1985) Introduction As occupational folklore, the songs that soldiers sing serve many purposes. They enhance the solidarity of groups, strengthen morale and help diminish fear, while as varieties of simple, expressive, frontier-style, self-entertainment they help reduce the boredom, frustration and monotony of much military life. However, what, in this article concentrates on what, in a democracy, is perhaps their most important function. This is to act as an informal channel of protest against circumstance and against oppressive, incompetent, unpopular or overbearing military and political authority. Literature, and particularly poetry, offers strategies for dealing with the human situation. 1 The songs, recitations and folklore of soldiers 2 are the poetry of the powerless. They are the only means at their disposal for the expression of their subversive fears and frustrations. Men living under close military discipline are in much the same predicament as the citizens of any absolutist regime. They cannot openly challenge its legitimacy, nor can they freely express their discontent and anger at their fate. Only in ribald song and lewd fantasy can the truth is permitted a momentary exposure. Comedy, especially in its ironic forms, institutionalises doubts and questionings by allowing a degree of furtive, half-serious, ambiguous expression. It is a variety of sanctioned disrespect 3, which permits them to endure and even to mock at what they cannot change. A comic style also asserts "the vital rhythm of self-preservation" 4 because the fear of death can be acknowledged more openly without shame or embarrassment in the guise of laughter and may even be temporarily overcome. Thus to sing a chorus of "I Don't Want to be a Soldier" is to take a small step toward the control of that fear. Folksong as Comic Protest This song is a comic protest against the hazards of life at the front. It maintained its currency in the British Army from the time of the Napoleonic Wars. 5 I don't want the Sergeant's shilling, 6 I don't want to be shot down; I'm really much more willing To make myself a killing, Living off the pickings of the Ladies of the Town; Don't want a bullet up my bumhole, Don't want my cobblers minced with ball; 7 For if I have to lose 'em Then let it be with Susan Or Meg or Peg or any whore at all, Gorblimey! On Monday I touched her on the ankle, On Tuesday I touched her on the knee; On Wednesday such caresses As I got inside her dresses, On Thursday she was moaning sweetly; On Friday I had my fingers in it, On Saturday she gave my balls a wrench; And on Sunday after supper, I had the fucker up her, And now she's got me up before the Bench, Gorblimey! The following version was circulating among British and Commonwealth troops in World War 2. A variant of it was also current among elements of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in the Pacific.8 I don't want to be a soldier, I don't want to go to war; I'd rather hang around Living on the earnings of a high born lady; Don't want a bullet up my arsehole, Don't want my bollocks shot away, For I'd rather stay in England, Merry, merry England, And roger all my bleeding life away, Gorblimey! Numerous versions of this, which circulated among U.S. troops serving in Europe in World War 2, were known as the "Piccadilly Song" or as "Gorblimey". One of them was still current during the Vietnam War. 9 Another protest song that had universal currency among British and Commonwealth troops in World War 2 was "Fuck 'em All". This was popular among Royal Air Force personnel in the 1920's on the North West Frontier of India and may have originated there. It was adapted and popularized commercially by singers like Gracie Fields under the bowdlerized title of "Bless 'em All" so that in its officially sponsored form it functioned as a patriotic item of


Which of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments is played on grass courts?

Ranking the Best Grass-Court Players in Tennis History | Bleacher Report Ranking the Best Grass-Court Players in Tennis History By Jake Curtis , Featured Columnist Jun 15, 2013 Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Roger Federer and Pete Sampras in 2001 Wimbledon 17.5K 19 Comments Before 1975, when three of the four Grand Slam events were played on grass, proficiency on grass courts was necessary to achieve tennis stardom. The U.S. Pro Championships, a major event for professionals before the Open Era began in 1968, was also contested on grass sometimes. Today, Wimbledon is the only major tournament played on grass, with the few other grass-court tournaments serving primarily as Wimbledon tuneups. In ranking our top 10 grass-court players of all time, we considered how dominant the player was in the major grass-court tournaments of his or her era. We gave more weight to success in the Open Era because the depth of talent was much greater. Nonetheless, only one current player made our list, although a similar list compiled five or 10 years from now might include several of today's stars. We start with eight players who barely missed making our top 10. We then list the top 10 in descending order, although we hedged at the outset by having two players tie for the 10th spot. We noted three categories for each listed player: Why He or She Is Here, Wimbledon Highlights and Best Asset. Eight Just Outside the Top 10 Tony Duffy/Getty Images John McEnroe Venus Williams : With five Wimbledon titles and three runner-up finishes, Williams would probably be next on our list, and a strong case could be made that she belongs in the top 10. Serena Williams : A few more productive years would push her into the top 10. With five Wimbledon titles, you could argue she should be there already. Ken Rosewall: Rosewall won six Grand Slam events on grass (the first at age 18, the last at age 37), despite being banned from those events as a professional for 11 of his prime years. Margaret Court: Court won 19 Grand Slam events on grass at a time when more such opportunities existed and when many top players avoided the Australian Open. Jimmy Connors: Connors won four majors on grass, including two Wimbledons. Boris Becker: Becker won three Wimbledon titles, including his first at age 17, and was runner-up four times. John McEnroe: With a serve-and-volley game perfectly suited to grass, McEnroe won three Wimbledon titles and reached the finals two other times when the presence of Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg made that difficult. Roy Emerson: Emerson won 10 Grand Slam titles on grass, but all were before the Open Era, when pros were prevented from playing in those majors. 10. (tie) Bjorn Borg Getty Images/Getty Images Why He's Here: Borg was the first male since 1906 to win five straight Wimbledon titles. ( Roger Federer later matched that feat.) Borg did it when the men's game was filled with stars, as he beat the likes of Jimmy Connors, Ilie Nastase and John McEnroe in the finals. Borg was a Wimbledon finalist in 1981, shortly after his 25th birthday, seeking a sixth straight title. He lost to McEnroe and never played at Wimbledon again.  Wimbledon Highlights: Borg won the 1975 title one month past his 20th birthday and did not lose a set in the process. He won 41 consecutive matches at Wimbledon, the last being a 1981 semifinal victory over Jimmy Connors after Borg had dropped the first two sets. Borg's most memorable match was his 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (16-18), 8-6 victory over McEnroe in the 1980 finals. It featured a 22-minute fourth-set tiebreaker, and is rated the second-best match in tennis history by both an ESPN.com article and Business Insider. Best Asset: His ability and willingness to adapt his game to grass made him a star. Though his basic game as a baseliner did not seem suited to grass, Borg developed a big serve and a decent volley that enabled him to be competitive on grass. His best weapon was his forehand, and he was one the first to impart extreme topspin on the shot.  10. (tie) Billie Jea