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Where, in the human body, is the humerus bone?	Humerus Bone Anatomy, Diagram & Diagram \| Body Maps Your message has been sent. OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Humerus The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm. It is located between the elbow joint and the shoulder. At the elbow, it connects primarily to the ulna, as the forearm's radial bone connects to the wrist. At the shoulder, the humerus connects to the frame of the body via the glenoid fossa of the scapula. The humerus is the foundation to which many muscles insert, such as the deltoid, the pectoralis major, and others. The brachial artery travels most of the bone's length, before it subdivides into the ulnar and radial arteries at the elbow. In the upper arm, the brachial artery branches into several arteries, distributing oxygenated blood from the lungs and heart. The radial nerve runs a similar course over the bone and into the forearm. Because it connects at the shoulder with a rotational joint, the humerus is instrumental in supporting many of the arm's functions. For example, the humerus supports all lifting and physical activities. The humerus is one of the longest bones in the body. This means it is also one of the most commonly broken or fractured.	Arm
Who wrote the novel ‘The Fourth Protocol’?	Chapter 6: The bones of the upper limb Chapter 6: The bones of the upper limb Clavicle The clavicle, or collar bone (figs. 6-1 , 6-2 , 6-3 and 6-4 ), connects the trunk to the upper limb by extending from the manubrium of the sternum to the acromion of the scapula. It is technically a long bone with a shaft and two ends, it can be readily palpated, and it is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the body (usually at the junction of its medial two thirds and lateral one third). The medial end is rounded and is part of the sternoclavicular joint. The medial two thirds of the shaft is convex anteriorward and arches anterior to the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels. The costoclavicular ligament is attached to its inferior aspect, and a shallow groove lodges the subclavius muscle. The lateral third of the shaft is concave anteriorward and is flattened. The conoid and trapezoid parts of the coracoclavicular ligament are attached to the inferior aspect and resists upward displacement of the lateral part of the clavicle. The lateral end of the clavicle is part of the acromioclavicular joint. A vertical line through the midpoint of the clavicle is used in surface anatomy to define the midclavicular line. The clavicle is the first bone to begin ossification, which occurs in connective tissue ("membrane") during the seventh postovulatory week. The clavicle may be defective or absent in cleidocranial dysostosis. An epiphysial center usually develops at the medial end only. Scapula The scapula, or shoulder blade (figs. 6-3 , 6-4 , 6-5 , 6-6 , 6-7 , 6-8 , 6-9 and 6-10 ), is a large, flat, triangular bone that connects the clavicle to the humerus. Its body rests on the superior part of the posterolateral thorax, and the bone includes both a spine that articulates with the acromion and a coracoid process. The scapula is highly mobile. In the anatomical position, the glenoid cavity is directed anteriorward as well as lateralward. Thus, abduction of the arm in the plane of the scapula moves the arm in an anterolateral direction. The body of the scapula is triangular and has a concave costal surface (subscapular fossa) applied to the thorax and a dorsal surface, which is divided by the spine of the bone. The smaller superior part is the supraspinous fossa, and the inferior portion is the infraspinous fossa. The superior border of the scapula has the suprascapular notch. The medial border, usually convex, can be seen and felt. The inferior angle and the medial border usually ossify from separate epiphysial centers. The superior part of the lateral border ends in the infraglenoid tubercle. The superolateral part of the scapula is the location of the piriform glenoid cavity for articulation with the head of the humerus. The supraglenoid tubercle lies superior to the cavity. The spine of the scapula projects horizontally posteriorward from the body of the bone, and its crest can be felt subcutaneously. The trapezius and deltoid are attached to the crest. The lateral aspect of the spine is called the acromion, which articulates with the clavicle. The acromion is a subcutaneous process of the scapula, and it ossifies independently. Clinically the arm is measured from the angle of the acromion to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The coracoid process projects anteriorward and can be felt indistinctly inferior to the junction of the lateral and intermediate thirds of the clavicle. It is usually ossified from two epiphysial centers. Humerus The humerus (figs. 6-3 , 6-4 , and 6-11 , 6-12 , 6-13 , 6-14 , 6-15 , 6-16 and 6-17 ) is the bone of the shoulder and arm. It articulates with the scapula at the shoulder and with the radius and ulna at the elbow. The proximal end consists of the head, anatomical neck, and greater and lesser tubercles separated from each other by an intertubercular groove. The head, almost hemispherical, faces medial, superior, and posterior. The anatomical neck is at the periphery of the head, The greater tubercle projects laterally, beyond the acromion. Unless the shoulder is dislocated, a ruler will not make contact simultaneously with the acromion and the lateral epicondyle. The greater tubercle is covered by the deltoid muscle, which is responsible for the normal, rounded contour of the shoulder. The lesser tubercle projects anteriorward (see fig. 6-13 ). The intertubercular groove contains the tendon of the long head of the biceps. The surgical neck, a common site of fracture of the humerus, is the point at which the superior portion of the bone meets the shaft. The axillary nerve lies in contact with the surgical neck (see fig. 6-12 ). The shaft has anterolateral, anteromedial, and posterior surfaces and lateral, anterior, and medial borders. The deltoid muscle is inserted into a tuberosity on the anterolateral surface at about the middle of the shaft. The radial nerve runs inferiorward and lateral on the posterior surface in a shallow, oblique groove (see fig. 6-12 ). The distal end of the humerus includes the lateral and medial epicondyles and a condyle consisting of the capitulum and trochlea. The lateral epicondyle gives origin to the supinator and to the extensor muscles of the forearm. The capitulum articulates with the head of the radius. The trochlea is a pulley-shaped projection that articulates with the trochlear notch of the ulna. It is set obliquely, so that a "carrying angle" exists between the arm and the extended and supinated forearm. Radial and coronoid fossae are situated anterior and superior to the capitulum and trochlea, respectively. A deeper olecranon fossa is located posteriorly, superior to the trochlea. The medial epicondyle gives origin to the flexor muscles of the forearm. The ulnar nerve lies in a groove posterior to the medial epicondyle and is palpable there ("funny bone"). The medial epicondyle gives an indication of the direction in which the head of the humerus is pointing in any given position of the arm. The distal end of the humerus is angulated anteriorward, and a decrease in the normal angulation suggests a supracondylar fracture. Because of their contact with the humerus, the axillary, radial, and ulnar nerves may be injured in fractures of the surgical neck, shaft, and medial epicondyle, respectively. The shaft begins to ossify during the eighth postovulatory week, and a center is usually present in the head at birth. Centers for the greater and lesser tubercles appear postnatally, as do four centers for the distal end. Radius The radius (figs. 6-16 , 6-17 , 6-18 , 6-19 , 6-20 , 6-21 , 6-22 , 6-23 and 6-24 ) is shorter than and lateral to the ulna. The proximal end articulates with the humerus, the medial aspect with the ulna, and thedistal end with the carpus. The proximal end consists of a head, neck, and tuberosity. The superior, concave surface of the head articulates with the capitulum of the humerus. The circumference of the head articulates with the ulna medially but is elsewhere covered by the annular ligament (see fig. 9-6 ). The head of the radius can be felt immediately inferior to the lateral epicondyle (in the "valley" behind the brachioradialis), particularly during rotation. The tuberosity of the radius is situated on the anteromedial aspect, immediately distal to the neck. The shaft has anterior, posterior, and lateral surfaces and anterior, posterior, and interosseous borders. The interosseous border is attached by the interosseous membrane to a corresponding border on the ulna (see fig. 6-23 ). The distal end of the radius terminates in the styloid process laterally. The process is palpable between the extensor tendons of the thumb. It gives attachment to the radial collateral ligament. The styloid process of the radius is about 1 cm distal to that of the ulna. This relationship is important in the diagnosis of fractures and in the verification of their correct reduction. On its medial side, the distal end of the radius has an ulnar notch, for articulation with the head of the ulna. At about the middle of the convex dorsal aspect of the distal end of the radius, a small prominence, the dorsal tubercle, may be felt (see fig. 6-22 ). The inferior surface of the distal end articulates with the lunate (medial) and the scaphoid (lateral). A fall on the outstretched hand may result in a (Colles') fracture of the distal end of the radius, in which the distal fragment is displaced posteriorly and generally becomes impacted, bringing the styloid processes of the radius and ulna to approximately the same horizontal level. The shaft begins to ossify during the eighth postovulatory week, and centers appear postnatally for the lower end and the head (see fig. 6-20 ). Ulna The ulna (figs. 6-16 , 6-17 , 6-18 , 6-19 , 6-20 , 6-21 , 6-23 , 6-24 , 6-25 and 6-26 ) is longer than and medial to the radius. It articulates with the humerus proximally, the radius laterally, and the articular disc distally. The proxiaml end includes the olecranon and the coronoid process. The olecranon is the prominence of the posterior elbow, which rests on a table when a subject leans on his elbow. The lateral epicondyle, the tip of the olecranon, and the medial epicondyle are in a straight line when the forearm is extended, but form an equilateral triangle when the forearm is flexed. The superior aspect of the olecranon receives the insertion of the triceps. The posterior aspect, covered by a bursa, is subcutaneous. The antierior part of the olecranon forms a part of the trochlear notch, which articulates with the trochlea of the humerus. The coronoid process, which completes the trochlear notch, projects anteriorward and engages the coronoid fossa of the humerus during flexion. It is prolonged inferiorward as a rough area termed the tuberosity of the ulna. The radial notch is on the lateral aspect of the coronoid process and articulates with the head of the radius. The shaft has anterior, posterior, and medial surfaces and anterior, posterior, and interosseous borders. The posterior border is completely subcutaneous and readily palpable. It separates the flexor from the extensor muscles of the forearm. The distal end includes the styloid process and the head. The styloid process, small and conical, is situated on its posteromedial aspect and is readily palpable. The head of the ulna articulates with the ulnar notch of the radius. The inferior aspect of the head is separated from the carpus by the articular disc. The shaft begins to ossify during the eighth postovulatory week, and centers appear postnatally for the distal and proxiaml ends of the bone (see figs. 6-17 and 6-20 ). The relationships of joint capsules to epiphysial lines (see figs. 6-15 and 6-26 ) are important, because epiphysial discs tend to limit the extent of infection, but it is possible for infection to spread from the shaft to the joint when part of the diaphysis is intracapsular. Carpus The carpal bones, usually eight in number, are arranged in two rows of four (figs. 6-18 , 6-19 , 6-20 , 6-27 , 6-28 and 6-29 ). Their names are scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum (or triquetral), pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. The pisiform lies anterior to the triquetrum, whereas each of the other carpals has several facets for articulation with adjacent bones. The posterior aspect of the intact carpus is convex and the anterior aspect is concave, where it is bridged by the flexor retinaculum to form the carpal canal or tunnel for the flexor tendons and the median nerve. Hence, the posterior surfaces of the carpals are generally larger than the anterior, with the exception of the lunate, where the converse holds. The flexor retinaculum extends between the scaphoid and trapezium laterally and the triquetrum and hamate medially (see fig. 11-2 ). These four bones can be distinguished by deep palpation. The scaphoid has a tubercle on its anterior side that can be felt under cover of and lateral to the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis. A fall on the outstretched hand may result in fracture of the scaphoid, generally across its "waist." In some fractures the blood supply of the proximal fragment may be compromised, resulting in aseptic necrosis. The lunate is broader on the anterior than the posterior side. Anterior dislocation of the lunate is a fairly common injury of the wrist. In adduction of the hand, the lunate articulates with the radius only, whereas in the neutral position or in abduction, it articulates with the articular disc also (see fig. 6-19 ). The pisiform, the smallest of the carpals and the last to ossify, lies anterior to the triquetrum and can be moved passively from side to side when the flexor carpi ulnaris is relaxed. The trapezium supports the thumb by means of a saddle-shaped facet for the first metacarpal. Like the adjacent scaphoid, it has an anterior tubercle. The trapezoid is associated with the index finger. The capitate, the largest of the carpals and the first to ossify, is placed centrally and is in line with the third metacarpal. It has a prominent head on its superior side. The hamate sends a marked hook anteriorly, which gives attachment to the flexor retinaculum. Accessory ossicles are sometimes found between the usual carpal bones, and their possible occurrence should be kept in mind in interpreting radiograms. Carpal fusions (e.g., between the lunate and triquetrum) may also occur. Each carpal bone usually ossifies from one center postnatally. Those for the capitate and hamate develop first and may appear before birth. Radiography of the carpus is frequently used for the assessment of skeletal maturation: the carpus under consideration being compared to a series of standards. Metacarpus The carpus is connected to the phalanges by five metacarpal bones, referred to collectively as the metacarpus. They are numbered from 1 to 5, from the thumb to the little finger. The first is the shortest and the second the longest. They contribute to the palm, and their posterior aspects can be felt under cover of the extensor tendons. Each metacarpal is technically a long bone, consisting of a base proximally, a shaft, and a head distally. The base articulates with the carpus and, except for that of the first, with the adjacent metacarpal(s) also. The base of the first metacarpal has a saddle-shaped facet for the trapezium. The head of each metacarpal articulates with a proximal phalanx and forms a knuckle of the fist. The shaft of each metacarpal begins to ossify during fetal life, and centers appear postnatally in the heads of the four medial bones and in the base of the first metacarpal. Accessory centers termed "pseudoepiphyses" are sometimes seen in the head of the first and in the base of the second metacarpal. Phalanges The thumb has two phalanges, whereas each of the other fingers has three. They are designated proximal, middle, and distal. Each phalanx is technically a long bone, consisting of a base proximally, a shaft, and a head distally. The base of a proximal phalanx articulates with the head of a metacarpal, and the head of the phalanx presents two condyles for the base of a middle phalanx. Similarly, the head of a middle phalanx presents two condyles for the base of a distal phalanx. Each distal phalanx ends in a rough expansion termed its tuberosity. Each phalanx begins to ossify during fetal life, and centers appear postnatally in their bases. Sesamoid bones are found related to the anterior aspects of some of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Two located anterior to the head of the first metacarpal are almost constant. Additional reading Frazer's Anatomy of the Human Skeleton, 6th ed., rev. by A. S. Breathnach, Churchill, London, 1965. A detailed, regional synthesis of skeletal and muscular anatomy. Pyle, S. I., Waterhouse, A. M., and Greulich, W. W., (eds.), A Radiographic Standard of Reference for the Growing Hand and Wrist, Year Book Medical Publishers, Chicago, 1971. Questions 6-1 Which is the first bone to ossify? 6-1 The clavicle is the first bone to ossify, specifically during the seventh embryonic week. It is followed closely by the mandible and maxilla. 6-2 Where is the clavicle most likely to fracture from indirect violence to the hand or shoulder? 6-2 The clavicle is likely to fracture at the junction of its medial two thirds and lateral one third, i.e., where its two curves meet. 6-3 What is the most lateral bony point of the shoulder? 6-3 The greater tubercle of the humerus is the most lateral bony point of the shoulder. 6-4 Which nerves are particularly prone to injury in fractures of the humerus? 6-4 Depending on the level, the axillary, radial, and ulnar nerves, all of which make direct contact with the humerus, are liable to injury in fractures. 6-5 What is the relationship of the epicondyles of the humerus to the tip of the olecranon? 6-5 As seen from posterior, the epicondyles and the olecranon are in a straight line when the forearm is extended, but they form an equilateral triangle when the forearm is flexed. 6-6 Why is it important to know that the styloid process of the radius ends more distally than that of the ulna? 6-6 To diagnose fractures and verify their correct reduction, it is important to appreciate that the styloid process of the radius ends more distally than that of the ulna. 6-7 What is the most famous fracture of the radius? 6-7 Fracture of the distal end of the radius was described by Abraham Colles in 1814. It is caused by a fall on the palm of the outstretched hand. The distal end of the radius is displaced dorsally ("dinner-fork deformity") and driven into the shaft so that the styloid processes of the radius and ulna are approximately at the same level. 6-8 Which carpal bone is most frequently fractured? 6-8 The scaphoid bone may be fractured across its "waist" following a fall on the outstretched hand. Tenderness is marked over the scaphoid in the anatomical snuff-box. 6-9 Which carpal bone is most frequently dislocated? 6-9 The lunate may be dislocated anteriorly. 6-10 Do any carpals show ossification at birth? >6-10 Ossification is sometimes found in the carpus at birth. Usually the capitate and hamate do not begin to ossify until during the first postnatal year. Figure legends Figure 6-1 The right clavicle, viewed from the anterior, superior and inferior aspects. Figure 6-2 Muscular, ligamentous, and fascial attachments to the right clavicle. Figure 6-3 The shoulder of an adult. Note the acromioclavicular joint, glenoid cavity, coracoid process, and inferior angle of the scapula. Figure 6-4 The shoulder during abduction in a coronal plane. A, Resting position. B, Elevation of the arm to a right angle. C, Elevation of the limb above the head. Figure 6-5 The right scapula, costal aspect, anatomical position. Figure 6-6 The right scapula, muscular and ligamentous attachments, costal aspect. Figure 6-7 The right scapula, dorsal aspect, anatomical position. Figure 6-8 The right scapula, muscular and ligamentous attachments, dorsal aspect. The extension of the subscapularis origin to the dorsal aspect is inconstant. Figure 6-9 The right scapula from lateral and medial aspects. The inset illustrates that the superior and inferior parts of the body form an angle, at the level of the spine, that contributes to the depth of the subscapular fossa. Figure 6-10 The right scapula, muscular and ligamentous attachments, lateral aspect. The origin of the tendon of the long head of the biceps from the supraglenoid tubercle and the glenoid lip is not shown. Figure 6-11 The right humerus. In the lowermost cross section, capital letters indicate surfaces and small letters indicate borders. Figure 6-12 Anterior and posterior views of the right humerus, showing muscular and ligamentous attachments. Note that the insertion of the deltoid muscle is fused with the pectoralis major (anterior) and with the lateral head of the triceps (posterior). The portion of the humerus related to the axillary nerve is the surgical neck and is liable to fracture. Figure 6-13 The right humerus from above, showing the lesser tubercle (anterior), the greater tubercle (lateral), and the intertubercular groove between. The upper arrow indicates the direction in which the medial epicondyle points. The lower arrow indicates the long axis of the head. The angle between the arrows shows the amount of torsion. Figure 6-14 lateral view of the right humerus, showing muscular and ligamentous attachments. Figure 6-15 The proximal and distal ends of the right humerus, showing the usual position of the epiphysial lines and the usual line of attachment of the joint capsule. The epiphysial lines at both ends are partly extracapsular. (Modified from Mainland.) Figure 6-16 Elbows of adults. A, Anteroposterior view. Note the olecranon fossa, trochlea, and medial epicondyle of the humerus; the head and tuberosity of the radius; and the olecranon and coronoid process of the ulna. B, lateral view. Note the olecranon and coronoid process of the ulna. (Courtesy of Sir Thomas lodge.) Figure 6-17 The elbow. A, The elbow of a child. Note the epiphysis for the capitulum and the lateral part of the trochlea of the humerus. The ulna is at left. B, The elbow of a child. Note the additional epiphyses for the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the head of the radius. C, The elbow of a child, oblique view, showing epiphyses for the capitulum, lateral part of the trochlea, and medial epicondyle. D, The epiphysis for the proximal end of the ulna. Note also the epiphysis for the head of the radius. E, A radiograph of the dried bones of a 5-year-old boy. Note the outline of the cartilage. F, The flexed elbow of an adult. Note the medial epicondyle (arrow on left) and the joint line between the olecranon and the trochlea (arrow on right). (A, B, and C, Courtesy of S. F. Thomas, M.D., Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Palo Alto, California. 0, Courtesy of G. L. Sackett, M.D., Painesville, Ohio. F, Courtesy of V. C. Johnson, M.D., Detroit, Michigan.) Figure 6-18 Hands of adults. A, Postero-anterior view. Note the hook of the hamate and the sesamoid bones of the first, second, and fifth fingers. B, Oblique view. (A and B, Courtesy of S. F. Thomas, M.D., Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Palo Alto, California.) Figure 6-19 The hand in various positions. A, B, and C are postero-anterior views. (Note the relation to the radius of the joint line between the lunate and the triquetrum.) D, E, and F are lateral views. A, Adduction. B, Straight position. C, Abduction. D, Extension. E, Straight position. Note the lunate, capitate, scaphoid, and trapezium. F, Flexion. Figure 6-20 Various views of the hand. A and B, The forearm and hand in supination (A) and pronation (B). C, The hand of a child. Note the epiphyses for the distal ends of the radius and ulna and for the base of the first metacarpal and an accessory epiphysis for the base of the second metacarpal. D, The hand of a child. The pisiform does not yet show. Note the epiphyses for the metacarpals and phalanges. E and F, The index finger in extension (E) and flexion (F). Note the shift in position (relative to the heads of the proximal and middle phalanges) of the bases of the middle and distal phalanges. (A, B, E, and F, Courtesy of S. F. Thomas, M.D., Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Palo Alto, California. C, Courtesy of J. Lofstrom, M.D., Detroit Memorial Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.) Figure 6-21 The right radius and ulna, anterior view. Cross-sections of the midportions of the shafts show the arrangement of surfaces and borders. Capital letters indicate surfaces, and small letters indicate borders. Figure 6-22 The right radius. In the lateral view, note the shallow groove immediately to the right of the styloid process; this is occupied by the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. In the posterior view, note that the dorsal tubercle is grooved; the groove is occupied by the tendon of the extensor pollicis longus. The tendons of the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis lie to the radial side of the tubercle; the tendons of the extensor indicis and extensor digitorum lie to the ulnar side. Figure 6-23 Muscular and ligamentous attachments to the right radius and ulna. About midway on the shaft of the radius is a rough area for the insertion of the pronator teres, inferior to which the shaft is covered by the tendons of the brachioradialis and the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis. The interosseous membrane gives origin in part to the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus. Figure 6-24 The right radius and ulna, showing muscular and ligamentous attachments, posterior aspect. Figure 6-25 The right ulna. Figure 6-26 The proximal and distal ends of the right radius and ulna, showing the usual position of the epiphysial lines and the usual line of attachment of the joint capsule. The epiphysial line of the head of the radius is intracapsular, that of the proximal end of the ulna partly or entirely extracapsular, and those of the distal end extracapsular. The additional views of the ulna (upper two figures) show a variation in the position of the epiphysial line. (Modified from Mainland.) Figure 6-27 Bones of the right hand, anterior and posterior aspects. The sesamoids shown are those commonly present. Figure 6-28 Bones of the right hand, showing muscular attachments, anterior view. The flexor pollicis brevis is not shown. Of the interossei, only the palmar (P) ones are shown. Figure 6-29 Bones of the right hand, showing muscular and tendinous attachments, posterior view. Each dorsal interosseous muscle (D) arises from the shafts of adjacent metacarpals. Jump to:	i don't know
What type of creature was a quagga?	Rare & Extinct Creatures: Quagga THE QUAGGA The Quagga was a close relative of horses and zebras. It was a yellowish-brown zebra with stripes only on its head, neck and shoulders and with pale legs. The quagga was native to desert areas of the African continent until it was exterminated in the wild in the 1870s. The last captive quaggas died in Europe in the 1880's. Zoos sent the request "send more quaggas", but there were no more quaggas left alive. It had been ruthlessly hunted for meat and leather by South African farmers and settlers. When first discovered, the Quagga was simply regarded as one zebra among many and was originally considered to be the female of the Burchell Zebra as the ranges of the species overlapped and there may have been interbreeding. The Hottentots used the same name for both animals. Because the term "quagga" was used indiscriminately to mean any zebra (although "Bontequagga" was sometimes used for the Plains zebra), the true quagga was hunted to extinction without this being realised until too late. The Quagga was basically a brown zebra with white legs and tail. It had no distinct markings on its hind quarters and only vague mottled markings on its back. In conformation it was more horse-like than any of the other zebras which, except for the Burchells, are generally large-headed and donkey-like. Its mane was distinctive, being described by an early observer as "curious, appearing as if trimmed by art". In the wild, quaggas grazed in mixed herds with wildebeest or hartebeest and ostriches. The colonizing Boers found it the most obvious source of food for their native servants and a source of hides for domestic use and export. Quaggas hides were sturdy and lightweight and many were still in everyday use long after the animal itself was extinct. Quagga were plentiful in the 1840s, but the eradication of the quagga only took around 30 years. From Rev JG Woodï¿½s ï¿½Illustrated Natural Historyï¿½ (1853, 1874): The QUAGGA looks at first sight like a cross between the common wild ass and the zebra, as it only partially possesses the characteristic zebra-stripes, and is decorated merely upon the hind and fore-parts of the body. The streaks are not so deep as they are in the zebra, and the remainder of the body is brown, with the exception of the abdomen, legs, and part of the tail, which are whitish-grey. The Quagga lives in large herds, and is much persecuted by the natives of Southern Africa, who pursue it for the sake of its skin and its flesh, both of which are in high estimation. The quagga is considered to be a southern subspecies of the plain zebra found in the drier parts of South Africa, on grassy plains. Its northern limit was the Orange River in the west and the Vaal River in the east; its south-eastern border appears to have been the Great Kei River. The last free quaggas were probably those caught in 1870 although a small population may have survived south of the Vaal river until the severe drought of 1878. The last captive quagga was a mare; she died on 12 August 1883 in Amsterdam Zoo, having been exhibited there since 9 May 1867. It was not realised that this quagga mare was the very last of her kind. It could, even then, have been saved by breeding it to the white-legged, white-tailed Burchell's zebra, itself destined for extinction a few decades later. The quagga's name comes from the Hottentot term for the creature, being an imitation of the zebra's"kwa-ha-ha" call. Tame quagga were used by the Hottentot as equine watchdogs. Although tamed by Hottentots, the quagga was an immensely energetic and highly-strung creature and the stallions were noted to be prone to fits of rage. London Zooï¿½s one chance of breeding quaggas in the 1860s ended when the stallion beat itself to death against the wall of its enclosure. In England in the 1830s, quaggas (probably gelded to make them tractable) were used as exotic harness animals. Sheriff Parkins drove around London seated behind a pair of harnessed quaggas. Burchell's zebras were also popular between the shafts, but quaggas were said to have better mouths. Recent examination of portions of mitochondrial DNA and protein in the 1980's indicate that the quagga was a subspecies of Burchell's plains zebra. Photography was still in its early days and relied on the subject to make no sudden movements while the plate developed. The only living quagga photographed was the mare housed at London Zoo. She was photographed by Frederick York and Frank Haes in 1870. Four or five photographs exist and have widely reproduced. These are outnumbered by colour paintings (colour plates in naturalist's books, paintings of quaggas in private collections); the earliest paintings being based on descriptions and/or skins. Burchell's Zebra was a subspecies of the Plains Zebra characterised by its unstriped legs and belly and its reddish brown body-stripes with paler "shadow stripes" in between on a cream or buff background colour. Its original range was mainly north of the Orange and Vaals Rivers, extending north into Botswana and the south-western Transvaal, and east to about Natal. It originally existed in vast herds, but by 1910 it was gone from the wild and the last known individual died in the Berlin Zoo in 1918. Plains zebra are black and white with no shadow stripes, although individuals show some variation (sometimes attributed to throwbacks indicating interbreeding with quagga). Selective breeding of these throwbacks or variant individuals could bring back both the Burchell's race of Plains Zebra and the Quagga; this would involve capturing and breeding together Plains zebra that lack stripes on their hindquarters and legs. Some progress has already been made on this, producing individuals that lack stripes on their legs and rumps. However, will selective breeding really bring back the quagga or will it just produce something that resembles it? There are 23 mounted specimens, 7 skeletons and 13 skulls in museums around the world. Quagga exhibits are held at Amsterdam and Lieden (the Netherlands), Bamberg, Berlin, Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Mainz, Munich, Stuttgart, Tübingen and Wiesbaden (Germany), Basel (Switzerland), Cape Town and Pretoria (South Africa), Edinburgh (Scotland), Kazan (Russia), Exeter London and Tring (England), Lyon and Paris (France), Milan and Turin (Italy), New Haven and Philadelphia (USA), Stockholm (Sweden) and Vienna (Austria). The variability of striping suggests that some mounted specimens may be quagga x Burchell's zebra hybrids; these possibly interbred naturally where their ranges overlapped or artificially in captivity. R I Pocock, writing in Harmsworth Natural History (1910), classed Burchell's and Chapman's zebras as quaggas while the species known today as the quagga was called Grey's quagga. He described numerous subspecies of quagga, many of which were merely pattern variations within a species. Pocock wrote: "The trivial and scientific designations of the quagga (Equus quagga) are derived from the name quaha" or ï¿½quacha," given to South African representatives of the species in imitation of their cry. It so happens that the first example to be made known to naturalists cane from the Cape flats and is now extinct; but striped equine animals with the same cry and the sane structural characters are now known to range through the whole of East Africa from Abyssinia to Zululand, and thence westwards to Southern Angola. Distributed over an area so vast and so varied in its physical features and exposed to widely different conditions of climate and temperature, the species exhibits marked local variations in colour and pattern, forming distinguishable geographical races or subspecies. The northern and eastern races so far south as Mashonaland are fully striped with black and white or pale fawn to the hoofs ; but southwards from Mashonaland occur races in which the stripes exhibit more and more marked signs of disappearance from the legs, belly, and hind quarters; those that formerly inhabited Cape Colony, to which the name quagga was first applied, showing in some cases hardly a trace of striping even on the posterior part of the body. These, as well as some of the decidedly striped more northern races, were known to the Dutch colonists, who, by way of emphasising the difference, spoke of the latter as bontequaggas; but when the relatively less striped races became extinct, the term bontequagga dropped out of use amongst the Dutch, who to this day comprehensively speak of all the South African races as quaggas; and since no competent authorities now doubt that these animals belong to the same species as the existing North African and the extinct South African races, the scientific and vernacular term "quagga" may be extended to the whole series. In the fully striped races of this species the stripes on the body extend to the median ventral line, those on its anterior half behind the shoulder-stripe, four or five in number, being vertical, while the remainder turn sharply backwards dorsally, no fewer than four forming a bold sweep back on to the hind quarters, this last characteristic being the distinguishing feature of the pattern of the species ; the stripes on the thighs are broad and on the legs numerous and close set the spinal stripe is distinct and widens behind over the saddle and croup, where it is usually separated from the adjoining stripes of the body and quarters. Of these northern forms the best known is Böhmï¿½s quagga (E. quagga boehmi) from British and German East Africa. Nearly allied to it are Jallaï¿½s quagga (E. quagga jallae) from Southern Abyssinia; and Crawshayï¿½s quagga (E. quagga crawshayi) from Southern Nyasaland. Related to the last is a quagga from North Eastern Rhodesia to which the name annectans has been given, a race characterised by the great breadth of the dark as compared with the light stripes. South of the Zambezi in Mashonaland occurs Selousï¿½s quagga (F. quagga selousi), of the same general stamp as Böhmï¿½s quagga. In the latter faint stripes called " shadow stripes " are sometimes observable between the principal stripes on the quarters. These are also present in Selousï¿½s quagga; but in more southern forms they increase in distinctness and extent concomitantly with the disappearance of the stripes from the legs. Chapmanï¿½s quagga (F. quagga chapmanni), which ranges from Damaraland to the Transvaal, differs from Selousï¿½s quagga in having the legs, below the knees and hocks, sparsely striped. The reduction of the leg stripes is carried still further in Wahlbergï¿½s quagga (F. quagga wahlbergi), from Zululand, a race which is also distinguished by the great reduction in width of the principal stripes upon the hind quarters; by the distinctness of the shadow stripes on this region, and by their forward extension to the withers. Still more different from the northern races is Burchellï¿½s quagga (F. quagga burchelli), from Bechuanaland, in which the stripes have almost vanished over the hind quarters up to the root of the tail, and on the fore legs up to the shoulder, leaving the legs whitish and almost unstriped; the body stripes no longer reach the middle line of the belly, and the shadow stripes sometimes extend as far as the head. In some of these quaggas, too, the lighter areas are ochre brown, so that there is no longer the sharp contrast between the dark and light stripes seen in the northern types. The next stage in variation is reached by various races, all now extinct, which formerly ranged southwards from the Orange River Colony over Cape Colony to the flats round Cape Town. The typical quagga, of which only a coloured illustration is extant, was very like a dark-tinted Burchellï¿½s quagga, except that the stripes over the croup were broken up into spots. In other races, as shown by mounted specimens, the obliteration of the pattern was carried still further, so that only the head, neck, and shoulders were distinctly marked; the tendency of the obliteration being to produce a nearly uniformly brownish, or in some cases chestnut, animal with pale legs. But even the few specimens of Cape Colony quaggas that have been preserved show practically a complete gradation from Burchellï¿½s quagga to chestnut-tinted individuals with narrow dark stripes only on the head, neck, and shoulders. Between eleven and twelve hands at the withers is the average height of quaggas. Adapted essentially for living in the plains, quaggas have broader hoofs than the mountain zebra and African asses; the ears are markedly smaller than in other African species of Equidae, and the callosities are intermediate in size between those of the mountain and Grévyï¿½s zebras. The voice may be described as a ringing bark, comparable in shrillness to that of a small dog, and representable by the syllables "qua ha ha," "qua ha ha," rapidly repeated and sharply uttered, a cry quite unlike the neigh of a horse or the bray of an ass or of Grévyï¿½s zebra. When South Africa was first colonised by Europeans, quaggas were exceedingly common on the flats and plateaus of Cape Colony, where they associated in troops, quite commonly mixed with ostriches, white-tailed gnus, and other antelopes. They were finally exterminated by the Boers in the Cape and Orange River Colonies; and the same fate is rapidly overtaking Burchellï¿½s quagga of Bechuanaland, of which, as in the case of the Cape Colony races, only a few mounted specimens have been preserved, although a few may still be seen in various menageries of Europe and America.	Zebra
In Greek mythology, what is the name of the mortal woman who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest and was turned into a spider by Athena?	Invasive quagga mussel found in Utah reservoir \| KSL.com Invasive quagga mussel found in Utah reservoir By John Hollenhorst \| Posted May 23rd, 2010 @ 9:02pm   Having trouble viewing the video? Try disabling any ad blocking extensions currently running on your browser. WILLARD BAY -- A discovery in Southern Utah has raised statewide concerns about a tiny creature that's capable of doing tens of millions of dollars in damage. It appears to be what wildlife experts have been fearing and campaigning against for several years: a quagga mussel. Quagga and zebra mussels are potentially disastrous, so wildlife officials have worked aggressively to keep them out of the state. But a regional supervisor for the Division of Wildlife Services says a live, adult mussel was found in Hurricane's Sand Hollow Reservoir on May 21. Biologists say the mussel has the markings and characteristics of a quagga. I just hope that other boaters will take the precautions to clean their boats out like they're supposed to, clean the fish properly before transferring lakes so that everybody can spend a lot of years having fun out on the boat. –Jared Scott At Willard Bay and other reservoirs, boaters have had the message drilled into them: don't carry aquatic hitchhikers. Wildlife officers directly contacted 300,000 boats last year, hoping to keep the invasive mussels out of the state. "Once quagga mussels become established, they reproduce very fast and they do all kinds of damage," said Mark Hadley with the Division of Wildlife Resources. Most Utah boaters are well aware of the threat. Signs and brochures have been widely distributed. "I don't want it here in Willard," said boater Cody Valdez. "I don't want it clogging up my boat. I don't want it destroying my engine." Wildlife officers stop nearly every boat before it's launched to make sure it hasn't come from a contaminated out-of-state waterway. Now, a lake inside the state is highly suspect. The mussel discovered in Sand Hollow is tiny in size -- just 2 centimeters, less than an inch. The state issued a decontamination order over the weekend for all Utah waterways But they're a big threat. They reproduce by the billions and clog pipes, drains, filters, pumps and motors. The possible arrival in Utah prompted an emergency order from the state. "Anyone who's been boating at Sand Hollow Reservoir in the last 30 days, before they can put their boat on any other body of water in the state, they have to get their boat decontaminated," said Hadley. The mussels can make life miserable for boaters by clogging motors and for fishermen by sucking nutrients out of a lake. "They'll filter that kind of stuff out of the water, and it can cause fish populations to crash," Hadley said. Jared Scott is an avid boater from Ogden. He says the discovery is cause for concern. "It's troubling you know, you don't want it spreading," he said. "I just hope that other boaters will take the precautions to clean their boats out like they're supposed to, clean the fish properly before transferring lakes so that everybody can spend a lot of years having fun out on the boat." The mussel found at Sand Hollow has been sent to a Colorado lab for confirmation. There have been scares before in Utah, but this is the first actual adult in the shell. ------	i don't know
Aladar, Yar, Zini and Baylene are all characters in which 2000 Disney film?	Aladar \| Disney Wiki \| Fandom powered by Wikia Aladar is an Iguanodon , and the protagonist of Disney 's 2000 CG film, Dinosaur . Contents [ show ] Personality Aladar is compassionate and merciful. He is against Kron 's ways of "only the strongest survive." Therefore, he does everything he can to help weaker dinosaurs such as Eema and Baylene . He loves his lemur family, referring to Yar as his grandfather, despite their species differences. He also acts like a big brother to Suri and Zini . Aladar falls in love with Neera , Kron's younger sister, who is considerably more compassionate than her brother. Despite his dislike of Kron, Aladar displayed sorrow when Kron was killed by a Carnotaur . Aladar also seems to be a natural leader, which fueled his rivalry with Kron who feared he was trying to take his place as leader of the herd. When the herd was attacked by a Carnotaur, Aladar encouraged them to "stand together." Aladar can also fight when the situation demands it, being able to hold his own against the larger and more powerful Kron by using his superior speed. He is also strong enough to push a Carnotaur over the edge of a cliff. Appearances Dinosaur In Dinosaur, Aladar is first shown as an egg. A few moments later, a Carnotaur attacks the herd and Aladar's egg is abandoned. Just then, an Oviraptor steals the egg and hurries off into the jungle. It attempts to eat the egg, but then another Oviraptor swipes it, and the two brawl over the egg. As they brawl, they drop Aladar's egg into a river. As it is swept away by the current, it was swallowed, then spat out, by a Koolasuchus; floated up between a pair of quarreling Talarurus ; moved towards the river's center by a herd of drinking Pachyrhinosaurus ; and finally picked up by a Pteranodon that carries it far away to an island . Two Ichthyornis pester the Pteranodon and it drops the egg. The lemur inhabitants find the egg and it soon hatches. The lemurs name the baby Aladar and he grows up. One evening, just after the lemur's mating ritual, Aladar and the lemurs notice comets falling from the sky when suddenly, a large asteroid crashes down. Aladar and four other lemurs ( Yar , Plio , Zini , and Suri ) escape the debris. Aladar utters a mournful roar for all the deceased lemurs. They soon wander through a barren wasteland when they are distracted by a passing Velociraptor . As they inspect it, other Raptors appear and start to chase them, but they manage to escape. Soon after, they encounter a herd of various dinosaurs ( Iguanodons , Parasaurolophus , Styracosaurus , Pachyrhinosaurus , Microceratus , Ornithomimus , and Stygimolochs ) led by Kron and his assistant Bruton . Aladar also encounters Neera , his love interest and Kron's sister, and three other dinosaurs at the back of the herd named Eema ( Styracosaurus ), Baylene ( Brachiosaurus ), and Url ( Ankylosaurus ). Later in the film, the herd migrates to a far-off lake but when they get there, the lake is dried up. Kron musters the herd while Eema wanders to the barren lake and collapses. As Aladar comes to help, he hears rumbling under Baylene's footsteps. He and Zini dig a hole and ask Baylene to press hard on it, and sure enough, water comes out. Although Aladar stated there was enough water for everyone, all the dinosaurs in the herd push and shove each other for a drink, but were soon backed off by Kron who claimed the water for himself, and didn't allow any of the herd to have it. Early one morning while the other dinosaurs are asleep, Aladar gets some water for some young orphan Iguanodons which attracts Neera. As they get some water, Kron wakes up the rest of the herd as Bruton reported Carnotaurs nearby. The herd moves so quickly that they leave Aladar, his family, Baylene, Eema, and Earl behind. While walking that night, they encounter a wounded Bruton. They leave him be (as requested by Bruton) and then discover a cave as a thunderstorm starts. Later, Bruton joins them and two Carnotaurs attack the cave. Bruton sacrifices himself as the others escape deeper into the cave. This also kills one of the Carnotaurs and the other one leaves. While going through the cave, the company encounters a dead end. However, they see light bursting through a hole in the dead end wall. After they all break it, they find the Nesting Grounds . Aladar is pleased, but soon wonders where the herd is. Eema shows Aladar where she and the others used to come in the valley. The normal way in was blocked off by a rockslide, so Aladar goes back to warn the herd. On his way back, Aladar sees a dead Stygimoloch. Then, a Carnotaur comes and it eats the dead dino as Aladar runs away. Aladar soon reaches the herd as Kron is about to make them climb the rocks. They fight and as Kron is about to strike Aladar, Neera intervenes by ramming into Kron and knocking him to the ground. She then walks beside Aladar as they lead the herd to the Nesting Grounds, leaving Kron behind. The Carnotaur then comes and the herd begins to panic. Aladar says that if they scatter, they'll be eaten. Then he tells them to stand together. As Aladar faces the Carnotaur, Neera and the other dinosaurs in the herd join in. Roaring at the Carnotaur, they force it back and as Aladar keeps roaring at it, the rest of the herd walk past safely. The Carnotaur then turns its attention to Kron and it goes after him. Neera and Aladar follow close behind. Kron runs up the rocks and finds a cliff as the Carnotaur attacks. It throws him against a rock and is about to finish him off when Neera starts to shove the Carnotaur. It shoves Neera back and as it's about to get her, Aladar comes in. The Carnotaur pushes Aladar, but the resilient Iguanodon doesn't give up. He pushes the Carnotaur to the edge of the cliff. The ground beneath it crumbles and the Carnotaur falls to its death. After Aladar and Neera mourn for Kron's death, Aladar leads the rest of the herd to the Nesting Grounds. After saying, "Welcome home," the herd rushes past Aladar and Neera in joy. Sometime later, Aladar and Neera become mates and have a nest of their own. Their first egg hatches as the lemurs, Eema, Baylene, Url, and a couple of orphaned Iguanodons that Neera had looked after come over to greet the hatchling. After the baby hatches, Aladar roars in joy, followed by his friends, and finally the whole herd. Disney Parks Aladar appeared in the introduction video at the Disney's Animal Kingdom ride DINOSAUR . You are to rescue him before the asteroid that killed all the dinosaurs hits. He's seen near the end of the ride holding up a fallen tree to let the guests ride safely through. You are able to rescue him, and when the ride is over Dr. Seeker, your guide for the ride, says that he had "better find him before security does." As guests exit, they can see him roaming the halls of the Dino Institute while Dr. Marsh and security teams scramble to catch him. When the Discovery River Boats ran around Animal Kingdom, guests could see Aladar playing in the water near Dinoland U.S.A. Gallery The Disney Wiki has a collection of images and media related to Aladar . Trivia Aladar's story is similar to Tarzan 's story. Both have adopted families (Aladar by lemurs; Tarzan by gorillas), and both lose their biological mother's when they were babies because of a predator (Carnotaurs in Aladar's case; Sabor in Tarzan's case). However, both end up killing their enemies during their adulthood, where they meet their love interest (Aladar: Neera; Tarzan: Jane Porter ). They also both have male figures in the family who initially don't want them (Yar with Aladar; Kerchak with Tarzan, although Yar is less resentful and comes around quickly). Aladar has had several color changes. In the film, Aladar is blue on the top and grayish-peach on the bottom. While on the Storyteller cover, toy boxes, Activity Center cover and the video game covers, blue is replaced with green and dark peach is replaced with yellow (whereas on the Dinosaur Song Factory cover, Aladar looks the same from the film with a touch of green, while Aladar is brown on the DVD art). In an early concept for Dinosaur, Aladar was going to have grandparents and be called Noah.	Dinosaur
Which British title did Frederick and William Temple hold on separate occasions?	Aladar \| Dinosaur Wiki \| Fandom powered by Wikia [ show ] Personality Aladar is compassionate and merciful. He is against Kron 's ways of "only the strongest survive." Therefore, he does everything he can to help weaker dinosaurs such as Eema and Baylene . He loves his lemur family, referring to Yar as his grandfather, despite their species differences. He also acts like a big brother to Suri and Zini . Aladar falls in love with Neera , Kron's younger sister, who is considerably more compassionate than her brother. Despite his dislike of Kron, Aladar displayed sorrow when Kron was killed by a Carnotaur . Aladar also seems to be a natural leader, which fueled his rivalry with Kron who feared he was trying to take his place as leader of the herd. When the herd was attacked by a Carnotaur, Aladar encouraged them to "stand together." Aladar can also fight when the situation demands it, being able to hold his own against the larger and more powerful Kron by using his superior speed. He is also strong enough to push a Carnotaur over the edge of a cliff. Appearances Dinosaur In Dinosaur, Aladar is first shown as an egg. A few moments later, a Carnotaur attacks the herd and Aladar's egg is abandoned. Just then, an Oviraptor steals the egg and hurries off into the jungle. It attempts to eat the egg, but then another Oviraptor swipes it, and the two brawl over the egg. As they brawl, they drop Aladar's egg into a river. As it is swept away by the current, a Pteranodon picks up the egg and it carries it far away to an island. Two birds pester the Pteranodon and it drops the egg. The lemur inhabitants find the egg and it soon hatches. The lemurs name the baby Aladar and he grows up. One evening, just after the lemur's mating ritual, Aladar and the lemurs notice comets falling from the sky. Then, suddenly, a large asteroid crashes down. Aladar and four other lemurs ( Yar , Plio , Zini , and Suri ) escape the debris. Aladar utters a mournful roar for all the deceased lemurs. They soon wander through a barren wasteland when they are distracted by a passing Velociraptor . As they inspect it, other Raptors appear and start to chase them, but they manage to escape. Soon after, they encounter a herd of various dinosaurs ( Iguanodons , Parasaurolophus , Styracosaurus , Pachyrhinosaurus , Microceratops, Ornithomimus, and Stygimolochs ) led by Kron and his assistant Bruton . Aladar also encounters Neera , his love interest and Kron's sister, and three other dinosaurs at the back of the herd named Eema ( Styracosaurus ), Baylene (Brachiosaurus), and Url (Ankylosaurus). Later in the film, the herd migrates to a far-off lake but when they get there, the lake is dried up. Kron musters the herd while Eema wanders to the barren lake and collapses. As Aladar comes to help, he hears rumbling under Baylene's footsteps. He and Zini dig a hole and ask Baylene to press hard on it, and sure enough, water comes out. Although Aladar stated there was enough water for everyone, all the dinosaurs in the herd push and shove each other for a drink, but were soon backed off by Kron who claimed the water for himself, and didn't allow any of the herd to have it. Early one morning while the other dinosaurs were asleep, Aladar gets some water for some young orphan iguanodons which attracts Neera. As they get some water, Kron wakes up the rest of the herd as Bruton reported Carnotaurs nearby. The herd moves so quickly that they leave Aladar, his family, Baylene, Eema, and Earl behind. While walking that night, they encounter a wounded Bruton. They leave him be (as requested by Bruton) and then discover a cave as a thunderstorm starts. Later, Bruton joins them and two Carnotaurs attack the cave. Bruton sacrifices himself as the others escape deeper into the cave. This also kills one of the Carnotaurs and the other one leaves. While going through the cave, the company encounters a dead end. However, they see light bursting through a hole in the dead end wall. After they all break it, they find the Nesting Grounds . Aladar is pleased, but soon wonders where the herd is. Eema shows Aladar where she and the others used to come in the valley. The normal way in was blocked off by a rockslide, so Aladar goes back to warn the herd. On his way back, Aladar sees a dead Stygimoloch. Then, a Carnotaur comes and it eats the dead dino as Aladar runs away. Aladar soon reaches the herd as Kron is about to make them climb the rocks. They fight and as Kron is about to strike Aladar, Neera intervenes by ramming into Kron and knocking him to the ground. She then walks beside Aladar as they lead the herd to the Nesting Grounds, leaving Kron behind. The Carnotaur then comes and the herd begins to panic. Aladar says that if they scatter, they'll be eaten. then he tellls them to stand together. As Aladar faces the Carnotaur, Neera and the other dinosaurs in the herd join in. Roaring at the Carnotaur, they force it back and as Aladar keeps roaring at it, the rest of the herd walk past safely. The Carnotaur then turns its attention to Kron amd it goes after him. Neera and Aladar follow close behind. Kron runs up the rocks and finds a cliff as the Carnotaur attacks. It throws him against a rock and is about to finish him when Neera starts to shove the Carnotaur. It shoves Neera back and as its about to get her, Aladar comes in. The Carnotaur pushes Aladar, but the resilient Iguanodon doesn't give up. He pushes the Carnotaur to the edge of the cliff. The ground beneath it crumbles and the Carnotaur falls to its death. After Aladar and Neera mourn for Kron's death, Aladar leads the rest of the herd to the Nesting Grounds. After saying, "Welcome home," the herd rushes past Aladar and Neera in joy. Sometime later, Aladar and Neera become mates and have a nest of their own. Their first egg hatches as the lemurs, Eema, Baylene, Url, and a couple of orphaned Iguanodons that Neera had looked after come over to greet the hatchling. After the baby hatches, Aladar roars in joy, followed by his friends, and finally the whole herd. Disney Parks Aladar appeared in the introduction video at the Disney's Animal Kingdom ride DINOSAUR . You are to rescue him before the asteroid that killed all the dinosaurs hits. He's seen near the end of the ride holding up a fallen tree to let the guests ride safely through. You are able to rescue him, and when the ride is over Dr. Seeker, your guide for the ride, says that he had "better find him before security does." Gallery Template:Gallerylink Trivia Aladar's story is similar to Tarzan 's story. Both have adopted families (Aladar by lemurs; Tarzan by gorillas), and both lose their biological mother when they were babies because of a predator (Carnotaurs in Aladar's case; Sabor in Tarzan's case). However, both end up killing their enemies during their adulthood, where they meet their love interest (Aladar: Neera; Tarzan: Jane Porter ). They also both have male figures in the family who initially don't want them (Yar with Aladar; Kerchak with Tarzan, although Yar is less resentful). Aladar has had several color changes. In the film, Aladar is blue on the top and grayish-peach on the bottom. While on the Storyteller cover, toy boxes, Activity Center cover and the video game covers, blue is replaced with green and dark peach is replaced with yellow (whereas on the Dinosaur Song Factory cover, Aladar looks the same from the film with a touch of green, while Aladar is brown on the DVD art). This movie is also like The Land Before Time. All plant eating dinosaurs live in safe place from predators just like The Land Before Time have at the Great Valley.	i don't know
In the US ‘The Great Fire of ….’where’ occured 8th to 10th October 1871?	October 8, 1871: The Night America Burned October 8, 1871: The Night America Burned Go to permalink The Great Chicago Fire is the most famous inferno in American history. But it wasn't even the worst fire that night. This is the story of America's most fiery night, and the crackpot theory about a lost comet that's meant to explain what really happened. The Reasonably Great Chicago Fire Citywide fires are now largely a relic of an earlier time, a product of slipshod urban firing and too many flammable building materials. A few of these fires have gained lasting infamy - there's the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE, in which Emperor Nero supposedly got in some fiddle practice, and the Great Fire of London in 1666, which everyone knows was started when the Doctor fought a rogue Terileptil . But the Great Chicago Fire probably has the greatest grip on the popular imagination, in part because it's one of the most recent and in part because of all the ridiculous (and flagrantly anti-Irish) myths that have popped up around it. The legend — or perhaps more accurately, the lie, since Chicago Republican reporter Michael Ahern admitted in 1893 that he had made the whole thing up — was that a cow kicked over a lantern while a woman was milking it in a barn at 137 DeKoven Street. While the barn was indeed the first building consumed by the blaze, the whole thing about the cow was a fabrication, and soon the story got attached to the barn's owners, Irish immigrants Patrick and Catherine O'Leary. In particular, Mrs. O'Leary became a popular scapegoat as the real cause of the blaze, as it was alleged she had actually been with the cow when the first started, and probably drunk to boot. A popular song captured the general sentiment about Mrs. O'Leary's culpability: Advertisement Late one night, when we were all in bed, Old Mother Leary left a lantern in the shed, And when the cow kicked it over, she winked her eye and said, "There'll be a HOT time on the old town tonight." FIRE, FIRE, FIRE! The first official report investigating the cause of the fire was more sober, concluding that it wasn't possibly to say whether the cause was human — or bovine, I suppose — agency or some natural cause, possibly a spark blown down from the chimney. Whatever the initial cause, the fire raged from October 8 to the morning of October 10, killing about 300 and destroying over three square miles worth of property, totaling 17,500 buildings and $400 million in damages. While a great human tragedy, the fire (much like the one that consumed London in 1666) had some distinct benefits, as it directly led to a rebuilding effort that helped transform Chicago from a relative backwater to one of the country's great economic powers. It also remains the only thing I really remember about Illinois history from my days in the state's public school system. (Well, that and Casimir Pulaski , but that goes without saying.) And yet, for all its infamy and historical import, the Great Chicago Fire still wasn't the worst fire on the night of October 8. It wasn't even the worst in a 300-mile radius. The Peshtigo Inferno The Peshtigo Fire was the most deadly fire in American history, killing anywhere between 1,200 and 2,500 people. Unlike the Great Chicago Fire, which did its damage over a relatively small but densely packed area of a major city, the Peshtigo Fire burned throughout the wild forest of rural Wisconsin. October 8 was an unusually hot and dry day during an already unusually hot and dry spell in the Midwest. Sponsored The local lumber industry didn't always bother to safely burn away the brush they cleared. Sparks from passing trains ignited small fires, and the drought-ravaged wood meant wildfires had become just a part of life in the region. A sudden cold front with strong winds served to fan the flames and connect all these little wildfires into a single blaze, large enough to sustain its own wind system and even generate tornadoes. This was a firestorm. The entire fire covered an area about twice the size of Rhode Island, and it claimed twelve rural communities before finally subsiding. The town that had the tragic fate of being at the center of this blaze was Peshtigo. Well over a thousand people in this one frontier town perished on October 8, victims of either the fire itself or from drowning or succumbing to hypothermia while taking refuge in the frigid water. The fire first approached the town around 8:30 PM that night - by 10:00, the air was no longer breathable. A local minister, the French-born Reverend Peter Pernin, wrote an eyewitness account a few years later that described the chaos. This is just one small selection: Advertisement Advertisement The air was no longer fit to breathe, full as it was of sand, dust, ashes, cinders, sparks, smoke, and fire. It was almost impossible to keep one's eyes unclosed, to distinguish the road, or to recognize people, though the way was crowded with pedestrians, as well as vehicles crossing and crashing against each other in the general flight. Some were hastening toward the river, others from it, whilst all were struggling alike in the grasp of the hurricane. A thousand discordant deafening noises rose on the air together. The neighing of horses, falling of chimneys, crashing of uprooted trees, roaring and whistling of the wind, crackling of fire as it ran with lightning-like rapidity from house to house—all sounds were there save that of human voice. People seemed stricken dumb by terror. They jostled each other without exchanging look, word, or counsel. The silence of the tomb reigned among the living; nature alone lifted up its voice and spoke. The events Reverend Pernin describes there happened sometime around 10:00 PM. By that time, the Great Chicago Fire was already an hour old, and already on its way to obscuring the tragedy in Peshtigo. The Great Michigan Fire There were five major fires that burned in the Midwest on October 8, 1871: the Great Chicago Fire, the Great Peshtigo Fire, the Holland Fire, the Port Huron Fire, and the Manistee Fire. Those last three all refer to towns in Michigan, and they tend to be referred to collectively as the Great Michigan Fire. Like Peshtigo and the surrounding area of Wisconsin, Michigan had also experienced a lengthy drought that had left the dense forests dry and particularly susceptible to fire. Like Peshtigo, local loggers had left much of their debris around without properly disposing of it, providing a ready fuel for the coming inferno. Advertisement The strong winds that had ignited the Peshtigo firestorm and had worsened the blaze in Chicago now made their way further eastward to Michigan. The blazes spanned the entire state, affecting both the western towns of Manistee and Holland as well as Port Huron on the state's eastern region, popularly known as "The Thumb." These fires might seem less devastating than the maelstrom that had engulfed Peshtigo - they each killed "only" 50 to 100 people - but they still their own particular brand of hell on Earth. Here's an account of what happened in Holland that night according to resident G. Van Schelven: At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the wind turned southwesterly and began gradually to increase. The fire alarm was rung, and from this time on the fighting of the fire all along the timbered tracts south and southwest of the city, was kept up uninterruptedly. As night advanced the wind increased in force, until at midnight it blew a hurricane, spreading the fire and the flames with an alarming velocity toward the doomed city. The huge bark piles at the Cappen & Bertch tannery in the western and the Third Reformed Church in the southern part of the city, were among the first points attacked; from thence on, the devastating fire fiend had a full and unmolested sway. The burning shingles and siding of this new and large church edifice and the flaming fragments of bark were blown towards the center of the town, sweeping everything in their northward course. At this fatal moment the wind turned more westerly and thus forced the fire toward the center and more eastern parts of the city—this sealed the fate of Holland. Within the short space of two hours, between one and three o'clock, of Monday morning, October 9, 1871, this entire devastation was accomplished. No one unless he has been an eyewitness of such a scene, can conceive its terror or its awfulness. Because the fires engulfed huge swathes of Michigan wilderness, home to an unknown number of loggers and settlers, the true death toll is nearly impossible to determine. Collectively, the Great Michigan Fire may claimed anywhere from less than 500 to over 1000 lives. The Crackpots Emerge At first glance, the idea that about five major, largely independent fires could have started on the exact same night - a more or less unique incident in history, at least as far as I can tell - may seem to ask too much of coincidence. Of course, it isn't really a coincidence. The Wisconsin and Michigan fires were all the result of the same gale force winds blowing through a drought-ravaged area and spreading existing wildfires until they were entirely out of control. The connection to the Great Chicago Fire was perhaps a little more indirect, but the same conditions were there - if that barn at 137 DeKoven Street hadn't ignited (for whatever reason), something else probably would have. The entire Midwest was one vast powder keg. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the notion of multiple infernos all on the same night is bound to attract its fair share of fringe theories and crackpot explanations, and the events of October 8, 1871 soon attracted the attention of one of America's all-time great crackpots, Ignatius L. Donnelly. A former lawyer and politician, Donnelly soon eclipsed that passing fame by authoring a series of books on various pseudohistorical and pseudoscientific ideas, most involving Atlantis in some way. His writings, a kind of 19th century equivalent of Erich von Daniken's Chariot of the Gods nonsense, became immensely popular and influential among the next generation of crackpots. While a full accounting of Donnelly's, uh, unique take on prehistory is best saved for another day, it should be pointed out that one of his other big theories was that an ancient cataclysm — one responsible for the flood described in the Noah's Ark story, the destruction of Atlantis, and, just for good measure, the death of the mammoths — had been caused by a comet almost colliding with Earth. He detailed this in 1882's Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel. A year later, he proposed a possible corollary idea to his theory: just as a comet had wrought massive havoc in ancient times, so too had a comet caused the fires of 1871. Biela's Lost Comet This particular notion might not seem as ridiculous as the rest of Donnelly's idea, if nothing else because it doesn't involve Atlantis. Comets can cause meteor showers, or they can even fall to Earth themselves. That's probably why this idea has never gone away — there's a scientific paper from as late as 2004 that runs with this idea, although it wasn't ever accepted for publication. The reason for this is fairly basic science . Meteorites aren't hot when they reach the Earth's surface, and in fact there's no evidence ever of a meteorite starting a fire. And a comet is unlikely to actually reach the surface — more likely it would explode in midair, like in the 1908 Tunguska impact. Richard F. Bales and Thomas F. Schwartz have a great breakdown of the holes in this argument in their book The Great Chicago Fire and the Myth of Mrs. O'Leary's Cow. Advertisement Still, part of what makes this theory interesting, even if it's pretty obviously garbage, is that there is a particular comet that would be the perfect culprit. Biela's Comet was only the third comet ever proven to be periodic, joining the famous Halley's Comet and the less well known but still important Comet Encke. Unlike the 76-year gap between Halley's Comet sightings, Comet Biela came around once every 6.6 years, and it was named for Baron Wilhelm von Biela, an officer in the Austrian army who determined in 1826 that a particular comet was the same one that had been observed in 1772 and 1805. He successfully predicted the comet's return in 1832, and so he earned his slice of astronomical immortality. It wasn't to last. The comet was next spotted in 1845, but by now it had actually split in half. Comet A and Comet B were seen one last time in 1852, but then they both vanished, never to be seen again despite painstaking searches in 1859, 1865, and 1872. It's likely that the comet completely disintegrated far from Earth, and what's left is too dim for us to detect. Biela's Comet became the prime suspect among fringe theorists as the true cause of the 1871 fires. The timing wasn't utterly impossible - October 1871 would have been a bit of an early return for Comet Biela, but not totally beyond the bounds of possibility. This theory was probably helped along by the comet's previous close approaches to Earth, which had triggered some panics about the comet actually hitting Earth - one 1877 newspaper illustration in Chile rather offhandedly captioned that there would be an "inevitable impact of the Earth with Comet Biela." Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the cause of the fires were achingly mundane. Loggers had been too careless with brush, Chicago had been built without properly considering flammability, and the summer and autumn of 1871 had seen one of the worst droughts in the history of the Midwest. The tragedy was perhaps not inevitable, but it was an all too likely possibility. If nothing else, it's now worth looking back and remembering the full scope of one of the worst nights in American history, and why Great Chicago Fire wasn't even the half of it. Further Reading	Chicago
Felidae is the scientific name for which animals?	Introduction \| The Great Chicago Fire & The Web of Memory The Great Chicago Fire & The Web of Memory The Web of Memory The Great Chicago Fire & the Web of Memory consists of two main parts. The first part, titled The Great Chicago Fire, includes five chronologically organized sections that together present a history of the fire. The sections of the second part, The Web of Memory, examine six ways in which the fire has been remembered: eyewitness accounts, contemporary journalism and illustrations, imaginative forms such as literature and art, the legend of Mrs. O'Leary and her cow, fire souvenirs of many different kinds, and formal commemorations and exhibitions. Each of the sections has three integrated components: thematic galleries of images, a library of texts, and an interpretive essay. The Great Chicago Fire & the Web of Memory also contains a Touring the Fire section that revisits the history of fifty-four different sites in Chicago today, called Landmarks, that have a connection to the fire. Individual Landmarks are organized into tours that are arranged geographically. In addition, there is an 1871 Timeline that recalls events in Chicago life during the year of the fire. Throughout the site there are several interactive features. Virtually every image can be enlarged greatly for more detailed viewing. There are also three-dimensional images (a red/blue anaglyph viewer is required) in the Media Event section, and two fire songs performed by soprano Patrice Michaels in the Fanning the Flames section. Both of these, as well as the Timeline, are among the Special Features. Almost all of the images here can be purchased from the Chicago History Museum. For more information, go to http://chicagohistory.org/research/rightsreproductions or send an e-mail to [email protected] . Please be prepared to identify items by their ichi number, which is indicated in the images that are available for sale. The artifacts and texts included here represent only a small fraction of the Chicago History Museum’s holdings relating to the fire.	i don't know
What is the most common boy’s name in children’s nursery rhymes?	Top 10 Most Famous Nursery Rhymes - List Dose Top 10 Most Famous Nursery Rhymes Article by Rachita Sharma , April 1, 2014 Some of my earliest childhood memories include learning nursery rhymes in the play school and then reciting them reluctantly in front of my parents, neighbors, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, other uncles, other aunts. Yeah, I had a huge fan following then. Good old times. But to recite a long four line English poem every time you met someone was not an easy task, I tell you. That too, poems as difficult as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Johnny Johnny Yes Papa, can you imagine? In the evenings, all my friends and I would go running around the streets yelling at the top of voice our Hindi favorites poshampa bhai poshampa, Lakdi ki kathi, chanda maama door ke, Machchli jal ki raani hai, Akkad bakkad bambey bo..hmm, the list is endless. Even now, as an adult, I remember each and every line of them and it always gives me delightful pleasure to watch little kids reciting their favorite nursery rhymes in their cute singsong voice. Even more cute is to watch them make those beautiful hand gestures trying to explain the meaning of their difficult poems to us dumb adults. It is interesting that nursery rhymes other than being fun and engaging are in fact a great way of teaching the little ones to read and to help them learn what the discreet – separate parts of sound are, by developing their phonetic awareness skills! Here I have compiled a list of the top 10 most famous nursery rhymes worldwide. Pick out your favorite. 10. LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN “London Bridge is falling down, falling Down, falling down. London Bridge is falling down, my fair lady.” This is a popular traditional English rhyme that probably depicts the difficulties experienced while construction of London Bridge over river Thames. However, there are several other theories depicting its origin. To me, it brings back a sweet childhood memory. When I was a kid, I used to dismantle the “palace” that my brother made from the playing cards and to tease him, I used to sing aloud “London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down”. ha. nostalgic ! 9. ONE TWO BUCKLE MY SHOE “One, Two, Buckle my shoe, Three, Four, Open the door, Five, Six, Pick up sticks, Seven, Eight, Lay them straight, Nine, Ten, A big, fat hen” …. and so on. A very popular English rhyme and indeed a very clever way to teach counting to the otherwise reluctant children. This poem dates back to the 18th century and has been used in quite lot of movies (like A nightmare on Elm Street) and cartoon serials (like Loony Tunes). This famous poem was also used by Agatha Christie in the title and story structure of her novel “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”. 8. RAIN RAIN GO AWAY “Rain rain go away, Come again another day, Little Johnny wants to play.” Personally, I love playing while it is raining. It is like a harbinger of excitement. But Little Johnny seems to hate getting drenched in the rain. There are many versions of this popular English rhyme in which Little Johnny asks rain to come on Saturday, on April day, on Christmas day and so on. The oldest version goes back to the 17th century! 7. JOHNNY JOHNNY YES PAPA “Johnny Johnny, Yes Papa. Telling lies? No Papa. Open your mouth, ha ha ha” This is probably the cutest English rhyme ever, depicting a little kid caught in the act of stealing the sugar and eating it. Sounds familiar? Well a lot of us have been there, done that. Anyways, what makes this poem even more funny is the way kids do “hahaha” in the end while reciting it. Strangely not much is known about the origin of this poem. 6. THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER “The Itsy Bitsy Spider crawled up the waterspout. Down came the rain, and washed the spider out. Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain, And the Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the spout again.” This rhyme describes the adventures of a spider when it gets washed out of a gutter system! I find it really cute when kids recite it mainly because it is accompanied by a sequence of gestures that mimic the words of the song. For the first (and last) line, alternately touch the thumb of one hand to the index finger of the other. For “Down came the rain” hold both hands up and wiggle the fingers as you lower the hands (the rain). For “washed the spider out” sweep the hands to the side. For the third line bring both hands up and then to the sides to sweep out a semicircle (the sun). Then wiggle the fingers upwards (to show the rain drying in the sun), and repeat the thumb/index finger movement to indicate the spider climbing up the spout. Overdose of sweetness indeed !! 5. HUMPTY DUMPTY “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men, couldn’t put Humpty together again.” The subject in this rhyme is actually an Egg, though the poem does not explicitly state this fact probably because it was originally a riddle. However now since the answer is so well known, this poem is no longer posed as a riddle. A very interesting fact about this rhyme is that the Second law of thermodynamics can be demonstrated using this rhyme. After falling, the entropy of Humpty Dumpty is so high that it can never be put into “order” again. Crazy correlation ! 4. JACK AND JILL “Jack and Jill went up the hill, To fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after.” This rhyme dates back to the 18th Century and exists with different number of verses each with a number of variations. This rhyme has traditionally been seen as an illogical rhyme. After all, Why do Jack and Jill go up the hill to fetch the water which is commonly found at the bottom of the hill? True origin and true interpretation of this rhyme are not known, however there are various theories. 3. RING AROUND THE ROSIE “Ring around the Rosie, A pocketful of posies. Ashes, ashes, We all fall down.” Seriously ? These are the lyrics ? And for all my childhood, I thought it was “Ringa Ringa roses, pocket fulla pozez, Hushaa Bushaa, we all fall down” My bad. And that is not all. Other fact that I didn’t know about this poem is that it has an ominous hidden origin and this poem is actually about black plague!! When people got the plague they had a rash where they were bitten by the fleas that had a red mark with a red ring around it. Now Who would have thought, eh? 2. BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP “Baa, baa, black sheep, Have you any wool? Yes, sir, yes, sir, Three bags full; One for the master, And one for the dame, And one for the little boy who lives down the lane” This poem has various versions. I have listed the modern version here. It has the same tone as the “alphabet song”. The main reason for it being a very popular nursery rhyme is that it is relatively easy for little kids to master because of its trochaic metre in which a stressed syllable is followed by the unstressed one. Yeah, your sharp mind was not the only factor that helped you learn it in such a short time. 1. TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, How I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.” This is a very popular English lullaby and probably the first poem every child is taught in school. The lyrics are from famous poet Jane Taylor’s English composition “The star”. Although the poem has five stanzas, only the first one is widely known. (Thank God! Who would have learnt the whole poem?) Anyways, the main reason for it being so famous is that its origins are linked to Mozart and it uses the same tone as the “alphabet song”. Related posts:	Jack
How many times can an A4 piece of paper be folded in half?	12 Sweet Baby Names Inspired By Nursery Rhymes \| The Huffington Post 12 Sweet Baby Names Inspired By Nursery Rhymes 02/06/2015 12:27 pm ET \| Updated Feb 06, 2015 Linda Rosenkrantz Sue Barr via Getty Images With their lilting rhythms and catchy rhymes, nursery rhymes have delighted successive generations of children since the first publication of Mother Goose in the 1700s -- though the original meanings, some of them political, have been lost. (Who knew that "Ring Around a Rosy " referred to the Great Plague of 1665?) The names used very much reflected the small stockpot of those in current use -- so a preponderance of Marys , Jacks , Georgies , Peters , Toms and Tommys , Billys and Willies -- but there were a few more original names, and here are a dozen of the best. Chiwetel Ejiofor played Solomon Northup in "12 Years A Slave." Solomon Grundy, Born on Monday. Solomon is an Old Testament name long associated with wisdom and peace, which stemmed from the Hebrew word shalom. It’s long been neglected because of a somewhat solemn image, but that’s changing, with Solomon now at Number 424 and at 272 on Nameberry. One negative: a DC Comics zombie supervillain is also Solomon Grundy. Natalie Dormer plays Margaery Tyrell on "Game of Thrones." See saw Margery Daw Jacky shall have a new master. With so many Mar- names heating up, such as Margot and Marlowe and Marley and Marnie , there might be a chance of this early Scottish favorite (a Top 300 name in the early 1920s) returning. But its alternate spelling, Marjorie , has always been the preferred version, once in the Top 25. The "Game of Thrones" character is Margaery. Sean Maher plays Simon Tam on "Firefly." Simple Simon met a pieman going to the fair: Said Simple Simon to the pieman “Let me taste your ware.” Despite this nursery rhyme association, Simon is an appealing biblical choice -- accessible but not overused, familiar via numerous literary and pop culture characters from Uncle Tom ’s Cabin to "Firefly." Simon currently ranks at Number 256 in the US, 34 in Germany, and 84 on Nameberry. Maria Dizzia plays Polly Harper on "Orange is the New Black." Polly put the kettle on, Polly out the kettle on, We’ll all have tea. Peppy Polly is definitely due for a comeback, newly visible on the show "Orange is the New Black" as lead character Piper Chapman’s bff from college, mother of a baby named Finn . And though poor Polly has been off the Social Security list since 1977, she has enough fans on Nameberry to bring her to Number 457. I saw Esau, sitting on a see-saw I saw Esau, he saw me. Though his biblical twin Jacob has been astronomically popular for decades, Esau hasn’t even crept onto the pop charts since 1902! But with its Old Testament cred, we see no reason why it couldn’t follow the path of other names like Ethan , Eli and Elijah . Linda Hunt as Hetty Lange on "NCIS" Hettie Hutton, Here’s a button, Sew it on your dress Hettie is a vintage nickname for Henrietta , Hester or Mehetabel heard much less often than sister-name Hattie , which was used by Tori Spelling. Hetty was seen most recently on the Linda Hunt character Hetty Lange, on "NCIS," but we fear Hettie may have to wait for the return of Henrietta, Hester or Mehetabel. Ron Burgundy's dog was named Baxter. Baxter had a billy-goat Wall-eyed and double jointed. This is one of the more unusual names to find in a nursery rhyme -- it’s an occupational name meaning baker. Baxter actually was on the popularity list from at least 1880 into the 1920s, and its middle X puts it in line for a possible comeback. A little Bax, anyone? (Just forget the fact that Baxter was the name of Ron Burgundy’s dog in "Anchorman.") Elsie Marley’s grown so fine She won’t get up to feed the swine. The recent surge of love for Elsie has been a big surprise in the baby name world: after being at the bottom of the barrel for more than three decades, this saucy diminutive of Elizabeth is now ranked at Number 365 in the US, 71 in England and 114 on Nameberry, the association with the Borden cow all but forgotten. Ivanka Trump named her daughter Arabella. Little Arabella Miller Found a furry caterpillar. One of the loveliest and most elegant and sophisticated of the ‘bella’ names, Arabella is beginning to give popular cousin Isabella a run for her money. After only entering the US list in 2005, she has now reached Number 210, and is 46 on Nameberry. Arabella was chosen by Ivanka Trump for her daughter. Eric Bana played Hector in "Troy." Hector Protector was dressed all in green; Hector Protector was sent to the Queen The name of the Trojan hero of Homer’s Iliad has moved from being a primarily Latino favorite into the mainstream, now at Number 277 in the US, and 36 in Spain. Hector is a name that has never not been in the American Top 1000. Maurice Sendak did his own interpretation of Hector Protector in an eponymous children’s book.	i don't know
Which facial features remain the same size from birth to adulthood?	Human Physiology/Development: birth through death - Wikibooks, open books for an open world Human Physiology/Development: birth through death From Wikibooks, open books for an open world Overview[ edit ] We are born, we grow up, we age, and then we die. Unless disease or trauma occurs, most humans go through the various stages of the life described above. Human Development is the process of growing to maturity and mental ability. Traditionally, theories that explain senescence have generally been divided between the programmed and stochastic theories of aging. Programmed theories imply that aging is regulated by biological clocks operating throughout the life span. This regulation would depend on changes in gene expression that affect the systems responsible for maintenance, repair and defense responses. Stochastic theories blame environmental impacts on living organisms that induce cumulative damage at various levels as the cause of aging. Examples of environmental impacts range from damage to DNA, damage to tissues and cells by oxygen radicals (widely known as free radicals countered by the even more well known antioxidants), and cross-linking. However, aging is now seen as a combination of genetic and environmental processes; a progressive failure of homeostatic mechanisms involving maintenance and repair genes, stochastic events leading to molecular damage and molecular heterogeneity, and chance events determining the probability of death. Homeostasis, as we have seen throughout this book, is maintained through complex and interacting systems, and aging is considered to be a progressive shrinkage of homeostatic capabilities, mainly due to increased molecular heterogeneity. In this chapter we explore the physiology of all stages of human development, with a particular emphasis on the aging process. Apoptosis[ edit ] A cell undergoing apoptosis. In just one of many scenarios of apoptosis, the process is triggered by another neighboring cell; the dying cell eventually transmits signals that tell the phagocytes, which are a part of the immune system, to engulf it. Apoptosis is the process of regulated cell death and removal. In some cases cell damage can trigger apoptosis, but it is usually a normal function of the cell. Apoptosis results in controlled auto digestion of the cells content. The cell membrane stays in place and the cells contents are not dispersed. When this process is near completion, "eat me" signals, like phosphatidylserine, appear on the surface of the cell membrane. This in turn attracts phagocytic scavengers that complete the process of removing the dead cell without eliciting an inflammatory response. Unlike necrosis, which is a form of cell death that results from acute cellular injury, apoptosis is carried out in an ordered process that generally confers advantages during an organism's life cycle. Apoptosis Rates The rate at which cells of the body die varies widely between different cell types. Some cells, such as white blood cells, live for only a matter of hours while other cells can live throughout the duration of the lifespan of the individual. Homeostasis Apoptosis is a regulated function that results in a relatively consistent number of cells in the body. This balancing act is part of homeostasis (see chapter 1) that is required by living organisms. An example for this is that blood cells are constantly being produced and apoptosis takes place to eliminate a similar number of older cells. Homeostasis was discovered by Claude Bernard around the year 1851. Development Apoptosis also plays a key role in growth and development. An example of how apoptosis enables development is the differentiation of human fingers in a developing embryo. Apoptosis is the function that enables the embryos fingers to separate. Disorders Too much apoptosis causes cell loss disorders such as osteoporosis, whereas too little apoptosis results in uncontrolled cell proliferation, namely cancer. Growth and development[ edit ] Growth and development is an ongoing process that begins at conception and continues through the remainder of our lives. There is a broad spectrum of physical and psychological changes that are part of the maturation and life of the individual. Growth is a physical change that can be weighed and measured. Development is psychological and social changes to the individual such as behaviors and thinking patterns. Growth and development are two complimentary processes that together make up the individual. Examples of this difference are all around us. One notable example involves infants. Infants understand speech much earlier than their bodies have matured enough to physically perform it. Thus it is evident that their speech patterns develop before the physical growth of their vocal chords is adequate to facilitate speech. The rate of development and growth varies dependent on many factors such as age and genetic disposition. Babies grow at roughly the same pace and benchmarks for their physical and social development are roughly standard. However, as any parent can tell you, no two children develop exactly within the same time frame. Thus an appropriate time span should be used. For example: one brother may gain weight faster than another. Growth spurts can vary. Some children can speak entire sentences before their first year while others may not speak at all until two or three. This creates a greater diversity among human beings. The following chart focuses on reflexes of the developing infant. Reflex Neonatal[ edit ] The neonatal period extends from birth to somewhere between 2 weeks and 1 month. Immediately after the baby is born, uterine contractions force blood, fluid, and the placenta from the mother's body. The umbilical cord—the baby's lifeline to it's mother—is now severed. Without the placenta to remove waste, carbon dioxide builds up in the baby's blood. This fact, along with the actions of medical personnel, stimulates the control center in the brain, which in turn responds by triggering inhalation. Thus the newborn takes its first breath. As the newborn's lungs begin to function, the bypass vessels of fetal circulation begin to close. The bypass connecting the atria of the heart, known as the foramen ovale, normally closes slowly during the first year. During this period the body goes through drastic physiological changes. The most critical need is for the body to get enough oxygen as well as an adequate supply of blood. (The respiratory and heart rate of a newborn is much faster than that of an adult.) Newborn infant, just seconds after vaginal delivery. The newborn's appearance[ edit ] A newborn's skin is oftentimes grayish to dusky blue in color. As soon as the newborn begins to breathe, usually within a minute or two of birth, the skin's color returns to normal tones. Newborns are wet, covered in streaks of blood, and coated with a white substance known as vernix caseosa, which is believed to act as an antibacterial barrier. The newborn may also have Mongolian spots, various other birthmarks, or peeling skin, particularly at the wrists, hands, ankles, and feet. A newborn's shoulders and hips are narrow, the abdomen protrudes slightly, and the arms and legs are relatively short. The average weight of a full-term newborn is approximately 7 ½ pounds (3.2kg), but can be anywhere from 5.5–10 pounds (2.7–4.6kg). The average total body length is 14–20 inches (35.6–50.8cm), although premature newborns may be much smaller. The Apgar score is a measure of a newborn's transition from the womb during the first ten minutes of life. A newborn's head is very large in proportion to the rest of the body, and the cranium is enormous relative to his or her face. While the adult human skull is about 1/8 of the total body length, the newborn's is twice that. At birth, many regions of the newborn's skull have not yet been converted to bone. These "soft spots" are known as fontanels; the two largest are the diamond-shaped anterior fontanel, located at the top front portion of the head, and the smaller triangular-shaped posterior fontanel, which lies at the back of the head. During labor and birth, the infant's skull changes shape to fit through the birth canal, sometimes causing the child to be born with a misshapen or elongated head. This will usually return to normal on its own within a few days or weeks. Special exercises sometimes advised by physicians may assist the process. Some newborns have a fine, downy body hair called lanugo. It may be particularly noticeable on the back, shoulders, forehead, ears and face of premature infants. Lanugo disappears within a few weeks. Likewise, not all infants are born with lush heads of hair. Some may be nearly bald while others may have very fine, almost invisible hair. Some babies are even born with a full head of hair. Amongst fair-skinned parents, this fine hair may be blond, even if the parents are not. The scalp may also be temporarily bruised or swollen, especially in hairless newborns, and the area around the eyes may be puffy. Traces of vernix caseosa on a full term newborn A newborn's genitals are enlarged and reddened, with male infants having an unusually large scrotum. The breasts may also be enlarged, even in male infants. This is caused by naturally-occurring maternal hormones and is a temporary condition. Females (and even males) may actually discharge milk from their nipples, and/or a bloody or milky-like substance from the vagina. In either case, this is considered normal and will disappear in time. The umbilical cord of a newborn is bluish-white in color. After birth, the umbilical cord is normally cut, leaving a 1–2 inch stub. The umbilical stub will dry out, shrivel, darken, and spontaneously fall off within about 3 weeks. Occasionally, hospitals may apply triple dye to the umbilical stub to prevent infection, which may temporarily color the stub and surrounding skin purple. Newborns lose many of the above physical characteristics quickly. Thus prototypical older babies look very different. While older babies are considered "cute", newborns can be "unattractive" by the same criteria and first time parents may need to be educated in this regard. Neonatal jaundice Neonatal jaundice is usually harmless: this condition is often seen in infants around the second day after birth, lasting until day 8 in normal births, or to around day 14 in premature births. Serum Bilirubin initially increase because a newborn does not need as many red blood cells as it did as a fetus (since there is a higher concentration of oxygen in the air than what was available through the umbilical vein). The newborn's liver processes the breakdown of the extra red blood cells, but some bilirubin does build up in the blood. Normally bilirubin levels drop to a low level without any intervention required. In babies where the bilirubin levels are a concern (particularly in pre-term infants), a common treatment is to use UV lights ("bili lights") on the newborn baby. Changes in body Size and Muscle fat makeup[ edit ] By the end of the first year an infant's height is increased by 50% and by the age of 2 the baby will have grown 75% greater. By 5 months a baby will have doubled its weight, and tripled its weight by the first year. By the age of 2, a baby's weight will have quadrupled. Infants and toddlers grow in little spurts over the first 21 months of life. A baby can go through periods of 7 to 63 days with no growth but they can add as much as an inch in one 24 hour period. During the day before a growth spurt, parents describe their babies as irritable and very hungry. The best way to estimate a child's physical maturity is to use skeletal age, a measure of bone development. This is done by having a x-ray of the long bones of the body to see the extent to which soft, pliable cartilage has hardened into bone. Changes in body Proportions Cephalocaudal trend means that growth occurs from head to tail. The head develops more rapidly than the lower part of the body. At birth the head takes up to one fourth of the total body length and legs only one third. The lower body catches up by age 2 and the head accounts for only one fifth and legs for nearly one half of the body length. Proximodistal trend means that head growth proceeds literally from near to far or from center of the body outward. At birth the brain is nearer its adult shape and size than any other physical structure. The brain continues to develop at an astounding pace throughout infancy and toddlerhood. The Brain Development The neurons of infants and adults differ in 2 significant ways: Growth of neural fibers and synapses increases connective structures. When synapses are formed, many surrounding neurons die. This occurs in 20 to 80 percent of the brain region. Dendrites synapses: Synapses are tiny gaps between neurons where fiber from different neurons come close together but do not touch. Neurons release chemicals that cross the synapses sending messages to one another. During the prenatal period the neural tube produces far more neurons than the brain will ever need. Myelinization: The coating of neural fibers with a fatty sheath called myelin that improves the efficiency of message transfer. Multi-layered lipid cholesterol and protein covering produced by neuralgia cause a rapid gain in overall size of brain due to neural fibers and myelination. Synaptic pruning: Neurons seldom stimulated soon loose their synapses. Neurons not needed at the moment return to an uncommitted state so they can support future development. However, if synaptic pruning occurs in old age neurons will lose their synapses. If neurons are stimulated at a young age, even though neurons were pruned, they will be stimulated again. Cerebral Cortex: Surrounding the brain, it is the largest most complex brain structure. The cortex is divided into four major lobes: occipital lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and frontal lobe which is the last to develop. Brain plasticity: The brain is highly plastic. Many areas are not yet committed to specific functions. If a part of the brain is damaged, other parts can take over tasks that they would not normally have handled. Changing states of Arousal How children develop more regular “sleep patterns” around 4 to 6 months of age: Sleep patterns are more developed as the brain develops. It is not until the first year of life that the secretion of melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain, affects more drowsiness in the night than in the day. In addition, REM is decreased. Infancy[ edit ] Infant Infancy is the period that follows the neonatal period and includes the first two years of life. During this time tremendous growth, coordination and mental development occur. Most infants learn to walk, manipulate objects and can form basic words by the end of infancy. Another characteristic of infancy is the development of deciduous teeth. Deciduous Teeth Deciduous teeth, otherwise known as milk teeth, baby teeth, or primary teeth, are the first set of teeth in the growth development of humans and many other animals. They develop during the embryonic stage of development and erupt - become visible in the mouth - during infancy. They are usually lost and replaced by permanent teeth, but in the absence of permanent replacements, they can remain functional for many years. (Concise) Deciduous teeth start to form during the embryo phase of pregnancy. The development of deciduous teeth starts at the sixth week of development as the dental lamina. This process starts at the midline and then spreads back into the posterior region. By the time the embryo is eight weeks old, there are ten areas on the upper and lower arches that will eventually become the deciduous dentition. These teeth will continue to form until they erupt in the mouth. In the deciduous dentition there are a total of twenty teeth: five per quadrant and ten per arch. In most babies the eruption of these teeth begins at the age of six months and continues until twenty-five to thirty-three months of age. The first teeth seen in the mouth are the mandibular centrals and the last are the maxillary second molars. However it is not unheard of for a baby to be born with teeth. Deciduous teeth. The deciduous dentition is made up of centrals, laterals, canines, first molars, and second molars; there is one in each quadrant, making a total of four of each tooth. All of these are replaced with a permanent counterpart except for the first and second molars; they are replaced by premolars. These teeth will remain until the age of six. At that time, the permanent teeth start to appear in the mouth resulting in mixed dentition. The erupting permanent teeth causes root resorption, where the permanent teeth push down on the roots of the deciduous teeth causing the roots to be dissolved and become absorbed by the forming permanent teeth. The process of shedding deciduous teeth and the replacement by permanent teeth is called exfoliation. This will last from age six until age twelve. By age twelve there are only permanent teeth remaining. Deciduous teeth are considered essential in the development of the oral cavity by dental researchers and dentists. The permanent teeth replacements develop from the same tooth bud as the deciduous teeth; this provides a guide for permanent teeth eruption. Also the muscles of the jaw and the formation of the jaw bones depend on the primary teeth in order to maintain the proper space for permanent teeth. The roots of deciduous teeth provide an opening for the permanent teeth to erupt through. These teeth are also needed in the development of a child’s ability to speak and chew their food correctly. Adolescence[ edit ] American high school students Adolescence is the period of psychological and social transition between childhood and adulthood. Adolescence is the transitional stage of human development in which a juvenile matures into an adult. This transition involves biological, social, and psychological changes, though the biological ones are the easiest to measure objectively. The time is identified with dramatic changes in the body, along with developments in a person's psychology and academic career. In the onset of adolescence, children usually complete elementary school and enter secondary education, such as middle school or high school. A person between early childhood and the teenage years is sometimes referred to as a pre-teen or 'tween. Physical maturation resulting from puberty leads to an interest in sexual activities, sometimes leading to teenage pregnancy. Since teens may not be emotionally or mentally mature enough or financially able to support children, sexual activity among adolescents is considered problematic. At this age there is also a greater probability of drug and alcohol use, mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, eating disorders such as anorexia, and clinical depression. The unstable emotions or lack of emotional intelligence among some adolescents may also lead to youth crime. Searching for a unique identity is one of the problems that adolescents often face. Some, but not all, teenagers often challenge the authority or the rules as a way to establish their individuality. They may crave adulthood and be eager to find their place in society. While adolescents are eager to grow up and be treated like adults, they also idolize athletes, movie stars and celebrities. They want to be like these role models - whether or not these role models actually have qualities that should be aspired to. Female[ edit ] In females, puberty is caused by alterations in brain functions that result in increased secretion by the hypothalamus of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Increased levels of GnRH stimulate secretion of pituitary gonadatrophins FSH and LH which cause follicle development and estrogen secretion. Estrogen is responsible for accessory sex organs and secondary sex characteristics. Menarche, the first menstrual cycle, occurs at about 12.5 years of age as a result of the release of FSH. Breast development The first physical sign of puberty in girls is usually a firm, tender lump under the center of the areola(e) of one or both breasts, occurring on average at about 10.5 years. This is referred to as thelarche. By the widely used Tanner staging of puberty, this is stage 2 of breast development (stage 1 is a flat, prepubertal breast). Within 6-12 months, the swelling has clearly begun in both sides, softened, and can be felt and seen extending beyond the edges of the areolae. This is stage 3 of breast development. By another 12 months (stage 4), the breasts are approaching mature size and shape, with areolae and papillae forming a secondary mound. In most young women, this mound disappears into the contour of the mature breast (stage 5), although there is so much variation in sizes and shapes of adult breasts that distinguishing advanced stages is of little clinical value. Pubic hair in girls Pubic hair is often the second unequivocal change of puberty. It is referred to as pubarche and the pubic hairs are usually visible first along the labia. The first few hairs are described as Tanner stage 2. Stage 3 is usually reached within another 6–12 months, when the hairs are too numerous to count and appear on the mons as well. By stage 4, the pubic hairs densely fill the "pubic triangle." Stage 5 refers to spread of pubic hair to the thighs and sometimes as abdominal hair upward towards the umbilicus. In about 15% of girls, the earliest pubic hair appears before breast development begins. Vagina, uterus, ovaries The mucosal surface of the vagina also changes in response to increasing levels of estrogen, becoming thicker and a duller pink in color (in contrast to the brighter red of the prepubertal vaginal mucosa). Whitish secretions (physiologic leukorrhea) are a normal effect of estrogen as well. In the next 2 years following thelarche, the uterus and ovaries increase in size. The ovaries usually contain small cysts visible by ultrasound. Menstruation and fertility Wikipedia has related information at Menarche The first menstrual bleeding is referred to as menarche. The average age of menarche in American girls is about 12.7 years, usually about 2 years after thelarche. Menses (menstrual periods) are not always regular and monthly in the first 2 years after menarche. Ovulation is necessary for fertility, and may or may not accompany the earliest menses. By 2 years after menarche, most girls are ovulating at least several times a year. Over 90% of girls who experience menarche before age 13 years are experiencing very regular, predictable menses accompanied by ovulation within 2 years, and a higher proportion of those with later menarche may not establish regular ovulation for 4 years or more. However, initiation of ovulation after menarche is not inevitable, and a high proportion of girls with continued irregularity several years from menarche will continue to have prolonged irregularity and anovulation, and are at higher risk for reduced fertility. Pelvic shape, fat distribution, and body composition During this period, also in response to rising levels of estrogen, the lower half of the pelvis widens. This prepares the body for the time when she will give birth by enlarging the birth canal. Fat tissue increases to a greater percentage of the body composition than in males, especially in the typical female distribution of breasts, hips, and thighs. This produces the typical female body shape. Also, the fat goes to the buttocks of a girl, giving their buttocks more shape and curve. Body and facial hair in girls In the months and years following the appearance of pubic hair, other areas of skin which respond to androgens develop heavier hair (androgenic hair) in roughly the following sequence: underarm (axillary) hair, perianal hair, upper lip hair, sideburn (preauricular) hair, and periareolar hair. Arm and leg hair becomes heavier gradually over a period of 10 years or more. While the appearance of hair in some of these areas is not always wanted, particularly in Western culture, it rarely indicates a hormone imbalance unless it occurs elsewhere as well, such as under the chin and in the midline of the chest. Height growth in girls The estrogen-induced pubertal growth spurt in girls begins at the same time the earliest breast changes begin, or even a few months before, making it one of the earliest manifestations of puberty in girls. Growth of the legs and feet accelerates first, so that many girls have longer legs in proportion to their torso in the first year of puberty. The rate of growth tends to reach a peak velocity (as much as 7.5-10 cm or 3-4 inches per year) midway between thelarche and menarche and is already declining by the time menarche occurs. In the 2 years following menarche most girls grow about 5 cm (2 inches) before growth ceases at maximal adult height. This last growth primarily involves the spine rather than the limbs. Body odor, skin changes, and acne Acne on the face and body. Rising levels of androgens can change the fatty acid composition of perspiration, resulting in a more "adult" body odor. This often precedes thelarche and pubarche by 1 or more years. Another androgen effect is increased secretion of oil (sebum) from the skin. This change increases the susceptibility to acne vulgaris, a characteristic affliction of puberty greatly variable in its severity. Male[ edit ] The onset of puberty for males is similar to that of females. GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus results in an increase in pituitary gonadatropins secretion of LH / ICSH and FSH. The pituitary gonadatropins stimulate the seminiferous tubules and testosterone secretion. Testosterone causes changes in the accessory reproductive organs, secondary sex characteristics and male sex drive. Testicular size, function, and fertility In boys, testicular enlargement is the first physical manifestation of puberty. It is termed gonadarche. The testes in prepubertal boys change little in size from about 1 year of age to the onset of puberty, averaging about 2–3 cc in volume and about 1.5-2 cm in length. Testicular size continues to increase throughout puberty, reaching maximal adult size about 6 years later. While 18-20 cc is reportedly an average adult size, there is wide variation in the normal population. The testes have two primary functions: to produce hormones and to produce sperm. The Leydig cells produce testosterone (as described below), which in turn produces most of the changes of male puberty. However, most of the increasing bulk of testicular tissue is spermatogenic tissue (primarily Sertoli and interstitial cells). The development of sperm production and fertility in males is not as well documented. Sperm can be detected in the morning urine of most boys after the first year of pubertal changes (and occasionally earlier). Genitalia A boy's penis grows little from the fourth year of life until puberty. Average prepubertal penile length is 4 cm. The prepubertal genitalia are described as stage 1. Within months after growth of the testes begins, rising levels of testosterone promote growth of the penis and scrotum. This earliest discernible beginning of pubertal growth of the genitalia is referred to as stage 2. The penis continues to grow until about 21 years of age, reaching an average adult size of about 7-15.5 cm. Although erections and orgasms occur in prepubertal boys, they become much more common during puberty, accompanied by a markedly increased libido. Ejaculation becomes possible early in puberty; prior to this boys may experience dry orgasms. Emission of seminal fluid may occur due to masturbation or spontaneously during sleep (commonly termed a wet dream, and more clinically called a nocturnal emission). The ability to ejaculate is a fairly early event in puberty compared to the other characteristics. However, in parallel to the irregularity of the first few periods of a girl, for the first one or two years after a boy's first ejaculation, his seminal fluid may contain few active sperm. Pubic hair in boys Pubic hair often appears on a boy shortly after the genitalia begin to grow. As in girls, the first appearance of pubic hair is termed pubarche and the pubic hairs are usually first visible at the dorsal (abdominal) base of the penis. The first few hairs are described as stage 2. Stage 3 is usually reached within another 6–12 months, when the hairs are too numerous to count. By stage 4, the pubic hairs densely fill the "pubic triangle." Stage 5 refers to spread of pubic hair to the thighs and upward towards the umbilicus as part of the developing abdominal hair. Body and facial hair in boys In the months and years following the appearance of pubic hair, other areas of skin which respond to androgens develop heavier hair (androgenic hair) in roughly the following sequence: underarm (axillary) hair, perianal hair, upper lip hair, sideburn (preauricular) hair, periareolar hair, and the rest of the beard area. Arm, leg, chest, abdominal, and back hair become heavier more gradually. There is a large range in amount of body hair among adult men, and significant differences in timing and quantity of hair growth among different ethnic groups. Voice change Under the influence of androgens, the voice box, or larynx, grows in both genders. This growth is far more prominent in boys, causing the male voice to drop, rather abruptly, about one octave, because the larger vocal folds have a lower fundamental frequency. Occasionally, this is accompanied by cracking and breaking sounds in the early stages. Most of the voice change happens during stage 4 of male puberty around the time of peak growth. However, it usually precedes the development of significant facial hair by several months to years. Height growth in boys Compared to girls' early growth spurt, growth accelerates more slowly in boys and lasts longer, resulting in a taller adult stature among males than females (on average about 10 cm or 4 inches). The difference is attributed to the much greater potency of estradiol compared to testosterone in promoting bone growth, maturation, and epiphyseal closure. In boys, growth begins to accelerate about 9 months after the first signs of testicular enlargement and the peak year of the growth spurt occurs about 2 years after the onset of puberty, reaching a peak velocity of about 8.5–12 cm or 3.5–5 inches per year. The feet and hands experience their growth spurt first, followed by the limbs, and finally ending in the trunk. Epiphyseal closure and adult height are reached more slowly, at an average age of about 17.5 years. As in girls, this last growth primarily involves the spine rather than the limbs. Male musculature and body shape By the end of puberty, adult men have heavier bones and nearly twice as much skeletal muscle. Some of the bone growth (e.g., shoulder width and jaw) is disproportionately greater, resulting in noticeably different male and female skeletal shapes. The average adult male has about 150% of the lean body mass of an average female, and about 50% of the body fat. This muscle develops mainly during the later stages of puberty, and muscle growth can continue even after a male is biologically adult. The peak of the so-called "strength spurt," the rate of muscle growth, is attained about one year after a male experiences his peak growth rate. Breast development in boys: pubertal gynecomastia Estradiol is produced from testosterone in male puberty as well as female, and male breasts often respond to the rising estradiol levels. This is termed gynecomastia. In most boys, the breast development is minimal, similar to what would be termed a "breast bud" in a girl, but in many boys, breast growth is substantial. It usually occurs after puberty is underway, may increase for a year or two, and usually diminishes by the end of puberty. It is increased by extra adipose tissue if the boy is overweight. Although this is a normal part of male puberty, breast development for some boys is as unwelcome as upper lip hair in girls. If the boy's distress becomes too substantial during development, breast tissue can be removed and corrected surgically. Wikipedia has related information at adult The term "adult" generally refers to a fully developed person from maturity (the end of puberty) onward. The age at which a person is physiologically an adult is age 17 for females and age 18 for males. Adulthood can also refer to a person's ability to care for them self independently, and raise a family of their own; or it can simply mean reaching a specified age. Graduating high school, residing in one's own residence and attaining financial independence are all synonymous with adulthood in the United States. Adult characteristics[ edit ] There are some qualities that symbolize adultness in most cultures. Not always is there a concordance between the qualities and the physical age of the person. The adult character is comprised of: Self-control - restraint, emotional control. Seriousness - ability to deal with life in a serious manner. Responsibility - accountability, commitment and reliability. Method/Tact - ability to think ahead and plan for the future, patience. Endurance - ability and willingness to cope with difficulties that present themselves. Experience - breadth of mind, understanding. Objectivity - perspective and realism. This diagram shows Maslow's hierarchy of needs, represented as a pyramid with the more primitive needs at the bottom. Abraham Maslow, a psychologist, developed Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It is a chart outlining basic needs that a person must meet to function and survive in life. It also attempts to explain what motivates people in life. The needs on the lower level must be met before moving up the ladder, as the higher needs only come into focus once all the needs that are lower down in the pyramid are satisfied. People can get stuck on levels and some people may never reach certain levels because of circumstances in their life. When one stage is fulfilled you naturally move to the next. Physical or Physiological: These include shelter, oxygen, food, water, rest and elimination, all of which are vital to a person's life and essential to survival. Security or Safety: This involves not only actually being secure and safe, but also the feeling of safety and security. This is something that people typically learn from their childhood and something that helps lay the groundwork for developing other skills and moving up to the next step in the ladder. Social (Love/Belonging): This involves developing friendships and eventually relationships. This involves emotionally-based relationships in general, such as friendship, sexual intimacy, and having a supportive and communicative family. Esteem: This is where people learn to develop self-esteem and confidence. According to Maslow, all humans have a need to be respected, to have self-respect, and to respect others. People need to engage themselves in order to gain recognition and have an activity or activities that give the person a sense of contribution, be it in a profession or hobby, Self-Actualization: The highest level you can reach according to Maslow. Maslow writes the following of self-actualizing people: They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them. They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions. They are creative. They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives. They feel a closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life. They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of external authority. They have discernment and are able to view all things in an objective manner. Prejudices are absent. In short, self-actualization is reaching one's fullest potential. Most people accomplish the two lower levels in their lifetime, but may get stuck on upper levels. While self-actualization is a useful concept to many, others insist there is no proof that every individual has this capacity or even the goal to achieve it. Wikipedia has related information at Menopause Menopause occurs as the ovaries stop producing estrogen, causing the reproductive system to gradually shut down. As the body adapts to the changing levels of natural hormones, vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and palpitations, psychological symptoms such as increased depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and lack of concentration, and atrophic symptoms such as vaginal dryness and urgency of urination appear. Together with these symptoms, the woman may also have increasingly scanty and erratic menstrual periods. Technically, menopause refers to the cessation of menses; whereas the gradual process through which this occurs, which typically takes a year but may last as little as six months or more than five years, is known as climacteric. Popular use, however, replaces climacteric with menopause. A natural or physiological menopause is that which occurs as a part of a woman's normal aging process. However, menopause can be surgically induced by such procedures as hysterectomy (when this procedure includes oophorectomy, removal of the ovaries). The average onset of menopause is 50.5 years, but some women enter menopause at a younger age, especially if they have suffered from cancer or another serious illness and undergone chemotherapy. Premature menopause (or premature ovarian failure) is defined as menopause occurring before the age of 40, and occurs in one percent of women. Other causes of premature menopause include autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, and diabetes mellitus. Premature menopause is diagnosed by measuring the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH); the levels of these hormones will be higher if menopause has occurred. Rates of premature menopause have been found to be significantly higher in both fraternal and identical twins; approximately five percent of twins reach menopause before the age of 40. The reasons for this are not completely understood. Transplants of ovarian tissue between identical twins have been successful in restoring fertility. Post-menopausal women, especially Caucasian women of European descent, are at increased risk of osteoporosis. Animals other than human beings rarely experience menopause, possibly because they simply do not live long enough to reach it. However, recent studies have shown menopause in gorillas, with an average age of 44 at onset. Perimenopause refers to the time preceding menopause, during which the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone diminishes and becomes more irregular. During this period fertility diminishes. Menopause is arbitrarily defined as a minimum of twelve months without menstruation. Perimenopause can begin as early as age 35, although it usually begins much later. It can last for a few months or for several years. The duration of perimenopause cannot be predicted in advance. Grandmother Hypothesis[ edit ] Human females have the unique distinction of being one of the only species to stop reproduction well before the end of their life span. This evolutionary distinction is odd because most other species continue to reproduce until death, thus maximizing the number of offspring they produce. The grandmother hypothesis essentially states that the presence of a grandmother has beneficial effect on the survival of an infant. Humans are one of the slowest developing species in the animal kingdom, and unlike many species, infants, toddlers and children must be continuously cared for to ensure their survival. (Compare that to the salmon that swims up stream, spawns and dies.) Etiology[ edit ] The cessation of menses is the result of the eventual atresia (degeneration and reabsorption) of almost all oocytes in the ovaries. This causes an increase in circulating FSH and LH levels as there are a decreased number of oocytes responding to these hormones and producing estrogen. This decrease in the production of estrogen leads to the post-menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, vaginal atrophy and depression. Cigarette smoking has been found to decrease the age of menopause by as much as one year however, premature menopause (before the age of 40) is generally idiopathic. The clinical features of menopause are caused by the estrogen deficiency. vasomotor instability memory loss depression Treatments: Medical treatments for menopausal symptoms have been developed. Most notably, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), has been used to reduce the weakening of bones (known as osteoporosis). However, some women have resisted the implication that menopause is a disorder, seeing it as a natural stage of life. There has also been scientific controversy over whether the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. For many years, women were advised to take hormone therapy after menopause to reduce their risk of heart disease and various aspects of aging. However, a large, randomized, controlled trial (the Women's Health Initiative) found that women undergoing HRT had an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. Osteoporosis[ edit ] Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease resulting in bone loss and changes in the bone quality that leads to diminished bone strength and an increased risk to sustain fractures. The main cause of osteoporosis is a loss estrogen following menopause. Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated using a number of different drugs and lifestyle modifications including proper diet, exercise and hormone replacement therapy. The link to Wikipedia Osteoporosis is a great source of additional information. Preventing Osteoporosis The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure holds true for osteoporosis. In researching osteoporosis I found that while there are some treatments for osteoporosis, a healthy lifestyle throughout your life is a much more effective way of combating the effects of this disease. It is generally acknowledged that a regular weight bearing exercise plan is helpful in maintaining bone mass. Additionally, adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D intake throughout ones life are important factors in building up and maintaining bone mass. Estrogen and progesterone treatments in postmenopausal women have proven to be effective in treating bone loss. There are also two groups of drugs that interfere with the re-absorption of bone by osteoclasts called bisphosphonates and lective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS). An estimated 52 million men and woman will be afflicted with crumbling, weakened bones by the year 2010. Osteoporosis is three to four times more common in woman than men. While some men do get osteoporosis, they are less likely to do so because men have frames that are 25 percent larger and heavier than women. Women are also more susceptible to the disease because they are more likely than a man to go on crash diets. This kind of diet may interfere with the three main factors associated with osteoporosis and having healthy bones: having enough vitamin D, having enough calcium, and having enough estrogen. There are approximately 1 million to 1.3 million hip fractures every year that are related to osteoporosis. Men on steroids, people with arthritis, people undergoing chemotherapy, along with those suffering from anorexia all have an increased chance of having osteoporosis. Osteoporosis related links[ edit ] Hmong women Why do people age?[ edit ] Some researchers believe we are programmed by an internal biological clock to age. The idea is that each type of cell, tissue and organ is like a clock that ticks at its own pace. In the body our cells divide 80 to 90 times at the most. At the end of each chromosome there are repeated stretches of DNA called telomeres. A bit of each telomere is lost during every cell division. When only a nub remains the cells stop dividing and die. A different hypothesis is that aging is a result of accumulated damage to DNA from environmental attacks and a decline in DNA's mechanism of self repair. Things such as free radicals attack DNA and other molecules causing structural changes. These changes in DNA endanger the synthesis of enzymes and other proteins that are required for life. This damage interferes with cell division. Most researchers believe that aging is a combination of an internal clock that ticks out the life span of cells and the accumulation damage to DNA. Old Age Diseases[ edit ] Diabetes[ edit ] Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), resulting either from inadequate secretion of the hormone insulin, an inadequate response of target cells to insulin, or a combination of these factors. Diabetes is a metabolic disease requiring medical diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. Sensitivity and responsiveness to insulin are usually normal, especially in the early stages. This type comprises up to 10% of total cases in North America and Europe, though this varies by geographical location. This type of diabetes can affect children or adults, but has traditionally been termed "juvenile diabetes" because it represents a majority of cases of diabetes affecting children. The most common cause of beta cell loss leading to type 1 diabetes is autoimmune destruction, accompanied by antibodies directed against insulin and islet cell proteins. The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from the earliest stages, is replacement of insulin. Without insulin, ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis can develop. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to a combination of defective insulin secretion and defective responsiveness to insulin (often termed reduced insulin sensitivity). In early stages the predominant abnormality is reduced insulin sensitivity, characterized by elevated levels of insulin in the blood. The initial defect of insulin secretion is subtle and initially involves only the earliest phase of insulin secretion. In the early stages, hyperglycemia can be reversed by a variety of measures and medications that improve insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production by the liver, but as the disease progresses the impairment of insulin secretion worsens, and therapeutic replacement of insulin often becomes necessary. Type 2 diabetes is quite common, comprising 90% or more of cases of diabetes in many populations. There is a strong association with obesity and with aging, although in the last decade it has increasingly begun to affect older children and adolescents. In the past, this type of diabetes was often termed adult-onset diabetes or maturity-onset diabetes. Gestational diabetes, Type III, also involve a combination of inadequate insulin secretion and responsiveness, resembling type 2 diabetes in several respects. It develops during pregnancy and may improve or disappear after delivery. Even though it may be transient, gestational diabetes may damage the health of the fetus or mother, and about 40% of women with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Congestive Heart Failure[ edit ] Congestive heart failure (CHF), also called congestive cardiac failure (CCF) or just heart failure, is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill with or pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. It is not to be confused with "cessation of heartbeat", which is known as asystole, or with cardiac arrest, which is the cessation of normal cardiac function in the face of heart disease. Because not all patients have volume overload at the time of initial or subsequent evaluation, the term "heart failure" is preferred over the older term "congestive heart failure". Congestive heart failure is often undiagnosed due to a lack of a universally agreed definition and difficulties in diagnosis, particularly when the condition is considered "mild". Stroke[ edit ] Stroke A stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is an acute neurologic injury whereby the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. Stroke can also be said to be a syndrome of sudden loss of neuronal function due to disturbance in cerebral perfusion. This disturbance in perfusion is commonly on the arterial side of the circulation, but can be on the venous side. The part of the brain with disturbed perfusion can no longer receive adequate oxygen carried by the blood; brain cells are therefore damaged or die, impairing function from that part of the brain. Stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurologic damage or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. It is the third leading cause of death and adult disability in the US and industrialized European nations. On average, a stroke occurs every 45 seconds and someone dies every 3 minutes. Of every 5 deaths from stroke, 2 occur in men and 3 in women. Progeria[ edit ] The term Progeria narrowly refers to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome, but the term is also used more generally to describe any of the so-called "accelerated aging diseases". The word progeria is derived from the Greek for "prematurely old". Because the "accelerated aging" diseases display different aspects of aging, but never every aspect, they are often called "segmental progerias" by biogerontologists. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome is an extremely rare genetic condition which causes physical changes that resemble greatly accelerated aging in sufferers. The disease affects between 1 in 4 million (estimated actual) and 1 in 8 million (reported) newborns. Currently, there are approximately 40-45 known cases in the world. There is no known cure. Most people with progeria die around 13 years of age. Progeria is of interest to scientists because the disease may reveal clues about the process of aging. Unlike most other "accelerated aging diseases" (such as Werner's syndrome, Cockayne's syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum), progeria is not caused by defective DNA repair. It is caused by mutations in a LMNA (Lamin A protein) gene on chromosome 1. Nuclear lamina is a protein scaffold around the edge of the nucleus that helps organize nuclear processes such as RNA and DNA synthesis. The effects of Aging on the Body[ edit ] Cardiovascular System[ edit ] The heart loses about 1% of its reserve pumping capacity every year after we turn 30. Change in blood vessels that serve brain tissue reduce nourishment to the brain, resulting in the malfunction and death of brain cells. By the time we turn 80, cerebral blood flow is 20% less, and renal blood flow is 50% less than when we were age 30. As we age our heart goes through certain structural changes: the walls of the heart thicken and the heart becomes heavier, heart valves stiffen and are more likely to calcify, and the aorta, the major vessel carrying blood out of the heart, becomes larger. Musculoskeletal System[ edit ] Bones Aging is accompanied by the loss of bone tissue. The haversian systems in compact bone undergo slow erosion, lacunae are enlarged, canals become widened, and the endosteal cortex converts to spongy bone. The endosteal surface gradually erodes until the rate of loss exceeds the rate of deposition. Bone remodeling cycle takes longer to complete because bone cells slow in the rate of resorption and deposition of bone tissue. The rate of mineralization also slows down. The number of bone cells also decreases because the bone marrow becomes fatty and unable to provide an adequate supply of precursor cells. Because bones become less dense, they become more prone to fractures. Although bone degeneration is inevitable, it is variable if steps are taken before the mid-twenties -around this time our bones break down faster than they rebuild. Bone density increases when our bones are stressed, so physical activity is important. Vitamins and good diet also help build up bone mass. Joints Cartilage becomes more rigid, fragile, and susceptible to fibrillation. Loss of elasticity and resiliency is attributed to more cross-linking of collagen to elastin, decrease in water content, and decreasing concentrations of glycosaminoglycans. Joints are also more prone to fracture due to the loss of bone mass. Muscles Decrease in the range of motion of the joint is related to the change of ligaments and muscles. As the body ages, muscle bulk and strength declines especially after the age of 70. As much as 30% of skeletal muscle are lost by age 80. Muscle fibers, RNA synthesis and mitochondrial volume loss may all be contributors to muscle decline. Other factors that could contribute to muscle loss of the aged are: change in activity level, reduced nerve supply to muscle, cardiovascular disease, and nutritional deficiencies. In women, menopause will cause muscle mass to decrease significantly, especially in the first three post-menopausal years. Nervous System[ edit ] One of the effects of aging on the nervous system is the loss of neurons. By the age of 30, the brain begins to lose thousands of neurons each day. The cerebral cortex can lose as much as 45% of its cells and the brain can weigh 7% less than in the prime of our lives. Associated with the loss of neurons comes a decreased capacity to send nerve impulses to and from the brain. Because of this the processing of information slows down. In addition the voluntary motor movement's slow down, reflex time increases, and conduction velocity decreases. Parkinson's disease is the most common movement disorder of the nervous system. As we age there are some degenerative changes along with some disease's involving the sense organ's that can alter vision, touch, smell, and taste. Loss of hearing is also associated with aging. It is usually the result of changes in important structures of the inner ear. Dementia[ edit ] Dementia (from Latin de- "apart, away" + mens (genitive mentis) "mind") is the progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease in the brain beyond what might be expected from normal aging. Particularly affected areas may be memory, attention, language and problem solving, although particularly in the later stages of the condition, affected persons may be disoriented in time (not knowing what day, week, month or year it is), place (not knowing where they are) and person (not knowing who they are). Symptoms of dementia can be classified as either reversible or irreversible depending upon the etiology of the disease. Less than 10% of all dementias are reversible. Dementia is a non-specific term that encompasses many disease processes, just as fever is attributable to many etiologies. Alzheimers disease[ edit ] Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia. The most striking early symptom is short term memory loss (amnesia), which usually manifests as minor forgetfulness that becomes steadily more pronounced with illness progression, with relative preservation of older memories. As the disorder progresses, cognitive (intellectual) impairment extends to the domains of language (aphasia), skilled movements (apraxia), recognition (agnosia), and those functions (such as decision-making and planning) closely related to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain as they become disconnected from the limbic system, reflecting extension of the underlying pathological process. This consists principally of neuronal loss or atrophy, together with an inflammatory response to the deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Genetic factors are known to be important, and autosomal dominant mutations in three different genes (presenilin 1, presenilin 2, and amyloid precursor protein) have been identified that account for a small number of cases of familial, early-onset AD. For late onset AD (LOAD), only one susceptibility gene has so far been identified: the epsilon 4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene. Age of onset itself has a heritability of around 50%. Digestive System[ edit ] The changes associated with aging of the digestive system include loss of strength and tone of muscular tissue and supporting muscular tissue, decreased secretory mechanisms, decreased motility of the digestive organs, along with changes in neurosensory feedback regarding enzyme and hormone release, and diminished response to internal sensations and pain. In the upper GI tract common changes include periodontal disease, difficulty in swallowing, reduced sensitivity to mouth irritations and sores, loss of taste, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease. Changes that may appear in the small intestine include, appendicitis, duodenal ulcers, malabsorption, and maldigestion. Other pathologies that increase in occurrence with age are acute pancreatitis, jaundice, and gallbladder problems. Large intestinal changes such as hemorrhoids and constipation may also occur. Cancer of the rectum are quite common. Urinary System[ edit ] As we get older kidney function diminishes. By the age of 70, the filtering mechanism is only about half as effective as it was at age 40. Because water balance is altered and the sensation of thirst diminishes with age, older people are more susceptible to dehydration. This causes more urinary tract infections in the elderly. other problems may include nocturia (excessive urination at night), increased frequency of urination, polyuria (excessive urine production), dysuria (painful urination), incontinence, and hematuria (blood in the urine). Some kidney diseases that are common as we age include acute and chronic kidney inflammations and renal calculi (kidney stones). The prostate gland is often implicated in various disorders of the urinary tract. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in elderly males. Because the prostate gland encircles part of the urethra, an enlarged prostate gland may cause difficulty in urination Respiratory Systems[ edit ] With the advancing of age, the airways and tissue of the respiratory tract become less elastic and more rigid. The walls of the alveoli break down, so there is less total respiratory surface available for gas exchange. This decreases the lung capacity by as much as 30% by the age of 70. Therefore, elderly people are more susceptible to pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, and other pulmonary disorders. For a more complete discussion of the respiratory system please visit Chapter 12 The Respiratory System. Lung cancer[ edit ] Correlation between lung cancer and smoking tobacco. Lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs characterized by the presence of malignant tumors. Most commonly it is bronchogenic carcinoma (about 90%). Lung cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer worldwide, causing up to 3 million deaths annually. Only one in ten patients diagnosed with this disease will survive the next five years. Although lung cancer was previously an illness that affected predominately men, lung cancer rate for women has been increasing in the last few decades. This has been attributed to the rising ratio of female to male smokers. More women die of lung cancer than any other cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancers combined. Current research indicates that the factor with the greatest impact on risk of lung cancer is long-term exposure to inhaled carcinogens. The most common means of such exposure is tobacco smoke. Vision[ edit ] Changes in vision begin at an early age. The cornea becomes thicker and less curved. The anterior chamber decreases in size and volume. The lens becomes thicker and more opaque, and also increases rigidity and loses elasticity. The ciliary muscles atrophy and the pupil constricts. There is also a reduction of rods and nerve cells of the retina. Hearing[ edit ] Approximately one third of people over the age of 65 have hearing loss. The ability to distinguish between high and low frequency diminishes with age. Loss of hearing for sounds of high-frequency (presbycusis) is the most common, although the ability to distinguish sound localization also decreases. It is believed that the hearing loss isn't so much an age change as it is due to the accumulation of noise damage. Taste and Smell[ edit ] Sensitivity to odors and taste decline with age. The sense of smell begins to degenerate with the loss of olfactory sensory neurons and loss of cells from the olfactory bulb. The decline in taste sensation is more gradual than that of smell. The elderly have trouble differentiating between flavors. The number of fungiform papillae of the tongue decline by 50% by the age of 50. Taste could also be affected by the loss of salivary gland secretions, notably amylase. This loss of taste and smell can have a significant effect on an elder's health. With the reduced ability to taste and smell, it is difficult to adjust food intake as they can no longer rely on their taste receptors to tell them if something is too salty, or too sweet. This can also cause the problem in that they might not be able to detect if something is spoiled, making them at a higher risk for food poisoning. Cellular Aging[ edit ] As people age, oxygen intake decreases as well as the basal metabolic rate. The decrease in the metabolic rate, delayed shivering response, sedentary lifestyle, decreased vasoconstrictor response, diminished sweating, and poor nutrition are reasons why the elderly cannot maintain body temperature. There is also a decrease in total body water (TBW). In newborns, TBW is 75% to 80%. TBW continues to decline in childhood to 60% to 65%, to less than 60% in adults. Organism Aging[ edit ] Aging is generally characterized by the declining ability to respond to stress, increasing homeostatic imbalance and increased risk of disease. Because of this, death is the ultimate consequence of aging. Differences in maximum life span between species correspond to different "rates of aging". For example, inherited differences in the rate of aging make a mouse elderly at 3 years and a human elderly at 90 years. These genetic differences affect a variety of physiological processes, probably including the efficiency of DNA repair, antioxidant enzymes, and rates of free radical production. http://www.senescence.info/definitions.html Stages of Grief- Death and Dying[ edit ] We go through several stages of grief as we near death, receive catastrophic news, or go through some type of life-altering experience. There are five defined stages according to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. She states, however, that these steps don't always come in order, and are not always experienced all together by everyone. She does claim that a person will always experience at least two of the stages. The stages are: Denial- This isn't happening, there must have been some mistake. Anger- Why me? It's not fair, how could you do this to me?!? (aimed toward some other "responsible" party) Bargaining- Just give me 2 more years...let me live to see________. Depression- extreme sadness, lack of motivation or desire to fight anymore Acceptance- I'm ok with this. Sidenotes: Aubrey de Grey[ edit ] Aubrey David Nicholas Jasper de Grey, Ph.D., (born 20 April 1963 in London, England) is a controversial biomedical gerontologist who lives in the city of Cambridge, UK. He is working to expedite the development of a cure for human aging, a medical goal he refers to as engineered negligible senescence. To this end, he has identified what he concludes are the seven areas of the aging process that need to be addressed medically before this can be done. He has been interviewed in recent years in many news sources, including CBS 60 Minutes, BBC, the New York Times, Fortune Magazine, and Popular Science. His main activities at present are as chairman and chief science officer of the Methuselah Foundation and editor-in-chief of the academic journal Rejuvenation Research. Here are the seven biological causes of senescence and possible solutions: Cell loss or atrophy. Cell depletion can be partly corrected by therapies involving exercise and growth factors. But stem cell therapy is almost certainly required for any more than just partial replacement of lost cells. This research would involve a large number of details, but is occurring on many fronts. Nuclear mutations and epimutations. A mutation in a functional gene of a cell can cause that cell to malfunction or to produce a malfunctioning product. Because of the sheer number of cells Dr. de Grey believes that redundancy takes care of this problem, although cells that have mutated to produce toxic products might have to be disabled. In Dr. de Grey's opinion, the effect of mutations and epimutations that really matters is cancer, since if even one cell turns into a cancer cell it might spread and become deadly. This is to be corrected by whole-body interdiction of lengthening telomeres, or any other cure for cancer, if any is ever found. Mutant mitochondria. Because of the highly oxidative environment in mitochondria and their lack of the sophisticated repair systems found in the cell nucleus, mitochondrial mutations are believed to a be a major cause of progressive cellular degeneration. This is to be corrected by moving the DNA for mitochondria completely within the cellular nucleus, where it is better protected. In humans all but 13 proteins are already protected in this way. It has been experimentally shown the operation is feasible. Cellular senescence. Cellular senescence might be corrected by forcing senescent cells to destroy themselves, a process called apoptosis. Cell killing with suicide genes or vaccines was suggested for making the cells do apoptosis. Healthy cells would multiply to replace them. Extracellular cross-links. These are chemical bonds between structures that are part of the body, but not within a cell. In senescent people many of these become brittle and weak. The proposal is to further develop small-molecular drugs and enzymes to break links caused by sugar-bonding (glycation), and other common forms of chemical linking. Junk outside cells. Junk outside cells might be removed by enhanced phagocytosis (the normal process used by the immune system), and small drugs able to break chemical beta-bonds. The large junk in this class can be removed surgically. Junk here means useless things accumulated by a body, but which cannot be digested or removed by its processes, such as the amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The oft-mentioned 'toxins' that people claim cause many diseases would probably also fit under this class. Junk inside cells. Junk inside cells might be removed by adding new enzymes to the cell's natural digestion organ, the lysosome. These enzymes would be taken from bacteria, molds and other organisms that are known to completely digest animal bodies. Dr. de Grey's research proposals are highly controversial, with many critics arguing the highly complicated biomedical phenomena involved contain too many unknowns for intervention to be considered remotely foreseeable. Discoveries In Growth And Development[ edit ] Medieval times In this time the thought was once children emerged form infancy, they were regarded as miniature already formed adults. Religious influence of parenting 16th Century Puritan belief harsh restrictive parenting practices were recommended as the most efficient means of taming the depraved child. John Locke's 17th Century Tabula Rosa = Blank slate in this the thought was that children are to begin with nothing at all and all kinds of experiences can shape their characters. This is seen as a negative vision of the development of children because children do contribute to his or her own development. Jean Jacques Rousseau 18th Century Noble savages = endowed with a sense of right or wrong. Children have built in moral sense 1st concept of stage, 2nd maturation of growth refers to genetically determined naturally unfolding course. He saw development as a discontinuous stagewise process mapped cut by nature. Charles Darwin the forefather of Scientific Child Study 1859-1936, 19th century The famous theory of evolution, the survival of the fittest, and natural selection. G. Stanley Hall regarded as the founder of the child study movement 1846-1924 One of the most influential American psychologists of the early twentieth century. The Normative Approach = normative period measures of large numbers of individuals and age related averages are computed to represent typical development. The mental testing movement early 20th Century French psychologist Alfred Binet and Colleague Theodore Simon were the first to come up with a successful intelligence test IQ at Stanford University. Sigmund Freud 1856-1939 Theory 'psychosexual theory, ID, Ego, and Superego. Erik Erikson 1902-1994	Eye
Which is the largest continent on Earth?	1. How many days are there in a fortnight? 14 2. How many days are there in June? 30 3. On a farm a kid is a baby what? Goat 4. How many colours are in a rainbow? 7 5. Who is the patron saint of Ireland? St. Patrick 6. Which facial features remain the same size from birth to adulthood? Eyes 7. Which planet is nearest to the Sun? Mercury 8. Which reptiles camouflage themselves by changing colour? Chameleon 9. What is a group of lions called? A pride 10. What is the largest mammal in the world? Blue whale	i don't know
Who was the first American President?	John Hanson, First President John Hanson, American Patriot and First President of the United States (1715-1783) He was the heir of one of the greatest family traditions in the colonies and became the patriarch of a long line of American patriots ï¿½ his great-grandfather died at Lutzen beside the great King Gustavus Aldophus of Sweden; his grandfather was one of the founders of New Sweden along the Delaware River in Maryland; one of his nephews was the military secretary to George Washington; another was a signer of the Declaration; still another was a signer of the Constitution; yet another was Governor of Maryland during the Revolution; and still another was a member of the first Congress; two sons were killed in action with the Continental Army; a grandson served as a member of Congress under the new Constitution; and another grandson was a Maryland Senator. Thus, even if Hanson had not served as President himself, he would have greatly contributed to the life of the nation through his ancestry and progeny. As a youngster he began a self-guided reading of classics and rather quickly became an acknowledged expert in the juridicalism of Anselm and the practical philosophy of Seneca ï¿½ both of which were influential in the development of the political philosophy of the great leaders of the Reformation. It was based upon these legal and theological studies that the young planter ï¿½ his farm, Mulberry Grove was just across the Potomac from Mount Vernon ï¿½ began to espouse the cause of the patriots. In 1775 he was elected to the Provincial Legislature of Maryland. Then in 1777, he became a member of Congress where he distinguished himself as a brilliant administrator. Thus, he was elected President in 1781. Was John Hanson the first President of the United States? The new country was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation. This document was actually proposed on June 11, 1776, but not agreed upon by Congress until November 15, 1777. Maryland refused to sign this document until Virginia and New York ceded their western lands (Maryland was afraid that these states would gain too much power in the new government from such large amounts of land). Once the signing took place in 1781, a President was needed to run the country. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington). In fact, all the other potential candidates refused to run against him, as he was a major player in the Revolution and an extremely influential member of Congress. As the first President, Hanson had quite the shoes to fill. No one had ever been President and the role was poorly defined. His actions in office would set precedent for all future Presidents. He took office just as the Revolutionary War ended. Almost immediately, the troops demanded to be paid. As would be expected after any long war, there were no funds to meet the salaries. As a result, the soldiers threatened to overthrow the new government and put Washington on the throne as a monarch. All the members of Congress ran for their lives, leaving Hanson running the government. He somehow managed to calm the troops and hold the country together. If he had failed, the government would have fallen almost immediately and everyone would have been bowing to King Washington. Hanson, as President, ordered all foreign troops off American soil, as well as the removal of all foreign flags. This was quite a feat, considering the fact that so many European countries had a stake in the United States since the days following Columbus. Hanson established the Great Seal of the United States, which all Presidents have since been required to use on all official documents. President Hanson also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department. Lastly, he declared that the fourth Thursday of every November was to be Thanksgiving Day, which is still true today. The Articles of Confederation only allowed a President to serve a one-year term during any three-year period, so Hanson actually accomplished quite a bit in such little time. He served in that office from November 5, 1781 until November 3, 1782. He was the first President to serve a full term after the full ratification of the Articles of Confederation ï¿½ and like so many of the Southern and New England Founders, he was strongly opposed to the Constitution when it was first discussed. He remained a confirmed anti-federalist until his untimely death. Six other presidents were elected after him - Elias Boudinot (1783), Thomas Mifflin (1784), Richard Henry Lee (1785), Nathan Gorman (1786), Arthur St. Clair (1787), and Cyrus Griffin (1788) - all prior to Washington taking office. Why don't we ever hear about the first seven Presidents of the United States? It's quite simple - The Articles of Confederation didn't work well. The individual states had too much power and nothing could be agreed upon. A new doctrine needed to be written - something we know as the Constitution. George Washington was definitely not the first President of the United States. He was the first President of the United States under the Constitution we follow today. And the first seven Presidents are forgotten in history. Reference: Grant, George, "The Forgotten Presidents" (excerpted from "The Patriot's Handbook"). Back to Marshall Hall Story	George Washington
Which planet is nearest to the Sun?	John Adams \| whitehouse.gov Air Force One John Adams John Adams, a remarkable political philosopher, served as the second President of the United States (1797-1801), after serving as the first Vice President under President George Washington. Learned and thoughtful, John Adams was more remarkable as a political philosopher than as a politician. "People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity," he said, doubtless thinking of his own as well as the American experience. Adams was born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1735. A Harvard-educated lawyer, he early became identified with the patriot cause; a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, he led in the movement for independence. During the Revolutionary War he served in France and Holland in diplomatic roles, and helped negotiate the treaty of peace. From 1785 to 1788 he was minister to the Court of St. James's, returning to be elected Vice President under George Washington. Adams' two terms as Vice President were frustrating experiences for a man of his vigor, intellect, and vanity. He complained to his wife Abigail, "My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived." When Adams became President, the war between the French and British was causing great difficulties for the United States on the high seas and intense partisanship among contending factions within the Nation. His administration focused on France, where the Directory, the ruling group, had refused to receive the American envoy and had suspended commercial relations. Adams sent three commissioners to France, but in the spring of 1798 word arrived that the French Foreign Minister Talleyrand and the Directory had refused to negotiate with them unless they would first pay a substantial bribe. Adams reported the insult to Congress, and the Senate printed the correspondence, in which the Frenchmen were referred to only as "X, Y, and Z." The Nation broke out into what Jefferson called "the X. Y. Z. fever," increased in intensity by Adams's exhortations. The populace cheered itself hoarse wherever the President appeared. Never had the Federalists been so popular. Congress appropriated money to complete three new frigates and to build additional ships, and authorized the raising of a provisional army. It also passed the Alien and Sedition Acts, intended to frighten foreign agents out of the country and to stifle the attacks of Republican editors. President Adams did not call for a declaration of war, but hostilities began at sea. At first, American shipping was almost defenseless against French privateers, but by 1800 armed merchantmen and U.S. warships were clearing the sea-lanes. Despite several brilliant naval victories, war fever subsided. Word came to Adams that France also had no stomach for war and would receive an envoy with respect. Long negotiations ended the quasi war. Sending a peace mission to France brought the full fury of the Hamiltonians against Adams. In the campaign of 1800 the Republicans were united and effective, the Federalists badly divided. Nevertheless, Adams polled only a few less electoral votes than Jefferson, who became President. On November 1, 1800, just before the election, Adams arrived in the new Capital City to take up his residence in the White House. On his second evening in its damp, unfinished rooms, he wrote his wife, "Before I end my letter, I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof." Adams retired to his farm in Quincy. Here he penned his elaborate letters to Thomas Jefferson. Here on July 4, 1826, he whispered his last words: "Thomas Jefferson survives." But Jefferson had died at Monticello a few hours earlier. The Presidential biographies on WhiteHouse.gov are from “The Presidents of the United States of America,” by Frank Freidel and Hugh Sidey. Copyright 2006 by the White House Historical Association.	i don't know
Author Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote the children’s novel ‘The Secret….’what’?	Frances Hodgson Burnett \| Penguin Books Australia Frances Hodgson Burnett books Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in Manchester in 1849. After living in poverty, she emigrated to the US in 1865. She wrote over forty books; the best-known today are The Secret Garden, A Little Princess and Little Lord Fauntleroy. She died in 1924.	Garden
What is the square root of 36?	Frances Hodgson Burnett « Persephone Books Letter Frances Hodgson Burnett Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) grew up in Manchester until, in 1865, her widowed mother was forced to take her children to Tennessee, the home of Frances’s uncle. She married Swan Burnett in 1873, was the family breadwinner (her first short story was published in the late 1860s) and had two sons. After her divorce she was briefly married to her lover: her personal life was unhappy, but she had numerous friends on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1877 the Boston Transcript compared her first novel to the best of George Eliot and in 1886 Little Lord Fauntleroy was a huge popular success; from then on Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote for both children and adults. The Secret Garden (1911) is still a bestseller and The Making of a Marchioness (1901) has been an out-of-print favourite: Linda in The Pursuit of Love puts it in the Red bookshop instead of Karl Marx, and Grace in The Blessing was absorbed by it on the day her mother died. We published The Shuttle in 2007.	i don't know
Which reptiles camouflage themselves by changing colour?	7 Color-Changing Wonders of the Animal Kingdom - WebEcoist 7 Color-Changing Wonders of the Animal Kingdom by Ecoist Can you spot the animals in the images above? The lizard blends so perfectly it is hard to see even when pointed out. The ability to change color seems like an animal superpower at times – some of them can alter their appearance to blend with the colors, materials and textures of virtually any surroundings. For some this ‘costume change’ happens quickly, for others it is seasonal – for many it helps them avoid predators, for a few it enables them to sneak up on prey. Culled from around the animal kingdom, here are seven of most impressive color-changing species in the world. (Images via: Cornell , FlounderGigging , PracticalFishKeeping and Wikimedia ) The flounder at first appeas as rather ungainly-looking bottom-feeding flat fish, but has the amazing ability to adapt their appearance to their environment in search of prey along the ocean floor. To further aid their stealth, their second eye actually migrates to one side of their body (left or right depending on the species) as they get older. This enables them to cruise along parallel to the ground below them (essentially on their side) and still look up and forward. Further, these industrious creatures have even (surprisingly) been found at the bottom of deepest location on the Earth’s crust – the Mariana Trench – at depths of 35,000 feet. (Images via Eobasileus , WaterWorxBali and Spluch ) More than mere color-changers, Mimic Octopi are also shape-shifters that can adapt their movements and the arrangement of their parts to appear as up to 15 different oceanic species “including sea snakes, lionfish, flatfish, brittle stars, giant crabs, sea shells, stingrays, flounders, jellyfish, sea anemones, and mantis shrimp.” This remarkable octopus species determines threats and reacts by appearing as a predator to their own predators. “For example, when the octopus was being attacked by damselfishes, it was observed that the octopus appeared as a banded sea snake, a damselfish predator. The octopus impersonates the snake by turning black and yellow, burying six of its arms, and waving its other two arms in opposite directions” as shown in the above video. (Images via HowStuffWorks , MongaBay and NatureProducts ) Chameleons are the classic color-changers: all species of chameleons can shift their appearance to different degrees, collectively able to turn pink, blue, red, orange, yellow, green, black and brown and combinations thereof. Unlike many color-changing creatures, chameleons are thought to mainly change in order to communicate with others of their species and to make themselves more attractive to mates – as opposed to using their ability for offense or defense. (Images via Wikipedia , FloridaNaturePhotography and Picasaweb ) The Goldenrod Crab Spider only has two colors it can change into – white and yellow – but fortunately for it, this species hunts mainly on flowers of those colors: daisies and sunflowers most notably. Triggered by their visual input, the spiders secrete a pigment to switch between white and yellow over a period of days – thus adapting to the plants in their area. This color change both helps them sneak up on flower-sitting prey and to avoid aerial predators such as birds. (Images via Flickr , OctopusHome , PCUG and ScribblyGumWiki ) The Peron’s Tree Frog – also known as the Laughing Tree Frog and Maniacal Cackle Frog – is notable for the high-pitched sound it generates but also for its amazing ability to change color in less than an hour. It shifts between gray, brown and white with typically yellow and black legs and emerald spots. They are not afraid of people and can be found in all kinds of environments around Australia, many close to civilization, where they thrive in part due to their color-changing camouflage. (Images via: RichardSeaman , BugGuide and ScienceNewsforKids ) You may have already seen a Golden Tortoise Beetle but not have realized it, since these remarkable creatures can change from a shiny gold color to a dull red with ladybug-like spots. They achieve this change by altering the reflectivity of their outer shell – essentially like tinting a window – via microscopic valves that alter the moisture level under the shell. While it is not known for sure, there must certainly be advantages to appearing as part of another commonly-found species. 7) Arctic Foxes and Other Seasonal Color Shifters From foxes and caribou to weasels, birds and bunnies, a number of species shift the colors of their coats come wintertime to blend in with the surrounding environment – a few are predators but most are prey. The degree of their transformation depends heavily on their habitats and the particular species with some shifting only slightly between shades and others going from fully brown to entirely white. Click here for more on seasonal color-changing arctic animals .	Chameleon
What type of angle is less than 90 degrees?	Chameleon Color Change Isn't All About Hiding Chameleon Color Change Isn't All About Hiding By Remy Melina \| March 28, 2011 03:41pm ET MORE Credit: copyright David R. Parks, Madagascar Biodiversity and Conservation, Missouri Botanical Garden http://www.mobot.org/mobot/madagascar/ Contrary to popular belief, chameleons don't change their colors to blend in with their surroundings. In fact, although their natural camouflage serves several purposes, the primary function of the color shift is to alert neighbors of danger. Most chameleons and some species of anole and gecko lizards are able to change their skin color to some degree. There are approximately 160 species of chameleons, but not all of them are able to switch to brilliant shades like the one in the video below. Many species, such as the Namaqua Chameleon and Brygoo's Chameleon, can only turn from brown or gray to green and back again. {youtube nuR_uXx37Sk&feature=related} Chameleons take on shades that are within the range of colors that their species has evolved to possess, and these hues can include everything from aquamarine blue to pale pink and even patterned stripes and spots. Other chameleon species are limited to shifting between only a few specific colors, such as red, yellow and green. Color-changing lizards have a transparent outer skin, with several layers of skin underneath. These layers contain tightly connected cells called chromatophores, which reflect light and are full of the natural pigment melanin . When a lizard experiences changes in body temperature, mood or stress levels, neurotransmitters signal specific chromatophore cells to contract or expand. The speed at which a lizard changes its color varies, but "under the right conditions, it may take only seconds," said Jonathan A. Campbell, chairperson of the biology department at the University of Texas at Arlington and researcher of herpetology, or the study of amphibians and reptiles. "Sometimes, such as with slow temperature change, color changes more slowly." For example, when the sun is rising after a cold night, a normally light brown chameleon's chromatophores will expand, causing its skin to take on a dense, dark chocolate color that will absorb light and warm the lizard's body. If the lizard becomes too hot after baking in the afternoon sun, its dark chromatophores will contract, diminishing the brown pigmentation and allowing the chameleon's lighter, tan skin color to shine through, reflecting the sun's rays. Changing colors is also a way of communicating. The males of some chameleon species will change color when they are preparing to fight, Campbell said. For example, when a Panther Chameleon which is normally blue or green with a white horizontal stripe becomes angry or feels threatened, its red chromatophores fully expand, blocking out the green and blue colors in the skin layers underneath. The vivid reds act as a warning to other chameleons that they should stay away. Chameleons also use colors to broadcast their sexual availability. A male Panther Chameleon looking for a mate will show off a colorful mix of blue, green, orange, yellow, red and white in an effort to impress females . Female Panther Chameleons, which are generally tan brown with pink or coral accents, turn dark brown or black with orange stripes when they are pregnant, sending a clear signal to males that they aren't interested in mating.	i don't know
In the human body, the patella is commonly known as what?	Patella Bone Anatomy, Definition & Function \| Body Maps Your message has been sent. OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Patella The patella is commonly referred to as the kneecap. It is a small, freestanding, bone that rests between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). The femur has a dedicated groove along which the kneecap slides. As a form of protection, both bones also contain cartilage — strong, flexible tissue — in the areas near the patella. The kneecap plays a vital role in how the knee bends, in addition to most motions that require movement of the leg. If the patella or the tendon associated with it becomes injured, a person will experience difficulty walking, running, standing, or engaging in athletic activity. If dislocated, the kneecap can no longer slide along the thighbone's grooves, which can aggravate and damage cartilage on both the femur and the tibia. Dislocation and other traumatic injuries are common among athletes and other people who are extremely physically active. Injuries tend to be more pronounced in high impact sports. For example, patella-related injuries are common in sports like football, mixed martial arts, and wrestling.	Patella
What is the capital of Norway?	Skeletal System – Labeled Diagrams of the Human Skeleton Pectoral (shoulder) girdle Skull The skull is composed of 22 bones that are fused together except for the mandible. These 21 fused bones are separate in children to allow the skull and brain to grow, but fuse to give added strength and protection as an adult. The mandible remains as a movable jaw bone and forms the only movable joint in the skull with the temporal bone . The bones of the superior portion of the skull are known as the cranium and protect the brain from damage. The bones of the inferior and anterior portion of the skull are known as facial bones and support the eyes, nose, and mouth. Hyoid and Auditory Ossicles The hyoid is a small, U-shaped bone found just inferior to the mandible. The hyoid is the only bone in the body that does not form a joint with any other bone—it is a floating bone. The hyoid’s function is to help hold the trachea open and to form a bony connection for the tongue muscles . The malleus, incus, and stapes—known collectively as the auditory ossicles —are the smallest bones in the body. Found in a small cavity inside of the temporal bone, they serve to transmit and amplify sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. Vertebrae Twenty-six vertebrae form the vertebral column of the human body. They are named by region: Cervical (neck) - 7 vertebrae Sacrum - 1 vertebra Coccyx (tailbone) - 1 vertebra With the exception of the singular sacrum and coccyx, each vertebra is named for the first letter of its region and its position along the superior-inferior axis. For example, the most superior thoracic vertebra is called T1 and the most inferior is called T12. Ribs and Sternum The sternum, or breastbone, is a thin, knife-shaped bone located along the midline of the anterior side of the thoracic region of the skeleton . The sternum connects to the ribs by thin bands of cartilage called the costal cartilage. There are 12 pairs of ribs that together with the sternum form the ribcage of the thoracic region. The first seven ribs are known as “true ribs” because they connect the thoracic vertebrae directly to the sternum through their own band of costal cartilage. Ribs 8, 9, and 10 all connect to the sternum through cartilage that is connected to the cartilage of the seventh rib, so we consider these to be “false ribs.” Ribs 11 and 12 are also false ribs, but are also considered to be “floating ribs” because they do not have any cartilage attachment to the sternum at all. Pectoral Girdle and Upper Limb The pectoral girdle connects the upper limb (arm) bones to the axial skeleton and consists of the left and right clavicles and left and right scapulae. The humerus is the bone of the upper arm. It forms the ball and socket joint of the shoulder with the scapula and forms the elbow joint with the lower arm bones. The radius and ulna are the two bones of the forearm. The ulna is on the medial side of the forearm and forms a hinge joint with the humerus at the elbow. The radius allows the forearm and hand to turn over at the wrist joint. The lower arm bones form the wrist joint with the carpals, a group of eight small bones that give added flexibility to the wrist. The carpals are connected to the five metacarpals that form the bones of the hand and connect to each of the fingers. Each finger has three bones known as phalanges, except for the thumb, which only has two phalanges. Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limb Formed by the left and right hip bones, the pelvic girdle connects the lower limb (leg) bones to the axial skeleton. The femur is the largest bone in the body and the only bone of the thigh (femoral) region. The femur forms the ball and socket hip joint with the hip bone and forms the knee joint with the tibia and patella. Commonly called the kneecap, the patella is special because it is one of the few bones that are not present at birth. The patella forms in early childhood to support the knee for walking and crawling. The tibia and fibula are the bones of the lower leg. The tibia is much larger than the fibula and bears almost all of the body’s weight. The fibula is mainly a muscle attachment point and is used to help maintain balance. The tibia and fibula form the ankle joint with the talus, one of the seven tarsal bones in the foot . The tarsals are a group of seven small bones that form the posterior end of the foot and heel. The tarsals form joints with the five long metatarsals of the foot. Then each of the metatarsals forms a joint with one of the set of phalanges in the toes. Each toe has three phalanges, except for the big toe, which only has two phalanges. Microscopic Structure of Bones The skeleton makes up about 30-40% of an adult’s body mass. The skeleton’s mass is made up of nonliving bone matrix and many tiny bone cells. Roughly half of the bone matrix’s mass is water , while the other half is collagen protein and solid crystals of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. Living bone cells are found on the edges of bones and in small cavities inside of the bone matrix. Although these cells make up very little of the total bone mass, they have several very important roles in the functions of the skeletal system. The bone cells allow bones to: Grow and develop Be repaired following an injury or daily wear Be broken down to release their stored minerals Types of Bones All of the bones of the body can be broken down into five types: long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid. Long. Long bones are longer than they are wide and are the major bones of the limbs. Long bones grow more than the other classes of bone throughout childhood and so are responsible for the bulk of our height as adults. A hollow medullary cavity is found in the center of long bones and serves as a storage area for bone marrow. Examples of long bones include the femur, tibia, fibula, metatarsals, and phalanges. Short. Short bones are about as long as they are wide and are often cubed or round in shape. The carpal bones of the wrist and the tarsal bones of the foot are examples of short bones. Flat. Flat bones vary greatly in size and shape, but have the common feature of being very thin in one direction. Because they are thin, flat bones do not have a medullary cavity like the long bones. The frontal, parietal, and occipital bones of the cranium—along with the ribs and hip bones—are all examples of flat bones. Irregular. Irregular bones have a shape that does not fit the pattern of the long, short, or flat bones. The vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx of the spine—as well as the sphenoid, ethmoid, and zygomatic bones of the skull—are all irregular bones. Sesamoid. The sesamoid bones are formed after birth inside of tendons that run across joints. Sesamoid bones grow to protect the tendon from stresses and strains at the joint and can help to give a mechanical advantage to muscles pulling on the tendon. The patella and the pisiform bone of the carpals are the only sesamoid bones that are counted as part of the 206 bones of the body. Other sesamoid bones can form in the joints of the hands and feet, but are not present in all people. Parts of Bones The long bones of the body contain many distinct regions due to the way in which they develop. At birth, each long bone is made of three individual bones separated by hyaline cartilage. Each end bone is called an epiphysis (epi = on; physis = to grow) while the middle bone is called a diaphysis (dia = passing through). The epiphyses and diaphysis grow towards one another and eventually fuse into one bone. The region of growth and eventual fusion in between the epiphysis and diaphysis is called the metaphysis (meta = after). Once the long bone parts have fused together, the only hyaline cartilage left in the bone is found as articular cartilage on the ends of the bone that form joints with other bones. The articular cartilage acts as a shock absorber and gliding surface between the bones to facilitate movement at the joint. Looking at a bone in cross section, there are several distinct layered regions that make up a bone. The outside of a bone is covered in a thin layer of dense irregular connective tissue called the periosteum. The periosteum contains many strong collagen fibers that are used to firmly anchor tendons and muscles to the bone for movement. Stem cells and osteoblast cells in the periosteum are involved in the growth and repair of the outside of the bone due to stress and injury. Blood vessels present in the periosteum provide energy to the cells on the surface of the bone and penetrate into the bone itself to nourish the cells inside of the bone. The periosteum also contains nervous tissue and many nerve endings to give bone its sensitivity to pain when injured. Deep to the periosteum is the compact bone that makes up the hard, mineralized portion of the bone. Compact bone is made of a matrix of hard mineral salts reinforced with tough collagen fibers. Many tiny cells called osteocytes live in small spaces in the matrix and help to maintain the strength and integrity of the compact bone. Deep to the compact bone layer is a region of spongy bone where the bone tissue grows in thin columns called trabeculae with spaces for red bone marrow in between. The trabeculae grow in a specific pattern to resist outside stresses with the least amount of mass possible, keeping bones light but strong. Long bones have a spongy bone on their ends but have a hollow medullary cavity in the middle of the diaphysis. The medullary cavity contains red bone marrow during childhood, eventually turning into yellow bone marrow after puberty. Articulations An articulation, or joint, is a point of contact between bones, between a bone and cartilage, or between a bone and a tooth. Synovial joints are the most common type of articulation and feature a small gap between the bones. This gap allows a free range of motion and space for synovial fluid to lubricate the joint. Fibrous joints exist where bones are very tightly joined and offer little to no movement between the bones. Fibrous joints also hold teeth in their bony sockets. Finally, cartilaginous joints are formed where bone meets cartilage or where there is a layer of cartilage between two bones. These joints provide a small amount of flexibility in the joint due to the gel-like consistency of cartilage. Skeletal System Physiology Support and Protection The skeletal system’s primary function is to form a solid framework that supports and protects the body's organs and anchors the skeletal muscles. The bones of the axial skeleton act as a hard shell to protect the internal organs—such as the brain and the heart —from damage caused by external forces. The bones of the appendicular skeleton provide support and flexibility at the joints and anchor the muscles that move the limbs. Movement The bones of the skeletal system act as attachment points for the skeletal muscles of the body. Almost every skeletal muscle works by pulling two or more bones either closer together or further apart. Joints act as pivot points for the movement of the bones. The regions of each bone where muscles attach to the bone grow larger and stronger to support the additional force of the muscle. In addition, the overall mass and thickness of a bone increase when it is under a lot of stress from lifting weights or supporting body weight. Hematopoiesis Red bone marrow produces red and white blood cells in a process known as hematopoiesis. Red bone marrow is found in the hollow space inside of bones known as the medullary cavity . Children tend to have more red bone marrow compared to their body size than adults do, due to their body’s constant growth and development. The amount of red bone marrow drops off at the end of puberty, replaced by yellow bone marrow. Storage The skeletal system stores many different types of essential substances to facilitate growth and repair of the body. The skeletal system’s cell matrix acts as our calcium bank by storing and releasing calcium ions into the blood as needed. Proper levels of calcium ions in the blood are essential to the proper function of the nervous and muscular systems. Bone cells also release osteocalcin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and fat deposition. The yellow bone marrow inside of our hollow long bones is used to store energy in the form of lipids. Finally, red bone marrow stores some iron in the form of the molecule ferritin and uses this iron to form hemoglobin in red blood cells. Growth and Development The skeleton begins to form early in fetal development as a flexible skeleton made of hyaline cartilage and dense irregular fibrous connective tissue. These tissues act as a soft, growing framework and placeholder for the bony skeleton that will replace them. As development progresses, blood vessels begin to grow into the soft fetal skeleton, bringing stem cells and nutrients for bone growth. Osseous tissue slowly replaces the cartilage and fibrous tissue in a process called calcification. The calcified areas spread out from their blood vessels replacing the old tissues until they reach the border of another bony area. At birth, the skeleton of a newborn has more than 300 bones; as a person ages, these bones grow together and fuse into larger bones, leaving adults with only 206 bones. Flat bones follow the process of intramembranous ossification where the young bones grow from a primary ossification center in fibrous membranes and leave a small region of fibrous tissue in between each other. In the skull these soft spots are known as fontanels, and give the skull flexibility and room for the bones to grow. Bone slowly replaces the fontanels until the individual bones of the skull fuse together to form a rigid adult skull. Long bones follow the process of endochondral ossification where the diaphysis grows inside of cartilage from a primary ossification center until it forms most of the bone. The epiphyses then grow from secondary ossification centers on the ends of the bone. A small band of hyaline cartilage remains in between the bones as a growth plate. As we grow through childhood, the growth plates grow under the influence of growth and sex hormones, slowly separating the bones. At the same time the bones grow larger by growing back into the growth plates. This process continues until the end of puberty, when the growth plate stops growing and the bones fuse permanently into a single bone. The vast difference in height and limb length between birth and adulthood are mainly the result of endochondral ossification in the long bones. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor	i don't know
How many reeds does an oboe have?	How Much Do Oboes Cost? \| HowMuchIsIt.org > How Much Do Oboes Cost? How Much Do Oboes Cost? An oboe is a double reed musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family. The term oboe means “high wood” in French. This instrument is commonly found in music genres such as traditional folk, jazz and even in some rock and pop songs. To control the pitch of an oboe, a reed is made to affect the pitch. The cost of an oboe will depend on the brand, quality, age and where you purchase it from. How much is it? On average, a brand new oboe can cost anywhere from $900 for a basic oboe to as much as $11,000 for a professional oboe. Most purchases are going to fall between the $1,500 and $4,000 price tag. Beginner oboes are going to fall into the lower range around $900 to $2,000, while an intermediate oboe can cost $2,000 to $4,500. A higher end oboe that has silver plated keys and is made of a higher quality wood can cost as much as $5,500 to $7,500. For example, the Vento 800 Series Model 8906 retails for $995 to $2,000. Another oboe such as the Buffet Crampon Model 4052 retails for $3,000 to $4,000. According to ASU.edu , an oboe can cost anywhere from $2,000 to as much as $10,000 depending on the type of material that it is made of as well as the user level it’s intended for. For example, a basic oboe will be near the lower end while a higher end, professional oboe can cost upwards of $10,000. What are the extra costs? A quality based oboe that is customized can cost more if it is going to be outside of what the manufacture would normally create. You will have to pay for lessons from a professional if you want to learn how to play the instrument. Accessories such as a case and polish will be necessary to ensure that the oboe is maintained properly. Maintenance or repair in the future may be necessary if something does happen to it. What is going to be included? Depending on the type of oboe, it will either made from wood or plastic. Lower quality oboes are going to have missing keys such as the B Flat. Because of this, the quality may not be as high. Tips to know: There really isn’t a great difference between a plastic and wood oboe. With a wood oboe, it’s going to be cheaper because of this material, but most will find that a plastic one will last longer. While a wood oboe may sound a little better, it can have many disadvantages such as cracking, it wear out faster and many of them have bad reviews. How can I save money? A used oboe can cost about 30% less than a brand new one. Check out various sites such as eBay and Craigslist to find a gently used oboe that fits your needs. If purchasing used, be sure to ask about the history of the instrument and try to arrange a time to see it and try it before purchasing. It is best to look for quality rather than a cheap deal because you may get what you pay for. If you want to try out an oboe before you purchase it, consider renting one to get a feel for it. Average Reported Cost: $11000	2
Which author wrote the 1991 book ‘The story of Tracy Beaker’?	The Clarinets - Reeds Reeds The reed, together with the mouthpiece onto which the reed is fixed makes the air in the instrument vibrate when you blow into it (technically speaking: create acoustic waves). So the reed is a very important part of a clarinet. Clarinets (and saxophones) are instruments that use a single reed unlike the double reed of the oboe and bassoon ( comparison ). There is nothing the clarinet player depends on more, than the condition of his reed and reeds are sensitive and delicate. You hardly ever meet a player who is constantly happy with his reeds. If something goes wrong and the instrument squeaks in a solo, it is usually the reed that gets the blame and that's not always wrong). It is a fact that reeds change when you play them and they wear out. If temperature or humidity (that is: the weather) changes the reed changes. Some players try to improve their reeds by sanding them, storing them in tempered devices (not unlike the cigar humidors), put them in magic fluids etc. Sometimes this will help. But they will inevitably wear out and - however well you treat them - they will become lighter or "softer" hour by hour you play until you better dispose them off. Nevertheless there is no magic in reeds and the more you know about them the better you can cope with the challenges. What they are made of and how they are made The reeds are made of a reed grass that originally grows in the Mediterranean, called Arundo Donax. Arundo Donax is quite similar in appearance to Bamboo but not as hard. The plant grows to its full size within a year. You leave it as it is for some months before it is harvested. After storing it in a dry place for approximately 2 years (to dry) it becomes as yellow and almost as hard as bamboo. In the inside the reed is made of long, hollow, very elastic fibers lying in parallel. The fibers are glued together densely by lignin. This results in the elastic qualities of the and its high strength. Reed grass can withstand the strongest storms that will bend but not break the living reed. The structure can be seen under the microscope - the picture on the left shows the crosscut. Reed makers cut rectangular flat pieces of wood from the cane (for B clarinets about 7 cm * 1 cm * 4 mm (about 2.756 * 0.394 * 0.157 inch). Measures will be bigger or smaller for other clarinets. The piece is completely planed down and polished by machines at the base. It is leveled off to at one end (the tip) so that it is only 0.08 millimeters strong. The tolerances of these machines are about 4/1000 mm (1.5/1000 inch). Since the reed is, however, a naturally grown substance, no two reeds are exactly alike although the measurements may be nearly identical. Depending on both - the form of the curve at the tip and the strength of the material - the properties of the reed (how elastic and hard) are still mostly assessed just by trying out (this can be done automated or by a real player). The reed is then sorted, marked, packed, shipped and sold. With the use of modern CNC controllers today's clarinet reed makers could produce individually optimal reeds per customer - at not so much higher cost than standard reeds (once a digital model is designed for this individual player). This is indeed possible today in Germany (AW-Reeds), but whether it will become standard practice worldwide remains to be seen. A German music magazine published this article on the subject. Fiberreed, Carbon and similar developments There were always experiments with different materials that aimed at replacing the sensitive naturally grown wooden reed by a reliable, long-lasting synthetic reed that would under all conditions show the always same perfect properties. Experiments with plexiglas and similar substances failed in the sixties because the physical properties didn't even meet the minimal requirements. But within the last twenty or so years a clear progress was made with composite substances like hollow carbon fibers, glued together by synthetic resins. These composite substances are already quite similar to wood in their structure. For example Harry Hartmann established an already rather useable product with his Fiberreed some years ago. Out of pure curiosity I bought such a reed for my bass clarinet (in the late nineties). For my taste it was still far too smooth on the surface and was not as good in pp as natural reeds, but it was already impressive how well it worked and the products will no doubt get better. The price then was about the same as a box of ten natural reeds. Of course a synthetic reed, too, has a restricted life span. However, if this life may last 10 to 20 times longer than that of a natural material, I am ready to pay 10 times more than for a classical wood reed. A long-lasting and relieable reed is valuable, if it has a similar quality as traditional reeds. No wonder there is a market for plastic coated reeds: Those are natural reeds with a thin cover that protects the wood from fluid. You will find saxophone players to be much more open to these experiments than classical clarinet players, which comes as no surprise. Today manufacturers of modern synthetic reeds will tell you that even top classic artists and conservative orchestras use synthetic reeds. It will be interesting to see what the future brings in this field. What role the reed plays when creating a tone The reed is fixed onto the mouthpiece of the clarinet so that only a very narrow opening remains between the tip of the reed and the mouthpiece. When you close your lips around the mouthpiece and the reed and blow, a tone is created. Technically speaking, the reed together with the mouthpiece work as a valve that opens and closes: The air presses the reed against the opening of the mouthpiece so that the stream of air is blocked. Because the reed is elastic, it immediately swings back and the air immediately streams in again, presses the reed against the opening and so on and so on. As a result there is a pulsed air column in the clarinet whose vibrations cause the surrounding air to swing in waves that we hear as tones. There is a more detailed description with graphics to be found here . What do we expect from the reed? In order to work well, the reed must be really thin at the front end, typically 0.08 mm. However, it also must be stiff and elastic, must keep absolutely identical vibration qualities (up to 12.000 times per second) on right and left side and must only gradually change under the extreme conditions of swinging either. One has to consider, too, that this reed will get wet, gets 30-36 centigrade warm (it is in your mouth) which are nightmare conditions for wood. Thinking about that, every reed that works is a small wonder. Reed classes (Hard/Soft) Depending on the manufacturer you will find different classes and naming conventions for reeds. Typically there will be numbers like 1 - 5 in 1/2 steps - this gives 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2 and so on up to 5. Usually 1 is the softest (lightest) and 5 the hardest. If you use a normal mouthpiece and are normally trained and have ordinary jaws and teeth, you will be using 2 or 2 1/2 or 3. If you are used to a 2 1/2 a 2 will let you play an hour longer - and a 3 1/2 will give you sour cheek muscles within an hour. But this is - as I said - depending on the type of instrument, the player and other factors. The classes are not defined strictly, and from one reed to another of the same class can be individual differences, too. But even in the industrial mass production (e.g. at Vandoren) the differences are surprisingly small. Small manufacturers try out every single reed, there you can rely on a tested reed (at a much higher price, off course). How to buy reeds The traditional way is to go to a music shop and buy a box or some single reeds of you favorite brand. Most will have in stock VanDoren and Ricoh, and usually some national brands. The good thing in a music shop is, that if you buy single reeds, the salesman takes them out of the box - and even if they come in plastic covers, one can often see easily that some of them are not good. Depending on how the local culture is in your country you might not have to take those. When you buy a box, then you are caught - it is perfectly normal that 3 out of ten reeds are hardly usable. You can as well order over the internet - reeds are standardized products. How to treat reeds There are a lot of different opinions about treating reeds. Some are very specific, and many are contradictory. Most agree that you have to "break in" reeds, that is, in the beginning you don't play on them longer than 15 minutes, so they "get used" to swinging. This may sound strange but most people find that this advice is good. What I find interesting is that the oboe players, who use similar - but much more sensitive and expensive - material, have come up with some suggestions that I find are well founded: "Reed cane is cellulose in structure. Like a sponge, it is porous and will absorb water. Always keep this fact in mind when using your reeds. As a sponge doesn't work well when it is dry, most reeds are of little value before you soak them. Soak your reeds in plain tap water before each use. This is preferable to holding them in your mouth to get them wet. There is a lot of protein in reed cane. The enzymes in your saliva will eat away and slowly dissolve the protein, and some essential ingredients in your reed. Your reeds will last longer, and play better when you soak them first in plain tap water, rather than holding them in your mouth, before using them. Once the cell structure is filled with plain tap water, you can keep them wet in your mouth." ... from: http://www.doublereeds.com You will see that oboe players carry about a glass of water, or, more practical, a small plastic container for film rolls (you will find those in drug stores where people turn in their fotos from non-digital cameras). It is a fact that clarinet reeds are much less sensitive than oboe reeds, but nevertheless this may help us, too. Storing and transporting reeds Generally you should treat your reeds as carefully as possible. After playing them one should keep them in special boxes to prevent environmental effects on them. They must be stored in a way that the thin, still moist tip does not develop "crinkles" or waves. Whether it it makes sense to keep them in a climatised box (not unlike a cigar humidor) is still under discussion. But the boxes in the photo are not expensive and proved useful for that purpose. They make a nice present for clarinet players who still carry around reeds in simple cartons or in the typical single plastic cover, in which the moist wood cannot dry and might eventually start to rot! Working on your reeds Do you have to know how to make reeds harder/softer? I am glad I do - it is no rocket science and it can make life much easier (at least it saves money, since you can use and enjoy reeds you would otherwise have thrown away). Trying out new reeds Before you try a reed, make sure your clarinet is in perfect condition, because otherwise you might blame the reed for any hissing and squeaking that in fact is the clarinet's fault. When you take a reed out of the box, it has been dry for a long time. So you want to moisten it (in a glass of water - see treatment ) for about 3 to 5 Minutes - then the tip is moist inside, too. Then you examine the bottom. It must be perfectly flat and the tip must not show any curves. Then you fix the reed on the clarinet and try the lower register and the g'". This should sound well, even in piano without much hissing noise. Then check with the c', whether both of the reeds sides are well balanced: You turn the clarinet in your mouth to the right and the left which stops either the right or the left side of the reed to swing. What swings is the other side, and so you can compare them. Then you check some tricky legato jumps. Everything all right? Great! But don't overdo it in the beginning: Many experts are convinced that one should "play in" a reed - like no more than fifteen minutes in the beginning. Most clarinettists make notes on the reed once they are sure what the reed is like. A waterproof CD marker writes well on the shoulder of the reed, the part, where you can't injure the cut. Working on reeds - careful small steps - to know, when to give up Generally you shoul work carefully! Better do a step again some times than to be too radical, because on the sensitive tip you can't redo anything - pulling firmly over a sheet of sandpaper once can be too much for a soft tip! With more experience you will know in advance how much sanding the reed needs, but in the beginning things will go wrong, too - so you want to start with reeds that are a little older or that come out the box - never start with the reeds you rely on for your next concert... Sometimes you find that you can't improve a reed however hard you try. Then just throw it away; it is unlikely you will repair it later. It is sufficient if you keep one or two old unplayable reeds that you can use to cover the mouthpieces lay with when the mouthpiece is not in use, for example. Throw away old and unusable material or you might lose overview over your reeds. The reed's areas The whole planed area of the reed is called cut. The colours show areas of equal strength (like height lines on a map). The tip (white) is the thinnest and most sensitive area, it is responsible for the high frequency swinging and the attack behaviour of the reed. The area edged black is the raised crest (sometimes called "heart"). In the raised crest you don't sand except if the whole reed's surface must be redone. The sides or flanks next to the creast are important for the balance. The area below the crest is sometimes called shoulder, here the reed is strong and does hardly swing at all. The unplaned area is called blade. Tools to work with reeds Sand paper, very fine (wet sand paper - it says on the back that it can be used wet.) It should be understood, but if you have no experience here, some words to sanding: The fine sandpaper should be made wet before you use it on reeds. It is crucial that the surface you put the sandpaper on is absolutely plane - a sheet of glass is good. A wooden board does not stay 100% plane if it becomes wet often. This would be invitation to desaster. A very practical thing is a spatula (pharmacy) with fine sand paper glued to it, you may find something similar being readily sold as finger nail sander. Dutch rush or horsetail (dried stalks of a very ancient, wild growing plant - you get it in boxes in music shops and pharmacies, but might collect and dry it yourself - see image ), it really works great and it does not hurt the reed's fibres (in contrast to steel files). A long and narrow block of Glas or Plexiglas, about 25 * 4 cm, 10mm strenght, that you can sand the reeds on, since the block is transparent, you can easily check how thin and how even you have made the tip (see the picture with the horsetail). A reed cutter (music shop - see the picture below) A strong light that shines through the reed to control your work A jam glas with water - to moisten and wet the sand paper, otherwise you'd often have to go to bathroom or kitchen Flatten the bottom First you check whether the bottom of the reed is absolutely flat and smooth. Often there still is some dust or the surface is sticky. Or it is not absolutely flat. Make the reed wet - only work on wet reeds. Then put the reed on the finest sand paper you have got, put index, middle finger and ring finger on top of the blade and push it over the surface away from the tip (like you would move a matchbox car over the floor - no force necessary). Never move a reed towards the tip, because the fibers on the thin tip will then break. It is not as easy as it may sound - because it is hard to get hold of the reed, and you must not press harder on one side than the other. Make a reed softer: Simplest way - if it is a very small correction: You pull the reed face-down over a fine sheet of sand paper (that is with the crest looking down) in an acute angle with only very little pressure. Make sure you keep the reed absolutely horizontal! Stronger effect: Take the spatula or the horsetail (as seen on the picture left) and make the tip a little thinner. You move the horsetail only towards the tip, not the other way, so the fibres can't be ripped out of their structure. In addition you do make the sides (in the picture above: the green are) a little thinner (but always keep out of the crest). The areas here are the mose sensitive of the reed, so be careful. Doing the sides be careful to work balanced on both sides. Often check by fixing the reed on the mouthpiece, and while playing a note, turn the instrument right and left - then the reed will be hindered to play right or left because it can't swing, and you can easiliy find out whether its responsiveness is the same on both sides. Make only the lower register softer: As described above, but now you work further away from the tip in the blue and yellow are. Here the reed is much stronger, and you can sand away a little more before you find the reed to react. Make reed harder: The reed plays easily, but it squeaks for no reason and it is difficult to keep the tone constant. Forte is clattering and when you want to play fortissimo, you press the reed against the mouthpiece and it shuts and blocks. Actually "too soft" just means the reed swings too much. This can be due to being to thin in the tip or the tip opening between reed and mouthpiece is too thin. So you can either cut off a little of the tip of the reed (never more than a tenth of a millimeter) and then redo the whole reed (including the crest). Attention when cutting with the reed cutter: Always take out the reed before opening the cutter spring, because otherwise the tip could be destroyed. As alternative you can put the reed on the fine wet sand paper and then work on the bottom of the reed - while you press on the back (the blade) of the reed. This will make the tip of the reed go a little higher and therefore the tip opening wider. That will make the reed feel "harder". This doesn't work with all reeds, but compared to cutting it has the advantage that you don't have to redo the whole reed. Problems playing legato: If legato is a problem, try to thin the sides over the full length with a horsetail. Squeaking: Reeds squeak, if their tip is too thin and the crest is to strong. This results in a limited ability to swing back. If you press a reed in an angle of 45 degrees on a sheet of glas, it will bend. A sufficiently elastic reed will quickly bend back fully. If the reed has become to old or is too thin, it will stay bent into the direction a little. Then all you can do is cut shorter and rework the whole reed of throw away the reed, since all measures you take won't last very long anyway. One side is too soft: If you turn the instrument in your mouth, you press the reed against one side of your lower jaw so the reed can't swing here any more. If you compare both sides and there are differenzes, you can try to balance those like described above. But you can as well try the following: You put the reed with its softer side onto the sandpaper (that is upright), and then, carefully, always away from the tip, you pull the reed away. This will make the reed a little narrower, but up to half a millimeter is OK, on the other hand this side will become heavier, too. Since the effect is non-symmetric, you must re-check and balance afterwards.	i don't know
Singer Justin Bieber was born in which country?	Justin Bieber - Biography - IMDb Justin Bieber Jump to: Overview (4) \| Mini Bio (1) \| Trade Mark (1) \| Trivia (44) \| Personal Quotes (12) Overview (4) 5' 9" (1.75 m) Mini Bio (1) Canadian Justin Drew Bieber was born in London, Ontario, the son of Pattie Mallette and Jeremy Bieber . Pattie became pregnant when she was 18 years old, and raised him as a single mother. Justin is of French-Canadian (mother) and German, Irish, Scottish, and English (father) descent. As a child, Bieber showed a strong interest in music, teaching himself to play many instruments. When he was 12, he entered a local talent competition, and placed second. His mother posted his performance on YouTube, and continued to post other clips of Bieber singing. The videos soon built up a fan following, and caught the attention of talent agent Scooter Braun . Braun was able to secure an impromptu audition with Usher Raymond , who was impressed and helped Bieber to sign a record deal. His first single, "One Time", was a worldwide hit and was certified Platinum in Canada and the United States. This was followed by Bieber's debut album, "My World", which was an international smash. He also released a successful concert film, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011). Bieber continues with a hugely successful music career and has tried his hand at acting, including guest starring in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000). He has a large and loyal fan-base, who are said to have "Bieber Fever" and are nicknamed "Beliebers". - IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous Trade Mark (1) Trivia (44) Discovered by Scooter Braun , who is also his manager. Usher Raymond signed him to Island Def Jam Records, and beat out Justin Timberlake 's hopes of signing the young singer. Taught himself four instruments including the piano, guitar, drums. He hopes to learn the violin. Can moonwalk. The Dream produced and wrote his songs Baby and One Time. His single "Baby" debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue his music career. Now lives in Hollywood California. Born in St. Joseph's Hospital in London, Ontario, Canada, the very same hospital Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling were born in, however Justin was raised in Stratford, Ontario, Canada . He lived in the same area as Brendan Meyer , Seth Sieunarine , Kolton Stewart and Shawn Roberts . The craziest gift from a fan that he received was a rubber golf club. Bought a Macbook Pro with his own money - one of his biggest purchases. Likes the TV show Smallville (2001). Started out by posting youtube videos in 2007. His debut album was "My World". His mom, Pattie Mallette , traveled with him all the time. His first time in an airplane was flying to Atlanta to meet his future manager Scott 'Scooter' Braun. Met Céline Dion at a New York Knicks basketball game. She approached him and said my son loves your songs. Plays guitar at many of his concerts. Has performed with Rihanna at the Super Bowl Weekend concert in Miami. Likes to play hockey and basketball. Recorded a few songs with fellow singer Sean Kingston . Recorded "We Are The World" for Haiti. He got the opening verse, which was previously sung by Lionel Richie . Dad, Jeremy Bieber , still lives in Canada. Wrote the song "Down To Earth" about his parents' seperation. The executive producer of his first record, "My World", was L.A. L.A. Reid . Is good friends with Taylor Swift , Selena Gomez , and Chris Brown . His father's name is Jeremy Bieber , and his mother's name is Pattie Mallette . Plays the left-handed guitar. Has a younger half-sister, Jazmyn (born 2008) and a younger half-brother, Jaxon (born 2009). When he was child his church held a benefit to buy him a drum kit and 6 months of lessons. Performed with Chris Brown at a concert in Sydney, while the two were separately touring Australia. They performed Brown's song "Look At Me Now" together (2011). Featured in the song "Next 2 You" with Chris Brown , a song on Chris Brown's 2011 album F.A.M.E. Has performed for President Barack Obama twice. Likes to give back and help charities.	Canada
The Eiffel Tower is in which European city?	Justin Bieber Biography, Justin Bieber Music, Justin Bieber News, Justin Bieber Photos and more - KeepVid Music Artist NEWS Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber was barely into his teens when he released his 2009 debut, My World, and became one of the youngest success stories in contemporary pop when it went either platinum or double platinum in several countries. For the next few years, successive releases -- including remix compilations, acoustic sets, a documentary tie-in, a Christmas album, and even some proper studio recordings -- shot forth at a dizzying rate. Bieber developed a massive global following, named Beliebers. During the early 2010s, his recording activity slowed, and he had more of a presence on celebrity gossip websites than on sales charts, but he rebounded during the middle of that decade. A native of Stratford, Ontario, Bieber placed second in a local 2007 singing competition and began posting his performances on YouTube. The videos caught the attention of Scooter Braun, a talent agent and former So So Def marketing executive, who helped Bieber land an impromptu audition with the R&B star Usher. Impressed by what he saw, Usher -- along with Island/Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid -- quickly signed the 15-year-old Bieber to a recording contract. Bieber released his first single, "One Time," in May 2009. Supported by a popular video that featured an appearance by Usher, "One Time" went platinum in both Canada and America, a feat that was replicated later that year with the release of My World. The disc was technically an EP, featuring only seven songs, but it reached number six on the Billboard 200 album chart and sold over a million copies. Less than a year after his debut, Bieber returned with the "second half" of My World, a ten-song release titled My World 2.0. Further demonstrating his and his management's marketing power, over 8,000 fans who pre-ordered My World 2.0 had their head shots used in a photo mosaic (formed to look like a portrait of Bieber) that was displayed on the back side of the disc's booklet. The release topped the Billboard 200. A few weeks later, a combination of My World and My World 2.0, titled My Worlds, appeared in some territories. By the end of 2010, Bieber issued My Worlds Acoustic, a set featuring acoustic versions of nine songs off the My World discs, as well as one new song. The following February, the 3-D documentary Never Say Never was released to theaters. The seven-track Never Say Never: The Remixes, released just days after the film, maintained the flow of Bieber product, and featured appearances from the likes of Kanye West, Usher, and Miley Cyrus. Just in time for Christmas 2011 came the holiday-themed Under the Mistletoe, complete with several celebrity guest duets and an original song, "Mistletoe," for the first single, which entered the Holiday Songs chart at number two. In 2012, Bieber returned with the proper follow-up to My World 2.0, titled Believe. With a sound based in dance and R&B, it featured production from Darkchild, Diplo, and Max Martin. Believe became his fourth number one album, paced by Top Ten hits for "Boyfriend," "As Long as You Love Me" (featuring Big Sean), and "Beauty and a Beat" (featuring Nicki Minaj). Believe Acoustic, a sequel to My Worlds Acoustic, followed in 2013. Late that year, Bieber released the first in a weekly series of singles. Nearly all of them charted, led by Top 40 showings for "All Around the World" (featuring Ludacris) and "Heartbreaker." Those songs, as well as others, were compiled for release as Journals, a digital download-only album that wasn't submitted for sales tracking, so it did not appear on the Billboard 200. Only two days later, on December 25, the documentary Justin Bieber's Believe was released to theaters but performed poorly. A collaboration with Cody Simpson, "Home to Mama," was the lone charting release in 2014, a year in which Bieber made headlines for an incident in which he was arrested, as well as for charges of vandalism, assault, and reckless driving. In 2015, a remix of "Where Are You Now" appeared on Diplo and Skrillex Present Jack Ü and reached the Top Ten of the Hot 100. Later in the year, "What Do You Mean?," a track that skillfully latched onto the tropical house subgenre -- popularized by the Felix Jaehn remix of OMI's "Cheerleader" -- topped that chart. It was Bieber's first number one U.S. single and paved the way for Purpose, his third proper studio album. It debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. Justin Drew Bieber (/bibr/; born March 1, 1994) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. After a talent manager discovered him through his YouTube videos covering songs in 2007 and signed to RBMG, Bieber released his debut EP, My World, in late 2009. It was certified platinum in the U.S. He became the first artist to have seven songs from a debut record chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Bieber released his first full-length studio album, My World 2.0, in 2010. It debuted at or near number one in several countries and was certified triple platinum in the U.S. It was preceded by his most successful single to date, "Baby".nFollowing his debut album, he had his first headlining tour, the My World Tour, released the remix albums My Worlds Acoustic and Never Say Never The Remixes -- and the 3D biopic-concert film Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. He released his second studio album, Under the Mistletoe, in November 2011, when it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Bieber released his third studio album, Believe, in 2012. His fourth studio album Purpose was released in November 2015. His U.S. album and singles sales total 44.7 million. On December 16, 2015, his sales were estimated at more than 75 million records worldwide. On February 12, 2016, Bieber's first four albums were released on vinyl for the first time.nHe has won numerous fan-voted awards, including American Music Award for Artist of the Year in 2010 and 2012. In his career, he has received three Grammy nominations, winning one for Best Dance Recording for the song "Where Are Now" at the 2016 ceremony. His fan base, dubbed "beliebers", largely consists of early to mid-adolescent girls. He was listed three times by Forbes magazine among the top ten most powerful celebrities in the world in 2011, 2012, and 2013.	i don't know
Welsh rarebit is another name for ‘what’ on toast?	Welsh Rarebit for All Cheese on Toast Addicts \| The Worktop April 27, 2015 Welsh Rarebit For All Cheese On Toast Addicts Cheese on toast is always a brunch favorite. It’s quick and easy to make, and so delicious. This Welsh Rarebit uses stout, mustard seeds and Worcestershire sauce to give the cheese a malty savory edge. We invited another couple over for brunch recently and when I asked them what we should have, one of them said, “How about Welsh Rarebit?” I actually thought he was saying a “Welsh rabbit” with a strange British accent! After some clarification and research, it turns out Welsh Rarebit is a specialty recipe for cheese and toast (originally named Welsh rabbit , but probably had a name change to make it a bit more fitting since there’s no rabbit in it!). Who doesn’t love cheese and toast for brunch? It is always a favorite among vegetarians and carnivores alike, and it has become my latest way of having it. Welsh Rarebit is super easy and is a real crowd favorite. Even among the Welsh, there are a variations on how to make it. Some mix the cheese with butter or mustard, some use beer or wine, and some pour a melty cheese mixture over the toast instead of grilling it. I haven’t tried every combination because I love this simple recipe so much. Soon though, I’ll make some new variations and share them with you! Although it is still cheese on toast at the heart of this dish, the stout, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard seeds add a fuller and more savory flavor. Just a warning, if you weren’t addicted to cheese on toast already, you will be after having this Welsh Rarebit! Welsh Rarebit	Cheese
‘The Abduction from the Seraglio’ (Il Seraglio) is an opera by which composer?	Recipe: Welsh Rarebit Welsh Rarebit At Brooklyn's Tilda All Day, bubbling beer cheese sauce on toast is what's for breakfast 0 Reviews Print Save At Tilda All Day , chef Claire Welle turns this classic English pub snack into the cheesy ale toast of our cold winter dreams, topping it with a welcoming, clean celery-leaf and scallion (almost-salad) garnish. At the restaurant, nothing gets wasted, and Welle substitutes out half of the butter with rendered bacon fat, making the cheese sauce extra rich. A French roux is a simple way to thicken a sauce, as in this recipe, but it can be tricky. Because you aren't cooking the starch out completely, the cheese sauce gets a little grainy as it cools. Don't panic! This is normal. When the chilled thick cheesy sauce is slabbed over toast and placed under the broiler, the starch dissolves and melts into a creamy and bubbling, perfect Welsh rarebit. To learn more, read " Silly Rarebit ." Welsh Rarebit Recipe adapted from Claire Welle, Tilda All Day, Brooklyn, NY Yield: 4 servings 1 cup dark ale (such as New Castle, nothing hoppy) 1¾ cups shredded 2-year-aged cheddar cheese (6 ounces cheese) 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste For the Welsh Rarebit: ⅓ cup celery leaves (from 1 bunch celery) 3 to 4 scallions, green parts only, finely sliced lengthwise and soaked in cold water Four ¾-inch-thick slices of good, crusty bread (such as a boule or levain), toasted 4 lemon wedges Directions 1. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter, garlic and bay leaf over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam, gradually add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Cook until bubbling and thickened, creating a blond roux (no browning), 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Slowly add the beer to the roux and bring to a boil, constantly stirring until a thick sauce forms, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar, Worcestershire and Tabasco. Return the saucepan to low heat, stirring often, until the cheese is just dissolved, 1½ minutes. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then transfer to a small bowl. Cover the cheese sauce with plastic wrap, letting the wrap directly touch the sauce, and chill in the fridge until it sets, a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 3 days. Makes 1½ cups. 3. Make the Welsh rarebit: Ten minutes before serving, preheat the oven to broil and remove the cheese sauce from the fridge. While the oven is heating, in a small bowl, toss together the celery leaves and scallions; set aside. 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the toasted bread slices in a single layer. Slather a generous amount of cheese sauce over each slice, then broil until the sauce begins to bubble and blister, 2 to 2½ minutes. To serve, top each Welsh rarebit with the celery-scallion garnish and plate the lemon wedges alongside. HELP OTHER COOKS BY RATING THIS RECIPE Rate this recipe: Would you make this recipe again? Tags:	i don't know
The former African nation of Nyasaland is now known by what name?	Historical Country Names - Nations Online Project Historical Country Names keywords: geography, historical country names, former country names, history, place name changes, historical maps List of formerly used country names and names of countries which have ceased to exist. Name changes of countries, dependencies, geographical and other regions of particular geopolitical interest. Today Abyssinia The Ethiopian Empire spans a geographical area of today Ethiopia, Eritrea , and Djibouti ,and included parts of Northern Somalia , Southern Egypt , Eastern Sudan , Yemen and Western Saudi Arabia . Abyssinia was an empire that existed for more than 800 years, from circa 1137 (beginning of Zagwe Dynasty) until 1974 when the Ethiopian monarchy was overthrown in a coup d'etat. Afars and Issas Territory formerly known as French Somaliland, the French colony was renamed to the French Territory of Afars and Issas (1967 - 1977),the territory became independent in 1977, known today as Djibouti. formerly a British protectorate became independent in 1966 as the Kingdom of Lesotho. formerly a British protectorate became independent in 1966 as Republic of Botswana. Democratic Republic of the Congo Benadir a coastal region of Somalia; covering most of the Indian Ocean coast of the country, from the Gulf of Aden to the Juba River, formerly part of Italian Somaliland. Biafra, Republic of (named after the Bight of Biafra) today part of Bophuthatswana - nominal republic and homeland for Tswana-speaking people, 1949 reincorporated into British Bechuanaland (region) incorporated into the Cape Colony (1895) British East Africa or East Africa Protectorate British protectorate from 1890 until 1920 Kenya , Tanzania , Uganda , and parts of Somalia (Jubaland) Cape Colony, 1795-1797 British colony, 1803-1806 colony of the Batavian Republic (Netherlands), since 1910 part of Central African Republic Kenya Colony The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya was part of the British Empire in Africa. It was established when the former East Africa Protectorate was transformed into a British crown colony in 1920. Ciskei (Republic of Ciskei)- homeland for Xhosa-speaking people, 1994 reincorporated into Dahomey ; (the Republic of Dahomey; in French: République du Dahomey), was a former French colony andpart of French West Africa until independence in 1960, in 1975 the Republic of Dahomeychanged its name in Benin. Dan Ho Me was an ancient Kingdom located in the south of today Benin. French Guinea was a French protectorate in West Africa, after independence from France in 1958 it became today Mali French West Africa was a federation of eight French colonial territories in Africa: Mauritania, Senegambia and Niger, French Sudan , French Guinea , Côte d'Ivoire, Upper Volta and Dahomey . Mauritania , The Gambia , Senegal , Niger , Mali , Guinea , Côte d'Ivoire , Burkina Faso and Benin. German East Africa (German: Deutsch-Ostafrika) a German colony from 1885 until 1919 which included Burundi, Rwanda and Tanganyika (the mainland part of present Tanzania), an area almost three times the size of Germany today. German East Africa colony ended with the defeat of Imperial Germany in World War I. With the Treaty of Versailles the territory was divided between Britain (Tanganyika.), Belgium (Ruanda-Urundi), and Portugal (to become part of Mozambique). Hausaland, consisted of seven independent city-states: Biram, Daura, Gobir, Kano, Katsina, Rano, and Zaria. Italian East Africa (former name for Italian possessions in eastern Africa) Kaffraria, former name for Transkei Katanga - 1960, Belgium granted independence to the Congolese province of the Mali Federation, was a country in West Africa 1959-1960, formed by a union between Malawi Portuguese East Africa (Província Ultramarina de Moçambique) Mozambique or Portuguese East Africa (officially the State of East Africa) for almost 500 years a Portuguese Colony, 1498–1975. See also: Portugal Sahara Occidental, Spanish name for Senegambia (region; former name of the confederation of Senegal and Gambia) Songhay (Songhai), in the 16th century a major empire of the Western Sudan, in the region of South-West Africa (SWA, German: Deutsch-Südwestafrika), a German colony from 1884-1915 Spanish West Africa (former name for Ifni and Spanish Sahara) Stellaland, Republic of; annexed by the Boers later British Bechuanaland, incorporated into the Cape Colony (1895) Tanganyika Territory, united with the islands Zansibar and Pemba it became Togoland (British Togoland), since 1957 part of Transkei (former Kaffraria and one of ten "black homelands" and nominal republic, in Southeast of ) Transvaal or ZAR - Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek; today the Province Limpopo of Ubangi-Shari (Oubangui-Chari) a former French territory in central Africa, whith independence on 13 August 1960 the country became the Central African Republic Union of South Africa The Union of South Africa was formed on 31 May 1910 as a parliamentary union of the four self-governing British colonies: the Cape of Good Hope Province (Cape Province; previously Cape Colony), Natal Province (Natal Colony), the Orange Free State Province (Oranje Vrij Staat/Orange River Colony) and the Transvaal Province (Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek/Transvaal Colony). The Union came to an end in 1961with a new constitution and became the "Republic of South Africa". Zaire, changed its name in 1997 to Zanzibar (island, east off the coast of Tanzania) a former protectorate of Britain. Zanzibar gained independence in1963 united with Tanganyika, today it is a semi-autonomous part of Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) or Transvaal colony; today the Limpopo province of Abkhazia (Region name is still in use) Bactria (Bakhtria) historical region of Greater Iran, located between the Hindu Kush mountain range and the Amu Darya (Amu river). The region was the birthplace of Zoroastrianism (Mazdaism) and later, also hosted Buddhism before becoming Muslim after the 7th century. The Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Afghanistan with the remains of two huge standing Buddha statues which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. Circassia was located east of the Black Sea and west of the Caspian Sea in the Caucasus region, it was the mountainous territory of the Circassians (Adyghe), it was wiped from the map in the late 19th century whenRussia conqueredthe Caucasus region. All Circassians were displacedfrom their homeland. Historians refer to the displacement of the Adyghe people by the Russian Empire to "the inventing of the strategy of modern ethnic cleansing and genocide". Circassia was situated north of today Georgia in the southern half of Russia's Krasnodar Krai, south of Kuban River,as well as in the Beshtau, an isolated mountainous region in Stavropol Krai, and in todays Russian Republics of Adygea, Karachay–Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and North Ossetia–Alania, in south west Russia . East Turkestan; Eastern Turkestan; Chinese Turkestan Part of western China (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region ) Kashmir (region) is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the Vale of Kashmir, the valley between the GreatHimalayas (in northeast) and the Pir Panjal mountain range (in southwest). Today the term Kashmir refers to a larger area that includes the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir (including the Kashmir valley and Jammu and Ladakh), the Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan and the Azad Kashmir provinces, and the Chinese-administered regions of Aksai Chin and Trans-Karakoram Tract. state during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, it is the ancient name of Cyprus Dilmun, mentioned in ancient texts as a trade partner of Mesopotamia, although the exact location of Dilmun is unclear, it is associated with Bahrain , the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia , Qatar , Oman and nearby coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf. Galilee, Galilea is a large region in northern Israel which overlaps with much of the administrative North District of the country. See: Map of Israel Judea, Judäa,(region) Hebrew: יהודה was the name of the mountainous southern part of the historic Land of Israel from the 8th century BC (Assyrian rule) to the 2nd century AD, when Roman Judea was renamed Syria Palaestina following the Jewish Bar Kokhba revolt. Muscat and Oman, Sultanate of Muscat and Oman until 1970 North Yemen or Yemen Arab Republic was a country from 1962 to 1990 in the western part of what is now Yemen. Ottoman Empire the Turkish empire, established in northern Anatolia by Osman I (Osman Gazi Khan) at the end of the 13th century and expanded by his successors to include all of Asia Minor and much of southeastern Europe. After setbacks caused by the invasion of the Mongol ruler Tamerlane (Timur) in 1402, the Ottomans captured Constantinople (today Istanbul) in 1453, and the empire reached its zenith under Suleiman the Magnificent (ruled 1520 to 1566). At the height of its power, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ottoman Empire controlled territory in southeastern Europe, southwestern Asia, and North Africa. It had greatly declined by the 19th century and collapsed after World War I. also known as the Trucial States, Trucial Oman, and the Trucial Shaykdoms Tylos, was referredby the Greeks to today Bahrain United Arab Republic (UAR) The United Arab Republic or U.A.R., was a union between Egypt and Syria. The union began in 1958 and existed until 1961, when Syria seceded from the union. Egypt continued to be known officially as the "United Arab Republic" until 1971. The President was Gamal Abdel Nasser. During most of its existence (1958–1961) it was a member of the United Arab States, a confederation with North Yemen. Egypt , Syria , Yemen Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) The Yemen Arab Republic, also known as North Yemen, was a country from 1962 to 1990 in the western part of what is now Yemen, its predecessor was the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen (1918–1962), also known as the Kingdom of Yemen, its capital was at Taiz (Ta'izz). Yemen __Eastern Asia Cathay, (English) Cathay is the Anglicized version of "Catai" the name used for northern China, and an alternative name for: Choson, Chosen the Korean peninsula today split into Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) Formosa (island) Dutch Formosa, period of a colonial Dutch government (1624–1662), the Dutch East India Company established its presence on Formosa to trade with China and Japan and to prevent Portuguese and Spanish trade and colonial activities in East Asia. Spanish Formosa, a Spanish colony established in the north of of the island (1626–1642). Taiwan Great Korean Empire was the name of the Korean empire that existed on theKorean Peninsula, from the Proclamation of the Korean Empire in October 1897 to the Annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. The Great Korean Empire was an absolute monarchy with a constitution. Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) Kingdom of Tungning (1662 - 1683) The kingdom was founded by Koxinga (official name: Zheng Chenggong),on the island of Formosa. Koxinga was born in Hirado, Japan to Zheng Zhilong, a Ming dynasty admiral-pirate-merchant, and his Japanese wife. The Kingdom of Tungning was run by the Zheng family, supporting the Ming Dynasty in mainland China which was replaced by the Manchu-ruled Qing Dynasty in 1644. Koxinga wanted to use the island as a base of operations to train its Ming military forces and recapture the mainland from the Manchus. Hedied in 1662 six month after the conquest of Formosa. His son Zheng Jing ruled the next 20 years from its court at Tainan. Annam, Anam (1883-1954) French protectorate in Central Vietnam Ayutthaya, Kingdom of; (Siam) covered Thailand , half of Cambodia , most of Laos and large areas of present day Myanmar (Burma) Bengal, region in the northeast of South Asia today divided between Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), and the India n federal stateWest Bengal. Balochistan or Baluchistan a region on in the Iranian Plateau in Southwest Asia, named after the local Baloch tribes of Persian origin. part of the region is now the province Balochistan in Pakistan , other areas of the region were part of today's Iran and Afghanistan . Baluchistan States Union existed between1952 and1955 in southwest British North Borneo, former British protectorate and crown colony, occupies the northern tip of the island of Borneo. Burma, changed its name in 1989 to Ceylon in 1972 thename of the country was changed to "Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic of Sri Lanka", in 1978 the name was changed to "Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka" Map of Sri Lanka Dutch East Indies (Netherlands East Indies) was the Dutch colony that became modern Indonesia following World War II. It was formed from the nationalized colonies of the former Dutch East India Company that came under the administration of the Netherlands in 1800. Indonesia East Pakistan, a former province of Pakistan. East Pakistan was created from Bengal Province based on the 'Mountbatten Plan' in what was then British India in 1947. Eastern Bengal was given to the Dominion of Pakistan and became a province of Pakistan by the name East Bengal. East Bengal was renamed East Pakistan in 1956 and later became the country of Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, which took place after the General Elections of 1970. British West Indies - the colonies of the British in the Caribbean: today the term refers to the British Caribbean overseas territories which are: Anguilla , Bermuda , British Virgin Islands , Cayman Islands, Montserrat , Turks and Caicos Islands. Danish West Indies or "Danish Antilles", were a colony of Denmark - Norway in the Caribbean. They were sold to the United States in 1916 in the Treaty of the Danish West Indies and became the United States Virgin Islands in 1917. US Virgin Islands French West Indies, the French overseas departments Guadeloupe and Martinique , as well as the French Caribbean Départments d'Outre Mer, include the Guadeloupe dependencies of the French part of the island St. Martin and the islands Saint-Barthélemy, Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade. Haiti, the Arawaks name for the island of Hispaniola New Spain (Nueva España) colonial territories of the Spanish Empire in North and Central America, including Somers Islands is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean better kown as New Spain (Nueva España) colonial territories of the Spanish Empire in North and Central America, including Mexico , Guatemala , Belize , El Salvador , Honduras , Nicaragua , Costa Rica and parts of South-West USA New Netherland, or Nieuw-Nederland in Dutch, was the 17th-century colonial province of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands on the East Coast of North America. The settled areas are now part of the Mid-Atlantic States of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut, with small outposts in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The provincial capital, New Amsterdam, was located at the southern tip of the island of Manhattan on upper New York Bay. Today British Guiana was a British colony on the northern coast of South America, what is now the independent nation of Guyana. Capital was Georgetown . Guyana Dutch Guiana (Netherlands Guyana) Dutch colonization of the Guianas began in the beginning of the 17th century. The colonies of Essequibo and Demerara (Demerary), Surinam, and Berbice were Dutch settlements, trading posts and plantations in the coastal areas ofthe north eastern part of South America, a region which is known as the Guianas, today divided into the countries of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the north eastern part of Brazil. Capital city was Fort Zeelandia ( Paramaribo ) Venezuela , Guyana , Suriname , French Guiana , and the Amapá province of Brazil. Gran Colombia (1819-1830), the former republic consisted ofthe territories of present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama, northern Peru and northwest Brazil. Inini, an inland territory of French Guiana, its capital was Saint-Élie. New Holland (2), Nieuw Holland, or also known as Dutch Brazil, was a former dutch colony on the northeast coast of Brazil 1630 - 1654. Capital city was Mauritsstad, today part of the city of Recife . Province of Pernambuco, Brazil Terra de Santa Cruz , in the early 16th century when the Portoguese realized it was not an island but part of a continent they were about to conquer, they renamed it from 'Ilha de Vera Cruz' (Island of the True Cross) to Terra de Santa Cruz (Land of the Holy Cross). Today the region is known as Brazil. Map of Moldova Pridnestrovia (Transnistria) formerly part of the Soviet Union ( Russia ), today a breakaway state of Moldova also known as Transnistria, which claims territory between the Dniester river and the eastern border of Moldova with Ukraine . It declared independence in 1990 but is unrecognised by any United Nations member state. Transnistria is one of four post-Soviet "frozen conflict" zones. (see: Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia) After the dissolution of the USSR, tensions between the newly created Moldova and the de facto sovereign state of Pridnestrovia escalated into a military conflict. Unlike the rest of Moldova Pridnestrovia had not wanted to separate from the Soviet Union. Because of the Russian military contingent present in Transnistria, the European Court of Human Rights considers Transnistria "under the effective authority or at least decisive influence of Russia". Map of Moldova Prussia, Preussen a former kingdom of the German Empire.Originally a small country on the south eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, under Frederick the Great it became a major European power covering much of modern northeast Germany and Poland. Capital city was Königsberg (today Kaliningrad, Russia), later Berlin . (region; former name for Carpatho-Ukraine) Map of Ukraine Silesia, (in German: Schlesien) historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts in the Czech Republic and Germany, its largest city and capital was Wrocław(Breslau). Poland , the Czech Republic and Germany . Soviet Union (1922 - 1991) short form of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), a former federation of Communist republics occupying the northern half of Asia and part of eastern Europe, capital city was Moscow . 12 constituent republics emerged from the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 as independent post-Soviet states. Armenia , Azerbaijan , Belarus , Estonia , Georgia , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Latvia , Lithuania , Moldova , Russian Federation (Russia) , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , Ukraine , Uzbekistan Scotland, the former independent kingdom is today one of four constituent nations which form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, capital city is Edinburgh	Malawi
Albert Finney played ‘Sir’ in which 1983 film?	Bibliography Independence achieved 1 August 1960. Former name: Dahomey (renamed 30 November 1975). Botswana (Republic of Botswana) Independence achieved 30 September 1966. Former name: British Protectorate of Bechuanaland (name changed with independence in 1966). Burkina Faso (Republic of Burkina Faso) Independence achieved 5 August 1960. Former name: Republic of Upper Volta (renamed in 1984). Burundi (Republic of Burundi) Independence achieved 1 July 1962. Former name: Urundi (part of Ruaunda-Urundi, renamed with independence in 1962). Cameroon (Republic of Cameroon) Independence achieved 1 January 1960 for East Cameroon (former French colony). Formed the Federal Republic (1 October 1961) when Southern (west) Cameroon (former British colony) voted in a U.N. supervised election (11 February 1961) to be attached to the former French Cameroon. Officially became United Republic of Cameroon on 2 June 1972, and renamed Republic of Cameroon in 1984. Central African Republic Independence achieved 13 August 1960. Former name: Oubangui-Chari (renamed 1 December 1958). Chad (Republic of Chad) Independence achieved 11 August 1960. Congo (People's Republic of the Congo) Independence achieved 15 August 1960. Former names: Middle Congo (part of French Equatorial Africa), Congo-Brazzaville. Côte d'Ivoire (Republic of Côte d'Ivoire) Independence achieved 7 August 1960. Formerly refered to by the equivalent translation of the name into different languages, such as "Ivory Coast" in English. In 1986, the government declared that all countries should use the French name "Côte d'Ivoire". Democratic Republic of the Congo Independence achieved June 1960. 17 May 1997 the former regime (Zaire) of Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngendu Banga was toppled and the present Democratic Republic of the Congo was established in its place. Former names: Congo Free State 1855-1908, Belgian Congo, 1908-1960, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Congo-Leopoldville, 1960-1966, Congo-Kinshasa 1966-1971, Zaire 1971-1997. Djibouti (Republic of Djibouti) Independence achieved 27 June 1997. Former names: French Somaliland until 1967, French territory of the Afars and Issas until independence. Egypt (Arab Republic of Egypt) Egypt has been seat of civilization since ancient times, however recent history has seen conquest by the Ottoman Empire in 1517, Napoleon Bonaparte's France in 1798, and finally by Britain in 1882. Modern independence was achieved on 28 February 1922 by British declaration. Equatorial Guinea (Republic of Equatorial Guinea) Independence achieved 12 October 1968. Former name: Spanish Guinea (renamed with independence). Eritrea (State of Eritrea) Independence achieved 24 May 1993. Ethiopia (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) Ethiopia has enjoyed independence from ancient times and has resisted attempts by other nations at colonization. Former name: Abyssinia. Gabon (Republic of Gabon) Independence achieved 17 August 1960. The Gambia (Republic of the Gambia) Independence achieved 18 February 1965. Ghana (Republic of Ghana) Independence achieved 6 March 1957. Former name: Gold Coast (renamed with independence). Guinea (Republic of Guinea) Independence achieved 2 October 1958. Guinea-Bissau (Republic of Guinea-Bissau) Independence achieved 24 September 1973. Former name Portuguese Guinea (renamed with independence). Kenya (Republic of Kenya) Independence achieved 12 December 1963. Lesotho (Kingdom of Lesotho) Independence achieved 4 October 1966. Former name: Basutoland. Liberia (Republic of Liberia) Independence achieved 26 July 1847. Liberia was established by Black American colonists sent by the American Colonisation Society in a controversial move to repatriate freed American slaves to Africa. After Ethiopia, it is the oldest of the modern independent African nations. Libya (Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) Independence achieved 24 December 1951. Madagascar (Democratic Republic of Madagascar) Independence achieved 26 June 1960. Malawi (Republic of Malawi) Independence achieved 6 July 1964. Former name: Nyasaland. Mali (Republic of Mali) Independence achieved 22 September 1960. Former name: Soudan. Mauritania (Islamic Republic of Mauritania) Independence achieved 28 November 1960. Morocco (Kingdom of Morocco) Independence achieved 2 March 1956. Mozambique (Republic of Mozambique) Independence achieved 25 June 1975. Former name: Portuguese East Africa. Namibia (Republic of Namibia) Independence achieved 21 March 1990. Former name South West Africa. Niger (Republic of Niger) Independence achieved 3 August 1960. Nigeria (Federal Republic of Nigeria) Independence achieved 1 October 1960. Rwanda (Republic of Rwanda) Independence achieved 1 July 1962. Former name Ruanda (part of Belgian administered territory of Ruanda-Urundi under League of Nations mandate 1919-1946, and U.N. Trusteeship 1946-1962). Senegal (Republic of Senegal) Independence achieved 20 August 1960. Sierra Leone (Republic of Sierra Leone) Independence achieved 27 April 1961. Somalia (Somali Democratic Republic) Independence achieved 1 July 1960. South Africa (Republic of South Africa) Independence achieved 11 December 1931. The dismantling of apartheid affectively began in 1991 with the proposal to repeal of Lands Acts of 1913 and 1936, and the Group Areas act of 1966 by then President F.W. De Klerk. By 27 April 1994 a Majority Rule Constitution was adopted, and on 10 May 1994 anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the President of South Africa bringing an end to apartheid in South Africa. Sudan (Democratic Republic of the Sudan) Independence achieved 1 January 1956. Swaziland (Kingdom of Swaziland) Independence achieved 6 September 1968. Tanzania (United Republic of Tanzania) Tanganyika achieved independence on 9 December 1961. Zanzibar Achieved independence on 10 December 1963. The United Republic was formed on 27 April 1964, and the name Tanzania was adopted on 29 October 1964. Togo (Republic of Togo) Independence achieved 27 April 1960. Former name Togoland. Tunisia (Republic of Tunisia) Independence achieved 20 March 1956. Uganda (Republic of Uganda) Independence achieved 9 October 1962. Western Sahara (Saharwi Arab Democratic Republic) When Spain withdrew from Western Sahara (then known as Spanish Sahara or Rio de Oro) in 1976 both Morocco and Mauritania moved to annex the territory. Mauritania withdrew in August 1979, and Western Sahara was absorbed by Morocco. However a political front called the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO) continued to struggle against foreign domination against Morocco and formed the Saharwi Arab Democratic Republic as a government in exile on 4 March 1976 which was recognized in 1984 by the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) leading Morocco to withdraw its membership from the OAU. In May 1991, Morocco and the Polisario Front ended fighting as a part of a U.N. sponsored peace settlement. The future of Saharwi is still to be decided as of this writing (9 September 1998). Zambia (Republic of Zambia) Independence achieved 24 October 1964. Former name: Northern Rhodesia. Zimbabwe (Republic of Zimbabwe) Independence achieved 18 April 1980. Former names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia. Not Shown on the Map: Cape Verde (Republic of Cape Verde) Independence achieved 5July 1975. Comoros Islands (Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros) Independence achieved 6 July 1975 (formally recognized by France (colonial regime) 1 January 1976). Mauritius (Republic of Mauritius) Independence achieved 12 March 1968. Reunion Administered by the French Overseas Department since 19 March 1946. French colony since 1642. São Tomé and Príncipe (Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe) Independence achieved 12 July 1975. Seychelles (Republic of Seychelles) Independence achieved 29 June 1976. Bibliography	i don't know
Vache is French for which animal?	French Animal Vocabulary Animals French Animal Vocabulary Here you will a list of words for over 40 kinds of animals in French. You’ll notice that most of the animals use the masculine gender. However, there are a few exceptions such as the word for cow (la vache). Also, a lot of the words are very similar to English so they’re pretty easy to learn. Finally, watch out for the pronunciation of l’écureuil, which means squirrel, as it’s a bit tricky. Click on any of the French words, listen, repeat and practice your pronunciation. At the bottom of the page you will find resources for games and flashcards, a quiz and worksheet. Sign Up For A FREE Trial French Lesson On Skype And Get Instant Access To My French Pronunciation Crash Course. Get the French Pronunciation Crash Course! Bonjour! My name is David Issokson. I'm an online French teacher. My mission is to help as many people as possible to learn how to speak this beautiful language that's brought me so much happiness in my life. Sign Up For A FREE Trial French Lesson On Skype! You'll Also Get a Headstart With My FREE French Essentials Ebook This book covers all of the most important elements of french pronunciation for the new speaker. It's FREE and yours if you sign up below. Fill in the info below and sign up for a FREE French lesson on Skype. Click to see some student reviews. Members - Crash Course - You Are Logged Out You are not currently logged in. Username: » Lost your Password? Private Lessons Testimonials "David is clearly a very experienced and knowledgeable teacher. He places emphasis on pronunciation and encourages me to recall my vocabulary in a way that is useful for speaking French day-to-day. His French lessons via Skype are both fun and interesting, and he adapts on-the-fly, so that he can always challenge me at the appropriate level." Maria, Cambridge, UK" Maria, Cambridge, UK "David is a great teacher who cares about his students and makes every effort for them to learn French on Skype where he types lessons notes. David has a proactive approach to learning and offers speaking conversation, grammar and reading classes. Check it out :)" Lachlan M., Sydney, Australia "David Issokson is a wonderful French teacher. I've had a number, and he is the best by far. He makes learning the language enjoyable, fun even, while covering the essentials." —Sandra Gulland, Ontario Canada "It is said that 'The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.' David is a great teacher who inspires. He has great patient and explains french pronunciation very nicely. He is very friendly with pleasant personality. I am sure anyone will love to learn french from David." – Dibakar Datta, Brown University, USA	Cattle
Edward Seymour, Ist Duke of Somerset, was executed for treason during the reign of which English monarch?	3 Fun And Common French Idioms With Animals 3 Fun And Common French Idioms With Animals 3 Fun And Common French Idioms With Animals Image Source/Raphye Alexius / Getty Images. By Camille Chevalier-Karfis Updated August 26, 2015. French Idioms are fun and so useful to express a whole concept in a short sentence - here are three common ones, using hens, a bear and a Spanish cow! 1 - Quand Les Poules Auront Des Dents Literally, this means when hens have teeth. So it means that there is not a chance of this ever happening. The equivalent English idiom is “when pigs fly”. Pigs, hens… it’s all in the barnyard ! Moi, sortir avec Paula ? Quand les poules auront des dents !! Me, going out with Paula? When pigs fly! 2 - Il Ne Faut Pas Vendre La Peau De L’Ours Avant de L’Avoir Tué You shouldn’t sell the bear’s skin before you killed it (the bear). Note the pronunciation of “un ours” - un noors. There is a strong liaison in N, and the final S of ours is pronounced. This idiom is easy to understand in French - it means you should not count on the benefit of an action before you have done it. The equivalent English idiom is “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched". With both English and French idiom, it’s not uncommon to leave out part of the sentence: il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours (avant de l’avoir tué). continue reading below our video 4 Tips for Improving Test Performance Don’t count your chickens (before they hatch). Comment ça? Tu vas acheter une voiture avec l’argent que tu vas gagner au loto ? Attends un peu, il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué ! Come again? You are going to buy a car with the money you’ll win at the lottery? Wait a second, dont’ count your chickens before they hatch! 3 - Parler Français Comme Une Vache Espagnole Literally, this means to speak French like a Spanish cow. Well, a cow doesn’t speak French to start with, so imagine a Spanish one! This means to speak French very poorly. The origins of this expressions are unclear, although it’s been in our language since the 1640! Some say it comes from “un basque espagnol” - referring to the basque language. Another theory is just that in older French, both vache and espagnole where pejorative terms. So combine both, and it makes quite an insult. Nowadays, it’s not that bad, but don’t use it lightly still… Ça fait 5 ans que Peter apprend le français, mais il parle comme une vache espagnole : son accent est si fort qu’on ne comprend pas un mot de ce qu’il dit. Peter has been learning French for five years, but he speaks a terrible French: his accent is so strong that you cannot understand a word he says. I post exclusive mini lessons, tips, pictures and more daily on my Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages - so press the links below - talk to you there!	i don't know
Bibliophobia is the irrational fear of what?	Bibliophobia \| The Fear of Books and Associated Phobias Bibliophobia \| The Fear of Books and Associated Phobias Search the site Bibliophobia \| The Fear of Books and Associated Phobias Where the phobia of books originates and how to overcome it By Lisa Fritscher Updated September 09, 2016 Bibliophobia is a reasonably unusual phobia of books. It can be broadly defined as the fear of books, but is also associated with a fear of reading or reading out loud or in public. Many people suffer only a subset of this phobia, fearing textbooks or historical novels or children’s stories, rather than a fear of all books. Mythophobia, or the fear of legends, can be considered a subtype of bibliophobia if the fear is of those legends that are written down. Metrophobia , or fear of poetry, is another subtype of bibliophobia. Although this phobia is rather unusual, it makes an excellent backdrop for certain Halloween events, such as Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights. In Universal’s scenario, for example, a female drama voice coach develops both bibliophobia and metrophobia, making it difficult or impossible to do her job. The treatment, in horror movie style, is to force the woman to face horrific images contained in a series of twisted fairy tales. This may be a comic way for people who are afraid of scary stories, but the fear should be taken seriously because of the consequences of this particular fear. The Phobia of Books If you suffer from bibliophobia, you may have difficulty when forced or encouraged to read. You may fear the stories themselves, or even the simple act of reading, holding a book or being in a library may cause anxious behavior associated with your phobia. If you suffer from learning disabilities or difficulty with reading, then it is natural to be nervous, particularly when reading out loud. It is, therefore, important to determine and treat the root cause of the phobia. You may have been ostracized in childhood for not reading adequately or forced to read before you were proficient, so the fear is associated with a lack of control over reading material which has created your aversion and resulted in anxiety surrounding books. If you have bibliophobia, you may shake, sweat or cry when having to read. You might go out of your way to avoid reading out loud, sitting in the back of a classroom or even skipping classes altogether. You may try to convince others to read important information to you instead of having to read it yourself. Or you may heavily control your interaction with books or reading environments such as libraries, museums and other places where reading is an important aspect of the experience. The Treatment of Bibliophobia Because bibliophobia can be extremely life-limiting, causing problems at work and school as well as in personal life, it's important that you seek proper treatment. Your doctor or mental health professional will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. You will likely be taught new ways of thinking about books, and encouraged to read a few pages at a time within the safety of your therapist’s office. At no time will you be forced to progress at a faster pace than you feel comfortable with. Remember treatment is not a cure, so your best course of action is to continue to expose yourself to books to lessen your anxiety surrounding your fear of books. This continual exposure will help you better overcome your phobia in the long run. Source	Book
Which English football club is nicknamed ‘The Addicks’?	Definition of abibliophobia, BuzzWord from Macmillan Dictionary noun [countable] 'What better respite from abibliophobia than working in a library?' it seems rather ironic that the term abibliophobia appears to have been coined on the Web … it would seem impossible for anyone with regular access to the Internet to be an abibliophobe In a discussion of the term bibliotherapy , we looked at alternative therapy based on reading. In the term abibliophobia, we're conversely dealing with a psychotic condition caused by reading! The World Wide Web is a cavernous source of reading material. Indeed, it's a bigger readers' repository than the world has ever known, so it seems rather ironic that the term abibliophobia appears to have been coined on the Web during the last three or four years. It would seem impossible for anyone with regular access to the Internet to be an abibliophobe (someone suffering from a fear of running out of reading material) or to become abibliophobic when more and more reading matter is available by the hour. More BuzzWords BuzzWord archive Background – abibliophobia Phobia is used both independently and as a suffix to describe an irrational fear of something, and has had increasingly productive use as a suffix in recent years – it seems possible to create an English term for being frightened of almost anything. For instance, many of us have heard of claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces) but what about e.g. papaphobia (fear of the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church), nostophobia (a fear of returning home), or even coulrophobia (fear of clowns)? The English language seems to concentrate as much on classifying disorders as it does finding terms for alternative therapies used to address them, so as well as bibliotherapy, we have bibliophobia (an irrational fear of books). Abibliophobia is most likely a nonce derivative of the latter, using morpheme 'a' from the Greek not.	i don't know
What is lowered through a hawse hole on a ship?	* Hawse hole (Boating) - Definition,meaning - Online Encyclopedia hawse hole - A hole in the hull for mooring line s to run through. hawsepipes - Pipes to guide lines through the hawse hole. On large vessel s anchor s are store d with their shank s in the hawsepipes . hawser - A rope that is very large in diameter, usually used when docking large vessel s. Hawse hole A hole in the Hull through which the Anchor Cable or mooring Line s are run . Find Terms ... hawse hole - A hull opening through which mooring line s are run . hawsepipes - Hawse hole fittings; fitting used to stow and protect the upper portion of the anchor rode (in large r vessel s). HAWSE HOLE : A hole in the bow through which a cable or chain passes. HAWSER : A large rope or a cable used in warping, towing , and mooring . Hawse Hole: Hawser : A rope used for towing or, mooring . Hawser -laid: Left-handed rope of nine strand s, in the form of three three- strand ed, right -handed ropes. Pipes to guide lines through the hawse hole. On large vessel s anchor s are store d with their shank s in the hawsepipes . Hawser A rope that is very large in diameter, usually used when docking large vessel s. KECKLING or KACKLING. Serving with old rope a cable in the eye or in the wake of a hawse hole, or anywhere, to save it from being chafe d. KEEL HAUL . To haul a man under a ship 's bottom with ropes made fast to opposite yardarm s; formerly a punishment in a ship of war, more especially in the Dutch Navy. Clap a service in the hawse , put somewhat round the cable in the hawse hole to prevent its chafing . To clear hawse , is to un twist the cable s where the ship is moored, and has got a foul hawse . Athwart hawse is to be across or before another ship 's head . eye of a stay F: that part of a stay which is formed into a sort of collar to go round a masthead . eyes of a ship F: a name frequently given to those parts which lie near the hawse holes, particularly in the lower apartments within the vessel .	Anchor
Which is the longest line on the London Underground Railway system?	Ships Construction, United States Coast Guard / National Maritime Center Merchant Mariner Exam Test Question Pool. Abaft: Toward the stern of a ship; back; behind; back of; further aft than. Aboard: On or in a ship. Abreast: Side by side. Accommodation Ladder: Stairs slung at the gangway, leading down, the vessel's side to a point near the water, for ship access from small boats. Aft: Near the stern; toward the stern. After Body: That portion of a ship's body aft of the midship section. After Frames: Frames aft of amidships, or frames near the stern of the ship. After Peak: The aftermost tank or compartment forward of the stern post. After Perpendicular: A line perpendicular to the base line intersecting the after-edge of the stern post at the designed water line. On submarines or ships having a similar stern, it is a vertical line passing through the point where the designed water line intersects the stern of the ship. Air Port: An opening in the side or deck house of a vessel, usually round in shape and fitted with a hinged frame in which a thick glass is secured. Aloft: In the upper rigging; above the decks. Amidships: In the vicinity of the middle portion of a vessel as distinguished from her ends. The term is used to convey the idea of general locality but not that of definite extent. Anchor: A heavy iron or steel implement attached to a vessel by means of a rope or chain cable for holding it at rest in the water. When an anchor is lowered to the bottom, the drag on the cable causes one or more of the prongs, called flukes, to sink into the ground which provides holding power. Anchor, Bower: The large anchors carried in the bow of a vessel. Three are usually carried, two (the main bowers) in the hawsepipes, or on bill boards, and a third (spare) lashed on deck or elsewhere about the vessel for use ,in the event either of the main bowers is lost. The weight varies with the size and service of the ship. Anchor, Kedge: A small anchor used for warping or kedging. It is usually planted from a small boat, the vessel being hauled up toward it. The weight varies, being usually from 900 to 1,200 pounds. Anchor, Sea: This is not a true anchor as it does not sink to the bottom. It is a conical shaped canvas bag required by the Bureau of Marine Inspection to be carried in each lifeboat. When placed overboard it serves a double purpose in keeping the boat head on into the sea and in spreading a vegetable or animal oil from a container placed inside the bag. It is sometimes called an oil spreader. Anchor, Stream: An anchor weighing from about one-fourth to one-third the weight of the main bowers and used when mooring in a narrow channel or harbor to prevent the vessel's stern from swinging with the current or the tide. Angle: Same as angle bar. Angle Bar: A bar of angle-shaped section used as a stiffener and for attachment of one plate or shape to another. Angle Bulb: A structural shape having a bulb on one flange of the, angle, used as a frame, beam, or stiffener. Angle Collar: A collar or band made of one or more pieces of angle bar and fitted tightly around a pipe, trunk, frame, longitudinal, or stiffener intersecting or projecting through a bulkhead or deck for the purposes of making a watertight or oiltight joint. See Stapling. Appendages: Relatively small portions of a vessel extending beyond its main outline as shown by transverse and water plane sections, including such items as shafting, struts, bossings, docking and bilge keels, propellers, rudder, and any, other feature, extraneous to the hull and generally immersed. Area of Sections: The area of any cross section of the immersed portion of a vessel, the cross section being taken at right angles to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. Astern: Signifying position, in the rear of or abaft the stern; as regards motion, the opposite of going ahead; backwards. Athwart: Across, from side to side, transverse, across the line of a vessel's course. Athwartship: Reaching across a vessel, from side to side. Auxiliaries: Various winches, pumps, motors, engines, etc., required on a ship, as distinguished from main propulsive machinery (boilers and engines on a steam installation). Awning: A roof like canopy of canvas suspended above a vessel's decks, bridges, etc., for protection against sun and weather. Return to Top Back Stay: Stays which extend from all mast levels, except the lower, to the ship's side at some distance abaft the mast. They serve as additional supports to prevent the masts going forward. And also contribute to the lateral support, thereby assisting the shrouds. Balanced Rudder: A rudder with its axis between the forward and after edge. Ballast: Any weight carried solely for the purpose of making the vessel more seaworthy. Ballast may be either portable or fixed, depending upon the condition of the ship. Fixed or permanent ballast in the form of sand, concrete, lead, scrap, or pig iron is usually fitted to overcome an inherent defect in stability or trim due to faulty design or changed character of service. Portable ballast, usually in the form of water pumped into or out of the bottom, peak, or wing ballast tanks, is utilized to overcome a temporary defect in stability or trim due to faulty loading, damage, etc., and to submerge submarines. Ballast Tanks: Tanks provided in various parts of a ship for introduction of water ballast when necessary to add weight to produce a change in trim or in stability of the ship, and for submerging submarines. Ballast Water: Sea water, confined to double bottom tanks, peak tanks, and other designated compartments, for use in obtaining satisfactory draft, trim, or stability. Ballasted Condition: A condition of loading in which it becomes necessary to fill all or part of the ballast tanks in order to secure proper immersion, stability, and steering qualities brought about by consumption of fuel, stores, and water or lack of part or all of the designed cargo. Barge: A craft of full body and heavy construction designed for the carriage of cargo but having no machinery for self-propulsion. Batten: Long, thin, strips of wood, steel, or plastic, usually of uniform rectangular section used in the drafting room and mold loft to lay down the lines of a vessel, but sometimes thinned down in the middle or at the ends to take sharp curves. A strip of wood or steel used in securing tarpaulins in place. To secure by means of battens, as to "batten down a hatch." Battens, Cargo: A term applied to the wood planks or steel shapes that are fitted to the inside of the frames in a hold to keep the cargo away from the shell plating; the strips of wood or steel used to prevent shifting of cargo. Beam: The extreme width of a ship. Also an Athwartship or longitudinal member of the ship's structure supporting the deck. Beam Knee: A bracket between a frame or stiffener and the end of a beam; a beam arm. Beam Line: A line showing the points of intersection between the top edge of the beam and the molded frame line, also called it molded deck line.ï¿½ Beam, Transom: A strong deck beam situated in the after end of the vessel connected at each end to the transom frame. The cant beams which support the deck plating in the overhang of the stern are attached to and radiate from it. Bearer: A term applied to foundations, particularly those having vertical web plates as principal members. The vertical web plates of foundations are also called bearers. Bearing: A block on or in which a journal rotates; a bearing block. Bell Mouthed: A term used to signify the open end of a pipe when it expands or spreads out with an increasing diameter. Below: Underneath the surface of the water. Underneath a deck or decks. Bending Rolls: A large machine used to give curvature to plates by passage in contact with three rolls. Bending Slab: Heavy cast-iron blocks with square or round holes for ï¿½dogging downï¿½ arranged to form a large solid floor on which frames and structural members are bent and formed. Berth: A term applied to a bed or a place to sleep. Berths, as a rule, are, permanently built into the structure of the staterooms or compartments. They are constructed singly and one above the other. Also, a place for a ship. Between Decks: The space between any two, not necessarily adjacent decks. Frequently expressed as ï¿½'tween decksï¿½. Bevel: A term for a plane having any other angle than 90 degrees to a given reference plane. Bevel, Closed: A term applied where one flange of a bar is bent to form an acute angle with the other flange. Bevel, Open: A term applied where one flange of a bar is bent to form an obtuse angle with the other flange. Frame bars in the bow and the stern of a vessel are given an open bevel to permit access for riveting to shell and to keep the standing flange parallel to the deck beams. Bight: A loop or bend in a rope; strictly, any part between the two ends may be termed the bight. Bilge: The rounded portion of a vessel's shell which connects the bottom with side. To open a vessel's lower body to the sea. Bilge Plates: The curved shell plates that fit the bilge. Bilges: The lowest portion of a ship inside the hull, considering the inner bottom where fitted as the bottom hull limit. Bill Board: An inclined platform, fitted at the intersection of the forward weather deck and the shell, for stowing an anchor. It may be fitted with a tripping device for dropping the anchor overï¿½board. Seldom fitted since the stockless anchor has come into general use. Bitter End: The inboard end of a vessel's anchor chain which is made fast in the chain locker. Bitts: A term applied to short metal or wood columns extending up from a base plate secured to a deck or bulwark rail or placed on a pier and to timbers extended up through and a short distance above a deck for the purpose of securing and belaying ropes, hawsers, cables', etc. Also called bollards. Bitumastic: A black tarlike' composition largely of bitumen or asphalt and containing such other ingredients as rosin, Portland cement, slaked lime, petroleum, etc. It is used as a protective coating in ballast and trimming tanks, chain lockers, shaft alleys, etc. Bleeder: A small cock, valve, or plug to drain off small quantities of fluids from a container or system. Blind Pulley: A circular block of hard wood with rounded edges perforated by several holes having grooves running from them to one side of the block. One of these blocks is secured to an end of a part of the standing rigging, as a shroud, and another to the chain plate or to some part of the ship and the two are connected to one another by a lashing passing through the holes. Commonly called "dead eyes." Block: The name given to a pulley or sheave, or a system of pulleys or sheaves, mounted in a frame or shell and used for moving objects by means of ropes run over the pulleys or sheaves. The prefixes single, double, triple, etc., indicate the number of pulleys or sheaves in the block. The five principal parts of a block are (a) the shell, or outside frame, (b) the sheave, on which the rope runs, (c) the pin, on which the sheave turns, (d) the strap, by which the hook is held in position and which provides bearing for the pin, and (e) the hook, which may be open, sister, or shackle and fixed or swivel. The opening between the top of the sheave and the shell is called the swallow, that between the bottom of the sheave and the shell is called the breech, and, the device attached to the bottom of the block opposite the hook for securing the standing part of the fall to the block is called the Becket. Block, Cheek: A half shell block with a single sheave bolted to a mast or other object which serves as the other half shell or cheek. Usually used in connection with halyards. Block, Fiddle: A block having two sheaves of different diameters, placed in the same plane one above the other. Block, Snatch: A single sheave block having one side of the frame hinged so that it can be opened to allow the bight of a rope to be placed on the sheave; thus avoiding the necessity of threading the end of the rope through the swallow of the block. Usually employed as a fair lead around obstructions. Blower: A mechanical device used to supply air under low pressure for artificial ventilation and forced draft, usually of the centrifugal type. Boarding: The act of going on board a ship. Bobstays: The chains or ropes attached underneath the outer end of the bowsprit and led aft to the sten to prevent the bowsprit from jumping up. Where two are fitted they are called the inner and the cap bobstays; when three are fitted they are called the inner, the middle, and the cap bobstays. Body Plan: A plan consisting of two half transverse elevations or end views of a ship, both having a common vertical center line, so that the right-hand side represents the ship as seen from ahead, and the left-hand side as seen from astern. On the body plan appear the forms of the various cross sections, the curvature of the deck lines at the side, and the projections, as straight lines of the water lines, the bow and buttock lines, and the diagonal lines. Boiler: Any vessel, container, or receptacle that is capable of generating steam by the internal or external application of heat. The two general classes are fire tube and water tube. Boiler Casing: Walls fanning a trunk leading from the boiler room to the boiler hatch, which protect the different deck spaces from the heat of the boiler room, etc. Boiler Room: A compartment in the hold, in the middle or after section of a vessel where the boilers are placed. Bollards: See "bitts." Bolster Plate: A piece of plate adjoining the hawse hole, to prevent the chafing of the hawser against the cheek of a ship's bow. A plate for support like a pillow or cushion. Bolt: A metal rod used as a fastening. With few exceptions, such as drift bolts, a head or shoulder is made on one end and a screw thread to carry a nut is cut on, the other. Bolting Up: Securing by means of bolts and nuts parts of a structure in proper position for permanent attachment by riveting or welding. A workman employed on this work is called a "bolter up." Bonjean Curves: Curves of areas of transverse sections of a ship. The curves of the moments of these areas above the base line are sometimes included. Booby Hatch: An access hatch from a weather deck protected by a hood from sea and weather. The hood is often fitted with a sliding cover to facilitate access. Boom: A term applied to a spar used in handling cargo, or to which the lower edge of, a fore-and -aft sail is attached. Boom Table: A structure built up around a mast from the deck to support the heel bearings of booms and to provide proper working clearances when a number of booms are installed on or around one mast. Boot topping: An outside area on a vessel's hull from bow to stern between certain waterlines to which special air, water, and grease-resisting paint is applied; also the paint applied to such areas. Bosom: The inside of an angle bar. Bosom Bar: An angle fitted inside another. Bosom Plate: A plate bar or angle fitted in the bosoms of two angle bars to connect the ends of the two angles as if by a butt strap. Boss: The curved, swelling portion of the ship's underwater hull around the propeller shaft . Boss Plate: The plate that covers the boss. Bottom: That portion of a vessel's shell between the keel and the lower turn of the bilge. Bottom, Outer: A term applied to the bottom shell plating in a double bottom ship. Bottom Plating: That part of the shell plating which is below the water line. More specifically, the immersed shell plating from bilge to bilge. Bow: The forward end of the ship. The sides of the vessel at and for some distance abaft the stem, designated as the right-hand or starboard bow and the left-hand, or port-bow. Bow Lines: Curves representing vertical sections parallel to the central longitudinal vertical plane of the bow end of a ship. Similar curves in the aft part of a hull are called buttock lines. Also, a rope leading from the vessel's bow to another vessel or to a wharf for the purpose of hauling her ahead or for securing her. Bowsprit: A spar projecting forward over the bow for the purpose of holding the lower ends of the head sails. Brace: A rope attached to the yard arm, used to alter the position of the yard arm in a horizontal plane. The operation is known as trimming the sail. Bracket: A steel plate, commonly of triangular shape with a reinforcing flange, on its free edge, used to connect two parts such as deck beam to frame, frame to ,margin plate, 'etc.; also used to stiffen or tie beam angles to bulkheads, frames to longitudinals, etc. Breadth, Extreme: The maximum breadth measured over plating or planking, including beading or fenders. Breadth, Molded: The greatest breadth of the vessel measured from heel of frame on one side to heel of frame on other side. Breadth, Registered: Measured at amidships at its greatest breadth to outside of plating. Break of Forecastle or Poop: The point at which the partial decks known as the forecastle and poop are discontinued. Breakwater: A term applied to plates or timbers fitted on a forward weather deck to form a V -shaped shield against water that is shipped over the bow. Breast Hook: A triangular-shaped plate fitted parallel to and between decks or side stringers in the bow for the purpose of rigidly fastening together the peak frames, stem, and outside plating; also used, in conjunction with the above duties, to fasten the ends of side stringers firmly together. Bridge: A high transverse platform, often fanning the top of a bridge house, extending from side to side of the ship, and from which a good view of the weather deck may be had. An enclosed space called the pilot house is erected on the bridge in which are installed the navigating instruments, such as the compass and binnacle, the control for the steering apparatus, and the signals to the engine room. While the pilot house is generally extended to include a chartroom and sometimes staterooms, a clear passageway should be left around it. As the operation of the ship is directed from the bridge or flying bridge above it, there should also be a clear, open passage from one side of the vessel to the other. The term is also applied to the narrow walkways, called connecting bridges, which connect the bridge deck with the poop and forecastle decks. This type of bridge is usually found on tankers and is desirable whenever bulwarks are not fitted. Bridge House: A term applied to an erection or superstructure fitted about amidships on the upper deck of a ship. Bridge, Navigating, or Flying: The uppermost platform erected at the level of the top of the pilot house. I t generally consists of a narrow walkway supported by stanchions, running from one side of the ship to the other and the space over the top of the pilot house. A duplicate set of navigating instruments and controls for the steering gear and engine room signals are installed on the flying bridge so that the ship may be navigated in good weather from this platform. Awnings erected on stanchions and weather cloths fitted to the railing give protection against sun and wind. Broken Backed: Said of a vessel when, owing to insufficient longitudinal strength, grounding, or other accident, her sheer is reduced or lost, thereby producing a drooping effect at both ends. Brow: A gangplank usually fitted with rollers at the end resting on the wharf to allow for the movement of the vessel with the tide. See watershed. Buckle: A distortion, such as a bulge; to become distorted; to bend out of its own plane. Buckler: Generally, but not exclusively, applied to various devices used to prevent water from entering hawse and chain pipes, etc. Buckling: The departure of a plate, shape, or stanchion from its designed plane or axis when subjected to load. Building Slip: An inclined launching berth where the ship is built. Bulkhead: A term applied to anyone of the partition walls which subdivide the interior of a ship into compartments or rooms. The various types of bulkheads are distinguished by the addition of a word or words, explaining the location, use, kind of material or method of fabrication, such as fore peak, longitudinal, transverse, watertight, wire mesh, etc. Bulkheads which contribute to the strength and seaworthiness of a vessel are called strength bulkheads, those which are essential to the watertight subdivision are watertight or oiltight bulkheads. Bulkhead, After Peak: A term applied to the first transverse bulkhead forward of the stern post. This bulkhead forms the forward boundary of the afterpeak tank and should be made watertight. Bulkhead, Collision: The foremost transverse watertight bulkhead in a ship which extends from the bottom of the hold to the freeboard deck. It is designed to keep water out of the forward hold in case of collision damage. Usually, this is the fore peak bulkhead at the after end of the fore peak tank. Bulkhead, Joiner: Wood or light metal bulkheads serving to bound staterooms, offices, etc., and not contributing to the ship's strength. Bulkhead Stiffener: Members attached to the plating of a bulkhead for the purpose of holding it in a plane when pressure is applied to one side. The stiffener is generally vertical, but horizontal stiffeners are used and both are found on same bulkheads. The most efficient stiffener is a T section; flat bars, angles, channels, zees, H and I sections are commonly used. Bulkhead, Swash: A strongly built, nontight bulkhead placed in oil or water tanks to slow down the motion of the fluid set up by the motion of the ship. Bulkhead, Wire Mesh: A partition or enclosure bulkhead, used largely in store rooms, shops, etc., made of wire mesh panels. Bulldozer - A machine, usually hydraulic or electric, for bending bars, shapes or plates while cold. Bulwark: A term applied to the strake of shell plating or the side planking above a weather deck. It helps to keep the deck dry and also serves as a guard against losing deck cargo or men overboard. Where bulwarks are fitted, it is customary to provide openings in them which are called freeing ports, to allow the water that breaks over to clear itself. Bulwark Stay: A brace extending from the deck to a point near the top of the bulwark, to keep it rigid. Bumped: A term applied to a plate which has been pressed or otherwise formed to a concave or convex shape. Used for heads of tanks, boilers, etc. Bunk: A built-in berth or bed. Bunker: A compartment used for the stowage of coal or oil fuel. Buoyancy: Ability to float; the supporting effort exerted by a liquid (usually water) upon the surface of body, wholly or partially immersed in it. Buoyancy, Reserve: The floating or buoyant power of the un submerged portion of the hull of a vessel. Usually referred to a specific condition of loading. Butt: That end or edge of a plate or timber where it comes squarely against another piece; or, the joint thus formed. Buttock: The rounded-in overhanging part on each side of the stern in front of the rudder, merging underneath in the run. Buttock Lines: The curves shown by taking vertical longitudinal sections of the after part of a ship's hull parallel to the ship's keel. Similar curves in forward part of hull are "bow lines." Butt Strap: A term applied to a strip of plate serving as a connecting strap between the butted ends of the plating. The strap connections at the edges are called seam straps. Return to Top Cabin: The interior of a deck house, usually the space set aside for the use of officers and passengers. Caisson: A watertight structure used for raising sunken vessels by means of compressed air. Also the floating gate to close the entrance to a dry dock. Calking: The operation of jamming material into the contact area to make a joint watertight or oiltight. Camber, Round of Beam: The weather decks of ships are rounded up or arched in an Athwartship direction for the purpose of draining any water that may fall on them to the sides of the ship where it can be led overboard through scuppers. The arching or rounding up is called the camber or round of the beam and is expressed in inches in connection with the greatest molded breadth of the ship in feet, thus, "the main deck has a camber of 10 inches in 40 feet." In is measured at the center line of the ship at the greatest molded breadth and is the distance from the chord to the top of the arch. Cant: A term signifying an inclination of an object from a perpendicular; to turn anything so that it does not stand perpendicularly or square to a given object. Cant Frame: A frame the plane of which is not square to the keel. Capstan, Steam: A vertical drum or barrel operated by a steam engine and used for handling heavy anchor chains, heavy hawsers, etc. The engine is usually non-reversing and transmits its power to the capstan shaft through a worm wheel. The drum is fitted with pawls to prevent overhauling under the strain of the hawser or chain when the power is shut off. The engine may be disconnected and the capstan operated by hand through the medium of capstan bars. Cargo: Merchandise or goods accepted for transportation by ship. Cargo Boom: A heavy boom used in loading cargo. See "boom." Cargo Hatch: A large opening in the deck to permit loading of cargo. Cargo Mat: A mat, usually square and made of manila rope, used to protect the deck covering while taking stores, etc., on board. Cargo Net: A square net, made in various sizes of manila rope or chain, and used in connection with the ship's hoisting appliances to load cargo, etc., aboard the vessel. Cargo Port: An opening, provided with a watertight cover or door, in the side of a vessel of two or more decks, through which cargo is received and discharged. Carlings: Short beams forming a portion of the framing above deck openings. Also called headers when they support the ends of interrupted deck beams. Casings, Engine and Boiler Rooms: The walls or partitions forming trunks above the engine and boiler spaces, providing air and ventilation and enclosing the uptakes. They extend somewhat above the weather deck, or superstructure deck if fitted, and are of sufficient size to permit installation and removal of engines and boilers. / Doors are fitted at the several deck levels to permit access to the gratings and ladders. Cavil: A heavy timber fastened to the forward or after bitts about midway between the base and top to form a cleat. The bitt so built. Ceiling: A term applied to the planking with which the inside of a vessel is sheathed. Also applied to the sheet metal or wood sheathing in quarters and storerooms. Ceiling, Floor: Planking fitted on top of the floors or double bottom in the cargo holds. Ceiling, Hold: Thick strakes of planking fastened to the inside flanges or edges of the framing in the cargo holds. Centerline: The middle line of the ship from stem to stern as shown in any waterline view. Center of Buoyancy: The geometric center of gravity of the immersed volume of the displacement or of the displaced water, determined solely by the shape of the underwater body of the ship. It is calculated for both the longitudinal location, forward or aft of the middle perpendicular, and the vertical location above the base line or below the designed waterline. Center of Flotation: The geometric center of gravity of the water plane at which the vessel floats, forward or aft of the middle perpendicular. It is that point about which a vessel rotates longitudinally when actuated by an external force without change in displacement. Center of Gravity: The point at which the combined height of all the individual items going to make up the total weight of the vessel may be considered as concentrated; generally located longitudinally forward or aft of the middle perpendicular and vertically above bottom of keel or below a stated waterline. Center of Lateral Resistance: The point through which a single force could act and produce an effort equal to the lateral resistance of the vessel. It is ordinarily assumed to be coincident with the center of gravity of the immersed central longitudinal plane. Center of Pressure: The point in a sail or an immersed plane surface at which the resultant of the combined pressure forces acts. Central Lateral Plane: The immersed longitudinal vertical middle plane of a vessel. Chafing Plate: A plate fitted to take the wear due to dragging moving gear or to protect ropes from wearing where they rub on sharp edges. Also fitted on decks under anchor chains. Chain Locker: Compartment in forward lower portion of ship in which anchor chain is stowed. Chain Locker Pipe: Chain Pipe: The iron-bound opening or section of pipe leading from the chain locker to the deck, through which the chain cable passes. Chain Plate: A bar or plate secured to the shell of a vessel to which the standing rigging is attached .. Chains: Usually refers to heavy chains attached to the anchor. Also applied to the lower parts of standing rigging which are attached to the chain plates. Chain Stopper: A device used to secure the chain cable when riding at anchor, thereby relieving the strain on the windlass, and also for securing the anchor in the housing position in the hawsepipe. Chamfer: A bevel surface formed by cutting away the angle of two intersecting faces of a piece of material. Chart House: A small room adjacent to the bridge for charts and navigating instruments. Chine: The line formed by the intersection of side and bottom in ships having straight or slightly curved frames. Chock: A term applied to oval-shaped castings, either open or closed on top, and fitted with or without rollers, through which hawsers and lines are passed. Also applied to blocks of wood used as connecting or reinforcing pieces, filling pieces, and supports for life boats. Also applied to the brackets fitted to boiler saddles to prevent fore and aft motion and to small brackets on the webs of frames, beams and stiffeners to prevent tipping of the member. Clamp: A metal fitting used to grip and hold wire ropes. Two or more may be used to connect two ropes in lieu of a short splice or in turning in an eye. Also a device generally operated by hand, for holding two or more pieces of material together, usually called a ï¿½Cï¿½clamp. Cleats: Pieces of wood or metal, of various shapes according to their uses, usually having two projecting arms or horns upon which to belay ropes. The term Cavil is sometimes applied to a cleat of extra size and strength. CIinometer: An instrument used for indicating the angle of roll or pitch of a vessel. Cup: A four- to six-inch angle bar welded temporarily to floors, plates, webs, etc. It is used as a hold-fast which, with the aid of a bolt, pulls objects up close in fitting. Also, short lengths of bar, generally angle, used to attach and connect the various members of the ship structure. Close Butt: A riveted joint in which the ends of the connected members are brought into metal-to-metal contact by grinding and pulling tight by clips or other means before the rivets are driven. Club-Foot: A fore foot in which displacement or volume is placed near the keel and close to the forward perpendicular, resulting in full water lines below water and fine lines at and near the designed waterline, the transverse sections being bulbshaped. Also called a bulb or bulbous bow. Coaming, Bulkhead: A term applied to the top and bottom strakes of bulkheads, which are usually made thicker than the remainder of the plating and which act as girder web plates in helping to support the adjacent structure. Coaming, Hatch: A frame bounding a hatch for the purpose of stiffening the edges of the opening and forming the support for the covers. In a steel ship it generally consists of a strake of strong vertical plating completely bounding the edges of a deck opening. Cofferdams: Empty spaces separating two or more compartments for the purpose of insulation, or to prevent the liquid contents of one compartment from entering another in the event of the failure of the walls of one to retain their tightness. Collar: A piece of plate or a shape fitted around an opening for the passage of a continuous member through a deck, bulkhead, or other structure to secure tightness against oil, water, air, dust, etc. Collier: A vessel designed for the carrying of coal, which may or may not be fitted with special appliances for coal handling. Companion: The cover over a companionway. Companionway: A hatchway or opening in a deck provided with a set of steps or ladders leading from one deck level to another for the use of personnel. Compartment: A subdivision of space or room in a ship. Composite Vessel: A vessel with a metal frame and a wooden shell and decks. Cordage: A comprehensive term for all ropes of whatever size or kind on board a ship. Counter: That part of a ship's stern which overhangs the stern post, usually that part above the water line. Countersink: A term applied to the operation of cutting the sides of a drilled or punched hole into the shape of the frustum of a cone. Also applied to the tool by which countersinking is done. Countersunk Hole: A hole tapered or beveled around its edge to allow a rivet or bolt head or a rivet point to seat flush with or below the surface of the riveted or bolted object. Countersunk Rivet: A rivet driven flush on one or both sides. Coupling: A device for securing together the adjoining ends of piping, shafting, etc., in such a manner as will permit disassembly whenever necessary. Flanges connected by bolts and pipe unions are probably the most common forms of couplings. Cradle: A support of wood or metal shaped to fit the object which is stowed upon it. Cradle, Boat: The heavy wood or metal supports for a ship's boat, cut to fit the shape of the hull of the boat and usually faced with leather, In which the boat is stowed. Cradle, Launching: The structure of wood, or wood and steel, which is built up from the sliding ways, closely fitting the shell plating, which supports the weight of the ship and distributes it to the sliding ways when a ship is being launched. The extent of the cradle and the number of sections into which it may be divided depends on the weight and length of the ship. Cradle, Marine Railway: The carriage on which the ship rests when being docked on a marine rail way. Crane: A machine used for hoisting and moving pieces of material or portions of structures or machines that are either too heavy to be handled by hand or cannot be handled economically by hand. Bridge, gantry, jib, locomotive, and special purpose cranes are used in shipyards. Cribbing: Foundations of heavy blocks and timbers for supporting a vessel during the period of construction. Cross Trees: A term applied to athwart ship pieces fitted over the trees on a mast. They serve as a foundation for a platform at the top of a mast or as a support for outriggers. Crown: Term sometimes used denoting the round-up or camber of a deck. The crown of an anchor is located where the arms join the shank. Crow's Nest: A lookout station attached to or near the head of a mast. Crutch: A term applied to a support for a boom. Also applied to the jaw of a boom or gaff. Cutwater: The forward edge of the stem at or near the water line is called the cutwater. Return to Top Davit: A device used to lower and raise ship's boats and sometimes for other purposes. The rotary, or most common type, consists of a vertical pillar, generally circular in section, with the upper portion bent in a fair curve and having sufficient outreach to clear the side of the ship plus a clearance. Each ship's boat has two davits, one near its bow and one near its stern; they both rotate; lifting the boat, by means of blocks and falls suspended from the overhanging end, from its stowage position on deck and swinging it clear of the ship's side. This type of davit is usually stepped in a socket attached to the side of the vessel or on the deck next below the boat deck near the side and held in place at the boat deck by a keeper or bearing. Dead Eye: See Blind Pulley Dead Flat: The Midship portion of a vessel throughout the length of which a constant shape of cross section is maintained. , Deadlight: A term applied to a port lid or cover; a metal shutter fitted to protect the glass in a fixed or port light. Often incorrectly applied to a fixed light in a deck, bulkhead or shell. Dead Rise: The amount which the straight portion of the bottom of the floor, of the midship section rises above the base line in the half-beam of the vessel. Usually expressed in inches. Deadweight: The difference between the light displacement and the full load displacement of a vessel; the total weight of cargo, fuel, water, stores, passengers, and crew and their effects that a ship can carry when at her maximum allowable draft. Deadweight, Cargo: The number of tons remaining after deducting from the deadweight the weight of fuel, water, stores, dunnage, and crew and their effects necessary for use on a voyage. Also called" useful" or "paying" deadweight. Deadwood: The vertical surfaces at the extreme after body of a ship. Deck: A deck in a ship corresponds to a floor in a building. It is the plating, planking, or covering of any tier of beams above the inner bottom forming a floor, either in the hull or superstructure of a ship. Decks are designated by their location as upper deck, main deck, etc., and forward lower deck, after superstructure deck, etc. The after portion of a weather deck was formerly known as the quarter deck and on warships is allotted to the use of the officers. Deck Bolt: A special type of bolt used to secure the planks of a wood deck to the beams or deck plating. Deck, Bulkhead: The uppermost continuous deck to which all main transverse bulkheads are carried. This deck should be watertight to prevent flooding adjacent compartments if a compartment is bilged. Deck, Freeboard: The deck to which the classification societies require the vessel's freeboard to be measured. Usually the upper strength deck. Deck Heights: The vertical distance between the molded lines of two adjacent decks. Deck House: A term applied to a partial superstructure that does not extend from side to side of a vessel as do the bridge, poop, and forecastle. Deck Machinery: A term applied to capstans, windlasses, winches, and miscellaneous machinery located on the decks of ship. Deck Planks or Planking: A term applied to the wood sheathing or covering on a deck. Oregon pine, yellow pine, and teak are most commonly used. The seams between the planks should be thoroughly calked. Deck Plating: A term applied to the steel plating of a deck. Deck Stringer: The strip of deck plating that runs along the outer edge of a deck. Deep Floors: A term applied to the floors at the ends of a ship which are deeper than the standard depth of floor at amidships. Deep Tanks: Tanks extending from the bottom or inner bottom of a vessel up to or higher than the lowest deck. They are fitted with hatches so that they also may be used for cargo. Deep Waterline: The waterline at which the vessel floats when carrying the maximum allowable load. Depth Molded: The vertical distance from the molded base line to the top of the uppermost strength deck beam at side, measured at midlength of the vessel. Derrick: A device consisting of a kingpost, boom with topping lift, and necessary rigging for hoisting heavy weights, cargo, etc. Diagonal Line: A line cutting the body plan diagonally from the centerline, representing a plane introduced for line fairing purposes. Dished Plates: Plates, generally of circular shape, which have been furnaced or pressed into a concave form. Displacement: The weight of fluid displaced by a freely floating and unrestrained vessel, the weight of which exactly equals the weight of the vessel and everything on board at the time the displacement is recorded. Displacement is expressed in tons. Displacement Curves: Curves drawn to give the displacement of the vessel at varying drafts. Usually these curves are drawn to show the displacement in either salt or fresh water, or in both. Displacement, Designed: The displacement of a vessel when floating at her designed draft. Displacement, Full Load: The displacement of a vessel when floating at her greatest allowable draft as established by the classification societies. Displacement, Light: The displacement of the vessel complete with all items of outfit, equipment, and machinery on board but excluding all cargo, fuel, water, stores, passengers, dunnage, and the crew and their effects. Dock: A basin for the reception of vessels. Wet docks are utilized for the loading and unloading of ships. Dry docks are utilized for the construction or repair of ships. Dockyard: A shipyard or plant where ships are constructed or repaired. Dog: A short metal rod or bar fashioned to form a clamp or clip ,and used for holding watertight doors, manholes, or pieces of work in place. Dog Shores: Diagonal braces placed to prevent the sliding ways from moving when the shores and keel blocks are removed before launching. Dog shores are the last timbers to be knocked away at a launching. Dolly Bar: A heavy steel bar used to hold against the heads of rivets while the points are being clinched when the space is not sufficient to permit the use of a regular holding-on tool. Dolphin: A term applied to several piles that are bound together, situated either at the corner of a pier or out in the stream and used for docking and warping vessels. Also applied to single piles and bollards on piers that are used in docking and warping. Donkey Engine: A small gas, steam, or electric auxiliary engine set on deck and used for lifting, etc. Door, Airtight: A door so constructed that when dosed it will prevent the passage of air under a small pressure. Used on air locks to boiler rooms under forced draft and in similar locations. Door Frame: The frame surrounding a door opening on which the door seats. Door, Joiner: A light door fitted to staterooms and quarters where air and watertightness is not required. Made of wood, light metal, and metal-covered wood. Metal joiner doors with pressed panels are extensively used. Door, Watertight: A door so constructed that, when dosed, it will prevent water under pressure from passing through. A common type consists of a steel plate, around the edges of which a frame of angle bar is fitted, having a strip of rubber attached to the reverse side of the flange that is fastened to the door plate. The strip of rubber is compressed against the toe of the flange of an angle iron door frame by dogs or clamps. Door, Weathertight: A term applied to outside doors on the upper decks which are designed to keep out the rain and spray. Double Bottom: A term applied to the space between the inner and outer skins of a vessel called respectively the "inner bottom" and "shell," usually extending from bilge to bilge and for nearly the whole length of the vessel fore and aft, and subdivided into water or oil tight compartments. Doubling Plate: An extra plate secured to the original plating for additional strength or to compensate for an opening in the structure. Dowel: A pin of wood or metal inserted in the edge or face of two boards or pieces to secure them together. Draft, Draught: The depth of the vessel below the waterline measured vertically to the lowest part of the hull, propellers, or other reference point. When measured to the lowest projecting portion of the vessel, it is called the "draft, extreme"; when measured at the bow, it is called "draft, forward"; and when measured at the stern, the "draft, aft" ; the average of the draft, forward, and the draft, aft, is the "draft, mean," and the mean draft when in full load condition is the "draft, load." Draft Marks: The numbers which are placed on each side of a vessel near the bow and stern, and often also amidships, to indicate the distance from the number to the bottom of the keel or a fixed reference point. These numbers are six inches high, are spaced twelve inches bottom to bottom vertically, and are located as close to the bow and stern as possible. Drag: The designed excess of draft, aft, over that forward, measured from the designer's waterline. The drag is constant and should not be confused with trim. Drift: When erecting the structure of a ship and rivet holes in the pieces to be connected are not concentric; the distance that they are out of line is called the drift. This should be corrected by reaming the holes, but common practice, which is prohibited, is to drive tapered pins, called "drift pins," into the unfair holes to force them into line. Drift Pin: A conical-shaped pin gradually tapered from a blunt point to a diameter a little larger than the rivet holes in which it is to be used. The point is inserted in rivet holes that are not fair, and the other end is hammered until the holes are forced into line. Dry Dock, Floating: A hollow floating structure of L- or U-shaped cross section, so designed that it may be submerged to permit floating a vessel into it, and that it may then raise the vessel and itself so that the deck of the dock and consequently the bottom of the vessel is above the level of the water. The bottom of a floating dry dock consists of one or more pontoons or rectangular shaped vessels with high wing structure erected on one or both sides according to whether the section is to be L- or U-shaped. The deck of the pontoon is fitted with stationary keel blocks and movable bilge blocks which can be pulled under a vessel from the top of the wing structure. Pumps are fitted in the wings by which the dock can be quickly submerged or raised. Floating dry docks are used for repairing and painting the underwater portions of vessels and for docking a damaged vessel. Dry Dock, Graving: A basin excavated at a waterway and connected thereto by gates or a caisson which may be opened to let a vessel in or out and then closed and the water pumped out. The dock is fitted with stationary keel blocks and movable bilge blocks, which usually are fitted on rack tracks, allowing them to be pulled under a vessel before the water is pumped out. Graving docks are common in navy yards, and although more expensive to construct than floating dry docks, they are practicality permanent and supply a more rigid foundation for supporting a ship. The gate of a graving dry dock is usually a caisson which is a complete vessel in itself, having a strong rectangular shaped keel and end I posts which bear against the bottom sill and side, ledges at the entrance of the dry dock. The caisson is designed so that its draft may be adjusted by water ballast until it bears against the sill and ledges and is equipped with flood valves and power pumps to make this adjustment. When a ship is to be docked, sluice valves in the caisson or in the dock structure are opened until the water in the dock reaches the same level as the water outside. The caisson is then floated to one side, allowing a vessel to enter the dock. The caisson is then floated back to close the entrance, completely separating the basin from the waterway, and after the vessel is lined up over the keel blocks the water is pumped out of the dry dock. Dry Dock, Railway: A railway dock consists of tracks built on an incline on a strong foundation and extending from a distance in-shore sufficient to allow docking a vessel of the maximum size for which the dock is built, to a distance under water sufficient to allow the same vessel to enter the cradle. The cradle running on the tracks may be of wood or steel fitted with keel and bilge blocks and sufficiently weighted to keep it on the track when in the water. A hoisting engine with a winding drum or wildï¿½cat is fitted at the in-shore end of the railway which operates the cradle by a cable or chain. This type of dry dock is used for docking small ships. It is commonly called a "marine railway." Dunnage: Any material, such as blocks, boards, paper, burlap, etc., necessary for the safe stowage of stores and cargo. Dutchman: A piece of wood or steel fitted into an opening to cover up poor joints or crevices caused by poor workmanship. Return to Top Edge, Sight: That edge of a strake of plating which laps outside another strake and is, therefore, in plain sight. Elbow-EIl: A pipe fitting that makes an angle between adjacent pipes, always 90 degrees unless another angle is stated. Electrode: Either a positive or negative pole or terminal in an electric circuit; rod used to make an electric weld. Engine Room: Space where the main engines of a ship are located. Entrance: The forward underwater portion of a vessel at or near the bow. The angle formed between the center line of the ship and the tangent to the designed waterline is called the angle of entrance. Equilibrium, Neutral: The state of equilibrium in which a vessel inclined from its original position of rest by an external force tends to maintain the inclined position assumed after that force has ceased to act. Equilibrium, Stable: The state of equilibrium in which a vessel inclined from its original position of rest by an external force tends to return to its original position after that force has ceased to act. Equilibrium, Unstable: The state of equilibrium in which a vessel inclined from its original position of rest by an external force tends to depart farther from the inclined position assumed after that force has ceased to act. Erection: The process of hoisting into place and joining the various parts of a ship's hull, machinery, etc. Evaporator: An auxiliary for supplying fresh water, consisting of a salt water chamber heated by coils or nests of tubing through which live steam is circulated, converting the water into steam which is passed to a condenser or distiller to make up loss of boiler feed water or for other purposes requiring fresh water. Even Keel: When a boat rides on an even keel, its plane of flotation is either coincident with or parallel to the designed waterline. Expansion Joint: A term applied to a joint which permits linear movement to take up the expansion and contraction due to changing temperature or ship movement. Expansion Tanks: Overflow tanks used to provide for expansion, overflow, and replenishment of oil in stowage or cargo tanks. Expansion Trunk: A trunk extending above a hold which is intended for stowage of liquid cargo. The surface of the cargo liquid is kept sufficiently high in the trunk to permit of expansion' of the liquid without danger of excessive strain on the hull or of overflowing, and of contraction of the liquid without increase of the free surface and its accompanying effect upon the stability of the vessel. Extra Strong: The correct term or name applied to a certain class of pipe which is heavier than standard pipe and not as heavy as double extra strong pipe. Often, but less correctly, called extra heavy pipe. Eye: A hole through the head of a pin, bolt, etc., or a loop forming a hole or opening through which something is intended to pass, such as a hook, pin, shaft, or rope. Eye Bolt: A bolt having either a head looped to form a worked eye or a solid head with a hole drilled through it forming a shackle eye. Eyes: The forward end of the space below the upper deck of a ship which lies next abaft the stem where the sides of the ship approach very near to each other. The hawsepipes are usually run down through the eyes of a ship. Return to Top Fabricate: To shape, assemble, and secure in place the component parts in order to form a complete whole. To manufacture. Face Plate: A flat plate fitted perpendicular to the web and welded to the web plate, or welded or riveted to the flange or flanges of a frame, beam stiffener, or girder to balance the continuous plating attached to the opposite flange of the member. Fair Curves: Curves which do not in any portions of their entire lengths show such changes of direction as to mark those portions as out of harmony in any respect with the curves as a whole or with the other portions of the curves. Fair or Fair Up: To so draw the lines of a vessel that the defined surfaces will show no irregularities throughout their entire extent. To line up the frames of a vessel under construction to their proper position. Rivet holes are said to be fair when corresponding holes in the members joined are concentric. Fairleader: A fitting or device used to preserve or to change the direction of a rope, chain, or wire so that it will be delivered fairly or on a straight lead to a sheave or drum without the introduction of extensive friction. Fairleaders, or fairleads, are fixtures as distinguished from temporary block rigs. Fairwater: A term applied to plating fitted to form a shape similar to a frustum of a cone around the ends of shaft tubes and strut barrels to prevent an abrupt change in the streamlines. Also applied to any casting or plating fitted to the hull of a vessel for the purpose of preserving a smooth flow of water. Fall: The entire length of rope used in a tackle. The end secured to the block is called the standing part, the opposite end, the hauling part. Fantail: The overhanging stern section of vessels which have round or elliptical after endings to uppermost decks and which extend well abaft the after perpendicular. Fast: A rope or chain used to moor a vessel to a wharf, designated in accordance with the end of the boat with which it is used as bow-fast or stern-fast. See Painter. Fathom: A nautical unit of length used in measuring cordage, chains, depths, etc. The length varies in different countries, being six feet in the United States and in Great Britain. Fender: The term applied to various devices fastened to or hung over the sides of a vessel to prevent rubbing or chafing against other vessels or piers. On small craft, as tug boats fenders of timber faced with hardwood or flat steel plate, or of steel structure run fore and aft on the outside of the vessel above the waterline and are firmly secured to the hull. Wood spars, bundles of rope, woven cane, or rope covered cork are hung over the sides by lines when permanent fenders are not fitted. Fid: A wood or metal bar used to support the weight of a topmast or a top gallant mast when in position, being passed through a hole or mortise at its heel and resting on the trestle trees or other support. Also a hardwood tapering pin or tool, used by sail makers and riggers to open the strands of a rope, eye, grommet, etc. A "hand fid" is rounded at the end; a "standing or cringle fid" is larger than a hand fid and has a flat base. Fidley: Framework built around a weather deck hatch through which the smoke pipe passes. Fidley Dee: A partially raised deck over the engine and boiler rooms, usually around the smokestack. Fidley Hatch: Hatch around smokestack and uptake. Fife Rail; Pin Rail: A term applied to a rail worked around a mast and fitted with holes to take belaying pins for securing the running gears. Fillet: A term applied to the l1letal filling in the bosom or concave corners where abrupt changes in direction occur in the surface of a casting, forging, or weldment. Fin: A projecting keel. A thin plane of metal projecting from the hull, etc. Fixed Light: A thick glass, usually circular in shape, fitted in a frame fixed in an opening in a ship's side, deck house, or bulkhead to provide access for light. The fixed light is not hinged. Often incorrectly called a dead light. Flagstaff: Flag pole, usually at the stern of a ship; carries the ensign. Flange: The turned edge of a plate or girder which acts to resist bending. The turned edge of a plate or shape for tying in intersecting structural members. A casting or forging attached to or worked integral with a pipe to form a disk, normal to the axis of an exterior to the pipe, for connecting lengths of pipe. Flare: The spreading out from the central vertical plane of the body of a ship with increasing rapidity as the section rises from the water line to the rail. Also a night distress signal. Flat: A small partial deck, built without camber. Floating Power: The sum of the utilized and the reserve buoyancy of a vessel, or the displacement of the completely watertight portion of the vessel when fully submerged. The utilized buoyancy is that buoyancy required to support the weight of the vessel. Floodable Length: The length of vessel which may be flooded without sinking her below her safety or margin line. The value of the floodable length of a given vessel varies from point to point throughout her length due to change in form. Similarly at a given point it varies from time to time, depending upon the condition of loading and the permeability of the cargo. Floor: A plate used vertically in the bottom of a ship running athwartship from bilge to bilge usually on every frame to deepen it., In wood ships the lowest frame timber or the one crossing the keel is called the floor. Flukes: The palms or broad holding portions at the arm extremities of an anchor, which penetrate the ground. Fore: A term used in indicating portions or that part of a ship at or adjacent to the bow. Also applied to that portion and parts of the ship lying between the midship section and stem; as, fore body, fore hold, and foremast. Fore and Aft: Lengthwise of a ship. Forecastle: A short structure at the forward end of a vessel formed by carrying up the ship's shell plating a deck height above the level of her uppermost complete deck and fitting a deck over the length of this structure. The name applied to the crew's quarters on a merchant ship when they are in the fore part of the vessel. Forefoot: The lower end of a vessel's stem which is stepped on the keel. That point in the forward end of the keel about which the boat pivots in an endwise launching. Fore Peak: The extreme forward end of the vessel below decks. The forward trimming tank. Forward: In the direction of the stem. Forward Perpendicular: A line perpendicular to the base line and intersecting the forward side of the stem at the designed waterline. Foul: A term applied to the underwater portion of the outside of a vessel's shell when it is more or less covered with sea growth or foreign matter. It has been found that even an oily film over the vessel's bottom will retard the speed, while sea growth will reduce a vessel's propulsive efficiency to a large extent. Also, obstructed or impeded by an interference, etc. Found: To fit and bed firmly. Also, equipped. Founder: To sink as the result of entrance of water. Frame: A term generally used to designate one of the transverse ribs that make up the skeleton of a ship. The frames act as stiffeners, holding the outside plating in shape and maintaining the transverse form of the ship. Frame, Boss: A frame that is bent to fit around the boss in the way of a stern tube or shaft. Frame Lines: Molded lines of a vessel as laid out on the mold loft floor for each frame, showing the form and position of the frames. Frame Spacing: The fore-and-aft distances between, frames, heel to heel. Freeboard: The vertical distance from the waterline to the top of the weather deck at side. Freeing Ports: Holes in the lower portion of a bulwark, which allow deck wash to drain off into the sea. Some freeing ports have swinging gates which allow water to drain off but which are automatically closed by sea-water pressure. Furnaced Plate: A plate that requires heating in order to shape it as required. Furrings: Strips of timber, metal, or boards fastened to frames, joists, etc., in order to bring their faces to the required shape or level, for attachment of sheathing, ceiling, flooring, etc. Futtocks: The pieces of timber of which a frame in a wood ship is composed. Starting at the keel they are called the first futtock, second futtock, third futtock, and so on. Return to Top Gaff: A spar to which the top of a fore-and-aft sail is attached. It is usually fitted with a jaw at the mast end to clasp the mast. Gage, Draft: An installation comprising a graduated glass tube, connected at the bottom end with the sea and with the top end open to the air, on which the draft of the vessel is shown by the level of the water in the tube. Galley: The space on a vessel in which the food is prepared and cooked. Gangboard, Gangplank: A term applied to boards or a movable platform used in transferring passengers or cargo from a vessel to or from a dock. Gangway: The term applied to a place of exit from a vessel. Gangways are fitted in the sides of a vessel in the shape of ports requiring means of closure or may be movable portions of bulwarks or railing on the weather decks. Gantline or GirtIine: A rope reeving through a single block aloft and used for hoisting or lowering, rigging, drying clothing and hammocks, etc. Garboard: The strakes of outside plating next to the keel. These strakes act in conjunction with the keel and are usually thicker than the other bottom strakes. Gear: A comprehensive term in general use on shipboard signifying the total of all implements, apparatus, mechanism, machinery, etc., appertaining to and employed in the performance of any given operation, as " cleaning gear," " steering gear," " anchor gear ," etc. Gib: A metal fitting to hold a member in place or press two members together, to afford a wearing or bearing surface, or to provide a means of taking up wear. Gimbals: A device by which a ships compass, chronometer, etc, is suspended so as to remain in a constant horizontal position irrespective of the rolling or pitching of the vessel. It consists of two concentric brass hoops or rings whose diameters are pivoted at right angles to each other on knife-edge bearings. Girders: On ships this term is used to define a structural member which provides support for more closely spaced members, such as beams, frames, stiffeners, etc., which are at right angles to it and which either rest upon it or are attached to its web. It may be longitudinal or transverse, continuous, or intercoastal, and is usually supported by bulkheads and stanchions. The term is also used to designate the longitudinal members in the double bottom. Girth: The distance measured on any frame line, from the intersection of the upper deck with the side, around the body of the vessel to the corresponding point on the opposite side. Gooseneck: A swiveling fitting on the heel or mast end of a boom for connecting the boom to the mast. Grab, Hand: A metal bar fastened to a bulkhead, house side, or elsewhere, to provide means of steadying a person when the ship rolls or pitches. Grapnel: An implement having from four to six hooks or prongs, usually four, arranged in a circular manner around one end of a shank having a ring at its other end. Used as an anchor for small boats, for recovering small articles dropped overboard, to hook on to lines, and for similar purposes. Also known as a Grappling Hook. Gratings: A structure of wood or metal bars so arranged as to give a support or footing over an opening, while still providing spaces between the members for the passage of light and the circulation of air. Gripe: The sharp forward end of the dished keel on which the stem is fixed. A curved piece of timber joining the forward end of the keel and the lower end of the cutwater. A lashing, chain, or the like, used to secure small boats in the chocks and in sea positions in the davits. Grommet: A wreath or ring of rope. Fiber, usually soaked in red lead or some such substance, and used under the heads and nuts of bolts to secure tightness. A worked eye in canvas. Ground Tackle: A general term for all anchors, cables, ropes, etc., used in the operation of mooring and unmooring a ship. Groundways: Timbers fixed to the ground and extending fore and aft under the hull on each side of the keel, to form a broad surface track on which the ship is end-launched. "Groundways" for a side launching embody similar basic features. Gudgeons: Lugs cast or forged on the stern post for the purpose of hanging and hinging the rudder. Each is bored to form a bearing for a rudder pintle and is usually bushed with lignum vitae or white bearing metal. Gunwale: A term applied to the line where a weather deck stringer intersects the shell. The upper edge of the side of an open boat. Gunwale Bar: A term applied to the bar connecting a stringer plate on a weather deck to the sheer strake. Gusset Plate: A bracket plate lying in a horizontal, or nearly horizontal, plane. The term is often applied to bracket plates. Gutter Ledge: A bar laid across a hatchway to support the hatch cover. Guys: Wire or hemp ropes or chains to support booms, davits, etc., laterally, employed in pairs. Guys to booms that carry sails are also known as backropes. Gypsy: A small auxiliary drum usually fitted on one or both ends of a winch or windless. The usual method of hauling in or slacking off on ropes with the aid of a gypsy is to take one or more turns with the bight of a rope around the drum and to take in or pay out the slack of the free end. Return to Top Half-Breadth Plan: A plan or top view of one half of a ship divided by the middle vertical plane. It shows the waterlines, cross section lines, bow and buttock lines, and diagonal lines of the ship's form projected on the horizontal base plane of the ship. Half Model: A model of one-half of a ship divided along the middle vertical plane. Halyards: Light lines used in hoisting signals, flags, etc. Also applied to the ropes used in hoisting gaffs, sails, or yards. Hamper, Top Hamper: Articles of outfit, especially spars, rigging, etc., above the deck, which, while ordinarily indispensable, may become in certain emergencies both a source of danger and an inconvenience. Hard Patch: A plate riveted over another plate to cover a hole or break. Harpings; Harpins: the fore parts of the wales of a vessel which encompass her bows and are fastened to the stem, thickened to withstand plunging. The ribbands bent around a vessel under construction to which the cant frames are temporarily secured to hold them in their proper position. Hatch, Hatchway: An opening in a deck through which cargo may be handled, machinery or boilers installed or removed, and access obtained to the decks and holds below. Hatch is properly a cover to a hatchway but is often used as a synonym for hatchway. Hatch Bar: A term applied to flat bars used for securing and locking hatch covers. A bar over the hatch for rigging a tackle. Hatch Battens: A term applied to flat bars used to fasten and make tight the edges of the tarpaulins that are placed over hatches. The batten and the edge of the tarpaulin are wedged tightly in closely-spaced cleats. Hatch Beams: A term applied to the portable beams fitted to the coamings for the purpose of supporting the hatch covers. Hatch, Booby: An access hatchway leading from the weather deck to the quarters. A small companion which is readily removable in one piece. A wooden, hoodlike covering for a hatchway, fitted with a sliding top. Hatch Carrier: The supports which are attached toï¿½ the inside of the coaming to take the ends of the hatch beams. Hatch Cleats: A term applied to the clips attached to the outside of the hatch coaming for the purpose of holding the hatch battens and wedges which fasten the edges of the tarpaulin covers. Hatch Covers or Hatches: Covers for closing the hatchway, in cargo ships usually made of wood planks in sections that can be handled by the crew. In naval ships, steel hatch covers. The wood cover is made tight against rain and the sea by stretching one or more tarpaulins over them, secured at the edges by the hatch battens. Hatch Rests: A term applied to the shelf fitted inside and just below the top of the coaming for the purpose of supporting the hatch covers. Hatchway Trunk: A term applied to the space between a lower deck hatchway and the hatchway or hatchways immediately above it when enclosed by a casing. A trunk may be either watertight or nonwatertight. Hawse: The hawse hole; also the part of a ship's bow in which the hawse holes for the anchor chains are located. Hawse Bag: A conical-shaped canvas bag, stuffed with sawdust, oakum, or similar material, and fitted with a lanyard at apex and base, used for closing the hawse pipes around the chain to prevent shipping water through the pipes; also called a "jackass," " hawse plug," or " hawse block." Hawse Bolster: A timber or metal bossing at the ends of a hawse pipe to ease the cable over the edges and to take the wear. Hawse Hole: A hole in the bow through which a cable or chain passes. Hawse Pipes: Tubes leading the anchor chain from the deck on which the windlass is located down and forward through the vessel's bow plating. Also a term used to describe the advancement of a merchant seaman as in coming up the Hawsepipe as opposed to academy training. Hawser: A large rope or a cable used in warping, towing, and mooing. Head of a Ship: The fore end of a ship which was formerly fitted up for the accommodation of the crew. A term applied to a toilet on board of a ship. A ship is trimmed by the head when drawing more water forward and less aft than contemplated in her design. Heel: The convex intersecting point or corner of the web and flange of a bar. The inclination of a ship to one side, caused by wind or wave action or by shifting weights on board. Heel Piece, Heel Bar: A bar that serves as a connecting piece between two bars which butt end-to-end. The flange of the heel bar is reversed from those of the bars it connects. Helm: The term applied to the tiller, wheel, or steering gear, and also the rudder. Hog Frame: A fore-and-aft frame, forming a truss for the main frames of a vessel to prevent bending. Hogging: A term applied to the distortion of a vessel's hull when her ends drop below their normal position relative to her midship portion. Hoist: To raise or elevate by manpower or by the employment of mechanical appliances; any device employed for lifting weights. Hold: The space or compartment between the lowermost deck and the bottom of the ship, or top of the inner bottom if one is fitted. The space below decks allotted for the stowage of cargo. Hold Beams: Beams in a hold similar to deck beams but having no decking or planking on them. Home: Close up; snugly in place; as, to drive home a bolt. Hood: A shelter over a companionway, scuttle, etc. It is generally built of canvas spread over an iron frame. It may also be constructed of light metal plating. Horsing: Calking planking with oakum with a large maul or beetle and a wedge-shaped iron. Housing: A term applied to an enclosure partially or wholly worked around fittings or equipment. That portion of the mast below the surface of the weather deck. Applied to topmasts, that portion overlapping the mast below. Hull: The framework of a vessel, together with all decks, deck houses, and the inside and outside plating or planking, but exclusive of masts, yards, rigging, and all outfit or equipment. Inboard: Toward the center. Inboard Profile: A plan representing a longitudinal section through the center of the ship, showing deck heights, transverse bulkheads, assignment of space, machinery, etc., located on the center plane or between the center and the shell on the far side. Initial Stability: The stability of a vessel in the upright position or at small angles of inclination. It is measured by the metacentric height. Inner Bottom: A term applied to the inner skin or tank top plating. The plating over the double bottom. Intercostal: Occurring between ribs, frames, etc. The term is broadly applied, where two members of a ship intersect, to the one that is cut. Isherwood System: A system of building ships which employs close spaced, relatively light, longitudinal main framing supported on widespread transverse members of comparatively great strength instead of transverse main framing. Return to Top Jack Ladder: A ladder with wooden steps and side ropes. Jack rod - A term applied to a pipe or rod to which the edges of awnings or weather cloths are secured. Jack staff: Flagpole at the bow of a ship. Jacob's Ladder: A ladder having either fiber or wire rope or chain sides with wood or metal rungs attached at regular intervals. One end is usually fitted with sister hooks or shackles for hooking on. Joggled: A term applied where a plate or bar is offset in the way of a lapped joint. The object of the joggle is to permit a close fit of the attached member without the use of liners under alternate strakes of plating. Joint, Butt: A term applied where a connection between two pieces of material is made by bringing their ends or edges together (no overlap) and by welding alone, or by welding, riveting, or bolting each to a strip or strap that overlaps both pieces. Joint, Lapped: A term applied where a connection between two pieces of material is made by overlapping the end or edge of one over the end or edge of the other and by fastening the same by bolts, rivets, or welding. Journal: That portion of a shaft or other revolving member which transmits weight directly to and is in immediate contact with the bearing in which it turns. Jury: A term applied to temporary structures, such as masts, rudders, etc., used in an emergency. Return to Top Keel: A center-line strength member running fore and aft along the bottom of a ship and often referred to as the backbone. It is composed either of long bars or timbers scarfed at their ends or by flat plates connected together by riveting or welding. Keel, Bilge: A fin fitted on the bottom of a ship at the turn of the bilge to reduce rolling. It commonly consists of a plate running fore and aft and attached to the shell plating by angle bars. It materially helps in steadying a ship and does not add much to the resistance to propulsion when properly located. Keel, Blocks: Heavy timber blocks piled one above the other on which the keel of a vessel is supported when being built, or when she is in a dry dock. They are placed under the keel from bow to stern and a sufficient distance apart to allow working between them. Keel, Docking: In dry docking, the weight of a ship is usually carried almost entirely on the keel blocks. The keel and keelson provide the means of distributing the pressure on the center line, and docking keels composed of doubling strips of plate or a heavier plate or built-up girders are sometimes fitted on the bottom at a distance from the center line corresponding to the best position for the side keel blocks. The docking keels are fitted in the fore and aft direction, generally parallel or nearly so to the keel. Keelson, Vertical Center: The lower centerline girder which, in conjunction with a flat plate keel on the bottom and a rider plate on top, forms the principal fore-and-aft strength member in the bottom of a ship. In addition to its importance as a ï¿½backbone" or longitudinal strength member, it serves to distribute and equalize the pressure on the transverse frames and bottom of the ship when grounding or docking occurs. In steel ships this keelson usually consists of a vertical plate with two angles running along the top and two along the bottom. The girder, however, may be made up of various combinations of plates and shapes. This member should continue as far forward and aft as possible. Usually called the Vertical Keel. King Post: A strong vertical post used to support a derrick boom. See Samson Post. Knee: A block of wood having a natural angular shape or one cut to a bracket shape and used to fasten and strengthen the corners of deck openings and the intersections of timbers, and to connect deck beams to the frames of wood vessels. The term is also applied to the ends of steel deck beams that are split, having one leg turned down and a piece of plate fitted between the split portion, thus forming a bracket or knee. Knot: A unit of speed, equaling one nautical mile (6,080.20 feet) an hour, as when a ship goes ten nautical miles per hour, her speed is ten knots. Knuckle: An abrupt change in direction of the plating, frames, keel, deck, or other structure of a vessel. Return to Top Ladder: A framework consisting of two parallel sides connected by bars or steps which are spaced at intervals suitable for ascending or descending. On shipboard the term ladder is also applied to staircases and to other contrivances used in ascending or descending to or from a higher or lower level. Ladder, Accommodation: A staircase suspended over the side of a vessel from a gangway to a point near the water to provide easy access to the deck from a small boat alongside. Ladder, Companion: A staircase fitted as a means of access from a deck to the quarters. Ladder, Sea: Rungs secured to the side of a vessel to form a ladder from the weather deck to the water. Lagging: A term applied to the insulating material that it fitted on the outside of boilers, piping, etc. Landing, Landing Edge: That portion of the edge or end of a plate over which another plate laps. The covered-up edge. Lanyard: The present use of this term is generally limited to a piece of rope or line having one end free and the other attached to any object for the purpose of either near or remote control. Lap: A term applied to the distance that one piece of material is laid over another; the amount of overlap, as in a lapped joint. Launching: A term applied to the operation of transferring a vessel from the building ways into the water. End launching and side launching methods are employed; the former method is used when the vessel is built at an angle, usually at right angles, to the waterfront and the vessel is launched stern first, while in side launching the vessel is built parallel to the waterfront and launched sidewise. In preparing for an end launching, usually groundways made of heavy timbers are laid with an inclination of about 1/2" to 5/8" to the foot parallel to the center line of the ship one on either side of the keel, and spaced about one-third of the beam of the vessel apart. These groundways run the length of the vessel and for some distance out under the water. On top of the groundways are placed the sliding ways, also heavy timbers, and between these two ways is placed a coating of launching grease. The sliding ways are prevented from sliding on the greased groundways by a trigger or similar device and dog or dagger shores. Cradles are built up to fit the form of the vessel, and between the sliding ways and the cradle, wedges are driven and the weight of the ship thus transferred from the building blocks to the sliding ways. After the building blocks and shores are removed, the trigger is released and gravity causes the vessel to slide down the inclined ways. In Some cases hydraulic jacks are set at the upper end of the groundways to exert pressure on the sliding ways to assist in overcoming initial friction along the ways. A similar procedure is followed in the case of side launchings, except that more than two groundways are usually used, depending on the length of the ship, and the inclination of the ways is steeper. Laying Off: Is a term applied to the work done by a loftsman in laying off the ship's lines to full size in the mold loft and making templates therefrom. Also known as laying down. Laying Out: Placing the necessary instructions on plates and shapes for shearing, planing, punching, bending, flanging, beveling, rolling, etc., from templates made in the mold loft or taken from the ship. Leading Edge: That edge of a propeller blade which cuts the water when the screw is revolving in the ahead direction. That edge of a rudder, diving plane, or strut arm which faces toward the bow of the ship. Length between Perpendiculars: The length of a ship measured from the forward side of the stem to the aft side of the stern post at the height of the designed water line. In naval practice, the total length on the designed water line. Length Over All: The length of a ship measured from the foremost point of the stem to the aftermost part of the stern. Lift a Template: To construct a template to the same size and shape as the part of the ship involved, from either the mold loft lines or from the ship itself, from which laying out of material for fabrication may be performed. Lifting: Transferring marks and measurements from a drawing, model, etc., to a plate or other object, by templates or other means. Light, Port: An opening in a ship's side, provided with a glazed lid or cover. Lightening Hole: A hole cut out of any structural member, as in the web, where very little loss of strength will occur. These holes reduce the weight and in many cases serve as access holes. This condition is particularly true in floor plates and longitudinals in double bottom. Lighter: A full-bodied, heavily-built craft, usually not self-propelled, used in bringing merchandise or cargo alongside or m transferring same from a vessel. Limber Chains: Chains passing through the limber holes of a vessel, by which they may be cleaned of dirt. Limber Hole: A hole or slot in a frame or plate for the purpose of preventing water from collecting. Most frequently found in floor plates just above the frames and near the center line of the ship. Line: A general term for a rope of any size used for various purposes: small cords such as log line, lead line, or small stuff as marlin, ratline, houseline, etc. Liner: A piece of metal used for the purpose of filling up a space between a bar and a plate or between two plates; filler. Lines: The plans of a ship that show its form. From the lines drawn full size on the mold loft floor are made templates for the various parts of the hull. List: The deviation of a vessel from the upright position, due to bilging, shifting of cargo, or other cause. Load Line: The line 18 inches long and 1 inch wide on each side of the ship at the midship section, which indicates the maximum draft to which the ship may be loaded. Locker: A storage compartment on a ship. Loftsman: A man who lays off the ship's lines to full size in the mold loft and makes templates therefrom. Longitudinals: A term applied to the fore-and-aft frames in the bottom of a ship. These frames are usually made up from plates and shapes and are sometimes intercoastal and sometimes continuous. Louver: A small opening to permit the passage of air for the purpose of ventilation, which may be partially or completely closed by the operation of overlapping shutters. Magazine: Spaces or compartments devoted to the stowage of ammunition. Often specifically applied to compartments for the stowage of powder as a distinction from shell stowage spaces. Main Body: The hull proper, without the deck houses, etc. Main Deck: The principal deck of the hull, usually the highest extending from stem to stern and providing strength to the main hull. Manger: A term applied to the manger-like space immediately forward of the manger plate which is fitted just abaft the hawsepipes to prevent water entering through the pipes from running aft over the deck. Manhole: A round or oval hole cut in decks, tanks, boilers, etc., for the purpose of providing access. Manifold: A casting or chest containing several valves. Suction or discharge pipes from or to the various compartments, tanks, and pumps are led to it, making it possible for a pump to draw from or deliver to anyone of several compartments. Margin Plank: A plank forming the boundary or margin of the deck planking. Margin Plate: The outer boundary of the inner bottom, connecting it to the shell plating at the bilge. Marine Railway: See dry dock, railway. Marline Spike: A pointed iron or steel tool used to separate the strands in splicing rope, and as a lever in marling or putting on seizings. The wire rope spike has a flat, rounded end and the manila rope spike has a sharp point. Marlin: A double-threaded, left-handed tarred cord, about 1/8" diameter, made of a good grade of American hemp. Mast: A long pole of steel or wood, usually circular in section, one or more of which are usually located, in an upright position, on the center line of a ship. Originally intended for carrying sails, they are now used more as supports for the rigging, cargo and boat-handling gear and wireless equipment. Mast Collar: A piece of wood or a steel shape formed into a ring and fitted around the mast hole in a deck. Mast Hounds: The upper portion of the mast at which the outrigger or trestle trees are fitted. Also applied to that portion at which the hound band for attaching the shrouds is fitted on masts with out outrigger or trestle trees. Mast Partners: A term applied to wood planking or steel plating worked around a mast hole to give side support to the mast. Mast, Step: A term applied to the foundation art which a mast is erected. Mast Table: See Boom Table. Messroom: A space or compartment where members of the crew eat their meals; a dining room. Midship Beam: A deck beam located at the midpoint between the forward and after perpendiculars. Also applicable to the transverse dimension of the hull at the same point. Midship Frame: The frame located at the midpoint between the perpendiculars. Midship Section: The vertical transverse section located at the midpoint between the forward and after perpendiculars. Usually this is the largest section of the ship in area. Also, applied to a drawing showing the contour of the mid ship frame upon which is depicted all the structural members at that point with information as to their size and longitudinal extent. Midships: Same as Amidships. Mitered: Cut to an angle of 45 degrees or two pieces joined to make a right angle. Mock Up: To build up of wood or light material to scale or full size a portion of the ship before actual fabrication of the steel work. Used to study arrangement, methods of fabrication, workability, etc. Mold: A pattern or template. Also a shape of metal or wood over or in which an object may be hammered or pressed to fit. Molded Line: A datum line from which is determined the exact location of the various parts of a ship. It may be horizontal and straight as the molded base line, of curved as a molded deck line or a molded frame line. These lines are determined in the design of a vessel and adhered to throughout the construction. Molded lines are those laid down in the mold loft. Molded Edge: The edge of a shipï¿½s frame which comes in contact with the skin, and is represented in the drawings. Mold Loft: A space used for laying down the lines of a vessel to actual size and making templates therefrom for laying out the structural work entering into the hull. Mooring: A term applied to the operation of anchoring a vessel in a harbor, securing her to a mooring buoy, or to a wharf or dock by means of chains or ropes. Mooring Lines: The chains or ropes used to tie up a ship. Mooring Pipe: An opening through which mooring lines pass. Mortise: A hole cut in any material to receive the end or tenon of another piece. Motorship: A ship driven by some form of internal combustion engine. Not generally applied to small boats driven by gasoline engines which are usually called motorboats. Mushroom Ventilator: A ventilator whose top is shaped like a mushroom and fitted with baffle plates so as to permit the passage of air and prevent the entrance of rain or spray. Located on or above a weather deck to furnish ventilation to compartments below deck. Return to Top Nautical Mile: See knot. Nibbing Plank: A margin plank that is notched to take the ends of regular deck planks and insure good calking of the joint. Niggerhead: A small auxiliary drum on a winch. See Gypsy. Norman Pin: A metal pin fitted in a towing post or bitt for belaying the line. Nosing: The parts of a stair tread which projects beyond the face of the riser. Return to Top Oakum: A substance made from soft vegetable fiber such as hemp and jute impregnated with pine tar. It is principally used for calking the planking on wood decks of steel vessels and for calking all the planking on wood ships where watertightness is desired. It is also used for calking around pipes. Offsets: A term used by draftsmen and loftsmen for the coordinates in ship curves. Also applied to joggles in plates and shapes of structural shapes. Oiltight: Having the property of resisting the passage of oil. Old Man: A heavy bar of iron or steel bent in the form of a Z used to hold a portable drill. One leg is bolted or clamped to the work to be drilled and the drill head is placed under the other leg which holds down the drill to its work. On Board: On or in a ship; aboard. On Deck: On the weather deck, in the open air. Orlop Deck: The term formerly applied to the lowest deck in a ship; now practically obsolete. Outboard: Away from the center toward the outside; outside the hull. Outboard Profile: A plan showing the Longitudinal exterior of the starboard side of a vessel, together with all deck erections, stacks, masts, yards, rigging, rails, etc. Outer Bottom: A term applied to the bottom shell plating in a double-bottom ship. Overboard: Outside over the side of a ship into the water. Overhang: That portion of a vessel's bow or stern which projects beyond a perpendicular at the waterline. Overhaul: To repair or put in proper condition for operation; to overtake or close up the distance between one ship and another ship moving in the same direction. Return to Top Packing: A general term applied to a yielding material employed to affect a tight joint, also called gasket material. Pad Eye: A fitting having one or more eyes integral with a plate or base to provide ample means of securing and to distribute the strain over a wide area. The eyes may be either "worked" or "shackle." Also known as lug pads, hoisting pads, etc. Painter: A length of rope secured at the bow of a small boat for use in towing or for making it fast. Called also a bow-fast. Palm: The fluke, or more exactly, the flat inner surface of the fluke of an anchor; a sailmaker's protector for the hand, used when sewing canvas; a flat surface at the end of a strut or stanchion for attachment to plating, beams, or other structural member. Panting: The pulsation in and out of the bow and stern plating as the ship alternately rises and plunges deep into the water. Panting Beams: The transverse beams that tie the panting frames together. Panting Frames: The frames in the fore peak, usually extra heavy to withstand the panting action of the shell plating. Paravane: The Paravane is a special type of water kite which, when towed with wire rope from a fitting on the forefoot of a vessel, operates to ride out from the ship's side and deflect mines which are moored in the path of the vessel, and to cut them adrift so that they will rise to the surface where they may be seen and destroyed. Parcelling: Narrow strips of canvas which are tarred and wound around ropes, following the lay and overlapping in order to shed water. The parcelling is applied after worming, preparatory to serving. Partners: Similar pieces of steel plate, angles, or wood timbers used to strengthen and support the mast where it passes through a deck, or placed between deck beams under machinery bed plates for added support. Pawl: A term applied to a short piece of metal so hinged as to engage in teeth or depressions of a revolving mechanism for the purpose of preventing recoil. Fitted to capstans, windlasses, etc. Also called Pall. Paying: The operation of filling the seams of a wood deck, after the calking had been inserted, with pitch, marine glue, etc. Also applied to the operation of slackening away on a rope or chain. Peak, fore and after: The space at the extreme bow or stern of a vessel below the decks. Peak Tank: Compartments at the extreme fore and aft ends of the ship for any use either as void spaces or as trimming tanks. When used for the latter purpose, water is introduced to change the trim of the vessel. Peen: To round off or shape an object, smoothing out burrs and rough edges. Pelican Hook: A type of quick releasing hook used at the lower end of shrouds, on boat grips, and in similar work where fast work may be necessary. Period of Roll: The time occupied in performing one double oscillation or roll of a vessel as from port to starboard and back to port. Periscope: An instrument used for observing objects from a point below the object lens. It consists of a tube fitted with an object lens at the top, an eye piece at the bottom and a pair of prisms or mirrors which change the direction of the line of sight. Mounted in such a manner that it may be rotated to cover all or a part of the horizon or sky and fitted with a scale graduated to permit of taking bearings, it is used by submarines to take observations when submerged. Pillar: A vertical member or column giving support to a deck. Also called a stanchion. Pilot House: A house designed for navigational purposes. It is usually located forward of the midship section and so constructed as to command an unobstructed view in all directions except directly aft along the center line of the vessel where the smokeï¿½stack usually interferes. Pin, BeIaying: A small iron or tough wood pin, made with a head, shoulder, and shank. It is fitted in holes in a rail and is used in belaying or making fast the hauling parts of light running gear, signal halyards, etc. Pintles: A term applied to the pins or bolts which hinge the rudder to the gudgeons on the stern post. Pitch: A term applied to the distance a propeller will advance during one revolution, the distance between the centers of the teeth of a gear wheel, the axial advance of one convolution of the thread on a screw, the spacing of rivets, etc. Also applied to pine tar, asphalt and coal pitch used in paying seam of a deck. Pitching: The alternate rising and falling motion of a vessel's bow in a nearly vertical plane as she meets the crests and troughs of the waves. Pitting: The localized corrosion of iron and steel in spots, usually caused by irregularities in surface finish, and resulting in small indentations or pits. Pivoting Point: That point during the progress of a launching at which the moment of buoyancy about the fore poppet equals the moment of the vessel's weight. At this point the stern begins to lift and the vessel pivots about the fore poppet. Also the point about which the ship appears to rotate when it is making a turn. Plan: A drawing prepared for use in building a ship. Paneling: Wood covering for decks, etc. The shell of wood boats. Platform: A partial deck. Plating, Shell: The plating forming the outer skin of a vessel. In addition to constituting a watertight envelope to the hull, it contributes largely to the strength of the vessel. Plimsoll Mark: A mark painted on the sides of a vessel designating the depth to which the vessel may, under the maritime laws, be loaded in different bodies of water during various seasons of the year. Pontoon: A scow-shaped boat used in connection with engineering and military operations such as transporting men and equipment, bridge construction, supports for temporary bridges, salvage work etc. Also applied to cylindrical air and watertight tanks or floats used in salvage operations. Poop, Poop Deck: The structure or raised deck at the after end of a vessel. Poppets: Those pieces of timber which are fixed perpendicularly between the ship's bottom and the bilgeways at the foremost and aftermost parts of the ship, to support it when being launched. They are parts of the cradle. Port: The left-hand side of a ship when looking from aft forward. Also an opening. Port, Air: See air port. Port Gangway: An opening in the side plating, planking, or bulwark for the purpose of providing access through which people may board or leave the ship or through which cargo may be handled. Porthole: See air port. Proof Strain: The test load applied to anchors, chains, or other parts, fittings, or structure to demonstrate proper design and construction and satisfactory material. Proof Strength: The proof strength of a material, part, or structure is the strength which it has been proved by test to possess. Propeller: A propulsive device consisting of a boss or hub carrying, radial blades, from two to four in number. The rear or driving faces of the blades form portions of an approximately helical surface, the axis of which is the center line of the propeller shaft. Propeller Aperture: The opening in the stern frame of single-screw ships for the propeller. Propeller Arch: The arched section of the stern frame above the propeller. Propeller Guard: A framework fitted somewhat below the deck line on narrow, high-speed vessels with large screws, so designed as to overhang and thus protect, the tips of the propeller blades. Propeller Thrust: The effort delivered by a propeller in pushing a vessel ahead. Prow: An archaic term for the bow of a ship. Puddening, Pudding: Pads constructed of old rope, canvas, oakum, etc., sometimes leather covered, in any desired shape and size and used to prevent chafing of boats, rigging, etc., and on the stem of a boat to lessen the force of a shock. Punch: A machine for punching holes in plates and shapes. Punch, Prick: A small punch used to transfer the holes from the template to the plate. Also called a "center punch." Purchase: Any mechanical advantage which increases the power applied. Quarter: The upper part of a vessel's sides near the stern; also portions of the vessel's sides about midway between the stern and midlength and between midlength and the stern. The part of a yard just outside the slings. Quarters: Living spaces for passengers or personnel. It includes staterooms, dining salons, mess rooms, lounging places, passages connected with the foregoing, etc.; individual stations for personnel for fire or boat drill, etc. Quay: An artificial wall or bank, usually of stone, made toward the sea or at the side of a harbor or river for convenience in loading and unloading vessels. Return to Top Rabbet: A groove, depression, or offset in a member into which the end or edge of another member is fitted, generally so that the two surfaces are flush. A rabbet in the stern or keel would take the ends or edges of the planking or shell plating. Racking: Deformation of the section of a ship, generally applied to a transverse section, so that one set of diagonals in the plane of action is shortened while those at right angles thereto are lengthened. Radio Room: A room, usually sound-proofed, used for sending and receiving radio messages. Raft, Life: A frame work fitted with air chambers to support a number of people in case of accidents. Carried on deck and light enough to be handled without mechanical means. Rail: The upper edge of the bulwarks. Also applied to the tiers of guard rods running between the top rail and the deck where bulwarks are not fitted. Rake: A term applied to the fore and aft inclination from the vertical of a mast, smokestack, stempost, etc. Range, Galley: The stove, situated in the galley, which is used to cook the food. The heat may be generated by coal, fuel oil, or electricity. Rat Guard: A dished, circular piece of metal made in two parts and fitted closely on hawsers and lines to prevent rats boarding or leaving a ship while at a dock or wharf. The concave side is placed toward the shore to prevent boarding and the guard is reversed to prevent rats leaving the ship. Ratlines: Short lengths of ratline stuff secured to the shrouds parallel to the waterline and serving as ladder rungs for the crew to ascend or descend. Reaming: Enlarging a hole by the means of revolving in it a cylindrical slightly tapered tool with cutting edges running along its sides. Reduction Gear: An arrangement of shafts and gears such that the number of revolutions of the output shaft is less than of the input shaft - generally used between a motor or a steam turbine shaft and the propeller shaft. Reeving: The act of passing the end of a rope or chain through an opening, as passing a rope through a block. Reverse Frame: An angle bar or other shape riveted to the inner edge of a transverse frame to reinforce it. Ribhand: A fore-and-aft wooden strip or heavy batten used to support the transverse frames temporarily after erection. Ribs: A term applied to the transverse frames of a boat. Ride: To float in a buoyant manner while being towed or lying at anchor. Rider Plate: A continuous flat plate attached to the top of a center line vertical keel in a horizontal position. Itï¿½s under side is attached to the floors, and when an inner bottom is fitted, it forms the center strake. Rigging: A term used collectively for all the ropes and chains employed to support the masts, yards, and booms of a vessel, and to operate the movable parts of same. Rise of Bottom: See deadrise. Riser: The upright board of a stair. A pipe extending vertically and having side branches. Rivet: A metal pin used for connecting two or more pieces of material by inserting it into holes punched or drilled in the pieces and upsetting one or both ends. The end that bears a finished shape is called the head and the end upon which some operation is performed after its insertion is called the point. Small rivets are "driven cold," i.e., without heating, and large ones are heated so that points may be formed by hammering. Riveting: The art of fastening two pieces of material together by means of rivets. Riveting, Chain: A term applied to an arrangement of the rivets in adjoining rows where the centers of the rivets are opposite each other and on a line perpendicular to the joint. Riveting, Staggered or Zig-Zag: A term applied to an arrangement of the rivets in adjoining rows where the rivets in alternate rows are one-half the pitch or spacing ahead of those in the other rows. Rivets, Line of: A term applied to a continuous line of rivets whose centers fall on a line perpendicular to the joint. Rivets, Row of: A term applied to a continuous row of rivets whose centers fall on a line parallel to the joint. Joints made by one row of rivets are known as single-riveted joints; by two rows, as double-riveted joints; by three rows, as treble-riveted joints; by four rows, as quadruple-riveted joints; etc. Roll: Motion of the ship from side to side, alternately raising and lowering each side of the deck. Rolling Chocks: Same as keel, bilge. Rope: The product resulting from twisting a fibrous material, such as manila, hemp, flax, cotton, coir, etc., into yarns or threads which in turn are twisted into strands and several of these are laid up together. Fiber rope is designated as to size by its circumference. Wire rope is made of iron, steel, or bronze wires, with or without a fiber core or heart, twisted like yarns to form strands which are laid up to form the rope. Wire rope is designated as to size both by its diameter and by its circumference. Rope Lay: The direction in which a rope is twisted up. Rope, Ridge: A rope running through the eyes at the heads of the awning stanchions to which the edge of an awning is hauled out and stopped. The term ï¿½center ridge ropeï¿½ is applied to the rope supporting the center of an awning. Rope Worming: Filling in the contlines of a rope with marline. The marline should run with the lay of the rope. Rubbing Strip: A plate riveted to the bottom of the keel to afford protection in docking and grounding. A strip fastened to the face of a fender or to the shell plating where contact is likely to occur. Rudder: A device used in steering or maneuvering a vessel. The most common type consists of a flat slab of metal or wood, hinged at the forward end to the stern or rudder post. When made of metal, it may be built up from plates, shapes, and castings, with or without wood filling, or it may be a casting. The rudder is attached to a vertical shaft called the rudder stock, by which it is turned from side to side. Rudder, Balanced: A rudder having the leading edge of a whole or a part of its area forward of the center line of the rudder stock thus reducing the torque required to turn the rudder. Rudder Bands: The bands that are placed on each side of a rudder to help brace it and tie it into the pintles. Rudder Chains: The chains whereby a rudder is sometimes fastened to the stern. They are shackled to the rudder by bolts just above the water line, and hang slack enough to permit free motion of the rudder. They are used as a precaution against losing a rudder at sea. These chains are also called "rudder pendants.ï¿½ Rudder Frame: A term applied to a vertical main piece and the arms that project from it which forms the frame of the rudder. It may be a casting, a forging, or a weldment. Rudder PintIes: See pintles. Rudder Post - See Stern post. Rudder Stock: A vertical shaft having a rudder attached to its lower end and having a yoke, quadrant or tiller fitted to its upper portion by which it may be turned. Rudder Stops: Fittings attached to the ship structure or to shoulders on the rudder post to limit the swing of the rudder. Rudder Trunk: A watertight casing fitted around a rudder stock between the counter shell plating and a platform or deck, usually fitted with a stuffing box at the upper end. Rudder, Underhung: A rudder that is not hinged to or stepped on the stern post but is supported entirely by the rudder stock and the rudder stock bearings. Run: The underwater portion of a vessel aft of the midship section or flat of the bottom. That portion of the after hull that tapers to the stern post. Running Rigging: Ropes which are hauled upon at times in order to handle and adjust sails, yards, cargo, etc., as distinguished from standing rigging which is fixed in place. Return to Top Sagging: The deformation or yielding caused when the middle portion of a structure or ship settles or sinks below its designed or accustomed position. The reverse of hogging. Sail Tracks: A device fitted on the after side of a mast in which slides, secured to the forward edge of a fore-and -aft sail, travel up and down the mast as the sail is hoisted or lowered; used in lieu of mast hoops. Samson Post: A strong vertical post that supports cargo booms. See king post. Scantlings: A term applied to the dimensions of the frames, girders, plating, etc., that enter into a ship's structure. Scarf: An end connection made between two pieces of material by tapering them so that they will fit together in a joint of the same breadth and depth as the pieces. Screen Bulkhead: A light bulkhead used as a shelter from an excess of heat, cold, or light, or to conceal something from sight. Scrieve Board: A large board made of soft, clear, planed lumber, sometimes a section of the mold loft floor, on which a full-sized body plan of a ship is drawn. The lines were formerly cut in by the use of a scriving knife, which made a small U-shaped groove to prevent them from being obliterated. Pencil lines have taken the place of cutting to a large extent. It is used in making templates of frames, beams, floors, etc., and in taking off dimensions. It is sanded smooth after it has served its purpose. Scupper Pipe: A pipe conducting the water from a deck scupper to a' position where it is discharged overboard. Scupper: Drains from decks to carry off accumulations of rain water or sea water. The scuppers are placed in the gutters or waterways on open decks and in corners of enclosed decks and connect to pipes leading overboard. Scuttle: A small opening, usually circular in shape and generally fitted in decks to provide access. Often termed escape scuttles, and when fitted with means whereby the covers can be removed quickly to permit exit are called quick acting scuttles. Scuttle Butt: The designation for a container of the supply of drinking water for the use of the crew. Sea Chest: An arrangement for supplying seawater to condensers and pumps, and for discharging waste water from the ship to the sea. It is a cast fitting or a built-up structure located below the waterline of the vessel and having means for attachment of the piping. Suction sea chests are fitted with strainers or gratings. Sea Cock, Sea Connection: A sea valve secured to the plating of the vessel below the waterline for use in flooding tanks, magazines, etc., to supply water to pumps, and for similar purposes. Seam: A term applied to an edge joint. Seamstrap: A term applied to a strip of plate serving as a connecting strap between the butted edges of plating. Strap connections at the ends are called buttstraps. Set Iron: A bar of soft iron used on the bending slab as a form to which to bend frames into the desired shapes. Serve: To wrap any small stuff tightly around a rope which has been previously wormed and parcelled. Very small ropes are not wormed. Set Up: To tighten the nut on a bolt or stud; to bring the shrouds of a mast to a uniform and proper tension by adjusting the rigging screws or the lanyards through the dead eyes. Shackle Bolt: A pin or bolt that passes through both eyes of a shackle and completes the link. The bolt may be secured by a pin through each end, or a pin through one end and through the eye, or by having one end and one eye threaded, or one end headed and a pin through the other. Shaft, Shafting: The cylindrical forging, solid or tubular, used for transmission of rotary motion from the source of power, the engine, to the propellers. Shaft Angle: The angle between the center line of the shaft and the center line of the ship is the horizontal angle and the angle between the center line of the shaft and either the base line or the designed waterline is the vertical angle. Shaft Alley: A watertight passage, housing the propeller shafting from the engine room to the bulkhead at which the stern tube commences. It provides access to the shafting and its bearings and also prevents any damage to the same from the cargo in the spaces through which it passes. Shaft Coupling: The means of joining together two sections of a shaft, usually by means of bolts through flanges on the ends of the sections of the shafts. Shaft Pipe: See Stern Tube. Shaft Strut: A term applied to a bracket supporting the outboard after end of the propeller shaft and the propeller in twin or multiple-screwed vessels having propeller shafts fitted off the center line. It usually consists of a hub or boss, fitted with a bushing, to form a bearing for the shaft, and two streamlined arms connecting it to the side of the ship. The inboard ends of the arms are fitted with palms for attachment to the shell or to interior framing. Shape: A bar of constant cross section such as a channel, T-bar, angle bar, etc., either rolled or extruded. Shaping: Cutting, bending, and fanning a structural member. Shears: Large machines for cutting plates or shapes. Shear Legs: A rig for handling heavy weights, consisting of an A-frame of timber or steel with the top overhanging the base, having the lower ends fixed or pivoted and the top ends held either by fixed stays or by topping lifts which permit change of slope of the legs. Tackles are secured at the top of the frame through which the hoisting rope or cable is run. Sometimes called sheers. Sheathing: A term applied to the wood planking fitted over a steel deck, to the planking fitted over the underwater portion of a steel hull, and to the copper or alloy sheets with which the bottom of a wood ship, or a steel ship sheathed with wood, is covered. Sheave: A wood or metal disk, having a groove around its cylindrical surface to permit a rope or chain to run over it without slipping off and a bushing for bearing on the pin or bolt on which it revolves. Sheave Holes: A term applied to apertures in masts, booms, and spars in which sheaves are installed. Sheer: The longitudinal curve of a vessel's rails, decks, etc., the usual reference being to the ship's side; however, in the case of a deck having a camber, its center line may also have a sheer. The amount by which the height of the weather deck at the after or forward perpendicular exceeds that at its lowest point. Sheer Plan: A side elevation of the ship's form. Sheer Strafe: The topmost continuous strake of the shell plating usually made thicker than the side plating below it. Shelf: A wood ship term applied to the fore and aft timber that is fastened to the frames to form a support for the ends of the beams. See clamp. Shell Expansion: A plan showing the shapes, sizes, and weights of all plates comprising the shell plating, and details of their connections. Shell Landings: Points marked on the frames to show where the edges of the shell plates are to be located. Shelter Deck: A term applied to a deck fitted from stem to stern on a relatively light superstructure. Shift of Butts: An arrangement of butts in longitudinal or transverse structural members whereby the butts of adjacent members are located a specified distance from one another, measured in the line of the members. Shim: A piece of wood or iron let into a slack place in a frame, plank, or plate to fill out a fair surface or line. Also applied to thin layers of metal or other material used to true up a bed plate or machine or inserted in bearings to permit adjustment after wear of the bearing. Shipshape: A nautical term used to signify that the whole vessel, or the portion under discussion, is neat in, appearance and in good order. Shores: Pieces of timber placed in a vertical or inclined position to support some part of a ship, or the ship itself during construction or while in dry dock. Shore, Spur or Side: A piece of timber placed in a nearby horizontal position with one end against the side of the ship and the other against the side of a dry dock or dock to keep the vessel at a desired distance from the face of the dock. Shroud: A principal member of the standing rigging, consisting of hemp or wire ropes which extend from or near a masthead to the vessel's side, or to the rim of a top, to afford lateral support for the mast. Sick Bay: A name applied to the space on board a ship where members of the crew and passengers are given medical service and includes the dispensary, operating room, wards, etc. Side Plating: A term applied to the plating above the bilge in the main body of a vessel. Also to the sides of deck houses, or to the vertical sides of enclosed plated structures. Siding of a Frame: The fore and aft dimension of a frame. Sister Hook: A hook made in halves and set on eyes facing each other in such a manner that it may be made to function as a link. Skeg: The extreme after part of the keel of a vessel, the portion that supports the rudder post and stern post. Skin: The term usually applied to the outside planking or plating forming the watertight envelope over the framework. It is also applied to the inner bottom plating when it is called an inner skin. Skylight: An erection built on a deck, having glass lights in its top and fitted over an opening in the deck for the purpose of admitting light and air to a compartment below. Slack: The opposite of taut; not fully extended as applied to a rope; to "slack away" means to payout a rope or cable by carefully releasing the tension while still retaining control; to ï¿½slack off " means to ease up, or lessen the degree of tautness. Sleepers: Timbers placed upon the ground or on top of piling to support the cribbing, keel, and bilge blocks. Sleeve: A casing, usually of brass, fitted over line or other shafting for protection against wear or corrosion, or as a bearing surface. Sliding Ways: See launching. Sling: A length of chain or rope employed in handling weights with a crane or davit. The rods, chains, or ropes attached near the bow and stern of a small boat into which the davit or crane tackle is hooked. The chain or rope supporting the yard at the masthead. Slip: The difference between the pitch of a propeller, or the mean circumference of a paddle wheel, and the advance of the ship through the water corresponding to one revolution. An inclined launching berth. A space between two piers for berthing a vessel. Slipway: The space in a shipyard where a foundation for launching ways and keel blocks exists and which is occupied by a ship while under construction. Sluice: An opening in the lower part: of a bulkhead fitted with a sliding watertight gate, or small door, having an operating rod extending to the upper deck or decks. It is used to permit liquid in one compartment to flow into the adjoining compartment. Smokestack: A metal chimney or passage through which the smoke and gases are led from the uptakes to the open air. Snubbing: drawing in the waterlines and diagonals of a vessel abruptly at their ends. The checking of a vessel's headway by means of an anchor and a short cable. The checking of a line or cable from running out: by taking a turn about a cleat, bitts, or similar fitting. Soft Patch: A temporary plate put on over a break or hole and secured with tap bolts. It is made watertight with a gasket such as canvas saturated in red lead. Solo Piece: The piece of steel or wood by which the sliding ways are bolted to the ground ways at the upper end. See Launching. Sole Plate: A plate fitted to the top of a foundation to which the base of a machine is bolted. Also a small plate fitted at the end of a stanchion. Sounding Pipe: A vertical pipe in an oil or water tank, used to guide a sounding device when measuring the depth of liquid in the tank. Also called a Sounding tube. Span: The distance between any two similar members, as the span of the frames. The length of a member between its supports, as the span of a girder. A rope whose ends are both made fast some distance apart, the bight having attached to it a topping lift, tackle, etc. A line connecting two davit heads so that when one davit is turned the other follows. Spanner: A form of open-head wrench for use with special fittings whose character is such as to preclude the use of the ordinary type wrench. Spar: A term applied to a pole serving as a mast, boom, gaff, yard, bowsprit, etc. Spars are made of both steel and wood. Spectacle Frame: A single casting containing the bearings for and furnishing support for the ends or the propeller shafts in a twin screw vessel. The shell plating is worked outboard so as to enclose the shafts and is attached at the after end to the spectacle frame. Used in place of shaft struts. Spike: A stout metal pin headed on one end and pointed at the other, made of either square or round bar, and used for securing heavy planks and timbers together. Splice: A method of uniting the ends of two ropes by first unlaying the strands, then interweaving them so as to form a continuous rope. Spot Face: To finish off the surface around a bolt hole in a plane normal to the axis of the hole to provide a neat seat for the nut or washer. Spring: The deviation from a straight line or the amount of curvature of a sheer line, deck line, beam camber, etc., an elastic body or device which recovers its original shape when released after being distorted. Squatting: The increase in draft assumed by a vessel when running over that existing when she is at rest. Stability: The tendency which a vessel has to return to the upright position after the removal of an external force which inclined her away from that position. To have stability, a vessel must be in a state of stable equilibrium. Stability, Range of: The number of degrees through which a vessel rolls or lists before losing stability. Stage: A floor or platform of planks supporting workmen during the construction or the cleaning and painting of a vessel, located either inside or outside the vessel. Staging: Upright supports fastened together with horizontal and diagonal braces forming supports for planks which form a working platform or stage. Stagger: To zigzag rivet holes in adjacent rows. Stanchions: Short columns or supports for decks, hand rails, etc. Stanchions are made of pipe, steel shapes, or rods, according to the location and purpose they serve. Standing Rigging: Rigging that is permanently secured and that is not hauled upon, as shrouds, stays, etc. Stapling: Plates or angles fitted closely around or against continuous members passing through a watertight or Oiltight member and calked or welded to maintain the water or oil tightness of the structure. Starboard: The right-hand side of the ship when looking from aft forward. Opposite to port. Stateroom: A private room or cabin for the accommodation of passengers or officers. Stays: The ropes, whether hemp or wire, that support the lower masts, topmasts, top-gallant masts, etc., in a fore and aft direction. Stealer: A strake of shell plating that does not extend completely to the bow or stern. Steering Gear: A term applied to the steering wheels, leads, steering engine, and fittings by which the rudder is turned. Stem: The bow frame forming the apex of the intersection of the forward sides of a ship. It is rigidly connected at its lower end to the keel. Stern: The after end of a vessel; the farthest distant part from the bow. Stern Chock: A round or oval casting, or frame, inserted in the bulwark plating at the stern of the vessel through which the mooring hawser or warping lines are passed. Also called Stern Pipe. Stern Frame: A large casting or forging attached to the after end of the keel to form the ship's stern. Includes rudder post, propeller post, and aperture for the propeller in single-screw vessels. Stern Post: The main vertical post in the stern frame upon which the rudder is hung. Also called the Rudder Post. Stern Tube: The bearing supporting the propeller shaft where it emerges from the ship. It consists of a hollow cast-iron or steel cylinder fitted with brass bushings, which in turn are lined with lignum vitae, white metal, etc., bearing surfaces Upon which the propeller shaft, enclosed in a sleeve, rotates. Stiff, Stiffness: The tendency of a vessel to remain in the upright position, or a measure of the rapidity with which she returns to that position after having been inclined from it by an external force. Stiffener: An angle bar, T-bar, channel, etc., used to stiffen plating of a bulkhead, etc. Stocks: A general term applied to the keel blocks, bilge blocks, and timbers upon which a vessel is constructed. Stop Water: A term, applied to canvas and red lead, or other suitable material placed between the faying surfaces of plates and shapes to stop the passage of oil or water. Also applied to a wooden plug driven through a scarp joint between timbers to insure water tightness. Strain: The measure of the alteration of form which a solid body undergoes when under the influence of a given stress. Strand: An element of a rope, consisting, in a fiber rope, of a number of rope yarns twisted together and, in a wire rope, of a primary assemblage of wires. Strake: A term applied to a continuous row of plates. The strakes of shell plating are usually lettered, starting with A at the bottom row or garboard strake. Strake, Bilge: A term applied to a strake of outside plating running in the way of the bilge. Strake, Bottom: Any strake of plating on the bottom, of a ship that lies between the keel and the bilge strakes. Strength Member: Any plate or shape which contributes to the strength of the vessel. Some members may be strength members when considering longitudinal strength but not when considering transverse strength and vice versa. Stress: The intensity of the force which tends to alter the form of a solid body; also the equal and opposite resistance offered by the body to a change of form. Stringer: A term applied to a fore-and-aft girder running along the side of a ship and also to the outboard strake of plating on any deck. The side pieces of a ladder or staircase into which the treads and risers are fastened. Stringer Plates: A term applied to the outboard plates on any deck, or to the plates attached to the top flanges of a tier of beams at the side of a vessel. Strut: A heavy arm or brace. Studding: The vertical timbers or framing of a wooden deck house, fitted between the sill and the plate. Stuffing Box: A fitting designed to permit the free passage or revolution of a rod or a pipe while controlling or preventing the passage by it of water, steam, etc. Superstructure: A structure built above the uppermost complete deck; a pilot house, bridge, galley house, etc. Swallow: A term applied to, the oval or round opening in a chock or mooring ring. See Block. Swash Bulkheads: Longitudinal or transverse nontight bulkheads fitted in a tank to decrease the swashing action of the liquid contents. Their function is greatest when the tanks are partially filled. Without them the unrestricted action of the liquid against the sides of the tank would be severe. A plate serving this purpose is called a swash plate. Swivel: A special link constructed in two parts which revolve in each other, used to prevent fouling due to turns or twists in chain, etc. Return to Top Tackle: Any combination of ropes and blocks that multiplies power. Also applied to a single whip which does not multiply power but simply changes direction. Taft Rail: The rail around the top of the bulwark or rail stanchions on the after end of the weather deck, be it upper, main, raised, quarter, or poop. Tail Shaft: The aft section of the shaft which receives the propeller. Tanks: Compartments for liquids or gases. They may be formed by the ship's structure as double bottom tanks, peak tanks, deep tanks, etc., or may be independent of the ship's structure and installed on special supports. Tank Top: The plating laid on the bottom floors of a ship, which forms the top side of the tank sections or double bottom; the inner bottom. Tarpaulin: A canvas covering. Taut: The condition of a rope, wire, or chain when under sufficient tension to cause it to assume a straight line, or to prevent sagging to any appreciable amount. Tee Bar: A rolled or extruded structural shape having a cross section shaped like the letter T. Telegraph: An apparatus, either electrical or mechanical, for transmitting orders, as from a ship's bridge to the engine room, steering gear room, or elsewhere about the ship. TeIemotor: A device for operating the valves of the steering engine from the pilot house by means of either fluid pressure or electricity. Template: A mold or pattern made to the exact size of a piece of work that is to be laid out or formed, and on which such information as the position of rivet holes, size of laps, etc., is indicated. Test Head: The head or height of a column of water which will give a prescribed pressure on the vertical or horizontal sides of a compartment or tank in order to test its tightness or strength or both. Tie-Plate: A single fore-and-aft or diagonal course of plating attached to deck beams under a wood deck to give extra strength. Tiller: An arm attached to the rudder head for operating the rudder. Toe: The edge of a flange on a bar. Toggle Pin: A pin having a shoulder and an eye worked on one end, called the head, and whose other end, called the point, has its extremity hinged in an unbalanced manner so that after being placed through a hole it forms a T -shaped locking device to keep the pin from working out or being withdrawn without first bringing the hinged portion into line with the shaft of the pin. Tonnage, Gross: The entire internal cubic capacity of a vessel expressed in "tons" taken at 100 cubic feet each. The peculiarities of design and construction of the various types of vessels and their parts necessitate certain explanatory rulings in connection with this term. Tonnage, Net: The internal cubic capacity of a vessel which remains after the capacities of certain specified non-revenue spaces have been deducted from the gross tonnage. Tonnage should not be confused with displacement. Topping Lift: A rope or chain extending from the head of a boom or gaff to a mast, or to the vessel's structure, for the purpose of supporting the weight of the boom or gaff and its loads, and permitting the gaff or boom to be raised or lowered., Topside: That portion of the side of the hull which is above the designed waterline. On or above the weather deck. Transom: A seat or couch built at the side of a stateroom or cabin, having lockers (transom lookers) or drawers underneath. Transom, Transom Board: The board forming the stern of a square-ended row boat or small yacht. Transom Frame: The last transverse Frame of a ship's structure. The cant frames, usually normal to the round of the stern, connect to it. Transverse: At right angles to the ship's fore-and-after center line. Transverse Frames: Vertical athwartship members forming the ribs. Treads: The steps or horizontal portions of a ladder or staircase upon which the foot is placed. Treenails: Wooden pins employed instead of nails or spikes to secure the planking of a wooden vessel to the frames. Trim: The difference between the drafts forward and aft. The angle of trim is the angle between the plane of flotation and the mean water-line plane. A vessel ï¿½trims by the head" or ï¿½trims by the stern" when the vessel inclines forward or aft so that her plane of flotation is not coincident with her mean water-line plane. See Drag. Tripping Brackets: Flat bars or plates placed at various points on deck girders, stiffeners, or beams as a reinforcement to prevent their free flanges from turning. Trunk: A vertical or inclined shaft formed by bulkheads or casings, extending one or more deck heights, around openings in the decks, through which access can he obtained, cargo, stores, etc., handled, or ventilation provided without disturbing or interfering with the contents or arrangements of the adjoining spaces. Tumble Home: The decreasing of a vessel's beam above the waterline as it approaches the rail. Opposite of flare. Turnbuckles: Used to pull objects together. A link into whose opposite ends two threaded bars, one left-handed, the other right-handed are inserted. Umbrella: A metal shield in the form of a frustum of a cone, secured to the outer casing of the smokestack over the air casing to keep out the weather. Upper Deck: Generally applied to the uppermost continuous weather deck. Upper Works: Superstructures or deck erections located on or above the weather deck. Sometimes applied to the entire structure above the waterline. Unship: To remove anything from its accustomed or stowage place; to take apart. Uptake: A metal conduit connecting the boiler Combustion space with the base of the smokestack. It conveys the smoke and hot gases from the boiler to the stack and is usllal1y made with double walls, with an air space between to prevent radiation of heat into adjacent spaces. Return to Top Vang: Ropes secured to the outer end of a cargo boom, the lower ends being fastened to tackles secured to the deck, used for guiding and swinging and for holding the boom in a desired position. Also applied to ropes secured to the after end of a gaff and led to each side of the vessel to steady the gaff when the sail is not set. Ventilation: The process of providing fresh air to the various spaces and removing foul or heated air, gases, etc., from them. This may be accomplished by natural, draft or by mechanical means. Ventilators, Bell-Mouthed or Cowl: Terminals on open decks in the form of a 90-degree elbow with enlarged or bell-shaped openings, so formed as to obtain an increase of air supply when facing the wind and to increase the velocity of air down the ventilation pipe. Visor: A small inclined awning running around the pilot house over the windows or air ports to exclude the glare of the sun or to prevent rain or spray from coming in the openings when the glazed frames are dropped or opened. They may be of canvas or metal. Return to Top Warp: A light hawser or tow rope; to move a vessel by means of lines or warps secured to some fixed object. Wash Plates: Plates fitted fore and aft between floors to check the rush of bilge water from side to side when the ship is rolling. Waterline: A term used to describe a line drawn parallel to the molded base line and at a certain height above it, as the 10-foot waterline. It represents a plane parallel to the surface of the water when the vessel is floating on an even keel, i.e., without trim. In the body plan and the sheer plan it is a straight line, but in the plan view of the lines it shows the contour of the hull line at the given distance above the base line. Used also to describe the line of intersection of the surface of the water with the hull of the ship at any draft and any condition of trim. Watershed: A fitting on the outside of the shell of a ship over an air port, a door, or a window to prevent water which runs down the ship's side from entering the opening. One over an air port is also called a Brow or Port Flange. Watertight Compartment: A space or compartment within a ship having its top, bottom, and sides constructed in such a manner as to prevent the leakage of water into or from the space unless the compartment is ruptured. Waterway: A narrow channel along the edge of the deck for the collection and disposal of water occurring on the deck. Waterway Bar: An angle or flat bar attached to a deck stringer plate fanning the inboard boundary of a waterway and serving as an abutment for the wood deck planking. Ways: See launching. Weather Deck: A term applied to the upper, awning, shade, or shelter deck, or to the uppermost continuous deck, exclusive of forecastle, bridge, or poop, that is exposed to the weather. Web: The vertical portion of a beam; the athwartship portion of a frame; the portion of a girder between the flanges. Web Frame: A built-up frame to provide extra strength consisting of a web plate with flanges all its edges placed several frame spaces apart, with the smaller, regular frames in between. Wedges: Wood or metal pieces shaped in the form a sharp V, used for driving up or for separating work. They are used in launching to raise the vessel from the keel blocks and thus transfer the load to the cradle and the sliding ways. Whip: A term loosely applied to any tackle used for hoisting light weights and serves to designate the use to which a tackle is put rather than to the method of receiving the tackle. Wildcat: A special type of drum whose faces are so fanned as to fit the links of a chain of given size. Winch: A hoisting or pulling machine fitted with a horizontal single or double drum. A small drum is generally fitted on one or both ends of the shaft supporting the hoisting drum. These drums are called gypsies, niggerheads, or winch heads. The hoisting drums either are fitted with a friction brake or are directly keyed to the shaft. The driving power is usually steam or electricity, but hand power is also used. A winch is used principally for the purpose of handling, hoisting, and lowering cargo from a dock or lighter to the hold of a ship and vice versa. Windlass: An apparatus in which horizontal or vertical drums or gypsies and wildcats are operated by means of a steam engine or motor for the purpose of handling heavy anchor chains, hawsers, etc. Wind Scoop: A scoop-shaped fitting of sheet metal which is placed in an open air port with the open side forward for the purpose of catching air and forcing it into a cabin, stateroom, or compartment. Wing, Winging: A term used to designate structural members, compartments, sails, and objects on a ship that are located a considerable distance off the fore-and-aft center line. Worming: Filling the contlines of a rope with tarred small stuff preparatory to serving, to give the rope a smoother surface and to aid in excluding moisture from the interior of the rope. Wrinkling: Slight corrugations or ridges and furrows in a flat plate due to the action of compressive or shear forces. Yard: A term applied to a spar attached at its middle portion to a mast and running athwartship across a vessel as a support for a square sail, signal halyards, lights; etc. Yardarm: A term applied to the outer end of a yard. Yoke: A frame or bar having its center portion bored and keyed or otherwise constructed for attachment to the rudder stock. Steering leads to the steering gear are connected to each end of the yoke for the purpose of turning the rudder. Yoke lanyards are lines extending from the ends of the yoke to the stern sheets of a small boat for use in steering.	i don't know
Who was the second husband of actress Angelina Jolie?	Angelina Jolie - Biography - IMDb Angelina Jolie Biography Showing all 189 items Jump to: Overview (4) \| Mini Bio (1) \| Spouse (3) \| Trade Mark (2) \| Trivia (114) \| Personal Quotes (52) \| Salary (13) Overview (4) 5' 7" (1.7 m) Mini Bio (1) Angelina Jolie is an Oscar-winning actress who became popular after playing the title role in the "Lara Croft" blockbuster movies, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Wanted (2008), Salt (2010) and Maleficent (2014). Off-screen, Jolie has become prominently involved in international charity projects, especially those involving refugees. She often appears on many "most beautiful women" lists, and she has a personal life that is avidly covered by the tabloid press. Jolie was born Angelina Jolie Voight in Los Angeles, California. In her earliest years, Angelina began absorbing the acting craft from her actor parents, Jon Voight , an Oscar-winner, and Marcheline Bertrand , who had studied with Lee Strasberg . Her good looks may derive from her ancestry, which is German and Slovak on her father's side, and French-Canadian, Dutch, Polish, and remote Huron, on her mother's side. At age eleven, Angelina began studying at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, where she was seen in several stage productions. She undertook some film studies at New York University and later joined the renowned Met Theatre Group in Los Angeles. At age 16, she took up a career in modeling and appeared in some music videos. In the mid-1990s, Jolie appeared in various small films where she got good notices, including Hackers (1995) and Foxfire (1996). Her critical acclaim increased when she played strong roles in the made-for-TV movies True Women (1997), and in George Wallace (1997) which won her a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination. Jolie's acclaim increased even further when she played the lead role in the HBO production Gia (1998). This was the true life story of supermodel Gia Carangi , a sensitive wild child who was both brazen and needy and who had a difficult time handling professional success and the deaths of people who were close to her. Carangi became involved with drugs and because of her needle-using habits she became, at the tender age of 26, one of the first celebrities to die of AIDS. Jolie's performance in Gia (1998) again garnered a Golden Globe Award and another Emmy nomination, and she additionally earned a SAG Award. Angelina got a major break in 1999 when she won a leading role in the successful feature The Bone Collector (1999), starring alongside Denzel Washington . In that same year, Jolie gave a tour de force performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999) playing opposite Winona Ryder . The movie was a true story of women who spent time in a psychiatric hospital. Jolie's role was reminiscent of Jack Nicholson 's character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), the role which won Nicholson his first Oscar. Unlike "Cuckoo", "Girl" was a small film that received mixed reviews and barely made money at the box office. But when it came time to give out awards, Jolie won the triple crown -- "Girl" propelled her to win the Golden Globe Award, the SAG Award and the Academy Award for best leading actress in a supporting role. With her new-found prominence, Jolie began to get in-depth attention from the press. Numerous aspects of her controversial personal life became news. At her wedding to her Hackers (1995) co-star Jonny Lee Miller , she had displayed her husband's name on the back of her shirt painted in her own blood. Jolie and Miller divorced, and in 2000, she married her Pushing Tin (1999) co-star Billy Bob Thornton . Jolie had become the fifth wife of a man twenty years her senior. During her marriage to Thornton, the spouses each wore a vial of the other's blood around their necks. That marriage came apart in 2002 and ended in divorce. In addition, Jolie was estranged from her famous father, Jon Voight . In 2000, Jolie was asked to star in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001). At first, she expressed disinterest, but then decided that the required training for the athletic role was intriguing. The Croft character was drawn from a popular video game. Lara Croft was a female cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond. When the film was released, critics were unimpressed with the final product, but critical acclaim wasn't the point of the movie. The public paid $275 million for theater tickets to see a buffed up Jolie portray the adventuresome Lara Croft. Jolie's father Jon Voight appeared in "Croft", and during filming there was a brief rapprochement between father and daughter. One of the Croft movie's filming locations was Cambodia. While there, Jolie witnessed the natural beauty, culture and poverty of that country. She considered this an eye opening experience, and so began the humanitarian chapter of her life. Jolie began visiting refugee camps around the world and came to be formally appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Some of her experiences were written and published in her popular book "Notes from My Travels" whose profits go to UNHCR. Jolie has stated that she now plans to spend most of her time in humanitarian efforts, to be financed by her actress salary. She devotes one third of her income to savings, one third to living expenses and one third to charity. In 2002, Angelina adopted a Cambodian refugee boy named Maddox, and in 2005, adopted an Ethiopian refugee girl named Zahara. Jolie's dramatic feature film Beyond Borders (2003) parallels some of her real life humanitarian experiences although, despite the inclusion of a romance between two westerners, many of the movie's images were too depressingly realistic -- the film was not popular among critics or at the box office. In 2004, Jolie began filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) with co-star Brad Pitt . The film became a major box office success. There were rumors that Pitt and Jolie had an affair while filming "Smith". Jolie insisted that because her mother had been hurt by adultery, she herself could never participate in an affair with a married man, therefore there had been no affair with Pitt at that time. Nonetheless, Pitt separated from his wife Jennifer Aniston in January 2005 and, in the months that followed, he was frequently seen in public with Jolie, apparently as a couple. Pitt's divorce was finalized later in 2005. Jolie and Pitt announced in early 2006 that they would have a child together, and Jolie gave birth to daughter Shiloh that May. They also adopted a three-year-old Vietnamese boy named Pax. The couple, who married in 2014, continue to pursue movie and humanitarian projects, and now have a total of six children. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Roger Burns <[email protected]> Spouse (3) Niece of Chip Taylor . One of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World (2000). She is extremely close to and protective of her older brother, James Haven . He often accompanies her to awards shows, and she used his name, or at least his memory, as inspiration in the "Where's Jamie?!" scene in Girl, Interrupted (1999). Has the letter "H" tattooed on the inside of her left wrist, which is a reference to two people she is close to who have this letter in their names: her brother, James Haven , and Timothy Hutton . She got the tattoo when she was dating Timothy but since their break-up she now says it's only for James. Has a tattoo of the Tennessee Williams quote, "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages." on her left forearm. Was married to Jonny Lee Miller in a black leather pants and a white shirt. On the white shirt she painted her husband's name in her own blood (across the back). Tattoos include the Japanese sign for death, two pointy black American Indian symbols, a dragon, and a large black cross. Daughter of Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand . Collects knives and has an interest in mortuary science. Angelina and her brother, to whom she is very close, publicly spoke out to deny false rumors that the two were having an incestuous love affair (2000). Started modelling at age 14 and had a childhood dream of becoming a funeral director. Named the world's sexiest woman in Swedish magazine Café. "Jolie" means "pretty" in French. Goddaughter of actress Jacqueline Bisset . Has the Latin phrase "Quod me nutrit me destruit" ("What nourishes me also destroys me") tattooed across her stomach. (August 27, 2001) Appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, Switzerland after her visits to Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Pakistan. Born at 9:09 AM PDT "Introducing Angelina Jolie" in opening credits of Love Is All There Is (1996) suggests delayed release as Jolie already had at least two major screen roles by 1996. On her father's side, she has German and Slovak ancestry. Her mother was of approximately one half French-Canadian, one quarter Dutch, and one quarter Polish, descent. Angelina also has a remote Huron ancestor, her maternal eight times great-grandmother, Catherine Anenontha, who was born, c. 1649, in Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec. Angelina's paternal grandparents were Elmer Vojtka, later Elmer Voight, and Barbara Kamp, while Angelina's maternal grandparents were Rolland Frederic Bertrand and Lois June Gouwens. Ranked #87 in Premiere magazine's 2002 annual "Power 100" list. In role as goodwill ambassador, she visited Tham Hin refugee camp in Thailand to check on conditions of 9,000 refugees from bordering Myanmar. [May 2002] Announced in late 2002 that she was "in talks" to portray the late porn star Linda Lovelace . Voted the 3rd Sexiest Female Movie Star in the Australian Empire Magazine. [September 2002] She is the woman most American males would like to date on New Year's Eve, according to a survey by movie rental chain Blockbuster Inc. Results of the survey showed her in the top spot with 35 percent of respondents saying she would be their number one pick for a hypothetical New Year's Eve candlelit dinner. Rival star Catherine Zeta-Jones gained second spot in the online survey conducted by Blockbuster in November 2003. The survey had 31,969 responses. Was named "The sexiest woman alive" by the Swedish evening newspaper "Aftonbladet" (2003). Voted #9 in the 2004 FHM UK list of 100 Sexiest Women in the World. One of her favorite television series is King of the Hill (1997). She also enjoys the Game Show Network and Animal Planet. She was voted #2 on VH1's "100 Hottest Hotties". Graduated from Beverly Hills High School at age 16, the same school as Lenny Kravitz . She also went to school with Michael Klesic and Bahar Soomekh . Ranked #6 in Stuff magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the World" (2002). Voted #1 star most men would like to kiss under the mistletoe in a poll for Sky Movies. Used to own several pet reptiles, including two snakes. Therefore she had no problem shooting the snake scene in Alexander (2004). Went to elementary school at William O. Schaefer School in Tappan, New York. She graduated from El Rodeo elementary school in 1989. Her father starred with her godmother Jacqueline Bisset in End of the Game (1975), which was directed by her godfather Maximilian Schell . Voted Hollywood's Sexiest Single Mother, in a poll for website Date.com. Consulted with real-life FBI profiler Robert K. Ressler for her role in Taking Lives (2004). In 2003, she was the first recipient of the Citizen of the World Award from the UN's Correspondents' Association for her work as a goodwill ambassador with the UNHCR. She ranked #2 in 2000 on Mr. Blackwell (aka Richard Selzer )'s Worst Dressed List. Named Esquire magazine's Sexiest Woman Alive in 2004. Named Most Beautiful Woman in People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World (2005). More than 500,000 readers were polled. She was made an official citizen of Cambodia by the King for her ongoing efforts to help the environment there. [August 2005] Was nominated for Worst Actress at the Razzie Awards for four straight years from 2002 to 2005, but each time was beaten by another of her fellow nominees. Performed her own stunts in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and received cuts from the chandelier scene as a result. She also set fire to her silk pajamas on the chandelier while she was doing her "bungee jumps" in the house. She was taken to a hospital with minor burns but resumed filming the next day. Named #7 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2005 list. Ranked #1 in E! Television's 2006 101 Sexiest Celebrity Bodies. Gave her Oscar Statuette, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critic Choice Award to her mother. She felt she didn't need to hang on to awards. Her godfather Maximilian Schell always gave her a doll as a birthday present, from her first to sixteenth. Sometimes it was a modern doll, made of plastic, sometimes it was an old and precious one, made of wood or porcelain. Gave her mother the nickname "Great Lady". One of the first actresses to win 3 consecutive Golden Globes in 3 different categories: "Best Supporting Actress in a Mini Series": George Wallace (1997), "Best Actress in a TV Movie or Mini Series": Gia (1998), "Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture": Girl, Interrupted (1999). Coincidentally, all her roles were based on real people. Ranked and voted #3 by Ask men.com's Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2006. (April 28, 2006) One of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in the World. Named #1 in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005" special supplement. Has tattoos of the coordinates representing the birth countries of each of her kids (she even has the coordinates of France tattooed on her arm twice, one each for Knox and Viv), which cover up the Billy Bob Thornton tattoo. [June 2006] Holds a Private Pilot Certificate with the Airplane, Single Engine, Land rating. This means that she is qualified to fly any single-engined aircraft based on land (i.e., no seaplanes) under visual flight rules only (i.e., no instrument qualifications yet so she cannot fly in conditions requiring instruments). Has a fondness for Liverpool Football Club because her son Maddox "only wants to play for Liverpool". She donated many items to Rocky Stone to be given to less fortunate kids as part of the Toy Mountain Campaign. Was the cover girl for the much anticipated issue of Forbes magazine, in which appeared the infamous Celebrity 100 list. [June 2006] Named #4 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2006 list. Became the third actress to join the coveted $20 Million Club (after Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz ), when she signed to do Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) for that amount. Is a huge fan of author Ayn Rand . Named #2 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006" supplement. Is left-handed and therefore had to have guns specially made so that she could reload them easily for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001). (January 27, 2007) Her mother Marcheline Bertrand died from ovarian cancer in Los Angeles after a 7 1/2 year battle. Chosen the greatest sex symbol of all time in the British television show "The 100 Greatest Sex Symbols". [February 2007] Was on the "Time 100", a list of the world's 100 most influential people in the world by "Time" magazine (2006). Ranked #12 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2007 list. Ranked #33 on EW's The 50 Smartest People in Hollywood (2007). In 2007, Forbes magazine estimated her earnings for the year at $20 million. In 2007, she moved to New Orleans with Brad Pitt and their four children. In 2006, after the birth of her daughter Shiloh, she sold the first pictures of her newborn for $4,100,000. She later donated the profits to charity. Ranked #3 in the 2008 Forbes Celebrity 100 list. The first male to hold Jolie in his arms was Charley Boorman . He'd served as a pageboy at the wedding of Jolie's parents Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand during the Deliverance (1972) shoot, and later happened to be present during the delivery of Jolie. Boorman was just 8-years-old and Jolie was but an infant. Today (2008) Boorman quips that his epitaph should read: "I was the first man to get his hands on Angelina Jolie". Was considered for the role of Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell (1989), which went to Tiffani Thiessen . Since becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2001, she has visited over 20 countries. In an interview about her movie Changeling (2008), Angie revealed that although her mom's name was Marcheline, everyone called her "Marshmallow", because she was such a softie. Friends with Gwen Stefani . In July 2009, she was voted in first place in a poll to find the 100 Greatest Sex Symbols for Britain's Channel 4. Elvis Presley was runner-up. Victoria Bonya named her daughter after her. When Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton first married, the couple moved into the Beverly Hills home formerly owned by Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash (2000). Was considered for the role of Natasha Rushman/Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010) after Emily Blunt dropped out of the project, but Scarlett Johansson was cast instead. Replaced Charlize Theron as Elise Clifton-Ward in The Tourist (2010) shortly before filming began. Was originally cast as Dagny Taggart in Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011) before being replaced by Charlize Theron , who in turn was replaced by Taylor Schilling . Was 6 months pregnant with her daughter Shiloh when she completed filming The Good Shepherd (2006). Returned to work 4 months after giving birth to her daughter Shiloh in order to begin filming A Mighty Heart (2007). Was considered for the role of Ryan Stone in Gravity (2013), but Sandra Bullock was cast instead. Was born Angelina Jolie Voight, however in 2002, she dropped her surname "Voight" and began using her middle name "Jolie". Ranked #90 in the 2011 FHM list of "100 Sexiest Women in the World". Previously, she ranked #70 in 2010, #14 in 2009, #9 in 2008, #8 in 2007, #4 in 2006, #3 in 2005, #9 in 2004, #32 in 2003, #32 in 2002, #61 in 2001, and #68 in 2000. Was named after costumer designer Angela Alexander who designed costumes for the film The All-American Boy (1973) that her father Jon Voight starred in. Jon and Angela became good friends on the set, and he became fascinated when she told him her original Greek name was "Angeliki", which in Greek means "Angelic Messenger of God". During the film's shoot, Jon Voight came to Angela on the set and told her that one day if he and his wife (then actress Marcheline Bertrand ) ever had a daughter he was going to name her "Angelica". They had only had a son at the time; Jolie was born two years later. Although he originally named her Angelica, a year later after his divorce with Marcheline, she began calling her "Angelina.". Was 2 months pregnant with twins Knox and Vivienne when she completed filming Changeling (2008). Returned to work 8 months after giving birth to twins Vivienne and Knox in order to begin filming Salt (2010). Ranked #10 in Men's Health 100 Hottest Women of All Time (2011). The three oldest children of Angelina and Brad Pitt were adopted: sons Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt (born on August 5, 2001, adopted by Angelina on March 10, 2002 and by Brad in early 2006) and Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt (born on November 29, 2003, adopted by Angelina on March 15, 2007 and by Brad on February 21, 2008), and daughter Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt (born on January 8, 2005, adopted by Angelina on July 6, 2005, and by Brad in early 2006). Delivered all her biological children via scheduled Caesarean sections. Was a guest writer for The Economist's special edition The World in 2008. In an article entitled A Year For Accountability, she stated that, "accountability is perhaps the only force powerful enough to break the cycle of violence and retribution that marks so many conflicts... Common sense tells us that when risks are weighed, decisions are made differently. When crimes against humanity are punished consistently and severely, the killers' calculus will change." Has been in a relationship with Brad Pitt since May 2005 and they are engaged since April 2012. They have 6 children together. Gave birth to her 4th child at age 30, a daughter Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, on May 27, 2006. Her father is Brad Pitt . Gave birth to twins (her 5th and 6th child) at age 33, a son, Knox Léon Jolie-Pitt, and a daughter, Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt, on July 12, 2008. Their father is Brad Pitt . Jolie wrote an Op/Ed newspaper article titled "My Medical Choice" that was published on May 14, 2013, in The New York Times in which she revealed that she had undergone a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction because she is a carrier of a "faulty" gene, BRCA1. Her doctors advised her that that gene, along with her family history of breast cancer (including her mother's death at age 56) made it much more likely that she would have developed breast cancer (the medical estimate was that she had an 87% risk of breast cancer), so she elected to have the surgery as a preventative measure. (May 26, 2013) Her maternal aunt, Debbie Martin, died from breast cancer at age 61. She handpicked Lana Del Rey to perform the song "Once Upon a Dream" as the main theme for Maleficent (2014). Was the 116th actress to receive an Academy Award; she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Girl, Interrupted (1999) at The 72nd Annual Academy Awards (2000) on March 26, 2000. Was made a honorary Dame by Queen Elizabeth II on June 13, 2014 in London. Is one of 15 Oscar-winning actresses to have been born in the state of California. The others are Fay Bainter , Gloria Grahame , Jo Van Fleet , Liza Minnelli , Tatum O'Neal , Diane Keaton , Sally Field , Anjelica Huston , Cher , Jodie Foster , Helen Hunt , Gwyneth Paltrow , Marcia Gay Harden and Brie Larson . Under gone a preventive double mastectomy, two years later had reconstructive surgery implanting breast implants.(Feb 2013). In a multilingual household her kids speak French and according to Angelina they all have their own respective languages. Shiloh is learning the Khmer, Pax is learning Vietnamese, Maddox is learning German and Russian, Zahara is focused on French, Vivienne is learning Arabic,and Knox is learning American Sign Language. Divorce from Brad Pitt they cited irreconcilable differences. [September 2016]. Is seeking no spousal support from Brad Pitt. [September 2016]. Has physical custody of the couple's shared six children. [September 2016]. She and Brad Pitt married in California 14 August 2014 and in southern France 23 August 2014. Filed for divorce from Brad Pitt on September 20, 2016. Counts Sidney Lumet 's The Hill (1965) as a film that had a particularly profound effect on her. A great admirer of Lumet's filmmaking style, Angelina keeps a copy of his 1995 book "Making Movies" as her frequent film reference bible. Personal Quotes (52) Therapy? I don't need that. The roles that I choose are my therapy. Because I am a bad girl, people always automatically think that I am a bad girl. Or that I carry a dark secret with me or that I'm obsessed with death. The truth is that I am probably the least morbid person one can meet. If I think more about death than some other people, it is probably because I love life more than they do. You're young, you're drunk, you're in bed, you have knives; shit happens. And my dad, you're a great actor but you're a better father. [on if she ever caught her husband Billy Bob Thornton cheating] I've told Billy if I ever caught him cheating, I wouldn't kill him because I love his children and they need a dad. But I would beat him up. I know where all of his sports injuries are. And I'd beat her, too! I'll make it real simple, I'm a 36-C. In the game, she's a double-D. In the movie [ Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)], she's a D. We split the difference... [Lara] is much more athletic, and she has smaller breasts, but she's still Lara Croft, so there. I seem to be getting a lot of things pushed my way that are strong women. It's like people see Hackers (1995) and they send me offers to play tough women with guns, the kind who wear no bra and a little tank top. I'd like to play strong women who are also very feminine. I'd like to believe that the people that have supported me in my work or identified with me in films, the people that feel they know me, they do and they don't have misconceptions - they understand. I believe that. [on her split from husband Billy Bob Thornton ] I'm angry. I'm sad. It's a very difficult and sad time. It was a real deep connection, a deep marriage, so it's not that simple to say this or that one thing caused the problems. It's clear to me that our priorities shifted overnight. He's focused on his music and career. I'm focused on my baby. It comes down to what's important to you. [People magazine - July 8, 1996] There's something about death that is comforting. The thought that you could die tomorrow frees you to appreciate life now. [on playing Olympias in Alexander (2004)] I felt that if I lived at that time, with the dangers she had and the threats she had and the lack of power she had as a woman, I would not have been that different from her. And I thought I also just saw her as a mother who really would push her son at a time that if he didn't get the throne, he didn't acquire a certain kind of strength and ability and greatness, he would probably just die or be killed or be exiled. So out of concern, out of love for your own, just to come from this place that seems very much like the horrible mafia father, but in fact it was for his own survival that she was focused on, which made it very easy for me to focus on thinking of my own son and what he had to do to protect himself from bad things that could hurt him. If you don't get out of the box you've been raised in, you won't understand how much bigger the world is. [on the superficiality of the industry] We are setting an example of what we think is beautiful and you really want to put that much make up on me? You might never find out that you are useful for all the right reasons - and not all those stupid things that people tell you you're useful for. [CNN International Edition - January 29, 2005] My role as goodwill ambassador has made my work as a film star relatively dull. I can't find anything that interests me enough to go back to work. I'm simply not excited about anything. I'm not excited about going to a film set. [on what she does with the money she makes each year] Save one-third, live on one-third and give away one-third. If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I'm not frightened by anyone's perception of me. If I think more about death than some other people, it is probably because I love life more than they do. Love one person, take care of them until you die. You know, raise kids. Have a good life. Be a good friend. And try to be completely who you are. And figure out what you personally love. And like go after it with everything you've got no matter how much it takes. [Regarding the possibility of marriage with her current beau and father of her child, Brad Pitt ] We have both been married before so it's not marriage that necessarily kept some people together. [2002] I'm drawn to kids that are already born. I think some people are meant to do certain things, and I believe I'm meant to find my children in the world somewhere and not necessarily have them genetically. [interview with Ann Curry ] I'm in a strange, I suppose, place in my life. I think that happens when you lose a parent, where you drop into a different kind of serious. And yet, at the same time, you want to laugh and enjoy as much as possible every day. I'm hanging on to my family really tight at this moment, and, because of that, trying to be as good a woman as I can be in my life. Dammit, you got me crying. It's alright. It's a part of life... I lost my mom. It's a natural thing for a child to lose a parent. I lost my mom too young, but it happened. And I'm happy she's out of pain, because I love her and she's my friend. Not many people know this about me but I'm a natural blonde. My hair went from light blonde naturally to a darker kind of blonde. My mother dyed my hair dark when I was a child as I loved the look then. So I'm basically a natural blonde. [on making action movies] I think there's always going to be that side of me. [ Harrison Ford ] is doing it, and he's doing it well, (so) it looks like I've got some more time. To be intimate with a married man, when my own father cheated on my mother, is not something I could forgive. I could not look at myself in the morning, if I did that. My natural color is dark blonde. But when I was four or five, my mother dyed my hair dark brown, and she decided to keep it that way. And I stuck with that. [on Cambodia and her humanitarian work] One of the first camps I went to had 400,000 people. It was a sea of human misery. In Sierra Leone, I saw tens of thousands with their arms and legs cut off [by rebels], orphaned children. I felt completely overwhelmed. I cried constantly. I felt guilty for everything that I had. Then I realized I wasn't doing these people any favors by crying. I kept getting angry at the injustices until I couldn't think straight. I took a deep breath and focused on how I could help. I discovered that I was useful as a person. When I met suffering people, it put my life into perspective. It slammed me into a bigger picture of the world. I was actually quite a cool kid. I was not tough. I was certainly independent and bold. I was never teased. I never had any trouble from anybody... I was never satisfied. I had trouble sleeping. I didn't really fit. I always feel that I'm searching for something deeper, something more... You want to meet other people that challenge you with ideas or with power or with passion. I wanted to live very fully. I wanted to live many lives and explore many things. [on Brad Pitt ] (He made me) a better person. I've learned so much from him, as you do when you come together with another person. You both make each other better. You both learn about the best of each other, and recognize the things where you're failing, or where you need to step up. When it's a great partnership, you really are patient with each other. I grew up in front of everybody, really. The big years of exploration. There was a certain madness I was going through. I learned a lot about myself. People tend to sum up times in your life and simplify. I would say there's a way of being bold when you're young that seems very brave... What's perceived as tough is a very funny thing. I think to be a parent is one of the scariest, boldest things to do, as opposed to, um, getting a tattoo... Much more than jumping into a pool when you're 20. There's certainly a side of me that isn't completely... sane. Or completely 'even' all the time. We all have our dark sides. When I first read the script for Changeling (2008), I couldn't put it down but then I said 'no' immediately. I didn't want to go into this project because it was too upsetting. But then afterwards I couldn't stop talking about her. I found myself sitting with people wanting them to know about this extraordinary woman and you wouldn't believe what happened to her, and what these people did to her in this time in our history. In the end, it became a story about democracy in action, about justice... even suffering a great loss and fighting through it and making a change for the future for other people, and questioning the government and the police. So, I found it very inspiring and really wanted people to know about her and felt like it was an extra piece of justice for her. [on her friendship with Gwen Stefani and their children spending time together] All of the kids are very close in age. They've attended each other's birthday parties and gotten together several times at each other's homes. Somehow Gwen and I keep ending up pregnant at the exact same time. It was nice for me to play with other girls; I don't really have girlfriends in movies, if you've noticed. Well, I have a few girlfriends, I just... I stay at home a lot. I'm just not very social. I don't do a lot with them, and I'm very homebound. I'll talk to my family, I talk to Brad... But I don't know, I don't have a lot of friends I talk to. He is really the only person I talk to. [2012] I think I'm going to have to give up the acting as the kids hit the teenage years, anyway, too much to manage at home. I have enjoyed being an actress. I am so grateful to the job and I have had great experiences and I have even be able to tell stories and be a part of stories that mattered and I have done things for fun, but... I will do some films and I am so fortunate to have the job, it's a really lucky profession to be a part of and I enjoy it. But if it went away tomorrow I would be very happy to be home with the children. I wake up in the morning as a mum and I turn on the news like everybody else and I see what's happening and I want to be part of the world in a positive way. The strong preying upon the weak and the weak, upon achieving strength, extracting retribution: this is the nature of so many of the world's conflicts. The role of aggressor and victim may alternate over time, the tools of destruction may become more sophisticated, but little else changes. [on her double mastectomy, 2013] I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity. [on accepting the title role in Maleficent (2014)] The artist in me felt that it was time to do something I wasn't comfortable with. I was actually a bit nervous to take her on. I don't have a big theatre voice. I don't do things that are kind of comedic, and I'm a fairy. But it's great to jump into things you're not sure of. [on the unplanned casting of her five-year-old daughter Vivienne as the young Princess Aurora] The first day was the scene where the princess had to catch the butterfly. So I was actually holding the ball [with the butterfly] on the end! bouncing up and down and dancing, trying to make her laugh. And Daddy was on the edge of the digital cliff she had to jump off, making faces while her brothers and sisters were egging her on. I was actually shocked that she was doing so well. We never wanted our kids to be actors. But we also wanted them to be around film and part of Mommy and Daddy's life and not be kept from it either. If and when they decide to be actors when they are older, I would ask that acting not be the center of their lives, because I don't think it is healthy. It may sound cliché, but when you feel beautiful and strong on the inside, it shows on the outside. I don't want to be that person in the spotlight. I'm much more at home sitting with the sound guys and the grips, in my boots, working. I think I connect to people who could be written off as wild or dark, or who are just full of fire and looking for a place to put that fire. It's an important lesson to learn, and it's something I did learn: you live on behalf of others and you're happier and you have purpose. And you have a great excuse to have all that fire. Oh God, I struggle with low self-esteem all the time! I think everyone does. I have so much wrong with me, it's unbelievable! [on Johnny Depp ] He's so funny and so fun to hang out with. He's just that friend you're so happy to come to work and do scenes with. Plus, he's such a brilliant actor. He's often thought of so much for his deep character work, but it really comes from an artist who is willing to try things. He's not just somebody who's doing these fun [movies]; he's a real experimental deeply-feeling artist, who gives a lot and is very gracious on set to everybody and to his fellow actors. He's just a pleasure. I want to say when I was little, like Maleficent (2014), I was told I was different. And I felt out of place, too loud, too full of fire, never good at sitting still, never good at fitting in and then one day I realized something. Something I hope you all realize. Different is good! So, don't fit in. Don't sit still. Don't ever try to do less than you are. When somebody tells you you're different, smile and hold your head up high and be proud. And as your villain, I would also say - cause a little trouble. It's good for you. [on Amy Pascal 's remarks on her] Someone told me. There are certain things that bother me and certain things that don't. Personal attacks on me? I think I'm just so used to it. Honestly, my first instinct was that I was worried about Amy. I had someone call her and ask if she was O.K. Not because I'm a saint, but because I think we have to look at the bigger picture. She's got kids. I knew it was going to unravel for her. [on By the Sea (2015)] I wrote it before I ever had anything I'd written become a film, and I wrote with a great freedom of believing nobody would ever see it. I wanted to understand grief; and I think because of my mother's passing and certain aspects of her life where she was very unfulfilled as an artist and as a woman - I wanted to meditate on that, and have the freedom to work thinking of film, not thinking of the audience, not thinking of what would be commercial, not thinking of how to answer everything but just to be in a place with these people. And so I picked three different couples that represented a different time: one who had yet to experience it, one couple who were sitting right in the middle of it and then the two older men who have come out the other end of it and understand it and so I just drove one couple up to a hotel and then wrote from the beginning to the end. [on In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011)] It was something I didn't trust out of my hands. So by default I ended up putting myself in as director. [on working with her husband Brad Pitt on By the Sea (2015)] You write with what you know in your mind, so I wrote a little bit with us in my head - I'm a woman of Vanessa's age and this is a marriage and marriage is familiar - and I first showed it to Brad years ago, we talked about it and he was very supportive, but it was kind of that "funny, crazy one" that was just on my desk, and it was almost referred to as the one you'd never do - you know, "That would be a crazy idea!" - but at a certain point I think as artists we all get to that place where we want to do the crazy one, and we want to not feel safe and we want to remember what it is to just play and maybe we make a mess but we want to remember what it is to be free, and so I think we were feeling that and wanted to just go out and be together and work together and try something and succeed or fail, we wanted to do it together. [on By the Sea (2015)] The 70s was such an extraordinary time for film and politics, and I was born in the 70s so I think you're always interested in when you were younger, and what your parents might have been like, and what that time was, and your reference point....but I found it a really compelling time for art and there was a certain freedom in films at that time and certain films of that time I think also discussed very heavy things. So, in a way, there wasn't a particular film that I was trying to copy, but there was a feeling that if I could just allow myself to remember those films and the time they took, and the nuance and the heaviness of the subject-matter....so, it was inspiring. Salary (13)	Billy Bob Thornton
English statesman John of Gaunt was regent to which future king of England while he was too young to take the throne?	Angelina Jolie: 'I don't really have girlfriends' \| Daily Mail Online With beauty, wealth and a gorgeous family, Angelina Jolie seems to have it all. But the actress has confessed there is at least one thing missing in her life - female friends. In an interview with the new issue of U.S. Marie Claire, she spoke frankly to the magazine about her lack of female confidantes. 'It was nice for me to play with other girls; I don't really have girlfriends in movies, if you've noticed, ' she said. 'Well, I have a few girlfriends, I just... I stay at home a lot. I'm just not very social. I don't do a lot with them, and I'm very homebound.' Stunner: Angelina Jolie looks gorgeous as she poses in the cover of the latest issue of Marie Claire magazine The actress, director and mother-of six, who looks stunning in a blue top and gold statement ring, has previously bemoaned the fact that she really only chats with her partner, Brad Pitt. 'I'll talk to my family,' said the actress, 'I talk to Brad ... But I don't know, I don't have a lot of friends I talk to. He is really the only person I talk to.' RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Angelina's reputation as the ultimate man-eater and husband-stealer may account for her lack of gal pals. She famously fell for Brad when he was still married to Jennifer Aniston and her second husband Billy Bob Thornton broke off his engagement to Laura Dern to elope with his Pushing Tin co-star. Multi-tasker: The actress and mother of 6 made her directorial debut this month with In the Land of Blood and Honey, her film about the war in Bosnia One of the few close female friends that is not deterred by Angelina's reputation is singer Gwen Stefani. Earlier this year the A-listers were spied with Gwen Stefani getting together at Gwen's home in London for a fun-filled playdate . 'All of the kids are very close in age. They've attended each other's birthday parties and gotten together several times at each other's homes,' a source to Yahoo news at the time. The pair have been friends since 1998. 'Somehow Gwen and I keep ending up pregnant at the exact same time,' Jolie has explained. Black tie: Angelina looked chic in a velvet tuxedo-style suit as she went out for dinner in New York Best known for action films such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Wanted, Angelina also reveals that she may want to move on from acting. 'I woke up one day realizing, God, I'm an actor,' she said, 'I don't think I intended to be an actor. I think my mother wanted it for me. 'I loved telling stories, and I enjoyed the profession, but is it too late to be something else?' Calling the shots: Angelina revealed in the interview that she may want to move away from acting When asked whether she and partner Brad Pitt were planning to extend their already considerable brood, she would only say: 'Nothing planned at the moment, but we just don't know. I could end up pregnant." And Angelina credits Brad with helping her juggle her career with raising children. 'I have a wonderful partner in Brad and we take turns working always,' she said in the interview The star also touched on the subject of her children wanting her to marry long-term love Brad, 47. 'They have mentioned it, yes,' she admitted. Mr & Mrs: Angelina is still reluctant to marry her partner, actor Brad Pitt She also opened up about her daughter Vivienne being a 'girly girl', divulging; 'She is so elegant and delicate. Vivi will pick flowers from the garden and put them in her hair. 'She likes to get her nails done and collects stuffed animals' She added: 'It's very funny for me to have to buy all things pink and watch princess movies!' 'Knox' she says however, 'is very much a dude. Very physical, tough. He loves dinosaurs and swords. Family outing: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie took their six children to FAO Schwarz in New York yesterday She also gushed about her happiness saying: 'Brad has expanded my life in ways I never imagined. We built a family. He is not just the love of my life, he is my family. I hold that very dear. 'I suppose what I’ve learned from Brad is to be able to have the kind of family whose happiness and well-being comes before your own.' 'I’m very, very grateful to have such a loving family, and I wouldn’t have that without him.' Director's cut: Angelina has been heavily promoting her new project which will be in cinemas later this month Speaking about the subject of her film Jolie said: 'I think it's still hard to understand what happened and how it could happen 40 minutes away from Italy in the '90s at the time Schindler's List came out.' Explaining the inspiration for the movie she said: 'It began as a private exercise, an excuse to get out some of my frustrations wthe international community and justice issues. 'Some of the very darkest sections of the film were conceived in Shiloh's art class; I was in the back waiting for the kids to finish,' she added darkly. The Hollywood star has also revealed she plans to do another war film focusing on Afghanistan, where she made humanitarian trips to recently. In the Land of Blood and Honey is is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 23. The new issue of Marie Claire is on newsstands Tuesday December 13.	i don't know
In medicine, Hansen disease is better known by what name?	Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) \| CDC Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) ShareCompartir Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) is a long-lasting infection caused by bacteria. The disease was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease. Now, however, the disease is very rare and easily treated. Early diagnosis and treatment usually prevent disability related to the disease.	Leprosy
Which late singer/musician was shot in an assassination attempt in Jamaica in December 1976?	Treatment \| Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) \| CDC Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Hansen's disease is easily treatable. It’s treated for 6 months to 2 years with a combination of antibiotics. If you are treated for Hansen’s disease, it's important to: tell your doctor about any potential nerve damage take extra care to prevent injuries that may occur (especially if you experience numbness or a loss of feeling in certain parts of the body). take the antibiotics until your doctor says treatment is complete (otherwise you may get sick again) In the U.S., people with the disease may be treated at special clinics run by the National Hansen's Disease Program. The Program receives Federal funds to run 11 clinics in 7 states and Puerto Rico. The clinics provide medical care for the diagnosis and treatment of Hansen's disease-related conditions. Related Links	i don't know
Terra is the Latin name for which planet in our solar system?	Planet Terra - TV Tropes Planet Terra You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share "Here lies Terra, known to antiquity as Earth, the heart of the Imperium of Man..." — Warhammer 40,000 This is a fairly simple trope. It is simply the habit of calling Earth "Terra" in Sci Fi. The word is adopted from the Latin word for, well, earth. It is used to make the planet Earth follow the Roman naming systems for the planets of the Solar System and also as a more respectable description for the inhabitants of the planet rather than " Earthling ". Another advantage is that it is language-neutral, since it is by far the most common word for the planet—three world languages call this planet Terra or some variant thereofnote Portuguese borrows the Latin "Terra", Spanish calls it "Tierra", and French uses the word "Terre"—which gives French SF authors the convenient advantage of referring to the inhabitants as "Terriens", or "Terrans"., as do many smaller Romance (i.e. Latin-derived) languages. And it provides a convenient standardisation in that Earth is otherwise the only planet in the Solar system that is not named for a Roman deity. This is often accompanied by reference to Earth's sun as "Sol", and the moon as "Luna", to differentiate them from other suns or moons. Calling Earth "Terra" may be a result of an Earth That Was scenario. Due to the dubious pronunciation and spelling of ancient languages, "Tella" also fits here. SF authors of the 1930s also applied another Latin name at times, "Tellus", which means the same thing. Examples: open/close all folders Anime and Manga In Trinity Blood , Methuselahs refer to humans as Terrans. Because, as the original novels reveal , the first Methuselahs were created on Mars. Toward the Terra . In Outlaw Star , humans are mostly referred to as just that, but some characters refer to them as Terrans. Notably Aisha , and usually with a note of derision. In Space Battleship Yamato 2199 , the alien Gamilas call Earth Terron which is explained as their rendering of Terra/Terrans. (Apparently they couldn't tell the name of the planet and that of the species apart—they cannot do that for their own planet, either.) Fan Works The primary kaiju home world and setting for the Godzilla series in The Bridge is referred to as Terra, which is also a moniker for certain labels. As such the benign kaiju faction is referred to as the Terran Defenders to distinguish them from the neutral or malign Mutations. Film In Guardians of the Galaxy Quill is exclusively referred to as "Terran," and Earth as "Terra," by most of the alien races, particularly Nova Corps. Though he's also called a "hummie" occasionally by Rocket, so they're at least aware of the word humans use for themselves. Literature The government in Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein is the Terran Federation. The titular organization in the Terran Trade Authority series by Stewart Cowley. The Saga of the Seven Suns series has the Terran Hanseatic League. Most of Andre Norton 's science fiction stories. E. E. ï¿½Docï¿½ Smith 's stories referred to our planet as both Earth and Terra. He also used the alternate name Tellus. Poul Anderson 's Technic History stories refer to Terra and the Terran (or sometimes Terrestrial) Empire. Anderson justifies the use in an odd way: once, an alien asked where he comes from replies, "from earth" - but that is what the name of his home planet means if he translates it, so "Terra" is used to distinguish various earths spread throughout the Galaxy. An odd inversion is that Edmond Hamilton's Starwolf trilogy always speaks of humans as Earthmen, but the back-cover blurb describes the main character as a Terran. Keith Laumer 's Retief stories frequently use the abbreviated "Terry" for Terrestrial. There's no sense of it being derogatory, as the Terries use it themselves often enough. Also, Earth's diplomatic corps is known as the Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne. In Sergey Lukyanenko 's Line of Delirium trilogy, Earth is renamed Terra and serves as the capital of the Human Empire . It appears to have happened sometime during the Vague War , as a note Kay finds dating back to the war still refers to the planet as Earth. "Terra" and "Terrans" are used throughout H. Beam Piper 's "Terro-Human Future History". "Terra" is the most common name for the home planet of Perry Rhodan. Earth has become known as "Terra" in S.L. Viehl's Stardoc series. In Elliot S. Maggin's Superman novel Last Son of Krypton , Lex Luthor complains when aliens call him an Earthling, because he prefers "Terran". They explain that the translator operates according to the listener's intention, so if Luthor decides he wants to hear "Terran" instead, that's what he'll hear. (It works, at which point he decides to make the translations of his interrogators' names and species terms as insulting to them as possible.) In the novelization of Men in Black , humans are called "terries". (At least by Edgar the bug, so it's likely a derogatory derivative of "terran".) In Bob Shaw's Who Goes Here? many of the officers of Earth's military prefer the term "Terra". One enlisted man notes it's often a sign of an idealistic fool who's likely to get his men killed; the ones who say "The Mighty Terra" are particularly bad. Naturally, the protagonist's commanding officer is of this type. In the Catteni series by Anne McCaffrey , the humans are referred to as "Terrans" by the alien Catteni, and sometimes by the humans themselves. In Francis Carsac 's Robinsons of the Cosmos, the Transplanted Humans end up calling their new planet "Tellus". At the end, they name their new unified nation the Union of Tellus Republics. Live Action TV In Stargate SG-1 it was mentioned once that the Ancients called earth Terra, of course, Latin is derived from their language . Though most of the time the Goa'uld word, Tau'ri, is used for humans from earth. "Tau'ri" (lit. "The First World") is the name for Earth itself. Humans from Earth were originally referred to as "Humans of the Tau'ri," and was eventually shortened to just "Tau-ri" for the sake of brevity. Played with and finally averted in the original Battlestar Galactica —"Terra" turns out not to be Earth, but rather a splinter group from the Thirteenth Tribe that colonized Earth. Surprisingly, their history is similar to ours, except on Terra Those Wacky Nazis and Dirty Communists have joined togethernote Which is nowhere near as silly as it sounds and nearly ended up being Truth in Television to form the Eastern Alliance, a totalitarian regime that seeks to rule the universe. They also sign peace treaties that they have no intention of keeping ( Does This Remind You of Anything? ). Aliens very rarely refer to humans originating from Earth as "Tellurians" in Doctor Who . Space Patrol (US) has Terra, a sort of Space Canberra that functions as both the capital city and base of operations for the Space Patrol. Tabletop Games The BattleTech universe had the Terran Hegemony. The planet is mostly referred to as Terra, as well. Renegade Legion has an imperial government known as the Terran Overlord Government. Holy Terra is the homeworld of the Imperium of Man in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The use of the Latin word is particularly appropriate, as 40k has a translation convention of using Latin (or debased Latin-like words) to represent "High Gothic"—the archaic administrative and religious language of the Imperium of Man. That said, even when characters are using the more colloquial "Low Gothic" (represented by English) they still tend to call the human homeworld "Terra". The term probably filtered down into Low Gothic from High Gothic, given that to the vast majority of Imperial citizens Terra is a near-mythical place of superlative religious significance, referred to mainly in hymns and prayers. The Horus Heresy series shows that this isn't an all-that-old development, given the time scale of the world - by the times of Heresy, two centuries after the inception of the Imperium, some Astartes still refer to the Throneworld as Earth. The Beast Arises, which takes place some two thousand years after, also notes that "Earth" is still one of the names for Terra, although by that time it's clearly going out of use. The Starfire universe has the Terran Federation. The Terran Confederation in Traveller . Terrans are alternately called "Solomani"(men from the sun) and that is the preferred rendering in the Third Imperium era which is the default time of the GURPS line. Inverted in Manhunter, the long out-of-print sourcebook for Rifts (and the only officially-sanctioned Rifts book not published by Palladium Books). The book has Earth as well as Terra, the later is a new homeworld founded by Humans after Earth was rendered nearly uninhabitable . Theme Parks Universal's Halloween Horror Nights in 2005 was themed around a horrifying alternate planet called "Terra Cruentus" note When translated, the name means "Blood Earth" Video Games In X3 Terran Conflict , the humans in the Sol system are referred to as "Terrans", but the planet is still called Earth, as is their government (the Earth State); the games make the distinction between "human" used to refer to the species as a whole, and national affiliation like the Terran, Argon, and Solaran . In X Rebirth , the residents of the Republic of Cantera are sometimes referred to as Terrans, being an Earth State Lost Colony . Happens partially in Star Control , where instead of the Sun and the Moon we have Sol and Luna. Earth is named Earth and the humans Earthlings and not Terrans, however. The Galactic Terran Aliance from FreeSpace . Earth is still Earth, however. In the sequel, two sides use Terran in their name: the Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance (composed of humans and Vasudans) and the Neo-Terran Front (composed of anti-Vasudan human radicals, with a vision of 'Neo-Terra' as an utopia for humans). In StarCraft , humans are called Terrans, but strangely, the planet is still called Earth every single time it's mentioned. And they're referred to as humans instead of terrans reasonably often. StarCraft is actually a weird case of this, as the terrans are the humans not associated with earth. The people from earth still call themselves humans. The French translation uses untranslated "Terran" for the Terran confederacy (and later empire) of the Koprulu sector, and translated "Terriens" for the United Earth Directory forces. Wing Commander has the Terran Confederation, with "Terrans" occasionally being used by non-human races to refer to the speciess originating from Sol III. The Expanded Universe makes it clear that the Confederation is centered on Terra/Earth, but includes members from other species, such as the Firekkans. In the Unrealverse , the Skaarj call humans Terrans. PlanetSide has the Terran Republic . Which still calls it's home earth. The main race in the sequel to Galactic Civilizations is the Terran Alliance. That is the default name, though. You can call it what you wish. Rock 'N Roll Racing refers to Snake Sanders' home planet (very blatantly Earth-like) as Terra. In Final Fantasy , the setting is usually called "Gaia" (Greek for Earth) but in Final Fantasy IX the plot's impetus is an invasion by another planet known as Terra. The Battle Opera Gunmech universe has the Terran Alliance. Subverted in Star Citizen . There's a planet called Terra , but it's actually a major colony that happens to look extremely similar to Earth. Earth itself remains and is still the political, economical and military core of the titular United Empire of Earth(UEE). Played with in Star Ruler and Star Ruler 2 , where the human faction are referred to as "Terrakin". The plotless first game never explains why the starting planet isn't Earth/Terra, but the second game's backstory explains the playable Terrakin as a Lost Colony whose colony ship was thrown way off course. Played with in Master of Orion : Conquer the Stars, where the Terrans are Transplanted Humans hailing from Alpha Ceti (where they were dumped by the Antarans after they were no longer needed). The main humanity is still called "Human". The Terran Khanate is the Evil Counterpart to the Human Republic. Web Original All beings that can trace their lineage back to Earth in Orion's Arm are referred to as 'Terragen', and the region of space they inhabit is, obviously, called the Terragen Sphere. Note that most terragens were not actually born/created on Earth, and are hence not Terrans proper—they're just all, ultimately, descended from or created by Terrans. Escape from Terra , obviously. And many of the planet's inhabitants are referred to as "Terries". In Schlock Mercenary Earth still retains its English name. But the star it orbits is known as "Sol", and its terraformed and heavily populated moon was renamed "Luna" by "The Committee for Differentiating Our Planet From a Bare Behind." Western Animation Battle for Terra is a subversion. Terra here is an alien planet named so by the humans fleeing the destroyed Earth. Its real name is unknown. The baseline humans are referred as "Terrans" in Exo Squad to distinguish them from Neosapiens and get around the small fact that both races are human, regardless of the fact that they don't call Earth "Terra", or that many humans are natives of Venus or the moons of the outer planets. Real Life One of Perry Rhodan's authors, Willi Voltz, used the word in a political context. He was heard addressing his readers as "Terrans" and explaining that he wanted to have this understood as a honorific of people whose mindset was advanced enough that they would identify themselves as members of the human species as a whole and not of an ethnic or national community. :: Indexes ::	Earth
Which singer released a 2007 album entitled ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’?	What are the names of the earth, moon, sun, and solar system? (Beginner) - Curious About Astronomy? Ask an Astronomer The Sun What are the names of the earth, moon, sun, and solar system? (Beginner) All the other planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, etc.) have names. What's the Earth's name? The other moons in the solar system have names too (Phobos, Io, Titan, etc.). What's our moon's name? Our galaxy has a name: the Milky Way. So what's the name of our solar system? The name of our planet is the Earth. The name of our moon is the Moon. The name of our solar system is the Solar System. Notice that I capitalize them, because when used as names, they are proper nouns. This also helps us distinguish between the planet Earth and earth (meaning soil), between the Earth's Moon and moon (meaning the natural satellite of a planet), and between our Solar System and any other solar systems (since any system containing a star and a planet or a planet-forming disk can be called a solar system.) This is the English language usage approved by the International Astronomical Union , the body in charge of naming celestial objects. It may seem odd that these important objects don't have names, but if you think about it, it just reinforces their importance. For example, the Moon is the Moon, not just any moon. It requires no other name, because it's the most important moon! You may read or hear people using Luna for the Moon, or Terra or Gaia for the Earth, or Sol for the Sun, but in English-speaking countries, these are poetic terms, often seen in science fiction stories, but not used by astronomers in scientific writing. In some countries where Romance languages are spoken, these terms are the official names. It's also interesting to note that most astronomers do not call our galaxy the Milky Way in technical writing--they call it the Galaxy. This page was last updated June 28, 2015.	i don't know
In the Bible, Conquest, War, Famine and Death symbolise the Four ‘what’?	Seven Stories of Apocalypse: Legend of Four Horsemen Of Apocalypse Jumat, 22 Juli 2011 Legend of Four Horsemen Of Apocalypse The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are described in the last book of the New Testament of the Bible, called the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ to Saint John the Evangelist at 6:1-8. The chapter tells of a scroll in God's right hand that is sealed with seven seals. Jesus Christ opens the first four of the seven seals, which summons forth the four beasts that ride on white, red, black, and pale horses which each symbolize Conquest, War, Famine and Death, respectively.[1] The Christian apocalyptic vision is that the four horsemen are to set a divine apocalypse upon the world as harbingers of the Last Judgment. White Horse I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come and see!" I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. — Revelation 6:1-2˄ NIV Due to the above sentence (the most common translation into English), the White rider is referred to as Conquest[1] (not Pestilence, see below). The name could also be construed as "Victory," per the translation found in the Jerusalem Bible. He carries a bow (but no quiver), and wears a victor's crown. The exact nature and morality of the apocalyptic white rider is less clear. He has been argued to represent either evil or righteousness by multiple sources: [edit] As evil The other three horsemen represent evil, destructive forces, and given the unified way in which all four are introduced and described, it may be most likely that the first horseman is correspondingly evil. The German Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel casts him as civil war and internal strife. One interpretation—which was held by evangelist Billy Graham—casts the rider of the white horse as the Antichrist, or a representation of false prophets, citing differences between the white horse in Revelation 6 and Jesus on the white Horse in Revelation 19.[2] In Revelation 19 Jesus has many crowns, but in Revelation 6 the rider has just one.[3] As righteous Irenaeus, an influential Christian theologian of the 2nd century, was among the first to interpret this horseman as Christ himself, his white horse representing the successful spread of the gospel.[4] Various scholars have since supported this theory, citing the later appearance, in Revelation 19, of Christ mounted on a white horse, appearing as The Word of God. Furthermore, earlier in the New Testament, the Book of Mark indicates that the advance of the gospel may indeed precede and foretell the apocalypse.[4][5] The color white also tends to represent righteousness in the Bible, and Christ is in other instances portrayed as a conqueror.[4][5] However, opposing interpretations argue that the first of the four horsemen is probably not the horseman of Revelation 19. They are described in significantly different ways, and Christ's role as the Lamb who opens the seven seals makes it unlikely that he would also be one of the forces released by the seals.[4][5] Besides Christ, the horseman could represent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was understood to have come upon the Apostles at Pentecost after Jesus' departure from earth. The appearance of the Lamb in Revelation 5 shows the triumphant arrival of Jesus in heaven, and the white horseman could represent the sending of the Holy Spirit by Jesus and the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.[6] Red Horse When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come and see!" Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword. — Revelation 6:3-4˄ NIV The rider of the second horse is often taken to represent War. His horse's color is red. In some translations, the color is specifically a "fiery" red. This color, as well as the rider's possession of a great sword, suggests blood that is to be spilled on the battlefield.[4] The second horseman may represent the war of conquest as opposed to civil war that the first horseman brings. The red horse could also be spiritual war brought by Christ. In Matthew 10:34 Jesus states "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."[7] Also, God is referred to as a "consuming fire" twice in Deuteronomy and once in Hebrews; hence a fiery red sword.[4][8] The color red could also be a symbolic reference to the reddish hue of smoke from fires covering the face of the daylight hours moon. Black Horse When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!" — Revelation 6:5-6˄ NIV The third horseman rides a black horse and is generally understood as Famine.[4] The horseman carries a pair of balances or weighing scales, indicating the way that bread would have been weighed during a famine.[8] Of the four horsemen, the black horse and its rider are the only ones whose appearance is accompanied by a vocal pronunciation. John hears a voice, unidentified but coming from among the four living creatures, that speaks of the prices of wheat and barley, also saying "and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine." This suggests that the black horse's famine is to drive up the price of grain but leave oil and wine supplies unaffected. One explanation for this is that grain crops would have been more naturally susceptible to famine years or locust plagues than olive trees and grapevines, which root more deeply;[4][8] the statement might also suggest a continuing abundance of luxuries for the wealthy while staples such as bread are scarce, though not totally depleted.[8] Alternatively, the preservation of oil and wine could symbolize the preservation of the Christian faithful, who used oil and wine in their sacraments. Another interpretation based on Ezekiel 45:13 is that wheat and barley represent the people's contribution to sacrifice to the Temple in the old Jewish traditions when Solomon's temple stood. The scale represents the balance and measure of the people's contribution, in order to equally distribute it among the 12 tribes. But, one of the four living creatures says it will cost a day's wage to get the barley and wheat. Therefore, the horseman will use his scale to equally distribute a days wage among nations, resulting with a 3rd Temple, but he is not to harm God's anointed and their wealth.[4] The third horseman may also reference Daniel 11:38-39 "But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain." The scales would represent the worshipping of forces and grain is a focus of both passages. Pale Horse When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come and see!" I looked and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hell was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. — Revelation 6:7-8˄ NIV The fourth and final horseman is named Death. Of all the riders, he is the only one to whom the text itself explicitly gives a name. Still others apply the names "Pestilence"[9] or "Plague" to this horseman, based on alternative translations of the Bible (such as the Jerusalem Bible). Unlike the other three, he is not described carrying a weapon/object, instead he is followed by Hades. However, illustrations—like those above—commonly depict him carrying a scythe (like the Grim Reaper) or a sword. The color of Death's horse is written as khlômos (χλωμóς) in the original Koine Greek, which is often translated as "pale", though "ashen", "pale green" and "yellowish green"[8] are other possible interpretations. The color suggests the sickly pallor of a corpse.[4][10] Other translations hypothesize a reference not yet to "greenish", but "mottled" or spotted. The verse beginning "they were given power over a fourth of the earth" may refer solely to Death and Hades, or it may summarize the roles of all four horsemen; scholars disagree on this point. Death in a few texts has been viewed as the true immortal which, unlike the other three, will last for eternity. Interpretations Many modern scholars interpret Revelation from a preterist point of view, arguing that its prophecy and imagery apply only to the events of the first century of Christian history.[8] In this school of thought, Conquest, the white horse's rider, is sometimes identified as a symbol of Parthian forces: Conquest carries a bow, and the Parthian Empire was at that time known for its mounted warriors and their skill with bow and arrow.[4][8] Parthians were also particularly associated with white horses.[4] Some scholars specifically point to Vologases I, a Parthian shah who clashed with the Roman Empire and won one significant battle in 62 AD.[4][8] An alternate explanation associates the white horse's rider with Plague, with the bow representing the plague arrows of Apollo and Artemis. Revelation's historical context may also influence the depiction of the black horse and its rider, Famine. In 92 AD, the Roman emperor Domitian attempted to curb excessive growth of grapevines and encourage grain cultivation instead, but there was major popular backlash against this effort, and it was abandoned. Famine's mission to make wheat and barley scarce but "hurt not the oil and the wine" could be an allusion to this episode.[8][10] The red horse and its rider, who take peace from the earth, might represent the prevalence of civil strife at the time Revelation was written; internecine conflict ran rampant in the Roman Empire during and just prior to the 1st century AD.[4][8] According to the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), each of the seven seals opened in Revelation represents a specific thousand-year period in Asia.[11][12] Since the first horseman, Conquest, appears after the opening of the first seal, he is associated 4000–3000 years BC.[11] He is taken to be the prophet Enoch, whom Mormons believe founded the righteous city of Zion.[13] In this view, the first horseman is viewed as good, and his "conquering" represents a moral victory, not a literal war of conquest.[11] The second horseman is associated with the era of Noah (3000-2000 BC); the third horseman, the era of Abraham (2000-1000 BC); and the fourth horseman, 1000 BC to the birth of Jesus.[11] As in many other interpretations, these horsemen are believed to represent War, Famine and Death; Mormon theologians claim that each of these destructive forces was rampant in the millennium to which it is assigned.[11] Each new century, Christian interpreters see ways in which the horsemen, and Revelation in general, speaks to contemporary events.[citation needed] Some who believe Revelation applies to modern times can interpret the horses based on various ways their colours are used.[14] Red, for example, often represents Communism, Black has been used as a symbol of Capitalism, while Green represents the rise of Islam. Pastor Irvin Baxter Jr. of Endtime Ministries espouses such a belief.[15] Some equate the four horsemen with the angels of the four winds.[16] (See Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel, angels often associated with four cardinal directions) Pestilence, War, Famine and Death This interpretation replaces Conquest with Pestilence. This interpretation is generally espoused by those unfamiliar with the actual Bible texts which describe the Four Horsemen. Though it is apocryphal, this interpretation remains most commonly used as the basis for popular culture's uses of the Four Horsemen concept. The origins of the name "Pestilence" as a distinct Horseman are unclear, though certain Bible versions, such as the Jerusalem Bible do refer to Death—rather than Conquest—as "Plague" (a synonym for Pestilence). by Wikipedia Kim Jong Un (N.K)Revelation 6:8 Zechariah 6:3	List of Metallica demos
Which novel by Robert Louis Stevenson was originally published under the title ‘The Sea Cook’?	War, Death...Strife and Fury???? Wrong Horsemen. - Darksiders II Message Board for Xbox 360 - GameFAQs War, Death...Strife and Fury???? Wrong Horsemen. Topic Archived User Info: bhakala bhakala 4 years ago#1 I am curious why the change up in the names of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? The original ones per bible, and various other books on the subject are: - War - Famine - Pestilence I am not very religious by any means, nor am an avid bible reader. However I have read enough books and stories representing these characters over the years and just curious why THQ changed up the names of the last two? Most topics on the last two, likely associated with DS3 & 4, common opinions are those characters are likely to be lame compared to War & Death. Which I agree when you compare potential new characters like: - Famine (i.e. ability to make those around suddenly shrivel from malnutrition is one take) VS. Strife?? - Pestilence (i.e. ability to spread infectious disease) VS. Fury??? I am curious if THQ just felt it was easier to make the other 2 as Strife and Fury since those may be easier to represent in a game vs. the other two. Thoughts? User Info: ssj5king ssj5king 4 years ago#2 Death was the only Horseman that was named but it is also easier to fit Fury and Strife into this setting and gameplay plus this is a completely different story about the Horsemen, has nothing to do with the Bible or anything else regarding them. Xbox Live GT: Nnnking MetalSonicSword 4 years ago#3 Oh look, it's this topic again... try the search function, this discussion comes up every week and is a waste of energy The official Ginkaku of the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 boards User Info: masked_yazoo masked_yazoo 4 years ago#4 Seriously... would enemies take the name "Famine" seriously... I bet they would laugh at him thinking he is a fat dude who loves stealing foods of his opponents until they die in starvation. "Remember, kids...Chu-Chu died for your sins!" User Info: bhakala bhakala (Topic Creator)4 years ago#5 Yeah I am in agreement, it seems to be more of a marketing tactic since using a character named "Famine" doesn't seem as awesome..lol. To MetalSonicSword: Don't know about this topic coming up weekly, as when I finally did do a search for "famine" or "pestilence" it is showing exactly two topics. Both take a different approach on what opinions I was looking for, but no matter. What I don't understand is why people spend the time going into a post that they feel is a very common topic being repeated, and bother to spend their time telling someone they aren't effectively using the search function..lol. AnubanUT 4 years ago#6 bhakala posted... I am curious why the change up in the names of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? The original ones per bible, and various other books on the subject are: - War - Famine - Pestilence I am not very religious by any means, nor am an avid bible reader. However I have read enough books and stories representing these characters over the years and just curious why THQ changed up the names of the last two? Most topics on the last two, likely associated with DS3 & 4, common opinions are those characters are likely to be lame compared to War & Death. Which I agree when you compare potential new characters like: - Famine (i.e. ability to make those around suddenly shrivel from malnutrition is one take) VS. Strife?? - Pestilence (i.e. ability to spread infectious disease) VS. Fury??? I am curious if THQ just felt it was easier to make the other 2 as Strife and Fury since those may be easier to represent in a game vs. the other two. Thoughts? The original ones per the Bible is ONLY death. No other horseman are named in the book of revelations. So it easy for ANYONE to take poetic license with the other three though War is almost always recognized. - "People who make '1000/1000' topics and 'I beat the game on the hardest difficulty' topics should be beheaded and quartered" - Me on a good day MetalSonicSword 4 years ago#7 bhakala posted... Yeah I am in agreement, it seems to be more of a marketing tactic since using a character named "Famine" doesn't seem as awesome..lol. To MetalSonicSword: Don't know about this topic coming up weekly, as when I finally did do a search for "famine" or "pestilence" it is showing exactly two topics. Both take a different approach on what opinions I was looking for, but no matter. What I don't understand is why people spend the time going into a post that they feel is a very common topic being repeated, and bother to spend their time telling someone they aren't effectively using the search function..lol. there have been at least six of these topics to my memory of which I actually bothered to answer in any detail. The official Ginkaku of the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 boards TheSilentMirage 4 years ago#8 MetalSonicSword posted... Rubedo_URTV_666 4 years ago#9 Thank god there are people who hate this as much as me. War, Death, Famine, Pestilence - Famine, Pestilence + Fury, Strife = Stupid Gamertag: The Unus Mundus User Info: bhakala bhakala (Topic Creator)4 years ago#10 Exactly. But the more I think about it, the more I think if they go traditional route it may make for some pretty crappy last two horsemen. FAMINE: Melee based and final strike ends up cutting their health down to very low???? PESTILENCE: Some sort of mage based character with tons of negative enemy buffers like reduce heatlh, reduce strength, etc?? Anyone have any theoretical ideas on what type of moves could be used for those two?	i don't know
According to the Bible, how many children did Adam and Eve have together?	How many children did Adam and Eve have? \| Creation Moments Home > How many children did Adam and Eve have? > How many children did Adam and Eve have? in Frequently Asked Questions About Creationism \| Short Answers to Big Questions The early chapters of Genesis are concerned with the origin of the Earth and all life, including man. The Author's intention is seemingly to present the grand picture first and then add certain details throughout the rest of Scripture; this is called Progressive Revelation. All we are told about Adam's offspring is that the first son was named Cain, the second son named Abel [Genesis 4:1-2 ], then after Abel's murder, another son named Seth was "begotten when Adam was 130 years old." After that, Adam "begot sons and daughters" [Genesis 5:3-4]. This same passage also tells us that Adam lived for 930 years [Genesis 5:5]. Therefore, according to Scripture, Adam and Eve's family consisted of sons Cain, Abel and Seth, plus a minimum of two other sons and two daughters, giving a total of seven children. However, accepting that Adam, and likely Eve, lived for 930 years, seven children would be the minimum number, but does this seem reasonable? Genesis chapter five presents the genealogies of the descendants of Adam where we are simply given the father's name, his age when he "begot" the first son and the total number of years he lived. With the exception of Enoch, all of these pre-flood descendants of Adam lived a minimum of 777 years, while most were over 900 years. In each instance, the record simply gives the name of the first son, then adds "and begot sons and daughters." With these words, the minimum number of children per family then becomes five. But is this really a credible number? Living over 900 years means living ten times longer than we do today. Proportionately, the female period of fecundity – today 30 to 35 years – would then be about 350 years. At a rate of only one child every seven years, this would result in 50 children for Adam's immediate family. Interestingly, two ancient books written about the time of Christ but not having the authority of inspired Scripture confirm these figures. The Book of Jubilees, whose author is unknown, was written in the second century B.C. and states that Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Paradise seven years [p.49]. Then Eve gave birth to her first child, Cain, between the ages of 64-70, or the same numbers as the age of the Earth, anno mundi. Eve's second child, Abel, was born seven years later – between the years 71-77 anno mundi [p.51]. The total number of Adam's children is not given in this work; however, it is found as a footnote in The Works of Josephus where it states: "The number of Adam's children, as says the old tradition, was 33 sons and 23 daughters." In view of their longevity, these appear to be reasonable figures while it would have to be said that, sinners though they were, Adam and Eve had faithfully obeyed God's first commission to: "be fruitful and multiply …" [Genesis 1:28]. References: Charles, Robert Henry [translator]. 2005. The Book of Jubilees or the Little Genesis. Original publishers: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, UK. Published 2005 by: Ibis Press, Berwick, Maine. Whiston, William [translator]. The Works of Josephus. Hendrickson Publishers [First AD 93, this ed.1804] Book 1, Chapter 2, verse 3 footnote. Related Articles	3
Southdown is a breed of which animal?	How did Adam and Eve’s kids have kids? We should provide free childhood vaccines for all » « The Penn State aftermath How did Adam and Eve’s kids have kids? I have written before about Jonathan Morris, a Catholic priest who is a Fox News favorite and a member of the infamous Legion of Christ order. (See here and here for more about that odious group and its disgusting founder.) In one call-in program titled Father Knows Best, someone asks Morris “How did Adam and Eve’s kids have kids?” Morris actually seems taken aback by this question, as if it had never occurred to him before. He flounders around, going off on tangents about other mysteries to which we have no answers such as whether Adam had a belly button and then riffs for a while on original sin. It is obvious to even his co-hosts that he is not able to answer the question. It is quite the spectacle. How could this question come as a surprise to any priest? It is something that occurs to almost any Jew or Christian, even young children, and surely must have been discussed as part of his seminary training in the course Introduction to Awkward Questions where students are taught how to respond to the pesky questions posed to them by curious parishioners. Morris did not seem to even know that the Bible says that Adam and Eve had many other children (both sons and daughters) after Cain and Abel (Genesis 5:3,4). How did he pass his exams? Lack of basic curiosity, while a disadvantage in most educational settings, is probably a necessary quality to be able to get through seminary without becoming an atheist. Morris is an example of what one disbelieving priest said , “If you emerge from seminary still believing in God, you haven’t been paying attention.” There are some common explanations that religious people offer to this question that he could have used. The catch is that they all require incest, which in turn requires a further explanation of why incest may have been acceptable back in Adam and Eve’s time. Either Morris is incurious and ignorant or a coward who could not bring himself to justify Biblical incest on TV and lied about being surprised by this question. Here is one valiant effort from a religious apologetics site to address the incest issue, quoting a book Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie. Though by many inerrantists the question of where Cain got his wife would not be considered a problem at all, this question is often used by those who try to demonstrate that the Bible is unreliable in what it claims. How could it claim that Adam and Eve were the first human beings who had two sons, one of whom murdered the other, and yet who produced a large race of people? Clearly, the Bible does teach that Adam and Eve were the first created human beings. The Lord affirmed this in Matthew 19:3-9. The genealogy of Christ is traced back to Adam (Luke 3:38). Jude 14 identifies Enoch as the seventh from Adam. This could hardly mean the seventh from “mankind,” an interpretation that would be necessary if Adam were not an individual as some claim. Clearly, Cain murdered Abel and yet many people were born. Where did Cain get his wife? We know that Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters in addition to Abel, Cain, and Seth (Gen. 5:4), and if there was only one original family, then the first marriages had to be between brothers and sisters. Such marriages in the beginning were not harmful. Incest is dangerous because inherited mutant genes that produce deformed, sickly, or moronic children are more likely to find expression in children if those genes are carried by both parents. Certainly, Adam and Eve, coming from the creative hand of God, had no such mutant genes. Therefore, marriages between brothers and sisters, or nieces and nephews in the first and second generations following Adam and Eve would not have been dangerous. Many, many generations later, by the time of Moses, incest was then prohibited in the Mosaic laws undoubtedly for two reasons: first, such mutations that caused deformity had accumulated to the point where such unions were genetically dangerous, and second, it was forbidden because of the licentious practices of the Egyptians and Canaanites and as a general protection against such in society. It should also be noted that in addition to the Bible most other legal codes refuse to sanction marriages of close relatives. I always find it highly amusing when people use knowledge gained from modern evolutionary theory to justify belief in the literal truth of the Genesis story. Notice also that the writer causally asserts that ‘many, many generations’ from Adam to Moses was enough for mutations to accumulate to make incest undesirable. But according to Bishop Ussher’s chronology that put creation at 4004 BCE, Moses was born around 1600 BCE, about 2400 years from Adam. If we take a generation as 25 years, that only gives us only about 96 generations, hardly enough to accumulate all these degenerative mutations. But it is even worse than that. According to the Bible, the time taken to go from Adam to Noah’s children (10 generations) was about 1500 years because people supposedly lived for much longer times then and had children when they were well over 100 years of age. This leaves just 900 years to go from Noah to Moses. Assuming that the average generational age suddenly dropped in that period to the present day value of about 25 years, that gives us about 36 more generations, so that the total number of generations from Adam to Moses was about 46, hardly deserving of the description of ‘many, many’ and nowhere near enough for all the genetic deficiencies to accumulate that caused Moses to decree laws against incest. Biblical literalists will have to do better than this to get around their incest problem.	i don't know
Transylvania is in which European country?	ROMANIA - Travel and Tourism Information are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a dynamic country rich in history , arts and scenic beauty. This website is intended to assist travelers who are planning to visit Romania as well as the general public who would like to learn more about one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Romania offers countless unique travel experiences that are waiting to be discovered. A journey of three of four hours, by car or train, can take you from the Danube River to a beautiful, intact, medieval town; from Bucharest - Romania's capital city - to the Black Sea ; from Southern Transylvania to the historic regions of Bucovina or Maramures . Take a step back in time as you visit one of the unique painted monasteries in Bucovina, the perfectly preserved hilltop citadel of Sighisoara or an authentic, centuries-old, village in Maramures. Explore Romania's many architectural treasures and experience its vibrant and flourishing arts scene. We look forward to welcoming you to Romania ! Train Travel Discounts What travel guides say about Romania: "What I like about Romania is that you know you are in a different place, in a good way." (Jayne Clark, USA Today) "… why should you go to Romania? The straight answer is because it is one of the most beautiful countries of Southeast Europe." (The Blue Guide) "Considered by many the most beautiful country in Eastern-Europe, Romania still claims regions that seem bastions of a medieval past long since lost elsewhere." (Fodor's Eastern and Central Europe) "Few regions offer a more dazzling display of cultural and artistic treasures than Romania." (Smithsonian Journeys) "No journey to Eastern Europe would be complete without paying a visit to Romania… Outstanding landscapes, a huge diversity of wildlife…" (The Rough Guide) "Romania has majestic castles, medieval towns, great hiking and wildlife…" (The Lonely Planet)	Romania
Soave wine is produced in which country?	Romania Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Fact Sheet October 20, 2016 More information about Romania is available on the Romania Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet. U.S.-ROMANIA RELATIONS The United States established diplomatic relations with Romania in 1880, following Romania’s independence. The two countries severed diplomatic ties after Romania declared war on the United States in 1941, but reestablished them in 1947. Relations remained strained during the Cold War era while Romania was under communist leadership. After the 1989 revolution ended communist rule, however, Romania's policies became unequivocally pro-Western. In the decades that followed, the United States and Romania deepened relations by increasing cooperation on shared goals including economic and political development, defense reform, and non-traditional threats such as transnational crime and non-proliferation. In 2011, the United States and Romania issued the “Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century Between the United States of America and Romania.” The two countries identified key areas for enhanced cooperation, focusing on our political-military relationship, law-enforcement cooperation, trade and investment opportunities, and energy security. In 2016, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to this cooperation in a joint declaration marking the five-year anniversary of the 2011 agreement. The United States and Romania are mutually committed to supporting human rights, the rule of law, and peace and freedom for everyone. The two countries are bound together through myriad people-to-people ties in business, the arts, scholarship, and a host of other exchanges. Romania’s promotion of greater cooperation among its Black Sea neighbors in the areas of defense, law enforcement, energy, economic development, and the environment complement the U.S. goal of enhancing stability in this sensitive and important region. Romania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004 and has established itself as a steadfast ally of both the United States and NATO. The country continues to improve its capabilities for NATO and multinational operations and has repeatedly deployed forces and assets in support of shared national security interests, including significant contributions of troops, equipment, and other assistance in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Kosovo. In September 2015, Romania stood up a NATO Force Integration Unit with the primary responsibility to facilitate the rapid deployment of NATO troops, if necessary. The following year it established the Alliance’s Multinational Division-Southeast headquarters in Bucharest, NATO’s command and control node for the region. Finally in July 2016 at the Warsaw Summit, Romania committed to host a NATO multinational brigade, which is under development. Romania hosts elements of the U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) to missile defense that is now operational and was adopted as part of NATO’s ballistic missile defense at the Warsaw NATO Summit in July 2016. The two countries signed a ballistic missile defense agreement in 2011, and in October 2014, the U.S. Navy formally established Naval Support Facility-Deveselu, the first new Navy base since 1987, where the EPAA Aegis Ashore missile defense interceptor site was constructed. The base houses several hundred U.S. sailors and navy contractors on a persistent, rotational basis. In 2005, the United States and Romania signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement, which is the framework for our military engagements. The agreement established several (currently six with more being contemplated) joint use facilities. Mihael Kogalniceanu airbase near Constanta is an important multi-modal transportation hub for U.S. forces and currently houses several hundred U.S. marines and army soldiers. The other joint use facilities are Babadag training area and rail head, Campia Turzi air base, Cincu training range, Targu Mares military base, and Smardan training range. U.S. Assistance to Romania U.S. security assistance supports Romania in completing its military modernization, improving its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, and increasing its expeditionary deployment capabilities in support of NATO’s collective defense and coalition operations with the United States. Bilateral Economic Relations Following the 1989 revolution, Romania's economy began a transition from state control to capitalism. The country worked to create a legal framework consistent with a market economy and investment promotion. Romania became a member of the European Union (EU) in 2007. In 1992, the United States and Romania signed a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), which came into force in 1994. In 2003, prior to Romania’s accession to the EU, the United States and Romania amended the BIT, which remains in effect. Romania attracts U.S. investors interested in accessing the European market, with relatively low costs and a well-educated, tech-savvy population being major draws. In Romania, major U.S. firms operate in the energy, manufacturing, information technology and telecommunications, services, and consumer products sectors. Top Romanian exports to the United States include machinery, vehicle parts, steel and metallic items, and fertilizers. Romania's Membership in International Organizations Romania and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, among others. Bilateral Representation The U.S. Ambassador to Romania is Hans G. Klemm ; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List . Romania maintains an embassy in the United States at 1607 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-332-4846). More information about Romania is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:	i don't know
Michael Gordon Peterson, often referred to by the British press as ‘The most violent prisoner in Britain’, changed his name to that of which US actor in 1987?	Charles Bronson: Quotes, Before Prison, Life in Prison, Personal Life, Film of Bronson's Life, Bibliography, and a List of Books by Author Charles Bronson Quotes more ï¿½ ï¿½ less "Audiences like to see the bad guys get their comeuppance.""I don't have friends, I have thousands of acquaintances. No friends. I figured I had a wife and children.""I don't look like someone who leans on a mantelpiece with a cocktail in my hand, you know.""I felt along with her - not the physical pain, of course, but all her mental anguish. You can't be detached. She needed to have someone who understood what was happening in her mind.""I look like a quarry someone has dynamited.""I look like the kind of guy who has a bottle of beer in my hand.""I wouldn't tell Jill how I felt. I behaved in such a way that was opposite to how I felt. I must have seemed strong to her. I didn't want to bring her down.""Maybe I'm too masculine. Casting directors cast in their own, or an idealized image. Maybe I don't look like anybody's ideal.""Part of the problem is how little we understand about the ultimate betrayal of the body when it rebels against itself. You always worry about charlatans. We found that specialists did not know as much as we thought.""The fear really hits you. That's what you feel first. And then it's the anger and frustration. Part of the problem is how little we understand about the ultimate betrayal of the body when it rebels against itself.""We found that specialists did not know as much as we thought. So, you think maybe there are other answers. There are not but if you belief something will help you it probably will: it will help, not cure.""What kind of man would I have been if I had not been there to help her? I felt along with her - not the physical pain, of course, but all her mental anguish. You can't be detached." Early life Bronson was one of three sons of Eira and Joe Peterson, who would later run the [[Conservative club]] in [[Aberystwyth]]. His uncle and aunt were [[mayor]] and mayoress of the town in the 1960s and 1970s. His aunt, Eileen Parry, is quoted as saying, "As a boy he was a lovely lad. He was obviously bright and always good with children. He was gentle and mild-mannered, never a bully — he would defend the weak." He lived in Luton from the age of four but, when he was a teenager, Bronson moved with his family to Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, where he started getting into trouble. Bronson later returned to Luton, which is often referred to as his home town, where he earned a living as a circus strongman. He was married in December 1970 to Irene, with whom he had a son, Michael. Boxing career and name change Prior to being imprisoned, Bronson had a short-lived career in bare-knuckle boxing in the East End of London, during which time he became an associate of Lenny McLean. He changed his name from Mick Peterson to Charles Bronson in 1987 on the advice of his fight promoter, "not because he liked the idea of the ‘Death Wish’ films starring the original Charles Bronson." Life in Prison more ï¿½ ï¿½ less Bronson was imprisoned for seven years in 1974, aged 22, for an armed robbery at a Post Office in Little Sutton, a suburb of Ellesmere Port, during which he stole ï¿½26.18. His sentence was repeatedly extended for crimes committed within prison, which include wounding with intent, wounding, criminal damage, grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment, blackmail and threatening to kill. Bronson has served all but four of his years in prison in solitary confinement due to a number of hostage situations, rooftop protests, and repeated attacks on prison staff and on other inmates. His dangerous behaviour has meant that he has spent time in over 120 different prisons, including all three maximum security hospitals: Broadmoor Hospital, Rampton Secure Hospital, and Ashworth Hospital. Bronson has spent a total of just four months and nine days out of custody since 1974. He was released on 30 October 1988 and spent 69 days as a free man before being arrested for robbery, and then released again on 9 November 1992, spending 53 days as a free man before being arrested again, this time for conspiracy to rob. In 1999 a special prison unit was set up for Bronson and two other violent prisoners from Woodhill, to reduce the risk they posed to staff and other prisoners. In 2000, Bronson received a discretionary life sentence with a three year tariff for a hostage-taking incident. His appeal against this sentence was denied in 2004. Bronson remained a "Category A" prisoner when he was moved to Wakefield High-Security Prison. He was due for a parole hearing in September 2008, but this was postponed when his lawyer objected to a one-hour parole interview, requesting a full day to deal with Bronson's case. The parole hearing took place on 11 March 2009 and parole was refused shortly afterwards. The Parole Board said that Mr Bronson had not proved he was a reformed character. Hostage incidents Bronson has been involved in over a dozen hostage incidents, some of which are described below: In 1983, Bronson took hostages and staged a 47-hour rooftop protest at Broadmoor, causing ï¿½750,000 of damage. In 1994, while holding a guard hostage at Woodhill Prison, Milton Keynes, he demanded an inflatable doll, a helicopter and a cup of tea as ransom. Two months later, he held deputy governor Adrian Wallace hostage for five hours at Hull prison, injuring him so badly he was off work for five weeks. In 1998, Bronson took two Iraqi hijackers and another inmate hostage at Belmarsh prison in London. He insisted his hostages address him as "General" and told negotiators he would eat one of his victims quickly unless his demands were met. At one stage, Bronson demanded one of the Iraqis hit him "very hard" over the head with a metal tray. When the hostage refused, Bronson slashed his own shoulder six times with a razor blade. He later told staff: "I'm going to start snapping necks — I'm the number-one hostage taker." He demanded a plane to take him to Cuba, two Uzi sub-machine guns, 5,000 rounds of ammunition, and an axe. In court, he said he was "as guilty as Adolf Hitler", adding, "I was on a mission of madness, but now I'm on a mission of peace and all I want to do now is go home and have a pint with my son." Another seven years were added to his sentence. In 1999, he took Phil Danielson, a civilian education officer, hostage at Hull prison. He can be seen in CCTV footage singing the song "Yellow Submarine", walking around with a makeshift spear (after having caused havoc inside the prison) and causing the wing to be locked up for over 40 hours. In 2007, two prison staff members at Full Sutton high security prison in the East Riding of Yorkshire were involved in a "control and restraint incident", in an attempt to prevent another hostage situation, during which Bronson (who by now needed spectacles) had his glasses broken. Bronson received ï¿½200 compensation for his broken glasses, which he claimed were made of "pre-war gold" and given to him by Lord Longford. Personal Life more ï¿½ ï¿½ less First marriage Bronson met his first wife, Irene, in 1969, when he was still called Michael Peterson. Irene remembers that he "was so different from any other boys I knew. He always wore tailored suits, had perfectly-groomed sideburns and a Cockney accent." Eight months later, when Irene was 4 months pregnant, they married at Chester Register Office in December 1970. Four years later, when their son Mike was three years old, the police raided their house searching for Peterson. He was eventually caught and sent to prison. Five years later they divorced and Irene later remarried and became Irene Dunroe. She had two children with her new husband. Second marriage and second name change In 2001, Bronson married again, this time in Milton Keynes', HMP Woodhill to Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi-born divorcee who had seen his picture in a newspaper and begun writing to him. Rehman had visited Bronson ten times prior to their wedding. She had worked at a women's shelter prior to their meeting, but lost her job when her employer found out about the relationship. For a short time, Bronson converted to Islam (Rehman is Muslim) and wished to be known as Charles Ali Ahmed. After four years he and Rehman divorced. Rehman has since given many interviews regarding her short marriage to Bronson, portraying him in a negative light. In one interview she was quoted as saying, "He fooled me - he is nothing but an abusive, racist thug." Bronson claims that shortly after the 9-11 attacks in New York, two men visited him (he was then known as Ahmed) offering to release him into general population if he would infiltrate the Muslim prison population. Occupations and projects While in prison, Bronson has developed an extreme fitness regime and claims he is still able to do 172 press-ups in 60 seconds and 94 press-ups in 30 seconds. In 2002, he published the book Solitary Fitness, detailing an individual training process with minimal resources and space. For the past ten years, Bronson has occupied himself by writing poetry and producing pieces of art; he has had eleven books published, including in 2008 his only self-penned book Loonyology: In My Own Words. He has won 11 Koestler Trust Awards for his poetry and art. On 28 April 2010, BBC News reported that artwork by Bronson were displayed on the London Underground at Angel Station from 26 April 2010 for two weeks. The display was organised by Art Below, which is unrelated to the official Transport For London art program, and there is controversy over whether it should have been shown. His work has since been removed by an unknown party. Film of Bronson's Life more ï¿½ ï¿½ less Bronson, which loosely follows Bronson's life, was released in Britain on 13 March 2009. It stars Tom Hardy in the titular role, and is directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. There was some controversy caused at the premiï¿½re, when a recording of Bronson's voice was played with no prior permission granted by officers at HM Prison Service, who called for an inquiry into how the recording had been made.	Charles Bronson
How many ‘beds’ are there usually on a Shove Ha’penny board?	Charles Salvador \| Open Access articles \| Open Access journals \| Conference Proceedings \| Editors \| Authors \| Reviewers \| scientific events Armed robbery; wounding (2); wounding with intent; criminal damage; grievous bodily harm; false imprisonment (3); blackmail; threatening to kill [1] </td></tr> Charles Salvador (better known as Charles Bronson and born Michael Gordon Peterson; 6 December 1952) is an English criminal who is often referred to in the British press as the "most violent prisoner in Britain". [2] Born in Luton , Bedfordshire (although the Daily Mirror reported that he was born in Aberystwyth , Wales ), [3] he became a petty criminal before being sentenced to seven years' imprisonment in 1974. While in prison, he began making a name for himself as a loose cannon , often fighting convicts and prison officers. He also embarked on one-man rooftop protests. Regarded as a "problem prisoner", he was moved 120 times through Her Majesty's Prison Service and spent most of that time in solitary confinement . [4] What was originally a seven-year term stretched out to a fourteen-year sentence that resulted in his first wife, Irene, with whom he had a son, leaving him. He was released on 30 October 1988, but spent merely sixty-nine days as a free man before he was arrested again. Upon his release, he began a bare-knuckle boxing career in the East End of London . His promoter was unhappy with his name[ clarification needed ] and suggested he change it to Charles Bronson. He was returned to prison for planning another robbery and continued to be a difficult inmate, instigating numerous hostage situations. While in prison in 2001, he married his second wife, Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi -born divorcée who inspired him to convert to Islam and take the name of Charles Ali Ahmed. This second marriage lasted four years before he divorced Rehman and renounced Islam. Salvador is one of the highest-profile criminals in Britain and has been featured in books, interviews, and studies in prison reform and treatment. He is the subject of the 2008 film Bronson , the story based loosely around his life. Salvador has written many books about his experiences and famous prisoners he has met throughout his incarceration. A self-declared fitness fanatic who has spent many years in segregation, Salvador dedicated a book to working out in confined spaces. In his own words: "I'm a nice guy, but sometimes I lose all my senses and become nasty. That doesn't make me evil, just confused." [5] In 2014 he announced that he was changing his name again, this time to Charles Salvador in a mark of respect to one of his favourite artists and to distance himself from his existing reputation. Contents File:LutonTownCentre.jpg Luton , Bedfordshire , which Bronson considers his hometown Bronson was one of three sons of Eira and Joe Peterson, who would later run the Conservative club in Aberystwyth . [6] Bronson also has a sister, Loraine Salvage. [7] His uncle and aunt were mayor and mayoress of the town in the 1960s and 1970s. [6] His aunt, Eileen Parry, is quoted as saying: "As a boy, he was a lovely lad. He was obviously bright and always good with children. He was gentle and mild-mannered, never a bully; he would defend the weak." [6] He lived in Luton from the age of four, but when he was a teenager, he moved with his family to Ellesmere Port , Cheshire , where he started getting into trouble. By the age of 13, he was part of a gang of four robbers and was reprimanded in juvenile court after he was caught stealing. [8] He enjoyed fighting from an early age, and was often absent from school . [9] Bronson later returned to Luton, which he refers to as his hometown. His first job was at Tesco , which lasted two weeks before he was dismissed for attacking his manager. [10] He passed through a number of jobs, working as a hod carrier and in a number of factories. [11] He faced prison for the first time at Risley , serving time on remand for criminal damage after he smashed some parked cars following an argument with his girlfriend's father; following his trial, he was fined and given probation . [12] Bronson then worked as a furniture remover, while regularly fighting on his nights out. [13] After getting involved in petty crime, he got into serious trouble for the first time after crashing a stolen lorry into a car. [14] He ran Script error: No such module "convert". away from the scene to his parents' home, where he was apprehended. [14] The driver of the car survived the collision so Bronson got off lightly, receiving yet more fines and probation. [14] After his trial, he returned to petty crimes and menial labour. [15] In 1972, he married Irene Kelsey, with whom he had a son, Michael Jonathan, later the same year. [15] At the age of 19, he was convicted for his part in a smash and grab raid, but was given one last chance by the judge, who gave him a suspended sentence. [16] Life in prison File:Ashworth Hospital - geograph.org.uk - 90341.jpg Ashworth Hospital , where Bronson spent some time as a mental health patient Bronson was imprisoned for seven years in 1974, aged twenty-two, for an armed robbery at a Post Office in Little Sutton , a suburb of Ellesmere Port, during which he stole £ 26.18. [17] He was imprisoned at Walton Gaol , and soon ended up on the punishment block after attacking two prisoners without provocation. [18] He was transferred to Hull in 1975. [19] After refusing to work, he smashed up a workshop after an altercation with a prison officer, and was sent to the punishment block. [20] He was also injected with the sedative chlorpromazine , which made him violently ill, and six months were added to his sentence. [21] After recovering he continued to prove a highly challenging inmate, and spent many months in isolation. [22] He then attacked fellow prisoner John Henry Gallagher with a glass jug, and was charged with grievous bodily harm (later dropped to unlawful wounding, nine months were added to his sentence) and transferred to Armley Gaol . [23] By now Bronson found that his reputation as a violent and highly dangerous inmate preceded him, as he spent 1975 to 1977 being switched between Armley, Wakefield , Parkhurst , and Walton; [24] he was taken from Yorkshire to London chained to the floor of a prison van. He remained in isolation, and began his fitness programme, though he continued to attack other convicts and damage prison property. [24] While recovering from a beating in solitary given to him for punching two prison officers, Bronson was handed the divorce papers his wife had filed. [25] At Wandsworth he attempted to poison the prisoner in the cell next to him, and was therefore moved to Parkhurst in 1976, where he befriended the Kray twins , whom he described as "the best two guys I've ever met". [26] Reggie Kray wrote that Bronson was "the most frightening visit I had". [27] However Bronson was soon moved back to Wandsworth after threatening to kill a prison officer. [28] He spent four months in isolation after he was caught trying to dig his way out of his cell – after being returned to the prison's general population he caught up with the prisoner that informed on his escape plan and scarred him for life. [29] The governor at Wandsworth wished to move Bronson on, and as only the C Unit (Psycho Wing) at Parkhurst was willing to accept him, Bronson found himself back at the Isle of Wight . [30] There he attacked a prisoner with a jam jar, and was again charged with grievous bodily harm. [31] He attempted suicide and attacked another prison officer, and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act . [32] In December 1978, Bronson arrived at Broadmoor , but was soon transferred to Rampton Secure Hospital . [33] Unable to adapt to forced medication and in the company of the highly disturbed and highly dangerous inmates, Bronson attempted to strangle child sex murderer John White, but was apprehended just as White was giving out his death rattle . [34] He was returned to Broadmoor, and was reunited with Ronnie Kray. [35] "I witnessed them running into walls, using their heads as rams. I've seen them fall unconscious doing this. They stabbed themselves with pens, needles, scissors. One even blinded himself in one eye and another tore out his own testicle. There was one just kept trying to eat himself, biting his arms, legs and feet." —Bronson found it impossible to relate with other patients in the mental institutions he attended. [36] At Broadmoor, Bronson attempted to strangle Gordon Robinson to death but was prevented from doing so when the silk tie he was using to garotte him snapped. [37] Following this failure Bronson again became depressed, but found his spirits lifted when Ronnie Kray arranged a visit from boxer Terry Downes . [38] In 1982, he performed his first rooftop protest after escaping to the top of Broadmoor and tearing off roof tiles. [39] Not long after the first incident, he again reached the roof of Broadmoor. He caused £250,000 worth of damage in a three-day protest before he was talked down by his family. [40] Following further treatment he took up art, and eventually collected more prison awards than any other inmate for his poems, prose and cartoons. [41] He made a third rooftop protest, this time demanding a prison transfer, but was again talked down. [42] He then started an 18-day-long hunger strike, and was eventually granted a transfer to Ashworth Hospital (then known as Park Lane Hospital) in June 1984. [43] "I'd been certified mad because of my violence. I was still violent – and they were now certifying me sane. Where's the sanity in that? Isn't the system just as crazy?" —Psychiatrists discussed psychopathy and schizophrenia , but never agreed on what mental illnesses, if any, from which Bronson was suffering. [44] Though Bronson was more settled in the more modern facilities and regime at Ashworth, he soon got into trouble after using a sauce bottle to stab Mervin Horley, a patient who made advances towards him. [45] He was returned to the general prison population at Risley Remand Centre in 1985, but was put into isolation after punching a fellow inmate. [46] In May 1985 he pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm for the attack on Horley, and three years were added to his sentence. [47] Later in the year he was returned to Walton, where he made another three-day rooftop protest, causing £100,000 worth of damage, and another year was added to his sentence. [48] He was moved on to Albany , and punched another convict on his first day in general prison population. [49] He was quickly moved on to Wormwood Scrubs , and two weeks later was back at Wandsworth. [50] In 1986 he was transferred eight times, the only new location being Winchester , and once strangled the governor of Wormwood Scrubs during one particularly violent episode. [51] On 3 January 1987 he was transferred to Gartree , where he served the rest of his sentence in isolation, other than ten days spent in nearby Leicester Prison . [52] Brief taste of freedom and change of name Upon his release from Gartree he was met by his family, and stayed with his parents for a few days in Aberystwyth . [53] He then took a train to London , bought a water pistol, modified it, and used it to intimidate a stranger into driving him to Luton . [54] Bronson then embarked on a short-lived career in illegal bare-knuckle boxing in the East End of London on the advice of long-time friend Reggie Kray . [55] He changed his name from Michael Peterson to Charles Bronson in 1987 on the advice of his fight promoter, Paul Edmonds, [56] despite never having seen a film starring the actor Charles Bronson . [57] He offered to fight Lenny McLean , but was refused. [58] He also claimed to have killed a rottweiler with his bare hands in a £10,000 underground fight, though later said this was "not something I'm proud of because I love animals". [59] To surprise his girlfriend Alison for New Year's Day 1988 he robbed a jewellery shop, kept a ring for her, and sold the rest. [59] On 7 January 1988, his 69th day of freedom, he was apprehended and arrested on his morning jog. [59] The arresting officers charged him under his fighting name, Charles Bronson, and he decided at that moment to give up the name Michael Peterson. [60] He was returned to Leicester Prison as Bedford Prison refused to house him on account of his uncontrollable behaviour during his first stretch in prison. [61] His defence had looked strong as eyewitnesses refused to testify due to fear of reprisals, when Alison retracted her testimony and became the prosecution's main witness; this not only removed Bronson's alibi but also gave the prosecution all the evidence needed to win the case. [62] He made a failed bid to reach the prison's roof, and was transferred to Brixton . [63] Bronson was placed in a top-secure unit of 16 prisoners at Brixton, and in June 1988 pleaded guilty to armed robbery and was sentenced to seven years. [64] Prison life as Charles Bronson Bronson was taken to Wandsworth , before being transferred to Full Sutton . [65] There he spent time in isolation for punching a prisoner and a prison officer and throwing water on the governor. [66] He also spent a month at Durham , where he bonded with a family of rodents that crept into his cage. [67] In 1989 he was moved to Long Lartin , and settled in well at the prison until he "went over the edge" and ran riot in the nude, clutching onto a spear he fashioned out of a broken bottle and a broom handle. [68] After another incident where Bronson started a one-man riot he was put into isolation. [69] He then spent two months at Bristol , before moving on to Birmingham and then Winchester and back to Wandsworth in September 1989. [70] He was regularly moved and regularly in trouble, particularly so when he punched two prison officers at Gartree and took the Deputy Governor hostage at Frankland . [71] However at Parkhurst he was on the receiving end of an attack, when at least two prisoners stabbed him in the back several times – Bronson refused to speak to the police. [72] He could not get into any trouble while recovering from the attack, and was released from prison in November 1992. [73] Bronson spent fifty-three days as a free man before being arrested again, this time for conspiracy to rob. [6] He was remanded at the newly opened Woodhill Prison , but insisted that his girlfriend Kelly-Anne, her friend Carol and her lover were lying to the police in order to get him locked away. [74] On 9 February 1993 the charges of robbery were dismissed, and he was given a £600 fine for breaking the nose of Kelly-Anne's lover. [75] Sixteen days later he was again arrested for conspiracy to rob and for possession of a sawn-off shotgun . [76] On remand in Woodhill he took a civilian librarian hostage, and demanded an inflatable doll , a helicopter and a cup of tea from police negotiators. [77] He released the hostage after being disgusted when he broke wind in front of him. [78] He was taken from Belmarsh to Bullingdon Prison for his trial. [79] For the trial he pleaded guilty to possessing the shotgun but not guilty for the conspiracy charges, and told the jury he had intended to use the shotgun to blow his head off. [80] On 14 September 1993, he was found guilty of 'intent to rob' and not guilty of conspiracy to rob, while his co-defendant was found innocent of all charges. [81] He was given an eight-year sentence. [82] Bronson was taken from Belmarsh to Wakefield , where he spent 40 days naked in isolation. [83] He was transferred to Hull in November, where he spent a number of months without incident before he took deputy governor Adrian Wallace hostage on Easter Monday 1994. [84] He was overpowered following a moment of lapsed concentration, and was moved on to Leicester . [85] He was then returned to Wakefield, where he was put in the infamous " Hannibal Cage" previously occupied by Robert Maudsley . [86] While there, prison officer Mick O'Hagan encouraged him to take up art, and Bronson focused on cartooning. [87] His father died in September 1994, during a difficult period for Bronson where he endured constant solitary confinement and almost weekly moves. [88] He attacked the governor at High Down , who had felt safe enough to visit Bronson on his own, telling his prison officers that "he's okay with me". [89] At Lincoln he was allowed to spend time with Down syndrome children, and was taken out of solitary and placed back on the prison wings after getting along well with the children, but was soon put back into isolation after returning from 30-minute's exercise 30 minutes late. [90] File:HMP Belmarsh, from carpark.jpg Belmarsh Prison , where Bronson took two Iraqi hijackers hostage In April 1996 he was sent back to Belmarsh after taking a doctor hostage at Birmingham. [91] Five months later an Iraqi hijacker bumped into him in the canteen and did not apologise. [92] After a long period of brooding he then took two Iraqi hijackers, along with another inmate named Jason Greasley, hostage in a cell. [93] By his own admission he was "losing it badly" and ranted about his dead father, saying that any "funny business" would result in him "snapping necks". [94] He sang and laughed and forced the Iraqis to tickle his feet and call him 'General'. [94] He demanded a plane to take him to Libya , two Uzi sub-machine guns, 5,000 rounds of ammunition, and an axe. [94] He released Greasley, but began chanting "I want ice cream ". [95] He felt guilty after hitting one of the hostages with a metal tray and therefore insisted the same hostage hit him over the head four times so as to call it 'quits'. [95] He slashed himself four times with a safety razor , but agreed to release the hostages and walk back to the segregation unit. [96] Another seven years were added to his sentence, though this was reduced to five on appeal. [96] "My eyes are bad due to the years of unnatural light I have had. My vision is terrible; I have to wear shaded glasses even to read. Years of solitary have left me unable to face the light for more than a few minutes. It gives me terrible headaches if I do ... Years of loneliness in small cells have left me paranoid about people invading my space. I now can't stand people getting too close, crowding me. I hate people breathing on me and I hate smelly bodies coming near me. Mouths to me are simply for eating – never for kissing ... A man needs a routine to cope with such an extreme situation. For me it is my push-ups and sit-ups. I also pace the room and count each step. Some I know lie down on their beds for three hours on their left side, three hours on their right, and three on their back." —Humans are social animals, and though he remained in top physical shape, years of solitary created health and psychological problems that made interaction difficult for Bronson." [97] In October 1996 Bronson was unsettled as he had an unexpected visit from Robert Taylor, instead of his regular lawyer. [98] He took Taylor hostage, but released him 30 minutes later after coming to his senses; Taylor refused to press charges. [99] In January 1999, he took Phil Danielson, a civilian education worker, hostage. [100] He targeted Danielson as he criticised one of Bronson's drawings. [101] Bronson tore up the prison, throwing refrigeration units and furniture around, and was shocked and knocked unconscious for a few minutes when wrenching a washing machine out of the wall. [102] The siege lasted for 44 hours before he released Danielson, and he was transferred to Whitemoor . [103] Bronson received a discretionary life sentence with a three-year tariff for the incident. [104] Later in 1999 a special prison unit was set up at Woodhill for Bronson, Robert Maudsley and Reginald Wilson, to reduce the risk they posed to staff and other prisoners. [105] In 2007, two prison staff members at Full Sutton high security dispersal prison in the East Riding of Yorkshire were involved in a "control and restraint incident", in an attempt to prevent another hostage situation, during which Bronson had his glasses broken. Bronson received £200 compensation for his broken glasses. [106] Bronson remained a Category A prisoner when he was moved to Wakefield High-Security Prison . [106] He was due for a parole hearing in September 2008, but this was postponed when his lawyer objected to a one-hour parole interview, requesting a full day to deal with Bronson's case. [107] The parole hearing took place on 11 March 2009 and parole was refused shortly afterwards. [108] The Parole Board said that Bronson had not proved he was a reformed character. [109] In 2013, he was moved to Woodhill prison. [110] However, shortly after hitting governor Alan Parkins several times on the head on 28 February 2014 [111] he was moved back to HMP Wakefield, in March 2014. [112] On 17 May 2014, he attacked prison officers at HM Prison Full Sutton after hearing about the result of his least favorite football team, Arsenal FC winning the 2014 FA Cup Final. In the process of restraining him, Bronson suffered some broken ribs. However, this was refuted by Bronson's legal team and branded as a 'non-incident'. [113] At Amersham Crown Court, Bronson admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Parkins and was sentenced to two more years of imprisonment adding to his life sentence. [111] Personal life First marriage Bronson met his first wife, Irene, in 1971, when he was still called Michael Peterson. Irene remembers that he "was so different from any other boys I knew. He always wore tailored suits, had perfectly-groomed sideburns and a Cockney accent." [114] Eight months later, when Irene was four months pregnant, they married at Chester Register Office in 1972. Five years later they divorced and Irene later remarried. [114] Second marriage and second name change In 2001, Bronson married again, this time in HMP Woodhill to Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi -born divorcee [115] who had seen his picture in a newspaper and begun writing to him. Rehman had visited Bronson ten times before their wedding. [116] [117] She had worked at a women's shelter before their meeting, but lost her job when her employer found out about the relationship. [118] For a short time, Bronson converted to his wife's faith of Islam , and wished to be known as Charles Ali Ahmed. After four years he and Rehman divorced. [114] Rehman has since given many interviews regarding her short marriage to Bronson, portraying him in a negative light. In one interview she was quoted as saying, "He fooled me – he is nothing but an abusive, racist thug." [100] Occupations and projects While in prison, Bronson has developed an extreme fitness regimen and claims he can still do 172 press-ups in 60 seconds and 94 press-ups in 30 seconds. [119] In 2002, he published the book Solitary Fitness, detailing an individual training process with minimal resources and space. [120] I'm the king of the press-ups and the sit-ups . I've already said I once did 25 press-ups with two men on my back, and I've squatted with three men on my shoulders! I've been making prison fitness records for as long as I can remember. Show me another man – a man half my age – who can pick up a full-size snooker table. I can. Show me another guy who can rip out 1,727 press-ups in an hour. I can ... I once went eight years without using weights, then I went into a gym and bench pressed 300lb ten times. I'm 5ft 11in, I weigh 220lb and I feel as strong as did when I was 21 ... There's something deep inside me that pushes me on. I'm a solitary fitness survivor." —Writing in 2000, Bronson describes the outcome of years of training in the confined spaces in prison. [121] Since 1999, Bronson has occupied himself by writing poetry and producing pieces of art; he has had eleven books published, including in 2008 his only self-penned book Loonyology: In My Own Words. He has won 11 Koestler Trust Awards for his poetry and art. [122] On 28 April 2010, BBC News reported that artwork by Bronson was displayed on the London Underground at Angel tube station from 26 April 2010 for two weeks. The display was organised by Art Below , which is unrelated to the official Transport For London art program, and there is controversy over whether it should have been shown. [123] His work has since been removed by an unknown party. [124] Third name change In August 2014, Bronson announced that he was changing his name via deed poll to Charles Salvador, in tribute to the late Salvador Dali . [125] In a hand-written statement on his website, Salvador stated that "The old me dried up...Bronson came alive in 1987. He died in 2014." He also announced that he was renouncing violence and wished to distance himself from those who sought to associate themselves with him due to his past reputation, commenting that "It’s non-violent all the way. It’s a peaceful journey from here on...Coz my heart is at peace and my mind is set on art." [126] Film of Bronson's life Main article: Bronson (film) Bronson , which loosely follows Bronson's life, was released in Britain on 13 March 2009. It stars Tom Hardy in the eponymous role, and is directed by Nicolas Winding Refn . [127] Controversy was caused at the première when a recording of Bronson's voice was played with no prior permission granted by officers at HM Prison Service, who called for an inquiry into how the recording had been made. [128] Before 2011, Bronson had initially been refused access to the film, but on 15 November, he was granted permission to view it. Describing it as "theatrical, creative and brilliance", Bronson heaped praise upon his portrayer, Hardy, but disagreed on the implied distance between himself and his father and the portrayal of Paul Edmunds as "a bit of a ponce". Nevertheless, he challenged his own family's reaction to the portrayal of his Uncle Jack, stating that he "loved" it, as would have Jack himself. [129] Release campaign In 2009, the new landlord of a pub a mile from HMP Wakefield where Bronson was held at the time, renamed it the Free Bronson Bar as part of the campaign to release him. [130] In August 2013 a petition with 10,000 signatures was presented to 10 Downing Street calling for his release. [131] Bibliography Bronson, Charles; Richards, Stephen (1999). The Charles Bronson Book of Poems: Birdman Opens His Mind Bk. 1 (1 May 1999 ed.). Mirage Publishing . ISBN 1-902578-03-1 . - Total pages: 78 Bronson, Charles; Richards, Stephen. Silent Scream: The Charles Bronson Story (5 September 1999 ed.). Mirage Publishing . ISBN 1-902578-08-2 . - Total pages: 248	i don't know
‘Hen Wlad FY Nhadau’ is the national anthem of which European country?	Wales \| wales.com Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi, Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri; Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd, Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed. Chorus: Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad, Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau, O bydded i'r heniaith barhau. Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd; Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si Ei nentydd, afonydd, i fi. Chorus Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan ei droed, Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed, Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad, Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad. Chorus Here's the first verse and chorus phonetically to give you an idea: My hen oo-lad vurr n’had-die un ann-wil ee mee goo-lard bay-rdd* a ch*ann-tor-eon enn wog eon o vree ane goo-rol ruvv-el-weir dross rudd-id cor-ll**ar-sant ay goo-eyed. Goo-lard, goo-lard tra more un beer, ear beer horff bye O budd-ed eer hen ee-eye-th bar hi. There are two “th” sounds in Welsh.”Th” in Welsh is pronounced as in “think” or “fourth”. “Dd” is pronounced as in “this” or “that”. * “ch” is pronounced as in “loch” or “Bach”. *** “ll” is a cross between an “l” and an “s”. English Translation - Land of My Fathers This land of my fathers is dear to me Land of poets and singers, and people of stature Her brave warriors, fine patriots Shed their blood for freedom Chorus: Land! Land! I am true to my land! As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land May the language endure for ever. Old land of the mountains, paradise of the poets, Every valley, every cliff a beauty guards; Through love of my country, enchanting voices will be Her streams and rivers to me. Chorus Though the enemy have trampled my country underfoot, The old language of the Welsh knows no retreat, The spirit is not hindered by the treacherous hand Nor silenced the sweet harp of my land. Chorus Translation by W.S. Gwynn Williams The land of my fathers is dear unto me, Old land where the minstrels are honoured and free; Its warring defenders so gallant and brave, For freedom their life's blood they gave. Home, home, true am I to home, While seas secure the land so pure, O may the old language endure.	Wales
Actor Jay Silverheels is famous for playing which fictional television American Indian?	Wales National Anthem Genealogy - FamilySearch Wiki Aberglaslyn.png The national anthem of Wales is Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) . The words were written by Evan James and the tune composed by his son, James James, of Pontypridd, Glamorgan, in January 1856. The earliest written copy survives and is part of the collections of the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. It is recognised and used as the country's anthem at both national and local events in Wales and internationally. Usually this will be the only anthem sung, such as at national sporting events and gatherings, and it is sung only in Welsh using the first verse and chorus. Welsh Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed, If the enemy oppresses my land under his foot, Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed, The old language of the Welsh is as alive as ever, Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad, The muse is not hindered by the hideous hand of treason, Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad. Nor (is) the melodious harp of my country. Other English versions exist but the anthem is never sung in English! Versions of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau are used as anthems in the other Brythonic nations of Cornwall (as Bro Goth Agan Tasow) and Brittany (as Bro Gozh ma Zadoù) .	i don't know
Which English composer conducted the London Symphony Orchestra at the 1931 opening of the Abbey Road Studios in London?	Abbey Road at 80: Pictures of the Beatles and more at the iconic studios - Mirror Online Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email From Star Wars soundtracks to The Beatles, the historic Abbey Road studios has played a key role in some of the most influential music of all time. Now, as part of their year-long 80th anniversary celebrations, the iconic recording studios in North London have been letting the public in for a series of talks. The Gramophone Company bought the Georgian townhouse for £100,000 in 1929, before opening it as a state-of-the-art recording studio in November 1931. Sir Edward Elgar conducted London Symphony Orchestra at the opening ceremony, and it was mainly used for classical recordings for the first few decades. Edward Elgar with conductor, Sir Adrian Boult and an orchestra in 1932 (Photo: Getty) Violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin and composer Sir Edward Elgar in 1933 (Photo: Getty) Miklos Rozsa conducting in 1974 as Abbey Road's importance to classical music continues (Photo: Redfearns) The London Symphony Orchestra recording in Studio 1 in 1993 (Photo: Redfearns) A long list of classic movie soundtracks have also been recorded at Abbey Road over the years, including five Star Wars films starting with Empire Strikes Back, the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Raiders of The Lost Ark. It was even used for propaganda recordings for the British Government during the Second World War, while the first British artist to record a No.1 hit single there was Eddie Calvert in 1954. But ever since 1958, when Cliff Richard recorded first European rock'n'roll single "Move It" there, Abbey Road has been intertwined in rock music history. The Beatles are unquestionably the act most associated with Abbey Road, with the band having recorded 90 per cent of their output there with legendary producer George Martin at the helm. I like to Move It Move It: Cliff Richard records Livin' Doll on 28 April 1958 (Photo: Redfearns) George Martin, the Fifth Beatle, recorded hundreds of hits and misses. Photo circa 1960 (Photo: Reuters) Backstage: George Harrison with his first wife Patti Boyd in 1966 (Photo: Getty) Still going strong: Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and George Martin in 1995 (Photo: Reuters) The band's first proper session in 1962 resulted in their first hit single Love Me Do while their final stint in 1969 saw them record their swansong album Abbey Road, named in tribute to the studio that had helped form their sound. The album's sleeve provided Abbey Road's most famous moment in the spotlight, featuring the Fab Four walking in line over the zebra crossing outside the studio. The zebra crossing has become a tourist honeypot with visitors looking to replicate the album cover scene themselves - so much so that English Heritage has given it listed status. The Volkswagen Beetle parked next to the zebra crossing on the album sleeve belonged to one of the people living in a flat across from the recording studio. Not just any old zebra crossing: Outside Abbey Road in 1994 (Photo: Mirrorpix/Alisdair MacDonald) Not for turning: Thatcher walks across the zebra crossing in 1990 (Photo: Mirrorpix) Tourist draw: A Beatles tribute band pose on August 8, 2009, the 40th anniversary of the iconic photo (Photo: AFP) The original: The Beatles on the zebra crossing - and that Beetle car (Photo: PA) Where the Beatles magic happened: Producer George Martin and sound engineer Geoff Emerick in 1995 (Photo: Redfearns) After the album came out, the number plate was stolen repeatedly from the car. In 1986, the car was sold at an auction for $23,000 and is currently on display at the Volkswagen museum in Wolfsburg, Germany. As well as revolutionising popular culture, the Beatles' time at Abbey Road saw the group help pioneer many new studio techniques, with such innovations as flanging (a delay effect) and eight-track recording appearing first on Fab Four records. It's not all about the moptops, though: Pink Floyd's multi-million selling Dark Side of the Moon, Radiohead’s breakthrough album The Bends and Oasis’s height of Britpop long-player Be Here Now are among the other notable records to have been cut at the studio. Placards: The Beatles launch their One World campaign in 1967 (Photo: Mirrorpix) Our World was the first live TV satellite link-up to be seen by approximately 400 million people across five continents (Photo: Getty) All you need is love: The Beatles in 1967 (Photo: Mirrorpix) Ballooning success: The Fab Four in 1967 (Photo: Mirrorpix) Good day sunshine: Fresh-faced Paul McCartney in 1967 (Photo: Mirrorpix) Smile please: Ringo Starr in 1967 (Photo: Mirrorpix) Lend me your comb: A hirsute George Harrison in 1967 (Photo: Mirrorpix)	Edward Elgar
Who became US President Barack Obama’s Vice President in 2008?	Elgar Symphony no.2 Larghetto - YouTube Elgar Symphony no.2 Larghetto Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Mar 29, 2012 The slow movement (Larghetto) from Elgar's Symphony no.2 Op.63, with the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli (recorded 1964). The video also contains rare film of Elgar conducting at the Empire (later Wembley) Stadium, London on April 23 1924 and at the opening of the Abbey Road Studios, London, on November 12 1931, as well as other home movies of the composer. Category	i don't know
The song ‘Send in the Clowns’ is from which musical?	Barbra Streisand — Send in the Clowns — Listen, watch, download and discover music for free at Last.fm female vocalists "Send in the Clowns" is a song by Stephen Sondheim from the 1973 musical A Little Night Music, an adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's film Smiles of a Summer Night. Sondheim wrote the song specifically for the actress Glynis Johns, who created the role of Desirée on Broadway. The song is structured with four verses and a bridge, and uses a complex triple meter. It became Sondheim's most popular song after Judy Collins and Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1975. Subsequently… read more Don't want to see ads? Subscribe now Similar Tracks	A Little Night Music
Lake Havasu City is in which US state?	Stephen Sondheim – Send in the Clowns Lyrics \| Genius Lyrics VIDEO: The Evolution of Rihanna VIDEO: The Evolution of Beyoncé About “Send in the Clowns” “Send in the Clowns,” Sondheim’s most popular and well versed song. From the musical “A Little Night Music” by Patrick Quentin. It had re-composed and has had the most artists cover it over the last 30+ years. It was written to suit the actress Glynis Johns, structured as 4 verses and bridge, with a compound-complex meter, In this song it’s the end of the line, at this point in the show, for Desiree Armfeldt. She sits with her old flame and they of what could have been, Frederik Egerman, her old flame, declines her offer of being “rescued” from his life. For you see he married an 18 year old trophy wife named Anne who is in love with him, but can’t grasp the concept of it. She saves herself for when she is ready to lose her virginity leaving Frederik in the dust for all 11 months of their marriage. The rescuing of Frederik is not going to happen because he’s already devoted to the relationship he is in with Anne, regardless of the encounters he has had with Desiree recently when they meet again. Desiree goes on about her disappointments and ironies of life. The song itself is ironic actually. Here Desiree is a strong woman who shows no vulnerability until now, when she breaks down but uses the song to show her true feelings, of how she was sure of them finally being together. The point is, isn’t it funny? Funny how all this history between them and nothing has stayed permanent? At this age and they’re the fools. The fools of this is obviously the metaphorical clowns, one of the main themes of “A Little Night Music,” is that the night will smile 3 times, once for the young, once for the fools and once for the old. This is stated by Madame Armfeldt, the leading lady’s mother, to her grand-daughter, Frederika, who may or may not be the daughter of of Frederik from an affair 14 years ago. At this point in the musical, Frederik had to end this affair because he is a coward, he can’t be with her because he’s afraid to realize it so he declines. He states that when he looks at her he sees a woman that he has loved for a long time, that was when his eyes are opened, but when they’re not “which is most of the time” he sees a “girl in a pink dress teasing a canary,” he talks about Desiree then goes on about Anne, his wife, which breaks her heart a little and then this song begins with the most heart shattering verses. Many of Theatre’s greatest actresses has performed this song like Dame Judi Dench, Bernadette Peters, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Here’s, the wonderful, Judi Dench singing the song and with all the points of emotional feel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRtsBV_utZQ Sondheim has numerous notes about this song, like so: “"The lyrics of the song are written in four verses and a bridge and sung by Desirée. As Sondheim explains, Desirée experiences both deep regret and furious anger: “Send in the Clowns” was never meant to be a soaring ballad; it’s a song of regret. And it’s a song of a lady who is too upset and too angry to speak– meaning to sing for a very long time. She is furious, but she doesn’t want to make a scene in front of Fredrik because she recognizes that his obsession with his 18-year-old wife is unbreakable. So she gives up; so it’s a song of regret and anger, and therefore fits in with short-breathed phrases"" Hidden This page is accessible to Verified artists on the song Locked This song has been locked and is considered "done." You need 600 IQ to add annotations to locked songs. "Send in the Clowns" Track Info	i don't know
Which British television chef created snail porridge?	Chef who created snail porridge cooks up bangers and mash for his television debut \| The Independent Chef who created snail porridge cooks up bangers and mash for his television debut Thursday 16 February 2006 00:00 BST Click to follow The Independent Online Heston Blumenthal, the culinary pioneer whose most famous dish is snail porridge, is to join the ranks of the celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Delia Smith by fronting a prime-time television series. Rather than teach the public how to make his signature experimental dishes, such as green tea and lime mousse in liquid nitrogen, the chef will opt for more popular fare for a BBC2 show this summer. He will apply his scientific approach, known as "molecular gastronomy" (a term he dislikes), to well-known dishes such as fish and chips and bangers and mash. A recipe at the end of each show of the series - Perfection: Heston Blumenthal - will explain how to cook the dish at home. Blumenthal, who runs the Fat Duck in Bray, Oxfordshire, said: "It's the Fat Duck approach but adapted to everyday dishes. We haven't necessarily gone for the most expensive ingredients but expense is not a consideration. If people can't get part of the equipment then we have found an alternative." Blumenthal, one of a trio of British chefs with three Michelin stars, believes the series will spread his scientific approach and safeguard his financial future. A book accompanying the series is likely to sell well. Like Jamie Oliver's Italy series for Channel 4, Blumenthal travelled with a film crew to France, Germany, Italy and the United States. But he had to do so before he had a risky "spinal fusion" operation in November that was to end decades of crippling back pain. After months recuperating, the 39-year-old chef is scheduled to finish the eight-part series in the studio by the end of next month. Due for broadcast in August, the show features six savoury dishes: fish and chips, bangers and mash, spaghetti bolognese, pizza, steak and salad, and roast chicken and potato; and two desserts: treacle tart and Black Forest gateau. For each dish, Blumenthal examined the properties of the individual ingredients, and investigated how to prepare and cook them. His research on pizza took him to Naples, where he saw how the pizza flour was made in a flourmill, tested the gluten in the dough, checked levels of pectin in the tomatoes and the temperature of the ovens. For the perfect pizza, his search took him to a New York strip joint, the Penthouse Executive Club, reputed to serve the best steak in the world. He said: "We had this bizarre evening where we were eating steak with women taking their clothes off in the background. It was the best steak I have had." For the Black Forest gateau, the chef went to Germany and had a perfumer recreate the smell of kirsch. To create the best fish and chips, he tested 25 varieties of potato. The bangers and mash programme involved a trip to a pig farm in Northumberland. Although well known to foodies, the show will raise the public profile of Blumenthal, whose most high-profile television work was a five-minute slot on BBC2's Full On Food last year. He filmed a series, Kitchen Chemistry, for the Discovery satellite channel five years ago but said he considered Perfection to be his first proper television series. He said he wanted to share his "child-like inquisitiveness" about food to a wider audience, and to make some money. "Margins at the Fat Duck are so tight," he said. "After the third Michelin star and Restaurant of the Year I thought I wanted to get some financial security for my family without losing my integrity and hopefully this will achieve that." Recipes for television success Delia Smith A shy cookery writer, this matronly brunette taught the nation to cook with a series of easy-to-understand shows with such names as How To Cook. Jamie Oliver Essex boy Oliver's laddish approach to food on his show The Naked Chef led to greater fame and a TV campaign to make children eat healthily - Jamie's School Dinners. Rick Stein Stein's passion for fish is reflected in the success of his foodie empire in Padstow and in the fishy theme of his shows, which have included A Taste of the Sea . Gordon Ramsay The foul-mouthed Scot has become arguably Britain's most famous culinary TV presence, perhaps best known for the ITV reality show Hell's Kitchen.	Heston Blumenthal
Who played Bodie and Doyle’s boss, George Cowley, in the UK television series ‘The Professionals’?	Heston Blumenthal’s Biggest Headache in Australia: Finding Snails for Porridge - Bloomberg Bloomberg the Company & Its Products Bloomberg Anywhere Remote LoginBloomberg Anywhere Login Bloomberg Terminal Demo Request Bloomberg Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. Customer Support Advertising Bloomberg Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. Customer Support Heston Blumenthal’s Biggest Headache in Australia: Finding Snails for Porridge Britain's brainest chef discusses his Fat Duck migration to Melbourne by Heston Blumenthal looks out at Melbourne from the dining room of the Fat Duck. Photographer: Mia Mala McDonald/Bloomberg Business Heston Blumenthal tells a story of walking through Sydney and being stopped several times by fans wanting their photograph taken with him. Finally, a family approached with the request for a picture. He passed the camera to his publicist and posed with them, only realizing from their surprised reaction they had no idea who he was and just wanted him to take their picture. For all that, the British chef is a celebrity in Australia. He is best-known for his appearances on the hit TV show MasterChef Australia—including "Heston Week"—and his Heston for Coles food range. Now, he is in the news for his restaurant the Fat Duck , which has opened for a six-month residency at the Crown Towers in Melbourne, and I reviewed last week . Given that's a straight import, nothing translated or invented, my first question is ... why Australia, and specifically why Melbourne? ‘‘Australia has had the biggest food explosion I’ve ever seen in the world," he says in an interview over lunch. "Look at what happened in Spain, say 15 years ago. That was a couple of handfuls of restaurants. But here they have just gone food crazy. Effectively, it was MasterChef that kicked that off five or six years ago. A lot of Australian chefs have done their time in some of the top restaurants in Europe and they are coming back, too. You see the benefits of that. "Melbourne is a great city. I get here, and I feel I can breathe." He says that for food, he considers Melbourne one of the world's top five or six cities. The others on the list are New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo/Kyoto. Blumenthal in the kitchen of the Fat Duck Melbourne, where his team will work for the next six months. Photographer: Mia Mala McDonald/Bloomberg Business Earnest Experimentation Blumenthal's public image is of a boffin of food, developing dishes in his laboratory that owe as much to science as gastronomy. This isn't so far from the truth. Take a single example on his Fat Duck menu, the Red Cabbage Gazpacho with Pommery Grain Mustard Ice Cream. He created the dish on the strength of the molecular similarities of diverse ingredients after discovering that mustard oil gives cabbage its peppery flavor, hence the mustard ice cream. Just don't go calling his style "molecular gastronomy," a term he finds irritating . If Blumenthal sometimes appears rather earnest on television, that's how he is when you meet him. I've interviewed him about a dozen times over the years, and he is good company, as happy to chat about sport and his love of table tennis as about restaurants and developments in cooking. This time, the interview starts out over coffee at the Crown Towers and after an hour or so we decide to head out for lunch at Cumulus Inc. , a fashionable eating house and bar on Flinders Lane in an old rag-trade building in Melbourne's art and fashion district. We take a corner table and order small plates of oysters; sardine and pickled chili en croute; gazpacho, spanner crab and almond; wagyu bresaola; grilled ox tongue and mustard fruits; tuna tartare with crushed-green-pea salad; and baby iceberg, grapefruit, and dill. "This is the first time I've got out of the hotel in a week," Blumenthal says over a bottle of By Farr 2010 Australian Chardonnay from Geelong after going for a chat with the chefs in the open kitchen. Mass Migration The Fat Duck has come to Australia while the restaurant back home in Bray, west of London, is refurbished. It is a tiny establishment that has changed little since winning three Michelin stars and, in 2005, being voted the world's best restaurant . In particular, he's extending the kitchen, one of the smallest I've ever seen in an established restaurant. Travel with us, drive with us, eat with us. Get our weekly Pursuits newsletter. Sign Up	i don't know
The Olmec and Mayan are two of the earliest recorded civilisations of which modern-day country?	Olmec Civilization Olmec Civilization 1200 BC- 600 AD The Olmecs were a culture of ancient peoples of the East Mexico lowlands. They are often regarded as the Mother Culture of later Middle American civilizations. The Olmec people called themselves Xi (pronounced Shi). Portrait of a man. This life-sized greenstone head was found at Tenango del Valle, Mexico State, surprisingly a distance west from the Olmec heartland of Veracruz and Tabasco. GEOGRAPHY The Olmec domain extended from the Tuxtlas mountains in the west to the lowlands of the Chontalpa in the east, a region with significant variations in geology and ecology. Over 170 Olmec monuments have been found within the area, and eighty percent of those occur at the three largest Olmec centers, La Venta, Tabasco (38%), San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, Veracruz (30%), and Laguna de los Cerros, Veracruz (12%). Those three major Olmec centers are spaced from east to west across the domain so that each center could exploit, control, and provide a distinct set of natural resources valuable to the overall Olmec economy. La Venta, the eastern center, is near the rich estuaries of the coast, and also could have provided cacao, rubber, and salt. San Lorenzo, at the center of the Olmec domain, controlled the vast flood plain area of Coatzacoalcos basin and riverline trade routes. Laguna de los Cerros, adjacent to the Tuxtlas mountains, is positioned near important sources of basalt, a stone needed to manufacture manos, metates, and monuments. Perhaps marriage alliances between Olmec centers helped maintain such an exchange network. CALENDARS - MATHEMATICS The Olmecs were clever mathematicians and astronomers who made accurate calendars. The epi-Olmec - from 31B.C. - the peoples who subsequently inhabited the same lands and were probably descended at least in part from the Olmec, seem to have been the earliest users of the bar and dot system of recording time. Detail of Long Count Date The low relief on this stone shows the detail from a four-digit numerical recording, read as 15.6.16.18. The vigesimal (or base-20) counting system has been used across Mesoamerica. A value of 5 is represented by a bar, and a value of 1 is represented by a dot, such that the three bars and single dot here stands for 16. The Maya would later adopt this counting system for their Long Count calendar. The date in this relief is the oldest recorded date in Mesoamerica, corresponding to a day in the year 31 B.C. WRITING The Olmec writing is unique. Both the Olmec and epi-Olmec had hieroglyphic writing systems. Olmec is a syllabic writing system used in the Olmec heartland from 900 BC- AD 450. The Olmec had both a syllabic and hieroglyphic script. The hieroglyphic signs were simply Olmec syllabic signs used to make pictures. There are two forms of Olmec hieroglyphic writing : the pure hieroglyphics ( or picture signs); and the phonetic hieroglyphics, which are a combination of syllabic and logographic signs. The decipherment of the Olmec writing of ancient Mexico provides us with keen insight into the world of the Olmec. Scholars have long recognized that the Olmecs engraved many sysmbols or signs on pottery, statuettes, batons/scepters, stelas and bas reliefs that have been recognized as a possible form of writing. SOCIETY Many early scholars were reluctant to believe that a society as sophisticated as the Olmec could have developed in the tropical habitat of the Gulf coast, and some hypothesized that the Olmec had originally migrated from elsewhere. However, recent excavations have provided valuable new information on the antiquity of those sites, and on Olmec ways of life at those centers. Their radiocarbon dates inform us that La Venta and San Lorenzo were inhabited as early as 1700 B.C., by peoples who were the direct ancestors to the Gulf coast. They were corn farmers who supplemented their diets with fishing and hunting. Linguists suggest that they spoke a language related to the Mixe and Zoque languages of today. OLMEC CENTERS The great Olmec centers that soon developed at La Venta, San Lorenzo, and Laguna de los Cerros, and the smaller centers such as Tres Zapotes, were not simply vacant religious sites, but dynamic settlements that included artisans and farmers, as well as religious specialists and the rulers. The Olmec architecture at San Lorenzo, for example, includes both public-ceremonial buildings, elite residences, and the houses of commoners. Olmec public-ceremonial buildings were most typically earthen platform mounds, some of which had larger house-like structures built upon them. At La Venta we can see that after 900 B.C. such platform mounds were arranged around large plaza areas and include a new type of architecture, a tall pyramid mound. IRRIGATION - STONE DRAIN SYSTEMS An important feature at Olmec centers was their buried network of stone drain lines - long U-shaped rectangular blocks of basalt laid end to end and covered with capstones. The new San Lorenzo research suggests those systems were actually aqueducts used to provide drinking water to the different areas of the settlement. Some of the aqueduct stones, such as San Lorenzo Monument 52, were also monuments, indicating that the aqueduct system had a sacred character as well. BALL GAMES Rubber ball games have great antiquity throughout the Americas, and the recent discovery of several rubber balls at the Olmec site of El Manati, near San Lorenzo, confirms that the game was played by the Olmec. Archaeologists working at La Venta twenty years ago discovered what they hypothesized were the remains of a ball court there, and it is possible that such ball courts were also part of the architecture at Olmec centers. MONUMENTS - STONE HEADS In 1862 a colossal stone head was discovered in the state of Veracruz along the steaming Gulf Coast of Mexico. In the years to come, artifacts from the culture later termed Olmec turned up at widespread sites in Mexico and adjacent Central America, with the greatest number of characteristic themes being present in the region of the original discovery. Monuments were also an important characteristic of Olmec centers. Today they provide us with some idea of the nature of Olmec ideology. The colossal heads are commanding portraits of individual Olmec rulers, and the large symbol displayed on the 'helmet' of each colossal head appears to be an identification motif for that person. Colossal heads glorified the rulers while they were alive, and commemorated them as revered ancestors after their death. Altars were actually the thrones of Olmec rulers. The carving on the front of the throne shows the identified ruler sitting in a niche that symbolizes a cave entrance to the supernatural powers of the underworld. That scene communicated to the people their ruler's association with cosmological power. The magnificent colossal stone heads, massive altars, and sophisticated anthropomorphic and zoomorphic statues found at Olmec sites in southern Veracruz and Tabasco, are the oldest known monuments in Prehispanic Mexico. In 1939 a carving was discovered near the gigantic head with a characteristic Olmec design on one side and a date symbol on the other. This revealed a shocking truth: the Olmecs had a far greater right to be considered the mother culture. Hundreds of years earlier than anyone had imagined, simple villages had given way to a complex society governed by kings and priests, with impressive ceremonial centers and artworks. It is now known that two colossal stone heads from San Lorenzo had originally been large rectangular altars that were later resculpted into colossal heads. When a ruler died, he was venerated by converting his throne into his colossal portrait head. Although archaeology has answered many questions about the Olmec, many more still remain. Research has concentrated primarily on the centers of San Lorenzo and La Venta, and very little is known about Laguna de los Cerros, or smaller Olmec centers, or Olmec life in small farming hamlets. We also have very little archaeological information about the 500-300 B.C. time period in southern Veracruz and Tabasco and, therefore, we do not know how the Olmec culture ended. San Lorenzo and La Venta declined in importance, perhaps due to major change in the river systems that helped support those centers. However, in the northern area of the Olmec domain there was some cultural continuity long after 500 B.C. Tres Zapotes became an important post-Olmec center, and Laguna de los Cerros continued as a major center into the Classic period. One of the huge Olmec sculptures found at La Venta - This head is approximately 6 feet tall and 5 feet across. The stone it was cut from was quarried more than 50 miles from where it was discovered, prompting speculation about how it was transported. ART The Olmecs made fine pottery and carved jade jewelery. They had early achievements in art. Perhaps the most incredible findings from the Olmec culture are the sculptures. The Olmec used wood, basalt and jade to make the statues. The wooden artifacts are said to be the oldest in Mesoamerica. The Olmec used basalt to make colossal heads. The size of these heads ranged from 5 feet to 11 feet tall. Some say the heads represent sacrificial offering. Others think they portray the elite Olmec ancestors. These heads have also been interpreted as being warriors or ball players. Basalt was also used to carve thrones. The Olmec used art to glorify rulers by making them monuments of super natural creatures to portray them such as part human, part beast. The beast was usually the jaguar. It is believed that these monuments were annihilated after the death of the leader. The figurines made of jade were small and sexless. Some of the more elaborate statues wore extensive headdress with a long train, and rectangular chest plates, sat cross-legged, leaned forward and looked straight ahead. A characteristic motif of Olmec art is a human face with a jaguar mouth, sometimes called a "were-jaguar" (as in werewolf). This suggests a derivation of Olmec religion from shamanistic shape-shifting. There is evidence that the Olmecs practiced human sacrifice, including that of infants. Jaguar Child The most well-known aspect of shamanism in Mesoamerican religion - and in the whole of Native American shamanism - is the ability to assume the powers of animals associated with the shaman. Such animals are called nahuales, and in Olmec art the most common of these is the jaguar. In a sense, the optimal spirit would have the spirituality and intellect of man and the ferocity and strength of the jaguar - these are all combined in the shaman and his jaguar nahuale. The Jaguar Child may exemplify this combination. This is a very common representation in Olmec art, and it often includes the slitted eyes and curved mouth pronounced in this close-up. Eagle Spirit Monolithic Head This is one of the many such heads made by the Olmecs. Almost all of these colossal heads bear the same features - flattened nose, wide lips, and capping headpiece - possible features of the Olmec warrior-kings. Often carved from volcanic stone at the stone's source, these heads would be rafted to the centers of the major Olmec cities along the southern Gulf of Mexico coast. Of the 9 heads catalogued from the ruins of San Lorenzo in southern Veracruz state, this is referred to as San Lorenzo 6. OLMEC GLYPH 900-500 BC: Dallas Museum Olmec Ruler - or God - connected physical and spiritual worlds. His pose represents his means to link with the supernatural worlds. The turned down mouth, a feline feature, suggests that the human ruler was aided by a power anumal such as a cat, jacquar, traditionally the spirit campanion of shamans and kings. GODS AND GODDESSES JAGUAR GOD Some people believe that the principal deity was fundamentally an Earth god, though his power was not limited to terrestrial matters, and took the form of a jaguar. This God could have a water-earth persona. As a jaguar encompassing the forces of life or at least a dominance in its two strongest categories (with regards to Olmec life), water and earth. This deity supposedly had dominance over all things terrestrial and celestial. This God may have been half-jaguar, half-serpent. The jaguar represents the Earth Mother with the serpent representing the water, thus combining to represent life. RAIN GOD It was formerly thought that the Olmec worshiped only one god, a rain deity depicted as a were-jaguar, but study has shown that there were at least 10 distinct gods represented in Olmec art. Surely present were several important deities of the later, established Meso-American pantheon, such as the fire god, rain god, corn god, and Feathered Serpent. Other aspects of mental culture are less well-known; some Olmec jades and a monument from La Venta have non-calendrical hieroglyphs, but none of this writing has been deciphered. The Olmecs are believed to be one of the first tribes to engage in Shamanistic rituals. In the Olmec civilization the reoccurring motif of the ï¿½Were-jaguarï¿½ can be seen in many statuettes and carvings. It is believed that the Olmecs were a kind of "mother culture" which directly gave rise to all subsequent major civilisations and this is how Shamanism first spread. The Olmecs are said to have been ancestors of the Jaquar. The Olmec Tribe believed that the Jaquar was a rain deity and fertility diety. The Jaquar was chosen because the Olmecs believed it was the most powerful and feared animal. They also believed that the Jaquar was an Avatar of the living and the dead. The men would sacrifice blood to the jaguar, wear masks, dance, and crack whips to imitate the sound of thunder. This ritual was done in May. The Olmec also made offerings of jade figures to the jaguar. The Olmecs made numerous statues representing "Were - Jaquar " men. These men are normally shown with grimacing Jaquar facial features with Human bodies. They are believed to be men , of the Olmec tribe, that are transforming into the Jaquar. One of these transforming Shamans can be seen in the statue "Crouching figure of a Man-Jaquar". The Olmec had many beliefs. Among these beliefs were chaneques which were dwarf trixters who lived in water falls. They also had their own beliefs in cosmology. The Olmec had natural shrines devoted to the hill on which the shrine was located and the water. It is clear from this Stela from Izapa that the Olmec recognized the Tree of Life. it confirms the tradition recorded by Friar Diego de Landa that the Olmec people made twelve migrations to the New World. This stela also confirms the tradition recorded by the famous Mayan historian Ixtlixochitl, that the Olmec came to Mexico in "ships of barks " and landed at Pontochan, which they commenced to populate (Winters 1984: 16). These Blacks are frequently depicted in the Mayan books/writings carrying trade goods. The tree depicts seven branches and twelve roots. The seven branches probably represent the seven major clans of the Olmec people. The twelve roots of the tree extending into the water from the boat probably signifies the "twelve roads through the sea", mentioned by Friar Diego Landa.	Mexico
Who wrote the 1973 novel ‘The Dressmaker’?	10 oldest Ancient civilizations ever existed 10 oldest Ancient civilizations ever existed Share Google+65 In the course of human evolution, at a certain point in time, the idea of living in a group with mutual understanding and dependency became a very useful and practical lifestyle. From such small isolated groups, communities were formed. Then came the societies which in due time became a civilization. How the human mentality and psychology led to this huge change is still a popular topic among the historians and anthropologist, and a major discussion for another day. For now, let’s talk about some of the oldest civilizations to have ever existed in the world. We are talking about the civilizations that we know, as fact, existed for real, unlike the ones that are shrouded by myths and beliefs (Atlantis, Lemuria and Rama civilizations to name a few). To correctly map the oldest of the civilizations in a chronological order, it becomes necessary to go the very cradle of civilization. Having said that, here is a list of top 10 oldest civilizations to ever exist in the world, starting with the most recent one first. 10. The Incas Civilization The Incas was the largest Empire in North America in the Pre-Columbian era. This civilization flourished in the areas of present day Ecuador, Peru and Chile and had its administrative, military and political center located at Cusco which lies in modern day Peru. The Incas had their societies pretty well established, and the empire was in a rapid bloom since it’s beginning. The Incas were devout followers of the Sun God Inti. They had a king who was referred to as “Sapa Inca” meaning the child of the Sun. The first Inca emperor Pachacuti transformed it from a modest village to a great city laid out in the shape of a puma. He went to expand the tradition of ancestor worship. When the king died, his son would get all the power, but all his wealth would be distributed among his other relatives, who would in return preserve his mummy and sustain his political influence. This significantly led to a sudden rise in power of the Incas. The Incas went on to become great builders and went on to build fortresses and sites like Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco that still stand to this day. 9. The Aztecs Civilization The Aztecs came upon the scene pretty much around the time when the Incas were appearing as the powerful contenders in South America. Around the 1200s and early 1300s, the people in present day Mexico used to live in three big rival cities – Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan. Around 1325, these rivals created an alliance and thus the new state was brought under the rule of the Valley of Mexico. Back then, the people preferred the name Mexica than to Aztecs. The rise of the Aztecs was within a century of the fall of another influential civilization in Mexico and Central America – the Mayans. The city of Tenochtitlan was the military power, which spearheaded the conquest of new territory. But the Aztec emperor didn’t rule every city, state directly. Local governments would remain in place, but was forced to pay varying amounts of tribute to the Triple Alliance. In the early 1500s, the Aztec civilization was indeed at the height of its power. But then, the Spanish arrived with their expansion plans. This eventually led to a huge battle between the Incas and the alliance of Spanish conquistadors and the native allies they had assembled led by the famous (or rather infamous) Hernan Cortes in 1521. A defeat in this decisive battle eventually led to the fall of once famous Aztec empire. 8. The Roman Civilization The Roman Civilization came into picture around the 6th century BC. Even the story behind the foundation of the ancient Rome is something of a legend, it’s full of myths. But at the height of its power, the Romans ruled over the biggest chunk of land in that era – all the present day counties surrounding the modern day Mediterranean sea were a part of ancient Rome. Early Rome was governed by kings, but after only seven of them had ruled, the Romans took power over their own city and ruled themselves. They then instead had a council known as the ‘senate’ which ruled over them. From this point on one speaks of the ‘Roman Republic’. Rome also saw the rise and fall of some of the greatest emperors in human civilization, like Julius Caesar, Trajan and Augustus. But eventually, the empire of Rome became so vast that it simply was not possible to bring it within a single rule. The Roman empire in the end was overrun by millions of barbarians from the north and east of Europe. See Also, 10 important events in Ancient Rome history (Before A.D) 7. The Persian civilization There was a time when the ancient Persian civilization was in fact the most powerful empire in the world. Though only in power for a little over 200 years, the Persians conquered lands that covered over 2 million square miles. From the southern portions of Egypt to parts of Greece and then east to parts of India, the Persian Empire was known for its military strength and wise rulers. Now before you even start to contemplate the fact that they created such a vast empire just within a period of 200 years, before 550 BC, Persian (or Persis as it was called back then) used to be divided in factions among a number of leaders. But then King Cyrus II, who later on came to be known as Cyrus the great, came into power and unified the entire Persian Kingdom. Then he went on to conquer ancient Babylon. In fact, his conquest was so rapid that by the end of 533 BC, he had already invaded India, far in the east. And even when Cyrus passed away, his bloodline continued the ruthless expansion and even fought in the now legendary battle with the brave Spartans. At its prime, ancient Persia ruled all over central Asia, much of Europe and Egypt. But it all changed when the legendary soldier of Macedon, Alexander the great, brought the whole Persian Empire down to its knees and effectively ended the civilization in 530 BC. 6. Ancient Greek Civilization The ancient Greeks may not have been the oldest civilization, but they are doubtlessly one of the most influential civilizations to have ever existed in the world. Even though the rise of ancient Greece came from the Cycladic and Minoan civilization (2700 BC – 1500 BC), there is evidence of burials found in the Franchthi Cave in Argolid, Greece that dates back to around 7250 BC. The history of this civilization is scattered over such a huge period of time that historians had to divide it over different periods, the most popular of them being the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic period. These periods also saw a number of ancient Greeks come into the limelight – many of them changed the ways of the world forever. Many of them are still talking about this to this day. The Greeks created the ancient Olympics, the concept of democracy and a senate. They created the base for modern geometry, biology, physics and whatnot. Pythagoras, Archimedes, Socrates, Euclid, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander the great… the history books are full of such names whose inventions, theories, beliefs and heroics have had a significant influence on subsequent civilizations. See Also, 10 famous clothes of Ancient Greece 5. Chinese Civilization Ancient China – also known as Han China, comes in at number 5 and has doubtlessly one of the most diverse histories. In fact, if you consider all the dynasties from the very first to the very last that ever ruled in China, you get a significantly huge period of time that needs to be covered concisely. The Yellow river civilization is said to be the cradle of the entire Chinese civilization as this is where the earliest dynasties were based. It was around 2700 BC that the legendary Yellow Emperor began his rule, a point in time that later led to the birth of many dynasties that went on to rule mainland China. In 2070 BC, the Xia dynasty became the first to rule the entire China as described in ancient historical chronicles. From then on, there came a number of dynasties that held control over China in different periods of time until the end of Qing dynasty in 1912 AD with the Xinhai revolution. And thus ended more than a four millennia history of ancient Chinese civilization that fascinates historians and commoners alike to this day. But it did not happen before they gave the world some of the most useful inventions and products such as gunpowder, paper, printing, compass, alcohol, cannons and many more. See Also, Top 10 Chinese Inventions 4. Mayan Civilization The ancient Mayan civilization flourished in Central America from about 2600 BC and has been much talked about in recent times because of the timeline of the calendar they had created. Once the civilization was established, it went on to prosper and become one of the most sophisticated civilizations with a booming population of about 19 million at its peak. By 700 BC, the Mayans had already devised their own way of writing which they used to create their own solar calendars carved in stone. According to them, the world was created on August 11, 3114 BC, which is the date from which their calendar counts. And the supposed end was on December 21, 2012. The ancient Mayans were culturally richer when compared to many of the contemporary civilizations. The Mayans and Aztecs both built pyramids, many of which are larger than those in Egypt. But their sudden decline and an abrupt end had long been one of ancient history’s most intriguing mysteries: Why did the Maya, a remarkably sophisticated civilization made up of more than 19 million people, suddenly collapse sometime during the 8th or 9th centuries? Although the Mayan people never entirely disappeared—their descendants still live across Central America. 3. Ancient Egyptian civilization Ancient Egypt is one of the oldest and culturally richest civilizations in this list. The ancient Egyptians are known for their prodigious culture, the ever standing pyramids and the sphinx, the Pharaohs and the once a majestic civilization that resided by the banks of the river Nile. The civilization coalesced around 3150 BC (according to conventional Egyptian chronology) with the political unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first Pharaoh. But this could not have been possible had there not been early settlers around the Nile valley in early 3500 BC. The history of ancient Egypt occurred in a series of stable Kingdoms, separated by periods of relative instability known as Intermediate Periods: the Old Kingdom of the Early Bronze Age, the Middle Kingdom of the Middle Bronze Age and the New Kingdom of the Late Bronze Age. Ancient Egypt gave us the ever standing pyramids, the mummies that preserve the ancient Pharaohs to this day, the first of the solar calendars, Hieroglyphics and many more. Ancient Egypt reached its pinnacle toward the New Kingdom, where Pharaohs like Rameses the Great ruled with such authority that another contemporary civilization, the Nubians, also came under Egyptian rule See Also, Top 10 Ancient Egyptians paintings 2. Indus Valley Civilization One of the oldest civilizations in this list, the Indus valley civilization lies at the very cradle of subsequent civilization that arose in the region of the Indus valley. This civilization flourished in areas extending from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India. Along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of three early civilizations of the Old World, and of the three the most widespread, covering an area of 1.25 million km2. Entire populations of people were settled around the basins of the Indus River, one of the major rivers in Asia, and another river named Ghaggar-Hakra which once used to course through northeast India and eastern Pakistan. Also known as the Harappan civilization and the Mohenjo-Daro civilization – named after the excavation sites where the remains of the civilization were found, the peak phase of this civilization is said to have lasted from 2600 BC to around 1900 BC. A sophisticated and technologically advanced urban culture is evident in the Indus Valley Civilization making them the first urban centers in the region. The people of the Indus Civilization achieved great accuracy in measuring length, mass, and time. And based on the artifacts found in excavations, it is evident the culture was rather rich in arts and crafts. 1. Mesopotamian Civilization And here it is, the first civilization to have ever emerged on the face of planet earth since the evolution of humans. The origin of Mesopotamia dates back so far back in the, there is no known evidence of any other civilized society before them. The timeline of ancient Mesopotamia is usually held to be around 3300 BC – 750 BC. Mesopotamia is generally credited with being the first place where civilized societies truly began to take shape. It was somewhere around 8000 BC that people found the concept of agriculture, and slowly started to domesticate animals for both the purpose of food as well as to assist in agriculture. People had already been creating art much before all that. But all this was part of human culture, not a human civilization. And then the Mesopotamians rose, refining, adding and formalizing all these systems, combining them to form the first civilization. They prospered in the regions of modern day Iraq – then known as Babylonia, Sumer and Assyria highlands. See Also, Top 11 Inventions and Discoveries of Mesopotamia Final Conclusion Modern day cultures and civilizations owe a lot to the civilizations that originated after millions of years of evolution in human history. From the ages where there were no defined means of communication and hunting was the primary source of food, to an age where agriculture gave the main staples for food, animals were domesticated, societies were created and then eventual changes were continuously made that led to the societies we live in now, the human civilization has come a long way. Each individual civilization listed out here contributed in many ways – new inventions, new ideas, new cultures, philosophies, lifestyles and what not. From the very cradle of civilization to this very day – what we are now has been the combined output of the subsequent civilizations that came in between. Bonus: How ancient Civilization Started? (Video) Join the Greek Crash Course by Dr Ben Lugosch for just $10 (limited Offer) Join Now	i don't know
Who plays Debbie Aldridge in the BBC 4 radio series ‘The Archers’?	BBC Radio 4 - The Archers - Debbie Aldridge Debbie Aldridge Debbie's a woman who likes to get what she wants. Fact title Lives in: Hungary Unlucky in love first time around, her marriage to lecturer Simon Gerrard was shortlived. She sought solace in her work, becoming the shining light and advocate for her father's business. She's based in Hungary, running a very large dairy and arable farm for a consortium. She also managed at a distance the Berrow Estate for Borchester Land - until Novemeber 2014, when they sacked her. Accused by Adam of being Brian's favourite, her decisions regarding the Estate have not always been popular. For a while, the birth of Ruairi brought her closer to her brother - until she proposed a mega-dairy which threatened the future of Adam's livestock enterprises. Debbie once had a serious relationship with a fellow farm manager in Hungary, Marshall Latham. But it didn't last. Brian was suspicious of Marshall anyway. He made cakes. Let me do the talking, Dad. Debbie Aldridge Likes - Good wine, good company, travel Dislikes - Being seen as the favourite, her father's infidelity Highs - Being put in charge of managing the Estate land Lows - Discovering Brian's affair; her acrimonious divorce, being sacked from the Estate job Ruairi Donovan (Stepbrother) Tamsin on Debbie Debbie Aldridge is the sharp-witted, independent, farmer business-woman, step-daughter of a wealthy capitalist farmer philanderer. She likes to ride her horse, her life and her family with expert control. Tamsin Greig Tamsin was born in Kent in 1966 and describes herself as having been the temperamental and noisy middle child of an expressive mother and a much older father. She took part in numerous school plays so it seemed logical to continue her interest in drama by studying the subject at the University of Birmingham - which was just across the road from the BBC studios where The Archers was recorded. Upon graduating, Tamsin's first job was for the Family Planning Association - "I used to know everything about contraception!" She then worked at the Midland Art Centre's Children's Theatre and, after 115 performances of the same show, got her Equity Card and consequently more offers of work. Tamsin describes her offer of the role as Debbie in The Archers as "coming completely out of the blue" in 1991. She is still amazed by her good fortune, especially as the Archers production team has been so flexible and created the 'Hungary' option. Tamsin has undertaken theatre roles, voice-over, television and film work. Television includes BBC productions Happiness (with Paul Whitehouse), People Like Us and The World Of Pub; Channel 4's comedy series Black Books; HTV's Wycliffe and LWT's Blind Men. She has filmed Miranda and Pure and has narrated for the National Geographic, History and BBC Natural History channels. Other TV work includes: Green Wing (Channel 4); The Lenny Henry Show; Love Soup; When I'm 64 (a television film for the BBC); and Episodes, with Matt le Blanc (Joey from Friends). Films include "Shaun Of The Dead"; and "Cheese Makes You Dream". Tamsin lives in London with her husband and actor Rick Leaf, whom she met while working on a television series, Neverwhere, for the BBC. They have three children and enjoy going to the park. Archers highlights Debbie being the one to find out first about Brian and Siobhan and then confronting Brian. They were great scenes to play - beautifully written, well directed and great fun to shout with such abandon at Charles Collingwood. Other career highlights Working with Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey on Black Books - it was like being paid to have a laugh. It was like being paid to have a laugh. Tamsin Greig Working on Green Wing - it was like being paid to have a strange walk and cut people up. Working at the RSC on Much Ado About Nothing - an absolute privilege. Favourite Actor - Judi Dench - she combines an extraordinary gift for thoughtfulness with a vulnerable lightness of touch, with not a small sense of humour. Book - A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving. A beautiful tale of an extraordinary character who you cannot help loving. Film - Fargo by the Coen Brothers. Hilarious and heart-breaking.	Tamsin Greig
What was the first name of English singer/musician Elton John’s wife?	Tamsin Greig to take on Royal Court role - BBC News BBC News Tamsin Greig to take on Royal Court role By Tim Masters Entertainment and Arts correspondent, BBC News 10 June 2011 Close share panel Image caption Tamsin Greig's credits include Tamara Drewe and in TV comedy Episodes Tamsin Greig is to star in a new comedy at London's Royal Court Theatre about a former Greenham Common protester as part of its new season. April de Angelis' play, Jumpy, will open in September. The autumn-winter season begins in August with Alexi Kaye Campbell's The Faith Machine, with Ian McDiarmid and Hayley Atwell. "We have a selection of brilliant roles for women in this season," said Dominic Cooke, the theatre's artistic director. In Jumpy, Greig plays Hilary, a former Greenham Common marcher, who has turned 50 and faces parental anxieties over her teenage daughter. On Greig's casting, Cooke told the BBC: "She's known as a comedic actress, but she's so much more than that. "It is a play that's built around Hilary's increasing despair at turning 50 and becoming invisible to the world, and her daughter's materialistic values. "There's a lack of connection between the two generations. I haven't seen that experience put on stage in that way before." Greig's theatre credits include The Little Dog Laughed in the West End, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award, and Gethsemane at the National Theatre. The 44-year-old actress played Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing at the RSC for which she won Olivier and Critics' Circle Awards. She recently appeared in the film Tamara Drewe, and her TV credits include Episodes, Friday Night Dinner, Black Books and Green Wing. She plays the part of Debbie Aldridge in Radio 4's The Archers. Other plays in the Royal Court season include Joe Penhall's Haunted Child, Debbie Tucker Green's Truth and Reconciliation, Stella Feehily's Bang Bang Bang, about the lives of NGOs in the Congo, and Rachel De-lahay's debut play The Westbridge. In February 2012 Cooke will direct David Eldridge's Essex family drama In Basildon which explores the theme of inheritance. "What's particularly exciting about this play is that it puts a class on stage that you don't really see very often in the theatre," Cooke said.	i don't know
The French resort of Biarritz lies on which body of water?	Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa \| We Heart Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa checking into French resort's splendid Sofitel... Lisa Davidson 1 October, 2012 What catches your attention as soon as you step inside this hotel is the fragrance from the fresh flowers, and scented candles, adorning the large reception area. There’s a warmth – like a home from home – and immediately you feel relaxed. The Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa – part of the French luxury chain – is one of very few hotels in the area with a Thalassotherapy centre. Surprising really, as the fascination with freeing your mind and listening to your body through the virtues of sea-water is big news in Biarritz. Located in south-western France, the city is compact, more of a town really. It lies on the Atlantic coast’s Bay of Biscay, and holds onto its reputation as an upscale seaside resort. Although it still retains some of the glitz and glamour of yesteryear – in the 1850s it was frequented by the British royal family – today, it’s feeling a little washed out… there’s a definite casual vibe brought into town by the many surfers, and there’s a charming air of faded glamour. It’s like an old Hollywood star who’s fallen on hard times, but never lost the elegant swagger that made her who she was. The hotel overlooks the popular surfer spot of the Grand Plage, one of six beaches along a six-kilometre coastline – and is only a short 10 minute walk into the town. The relaxed Biarritz vibe continues into the hotel, where guests wander the public spaces (around the pool and even at the breakfast table) in their Sofitel bathrobe and slippers. At first I was rather bemused by this peculiar cult, but it didn’t take long before I too was heading to the pool each morning dressed exactly the same, although I did draw the line at under-dressing in such a manner at breakfast. And what a pool area it is. I’d looked online before arriving and the images I’d encountered did not do it justice. It’s a rectangle pool, nothing special there, but heated and filled with saltwater and has the most stunning backdrop of the beach and its jagged outcrops. Looking out to the left, you can see down to the Casino and beyond, and to the right, the Biarritz Lighthouse (dating back to 1831) looming 73 metres above sea level. The sun loungers were plentiful and comfortable, and dotted around the pool were peculiar coloured objects, I’m not too sure if they were seats or not, but me being me, gave it a go, just the once mind. It has a pleasant shaded patio – dark wicker sofas with plush white cushions – a perfect spot for enjoying a cold drink and people watching and the hotel’s outdoor bar Le “B” Côté Terrase does some killer cocktails, and tapas-style light bites. The terrace and adjoining indoor restaurant is where you have breakfast – we were lucky enough to sit outdoors each morning due to the warm mid-September sun, and splurged on fresh fruit, french breads, baguettes, cheeses, pastries and crêpes. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, something which strongly resonated throughout the whole hotel. Although sadly we never made it into the spa for any treatments, we did check out the fitness and relaxation area. The small gym overlooks the promenade as does the heated indoor pool area with its jacuzzi, water massage system and neck showers. The hammam next door was bliss with an invigorating menthol and eucalyptus steam room and sauna. The Sofitel Biarritz doesn’t disappoint, it’s everything you’d expect from the chain; spacious bedrooms (if in need of a spruce up, but very befitting the town’s shabby-chic) – ours a superior sea room, the views from both inside and the sizable balcony stunning – and an in-room espresso machine that perked us up when required. L’Occitane amenities in the large modern bathrooms were abundant, and taking up a big chunk of the room was the most ridiculously comfortable bed I’d slept in since, well, my stay at Sofitel Philadelphia earlier this year. Collapsing into it after a hard days sunbathing, and hitting the restaurants and bars of Biarritz was heaven. Comfort, style, service, staggering views – just don’t take this hotel at face value, as exterior charm is perhaps the only thing that it’s not got just quite right. Splendid. 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Mid-off, Cover Point and Square Leg are all terms used in which sport?	France travel guide - Wikitravel Map of Metropolitan France, Overseas Departments and Overseas Territories. France is the country that more people enjoy visiting than any other. France is one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe. Its cities contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris , the French Riviera , the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps , the castles of the Loire Valley , Brittany and Normandy . France is renowned for its gastronomy (particularly wines and cheeses), history, culture and fashion. Understand[ edit ] "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye." — Antoine de Saint Exupéry, from The Little Prince France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for over twenty years (83 million visits in 2012). Metropolitan France is in Western Europe sharing borders with Belgium , Luxembourg and Germany to the northeast, Switzerland to the east, Italy to the south-east. Spain and the small country of Andorra are to the south-west, across the Pyrenees mountain range. The Mediterranean Sea laps the south of France, with the Principality of Monaco forming a small enclave. To the west, France has a long Atlantic Ocean coastline, while to the north lies the English Channel, across which lies the last of France's neighbours, England (part of the United Kingdom ). In the Caribbean, France borders the Netherlands via the French territory of Saint-Martin which borders the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten . Five oversea regions also form part of France: Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean , French Guiana in South America , and Reunion and Mayotte , both off the coast of Madagascar . Numerous French oversea territories also exist around the Earth with varying status. Climate[ edit ] A lot of variety, but temperate winters and mild summers on most of the territory, and especially in Paris . Mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean and in the southwest (the latter has lots of rain in winter). You may likely even see a few palm trees on the Mediterranean coast. Mild winters (with lots of rain) and cool summers in the northwest ( Brittany ). Cool to cold winters and hot summer along the German border ( Alsace ). Along the Rhône Valley, there is an occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral. Cold winters with lots of the snow in the Mountainous regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Auvergne. Terrain[ edit ] Mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south west, Vosges , Jura and Alps in east, Massif Central in the mid south. When to travel[ edit ] If possible, try to avoid French school holidays and Easter, because hotels are very likely to be overbooked and traffic on the roads is simply awful. Holidays: search internet for "French school holidays", as they vary from region to region. Mostly, the winter holidays are 10 Feb-10 Mar. The spring holidays are often 10 Apr-10 May. Also try to avoid travel around the 14th of July. (quatorze juillet) These times the roads are full of people, leading to the much dreaded Black Friday traffic jams which can grow in length to over 160km (100 miles)! Winter gets very cold, sometimes freezing. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing to keep you warm while visiting. Hotels are very likely to be overbooked and road traffic will be awful during the 1 May, 8 May, 11 Nov, Easter Weekend, Ascension weekend too. History[ edit ] France has been populated since the Neolithic period. The Dordogne region is especially rich in prehistoric caves, some used as habitation, others are temples with remarkable paintings of animals and hunters, like those found at Lascaux . Rise and fall of the Roman empire[ edit ] Written History began in France with the invasion of the territory by the Romans, between 118 and 50 BC. Starting then, the territory which is today called France was part of the Roman Empire, and the Gauls (name given to local Celts by the Romans), who lived there before Roman invasions, became acculturated "Gallo-Romans". With the fall of the Roman empire, what was left were areas inhabited by descendants of intermarriages between Gallo-Romans and "barbaric" easterners (Mainly the Franks, but also other tribes like the "burgondes"). The legacy of the Roman presence is still visible, particularly in the southern part of the country where Roman circuses are still used for bullfights and rock and roll shows. Some of the main roads still follow the routes originally traced 2,000 years ago, and the urban organisation of many old town centres still transcript the cardo and the decumanus of the former Roman camp (especially Paris ). The other main legacy was the Catholic Church which can be, arguably, considered as the only remnant of the civilization of that time Middle-Ages[ edit ] Clovis, who died in 511, is considered as the first French king although his realm was not much more than the area of the present Île de France, around Paris. Charlemagne, who was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800, was the first strong ruler. He united under his rule territories which extend today in Belgium, Germany and Italy. His capital was Aix-la-Chapelle (now in Germany, known as Aachen ). The country was under attack by the Vikings who came from the north and navigated upstream the rivers to plunder the cities and abbeys, it was also under attack from the south by the Muslim Saracens who were established in Spain. The Vikings were given a part of the territory (today's Normandy) in 911 and melted fast in the feudal system. The Saracens were stopped in 732 in Poitiers by Charles Martel, grand father of Charlemagne, a rather rough warrior who was later painted as a national hero. Starting with Charlemagne, a new society starts to settle, based on the personal links of feudalism. This era is named middle age. Although generally seen as an era of stagnation, it can more be described as a very complex mix of periods of economic and cultural developments (Music and poems of the Troubadours and Trouveres, building of the Romantic, then Gothic cathedrals), and recessions due to pandemic disease and wars. In 987, Hughes Capet was crowned as king of France ; he is the root of the royal families who later governed France. In 1154 much of the western part of France went under English rule with the wedding of Alienor d'Aquitaine to Henry II (Count of Anjou, born in the town of Le Mans). Some kings of the Plantagenet dynasty are still buried in France, the most famous being Richard I, of Walter Scott's fame, and his father Henry II, who lies in the Abbaye de Fontevraud. The struggle between the English and French kings between 1337 and 1435 is known as the Hundred Years War and the most famous figure, considered as a national heroine, is Joan of Arc. The making of a modern state nation[ edit ] The beginning of the 16th century saw the end of the feudal system and the emergence of France as a "modern" state with its border relatively close to the present ones (Alsace, Corsica, Savoy, the Nice region weren't yet French). Louis XIV who was king from 1643 to 1715 (72 years) was probably the most powerful monarch of his time. French influence extended deep in western Europe, its language was used in the European courts and its culture was exported all over Europe. That era and the following century also saw the expansion of France on the other continents. This started a whole series of wars with the other colonial empires, mainly England (later Britain) and Spain over the control of North America, the Caribbean, South American, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The French Revolution started in 1789, leading to the overthrow of King Louis XVI of the House of Bourbon and the creation of the First French Republic. Although this period was also fertile in bloody excesses it was, and still is, a reference for many other liberation struggles. In 1791, the other monarchies of Europe looked with outrage at the revolution and its upheavals, and considered whether they should intervene, either in support of the deposed King Louis XVI, or to prevent the spread of revolution, or to take advantage of the chaos in France. The French Revolutionary Wars were a series of major conflicts fought between the French Republic and several European Monarchies from 1792 to 1802. Napoléon Bonaparte seized power in a coup d'état, reunited the country and declared himself Emperor of the French, he crowned by Pope Pius VII as Napoleon I of the French Empire, on 2 December 1804 at Notre Dame de Paris. His militaristic ambition which, at first, made him the ruler of most of western Europe were finally his downfall. In 1815 he was defeated in Waterloo (Belgium) by the Seventh Coalition - United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Hanover, Nassau, Brunswick, and Prussia. He is still revered in some Eastern European countries as its armies and its government brought with them the ideas of the French philosophers. 20th and 21st centuries[ edit ] 1905 saw the separation of the Church from the State. This was a traumatic process, especially in rural areas. The French state carefully avoids any religious recognition. The Church was badly hurt and lost half its priests. In the long run, however, it gained autonomy—for the French State no longer had a voice in choosing bishops. In the early 21st century, the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) 2009 study, based on self declaration in a percentage of the total French population, 64.4% of the population identified as Catholic but with only 15.2% regularly attending or occasionally attending Mass, and 4.5% attending Mass weekly. The First World War (1914-1918) was a disaster for France, even though the country was ultimately a victor. At first many welcomed the war to avenge the humiliation of defeat and loss of territory to Germany following the Franco-Prussian War. However very high losses and almost no gain on the Western Front change opinions of the war. A significant part of the male workforce was killed or disabled and a large part of the country and industry destroyed. When the Second World War (1939-45) was declared there was little enthusiasm and much dread in France at the prospect of enduring another major war. In the spring of 1940 Hitler's army invaded France, the army and government of the Third French Republic collapse and France surrendered in June of 1940. With British troops fleeing France an atmosphere of humiliation and defeat swept over the country. On the other hand, the French Resistance conducted sabotage operations inside German-occupied France. To support the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, various groups increased their sabotage and guerilla attacks. Since the end of WWII France went through a period of reconstruction and prosperity came back with the development of industry. The Fifth Republic (1958-to the present) emerged from the collapse of the French Fourth Republic (1946-58) and replaced the prior parliamentary government with a semi-presidential system. It is France's third-longest-enduring political regime, after the pre-French Revolution Ancien Régime and the Third Republic. France began the process of decolonisation after a rise in nationalism following WWII. In 1963 France and West Germany signed the Élysée Treaty, known as the Friendship Treaty, the treaty established a new foundation for relations that ended centuries of rivalry between them. France would play a role in what would eventually became the European Union. One of the most visible consequence being the introduction in 2002 of the Euro (€), now the common currency of eighteen of the twenty-eight EU members and also used by seven other European countries. In 2014, France was a republic with a President elected for a 5-year term (officially the French Republic and some would describe it as a "Unitary semi-presidential and constitutional republic"). Some current main issues are the further integration of the country into the EU and the adoption of common standards for the economy, defence, immigrant rights, and so on. The ban on religious symbols of 15 March 2004 in public schools is an application of the French policy of laïcité (secularism) under which religious symbols such as Muslim veils, Jewish Kippahs and Sikh turbans have been banned from schools. This has meant that the guarantees for freedom of religion have been curtailed for faith groups in France. Although France is extremely safe, anyone from an openly religious, faith community may still need to exercise care when travelling in France. Electricity[ edit ] Electricity is supplied at 220 to 230V 50Hz. Outlets are CEE7/5 (protruding male earth pin) and accept either CEE 7/5 (Grounded), CEE 7/7 (Grounded) or CEE 7/16 (non-grounded) plugs. Older German-type CEE 7/4 plugs are not compatible as they do not accommodate the earth pin found on this type of outlet. However, most modern European appliances are fitted with the hybrid CEE 7/7 plug which fits both CEE 7/5 (Belgium & France) and CEE 7/4 (Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and most of Europe) outlets. Plugs Travellers from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland and other countries using 230V 50Hz which use different plugs simply require a plug adaptor to use their appliances in France. Plug adaptors for plugs from the US and UK are available from electrical and "do-it-yourself" stores such as Bricorama. Voltage: Travellers from the US, Canada, Japan and other countries using 110V, 60Hz may need a voltage converter. However, some laptops, mobile phone chargers and other devices can accept either 110V or 230V so only require a simple plug adaptor. Check the voltage rating plates on your appliances before connecting them. Regions[ edit ] Metropolitan France is divided into 13 administrative regions, which themselves can be grouped into seven cultural regions: Regions of France Cities[ edit ] France has numerous cities of interest to travellers, below is a list of nine of the most notable: Paris — the "City of Light", romance and the Eiffel Tower Bordeaux — city of wine, traditional stone mansions and smart terraces Bourges — gardens, canals and a cathedral listed as a UNESCO heritage site Lille — a dynamic northern city known for its handsome centre and active cultural life Lyon — France's second city with a history from Roman times to the Resistance Marseille — Third largest French city with a harbour as big as its place as the heart of Provence Nantes — the "Greenest City" and, according to some, the best place to live in Europe Strasbourg — famous for its historical centre, and home to many European institutions Toulouse — the "Pink City", for its distinctive brick architecture, main city of Occitania Entry requirements[ edit ] Minimum validity of travel documents EU , EEA and Swiss citizens need only have a national identity card or passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay in France. Other nationals (regardless of whether they are visa-exempt (e.g. New Zealanders) or are required to have a visa (e.g. South Africans)) must have a passport which has at least 3 months' validity beyond their period of stay in France. In addition, the passport must have been issued in the previous 10 years. View of Mont Saint Michel from the causeway carpark, Normandy, Northern France Yachts moored in Honfleur, Normandy, Northern France The French impressionist painter Claude Monet's house in Giverny, Normandy, Northern France Interior of Bayeux Cathedral, Normandy, Northern France Half-timbered facades in old town Strasbourg, Alsace, Northeastern France The cathedral at Reims, Marne department, Northeastern France The coast at Quiberon, Brittany Place de la République in Rennes, Brittany Boats in the harbour at St Malo, Brittany Saumur, Pays de la Loire The main street of old city of Le Mans, Pays de la Loire The Saint-Julien Cathedral in Le Mans, Pays de la Loire The Saint-Michel gate in Guerande, Pays de la Loire Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in Nantes, Pays de la Loire France is a member of the Schengen Agreement . There are no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented this treaty - the European Union (except Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Likewise, a visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. But be careful: not all EU members have signed the Schengen treaty, and not all Schengen members are part of the European Union. This means that there may be spot customs checks but no immigration checks (travelling within Schengen but to/from a non-EU country) or you may have to clear immigration but not customs (travelling within the EU but to/from a non-Schengen country). Please see the article Travel in the Schengen Zone for more information about how the scheme works and what entry requirements are. Citizens of Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Macedonia, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Taiwan and Uruguay, as well as British Nationals (Overseas), are permitted to work in France without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. All other visa-exempt nationals are exempt from holding a visa for short-term employment if they possess a valid work permit and can present this work permit at the port of entry, with limited exceptions. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries. For more information, visit this webpage of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs . France Visa requirements[ edit ] Foreign nationals who are not visa-exempt (e.g. South Africans) must make a 'declaration of entry' (déclaration d'entrée) at a police station or to border inspection personnel if they arrive in France directly from another country of Schengen Area (e.g. Italy ), unless they hold a long-term visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen member state. Their passports will be endorsed by the authorities to prove that such a declaration has been made . Reading up Before you leave you may want to read a book like French or Foe by Polly Platt or Almost French by Sarah Turnbull — interesting, well written records from English speaking persons who live in France. For the adult reader interested in the famous reputation enjoyed by Paris for romance and sensuality, try "SENSUAL PARIS: Sex, Seduction and Romance in the Sublime City of Light" by Jonathan LeBlanc Roberts If you intend to stay in France for longer than 90 days, regardless of purpose and with extremely few exceptions, an advance long-stay visa is always required of non-EEA or non-Swiss citizens. It is almost impossible to switch from a "C" (visitor) entry status to a "D" (long-stay) status from inside France, and you must apply for a long-stay visa in-person at the consulate responsible for your place of residence. As of 2009, certain categories of long-stay visa, such as visitor (visiteur), family (vie privée et familiale), student (étudiant), intern (stagiaire), scientist/researcher (scientifique-chercheur), salaried worker (salarié), and short-term worker (travailleur temporaire), do not require holders to obtain a separate residence permit (carte de séjour) for the first year of stay in France. However, the long-stay visa must be validated by the Office Française de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration (OFII) within the first three months of entering France to be valid for longer than those three months. This is done by sending in a form to the OFII received along with the visa with the address of residence in France, completing a medical examination, and attending an introductory meeting to validate the visa. The tax required for validation (€58 for students and interns, but €241 for workers except those under the short-term worker category and for scientists, visitors, and family) is, as of February 2013, collected at the end of the validation process inside France. This validated visa will serve as a residence permit and, likewise, allow travel throughout the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a six-month period. To stay in France after a validated visa expires, however, and/or if you hold a visa which states carte de séjour à solliciter dès l'arrivée, a carte de séjour (residence permit card) must be obtained at the préfecture responsible for your place of residence within two months of entry into France or two months before the visa expires. Please consult the OFII website for more information . French overseas departments and territories (DOM-TOM) are not part of the Schengen Area and operate a separate immigration regime from mainland France. As such, if you intend to visit them, you will need a separate visa (if required for your nationality). By plane[ edit ] Flights to/from Paris[ edit ] The main international airport, Roissy - Charles de Gaulle ( IATA : CDG) is likely to be your port of entry if you fly into France from outside Europe. CDG is the home of Air France (AF), the national company, for most intercontinental flights. AF and the companies forming the SkyTeam Alliance (Dutch KLM, Aeromexico, Alitalia, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air,) use Terminal 2 while most other foreign airlines use Terminal 1. A third terminal is used for charter flights. If transferring through CDG (especially between the various terminals) it is important to leave substantial time between flights. Ensure you have no less than one hour between transfers. Add more if you have to change terminals as you will need to clear through security. Transfers to another flight in France: AF operates domestic flights from CDG too, but a lot of domestic flights, and also some internal European flights, use Orly, the second Paris airport. For transfers within CDG you can use the free bus shuttle linking all terminals, train station, parking lots and hotels on the platform. For transfers to Orly there is a bus link operated by AF (free for AF passengers). The two airports are also linked by a local train (RER) which is slightly less expensive, runs faster but is much more cumbersome to use with heavy luggage. AF has agreements with the SNCF, the national rail company, which operates TGVs (see below) out of CDG airports (some trains carry flight numbers). The TGV station is in Terminal 2 and is on the route of the free shuttle. For transfers to the city centre of Paris, see Paris . Paris Star Shuttle offers transfers from CDG into Paris. Some low-cost airlines, including Ryanair and Volare, fly to Beauvais airport situated about 80km northwest of Paris. Buses to Paris are provided by the airlines. Check schedules and fares on their websites. Flights to/from regional airports[ edit ] Other airports outside Paris have flights to/from international destinations: Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Toulouse have flights to cities in western Europe and North Africa; these airports are hubs to smaller airports in France and may be useful to avoid the transfer between the two Paris airports. Two airports, Bâle-Mulhouse and Geneva, are shared by France and Switzerland and can allow entry into either country. Many airlines operate flights between regional airports in the UK and France and between Ireland and France: Condor Ferries [5] - operate freight and passenger services from Portsmouth to Cherbourg , Poole to St Malo and Weymouth to St Malo . Prices vary considerably depending on which route you choose. Generally the cheapest route is the short sea route across the English Channel which is Dover to Calais , so it is worth comparing prices before you decide which is the most suitable route to France. Passengers travelling from Dover by ferry to France go through French passport/identity card checks in the UK before boarding, rather than on arrival in France. Passengers travelling from all other UK ports to France go through French passport/identity card checks on arrival in France. There are also connections from Ireland to France: Brittany Ferries [6] - operate ferry services from Cork to Roscoff Celtic Link Ferries [7] - operate ferry services from Rosslare to Cherbourg Irish Ferries [8] - operate ferry services from Rosslare to Cherbourg and from Rosslare to Roscoff Numerous companies now act as agents for the various ferry companies much like Expedia and Travelocity act as agents for airlines allowing the comparison of various companies and routes. Two well known brands are Ferryonline [9] and AFerry.co.uk [10] . By train[ edit ] The French rail company, SNCF, provides direct service from most European countries using regular trains. French train tickets can be purchased directly in the US from RailEurope a subsidiary of the SNCF. Eurostar [11] runs high-speed trains to France from the United Kingdom and Belgium . Passengers travelling from the UK to France go through French passport/identity card checks in the UK before boarding, rather than on arrival in France. Passengers travelling from Brussels to Lille/Calais/Paris are within the Schengen Area. Eurostar operates the following routes from France: Paris (Gare du Nord) direct to London (St Pancras International) (2h 15min), Ebbsfleet and Ashford and via Lille to Brussels (Zuid-Midi). Lille (Europe) direct to London (St Pancras International) (1h 20min), Ebbsfleet, Ashford and Brussels (Zuid-Midi) Calais (Fréthun) direct to London (St Pancras International) (1h 2min; 2-3 daily), Ebbsfleet (44min; 3-4 daily), Ashford (35min; 1 daily) and Brussels (Zuid-Midi) (1h 9min; 2-3 daily) Note: Although Brussels Midi-Calais Fréthun can't be purchased on the Eurostar website, it is available on the Belgian Railways website [12] Thalys uses high-speed TGV trains to connect Paris to Brussels and onward to cities in the Netherlands and Germany. It can be a bit expensive compared to normal trains. From Belgium[ edit ] As according to an agreement with the CFL, the Belgian railways are directing all passenger trains to France through Luxembourg (thus causing an extra unnecessary border crossing), it may be useful to cross the border directly, on foot. The terminus of the French railways in Longwy can be reached from the Belgian train station of Halanzy (the line operates only on work days, however), or from the bigger Belgian stations of Arlon or Virton. Between these two stations there's a bus operated by the TEC company which stops at Aubange Place, a good point of departure/arrival for the walking tour. The path leads almost exclusively through inhabited areas in the community of Mont-Saint-Martin (yet partially in a forest if you go to/from Halanzy) and takes some 7 km. The city of Longwy itself is quite steep in some of its parts, so pay attention to this when planning your route. There are domestic Belgian trains that terminate in Lille (station Lille-Flanders). Between the De Panne terminus of the Belgian railways (and the Coast tram – Kusttram) and the French coastal city of Dunkerque, there is a bus line run by DK'BUS Marine: [15] . It may, however, be operating only in certain time of the year. It is also possible to take a DK'BUS bus which goes to the closest possible distance of the border and then cross it on foot by walking on the beach and arriving at a convenient station of the Coast tram, such as Esplanade. By plane[ edit ] The following carriers offer domestic flights within France: Air France [16] (Ajaccio (Campo Dell Oro Airport), Annecy-Meythet Airport, Avignon-Caum Airport, Bastia (Poretta Airport), Biarritz Parme Airport, Bordeaux Airport, Brest (Guipavas Airport), Caen (Carpiquet Airport), Calvi (Sainte Catherine Airport), Clermont-Ferrand (Aulnat Airport), Figari (Sud Corse Airport), Lannion (Servel Airport), Le Havre (Octeville Airport), Lille (Lesquin Airport), Limoges (Bellegarde Airport), Lorient (Lann Bihoue Airport), Lyon Satolas Airport, Marseille Airport, Metz/Nancy (Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport), Montpellier (Mediterranee Airport), Mulhouse/Basel (EuroAirport French), Nantes Atlantique Airport, Nice (Cote D'Azur Airport), Paris (Charles De Gaulle Airport), Paris (Orly Field), Pau (Uzein Airport), Perpignan (Llabanere Airport), Quimper (Pluguffan Airport), Rennes (St Jacques Airport), Rodez (Marcillac Airport), Rouen (Boos Airport), Strasbourg (Entzheim Airport), Tarbes Ossun Lourdes Airport, Toulon (Hyeres Airport), Toulouse (Blagnac Airport)) Hop! [17] (Aurillac Airport, Bastia (Poretta Airport), Beziers Vias Airport, Bordeaux Airport, Brest (Guipavas Airport), Brive-La-Gaillarde (Laroche Airport), La Rochelle (Laleu Airport), Lyon Satolas Airport, Mulhouse/Basel (EuroAirport French), Nantes Atlantique Airport, Paris (Orly Field), Poitiers (Biard Airport), Rennes (St Jacques Airport), Saint Nazaire (Montoir Airport), Toulouse (Blagnac Airport)) Air Corsica [18] (Ajaccio (Campo Dell Oro Airport), Bastia (Poretta Airport), Calvi (Sainte Catherine Airport), Figari (Sud Corse Airport), Lyon Satolas Airport, Marseille Airport, Nice (Cote D'Azur Airport)) Twin Jet [19] (Cherbourg (Maupertus Airport), Marseille Airport, Metz/Nancy (Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport), Paris (Orly Field), Saint Etienne (Boutheon Airport), Toulouse (Blagnac Airport)) easyJet [20] (Bastia, Biarritz, Brest, Lyon, Nantes, Nice (Côte D'Azur Airport), Paris (Charles De Gaulle Airport), Paris (Orly), Toulouse (Blagnac Airport)) Ryanair [21] (Marseille to/from Bordeaux/Brest/Lille/Nantes/Paris Beauvais/Paris Vatry/Tours; Paris Beauvais to/from Beziers/Marseille) Eastern Airways [22] (Lyon to Lorient) Hex'Air [23] (Le Puy (Loudes Airport), Lyon Satolas Airport, Paris (Orly Field), Rodez (Marcillac Airport)) Heli Securite [24] (Cannes (Croisette Heliport), Nice (Cote D'Azur Airport)) Nice Helicopteres [25] (Cannes (Croisette Heliport), Nice (Cote D'Azur Airport)) The following carriers offer direct flights between metropolitan France (French territory geographically situated in Europe) and DOM-TOM (French overseas departments and territories): Air Austral [26] (Réunion) Air Caraïbes [27] (French Guiana (Cayenne), Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Martinique (Fort-de-France)) Air France [28] (French Guiana (Cayenne), Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Réunion) 'Corsair International [29] (French Guiana (Cayenne), Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Mayotte (Dzaoudzi), Réunion) XL Airways [30] (Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Mayotte (Dzaoudzi), Réunion) Although the 5 DOM-TOM (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion) which can be reached directly by air from metropolitan France are part of the European Union, they are outside the Schengen Area and the EU VAT Area (and hence the 5 DOM-TOM apply a different, but similar, immigration regime to metropolitan France which applies the Schengen rules). Since 2009/2010, when flying from metropolitan France to these 5 DOM-TOM, there are only immigration checks on departure from metropolitan France (immigration checks on arrival in these 5 DOM-TOM have been removed). However, when flying from these 5 DOM-TOM to metropolitan France, there are immigration checks both on departure from the DOM-TOM and upon arrival in metropolitan (known in French as double contrôle d’identité). For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, a valid passport or national identity card is sufficient for the immigration checks both in metropolitan France and in the DOM-TOMs. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who are visa-exempt for metropolitan France will also be visa-exempt for the DOM-TOMs (and, in addition, certain nationalities which require a visa for metropolitan France/Schengen Area will not require one for the DOM-TOMs). It is possible to reach the French overseas territories of Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin (L'Espérance Airport) from metropolitan France by transiting onto a connecting flight at Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe without stopping in a third country. Therefore, it is possible for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens to visit these territories with a national identity card only (and not a passport). The following carriers offer flights between metropolitan France and DOM-TOM with a stopover in a third country: Air France [31] (French Polynesia (Papeete) via the United States (Los Angeles) Air Tahiti Nui [32] (French Polynesia (Papeete) via the United States (Los Angeles)) To reach the other DOM-TOM (New Caledonia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Wallis and Futuna) from metropolitan France, it is necessary to transit between connecting flights in a third country. See also: Driving in France France drives on the right. A French driver flashing headlights is asserting right of way and warning you of intentions and presence. Do not use it to mean thanks. Flashing headlights can also mean, "Watch out as there's a police speed-check ahead of you!" Horns should be used only in legitimate emergencies; use of the horn in urban areas outside such circumstances might win you a traffic ticket. Parisian drivers were notorious for honking their horns at anything and everything, though increased enforcement has greatly reduced this practice. France has a well-developed system of highways. Most of the motorway (autoroute) links are toll roads. Some have toll stations giving you access to a section, others have entrance and exit toll stations. Don't lose your entrance ticket or you will be charged for the longest distance. All toll stations accept major credit cards although may not accept foreign credit cards, or you can use the automatic booth, but only if your card is equipped with a chip. Foreigners can get such a chip at tolltickets.com. Roads range from the narrow single-lane roads in the countryside to major highways. Most towns and cities were built before the general availability of the automobile and thus city centres tend to be unwieldy for cars. Keep this in mind when renting: large cars can be very unwieldy. It often makes sense to just park and then use public transportation. Renting a car[ edit ] Once you land in France you may need to use car hire services. Most of the leading companies operate from French airports and there is good merit in booking car hire in advance. It is a regular experience at smaller French airports to not get the type of car you booked online but an alternative model. Sometimes the alternative model is quite different so check carefully before accepting the vehicle and stand your ground if it does not match your booking request and is not suitable to your needs. Most cars in France are equipped with standard transmissions, a fact that derives equally from the preferences of the driving public and the peculiarities of French licensing laws (automatic transmissions are generally only used by the elderly or those with physical disabilities). This extends to vehicle categories that in the US are virtually never equipped with a manual transmission, such as vans and large sedans. Accordingly, virtually all of the vehicles available for rent at the average car hire depot will be equipped with a manual gearbox. If you do not know how to drive a car with a manual transmission and don't have the time to learn before your trip, be certain to reserve your rental car well in advance and confirm your reservation. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a car that is much larger than you can afford (or with no car at all). It is a good tip when travelling in numbers to get one member of the party with hand luggage to go straight through to the car hire desk ahead of everybody else, this will avoid the crush once the main luggage is picked up from the conveyor. For short term rentals, you will find numerous familiar big name agencies (Hertz, SIXT, Avis, Alamo) which you can book through a number of online portals and compare prices side by side (Orbitz, Kayak, Expedia). All of the above rental agencies usually have similar pricing, vehicles and rental policies. Although it not recommended, one will usually be able to wait until near last minute to book online and still get a car when it comes to short term rentals. In fact, there has been a recent surge in the last-minute car rental market, with an increasing number of start-ups promoting low-cost car hire services in different ways. One of these growing trends is car-pooling, which has exploded in the last decade. In fact, most of the biggest names in the market, such as BlaBlaCar and Covoiturage, are originally from France, though they have now expanded in neighbouring countries. Another novelty in this market, which is attracting a lot of attention, is renting cars for one-way trips around France, for one symbolic euro. Indeed, French startups such as DriiveMe now offer one-way, city-to-city car rentals for one Euro net by putting in relation the logistical and car-conveying aspect of the car hire business to the demand side. These innovative solutions and growing trends highlight a growing market and new possibilities for people to travel cheaply throughout France. However, for rentals exceeding three weeks in duration, it is often advantageous to use a "short term" lease buy back programs in which you need to book at least a few weeks in advance before departing. The lease buy back programs are uniquely French and offer a tax-free alternative to car rentals that can often have an overall lower cost and better value than a traditional car rental. The programs are typically run by the big three French auto makers Peugeot, Renault, and Citroen. Short term leasing offers clients a brand new vehicle, full insurance, unlimited mileage, and flexible driving rules compared to traditional car rentals. You must be a NON European resident to take part in this and one downfall is that you must have need for a car for more then three weeks in order to benefit from the service. Only certain agencies are authorized to sell these leases to US residents. Some of them include; Auto France, Inc. Peugeot(US), Citroen Europass (US), Renault USA (US). By thumb[ edit ] France is a dreadful country for hitchhiking - especially if you're male. Be patient, prepare yourself for a long wait or walk and in the meantime enjoy the landscape. A ride will come along in a few days since a lot of foreigners are on French roads. People who stop are usually friendly and not dangerous. They will like you more if you speak a little French. They never expect any money for the ride. Remember that getting out of Paris by thumb is almost impossible. You can try your luck at the portes, but heavy traffic and limited areas for stopping will try your patience. It's a good idea to take the local train to a nearby suburb as your chance of being picked up will increase dramatically. Outside Paris, it's advisable to try your luck after roundabouts. As it's illegal to hitchhike on the motorways (autoroutes) and they are well observed by the police, you may try on a motorway entry. The greatest chance is at toll plazas (stations de péage), some of which require all cars to stop and are thus great places to catch a lift. Some tollbooths are really good, some not so good. If you've been waiting for a while with an indication of where to go, drop it and try with your thumb only. And also, you can try to get a ride to the next good spot in the wrong direction. Note, though, that hitching from a péage, while a common practice, isn't legal and French police or highway security, who are normally very tolerant of hitchhikers, may stop and force you to leave. You can get free maps in the toll offices - these also indicate where you can find the "all-stop-Péage". By train[ edit ] Your rights as a rail passenger On the TGV and Intercités, your rights are covered by the SNCF's 'Garantie Voyage' passenger charter: Information guarantee (To ensure that you are kept informed and updated about schedule changes/cancellations by SNCF staff and station announcements/screens/signs) Ticket change/refund guarantee (If your train is cancelled or delayed by more than 1 hour, you can change the ticket to take another train within the next 48 hours or receive a full refund.) Seat guarantee (If you travel for more than 1hr30mins on a train with obligatory reservations on a ticket that states 'sans place attribuée' (no allocated seat), the train conductor will find you a seat, and if not, you will be offered a travel voucher of between €10 and €30 depending on the comfort of your journey, the journey length and the ticket price.) Assistance guarantee (For train delays between 1 and 2 hours, you will be provided with a 'suitable and proportionate level of assistance'. For delays of over 2 hours, SNCF will try to reroute you by train, bus or taxi to your destination, offer you drinks and meals at lunchtime and dinner time, and, if necessary, overnight accommodation in a hotel. Note that the assistance guarantee applies regardless of the cause of the delay/cancellation.) Punctuality guarantee (If your train is delayed because of SNCF, you will be compensated 25% of the ticket price in travel vouchers for a delay of 30 to 59 mins, 25% of the ticket price in travel vouchers or a bank transfer for a delay of 1 hr to 1hr 59mins, 50% for a delay of 2hrs to 2hr 59mins and 75% for a delay of 3hrs or more. The minimum amount of compensation is €4. For Intercités Eco 100% trains, compensation is only given for a delay of at least 1hr.) Complaints guarantee (If you send a complaint to SNCF Customer Services, they will respond within 5 days, including weekends and public holidays.) Note that the guarantees listed above are separate, so technically you could be entitled to more than one. If you qualify for any of the above guarantees but it is not being delivered, you should speak to an SNCF member of staff. If the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you should keep your ticket and proof of any expenses which you incurred but which should have been covered by SNCF (e.g. food in the event of a long delay). After your journey, to request a reimbursement of your expenses get in touch with the SNCF Garantie Voyage centre (postal address: Service Garantie Ponctualité SNCF, BP 12013, 14089 CAEN cedex 6), which is obliged to respond within one month. If you are still dissatisfied, contact SNCF Customer Services (postal address: Service Relation clients SNCF, 62973 ARRAS cedex 9), which is obliged to respond within 5 days. If following a month, the situation has still not been fully resolved, you can contact the SNCF Mediator (postal address: Médiateur de la SNCF, 45 rue de Londres, 75008 PARIS), who makes decisions not merely on the basis of the law, but also common sense/morality/fairness ('le Médiateur intègre le bon sens, l’éthique et l’équité dans l’analyse le conduisant à l’avis qu’il rend'). For more information about the Garantie Voyage passenger charter, see this SNCF webpage (available in French only). In addition, French courts have decided that all rail passengers are entitled to be compensated by SNCF for any losses (which were foreseeable at the time of purchasing the ticket) incurred as a result of a train delay/cancellation, unless it was caused by a force majeure. (French Civil Code, Articles 1147 and 1150) This legal right is separate to the passenger rights in the 'Garantie Voyage' charter, and can therefore be useful either if you are not covered by the 'Garantie Voyage' charter, or if your losses are not fully compensated by the charter. For example, if your train was scheduled to arrive at your destination station at 5:45pm, but was delayed by 25 mins and so arrived at 6:10pm, which meant that you could not pick up the hire car which you had booked as the car rental office in the station closed at 6pm, and so you had to take a taxi to reach your final destination, SNCF is legally obliged to compensate you for the cost of the taxi ride (and any no-show car rental charges) if both losses were foreseeable (e.g. if at the time you booked your train ticket on the SNCF website, you selected the option to book car rental at the same time on the booking page). Note that technical faults (e.g. engine/signalling failures), weather conditions (e.g. storms, snowfall) and strikes (except for surprise, unannounced strikes) are not considered by French courts to be force majeure events. Trains are a great way to get around in France. You can get pretty much from anywhere to anywhere else by train. For long distances, use the TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse - High-Speed Train) on which reservations are obligatory. But, if you have time, take the slow train and enjoy the scenery. The landscape is part of what makes France one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The French national railway network is managed by Réseaux Ferrés de France, and most of the trains are run by the SNCF [33] (Société nationale des chemins de fer français). For interregional trains you can get schedules and book tickets online. For regional trains, schedules can be found at ter-sncf.com [34] (choose your region, then "Carte and horaires" for maps and timetables). Booking is available in two classes: première classe (first class) is less crowded and more comfortable but can also be about 50% more expensive than deuxième classe (second class). Note that if your TGV is fully booked, step aboard seconds before the doors close, and look for the guard ("contrôleur"). He will find you a seat somewhere. There are a number of different kinds of high speed and normal trains: TER (Train Express Régional): Regional trains and the backbone of the SNCF system. TER are slow but do serve most stations. Available on Eurail and InterRail passes. Intercités: As of 2012, the bundling of the former Corail services. Includes trains with compulsory reservation (former Téoz and the Lunéa night trains) and those for which reservations are optional (former Intercités). The reservation-optional trains are what one will often use on passes. Some trains go to regions that the TGV services don't, namely in Auvergne. TGV (Trains à Grande Vitesse): The world-famous French high-speed trains run several times a day to the Southeast Nice (5-6h), Marseille (3h) and Avignon (2.5 h), the East Geneva (3h) or Lausanne , Switzerland and Dijon (1h15) , the Southwest Bordeaux (3h), the West Rennes (2h), Nantes (2h), Brest (4h) and the North Lille (1h). Eurostar to London (2h15) and Thalys to Brussels (1h20) use almost identical trains. Reservations are compulsory. iDTGV [35] : A low-cost version of the TGV available to over 50 destinations on journeys of 3 hours or more. Tickets are only available online at the iDTGV website (prices starting from €19 (second class) and €29 (first class)) and must be printed out, or booked via the iDTGV mobile app. OUIGO [36] : Another low-cost version of the TGV with tickets starting from €10. (Note that OUIGO does not go to central Paris, but rather Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy TGV station, which is 50 mins by RER A train from central Paris.) Tickets are only available online on the OUIGO website and must be printed out, or booked via the OUIGO mobile app. Also, an identity document (passport, national identity card or driving licence) must be presented with the ticket when boarding the train. If you'll be doing more than about 2 return journeys in France and are younger than 26, getting a "Carte 12-25" will save you money. They cost €50, last a year, and give anywhere from a 25% to 60% discount depending on when you book the ticket and when you travel. Booking tickets online can be quite a confusing process as it is possible to book the same journey through a number of different websites (in different languages and currencies). The fares are not always consistent so it pays to check the same trip on a number of sites. www.voyages-sncf.com [37] This is the French language booking website of the SNCF. (To ensure that you get the best prices, make sure you select France as the country, as the website may redirect you to the English language version with higher prices if you access the website from outside France.) www.tgv-europe.com [38] English language version of the SNCF site. Confusingly this site has a completely different layout and style from the French language version. There are a few strange quirks. The booking window requires you to enter your "country", and if you select France (as someone already in France is likely to do), you are directed back to the French language site. www.raileurope.com [39] [40] [41] The RailEurope sites are booking agencies owned by the SNCF. Fares will often be more expensive on these sites than on the "official" sites, however they are generally easier to use than the SNCF sites. Both TGV-Europe and Voyages-SNCF frequently report errors in booking attempts; one of the workarounds is to call SNCF to book over the phone (00.33.892.35.35.35 "from outside France" The most attractive internet-only rates are not available there, but still it secures you a seat, and likely cheaper than if you buy in ticket office upon arrival. If you travel by TER, there are a number of offers available for leisure passengers in each different region: TER Alsace: unlimited travel on regional trains and local transport - available in 2 formats ('Alsa+ 24h' as an individual ticket valid for 24 hours after validation, and 'Alsa+ Group Journée' as a ticket for a group of 2 to 5 valid on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) TER Aquitaine: unlimited travel for €11 between Bayonne and San Sebastian (Spain) for a weekend (or any 2 consecutive days during July and August) TER Auvergne: unlimited one-day travel on the TER for €30 within the Auvergne region for a group of up to 5 TER Champagne-Ardennes: on Saturdays, a group of up to 4 can travel at the price of 1 person. Also, on Saturdays you can travel from a number of towns in Champagne-Ardennes to Paris for €10 return . TER Franche-Comté: unlimited TER travel for one day (Saturdays and any day during school holidays) for €15.50 or for two days (weekend or any 2 consecutive days during school holidays) for €23.70 TER Languedoc-Roussillon: travel between any 2 stations on 5 TER lines for just €1 TER Lorraine: 40% discount off a regular price ticket on TER trains within the Lorraine region. With a Métrolor Loisirs ticket, a group of up to 5 passengers can enjoy a group discount on TER trains within the Lorraine region (2 passengers pay the Métrolor fare, and up to 3 others pay a €1 fare). TER Midi-Pyrénées: travel on certain TER trains at a rate of €2.50 per 40km TER Nord-Pas de Calais: unlimited one-day travel between Lille and Tournai/Courtai for €8 (free of charge for children under the age of 12 accompanied by an adult), and during the weekend, a 40% discount off train tickets between Lille and 125 stations in Belgium. TER Picardie: 50% discount if travelling in a group of 5 to 9 on TER trains within the Picardy region or to/from Paris TER Poitou-Charentes: a group of up to 5 can travel for €35 on TER trains within the Poitou-Charentes region on any 2 consecutive days TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.: from June to September, unlimited travel within one département of the region for €15. Also, a Pass Isabelle Famille is available all-year, allowing unlimited TER one-day travel in the Alpes-Maritimes for a group of up to 4 (with at least 2 children under the age of 16) for €35. In addition, the Pass Bermuda/Pass Bermuda Duo is available during the summer, allowing unlimited TER one-day travel between Marseille and Miramas for €6 (1 person) or €10 (2 people). TER Rhône-Alpes: on certain Saturdays, if travelling in a group of 2 to 5 within the Rhône-Alpes/Geneva/Mâcon, you can get a 40% discount on the regular fare and children under the age of 12 travel free of charge. If you've booked online on Voyages SNCF, you can pick up your ticket when you get to the train station. Contrary to a common misunderstanding, this web site allows you to order even if you live in the US; it is not concerned where you live, but where you will pick up the tickets or have them sent; thus if you wish to pick up the tickets at a SNCF train station or office, answer "France". When at the station, just go to the counter ("Guichet") and ask to have your ticket issued ("retirer votre billet"). You can ask "Je voudrais retirer mon billet, s'il vous plait", or 'zhe voo dray ruh teer ay mon bee yay, sill voo play' and then hand them the paper with the reference number. To find your train, locate your train number and the departure time on the departures board. There will be a track ("Voie") number next to the train and departure time. Follow signs to that track to board the train. You will have a reserved seat on TGV trains. On other long-distance trains, you can optionally make reservations (at least one day in advance); if you do not have one you may use any unused seat not marked as reserved. To find your reserved seat, first look for the train coach number ("Voit. No"). Pay attention to the possible confusion between track number (Voie) and coach (voiture) number (abbreviated Voit) As you go down the track, the coach number will be displayed on an LCD screen on the car, or maybe just written in the window or right next to the doors. The reserved seat rules are lax; you are allowed if you switch seats or use another seat (of the same class of course) if it is empty because the TGV is not fully booked or the other person agrees to switch with you. The only requirement is not to continue using a reserved seat if the person holding the reservation claims it. On the main lines, TGVs often run in twos. There are two possibilities: either the two TGVs are considered as one train with one train number (in this case each coach has a different number); or the two TGVs are considered as separate trains which run together during a part of their journey, with two different train numbers (in this case, the two trains may have two close numbers such as 1527 and 1537), and each train will have its own coach numbering. So be sure you are in the right train (the train number is shown on the LCD screen, with the coach number). If you are early, there is often a map somewhere on the track that will show how the train and car numbers will line up on the track according to letters that appear either on the ground or on signs above. That way, you can stand by the letter corresponding with your coach number and wait to board the train closest to your coach. You can easily go from one coach to another, so if you are very late, jump in any coach of the same class before the train starts, wait until most people are seated, then walk to your coach and seat number. Beware: To avoid any form of fraud, your ticket must be punched by an automatic machine ("composteur") before entering the platform area to be valid. Older machines are bright orange, newer machines are yellow and gray. The machines are situated at the entrance of all platforms. Failure to punch the ticket may entitle you to a fine even if you are a foreigner with a limited French vocabulary, depending on how the conductor feels, unless you approach the conductor as quickly as possible and request that your ticket be validated. Likewise if you step aboard a train without a ticket, you must find the conductor ("contrôleur") and tell him about your situation before he finds you. French information booths, especially in larger train stations, can be quite unhelpful, especially if you do not understand much French. If something does not seem to make sense, just say "excusez-moi" and they should repeat it. Night train services also exist. These include couchettes second class (6 bunk beds in a compartment), first class (4 bunks) and Reclining seats. Wagon-lits (a compartment with 2 real beds) were totally withdrawn from French overnight trains. However, you can ask for a "private room" (in first class). Night trains have occasionally been targeted by criminals, though this is not a widespread problem. Taking a dog[ edit ] Dogs are allowed on trains in France. Dogs that fit in a carrier (maximum 55 x 30 x 30cm) travel for €6, while larger dogs travel for 50% of the full adult fare. Ouigo and IDTGV have a set fare of €30 and €35 respectively each way for larger dogs. For more information on where to go in France with your dog, how to get there and where to stay, check out France: A Woof Guide by Paul Wojnicki. Troc des trains[ edit ] As it is cheaper to book and purchase train tickets, especially those with reservations, in advance, there is a relatively lively trading of non-exchangeable and non-reimburseable train tickets on the Internet. See http://www.trocdestrains.com/recherche-billet-train.html and http://www.kelbillet.com/billet-de-train-pas-cher/ By taxi[ edit ] Your rights as a taxi passenger At a taxi stand/rank, you have the right to choose any taxi you want and not necessarily the first taxi at the front, unless there is a queue of taxis. Taxi drivers are forbidden from soliciting customers, so you should never feel threatened to choose a particular vehicle. Make sure that the driver is a legally authorised taxi driver by checking his/her carte professionnelle. Also check that the vehicle is an authorised taxi which has a 'TAXI' panel at the top, a taximeter and a sheet displayed with the tariff information. The taxi driver cannot refuse to take you unless his/her shift is about to end, your luggage cannot be moved by hand, you have a pet with you (not including guide dogs), you are clearly inebriated, you attempt to hail the taxi within 50 metres of a taxi stand/rank or your clothing or belongings will damage the inside of the taxi. The taxi driver cannot refuse to take you if you are a disabled passenger, and if you have a wheelchair, must carry it free of charge. The driver cannot refuse to carry 4 passengers. Depending on the capacity of the taxi, the driver can refuse to carry 5 or more passengers. You have the right to choose any passenger seat (including the front seat) inside the taxi. The driver will often (but is not obliged) to help you with your baggage. The route taken by the driver to your destination must be the most direct (you are entitled to ask the driver to take a route preferred by you and the driver cannot refuse). You are obliged to wear your seat belt. Smoking is prohibited inside the taxi by both the driver and the passenger. The use of a car seat for passengers under the age of 10 is not obligatory inside taxis. The driver cannot carry anyone else other than you and your companions. On the other hand, you are free to request the driver to drop off/pick up any of your companions along the journey. The taxi driver is obliged to accept payment by cash. Many taxi drivers accept payment by card (though this is not a legal obligation, so check with the driver in advance if you want to pay by card). There must be a notice inside the taxis (in 3 languages – French, English and Spanish) with details of the fare calculation and the contact details if you wish to make a complaint. The minimum charge for a taxi ride is 6.86€ (inclusive of supplements). You can request a receipt from the taxi driver if you wish. If the ride costs less than 25€, the taxi driver can refuse to issue a receipt (though this is rare). If the ride costs 25€ or more, the taxi driver is legally obliged to issue a receipt. It is customary to leave a tip (rounding up to the nearest Euro) for the driver if he/she has done a good job. However, there is no legal obligation to leave such a tip. In France, taxis carry up to 9 passengers and are clearly marked with a 'TAXI' panel on top of the vehicle. The 'TAXI' panel will be green if the taxi is available and red if occupied or enroute to pick up a passenger. The term 'taxi' in France is the equivalent of a public hire taxi/cab in English-speaking countries - you can take a taxi either by hailing one on the street, going to a taxi stand/rank (station de taxi) or booking one through a taxi operator (central de radio taxi). On the other hand, the term 'VTC' (voiture de transport avec chauffeur) (see section below) in France is the equivalent of a private hire taxi/minicab in English-speaking countries - you can only take a VTC if it has been pre-booked. Although, in general, you will be able to get a taxi relatively easily by going to a taxi stand (which you will often be able to find at airports, railway stations, town centres etc), you may need to book a taxi during peak hours, in rural towns/communities or if you require a large taxi. In Paris, you can book a taxi through the central taxi switchboard (tel: 01 45 30 30 30) or one of the 3 main taxi operators: Taxis G7 [42] , Alpha Taxis [43] and Taxis Bleus [44] . Outside Paris, you can find a list of taxi operators and independent taxi drivers by searching in the Yellow Pages (Pages Jaunes). If you hail a taxi on the street without making a booking, the taximeter should only start at the moment you board the vehicle and should not already be running. If you book a taxi in Paris, the taximeter can only start running at the scheduled pick-up time (or, where the taxi is booked for an immediate pick-up, when it arrives at the pick-up point). If the taxi arrives at the pick-up point late after the scheduled pick-up time, the taximeter can only start running when it arrives at the pick-up point. Note that if you book a taxi in Paris, the taxi driver can charge an additional fee of up to €4 (for a booking for immediate pick-up) or €7 (for an advance booking) known as the supplément forfaitaire pour réservation. If you book a taxi outside Paris, the taximeter may already be running when it arrives at the pick-up point. This is legally permitted outside Paris as the taxi driver is allowed to turn on the meter as soon as he/she receives the request from the operator to pick you up (this journey to the pick-up point is known as the 'course d'approche'). Outside Paris, the taxi driver is not permitted to charge a supplément forfaitaire pour réservation. All taxis are obliged to have a taximeter (taximètre). The fare will be determined according to the taximeter. The fare displayed on the taximeter is calculated according to the tariff which is set annually by the département where the taxi has been registered. The tariff information must be clearly displayed on a sheet inside the taxi. In Paris, the taxi fare is calculated based on a pick-up charge of €2.60 and 3 different types of tariffs (Tariff A is €1.06 per km/€32.05 per hour and applies Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm; Tariff B is €1.29 per km/€38.00 per hour and applies Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 10am, Sundays from 7am to midnight and all day on public holidays; Tariff C is €1.56 per km/€35.70 per hour and applies on Sundays from 12am to 7am). Outside Paris, the pick-up charge varies from €0.50 to €3.40 and there are 4 different types of tariffs (Tariff A applies for a return journey during the day Monday to Saturday; Tariff B a return journey during the evening Monday to Saturday and all day Sundays and public holidays; Tariff C a single journey during the day Monday to Saturday; Tariff D a single journey during the evening Monday to Saturday and all day Sundays and public holidays). The taximeter must indicate which type of tariff is being used to calculate the taxi fare. When a taxi is stationary or moving slowly, the taximeter calculates the fare per hour instead of per kilometre. In addition to the fare indicated on the metre, the taxi driver is permitted to add certain fare supplements (e.g. 4th passenger supplement outside Paris; 5th passenger supplement in Paris; baggage supplement; pet animal supplement; supplement for picking up from a railway station or airport). However, all fare supplements must be clearly stated on the taxi fare information sheet displayed inside the taxi. If there are any road tolls, the taxi driver can only add the cost of the road toll to the fare if the passenger has agreed in advance, otherwise the fare includes the cost of the road toll. Road tolls can never been added to the fare if they were incurred during the 'course d'approche' before the driver picked up the passenger. The tariff set by the departément where the taxi has been registered (which is the basis for the calculation by the taximeter) is the maximum amount which the taxi driver can legally charge for the taxi ride. However, you are free to ask for a quote (demande de devis)/negotiate another amount for the journey with the taxi driver. If you do obtain a quote/negotiate an amount for the journey with the taxi driver, he/she is nonetheless legally obliged to turn on the taximeter - the reason for this is that if the final fare displayed on the meter (plus supplements) is lower than the fare which you were quoted/negotiated, you are only obliged to pay the lower amount and not the higher amount which you had previously agreed with the driver. Starting from 1 March 2016, if you take the taxi between Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport/Orly Airport, the fare will not be calculated based on the distance/time using the meter, but will be instead be a fixed rate (tarif forfaitaire): Between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris (Right Bank): 50€ Between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris (Left Bank): 55€ Between Orly Airport and Paris (Right Bank): 35€ Between Orly Airport and Paris (Left Bank): 30€ For more information, see the information sheet provided by the Préfecture de police de Paris . Note that the fixed rate is simply the maximum price which the taxi driver is legally permitted to charge; you are free to negotiate a lower rate with the taxi driver. If you are dissatisfied with the service provided by the taxi driver, you should try to resolve any problems on the spot with him/her. If you are still dissatisfied, you can contact the taxi operator (unless the taxi driver is an independent driver). In Paris, you can contact the police which regulates taxis (Préfecture de police, Direction des transports et de la protection du public, Sous-direction des déplacements et de l’espace public, Bureau des taxis et transports publics, 36 rue des Morillons, 75015 PARIS, ☎ 01 55 76 20 05 ( [email protected] , fax: 01 55 76 27 01), [45] . A complaint form in English is available at [46] ). Outside Paris, taxis are usually regulated by the préfecture in the departément where the taxi is registered. In some departéments, you can complain directly to the préfecture about a taxi under its jurisdiction. For a list of préfectures by departément, see [47] . In other departéments, the prefect will have designated the consumer protection authority (Direction de la Protection des Populations) in the departément as the body responsible for receiving complaints about taxi drivers. For a list of the relevant Direction de la Protection des Populations, see [48] . When contacting the police in Paris or préfecture/Direction de la Protection des Populations outside Paris, you should include the following details: licence plate number of the taxi, time of the journey. By VTC[ edit ] The term 'VTC' (voiture de transport avec chauffeur) in France is the equivalent of a private hire taxi/minicab in English-speaking countries - you can only take a VTC if it has been pre-booked. (The term 'taxi' (see section above) in France is the equivalent of a public hire taxi/cab in English-speaking countries - you can take a taxi either by hailing one on the street, going to a taxi stand (station de taxi) or booking one through a taxi operator (central de radio taxi).) Unlike taxis, by law a VTC can only charge a fare which is either a fixed price which has been agreed in advance or an amount calculated based on the time of the journey. A VTC is forbidden from charging a fare calculated based on the distance of the journey actually driven and having a taximeter installed. A VTC can only carry up to 9 passengers. You can book a VTC through a number of operators: Allocab [49] (available in Paris, Lyon, Lille, Cannes, Nice, Montpellier, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulon, Nantes and Rennes) Chauffeur06 [50] (available in Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and Nice Airport) Chauffeur-privé [51] (available in Paris and the French Riviera/Côte d'Azur) Drive [52] (available in Paris and a number of other cities) Le Cab [53] (operates a fleet of Peugeot 508 in Paris (with an internet-enabled iPad for passengers onboard)) Uber [54] (available in Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Nice/Côte d'Azur, Strasbourg and Toulouse; note that all pickups are made on demand and it is not possible to make a booking in advance) Make sure that the VTC which you have booked is legal by checking to see if there is a VTC vignette with the registration number of the company/operator both on the front and rear windows. By bus[ edit ] Intercity bus service is a relatively new concept in France. Megabus [55] and Ouibus [56] all offer domestic French tickets as part of their international networks. Intercity coaches can only be found in departmental/regional service. So check for the peculiarities of bus service in the region you are in. Eurolines [57] (Covers major cities and has international routes, €15 each way) Isilines [58] (Available in all major cities) Megabus [59] (Covers all major cities and operates as Flixbus in France) Ouibus [60] (Fares from Paris to the rest of Europe range from €5-40) Tickets for local service are usually affordable, i.e. in the region of Île De France generally cost €1.60 (10 cents more if purchased from the driver). By boat[ edit ] You can cruise down one of the French canals on a river boat to see the sites of the local countryside and moor by a local town/village to try the local produce and visit the cafes and bars. One of the most popular rivers being the Canal Du Midi located in the south of France in the departments of Hérault , Aude , and Haute-Garonne . Many boat charter companies offer this service. See also: French phrasebook L'anglais et les Français Yes, it's true: while most people in France under the age of 60 have studied English, they are often unable or unwilling to use it. This is not necessarily linguistic snobbery, but is usually due to lack of practice, or fear that their little-used-since-high-school English will sound ridiculous. If you really must speak English, be sure to begin the conversation in French and ask if the person can speak English, as assuming someone can speak a foreign language is considered very rude. Please note that British English, spoken with the carefully articulated "received pronunciation", is what is generally taught in France; thus, other accents (such as Irish, Scottish, Southern US or Australian accents) may be understood with difficulty, if at all. Try to speak clearly and slowly, and avoid slang or US-specific words or phrases. There is no need to speak loudly (unless in a loud environment) to be understood; doing so is considered impolite. Don't forget that French people will really appreciate any attempts you do to speak French. French (français) is the official language of France, although there are regional variations in pronunciation and local words. For example, throughout France the word for yes, oui, said "we", but you will often hear the slang form "ouais", said "waay." It's similar to the English language usage of "Yeah" instead of "Yes". In Alsace and part of Lorraine , a dialect of German called "Alsatian", which is almost incomprehensible to speakers of standard High German, is spoken. In the south, some still speak dialects of the Langue d'Oc (because the word for "yes" is oc): Languedocien, Limousin, Auvergnat, or Provençal. Langue d'Oc is a Romance language, a very close relative of Italian, Spanish, or Catalan. In the west part of Brittany, a few people, mainly old or scholars, speak Breton; this Celtic language is closer to Welsh than to French. In parts of Aquitaine , Basque is spoken, but not as much as on the Spanish side of the border. In Corsica a kind of Italian is spoken. In Provence , Provençal is most likely to be spoken, especially along the Riviera. However, almost everyone speaks French and tourists are unlikely to ever come across regional languages, except in order to give a "folkloric" flair to things. Hardly anybody understands imperial units such as gallons or Fahrenheit. Stick to metric units (after all, French invented this system!). The French are generally attached to politeness (some might say excessively) and will react coolly to strangers that forget it. You might be surprised to see that you are greeted by other customers when you walk into a restaurant or shop. Return the courtesy and address your hellos/goodbyes to everyone when you enter or leave small shops and cafes. It is, for the French, very impolite to start a conversation with a stranger (even a shopkeeper or client) without at least a polite word like "bonjour". For this reason, starting the conversation with at least a few basic French phrases , or some equivalent polite form in English, goes a long way to convince them to try and help you. "Excusez-moi Monsieur/Madame": Excuse me (ex-COO-zay-mwah mih-SYOOR/muh-DAM) "S'il vous plaît Monsieur/Madame" : Please (SEEL-voo-PLAY) "Merci Monsieur/Madame" : Thank you (mare-SEE) "Au revoir Monsieur/Madame" : Good Bye (Ore-vwar) Avoid "Salut" (Hi); it is reserved for friends and relatives, and to use it with people you are not acquainted with is considered quite impolite. Some travel phrases: Où est l'hôtel? - Where is the hotel? Où sont les toilettes? - Where can I find a restroom? Où est la gare? Where is the train station Parlez-vous français? Do you speak French? Parlez-vous anglais? Do you speak English? Note that French spoken with an hard English accent or an American accent can be very difficult for the average French person to understand. In such circumstances, it may be best to write down what you are trying to say. But tales of waiters refusing to serve tourists because their pronunciation doesn't meet French standards are highly exaggerated. A good-faith effort will usually be appreciated, but don't be offended if a waiter responds to your fractured French, or even fluent but accented, in English (If you are a fluent French speaker and the waiter speaks to you in English when you'd prefer to speak French, continue to respond in French and the waiter will usually switch back - this is a common occurrence in the more tourist-orientated areas, especially in Paris). Please note that some parts of France (such as Paris ) are at times overrun by tourists. The locals there may have some blasé feelings about helping for the umpteenth time foreign tourists who speak in an unintelligible language and ask for directions to the other side of the city. Be courteous and understanding. As France is a very multicultural society, many African languages, Arabic, Chinese dialects, Vietnamese or Cambodian could be spoken. Spanish , Italian , Portuguese and even Romanian are comprehensible to a French speaker to a reasonably wide extent, as they are all mutually intelligible through most words and come from the same family tree, but you should stick to French unless you're in a large city. The standard sign language in France is French Sign Language, locally abbreviated LSF. Whenever an interpreter for the hearing-impaired is present at a public event, LSF will be used. Whether a user of a foreign sign language will be able to communicate in France depends on the user's specific language. For example, users of American Sign Language (also used in Anglophone Canada), Irish Sign Language, and Quebec Sign Language may be able to communicate to some degree. These languages are derived from LSF to a significant extent, and share a good deal of vocabulary and syntax. Languages in the LSF family also have one-handed manual alphabets that differ slightly from language to language. On the other hand, users of British Sign Language, New Zealand Sign Language, and Auslan will have great difficulty. These languages differ significantly in vocabulary and syntax from LSF, and also use the same two-handed manual alphabet. Finally, foreign TV programmes shown on local or national TV networks are dubbed into French. Similarly, the audio of news interviews where the interviewee gives a response in another language is superimposed with a French translation. For foreign films shown in a cinema however, audiences, particularly in larger cities, usually have an option to watch the film in its original language (with French subtitles) or whose audio is dubbed into French. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Thinking of France, you might imagine the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or the famous smile of Mona Lisa. You might think of drinking coffee in the lively Paris cafés where great intellectuals lingered in past times, or of eating croissants in a local bistro of a sleepy but gorgeous village in the countryside. Probably, images of splendid châteaux will spring to your mind, of lavender fields or perhaps of vineyards as far as the eye can see. Or perhaps, you'd envisage the chic resorts of the Cote D'Azur. And you wouldn't be wrong. However, they are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to France's many sights and attractions. Cities[ edit ] Paris . the "City of Light" and the capital of romance has been a travellers' magnet for centuries and a real must-see. Of course, no visit would be complete without a glance at its world famous landmarks. The Eiffel Tower is hard to miss, especially when it is lit beautifully at night, but the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur are both famous and stunning sights too. With no less than 3,800 national monuments in and around Paris, history is literally around every corner. Stroll through the city's spacious green parks, with the Luxembourg Gardens as one of the favourites, and make sure to spend some time on the famous banks of the river Seine. Also, don't miss the magnificent Palace of Versailles , the most grand reminder of the Ancient Regime located just 20km away from the capital. Bordeaux is famous for its wine but is also a bustling city with lots of historic sights to discover. It is listed as a World Heritage Site for being "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble". Lyon , the country's second largest city, is listed too, and boasts a beautiful old centre as well as a number of Roman ruins. Strasbourg , one of the EU headquarters, has a character of its own, with clear German influences. Montpellier is one of the best places in the south, with lots of monumental buildings and nice cafés. In the west there's the beautiful historic city of Nantes , home to the Château des ducs de Bretagne and many other monuments. The Capitole de Toulouse is situated right at the heart that famous university city's street plan. Last but not least, don't overlook Arles , with its World Heritage Listed Roman and Romanesque Monuments. French Riviera[ edit ] And then there are the magnificent cities of the Côte d'Azur , once the place to be for the rich and famous but now equally popular with a general crowd. Its sandy beaches, beautiful bays, rocky cliffs and lovely towns has made it one of the main yachting and cruising areas in the world as well as popular destination for land-bound travellers. There's bustling Nice , where some 4 million tourists a year enjoy the stony beaches and stroll over the Promenade des Anglais. Avignon with its splendid ramparts and Palais-des-Papes was once the seat of popes. Although Saint-Tropez gets overcrowded in summer, it's a delightful place in any other season. The same goes for Cannes , where the jet-set of the film industry gathers each year for the famous Cannes Film Festival. From there, you can hop on a boat to the much more peaceful Îles de Lérins . Much smaller in size but just as gorgeous (and popular) are the perched villages of Gourdon and Èze , which is located on a 427 meter high cliff, much like an “eagle's nest”. Both offer some stunning panoramic views. From Èze, its a very short trip to the glitter and glamour of Monaco . For the world's millionaires and aristocracy, the green peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is an old time favourite with the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild full of impressionist art as its main sight. A bit more inland but well-worth a visit are the towns of Grasse , famous for its perfumeries, and Biot , known for its glass blowers. The huge city and arts-hub Marseille is usually not considered part of the Cote D'Azur, but is very close. It has plenty of historic sights and nearby are the stunning Calanques, a series of miniature fjords it shares with Cassis . Countryside & villages[ edit ] You haven't seen the best of France if you haven't had at least a taste of its amazing countryside, dotted with wonderful medieval villages and castles. There are great examples in any part of the country, but some 156 have been identified as the most beautiful villages in France . The country's landscapes vary from the snow-covered peaks of the Alps and the Pyrenees with their many winter sports resorts to lush river valleys, dense forests and huge stretches of farmland and vineyards. The Provence , backing a good part of the Côte d'Azur, is one of the most beloved regions. It has a typical Mediterranean atmosphere and is famous for its lavender fields and rosé wines. It's also home to the stunning Verdon Gorge , one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe . The rolling riverine landscape of the Loire Valley is home to many great castles, of which Châteaux Amboise , Château de Villandry , Azay-le-Rideau , Chambord and Châteaux du Pin are some of the finest examples. The western region of Brittany reaches far into the Atlantic and boasts many megalith monuments such as those near Carnac . The beaches of Normandy , also on the Atlantic coast, are famed for the D-Day Allied invasion on 6 June 1944. Although the humbling Normandy American Cemetery and countless museums, memorials and war time remains keep memory of those dark days alive, the region is now a pleasant and popular destination. Its picturesque coast line includes both long stretches of beach and steep limestone cliffs, such as those near Étretat ). The region is also home to the splendid and World Heritage listed Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay. The lush hills of the Dordogne form another region famous for its castles, with over 1500 of them on its 9000km² area. Art museums[ edit ] As the French have a real taste for art, the country has numerous art galleries and museums. Several of them are widely considered to be among the finest museums in the world of art, art-history, and culture. The grandeur and fame of the Musée du Louvre in Paris can hardly be matched by any other museum in the world. It boasts a fabulous collection of art from antiquity to the 19th century and is home of the Mona Lisa and many other renowned works. At just a 15 minute walk from there is the Musée d'Orsay, another world class museum that picks up roughly where the Louvre's collections ends. It's located in an old railway station and houses the national collection of art works from the 1848 to 1914 period. Its excellent collection includes some of the best French Impressionist, post-Impressionist and Art Nouveau works, including Degas' ballerinas and Monet's waterlillies. The Musée National d'Art Moderne in Centre Pompidou, still in France's capital, is the largest museum for modern art in Europe. The Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon has an excellent collection varying from ancient Egypt antiquities to Modern art paintings and sculptures. In Lille you'll find the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, one of the country's largest museums. Its varied collection is second in size after the Louvre and boasts anything from antiquities to modern art. Smaller but still outstanding are the collections of the Musée Fabre in Montpellier , Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi and the Picasso Museum in Paris. Marseille has many galleries and its Musée Cantini has a good collection of modern art associated with Marseille as well as several works by Picasso. Fondation Maeght houses modern art too and is situated in Saint-Paul de Vence . Parks & natural attractions[ edit ] Disneyland Resort Paris is by far France's most popular park, visited by families from all over Europe. The country's national parks have quite some visitors too though, due to their splendid scenery and great opportunities for outdoor sports. Vanoise National Park is the oldest and one of the largest parks, named after the Vanoise massif. Its highest peak is the Grande Casse at 3,855 m. The impressive natural landscapes of Parc national des Pyrénées are right on the southern border of France and extend well into Spain , where they are part of the Parc National Ordesa y Monte Perdido The whole area is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the French part, the glacial cirques of Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse are some of the best sights, as is the wall of Barroud. The again mountainous Cévennes National Park covers parts of the Languedoc-Roussillon (including te popular Ardèche ), Midi-Pyrénées and the Rhône-Alpes regions. Its headquarters is in the castle of Florac , but there are towns all over the park. Donkey rides are available and the Cave formation of Aven Armand is one of the parks' best sights. Not yet under a protective status but highly popular is Mont Blanc , the highest peak in Europe and attractive for climbing, hiking and skiing. From the French side, it is mostly explored from Chamonix , a well known resort on the foot of the mountain. Vacations[ edit ] Many of the French take their vacations in August. As a result, outside of touristic areas, many of the smaller stores (butcher shops, bakeries...) will be closed in parts of August. This also applies to many corporations as well as physicians. Obviously, in touristy areas, stores will tend to be open when the tourists come, especially July and August. In contrast, many attractions will be awfully crowded during those months, and during Easter week-end. Some attractions, especially in rural areas, close or have reduced opening hours outside the touristic season. Mountain areas tend to have two touristic seasons: in the winter, for skiing, snowshoeing and other snow-related activities, and in the summer for sightseeing and hiking. Money[ edit ] France has the euro (€) as its sole currency along with 24 other countries that use this common European money. These 24 countries are: Austria , Belgium , Cyprus , Estonia , Finland , France, Germany , Greece , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , the Netherlands , Portugal , Slovakia , Slovenia and Spain (official euro members which are all European Union member states) as well as Andorra , Kosovo , Monaco , Montenegro , San Marino and the Vatican which use it without having a say in eurozone affairs and without being European Union members. Together, these countries have a population of more than 330 million. One euro is divided into 100 cents. While each official euro member (as well as Monaco, San Marino and Vatican) issues its own coins with a unique obverse, the reverse, as well as all bank notes, look the same throughout the eurozone. Every coin is legal tender in any of the eurozone countries. Some foreign currencies such as the US dollar and the British Pound are occasionally accepted, especially in touristic areas and in higher-end places, but one should not count on it; furthermore, the merchant may apply some unfavourable rate. In general, shops will refuse transactions in foreign currency. It is compulsory, for the large majority of businesses, to post prices in windows. Hotels and restaurants must have their rates visible from outside (note, however, that many hotels propose lower prices than the posted ones if they feel they will have a hard time filling up their rooms; the posted price is only a maximum). Almost all stores, restaurants and hotels take the CB French debit card, and its foreign affiliations, Visa and Mastercard. American Express tends to be accepted only in high-end shops. Check with your bank for applicable fees (typically, banks apply the wholesale inter-bank exchange rate, which is the best available, but may slap a proportional and/or a fixed fee). If ever the merchant requires a minimum amount before purchasing, then they will post it in writing at the till or the shop's entrance. French CB cards (and CB/Visa and CB/Mastercard cards) have a "smart chip" on them allowing PIN authentication of transactions. This system, initiated in France, has now evolved to an international standard and newer British cards are compatible. Some automatic retail machines (such as those vending tickets) may be compatible only with cards with the microchip. In addition, cashiers unaccustomed to foreign cards possibly do not know that foreign Visa or Mastercard cards have to be swiped and a signature obtained, while French customers systematically use PIN and don't sign the transactions. There is (practically) no way to get a cash advance from a credit card without a PIN in France. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are by far the best way to get money in France. They all take CB, Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Plus and are plentiful throughout France. They may accept other kinds of card; check for the logos on the ATM and on your card (on the back, generally) if at least one matches. It is possible that some machines do not handle 6-digit PIN codes (only 4-digit ones), or that they do not offer the choice between different accounts (defaulting on the checking account). Check with your bank about applicable fees, which may vary greatly (typically, banks apply the wholesale inter-bank exchange rate, which is the best available, but may slap a proportional and/or a fixed fee; because of the fixed fee it is generally better to withdraw money in big chunks rather than €20 at a time). Also, check about applicable maximal withdrawal limits. Traveller's cheques are difficult to use — most merchants will not accept them, and exchanging them may involve finding a bank that accepts to exchange them and possibly paying a fee. Note that the postal service doubles as a bank, so often post offices will have an ATM. As a result, even minor towns will have ATMs usable with foreign cards. Exchange offices (bureaux de change) are now rarer with the advent of the Euro - they will in general only be found in towns with a significant foreign tourist presence, such as Paris. Some banks exchange money, often with high fees. The Bank of France no longer does foreign exchange. Do's Put money into your checking account, carry an ATM card with a Cirrus or Plus logo on it and a 4-digit pin that does not start with '0' and withdraw cash from ATMs. Pay larger transactions (hotel, restaurants...) with Visa or Mastercard. Always carry some € cash for emergencies. Don't's Carry foreign currency (USD, GBP...) or traveller's cheques, and exchange them on the go, or expect them to be accepted by shops. Stores[ edit ] Inside city centres, you will find smaller stores, chain grocery stores (Casino) as well as, occasionally, department stores and small shopping malls. Residential areas will often have small supermarkets (Champion, Intermarché). Large supermarkets (hypermarchés such as Géant Casino or Carrefour) are mostly located on the outskirts of towns and are probably not useful unless you have a car. Prices are indicated with all taxes (namely, the TVA, or value-added tax) included. It is possible for non-EU residents aged 16 or over spending less than 6 months in France to get a partial refund of TVA upon departure from the EU when shopping at certain stores that have a "tax-free shopping" sticker (in French, 'la détaxe'); inquire within. A refund of TVA is only possible in you spend over €175 (inclusive of TVA) from a single shop in one day. TVA is 20.0% (as of January 2014) on most merchandise, but 10.0% on some things such as books, restaurant meals, and public transport and 5.0% on food purchased from grocery stores (except for sweets and candies!). Alcoholic beverages are always taxed at 20%, regardless of where they're purchased. For more information, see this French Customs webpage . Always keep your receipt after purchasing an item in a shop, because if it turns out to be defective, you have the right to return it and get a refund/exchange. Starting from 1 January 2015, shops in France will only be allowed to run sales for a maximum of 10 weeks per year (in 2015, the legal winter sales period runs between Wednesday 7 January and Tuesday 17 February and the summer sales period between Wednesday 24 June and Tuesday 4 August - outside these two periods, sales are forbidden, but shops are allowed to sell their products at reduced prices). For more information, see this French Government webpage . Although it is not common to bargain/haggle on prices, especially in bigger/chain stores, more and more French people are starting to negotiate prices and ask for discounts when considering making a purchase, particularly in markets and in smaller, independent shops (in 2008, over half of French people admitted in a survey to negotiating prices). You are more likely to be successful if you smile when you bargain, purchase several products, and compare the price with that offered in other shops. If you are still satisfied with the product which you purchased or the service you received in a shop, you should first try to resolve the problem with the shop staff/manager. If you are still dissatisfied, you can contact the responsible consumer protection authority if the shop has violated the law (e.g. it sold you a product at a higher price to the one advertised, it refused to refund/exchange a defective product, it gave you an inferior level of service on the basis of your race/sex/religion/beliefs/disability/family situation). In Paris, the relevant authority is the Direction départementale de la protection des populations (DDPP) (8 rue Froissart, 75153 PARIS Cedex 03, ☎ 01 40 27 16 00 ( [email protected] ). ). Outside Paris, you can find a list of consumer protection authorities by département at [61] . Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Onion soup With its international reputation for fine dining, few people would be surprised to hear that French cuisine can certainly be very good. Unfortunately, it can also be quite disappointing; many restaurants serve very ordinary fare, and some in touristy areas are rip-offs. Finding the right restaurant is therefore very important - try asking locals, hotel staff or even browsing restaurant guides for recommendations as simply walking in off the street can be a hit and miss affair. There are many places to try French food in France, from three-star Michelin restaurants to French "brasseries" or "bistros" that you can find at almost every corner, especially in big cities. These usually offer a relatively consistent and virtually standardised menu of relatively inexpensive cuisine. To obtain a greater variety of dishes, a larger outlay of money is often necessary. In general, one should try to eat where the locals do for the best chance of a memorable meal. Most small cities or even villages have local restaurants which are sometimes listed in the most reliable guides. There are also specific local restaurants, like "bouchons lyonnais" in Lyon, "crêperies" in Brittany (or in the Montparnasse area of Paris), etc. Chinese, Vietnamese, even Thai eateries are readily available in Paris, either as regular restaurants or "traiteurs" (fast-food). They are not so common, and are more expensive, in smaller French cities. Many places have "Italian" restaurants though these are often little more than unimaginative pizza and pasta parlors. You will also find North African (Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian) as well as Greek and Lebanese food. The ubiquitous hamburger eateries (US original or their French copies) are also available; note that McDonalds is more upmarket in France than in the US. In France, taxes (10 per cent of the total in restaurants) and service (usually 15 per cent) are always included in the bill (the menu/bill will state 'prix service compris'), so anything patrons add to the bill amount is an "extra-tip" ('pourboire'). French people usually leave one or two coins if they are happy with the service. Fixed price menus seldom include beverages (if drinks are included, the menu will state 'boisson comprise'). If you want water, waiters will often try to sell you still mineral water (Évian, Thonon) or sparkling water (Badoit, Perrier), at a premium; ask for a carafe d'eau (bottle of tap water), which is safe to drink (and, by law, must be provided free of charge when you order food at a restaurant). Water never comes with ice in it unless so requested (and water with ice may not be available). As in other countries, restaurants tend to make a large profit off beverages. Expect wine to cost much more than it would in a supermarket. Some restaurants allow you to bring your own bottle of wine to drink with a corkage/BYOB fee (droit de bouchon). You can order either from a fixed price menu (prix fixe) or à la carte. Many restaurants/eateries also offer a cheaper lunchtime fixed price menu (menu du midi or menu du jour). A typical fixed price menu will comprise: appetizer, called entrées or hors d'œuvres main dish, called plat dessert (dessert) or cheese (fromage) Sometimes, restaurants offer the option to take only two of the three courses, at a reduced price. When you order food at a restaurant, by law the price includes bread ('du pain'). Feel free to ask for more bread if you want. If you order a steak/piece of meat (such as liver), you may be asked how you want it cooked ('Quelle cuisson?'): very rare/blue rare (bleu) well done (bien cuit) very well done (très bien cuit) Coffee is always served as a final step (though it may be followed by liquors). A request for coffee during the meal will be considered strange. Not all restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, nor are they open all year around. It is therefore advisable to check carefully the opening times and days. A restaurant open for lunch will usually start service at noon and accept patrons until 13:30. Dinner begins at around 19:30 and patrons are accepted until 21:30. Restaurants with longer service hours are usually found only in the larger cities and in the downtown area. Finding a restaurant open on Saturday and especially Sunday can be a challenge unless you stay close to the tourist areas. In a reasonable number of restaurants, especially outside tourist areas, booking a table is compulsory and people may be turned away without one, even if the restaurant is clearly not filled to capacity. For this reason, it can be worthwhile to research potential eateries in advance and make the necessary reservations to avoid disappointment, especially if the restaurant you're considering is specially advised in guide books. It is illegal for a restaurant to turn you away unless there is an objectively justifiable and legitimate reason (for example, the restaurant is about to close, or you are clearly inebriated). The restaurant must not turn you away simply because you have children with you, or because you are alone/in a small group and the only table left can sit more people. The restaurant is permitted to turn you away if you have a pet animal with you (unless it is a guide dog). If the restaurant turns you away without a legitimate reason, the restaurateur will be liable for a minimum fine of €1500. If the restaurant turns you away based on your race, family situation (e.g. you have brought your children with you), disability, religion and/or beliefs/opinions, the restaurateur will be liable for a fine of €30000 and a 2 year prison sentence. If you are the victim of illegal treatment by a restaurant, you should report the incident to the responsible consumer protection authority (see below). If you are a patron at a restaurant, by law the restaurant cannot charge you to use the toilet. A lunch or dinner for two on the "menu" including wine and coffee will cost you (as of 2004) €70 to €100 in a listed restaurant in Paris. The same with beer in a local "bistro" or a "crêperie" around €50. A lunch or dinner for one person in a decent Chinese restaurant in Paris can cost as little as €8 if one looks carefully. Outside of Paris and the main cities, prices are not always lower but the menu will include a fourth course, usually cheese. As everywhere beware of the tourist traps which are numerous around the heavy travelled spots and may offer a nice view but not much to remember in your plate. If you are dissatisfied with the food and/or service you receive at a restaurant, you should speak to the waiter/manager. By law, the restaurant is obliged to provide a new plate of food if the one which has been served to you is not fresh, sufficiently hot, or inconsistent with the menu description. (However, if the plate served is merely not to your taste, the restaurant is not legally obliged to provide a new plate of food, and you are still obliged to pay for what you have ordered even if you do not consume it.) If you are still dissatisfied with the food/service, you can complain to the responsible consumer protection authority. In Paris, the relevant authority is the Direction départementale de la protection des populations (DDPP) (8 rue Froissart, 75153 PARIS Cedex 03, ☎ 01 40 27 16 00 ( [email protected] ). ). Outside Paris, you can find a list of consumer protection authorities by département at [62] . If, following your meal at a restaurant, you become unwell and suspect that it was because of the poor hygiene conditions at the restaurant, you should alert the relevant health protection authorities as soon as possible: in Paris, the consumer protection authority (DDPP) also acts as the regulator of hygiene conditions at restaurants, but outside Paris, it is the Direction régionale de l'Alimentation, de l'Agriculture et de la Forêt (DRAAF) which is responsible for monitoring hygiene conditions at restaurants (contact details by region can be found at [63] ). Bread[ edit ] All white bread variants keep for only a short time and must be eaten the same day. Hence bakers bake at least twice a day. The famous baguette: a long, thin loaf Baguette de tradition française: made from wheat flour, water, yeast and salt (not frozen dough), and may also contain broad bean flour (max 2%), soya flour (max 0.5%) and/or wheat malt flour (max 0.3%); by law, it must be prepared and baked in the same place where it is sold (usually sold for €1 to €1.20) - arguably the best type of baguette Variants of the baguette : la ficelle (even thinner), la flûte Pain de campagne or Pain complet: made from whole grain which keeps relatively well. Boule: round loaf Pastries[ edit ] Pastries are a large part of French cooking. Hotel breakfasts tend to be light, consisting of tartines (pieces of bread with butter or jam) or the famous croissants and pains au chocolat, not dissimilar to a chocolate filled croissant (but square rather than crescent shaped). Pastries can be found in a pâtisserie but also in most boulangeries. Within the culture of French pastries, we can also find traditional macarons, the most coveted cookie in France, particularly in Paris but born in Italy in 1533. Originated were simple cookies, made of almond powder, sugar and egg whites, now you can find them in almost all the bakeries in France as a “double-decker” affair with different kinds of cream flavors inside that stick two cookies together. Regional dishes[ edit ] Every French region has dishes all its own. These dishes follow the resources (game, fish, agriculture, etc) of the region, the vegetables (cabbage, turnip, endives, etc) which they grow there. Here is a small list of regional dishes which you can find easily in France. Generally each region has a unique and widespread dish (usually because it was poor people's food): Cassoulet (in south west) : Beans, duck, pork & sausages Choucroute, or sauerkraut (in Alsace) : stripped fermented cabbage + pork Flammekueche (Alsace) : thin-crust pizza with cheese, crème fraîche, onions and bacon Baeckeoffe (Alsace) : sliced potatoes, sliced onions, cubed mutton, beef and pork stew Quiche Lorraine (Lorraine) : pie with custard, bacon and cheese Fondue Savoyarde (central Alps) : Melted/hot cheese with alcohol Fondue Bourguignonne (in Burgundy) : Pieces of beef (in boiled oil), usually served with a selection of various sauces. Raclette (central Alps) : melted cheese & potatoes/meat Pot-au-feu : boiled beef with vegetables Tournedos Rossini : beef tenderloin pan-fried in butter, topped with a slice of pan-fried foie gras, garnished with slices of black truffle and finished in a rich Madeira sauce Boeuf Bourguignon (Burgundy) : slow cooked beef with gravy Navarin d'agneau : lamb version of boeuf bourguignon Coq au vin : chicken stew with wine, lardons and mushrooms Gratin dauphinois (Rhone-Alpes) : oven roasted slices of potatoes Aligot (Auvergne) : melted cheese mixed with a puree of potatoes Bouillabaisse (fish + saffron) (Marseille and French Riviera) : Don't be fooled. A real bouillabaisse is a really expensive dish due to the amount of fresh fish it requires. Be prepared to pay at least €30/persons. If you find restaurants claiming serving bouillabaisse for something like €15/persons, you'll get a very poor quality. Soupe de poisson à la rouille (Marseille and French Riviera) : tomato and saffron fish soup, served with 'rouille' (saffron mayonnaise) Pissaladière (French Riviera) : pizza with onion, olives and anchovies Soupe au pistou (French Riviera) : soup with pesto Ratatouille (Provence) : vegetable stew (tomatoes, onion, courgettes, aubergines, peppers) Gigot D’Agneau Pleureur (Provence) : leg of lamb cooked slowly on top of potatoes Tartiflette (Savoie) Reblochon cheese, potatoes and pork or bacon. Confit de Canard (Landes) : Duck Confit, consists of legs and wings bathing in grease. That grease is actually very healthy and, with red wine, is one of the identified sources of the so-called "French Paradox" (eat richly, live long). Foie Gras (Landes) : The liver of a duck or goose. Although usually quite expensive, foie gras can be found in supermarkets for a lower price (because of their purchasing power) around the holiday season. It is the time of year when most of foie gras is consumed in France. It goes very well with Champagne. Magret de canard : Pan-fried duck breast Confit de canard : Duck leg which is cured in salt and then cooked in its own fat Garbure (Aquitaine) : Soup/stew of ham and cabbage Quenelle de brochet (Lyon) : Pike fish combined with breadcrumbs and a light egg binding, served in an oval shape Piperade (Basque country) : Stew made of tomatoes, onions and peppers with some eggs on top Poulet basquaise (Basque country) : Stew made of chicken, tomatoes, onions and peppers Accras de morue (Guadeloupe and Martinique) : deep-fried balls of cod Cooking and drinking is a notable part of the French culture, take time to eat and discover new dishes... Unusual foods[ edit ] if you are served escargots or snails, you will usually also get a slim and specialised fork to eat them with. Contrary to stereotype, snails and frog legs are quite infrequent foods in France, with many French people enjoying neither, or sometimes never having even tasted them. Quality restaurants sometimes have them on their menu: if you're curious about trying new foods, go ahead. Frogs' legs have a very fine and delicate taste with flesh that is not unlike chicken. They are often served in a garlic dressing and are no weirder to eat than, say, crab. Most of the taste of Bourgogne snails (escargots de bourgogne) comes from the generous amount of butter, garlic and parsley in which they are cooked. They have a very particular spongy-leathery texture that is the characteristic that is liked by people who like snails. Catalan style snails ("cargols") are made a completely different way, and taste much weirder. Let us also cite: Rillettes sarthoises also known as Rillettes du Mans. A sort of potted meat, made from finely shredded and spiced pork. A delicious speciality of the Sarthe area in the north of the Pays de la Loire and not to be confused with rillettes from other areas, which are more like a rough pate. Beef bone marrow (os à moelle). Generally served in small quantities, with a large side. So go ahead: If you don't like it, you'll have something else to eat in your plate. Veal sweetbread (ris de Veau), is a very fine (and generally expensive) delicacy, often served with morels, or in more elaborates dishes like "bouchees a la reine". Beef bowels (tripes) is served either "A la mode de Caen" (with a white wine sauce, named after the town in Normandy) or "A la catalane" (with a slightly spiced tomato sauce) Blood sausage (boudin noir) often served with potatoes and apples Andouillettes are sausages made from tripe, a speciality of Lyon Tricandilles are seasoned and grilled pork tripe from the Bordeaux region Beef tongue (langue de bœuf) and beef nose(museau) and Veal head (tête de veau) are generally eaten cold (but thoroughly cooked!) as an appetizer. Canard à la presse (pressed duck) the duck is asphyxiated to retain the blood, the meat is then roasted and the carcass is put through a press to extract the blood and juices. The extract is thickened and flavoured with butter, cognac and duck liver, and the sauce is then served on pan-fried duck breast. Lamprey à la Bordelaise lamprey fish cooked in a stew with leeks, red wine, onions and ham Oysters (Huîtres) are most commonly served raw in a half shell. They are often graded by size, No1 being the largest (and most expensive). Oursins (sea urchins) For those who like concentrated iodine. Steak tartare a big patty of ground beef cured in acid as opposed to cooked, frequently served with a raw egg. Good steak tartare will be prepared to order at your table. A similar dish is boeuf carpaccio, which is thin slices or strips of raw steak drizzled with olive oil and herbs. Cervelle (pronounced ser-VELL), lamb brain. Cheese[ edit ] France is certainly THE country of cheese, with nearly 400 different kinds. Indeed, former president General Charles De Gaulle was quoted as saying "How can you govern a country which has 365 varieties of cheese?". Here is a far from exhaustive list of what one can find: Bleu des Causses Dietary restrictions[ edit ] Vegetarianism is more common than it used to be, especially in larger cities. Still, very few restaurants offer vegetarian menus, thus if you ask for something vegetarian the only things they may have available are salad and vegetable side dishes. There may still be confusions between vegetarianism and pesce/pollotarianism. Vegetarian/organic food restaurants are starting to appear. However, "traditional" French restaurants may not have anything vegetarian on the menu, so you may have to pick something "à la carte", which is usually more expensive. Veganism is still very uncommon and it may be difficult to find vegan eateries. Breakfast[ edit ] Breakfast in France isn't the most important meal of the day and is usually very light. The most typical breakfast consists of a coffee and a croissant or some other "viennoiserie", but since it implies going to the baker's store early in the morning to buy fresh croissant, it's typically reserved for somewhat special occasions. On normal days most people have a beverage (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice) and either toasts ("tartines" made of baguette or toast bread with butter and jam/honey/Nutella) that can be dipped in the hot beverage, or cereals with milk. People who eat healthy may go for fruits and yoghurt. As a general rule, the french breakfast is mostly sweet, but everything changes and you can have salty breakfasts everywhere today. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone, the Loire Valley... France is the home of wine. Beer (lager) is also extremely popular, in particular in northern France, where " Biere de Garde " can be found. The alcohol purchase age was recently raised to 18 for all drinks, but this is not always strictly enforced; however, laws against drunk driving are strictly enforced, with stiff penalties. Wine and liquors may be purchased from supermarkets, or from specialized stores such as the Nicolas chain. Nicolas offers good advice on what to buy (specify the kind of wine and the price range you desire). In general, only French wines are available unless a foreign wine is a "speciality" with no equivalent in France (such as port), and they are classified by region of origin, not by grape. Prices of food and beverages will vary according to whether they're served to you at the bar or sitting at a table - the same cup of espresso might cost €0.50 more if served at a table than at the bar, and €0.50 more again if served out on the terrace. Really, you're not paying so much for the beverage as for the table spot. Do consider the bar, though - while you will have to stand, café bars are often where a great deal of public discourse and interaction happens. In any event, cafés are required by law to post their prices somewhere in the establishment, usually either in the window or on the wall by the bar. Note also that cafés in touristy areas, especially in Paris, tend to serve very expensive food of rather average quality. Unless you are dying of hunger or thirst, avoid the places that have menus in multiple languages or are near heavily-trafficked attractions. Instead, consider buying snacks and beverages from a grocery store and enjoying them in a nearby park. There are a couple of mixed drinks which seem to be more or less unique to France, and nearby francophone countries. Panaché is a mix of beer and lemonade, basically a beer shandy. (Same as "Radler" in Central Europe.) Monaco is a Panaché with some grenadine syrup added. Kir is a pleasant aperitif of white wine (in theory, Bourgogne Aligoté) or, less frequently, of champagne (then named kir royal and about twice the price of regular kir) and cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), or peche (peach), or mûre (blackberry). Pastis is an anise-based (licorice-flavoured) spirit, similar in taste to Sambuca or Ouzo, that is served with a few lumps of sugar and a small pitcher of cold water to dilute the liquor. It is traditionally enjoyed on very hot days, and as such is more popular in the south of the country but available more or less everywhere. There is a variety of bottled water, including: Évian, Thonon, Contrex, Volvic: mineral water Perrier: fizzy water Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Short term rentals[ edit ] Travellers should definitely consider short term villa/apartment/studio rentals as an alternative to other accommodations options. Short term can be as few as several days up to months at a stretch. Summer rentals are usually from Saturday to Saturday only (July & August). This type accommodation belongs to a private party, and can range from basic to luxurious. A particular advantage, aside from competitive prices, is that the accommodations come with fully fitted kitchens. Hundreds of agencies offer accommodation for short term rentals on behalf of the owner, and can guide you into finding the best property, at the best price in the most suitable location for you. An internet search for the location and type of property you're looking for will usually return the names of several listing sites, each of which may have hundreds or thousands of properties for you to choose from. There are plenty of sites in both English and French, and the rental properties may be owned by people of any nationality. France is a diverse and colourful country, and you'll find everything from stunning log chalets in the Alps, Chateaux in the countryside and beach front villas on the Riviera...plus everything in between! Hotels[ edit ] Hotels come in 5 categories from 1 to 5 stars. This is the official rating given by the Ministry of Tourism, and it is posted at the entrance on a blue shield. Stars are awarded according to objective yet somewhat outdated administrative criteria (area of the reception hall, percentage of rooms with en suite bathroom...). Rates vary according to accommodation, location and sometimes high or low season or special events. As of 2004, the rate for a *** hotel listed in a reliable guidebook falls between €70 (cheap) and €110 (expensive) for a double without breakfast. All hotels, by law, must have their rates posted outside (or visible from outside). Note that these are maximal rates: a hotel can always propose a lower rate in order to fill up its rooms. Bargaining is not the norm but you can always ask for a discount. Hotels located in city centres or near train stations are often very small (15-30 rooms) which means that you should book ahead. Many newer hotels, business oriented, are found in the outskirts of cities and are sometimes larger structures (100 rooms or more); they may not be easy to reach with public transportation. The newer hotels are often part of national or international chains and have high standards. Many older hotels are now part of chains and provide standardized service but they retain their own atmosphere. When visiting Paris, it is essential to stay in the city; there are cheaper tourism hotels in the suburbs, but these cater to groups in motor coaches; they will be hard to reach by public transportation. Along the highways, at the entrance of cities, you find US-like motels ; they are very often reachable only by car. Some motels (e.g. Formule 1) have minimal service, if you come in late you find an ATM-like machine, using credit cards, which will deliver a code in order to reach your assigned room. B & Bs and Gîtes[ edit ] Throughout France, mainly in rural areas but also in towns and cities, you can find B&Bs and gîtes. B&B's are known in French as "Chambres d'hôtes" and are generally available on a nightly basis. By law, breakfast MUST be included in the advertised price for a "chambre d'hôte". Bear this in mind when comparing prices with hotels, where breakfast is NOT included in the room price. Gites or gites ruraux are holiday cottages, and generally rented out as a complete accommodation unit including a kitchen, mostly on a weekly basis. There are very few near or in the cities. Finding them requires buying a guide or, for greater choice, using the internet, as you will not find a lot of signposts on the road. Traditionally, gites provided basic good value accommodation, typically adjacent to the owners household or in a nearby outbuilding. More recently the term has been extended, and can now be used to describe most country-based self-catering accommodation in France. Hence it includes accommodation as varied as small cottages villas with private swimming pools. During peak summer months the best self-catering gites require booking several months in advance. There are thousands of B&Bs and gites in France rented out by foreign owners, particularly British and Dutch, and these tend to be listed, sometimes exclusively, with English-language or international organisations and websites that can be found by keying the words "chambres d'hotes", "gites" or "gites de france" into any of the major search engines. There is a large number of organisations and websites offering "gites". Literally the French word gite just means a place to spend the night; however it now largely used to describe rental cottages or self-catering holiday homes, usually in rural parts of France. Gîtes de France[ edit ] A France-wide cooperative organisation, Gites de France regroups on a voluntary basis more than 50,000 rural accommodations and was the first in France to offer a consistent rating system with comprehensive descriptions. Despite the name, Gites de France offers B&B as well as holiday rental (gite) accommodation. The "Gites de France" rating system uses wheat stalks called Epis (equivalent to stars), based on amenities rather than quality - though generally the two go together. Through its website, bookings can be done directly with owners or through the local Gîtes de France booking agency (no extra fee for the traveler). Although an English language version is available for many of the website pages, for some departments the pages giving details of an individual gite are only in French. There is no particular advantage in using Gites de France rather than one of the other online gites sites, or booking directly with a gite. The procedure is pretty standard for all gite booking sites, whether French or foreign - with the advantage that absolutely all the booking process can be done in English if you use an English-language portal, which is not always the case with Gites de France. After making a gite booking you will receive, by post, a contract to sign (gites only). Sign and return one copy. When signing write the words "Read and approved", and the name of your home town, before signing and dating the contract. You will normally be asked to pay a deposit of a quarter to a third of the booking fee. The rest will be required one month before the start of your holiday. When you arrive at the gite a security deposit, specified in the contact, should be given to the owner in cash. This will be returned at the end of your stay, less any fuel charges and breakages. Another great resource for booking Gites and Villas in France is Holiday France Direct, It enables you to deal directly with the property owners and offers customers discounted ferry travel with Brittany Ferries. www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk Gîtes d'étape[ edit ] Another possibility is gîtes d'étape. These are more like overnight stays for hikers, like a mountain hut. They are mostly cheaper than the Gîtes de France but also much more basic. Camping[ edit ] Camping is very common in France. Most campsite are a little way out of the city centre and virtually all cater not just for tents but for Camper Vans/Caravans also. While all campsites have the basic facilities of Shower/toilet blocks, larger sites tend to offer a range of additional facilities such as bars and restaurants, self-service laundries, swimming pools or bicycle hire. All campsites except for very small "farm camping" establishments must be registered with the authorities, and are officially graded using a system of stars. In coastal areas, three-star and four-star campgrounds must generally be booked in advance during the months of July and August, and many people book from one year to the next. In rural areas, outside of popular tourist spots, it is usually possible to show up unannounced, and find a place; this is particularly true with the municipal campsites that can be found in most small towns; though even then it may be advisable to ring up or email in advance to make sure. There are always exceptions. In France it's forbidden to camp: in woods, natural, regional and national parks on public roads and streets on the seaside Learn[ edit ] France, of course, is the best place to acquire, maintain and develop your French. A number of institutions offer a variety of courses for travellers. SOFI 64 in Biarritz (South West) offers a special program for adults: French & Surf. Students can learn French and enjoy surfing in one of the most beautiful regions in France. Work[ edit ] If you are by law required to obtain a visa or other type of authorisation to work and fail to do so, you risk possible arrest, prosecution, expulsion and prohibition from reentering France and the Schengen area. Citizens of EU and EEA countries (save from some Eastern European countries, for a temporary period) and Switzerland can work in France without having to secure a work permit. Most non-EU citizens will need a work permit - however, some non-EU citizens (such as Canadians, New Zealanders, etc) do not require a visa or work permit to work during their 90 day visa-free period of stay in France (see the 'Get in' section above for more information). If you are an EU citizen or from an EEA country and want to earn money to continue travelling, Interim agencies (e.g. Adecco, Manpower) are a good source of temporary jobs. You can also consider working in bars, restaurants, and/or nightclubs (they are often looking for English-speaking workers, particularly those restaurants in tourist areas - fast-food restaurants such as McDonald's and Quick are also always looking for people). A lot of "student jobs", if you happen to be in a big city, are also available for younger travelers, and foreigners are often very welcome. Such jobs include, for example, giving private English lessons , taking care of young children or many other things...check out the university buildings, they often have a lot of advertisements. An easy way to find job offers in France is to use the Jobbydoo.fr , search engine. Don't forget that being an English speaker is a big advantage when you're looking for a job - French employers really have a problem finding English-speaking workers. Do note, however, that it will be much easier for you if you know a bit of French, for the same reason (your colleagues are not likely to speak English). However, don't overestimate your chances of finding work; there are a lot more people looking for jobs than there are jobs - except those unattractive jobs that no-one wants to do. The French work market tends to operate through personal contacts - if you know someone that works somewhere, you can probably figure out quite an easy way to work at that place too. It always helps to know people living in the area you wish to work. Crimes[ edit ] Crime-related emergencies can be reported to the toll-free number 17. Law enforcement forces are the National Police (Police Nationale) in urban area and the Gendarmerie in rural area, though for limited issues such as parking and traffic offenses some towns and villages also have a municipal police. France is a very low-crime area, and is one of the safest countries in the world, but large cities are plagued with the usual woes. Violent crime against tourists or strangers is very rare, but there is pickpocketing and purse-snatching. The inner city areas and a few select suburbs are usually safe at all hours. In large cities, especially Paris, there are a few areas which are better to avoid. Parts of the suburban are sometimes grounds for youth gang violent activities and drug dealing; however these are almost always far from touristic points and you should have no reason to visit them. Common sense applies: it is very easy to spot derelict areas. The subject of crime in the poorer suburbs is very touchy as it may easily have racist overtones, since many people associate it with working-class youth of North African origin. You should probably not express any opinion on the issue. Usual caution apply for tourists flocking around sights as they may become targets for pickpockets. A usual trick is to ask tourists to sign fake petitions and give some money, which is a way to put pressure on the victim. Stay away from people requesting money without any organization badge. While it is not compulsory for French citizens to carry identification, they usually do so. Foreigners should carry some kind of official identity document. Although random checks are not the norm you may be asked for an ID in some kinds of situations, for example if you cannot show a valid ticket when using public transportation; not having one in such cases will result in you being taken to a police station for further checks. Even if you feel that law enforcement officers have no right to check your identity (they can do so only in certain circumstances), it is a bad idea to enter a legal discussion with them; it is better to put up with it and show ID. Again, the subject is touchy as the police have often been accused of targeting people according to criteria of ethnicity (e.g. délit de sale gueule = literally "crime of a dirty face" but perhaps equivalent to the American "driving while black.") Due to the terrorist factor, police, with the help of military units, are patrolling monuments, the Paris subway, train stations and airports. Depending on the status of the "Vigipirate" plan (anti terrorist units) it is not uncommon to see armed patrols in those areas. The presence of police is of help for tourists, as it also deters pickpockets and the like. However, suspicious behaviour, public disturbances etc., may result in policemen asking to see an ID. In France, failing to offer assistance to 'a person in danger' is illegal. This means that if you fail to stop upon witnessing a motor accident, fail to report such an accident to emergency services, or ignore appeals for help or urgent assistance, you may be charged. Penalties include suspended prison sentence and fines. The law does not apply in situations where to answer an appeal for help might endanger your life or the lives of others. LGBT support varies depending on the location and you should tread lightly in areas with larger Muslim populations such as Besancon and Paris. LGBT have been attacked for their orientation and discrimination still exists. Rural areas are especially areas you should be careful in. But if you see many people who are also LGBT, it's most likely safe. If not, keep it private or you could be in danger. Controlled substances[ edit ] Carrying or using narcotic substances, from marijuana to hard drugs, is illegal whatever the quantity. The penalty can be severe especially if you are suspected of dealing. Trains and cars coming from countries which have a more lenient attitude (like the Netherlands) are especially targeted. Police have often been known to stop entire coaches and search every passenger and their bags thouroughly just because they're coming from Amsterdam. France has a liberal policy with respect to alcohol; there are usually no ID checks for purchasing alcohol (unless you look much younger than 18). However, causing problems due to public drunkenness is a misdemeanor and may result in a night in a police station. Drunk driving is a severe offense and may result in heavy fines and jail sentences. A little etiquette note: while it is common to drink beer straight from the bottle at informal meetings, doing the same with wine is normally only done by tramps (clochards). Tap water[ edit ] Tap water (Eau du robinet) is drinkable, except in rare cases such as rural rest areas and sinks in train bathrooms, in which case it will be clearly signposted as Eau non potable. Eau potable is potable water. (You may, however, not like the taste which may be chlorinated, bottled water is common.) Medical help[ edit ] The health care in France is of a very high standard. Pharmacies in France are denoted by a green cross, usually in neon. They sell medicines, contraceptives, and often beauty and related products (though these can be very expensive). Medicines must be ordered from the counter, even non-prescription medicines. The pharmacist is able to help you about various medicines and propose you generic drugs. Since drug brand names vary across countries even though the effective ingredients stay the same, it is better to carry prescriptions using the international nomenclature in addition to the commercial brand name. Prescription drugs, including oral contraceptives (aka "the pill"), will only be delivered if a doctor's prescription is shown. In addition, supermarkets sell condoms (préservatifs) and also often personal lubricant, bandages, disinfectant and other minor medical item. Condom machines are often found in bar toilets, etc. Medical treatment can be obtained from self-employed physicians, clinics and hospitals. Most general practitioners, specialists (e.g. gynecologists), and dentists are self-employed; look for signs saying Docteur (médecine générale is general practitioner). The normal price for a consultation with a general practitioner is €23, though some physicians charge more (this is the full price and not a co-payment). Physicians may also do home calls, but these are more expensive. Residents of the European Union are covered by the French social security system, which will reimburse or directly pay for 70% of health expenses (30% co-payment) in general, though many physicians and surgeons apply surcharges. Other travellers are not covered and will be billed the full price, even if at a public hospital; non-EU travellers should have travel insurance covering medical costs. Hospitals will have an emergency room signposted Urgences. The following numbers are toll-free: 15 Medical emergencies 17 Law enforcement emergencies (for e.g. reporting a crime) 18 Firefighters 112 European standard emergency numbers. Operators at these numbers can transfer requests to other services if needed (e.g. some medical emergencies may be answered by firefighter groups). Smoking[ edit ] Smoking is prohibited by law in all enclosed spaces accessible to the public (this includes train and subway cars, train and subway station enclosures, workplaces, restaurants and cafés) unless in areas specifically designated for smoking, and there are few of these. There was an exception for restaurants and cafés, but since the 1st January 2008, the smoking ban law is also enforced there. You may face a fine of €68 if you are found smoking in these places. Smoking is banned in métro and trains, as well as enclosed stations. Subway and train conductors do enforce the law and will fine you for smoking in non-designated places; if you encounter problems with a smoker in train, you may go find the conductor. As hotels are not considered as public places, some offer smoking vs non-smoking rooms. Only people over the age 18 may purchase tobacco products. Shopkeepers may request a photo ID. Respect[ edit ] On the Métro[ edit ] The Métro subway system is a great way to get around Paris (or Lyon, Marseille, et al.), which is readily apparent in the throngs of people that use it to go to work, school, and the like. If you do not ride the train at home, or if you come from a place that doesn't have a subway system, there are certain points of etiquette that you may not be aware of. When boarding at the station, let those exiting the train step off onto the platform before boarding, and once aboard move to the centre of the car. If you have luggage, move it as far out of the path of others as possible (on the RER B to Charles de Gaulle airport, use the luggage racks above the seats instead). Certain stations have moving sidewalks to cover the distances between platforms - walk on the left and stand on the right! Finally, do note that the doors on French subway cars don't generally open automatically once the train has stopped at the station; rather, most cars have a small button or lever on the doors that opens them. If you should happen to be standing near the door in a crowded car you might hear someone behind you say "la porte, s'il vous plait," which means that person would like to get off the train and is asking you to open the door for him/her. Pop the door open and step aside (or down onto the platform) while that person exits the train - the driver will wait for you to get back on. Loudness[ edit ] It is considered very rude to be loud in a crowded place, such as a subway car or restaurant. Keep in mind that, though you may be enjoying your holiday, most people around you in the métro or other places are probably going to or back from work and may be tired and thus will react very coldly to tourists babbling at the top of their lungs. If you listen to the locals talk, you will notice that they talk rather softly. Shopping etiquette[ edit ] In many shops/stores in France, you should ask the shopkeeper to take items from the shelf; as opposed to picking it up yourself. This applies in liquor or wine stores, clothing stores, etc. Failure to respect this policy might result in confused and/or angered reactions from the shopkeeper. Dress code[ edit ] Dress codes are fast disappearing, but if you want to avoid looking like a tourist, then avoid white sneakers, baseball caps, tracksuit pants, shorts and flip-flops (except at the beach). Generally speaking, business casual dress code is sufficient in cities and in all but the most formal occasions. When it comes to women's urban wear, very short skirts, largely open cleavage, or ostensibly sexy clothing in general, is considered poor taste in France, especially in the colder climates of northern France (including Paris). Women dressing this way taking public transportation or walking in the street to a club, may be heckled on the way, or get looks of disapproval. Usual courtesy applies when entering churches, and although you may not be asked to leave, it is better to avoid short pants and halter tops. Some restaurants will frown if you come in dressed for trekking but very few will insist upon a jacket and tie. You may be surprised by the number of French twenty-somethings who show up at a grungy bar in jacket and tie, even if obviously from a thrift-shop. Beaches and swimming pools (in hotels) are used for getting a tan. Taking off your bra will not usually create a stir if you don't mind a bevy of oglers. Taking off the bottom part is reserved to designated nude beaches. People on beaches are usually not offended by a young boy or girl undressed. Most resort cities insist on your wearing a shirt when leaving the beach area. Many pools will not allow baggy or "board" swim trunks, insisting on snug fitting speedo type trunks. Breastfeeding in public is very rare but nobody will mind if you do. Talking to people[ edit ] The French language has two different forms of the pronoun "you" that are used when addressing someone in the second person. "Tu" is the second-person singular and "Vous" is nominally the second-person plural. However, in some situations, French speakers will use "Vous" for the second-person singular. While one will use "Vous" to address a group of people no matter what the circumstances, non-native speakers will invariably have some difficulty when trying to determine whether to address a person with the informal and friendly "tu" or the formal and respectful "vous." The language even has two special verbs reflecting this difference: "tutoyer" (to address a person using "tu"), and "vouvoyer" (to address a person using "vous"), each of them carrying their own connotations and implications. Unfortunately, the rules as to when to use which form can sometimes seem maddeningly opaque to the non-native French speaker. Generally speaking, one will only use the "tu" form to address someone in an informal situation where there is familiarity or intimacy between the two parties. For example, "tu" is used when addressing a close friend or spouse, or when an adult child is addressing a parent. "Tu" is also used in situations where the other party is very young, such as a parent speaking to a child or a schoolteacher to a student. In contrast, "vous" is used in situations where the parties are not familiar, or where it is appropriate to convey respect and/or deference. For example, an office worker might use "tu" to address co-workers that he works closely with, but he would probably use "vous" when speaking to the receptionist he rarely talks to. He certainly wouldn't use "tu" when speaking with his boss. In that same vein, police officers and other authorities should always be addressed with "vous." If that's confusing (or not confusing enough) the key thing to remember is that it's all about distance. For example, a bartender is vous up until the moment that he or she gives you a complementary drink, at which point tu becomes more appropriate, and the use of vous would be a bit ungrateful and off-putting. For foreigners, the best way to deal with the "tu" and "vous" problem is to address people using "vous" until invited to say "tu", or until addressed by the first name. Doing so will look perhaps a shade old fashioned, but always respectful. In most cases, if French is not your native language most French people will overlook any such overly formal and polite language without thinking much about it anyway. Doing the opposite can be pretty rude and embarrassing in some situations, so it's probably best to err on the side of caution. Simplified: Use vous unless: Sensitive topics[ edit ] As a general rule, debates, discussions, and friendly arguments are something that the French enjoy, but there are certain topics that should be treated more delicately or indirectly than others: Politics: French people have a wide variety of opinions about many subjects. Unless you really follow French news closely, you should probably steer clear of discussing internal French politics, especially sensitive issues such as immigration - you may come across as judgmental and uninformed. Reading French newspapers to get a feel for the wide spectrum of political opinions in France – from the revolutionary left to the nationalistic right – may help. That said, don't be discouraged from engaging in political discussions with French people, just be aware of the position that being a foreigner puts you in. Also, it is considered to be quite rude to ask a person point-blank about which candidate he/she voted for in the last election (or will vote for in the next); instead, talk about the issues and take it from there. Religion: The French seldom advertise their religious feelings, however, and expect you to avoid doing so as well. Doing so might make people feel uneasy. It is also generally considered impolite to inquire about religious or other personal issues. While France has barred religious symbols from public places including Sikh turban, Islamic hijab and Jewish kippah on grounds of secularism, this controversial topic is best avoided in polite conversations. People practicing those faiths need to be aware of the unfriendly attitudes that some in France hold to expression of religion in public places. Money: You should also avoid presenting yourself through what you own (house, car, etc.). It is also considered to be quite crass to discuss your salary, or to ask someone else directly about theirs. Instead express your enthusiasm about how great are the responsibilities, or how lucky you were to get there, etc. City/Rural Differences: While it is true that roughly 1/6th of the country's population lives in the Paris region, don't make the mistake of reducing France to Paris or assuming that all French people act like Parisians. Life in Paris can be closer to life in London or New York City than in the rest of France; just as New Yorkers or Londoners might act and feel differently than people from, say, Oklahoma or Herefordshire, so might Parisian customs and opinions differ from those found "en province." The pan-European emergency number is 112 and this is probably a better choice than the numbers listed below if you don't speak French. Other emergency numbers are 17 for the police 18 for fire and rescue These calls are free and accessible from virtually any phone, including locked cellphones. In case of a serious emergency, if you find a code-protected cellphone, enter a random code three times: the phone will lock, but you will be able to dial emergency numbers. To call a French number from abroad, dial: international prefix + 33 + local number without the leading 0. For example: +33 247 664 118 All French numbers have 10 digits. The first two digits are: 01 for the Parisian region 02 for the Northwest 06 for cellphones 07 for cellphones since 2010. 08 have special prices (infuriatingly, from free of charge to very costly indeed - Skype numbers start with 08). 09 if they are attached to Voice over IP telephones connected to DSL modems from French DSL providers that integrate such functions. You cannot drop the first two digits even if your call remains within the same area. The initial '0' may be replaced by some other digit or longer code indicating a choice of long-distance operator. Don't use this unless explicitly told to. When speaking phone numbers, people will usually group the digits by sets of two. For example, 02 47 66 41 18 will be said as "zero two, forty-seven, sixty-six, forty-one, eighteen" (but in French, of course). The two-digit pair 00 is said as "zero zero", not "double zero". for example if your phone number is 02 47 66 41 18 in France, it would be said as "zéro deux, quarante-sept, soixante-six, quarante et un, dix-huit." Difficulties can arise when numbers between 60 and 99 exist in the phone number, as the French word for seventy, "soixante dix" literally means "sixty ten", the word for eighty, "quatre-vingt" means "four-twenty" and ninety, "quatre-vingt-dix" means "four-twenty-ten". So when giving a number such as "72", you might hear "soixante", start writing a 6, and have to correct yourself when the number turns out to be "soixante-douze". If you find it too hard to follow, you may ask the person to say the number digit-by-digit ("chiffre par chiffre"). It would then be "zero, two, four, seven, six, six, four, one, one, eight" ("zéro, deux, quatre, sept, six, six, quatre, un, un, huit"). You can to visit International Dial Code Directory to find instructions about the nationals and internationals calls. Toll-free[ edit ] There are few companies that provide toll-free numbers (starting with 08 00) but many have numbers starting with 081, for which you pay the cost of a local call regardless of where you are in the country. Numbers starting with 089 are heavily surcharged. They provide service to some legitimate businesses but the ones you see advertised all over the country are usually for adult services. Cheap international calls[ edit ] Dial-around services are directly available from any landline in France. No contract, no registration is required. Most dial-around services allows you to call USA, Canada, Western Europe and many other countries at local rate (tarif local) so you can easily save on your phone bill. They also work from payphones, though the first minute is surcharged by France Telecom. You can also use Viber, WhatsApp, FaceTime using your phone and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. This is probably one of the cheapest solutions for travellers in France. Fixed line[ edit ] To find out how to get a landline (ligne fixe) in France Just Landed gives more information on the subject of French landline providers. Another method, if you are staying for a long period, is to use VoIP over DSL, such as the Livebox or Freebox service (free long distance calls within France and to a number of countries). Public call boxes[ edit ] Phone booths are available in train or subway stations, bus stops, near tourist attractions, etc. There is at least one phone booth in every village (look on the main plaza). Due to the widespread use of mobile phones, there are now fewer booths than a few years ago. Most use a card (no coins). France Télécom public phones accept CB/Visa/MasterCard cards but almost always only with a microchip. Otherwise, post offices, café-tabacs (recognizable by a red sign hanging outside), and stores that sell magazines sell phone cards. Ask for a "carte telephonique"; these come with differing units of credit, so you may want to specify "petit" if you just want to make a short local call or two. If you get the kind with a computer chip in it, you just have to slide it into the phone, listen for the dial tone, and dial. The US-style cards require you to dial a number and then enter a code (but with spoken instructions in French). Mobile[ edit ] France uses the GSM standard of cellular phones (900MHz and 1800MHz bands) used in most of the world outside of the US. There are 4 'physical' network operators in France: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télecom and Free Mobile. Other providers are mobile virtual operators based on Orange, SFR or Bouygues Télécom. France is almost totally covered but you may have difficulties using your mobile phone in rural or mountainous areas. However, for emergency numbers, the four companies are required by law to accept your call if they technically can, even if you are not one of their customers, thus maximizing your chance of being helped even in areas with spotty service. If you are staying for some time in France it is advisable to buy a prepaid SIM card for your phone so that incoming calls are free. Additionally, French businesses and individuals are unlikely to want to call an international number to get hold of you as there will be a surcharge to them. Most service providers such as (Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom) supply SIM cards in shops; for instance Orange promotes Orange holiday, which allows you to use 120 international minutes and 1000 texts within all Europe + 1GB data in France for about €40. The plan can be purchased quite easily in Orange shops. But be aware that the credit expires when you do not top-up. If you want to sort out your phone before you leave, LeFrenchMobile provides a prepaid service for foreigners coming to France. You do not always need identification at the point-of-purchase but you need to be have your personal details (including an address: your hotel address will do) in-hand to activate the service, even on prepaid lines. Another company that can help you efficiently sort out your international sim card needs is TravelSim . Their prepaid sim card is one of the cheapest on the market and, since it is a callback service, your can save up to 85% on your roaming charges. Additionally, all incoming sms and Skype calls are free on TravelSim numbers. With this sim card you can easily make phone calls in France and when you go outside of the country. Lebara offer relatively cheap pre-pay data plans. (€8 for 1GB) If your phone doesn't access the internet correctly you may need to manually set your phones' "access point name" username/pass to web/web. Internet cafes[ edit ] Internet access is available at cyber cafes in large and medium-sized cities all over. Service is usually around €4 per hour. However, with most homes now wired for the internet, cyber cafes are increasingly hard to find, especially outside the major cities. Residential broadband[ edit ] In all major cities, there are multiple companies offering residential broadband service. Typical prices are €30 a month for unmetered ADSL (in speeds up to 24 megabits per second), digital HDTV over DSL and free unlimited voice-over-IP phone calls to land lines within France and about twenty other countries (EU,US,...) with external SIP access too (the price includes a modem/routeur/switch with integrated Wi-Fi MiMo access point). Broadband services are very common in France, all over the country. Wi-Fi[ edit ] You'll also find Wi-Fi access in a lot of cafés usually those labelled a bit "trendy". There will be a sign on the door or on the wall. Also look for the @ symbol prominently displayed, which indicates internet availability. In Paris, one popular Wi-Fi free spot is the Pompidou Centre. There is talk that the city intends to become the first major European capital providing free Wi-Fi coverage for the whole city. Public parks and libraries in Paris are also covered. Mobile Internet Access[ edit ] MOXX.fr provides secure high quality internet network via pocket Wi-Fi rental on a short term basis for affordable prices. This service is powered by a main French internet provider. Post[ edit ] Post offices are found in all cities and villages but their time of operation vary. In the main cities the downtown office may be open during lunchtime, typically 09:00-18:00. Most offices are only open on Saturday morning and there is only one office in Paris which is open 24/7 (in rue du Louvre). Letter boxes are yellow. Parcels[ edit ] International delivery services like FedEx, UPS, are available in cities, however you generally have to call them for them to come to you as they have very few physical locations. Another option is to simply use La Poste with a wide network around the country and the same services as its competitors. Cope[ edit ] Toilets are available in restaurants, cafés; there are also public facilities, which generally charge a fee. Note that American euphemisms such as "restroom", "washroom" etc. will often not be understood; ask for "toilets". In older public facilities, particularly those that do not charge or isolated rest areas, you may encounter squat toilets.	i don't know
Which horse won the 2001 English Grand National?	BBC SPORT \| Special Events \| 2001 \| Grand National \| Grand National win for Red Marauder Saturday, 7 April, 2001, 15:00 GMT 16:00 UK Grand National win for Red Marauder Richard Guest and Red Marauder led just four home Result: 1. Red Marauder (33/1); 2. Smarty (16/1); 3. Blowing Wind (16/1); 4. Papillon (14/1). Red Marauder won an amazing Grand National, with only four finishers coming home at Aintree. Persistent rain in Liverpool in the days leading up to the race left the Aintree course very soft and the heavy going accounted for most of the 40-strong field. Red Marauder, ridden by Richard Guest, was an unfancied horse at 33/1 after only making it as far as Becher's Brook last year. Timmy Murphy brought Smarty home in second place, with Tony McCoy and Blowing Wind in third. He (Red Marauder) just didn't want to go down Winning jockey Richard Guest Last year's winner Papillon under Ruby Walsh finished fourth. The good news was that all the horses competing were reported fine after the race. A delighted Guest said: "I've never run in worse conditions. I was in two minds whether we should be out there. "He (Red Marauder) nearly went down five times." The winner is owned and trained by Norman Mason, and naturally he went through a rollercoaster of emotions during the race. "That was absolutely fantastic," said Mason. "I was in tears. "I have never had such emotion in my life, apart from my wife having a baby. "I have never seen a race like that in my 25 years of racing." Chinese influence Mason confirmed that Red Marauder had taken his name from the Chinese quarter of Toronto where all the buildings are red. And the horse was sure to have plenty of support in China where the race was being screened live for the first time. Red Marauder and Smarty were at one stage the only two horses running - and both riders sensibly eased the pace. I looked up at the big screen and saw there were only two horses still racing. I shouted to Ruby, 'come on, lets get back up' Tony McCoy But as they approached the second last, Guest moved Red Marauder into the lead and went on to win by a distance. Champion jockey Tony McCoy completed the National for the first time after remounting Blowing Wind, which had fallen at the 19th. It was the same fence that accounted for Papillon - but Ruby Walsh responded in a similar fashion to McCoy by climbing back aboard. "I looked up at the big screen and saw there were only two horses still racing," said McCoy. "I shouted to Ruby, 'come on, lets get back up'. And the two riders stayed together to help each other around the course, until McCoy moved his horse away after the final fence. McCoy added: "I enjoyed it but I'm gutted because I was travelling well. A loose horse brought me down and stopped me from having a chance of winning." Highly-fancied pairing Beau and Edmond both fell when in the leading ranks. The Chair, the 15th of the 30 fences, accounted for Edmond. Jockey Richard Johnson revealed: "He got a little bit blind going into it and put his foot into the ditch." WATCH/LISTEN	Red Marauder
Who was the last Kaiser of Germany?	History History It is illegal for anyone aged under 18 to gamble Grand National History The Grand National at Aintree has been a British sporting institution since 1839, when a horse called Lottery won the inaugural running and Captain Becher parted company with his horse at a now world famous brook. In those days, the horses had to jump a stone wall, cross a stretch of ploughed land and finish over two hurdles. The race was then known as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase. The course was founded by William Lynn, a syndicate head and proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel, on land he leased in Aintree from William Molyneux, 2nd Earl of Sefton. Lynn set out a course, built a grandstand, and Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone on 7 February 1829. There is actually much debate regarding the first official Grand National; some leading published historians, including John Pinfold, now prefer the idea that the first running was in 1836 and was won by The Duke. This same horse won again in 1837, while Sir William was the winner in 1838. These races have long been disregarded because of the belief that they took place at Maghull and not Aintree. However, some historians have unearthed evidence in recent years that suggest those three races were run over the same course at Aintree and were regarded as having been Grand Nationals up until the mid-1860. Contemporary newspaper reports place all the 1836-38 races at Aintree although the 1839 race is the first described as "nationalï¿½. To date, though, calls for the Nationals of 1836ï¿½1838 to be restored to the record books have been unsuccessful. In 1838 and 1839 three significant events occurred to transform the Liverpool race from a small local affair to a national event. Firstly, the Great St. Albans Chase, which had clashed with the steeplechase at Aintree, was not renewed after 1838 leaving a major hole in the chasing calendar. Secondly, the railway arrived in Liverpool, enabling transport to the course by rail for the first time. Finally, a committee was formed to better organise the event. These factors led to a more highly publicised race in 1839 which attracted a larger field of top quality horses and riders, greater press coverage and an increased attendance on race day. Over time the first three runnings of the event were quickly forgotten to secure the 1839 race its place in history as the first official Grand National. By the 1840s, Lynn's ill-health blunted his enthusiasm for Aintree. Edward Topham, a respected handicapper and prominent member of Lynn's syndicate, began to exert greater influence over the National. He turned the chase into a handicap in 1843 after it had been a weight-for-age race for the first four years, and took over the land lease in 1848. One century later, the Topham family bought the course outright. Later in the century the race was the setting of a thriller by the popular novelist Henry Hawley Smart. The Grand National has produced a colourful array of stories throughout its illustrious past. Here are our favourites, including some famous video clips: Red Rum It was over 40 years ago now that Red Rum recorded the first of the three victories in the Grand National that earned him pride of place in the record books forever. He still remains the only horse to have won the Grand National three times and, as that statistic suggests, the great horse was a phenomenon. Bred to be a sprinter, Red Rum went on to win the gruelling four-and-a-half mile chase in 1973, 1974 and 1977, as well as finishing second on his other two starts, to become the greatest Grand National performer ever. All of this was achieved after overcoming the debilitating bone disease pedalosteitis, which should have rendered him unraceable. However, fate stepped in: Red Rum was at probably the only yard in the country where the training took place on a beach. The sea water, into which trainer Donald ï¿½Gingerï¿½ McCain banished Red Rum after viewing the hobbling horse, worked an amazing transformation. On 31 March, 1973, he started 9/1 favourite for his first Grand National. However, by the time the runners had reached the Chair the giant Australian chaser, Crisp, who was shouldering top weight of 12st (a weight that is now forbidden in the National), had built up a massive lead and appeared unstoppable with four fences to go. But, conceding 23lb to Red Rum, his stamina started to wane and he slowly began to falter at the famous Elbow after being more than 15 lengths in front of his rival at the last. Red Rum gradually wore Crisp down, getting up on the line to beat him by three-quarters of a length in a then record time of 9 min 1.9 sec, knocking nearly 20 seconds off Golden Miller's previous best under 12st 2lb in 1934 - this new record would stand for the next 16 years. You can watch this incredible race and finish here: Red Rum was never better than in the 1973/74 season when he won four more races before collecting his second Grand National, this time carrying the maximum weight of 12st. Giving 1lb to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, L'Escargot, Red Rum started third favourite at 11/1, racing off a mark nearly two stone higher than for his 1973 victory. He was the first to achieve the double since Reynoldstown in 1936. Only three weeks later, Red Rum won the Scottish Grand National as the 11/8 favourite under 11st 13lb. It was then presumed that, having reached a zenith, Red Rum's talent would gradually decline in keeping with the rolling years. Between the autumn of 1974 and the spring of 1976, he ran in 18 chases, winning twice and being placed seven times. But he also gallantly failed to resist first L'Escargot and then Rag Trade in the 1975 and 1976 Grand National's. The 1976/77 season began dismally. After an initial small win at Carlisle, Red Rum appeared totally lacklustre in his next four races, and even McCain began to think that he might have "gone". A foul winter had waterlogged the Southport sands, making them useless for training purposes, but Red Rum finally showed something like his old sparkle in his prep race for the 1977 Grand National, the Greenall Whitley Chase at Haydock. Worries about the now 12-year-old gelding's unwonted bulk abated when, in his last gallop before Aintree, he dazzled McCain and assorted members of the press who had gathered to watch. Ridden by Tommy Stack, as he had been in 1976, Red Rum tackled his fifth Grand National in 1977. In the lead from the eighth last, Red Rum appeared momentarily to have a challenger in Churchtown Boy, but the latter's mistake at the third last compared with Red Rum's foot-perfect agility soon settled things in Rummyï¿½s favour. The noise of the cheering crowd was deafening as he led up the long run-in, winning by 25 lengths under 11st 8lb and you can watch the historic race below: In 1976, Red Rum had given Eyecatcher 17lb and beat her by eight lengths; in 1977, he gave her 21lb and a 31-length beating, rating an improvement at the age of 12 of two stone. The treble, five years in the making, had been achieved. The celebrations in Southport which received the three-time Grand National winner home were long and rapturous. But the greatest Aintree horse of all time was not yet finished. Up until the morning of the 1978 Grand National, Red Rum was being trained for a sixth attempt at the great race. He had run well all season, amassing two seconds and a fourth under mighty weights in his five races. But, after his customary pre-National work-out on the day before the big race, Red Rum pulled up lame. The problem proved to be a hairline fracture and the horse had to be retired. Retired, that is, from the realm of racing. But Red Rum's career as a celebrity continued - a role to which he was as well-adapted as to tackling the Aintree fences. He thrived as the centre of attention, as anyone who saw the 1977 episode of Sports Personality of the Year Awards can testify. Hearing the voice of Tommy Stack, who was speaking from his hospital bed with a broken pelvis, Red Rum immediately pricked his ears, displaying the great intelligence and showmanship so evident in the horse throughout his life. He went on to lead the parade in many Grand Nationals. Red Rum died on Wednesday, October 18, 1995 and was buried by the winning post on Aintree's Grand National course. His grave is marked by an engraved stone listing his Grand National record, and a life-size bronze commemorates this legendary competitor, along with a race staged at the Grand National meeting, the Red Rum Chase, named in the great horse's memory. Aldaniti There was hardly a dry eye among the crowd when Aldaniti won the Grand National in 1981. It was a victory for both courage and determination in the face of adversity. In late 1979, Bob Champion, the successful jockey, was told that he had cancer and only months to live, while Aldaniti had almost been retired because of leg trouble. Against all the odds, the gallant partnership held on to beat Spartan Missile, ridden by John Thorne, a 54-year-old grandfather and amateur rider. The winner's true-life story inspired the 1983 film Champions, starring John Hurt. Aldaniti died at the age of 27 in March, 1997. Bob Champion made a full recovery and, with the help of Aldaniti, has raised millions of pounds for cancer research. Aldaniti's name was a jumble from the names of four grandchildren of his breeder, Tommy Barron: ALastair and DAvid Cook plus NIcola and TImothy Barron. The Pitmans The Pitman family has a special association with the Grand National. In 1983, Jenny Pitman became the first woman to train a winner of the race when Corbiere beat Greasepaint. She followed up this victory in 1995 with Royal Athlete who succeeded at the long odds of 40/1, but experienced heartbreak when Esha Ness "won" the 1993 void race. Mark, her son, must have gone through similar emotions when he was caught in the dying strides by Seagram whilst riding Garrison Savannah in 1991, also trained by his mother. Garrison Savannah was bidding for an historic double ï¿½ and to emulate the great Golden Miller ï¿½ having won the Cheltenham Gold Cup a few weeks earlier. Years earlier, Richard Pitman, then-husband to Jenny and Mark's father, was caught even closer to the winning post by Red Rum, the Aintree specialist, when he partnered the gallant top weight Crisp in 1973. Mrs Pitman was awarded an OBE in the 1998 New Year's Honours List and in the same year fought a successful battle against cancer. She has now retired from training as, for the time being, has her son Mark who carried on the family tradition for a while (he trained Smarty to finish second in 2001 when only four horses completed the course in terrible conditions, and sixth in 2004). Jenny Pitman was also one of the first batch of inductees to the Grand National Legends (the Hall of Fame-style initiative that was established in 2010), along with Red Rum and his trainer, Ginger McCain. Watch Corbiere win the 1983 Grand National ahead of Greasepaint: Devon Loch The 1956 National is remembered more for the defeat of Devon Loch than for the victory of ESB. Owned by Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Devon Loch had the race won when he inexplicably gave a half-leap just 50 yards from the finish, sprawling and almost unseating Dick Francis, the unfortunate jockey, and leaving the crowd stunned. Afterwards, The Queen Mother famously said "That's racing". Debate still rages as to why the incident happened - according to some reports, Devon Loch suffered a cramp in the hindquarters and this caused the collapse. However, other reports claim that a shadow thrown by the water jump (which horses only jump on the first circuit of the Aintree course) may have confused Devon Loch into thinking another leap was required and - unsure as to whether he should or not - he half-jumped and collapsed. Reports that the horse had suffered a heart attack were dismissed, as Devon Loch recovered far too quickly for that to have been the case. Whatever the truth, the incident so puzzled Francis that he became a thriller writer, inventing mysteries himself and over the decades Francis learned to be as philosophical. As did his wife Mary who once said that had he won the Grand National there would have been no bestselling autobiography and no thrillers. "As I said in my autobiography, an ambulance came by and the driver said, ï¿½Jump in the back!ï¿½ I was never more pleased to get away from all the people who were rushing towards me. What happened? Iï¿½ve thought about it time and time again...I remember jumping the last fence and I could hear the crescendo of cheering building up in the stands. There were 500,000 people there that day. They were all cheering for the Queen Mother. She was there and the Queen was there and Princess Margaret was there." Francis is quoted as saying. "I never thought about it at the time but I heard them cheering and I just rode to the finish. I was winning easily. I didnï¿½t have to pick up my stick or anything like that. Iï¿½ve looked at the newsreel time and again and as the horse approaches the water jump ï¿½ which this time round he didnï¿½t need to cross ï¿½ you can see him prick up his ears and gallop past it. As he pricked up its ears ï¿½ Christ! ï¿½ his hindquarters refused to act and down he went on to his belly. How I didnï¿½t fall off him I donï¿½t know." Devon Loch is a metaphor now used in modern day sports and otherwise to explain the sudden, last-minute failure of teams or a sportsman to complete an expected victory, e.g. "United can only hope Arsenal do a Devon Loch." Dick Francis died of natural causes on 14 February 2010 at his Caribbean home in Grand Cayman, by which time he had written 40 international best-sellers. Watch Devon Loch sprawl on the run-in to the 1956 Grand National, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory and allowing ESB to claim an unlikely success: Devon Loch spread-eagled on the run-in at the 1956 Grand National Foinavon Foinavon sensationally won the 1967 National in bizarre circumstances. At the smallest fence on the second circuit, the 23rd, the riderless Popham Down cut right across the course causing a pile-up that almost brought the entire field to a standstill. John Buckingham, Foinavon's jockey, was able to steer his mount wide of the melee and thus won on the 100/1 outsider. The Aintree executive named the fence in honour of the horse - fence 7 or 23 (depending on the circuit), at 4ft 6in, one of the smallest jumps on the course, is situated between the more daunting Becher's Brook and the Canal Turn. Foinavon has sometimes been likened to a slow plodding carthorse, but records show that his 1967 winning time was one of the fastest in this gruelling race. Equally, this so called no-hoper had taken part in some top class races before attempting the Grand National and he had finished fourth in a King George and took part in a Gold Cup at Cheltenham, so perhaps his odds of 100/1 may have been a bit generous (although the Tote SP was 444/1). Nevertheless, his owner was so unenthusiastic about his chances that he was not even at Aintree for the great race. Buckingham said later that at the time he did not realise that they were the only pair to jump the fence at the first attempt but he just kept going. Although some 17 horses remounted and finished the race the distance Foinavon had "stolen" at the obstacle meant that he led over the final seven fences to go on to collect his prize, 15 lengths clear of the fast-closing favourite, Honey End, and Red Alligator, who went on to win in 1968. Foinavon did also run in the following year's Grand National but fell or was brought down at the water jump. Foinavon was at one time owned by Anne, Duchess of Westminster, whose colours were also carried by the much superior Arkle - both were named after Scottish mountains. She also owned Last Suspect who won the 1985 Grand National. Watch the 1967 Grand National, courtesy of British Pathï¿½ (scroll to around 1 minutes, 20 seconds to see all the drama unfold): The commentary of Michael O'Hehir of the carnage at the 23rd fence ranks among the most famous in the history of BBC televised sport and is often shown when BBC Sport puts together nostalgic montages of great sporting moments. O'Hehir received particular respect from his peers for the speed and unflustered coolness with which he identified Foinavon as the horse emerging from the mï¿½lï¿½e. O'Hehir later said in an interview that it was precisely the unfamiliarity of Foinavon's colours that made him so instantly recognisable during the race. O'Hehir visited the weighing room before the race, as is the custom of many National commentators, to familiarise himself more clearly with the colours of the silks but found himself completely stumped when looking at the black with red and yellow braces being worn by John Buckingham. Eventually O'Hehir had to ask Buckingham who his mount was. A confused O'Hehir said that his racecard showed two-tone green quarters, as worn by the rider in the Cheltenham Gold Cup a few weeks earlier, but Buckingham explained that the owner felt green to be unlucky and so had registered new colours for the National. The "Iron" Duke of Alburquerque Beltrï¿½n Alfonso Osorio y Dï¿½ez de Rivera, known as the "Iron" Duke of Albuquerque (1918-1994), surely ranks as the worst jockey in horse-racing history. After receiving a film of the Grand National as a gift for his eighth birthday, the Duke became obsessed with it: "I said then that I would win that race one day," he later recalled. He nearly died trying. This magnificently barking mad Spanish aristocrat and amateur jockey entered the Grand National seven times with impressively consistent results. Generally he would start with the others, gallop briefly and then wake up in the Royal Liverpool Infirmary (where apparently he always booked a private room when he rode in the race). Each year, Sir Peter O'Sullevan would gravely intone: "And the Duke of Albuquerque's gone". On his first attempt in 1952, he fell from his horse at the sixth fence, nearly broke his neck and woke up later in hospital with a cracked vertebra. His next try was in 1963, when he fell from his horse yet again, this time at the fourth fence. Undeterred, he returned in 1965 but again fell from his horse after it collapsed underneath him, breaking his leg. His ineptitude was so apparent that in 1963 bookies even offered odds of 66/1 - against him even finishing the race atop his horse! He returned in 1973 when his stirrup broke, although he clung on for eight fences before being sent into inevitable orbit. In 1974, after having sixteen screws removed from a leg he had broken after falling in another race, he also fell while training for the Grand National and broke his collarbone. Nevertheless, he then competed in a plaster cast, this time actually managing to finish the race for the only time in his splendid career, but only in eighth (and last) place aboard Nereo: "I sat like a sack of potatoes and gave the horse no help" he said after the race. One anecdote from this race is that he barged into Ron Barry at the second Canal Turn; Barry said "What the f*** are you doing?" to which he replied: "My dear chap I haven't a clue...I've never got this far before!" In 1976, he sustained his most serious injuries after being trampled in a race by several other horses. He suffered seven broken ribs, several fractured vertebrae, a broken wrist and thigh, and a major concussion, and was in a coma for two days. After recovering he announced, at the age of 57, that he planned to race yet again. Race organisers wisely revoked his license "for his own safety". Though the Iron Duke never won the Grand National, he certainly broke more bones than any other jockey in attempting to do so. Notable Dates In Grand National History 1837: THE DUKE wins the first Great Liverpool Steeplechase at Maghull, some three miles from the present site of Aintree racecourse. 1839: Aintree becomes the new home for the event, with LOTTERY carrying off the prize and Captain Martin Becher christening the now-famous brook as he crawls in for safety after a fall. 1847: MATTHEW records the first Irish-trained victory on the day the race is officially named the Grand National. 1887: GAMECOCK wins the National at 20-1 and follows up by winning the Champion Chase over the big fences the very next day. 1897: MANIFESTO, the 6-1 favourite, records the first of his two wins in the race. He ran eight times up to the age of 16, also finishing third three times and fourth once. 1907: Jockey Alf Newey brings EREMON home in front, despite riding without stirrups from the second fence. 1927: Ted Leader rides SPRIG to a popular victory in the first Grand National to be covered by a BBC radio commentary. 1928: On the day of the race, before it had begun, TIPPERARY TIM'S jockey William Dutton heard a friend call out to him: "Billy boy, you'll only win if all the others fall down!ï¿½. These words turned out to be true, as 41 of the 42 starters fell during the race. It was run during misty weather conditions with the going very heavy. As the field approached the Canal Turn on the first circuit, Easter Hero fell, causing a pile-up from which only seven horses emerged with seated jockeys. By the penultimate fence this number had reduced to three, with Great Span looking most likely to win ahead of Billy Barton and Tipperary Tim. Great Span's saddle then slipped, leaving Billy Barton in the lead until he too then fell. Although Billy Barton's jockey, Tommy Cullinan, managed to remount and complete the race, it was Tipperary Tim who came in first at odds of 100-1. With only two riders completing the course, this remains a record for the fewest number of finishers. 1934: The legendary GOLDEN MILLER becomes the only horse ever to win the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season, carrying 12st 2lb to victory in record time. In the 1934 Grand National, Golden Miller set a new course record of 9 min 20.4s. That win was in the middle of five consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victories 1947: CAUGHOO beats 56 opponents at a mist-shrouded Aintree and is then accused of only going round once. 1956: DEVON LOCH and jockey Dick Francis, looking certain to give The Queen Mother victory when clear on the run-in, suddenly sprawl flat on the ground yards from the winning post, allowing ESB to win. 1967: The year of the horrific pile-up at the 23rd. John Buckingham and complete outsider FOINAVON avoid the melee and gallop on to a 100-1 win. 1974: Grand National character the Duke of Alburquerque completes the course for the one and only time in numerous attempts on NEREO, despite breaking his collarbone only a week before the race. 1977: The incomparable RED RUM rewrites the record books with his historic third victory. 'Rummy' had five runs, with three wins and two seconds, from the age of eight to 12. 1979: RUBSTIC makes history by becoming the first Scottish-trained winner. His homecoming party was heralded by a piper leading him back to the hamlet of Denholm, Roxburghshire. 1981: ALDANITI, nursed back from career-threatening injury three times, wins a fairytale National ridden by Bob Champion, who fought, and beat, cancer. 1982: Dick Saunders, at the age of 48, becomes the oldest winning jockey on GRITTAR. Geraldine Rees becomes the first woman to complete the course, riding the leg-weary CHEERS. 1983: Years of doubt about the Grand National's future are ended when the Jockey Club, helped by public donations, buys the course. CORBIERE's victory ensures Jenny Pitman goes into the history books as the first woman to train the winner. 1987: Jim Joel becomes the oldest winning owner at 92. He is on his way back from South Africa when MAORI VENTURE wins a thrilling race from The Tsarevich. 1993: The darkest day in the history of the National. There is chaos after a second false start as 30 out of the 39 jockeys began the race despite a false start being called, leading to a void result for the seven horses who finished. John White passes the post first on the Jenny Pitman-trained ESHA NESS, only to discover the race has been declared void. The 1993 Grand National - the race that never was. Racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan described it as "the greatest disaster in the history of the Grand National" 1994: MIINNEHOMA, owned by comedian Freddie Starr, gives multiple champion trainer Martin Pipe his first National victory, and 51-year-old grandmother Rosemary Henderson completes the course on her own horse FIDDLERS PIKE, who finishes fifth. 1995: Jenny Pitman, the first lady of Aintree, gains her second success - two years after her first - with ROYAL ATHLETE. 1997: The National has to be postponed after two coded bomb threats were received from the IRA. The course was secured by police who then evacuated jockeys, race personnel, and local residents along with 60,000 spectators. Cars and coaches were locked in the course grounds, leaving some 20,000 people without their vehicles over the weekend. With limited accommodation available in the city, local residents opened their doors and took in many of those stranded. This prompted tabloid headlines such as "We'll fight them on the Becher's", in reference to Winston Churchill's famous war-time speech. The race was run 48 hours later on the Monday, with the meeting organisers offering 20,000 tickets with free admission. The rearranged race was won in spectacular style by 14/1 shot LORD GYLLENE. A mass evacuation of Aintree racecourse took place on Saturday 5 April 1997 1999: Father-and-son trainer-jockey team Tommy and Paul Carberry combine to land a first Irish win for 24 years with BOBBYJO. 2000: Ted and 20-year-old Ruby Walsh emulate the feat of their compatriots 12 months previously as PAPILLON lands a gamble, backed from a morning 33-1 into 10-1 before taking the prize. 2001: RED MARAUDER and Smarty are the only horses to put in clear rounds in a race run in atrocious conditions, though all horses return unscathed. 2003: MONTY'S PASS lands a massive gamble, with owner Mike Fuller netting close to ï¿½1million from ante-post bets. The horse is backed from 40-1 into 16-1 and romps home. 2004: Ginger McCain, veteran trainer of Red Rum, enjoys an emotional victory as 12-year-old AMBERLEIGH HOUSE lands the spoils, having been third in 2003. 2005: HEDGEHUNTER becomes the first horse since Corbiere in 1983 to carry more than 11st to victory in the great race, romping clear in great style under Ruby Walsh to slam Royal Auclair by 14 lengths. John Smithï¿½s take over from Martell as the main sponsor. 2006: John Smith's launched the John Smith's People's Race which gave ten members of the public the chance to ride in a flat race at Aintree on Grand National day. In total, thirty members of the public took part in the event before it was discontinued in 2010. 2008: COMPLY OR DIE allows David Pipe to join his legendary father, Martin, in the record books as a National-winning trainer in just his second season. The race also carries record prize money of ï¿½800,000. 2009: MON MOME becomes the biggest-priced winner since Foinavon when powering home at 100-1 for trainer Venetia Williams and jockey Liam Treadwell, who was having his first ride in the race. 2010: DON'T PUSH IT, trained by Jonjo O'Neill and owned by legendary gambler JP McManus, provides perennial champion jockey Tony McCoy with his first success at the 15th attempt. McCoy went on to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award that year ï¿½ the first person from the world of horse racing to do so. The 2010 renewal was also the first horse race to be televised in HD in the UK. 2011: Another emotional victory as BALLABRIGGSï¿½ success on a sweltering day at Aintree allows Donald McCain to join his legendary father, Ginger, who trained both Red Rum and Amberleigh House, in the Grand National record books. 2012: One of the closest finishes in the raceï¿½s illustrious history sees NEPTUNE COLLOGNES beat Sunyhillboy by a nose, giving Paul Nicholls his first Grand National success. Katie Walsh achieves the highest finishing position by a lady jockey by claiming third place on Seabass, trained by her father Ted. 2013: Legendary showjumper Harvey Smith and his wife Sue send out 66-1 AURORAS ENCORE to cause a shock in a race in which only two of the forty runners fell on the first circuit. Fellow trainer Evan Williams has to settle for a place for the fifth time in as many years. 2014: Part time trainer, Dr Richard Newland, landed the first ever ï¿½1 million renewal of the race, courtesy of PINEAU DE RE. Williamï¿½s amazing run continued with Alvarado fourth for the Welsh handler. 2015: Incredibly, another place for Williams with Alvarado fourth again behind MANY CLOUDS, who made a mockery of the trends as an eight year old carrying 11st 9lbs to land another victory in the race for Trevor Hemmings. © Where To Bet Ltd 2004-16 (contact us: [email protected])	i don't know
Drax Power Station is in which English county?	petition: End subsidies for Drax power station in the UK!, United Kingdom End subsidies for Drax power station in the UK! by: Biofuelwatch target: Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Minister of State for Energy, United Kingdom Drax power station in Yorkshire, England, burns more coal than any other power station in the UK, and more wood than any power station in the world. During 2015, Drax burned more wood than was produced in the whole of the UK that year. Most of the wood Drax burns comes from North America, and much of that is sourced from clearcut wetland hardwood forests in the southern US. These are North America’s most biodiverse forests and amongst the world’s most diverse aquatic ecosystems, home to the greatest concentration of salamander and carnivorous plant species. Most wetland hardwood forests in the US have already been destroyed, mainly for paper. Now the remaining fragments are being clearcut to burn in European power stations, primarily at Drax. Drax’s wood burning is also disastrous for the climate. Studies show that burning wood pellets for electricity can put more carbon into the atmosphere than burning coal, over a timescale of several decades. Alongside wood pellets, Drax still burns millions of tonnes of coal every year. A recent report showed that Drax is sourcing coal from Colombia and Russia, where indigenous communities have been forcefully evicted from their lands for coal mine expansion, to feed UK power stations. Burning wood pellets is allowing Drax to continue burning coal long into the future. The generous renewable energy subsidies it receives are a de-facto support for coal burning, was well as wood burning, as the power station can only stay open because of them. Last year, Drax’s subsidies amounted to £451.8 million – over £1.3 million every single day. Please call on the Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Minister of State for Energy to withdraw Drax's renewable energy subsidies, and make a commitment that no more shall be awarded to the power station in future. Clean energy subsidies must be spent on genuinely renewable, low-carbon energy. read petition letter ▾ Dear Secretary of State for BEIS and Minister of State for Energy, We are deeply concerned that the UK government is continuing to award Drax power station with millions in renewable energy subsidies. Drax is now the largest biomass power station in the world, and still the biggest coal burning power station in the UK. Last year Drax Plc was awarded £451.8 million in renewable energy subsidies, a figure that far exceeds the company's gross profit for 2015, which was £409 million, and shows just how dependent the company is on subsidies to remain profitable. Drax's subsidies have shot up from the previous year, by almost half, and they're set to keep on growing. Once 50% of the power station has been converted to biomass, Drax can look forward to over £600 million every year. That's equivalent to over £1.6 million a day. But there's a huge amount of evidence that Drax's biomass is anything but low carbon, and on top of this, that its biomass sourcing is resulting in the destruction of some of the world's most biodiverse temperate forests, in the southern US. Biomass burning at Drax is also allowing the power station's remaining coal capacity to stay operational for longer, meaning that the renewable energy subsidies it receives are also, in effect, subsidising coal burning. Drax should not receive subsidies for burning biomass or coal. Renewable energy subsidies should be spent on truly sustainable forms of renewable energy, and investment should be directed towards energy efficiency and demand reduction, not dirty old power stations like Drax. Update #23 months ago Can you make it to our demo outside Drax on 22 October in Yorkshire? Or our demo in London on 19 October? . Bring your banners, costumes, placards and voices – and make it clear that Drax's greenwashing of biomass has to stop. Together we can #AxeDrax. All info here . Update #16 months ago The Secretary of State has replied by whitewashing the government's misguided biomass policy. Read the letter and our thoughts here . Get involved in building the campaign to #AxeDrax! here . Thank you for signing our petition against UK subsidies for Drax power station burning imported wood. 130,000+ people signed so far.	Yorkshire
What is the name of the gallery from which members of the public can watch proceedings in the British House of Commons?	Visit to Drax Power Station on 6th September 2012 Visit to Drax Power Station Date From: 06 September 2012 Location: England Description: The Sheffield and Hull & Humber Member Groups would like to invite you to a site visit to Drax Power Ltd. Event Type: Member Group Venue: Drax Power Station, Selby, YO8 8PH. Time: 17:30-20:00 (approx) Contact Email: [email protected] The Sheffield and Hull & Humber Member Groups would like to invite you to a site visit to Drax Power Ltd. Drax Power Station is the largest coal-fired power station in the United Kingdom, supplying about 7% of the nation’s power (sufficient for the County of Yorkshire!). With a history going back to 1974, Drax has a generating capacity of just under 4 GW. In 1988, Drax became the first power station to invest in the retrofit of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment, making Drax the cleanest coal-fired power station in the UK. The visit will consist of a site presentation at the Visitor’s Centre followed by a walking and bus site tour, lasting approximately 2.5-3 hours. For information regarding the company see: www.draxpower.com Directions and parking On arrival, please park in the signposted Visitors Car Park and report to the South Gate House. For directions to the site see: www.draxpower.com/explore_drax/visitdrax/findus/ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements All PPE will be provided. Stout footwear (open shoes not allowed), warm clothing for the outside tour with long sleeve outer garments and trousers for ladies are required. Please inform us of any special needs, disabilities and nut allergies as the site has a strict policy on the days when it is burning nut products. Please familiarise yourself with site requirements and risk assessment on the accompanying documents that will be sent with the email invite, by advance request, or on registration. Registration To allow us to plan the visit, pre-registration is essential at [email protected] by Thursday 30 August. The number of visitors is limited and will be on a “first come, first served” basis. We are looking forward to meeting you there! With kind regards The Sheffield and Hull & Humber Members Group Committees Share this page	i don't know
Which British football manager was known as ‘El Tel’?	When British football managers thrived in Spain \| Football \| The Guardian Guardian Sport Network When British football managers thrived in Spain Clubs in La Liga are not rushing to appoint another British manager after Real Sociedad’s failed experiment with David Moyes , but there was a time when clubs in the UK worried about their best young coaches migrating to jobs in Spain Monday 16 November 2015 07.20 EST Last modified on Monday 4 April 2016 07.47 EDT Share on Messenger Close There’s always something for British football to wring its hands about. Ten years ago it was foreign owners in “our” game. Before that, foreign players. In the 1980s, among other things, it was the “talent drain” of managers heading off to foreign lands was troubling the fretters of the nation. “I hope Spain has now had its fair share as far as Everton is concerned,” huffed then Toffees chairman Philip Carter in 1987. “It is a real problem for British football and there are moves afoot to liberalise the situation even further … it should be of great concern to those involved with our national game.” Carter was speaking after Howard Kendall, having just won his second league title with Everton, had left Goodison Park to take charge of Athletic Bilbao . Russell Thomas wrote in the Guardian that Kendall’s move “confirms the most depressing trend in British football: the drift of talent, player and managerial, to the continent,” while, in the Times, Stuart Jones said Kendall’s departure represented “another disturbing signpost. It points to the continuing decline of individual talent, whether it be on the pitch or on the periphery of it.” How Howard Kendall saved his job at Everton and won the FA Cup in 1984 Read more Of course, British and Irish managers moving to Spain was nothing new. The early history of many Spanish clubs is littered with names such as Patrick O’Connell, Arthur Johnson, Robert Firth and Frederick Pentland, the latter known as “The Bowler Hat” because of his favoured headgear. Indeed, the rough Spanish equivalent of “gaffer” is “mister”, which partly came about due to the early prevalence of British coaches in the country. However, 1987 seemed to be the peak of a minor exodus, inspired by the huge success of English teams in Europe, success that was then stymied by the five-year ban after Heysel. British coaches were tempted abroad with the promise of, among other things, continental competition, although the lifestyle and salaries probably helped too. Kendall’s move to Spain was at least partly inspired by the English ban from Europe. “Would I have stayed if we hadn’t been banned?” he said in an interview earlier this year. “Probably, yes. We would have been involved in Europe again. But when your top players are allowed to leave, as Trevor Steven and Gary Stevens did, it takes some rebuilding.” Kendall managed Bilbao for two seasons; Terry Venables won the league with Barcelona; Jock Wallace took charge of Sevilla for a while; and Ron Atkinson had a brief spell as Atlético Madrid boss. Colin Addison took Celta Vigo up from the second tier then served as Atkinson’s assistant, taking over upon his dismissal, while John Mortimore, Chelsea stalwart of the 50s and 60s who won the league twice in two spells with Benfica, had a year in charge of Real Betis. In the summer of 1987, seven of the 20 managers in the Spanish top flight were British. Of those who joined the exodus, John Toshack is the daddy of them all, spending a total of 17 seasons in Spain with Real Sociedad (three times), Real Madrid (twice), Deportivo la Coruna and Real Murcia. Toshack, once thought to be a shoo-in for the Liverpool job, left his homeland after life at Swansea soured, relegation to the Second Division starting the wilderness years that eventually left them in the fourth, where he had lifted them from in the first place. Toshack first went to Portugal and Sporting (turning down Aston Villa) and then to Sociedad, where he became their first ever non-Basque manager. Indeed, one of the problems he had to face was the club’s policy that all players had to come from the Basque region. “It so happens that all my best defenders are left-sided, but you just have to adapt,” he said in an interview in February 1988. “We started the season with a squad of 20 players, 10 of whom had virtually no First Division experience and that was that. Any problems have to be solved as best you can.” The non-Basque policy was relaxed in 1989, when Toshack recruited John Aldridge as the club’s first ever foreign player. Toshack was a huge success at Sociedad, winning the Copa del Rey but perhaps as importantly endearing himself to the locals. “Toshack has done so much for Real Sociedad,” Spanish journalist Luis de Andia, who covered Toshack for Diario Vasco, told the Guardian. “His big triumph is that he is now regarded as a Basque and they cannot give you a greater accolade.” In a March 1988 profile of the big Welshman headlined “A Genius Shunned”, the great Brian Glanville wrote: “In three years, Toshack has utterly transformed the demoralised team he found when he arrived, and all the great Spanish clubs of Barcelona and Madrid are said to want him. One in the eye, surely, for all those English clubs who might have engaged him before he took off, a disappointed man, for Portugal.” “They’ve been great to me and I’m in no rush to come home until I’ve tried to do a lot more for them,” said Toshack in 1988, but a year later he moved to Real Madrid, winning the title there before returning to Sociedad in 1991, and again in the 2001-02 season. The appeal of leaving British football, in something of a state during the late 1980s, would seem relatively obvious, but some still held the attitude that England was still the best place to be and anyone leaving was chasing cash. In reporting Kendall’s impending move to Bilbao, the Times rather sniffily noted that the Basque club would “pay a signing on fee of 45m pesetas (£220,000) should Kendall decide to place financial security at the top of his priority list.” However, the challenge of succeeding in a different environment was clearly a powerful factor for some. “I decided when I came over that I wanted to make fundamental changes in the way Barcelona played,” Terry Venables, who won the title with Barça and lost the 1986 European Cup final on penalties, told Hugh McIlvanney in 1985. “It wasn’t easy. Apart from the obvious difficulties of altering the formation, the playing system and the attitudes of the team, I had to do it without the knowledge of the language. Mind you, those restrictions may have encouraged me to concentrate on essentials, to simplify what I was getting across to the fellas. “There were many other changes I worked for, such as what we call pressing the ball, which means hustling the opponents in possession with three or four players at one time and trying to rob him in parts of the field where we could counter-attack fast and effectively – instead of falling back and only winning the ball when their whole team is in front of you. If you can win it halfway through their team you have only maybe five guys to get past to reach goal. It sounds childishly simple but when you can get the chaps doing it life becomes a lot easier out there.” Gegenpressing, clearly, was not a Kloppian invention. Kendall almost replaced Venables at Barcelona in 1986, but after that move collapsed he went to Bilbao, despite being second choice behind Kenny Dalglish. “Many people were surprised at my choice of club,” he wrote in his autobiography . “Athletic Bilbao were not a Barcelona or a Real Madrid, but they were a formidable club with a great history and proud tradition, very much like Everton.” Kendall lived at the training ground during his early days in Spain, which might sound a little grim, but he seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. “Every morning I was simply going downstairs and getting changed and going out on the training ground,” he wrote. “It was fabulous.” They finished fourth in Kendall’s first campaign, which was quite a success given that they only avoided relegation in a play-off the previous season. He stayed for another season and a bit, before he and the club mutually decided to part ways (and it really did sound mutual, the Bilbao president throwing Kendall a going away party) in 1989, during which time he turned down a move to Newcastle, a significant pull given they were his hometown club. When managers were sacked, they were welcomed home with a shrug, sympathy and words of comfort. When Barcelona dismissed Venables, a few games into the 1987-88 season and a little more than a year removed from losing in the European Cup final having also won the league, David Lacey wrote in the Guardian: “History will show that in a long line of famous names who have come and gone at the Nou Camp, Venables has done better than most. He has been Barcelona’s longest serving post-war manager and, impressive though their credentials were, his immediate predecessors, Cesar Menotti and Udo Lattek, could not win the championship … Barcelona have not solved anything by dismissing Venables.” That last point wouldn’t prove entirely correct; after interim spells by Luis Aragonés and old faithful Carles Rexach, Barça’s next manager was Johan Cruyff, who did pretty well there, on balance. Pinterest Ron Atkinson enjoys the Spanish sunshine. Photograph: Karen Robinson for the Observer Atkinson probably got the roughest end of the Spanish presidential stick, employed as he was by Jesús Gil, the “eccentric” Atlético owner who had a nice sideline in industrial manslaughter; in 1969, 58 people died after an apartment block built by Gil’s construction firm collapsed, a later investigation revealing that the building had been thrown up without fripperies such as architects and plans, plus – a minor detail, this – the cement hadn’t properly set when people were allowed in. He was given a five-year prison sentence, but received a pardon from General Franco. You can always rely on your mates to get you out of trouble. “Jesús was a big man, around 6’5” built like a fighting bull with a larger than life personality – almost beyond the normal rules of sanity,” said Atkinson, inviting pot/kettle comparisons. “Controversy was his favourite, almost obsessive, game and did he love hogging those headlines. He strutted around and left me with the impression of what Benito Mussolini must have been like in his early days of power.” When Atkinson arrived in Madrid, he recruited Colin Addison as his assistant, who had been his No2 at West Brom and had some success in Spain himself, having won promotion with Celta Vigo, in theory to provide some stability. The problem there was that Gil, who Atkinson nicknamed “Mad Max”, didn’t exactly place a premium on such things. Atkinson was only in charge for 15 games before Gil sacked him, something he apparently only discovered through Addison, who was installed in the top job. “Perhaps I was too honest,” said Atkinson at the time, “and kicked too many backsides at the club. Certain people behind the scenes didn’t like that one little bit. They are not used to straight talking.” Such straight talking was apparently absent in the transition from assistant to manager. “What happened is very unfortunate,” said Addison at the time. “I have since spoken to Ron and there is no animosity.” But apparently this wasn’t a view shared by Atkinson, who in his autobiography questioned the speed with which Addison accepted the job, implying that his former trusted right-hand man had stabbed him in the back. Addison, though, paints a slightly different picture. “We knew something was up when Jesus phoned me in our hotel one night,” said Addison a few years ago . “I told him I didn’t like the fact that he was ringing me and not Ron, and as soon as I put the phone down I told Ron immediately. ‘I’ve just had Mad Max on,’ I said. That night, over a beer, Ron knew what was coming and told me to take the job if I was offered it. He never put that in his book. Instead, he claimed the first thing I did when the offer came was moan to him that I had not been given any more money. I think Ron was hurt by the episode, but it saddens me when I think that he called me to help him with his autobiography.” Footgolf: it's harder than it looks Read more Language was another hurdle to overcome. When Jock Wallace, the Rangers great and former Leicester manager, took over at Sevilla, there were inevitable concerns about communication, which would eventually spell the end for him in Spain. “As long as there is an interpreter I’ll be fine,” Wallace, known as ‘Mister Wolla’ by the players, said. “After all, I had trouble being understood in England when I was with Leicester!” To combat the problem, he hired a Leicester restaurateur named Raymonde Fernandez as his translator, and also employed the services of a US-born bullfighter to teach him the language. The initial signs on that score were good, with his assistant Domingo Perez quoted in Jeff Holmes’s book Blue Thunder: The Jock Wallace Story : “Jock has no trouble with Spanish at his team briefings. But when he talks in English we all get a bit lost.” However, the communication barrier was enough that, despite the club awarding him a new two-year contract at the end of his first season, he was sacked before the following campaign could even start. The club cited language problems as the key reason for his dismissal, although a falling out with star player Francisco was also said to be a factor. Like all fashions, eventually prevailing attitudes changed and the Brits dispersed. Atkinson and Wallace were sacked, Addison went the same way a few months later before taking charge of Cadiz and CD Badajoz. Kendall returned to take over at Manchester City and eventually went back to Everton (twice), Mortimore returned to Portugal in 1988, while Venables rocked up at Tottenham. Only Toshack remained, and although others have travelled that path over the years, none have done so in quite the numbers they did in those days when Spain was enamoured with the British “mister”.	Terry Venables
US President Ronald Reagan belonged to which political party from 1962?	Terry Venables - Wikidata Terry Venables English football player and manager Terence Frederick Venables Cite this page This page was last modified on 8 October 2016, at 23:17. All structured data from the main and property namespace is available under the Creative Commons CC0 License ; text in the other namespaces is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.	i don't know
Brothers Leon and Michael Spinks are associated with which sport?	Leon and Michael Spinks - The 25 Greatest Brothers in Sports History \| Complex The 25 Greatest Brothers in Sports History 17. Leon and Michael Spinks Sport: Boxing Accomplishments: Leon: Beat Muhammad Ali for heavyweight championship; Michael: International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee The Spinks brothers both reached the pinnacle of the boxing ladder, with each winning the heavyweight title at different periods of their careers (Leon in 1978, Michael in 1983). Despite Leon's gold medal and defeat of Muhammad Ali and Michael's Hall of Fame induction, both are more famous for their unceremonious losses rather than their strong track records of success. Both Leon (Ali rematch) and Michael (a young Mike Tyson) suffered defeats at the hands of a couple of the sport's biggest legends, forever associating their family name with the type of humbling defeat usually reserved for lesser fighters. WatchNow	Boxing
On the human body, exungulation is the trimming of what?	Leon Spinks is down, not out - SFGate Leon Spinks is down, not out Stan Grossfeld, Boston Globe Published 4:00 am, Sunday, December 25, 2005 2005-12-25 04:00:00 PDT Columbus, Neb. -- At the Columbus Family YMCA on a recent Saturday morning, the Champ punches only a time clock. The man who dethroned Muhammad Ali on a February night in 1978 in one of the greatest upsets in boxing history puts on his gloves -- not the red Everlast boxing gloves, but the orange Rubbermaid cleaning gloves. He methodically gets the cart with the brooms and the cleaning chemicals and gets to work. Leon Spinks, 52, has crash landed in the Great Plains. Nearly broke but far from broken, the former World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association heavyweight titleholder (and Olympic gold medalist) spends his days fighting his demons -- dementia, boredom, and hangers-on who have taken advantage of him. He gives his glasses to Cassie Billings, a college student working the front desk, for safekeeping. "I tell guys I don't fear anything," she said. "I have a friend named Leon Spinks and he'll kick your butt." There's not a trace of sadness in Spinks. There are, he figures, people worse off than him. "It ain't what you do," said the custodian. "It's how you do it. Ali is puffy and shaky under the hold of Parkinson's Disease. The Louisiana Superdome , which hosted Ali-Spinks 2 just seven months after their first fight, is closed, ravaged by Katrina's wallop, and New Orleans citizens are still reeling and homeless. But Spinks is putting in an honest day's work. "You do the best you can," he said. He still carries himself with dignity, still flashing that internationally recognized gap-toothed smile, even as everyone is whispering why. Why is Leon Spinks here, in Columbus, a town of 20,971 split by the Union Pacific railroad tracks? "Well, I'm still breathing, still making money," said Spinks, who acknowledges he came here after being smitten by a woman he met on the road. "I'm happy 'bout life. Still trying. I ain't giving up on life." The years have been tough. Spinks got divorced and lived briefly in an East St. Louis shelter. He was a greeter at Mike Ditka 's restaurant in Chicago. He says he helped start a gym in Detroit and did odd jobs in California. Now he cleans the local YMCA for $5.15 an hour on weekends, sometimes unloads trucks at McDonald's, and volunteers to help the homeless. He also never turns away a kid looking for an autograph or advice. "Sometimes it's good to get away from the city and get a little clean air, a little space," said the Champ. "I'd love to teach kids how to box here. There's nothing to do here but get in trouble." Twenty-seven years later, he's still strong, his biceps still bulging, still no man to mess with. He wears a Spiderman knit cap under a Chicago White Sox baseball cap, a green pullover over a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and work shoes. Only when he moves does he appear stiff, and he walks with a slight limp. Sandy Staverman , another custodian, asks a photographer to take her picture with the Champ. "He's really neat, he's got a great personality," she said. "He acts like an everyday human being." Bob Lauterbach, executive director of the Columbus Family YMCA, agrees. "I call him Champ, and he likes that," he said. "We get a ton of phone calls, mostly people wanting him to sign stuff. He's real, real quiet. He gets challenged in bars. An African American in Columbus is going to stick out. But people are generally kind. He's a proud man and very humble. His situation has made him more humble. He's a good guy. He just wants to be a viable entity. When I told him everyone at the Y has to pass a CPR class, he took it and he passed it." The Champ spoke to the kids in the Y. "When they found out he won the championship of the world by beating Ali, they flipped out," says Lauterbach. "He told them, 'Don't do drugs.' Everybody applauded." On his tour of duty, one shy boy follows the Champ around and watches him mop the floors. Finally, Spinks gently puts his arm around him and poses for a picture, then he gets back to work. The boy, on top of the world, takes his smile and runs to tell his friends. Spinks does his chores methodically, never taking a break. He says the older kids ask his advice. "Kids come up to me when they see me cleaning, and I tell them my opinion," he said. "The kids are thrilled to meet me and their parents are thrilled, too." The Champ also likes his second job at the local McDonald's. "I get 50 percent off on Big Macs and everything," he said. Spinks also goes to several autograph shows each year. Last year, he worked at Emerson Elementary in Columbus as a volunteer at an after-school program. "The kids really enjoyed him," says Marla Kurtenbach , the school's after-school coordinator. Three of Spinks' sons followed in their father's footsteps and became professional fighters. Leon, the eldest, was murdered in St. Louis in 1993. Darryl had 20 professional fights, and their younger brother, Cory, born just five days after his father beat Ali, is a former welterweight champion. "I didn't push (Cory)," said Leon. "I wanted him to decide if he wanted to go into boxing and he did. Can't blame it on me." Looking back, Spinks admits he was immature. "When I had a kid, I was a kid," he said. "I wasn't around. I was too busy trying to figure out where I was going." Now it's payback time. "He's not helping me at all, but it's all right," Spinks said. "I don't ask for nothing." Glur's Tavern, (est. 1876), the oldest bar west of the Missouri River, serves fried gizzards, just the way Leon Spinks likes them. Brenda Glur , who was born here and whose relatives used to own the bar, makes sure Leon doesn't have to walk the icy streets. She drops the Champ at the front door. She never lets Leon, who's had more than his fair share of motor vehicle violations, drive. They met several years ago when Leon was barely existing in Brandon, Mo., and Glur was a wardrobe dresser for a Rockettes tour there. First they became friends, the country girl brought up in the cornfields of Nebraska and the tough guy from the streets of St. Louis. Glur, whose grandfather and brothers were boxers and whose father was a Golden Gloves champion, says Leon always makes her laugh. She fell for him and vowed to help him. "I felt Leon had more potential than to just be put up in some creepy place to sit until he had some engagement to go to that someone would set up for him," she wrote in an e-mail. "A couple summers ago he was set up to stay in the back room of a stinky old gym. I went to stay with him, but I couldn't stand it. We slept on this dirty old floor and used a creepy bathroom with no light. He had stayed there for over a month already, by the time I got there. I could only take it for a couple of days! We had to leave." "She's my friend and my lover," said Leon. They moved back to Columbus, two hours northwest of Omaha. "He has good days and bad days," said Glur, who is also Spinks' business manager. On bad days, Spinks is quiet and hard to understand, because of the missing teeth and complications from the onset of dementia. Spinks wants his epitaph to read "a hell of a fighter." But after he lost the so-called "Battle of New Orleans" to Ali, he became progressively mortal in the ring. He got one more crack at the heavyweight title, losing a title bid to Larry Holmes in a third-round TKO in 1981. Although he did win the cruiserweight title in 1982, he finished his career in 1995 with a professional record of 26 wins, 17 losses, and 3 draws. But his legacy is diminished by hanging on too long, drinking too much, and fighting for measly purses. He became the only former heavyweight champ to get knocked out in the first round by a fighter making his pro debut when he lost to John Carlo in 1994. Does he believe the dementia is a result of the blows he received? "Maybe," he said, shrugging his broad shoulders. "I'm not Dr. Kildare." "I got hit a lot. I'm glad I lived through it." Today is a good day. "If you take a little time to learn to listen to me then you might learn something," he said. "If I can give you some kind of knowledge of life you should listen." When he became the champion, Spinks -- sporting his trademark toothless grin -- was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The smile looks the same today. "No, I ain't no vampire," he said with a laugh, noting that he first lost his teeth in 1972, when he was head-butted while sparring in the Marines. "Sometimes I leave my teeth in the hotel," he said. "One time they were stolen by a maid or somebody who got a key to my room and they got my teeth. They were in a plastic container." Spinks is a generous man. He has a dozen close friends who watch his back. "There's a sweet spirit about him; he's a humble man," said chaplain Don Konrad , director of the Men's Ministry of the Columbus Rescue Mission. Konrad says Spinks helps in the kitchen. "He's very unpretentious," said Konrad. "There's no airs about him, he's just Leon our friend." Spinks also helps give out awards at the Special Olympics, one of his favorite activities. On a Friday night, Spinks sits at the bar and has a few 32-ounce $2 beers and maybe a shot or three of Cognac or Crown Royal. A few patrons ask for and receive his autograph. But on the way to the men's room, a young local gives him a sharp elbow. Spinks lets it go. "I don't hurt anybody," he said. But he did get his favorite cap robbed in a Columbus bar. "He snatched it off my head," Spinks said. "It said, 'Heavyweight Champion of the World Leon Spinks.' It had like diamonds on it, but it wasn't real. The guy thought it was diamonds so he snatched it off my head and ran out the back door." But when a local newspaper reported the crime, the petty thief returned with a guilty conscience. "He gave it back to me," Spinks said. "He said he was sorry he took it, gave me $20, and handed me a drink." Spinks, who was arrested in April 1978 for cocaine possession, is told that the public perception of him is that he partied away the nearly $5 million he made from fighting. "That's (expletive)," he said. "That's what people think. I was stupid and I gave (the lawyers) power of attorney." He says he never saw a penny of the $3.75 million he made for Ali-Spinks 2. "Well, what can you do about it?" he said. "The money they stole. They stole all my money." Spinks admits he tried drugs, but not during his boxing career. "I'll tell it like it is," he said. "I did try (cocaine). I tried it in the service but I didn't like it and I got away from it. I smoked marijuana. I did pills. I tried speed in the service. I've seen how it affects other guys. It wasn't good for me. I never did crack. I never used a needle. I saw other guys do that and it ruined their whole life. "Oh, I partied with booze and smoked a little pot. I tried it but I never loved it. Mr. T. was my bodyguard. I got him started in the movies. They wanted me for those roles." Spinks finishes the night at a Karaoke bar, where he wins a game of 8 ball pool, signs more autographs, and gets drinks sent over by fans. He plays a video card game for an hour and when he finishes, three of the top-five all-time scores read "LeonSpinksJr." Leon grew up St. Louis. His father wasn't around much. "Everyone in our neighborhood, we stayed in the projects," he said. "If you couldn't box, you'd get your (butt) whipped. "I went into the Marines to get away from drugs. My birthday was July 11 -- 7-11 -- but I don't know how lucky I was." He joined the Marines and won a gold medal in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, a member of perhaps the greatest U.S. boxing team in history (along with his brother, Michael, and Sugar Ray Leonard). "I enjoyed the service, it's the best thing for a young man," Spinks said. In the Games, he looked beaten against Cuban boxer Sixto Soria after being staggered early in the third round. But instead, he moved in and exploded with a fast flurry of punches, punctuated by his haymaker overhand right, that ended the fight later in the round. It was during the Cold War, and Spinks had beaten a Russian and a Cuban for gold. Surprisingly, he ranks beating Soria higher than beating Ali. "Oh, the gold, man," Spinks said. "It was great. I fought for my country. I represented the United States. They can take away the title. Nobody can take (the gold)from me." But when he climbed into the Las Vegas ring to face Ali, he never had gone 15 rounds. He faced 8-1 odds. The Champ was fighting his idol. He says his mother sat with a Bible in her lap. "She snuck in," he said. "When I fought Ali, I was scared until the bell went ding," Spinks said. "Then I did my job. He talked a lot. He was the Mouth from the South. He hanged clothes on his mouth. "He said I was crazy. I talked trash to him. I came from that type of neighborhood. "He was talking trash to me. He said, 'You're going to tire out.' I said, 'C'mon old man, get in the fight.' " Spinks never tired and won a split decision. The Champ credits his trainer for the strategy to beat the rope-a-dope, where Ali covered up on the ropes and let his opponent get tired, then attacked him mercilessly in the late rounds. "My trainer said, 'Hit his arms,' " Spinks recalled. "Then later on Ali couldn't use them when he wanted. I was putting too much pressure on him. I knew he'd try to win the 13th, 14th, and 15th. That's the way he beat George Foreman . He got humbled. I had more wind than George Foreman. I knew Ali 'cause I'd been watching how to stay on him and when to lay off and save my strength. I didn't follow him around. I cut off space. "He wasn't in great condition. Ali ran out of gas and I could've gone 20 (rounds). I just know one thing -- I went with one thing my mother taught me. When a man hits you, hit him back." Spinks says he still respects Ali. "I grew up watching him fight," he said. "I listened to the Sonny Liston fight on the radio. "I think he's still the greatest for a lot of things in life he did. He lived his life the right way -- he chose the religious life." Spinks chose the fast lane. There are stories of Spinks sneaking out of his boxing camp to party and getting caught driving without a license and being intoxicated. But the champ denies he was not ready for the rematch -- 70,000 fans mostly rooting for Ali to become the first three-time heavyweight champ. "They didn't bother me, I blocked them out," said Spinks. "I wasn't out of shape. I'd put on some weight, but I was still in shape. How can you be out of shape? I went 30 rounds with the man." This time Ali, now 36, showed up in better shape and danced for 15 rounds, winning a unanimous decision. When Spinks watches an edited videotape of the fight in his apartment, he speaks softly and stares at the television. "I think I won the second fight," he contended. "I know they show just seven rounds in the whole fight. The ones I won they cut out. "Why just show seven rounds? Where were the other rounds? Why did he win a unanimous decision and not show the whole 15 rounds?" Did he protest after the decision? "I didn't say nothing," he recalled. "Why should I? It's politics. They wanted Ali. It ain't what you know but who you know." Spinks also replays some Olympic tapes, but loses interest and plays solitaire on the computer. He is unresponsive, his back to his company, and seems not to be listening until Howard Cosell announces that Spinks is an "untrained boxer." "(Expletive) Howard," he says without looking up. Spinks says he has neither the gold medal or the championship belt. Both were stolen from his mother's home in St. Louis. Both Spinks brothers won gold medals in Montreal. When Michael Spinks beat Holmes in 1985, the Spinks boys became the first brothers to become world heavyweight champs. But Michael Spinks kept his money and bought a $5 million estate in Delaware. Leon lost his. "Me and my brother are close," Leon said. But he won't ask him for financial help. "I'm not into that thing," he said. "I can make it myself. I don't pressure him. God gave me the strength to see, and breathe, and talk. Everything ain't gone. I ain't gonna ask for nothing." But Spinks does worry about the future. "I worry about that all the time," he acknowledged. "I want to live comfortably for the rest of my life. I need money. "I don't hurt nobody. I do what I can. I still help people as much as I can. I keep doing my best and hope God will lead me the right way. "If you want to be my friend, be my friend. If not, leave me alone." Latest from the SFGATE homepage: Click below for the top news from around the Bay Area and beyond. Sign up for our newsletters to be the first to learn about breaking news and more. Go to 'Sign In' and 'Manage Profile' at the top of the page.	i don't know
Lenny Small and George Milton are the main characters in which novel by John Steinbeck?	George Milton George Milton Bookmark this page Manage My Reading List George is described as physically small with very sharp features, an opposite to Lennie Small . Milton is the last name of the author of one of Steinbeck 's favorite works, Paradise Lost. In that epic poem, Adam and Eve fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. Because of their fall, mankind is doomed to be alone and walk the earth as a lonely being. Some critics believe George represents that doomed man who longs to return to Eden. His one chance to avoid that fate is his relationship with Lennie, which makes them different from the other lonely men. But despite this companionship, at the end of the book, George is fated to be once again alone. George's personality often reflects both anger and understanding. Of the two men, he is the one who thinks things through and considers how their goals can be reached. Once Candy makes the stake possible, George comes up with the details: where they will get the ranch, how long they must work to pay for it, and how they will have to keep a low profile in order to work for the next month. George also foresees possible complications and gives Lennie advice about what he must do in order to help their future. While George can be very rational and thoughtful, he also gets frustrated and angry with Lennie because the big man cannot control his strength or actions. George repeatedly gets angry, so much so that Lennie knows by heart what it means when George "gives him hell." But George's anger quickly fades when he remembers Lennie's innocence and his inability to remember or think clearly. George, unlike other men, has a companion and friend in Lennie. Because of this, Lennie makes George feel special. They are different from all the other guys, and George realizes only too well that they have a special bond. At the ranch, George often plays solitaire, a game for one. Without Lennie, George would be a loner. Even though George gets frustrated by Lennie's mental weakness, he also feels compassion for his friend. Lennie offers George the opportunity to lay plans, give advice, and, in general, be in charge. Without Lennie, George would be just like the other hands, but with Lennie, George has a strong sense of responsibility. In the end, he even takes responsibility for Lennie's death. George also understands that Lennie does not have an adult's sense of guilt and does not understand death or murder beyond it being a "bad thing." George makes it possible for Lennie — sometimes — to understand at least partial consequences of his actions. Unfortunately, George does not realize how dangerous Lennie can be, and this lack of foresight adds to the downfall of their dream. Their dream also sets George apart from the others because it means he and Lennie have a future and something to anticipate. Unlike Lennie, George does not see their dream in terms of rabbits; instead, he sees it in a practical way. Their farm will be one where they can be independent and safe and where he will not have to worry about keeping track of Lennie's mistakes. They can be secure and in charge of their own lives. However, Lennie is the one who adds the enthusiasm because George never really believed they could swing this farm of their own. He mostly uses the story to give Lennie something to believe in for their future. Only when Candy offers the stake does George actually begin to see that this dream could come true. But, realist that he is, George tells Candy over the lifeless body of Curley's wife , "I think I knowed from the very first. I think I know'd we'd never do her. He usta like to hear about it so much I got to thinking maybe we would [be able to have the farm.]" In the end, George Milton is man alone once again.	Of Mice and Men
How many zeros are in a US quadrillion?	Of Mice and Men Of Mice and Men: What's in a Name? by Joshua Powell ______________________________________________ Some parents go to great lengths to choose their child's name while others pick names from the air or follow a family tradition. An author is similar to a parent, often taking hours or days to pick the perfect name to represent their character or characters. John Steinbeck is no exception when considering the two main characters of his novel, Of Mice and Men. The names George Milton and Lenny Small are meaningful in the context of the story and the characters. In this tale of friendship and trust set in the 1930's, we are introduced into the lives of two men, George Milton and Lenny Small. The role each plays in their relationship is quickly established to the audience within the first few scenes. However, a deeper analysis beneath the surface of these character introductions will establish the nature of George and Lenny prior to observing their personal habits, behaviors and actions. How could we know their behaviors before hand? By simply analyzing their names we can draw certain conclusions as to their individualism and perhaps draw similar conclusions to the events that will take place as we read the novel. The name "George" dates back to the times of the Greeks. This name has its roots established in the Greek culture, as it is derived from the Greek word, "georges", meaning "earth worker." This name has coincidentally been entrusted to many national and respected leaders. For example, our first president was named George, and we have had two presidents named George Bush. England has endured rule under several Kings named George, as has Greece. Thus George is respectively associated with leadership and power and it is here where the meaning of George Milton's name becomes evident. Steinbeck may or may not have selected the name "George" for such reasons but the characteristics of the name are all too conveniently embedded in our character to not be questioned or examined. George Milton is obviously the stronger, dominant figure in Lenny and his relationship. George always controls the situation and speaks for himself and Lenny as if they were one singular person, similar to the way a leader may speak for his people or country. Also, the very meaning of the name is all too coincidental for the character's meaning. As mentioned above, George translated from Greek does indeed mean "earth worker" and according to the English meaning, it also means "farmer." Lenny Small, the last name appearing to be an outright joke about his frame, is also questionably titled. To fully breakdown the characteristics of Lenny Small we must address him by his full name, assuming that Lenny is a short form of Leonard. In analyzing this name we come to find that perhaps the character is a contradiction from the beginning. Leonard is a Germanic name meaning, "lion brave." Lenny Small, as we see, is anything but "lion brave" and constantly demands direction and drive from George. Why would John Steinbeck associate such a name with a character that he developed as an extreme opposite? One may conclude that the association of a lion may be used to compare Lenny's own strength to that of the animal and yes, perhaps Lenny's mentality can be attributed to this as animals are always seen as inferior to humans. Lenny is constantly downgraded as an individual and in fact the only time he displays any superiority is when he uses his strength, similar to the way a lion may display his superiority to other animals. Another conclusion one may draw from research involves the association of saints to these two characters. Leonard is the name of a 5th century saint who resided as the patron of peasants and horses. Lenny and George could be viewed as peasants, aimlessly wandering the countryside in search of a home, financially disadvantaged and always under the rule of a superior figure (i.e. ranch bosses). Perhaps the association to this saint could help explain Lenny's infatuation with petting soft things, as horses are very soft to touch, and if we notice he seems to be the most relaxed when he is settled in the barn with his pup, surrounded by horses. However, more meaningful is the saint name associated with George's saintly nature. St. George is a legendary hero for slaying a fire-breathing dragon who threatened the city of Palestine. This allusion is extremely significant to the novel. George plays the role of St. George, and Curley's wife could be thought of as the city of Palestine, threatened by the fire-breathing dragon portrayed by Lenny. The dragon invades the city and St. George slays the dragon, similar to the way Lenny invades Curley's wife by killing her and George in the end comes to the conclusion he must slay Lenny. One cannot help but think Steinbeck had some insight into these legends and saints when creating his characters and plot. In the end we are left with either a handful of coincidences or a list of qualities an author skillfully incorporated into what we now consider a classic novel with underlying themes and complexities. Steinbeck has always been regarded as a classic novelist and perhaps it is his use of subtle symbolism that subconsciously helps us to relate to his form of character development. Nonetheless, with all supposed symbolism aside, Of Mice and Men will always be regarded as a great novel and contain valuable moral sympathies no matter how far one may dissect implied meanings of a character's individualism.	i don't know
‘The Girl With a….’what’? Is a 17th Century painting by Johannes Vermeer?	Art and Artists \| American Girls Art Club In Paris. . . and Beyond American Girls Art Club In Paris. . . and Beyond Exploring The World In The Footsteps of The Artists and Writers Who Came Before Search Category Archives: Art and Artists Post navigation Reply I’ve often thought about how my time in Paris, as short as it was, managed to change me. And it seems I can’t stop thinking about the change Paris may have had on other artists, other women, in other times. I’ve taken a look at some of their lives to see if I can spot the power of Paris. American portrait painter Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942), who lived and studied in Paris in 1888-89, makes a great example. Celia Beaux, Self Portrait (1894) Maybe you don’t know much about Cecilia Beaux, but she has some pretty amazing paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago , Metropolitan Museum of New York , or my favorite, Sita and Sarita at Musée d’Orsay . Most people know her, if they know her at all, because William Merritt Chase called her “the greatest woman artist who has ever lived.” I’ve previously written about her struggle to obtain an art education in Philadelphia during the Victorian era. But what interests me the most is her time in Paris. When Beaux took her shot to study in Paris, it seems like it changed her life. She only spent a year and a half there, but when she returned home to the States in 1889 her career really took off. True, she was no slouch before Paris – she’d already studied for over a decade, worked as a professional and received numerous awards. She’d already had a painting accepted in the Paris Salon of 1887. So here is Beaux before Paris: Cecilia Beaux, Les Derniers Jours D’Enfance (1883-85), oil on canvas, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . This painting was awarded the PAFA Mary Smith Prize for best work by a local woman and was accepted into the 1887 Paris Salon. According to PAFA, Beaux considered this to be “a coup” that marked “a turning point in her career.” And this is Beaux after Paris: Cecilia Beaux, New England Woman (1895), oil on canvas, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Isn’t the difference stunning? It’s as if she moved from one century to another. And the difference wasn’t just in the vibrant new light in her portraits. As successful as Beaux was before Paris, her output of high profile portraits soared upon her return. She completed over 40 portraits in five years, including some of the most remarkable of her career. By 1895, Beaux was hired to be the first full-time female faculty member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Arts, becoming the Head of Portraits. If Paris did indeed spark Beaux’s success in the 1890s, what was it? The training in the Paris ateliers? The exposure to and networking with other artists? The chance to study from the masters in the Louvre? The experience of freedom as a traveler, an outsider and an expatriate? Or maybe it’s just in the air in Paris. Before I set out to walk in Beaux’s footsteps through Paris I decided to read her autobiography, Background With Figures (1930). I wanted to hear her Paris stories in her own voice and her own words. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the time I spent reading her book – she had a wicked sense of humor and a masterful ability to walk the fine line between truth and discretion. Here was a woman who had seen and achieved a great deal at a time when women of her social background weren’t really supposed to. Beaux is at her best when she tells the story behind her first trip to France. She had long dreamed of studying art in Paris. All the serious American art students were going. But Beaux had an additional, more personal draw: she was half French and was ready to claim her father’s heritage as part of her own. Once her first painting (Les Derniers Jours D’Enfance) was accepted at the Paris Salon of 1887, it seemed as though she’d earned the right to go. But she couldn’t go alone. In spite of the fact that she was 33 years old and had been studying and practicing art for over 17 years, she still wouldn’t travel to Europe without a female companion. Beaux was no rebel; she wouldn’t be breaking the social code that her fine Philadelphia family still observed. And so it was that Cecilia Beaux and her cousin May Whitlock arrived in Paris in a miserably cold January in 1888 and moved into an underwhelming pension at 12 rue Boccador, on the right bank between the Seine and the Champs-Élysée. Today this address would be considered one of the nicest in Paris, in the middle of the Triangle d’Or and just off of the incredibly expensive Avenue Montaigne. But in 1888 it was another story. Beaux described it in her autobiography with biting wit: Our pension was in the quarter of the Pont de l’Alma, but not near to the river and its beauty. All that a skimping French pension could mean in mid-winter was ours. . . . I had never known the damp, penetrating chill of never-heated houses in winter. . . . Until May, we never saw the sun. Beaux’s art training had developed her talent for looking at faces and recognizing the traits and quirks that nail a likeness, whether in pictures or words: Mdlle. de Villeneuve, our keeper, bore her considerable years, which had borne much skimping too, under a brown wig and a long nose. She carried Fi-Fi, a tiny, old dog, with rattling teeth and a cracked bark, constantly under her arm. She had bony fingers, and for the first time I heard the rattle, also, of keys. The visit of our blanchisseuse was one of our pleasures. She had apparently been forgotten in the gathering at the Judgment Seat of the Tricoteuses, left over from the Terror . She was huge, had an immense head with bold pompadour, and a beard. Isn’t Beaux hilarious? Can you imagine how entertaining she was in person? A bit like another one of my favorites, Alice Roosevelt Longworth. Together, Beaux and her cousin investigated the different private art studios open to women (L’´Ecole de Beaux Arts would not accept women for ten more years, in 1897) and chose the Académie Julien’s right bank studio at 28 rue de Faubourg. (This atelier would close at the end of the 1888 season and move to 5 rue de Berri, another address in the aristocratic part of the right bank. Also, I am following Beaux’s spelling here rather than the usual Académie “Julian.”) The Académie Julien was at the time the largest art school in Paris with over 17 locations, 7 of which were devoted to women. Beaux quickly learned that the rue de Faubourg location, housed in an attic near the Madeleine, was more for diletanttes than serious art students. In spite of the relishable novelty of the cours, and the new world I had expected and found, in the Life-Class, I had to sustain a grand déception. More even than on the instruction, I had counted on an association of superiority. I had worked alone, and fully believe that, in Paris, I should be among brilliant and advanced students, far ahead of a practically untaught American. I was to learn that the Académie Julien was a business enterprise, and could not be maintained for gifted students only. The personnel was heterogeneous (pp. 117-18). “The personnel was heterogeneous.” I can just picture Beaux saying that with a wicked little twist of her eyebrow. It turns out Beaux was disappointed with her fellow students’ level of talent, the instructors’ level of input and the overcrowded classrooms. The famous instructors came in to criticize only once a week, and when they did they rarely spent time demonstrating or analyzing the student work. Instead, they would go around the class with comments like pas mal and a reserved smile. Each class was filled to capacity. Punctuality was key or you wouldn’t get an easel close to the model. Beaux gave up the painting class and concentrated on nothing but drawing because she found it too frustrating to try to paint without enough elbow room. Atelier Julien, undated, and unknown which of Julien’s women’s ateliers this represents. Source: http://verat.pagesperso-orange.fr/la_peinture/Mixite_Beaux-Arts.htm Beaux had some limited praise for “the English girls” who came to study at Académie Julien, noting that they reached “a high average in their work.” To my surprise they were all original types. Later, I accounted for this by the fact that at the time few English women broke away from custom and tradition, Most of them were clergymen’s daughters who had decided against gardening, tea-parties, and the old women of the parish. This had required energy, and also that they should have had a pretty good start already (p. 118). Although there were some “original types” at the rue de Faubourg atelier, Beaux learned that another one of Julien’s ateliers was more competitive. Female students of the atelier at the Passages Panoramas included Russian Marie Bashkirtseff (1858-1884), and Americans Anna Klumpke (1865-1912), Lydia Field Emmet (1866-1952) and Abigail May Alcott Nieriker (1840-1879). Beaux looked forward to competing with her more accomplished peers, but when she did, she received a quick and sobering dose of humility. You can still walk through the Passage des Panoramas in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, the location of one of Académie Julien’s atelier for women. In March of 1888, two months into her Paris art studies, Beaux realized that she had missed the deadline to submit a painting to the spring Salon. She still hoped for an opportunity to compete at a school show, so she decided to enter a concours against the students in The Passages atelier. Her competition included the Californian Anna Klumpke, who had been studying at The Passages for years and who knew it was faster and easier to pull off a competitive piece in pastel rather than oil. Beaux, on the other, hand, attempted a large oil canvas and in her own words, it was a “nasty failure.” (No images of this painting remain.) Beaux didn’t even receive an honorable mention. For a woman who’d already had a painting accepted in the Paris Salon? Ouch. Beaux knew she needed to do something more in order to benefit from her time in Paris. The Académie Julien wasn’t going to change her life. But what could? Beaux was drawn to visit the Louvre, where she admired the Old Masters and Greek and Roman sculpture. One of her favorite things to do was to visit the drawing gallery early on Saturday mornings, before it opened to the public, and copy from the drawings of Raphael. Like most visiting Americans, Beaux made time to socialize with other Paris artists. Her aunt, Sarah Leavitt Austin, lived in Paris and studied with John Singer Sargent’s teacher, Carolus-Duran . Beaux’s Philadelphia art school friend, Florence Esté , enjoyed a nice little apartment and studio across the street from Luxembourg Gardens, near the heart of the art community on rue Notre Dame des Champs. Esté introduced Beaux to the prominent Philadelphia artists Alexander Harrison and Charles Lasa r, both of whom had graduated from L’`Ecole des Beaux-Arts and had settled in Paris. Beaux fully expected to befriend and network with fellow artists Harrison and Lasar. They were all from Philadelphia, they’d each studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts, and they were all in their mid-30s. They’d all had paintings accepted into the Paris Salon, and were about to exhibit their work together at the Pennsylvania Academy’s Annual Exhibition. The big difference was that Harrison and Lasar had studied at L’`Ecole des Beaux Arts. And of course they were men. Harrison gave Beaux the cold shoulder the first time they met, putting her in the category of all of the other “American girls” who were mere amateurs at art. That first spring of 1888 Beaux would attend her first Paris Salon, but it left her feeling discouraged. Although she was familiar the famous artists’ names on the plaques, she didn’t recognize them when she saw them in person. She remained an outsider, looking in: “The world of Art in Paris was in no wise opened to me, and in fact was too far out of sight to even be longed for.” And then came the summer that changed everything. And it wasn’t it Paris at all. When the Académie Julien closed for the summer, all of the artists of Paris deserted the city for visits to the countryside. Some left for the art colony in Giverny, while others heading south of Paris to the artistic villages near Fontainebleau like Barbizon or Grez. (Read my prior post, Visit an Art Colony in France: Grez-sur-Loing ). Beaux’s friend Lucy Scarborough Conant, a fellow American artist, was planning to spend the summer in Brittany with her mother. The Conants invited Beaux and her cousin May to join them in the artistic village of Concarneau. The seaside village of Concarneau today Concarneau then: Alexander Harrison, Haunt of the Artists (no date), Pen and ink. Beaux discovered that the same male artists who had snubbed her in Paris were friendlier in the countryside. Alexander Harrison and Charles (“Shorty”) Lasar were in Concarneau that summer too. Away from the gender politics and good-old boy networks of Philadelphia or Paris, they didn’t mind socializing and painting with women artists. They often went out to paint in plein air as a mixed group. Beaux started turning out lighter, looser canvases, learning to play with rich outdoor color, bigger brushstrokes and bolder cropping. Cecelia Beaux, Seaside Inlet, (1888), oil on cardboard, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Cecilia Beaux, A Country Woman, Concarneau, France (1888), Oil on canvas, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Cecelia Beaux, Landscape with Farm Building (1888), oil on canvas, 11x14in. Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Beaux was now welcome in Harrison and Lasar’s studios, and they began to visit hers as well. They soon became her friends and mentors. You can watch Beaux’s transformation take place in the course of one painting. She decided to paint two Breton women in their traditional collars and coiffes. Following Harrison’s example, she started with several preparatory oil sketches. It was the only way to capture the fleeting, blending colors of twilight, (as Beaux herself said) “the tones of coiffe and col mingling with the pale blue, rose and celadon of the evening sky.” It seems that it was right then and there that Cecilia Beaux learned about color and light. That white is never white, and that surfaces absorb and reflect the light around them. That a change in color and light can create your form. Cecelia Beaux, Study of Two Breton Women, Concarneau, France (1888), Oil on canvas, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Cecelia Beaux, Twilight Confidences (1888), oil on canvas, Private collection Harrison and Lasar began to believe in Beaux and urged her to continue her art studies in Paris if she truly wanted to “clinch it.” Their support was important. Beaux had proven she was no amateur and that she deserved to be taken seriously. Beaux’s summer in Concarneau gave her a taste of the power and joy that can be found within a circle of artists who have mutual respect and admiration. She finally found encouragement, affirmation, criticism and collegiality among her peers. And refreshingly, there is no evidence of any romantic entanglements in the group that could have complicated or compromised their professional relationship. In fact, Beaux rejected the proposal of an American suitor that summer, believing she couldn’t combine her promising career with marriage. Urged on by Harrison and Lasar, Beaux wrote to her uncle and talked him into financing another season of art studies in Paris for the winter of 1889. I believe it was the turning point of her life. And maybe it wasn’t the power of Paris at all, but rather, the the power of a summer outside of Paris. And now, her palette is now in the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian. Cecelia Beaux, Palette and 2 Brushes, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Spain, 1936. A Viennese art dealer and and his family have recently arrived at a dreamy villa on the warm southern coast of Spain. Their daughter Olive has just been admitted to the Slade School of Fine Art in London, but doesn’t know how to ask her father for permission to go. He wouldn’t approve. He doesn’t think women should paint. So instead of confronting her parents, Olive sneaks upstairs to the attic in order to paint in secret. Her new canvases are infused with the passion and inspiration she feels for her new home – the heat, the sun, the landscape, the orchards, but especially, the dark, handsome villager named Isaac Robles who has stirred up something new and deep inside her. Isaac is an artist too, but mostly he’s a young revolutionary intent on organizing and agitating for his cause. In the middle of this lush and provocative setting, Olive creates a painting that sounds just gorgeous: a loose, surrealistic view of the villa (they call it a “finca”) from the bottom of the orchards, with fields painted in “ochres and grasshopper greens, the folkloric tenderness of russet furrows and mustard browns.” Olive even surprises herself: She never knew she was capable of such work. She had made, for the first time, a picture of such movement and excess and fecundity that she felt almost shocked. Olive hides The Orchard under her bed and works on sketches of her muse Isaac (Isaac Chopping Wood, Isaac with Coffee Cup) until she is inspired to try an even more complicated painting. Isaac and his sister have told Olive about a old Spanish legend in which two sisters, Santa Rufina and Santa Justa, become Christian martyrs. (It’s a real story, but I’d never heard of it before so of course I had to Google it .) Two sisters are persecuted for their Christian beliefs during the Roman Empire. After breaking a pot with a pagan image of Venus, one sister is thrown down a well and the other is thrown to the lions. Somehow, Olive figures out a way to paint it. She calls it Santa Justa in the Well. The new piece was a surreal composition, colorful, disjointed to the gaze. It was a diptych; Santa Justa before her arrest and after, set against a dark indigo sky and a shining field. . . . The left half of the painting was lush and glowing. Olive had used ordinary oils, but had also experimented with gold leaf, which glinted in the light as she held the painting up. . . . In the middle of the healthy land on this left-hand side stood a woman, her hair the color of the crop. She was carrying a heavy pot with deer and rabbits painted on it, and its centre was the face of the goddess Venus. Both the faces of the woman and Venus looked proud, staring out at the viewer. I tried to imagine what this painting might look like. I can definitely see The Orchard in my mind’s eye, but not this one. There’s sky and crops and the full figure of a woman and a pot so detailed you can see the little deer and rabbits and the face of Venus. And then the other side of the diptych it gets even more complicated. On the right half of the painting, the crop was deadened and limp. The woman appeared again, except this time she was curled inside a circle, hovering over the crop. This circle was filled with an internal perspective to make it look as if it had depth, as if the woman was lying at the bottom of a well. Her hair was now severed and dull, her pot had smashed around her, a puzzle impossible for anyone to piece together. Around the rim of the well, full-sized deer and rabbits peered down, as if set free from the broken crockery. Venus had vanished. My goodness, what a difficult project for Olive to take on as a beginning painter. As I say to myself sometimes when I’m struggling with a difficult painting: “maybe you’ve bitten off more than you can chew with this one.” Olive has had no formal training – not that’s the only route to artistic genius, but it sure helps. And how quickly did she paint it? This complicated a composition would take days, weeks, even months. And how did she keep her act of painting so secret? What about the strong smell of oil paint (which her father the art dealer would’ve recognized)? Apparently Olive’s parents were quite distracted during this part of the book. The Muse relies heavily on the myth of original genius. It makes a good story. An untrained but inspired young woman creates a breathtaking piece of art without any training, instruction or advice. It sounds lovely, but I don’t happen to believe in it. That’s not to say the subject would have been impossible to paint. Other famous Spanish artists have taken their turn with the legend of Santa Justa and Santa Rufina, including Valasquez, de Goya and Murillo. From Jessie Burton’s Pinterest Board: the author standing in front of Francisco de Goya’s “Santa Justa y Santa Rufina” (1817), oil on canvas, Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain Diego Valasquez, Saint Rufina (circa 1630-1635), oil on canvas, Foundation Focus-Abengoa, Seville, Spain Bartolomé Murillo, Santa Justa (c. 1665), oil on canvas, Meadows Museum, Dallas, Texas. In fact, there is an interesting side story about this Murillo painting and its companion piece, Santa Rufino. When the Meadows Museum initiated provenance research in accordance with the recent effort to identify Nazi era looted art, it was discovered that these two paintings had indeed been stolen from the Rothschild family during World War II. The Monuments Men Foundation is currently researching whether or not the paintings had been properly restituted before they were donated to the Meadows Museum. Juan Barreto, Justa y Rufina (1989), oil on canvas, University of Seville, Spain Fortunately, I was able to put aside my misgivings about how Olive’s paintings came to be, because the story soon becomes a fascinating mystery. The Spanish Civil War intervenes with its tales of danger, tragedy, loss and confusion, and we’re not quite sure what’s become of Olive’s secret paintings, much less Olive’s family and friends. London, 1967. Odelle, a young Caribbean immigrant with dreams of becoming a writer nabs a typing job at a fancy London art gallery. She stumbles upon a long-lost painting that her professional colleagues attribute to a Spanish artist named Isaac Robles, who is rumored to have died in the Spanish Civil War decades earlier. (Remember that hot young revolutionary, Olive’s muse? Yes, him.) The gallery prepares for a show announcing its exciting new discovery and highlighting Isaac Robles’ short but apparently brilliant career. Odelle digs deeper into the painting’s provenance and makes an unlikely ally. As Odelle uncovers the truth behind the painting, she find the inner fuel to pick up her own neglected journals and return to her dreams of becoming a writer. In the end, it turns out that Odelle has encountered a muse of her own. As Odelle says in the last wonderful line in the book, “in the end, a piece of art only succeeds when its creator – to paraphrase Olive Schloss – possesses the belief that brings it into being.” ——————————————————————————————— And that, friends, is how you write a terrific book. Art makes for great stories, doesn’t it? Oh, and by the way, the author Jessie Burton has a fabulous Pinterest Board for The Muse. Check it out! The Muse by Jessie Burton. Highly recommended. 1 I’m thrilled to tell you about a new book featuring The American Girls Art Club in Paris. It’s called The Light of Paris , authored by Eleanor Brown, who also wrote the fun and quirky The Weird Sisters a few years back. Whether you’re a longtime follower of this blog, or you’re interested the history of the Reid Hall in Paris, or maybe you’re just a fellow Francophile, then you’ll love reading about Margie, a young American débutante who defies her family’s traditional expectations to spend a Jazz-Age summer at the American Girls Club in Paris, writing in cafés, meeting avant-garde artists and working at The American Library in Paris. My name is Margie too. How fun is that? It feels a little like reading one of those children’s books that you can have personalized with your child’s name. I was like, “Go Margie Go!” Margie’s story is told through the lens of her granddaughter Madeleine who finds Margie’s old diaries in a trunk in her mother’s house. The diaries reveal Margie’s secret life in Paris, inspiring Madeleine to rediscover her artistic talents and to pursue her own dreams. The plot might be a bit predictable, but who doesn’t enjoy a story set in Paris? And especially, who wouldn’t love to visit the Left Bank scenes around the Rue de Chevreuse and The American Girls Art Club in Paris? Here is a post I wrote during my own year abroad about the history of the American Girls Art Club in Paris, which includes some of my own photos to accompany the book. I’m posting a few more below. They may not be the best quality, but hey, I was there and it was cool. You get the idea. Reid Center Courtyard (The former American Girls Art Club in Paris) 1 As readers of this blog know, I’m a little obsessed with art history books, both fiction and nonfiction, and there have been quite a few good ones lately. I just took a stack to my painting class and passed them around. Here’s your chance to find out my recent art history reading recs too. The Last Painting of Sara De Vos by Dominic Smith (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, April, 2016). Haven’t heard of it yet? You will. It was named a New York Times Editor’s Choice, earning this fabulous review from the New York Times . This novel is a mix of your favorite art history novels, but it’s still uniquely its own. It blends themes from The Goldfinch (with fast-paced suspense, a mysterious art theft and its grasp of what power a painting can have over its beholders), The Girl With a Pearl Earring (in its gorgeous, tender depiction of painters in 1600s Holland) and The Art Forger (fascinating passages about forgery techniques; insightful consideration of the psychological effects on an artist who uses her skills to commit artistic fraud). To summarize, an art history grad agrees to “copy” a valuable but lesser known Dutch painting, At the Edge of a Wood by Sara de Vos (an imaginary painting by a real artist), knowing full well that it is probably going to be used as a forgery. The original is stolen and replaced with the copy. Decades pass. The art forger is now a respected curator and art historian specializing in female Dutch painters of the Golden Age, and when she mounts an exhibition, both the original and her forged copy of At the Edge of a Wood arrive on loan to the art museum. Which one is real? How can you tell? Will the curator’s shameful secret be revealed and her career destroyed? And what about the woman who painted it so many centuries ago? I especially appreciated the author’s enlightened approach to the psychological evolution of the female characters. (Is it relevant that the author is a man? Does that make it more of a writerly/moral accomplishment — or is that lowering the bar for men? Discuss amongst yourselves.) Too often in historical fiction, whether the author is male or female, women become powerless pawns in service of plot, or victims of gender-based restrictions. While it might be true to the period, it can make for dull, uninspired reading. And yet, to give a historical female character too much agency can feel false and anachronistic. In The Last Painting of Sara De Vos, Dominic Smith manages to capture the truth of the historical era without sacrificing the depth of female character development. Seriously, I almost stood up and cheered at the end when I learned the full story of the last painting of Sara De Vos. So bravo to the author for pulling that off. In addition, the author has a wonderful website you really need to visit to check out such things as: How to Forge a 17th Century Dutch Painting and “Forgeries and Figments .” Very highly recommended. I just burned through The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild (Knopf, November 2015). I just love the U.S. cover — very clever turning palette into a heart, don’t you think? I’m pleased to recommend it as another suspenseful art history novel. Once again we have an imaginary painting (“The Improbability of Love“) by a real artist, this time a French Rococo painter from the 1700s, Antoine Watteau. Check out the author’s website where she answers the question, Why Watteau? A young chef named Annie McDee stumbles upon the painting in a second-hand shop where no one knows its true value. Annie buys is for a song, and then curious, begins to research its provenance. The fun part of this book — a really clever move, if you ask me — comes when the painting speaks for itself. He has a distinctive voice, funny and full of insult and injury about the state of his neglect. As the painting says in his first turn to speak: I knew I’d be rescued but never thought it would take fifty years. There should have been search parties, battalions and legions. Why? Because I am priceless and I am also the masterpiece that launched a whole artistic genre. And if that isn’t enough, I am considered to be the greatest, the most moving, and the most thrilling representation of love. . . . Imagine being stuffed away in a bric-a-brac shop in the company of a lot of rattan furniture, cheap china and reproduction pictures. I would not call myself a snob but there are limits. In addition to the droll little quips from the painting, you have Russian oligarchs, greedy art dealers, clueless art experts and a Nazi art hoarder who has tried to cover up his past. Not all of these elements work, and some of the characters just clutter up the less-than-perfect plot. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed the passages about the cleaning and restoration of the painting as well as the research into its provenance. The plot is suspenseful, and you’re never sure whether Annie will be able to keep the painting safe from the many interested parties who would do anything, pay anything, to lay claim to it. Recommended. Another art history novel I’m really excited about is Georgia, A Novel of Georgia O’Keefe by Dawn Tripp . I am hoping my Chicago book club will read it this summer, paired with a visit to O’Keefe’s work at the Art Institute of Chicago . We all know Georgia O’Keefe from her later years as a painter of the Southwest. Maybe you’ve even been to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe . I knew that O’Keefe was born in Wisconsin and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, but then what? Hmmm, wasn’t there something about an affair with a New York photographer? Dawn Tripp’s novel begins in New York City in 1916, the year Georgia O’Keefe meets Alfred Stieglitz, “the father of modern photography.” Stieglitz and O’Keefe form a passionate partnership as lovers and fellow artists. Tripp was lucky enough to have access to the recently released letters between O’Keefe and Stieglitz as she wrote the book (they’d been kept under seal for 25 years after O’Keefe’s death in 1986). All of those powerful, tumultuous scenes between her characters are the real deal. As Tripp has said herself, “their love affair was a loaded one: Ambition. Desire. Sex. Love. Fame. Betrayal. A search for artistic freedom.” This story is about a woman’s fight to create and retain her own artistic identity. Stieglitz wants to control her but she’ll have none of it, even after their marriage. O’Keefe fiercely guards her independence and insists having “a room of her own.” (The key to any artist’s happiness, right?) In the end, O’Keefe’s “room of her own” was her home and studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she spent over 50 years of her life. In charge of her own life and art. The author’s website is worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about Georgia O’Keefe, including a fabulous Book Club Kit I plan to use myself. Very highly recommended. That’s when I pulled out the famous quote from William Merritt Chase, and said pretty indignantly, well, another famous artist once said “Miss Beaux is not only the greatest woman painter, but the best that has ever lived.” — William Merritt Chase, 1899. And they raised their eyebrows, like, “really?” So that’s when I resolved to dig deeper into Cecelia Beaux’s story. Who was she and why has her legacy faded so much in the last 100 years? And what about that interesting praise from William Merritt Chase? Wholly aside from the gender politics within that quote, Chase is making an unavoidable comparison between Cecelia Beaux (1855-1942) and Mary Cassatt (1844-1926). Cassatt would have been the main competition for the honor, such as it is. And yet today, Mary Cassatt is a household name and Cecelia Beaux is not. It shouldn’t be that way. Beaux and Cassatt’s Beginnings Cassatt and Beaux had much in common. They each had French blood: Beaux’s father was from Avignon, Cassatt’s ancestors on her father’s side were French Huguenots from Normandy. Both Cassatt and Beaux spoke fluent French, which might just seem like an interesting coincidence, but then, they both found success in Paris art circles, which is no small thing for an American. Beaux later attributed her talent to “the priceless heritage” she received from her French father, who did indeed have some natural talent for art, often drawing charming little animal sketches for his daughters. Both Beaux and Cassatt were raised in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. Their well-off families could afford to support their art studies, although the Levitt-Beaux family was less so due to some reversals and hardships, including business failures and the death of Cecelia’s mother 12 days after her birth. However, both families still considered themselves “proper” and tended to follow the social proprieties of the Victorian era, which limited the opportunities for their daughters. Cassatt (1844-1926) was a decade older than Beaux (1855-1942), but they both started studying art at a very young age, first privately and then at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia, Cassatt from 1860-1862, Beaux from 1876-1878. Together, their stories reflect the achingly slow pace of change in 19th century art studies for women. Cassatt studied in PAFA’s Antique Class (copying from plaster casts) from 1860-62 during the “fig leaf era,” a time when women were deemed too sensitive to observe sculpture in mixed company unless the male sculptures were discreetly adorned with fig leaves. There were no life drawing classes for women. In 1860, Cassatt’s class of women did receive permission to pose for each other, but it would only be for one hour at a time in a private modeling room and without an instructor. And one would assume with their clothes on. Given these restrictions, Cassatt left the United States to travel and study art in Europe with her family in 1865, when she was only 21 years old. In case you missed it, I’ve previously written about Mary Cassat in Paris and in her country homes outside of Paris, Chateau de Beaufresne in Le Mesnil-Theribus and Bachivillers, France. Beaux’s Art Studies in Philadelphia Unlike Cassatt, Beaux studied art in Philadelphia for over 10 years, beginning at age 16. Her studies would be very start-and-stop as she hopped from one teacher to another, and given the limitations of her early instruction, her talents would be slow to develop. Which just goes to show that Linda Nochlin (author of “Why Are There No Great Women Artists?”) was right, it really does matter how you study art and with whom. From the beginning, Beaux’s studies were subject to the approval of her uncle, William Foster Biddle, not her father. Beaux’s father had returned to France in 1861 after his American textile business failed, and did not return for 12 years. He left his daughters in the hands of their grandmother, their aunts and their Uncle Will, who would act as the patriarch of the family. By the time Beaux was 16 years old, it was clear she did not excel in her academic studies at the Lyman School for Girls. “My reports were not bad, but they were not very good,” admitted Beaux. In 1871 Uncle Will decided she could quit school and pursue art studies instead. He sought not professional instruction but a ladylike approach suitable for a young woman who would soon be thinking of marriage. Professional art classes at the PAFA were out of the question. The progressive women students of PAFA had filed a petition to enroll in life drawing classes. While the petition was granted in 1868, they were only allowed to use female models. Still, Uncle Will would not have approved. He was spared that decision because in 1870, PAFA closed its doors in order to build a new building with much more room for art classes. His niece would need to study elsewhere. Standing since 1876, The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA Uncle Will was able to make what he thought to be a thoroughly safe choice for Beaux’s first teacher: his own relative Catherine Ann Drinker (“Aunt Kate”), who had already studied at PAFA and opened her own studio by the age of 30. As Beaux herself said, “I think that, secretly, my uncle shrank from launching me away from the close circle of home, and thought that if I must go out, I could not be in a safer place.” Beaux’s studies with Drinker, which started in 1871 and lasted only a year, consisted of making conté crayon copies of lithograph copies of Greek sculptures. (So in other words, Beaux would be 3 times removed from actual contact with a real live model. Can’t get much more proper — or inadequate — than that.) It turned out that Beaux was frustrated with her drawings at Catherine Drinker’s studio, calling them “correct and ugly, a hateful travesty to the eyes.” But Drinker offered a different kind of education: what the life of a professional female artist could be like. It turns out it was more sophisticated and social than Uncle Will had expected. Drinker invited Beaux to stay at the studio after lessons were over and to join her artistic circle of friends. Beaux was inspired but Uncle Will was not pleased. When Drinker became engaged to one of the men in her circle (a man 8 years younger, go Aunt Kate!), she recommended that Beaux sign up for art school. Knowing Uncle Will would expect a segregated class for women, Drinker recommended a class offered by the Dutch artist Francis Adolf Van der Wielen. Beaux entered Van der Wielen’s class in 1872, but was required to prove herself proficient in enlargements and perspective in order to be promoted to the Antique Class, where she would draw copies of plaster casts. Undated photo of a drawing studio at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, in what would have been an “Antique Class.” In her autobiography, Beaux offers a delightful rant that explains exactly why copying from plaster casts was such an “impoverished” way to study art. I soon found myself before a large piece of white paper and one of the plaster busts. It was not the head of the Medici Venus, which I had never seen, of course, but something like it, and even less interesting, and it was placed in a broad hard light and had no silhouette, or mystery of lighting, no motivity. It was an object which took me nowhere and brought me nothing, as I now see, because it represented a series of contradictions. I suspect that it was a Roman bust, and without original impulse. Of course, it had the highly sophisticated syntheticism of the Greek ideal for its origin, but refined away to negative import and diluted artificialdom, it had only in the plaster pretended substance, which the marble would have made existent and absolute, even in abstraction. The surface of plaster of Paris gives no clue to its substance, though the forms it is the mould of were decisive, though abstract. So firm, in fact, that thinking back to the original that must have been, the idea of youthful body, tender cheek, lip and throat, seem to have been qualities to be rejected. Beaux wrote these impassioned words nearly 60 years later, after she had spent most of her life painting with live models. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a better explanation why women needed to be allowed to draw and paint from life, and not the cheap plaster casts available in their “Antique Classes.” Beaux’s fondest memory of her year with Van der Wielen was when a fellow student brought in a gift from her fiancé, a young doctor, complete set of bones of the skull. The students copied them all in pencil, enjoying the play of organic curves, modeling and lighting for the first time. Years later, Beaux credits this knowledge of the human skull for giving her a “predilection for portraiture, and the manifestations of human individuality. I always saw the structure under the surface, and its capacities and proportions.” Classes at Van der Wielen’s would end in 1872, when a female student “succumbed to the manly charms of our director,” and with “her ample fortune floated them away, far from the ennui of class exercises in drawing.” (Isn’t Beaux hilarious?) Van der Wielen’s departure would lead to a teaching opportunity for Beaux. Catherine Drinker stepped into Van der Wielen’s position and in 1872, Beaux stepped into Drinker’s post as a part-time art teacher at Miss Sanford’s School for Girls. Beaux taught for 3 years. In 1874, Uncle Will introduced Beaux to a printer and she was offered her first professional illustration assignments, including a commission to illustrate fossils for a book on paleontology. In 1876, she would have attended the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, and was most likely inspired to enroll in additional art instruction of her own. Although Beaux denies it in her autobiography (interesting, that in 1930, after a long successful life in international art circles, she would still feel the need to defend her propriety), in 1876, the new PAFA building was completed and 21 year-old Celia Beaux enrolled in the antique, costume and portrait classes. Why the reversal for Uncle Will? For one, his fortunes had turned around and by 1876, there was plenty of money for more art classes for Beaux. Perhaps Uncle Will saw her as a more serious artist with professional potential, or perhaps Beaux was one of those insistent young women who finally wear down their father figure. Beaux even signed up for the life drawing class with the famous instructor Thomas Eakins , but only attended once. (I’ll bet she didn’t mention that to Uncle Will.) By this time, the women of PAFA were allowed to draw and paint nude models, although male models were required to wear a loincloth. Alice Barber Stephens, The Women’s Life Class (illustration for William C. Brownell, “The Art Schools of Philadelphia, Scribner’s Monthly 18 Sept. 1879) Beaux claimed that she avoided Eakins’ class because of Uncle Will’s “chivalrous and Quaker soul,” but in truth she might have quickly realized in just one session that Eakins’ life class was ripe for rumor and scandal. Although Eakins was greatly admired by many of his female students and has since been recognized as one of the most progressive teachers of the era with his emphasis on anatomy and the live human form, he would be forced to resign his PAFA teaching post in 1886 amidst allegations that he encouraged the female students to pose in the nude, that he exposed himself to a female student, and that he lifted a loincloth from a male model in the women’s life class. Beaux only pursued her studies at PAFA for a couple of years. It is possible that her uncle, who had been generously supporting her studies, decided that two years was enough. It’s also possible that life just got in the way, as it is known to do. These years were a time of courtship for Beaux and her older sister, which brought its social and domestic distractions. When Beaux’s older sister Etta married Henry Sturgis Drinker in 1879 and Beaux had no acceptable offer of her own, Beaux turned back to art classes. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say that Beaux found no man who was more interesting than her art. This time she would study china painting, a popular decorative craft that would have given Beaux something from which to make a living. After lessons at the National Art Training School of Philadelphia, she started to make money painting portraits of children on porcelain plates. She gave it a try for awhile but kind of hated it: “I remember it with gloom,” she admitted in her autobiography. From the image below, you can tell that Beaux’s ability to get a likeness is developing, but that her subject appears utterly joyless. (Then again, maybe he was a joyless little snot and she nailed it.) Cecelia Beaux, Child on Porcelain Plaque (1880), Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (not on display) Beaux’s Turning Point: Life Classes The turning point for Beaux came in 1881, when at the age of 26 a friend from her early days at the Lyman School invited her to join a life drawing and painting class supervised by William Sartain , a French-educated artist and successful New York professional. It would be the first time Beaux would ever take classes with a live model. She clicked with Sartain’s gentle style. Beaux began painting portraits with confidence and inspiration. Her work took a huge step forward. William Sartain Studio, http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/viewer/william-sartain-his-studio-5278 When Beaux wrote about her first life classes 50 years later, you can just feel the powerful impact the experience had on her: … the unbroken morning hours, the companionship, and, of course above all, the model, static, silent, separated, so that the lighting and values could be seen and compared in their beautiful sequence and order, all this was the farther side of a very sharp corner I had turned, into a new world which was to be continuously mine. Sartain was one of those rare artists who was also a magnificent teacher. Beaux describes his ability to communicate his vision: What I most remember was the revelation [Sartain’s] vision gave me of the model. What he saw was there, but I had not observed it. His voice warmed with the perception of tones of color in the modeling of cheek and jaw in the subject, and he always insisted upon the proportions of the head, in view of its power content, the summing up, as it were, of the measure of the individual. This ideal, the most difficult to attain in portraiture, is hidden in the large illusive forms; the stronger the head, the less obvious are these, and calling for perception and understanding in their farthest capacity. When our critic rose from my place and passed on, he left me full of strength to spend on the search, and joy in the beauty revealed; what I had felt before in the works of the great unknown and remote now could pass, by my own heart and hands, into the beginning of conquest, the bending of the material to my desire. What moxy! Beaux’s world had just exploded with confidence and inspiration. She would soon begin her own conquest of the art world, “bending material to her desire.” Cecelia Beaux’s Portrait Career is Launched It was about this time that Beaux rented her own art studio on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia (at first shared with cousin Emma Leavitt) and began painting portraits in earnest. The PAFA Archives contain some interesting photographs of the cousins in their studio in the 1880s. In 1883, Beaux found herself in the “large barren studio” with tall ceilings and full light, dreaming of a large picture. She began to sketch a composition in the style of Whistler’s famous Arrangement in Gray and Black #1: Portrait of the Artist’s Mother (1871), which she would have seen at the Centennial Exhibition of 1881. Beaux’s sister agreed to pose for the oversized canvas along with her wiggly 3 year-old son. She claims that “the presiding daemon spoke French in whispering the name of the proposed work”: Les Derniers Jours D’Enfance. Even if you don’t speak French you can still somehow understand “the last days of infancy” and the bittersweet intimacy that conveys. Celia Beaux, Les Derniers Jours d’Enfance (1883-5), oil on canvas, 46 x 54, Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts It took Beaux two years to finish the double portrait. She had never before done anything but heads. Here she had to figure out not only the full body, but the interaction of the two, as well as a background, table and flowers. And then the rug, which is way more difficult than it looks. (I know, I’ve tried it. My needlepoint rug looked great, but completely overpowered the rest of the painting.) It was ambitious to say the least. She received regular criticism from her former teacher William Sartain, who stopped by her studio whenever he could get away from New York, but other than that, she kind of figured it out on her own. She was 30 years old when she entered it into the Annual Exhibition of the Pennsylvania Academy and won the Mary Smith Prize for the best painting by a female artist. Now she was on a roll. She would soon complete Ethel Page as Undine (1885) — again, on her own in her own studio without dedicated instruction — and would win the Mary Smith Prize at the Pennsylvania Academy for the second year in a row. Beaux would work on over 40 portraits in the next few years, seeking to distinguish herself as a serious professional and not a dilettante, much like Mary Cassatt did in France. Celia Beaux, Ethel Page as Undine (1885), oil on canvas, private collection The Paris Salon Beaux’s biggest triumph as an up-and-coming artist would come in 1887 when her friend and fellow artist Margaret Lesley Bush-Brown offered to take Les Derniers Jours d’Enfance to Paris and to submit it to the Paris Salon on Beaux’s behalf. Bush-Brown was a friend from PAFA who had studied in Paris at Académie Julian with Jules Lefebvre and Gustave Boulanger, as well as Carolus-Duran and Jean J. Henner. Bush-Brown carried the painting on the top of a cab to the studio of Jean Paul Laurens for his advice. Laurens urged Bush-Brown to send it to the Salon. Despite Beaux’s lack of connections in the Paris art world, it was accepted. As Beaux said in her autobiography: It had no allies; I was no one’s pupil, or protégée; it was the work of an unheard-of American. It was accepted, and well hung on a centre wall. No flattering press notices were sent me, and I have no recorded news of it. After months it came back to me, bearing the French labels and number, in the French manner, so fraught with emotion to many hearts. Beaux describes how she sat and stared at her painting when it was returned to her in Philadelphia, resolving to go to Paris herself to continue her studies. I sat endlessly before it, longing for some revelation of the scenes through which it had passed; the drive under the sky of Paris, the studio of the great French artist, where his eye had actually rested on it, and observed it,. The handling by employés; their French voices and speech; the propos of those who decided its placing; the Gallery, the French crowd, which later I was to know so well; . . . But there was no voice, no imprint. The prodigal would never reveal the fiercely longed-for mysteries. Perhaps it was better so, and it is probable that before the canvas, dumb as a granite door, was formed the purpose to go myself as soon as possible.” Next Post: Celia Beaux in France Sources and for Further Reading: Cecilia Beaux, Background with Figures, Autobiography of Cecilia Beaux, Houghton & Mifflin Co. (1930) Alice A. Carter, Cecilia Beaux, A Modern Painter in the Gilded Age, Rizzoli (2005) – although note the book cover which appears below curiously says “Victorian Age.” My copy, and I am looking at it right now, clearly says “Gilded Age.” Sylvia Yount, et. al. Celia Beaux, American Figure Painter, High Museum of Art, Atlanta (2007), accompanying the 2007-8 exhibit by the same name at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Georgia, The Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, Washington and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cecilia Beaux: A Modern Painter in the Gilded Age by Alice A. Carter 1 Do you remember h earing about the 2012 raid on the small Munich apartment that uncovered over 1,200 works of Nazi-era looted art? In this book, Hitler’s Art Thief , Susan Ronald tells the whole unbelievable story of the men behind the stash: Cornelius Gurlitt, the 80-something owner of the apartment, and his father Hildebrand Gurlitt, a Nazi-era German dealer of modern art. This book is perfect for fans of the Monuments Men who wish for a deeper understanding of exactly how Nazi looting took place and why restitution remains so difficult. In particular, this book tries to explain what happened to the “Degenerate Art” which Hitler didn’t want, but was happy to profit from. It is a disturbing story with Hildebrand Gurlitt in the deep dark center, playing off both sides at once. A photograph of some the Gurlitt Collection supplied by the German prosecutor’s office to help identify potential claimants. For more information go to http://www.lostart.de . But let’s fast forward to the present for an update to the latest news about the Gurlitt stash. You might have heard that when Cornelius Gurlitt passed away in May, 2014, his will donated the entire “Gurlitt Collection” to the Kunst Museum of Bern, Switzerland . Interesting that Gurlitt did not choose a German museum, isn’t it? Before his death, Gurlitt had lawyered up and was fighting the German government, objecting to their warrantless search and seizure and demands for restitution. The Kunst Museum of Bern played hot potato, denying any prior relation with Gurlitt and hiring lawyers of its own. It took several months before the museum finally agreed to accept only those paintings that had not been looted. The looted art would remain in Germany pending a lost art claims procedure . Kunst Museum, Bern Switzerland Since then, a further wrinkle has developed. Although Cornelius Gurlitt never married and had no children, there are two surviving cousins – Uta Werner and her brother Dietrich Gurlitt – who have filed a legal challenge to the will. The Kunst Museum has said the donation is on hold pending the outcome of the matter in German probate court. As of October, 2015, the appellate court is considering a report by an independent psychologist regarding Gurlitt’s mental capacity to execute the will. Either way the court decides, it appears that looted art in the Gurlitt collection will be available for restitution. Both the heirs and the museum have agreed to cooperate with efforts to locate the proper owners of the looted art. The problem is, how do you know what’s looted if there aren’t good records? If the records are themselves fraudulent, missing or destroyed? And most tragically, when the original owners were murdered and the heirs don’t know or can’t prove what paintings are rightfully theirs? In many cases, Hildebrant Gurlitt bartered and traded “degenerate art” for traditional art designated for Hitler’s Fühermuseum in Linz, Austria, but sometimes he just sold it on his own account for his own personal profit, making it all more difficult to track. Sometimes Gurlitt just held onto it and hung it on his own walls. After the war, Gurlitt tried to sell some of the art for personal profit, but found it more and more difficult to explain their provenance or to find a way to launder them. So when Hildebrandt died in 1958, his son inherited the stash. Apparently, Cornelius couldn’t figure out how to sell it off either. And so it sat until 2012. Out of the 1,407 pieces of artwork discovered in the Munich apartment, and another 60-plus in two different homes that Cornelius Gurlitt owned in Salzburg, Austria, there are about 970 artworks under provenance investigation. According to the Lost Art Internet Database , the Task Force has categorized about 380 of them as “degenerate art,” which were for the most part confiscated from public collections and museums. The Task Force is investigating another 590 works for evidence of Nazi-era looting. Although this Task Force was formed in 2013, only four pieces of art in the Gurlitt Collection have been identified as looted and only two have been returned to their lawful owners. One of these is Max Liebermann’s Two Riders on the Beach (1901). Max Liebermann, Two Riders on a Beach (1901), part of the “Gurlitt Art Trove.” The Gurlitt Estate Task Force returned this painting to the heirs of its original owner, a Jewish art collector in Germany. The heirs sold it in in June, 2015 for approximately $2.8 million at a Sotheby’s auction in London. When the news broke about the Gurlitt treasure trove, a 90 year-old New York attorney named David Toren recognized Two Riders on a Beach from his childhood. He could recall seeing it at his uncle’s estate in Germany just before the war. Although most of Toren’s relatives died in the holocaust, Toren survived because he had been sent on a Kindetransport to Sweden in 1939. Torn submitted a claim the Gurlitt Task Force but encountered so many delays that he filed suit in 2014. In May, 2015, the Task Force finally agreed to grant Toren’s demand for restitution. They confirmed that the Nazis had forced the sale of Toren’s uncle’s German estate (along with Two Riders on a Beach which hung inside) to a Nazi General who planned to use the lodge as his retreat during the upcoming invasion of Poland. The painting would have been considered “degenerate art” and thus ended up in the hands of the modern art dealer Hildebrand Gurlitt. Gurlitt was supposed to find a buyer and to sell it on behalf of the Third Reich, but ended up keeping it for the rest of his life. To learn even more behind the true story of this and the hundreds of Gurlitt’s other stolen works of art, you’ll have to read the book in its entirety. It’s a fascinating book, but sadly, the story is not nearly over. It is likely there is even more of Gurlitt’s looted art collection stashed away in secret places. For further reading on the subject of Nazi looted art: 2 I just finished Little Woman in Blue by Jeannine Atkins , the fictionalized life story of Louisa May Alcott’s sister May Alcott Nieriker. Fans of Little Women will remember the artistic little sister Amy from Little Women, but in this book the real May gets her own voice and tells her own true and timeless story. In Little Women, Amy gives up art in favor of a marriage to the wealthy neighbor Laurie, spending the rest of her life as a genteel society woman and devoted mother. In Little Woman in Blue, Atkins reveals that the real May did no such thing; in fact, May was ahead of her time in her desire to “have it all.” But she met criticism from both sides. Her parents said they “didn’t raise our daughters to earn a living” and believed that “motherhood is woman’s highest calling.” But it was the criticism and advice from her own sister that May struggled with the most. Louisa May, who attained literary success but never married, didn’t seem to take May seriously. Louisa May often discouraged May’s pursuits, criticizing May’s artwork quite publicly. On the other hand, Louisa May did pay for May’s art studies in Paris. Oh my goodness, what a complicated relationship those sisters had. Even Mary Cassatt, who May befriends during her years in Paris, says “. . . women must choose. We can be artists or mothers.” Cassatt was known to be highly critical of amateur women artists who didn’t do serious work. “It’s best to be thankful to miss the danger of childbirth, then the diapers, the scuffles, and the noise,” she warns. The scenes with May Alcott and Mary Cassatt were some of my favorite passages of the book. In what must have been the spring of 1878, they go on a stroll to watch deliverymen carrying paintings into the jury for the Paris Salon (the same jury that would accept May’s still life but reject two of Cassatt’s). Later, May visits Mary Cassatt’s studio to find her finishing up “a sulky girl in a lacy dress sprawled on a big blue chair,” no doubt referring to one of my favorite Cassatts: Little Girl in a Blue Armchair (1878), National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Finally, Cassatt invites May to view the Fourth Impressionist Exhibition of 1879 in which Cassatt made her impressionist debut. May refuses to be discouraged by Cassatt’s professional advice, and instead takes her inspiration from Berthe Morisot, who by that time had married Eugène Manet, given birth to their daughter Julie, and still kept painting. As Mary Cassatt said to May: “She has a strong will and a bonne to help with the child.” (Ah yes, the key to every working woman’s success.) If you don’t know the rest of May’s story I won’t spoil it here. It’s a timeless story about persistence, hope, imagination and regret. I highly recommend that you read the whole book for yourself. In the meantime, you might enjoy reading the interview I had with the author Jeannine Atkins, in which we discuss women, art and the story of May Alcott Nieriker. Q: In your book, Louisa May Alcott was a difficult woman. Although you softened her a bit, Mary Cassatt was known to be quite difficult as well. So it made me wonder, which came first, the chicken or the egg? Were these women successful because they were tough and uncompromising, or were they difficult because of the unusual challenges they faced as ambitious, talented women of that era? Is “difficult” a gendered judgment in a world where mothers say “we didn’t bring up our girls to earn a living”? A: What great questions. I’m sorry the only honest answer is that I don’t know, but perhaps that’s where complicated questions lead. And I’m happy to speculate, which novelists get to do! Journals and memoirs suggest that Louisa was often carefree in her youth, despite the family’s hardships. Louisa notes a change in herself after the Civil War, when she was given calomel to treat the typhoid fever she caught as a nurse, and which we now know gave her mercury poisoning. Some of what we might call “difficulty” certainly came from physical pain. I think May saw a bit of her sister in Mary Cassatt, in that uncompromising drive toward art, and the way she chose a life without the comforts and compromises of a sustained romance or partnership. Mary Cassatt seemed to show a softer side in her relationship to her sister and women friends, and her paintings celebrate such tenderness, but was also driven as both an artist and businesswoman, promoting both her own work and that of other Impressionists. Both Louisa Alcott and Mary Cassatt became wealthy due to their own efforts, and I hope they felt some quiet satisfaction in that. Re your last question, I think that even today we tend to be harsher on uncompromising women than we are on men. I can think of some pretty harsh language that is reserved for women who persevere at work. Q: I was shocked at the unflattering preface that Louisa wrote in May’s Concord Sketches book and I assume it’s true. I’ve seen some of May’s artwork and I would agree that her talent at times appears undeveloped. To call her a student was probably fair, unless of course, you’re family and you should know it’s better to be kind than right. Why you think Louisa wrote it the way she did? Of course, I don’t have a sister, so maybe that understanding will evade me. A: I was floored when I opened Concord Sketches and saw the work within described in the preface as valuable for its subject matter, though not its execution. It’s one thing to critique verbally, and another to put it in print. Also, I can’t fathom what the publisher was thinking: how could this possibly help sell a book? Louisa was enormously critical of her own work. She enjoyed writing Gothic or lurid tales, but those who’ve read Little Women know she felt embarrassed by her interest in such, which Jo March’s beau chastised. Louisa had nothing good to say about Little Women, which would become almost instantly a bestseller and has never gone out of print. So being critical was her way of being, and she saw it as part of her role as a sister who was eight years older than May. Louisa left home to work at sixteen, when May was still a child. Some sisters can find it hard to see their grown siblings as they are, and Louisa came down hard on May, until it was rather too late. Q: How much fact vs. fiction is involved in your story about May’s Boston art lessons with William Rimmer? I loved the tough advice you had him give to May, and it seems clear that she would have benefitted from additional instruction at that level. Was Rimmer known to have been inappropriate with women students, or was that a creative inspiration? I loved the way you had May blame and punish herself for the incident in the hall. A: There are records of some of William Rimmer’s lessons and even guidebooks to the teaching artists of the time that would be considered libelous in ours. He had a bit of a reputation. I did make up the incident in his class but it seemed plausible to me. In classes today, there’s certainly still abuse of sexual power from instructors, and I know of young women who stopped taking classes or even making art in reaction to remarks made by professors. I hardly think such is new, or the self-blaming that often happens, and wanted to show that as one of the things that impeded May and other women from getting the sort of instruction they needed and deserved. Q: How did you do the research for the Paris chapters in the book? Did you get to go to Paris, or did you have to rely on research and imagination? What sites in Paris would be on your dream literary tour for your book? A: I did go to Paris, but also loved combing through old guidebooks (it’s great to live near university libraries!). Enough Americans were in Paris then that I also found details in the letters of Henry James, John Singer Sargent, and others, including May Alcott’s charming small book that she wrote with a primarily female audience in mind: How to Study Abroad and Do it Cheaply. She scolded Paris teachers for charging women often three times what they charged men and encouraged women to resist. (She also mentioned the best shops not only for paints but for hats and stockings: buy your shoes in England, but gloves in Paris). This book is now available as a reprint online. I was also delighted to visit Dinan on your blog . My dream tour would be to visit May’s home in Meudon, where Rodin also had a studio. Q: Where can we find images of May’s artwork online or in person? I’ve seen some of her work but I’d love to see more. I don’t think I’ve ever seen images of her two pieces that were accepted into the Paris Salon. A: As you inferred earlier, May’s art showed talent, but didn’t reach the heights where we’d expect it to be in museums. It’s the sort of art that a proud family might put on walls, which the Alcotts did, and because of her sister’s fame, it was saved rather than possibly being stored in attics or forgotten. At Orchard House in Concord, MA , which is open to the public, you can see some of May’s work. Drawings of gods and goddesses are on her bedroom walls, as well as her portrait of an owl and a flower panel in Louisa’s bedroom. Around the house are her watercolors of landscapes, copies of Turner, and a copy of La Negresse and the still life with a stuffed owl displayed in the Paris Salon. Q: I think you’re on to something here. Any chance you’re thinking about writing about another woman artist? I’d love to read a novel about Berthe Morisot, Celia Beaux, Rosa Bonheur, Mary MacMonnies or the Emmets. I hear there’s a novel about Georgia O’Keefe coming out soon. Any other women artists on your dream list? A: So many dreams, so little time. I’m not so drawn to write about someone like Georgia O’Keefe who left quite a bit of biographical information (and fabulous letters). I start in the margins. It was the brief allusions to May Alcott in biographies that pulled me in to use imagination to flesh out what wasn’t known. And I wrote Stone Mirrors: A Life in Verse of Sculptor Edmonia Lewis which is coming out from Atheneum/Simon and Schuster in spring 2017. We have some amazing facts about how Edmonia Lewis became the first person of color to gain an international reputation as a sculptor, but there were also lots of intriguing missing pieces. And a new woman with a role in the arts is taking shape at my computer, but she must stay secret until more fully formed. Thanks so much for the excellent questions! Links:	pearl earring
In human behaviour, rhinotillexomania is compulsive, obsessive what?	Johannes Vermeer \| The Book of Life Art/Architecture Johannes Vermeer We live in a world saturated with false glamour. In truth, the problem does not lie with glamour itself, but with the things we have collectively agreed to regard as glamorous. Progress wouldn’t be found in eradicating the whole idea of glamour from our lives. Instead, what we need to do is direct our admiration and excitement more wisely: to turn it upon the things which genuinely do deserve prestige. One of the fundamental things artists can do for us is turn the spotlight of glamour in the best – and most helpful – directions. They can identify things that we tend to overlook but which, ideally, we should care about a great deal. And by the tenderness, beauty, skill and wisdom with which they portray these things, we too can come to see their true worth. The Milkmaid, 1657-8 Serving women – and bread and milk – were not regarded as especially exciting in the late 1650s, when Johannes Vermeer painted this picture. He didn’t seek out a model who was already highly admired. Instead he spent his time looking very carefully at a scene which he happened to love, but which most people at the time would have considered boring and not worth a moment’s consideration. Vermeer saw in the serving woman pouring milk something that he felt deserved prolonged contemplation and admiration. He thought something really important was going on. By worldly standards, it’s a pretty humble situation. The room is far from elegant. But the care with which she works is lovely. Vermeer is impressed by the idea that our true needs might be quite simple. Bread and milk are really rather satisfying. The light coming through the window is beautiful. A plain white wall can be delightful. Vermeer is redistributing glamour by raising the prestige of the things he depicts. And he’s trying to get us to feel the same way. The milk maid is a kind of propaganda (or an advert) for homely pleasures. The Lacemaker, 1669-1671 Consider the painstaking, skilful – and commercial – business of making lace: Vermeer paints the self-employed business woman with the devotion and care that would, traditionally, be paid to a military hero or a great political leader. Vermeer was born in 1632 in the small and beautiful city of Delft, where his father was a modestly successful art dealer-cum-innkeeper. Vermeer stayed there most of his life. He never travelled away from Delft after his marriage (aged 21). He hardly even left his pleasant house. He and his wife, Catharina, had ten children (and many more pregnancies) and he did a great deal of painting in the front rooms on the upper floor. Vermeer was a slow painter and – in fact – not only a painter. He continued the family businesses of innkeeping and art dealing and he became the head of the local guild of painters. In contemporary terms, his career was not a huge success. He wasn’t especially famous during his lifetime. He didn’t make a lot of money. He was in fact an exemplary member of (in those days) a newly important kind of person: the middle-class individual. Vermeer was in his teens when Holland (or technically the Seven Provinces) became an independent state – the first ‘bourgeois republic’ in the world. In contrast to the semi-feudal aristocratic nations that surrounded it, Holland gave honour and political power to people who were not at the pinnacle of society: to merchants, administrators, prosperous artisans and entrepreneurs. It was the first country in the world to be recognisably modern. The Girl with the Pearl Earring, 1665 A great insight of Christianity – which is ultimately detachable from the surrounding theology – is that everyone’s inner life is important, even if on the outside they do not seem particularly distinguished. The thoughts and feelings of an apprentice tailor count for as much (from a spiritual point of view) as those of a General or an Emperor. Vermeer paints The Girl with the Pearl Earring with the same kind of consideration. She isn’t anybody famous or important in the eyes of the wider world. She isn’t rich. The earring that she wears is nice, but it is a minor trinket by the standards of the fashionable world. It is the one rather pricey thing she owns. But she’s not in need of justice – she’s not downtrodden or badly treated by the world. She is (for want of a better term) ordinary. Yet, of course, in herself she is (like everyone) not in the least ordinary: she is uniquely, mysteriously and profoundly herself. The Little Street, 1657-8 The picture which best sums up Vermeer’s philosophy, The Little Street, has become one of the most famous works of art in the world. It has pride of place in Amsterdam’s great Rijksmuseum; it is insured for half a billion euros and is the subject of a mountain of learned articles. Yet the painting is curiously – and pointedly – out of synch with its status. Because, above all else, it wants to show us that the ordinary can be very special. The picture says that looking after a simple but beautiful home, cleaning the yard, watching the children, darning cloth – and doing these things faithfully and without despair – is life’s real duty. It is an anti-heroic picture: a weapon against false images of glamour. It refuses to accept that true glamour depends on amazing feats of courage or on the attainment of status. It argues that doing the modest things, that are expected of all of us, is enough. The picture asks you to be a little like it is: to take the attitudes it loves, and to apply them to your life. If a good, decent society had a founding document, it could be this small picture. It is a central contribution to the world’s understanding of happiness. Vermeer did not live long. He died in 1675, still only in his early forties. View of Delft, 1660-1 But he had communicated a crucial – and hugely sane – idea: much of what matters to us is not exciting, urgent, dramatic or special. Most of life is taken up dealing with things which are routine, ordinary, humble, modest and (to be honest) a touch dull. Our culture should focus on getting us to appreciate the average, the everyday and the ordinary. When Vermeer painted the town where he lived he didn’t choose a special day; the sky is neither very overcast nor especially sunny. Nothing is happening. No celebrities are around. Yet it is, as he has taught us to recognise, all very special indeed.	i don't know
The 2000 Guineas Horse Race is run at which British race course?	2000 Guineas \| Newmarket Racecourse St Leger 2000 Guineas History The 2000 Guineas is of course one of the classics of British flat Racing and it is one of the most exciting races of the season with the very best three year-olds battling over the straight course on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket. The race tends to take place at the start of May each season and it gives punters the chance to run the rule over the stars of the season as we see many of them for the first time as three-year-old horses. The list of winners of the 2000 Guineas really are the cream of the crop, and it opens the way to potential runs in the Epsom Derby as well as big races at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood so it really is a race to get involved with each season. The 2000 Guineas is the first leg of the Triple Crown along with the Derby and the St Leger so it can be the start of the a magic season for the winner of the race, the last horse to capture the Triple Crown was Nijinksy in 1970 and he will be remembered as a great 2000 Guineas winner. There have been a number since then as well with all of the top yards sending their big guns to Newmarket at the start of each season, with the likes of Saeed Bin Suroor, Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien all having multiple winners of the race over the past 10 to 15 years. The Guineas is one of the most prestigious flat races in the world and connections are always eager to get their horses to the race fit and well to see how their star juveniles have progressed over the winter ahead of the all-important three-year-old season. Since the turn of the 21st Century we have seen some of the best winners of the race with household names like Rock Of Gibraltar in 2002, George Washington in 2006, Henrythenavigator in 2008 and of course the great Sea The Stars in 2009 winning the race in recent times. We all remember Sea the Stars going through a perfect season as a three-year-old but the 2000 Guineas was the race where he served notice of his brilliance, he followed the race win at Newmarket up with wins in the Epsom Derby, the Coral Eclipse and the Arc among others. The 2000 Guineas is always an exciting race with the runners taking on the straight mile and the draw can prove important to a horses chances, the course staff will always try to even out the draw bias but inevitably there is some advantages that show out over the two days of the Guineas meeting. Recent Winners of the 2000 Guineas �� 2000 - King's Best	Newmarket
How many avenues start from the circle of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris?	Newmarket Racecourses: The Home of Racing - July Festival \| Newmarket Racecourse Newmarket is a Jockey Club Racecourse 2017 \| Company registered in England No. 2909409 \| Newmarket Racecourses, Westfield House, The Links, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 0TG, Ticketing: 0344 579 3010\|	i don't know
In the British television series ‘Callan’ played by Edward Woodward, what is Callan’s first name?	Callan (TV Series 1967–1972) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error David Callan is the top agent/assassin for the Security Service (British counterintelligence), but he is an embittered man who performs his duties "for Queen and country" under duress. This... See full summary » Creator: Captured by the KGB, Callan is drugged, brainwashed and released - with instructions to kill Hunter. He obeys - but who actually dies? Hunter? Meres? Or Callan? Who get shot in the process? 8.9 Callan is ordered to investigate Joan Mather, a government laboratory scientist who has expressed concerns that her work might be used for biological warfare. 8.8 Actor Ronald Radd returns as the first Hunter of the Section, blood-thirsty Col. Leslie. Callan is then sent to nail two minor Russian agents working from a pet shop. 8.7 a list of 826 titles created 29 Sep 2011 a list of 43 titles created 02 Jan 2012 a list of 197 titles created 05 Nov 2013 a list of 43 titles created 7 months ago a list of 25 titles created 5 months ago Search for " Callan " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 1 win & 3 nominations. See more awards » Videos David Callan, top agent/assassin for the S.I.S., was forced to retire because he had lost his nerve. Now, Callan is called back into service to handle the assassination of Schneider, a ... See full summary » Director: Don Sharp The missions of an elite British Intelligence covert operations unit. Stars: Roy Marsden, Ray Lonnen, Jerome Willis Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk are private detectives who specialize in divorce cases. Their long-running partnership seems to come to an abrupt end when Marty is killed by a hit-and-run, ... See full summary » Stars: Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope, Annette Andre In the year 1980 the Earth is threatened by an alien race who kidnap and kill humans and use them for body parts. A highly secret military organization is set up in the hope of defending ... See full summary » Stars: Ed Bishop, Dolores Mantez, Michael Billington John Steed and his new accomplices Purdey and Gambit find themselves facing new and deadly dangers in the bizarre world of espionage. Mixing fantasy with a darker edge, the trio face ... See full summary » Stars: Patrick Macnee, Gareth Hunt, Joanna Lumley John Drake is a special operative for NATO, specializing in security assignments against any subversive element which threatened world peace. The series featured exotic locales from all ... See full summary » Stars: Patrick McGoohan, Richard Wattis, Lionel Murton Craig Stirling, Sharron Macready and Richard Barrett were agents for Nemesis, an international intelligence organization based in Geneva. Their first mission as a team was to investigate ... See full summary » Stars: Stuart Damon, Alexandra Bastedo, William Gaunt An elite department within Interpol, Department S inherited those cases which the other member groups had failed to solve. The brains of the group was Jason King, a hedonistic maverick who ... See full summary » Stars: Peter Wyngarde, Joel Fabiani, Rosemary Nicols A group of convicts and outcasts fight a guerrilla war against the totalitarian Terran Federation from a highly advanced alien spaceship. Stars: Michael Keating, Paul Darrow, Peter Tuddenham Complex, involved science-fiction series about a special force of interdimensional operatives whose task is to protect the universe from evil forces trying to gain a foothold by disrupting ... See full summary » Stars: David McCallum, Joanna Lumley, David Collings In this series, inspired by real events during World War II, the kind, intelligent and worrisome Albert Foiret runs both a café, which is the only notable public house in a small Belgian ... See full summary » Stars: Bernard Hepton, Angela Richards, Clifford Rose Terry and Bob from The Likely Lads (1964) continue their life after Terry arrives home from serving in the Army to discover that Bob is about to marry his girlfriend Thelma. Can Thelma lead... See full summary » Stars: James Bolam, Rodney Bewes, Brigit Forsyth Edit Storyline David Callan is the top agent/assassin for the Security Service (British counterintelligence), but he is an embittered man who performs his duties "for Queen and country" under duress. This bleak, "Spy who Came in from the Cold"-style espionage drama concentrates on the seamy underside of covert operations: assassinations, blackmail and dirty dealing. Written by Marg Baskin <[email protected]> 4 February 1967 (UK) See more » Company Credits Did You Know? Trivia James Mitchell created the gritty series as a reaction against the increasingly fanciful espionage images seen in The Avengers (1961) (for which he had written in its' earlier, more realistic days), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964) and the Bond films. See more » Connections Followed by Callan (1974) See more » Soundtracks Mitchell re-imagined his own character ... and it worked! 7 September 2013 \| by A_Different_Drummer (North America) – See all my reviews The other reviews will tell you that this is one of the best TV series ever, much under-appreciated, and worth your time. They are mainly right, with a few exceptions. First the genesis of the series is odd. Callan was originally a successful novel (younger readers, this would be in the days of paper and ink, not portable devices) and a solid action-thriller. The original Callan, as written, did indeed have a conscience but always preferred a quick and reliable solution (guns and bullets) to soul-searching. When the author, Mitchell, was approached to turn the story into a TV series, he did something very unusual. Where other authors will usually blame someone else for interfering with their work, Mitchell re-imagined Callan entirely on his own initiative, turning a man of action into man of conflict. With hindsight it was a brilliant decision. While we may never know what the British public would have thought of Callan as originally conceived (remember that TV violence was very stylized at the time, look at the Avengers, or Batman in the US) they simply fell in love with the re-imagined Callan as a soul-searching and reluctant spy. The show was #1 for several years and ultimately a much pudgier Woodward shuffled off to America to attempt to re-create the Callan persona for US tastes. With mixed success. 7 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes	David
What type of fish is a Sockeye?	'Equalizer' star Edward Woodward dies at 79 - LA Times Edward Woodward dies at 79; British actor starred in 'The Equalizer,' 'Breaker Morant' Edward Woodward in 1987 CBS Edward Woodward received five Emmy nominations and won a Golden Globe for his role as Robert McCall, a disillusioned former secret agent using his skills to help people who had nowhere else to turn to get justice, in "The Equalizer," which ran from 1985 to 1989. Edward Woodward received five Emmy nominations and won a Golden Globe for his role as Robert McCall, a disillusioned former secret agent using his skills to help people who had nowhere else to turn to get justice, in "The Equalizer," which ran from 1985 to 1989. (CBS) Dennis McLellan Edward Woodward, the British actor who starred in the 1980s detective TV series "The Equalizer" and the movies "Breaker Morant" and "The Wicker Man," has died. He was 79. Woodward, who had suffered from pneumonia and other illnesses, died Monday in a hospital in Truro, Cornwall, England, said TV producer Ned Nalle, Woodward's brother-in-law. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art who launched his career on stage in 1946, Woodward starred in "The Equalizer" on CBS from 1985 to 1989. He received five Emmy nominations and won a Golden Globe for his role as Robert McCall, a disillusioned former secret agent using his skills to help people who had nowhere else to turn to get justice. As McCall's newspaper ad put it: "Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer." "Edward was brilliant in his portrayal of Robert McCall," said Richard Lindheim, co-creator of the series. "One of the reasons for it is you felt beneath what he was doing the sadness and the pain that had driven him to do this. "The brilliance of his performance was not always what he said but the emotion in his eyes and in his behavior. And that's the real mark of a wonderful actor: the ability to convey emotion and have you understand his feelings without having to say a line of dialogue." At one point during the run of "The Equalizer," a survey found that Woodward, well into his 50s and with graying hair and a slight paunch, outranked Don Johnson of "Miami Vice " and Ken Wahl of "Wiseguy" in what one journalist described as "the sexy-detective stakes." "I take this with great humor," Woodward told Australia 's the Sun Herald with a raucous laugh in 1989. "I'm the one who gets up in the morning and looks in the mirror, and I don't see a sex symbol. I'm at a loss to see why women see me as a sex symbol. But that's their problem." Woodward had become a household name in Britain as the star of "Callan," a hit spy series that ran from 1967 to 1972 in which he played a British counterintelligence agent/assassin. He reprised the role in the 1974 movie of the same name. He also starred in the 1973 British cult thriller "The Wicker Man," in which he played a police sergeant who is sent to a remote Scottish island to investigate a missing girl and discovers that the locals are practicing pagans. At the time "The Equalizer" debuted, Woodward may have been best known in this country for playing the title role in "Breaker Morant," director Bruce Beresford 's acclaimed 1980 film about three Australian lieutenants on trial for murdering Boer prisoners during the Boer War in South Africa at the turn of the 20th century. "He was sensational in that part," said Beresford. "He's an actor with a tremendous emotional range." Beresford, who also worked with Woodward on the films "King David" and "Mister Johnson," said he "was lovely to work with. He was very unpretentious and had a remarkably easy manner" -- an assessment echoed by Lindheim. "In person, he was a wonderful, warm raconteur who told great stories where he would play every role and would keep you in laughter for hours," said Lindheim. Woodward also starred in the 1990-91 CBS series "Over My Dead Body," playing an English mystery writer and amateur sleuth teamed with a San Francisco newspaper obituary writer played by Jessica Lundy. Born June 1, 1930, in Croydon, Surrey, England, he attended Kingston College and entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at age 16. As a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company , he played roles in "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Pericles" and "Much Ado About Nothing." Other West End parts included the title role in "Cyrano de Bergerac" and Flamineo in "The White Devil," both for the Royal National Theatre in London under Laurence Olivier . He also appeared on Broadway, including in "High Spirits," a 1964 musical comedy version of Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit," with Tammy Grimes and Beatrice Lillie. Woodward, who was named an officer of the Order of the British Empire, also recorded 12 solo albums as a singer and won an Emmy as host of the 1989 documentary "Remembering World War II ." He is survived by his second wife, actress Michele Dotrice; their daughter, Emily Woodward Wakem; his three children from his first marriage to actress Venetia Barrett, actors Tim, Peter and Sarah Woodward; and six grandchildren.	i don't know
How many pips sound in the BBC radio time-signal?	The comforting tone of the hourly radio pips - BBC News BBC News The comforting tone of the hourly radio pips Magazine Monitor A collection of cultural artefacts 5 February 2014 LinkedIn Image copyright Thinkstock The "pips" - the hourly markers broadcast on Radio 4 and other BBC stations - have turned 90. Sam Judah looks back at a familiar sound. In a broadcasting landscape beset by rebrands and reshuffles, the pips have somehow persevered. Perhaps it's their reliability, their comforting monotony instilling a sense of momentary calm before the turmoil of the news, that has assured their survival. First heard on 5 February 1924, the six beeps were designed by John Reith, head of the BBC, and Frank Watson Dyson, the astronomer royal. They were controlled by two mechanical clocks at the Royal Greenwich Observatory - hence their official name, the Greenwich time signal. There was just one difference back then. The pips were all of uniform length - there was no elongated beep to round off the signal, which proved confusing for former BBC radio announcer Charles Lister. Media captionListen to the pips On BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lister told presenter John Humphrys that he may even have triggered the historic change. "Which of the six pips is the important one?" Lister had asked his boss back in the 1960s. As today's listeners know, it's the final pip that matters most, but its elongation didn't materialise until years later - in 1972, according to David Rooney, former curator of timekeeping at the Greenwich observatory. To Lister's dismay, it may have been the introduction of an atomic clock, and the addition of a "leap second", that actually gave life to the idea. Today the pips are heard most often by BBC Radio 4 and World Service listeners, but they are also used on Chris Evans' breakfast show and Clare Balding's Sunday programme, among others on BBC Radio 2 - and they even turn up on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra on Saturday evenings. Television viewers can hear them too, mixed into the theme tune for many BBC news programmes. The sound is tightly regulated and can never be broadcast as a sound effect. Plays and comedies featuring fictional news programmes must find creative ways around the rule. On the Hour distorted the sound while it has been reported that an episode of The News Quiz played the pips individually, but not as a full set. The pips are not to be trifled with. After nearly a century, their place in the broadcasting schedule is firmly assured. Follow @BBCNewsMagazine on Twitter and on Facebook	6
Which board game includes a swinging boot, a bucket, a bath tub and a seesaw?	BBC News \| Entertainment \| In praise of the pips Friday, February 5, 1999 Published at 14:15 GMT Entertainment In praise of the pips Pip ... pip ... pip ... pip ... pip ... It is 75 years since the six pips of the Greenwich time signal first beeped across the BBC radio airwaves and into listeners' homes. They were first sounded before the main BBC radio news bulletins on 5 February 1924 and have, in British broadcasting terms, become an institution. Today presenters wind-up at 9am - the time of the first pips on 5/2/24 In fact the pips are so hallowed that they even carry their own vocabulary. For a presenter to talk over them is called "crashing" - and is the ultimate BBC sin. Not doing so however can take considerable practice - and no small amount of stress. Nonetheless the pips hold a special place in BBC radio presenters' hearts. Nowhere is this more evident than among the anchors on Radio 4's morning news programme Today. Mention the 'P' word and there is a definite misting of the eyes, even a lump evident in the throat. 'I love the pips' Anna Ford: Even harsh lessons in pip management are remembered with fondess Anna Ford has just left Today after five years and admits to suffering from pip withdrawal. She is one of their biggest fans: "I love the pips and know how important they are. They are amazingly BBC, the co-junction of sight and sound in the pursuit of unsurpassed public broadcasting," she says nostalgically. Anna Ford exhibits perfect pip precision But it was not always like that. On her very first day on the programme, she committed the cardinal sin. "I crashed the pips," she gasps. "Not having been warned of their importance, I strayed over onto their hallowed ground. When I came off air, the rest of the team said 'We knew you would do it!'. They had even been taking bets." 'Enduring shame' Sue MacGregor has been with Today since 1984 and to her "enduring shame" admits to having trespassed into pip territory two or three times in her career. But although bowing to their control, Sue points out that they are as fallible to mishaps as their human slaves. Sue MacGregor: The pips can be guilty of bad time-keeping too "I believe the pips come from a little box in the basement of Broadcasting House - every now and then they pop out unexpectedly and appear in the middle of programmes," she says. All BBC Radio presenters who have crashed will testify to having learnt an unforgettable lesson. Outside the BBC too, pip precision seems something of a preoccupation. 'The knell of doom' Today presenter James Naughtie has been with the programme since 1994 but tells a sobering tale from his time on the lunchtime programme the World at One. "I was strolling into the studio without headlines because they weren't finished, thinking I had a couple of minutes to go ... and heard the dread sound of the pips starting. I had to run to the chair and do the headlines from memory. James Naughtie: The time signal has been known to leave him breathless "The Daily Telegraph rang up to ask if I had had a heart attack, because I sounded so bad. For weeks afterwards the pips sounded to me like the knell of doom," he says. On occasion, of course, this has been close to the truth. The pips have preceded some the saddest announcements in history from the invasion of Poland in1939 to the death of Diana Princess of Wales in 1997. The bongs of Big Ben Elsewhere in BBC radioland, it is not the pips that bring fear - it is the bongs of Big Ben. The team of the PM programme have to leave the airwaves sharpish at 17.59.33 to let the clock do its stuff. Radio 4 listeners compete to find the best pip Its great age however makes it unpredictable since it can, experts claim, be affected by the atmosphere on any given day. Presenter Clare English says: "We think we've got the hang of it now which means, inevitably, that any day now, we shall be bonged out of existence." John Humphrys: Would like to be replaced by the pips Being eternally pipped from his post is however something Today presenter John Humphreys seems to relish. "We have 18 seconds of pips and they are the best part of the programme. I propose we extend them by two hours and 42 seconds. I could stay in bed and the public would have a more satisfying broadcast," he says.	i don't know
What is the eagle on the Great Seal of the US holding in its right talon?	American Bald Eagle on Great Seal of the United States American Bald Eagle on the Great Seal of the United States When Charles Thomson put together the final design for the Great Seal in June 1782, he made its centerpiece an "American Eagle on the wing and rising." His preliminary sketch (below) is very important, because it's our only direct graphic link to the imagery he envisioned. That's because the Great Seal adopted by Congress is a written description only. No artwork was submitted nor approved. In the eagle's right talon, Thomson placed the olive branch suggested by the second committee whose designs had female figures representing Peace and Liberty holding the olive branch. The Eagle faces toward this ancient symbol that Thomson called " the power of peace ." In its left talon, the eagle holds the power of war symbolized by the bundle of 13 arrows . On a scroll in the eagle's beak, Thomson put the motto E Pluribus Unum suggested by the first committee. For the final Great Seal, the stance of "the American bald Eagle" was changed from "on the wing and rising" to the more traditional "displayed" position (with its wing tips up): (Escutcheon is the shield, and proper means in its natural color.) Also, the shield's stripes were changed to vertical ones. Here is the first die of the Great Seal (September 1782). Note that the image is reversed, so it will be correct when impressed on a document. Although not specifically mentioned, clearly the American Eagle on the Great Seal represents liberty and freedom , a theme central to all three preliminary designs. Thomson underscored how the imagery symbolizes "Independence" by explaining that the shield is "born on the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters, to denote that the United States of America ought to rely on their own Virtue." The first committee included an imperial eagle as a minor element on its shield, and the third committee had a small white eagle (right) in the crest at the top of their design for the Great Seal. But both these eagles were old-world Germanic versions. (In the first committee's sketch, it is a two-headed imperial eagle.) The eagle on the Great Seal has always faced the olive branch, but not the eagle on the Seal of the President . Ben Franklin muses about the wild turkey as a symbol of "the temper and conduct of America." The eagle has landed on the moon Top illustration: detail of Cy Hundley's realization of Charles Thomson's design (with new shield and motto in English) commissioned by GreatSeal.com in 2004. Historical content is based on the official history of the Great Seal.	Olive branch
Who wrote the 2004 play ‘The History Boys’?	IMA Hero: Reading Program Bald Eagle What I Learned Section 1 -- Answer the Following Questions: 1. What is the national emblem of the United States? The Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle represents strength and power. Bald eagles are only found in North America. The largest population of bald eagles is in Alaska, and the second largest population is in Florida. The bald eagle is on U.S. money (including the quarter, half dollar, and one dollar bill), U.S. government buildings, U.S. passports, and is on the logo for the U.S. Post Office. Top of Page 2. What did Benjamin Franklin suggest for the U.S. national emblem? A wild turkey. On July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams were chosen to pick a national emblem. When Franklin suggested a wild turkey, Jefferson and Adams disagreed. 1776 was a busy year for the United States; it declared its independence from Britain, was fighting the American Revolution, and was setting up a new government. Therefore, the job of choosing a national emblem was put off for a while. In 1782, William Barton suggested a bald eagle as a national emblem, and Congress approved it. Top of Page 3. What is the Great Seal of the United States? The Bald Eagle. In 1782, William Barton suggested a bald eagle as a national emblem. He drew a bald eagle and showed it to Congress, the lawmaking body of the U.S. government. Congress voted to make the bald eagle the subject of the new Great Seal of the United States. The bald eagle is strong, fast, and has a big wing span. Did you know the wing span of a bald eagle is 6 to 7 feet, and it can fly between 20 and 60 miles per hour? Top of Page 4. What does the Great Seal have in its feet? An olive branch and thirteen arrows. In its right foot, the bald eagle holds an olive branch which symbolizes peace. In its left foot, the bald eagle holds thirteen arrows which symbolize the thirteen colonies' willingness to fight for their freedom. The Great Seal also has thirteen stars above its head representing the thirteen original colonies, a shield with thirteen stripes on its chest, and a ribbon in its beak with the Latin words E Pluribus Unum. This means "From the Many, One," and it refers to how one unified country had been formed from thirteen colonies. Top of Page 5. Where did the bald eagle get its name? From the Old English word balde. The name bald eagle does not mean the eagle is bald. The bald eagle got its name from the Old English word balde. Balde means "white." White feathers cover the bald eagle's head, neck, and tail. The body of the bald eagle is covered with brownish-black feathers. Did you know the bald eagle has about seven thousand feathers? Did you know the bald eagle's beak, eyes, and feet are yellow? Did you know a baby bald eagle is called an eaglet? What I Learned Section 2 -- Define the following words: Congress: Law-making branch of the United States Government Emblem: Symbol; something that stands for an idea, belief, or nation Endangered: In danger of becoming extinct, or dying out Refuge: Place where animals can live safely and not be hunted or hurt by people Symbol: Something that stands for another thing Talons: Sharp claws Bonus Questions (Answer 1 of the Following Questions for Your FREE Bookmark ): a. How many toes does a bald eagle have on each foot? Four. The bald eagle has 3 toes in front and one toe in back. The back toe is used like a thumb. Did you know the end of each toe has a sharp claw called a talon? A talon is long, curved, and dark. To catch its food, the bald eagle spots its food, swoops down, and grabs the fish or animal with its feet. Did you know fish is the bald eagle's favorite food? b. Use five of the words in Section 2 in a sentence. Answers will vary. Here are sample sentences from our young readers: I want to serve in Congress when I am older. The dolphin is the emblem for Miami's football team. I learn about endangered species at the zoo. A refuge is a protected place for animals to live in peace. A wolf is the symbol for my school. The eagle's talons help him catch fish.	i don't know
What was the name of the last concert by the Canadian-American rock group The Band in November 1976?	the Band \| Canadian-American rock group \| Britannica.com Canadian-American rock group Levon Helm The Band, Canadian-American band that began as the backing group for both Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan and branched out on its own in 1968. The Band’s pioneering blend of traditional country , folk, old-time string band, blues , and rock music brought them critical acclaim in the late 1960s and ’70s and served as a template for Americana, the movement of hybrid, roots-oriented music that emerged in the late 1990s. The members were Jaime (“Robbie”) Robertson (b. July 5, 1944, Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Levon Helm (b. May 26, 1940, Elaine, Arkansas, U.S.—d. April 19, 2012, New York, New York), Rick Danko (b. December 29, 1942, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada—d. December 10, 1999, Marbletown, New York, U.S.), Richard Manuel, Stratford, Ontario, Canada—d. March 4, 1986, Winter Park, Florida, U.S.), and Garth Hudson (b. August 2, 1937, London, Ontario, Canada). The Band (left to right): Garth Hudson, Jaime (“Robbie”) Robertson, Levon Helm, Richard … © G. Hannekroot—Sunshine/Retna Ltd. Robertson, Helm, Danko, Manuel, and Hudson were five self-effacing sidemen pushed into becoming a self-contained group by Dylan, the star in whose shadow they grew. Robertson was the group’s principal writer and guitarist. Drummer Helm was a “good old boy” from Arkansas , the sole American in a lineup of displaced Canadians. Danko was the amiable hayseed on bass and occasional fiddle. Pianist Manuel sang blues ballads in a wrenching Ray Charles baritone. And Hudson’s otherworldly keyboard doodles were the glue that held the whole operation together. At their peak, from 1968 to 1973, the quintet embodied better than any other group the sense of the American past that came to haunt pop culture after the hippie ideals of the 1960s had crashed to the ground. The real midwife to the Band’s birth was Hawkins, a rockabilly diehard from Arkansas who ventured up to Canada in the spring of 1958. As Hawkins’s lieutenant, Helm, still a teenager, helped recruit the young Ontarians—Robertson, Danko, Manuel, and Hudson—who replaced the original members of Hawkins’s backing band, the Hawks. At a point when Fabian ruled the pop airwaves, the razorback rock and roll of the new Hawks was welcome only in the scuzziest roadhouses. During these years on the road, Robertson absorbed much of the flavour of life below the Mason and Dixon Line that would permeate Band songs like “ The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down ” (1969). Similar Topics Black Sabbath In 1964 the Hawks figured they could make it without Hawkins. During their summer residency on the New Jersey seaboard, Dylan got wind of their reputation and, after playing with Robertson, hired the group to back him on his first electric tour—a tour so controversial among folk purists that Helm could not take the pressure and quit. For the Hawks it was a baptism by fire, and it all but burned them out. In 1967, in an effort to recuperate, the group (minus Helm) followed Dylan to Woodstock , New York . In nearby West Saugerties they gathered daily in the basement of “Big Pink,” a secluded ranch house. Here the five men put together a rambling repertoire of old country, folk, and blues songs that later leaked out as a series of “basement tape” bootlegs and then as the double album The Basement Tapes (1975). When Helm returned to the fold, Dylan began urging “the Band”—as they were now known locally—to go it alone. The immediate result of this separation was Music from Big Pink (1968), a wholly original fusion of country, gospel , rock, and rhythm and blues that, more than any other album of the period, signaled rock’s retreat from psychedelic excess and blues bombast into something more soulful, rural, and reflective. Yet it was The Band (1969) that really defined the group’s grainy character. Recorded in a makeshift studio in Los Angeles in early 1969, the album was a timeless distillation of American experience from the Civil War to the 1960s. Britannica Stories Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent After the many years spent backing Hawkins and Dylan, the Band was ill-prepared for the vulnerability they felt singing their own songs onstage. After a disastrous debut at Winterland in San Francisco , they played to the massed tribes of the 1969 Woodstock festival . “We felt like a bunch of preacher boys looking into purgatory,” recalled Robertson. This sense of alienation from the spirit of rock was reflected in Stage Fright (1970), an album full of foreboding and depression. Ironically, the record preceded the Band’s most intensive period of touring, during which they became the formidable live unit of the magnificent Rock of Ages (1972). Grammy Awards The Band’s experience on the road seemed to affect their confidence—particularly that of Robertson in his role as chief songwriter. Whereas The Band had sounded fresh and intuitive, Cahoots (1971) was laboured and didactic . After a mostly lost year in 1972, when Manuel’s alcoholism became chronic, they trod water with Moondog Matinee (1973), an album of fine cover versions, then hitched their wagon once again to Dylan for the highly successful tour that produced Before the Flood (1974). Just as they had followed Dylan to Woodstock, so the Band now decamped to southern California . The move suited Robertson, who acclimated quickly to the Hollywood lifestyle, but the others felt like fish out of water. Northern Lights—Southern Cross (1975) at least proved that the Band had not lost its keen musical empathy , but, when Robertson suggested dissolving the group after a final show at Winterland, he encountered little resistance. Staged on Thanksgiving Day (November 25), 1976, this “Band and friends” finale was immortalized by Martin Scorsese ’s film The Last Waltz (1978), with guest appearances by Dylan, Neil Young , and others. With only the lacklustre Islands (1977) as a last, contract-honouring memento of their career, the Band quickly fragmented. In 1983, sans Robertson, the group re-formed and played a less-than-spectacular tour. Three years later, Manuel was found hanging from a shower curtain in a Florida motel room. The Band and friends perform in The Last Waltz (left to right: Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, … © Neal Preston/Corbis Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Helm, Hudson, and Danko, who moved back to Woodstock, continued to operate as the Band and released three indifferent albums in the 1990s. Robertson remained in Los Angeles, where he made several solo albums and created film soundtracks. The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.	The Last Waltz
Who was the longest, continuously-serving British prime Minister of the 20th Century?	The Last Waltz - 🔥Demonoid🔥 Details for The Last Waltz Created by annahrdn 8 years ago Movies : Concerts : DVD Rip : English The Last Waltz was a concert by the Canadian-American rock group, The Band, held on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Billed as a "farewell" performance after 16 years of touring,[1] the concert saw The Band joined by more than a dozen special guests, including Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood and Neil Young. The event was filmed by director Martin Scorsese and made into a documentary of the same name, released in 1978. The film features concert performances, scenes shot on a studio soundstage and interviews by Scorsese with members of The Band. A triple-LP soundtrack recording was issued in 1978. The film was released on DVD in 2002 as was a four-CD box set of the concert and related studio recordings. Beginning with a title card saying "This film should be played loud!" the concert documentary is an essay on The Band's influences and their career. The group â€“ Rick Danko on bass, violin and vocals, Levon Helm on drums, mandolin and vocals, Garth Hudson on keyboards and saxophone, Richard Manuel on keyboards, percussion and vocals, and guitarist-songwriter Robbie Robertson â€“ started out in the late 1950s as a rock and roll band led by Ronnie Hawkins, and Hawkins himself appears as the first guest. The group backed Bob Dylan in the 1960s, and Dylan performs with The Band towards the end of the concert. Rick Danko performs in the concert with a Gibson Ripper bass. Various other artists perform with The Band: Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Dr. John, Neil Diamond and Eric Clapton. Genres covered include blues, rock and roll, New Orleans R&B, Tin Pan Alley pop, folk and rock. Further genres are explored in segments filmed later on a soundstage with Emmylou Harris (country) and The Staple Singers (soul and gospel). The film begins with The Band performing the last song of the evening, their cover version of the Marvin Gaye hit "Don't Do It", as an encore. The film then flashes back to the beginning of the show and follows it more or less chronologically. The Band is backed by a large horn section and performs many of its hit songs, including "Up on Cripple Creek", "Stagefright" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". The live songs are interspersed with the studio segments and interviews with director Martin Scorsese, in which The Band's members reminisce about the group's history. Robertson talks about Hudson joining the band on the condition that the other members pay him $10 a week each for music lessons. The classically trained Hudson could then tell his parents that he was a music teacher instead of merely a rock and roll musician. Robertson also describes the surreal experience of playing in a burnt-out nightclub owned by Jack Ruby. Manuel recalls that some of the early names for The Band included "the Honkies" and "the Crackers". Because they were simply referred to as "the band" by Dylan and their friends and neighbors in Woodstock, New York, they figured that was just what they would call themselves. Danko is seen giving Scorsese a tour of The Band's Shangri-La studio, and he plays the director a recording of "Sip the Wine", a track from his then-forthcoming 1977 solo album Rick Danko. A recurring theme brought up in the interviews with Robertson is that the concert marks an end of an era for The Band, that after 16 years on the road, it is time for a change. "That's what The Last Waltz is: 16 years on the road. The numbers start to scare you," Robertson tells Scorsese. "I mean, I couldn't live with 20 years on the road. I don't think I could even discuss it." The theme is further explored in the choice of songs Scorsese filmed, "Up on Cripple Creek" for one, which has the line, "this living on the road is getting pretty old." Show Demonoid some love with	i don't know
Who was the second husband of singer Madonna?	Madonna - Film Actress, Singer - Biography.com » quotes “My mother was a religious zealot. There were always priests and nuns in my house growing up.” “I think the biggest reason I was able to express myself and not be intimidated was by not having a mother.” “I really saw myself as the quintessential Cinderella.” “For some reason, I feel like I never left high school, because I still feel that if you don't fit in, you're going to get your ass kicked.” “I believe sometimes we aren't always in charge of everything that we do creatively. We submit to things as we're going on our own journey.” “We like to put people on a pedestal, give them one character trait, and if they step outside of that shrinelike area that we blocked out for them, then we will punish them.” “One of my father's famous quotes—and I love him dearly, but he's very, very old-fashioned—was, 'If there were more virgins, the world would be a better place.'” “Every year it's a different me.” “If you want to affect change in the world, you do have to have a platform to stand on. And in order to have a platform to stand on, you have to keep doing your job.” “I think it's kind of a waste of time to provoke just for the sake of provocation. I think you have to have a lesson or something that you want to share.” “I sometimes think I was born to live up to my name. How could I be anything else but what I am having been named Madonna? I would either have ended up a nun or this.” “I want to be like Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, and John Lennon... but I want to stay alive.” Madonna Madonna - Mini Biography (TV-14; 4:34) A short biography of Madonna who redefined music with hits like "Like a Virgin" and "Vogue." Constantly stirring up controversy in her career, she also made headlines in her relationships with Sean Penn, Warren Beatty, and Guy Ritchie. Synopsis Pop music singer Madonna was born in Bay City, Michigan on August 16, 1958. In 1981, she went solo as a pop singer and became a sensation on the then male-dominated '80s music scene. By 1991, she had achieved 21 Top 10 hits in the United States and sold more than 70 million albums internationally. In January 2008, she was named the world's wealthiest female musician by Forbes magazine. Early Life Singer, performer and actress Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone was born in Bay City, Michigan, on August 16, 1958, to parents Silvio "Tony" Ciccone and Madonna Fortin. Tony, the son of Italian immigrants, was the first of his family to go to college, where he earned a degree in engineering. Madonna's mother, an x-ray technician and former dancer, was of French Canadian descent. After their marriage in 1955, the couple moved to Pontiac, Michigan, to be close to Tony's job as a defense engineer. Madonna was born three years later, during a visit with family in Bay City. The third of six children, Madonna learned early on how to handle her role as the middle child, admitting that she was "the sissy of the family" who often used her feminine wiles to get her way. Her parents' strict observation of the Catholic faith played a large role in Madonna's childhood. "My mother was a religious zealot," Madonna explains. "There were always priests and nuns in my house growing up." Many elements of Catholic iconography—including her mother's statues of the Sacred Heart, the habits of the nuns at her Catholic elementary school, and the Catholic altar at which she and her family prayed daily—later became the subject of Madonna's most controversial works. Family Tragedy Another heavy influence on Madonna's early life was her mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during her pregnancy with Madonna's youngest sister. Treatment had to be delayed until the baby reached full term, but by then the disease had grown too strong. On December 1, 1963, at the age of 30, Madonna's mother passed away. Madonna was only 5 years old at the time of her mother's death. The loss of her mother significantly affected Madonna's adolescence. Haunted by the memories of her mother's frailty and passive demeanor during her final days, Madonna was determined to make her own voice heard. "I think the biggest reason I was able to express myself and not be intimidated was by not having a mother," she says. "For example, mothers teach you manners. And I absolutely did not learn any of those rules and regulations." She fought especially hard against the rules imposed by her stepmother, Joan Gustafson, who met Madonna's father while working as the family housekeeper. Madonna says Gustafson often made her take care of the younger children in the household, a task she greatly resented. "I really saw myself as the quintessential Cinderella," Madonna later said. "I think that's when I really thought about how I wanted to do something else and get away from all that." She rebelled against her traditional upbringing by turning her conservative clothing into revealing outfits, frequenting underground gay nightclubs and rejecting her religious background. Music and Dance But Madonna balanced this insubordinate side of her personality with a drive for perfectionism and high achievement. She was a straight-A student, cheerleader and disciplined dancer who graduated from high school a semester earlier than her peers. In 1976, her hard work earned her the attentions of the University of Michigan, which offered her a full scholarship to their dance program. In 1977, during her undergraduate studies at Michigan, Madonna was awarded a six-week scholarship to study with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, followed by a rare opportunity to perform with choreographer Pearl Lang in 1978. At the urging of her dance instructor, the budding star dropped out of college after only two years of study in order to move to New York and further her dance career. Once in New York, Madonna paid her rent with a handful of odd jobs, including nude art modeling; serving at the Russian Tea Room; and performing for the American Dance Center. In 1979, Madonna began dating Dan Gilroy, one of the founding members of a ska influenced pop-punk band called Breakfast Club. Gilroy introduced Madonna to the head of a vaudeville review in Paris, and she spent some time in France working as a showgirl. During this trip she fell in love with the combination of singing and performing. When she returned to the states in 1980, she joined Gilroy's band as its drummer and later became its lead singer. Madonna formed several different bands of her own over the next few years, including Madonna & The Sky, The Millionaires and Emmy. Rise to Pop Stardom In 1981, Madonna decided to go solo and hired manager Camille Barbone of Gotham Records to help her get her singing career on track. Camille showed Madonna how to navigate the male-dominated world of the music business, and helped put together a studio band that accentuated the budding star's hip style. Friend Stephen Bray, a musician in her band, wrote her first hit, "Everybody", and Madonna used her brash business style to get the recordings to New York music producer Mark Kamins. Kamins then helped Madonna score a record deal with Sire Records. "Everybody" hit No. 1 on the dance charts in 1982. Using the success of the song as leverage, Madonna convinced Sire to produce the full-length album, Madonna, in 1983. The album was a slow but steady success, and included the hit singles "Borderline," "Lucky Star" and "Holiday." Soon, girls all over the country were imitating Madonna's distinct sense of fashion, which included fishnet stockings, lace lingerie, fingerless gloves and large crucifix necklaces. The song "Holiday" also earned the singer an appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in 1984. During her interview on the show, she told Clark that her main ambition was "to rule the world." This intensity and determination was apparent in her 1985 follow-up album, Like a Virgin, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Chart and went platinum within a month. The title track, produced by Nile Rodgers , would later be listed as Madonna's biggest pop hit of all time, with the song remaining on the top of the charts for six weeks. She had two other top 5 hits from the record: the tongue-in-cheek, empowering "Material Girl" and the dance ditty with bounce, "Angel." She also starred in her first mainstream feature film, Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), and performed the soundtrack's single, "Into the Groove," which hit No. 1 on the U.S. dance charts. Her next single "Crazy for You", which she performed for the 1985 film Vision Quest, also became a No. 1 hit. She then started her first music tour, The Virgin Tour, and watched 17 consecutive songs climb into the Top 10 on the Billboard Chart while also creating a wave of iconic music videos, constantly re-crafting her persona. In the next five years, Madonna's life was a whirlwind of activity. On August 16, 1985, she married actor Sean Penn and co-starred with him in the film Shanghai Surprise (1986). She then went on to star in three more movies over the next few years: Who's That Girl (1987), Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989) and Dick Tracy (1990). Madonna's soundtrack album I'm Breathless: Music From and Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy resulted in two top 10 hits: "Vogue" and "Hanky Panky." She also released four more hit albums: True Blue (1986), Who's that Girl (1987), You Can Dance (1987) and Like a Prayer (1989). Shock Value But, as always, Madonna mixed her drive for success with her penchant for scandalous behavior. It started with her controversial 1985 performance of her hit single "Like a Virgin" on the MTV music awards, which involved writhing around suggestively onstage in a wedding dress. Then came her marriage to Penn, which was marred by reports of domestic violence and his assault of a photographer—behavior that landed him a month's jail time and eventually led to the couple's very public divorce. This was followed by the debut of Madonna's 1989 "Like a Prayer" video, which was to be aired on MTV as part of a lucrative Pepsi endorsement. The video featured interracial relationship themes, burning crosses and a blending of sexual innuendo and religious ideologies. As a result of the video, Pope John Paul II urged fans not to attend her concerts in Italy, and Pepsi pulled their endorsement of the star. Despite the public outcry, Madonna had become more popular than ever. The Like a Prayer album spawned a No. 1 title track as well as additional hits like "Express Yourself," "Cherish," "Keep It Together" and "Oh Father." By 1991, she had achieved 21 Top 10 hits in the United States and sold more than 70 million albums internationally, generating $1.2 billion in sales. Committed to controlling her career, Madonna helped found Maverick Records, a label under the Warner Music Group, in April of 1992. She also continued to gain attention by pushing social boundaries. First came the film Truth or Dare (1991), a revealing documentary about her Blonde Ambition tour. This was followed by the publishing of Sex (1992), a soft-core pornographic coffee-table book featuring the pop star in a variety of erotic poses. Despite its controversial nature, Sex sold 150,000 copies on the day of its release in the U.S. alone. Three days later, all 1.5 million copies of the first edition were sold out worldwide, making it the most successful coffee table book ever released. The album Erotica (1992) was unveiled at the same time, and proved equally successful: By the end of 1993, it had reached double-platinum status. Bedtime Stories came forth in 1994, with groovy lead single "Secret" and the beautifully melancholic "Take a Bow." Personal Life By 1996, Madonna had proven her versatility as a star in both film and music. She starred in the critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita (1996), which also featured Antonio Banderas . She won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical, and in the film she performed "You Must Love Me," which earned an Academy Award for Music, Original Song. She also became a mother in 1996, giving birth to Lourdes Maria (Lola) Ciccone Leon, whom she had with her lover and personal trainer, Carlos Leon. Madonna had released the greatest hits album The Immaculate Collection in 1990, following that years later with Something to Remember (1995), a round-up of her balladry that included the new song "You'll See." Then in 1998, she released Ray of Light, a critically-acclaimed outing that had her delving into electronica and spiritual exploration with the help of producer William Orbit. More hits came in the form of songs like "Frozen" and "The Power of Good-Bye." Madonna also earned three Grammys, two for the top 5 title track and one for the Ray of Light album itself. Then came Music (2000), another successful electronic project, this time with more overt, unpredictable dance leanings and the bulk of production handled by French whiz Mirwais. And she continued her work with Orbit, as seen on a couple of Music tracks and the Grammy-winning homage to 1960s-psychedelia, "Beautiful Stranger," part of the soundtrack for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. She solidified her reinvention as the more mature, family-friendly Madonna when she married British director Guy Ritchie in 2000. She gave birth to their son, Rocco John Ritchie, the same year. She then made the move from the big screen to the London West End stage in the play Up for Grabs (2002), and wrote her first children's book, The English Roses, which was published in 2003, the same year as the release of her album American Life. Madonna was inducted into the inaugural UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, and her next album Confessions on a Dancefloor came out the following year. Around this time Madonna became the artist with the most gold certified singles in the U.S., beating The Beatles ' longstanding record. On the eve of her 50th birthday, Madonna faced fresh challenges in her personal life. She spent much of the last year fighting allegations that she circumvented traditional Malawi laws to bring home her newly adopted son, David Banda, whom she had been raising since 2006. Critics accused Madonna of using her vast wealth to fast-track the adoption process, a charge she vigorously denied. A coalition of 67 local rights groups challenged the interim custody order on the grounds that existing laws in Malawi do not allow for international adoptions. Madonna's application to permanently adopt the boy was approved by Malawai's high court on May 28, 2008, the pop star's lawyer said. "It's a beautiful and positive judgment," Alan Chinula told reporters."Finally the court has granted Madonna full adoption rights of the boy ... It's all over, thank God." She decided to adopt from Malawai again, and in June 2009, after another legal battle, was granted custody of Mercy James. She also denied reports she was seeking a divorce from husband Guy Ritchie, and that she was romantically linked to baseball star Alex Rodriquez. In October of 2008, however, Madonna announced that she and Ritchie were officially splitting after eight years of marriage. Unrivalled Success Yet her professional life continued to boom: In January 2008 she was named the world's wealthiest female musician by Forbes magazine, with estimated earnings of more than $72 million in the last year alone. Madonna earned much of this income from her H&M clothing line; a deal with NBC to air concert footage; and her Confessions tour—the highest-grossing tour for a female artist to date. She also continued to sing, act and manage a number of business interests, splitting her time between the United Kingdom and the United States. She was the writer and executive producer of I Am Because We Are , a documentary about the lives of Malawi's AIDS orphans, and the art-house film Filth and Wisdom, both with 2008 releases. Her album Hard Candy was released in April of the same year, and her Sticky and Sweet tour became her first major venture with concert promoter Live Nation. In 2009, she released a fourth greatest hits album, Celebration, which became Madonna's eleventh No. 1 album in the U.K. With the release of the record, Madonna tied with Elvis Presley as the solo act with most No. 1 albums in the U.K. Movies and 'MDNA' In 2011, Madonna released her latest film project W.E. about the American divorcée Wallis Simpson and her relationship with Britain's King Edward VIII , contrasted with a more contemporary relationship. Edward gave up his crown to marry Simpson, and the couple became known as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Working behind the camera, Madonna co-wrote and directed this romantic drama, which received decidedly mixed reviews. She, however, did pick up a Golden Globe for an original song she co-wrote and sung for the film, "Masterpiece." Madonna received another lukewarm reception when it was announced she would be performing at Super Bowl XLVI in February 2012. In advance of the show, many football fans complained about her selection as part of the half-time entertainment. She put on an impressive show, however, which featured her latest single "Give Me All Your Luvin'." And this time around, it wasn't Madonna who created waves during the show. Her musical guest, M.I.A. , provoked an outcry when she used an obscene hand gesture in her live performance. Madonna released her latest studio album, MDNA, in March 2012. On her tour to support the record, she courted controversy. Madonna occasionally flashed her audiences and used Nazi imagery while performing in France. At a concert in St. Petersburg, Russia, she spoke out in support of LGBT rights, which had landed her in legal trouble. She was sued for more than $10 million for breaking a law against promoting homosexuality to minors, but charges were later dismissed. Tumultuous Road to 'Rebel Heart' Through 2014, Madonna was reportedly at work on her next album, said to be collaborating with producers like Avicii and Diplo as seen via Instagram. In December of that year, however, more than a dozen songs planned for her 2015 album Rebel Heart were leaked online. (An Israeli singer was later arrested and indicted for the thefts.) To counterattack the theft, Madonna released six songs online before Christmas, with the tracks reaching the top 10 of Itunes' charts in various countries. More controversy followed however in January when the singer released via Instagram doctored portraits of prominent leaders and artists like Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley bound by black chord, mirroring the cover art of her forthcoming album. And in early February 2015, there was another album leak of Rebel Heart. That month, Madonna also performed lead single "Living for Love" live at the 57th annual Grammy with a bull and matador theme. More than two weeks later she performed the song at the Brit Awards, but fell down a short flight of stairs due to a wardrobe mishap, with the singer later reporting that she'd suffered whiplash. The official version of Rebel Heart, Madonna's 13th full-length release, was officially (and finally) released on March 10, with the deluxe version consisting of 19 tracks. The album is noticeably more stylistically diverse than its predecessors in terms of musical production, lyrically veering from vividly sexual provocation and contemporary boasting to quieter reflection. Videos	Guy Ritchie
The Reverend Flasher is a fictional character in which 1974 ‘Carry On’ film?	Madonna - Biography - IMDb Biography Showing all 291 items Jump to: Overview (4) \| Mini Bio (1) \| Spouse (2) \| Trade Mark (6) \| Trivia (198) \| Personal Quotes (74) \| Salary (6) Overview (4) 5' 4½" (1.64 m) Mini Bio (1) The remarkable, hyper-ambitious Material Girl who never stops reinventing herself, Madonna is a seven-time Grammy Award-winner who has sold over three hundred million records and CDs to adoring fans worldwide. Her film career, however, is another story. Her performances have consistently drawn scathing or laughable reviews from film critics, and the films have usually had tepid, if any, success at the box office. Born Madonna Louise Ciccone in August 1958 in Bay City, Michigan, she is the daughter of Madonna Louise Fortin and Silvio Ciccone , an engineer designer for car companies. Her father was of Italian descent (from a family from Pacentro) and her mother was of French-Canadian ancestry. She moved to New York in 1978 and studied with renowned choreographer Alvin Ailey , joined up with the Patrick Hernandez Revue, formed a pop/dance band called "Breakfast Club" and began working with then-boyfriend Stephen Bray on recording several disco-oriented songs. New York producer/D.J. Mark Kamins passed her demo tapes to Sire Records in early 1982 and the rest is history. The 1980s was Madonna's boom decade, and she dominated the music charts with a succession of multimillion-selling albums, and her musical and fashion influence on young women was felt around the globe. Madonna first appeared on screen in two low-budget films marketed to an adolescent audience: A Certain Sacrifice (1985) and Vision Quest (1985). However, she scored a minor cult hit with Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) starring alongside spunky Rosanna Arquette . Madonna's next effort with then husband Sean Penn , Shanghai Surprise (1986), was savaged by critics, although the resilient star managed to somewhat improve her standing with her next two films, the off-beat Who's That Girl (1987) (although she did receive decidedly mixed reviews, they weren't as negative as those of her previous effort) and the quirky Damon Runyon -inspired Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989). The big-budget and star-filled Dick Tracy (1990) had her playing bad girl "Breathless Mahoney" flirting with Warren Beatty , but the epic failed to catch fire at the box office. Taking an earthier role, Madonna was much more entertaining alongside Tom Hanks and Geena Davis in A League of Their Own (1992), a story about female baseball players during W.W.II. However, she again drew the wrath of critics with the whodunit Body of Evidence (1993), an obvious (and lame) attempt to cash in on the success of the sexy Sharon Stone thriller Basic Instinct (1992). Several other minor screen roles followed, then Madonna starred as Eva Perón in Evita (1996), a fairly well received screen adaptation of the hugely successful Broadway musical, for which she received a Golden Globe for Best Actress. The Material Girl stayed away from the movie cameras for several years, returning to co-star in the lukewarm romantic comedy The Next Best Thing (2000), followed by the painful Swept Away (2002) for husband Guy Ritchie . If those films weren't bad enough, she was woefully miscast as a vampish fencing instructor in the James Bond adventure Die Another Day (2002). After finally admitting that her acting days were over, Madonna began a directing career in 2008 with the barely remembered Filth and Wisdom (2008) and a year later she reunited with Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991) director Alek Keshishian to develop a script about the relationship between the Duke of Windsor and the Duchess of Windsor that led to his abdication in 1936: the result, a movie named W.E. (2011), starring James D'Arcy and Andrea Riseborough as the infernal but still royal couple, was released in 2011 to lukewarm critics but it gathered one Oscar nomination for costumes and won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song for "Masterpiece". - IMDb Mini Biography By: [email protected] Spouse (2) Wore cone-shaped bras during her Express Yourself and Vogue performances Has a different look for each of her albums Gap between her front teeth (1980s-early 90s) Jean Harlow -styled short, bleach-blonde hair Muscular and toned arms Courting controversy Trivia (198) Brother Christopher Ciccone designs restaurant interiors. Renovated a mansion overlooking Hudson River north of New York City in the same West Nyack community that's home to Rosie O'Donnell and director Jonathan Demme . Her videos "Justify My Love" and "What It Feels Like For A Girl" were banned from VH1 & MTV. "Erotica" (1992), though not banned, was only played after midnight on MTV. Her record company Maverick Records signed a distribution deal with A Band Apart Records, a record company founded by Quentin Tarantino and Lawrence Bender . A Band Apart Records will focus on film soundtracks. [July 1997] Gave birth to baby daughter named Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon (aka Lourdes Leon ). The father is Madonna's fitness trainer, Carlos Leon . [October 1996] Studied with the Alvin Ailey dance troupe and Pearl Lang 's Dance Company in Manhattan. [1978] Unanimously condemned by the Puerto Rican House of Representatives for pulling a Puerto Rican flag between her legs in an October 26, 1993 concert. Her song, "Vogue", is a tribute to the glamour of classic Hollywood. Celebrities mentioned in the song are Greta Garbo , Marilyn Monroe , Marlene Dietrich , Joe DiMaggio , Marlon Brando , James Dean , Grace Kelly , Jean Harlow , Gene Kelly , Fred Astaire , Ginger Rogers , Rita Hayworth , Lauren Bacall , Katharine Hepburn , Lana Turner , and Bette Davis . Was supposed to play the lead in Music of the Heart (1999) but dropped out two weeks before filming was set to begin because of "genuine mutual creative differences" with director Wes Craven . She was replaced by Meryl Streep who went on to earn an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of violin teacher Roberta Guaspari. High school cheerleader. Her daughter Lourdes was named as a tribute to Madonna's mother, who wanted to visit Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary, the Madonna, appeared in 1858, but died before doing so. Wanted to play the role of Ginger in Casino (1995), but the role was given to Sharon Stone instead. Turned down the lead in The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) because she thought the plot was "too mushy". Turned down the role of Cristal Conners in Showgirls (1995). In his 38th annual Worst Dressed List published in January 1998, Mr. Blackwell wrote about her questionable taste in clothing the previous year, "Let's be blunt, yesterday's Evita is today's Velveeta." Owner of Maverick Records label (1992-2004). Graduated from Rochester Adams High School in Rochester, Michigan, class of 1976. Won a scholarship to study modern dance and drama for 3 semesters at the University of Michigan. Other alumni of Rochester Adams High School include her brother-in-law Joe Henry , Karen Moncrieff , David Geister . Resides in Marylebone, London and a country estate in Tollard Royal, Wiltshire. Her infamous 1994 appearance on Late Show with David Letterman (1993) had her saying the "f" word 13 times. Has a reported IQ of 140. Her birthday is also the anniversary of Elvis Presley 's death. Bought mansion in the Hollywood Hills originally built for Rudolph Valentino . [February 1989] Born on Saturday at 7:05 AM EDT. Named one of People Magazine's '50 Most Beautiful People of 1991', and '25 Most Intriguing People of 2001'. On January 25, 1989, Madonna had a $5 million contract with Pepsi to promote their product as well as cross-promote her new album, "Like a Prayer". However, on March 3, when the video for the first single, "Like a Prayer", was released, it caused international controversy, with images of burning crosses, murder, and racism, and Pepsi soon retracted their contract, after March 2, when the 2-minute commercial was only viewed once, during The Cosby Show (1984). The single later soared to Number 1 on the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks. She later thanked Pepsi for creating such controversy. Appeared in a 1988 stage play with Ron Silver and Joe Mantegna called "Speed-The-Plow". Did a Japanese commercial for Mitsubishi in 1987. Her film Shanghai Surprise (1986) was a box-office disaster, costing $17 million and grossing only $2.3 million. Appeared in a filmed stage play in 1980 called "In Artificial Light", in which she wrote her own part. Appeared in a stage play in 1986 called "Goose And Tom-Tom" with then-husband Sean Penn . Her first film, A Certain Sacrifice (1985), was released in 1985, after she became a star, but was actually shot in two parts, the first in 1979, and the other, in 1981. A Forbes Magazine article from May 2015 estimated her net worth as $520 million. As of 2015, her records have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. She campaigned for the role of Frida Kahlo , as did Jennifer Lopez , and tried to get a film made for numerous years. She had hoped to actually star with Marlon Brando as Diego Rivera, but due to her lack of box office draw at the time, the film idea went nowhere. After Evita (1996), she and Salma Hayek were both interested in films about the artist. Hayek's film won favor and was greenlit. Named one of E!'s "top 20 entertainers of 2001". Gwyneth Paltrow was the Maid of Honor at her wedding to Guy Ritchie . Her paternal grandparents are Michelina and Gaetano Ciccone. Her father is Italian, her mother was French-Canadian. Sister-in-law of singer-songwriter Joe Henry , with whom she co-wrote the songs "Don't Tell Me" (from "Music", 2000), "Jump" (from "Confessions on a Dance Floor", 2005), "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" (from "Hard Candy", 2008) and "Falling Free" (from "MDNA", 2012). They also recorded a duet, "Guilty by Association", for the charity album "Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation" released in 1996. In October 2000, Madonna won her fight against a cybersquatter using the domain name madonna.com to operate a pornography website. The UN World Intellectual Property Organization found that site operator Dan Parisi "lacks rights or legitimate interests in the domain name." Parisi claims that he was in the process of handing over the rights to the domain name to a US hospital, Madonna Rehabilitation, which has the domain name madonna.org, when the case started. She started fashion trends in 1984 with her unique look using rosaries and crosses as jewelry and black rubber typewriter bands as bracelets. Legions of adolescent girls mimicked her look and a Madonna clothing store was opened in New York. Again in 2001, another huge fashion trend was set off by the "Material Mom", this time with western wear - cowboy hats and mud-splattered jeans. In November 2000, she held a live concert at the Brixton Academy in London which was broadcast over the Internet. A record nine million people watched the event, making it the largest live webcast of all time. Has a personal collection of paintings by Frida Kahlo , Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí . Her song "Little Star" from her "Ray of Light" album (1998) is dedicated to her daughter Lourdes Leon . She is referenced in the work of several other music artists. She is mentioned in the songs "Big Wedge" by former Marillion singer Fish and "You Were Right" by Badly Drawn Boy (both UK Top 40 singles), as well as spoofed in Eminem 's music video for "Just Lose It". Madonna and Céline Dion share the same French-Canadian heritage through a common ancestor named Zacharie Cloutier. Also related to Camilla Parker-Bowles and Ellen DeGeneres . Attended St. Andrew's Elementary School (now Holy Family Regional). Attended West Junior High in Rochester Hills, Michigan for the 8th grade. Her parents were married at Visitation Catholic Church in Bay City, Michigan on July 2, 1955. Her mother and her two uncles were buried at Calvary Cemetery in Bay City, Michigan. Purchased a mini mansion for daughter Lourdes in 2003. Produced by Posh Tots, a mini-mansion ranges in price from US$6,500 to US$125,000, and can even be installed with cable TV and running water. Announced in December 2003 she was starting a merchandising line of dolls, apparel, home decor, etc. as a tie-in to her best-selling children's book, "The English Roses". Ranked #8 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll Her wedding dress for her 2000 wedding to director Guy Ritchie was designed by her friend Stella McCartney . Received a career award at the 2004 French NRJ Awards (January 2004). Ranked #6 in Life's 100 Greatest Rockers List (March 2002). Won Best Solo Dance Artist at the 17th International Dance Music Awards held at the Winter Music Conference in Miami. (March 2002) Voted #3 on the reader-voted Favorite Female List for Rolling Stone Magazine's 2001 Music Awards list, following Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez (January 2002). "The Immaculate Collection" voted #1 on Blender magazine's 100 Greatest American Albums of All Time List. (Januray 2002) Her 1985 hit "Into The Groove" was ranked #40 on VH1's 100 Greatest Dance Songs, while "Vogue" placed in the top 10 at #4. Won Best Chart Act at the 2004 Dancestar USA Awards, in Bayfront Park, Miami. (9th March 2004) Is good friends with Björk , who also wrote the song 'Bedtime Story' for her 1994 album, Bedtime Stories. Parodied by Amy Poehler on Saturday Night Live (1975). In 2003, three different action figures were made of her likeness based on her character, Susan, from the movie Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). She is a fan of Carole Lombard , Betty Grable and Katharine Hepburn . She has posed nude at least three times in her career: briefly in A Certain Sacrifice (1985), in some nude photos taken before she became famous in the late 1970s which eventually ran in Penthouse magazine and in the 1992 photo and interview book "Sex" which became a worldwide best seller. Siblings: Anthony Ciccone (b. 1956), Martin Ciccone (b. 1957), Paula Ciccone (b. 1959), Christopher Ciccone (b. 1960) and Melanie Ciccone (b. 1962). April 1985: Her first ever concert tour "The Virgin Tour" opens in Seattle, WA with the Beastie Boys as the supporting act. In June 1985 the tour ends with performances at Radio City Music Show in New York. On 11th January 1986, the show is released on home video as "The Virgin Tour: Live". Directed by Daniel Kleinman , it peaked at #1 on the Billboard home video chart, where it stayed for 49 weeks. The release includes 10 of the 13 songs performed at the show. It unfortunately leaves out "Angel", "Burning Up" and "Borderline". 1986: "Borderline" re-issued as a single in the UK where it peaked at #2 (54 places higher than its original release) and be certified Silver. It also peaked at #21 on Europe charts for two weeks. 24th July 1985: The fourth and final single from "Like A Virgin", "Dress You Up" shimmied to #5 in the US Billboard Hot 100, Australiam Canada and the UK. It stayed on the US chart for 16 weeks and was certified silver in the UK. Other chart activity includes: #6 in Europe and Japan. #18 in France. #20 in Germany. "Dress You Up" was also used as a cartoon music video for DTV (a 'Walt Disney' version of MTV for kids). However, the song became the subject of controversy when the Parents Music Resource Center's Tipper Gore, wife of former vice president Al Gore, called "Dress You Up" "vulgar music" after hearing her daughter Karenna listen to the song (along with "Darling Nikki" by 'Prince (I)'); and soon the PMRC listed "Dress You Up" as #8 on their "Filthy Fifteen" list, for the perceived sexual content in the song's lyrics, leading to the creation of the "Parental Advisory" labels. The single's music video was her first "live" clip, taken from "The Virgin Tour Live" VHS and directed by Daniel Kleinman . The 12" maxi-single featured: "Dress You Up (Album Version)", "Dress You Up (12" Formal Mix)", "Dress You Up (Casual Instrumental Mix)" and "Shoo Bee Doo (Album Version)". Her song "La Isla Bonita" (1986) was inspired by a visit she made to San Pedro, Ambergris Cay, Belize, with her then-husband Sean Penn She was voted the 36th Greatest Artist of all time in Rock 'n' Roll by Rolling Stone. A fan of the films Grey Gardens (1975) and La Dolce Vita (1960). Had lived in Pontiac, Michigan before living in Rochester Hills from 6th grade until she moved away to college. Has a great-aunt named Bambina De Giulio. Her maternal grandparents are Elsie Fortin (1911-2011) and Willard Fortin (1904-1959). Once had two pets named Chiquita (chichuahua) and Pepito (bull terrier). Was born at Bay City Mercy Hospital in Bay City, Michigan. Her son, Rocco Ritchie , with Ritchie, was born by emergency C-section - 3 weeks early. [11 August 2000] Re-Invention Tour was the #1 world tour of 2004 grossing over $125 million. 55 of 56 shows were sold-out. (Billboard Boxscore) Turned down the role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992). Was Prince 's first choice for the role of the Kid's angelic muse Aura in his movie musical Graffiti Bridge (1990). She turned it down, brazenly telling him that the screenplay was "a piece of shit". When it was finally released in theaters, the movie was a critical and commercial bomb. Is the only person to "win" the awards for Worst Actress, Worst Supporting Actress and Worst Screen Couple at the Razzie Awards all in the same year. She "won" Worst Supporting Actress in the film Die Another Day (2002). She shared the Worst Screen Couple award with Adriano Giannini in Swept Away (2002). And she tied for Worst Actress in Swept Away (2002) with Britney Spears in Crossroads (2002). Nude pictures of her taken years earlier, when she was a starving dancer, ran in Penthouse magazine. Due to the success of that issue, she posed nude again in the coffee table book "Sex" which became an instant best seller. Voted #35 on Playboy's "100 sexiest women" of the 20th Century (Jan 2000). One of the very few friends she has kept from the old days is her former makeup artist, Debi Mazar , who is now an actress. Is a big fan of Kylie Minogue and Dannii Minogue . Is a distant cousin of Gwen Stefani . Gwen's great-aunt's mother-in-law shares the same last name with Madonna. Favorite Designers: Dolce & Gabbana, Jean-Paul Gaultier , Betsey Johnson , Gianni Versace , Stella McCartney , Maripol . Fell off a horse on her country estate in England, sustaining numerous injuries. [August 16, 2005] Briefly hospitalized on her 47th birthday after breaking her hand and collar bone, and cracking three ribs after falling off a horse on her country estate. Along with Pia Zadora , Sylvester Stallone , Pauly Shore and Demi Moore , one of the few people who have "won" back to back awards at the Razzies in successive years. She "won" Worst Actress of 1987 for her performance in the film Shanghai Surprise (1986) and, then again, the next year she "won" Worst Actress of 1988 for her performance in the film Who's That Girl (1987). Her role in "Speed The Plow" on Broadway was taken over by Felicity Huffman . Motherhood has inspired her to write a number of critically-acclaimed children's books: "The Adventures of Abdi", "The English Roses", "Lotsa de Casha", "Mr. Peabody's Apples" and "Yakov and the Seven Thieves". All have become international best-sellers and earned her praise for the morals woven into the stories. "Hung Up" jumped seven places to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in December 2005. Consequently the pop icon matches Elvis Presley 's tally for top 10 hits - 36, the most for any artist in the rock era. Won two prizes at the 2006 Echo Awards for "Best Female Artist international" and "Hit of the Year" for "Hung Up" (12 March 2006). Has two songs with the same title on two different albums: "Forbidden Love" which was included in her "Bedtime Stories" album; and "Forbidden Love" which was a track on her "Confessions on a Dance Floor" album. Although both songs have the same title, they are two totally different tracks. The first song she ever wrote before she became famous was a song called "Tell the Truth". Nicknames her daughter Lourdes "Lola". Introduced the songs that won Oscars for Broadway "rivals" Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber . Owns a house in Miami Was first introduced to her husband Guy Ritchie by Sting & Trudie Styler at their Country Estate. Sting was later made godfather of their first born son Rocco Ritchie . Her father and stepmother, Silvio Ciccone & Joan Ciccone , own and operate the award- winning Ciccone Vineyard and Winery in Suttons Bay, Michigan, just outside of Traverse City. Former sister-in-law of Chris Penn and Michael Penn Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at MTV's 2006 TRL Awards (25 February 2006). Her version of "American Pie" was played for the first time at a John Galiano fashion show in 1999. 1986: Wrote the song "Each Time You Break My Heart" for Nick Kamen . Childhood friend of Moira McFarland-Messana from Michigan. 1990: Allowed French TV host Michel Drucker to interview her in her L.A. home. Although her "Confessions Tour", which started on 21 May 2006, is expected to become the most successful tour by a female artist in history, it also sparked heavy criticism because she used religious symbols such as the crucifix in one part of the show. Ranked #1 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists. Had stated that Debbie Harry from Blondie and Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders were her main musical influences. Appears in the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records as the female singer with the highest annual earnings. (October 12, 2006) A judge in Malawi has approved an official application filed by Madonna , confirming claims she has adopted a one-year-old boy named David. David was born September 24th 2005. Judge Andrew Nyirenda issued an interim order allowing the singer and husband Guy Ritchie to take custody of David at a high court in Lilongwe. Estimated in 2006 to have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide. Has stated that movie stars such as Carole Lombard , Judy Garland , Jean Harlow , Judy Holliday , Marilyn Monroe , Marlene Dietrich , Bette Davis , Clara Bow , Louise Brooks , Rita Hayworth , and Dita Parlo are her idols. On The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986) (October 25, 2006) Madonna stated that the adoption of David is not official until one year from now. A child service worker needs to check if David is fed and taken care of properly. Then after a year, Madonna may or may not be David's adoptive mom. Andy Warhol was among the guests at her wedding to Sean Penn . On her 1989 "Like A Prayer" album, she wrote a song about her failed marriage to Sean Penn called "Till Death Do Us Part". 14th January 1984: Performs "Holiday" on "Bandstand" (1952). It is her first national TV performance. 1982: Signs a deal with Sire Records. 14th September 1984: Nominated for MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist and gives a memorable performance of "Like A Virgin" at the ceremony. Ranked #86 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Rock & Roll. Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for her outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture. [November 2004] Distantly related to Mark Wahlberg . Attended Rochester Adams High School in Rochester, Michigan, the same high school attended by Karen Moncrieff , Joe Henry and David Geister . A fan of the book "Gone with the Wind". Provided the idea of doing a parody of "Like a Virgin" for Weird Al. "Like a Surgeon" was her original idea. Madonna's friend who worked at Weird Al's record company passed the message. Godparents of her son Rocco are Trudie Styler and Sting . Matthew Vaughn was Best Man at her wedding to Guy Ritchie . Six music videos that ranked on VH1's 100 Greatest Videos: "Like A Prayer" was #2, "Justify My Love" was #7, "Ray Of Light" was #40, "Material Girl" was #54, "Like A Virgin" was #61, and "Borderline" was #84. Her 1989 album "Like A Prayer" ranked #100 on VH1's 100 Greatest Albums. Four music videos that made it on VH1's 50 Sexiest Video Moments: "Justify My Love" was #1, "Erotica" was #16, "Take a Bow" was #27, and "Open Your Heart" was #37. Her mother, Madonna Louise Fortin, was born on 11 July 1932 and died at the age of 31 on 1 December 1963. She was the mother of Anthony Ciccone (1956), Martin Ciccone (1957), Madonna (1958), Paula Ciccone (1959), Christopher Ciccone (1960) and Melanie (1962). After his first wife's death, Silvio Ciccone married Joan Gustaffson (now Joan Ciccone (born in 1943), who gave birth to Jennifer (1968) and Mario (1969). In 2007, Forbes Magazine reported that her 2006 earnings were estimated at $72 million. Inducted (by Justin Timberlake ) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2008. Other inductees are John Mellencamp (by Billy Joel ), The Dave Clark Five (by Tom Hanks ), Leonard Cohen (by Lou Reed ) and The Ventures . Thanked by Alanis Morissette in the liner notes of her album "Jagged Little Pill". Supporter of Hillary Clinton 's 2008 electoral campaign. Her 2008 song "4 Minutes" featuring Justin Timberlake and Tim Mosley (aka Timbaland) made her the female artist with the most Top 10 singles and the most number 1 hits (13) in the UK. She and husband Guy Ritchie adopted a boy from Malawi, David Banda Mwale Ciccone Ritchie (born September 24th 2005). They filed the adoption papers on October 10, 2006 and the adoption was finalized on May 28, 2008. Is a fan of Chris Isaak . After months of speculation, she and Guy Ritchie announced their separation. [October 2008] Godfather of her son David is Rupert Everett . Madonna and Guy Ritchie 's $1.3 million wedding took place at Scotland's Skibo Castle, where the couple booked all 21 rooms of the estate for guests. The costumes she wore during her 1990 Blond Ambition Tour were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier (including the controversial cone bras). Bugged her phone calls with Warren Beatty for inclusion in Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991), but she had to edit them out of the final cut when Warren asked her to. She was one of the first singers to pay tribute to fellow music superstars Michael Jackson , David Bowie , Prince and George Michael after their deaths. Had a falling out with deejay and former friend Junior Vasquez in 1996, after he released a single titled "If Madonna Calls," which included audio of a message that she left on his answering machine. The single, which was believe to be in retaliation for Madonna not showing up to one of his club events ended their friendship and professional relationship on bad terms. Madonna's blacklisting of Vasquez was confirmed by her longtime publicist Liz Rosenberg , who in a June 2003 news story in New York Magazine said "I can assure you that Madonna will never work with Junior again.". Her longtime publicist is Liz Rosenberg . Adopted a girl from Malawi, Chifundo Mercy James (born 2005) (June 12, 2009). She studied dance with the legendary Martha Graham . In the music video "Papa Don't Preach" (1986), Madonna 's father is played by Danny Aiello . When the singer attempted to purchase a $1.2m apartment at Manhattan's famous San Remo high-rise on Central Park West, the residents' committee declined the singer's application. The media surmised that Madonna 's celebrity pop status would have surely precipitated an endless draw for devoted fans and paparazzi, a predicament the residents were determined to avoid. Ultimately, Madonna moved into a nearby apartment at One West 64th Street, adjacent to the New York Society for Ethical Culture. [1985] James Foley , who directed both Madonna ( Who's That Girl (1987)) and Sean Penn ( At Close Range (1986)), served as best man at the couple's wedding (August 1985). For her 1992 erotic hardcover book - "Sex" - she was photographed by Steven Meisel . Was 4 months pregnant with her daughter Lourdes Leon when she completed filming on Evita (1996). Returned to work 7 months after giving birth to her daughter Lourdes Leon in order to begin recording her seventh studio album "Ray of Light". Returned to work 8 months after giving birth to her son Rocco Ritchie in order to begin performing in her fifth concert tour, "Drowned World Tour". Her friendship with Sandra Bernhard ended in 1992. Has her look-alike puppet in the French Show Les guignols de l'info (1988). Had planned to deliver both daughter Lourdes Leon and son Rocco Ritchie naturally but ultimately delivered them via emergency Caesarean sections. In April 2013, said she was selling "Trois Femmes a la Table Rouge" painting by Fernand Leger, which she bought in 1990 for $3.4 million, hoping it would fetch $5-7 million, so proceeds would benefit girls' education in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries. Moved back to NYC following eight-year residence in London, England. [2009] Release of the book, "Madonna: Like An Icon" by Lucy O'Brien . [2007] Touring with her "Sticky & Sweet Tour". Appeared at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, CA in November 2008. [November 2008] Madonna and her daughter Lourdes Leon launched their fashion line, "Material Girl". [August 2010] Released her new album "Confessions on a Dance Floor" [October 2005] Release of the book, "Life with My Sister Madonna" by Christopher Ciccone and Wendy Leigh . [July 2008] Ending her sold out Re-Invention Tour; and launching dolls, tea sets and umbrellas based on her book "The English Roses". [September 2004] After having shot her new video "Sorry" for the second single from her successful album "Confessions on a dance-floor" she's planning to do a world-wide tour in summer. [January 2006] Aunt of Levon and Lulu Henry, children of her sister Melanie and Joe Henry . As she said in her MDNA Tour (2012), she is a big fan of Alain Delon , Jean Gabin , Jean-Luc Godard and Jean-Pierre Melville . Agreed to speak at the Turner Prize 2001 (won by Martin Creed's room with the lights going on and off), but on condition that she was introduced as "Mrs Ritchie". She was introduced as Madonna, anyway. She said "It's 'Mrs Ritchie' actually" and finished her comments by saying "And for all those who want to put style over substance I say 'Rock on Mother*******!'" Someone in the audience whooped. Matthew Collins then apologized profusely for this incidence of swearing on live TV. A censor beep was used but not in time. Is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the actor's branch since 1999. Is one of 20 actresses who did not receive an Oscar nomination for their Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical Golden Globe-winning performance; hers being for Evita (1996). The others, in chronological order, are: June Allyson for Too Young to Kiss (1951), Ethel Merman for Call Me Madam (1953), Jean Simmons for Guys and Dolls (1955), Taina Elg and Kay Kendall for Les Girls (1957), Marilyn Monroe for Some Like It Hot (1959), Rosalind Russell for A Majority of One (1961) and Gypsy (1962), Patty Duke for Me, Natalie (1969), Twiggy for The Boy Friend (1971), Raquel Welch for The Three Musketeers (1973), Barbra Streisand for A Star Is Born (1976), Bernadette Peters for Pennies from Heaven (1981), Kathleen Turner for Romancing the Stone (1984) and Prizzi's Honor (1985), Miranda Richardson for Enchanted April (1991), Jamie Lee Curtis for True Lies (1994), Nicole Kidman for To Die For (1995), Renée Zellweger for Nurse Betty (2000), Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky (2008), and Amy Adams for Big Eyes (2014). Her first concert was in April of 1985 in Seattle, Washington. Her first concert in Canada that same year was in Toronto, Ontario. Hates television, believing it's "trash" and bans her children from watching it. Lost custody of her son Rocco Ritchie to ex-husband Guy Ritchie in March 2016. Over the Christmas holidays in 2015, Rocco decided to live with his dad in London instead of returning to his mother, who lives in New York. This decision ensued in a custody battle over whether Rocco needs to be forced to return to live with his mother against his will or whether he could stay and live with his father. It was ruled in March 2016 that Rocco can live with his father, while he can visit his mother during holidays in the US. When director Penny Marshall cast Madonna in A League of Their Own (1992), leading lady Debra Winger angrily told her, "You're making an Elvis movie." Marshall didn't know what that meant, which frustrated Winger even more, since she dropped out of the film and Geena Davis got her role. Madonna was no fan of Winger either, since she told Carrie Fisher that one of her nicknames was Kit Moresby, until she saw Winger play Kit in The Sheltering Sky (1990). She told Fisher, "I didn't want to be Kit Moresby anymore, because it was so disappointing. I didn't want people to think that I was Debra Winger." What's ironic is that both their ex-husbands Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn worked together twice in Taps (1981) and The Falcon and the Snowman (1985) and became friends. Notable people she has dated include Wyn Cooper , Dan Gilroy , Norris Burroughs , Mark Kamins , Stephen Bray , Jean Michel Basquiat , Jellybean Benítez , John Kennedy Jr. , Jeffrey Hornaday , Warren Beatty , Tony Ward , Vanilla Ice , John Enos , Tupac Shakur , Jenny Shimizu , Dennis Rodman , Johnny Zander , Alex Rodríguez , Jesus Luz , Brahim Zaibat and Timor Steffens . July 1983: Third single from the album "Madonna", "Holiday" bursts onto pop radio. In October 1983, the single finally became Madonna's first Billboard Hot 100 Hit in the US, climbing to #16. It stayed on the chart for 12 weeks. The single also stayed at #13 on the European charts for 2 weeks. Certified Silver in the UK & France. Other chart activity includes: #4 in Australia. #6 in the UK. #9 in Germany. #10 in Japan. #24 in France. #34 in Canada. Peaking at #16, it is her first charting single in the US. The track solidified her roots in dance clubs - it was her first #1 single on the Billboard Dance/Disco chart. The single featured "Holiday (Single Edit)" and "I Know It (Album Version)". January 1985: Second single from the album "Like A Virgin", "Material Girl" released. While certainly intended as a send-up of mid-80s commercialism and greed, the single was (of course) misinterpreted and gave Madonna her most well-worn nickname. The bass-heavy affair was produced by Nile Rodgers and quickly flew up the charts around the world, hitting #2 in the US Billboard Top 100 Chart and top five status internationally. At one point during "Material Girl"'s US chart run, it was joined by "Crazy For You" in the US top five, a rarity in the chart world. The songs music video was almost as notorious as the song itself. 'Mary Lambert' directed the clip - inspired heavily by Marilyn Monroe's performance of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) - that would prove inescapable on MTV in the spring of 1985. On 13th September 1985, the video garnered Madonna her first Best Female Video nomination at the MTV Video Music Awards 1985 (1985). The single stayed on the US charts for 17 weeks. It also hit #1 in Japan for 2 weeks and peaked at #3 in the UK for 2 weeks. Other chart placings include: #4 in Australia. #5 in Canada & Europe. #13 in Germany. #47 in France. The 12" single featured: "Material Girl (Extended Dance Mix)" and "Pretender (Album Version)". April 1985: Third single from the album "Like A Virgin", "Angel/Into The Groove" is a rather curious single in Madonna's chart history. While "Into The Groove" is easily of her most enduring 1980s era singles, it never charted on the US Hot 100. Since it was never released as a 7" single and its only commercial release in America came as the b-side to the 12" single of "Angel", it didn't qualify to enter Billboard's pop chart. Curiously, it did hit #19 on the Hot Black Singles chart. "Angel/Into The Groove" was released as a double A-side single in the US (where it spent 17 weeks, peaked at #4 and was certified Gold), Canada (where it hit #19) & #1 in Australia for 4 weeks. In other territories the singles were released separately. "Angel" peaked at #5 in the UK (where it was certified Silver), #3 in Japan, #13 in Europe, #31 in Germany and didn't chart in France. "Into The Groove" became Madonna's first #1 hit in the UK, and still holds the record for her longest running chart topper there (a month - four weeks, tied with "Vogue"), where it was Certified Gold), #1 in Japan for 3 weeks and #1 in Europe for a week. The music video for "Into The Groove" was made up entirely of scenes from the film Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). The video in the US was firmly rooted on heavy rotation. Other chart activity includes #2 in France & #3 in Germany (where it was certified Silver). In later years "Into The Groove", still one of Madonna's most loved dance songs was ranked #40 on VH1's 100 Greatest Dance Songs. The US 12" vinyl featured: "Angel (Extended Dance Mix)" and "Into The Groove". The "Into The Groove" 7" release featured: "Into The Groove" and "Shoo Bee Doo". August 1984: Fifth single from album "Madonna", "Lucky Star" was her first US Top Five hit (peaking at #4), and the first in a string of 17 consecutive US top fives. It spent four months (16 weeks) on the Hot 100 before it was pushed aside by her next single, "Like A Virgin". The video, directed by Arthur Pierson, was a stark performance piece, again bringing together her brother Christopher Ciccone and Erika Belle as backup dancers. The clip was filled with black rubber jelly bracelets, lace and a certain gyrating belly button. The single was initially released in the UK in 1983, instead of "Burning Up/Physical Attraction", where it did not chart. Reissued in the UK in 1984, it would peak at #14. Other chart activity includes: #2 in Japan (for 2 weeks). #16 in Canada. #29 in Europe. #36 in Australia. The single did not chart in France or Germany. The single included: "Lucky Star (Single Edit)" and "I Know It (Album Version)". February 1984: Fourth single from album "Madonna", "Borderline" was Madonna's first US Top Ten single (peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100), where it spent an incredible 30 weeks on the Hot 100 - a feat matched by only one other single: "Take A Bow" in 1994. The songs video was the first of many collaborations with Mary Lambert, and it earned Madonna a 1984 MTV Video Music Award nomination for 'Best New Artist in a Video'. This was also Madonna's first Gold single in the US. Other chart activity includes: #12 in Australia. #22 in Canada. #26 in Japan. #56 in Europe. The single featured: "Borderline (Single Edit)" and "Think Of Me (Album Version)". 9th March 1983: Second single from the album "Madonna", the double-sided 12" single "Burning Up / Physcial Attraction" was the follow-up to "Everybody" and quickly ascended the Disco chart. The rather rockin' A-side climbed and peaked at #3, matching its predecessor's success. Steve Baron directed the music video for "Burning Up", who at the time was best known for lensing the video for Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean". The clip was never widely seen, as "Burning Up" failed to catch on outside of dance clubs. This was Madonna's debut single in Australia, peaking at #13 on the Australian AMR chart. The single failed to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, Europe, Germany, France & Japan. The single was not released in the UK. The single featured "Burning Up (12" Version)" and "Physical Attraction (Album Version)". 1985: Second single from the Vision Quest (1985) soundtrack, "Gambler" hit #4 in the UK, where it would be certified Silver. While "Gambler" was never released as a single in the US and Canada, it still became popular in America thanks to the video being played constantly on MTV. The video for the single consisted of footage from the Harold Becker film starring Matthew Modine. Other chart activity includes: #8 in Europe, #10 in Australia, #12 in Japan, #25 in Germany, #35 in France. The 7" single featured: "Gambler" - Madonna and "Nature Of The Beach" - Black 'n Blue (both from the Vision Quest soundtrack). July 1984: Produced by Chic's Nile Rodgers, the first single from the album "Like A Virgin", "Like A Virgin" remains one of Madonna's most popular and enduring singles. It spent six weeks at #1 in the U.S. (her second longest run at the top) and also hit #1 in Japan (for 4 weeks), Canada (for 3 weeks), Europe (for 5 weeks) and Australia (for 5 weeks). Mary Lambert directed the 'Madonna goes to Venice' music video, which featured Madonna performing through the canals in blue spandex tights and teased hair. The video featured panting lions, Madonna slinking around in a wedding dress and a hot guy in a tuxedo with a lion mask. On 13th September 1985, the clip earned three 1985 MTV Video Music Award nominations: Best Choreography, Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography. On 14th September 1984, Madonna would also give a memorable performance of the song at MTV 1st Annual Video Music Awards (1984). The single would stay in the US Billboard charts for 19 weeks. Other chart placings include #3 in the UK, #4 in Germany and #8 in France. It would be certified Gold in the US & UK, and Silver in Germany. This was her first #1 single. The 12" single featured: "Like A Virgin (Extended Dance Remix)" and "Stay (Album Version)". February 1985: Recorded for the Vision Quest (1985) soundtrack in 1983, "Crazy For You" reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #1 in Australia (for 3 weeks), #1 in Japan (for 4 weeks) and #2 in the UK. In February 1986, Madonna earned her first Grammy nomination when she scored a nod for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, for "Crazy For You" at The 28th Annual Grammy Awards (1986). Other chart activity includes: #2 in the UK. #4 in Canada. #6 in Europe for 6 weeks. #36 in Germany. #47 in France. Staying on the US Billboard Chart for 21 weeks, it was certified Gold in both the US and UK. In 1991, "Crazy For You" was re-released in the UK and again hit #2. The video for the single consisted of footage from the Harold Becker film starring Matthew Modine . The 7" single featured: "Crazy For You" - Madonna and "No More Words" - Berlin (both from the Vision Quest (1985) soundtrack). 6th October 1982: The very first commercially available single, "Everybody", was one of the tunes that got her signed to Sire Records. Written by Madonna , it was included on her four-track demo tape and eventually found its way to her 1983 debut album. The 12" vinyl single was released in the fall of 1982 to clubs where it garnered critical acclaim, and upon its debut on Billboard's Dance/Disco Top 80 chart, the magazine's "Dance Trax" columnist Brian Chin reviewed the single. He wrote: "Madonna, a young New York duo (??) produced by DJ Mark Kamins, has released a commercial 12-inch on Sire, called "Everybody"; previewed favorably on clubs and radio, the spare, bright cut has a relaxing quality at home listening levels, but somehow sounds much harder- edged in the club". The video that accompanied the single was a low-budget affair, and featured Madonna performing the track with dancers Christopher Ciccone (her brother) and Erika Belle . "Everybody" would reach No. 3 on the chart, beginning Madonna's unparalleled domination of Billboard's dance charts for the next 20 years. The single unfortunately failed to chart on the US Billboard Top 100 Chart, Canada, Europe, the UK, Germany, France & Japan. The single was not released in Australia. Her first single out of the gate, the 12" vinyl included the 12" Version and Dub Version. November 1984 saw the release of "Like A Virgin", Madonna's second studio album, and the set that would make her a household name. Produced by Chic's Nile Rodgers, the opus churned out four US top five singles: the title track (#1 for six weeks), "Material Girl" (#2), "Angel" (#5) and "Dress You Up" (#5). The album remains her biggest selling studio set in the US with over 10 million units sold (certified 10xPlatinum). "Like A Virgin" spent three weeks atop the Billboard 200 albums chart at #1 (her first #1 album) and lingered on the tally for over two years. The album stayed in the Billboard Top 10 for 33 weeks, Top 40 for 52 weeks, Top 100 for 70 weeks and 200 for 108 weeks (More than 2 years). The song "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" would be released as a single 12 years later in 1996. Other chart activity includes: #1 in the UK for 6 weeks (where it was certified 6xPlatinum), #1 in Germany for a week (certified Platinum), #2 in Australia (certified 7xPlatinum), #2 in France (certified 2xPlatinum) & #3 in Canada for 5 weeks (certified 10xPlatinum). September 1983: Her debut album "Madonna" climbed to #8 (for three weeks) on the US Billboard Top 200, spending a whopping 168 weeks on the chart. Madonna wrote five of the eight tracks on the album which has now sold over five million copies in the US alone. US Billboard Chart figures include: 5 weeks in the Top 10, 36 weeks in Top 40, 99 weeks in Top 100 & 168 weeks in Top 200. 5 million units shipped in the US, 3.3 million shipped internationally, totaling 8.3 million all up. Produced by Reggie Lucas , the album collected some of her early 12" dance club hits including: "Everybody", "Burning Up/ Physical Attraction", along with the soon to be smashes "Holiday", "Borderline" and "Lucky Star". Originally peaking at #44 in Germany, it would later be re-issued as "Madonna: The First Album" and peak at #28. Certified 5xPlatinum in the US, 3xPlatinum in the UK & Australia, 1xPlatinum in France, and Gold in Germany Other chart activity includes: #6 in the UK. #8 in France. #10 in Australia. #19 in Canada. Acknowledged having had "several" abortions during an on-camera interview with Stina Dabrowski . [1994] Her favorite flowers are white roses. Tina Modotti is one of her idols. Personal Quotes (74) [in the Los Angeles Times, October 1994] When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm thirsty, I drink. When I feel like saying something, I say it. Children always understand. They have open minds. They have built-in shit detectors. [in Interview magazine, June 1993] I think that everyone should get married at least once, so you can see what a silly, outdated institution it is. [from her book "Sex"] A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That's why they don't get what they want. [to David Letterman in March 1994] Listen, all you do is talk about my sex life on your show, so now you don't want to talk about my sex life when I'm on your show?! [in Elle magazine, February 2001] Can I just say that I find it really irritating that everyone beats up on Britney Spears ? I want to do nothing but support her and praise her and wish her the best. I mean, she's 18 years old! It's just shocking. I was so gawky and geeky and awkward and unsure of myself. [in Vanity Fair, April 1991] I sometimes think I was born to live up to my name. How could I be anything else but what I am having been named Madonna? I would either have ended up a nun or this. I feel just as hungry today as I did the day I left home. [in Spin magazine, January 1996] Better to live one year as a tiger than hundred as a sheep. I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art. [in Vanity Fair, April 1991] I love meetings with suits. I live for meetings with suits. I love them because I know they had a really boring week and I walk in there with my orange velvet leggings and drop popcorn in my cleavage and then fish it out and eat it I like that. I know I'm entertaining them and I know that they know. [in Elle magazine, February 2001] I'm like a cockroach. You just can't get rid of me. [in W Magazine, April 2003] People who have nothing better to do than talk about my hair color have no lives. [in Parkinson (1971), November 2005] I'm a gay man trapped in a woman's body! [to Jonathan Ross in October 1992] Not only do we suffer from racism and sexism, but we also suffer from ageism. And that is that once you reach a certain age, you're not allowed to be adventurous, you're not allowed to be sexual and I think that's rather hideous. [...] I mean, is there a rule? Are you just supposed to die when you're 40? Without the heart, there can be no understanding between the hand and the mind. [in People magazine, March 1985] I'm tough, ambitious and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay. Fame can be very disruptive. It can be like a drug. It gives you the feeling that you're happy, it gives you the feeling of self-importance, it gives you the feeling of fulfillment... but it can distract you from what is really important. [in Hits Daily Double magazine, August 2000] There is nothing rebellious about today's sounds, and music needs to be rebellious. [after winning an Award of Honor at the French NRJ Music Awards, January 2004] My ambition may be American, and I may have married a Brit, but my heart belongs to France. [in Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)] I wouldn't live in Chicago cause it's too conservative, aside for the fact that Oprah Winfrey lives there. [in Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)] I know I'm not the best singer and I know I'm not the best dancer, but I'm not interested in that. I'm interested in pushing people's buttons, in being provocative and in being political. [in Liz Smith 's column, May 2004] I have two beautiful children and a brilliant, gorgeous husband. I have my work and I have my faith. None of that means I've lost my sense of humor or my sense of fun. If that's boring to some people, I can't tell you how much I don't care. [in W Magazine, April 2003] I think that Kabbalah is very punk rock. [August 1984] A lot of people thought that I was a black artist before they saw my videos, because a lot of my music is more R&B oriented, and I think that I'm a white artist doing R&B music, getting played on pop stations. And I think that the kind of records I make are really changing people's ideas of splitting up and categorizing artists and I think that's opening ways for black and white artists as well. [August 1984] Videos might have a limited audience in one sense. But on the other hand, you could be reaching a lot of people that would never be able to come see you live. So I think they're definitely an advantage. Kids today worship the television, so I think it's a great way to reach them. When you perform on stage you're acting. That's a performance. If someone sticks a camera on you, what's the difference? [on MTV, September 1984] What I would like to ultimately achieve, I already told Dick Clark once on New American Bandstand 1965 (1952). So I'll repeat it again, and annoy everyone who was annoyed before when I said it: I want to conquer the world. [in Smash Hits magazine, July 1989] Everyone in the family studied a musical instrument. My father was really big on that. Somehow I only took about a year and a half of piano lessons and I convinced my father to let me take dancing lessons instead. [May 1984] When I first came to New York I was a dancer, and a French record label offered me a recording contract and I had to go to Paris to do it. So I went there and that's how I really got into the music business. But I didn't like what I was doing when I got there, so I left, and I never did a record there. [December 1985] So then I'm playing drums and we're getting gigs in certain downtown clubs like CBGB and the Mud Club, and Max's Kansas City. And I'm starting to write music for the band, too, like some songs, but they already had two singers in the band, so they would never let me get up and sing a song because what's the point? One day I finally convinced them: "I'll just play guitar and sing one song. Please, please, please". And they finally said, "OK". So then I got up to sing one song and the other guy went back to play the drums. And like I got a standing ovation. [December 1985] I befriended one DJ in particular and he worked at a club called Danceteria, which was one of my favorite clubs. And we talked a lot about music. I knew a lot about singers, and I knew a lot about different groups and stuff like that. And he said, "How come you know so much about this?" And I said, "I'm really interested in music". And he said, "Well, in what way?" And I said, "I'm a singer". He said, "No kidding?" And I said, "Yeah, and I just happen to have this tape right here". I mean, I was carrying this tape with me everywhere, at every club, waiting for the moment to pop it on somebody. So I said. "Would you play it?". And he said, "Well, I can't play it in the middle of the night. I haven't heard it. What if it's terrible? What if everyone stops dancing?" And I said< "Alright, well, you listen to it, take it home with you tonight, and listen to it. And I'll come back here tomorrow, and if you like it then you play it again". So that was a Friday night, so he went home. On Saturday night I met him again, and I came back before the club opened and he said he really loved it. So he played it. He played two songs. One of them was "Everybody". [on Spice Girls ] I like them. I know I am not supposed to. Every time someone says something bad about them, I say, "Hey, wait a minute, I was a Spice Girl once!" [in Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991), about her fans] Even when I feel like shit, they still love me! You have to be patient... I'm not! [in Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)] I hate people who hate women. Actually I hate people who hate! I do think that the birth of my daughter was sort of a rebirth for me. It made me look at life in a completely new way. And that made me appreciate life in a way I don't think I ever had before. [in Spin magazine, May 1985] When I was growing up, I was religious, in a passionate, adolescent way. Jesus Christ was like a movie star, my favorite idol of all. [on Britney Spears ] I feel really protective of her. Don't even ask me why. There's something about her. Even though she's terribly successful, for some reason I think of her as an underdog. [on her relationship with Britney Spears ] I see her as my little sister. She asks me for career advice. For the most part, I try to make her understand this isn't real life and she can't take everything people say seriously. I can understand some of the stuff she's going through. I help her with that. [in People magazine, April 2003] I don't want people to dress like me anymore. Now I want them to think like me. Dress like Britney Spears and think like me, and everything will be fine. I've learned from studying Kabbalah that if your happiness is based on people approving of everything you do, you're doomed to fail... Kabbalah helped me stand up and take responsibility for everything to do with me. I can be arrogant sometimes, but I never mean it intentionally. I can be really snotty to people but that's not anything new really. I always acted like a star long before I was one. If people don't see my sense of humor then I come off as being expensive, but I always endear myself to people when I find their weaknesses and they acknowledge it. It's the people who try to hide everything and try to make you think they're so cool that I can't stand. [about her famous appearance in 1994 on Late Show with David Letterman (1993)] That was a time in my life when I was extremely angry. The press was constantly beating up on me, and I felt like I was a victim. So I lashed out at people and Letterman was one of them. I am not particularly proud of it. [in Rolling Stone magazine, December 2005, on George W. Bush 's reelection in 2004 and the federal government's reaction in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005] I was just frigging devastated. It was a real sad day. I don't get how people can have all these facts and still turn away from them. [...] 9/11 was too ambiguous, you couldn't prove how the government was somehow in on the deal. There were too many arguments against it. You could say, "Oh, that's just Michael Moore ," "Oh, that's just hearsay." New Orleans was undeniable irresponsibility. If you take everything I do at face value, you're going to be horrified. Or intimidated. Or insulted. Or bored. [during an interview on E! Television, May 2006] It is a struggle to balance my career with my children. I'm always going, 'Oh God, I'm a crap mother'. I want to get home and put my kids to bed. And then sometimes, if I'm spending a lot of time with my children, I think, 'Oh God, I just want to be an artist'. [during an interview on E! Television, May 2006, about her daughter Lourdes Leon ] Sometimes she doesn't want me to come to certain things because she knows everyone is going to pay attention to me and then they'll treat her differently. I took her to school on the first day last year, and all these kids were buzzing around. She came home that day and she was really irritated and kind of bummed out, like people were playing this contest - what would it be like to be Madonna's daughter? [open letter about the adoption of her son David, October 2006] My husband and I began the adoption process many months prior to our trip to Malawi. I did not wish to disclose my intentions to the world prior to the adoption happening as this is a private family matter. After learning that there were over one million orphans in Malawi, it was my wish to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as expand out family. Nevertheless, we have gone about the adoption procedure according to the law like anyone else who adopts a child. Reports to the contrary are totally inaccurate. The procedure includes an l8 month evaluation period after which time we hope to make this adoption permanent. This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly. I am overwhelmed and inspired by my trip to Malawi and hope that it helps bring attention to how much more the world needs to do to help the children of Africa. My heartfelt thanks for all the good wishes I have received and I hope the press will allow my family some room for us to experience the joy we feel to have David home. [in Ladies Home Journal magazine, July 2005] My kids don't watch TV - we have TV's, but they're not hooked up to anything but movies. [...] TV is trash. I was raised without it. I didn't miss anything. TV is poison. No one even talks about it around here. It's like a moot point. We don't have magazines or newspapers in the house, either. [in Ladies Home Journal magazine, July 2005] My daughter has a problem picking up in her room, so if you leave your clothes on the floor, they're going to be gone when you come home. So we've gone through periods of almost emptying her room - we take all of her clothes and put them in a trash bag, and they get stuck somewhere, and she has to earn all of her clothes back, by being tidy, picking up her room, making her bed in the morning, hanging up her clothes, stuff like that. [in Rock Video magazine, February 1985] When I came to New York, it was the first time I'd ever taken a plane, it was the first time I'd ever gotten in a taxi cab, it was the first time for everything. And I came here not knowing anyone with thirty-five dollars in my pocket. It was the bravest thing I've ever done. One of the hardest thing I've faced in my life was the death of my mother, and that's something I really haven't got over to this day. [Sirius Satellite Radio interview, February 2007] I want to be like Gandhi and Martin Luther King and John Lennon - but I want to stay alive! [in The Sun, July 2009] I am so terribly sad about Michael Jackson 's death. I don't know what artist wasn't inspired by him. To be able to do what he did at such an early age was unearthly, everybody grew up in awe of him. To work with him and become friends and hang out with him was exciting for me. I used to love picking his brains about musical stuff. [in an interview with Ryan Seacrest , October 2009] Younger people are generally more adventurous - they're more open, more fun - have you met many guys my age? Guys my age are married or divorced or grumpy, fat and balding. [on the making of A League of Their Own (1992)] I cannot suffer any more than I have in the past month learning how to play baseball with a bunch of girls (yuk) in Chicago (double yuk). I have a tan, I am dirty all day and I hardly ever wear make-up. Penny Marshall is Lavern -- Geena Davis is a Barbie doll and when God decided where the beautiful men were going to live in the world, he did not choose Chicago. I have made a few friends but they are athletes, not actresses. I hate actresses, they have nothing on the house of extravaganza. [on Edward, Duke of Windsor] I couldn't get my mind off the fact that a man gave up the throne for a woman. From my perspective, men since the beginning of time have fought to get on the throne. Men are power-seeking animals, so why would this man run away from power? [in Rolling Stone magazine, February 1989] Being blonde is definitely a different state of mind. I can't really put my finger on it, but the artifice of being blonde has some incredible sort of sexual connotation. Men really respond to it. I love blonde hair but it really does something different to you. I feel more grounded when I have dark hair, and I feel more ethereal when I have light hair. It's unexplainable. I also feel more Italian when my hair is dark. [during her MDNA Tour concert in Washington DC, September 2012] Y'all better vote for fucking Obama, O.K.? For better or for worse, all right? We have a black Muslim in the White House! Now that's some amazing shit. It means there's hope in this country. And Obama is fighting for gay rights so support the man goddammit. [dressed in a Boy Scout uniform at the 2013 GLAAD Media Awards] I wanted to be a Boy Scout but they wouldn't let me join. I think that's fucked up. I can build a fire. I know how go pitch a tent. I have a very good sense of direction. I can rescue kittens from trees. Listen, I want to do good for the community. [in Interview magazine, December 2014] I was attracted to creative people. You don't want to be the smartest person in the room; you want to be the dumbest in the room. [in Interview magazine, December 2014] We're in the world of creating illusions and giving people the ability to dream and to be inspired or moved. So you don't want people to see the labor behind it. Also I was trained that, as a dancer, no matter how much you're suffering, your face is relaxed. You have to create that illusion. [in Interview magazine, December 2014] I live vicariously through Michael Corleone [from The Godfather (1972)]. I would like to deal with life the way he does. When he's telling what's-his-name that he's going to go on a little fishing trip. My God. Brilliant. Or the scene where Marlon Brando is talking to his dead wife in the casket in Last Tango in Paris (1972). [in Interview magazine, December 2014] I remember having conversations with Keith Haring and with Jean Michel Basquiat about the importance of your art being accessible to people. That was their big thing - it should be available to everyone. [in Interview magazine, December 2014] Sleeping is the most difficult part of what I do, relaxing afterwards. Letting things go. [in Rolling Stone magazine, March 2015] Women, generally, when they reach a certain age, have accepted that they're not allowed to behave a certain way. But I don't follow the rules. I never did, and I'm not going to start. [in US Weekly magazine, March 2015] I don't really watch TV. I only like two shows - True Detective (2014) and an Irish series called The Fall (2013) - and I'm not embarrassed about them. Many people say, "The Fall" with Jamie Dornan ,' but I say, "The Fall" with Gillian Anderson .' She's so good. [in Rolling Stone magazine, March 2015] The only time I ever criticized Lady Gaga was when I felt like she blatantly ripped off one of my songs. It's got nothing to do with "she's taking my crown" or "she's in some space of mine." She has her thing. I do think she's a very talented singer and songwriter. It was just that one issue. And everybody's obviously run with it and turned it into a huge feud, which I think is really boring, quite frankly. [in the New York Daily News, March 2015, about the criticism she faced when she showed her ass at the Grammy Awards] Bitch, this is what my ass looks like - show me what your ass looks like when you're 56! [...] I take care of myself. I'm in good shape. I can show my ass when I'm 56, or 66 - or 76. Who's to say when I can show my ass? It's sexism. It's ageism. And it's a kind of discrimination. [on the death of David Bowie ] I'm devastated! This great artist changed my life! First concert i ever saw in Detroit! R.I.P. I found him so inspiring and innovative. Unique and provocative. A real genius. His music was always inspiring but seeing him live set me off on a journey that for me I hope will never end. His photographs are hanging all over my house today. He was so chic and beautiful and elegant. So ahead of his time. Thank you David Bowie . I owe you a lot. The world will miss you. [on the death of Prince ] He changed the world!! A true visionary. What a loss. I'm devastated. [in Details magazine, December 1994] It's common to have abortions. Many people have them and it's nothing to be ashamed of. [following the death of George Michael ] Another great artist leaves us. Can 2016 fuck off now? Salary (6)	i don't know
What is the name of the densely forested moon inhabited by the Na’vi in the 2009 film ‘Avatar’?	Avatar (2009 film) - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia I am Smart, Intelligent and Hard Working who Loves to help :) Avatar (2009 film) Budget 237 million USD (2009) Duration Release date December 18, 2009 (India) Film series Avatar Series Writer James Cameron Language English Release date December 10, 2009 (2009-12-10) (London premiere) December 17, 2009 (2009-12-17) (United Kingdom) December 18, 2009 (2009-12-18) (United States) Featured song I See You (Theme from Avatar) Cast Sam Worthington (Jake Sully), Zoe Saldana (Neytiri), Sigourney Weaver (Dr. Grace Augustine), Stephen Lang (Col. Quaritch), Michelle Rodriguez (Trudy Chacon), Giovanni Ribisi (Selfridge) Similar movies Edge of Tomorrow, Star Trek Into Darkness, John Carter, Independence Day, Lockout, Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning Tagline Enter the World of Pandora. Avatar official trailer hd 20th century fox Sponsored Links On the lush alien world of Pandora live the Navi, beings who appear primitive but are highly evolved. Because the planets environment is poisonous, human/Navi hybrids, called Avatars, must link to human minds to allow for free movement on Pandora. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paralyzed former Marine, becomes mobile again through one such Avatar and falls in love with a Navi woman (Zoe Saldana). As a bond with her grows, he is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world. Avatar (marketed as James Camerons Avatar) is a 2009 American epic science fiction film directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron, and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. The film is set in the mid-22nd century, when humans are colonizing Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system, in order to mine the mineral unobtanium, a room-temperature superconductor. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe of Navi – a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora. The films title refers to a genetically engineered Navi body with the mind of a remotely located human that is used to interact with the natives of Pandora. Development of Avatar began in 1994, when Cameron wrote an 80-page treatment for the film. Filming was supposed to take place after the completion of Camerons 1997 film Titanic, for a planned release in 1999, but according to Cameron, the necessary technology was not yet available to achieve his vision of the film. Work on the language of the films extraterrestrial beings began in 2005, and Cameron began developing the screenplay and fictional universe in early 2006. Avatar was officially budgeted at $237 million. Other estimates put the cost between $280 million and $310 million for production and at $150 million for promotion. The film made extensive use of new motion capture filming techniques, and was released for traditional viewing, 3D viewing (using the RealD 3D, Dolby 3D, XpanD 3D, and IMAX 3D formats), and for "4D" experiences in select South Korean theaters. The stereoscopic filmmaking was touted as a breakthrough in cinematic technology. Avatar premiered in London on December 10, 2009, and was internationally released on December 16 and in the United States and Canada on December 18, to positive critical reviews, with critics highly praising its groundbreaking visual effects. During its theatrical run, the film broke several box office records and became the highest-grossing film of all time, as well as in the United States and Canada, surpassing Titanic, which had held those records for twelve years (and was also directed by Cameron). It also became the first film to gross more than $2 billion and the best-selling film of 2010 in the United States. Avatar was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won three, for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects. Following the films success, Cameron signed with 20th Century Fox to produce three sequels, making Avatar the first of a planned tetralogy. The three sequels, all directed and co-written by Cameron, will be released each year starting from December 2017 to 2019. In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization. Avatar the last airbender movie trailer 2009 official true hd Plot By 2154, humans have depleted Earths natural resources, leading to a severe energy crisis. The Resources Development Administration (RDA) mines for a valuable mineral – unobtanium – on Pandora, a densely forested habitable moon orbiting the gas giant Polyphemus in the Alpha Centauri star system. Pandora, whose atmosphere is poisonous to humans, is inhabited by the Navi, 10-foot tall (3.0 m), blue-skinned, sapient humanoids who live in harmony with nature and worship a mother goddess called Eywa. James cameron s avatar full movie all cutscenes cinematic To explore Pandoras biosphere, scientists use Navi-human hybrids called "avatars", operated by genetically matched humans; Jake Sully, a paraplegic former Marine, replaces his deceased twin brother as an operator of one. Dr. Grace Augustine, head of the Avatar Program, considers Sully an inadequate replacement but accepts his assignment as a bodyguard. While protecting the avatars of Grace and scientist Norm Spellman as they collect biological data, Jakes avatar is attacked by a thanator and flees into the forest, where he is rescued by Neytiri, a female Navi. Witnessing an auspicious sign, she takes him to her clan, whereupon Neytiris mother Moat, the clans spiritual leader, orders her daughter to initiate Jake into their society. Colonel Miles Quaritch, head of RDAs private security force, promises Jake that the company will restore his legs if he gathers information about the Navi and the clans gathering place, a giant tree called Hometree, on grounds that it stands above the richest deposit of unobtanium in the area. When Grace learns of this, she transfers herself, Jake, and Norm to an outpost. Over three months, Jake grows to sympathize with the natives. After Jake is initiated into the tribe, he and Neytiri choose each other as mates, and soon afterward, Jake reveals his change of allegiance when he attempts to disable a bulldozer that threatens to destroy a sacred Navi site. When Quaritch shows a video recording of Jakes attack on the bulldozer to Administrator Parker Selfridge, and another in which Jake admits that the Navi will never abandon Hometree, Selfridge orders Hometree destroyed. Despite Graces argument that destroying Hometree could damage the biological neural network native to Pandora, Selfridge gives Jake and Grace one hour to convince the Navi to evacuate before commencing the attack. While trying to warn the Navi, Jake confesses to being a spy and the Navi take him and Grace captive. Seeing this, Quaritchs men destroy Hometree, killing Neytiris father (the clan chief) and many others. Moat frees Jake and Grace, but they are detached from their avatars and imprisoned by Quaritchs forces. Pilot Trudy Chacon, disgusted by Quaritchs brutality, carries them to Graces outpost, but during the escape, Quaritch fires at them, hitting Grace. To regain the Navis trust, Jake connects his mind to that of Toruk, a dragon-like predator feared and honored by the Navi. Jake finds the refugees at the sacred Tree of Souls and pleads with Moat to heal Grace. The clan attempts to transfer Grace from her human body into her avatar with the aid of the Tree of Souls, but she dies before the process can complete. Supported by the new chief Tsutey, who acts as Jakes translator, Jake speaks to unite the clan and tells them to gather all of the clans to battle against the RDA. Noticing the impending gathering, Quaritch organizes a pre-emptive strike against the Tree of Souls, believing that its destruction will demoralize the natives. On the eve of battle, Jake prays to Eywa, via a neural connection to the Tree of Souls, to intercede on behalf of the Navi. During the subsequent battle, the Navi suffer heavy casualties, including Tsutey and Trudy; but are rescued when Pandoran wildlife unexpectedly join the attack and overwhelm the humans, which Neytiri interprets as Eywas answer to Jakes prayer. Then Jake destroys a makeshift bomber before it can reach the Tree of Souls; Quaritch escapes from his own damaged aircraft, wearing an AMP suit and breaks open the avatar link unit containing Jakes human body, exposing it to Pandoras poisonous atmosphere. Quaritch then prepares to slit the throat of Jakes avatar, but Neytiri kills Quaritch and saves Jake from suffocation. With the exceptions of Jake, Norm, Max (another scientist), and a select few others, all humans are expelled from Pandora and sent back to Earth, after which Jake is transferred permanently into his avatar with the aid of the Tree of Souls. Cast Humans Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, a disabled former Marine who becomes part of the Avatar Program after his twin brother is killed. His military background helps the Navi warriors relate to him. Cameron cast the Australian actor after a worldwide search for promising young actors, preferring relative unknowns to keep the budget down. Worthington, who was living in his car at the time, auditioned twice early in development, and he has signed on for possible sequels. Cameron felt that because Worthington had not done a major film, he would give the character "a quality that is really real". Cameron said he "has that quality of being a guy youd want to have a beer with, and he ultimately becomes a leader who transforms the world". Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch, the head of the mining operations security detail. Fiercely loyal to his military code, he has a profound disregard for Pandoras inhabitants that is evident in both his actions and his language. Lang had unsuccessfully auditioned for a role in Camerons Aliens (1986), but the director remembered Lang and sought him for Avatar. Michael Biehn, who was in Aliens, read the script and watched some of the 3-D footage with Cameron, but was ultimately not cast in the role. Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine, an exobiologist and head of the Avatar Program. She is also Sullys mentor and an advocate of peaceful relations with the Navi, having set up a school to teach them English. Michelle Rodriguez as Trudy Chacon, a combat pilot assigned to support the Avatar Program who is sympathetic to the Navi. Cameron had wanted to work with Rodriguez since seeing her in Girlfight. Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge, the corporate administrator for the RDA mining operation. While he is at first willing to destroy the Navi civilization to preserve the companys bottom line, he is reluctant to authorize the attacks on the Navi and taint his image, doing so only after Quaritch persuades him that it is necessary, and the attacks will be humane. When the attacks are broadcast to the base, Selfridge displays discomfort at the violence. Joel David Moore as Dr. Norm Spellman, a xenoanthropologist who studies plant and animal life as part of the Avatar Program. He arrives on Pandora at the same time as Sully and operates an avatar. Although he is expected to lead the diplomatic contact with the Navi, it turns out that Jake has the personality better suited to win the natives respect. Dileep Rao as Dr. Max Patel, a scientist who works in the Avatar Program and comes to support Jakes rebellion against the RDA. Navi Zoe Saldana as Neytiri, the daughter of the leader of the Omaticaya (the Navi clan central to the story). She is attracted to Jake because of his bravery, though frustrated with him for what she sees as his naivete and stupidity. She serves as Jakes love interest. The character, like all the Navi, was created using performance capture, and its visual aspect is entirely computer generated. Saldana has also signed on for potential sequels. C. C. H. Pounder as Moat, the Omaticayas spiritual leader, Neytiris mother, and consort to clan leader Eytukan. Wes Studi as Eytukan, the Omaticayas clan leader, Neytiris father, and Moats mate. Laz Alonso as Tsutey, the finest warrior of the Omaticaya. He is heir to the chieftainship of the tribe. At the beginning of the films story, he is betrothed to Neytiri. Origins In 1994, director James Cameron wrote an 80-page treatment for Avatar, drawing inspiration from "every single science fiction book" he had read in his childhood as well as from adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs and H. Rider Haggard. In August 1996, Cameron announced that after completing Titanic, he would film Avatar, which would make use of synthetic, or computer-generated, actors. The project would cost $100 million and involve at least six actors in leading roles "who appear to be real but do not exist in the physical world". Visual effects house Digital Domain, with whom Cameron has a partnership, joined the project, which was supposed to begin production in mid-1997 for a 1999 release. However, Cameron felt that the technology had not caught up with the story and vision that he intended to tell. He decided to concentrate on making documentaries and refining the technology for the next few years. It was revealed in a Bloomberg BusinessWeek cover story that 20th Century Fox had fronted $10 million to Cameron to film a proof-of-concept clip for Avatar, which he showed to Fox executives in October 2005. In February 2006, Cameron revealed that his film Project 880 was "a retooled version of Avatar", a film that he had tried to make years earlier, citing the technological advances in the creation of the computer-generated characters Gollum, King Kong, and Davy Jones. Cameron had chosen Avatar over his project Battle Angel after completing a five-day camera test in the previous year. Development From January to April 2006, Cameron worked on the script and developed a culture for the films aliens, the Navi. Their language was created by Dr. Paul Frommer, a linguist at USC. The Navi language has a lexicon of about 1000 words, with some 30 added by Cameron. The tongues phonemes include ejective consonants (such as the "kx" in "skxawng") that are found in the Amharic language of Ethiopia, and the initial "ng" that Cameron may have taken from New Zealand Maori. Actress Sigourney Weaver and the films set designers met with Jodie S. Holt, professor of plant physiology at University of California, Riverside, to learn about the methods used by botanists to study and sample plants, and to discuss ways to explain the communication between Pandoras organisms depicted in the film. Sponsored Links From 2005 to 2007, Cameron worked with a handful of designers, including famed fantasy illustrator Wayne Barlowe and renowned concept artist Jordu Schell, to shape the design of the Navi with paintings and physical sculptures when Cameron felt that 3-D brush renderings were not capturing his vision, often working together in the kitchen of Camerons Malibu home. In July 2006, Cameron announced that he would film Avatar for a mid-2008 release and planned to begin principal photography with an established cast by February 2007. The following August, the visual effects studio Weta Digital signed on to help Cameron produce Avatar. Stan Winston, who had collaborated with Cameron in the past, joined Avatar to help with the films designs. Production design for the film took several years. The film had two different production designers, and two separate art departments, one of which focused on the flora and fauna of Pandora, and another that created human machines and human factors. In September 2006, Cameron was announced to be using his own Reality Camera System to film in 3-D. The system would use two high-definition cameras in a single camera body to create depth perception. Fox was wavering because of its painful experience with cost overruns and delays on Camerons previous picture, Titanic, even though Cameron rewrote Avatars script to combine several characters together and offered to cut his fee in case the film flopped. Cameron installed a traffic light with the amber signal lit outside of co-producer Jon Landaus office to represent the films uncertain future. In mid-2006, Fox told Cameron "in no uncertain terms that they were passing on this film," so he began shopping it around to other studios, and showed his proof-of-concept to Dick Cook (then chairman of the Walt Disney Studios). However, when Disney attempted to take over, Fox exercised its right of first refusal. In October 2006, Fox finally agreed to commit to making Avatar after Ingenious Media agreed to back the film, which reduced Foxs financial exposure to less than half of the films official $237 million budget. After Fox accepted Avatar, one skeptical Fox executive shook his head and told Cameron and Landau, "I dont know if were crazier for letting you do this, or if youre crazier for thinking you can do this ..." In December 2006, Cameron described Avatar as "a futuristic tale set on a planet 200 years hence ... an old-fashioned jungle adventure with an environmental conscience [that] aspires to a mythic level of storytelling". The January 2007 press release described the film as "an emotional journey of redemption and revolution" and said the story is of "a wounded former Marine, thrust unwillingly into an effort to settle and exploit an exotic planet rich in biodiversity, who eventually crosses over to lead the indigenous race in a battle for survival". The story would be of an entire world complete with an ecosystem of phantasmagorical plants and creatures, and native people with a rich culture and language. Estimates put the cost of the film at about $280–310 million to produce and an estimated $150 million for marketing, noting that about $30 million in tax credits will lessen the financial impact on the studio and its financiers. A studio spokesperson said that the budget was "$237 million, with $150 million for promotion, end of story." Themes and inspirations Avatar is primarily an action-adventure journey of self-discovery, in the context of imperialism and deep ecology. Cameron said his inspiration was "every single science fiction book I read as a kid", and that he was particularly striving to update the style of Edgar Rice Burroughss John Carter series and the deep jungles of Pandora were visualized from Disneys 37th animated film, Tarzan. He acknowledged that Avatar shares themes with the films At Play in the Fields of the Lord, The Emerald Forest, and Princess Mononoke, which feature clashes between cultures and civilizations, and with Dances with Wolves, where a battered soldier finds himself drawn to the culture he was initially fighting against. In a 2007 interview with Time magazine, Cameron was asked about the meaning of the term Avatar, to which he replied, "Its an incarnation of one of the Hindu gods taking a flesh form. In this film what that means is that the human technology in the future is capable of injecting a humans intelligence into a remotely located body, a biological body." The look of the Navi – the humanoids indigenous to Pandora – was inspired by a dream that Camerons mother had, long before he started work on Avatar. In her dream, she saw a blue-skinned woman 12 feet (4 m) tall, which he thought was "kind of a cool image". Also he said, "I just like blue. Its a good color ... plus, theres a connection to the Hindu deities, which I like conceptually." He included similar creatures in his first screenplay (written in 1976 or 1977), which featured a planet with a native population of "gorgeous" tall blue aliens. The Navi were based on them. For the love story between characters Jake and Neytiri, Cameron applied a star-crossed love theme, and acknowledged its similarity to the pairing of Jack and Rose from his film Titanic. An interviewer stated, "Both couples come from radically different cultures that are contemptuous of their relationship and are forced to choose sides between the competing communities." Cameron felt that whether or not the Jake and Neytiri love story would be perceived as believable partially hinged on the physical attractiveness of Neytiris alien appearance, which was developed by considering her appeal to the all-male crew of artists. Though Cameron felt Jake and Neytiri do not fall in love right away, their portrayers (Worthington and Saldana) felt the characters do. Cameron said the two actors "had a great chemistry" during filming. For the films floating "Hallelujah Mountains", the designers drew inspiration from "many different types of mountains, but mainly the karst limestone formations in China." According to production designer Dylan Cole, the fictional floating rocks were inspired by Mount Huang (also known as Huangshan), Guilin, Zhangjiajie, among others around the world. Director Cameron had noted the influence of the Chinese peaks on the design of the floating mountains. To create the interiors of the human mining colony on Pandora, production designers visited the Noble Clyde Boudreaux oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico during June 2007. They photographed, measured and filmed every aspect of the platform, which was later replicated on-screen with photorealistic CGI during post-production. Cameron said that he wanted to make "something that has this spoonful of sugar of all the action and the adventure and all that" but also have a conscience "that maybe in the enjoying of it makes you think a little bit about the way you interact with nature and your fellow man". He added that "the Navi represent something that is our higher selves, or our aspirational selves, what we would like to think we are" and that even though there are good humans within the film, the humans "represent what we know to be the parts of ourselves that are trashing our world and maybe condemning ourselves to a grim future". Cameron acknowledges that Avatar implicitly criticizes the United States role in the Iraq War and the impersonal nature of mechanized warfare in general. In reference to the use of the term shock and awe in the film, Cameron said, "We know what it feels like to launch the missiles. We dont know what it feels like for them to land on our home soil, not in America." He said in later interviews, "... I think its very patriotic to question a system that needs to be corralled ..." and, "The film is definitely not anti-American." A scene in the film portrays the violent destruction of the towering Navi Hometree, which collapses in flames after a missile attack, coating the landscape with ash and floating embers. Asked about the scenes resemblance to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Cameron said he had been "surprised at how much it did look like September 11". Filming Principal photography for Avatar began in April 2007 in Los Angeles and Wellington, New Zealand. Cameron described the film as a hybrid with a full live-action shoot in combination with computer-generated characters and live environments. "Ideally at the end of the day the audience has no idea which theyre looking at," Cameron said. The director indicated that he had already worked four months on nonprincipal scenes for the film. The live action was shot with a modified version of the proprietary digital 3-D Fusion Camera System, developed by Cameron and Vince Pace. In January 2007, Fox had announced that 3-D filming for Avatar would be done at 24 frames per second despite Camerons strong opinion that a 3-D film requires higher frame rate to make strobing less noticeable. According to Cameron, the film is composed of 60% computer-generated elements and 40% live action, as well as traditional miniatures. Motion-capture photography lasted 31 days at the Hughes Aircraft stage in Playa Vista in Los Angeles. Live action photography began in October 2007 at Stone Street Studios in Wellington, New Zealand, and was scheduled to last 31 days. More than a thousand people worked on the production. In preparation of the filming sequences, all of the actors underwent professional training specific to their characters such as archery, horseback riding, firearm use, and hand-to-hand combat. They received language and dialect training in the Navi language created for the film. Before shooting the film, Cameron also sent the cast to the Hawaiian tropical rainforests to get a feel for a rainforest setting before shooting on the soundstage. During filming, Cameron made use of his virtual camera system, a new way of directing motion-capture filmmaking. The system shows the actors virtual counterparts in their digital surroundings in real time, allowing the director to adjust and direct scenes just as if shooting live action. According to Cameron, "Its like a big, powerful game engine. If I want to fly through space, or change my perspective, I can. I can turn the whole scene into a living miniature and go through it on a 50 to 1 scale." Using conventional techniques, the complete virtual world cannot be seen until the motion-capture of the actors is complete. Cameron said this process does not diminish the value or importance of acting. On the contrary, because there is no need for repeated camera and lighting setups, costume fittings and make-up touch-ups, scenes do not need to be interrupted repeatedly. Cameron described the system as a "form of pure creation where if you want to move a tree or a mountain or the sky or change the time of day, you have complete control over the elements". Cameron gave fellow directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson a chance to test the new technology. Spielberg said, "I like to think of it as digital makeup, not augmented animation ... Motion capture brings the director back to a kind of intimacy that actors and directors only know when theyre working in live theater." Spielberg and George Lucas were also able to visit the set to watch Cameron direct with the equipment. To film the shots where CGI interacts with live action, a unique camera referred to as a "simulcam" was used, a merger of the 3-D fusion camera and the virtual camera systems. While filming live action in real time with the simulcam, the CGI images captured with the virtual camera or designed from scratch, are superimposed over the live action images as in augmented reality and shown on a small monitor, making it possible for the director to instruct the actors how to relate to the virtual material in the scene. Visual effects A number of innovative visual effects techniques were used during production. According to Cameron, work on the film had been delayed since the 1990s to allow the techniques to reach the necessary degree of advancement to adequately portray his vision of the film. The director planned to make use of photorealistic computer-generated characters, created using new motion capture animation technologies he had been developing in the 14 months leading up to December 2006. Innovations include a new system for lighting massive areas like Pandoras jungle, a motion-capture stage or "volume" six times larger than any previously used, and an improved method of capturing facial expressions, enabling full performance capture. To achieve the face capturing, actors wore individually made skull caps fitted with a tiny camera positioned in front of the actors faces; the information collected about their facial expressions and eyes is then transmitted to computers. According to Cameron, the method allows the filmmakers to transfer 100% of the actors physical performances to their digital counterparts. Besides the performance capture data which were transferred directly to the computers, numerous reference cameras gave the digital artists multiple angles of each performance. A technically challenging scene was near the end of the film when the computer-generated Neytiri held the live action Jake in human form, and attention was given to the details of the shadows and reflected light between them. The lead visual effects company was Weta Digital in Wellington, New Zealand, at one point employing 900 people to work on the film. Because of the huge amount of data which needed to be stored, cataloged and available for everybody involved, even on the other side of the world, a new cloud computing and Digital Asset Management (DAM) system named Gaia was created by Microsoft especially for Avatar, which allowed the crews to keep track of and coordinate all stages in the digital processing. To render Avatar, Weta used a 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) server farm making use of 4,000 Hewlett-Packard servers with 35,000 processor cores with 104 terabytes of RAM and three petabytes of network area storage running Ubuntu Linux, Grid Engine cluster manager, and 2 of the animation software and managers, Pixars RenderMan and Pixars Alfred queue management system. The render farm occupies the 193rd to 197th spots in the TOP500 list of the worlds most powerful supercomputers. A new texturing and paint software system, called Mari, was developed by The Foundry in cooperation with Weta. Creating the Navi characters and the virtual world of Pandora required over a petabyte of digital storage, and each minute of the final footage for Avatar occupies 17.28 gigabytes of storage. Often, it would take each frame of the movie several hours to render. To help finish preparing the special effects sequences on time, a number of other companies were brought on board, including Industrial Light & Magic, which worked alongside Weta Digital to create the battle sequences. ILM was responsible for the visual effects for many of the films specialized vehicles and devised a new way to make CGI explosions. Joe Letteri was the films visual effects general supervisor. Music and soundtrack Composer James Horner scored the film, his third collaboration with Cameron after Aliens and Titanic. Horner recorded parts of the score with a small chorus singing in the alien language Navi in March 2008. He also worked with Wanda Bryant, an ethnomusicologist, to create a music culture for the alien race. The first scoring sessions were planned to take place in early 2009. During production, Horner promised Cameron that he would not work on any other project except for Avatar and reportedly worked on the score from four in the morning till ten at night throughout the process. He stated in an interview, "Avatar has been the most difficult film I have worked on and the biggest job I have undertaken." Horner composed the score as two different scores merged into one. He first created a score that reflected the Navi way of sound and then combined it with a separate "traditional" score to drive the film. British singer Leona Lewis was chosen to sing the theme song for the film, called "I See You". An accompanying music video, directed by Jake Nava, premiered December 15, 2009, on MySpace. Promotions The first photo of the film was released on August 14, 2009, and Empire magazine released exclusive images from the film in its October issue. Cameron, producer Jon Landau, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, and Sigourney Weaver appeared at a panel, moderated by Tom Rothman, at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con on July 23. Twenty-five minutes of footage was screened in Dolby 3D. Weaver and Cameron appeared at additional panels to promote the film, speaking on the 23rd and 24th respectively. James Cameron announced at the Comic-Con Avatar Panel that August 21 will be Avatar Day. On this day, the trailer was released in all theatrical formats. The official game trailer and toy line of the film were also unveiled on this day. The 129-second trailer was released online on August 20, 2009. The new 210-second trailer was premiered in theatres on October 23, 2009, then soon after premiered online on Yahoo! on October 29, 2009, to positive reviews. An extended version in IMAX 3D received overwhelmingly positive reviews. The Hollywood Reporter said that audience expectations were coloured by "the [same] establishment skepticism that preceded Titanic" and suggested the showing reflected the desire for original storytelling. The teaser has been among the most viewed trailers in the history of film marketing, reaching the first place of all trailers viewed on Apple.com with 4 million views. On October 30, to celebrate the opening of the first 3-D cinema in Vietnam, Fox allowed Megastar Cinema to screen exclusive 16 minutes of Avatar to a number of press. The three-and-a-half-minute trailer of the film premiered live on November 1, 2009, during a Dallas Cowboys football game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on the Diamond Vision screen, one of the worlds largest video displays, and to TV audiences viewing the game on Fox. It is said to be the largest live motion picture trailer viewing in history. The Coca-Cola Company collaborated with Fox to launch a worldwide marketing campaign to promote the film. The highlight of the campaign was the website AVTR.com. Specially marked bottles and cans of Coca-Cola Zero, when held in front of a webcam, enabled users to interact with the websites 3-D features using augmented reality (AR) technology. The film was heavily promoted in an episode of the Fox Network series Bones in the episode "The Gamer In The Grease" (Season 5, Episode 9). Avatar star Joel David Moore has a recurring role on the program, and is seen in the episode anxiously awaiting the release of the film. A week prior to the American release, Zoe Saldana promoted the film on Adult Swim when she was interviewed by an animated Space Ghost. McDonalds had a promotion mentioned in television commercials in Europe called "Avatarize yourself", which encouraged people to go to the website set up by Oddcast, and use a photograph of themselves to change into a Navi. Books Avatar: A Confidential Report on the Biological and Social History of Pandora, a 224-page book in the form of a field guide to the films fictional setting of the planet of Pandora, was released by Harper Entertainment on November 24, 2009. It is presented as a compilation of data collected by the humans about Pandora and the life on it, written by Maria Wilhelm and Dirk Mathison. HarperFestival also released Wilhelms 48-page James Camerons Avatar: The Reusable Scrapbook for children. The Art of Avatar was released on November 30, 2009, by Abrams Books. The book features detailed production artwork from the film, including production sketches, illustrations by Lisa Fitzpatrick, and film stills. Producer Jon Landau wrote the foreword, Cameron wrote the epilogue, and director Peter Jackson wrote the preface. In October 2010, Abrams Books also released The Making of Avatar, a 272-page book that detailed the films production process and contains over 500 color photographs and illustrations. In a 2009 interview, Cameron said that he planned to write a novel version of Avatar after the film was released. In February 2010, producer Jon Landau stated that Cameron plans a prequel novel for Avatar that will "lead up to telling the story of the movie, but it would go into much more depth about all the stories that we didnt have time to deal with", saying that "Jim wants to write a novel that is a big, epic story that fills in a lot of things". In August 2013 it was announced that Cameron hired Steven Gould to pen four standalone novels to expand the Avatar universe. Video games Cameron chose Ubisoft Montreal to create an Avatar game for the film in 2007. The filmmakers and game developers collaborated heavily, and Cameron decided to include some of Ubisofts vehicle and creature designs into the film. James Camerons Avatar: The Game was released on December 1, 2009, for most home video game consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, iPhone), Microsoft Windows and December 8 for PSP. Action figures and postage stamps Mattel Toys announced in December 2009 that it would be introducing a line of Avatar action figures. Each action figure will be made with a 3-D web tag, called an i-TAG, that consumers can scan using a web cam, revealing unique on-screen content that is special to each specific action figure. A series of toys representing six different characters from the film were also distributed in McDonalds Happy Meals in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the United States and Venezuela. In December 2009, France Post released a special limited edition stamp based on Avatar, coinciding with the films worldwide release. Theme park attraction At Disneys 2013 D23 event, a themed land based on Avatar was announced for Disneys Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Construction began in 2014 and is set to open in 2017. Initial screening Avatar premiered in London on December 10, 2009, and was released theatrically worldwide from December 16 to 18. The film was originally set for release on May 22, 2009, during filming, but was pushed back to allow more post-production time (the last shots were delivered in November), and to give more time for theatres worldwide to install 3D projectors. Cameron stated that the films aspect ratio would be 1.78:1 for 3D screenings and that a 2.39:1 image would be extracted for 2D screenings. However, a 3D 2.39:1 extract was approved for use with constant-image-height screens (i.e. screens which increase in width to display 2.39:1 films). During a 3D preview showing in Germany on December 16, the movies DRM protection system failed, and some copies delivered could not be watched at all in the theaters. The problems were fixed in time for the public premiere. Avatar was released in a total of 3,457 theatres in the US, of which 2,032 theatres ran it in 3D. In total 90% of all advance ticket sales for Avatar were for 3D screenings. Internationally, Avatar opened on a total of 14,604 screens in 106 territories, of which 3,671 were showing the film in 3D (producing 56% of the first weekend gross). The film was simultaneously presented in IMAX 3D format, opening in 178 theaters in the United States on December 18. The international IMAX release included 58 theaters beginning on December 16, and 25 more theaters were to be added in the coming weeks. The IMAX release was the companys widest to date, a total of 261 theaters worldwide. The previous IMAX record opening was Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which opened in 161 IMAX theatres in the US, and about 70 international. 20th Century Fox Korea adapted and later released Avatar in 4D version, which included "moving seats, smells of explosives, sprinkling water, laser lights and wind". General Avatar was released internationally on more than 14,000 screens. Avatar earned $3,537,000 from midnight screenings domestically (United States and Canada), with the initial 3D release limited to 2,200 screens. The film earned $26,752,099 on its opening day, and $77,025,481 over its opening weekend, making it the second largest December opening ever behind I Am Legend, the largest domestic opening weekend for a film not based on a franchise (topping The Incredibles), the highest opening weekend for a film entirely in 3D (breaking Up???s record), the highest opening weekend for an environmentalist film (breaking The Day After Tomorrow???s record), and the 40th largest opening weekend in North America, despite a blizzard which blanketed the East Coast of the United States and reportedly hurt its opening weekend results. The film also set an IMAX opening weekend record, with 178 theaters generating approximately $9.5 million, 12% of the films $77 million (at the time) North American gross on less than 3% of the screens. International markets generating opening weekend tallies of at least $10 million were Russia ($19.7 million), France ($17.4 million), the UK ($13.8 million), Germany ($13.3 million), South Korea ($11.7 million), Australia ($11.5 million) and Spain ($11.0 million). Avatars worldwide gross was US$241.6 million after five days, the ninth largest opening-weekend gross of all time, and the largest for a non-franchise, non-sequel and original film. 58 international IMAX screens generated an estimated $4.1 million during the opening weekend. Revenues in the films second weekend decreased by only 1.8% in domestic markets, marking a rare occurrence, earning $75,617,183, to remain in first place at the box office and recording the biggest second weekend of all time (since surpassed by Marvels The Avengers). The film experienced another marginal decrease in revenue in its third weekend, dropping 9.4% to $68,490,688 domestically, remaining in first place at the box office, to set a third-weekend record. Avatar crossed the $1 billion mark on the 19th day of its international release, making it the first film to reach this mark in only 19 days (a record now matched by both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011 and The Avengers in 2012). It became the fifth film grossing more than $1 billion worldwide, and the only film of 2009 to do so. In its fourth weekend, Avatar continued to lead the box office domestically, setting a new all-time fourth-weekend record of $50,306,217, and becoming the highest-grossing 2009 release in the United States. In the films fifth weekend, it set the Martin Luther King Day four-day weekend record, grossing $54,401,446, and set a fifth-weekend record with a take of $42,785,612. It held to the top spot to set the sixth and seventh weekend records earning $34,944,081 and $31,280,029 respectively. It was (and still is) the fastest film to gross $600 million domestically, on its 47th day in theatres. On January 31, it became the first film to earn over $2 billion worldwide, and it became the first film to gross over $700 million in North America, on February 27, after 72 days of release. It remained in the number one spot at the domestic box office for seven consecutive weeks – the most consecutive No. 1 weekends since Titanic spent 15 weekends at No. 1 in 1997–98 – and also spent 11 consecutive weekends at the top of the box office outside the United States and Canada, breaking the record of 9 consecutive weekends set by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest. By the end of its first theatrical release Avatar had grossed $749,766,139 in the U.S. and Canada, and $1,999,298,189 in other territories, for a worldwide total of $2,749,064,328. Including the revenue from a re-release of Avatar featuring extended footage, Avatar grossed $760,507,625 in the U.S. and Canada, and $2,027,457,462 in other territories for a worldwide total of $2,787,965,087 with 72.7% of its total worldwide gross in international markets. Avatar has set a number of box office records during its release: on January 25, 2010, it surpassed Titanics worldwide gross to become the highest-grossing film of all time worldwide 41 days after its international release, just two days after taking the foreign box office record, and on February 2, 47 days after its domestic release, Avatar surpassed Titanic to become the highest-grossing film of all time in Canada and the United States. It became the highest-grossing film of all time in at least 30 other countries and is the first film to earn over $2 billion in foreign box office receipts. IMAX ticket sales account for $228 million of its worldwide gross, more than double the previous record. Box Office Mojo estimates that after adjusting for the rise in average ticket prices, Avatar would be the 14th-highest-grossing film of all time in North America. Box Office Mojo also observes that the higher ticket prices for 3D and IMAX screenings have had a significant impact on Avatars gross; it estimated, on April 21, 2010, that Avatar had sold approximately 75 million tickets in North American theatres, more than any other film since 1999s Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. On a worldwide basis, Avatar ranks third after adjusting for inflation, behind Gone with the Wind and Titanic, although some reports place it ahead of Titanic. Commercial analysis Before its release, various film critics and fan communities predicted the film would be a significant disappointment at the box office, in line with predictions made for Camerons previous blockbuster Titanic. This criticism ranged from Avatars film budget, to its concept and use of 3-D "blue cat people". Slate magazines Daniel Engber complimented the 3D effects, but criticized them for reminding him of certain CGI characters from the Star Wars prequel films and for having the "uncanny valley" effect. The New York Times noted that 20th Century Fox executives had decided to release Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel alongside Avatar, calling it a "secret weapon" to cover any unforeseeable losses at the box-office. Box office analysts, on the other hand, estimated that the film would be a box office success. "The holy grail of 3-D has finally arrived," said an analyst for Exhibitor Relations. "This is why all these 3-D venues were built: for Avatar. This is the one. The behemoth." The "cautionary estimate" was that Avatar would bring in around $60 million in its opening weekend. Others guessed higher. There were also analysts who believed that the films three-dimensionality would help its box office performance, given that recent 3D films had been successful. Cameron said he felt the pressure of the predictions, but that pressure is good for film-makers. "It makes us think about our audiences and what the audience wants," he stated. "We owe them a good time. We owe them a piece of good entertainment." Although he felt Avatar would appeal to everyone and that the film could not afford to have a target demographic, he especially wanted hard-core science-fiction fans to see it: "If I can just get em in the damn theater, the film will act on them in the way its supposed to, in terms of taking them on an amazing journey and giving them this rich emotional experience." Cameron was aware of the sentiment that Avatar would need significant "repeat business" just to make up for its budget and achieve box office success, and believed Avatar could inspire the same "sharing" reaction as Titanic. He said that film worked because, "When people have an experience thats very powerful in the movie theatre, they want to go share it. They want to grab their friend and bring them, so that they can enjoy it. They want to be the person to bring them the news that this is something worth having in their life." After the films release and unusually strong box office performance over its first two weeks, it was debated as the one film capable of surpassing Titanics worldwide gross, and its continued strength perplexed box office analysts. Other films in recent years had been cited as contenders for surpassing Titanic, such as 2008s The Dark Knight, but Avatar was considered the first film with a genuine chance to do so, and its numbers being aided by higher ticket prices for 3D screenings did not fully explain its success to box office analysts. "Most films are considered to be healthy if they manage anything less than a 50% drop from their first weekend to their second. Dipping just 11% from the first to the third is unheard of," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office analysis for Hollywood.com. "This is just unprecedented. I had to do a double take. I thought it was a miscalculation." Analysts predicted second place for the films worldwide gross, but most were uncertain about it surpassing Titanic because "Todays films flame out much faster than they did when Titanic was released." Brandon Gray, president of Box Office Mojo, believed in the films chances of becoming the highest-grossing film of all time, though he also believed it was too early to surmise because it had only played during the holidays. He said, "While Avatar may beat Titanics revenue record, it will be tough, and the film is unlikely to surpass Titanic in attendance. Ticket prices were about $3 cheaper in the late 1990s." Cameron said he did not think it was realistic to "try to topple Titanic off its perch" because it "just struck some kind of chord" and there had been other good films in recent years. He changed his prediction by mid-January. "Its gonna happen. Its just a matter of time," he said. Though analysts have been unable to agree that Avatars success is attributable to one primary factor, several explanations have been advanced. First, January is historically "the dumping ground for the years weakest films", and this also applied to 2010. Cameron himself said he decided to open the film in December so that it would have less competition from then to January. Titanic capitalized on the same January predictability, and earned most of its gross in 1998. Additionally, Avatar established itself as a "must-see" event. Gray said, "At this point, people who are going to see Avatar are going to see Avatar and would even if the slate was strong." Marketing the film as a "novelty factor" also helped. Fox positioned the film as a cinematic event that should be seen in the theatres. "Its really hard to sell the idea that you can have the same experience at home," stated David Mumpower, an analyst at BoxOfficeProphets.com. The "Oscar buzz" surrounding the film and international viewings helped. "Two-thirds of Titanics haul was earned overseas, and Avatar [tracked] similarly ...Avatar opened in 106 markets globally and was No. 1 in all of them", and the markets "such as Russia, where Titanic saw modest receipts in 1997 and 1998, are white-hot today" with "more screens and moviegoers" than before. According to Variety, films in 3D accumulated $1.3 billion in 2009, "a threefold increase over 2008 and more than 10% of the total 2009 box-office gross". The increased ticket price – an average of $2 to $3 per ticket in most markets – helped the film. Likewise, Entertainment Weekly attributed the films success to 3D glasses, but also to its "astronomic word-of-mouth". Not only do some theaters charge up to $18.50 for IMAX tickets, but "the buzz" created by the new technology was the possible cause for sold-out screenings. Gray said Avatar having no basis in previously established material makes its performance remarkable and even more impressive. "The movie might be derivative of many movies in its story and themes," he said, "but it had no direct antecedent like the other top-grossing films: Titanic (historical events), the Star Wars movies (an established film franchise), or The Lord of the Rings (literature). It was a tougher sell ..." Critical reception See also: Themes in Avatar for more reviews The film received mostly positive reviews. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 83% of 292 professional critics have given the film a positive review, with a rating average of 7.4 out of 10. The sites consensus is that "It might be more impressive on a technical level than as a piece of storytelling, but Avatar reaffirms James Camerons singular gift for imaginative, absorbing filmmaking." On Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 reviews from film critics, the film has a "universal acclaim" rating score of 83 based on 35 reviews. CinemaScore polls conducted during the opening weekend revealed the average grade cinemagoers gave Avatar was A on an A+ to F scale. Every demographic surveyed was reported to give this rating. These polls also indicated that the main draw of the film was its use of 3D. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times called the film "extraordinary" and gave it four stars out of four. "Watching Avatar, I felt sort of the same as when I saw Star Wars in 1977", he said, adding that like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, the film "employs a new generation of special effects" and it "is not simply a sensational entertainment, although it is that. Its a technical breakthrough. It has a flat-out Green and anti-war message". A. O. Scott of At The Movies also compared his viewing of the film to the first time he viewed Star Wars, and added that although "the script is a little bit ... obvious," it was "part of what made it work". Todd McCarthy of Variety praised the film. "The King of the World sets his sights on creating another world entirely in Avatar, and its very much a place worth visiting." Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter gave the film a positive review. "The screen is alive with more action and the soundtrack pops with more robust music than any dozen sci-fi shoot-em-ups you care to mention" he stated. Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers awarded Avatar three and a half out of four stars and wrote in his print review, "It extends the possibilities of what movies can do. Camerons talent may just be as big as his dreams." Richard Corliss of Time magazine thought that the film was, "the most vivid and convincing creation of a fantasy world ever seen in the history of moving pictures." Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times felt the film has "powerful" visual accomplishments but "flat dialogue" and "obvious characterization". James Berardinelli, film critic for ReelViews, praised the film and its story, giving it four out of four stars; he wrote, "In 3-D, its immersive – but the traditional film elements – story, character, editing, theme, emotional resonance, etc. – are presented with sufficient expertise to make even the 2-D version an engrossing 2½-hour experience." Avatars underlying social and political themes attracted attention. Armond White of the New York Press wrote that Cameron used villainous American characters to misrepresent facets of militarism, capitalism, and imperialism. Russell D. Moore in The Christian Post concluded that propaganda exists in the film and stated, "If you can get a theater full of people in Kentucky to stand and applaud the defeat of their country in war, then youve got some amazing special effects." Some commentators sympathetic to anarcho-primitivism have even praised the film as a manifesto for their cause. Adam Cohen of The New York Times was more positive about the film, calling its anti-imperialist message "a 22nd-century version of the American colonists vs. the British, India vs. the Raj, or Latin America vs. United Fruit". Ross Douthat of The New York Times opined that the film is "Camerons long apologia for pantheism ... Hollywoods religion of choice for a generation now", while Saritha Prabhu of The Tennessean called the film a misportrayal of pantheism and Eastern spirituality in general, and Maxim Osipov of The Hindustan Times, on the contrary, commended the films message for its overall consistency with the teachings of Hinduism in the Bhagavad Gita. Annalee Newitz of io9 concluded that Avatar is another film that has the recurring "fantasy about race" whereby "some white guy" becomes the "most awesome" member of a non-white culture. Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune called Avatar "the seasons ideological Rorschach blot", while Miranda Devine of The Sydney Morning Herald felt that, "It is impossible to watch Avatar without being banged over the head with the directors ideological hammer." Critics and audiences have cited similarities with other films, literature or media, describing the perceived connections in ways ranging from simple "borrowing" to outright plagiarism. Ty Burr of the Boston Globe called it "the same movie" as Dances with Wolves. Like Dances with Wolves, Avatar has been characterized as being a "white savior" movie, in which a "backwards" native people is impotent without the leadership of a member of the invading white culture. Parallels to the concept and use of an avatar are in Poul Andersons 1957 novelette "Call Me Joe", in which a paralyzed man uses his mind from orbit to control an artificial body on Jupiter. Cinema audiences in Russia have noted that Avatar has elements in common with the 1960s Noon Universe novels by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, which are set in the 22nd century on a forested world called Pandora with a sentient indigenous species called the Nave. Various reviews have compared Avatar to the films FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Pocahontas and The Last Samurai. NPRs Morning Edition has compared the film to a montage of tropes, with one commentator stating that Avatar was made by mixing a bunch of film scripts in a blender. Gary Westfahl wrote that "the science fiction story that most closely resembles Avatar has to be Ursula K. Le Guins novella "The Word for World Is Forest" (1972), another epic about a benevolent race of alien beings who happily inhabit dense forests while living in harmony with nature until they are attacked and slaughtered by invading human soldiers who believe that the only good gook is a dead gook." The science fiction writer and editor Gardner Dozois said that along with the Anderson and Le Guin stories, the "mash-up" included Alan Dean Fosters 1975 novel, Midworld. Some sources saw similarities to the artwork of Roger Dean, which featured fantastic images of floating rock formations and dragons. In 2013, Dean sued Cameron and Fox, claiming that Pandora was inspired by 14 of his images. Dean sought damages of $50m. Deans case was dismissed in 2014, and the Hollywood Reporter noted that Cameron has won multiple Avatar idea theft cases. Avatar received compliments from filmmakers, with Steven Spielberg praising it as "the most evocative and amazing science-fiction movie since Star Wars" and others calling it "audacious and awe inspiring", "master class", and "brilliant". Noted art director-turned-filmmaker Roger Christian is also a noted fan of the film. On the other hand, Duncan Jones said: "Its not in my top three James Cameron films. ... [A]t what point in the film did you have any doubt what was going to happen next?". Time ranked Avatar number 3 in their list of "The 10 Greatest Movies of the Millennium (Thus Far)" also earning it a spot on the magazines All-TIME 100 list, and IGN listed Avatar as number 22 on their list of the top 25 Sci-Fi movies of all time. Accolades Avatar won the 82nd Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects, and was nominated for a total of nine, including Best Picture and Best Director. Avatar also won the 67th Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director, and was nominated for two others. At the 36th Saturn Awards, Avatar won all ten awards it was nominated for: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Writing, Best Music, Best Production Design and Best Special Effects. The New York Film Critics Online honored the film with its Best Picture award. The film also won the Critics Choice Awards of the Broadcast Film Critics Association for Best Action Film and several technical categories, out of nine nominations. It won two of the St. Louis Film Critics awards: Best Visual Effects and Most Original, Innovative or Creative Film. The film also won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Production Design and Special Visual Effects, and was nominated for seven others, including Best Film and Director. The film has received numerous other major awards, nominations and honors. Extended theatrical re-release In July 2010, Cameron confirmed that there would be an extended theatrical re-release of the film on August 27, 2010, exclusively in 3D theaters and IMAX 3D. Avatar: Special Edition includes an additional nine minutes of footage, all of which is CG, including an extension of the sex scene and various other scenes that were cut from the original theatrical film. This extended re-release resulted in the films run time approaching the current IMAX platter maximum of 170 minutes, thereby leaving less time for the end credits. Cameron stated that the nine minutes of added scenes cost more than $1 million a minute to produce and finish. During its 12-week re-release, Avatar: Special Edition grossed an additional $10.74 million in North America and $22.46 million overseas for a worldwide total of $33.2 million. Home media 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment released the film on DVD and Blu-ray in the US on April 22, 2010 and in the UK on April 26. The US release was not on a Tuesday as is the norm, but was done to coincide with Earth Day. The first DVD and Blu-ray release does not contain any supplemental features other than the theatrical film and the disc menu in favor of and to make space for optimal picture and sound. The release also preserves the films native 1.78:1 (16:9) format as Cameron felt that was the best format to watch the film. The Blu-ray disc contains DRM (BD+ 5) which some Blu-ray players might not support without a firmware update. Avatar set a first-day launch record in the U.S. for Blu-ray sales at 1.5 million units sold, breaking the record previously held by The Dark Knight (600,000 units sold). First-day DVD and Blu-ray sales combined were over four million units sold. In its first four days of release, sales of Avatar on Blu-ray reached 2.7 million in the United States and Canada – overtaking The Dark Knight to become the best ever selling Blu-ray release in the region. The release later broke the Blu-ray sales record in the UK the following week. In its first three weeks of release, the film sold a total of 19.7 million DVD and Blu-ray discs combined, a new record for sales in that period. As of July 18, 2012, DVD sales (not including Blu-ray) totaled over 10.5 million units sold with $190,806,055 in revenue. Avatar retained its record as the top-selling Blu-ray in the US market until January 2015 when Disneys Frozen surpassed it. The Avatar Three-Disc Extended Collectors Edition on DVD and Blu-ray was released on November 16, 2010. Three different versions of the film are present on the discs: the original theatrical cut, the special edition cut, and a collectors extended cut (with the DVD set spreading them on two discs, but the Blu-ray set presenting them on a single disc). The collectors extended cut contains 6 more minutes of footage, thus making it 16 minutes longer than the original theatrical cut. Cameron mentioned, "you can sit down, and in a continuous screening of the film, watch it with the Earth opening". He stated the "Earth opening" is an additional 4½ minutes of scenes that were in the film for much of its production but were ultimately cut before the films theatrical release. The release also includes an additional 45 minutes of deleted scenes and other extras. Cameron initially stated that Avatar would be released in 3D around November 2010, but the studio issued a correction: "3-D is in the conceptual stage and Avatar will not be out on 3D Blu-ray in November." In May 2010, Fox stated that the 3D version would be released some time in 2011. It was later revealed that Fox had given Panasonic an exclusive license for the 3D Blu-ray version and only with the purchase of a Panasonic 3DTV. The length of Panasonics exclusivity period is stated to last until February 2012. On October 2010, Cameron stated that the standalone 3D Blu-ray would be the final version of the films home release and that it was, "maybe one, two years out". On Christmas Eve 2010, Avatar had its 3D television world premiere on Sky. On August 13, 2012, Cameron announced on Facebook that Avatar would be released globally on Blu-ray 3D. The Blu-ray 3D version was finally released on October 16, 2012. Similar Movies James Cameron directed Avatar and Aliens. Zoe Saldana appears in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. Tron: Legacy (2010). The Avengers (2012). Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Sequels In 2006, Cameron stated that if Avatar was successful, he hoped to make two sequels to the film. In 2010, he said the films widespread success confirmed that he would. He anticipated sequels from the start, including certain scenes in the film for future story followups. Cameron planned to shoot both sequels back-to-back, intending to begin work "once the novel is nailed down". Cameron stated that the sequels would widen the universe while exploring other moons of Polyphemus. The first sequel would focus on the ocean of Pandora and also feature more of the rainforest. He intended to capture footage for this sequel at the bottom of the Mariana Trench using a deepwater submersible. In December 2011, Cameron stated that he was writing second and third films together, but that he was just starting to design the ocean ecosystem of Pandora and the other worlds to be included in the story. The storyline, although continuing the environmental theme of the first film, would not be "strident" since the film will concentrate on entertainment. The sequels would continue to follow the characters of Jake and Neytiri. Cameron implied that the humans would return as the antagonists of the story. "I expect that those nasty humans didnt go away forever," he said. Worthington and Saldana signed on to reprise their roles in the sequels. In 2010, Cameron confirmed that Sigourney Weaver will also be appearing in Avatar 2. Stephen Lang is also expected to return despite the demise of his character, Colonel Quaritch. The sequels, to be produced by Camerons own Lightstorm Entertainment in partnership with 20th Century Fox, were originally scheduled for release in December 2014 and 2015. In 2011, Cameron stated his intention to film the sequels at a higher frame rate than the industry standard 24 frames per second, in order to add a heightened sense of reality. In May 2012, Cameron first mentioned a third sequel, saying that he was "making Avatar 2, Avatar 3, maybe Avatar 4". Weaver stated that the three sequels would shoot simultaneously. In September 2012, Cameron revealed a concept for the fourth movie: a prequel set 35 years before the events of the first film, that deals with the early colonization of Pandora. He also stated that the scripts for the second and third films were being written as "separate stories that have an overall arc inclusive of the first film", with the second having a clear conclusion instead of a cliffhanger to the third film. Cameron expected to start pre-production in January 2013 and release Avatar 2 in 2015. In August 2013, it was confirmed that there would be three sequels. Screenwriters were also announced: Josh Friedman for the first, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver for the second, and Shane Salerno for the third. Production was re-scheduled for 2014 with the films to be released in December 2016, 2017, and 2018. In October 2013 Worthington stated that filming for the first sequel was expected to begin in October 2014. In August 2013, it was announced that Steven Gould had been engaged to write four novels based on the films. In December 2013, Cameron announced that the three sequels would be filmed in New Zealand. He stated that performance capture would take place in the second half of 2014 and that as much post-production will be done in New Zealand as possible. An agreement with the New Zealand government requires that at least one world premiere be held in Wellington and that at least NZ$500 million (approximately US$410 million at December 2013 exchange rates) would be spent on production activity in New Zealand, including live-action filming and visual effects. The New Zealand government announced it would raise its baseline tax rebate for filmmaking from 15% to 20%, with 25% available to international productions in some cases and 40% for New Zealand productions (as defined by section 18 of the New Zealand Film Commission Act 1978). In April 2014, Cameron expected to finish the three scripts within six weeks and confirmed that all three sequels would be into production simultaneously and were still slated for December 2016 to 2018 releases. He also confirmed that Weaver would be featured in all three sequels and stated that her character Grace Augustine would be alive. As of November 2014, pre-production had begun. Discussing the writing process, Cameron stated that although Friedman, Jaffa and Silver, and Salerno are each co-writing one sequel with him, they at first worked all together for several months on all three scripts with him, without knowing which movie he was going to assign to each: "We whiteboarded out every scene in every film together, and I didn’t assign each writer which film they were going to work on until the last day. I knew if I assigned them their scripts ahead of time, they’d tune out every time we were talking about the other movie." "We ... worked out every beat of the story across all three films so it all connects as one, sort of, three-film saga." On January 14, 2015, the scheduled release dates for the sequels were each delayed by a year, with the first sequel expected to be released in December 2017; Cameron called the writing process "a complex job". In March 2015, Weaver revealed that she will play a brand new character in the next film. In June 2015, Fox chairman Jim Gianopulos said that the story was being finalized.	Pandora
The ruins of Troy are in which modern-day country?	Avatar - The Movie Store Avatar You have no items in your shopping cart Grand total:€0,00 Home » Miscellaneous » Avatar Avatar Avatar (marketed as James Cameron's Avatar) is a 2009 American epic science fiction film directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron, and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, and Sigourney Weaver. The film is set in the mid-22nd century, when humans are mining a room-temperature superconductor called unobtanium on Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe of Na'vi – a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora. The film's title refers to a genetically engineered Na'vi body with the mind of a remotely located human, and is used to interact with the natives of Pandora. Plot: By 2154, humans have severely depleted Earth's natural resources, leading to a severe energy crisis. The Resources Development Administration (RDA) mines for a valuable mineral – unobtanium – on Pandora, a densely forested habitable moon orbiting the gas giant Polyphemus in the Alpha Centauri star system. Pandora, whose atmosphere is poisonous to humans, is inhabited by the Na'vi, 10-foot tall (3.0 m), blue-skinned, sapient humanoids who live in harmony with nature and worship a mother goddess called Eywa. To explore Pandora's biosphere, scientists use Na'vi-human hybrids called "avatars", operated by genetically matched humans; Jake Sully, a paraplegic former Marine, replaces his deceased twin brother as an operator of one. Dr. Grace Augustine, head of the Avatar Program, considers Sully an inadequate replacement but accepts his assignment as a bodyguard. While protecting the avatars of Grace and scientist Norm Spellman as they collect biological data, Jake's avatar is attacked by a thanator and flees into the forest, where he is rescued by Neytiri, a female Na'vi. Witnessing an auspicious sign, she takes him to her clan, whereupon Neytiri's mother Mo'at, the clan's spiritual leader, orders her daughter to initiate Jake into their society. Colonel Miles Quaritch, head of RDA's private security force, promises Jake that the company will restore his legs if he gathers intelligence about the Na'vi and the clan's gathering place, a giant arboreal called Hometree, on grounds that it stands above the richest deposit of unobtanium in the area. When Grace learns of this, she transfers herself, Jake, and Norm to an outpost. Over three months, Jake grows to sympathize with the natives. After Jake is initiated into the tribe, he and Neytiri choose each other as mates, and soon afterward, Jake reveals his change of allegiance when he attempts to disable a bulldozer that threatens to destroy a sacred Na'vi site. When Quaritch shows a video recording of Jake's attack on the bulldozer to Administrator Parker Selfridge, and another in which Jake admits that the Na'vi will never abandon Hometree, Selfridge orders Hometree destroyed. Despite Grace's argument that destroying Hometree could damage the biological neural network native to Pandora, Selfridge gives Jake and Grace one hour to convince the Na'vi to evacuate before commencing the attack. While trying to warn the Na'vi, Jake confesses to being a spy and the Na'vi take him and Grace captive. Seeing this, Quaritch's men destroy Hometree, killing Neytiri's father (the clan chief) and many others. Mo'at frees Jake and Grace, but they are detached from their avatars and imprisoned by Quaritch's forces. Pilot Trudy Chacón, disgusted by Quaritch's brutality, carries them to Grace's outpost, but during the escape, Quaritch fires at them, hitting Grace. To regain the Na'vi's trust, Jake connects his mind to that of Toruk, a dragon-like predator feared and honored by the Na'vi. Jake finds the refugees at the sacred Tree of Souls and pleads with Mo'at to heal Grace. The clan attempts to transfer Grace from her human body into her avatar with the aid of the Tree of Souls, but she dies before the process can complete. Supported by the new chief Tsu'tey, who acts as Jake's translator, Jake speaks to unite the clan and tells them to gather all of the clans to battle against the RDA. Noticing the impending gathering, Quaritch organizes a pre-emptive strike against the Tree of Souls, believing that its destruction will demoralize the natives. On the eve of battle, Jake prays to Eywa, via a neural connection to the Tree of Souls, to intercede on behalf of the Na'vi. During the subsequent battle, the Na'vi suffer heavy casualties, including Tsu'tey and Trudy; but are rescued when Pandoran wildlife unexpectedly join the attack and overwhelm the humans, which Neytiri interprets as Eywa's answer to Jake's prayer. Then Jake destroys a makeshift bomber before it can reach the Tree of Souls; Quaritch escapes from his own damaged aircraft, wearing an AMP suit and breaks open the avatar link unit containing Jake's human body, exposing it to Pandora's poisonous atmosphere. Quaritch then prepares to slit the throat of Jake's avatar, but Neytiri kills Quaritch and saves Jake from suffocation. With the exceptions of Jake, Norm, Max (another scientist), and a select few others, all humans are expelled from Pandora and sent back to Earth, after which Jake is transferred permanently into his avatar with the aid of the Tree of Souls. Read more	i don't know
What is the title of the 1956 film, starring Kirk Douglas, which is a biography about the life of painter Vincent van Gogh?	Lust for Life (1956) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error The life of brilliant but tortured artist Vincent van Gogh. Directors: Norman Corwin (screen play), Irving Stone (based on the novel by) Stars: From $2.00 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC ‘T2: Trainspotting’ Soundtrack Includes Iggy Pop, Wolf Alice, Underworld, And More 10 January 2017 6:37 AM, -08:00 \| The Playlist a list of 30 titles created 04 Sep 2011 a list of 37 titles created 16 Oct 2012 a list of 45 titles created 28 Feb 2013 a list of 25 titles created 01 May 2013 a list of 33 titles created 14 May 2013 Title: Lust for Life (1956) 7.4/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 6 nominations. See more awards » Photos An unscrupulous movie producer uses an actress, a director and a writer to achieve success. Director: Vincente Minnelli Boxer Midge Kelly rises to fame...mainly by stepping on other people. Director: Mark Robson A slave and a Viking prince fight for the love of a captive princess. Director: Richard Fleischer A fiercely independent cowboy arranges to have himself locked up in jail in order to then escape with an old friend who has been sentenced to the penitentiary. Director: David Miller A movie adaptation of Homer's second epic, that talks about Ulysses' efforts to return to his home after the end of ten years of war. Director: Mario Camerini On one day in the 21st Precinct squad room, assorted characters form a backdrop for the troubles of hard-nosed Detective Jim McLeod. Director: William Wyler A frustrated former big-city journalist now stuck working for an Albuquerque newspaper exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to re-jump start his career, but the situation quickly escalates into an out-of-control circus. Director: Billy Wilder The slave Spartacus leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman Republic. Director: Stanley Kubrick Edit Storyline Vincent Van Gogh is the archetypical tortured artistic genius. His obsession with painting, combined with mental illness, propels him through an unhappy life full of failures and unrewarding relationships. He fails at being a preacher to coal miners. He fails in his relationships with women. He earns some respect among his fellow painters, especially Paul Gauguin, but he does not get along with them. He only manages to sell one painting in his lifetime. The one constant good in his life is his brother Theo, who is unwavering in his moral and financial support. Written by John Oswalt <[email protected]> Magnificent in CinemaScope and Color See more » Genres: 15 September 1956 (USA) See more » Also Known As: La vie passionnée de Vincent van Gogh See more » Filming Locations: 122 min Sound Mix: Mono (Perspecta Sound® encoding) (35 mm optical prints) (Westrex Recording System)\| 4-Track Stereo (35 mm magnetic prints) (Westrex Recording System) Color: Average Shot Length (ASL) = 15 seconds See more » Goofs Camera shadow falls across Ducrucq as Van Gogh finds him dead. See more » Quotes Vincent Van Gogh : If I'm to be anything as a painter I've got to break through that iron wall between what I feel and what I express. my best chance of doing it is here, where my roots are... the people I know, the earth I know. (Denmark) – See all my reviews When I hear the name Vincente Minnelli certain scenes pop up on my inner screeningroom: A tracking shot at the fair (Some came running), the low tracking zoom towards Douglas and Turner at the pool (Bad and the Beautiful), snowmen (Meet me in St Louis) and the agony in Douglas's face in "Lust for life"; in fact as soon as his redbearded agonized face pops up, all the other movies fade away and "Lust for life" takes over my inner screening room. But apart from being my favorite Minnelli movie, its a movie that more than any other shows his genius in use of colors; every scene is composed in breathtaking technicolor with the deepest respect for Van Gogh's own use of color, and Douglas's acting is filled with the same agony and passion as the strokes of Van Gogh's brush. As the other great movies who uses color to its fullest (Wizard of Oz, Black Narcissus, Ten Commandments), the simularities between the director and the painter is obvious. Hence, Minnelli's struggle for "painting" the scenes with the richness of technicolor becomes an echo of Van Gogh. It also reads as a textbook in composition from Steinberg's Dead Space to Eisenstein's juxtapositions. In all, Minnelli is of great skill and uses it to the fullest. The story, which focuses on the struggle for a new way of expression, is tame at times and the acting (apart from Douglas) seems static most of the times, but the tortured face and body of Douglas and the use of color makes this one of the greatest achievements in MGM's history and one of the best movies Minnelli ever made. 27 of 34 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes	Lust for Life
Which English author said ‘Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play……..it is war minus the shooting’?	7 Facts About Vincent van Gogh - Biography.com History & Culture 7 Facts About Vincent van Gogh Today marks the 163rd anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest artists in world history. Here’s a look at his fascinating and tortured life. Avatar: Social count: 564 Today marks the 163rd anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest artists in world history. Here’s a look at his fascinating and tortured life. 564 0 Vincent van Gogh at age 19. (Photo: Jacobus Marinus Wilhelmus Jacobus Marinus Wilhelmus (J.M.W.) de Louw (1823-1907) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons) He is one of the most famous and influential artists of all time, but Vincent van Gogh struggled in obscurity during his brief life. Born in the village of Groot-Zundert, Holland on March 30, 1853, van Gogh was born into a religious, upper middle class family and after much traveling and various unfulfilling occupations, he took up painting with almost no formal training. His tremendous oeuvre of landscapes, still-lifes, portraits and sketches with their vibrant colors and subjective perspective would revolutionize how the world viewed art. He fought depression and mental illness while creating an intense and arresting universe of images. Popular retellings of his tragic story include Vincente Minnelli’s Hollywood biopic Lust for Life (1956) with Kirk Douglas and Robert Altman ’s quirky Vincent and Theo (1990) starring Tim Roth. His life also inspired Don McLean’s 1971 hit song “Vincent” and an animated feature is due out this year. But no film or song can completely capture the tumultuous journey of this conflicted soul. Kirk Douglas poses with a painting of Vincent van Gogh for a publicity still for the 1956 biopic Lust for Life. (Photo: Getty Images) Here are seven facts which offer a glimpse into van Gogh’s beautiful but desperate life. 1. His Happiest Year Was in London In 1873, Vincent traveled to the British capital to work for the art dealer Goupil and Cie. He was previously employed by them in The Hague. This was the happiest time in his life. He was earning a considerable salary (more than his father) and he fell in love with his landlady’s daughter Eugenie Loyer. But she rebuffed his romantic advances when he declared them to her, saying that she was secretly engaged to a former boarder. In Nicholas Wright’s largely fictional play Vincent in Brixton, the playwright imagines that the future artist had an affair with the landlady, a widow of 15 years, rather than her daughter. His time in London did not end happily as he became more isolated. He transferred to Paris where he grew angry at his bosses for treating art as a commodity and was fired in 1876. 2. In Less Than 10 Years, He Painted Almost 900 Paintings From November 1881 to July 1890, van Gogh produced close to 900 paintings. At the age of 27, he abandoned his unsuccessful careers as an art dealer and a missionary and concentrated on his painting and drawing. When he began painting he used peasants and farmers as models and then flowers, landscapes and himself because he was too poor to pay his subjects. Vincent Van Gogh - Full Episode (TV-PG; 44:14) A full biography about the most influential 20th century painter, Vincent Van Gogh. 3. A Prolific Correspondent He wrote nearly as many letters as he created paintings. Van Gogh composed nearly 800 letters in his lifetime, mainly to his brother and closest friend Theo. 4. Only One Painting Sold During His Lifetime Van Gogh was never famous as a painter during his lifetime and constantly struggled with poverty. He sold only one painting while he was alive: The Red Vineyard which went for 400 francs in Belgium seven months before his death. His most expensive painting Portrait of Dr. Gachet was sold for $148.6 million in 1990. 5. Only the Lobe, Not the Whole Ear Was Cut Off It’s popularly believed that van Gogh cut off his ear but he actually only severed a part of the ear lobe. The accepted version is that the artist mutilated himself with a razor after an argument with his friend Paul Gauguin in Arles where they were both staying during Christmas of 1888. He then ran to a bordello and presented the cut lobe to a prostitute. A new book by two German historians purports that what really happened is that Gauguin lopped off his friend’s lobe while they were fencing and the self-mutilation was concocted between the two to avoid embarrassment and arrest. Van Gogh immortalized his wound in his Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889. (Painting by Vincent van Gogh via Wikimedia Commons) 6. His Most Famous Work Was Done in an Asylum Starry Night, arguably his most famous work, was painted in an asylum at Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France. He voluntarily admitted himself there to recover from his 1888 nervous breakdown which resulted in the ear-cutting incident. The painting depicts the view from his bedroom window. It has been part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection since 1941. Vincent van Gogh - Starry Night (TV-14; 1:56) While hospitalized, van Gogh worked in a studio set up by his brother Theo. Inspired by a dream, Vincent van Gogh painted "The Starry Night." He took his own life one year later at age 37 in Auvers sur Oise, near Paris. 7. He Died at 37 On July 27, 1890, van Gogh shot himself in the chest. There were no witnesses and the gun was never found. He committed the act either in the wheat field he had been painting or in a barn. He was able to stagger to the auberge in Auvers where he was staying. Two doctors tended to him, but the bullet could not be removed because there was no surgeon available. He died on July 29, 1890 from an infection in the wound. His brother Theo later wrote to their sister Elizabeth, “In the last letter which he wrote me and which dates from some four days before his death, it says, ‘I try to do as well as certain painters whom I have greatly loved and admired.’ People should realize that he was a great artist, something which often coincides with being a great human being. In the course of time this will surely be acknowledged, and many will regret his early death.” Theo, who had been supporting his brother, died six month later. Theo’s wife dedicated herself to collecting her late brother-in-law’s work and thanks to her diligence, it began to receive recognition 11 years later. Tags	i don't know
Historical figure Robin Hood is associated with which shade of green?	Unravelling the Identity of the Real Robin Hood \| Ancient Origins 28 December, 2014 - 12:25 dhwty Unravelling the Identity of the Real Robin Hood (Read the article on one page) Robin Hood is perhaps one of the most iconic English heroes. His ethos of ‘robbing from the rich and giving to the poor’ has endeared him to many, as he is seen as a figure who fought for the downtrodden. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether Robin Hood did actually exist, or whether he was just a fictional character. If he did exist, then who was he? Such questions have never been satisfactorily answered, and various versions of Robin Hood have been produced due to this ambiguity. Some have argued that Robin Hood was a fictional character, since the earliest records of this character are found in traditional ballads, i.e. narratives set to music. These ballads may not be taken as historical evidence for the existence of Robin Hood, and were probably not written at the time when Robin Hood was first alluded to. The stories of Robin Hood can thus be said to have been initially transmitted orally and could have been told by the ‘common folk’. Robin Hood is the subject of many stories and legends. But how many, if any, are real? Robin Hood with Sir Guy "Bold Robin Hood and His Outlaw Band: Their Famous Exploits in Sherwood Forest", Louis Rhead. ( Wikimedia Commons ) Some have even argued that Robin Hood may have been a mythological character, and that the stories about him are filled with symbolic meaning. For instance, some have claimed that the traditional color of Robin Hood’s outfit, Lincoln green, was meant to represent the traditional color of fairies. The color green may also be associated with spring, which is featured prominently in the ballads, hence symbolically connecting Robin Hood with life and growth. Another argument is that Robin Hood was a medieval trickster character. For instance, Robin Hood has been associated with the Teutonic elf Hodekin, Woden (the Germanic form of Odin) and the hobgoblin known as Robin Goodfellow, known also as Puck. All three figures are supernatural characters, and it has been argued that Robin Hood should also be seen as one of them. Robin Goodfellow-Puck by Henry Fuseli ( Wikimedia Commons ) Despite these theories, others have claimed that Robin Hood was indeed a real historical figure. Indeed, the early ballads linked Robin Hood with identifiable real places, such as Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. The biggest problem with this claim, however, is the fact that Robin Hood is a rather common name in medieval England. ‘Robert’ was a very common given name, as was its diminutive, ‘Robin’, especially during the 13 th century. ‘Hood’ was also a relatively frequent surname, as it referred to either a maker of hoods, or a person who wore a hood. Thus, it is entirely possible that there were several Robin Hoods roaming around medieval England, some of whom may even match the description of the legends. Statue of Robin Hood in Nottingham. Photo source: BigStockPhoto This scenario of multiple Robin Hoods has led to various claims about who the real Robin Hood was. For instance, one writer claimed that Robin Hood was the Earl of Huntington, and was buried in the grounds of Kirklees Priory in West Yorkshire. This is supported by an alleged grave with an inscription indicating that that was Robin Hood’s resting place. Another claim is that Robin Hood was not, as the stories go, from Nottingham, but from York. For instance, instead of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood is said to have his base in Barnsdale Forest, which is on the border between South and West Yorkshire. This claim can be found in one of the earliest written ballads of Robin Hood, the 15 th century A Gest of Robyn Hode . Additionally, the ballad mentions a church, thought to be St. Mary Magdalene, Campsall, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, where Robin Hood married Maid Marian. Moreover, only a few of the early ballads mentions Robin Hood’s arch-nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and only one early ballad, Robin Hood and the Monk , mentions Nottingham.	Lincoln Green
Which animal is the symbol of the US Democratic Political Party?	The Great Story Of Robin Hood-Historical Documentary-National Documentary - YouTube The Great Story Of Robin Hood-Historical Documentary-National Documentary Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Jun 22, 2015 The Great Story Of Robin Hood-Historical Documentary-National Documentary The Great Story Of Robin Hood-Historical Documentary-National Documentary The Great Story Of Robin Hood-Historic documentary 2016 robin hood cast documentary 2016 traileral Documentary-National Documentary Robin Hood is a heroic outlaw in English folklore who, according to legend, was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. Traditionally depicted as being dressed in Lincoln green,[1] he is often portrayed as "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor" alongside his band of Merry Men. Robin Hood became a popular folk figure in the late-medieval period, and continues to be widely represented in literature, films and television documentary national geographic national geographic national geographic 2014 national geographic documentary documentary documentary 2014,documentaries documentaries 2014 bbc documentary discovery channel history channel history channel documentary national geographic channel,documentary films,documentary films 2014 national geographic animals documentary history channel documentaries national geographic documentary national geographic and i will be happy if you visiting my other channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYcI... and thank you for every one watching my movies ramadan elshenawy	i don't know
What is the real name of fictional character Shaggy from the animated television series ‘Scooby Doo’?	Shaggy Rogers \| Scooby-Doo Wiki \| Fandom powered by Wikia Matthew Lillard (2005, 2007, 2010 to Present) Age 16 Norville Chastain "Shaggy" Rogers is a fictional character and the main human protagonist of the American animated television series Scooby-Doo , about the adventures of four crime-solving teenagers and Shaggy's pet great dane, Scooby-Doo . Shaggy is a cowardly slacker more interested in eating than solving mysteries. He is the only Scooby-Doocharacter (besides Scooby) to appear in all iterations of the franchise. Shaggy's distinct personality is evident in his speech pattern—punctuating his sentences with the word "like", and his appearance—he is lanky, with shaggy brown hair and a rough goatee (no mustache, though), typically sporting a green t-shirt and red bell bottoms. In The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo, Scooby Doo Meets the Boo Brothers, Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School, and Scooby Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf, he wore a red T-shirt and blue bell bottoms. Both Shaggy and Scooby-Doo are readily bribed with Scooby Snacks due to their nearly insatiable appetites, and have tendencies toward goofing off and cowardice. They justify their constant hunger by saying, "Being in a constant state of terror makes us constantly hungry!". Both his and Scooby's cowardice (as well as their appetites) have become so ingrained in their characters that they are often portrayed as being expert cowards. Both Shaggy and Scooby are adept runners, have become skilled contortionists due to learning to hide in small places, experts at building barricades from various kinds of furniture and other household objects (even designing one to be collapsible just in case they need to use the barricaded door/entrance as an escape route from the monster/villain). They are also experts in what is scary (both Shaggy and Scooby have been shown to use each other's fears in their competitions in stealing one another's food) due to their being craven cowards (In the episode " Camp Comeoniwannascareya " they use this knowledge to help a fellow camp counselor and the campers scare off the camp's greedy owner who wishes to turn the summer camp into a resort for adults and children) Shaggy and Scooby have shown to be capable of great physical feats of athletic ability (ability to run at time bordering on superhuman) just through fear alone. He was once able to run on water. He also used his feet to move a boat carrying Scooby, the rest of the gang, plus Velma's sister Madelyn, across a lake while being chased by a flying monster; however, these abilities are mainly comical in nature and Shaggy (along with Scooby) only appear to be capable of said feats when in a state of fear or panic. However, in the most recent DTV 'Scooby Doo: Camp Scare', he shakes the iron bars of an old-fashioned jail cell so hard they collapse out of frustration of being trapped. [2] Matthew Lillard as Shaggy in the Sooby-Doo film. Shaggy was originally voiced by Casey Kasem , who continued in the role for twenty-eight years. Billy West and Scott Innes (who also voiced Scooby for a time) briefly took over the role in several of the direct-to-video films produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2002, Kasem returned to the role for The WB's new Scooby series What's New, Scooby-Doo? . In the live-action films Scooby-Doo (2002) and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed , along with the rebooted animated series Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated , Shaggy is portrayed by Matthew Lillard ; in the live-action prequel Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins , he is portrayed by Nick Palatas . Scott Menville assumed the role of Shaggy in 2005 for Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue's temporary replacement. [ edit ] Relatives Relatives of Shaggy shown during the series include: Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Chastain "Mom and Pops" Rogers: Shaggy's parents. Shaggy's father is a police officer in most incarnations, save for Mystery Incorporated (in which his first name is Colton not Samuel). At one point, Shaggy's parents lived in Plymouth, Massachusetts . Casey Kasem voiced "Pops" from The New Scooby and Scrappy-Doo Show through the first season of Mystery Incorporated . Grey DeLisle voices "Mom" in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated . Maggie Rogers: Shaggy's younger sister. In A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, she was nicknamed Sugey. Wilfred: Maggie's fiancee/husband, and Shaggy's brother-in-law. Gaggy Rogers: Shaggy's uncle, who likes to play practical jokes. Uncle Shagworthy: Shaggy's rich uncle. Not only does he look like his nephew — he has the same appetite and cowardice. He keeps his most precious possession (food) in a secret refrigerator with valuable jewels. Voiced by Casey Kasem. Great Uncle Nat (Nathaniel): Shaggy's great-uncle. Voiced by Lennie Weinrib . Uncle Beauregard: Shaggy's late uncle, who left his entire fortune and his Southern mansion and plantation to Shaggy in his will. He was referred to in Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers , although he never made an appearance. Fearless Shagaford: Shaggy's uncle, who owns the Fearless Detective Agency (see Fearless Fosdick ) Uncle Albert Shaggleford: Shaggy's rich uncle, an inventor who's only appeared in Shaggy and Scooby-Doo Get a Clue! voiced by Casey Kasem. [ edit ] Love interests Sadie Mae Scroggins A blonde haired southern girl who had a crush on Shaggy and wanted to marry him in Scooby-Doo Meets The Boo-Brothers . Shaggy was not interested (despite the fact that she was very attractive) and tried his best to escape from her loving clutches. Shaggy for the most part thinks that Sadie's a "gooney girl" and avoids her through most of the movie. Shaggy also had to watch out for her gun toting older brother Billy Bob who did not approve of his sister's choice. Googie Shaggy's blonde haired girlfriend in Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf . Not much is shown about their relationship aside from the factor that Googie wants him to be more intimate with her. Shaggy is not always so attentive to her wants, he prefers mostly to snack and other things. Romance is shown furthest from his mind. But he has shown to be fond of her kisses. Crystal A hippie-chick photographer Shaggy falls for in Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders . Shaggy & Scooby meet her and her golden retriever, named Amber (who Scooby falls in love with) shortly after being abducted by aliens. At the end of the film, Crystal and Amber prove to be aliens from 20 light years away, and are dressed like they are because their interpretations of the way humans are dressed were derived from 1960s television broadcasts, to which Shaggy says, "Hey, why mess with a classic look?" After Crystal & Amber leave on their ship, Shaggy and Scooby are broken-hearted, but a box of Scooby Snacks does the trick to snap the duo out of their sorrows. Mary Jane Shaggy's love interest in the first live action Scooby-Doo film . She is possessed by a demon under the control of Scrappy-Doo late in the movie, but it is expelled. Her name "Mary Jane" is a pun on the slang term for marijuana . She, like Shaggy, enjoys eating Scooby Snacks . Madelyn "Madds" Dinkley Velma's younger sister. She has a huge crush on Shaggy since she was younger. Due to her crush on him, Shaggy refers to her as "Doe-eyed Dinkley" and calls her by the nickname "Madds". Madelyn's obvious crush on him has made Shaggy wary of her. She thinks Shaggy is braver & smarter than he actually is. She is Shaggy's love interest in Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra-Doo . Velma is alerted by her mother that the school Madelyn is attending is being terrorized by a griffin. Though indifferent at first, Shaggy eventually discovers that he likes Madelyn in the same way that she likes him. After Madelyn is taken by the griffin, Shaggy shows he (along with Scooby) is willing to help rescue her without the others convincing him to (however in typical Shaggy fashion he comes prepared, donning a suit of medieval armor and carrying the "ancient spear/staff of O'Flannery" that is supposed to grant the user control of the Griffin). During a confrontation with the griffin Shaggy & Scooby are separated from the others. Fred tells them to stay where they are while he, Velma, & Daphne go for help. While waiting for the others to return, Shaggy and Scooby hear Madelyn (who is locked-up nearby) crying for help. At first Shaggy is reluctant to go save her out of fear and cowardice suggests to Scooby they should wait for the other, Scooby disgusted (in serious tone) tells Shaggy, "Rhaggy, Madelyn rikes you!" (translation "Shaggy, Madelyn likes you!"), realizing Scooby is right, Shaggy goes off to rescue Madelyn (with Scooby right behind him). Shaggy and Scooby gain entrance to the tower through the O'Flannery's spear, which is actually a key to a door in the tower. Upon entering the room where Madelyn is being held, Madelyn who is watching from afar, sees Shaggy clad in armor and removing his helmet (looking very heroic to Madelyn). While ogling her very own "knight in shining armor" (Shaggy), she briefly loses her balance, but quickly recovers (that along with her composure). While trying to escape from the griffin, all three manage to end up in its clutches as it flies around the castle. Shaggy tries to get the griffin to stop by throwing the staff at it, but the staff misses is goes into the sky. However, the griffin soon crashes to the ground (Shaggy, Madelyn, & Scooby manage to escape before it crashes). Madelyn proudly states Shaggy "got" the monster (ignoring the fact that using the staff to stop the griffin was originally her idea) and hugs him. At the end of the movie, Shaggy is shown congratulating her backstage after performing a magic trick. Velma Dinkley Shaggy's official love interest in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated series (it is the first series to have an officially stated romantic relationship between the two). In the first episode Velma is trying to get Shaggy to be more intimate in their relationship, however he feels it should be kept a secret as he doesn't want to hurt Scooby's feelings. Their relationship appears as an ongoing romantic-subplot in the new Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated series.	Shaggy Rogers
Maria Bicknell married which English artist in 1816?	Shaggy Rogers \| Snafu Comics Wiki \| Fandom powered by Wikia Norville Rogers, better known as Shaggy, is a character who appears in Brain Dead . He is the owner and best friend of the Great Dane, Scooby-Doo . Contents [ show ] Story He was seen sneaking along with Scooby Doo through the corridors of Julie's appartment. They later left and and went into Julie's room to eat her food but got eaten by the zombies. Appearance Described as a "lanky teen" by Fred Jones, Shaggy is fairly light for his age—even Velma Dinkley can pick him up with her own hands. He seems to have a very long neck. He usually wears a green t-shirt and brown bell-bottom pants, but he is sometimes seen in a red t-shirt and blue-colored pants. He also has wiskers. Powers and Abilities Although usually considered a coward, Shaggy often proves useful in ferreting out the "monsters" and "ghosts" that are usually at the heart of the gang's mysteries, sometimes inadvertently, and sometimes by reluctantly acting as "live bait" for a trap, providing a necessary distraction for their eventual capture. Shaggy also has disguise and ventriloquism skills, as well as being athletic, which often helps the gang, and has even dressed up as Daphne and Scooby on at least one occasion (usually for Halloween or something similar.) He is even capable of doing certain vocal impessions, from the Ghost of Redbeard (Go Away Ghost Ship) to even a train in a tunnel (Mine Your Own Business). Shaggy also has an enormous appetite able to eat and eat.... and eat. Origin Shaggy is a fictional character from the American animated television series Scooby-Doo, about the adventures of four crime-solving teenagers and Shaggy's pet great dane, Scooby-Doo. Shaggy is a cowardly slacker more interested in eating than solving mysteries. He is the only Scooby-Doo character (besides Scooby) to appear in all iterations of the franchise. Shaggy's distinct personality is evident in his speech pattern commonly due to his frequent use of punctuating his sentences with the word "like" and his appearance — he is lanky, has sandy hair worn in a shaggy style (hence his nickname) and a rough goatee with no mustache, and typically sports a green v-neck and brown bell bottoms. In The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo and early direct-to-video movies, he wore a red v-neck and blue bell bottoms.	i don't know
Venta Belgarum was the Roman name for which Hampshire town in England?	VENTA BELGARVM Venta Belgarvm NNE (23) to Calleva (Silchester, Hampshire) SSW (11) to Clavsentvm (Bitterne, Hampshire) NW (14) to East Anton (East Anton, Hampshire) Iter XV: ENE (19) to Neatham SE (32) to Noviomagvs Regnorvm (Chichester, West Sussex) SW (12) to Nvrsling (Hampshire) W (22) to Sorviodvnvm Venta Belgarum - The Market Town of the Belgae "Below the Dobuni¹ are the Belgae² and the towns: Iscalis 1600 53�, Aquae Calidae 1720 53� and Venta 18*40 53�." Above extract from Ptolemy's Geography The Dobunni tribe inhabited Gloucestershire and Hereford & Worcester. The Belgae inhabited Hampshire and Avon. Of the three names mentioned by Ptolemy the station Iscalis remains unidentified, Aquae Calidae literally 'the hot waters' can only be Aquae Sulis (Bath, Avon), and the final town mentioned is easily equated with Winchester. Winchester appears on three (out of fifteen) routes in Britain recorded in the Antonine Itinerary of the late second century: In Iter VII "the route from Chichester to London", Venta Belgarum occurs in the middle of the Itinerary 10 miles from Clausentum (Bitterne, Hampshire) and 22 miles from Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester, Hampshire). Iter XV is entitled "the route from Calleva to Isca", and details the journey from the Atrebates capital at Silchester in Hampshire and the civitas capital of the Dumnonii tribe at Exeter in Devon. Winchester appears near the beginning of this Itinerary, again as Venta Belgarum, 21 miles from Vindomis (Neatham, Hampshire) and 11 miles from Briga (Buckholt Farm, Horsebridge, Hampshire). Iter XII is entitled "the route from Muridunum to Viroconium", and details the journey from Moridunum (Carmarthen, Dyfed, South Wales) and the capital of the Cornovii tribe at Wroxeter in the Midlands. Unfortunately this route has been corrupted at some time in antiquity, and a portion of Iter XII inserted at the beginning, so this third mention of Venta Belgarum may be safely ignored. The confusion was perhaps caused by the dimly recognised station near Honiton in Devon, which appears in Iter XV and shares the same name as the fort at Carmarthen in Iter XII, namely Moridunum. Winchester also appears in the seventh century Ravenna Cosmology as Venta Velgarom (R&C#41), this time listed between the unknown entries Onna and Armis. The name Venta Belgarum is an amalgam of the Welsh/Gaelic word venta meaning 'market or market town', and the determinative Belgarum meaning 'of the Belgae', denoting that Winchester was the chief town of this southern British tribe. ... The procurator of the weaving-house at Winchester in Britain. ..." Above quote from the Notitia Dignitatum of the 4th/5th century AD Epigraphic Evidence from Winchester The only inscription on stone recorded in the R.I.B. for Winchester is an altar dedicated to the Matres the 'Mothers' or mother goddesses (vide RIB 88 infra). This fine altarstone is now on display in the British Museum. Altarstone to the Mother Goddesses MATRIB ITALIS GERMANIS GAL BRIT ANTONIVS LVCRETIANVS BF COS REST "For the Mother Goddesses of Italy, the Germanies, Gaul and Britain, the Beneficiarius Consularis¹ Antonius Lucretianus restored [this temple]." (RIB 88; altarstone) A beneficiarius was a soldier excused normal duties in order to perform some specialised function, in this case serving on the staff of the consular governor. Other Roman Sites in the Neighbourhood As elswhere in southern Britain, the area around this Roman town, the sixth largest in the province, is studded with Romano-British villas: Sparsholt (SU4130), Twyford (SU4824), King's Worthy (SU4833), Itchen Abbas (SU5234), Bramdean (SU6228) and West Meon (SU6324). In addition, the remains of substantial Roman buildings have also been identified at Upham (SU5422) Alresford (SU5833) and Micheldever (SU5337). See: The Towns of Roman Britain by John Wacher (2nd Ed., BCA, London, 1995) pp.291-301 & fig.132; The Roman Inscriptions of Britain by R.G. Collingwood and R.P. Wright (Oxford 1965). All English translations, including any inherent mistakes, are my own. This page was last modified: 27/1/2016	Winchester
Which is the only one of Disney’s Seven Dwarfs who does not have a beard?	About: Venta Belgarum About: Venta Belgarum An Entity of Type : Site108651247 , from Named Graph : http://dbpedia.org , within Data Space : dbpedia.org Venta Belgarum was a town in the Roman province of Britannia Superior, the civitas capital of the local tribe, the Belgae. The name Venta is Brittonic, meaning 'town' or 'meeting-place'. Today it is known as Winchester and is situated in the English county of Hampshire. But in earlier ages so called Venta Belgarum is named historically as Venta-Bulgarum. Property abstract Venta Belgarum ist der antike Name der römischen Stadt Winchester in England. Die Stadt war Hauptort der Civitas Belgarum. Über den kleinen Fluss Itchen war die Stadt mit dem Meer verbunden. Clausentum war der zur Stadt gehörige Seehafen. Venta Belgarum war schon in der späten Eisenzeit besiedelt. Aus dieser Periode stammen Erdaufschüttungen, die in das 2. und 1. Jahrhundert v. Chr. datieren. Diese Besiedlung hörte um 50 v. Chr. auf, um erst ca. 100 Jahre später wieder zu beginnen. Die eisenzeitliche Siedlung gehörte wohl zum keltischen Königreich der Atrebaten. Als dieses Reich unter römische Herrschaft gelangte, wurde es von dem Vasallenkönig Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus regiert, der seine Hauptstadt in Chichester hatte. Um 50. v. Chr. setzen auf dem Gebiet der späteren Stadt Bauarbeiten ein. Es wurden vor allem Befestigungsanlagen aus Holz und Erde errichtet. Nach dem Tod von Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, am Ende des 1. Jahrhunderts n. Chr., wurde sein kleines Königreich umorganisiert und vollkommen in das römische Reich integriert. Der Ort wurde nun zu einer Stadt ausgebaut, die der Hauptort der Civitas Belgarum wurde und den Namen Venta Belgarum erhielt. In dieser Zeit wurde die Stadt vollkommen neu errichtet und erhielt einen schachbrettartigen Stadtplan und eine Stadtmauer, von der bisher vier Tore bekannt sind. Im Zentrum wurden ein Forum und eine Basilika errichtet. Für weitere öffentliche Bauten gibt es jedoch nur wenig Belege. Im Nordwesten der Stadt stand ein keltischer Tempel. Bisher fehlen auch Belege für Thermen oder Theater. Bis auf eine große Villa im Südwesten der Stadt, ist bisher auch wenig an zusammenhängender Wohnbebauung bekannt, doch belegen zahlreiche Zufallsfunde von Mosaiken einen relativen Wohlstand. Außerhalb der Stadtmauern, die im 4. Jahrhundert verstärkt wurden, fanden sich bedeutende Reste von Vororten und Friedhöfen. Einer von diesen war vor allem im 4. Jahrhundert in Benutzung, und die Bestattungen waren reich an Beigaben. Diese deuten auf das Vorhandensein einer militärischen Einheit zu dieser Zeit. In der Notitia Dignitatum wird ein procurate gynaeci, Ventenisis (Verwalter der Webereien von Ventas) genannt. Der Ort scheint also Kleidung, und von späteren Belegen ausgehend Wollkleidung, für das römische Militär produziert zu haben. Aus der Stadt selber gibt es dazu jedoch keine Belege. Die Stadt wurde anscheinend im 5. Jahrhundert allmählich verlassen. Es gibt kaum archäologische Belege für eine Siedlungskontinuität ins frühe Mittelalter. (de) Venta Belgarum was a town in the Roman province of Britannia Superior, the civitas capital of the local tribe, the Belgae. The name Venta is Brittonic, meaning 'town' or 'meeting-place'. Today it is known as Winchester and is situated in the English county of Hampshire. But in earlier ages so called Venta Belgarum is named historically as Venta-Bulgarum. (en) Venta Belgarum was een stad in de Romeinse provincie Britannia Superior. Het was de civitas (hoofdstad) van de lokale stam, de Belgae. De naam Venta is Brythonisch en betekent 'stad' of 'ontmoetingsplaats'.Vandaag is de plaats bekend als Winchester, een stad in het Engels graafschap Hampshire. (nl) 万塔比尔格鲁姆（拉丁语：Venta Belgarum）是罗马帝国统治不列颠时期，在上不列颠行省建立的一座城市。在今汉普郡的温切斯特。“万塔”一名出自古布立吞語，是“城镇”或“聚所”之意。2世纪达到鼎盛，4世纪时逐渐衰落。 (zh) comment Venta Belgarum was a town in the Roman province of Britannia Superior, the civitas capital of the local tribe, the Belgae. The name Venta is Brittonic, meaning 'town' or 'meeting-place'. Today it is known as Winchester and is situated in the English county of Hampshire. But in earlier ages so called Venta Belgarum is named historically as Venta-Bulgarum. (en) Venta Belgarum was een stad in de Romeinse provincie Britannia Superior. Het was de civitas (hoofdstad) van de lokale stam, de Belgae. De naam Venta is Brythonisch en betekent 'stad' of 'ontmoetingsplaats'.Vandaag is de plaats bekend als Winchester, een stad in het Engels graafschap Hampshire. (nl)	i don't know
The Internet company Google is based in which US state?	The Biggest Public Companies In Every U.S. State The Biggest Public Companies In Every U.S. State {{article.article.images.featured.caption}} Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Full Bio The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. Loading ... Loading ... This story appears in the {{article.article.magazine.pretty_date}} issue of {{article.article.magazine.pubName}}. Subscribe Most Americans are familiar with , , , and —huge companies, whose products many of us interact with on a daily basis. But how about General Communications, Inc.? Based in Anchorage, Alaska, General Communications bills itself as that state's biggest provider of wireless network, with the fastest high-speed internet and digital cable television for home and business . Its market cap, as of close of trading on Nov. 3, is $472 million. Nothing to sneeze at, yet compared to America's largest public company, Apple--which has a market capitalization of $641.8 billion—General Communications is just 0.07% Apple's size. Nonetheless, General Communications, Inc., is Alaska's largest public company. Forbes' annual list of The Best States for Business is just around the corner, so we thought it an apt time to take a look at the largest public companies in each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. To compile our list, we captured the market capitalization for all public companies traded on the major U.S. exchanges as of the end of the trading day on Nov. 3, using data provided by FactSet. Companies were sorted by the state where they have their headquarters. For each of the states, we highlight the top three in terms of market cap. Some of the names will be familiar—California's top three, for instance, are Apple, Google, and Wells Fargo. But plenty, we think, may surprise you. 52 images Take New Mexico. The largest company in that state is the $2.3 billion (market cap), Albuquerque-based PNM Resources, Inc., an energy holding company that provides electricity to homes in Northern New Mexico and Western Texas. In second place is EMCORE Corporation, a tiny fraction of PNM Resources' size with a $156.2 million market cap. EMCORE, also based in Albuquerque, makes semiconductor-based products for use in telecom, broadband, defense & homeland security, satellite and solar power. Some states, it seems, get all the riches in terms of market cap (California chief among them). But others have a surprising richness of large cap companies. In Rhode Island, Woonsocket-based CVS Health Corporation, the drugstore retail chain, leads the pack with a market cap of $101.6 billion. Next in that state is Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a Providence-based $13.4 billion market cap company and former subsidiary of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS)--headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland--which returned to the U.S. stock market in September. Industrial conglomerate Textron, Inc., which includes Bell Helicopter and Cessna Aircraft, is Rhode Island's third-largest public company, with a market cap of $11.7 billion. Among the biggest companies by state traded on the major exchanges, the five smallest are located in New Mexico, Wyoming, Alaska, and Vermont. The smallest company on a major exchange to make our list is $68.2 million (market cap) Anchorage-based Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc., which provides broadband to businesses and consumers in Alaska and claims to have "the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States." The next two smallest are both located in Wyoming: $73.2 million (market cap) Riverton-based U.S. Energy Corp., an oil and natural gas exploration company, and $78.9 million (market cap) Casper-based Uranerz Energy Corporation, a uranium mining firm. The fourth-smallest is Albuquerque's EMCORE Corp., described above. And $175.9 million (market cap) Rutland, Vt.-based Casella Waste Systems, Inc., a waste management company that operates across the U.S., takes the fifth-smallest slot. (Note: New Mexico only has two companies traded on the major stock exchanges. Its third-biggest company, Sigma Labs, Inc., is traded on the OTC markets and technically has the tiniest market cap ($56.2 million) of any to make our list.) Below are the biggest ten companies by market capitalization in the U.S. Check out our slideshow to see which three companies in your state have the largest market caps. Top 10 U.S. companies by market cap	California
In the television series ‘The Simpsons’, what is the name of the ‘evil genius’ who has sworn to take revenge on Bart?	The Biggest Public Companies In Every U.S. State The Biggest Public Companies In Every U.S. State {{article.article.images.featured.caption}} Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Full Bio The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. Loading ... Loading ... This story appears in the {{article.article.magazine.pretty_date}} issue of {{article.article.magazine.pubName}}. Subscribe Most Americans are familiar with , , , and —huge companies, whose products many of us interact with on a daily basis. But how about General Communications, Inc.? Based in Anchorage, Alaska, General Communications bills itself as that state's biggest provider of wireless network, with the fastest high-speed internet and digital cable television for home and business . Its market cap, as of close of trading on Nov. 3, is $472 million. Nothing to sneeze at, yet compared to America's largest public company, Apple--which has a market capitalization of $641.8 billion—General Communications is just 0.07% Apple's size. Nonetheless, General Communications, Inc., is Alaska's largest public company. Forbes' annual list of The Best States for Business is just around the corner, so we thought it an apt time to take a look at the largest public companies in each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. To compile our list, we captured the market capitalization for all public companies traded on the major U.S. exchanges as of the end of the trading day on Nov. 3, using data provided by FactSet. Companies were sorted by the state where they have their headquarters. For each of the states, we highlight the top three in terms of market cap. Some of the names will be familiar—California's top three, for instance, are Apple, Google, and Wells Fargo. But plenty, we think, may surprise you. 52 images Take New Mexico. The largest company in that state is the $2.3 billion (market cap), Albuquerque-based PNM Resources, Inc., an energy holding company that provides electricity to homes in Northern New Mexico and Western Texas. In second place is EMCORE Corporation, a tiny fraction of PNM Resources' size with a $156.2 million market cap. EMCORE, also based in Albuquerque, makes semiconductor-based products for use in telecom, broadband, defense & homeland security, satellite and solar power. Some states, it seems, get all the riches in terms of market cap (California chief among them). But others have a surprising richness of large cap companies. In Rhode Island, Woonsocket-based CVS Health Corporation, the drugstore retail chain, leads the pack with a market cap of $101.6 billion. Next in that state is Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a Providence-based $13.4 billion market cap company and former subsidiary of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS)--headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland--which returned to the U.S. stock market in September. Industrial conglomerate Textron, Inc., which includes Bell Helicopter and Cessna Aircraft, is Rhode Island's third-largest public company, with a market cap of $11.7 billion. Among the biggest companies by state traded on the major exchanges, the five smallest are located in New Mexico, Wyoming, Alaska, and Vermont. The smallest company on a major exchange to make our list is $68.2 million (market cap) Anchorage-based Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc., which provides broadband to businesses and consumers in Alaska and claims to have "the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States." The next two smallest are both located in Wyoming: $73.2 million (market cap) Riverton-based U.S. Energy Corp., an oil and natural gas exploration company, and $78.9 million (market cap) Casper-based Uranerz Energy Corporation, a uranium mining firm. The fourth-smallest is Albuquerque's EMCORE Corp., described above. And $175.9 million (market cap) Rutland, Vt.-based Casella Waste Systems, Inc., a waste management company that operates across the U.S., takes the fifth-smallest slot. (Note: New Mexico only has two companies traded on the major stock exchanges. Its third-biggest company, Sigma Labs, Inc., is traded on the OTC markets and technically has the tiniest market cap ($56.2 million) of any to make our list.) Below are the biggest ten companies by market capitalization in the U.S. Check out our slideshow to see which three companies in your state have the largest market caps. Top 10 U.S. companies by market cap	i don't know
A natatorium is an indoor ‘what’?	Natatorium - definition of natatorium by The Free Dictionary Natatorium - definition of natatorium by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/natatorium Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . na·ta·to·ri·um (nā′tə-tôr′ē-əm, năt′ə-) n. An indoor swimming pool. [Late Latin natātōrium, place for swimming, from neuter of Latin natātōrius, of swimming, from natātus, act of swimming, from past participle of natāre, frequentative of nāre, to swim; see natatorial.] natatorium n, pl -riums or -ria (-rɪə) (Swimming, Water Sports & Surfing) rare a swimming pool, esp an indoor pool [C20: from Late Latin: swimming place, pool] na•ta•to•ri•um (ˌneɪ təˈtɔr i əm, -ˈtoʊr-, ˌnæt ə-) n., pl. -to•ri•ums, -to•ri•a (-ˈtɔr i ə, -ˈtoʊr-) a swimming pool, esp. one that is indoors. [1885–90; < Late Latin natātōrium swimming place, derivative of Latin natā(re) to swim] natatorium	Swimming pool
Who wrote the 1964 book ‘The Corridors of Power’?	The Official Site of Penn State McCoy Natatorium Welcome to the Official Site of Penn State Aquatics! Penn State Aquatics is housed at University Park's award-winning McCoy Natatorium. We offer a wide range of aquatic and fitness programs for students, faculty, staff, members of the surrounding University Park community and visitors as well. Research studies confirm that as little as two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. More information on the health benefits of swimming can be found online at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The McCoy Natatorium is much more than a grouping of swimming pools. We offer instruction and recreational opportunities to individuals of all ages, abilities, and interests. In addition to our First Aid and CPR/AED programs , we have a wide range of services and programs including aquatic activities for seniors and those with physical disabilities, scuba diving lessons and certification programs, swim club activities, aquacise classes, American Red Cross swimming lessons, recreational swim times and specialized springboard diving instruction, to name a few. Click here to download a " Fact Sheet " about Penn State aquatic facilities. Each year we host the YMCA State Swimming Championships, the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Swim Meet, as well as various USA Swimming meets and regional competitions. We are also home to the Pennsylvania Swimming Hall of Fame and Penn State's intercollegiate swimming and diving teams. The Natatorium pools are available year-round for instruction, competitive athletics, recreation, intramurals, club sports, and special aquatic events. Lap swimming is available during our open swim hours. We even host birthday parties to help make your child's special day even more special. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions about our facilities or programs. We're here to help you meet your aquatic recreational and fitness needs. Shawn DeRosa, J.D. NATATORIUM: A latin word revived in the 20th century to describe an indoor place for swimming. In ancient Rome, a cella natatoria (literally "room for swimming") referred to any swimming pool installed in a separate building. References to a public swimming pool in Rome date from 215 B.C.	i don't know

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