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Located in northeast Caribbean, what is the smallest inhabited sea island that is divided between two nations? | Saint Martin beaches | The Best Caribbean Beaches The Best Caribbean Beaches great bay sea palace resort orient bay french st martin beach at st martin s beach in half moon bay st martin beach Language English Saint Martin is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 300 km (186 miles) east of Puerto Rico. The 87 kmВІ island is divided roughly in half between France and the Netherlands Antilles; it is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations. * The southern Dutch half comprises the Eilandgebied Sint Maarten (Island area of St. Martin) and is part of the Netherlands Antilles. * The northern French half comprises the Collectivity de Saint-Martin (Collectivity of St. Martin) and is an overseas collectivity of France. Collectively, the two territories are known as “St-Martin/St. Maarten”. Sometimes SXM, the IATA identifier for Princess Juliana International Airport (the island’s main airport), is used to refer to the island. The main towns are Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side). The island has approximately a total resident population of 85,000. The official population on the Dutch side is 50,000 while on the French side this is 35,000. Human density is 3 times that of the Netherlands. In addition there is an average of 1,000,000 tourist visitors per year. There are some Caribbean beaches at St. Martin - Great Bay, Martin’s Beach in Half Moon Bay, Orient Beach. The highest hilltop is the Pic Paradis (424 m) on center of a hill chain. There is no river on the island, but many dry guts. Hiking trails give access to the dry forest covering tops and slopes. The average yearly air temperature is 27 В°C (min 17 В°C, max 35 В°C) and sea surface temperature 26.4 В°C. The total average yearly rainfall is 995 mm, with 22 days of thunder. Neither of the two halves of St. Martin had separate FIPS PUB 10-4 territory codes or ISO 3166-1 codes prior to 2007; they were coded as GP (Guadeloupe) and NA/AN (Netherlands Antilles). The status of the French side changed to an overseas collectivity in February 2007, and it received the ISO 3166-1 code MF in October 2007. The status of the Dutch side is due to change to a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in December 2008, and it is expected that Dutch part will also get an ISO 3166-1 code of its own shortly thereafter. Capital - Marigot |
Located on the Atlantic coast, what is the largest city of the Maghreb (the 5 countries constituting North Africa)? | Places in Africa (EASY) Quiz - By bitex3 Notes Ascension Once a dependency of Saint Helena, it's a British Overseas Territory in the equatorial waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. Port-Gentil It is the 2nd largest city of Gabon and a leading seaport. Bissau It's the capital city of Guinea-Bissau. Monrovia Located on the Atlantic Coast at Cape Mesurado, it's the capital city of Liberia. Ilha do Príncipe It's the smaller of the two major islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. It was the site where Einstein's Theory of Relativity was experimentally proved successful in 1919. Dakar Located on the Cap-Vert Peninsula, on the country's Atlantic coast, it's the capital city of Senegal. Lake Victoria It's Africa’s largest lake by area and is divided among three countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Addis Ababa It's the capital and the largest city of Ethiopia. Réunion Located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, it's a French island and overseas department. Moroni It's the largest city of the Comoros islands and since 1958 has served as its capital. N'Djamena It's the capital city of Chad and the largest city in the country. Abu Simbel Temples Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples in southern Egypt, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the 'Nubian Monuments'. Bamako It's the capital and largest city of Mali. Alexandria It's the 2nd largest city in Egypt. Mombasa Lying next to the Indian Ocean, it's the 2nd largest city in Kenya. Nouakchott It's the capital and by far the largest city of Mauritania. Lubumbashi Lying near the Zambian border, it's the 2nd largest city in the DRC. Great Pyramid of Giza It's the oldest of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and has been the tallest structure for 4,000 years until the completion of Lincoln Cathedral in England around the year 1300. Conakry It's the capital and largest city of Guinea. Meknes It was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail, who constructed numerous edifices, gates and mosques (whence the nickname of 'City of the Hundred Minarets'). Djerba Located in the Gulf of Gabes, off the coast of Tunisia, it's the largest island of North Africa and a popular tourist destination. Johannesburg It's the largest city in South Africa and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline. Algiers It's the capital and largest city of Algeria. Dar es Salaam Former capital and largest city, it's seat of the government.and main economic centre in Tanzania. Mozambique Channel The Mozambique Channel is a portion of the Indian Ocean located between the island of Madagascar and southeast Africa. Abidjan Largest city in the country, it's the economic and former official capital of Côte d'Ivoire. White Nile It is one of the two main tributaries of the Nile. Mbabane It's the aministrative capital and largest city of Swaziland. Porto-Novo Also known as Hogbonou and Adjacé, it's the official capital of Benin. Abuja Since the end of 1991, it's the capital city of Nigeria. Dodoma It's the official capital city of Tanzania since 1974. Pretoria It's one of the three capital cities of South Africa, serving as the executive (administrative) and de facto national capital. Bo It's the 2nd largest city in Sierra Leone. Cape Town It's the 2nd-most populous city and the legislative capital of South Africa. Suez Canal The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Libreville It's the capital and largest city of Gabon. Bulawayo It's the 2nd largest city in Zimbabwe, after the capital city. Zanzibar It's an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, few kilometers off the coast, and is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. Lusaka It's the capital and largest city of Zambia. Kinshasa It's the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cotonou It's the economic capital of Benin, as well as its largest city and the seat of the government. Maseru Located on the Caledon River, it's the capital of Lesotho. Bujumbura It's the capital city and main port of Burundi. Pointe-Noire Situated o |
Though it was the dream of many historical rulers including Nero, the Corinth Canal was completed only in 1893. It separates the Greek mainland from which other landmass? | Πτυχιακή του Βασιλάκη by Nikolas Airmills - issuu issuu ΑΚΑ∆ΗΜΙΑ ΕΜΠΟΡΙΚΟΥ ΝΑΥΤΙΚΟΥ ΗΠΕΙΡΟΥ ΘΕΜΑ ΠΤΥΧΙΑΚΗΣ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑΣ : MAJOR WORLD CANALS ΟΝΟΜΑ ΣΠΟΥ∆ΑΣΤΗ: ΧΡΙΣΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ Α.Μ.Σ: 1542 ΕΠΙΒΛΕΠΩΝ ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΗΣ: Κ. ΚΑΡΑΚΑΤΣΑΝΗ, Μ. Ed. ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑ ΑΝΑΘΕΣΗΣ: 2/6/2009 ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑ ΚΑΤΑΘΕΣΗΣ: 26/5/2011 Α.Ε.Ν/ ΗΠΕΙΡΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΗ ΠΛΟΙΑΡΧΩΝ ΠΡΕΒΕΖΑΣ ΘΕΜΑ ΠΤΥΧΙΑΚΗΣ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑΣ: MAJOR WORLD CANALS ΟΝΟΜΑ ΣΠΟΥ∆ΑΣΤH : ΧΡΙΣΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ Α.Μ.Σ: 1542 ΕΠΙΒΛΕΠΩΝ ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΗΣ: Κ. ΚΑΡΑΚΑΤΣΑΝΗ, Μ.Ed. ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑ ΑΝΑΘΕΣΗΣ: 2/6/2009 ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑ ΚΑΤΑΘΕΣΗΣ:26/5/2011 SUMMARY This paper is about major canals, artificial waterways which create a floating bridge between two seas, between a sea and a lake, or carry water from one place to another one, serving in this way many purposes and uses. The major world canals discussed are the Suez Canal and Panama Canal which are long passages connecting the Mediterranean and Red seas, and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans respectively. The Kiel canal which links the North and Baltic seas is analyzed showing its importance in saving time and providing safety from dangerous storm-prone areas. In addition, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System is presented in detail including locks, canals, channels and lakes which permit travelling all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to North Great Lakes. Erie Canal, Welland Canal and New York State Barge Canal are also examined along with Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron. Finally the paper refers to the Corinth Canal and its importance in minimizing the distance from the Aegean to Ionian and Adriatic seas. Major World Canals CONTENTS Introduction..........................................................................................................................3 Suez Canal...........................................................................................................................5 History..................................................................................................................................5 Panama Canal.....................................................................................................................17 History................................................................................................................................18 Kiel Canal..........................................................................................................................37 History................................................................................................................................37 Operation............................................................................................................................38 Great Lakes - St.Lawrence Seaway System .....................................................................39 History................................................................................................................................39 Erie Canal...........................................................................................................................44 Welland Canal....................................................................................................................53 History................................................................................................................................53 New York State Barge Canal.............................................................................................59 History................................................................................................................................59 Great Lake Michigan ........................................................................................................61 Great Lake Ontario............................................................................................................63 Great Lake Superior ..........................................................................................................65 Great Lake Huron.................................................................. |
During the apartheid era, what was the name for the territory set aside for black inhabitants of South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) of which ten were established? | History of South Africa in the apartheid era History of South Africa in the apartheid era 2007 Schools Wikipedia Selection . Related subjects: Recent History "Petty apartheid": sign on Durban beach in English, Afrikaans and Zulu (1989) Apartheid (literally "apartness" in Afrikaans and Dutch ) was a system of racial segregation that was enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. South Africa had long since been ruled by whites and apartheid was designed to form a legal framework for continued economic and political dominance by people of European descent. Under apartheid, people were legally classified into a racial group - the main ones being White, Black, Indian and Coloured - and were geographically, and forcibly, separated from each other on the basis of the legal classification. The Black majority, in particular, legally became citizens of particular "homelands" that were nominally sovereign nations but operated more akin to United States Indian Reservations and Australian/Canadian Aboriginal Reserves. In reality, a majority of Black South Africans had never resided in these "homelands." In practice, this prevented non-white people — even if actually resident in white South Africa — from having a vote or influence, restricting their rights to faraway homelands that they may never have visited. Education, medical care, and other public services were sometimes claimed to be separate but equal, but those available to non-white people were generally regarded as inferior. Creation of apartheid The first recorded use of the word "apartheid" ( International Phonetic Alphabet [ə.ˈpɑː(ɹ).teɪt] or [-taid̥]) was in 1917 during a speech by Jan Christiaan Smuts, who later became Prime Minister of South Africa in 1919. Although the creation of apartheid is usually attributed to the Afrikaner-dominated government of 1948-1994, it is partially a legacy of British colonialism which introduced a system of pass laws in the Cape Colony and Natal during the 19th century. This resulted in regulating the movement of blacks from the tribal regions to the areas occupied by whites and coloureds, and which were ruled by the British. Pass laws not only restricted the movement of blacks into these areas but also prohibited their movement from one district to another without a signed pass. Blacks were not allowed onto streets of towns in the Cape Colony and Natal after dark and they had to carry a pass at all times. The practice of apartheid can thus be viewed as a continuation, magnification and extension of the segregationist policies of previous White colonial administrations in what is now South Africa. Examples include the 1913 Land Act and the various workplace "colour bars". These laws flowed from the peace treaty signed between the Boer Republics and the British Empire at the end of the Second Boer War of 1899-1902. However, it is claimed that the original idea behind the concept of apartheid was more one of political separation (later called "grand apartheid") than segregation (later called "petty apartheid"). For instance, during the Second World War , Smuts' United Party government began to move away from the rigid enforcement of segregationist laws. In the run-up to the 1948 elections, the National Party (NP) campaigned on its policy of apartheid. The NP narrowly defeated Smuts' United Party, and formed a coalition government with the Afrikaner Party (AP), under Protestant cleric Daniel Francois Malan's leadership. It immediately began implementing apartheid: legislation was passed prohibiting miscegenation (mixed-race marriage), individuals were classified by race, and a classification board was created to rule in questionable cases. The Group Areas Act of 1950 became the heart of the apartheid system designed to geographically separate the racial groups. The Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya which lasted from 1952 to 1960 may have influenced both thinking and policies in South Africa. The Separate Amenities Act of 1953 created, among other things, separate beaches , buses, hospitals, schools and universities . The existing pass laws were t |
Which prominent mountain has three volcanic cones called Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira? | Kilimanjaro | Volcano World | Oregon State University OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY stratovolcano reaching an elevation of 19,335.6 ft. (5,895 m). Other names for this volcano are: Kilima Dscharo, Oldoinyo Oibor (white mountain in Masai), and Kilima Njaro meaning shining mountain in Swahili. This volcano's highest and youngest cone is named Kibo. Shira to the west and Mawenzi in the east are older cones that make up Kilimanjaro. Kibo has not been active in modern times, but steam and sulfur are still emitted. At the top of Kibo's summit is a 1 1/2 mile (2 1/4 Km) wide . Kilimanjaro is the largest of an E-W belt of about 20 volcanoes near the southern end of the East African Rift Valley. Also prominent in this belt are Ngorongoro caldera - a superb wildlife refuge, Ol Donyo Lengi - a carbonitite volcano, and Meru. Kilimanjaro is a triple volcano with the youngest and central peak of Kibo being 7.5-8.7 miles (12-14 km) from Shira to the west and Mawenza to the east. As all of Kilimanjaro's climbers know the gentle lower slopes steepen to 30 degrees about 13,000 ft.(4 km) elevation. Shira is topped by a broad plateau, perhaps a filled caldera, and erosion has cut deeply into a remnant rim. In contrast, Mawenzi's summit is a steep rocky peak surrounded by cliffs 1,600 ft.(0.5 km) to 4,900 ft.(1.5 km) high. Erosion has removed the original crater, and a great horseshoe shaped ridge opens to the northeast. Mile-deep gullies with 30-45 degree gradients make many places practically inaccessible. Massive series of radial and concentric dyke swarm make up more than 30-40 percent of the summit area of Mawenzi. Kibo's glacier-clad summit, the highest spot in Africa, is a 1.2 x 1.7 mile (1.9 x 2.7 km) caldera, with an inner crater nearly a mile (1.3 km) wide, and inside that a deep, 1,148 ft. (350 m) wide central pit. Original volcanic forms are preserved at the summit and on many of the flanks, except on the south side where glaciers have cut deeply into the cone. Nearly 250 satellitic cones occur on Kilimanjaro, most following SE and NW trends. Estimates suggest that of a total volume of about 1,150 cu. miles, Mawenzi and Shira each contribute roughly 120 cu. mi. of andesites and basalts, Kibo has the same volume of similar but unexposed rocks, plus an additional 107 cu. miles. Interestingly, more than half of Kilimanjaro's volume is represented by older, basal basalts (672 cu. mi.), so once again- as in Cascade stratovolcanoes - a basaltic shield is the most important, but least conspicuous element of a chemically complex volcano. Kilimanjaro- Africa's largest volcano and among the largest on the Earth is indeed a beautiful and fascinating volcano of the world. Sources of information: Richard, J.J., Neumann van Padang M., 1957, Africa and the Red Sea. Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World, Rome: IAVCEI 4, p.75-78. Dr. Charles A. Wood, Volcano World The Geology of Kilimanjaro 1972; by C. Downie & P. Wilkinson Contact Info VW is a higher education, k-12, and public outreach project of the Oregon Space Grant Consortium administered through the Department of Geosciences at Oregon State University. |
The 19th century civic planner Baron Haussman is associated with the rebuilding of which city? | TimeRime.com - France in the 19th Century Linea de tiempo "The blend of Bonapartism and Orleanism, this faith in administration, is Haussmann's family heritage..." (Jordan) Haussmann's father was Orleanist who supported centralization of government. He was opposed to local elites or "notables" making decisions without some central "buraucratic" restraint (Jordan). French artist Gustave Caillebotte expresses the isolation of the individual in the midst of Haussmann's changes in Young Man at His Window: Even if the window is a means by which the young man can escape the boredom of domestic life, the view outside became increasingly less personable once Haussmann decided to tear up the capital’s crooked streets. The rationality of Haussmann’s boulevards imposed a new logic onto the inhabitants of Paris. By centralizing the imperial state, the modern industrial city shaped the way people, such as Caillebotte’s young man, experienced the urban landscape. With the coming of modernity, there is a sense of melancholy at losing what was once familiar. Faced with the growth of the city, the man contemplates his position from the security of his private domain and surveys the changes of the public arena through his apartment window. While opening out onto the expansive world beyond, the window also displays a contracted view of the city. The angle from which the viewer observes the man causes the space to appear crowded and illegible. The position of the man and the viewer outside the painting do not line up and thus, we experience a distorted view of the scene. Caillebotte’s deliberate choice to manipulate with the painting’s perspective signifies his response to Haussmann’s reconfiguration of the city during the mid 1870s. Acting as an invitation for the viewer to enter the painted reality of Haussmann’s Paris, the window ironically does not rescind the indecipherability of the urban environment. Gould, 1995, 80. The view outside the young man’s window could be characterized as one of Haussmann’s revitalized neighborhoods. Sweeping the streets and building new homes, Haussmann conceived of his city as one large human vessel with lungs, bowels and arteries. Slums and other working class residential areas were pushed to the periphery of the city and replaced by bourgeois living quarters. In Young Man broad, expansive streets flanked by tall, rectangular apartment buildings represent the essence of Haussmann’s prerogatives. Our view from the balcony causes us to envision the landscape below as a series of enclaves dominated by foot traffic and punctuated by wide, tree-lined roads with monumental vistas instead of a confusing citywide web of intersecting streets. In the painting, horse drawn carriages move alongside the tree bordered sidewalk while strollers pass freely between the street and the walkways below. A female figure stands at the curved corner of the footpath possibly waiting for someone or watching some kind of event that is obstructed from our view by the balcony to the left. The sensuous fabric of her pink dress calls attention to her bourgeois status. Acting as components of a larger urban machine, the figures in the neighborhood become a part the city’s motion. Although Caillebotte appears to conceive the new Haussmanised French neighborhood with the mathematical precision of its creator, a careful look at the painting’s composition reveals that the artist has manipulated traditional perspective to produce an unusual yet convincing view of the changes affecting the aesthetic and practical use of the city. David P. Jordan, “Organs of the Large City,” in Transforming Paris: The Life and Labors of Baron Haussmann (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1995) 295. Roger V. Gould, “Urban Transformations, 1852-70” in Insurgent Identities: Class, Community, and Protest in Paris From 1848 to the Commune (Chicago:The University of Chicago Press, 1995) 95. After Paris's debt due to Haussmann's renovations reached a whopping 2.5 billion francs and the imperial regime becam |
The Lake Mungo remains consisting of two fossils known as Mungo Lady and Mungo Man are located in the World Heritage listed Willandra Lakes Region of which country? | Lake Mungo remains Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com New South Wales The Lake Mungo remains are three sets of human fossils . They are Lake Mungo 1 (LM1, or Mungo Lady), Lake Mungo 2 (LM2), and Lake Mungo 3 (LM3, or Mungo Man). The sites are located near Lake Mungo , in New South Wales , Australia , in the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes Region . [1] Pieces of skeletons have been found in this region. These pieces have been attributed to over forty human skeletons. The Lake Mungo remains are the most significant of these. [2] LM1 was found in 1969, and is widely considered the oldest known cremation in the world. LM3, found in 1974, are the remains of an early human inhabitant of the Australian continent. His remains are the oldest human remains that have been found in Australia. The exact age of these two fossils has been debated since they were found, with studies giving estimates between 20,000 and 62,000 years. Both of them are now generally considered to have lived around 40,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene epoch . Contents 5 More reading Mungo Lady (LM1) LM1 are the fossilised , cremated remains of a young woman. They were found in 1969 by James Bowler with the University of Melbourne . [3] Radiocarbon dating of pieces of bone from the burial put LM1 between 24,700 and 19,030 years old. Charcoal from a hearth 15 cm above the burial was dated at 26,250 years old (plus or minus 1,120 years). Reconstruction and study of the remains was mainly done by Alan Thorne at the Australian National University . The patterns of burn marks on the bones suggest that the body was first burned, then smashed, then burned a second time, before being buried. [4] Research published by Bowler in 2003 rejected previous estimates for all of remains at the site. Optical dating concluded that both LM1 and LM3 were buried around 40,000 years ago (plus or minus 2,000 years). [5] [6] This makes it the earliest evidence of human cremation that has been found. [7] [8] It suggests that ancient indigenous Australians in this region had their own complicated burial rituals. [5] The bones were returned in 1992 to the area's traditional owners: the Paakantji (Barkindji), the Mathi Mathi and the Ngiyampaa . LM1 is now in a locked vault at the Mungo National Park visitor centre. [4] Mungo Man (LM3) LM3 was found by James Bowler on 26 February 1974, when shifting sand dunes exposed the remains. [9] It is located 500 m east of the LM1 site. The body was covered with red ochre , in the earliest known example of such a complicated and artistic burial practice. Like the cremation of LM1, this indicates that certain cultural traditions have existed on the Australian continent for much longer than previously thought. [5] [10] Description Mungo Man (Lake Mungo 3) The skeleton was of a slender individual, quite different to the build of modern indigenous Australians. [11] The skeleton was badly preserved : large pieces of the skull were missing, and most of the bones in the limbs were damaged. Usually, the gender of a skeleton is determined using the bones in the skull and the pelvis. The problem is that these bones are in a very bad state in LM3, or they are missing altogether; in other words, the "normal" method of gender determination cannot be used with LM3. Since LM3 was discovered, other features were studied; most of these studies agree that LM3 was probably a male. [12] [13] [14] LM3 was buried lying on his back, with his hands joined together covering the groin. Some of the bones show evidence of osteoarthritis and eburnation , and the teeth are well worn. Based on this, it is likely that LM3 was quite old (around 50 years old) when he died. [15] New studies show that, using the length of his limb bones, it is possible to estimate LM3's height at 196 centimetres (77 inches or 6 ft 5 in), unusually tall for an Aboriginal. [10] Age The first estimate of LM3's age was made in 1976 by the team of scientists from the Australian National University (ANU) who excavated LM3. They estimated that LM3 was between 28,000 and 32,000 years old. [9] They did |
With a total drop of 948 meters (3,110 feet) in five free-leaping falls, Tugela Falls is the world's second highest waterfall. They are located in the Drakensberg (Dragon's Mountains) range in which country? | 1000+ images about Drakensberg Mountains on Pinterest | Natal, Kwazulu natal and In south africa Tugela Falls, Royal Natal National Park, South Africa. Second highest waterfall in the world. BelAfrique - your personal travel planner - www.BelAfrique.com See More |
Which Spanish city, now home to a great mosque was probably the most populated city in Europe and perhaps in the world in the later half of the 10th century? | Islamic Civilization | Middle East Institute TUNBAR = TAMBOURINE (French) ZIRAFAH = GIRAFFE The enormous intellectual energy unleashed by the Abbasid dynasty left no field of knowledge and speculation untouched. In addition to mathematics and geometry, Abbasid scholars in the House of Wisdom made important and lasting contributions in astronomy, ethics, mechanics, music, medicine, physics, and philosophy to name a few. In the process men of enormous intellect and productivity rose to prominence. One of these was Thabit ibn Qurra. Recruited from the provinces—where he had worked in obscurity as a money changer—he came to the Bait al-Hikmah to work as a translator. There his exemplary grasp of Syriac, Creek, and Arabic made him invaluable. In addition to his translations of key works, such as Archimedes' Measurement of the Circle (later translated into Latin by Gerard of Cremona in the 12th century), he also wrote over 70 original works on a wide range of subjects. His sons, too, were to found a dynasty of scholars that lasted until the 10th century. But it wasn't only the pure or abstract sciences that received emphasis in these early years. The practical and technical arts made advances as well, medicine the first among them. Here several great scholars deserve mention. Hunain ibn lshaq not only translated the entire canon of Greek medical works into Arabic—including the Hippocratic oath, obligatory for doctors then as now—but wrote 29 works by his own pen, the most important a collection of ten essays on ophthalmology. The greatest of the 9th century physician-philosophers was perhaps Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, known to the west as Rhazes. He wrote over 184 books and was an early advocate of experiment and observation in science. Simultaneously, in far off Spain (al-Andalus), the social and natural sciences were being advanced by men such as Ibn Khaldun, the first historian to explicate the laws governing the rise and fall of civilizations. The brilliant flowering of Islamic science in Andalusia was directly stimulated by the renaissance in Baghdad. Scholars regularly traveled the length of the known world to sit and learn at the feet of a renowned teacher. With the death of the philosopher al-Farabi in 950 the first and most brilliant period of Islamic scientific thought drew to a close. As the political empire fragmented over the next 300 years, leadership would pass to the provinces, principally Khorasan and Andalusia. Indeed, Spain was to serve as a conduit through which the learning of the ancient world, augmented and transformed by the Islamic experience, was to pass to medieval Europe and the modern world. At the very time that Baghdad fell to the Mongols in 1258, and the Abbasid caliphate came to an end, scribes in Europe were preserving the Muslim scientific tradition. This is why, just as many Greek texts now survive only in Arabic dress, many Arabic scientific works only survive in Latin. The death of al-Farabi is perhaps a fitting event to mark the end of the golden age of Muslim science. His masterwork, The Perfect City, exemplifies the extent to which Greek culture and science had been successfully and productively assimilated and then impressed with the indelible stamp of Islam. The perfect city, in al-Farabi's view, is founded on moral and ethical principles; from these flow its perfect shape and physical infrastructure. Undoubtedly he had in mind the round city of Baghdad, The City of Peace. Trade and Commerce as a Cultural Vehicle Because Arabs historically had a tradition of trade and commerce, the Muslims continued that tradition. It was due to their superiority in navigation, shipbuilding, astronomy, and scientific measuring devices that Arab and Muslim commerce and trade developed and reached so many peoples throughout the world. The Arabs were at the crossroads of the ancient trade routes from the Mediterranean, the Arabian Gulf, East Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, all the way to China. One of the interesting results of these trading relations occurred during the caliphate of Ha |
Taking its name from a Manchu word meaning 'the boundary between two countries', the Yalu river forms the border between what two countries? | tumen river : definition of tumen river and synonyms of tumen river (English) Mongolian name Mongolian Түмэн гол, Tümen gol Manchu name Manchu (Tumen ula) Russian name Russian Туманная река, Tumannaya Reka The Tumen River is a 521 km-long river that serves as part of the boundary between China , North Korea , and Russia , rising in Mount Baekdu and flowing into the Sea of Japan . The river flows in northeast Asia , on the border between China and North Korea in its upper reaches, and between North Korea and Russia in its last 17 kilometers (11 mi) before entering the Sea of Japan. The river forms much of the southern border of Jilin Province in Northeast China and the northern borders of North Korea's North Hamgyong and Yanggang provinces. Baekdu Mountain on the Chinese-North Korean border is the source of the river, [1] as well as of the Yalu River (which forms the western portion of the border of North Korea and China). The name of the river comes from the Mongolian word tümen , meaning "ten thousand" or a myriad . This river is badly polluted by the nearby factories of North Korea and China; however, it still remains a major tourist attraction in the area. In Tumen, Jilin , China, a riverfront promenade has restaurants where patrons can gaze across the river into North Korea. [1] Russian name of the river is Tumannaya, literally meaning foggy . In 1995, the People's Republic of China, Mongolia , Russia, and South Korea , signed three agreements to create the Tumen River Economic Development Area. [2] Important cities on the river are Hoeryong , Namyang and Onsong in North Korea, Tumen and Nanping in China. Refugee crossing The Tumen has been used for years by North Korean refugees defecting across the Chinese border. Most refugees from North Korea during the 1990s famine crossed over the Tumen River, and most recent refugees have also used it. Although the Tumen is heavily patrolled by armed guards of North Korea, the river is considered the preferred way to cross into China because, unlike the swift, deep and broad Yalu River which runs along most of the border between the two countries, the Tumen is shallow and narrow. [1] "It is easily crossed in spots on foot or by swimming," according to a 2006 article in The New York Times . [1] Defectors who wish to cross the Tumen often ignore its pollutants and dangerous border patrol, and spend weeks if not months or years waiting for the perfect opportunity to cross. "Long, desolate stretches of the Chinese-North Korean border are not patrolled at all," according to a New York Times article. [1] Refugees seldom cross the Tumen into Russia as its government patrols its short stretch of the river more actively than China does its, and the refugees have no large ethnic Korean community in which to hide (see also North Koreans in Russia ). [1] The humanitarian crisis along the Tumen River was dramatized in the award-winning 2009 dramatic feature-length film, Dooman River . Bridge of Tumen River, built in 1941 North Korea is on the other side of the Tumen River Notes ^ a b c d e f [1] Onishi, Norimitsu, "Tension, Desperation: The China-North Korean Border", October 22, 2006. Much of the information cited in this footnote comes from the captions to the large illustrated map published with the newspaper article and available online with it. |
When combined with its headstreams the 'Peace' and the 'Finlay', what becomes the second longest river in North America at 4,241 kilometres (2,635 mi)? | Mackenzie River | Geology Page Mackenzie River tweet Map of the Mackenzie River, second greatest river in North America, that drains to the Arctic Ocean The Mackenzie River (Slavey language: Deh-Cho, big river or Inuvialuktun: Kuukpak, great river) is the largest and longest river system in Canada, and is exceeded only by the Mississippi River system in North America. It flows through a vast, isolated region of forest and tundra entirely within the country’s Northwest Territories, although its many tributaries reach into four other Canadian provinces and territories. The river’s mainstem runs 1,738 kilometres (1,080 mi) in a northerly direction to the Arctic Ocean, draining a vast area nearly the size of Indonesia. It is the largest river flowing into the Arctic from North America, and with its tributaries is one of the longest rivers in the world. Course Rising out of the marshy western end of Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River flows generally west-northwest for about 300 km (190 mi), passing the hamlets of Fort Providence and Brownings Landing. At Fort Simpson it is joined by the Liard River, its largest tributary, then swings towards the Arctic, paralleling the Franklin Mountains as it receives the North Nahanni River. The Keele River enters from the left about 100 km (62 mi) above Tulita, where the Great Bear River joins the Mackenzie. Just before crossing the Arctic Circle, the river passes Norman Wells, then continues northwest to merge with the Arctic Red and Peel rivers. It finally empties into the Beaufort Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean, through the vast Mackenzie Delta. Most of the Mackenzie River is a broad, slow-moving waterway; its elevation drops just 156 metres (512 ft) from source to mouth. It is a braided river for much of its length, characterized by numerous sandbars and side channels. The river ranges from 2 to 5 km (1.2 to 3.1 mi) wide and 8 to 9 m (26 to 30 ft) deep in most parts, and is thus easily navigable except when it freezes over in the winter. However, there are several spots where the river narrows to less than half a kilometre (0.3 mi) and flows quickly, such as at the Sans Sault Rapids at the confluence of the Mountain River and “The Ramparts”, a 40 m (130 ft) deep canyon south of Fort Good Hope. Watershed At 1,805,200 square kilometres (697,000 sq mi), the Mackenzie River’s watershed or drainage basin is the largest in Canada, encompassing nearly 20% of the country. From its farthest headwaters at Thutade Lake in the Omineca Mountains to its mouth, the Mackenzie stretches for 4,241 km (2,635 mi) across western Canada, making it the longest river system in the nation and the thirteenth longest in the world. The river discharges more than 325 cubic kilometres (78 cu mi) of water each year, accounting for roughly 11% of the total river flow into the Arctic Ocean. The Mackenzie’s outflow holds a major role in the local climate above the Arctic Ocean with large amounts of warmer fresh water mixing with the cold seawater. Satellite view of the lower Mackenzie River Many major watersheds of North America border on the drainage of the Mackenzie River. Much of the western edge of the Mackenzie basin runs along the Continental Divide. The divide separates the Mackenzie watershed from that of the Yukon River and its headstreams the Pelly and Stewart rivers, which flow to the Bering Strait; and the Fraser River and Columbia River systems, both of which run to the Pacific Ocean. Lowland divides in the north distinguish the Mackenzie basin from those of the Anderson, Horton, Coppermine and Back Rivers – all of which empty into the Arctic. Eastern watersheds bordering on that of the Mackenzie include those of the Thelon and Churchill Rivers, both of which flow into Hudson Bay. On the south, the Mackenzie watershed borders that of the North Saskatchewan River, part of the Nelson River system, which empties into Hudson Bay after draining much of south-central Canada. Through its many tributaries, the Mackenzie River basin covers portions of five Canadian provinces and territories – British Columbia (BC |
The Sigsbee Deep, named for the captain of the USS Maine which exploded in the harbor of Havana in 1898 is the deepest part of which body of water? | Map of Sigsbee Deep - The Full Wiki The Full Wiki Map showing all locations mentioned on Wikipedia article: The Sigsbee Deep is the deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico . The actual maximum depth is disputed and estimates range between . The average depth of the Gulf is roughly . The Sigsbee Deep is a trough that extends more than and is often called the " Grand Canyon under the sea." It is located in the southwestern quadrant of the Gulf, with its closest point to the U.S. |
Which Chilean city whose name comes from the Spanish for 'sandy point' is sometimes considered the southernmost city in the world? | Chile | Article about Chile by The Free Dictionary Chile | Article about Chile by The Free Dictionary http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Chile Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Acronyms , Wikipedia . Chile (chĭl`ē, Span. chē`lā), officially Republic of Chile, republic (2005 est. pop. 15,981,000), 292,256 sq mi (756,945 sq km), S South America, west of the continental divide of the Andes Mts. Chile is bordered by Peru on the north, Bolivia on the northeast, Argentina on the east, and the Pacific Ocean on the west and south. Santiago Santiago , city (1990 est. pop. 4,395,000), central Chile, capital of Chile and of Metropolitana de Santiago region, on the Mapocho River. It is the political, commercial, and financial heart of the nation, although Valparaiso has been the seat of the Chilean congress since 1990. ..... Click the link for more information. is the capital and the largest city. Land A long narrow strip of land (no more than c.265 mi/430 km wide) between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Chile stretches c.2,880 mi (4,630 km) from near lat. 18°S to Cape Horn (lat. 56°S), including at its southern end the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego Tierra del Fuego , [Span.,=land of fire], archipelago, 28,476 sq mi (73,753 sq km), off S South America, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan. It consists of one large island (sometimes called simply Tierra del Fuego), five medium-sized islands, and numerous ..... Click the link for more information. , an island shared with Argentina. In the Pacific Ocean are Chile's several island possessions, including Easter Island Easter Island, Span. Isla de Pascua, Polynesian Rapa Nui, remote island (1992 pop. 2,770), 66 sq mi (171 sq km), in the South Pacific, c.2,200 mi (3,540 km) W of Chile, to which it belongs. ..... Click the link for more information. , the Juan Fernández Juan Fernández , group of small islands, S Pacific, c.400 mi (640 km) W of Valparaiso, Chile. They belong to Chile and are constitutionally a special territory; they are administered as a part of Valparaiso prov. ..... Click the link for more information. islands, and the Diego Ramírez islands. Chile also claims a sector of Antarctica. The country is composed of three distinct and parallel natural regions—from east to west, the Andes, the central lowlands, and the Coast Ranges. The Chilean Andes contain many high peaks and volcanoes; Ojos del Salado (22,539 ft/6,870 m high) is the second highest point in South America. Chile is located along an active zone in the earth's crust and experiences numerous earthquakes, some of great magnitude. The rivers of Chile are generally short and swift-flowing, rising in the well-watered Andean highlands and flowing generally west to the Pacific Ocean; the Loa and Baker rivers are the longest, but those in the central portion of the country are much more important because of their use for irrigation and power production. The climate, which varies from hot desert in the north through Mediterranean-type in the central portion to the cool and humid marine west coast type in the south, is influenced by the cold Peruvian (or Humboldt) Current along the coast of N Chile and by the Andes. Precipitation increases southward; the desert in the north is practically rainless, while S Chile receives abundant precipitation throughout the year. However, along the coast of N Chile high humidity and dense fogs modify the desert climate. The Andes are an orographic barrier, and the western slopes and the peaks receive much precipitation; permanently snowcapped mountains are found along Chile's length. In N Chile is the southern portion of the extensive desert zone of W South America. It is occupied mainly by the sun-baked Desert of Atacama Atacama Desert , arid region, c.600 mi (970 km) long, N Chile, extending south from the border of Peru. The desert itself, c.2,000 ft (610 m) above sea level, is a series of dry salt basins flanked on the W by the Pacific coastal range, averaging c. ..... Click the link for more information. , which, toward the south, gradually |
Which South Pacific territory named for its shores' similarities to the Scottish coastline will hold a referendum on independence from France between 2014 and 2019? | Countries Compared by Background > Overview. International Statistics at NationMaster.com Landlocked and mountainous, Afghanistan has suffered from such chronic instability and conflict during its modern history that its economy and infrastructure are in ruins, and many of its people are refugees. Since the fall of the Taliban administration in 2001, adherents of the hard-line Islamic movement have re-grouped. It is now a resurgent force, particularly in the south and east, and the government has struggled to extend its authority beyond the capital and to forge national unity. Albania Albania is a small, mountainous country in the Balkan peninsula, with a long Adriatic and Ionian coastline. Along with neighbouring and mainly Albanian-inhabited Kosovo, it has a Muslim majority - a legacy of its centuries of Ottoman rule. Approaching twenty per cent of the population are Christians, divided mainly between the Orthodox and smaller Catholic denominations. After World War II, Albania became a Stalinist state under Enver Hoxha, and remained staunchly isolationist until its transition to democracy after 1990. Algeria Algeria, a gateway between Africa and Europe, has been battered by violence over the past half-century. More than a million Algerians were killed in the fight for independence from France in 1962, and the country has recently emerged from a brutal internal conflict that followed scrapped elections in 1992. The Sahara desert covers more than four-fifths of the land. Oil and gas reserves were discovered there in the 1950s, but most Algerians live along the northern coast. The country supplies large amounts of natural gas to Europe and energy exports are the backbone of the economy. Andorra The tiny principality of Andorra is located in the high mountains of the Pyrenees between France and Spain. The mainstay of the highly-prosperous economy is tourism, accounting for about 80% of GDP. An estimated 10 million people visit each year, drawn by winter sports, a warm summer climate and duty-free goods. The country's banking sector enjoys partial tax-haven status. Angola One of Africa's major oil producers, Angola is nonetheless one of the world's poorest countries. It is striving to tackle the physical, social and political legacy of a 27-year civil war that ravaged the country after independence. The governing Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the rebel group Unita were bitter rivals even before the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean's most prosperous nations, thanks to its tourism industry and offshore financial services. The country's strength lies in its tropical climate and good beaches, which have made it popular as a stop-off point for US cruise ships and have attracted large investments in infrastructure. Antigua is the main population centre and the focus for business and tourism. Relatively-undeveloped Barbuda is home to smaller, exclusive resorts and a sanctuary for frigate birds. Argentina Argentina stretches 4,000 km from its sub-tropical north to the sub-antarctic south. Its terrain includes part of the Andes mountain range, swamps, the plains of the Pampas and a long coastline. Its people have had to struggle with military dictatorship, a lost war over the Falkland Islands, and severe economic difficulties. Argentina is rich in resources, has a well-educated workforce and is one of South America's largest economies. But it has also fallen prey to a boom and bust cycle. Armenia A landlocked country with Turkey to the west and Georgia to the north, Armenia boasts a history longer than most other European countries. Situated along the route of the Great Silk Road, it has fallen within the orbit of a number of cultural influences and empires. After independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia quickly became drawn into a bloody conflict with Azerbaijan over the mostly Armenian-speaking region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Australia Australia ranks as one of the best places to live in the world by all indices of i |
Based on a 1995 realignment of the International Date Line, which Oceanic country with it's capital at South Tarawa is now the easternmost country in the world? | Kiribati Kiribati Motto: Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa ( English : Health, Peace and Prosperity) Anthem: Teirake Kaini Kiribati Capital (and largest city) South Tarawa 1°28′N 173°2′E Official languages English Government Republic - President Anote Tong Independence - from UK 12 July 1979 Area - Total 726 km² ( 186th) 280 sq mi - Water (%) 0 Population - July 2005 estimate 99,350 ( 197th) - 2000 census 84,494 - Density 137/km² ( 73rd) 355/sq mi GDP ( PPP) 2005 estimate - Total $221 million1 ( 179th) - Per capita $2,358 ( 136th) HDI (2006) n/a (unranked) ( n/a) Currency Australian dollar ( AUD) Time zone ( UTC+12, +13, +14) Internet TLD .ki Calling code +686 1 Supplemented by a nearly equal amount from external sources. Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is an island nation located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean . The country's 33 atolls are scattered over 1,351 square miles (3,500 km²) near the equator. Its name is pronounced ['kiribas] and is a Kiribati language rendering of "Gilberts", the English name for the main group of islands: the former Gilbert Islands. In Gilbertese there is no letter 's', the sound being represented by 'ti'. That is why the Pacific Island known as Christmas Island is known in the language of Kiribati as Kiritimati Island. This island should not be confused with the Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, which is administered by Australia . History Kiribati was inhabited by a single Micronesian ethnic group that spoke the same Oceanic language for 2,000 years before coming into contact with Europeans. The islands were first sighted by British and American ships in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The islands were named the Gilbert Islands in 1820 by a Russian admiral, Adam von Krusenstern, and French captain Louis Duperrey, after a British captain, Thomas Gilbert, who crossed the archipelago in 1788 ('Kiribati' is the islanders' pronunciation of plural 'Gilberts'). The first British settlers arrived in 1837. In 1892, the Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate together with the nearby Ellice Islands. The Gilbert and Ellice Islands became a Crown colony in 1916. Kiritimati (Christmas Island) became a part of the colony in 1919 and the Phoenix Islands were added in 1937. Tarawa Atoll and others of the Gilbert group were occupied by Japan during World War II. Tarawa was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. Marine Corps history when Marines landed in Nov. 1943, the Battle of Tarawa was fought at Kiribati's former capital Betio on Tarawa Atoll. The Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands gained self-rule in 1971, and were separated in 1975 and granted internal self-government by Britain. In 1978, the Ellice Islands became the independent nation of Tuvalu , and Kiribati's independence followed on July 12, 1979. In a treaty signed shortly after independence and ratified in 1983, the United States relinquished all claims (previously asserted under the Guano Act) to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix Islands and those of the Line Islands that are part of Kiribati territory. Overcrowding has been a problem, and in 1988 it was announced that 4,700 residents of the main island group would be resettled onto less populated islands. In 1994, Teburoro Tito was elected president. Kiribati's 1995 act of moving the international date line far to the east to encompass Kiribati's Line Islands group, so that it would no longer be divided by the date line, courted controversy. The move, which fulfilled one of President Tito's campaign promises, was intended to enable Kiribati to become the first country to see the dawn on January 1, 2000, and welcome the date popularly, but incorrectly, taken to be the start of the third millennium AD — an event of significance for tourism. Tito was reelected in 1998. In 1999, Kiribati gained UN membership. In 2002, Kiribati passed a controversial law enabling the government to shut down newspapers. The legislation followed the launching of Kiribati's first successful nongovernment-run newspaper. President Tito was reelected in 2003, b |
If you love resorts, you must have been to the Côte d'Azur. How do we know it better in English? | Skiing with a sea view, another Riviera secret - The Lou Messugo Blog Skiing with a sea view, another Riviera secret Skiing on the French Riviera? Well not quite, but very nearly. It’s not exactly a secret but it’s certainly one of the lesser known things about the Côte d’Azur...what am I talking about? Its proximity to the mountains. And by mountains I mean real mountains, with peaks above 1500m rising to around 3000m. There’s a clue in the name of the département (county): les Alpes-Maritimes…yes this is where the Alps meet the sea in spectacular and dramatic fashion. And the good news is that this means skiing (along with plenty of other adventurous activities of course) nearby. I thought I knew a fair bit about the south of France when I moved here in 2007 having spent many holidays in the area since childhood but I had no idea at all about the mountains. I was surprised and delighted to discover just how close we are to the nearest ski resort – under one hour’s drive (usually about 50 minutes). Gréolières les Neiges is only 22 km as the crow flies from the coast which makes it the closest resort to the famous Riviera, (possibly the closest ski resort to a coast in the world), and the closest to the only slightly less famous Lou Messugo ! We still pinch ourselves on spring weekends when we ski in the morning and paddle in the sea in the afternoon, barely believing our luck that we live in such an amazing location. Gréolières les Neiges is a small resort, very family oriented, perfect for day trips with children. It lies at 1400-1800m altitude with 30 kms of mainly red pistes. It also has cross-country tracks, sledging areas and snow-shoe (raquettes) trekking trails. You’ll find all the necessary hire shops for equipment, ski school and a handful of cafés and restaurants. Some years there’s a tiny skating rink and the possibility to take a ride on a dog-pulled sleigh. But what is so unique about skiing at Gréolières is the view from the highest piste (Mount Cheiron) over the sea. There can’t be many places in the world where you can ski and see the sea, particularly a warm sea such as the Mediterranean rather than somewhere icy cold in the north. On a clear day you can see from Italy, over Monaco, across to the Estérel, over the Alps and even Corsica, 180 kms away! It’s pretty special. The other thing I love about going to Gréolières les Neiges is the drive. It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s stunning! Unlike many roads to ski resorts there aren’t too many wiggles on hairpin bends, but those that there are are truly worth it. The road passes the cliff-top village of Gourdon , (see bottom photo), continues along the Gorges du Loup and through the old medieval town of Gréolières with its ruined castle picturesquely placed on the edge of the mountainside (not to be confused with Gréolières les Neiges). It then comes out on a perilous mountain ridge, going through rock bridges and amazing cliff formations. Having survived this section (where several notorious car chase scenes have been filmed, including in the James bond film Goldeneye ) the temperature plunges as you head through a magical snowy forest always several degrees colder than elsewhere. And then you come out on a large snowy plain before turning up to the resort itself. It’s such a varied and beautiful route, especially atmospheric early in the morning as the sun rises. I recommend the drive itself even if you don’t want to ski. If you’ve never skied before and not sure you’re going to like it or you want to introduce your children to this fabulous sport but don’t want to spend a whole week in a ski resort, staying at Lou Messugo could be just for you. Gréolières les Neiges isn’t the only local place to ski, it’s just the nearest. For more variety there are another 5 around 90 minutes away (Auron, Valberg, Isola 2000, Roubion and La Colmiane) and even more within 2 hours. You can combine a spot of skiing with warmer activities on the coast and make the most of the glorious winter weather we have here. Don’t forget we have an av |
Which major German seaport on the Baltic sea was for several centuries the capital of the Hanseatic League and was also known as 'Queen of the Hanse'? | Baltic Sea States’ integration history: Hanseatic League :: The Baltic Course | Baltic States news & analytics Northern Europe in 1400 League of merchants The Hanseatic League was not so much a league of cities as it was a league of merchant associations within the cities of Northern Germany and the Baltic. Trade in the middle ages was a dangerous and risky business and the only way for merchants to protect themselves was by travelling together. This banding together of merchants on the road led to their alliances at home as well. In the case of the Hanseatic League the impetus for its formation was trade along the Kiel "salt road" which did not run between Kiel and Luebeck, but between Hamburg and Luebeck; it was named after the town where the salt was mined. A large portion of the diet of Christian Europe was made of fish since there were many fast days and the church forbade the eating of meat on Friday. Luebeck was in a position to capitalize on a large commodities market in herring, but one thing held Luebeck back. With no refrigeration or canning the shipping of a highly perishable commodity like fish was problematic. Hamburg, on the other side of the Jutland peninsula, had easy access to the salt produced in the salt mines at Kiel, and salting and drying of meat and fish made transport and distribution possible. It was in the interest, then, for the merchants of these two towns to open trade along the "salt" road. The trade between the merchant associations of Hamburg and Luebeck provided a model for the merchant associations of the other North German cities to follow. In 1201 Cologne, already wealthy, joined the league. Danzig, whose port was a gateway to the eastern Baltic also joined as did most of the important Baltic port cities. By the height of the Hansa's power merchants from over sixty cities had joined the association. While each city had its own merchant association the alliance formed a loose Diet, or parliament, to govern inter-city trade and common policies. In most respects the policy of the merchants was protectionist and aimed at producing a German monopoly in the markets they supplied. Sailing in the middle ages was not very technologically advanced and aside from the crude compass and Jacob's ladder, or perhaps and astrolabe, there were no navigational tools. Because of this most sailing was done in view of the coastline following the guide in the Book of the Sea. This book gave directions based on the silhouette of the headlands and soundings of the depth. Aside from the difficulty of navigation the danger of piracy was very real. Because of the dangers involved with shipping cargos, especially since there was no such thing as insurance, the common practice was to form partnerships and have each merchant buy a share of a cargo or a share of a ship. By spreading investment over several cargos and shipping them on several ships the risk of a catastrophic loss was reduced. The same was true of investing in shares of several ships, if one was sunk or taken by pirates, the others may come through with their cargos intact. The sailors who manned the ships often worked for a share of the profits from the voyage and the captain was often one of the shareholders of the ship. Ships rarely sailed alone but usually joined into large convoys for mutual protection. The convoys would sail following the seasonal winds and make the circuit in a year's time. Factories and counters On land the base of operations for a merchant was his "factory", which was usually a three storied structure containing on the lowest floor of the retail outlet where buying and selling took place, on the second floor a warehouse, and on the topmost floor offices and living quarters. Abroad the Hansa had foreign "counters". These "counters" were basically trading posts, though the most important were more elaborate and may have been whole neighborhoods. The five major foreign "counters" were the "counter" in Wisby on the island of Gotland, the "counter" in Novgarod, the Norwegian "counter" in Bergen, the "counter" at Bruges, |
McMurdo Station can support only 1258 residents but is still considered as the largest community in what part of the world? | Antarctica; 2007 - 2008 Season | Travel Blog Antarctica; 2007 - 2008 Season Traveling to Antarctica Outside Raytheon Polar Services headquarters. Boarding bus in Denver, Co for our flight to New Zealand. McMurdo Station sits with in the Ross Dependency, and is the largest community in Antarctica (capable of supporting up to 1,258 residents and a science research center operated by the United States through the United States Antarctic Program, a branch of the National Science Foundation. Located at 77°51′S, 166°40′E, McMurdo sits on the southern tip of Ross Island in Antarctica, on the shore of McMurdo Sound, 2,200 miles (3,500 km) due south of New Zealand. The station is America's largest, and serves both as their Antarctic research facility, and the logistics base for half the continent. All personnel and cargo going to or coming from Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station first pass through McMurdo. The station owes its designation to nearby McMurdo Sound, named for Lieutenant Archibald McMurdo of HMS Terror, which first charted the area in 1841 under the command of British explorer James Clark Ross. British explorer Robert Falcon Scott first established a base close to this spot in 1902 and built Discovery Hut, still standing adjacent to the harbor at Hut Point. The volcanic rock of the site is the southern-most bare ground accessible by ship in the Antarctic ("Facts About the United States Antarctic Program"). The United Travelling to Antarctica Information rack in Auckland, New Zealand. States officially opened its first station at McMurdo on February 16, 1956. Founders initially called the station Naval Air Facility McMurdo. McMurdo became the center of scientific and logistical operations during the International Geophysical Year, an international scientific effort that lasted from July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958. The Antarctic Treaty, now signed by over 45 nations, regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica and governs the conduct of daily life at McMurdo for USAP participants. The Antarctic Treaty and related agreements, collectively called the Antarctic Treaty System or ATS, was opened for signature on December 1, 1959, and officially entered into force on June 23, 1961. Today, McMurdo Station is Antarctica's largest community and a functional, modern day science station, which includes a harbour, 3 airfields (2 seasonal), a heliport and over 100 buildings, including the Albert P. Crary Science and Engineering Center and a bowling alley with an antique Brunswick manual pinset machine. There is even a 9-hole disc golf course on site. The primary focus of the work done at McMurdo Station is science, but most of the residents (approximately 1,000 in the summer and fewer than 200 in the winter) are not scientists, but Post card rack in Auckland, New Zealand. station personnel who are there to provide support for operations, logistics, information technology, construction, and maintenance. Scientists and station personnel at McMurdo are participants in the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), which co-ordinates research and operational support in the region. Reports on the life and culture of McMurdo Station from the point of view of residents are rare. An annual sealift by cargo ships as part of Operation Deep Freeze delivers 8 million gallons of fuel and 11 million pounds of supplies and equipment for McMurdo residents. The ships are operated by the U.S. Military Sealift Command and are crewed by civilian mariners. Cargo may range from mail, construction materials, trucks, tractors, dry and frozen food, to scientific instruments. United States Coast Guard icebreakers break a ship channel through ice-clogged McMurdo Sound in order for supply ships to reach Winter Quarters Bay at McMurdo. Additional supplies and personnel are flown in to nearby Williams Field from Christchurch, New Zealand. A variety of fruits and vegetables are grown in a hydroponic green house at the station. McMurdo Station is about 5 km away from Scott Base, the New Zealand science station, and the entire island is located wit |
What is the largest and most populous country in the world situated only on islands? | Indonesia Map, Map of Indonesia Rivers in Indonesia The Indonesian archipelago has been inhabited up to 1.5 million years ago by Homo erectus, and 45,000 years ago by Homo sapiens. Modern Indonesians arrived in the region from Taiwan in about 2000 BC, replacing the Melaneasians. With the strategic location of the Indonesian islands, they became important in the international trade with India. This trade brought cultural exchanges as well, namely the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism expanded to Indonesia in the 4th century. The archipelago was ruled by the Srivijaya kingdom beginning around the 7th century, which grew as a trade power with Buddhist and Hindu communities. Over the 13th century, the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit stretched across the islands. The Muslims arrived in the 13th century, and the islands had mostly adopted the religion by the 16th century. Europeans arrived, with the Portuguese, in 1512, in search of the spices of Indonesia. The Dutch East India Company became a major power in the region from about 1602 to 1800. The Dutch colonized parts of Indonesia, expanding to cover modern-day boundaries, which it held until World War II when the Japanese occupied the country. When Japan surrendered in 1945, Indonesia declared independence, though the Dutch attempted to regain control. After achieving independence, Indonesia became ruled by a Communist party, but democratic processes were later strengthened and Indonesia held its first elections in 2004. Neighboring Countries : Though it is an island nation, Indonesia shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia, and is close to Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, and Palau. Major Cities : Jayapura Geography : Indonesia is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, straddling the equator. Indonesia is made up of 17,508 islands and islets. Of the 6,000 inhabited islands, the largest include Java, Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. The island of Borneo is also shared with neighboring nations, Brunei and Malaysia, while New Guinea is also home to the country of Papua New Guinea. The island of Timor was once completely included within Indonesia's territory, but East Timor seceded from the country. Indonesia has a equatorial tropical climate, and 150 active volcanoes, including Krakatoa, Tambora, and Toba. As a region with volcanic activity, Indonesia has mountain ranges, with its highest peak on Papua, with Puncak Jaya, standing 4,884 meters (16,024 feet) above sea level. Major rivers in Indonesia include the Mahakam and Barito rivers, and the country's largest lake is Lake Toba in Sumatra. Points of Interest : Indonesia is known for its culture, influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, Islam, Chinese, and Dutch cultures, reflecting its varied historical influences. The markets of Indonesia are a great place to explore Indonesian culture, with handicrafts and local foods. The capital, Jakarta, is a bustling and crowded city with architectural wonders like its old town, the national monument, Monas, government buildings like the Presidential Palace, and several major theme parks, including the country's largest, Jungleland Sentul City. Jakarta has cultural sites like museums, mosques, churches, and open air markets. Natural sites in Indonesia include the second largest tropical forests in the world, including those on Sumatra, Borneo and Papua. The rainforests on Borneo are 130 million years old, and are some of the oldest in the world. The beaches of Bali are the most popular destination in Indonesia, with water recreation like surfing, and historical and architectural sites. Transportation : Indonesia has three major airports: Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta, Ngurah Rai, and East Java's Juanda. These international airports offer service to major cities all around the world. Domestic flights are the best way to get around Indonesia, as they are fast and inexpensive, getting across the islands quickly for under $100. As an island nation, boat is an important way of getting around, and can be used to travel from Singapore or Mal |
Due to its location in a time zone to the east of Europe, which French island in the Indian Ocean was the first region in the world where the euro became legal tender? | Reunion Real Estate New selections, advertisements published after 2014-06-25 only Reunion Real Estate Country Reunion Réunion is an island located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, about 200 kilometres (120 mi) south west of Mauritius, the nearest island. Administratively, Réunion is one of the overseas départements of France. Like the other overseas departments, Réunion is also one of the twenty-six regions of France (being an overseas region) and an integral part of the Republic with the same status as those situated on the European mainland. <...br>Réunion is an outermost region of the European Union and, as an overseas department of France, is part of the Eurozone. Due to its location in a time zone to the east of Europe, Réunion was the first region in the world where the euro became legal tender. Biggest cities Saint-Paul Saint-Paul is the second-largest commune in the French overseas département of Réunion. It is located on the extreme west side of the island of Réunion. In the 1999 census, Saint-Paul had a population of 87,712. It reached 100,000 in November 2006. The commune has a land area of 241.28 km² (93.159 sq mi). Until 1999, near Saint Paul there was the 428 metres tall mast OMEGA Chabrier transmitter. Saint-Denis Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 9.4 kilometres (5.8 miles) from the centre of Paris. Saint-Denis is a sous-préfecture of the Seine-Saint-Denis département, being the seat of the Arrondissement of Saint-Denis. Saint-Denis is home to the royal necropolis of Saint Denis Basilica and was also the location of the associated abbey. It is also home to France's national stadium, Stade de France, built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Saint-Denis is a formerly industrial suburb currently reconverting its economic base. Many of the residents are Muslim immigrants from former French colonies. Le Tampon Le Tampon is the fourth-largest commune in the French overseas département of Réunion. It is located on the south-central part of the island of Réunion, adjacent to Saint-Pierre. In the 1999 census, Le Tampon had a population of 60,323. The commune has a land area of 165.43 km² (63.873 sq mi). Saint-Pierre Saint-Pierre is the third-largest commune in the French overseas département of Réunion. It is located on the southwest side of the island of Réunion. In the 1999 census, Saint-Pierre had a population of 68,915. The commune has a land area of 95.99 km² (37.062 sq mi). The agglomeration of Saint-Pierre, including the neighbouring commune of Le Tampon, has a total population of 129,238 — the second-largest in Réunion. Currency |
Which coast off the Atlantic Ocean of Namibia and Angola is named for the bleached whale and seal bones which covered the shore during the days of the whaling industry as well as for the shipwrecks caused by rocks? | Namibia - Jackson's African Safaris Namibia Namibia Jackson's African Safaris 2016-12-09T05:45:28+00:00 NAMIBIA SOUTHWEST AFRICA Unity, Liberty, Justice ‘A good traveller is one who does not know where he is going to, and a perfect traveller does not know where he came from.’ Lin Yutang Witness the Desert Lion, Desert Elephant, Brown Hyena, and Desert Rhino….a great diversity of habitat greets you in the deserts of Namibia, from the Great Game Parks of Etosha to the Great Sand Dunes of the Namib Naukluft National Park to the Fish River Canyon – Grand Canyon of Southern Africa. Experience the great sights of this fragile desert environment where colourful and uniquely adapted plants and animals make this harsh environment their home. The Jewels in the Desert can be learnt about in our highlights below; Loading... Not sure? Check out our types of safaris . When do you want to go? How can we contact you? * First How can we reach you? We keep your information completely confidential and do not share it. Comment What to visit and explore in Namibia The following features are found in this bountiful region: Kunene River & Kaokoland Unspoilt landscapes, wildlife and historic Himba culture abound in this wild, remote part of Africa. The Kunene River forms a natural boundary at Namibia’s northern extremity, and here we find one of the country’s adventure centres spoilt with Ruacana Falls, the spectacular Epupa Falls, and the area is an ideal gateway for those setting out to explore the rugged and beautiful Kaokoland region of Namibia to the north-west. Whether your looking for a Himba cultural experience, kayaking, raging white-water action, trekking, hiking or birding… Or, taking life a little easier with some river fishing, the Kunene River wilderness has much [...] Okonjima – home of the AfriCat Foundation Jackson’s African Safaris supports staying at Okonjima during a safari to Namibia, for learning and experiencing everything the Africat Foundation has to offer. Visit WWW(.)AFRICAT(.)ORG for more information. The AfriCat Foundation has specific objectives as found on their website: Objectives; – To create awareness and promote the tolerance of large carnivores among the farming community by assisting farmers in effective farm management techniques including targeting problem predators as opposed to indiscriminate removal. – To educate youth about large carnivores and environmental awareness. – To research large carnivores, particularly cheetahs and leopards, on farmland and in captivity. – To provide humane [...] Vingerklip – Finger Rock The 35m high pillar of sedimentary rock, the Vingerklip, (Finger Rock) is one of the most impressive rock formations in Namibia. It stands proudly above a valley, known as the Ugab terraces, mid-way between the Etosha National Park and Swakopmund in the heart of Damaraland. This is an excellent base to explore the many attractions of Damaraland, a vast beautiful wilderness in north-west Namibia. Vingerklip Lodge is the location where this picture was taken. Spitzkoppe – An Ancient Mystery Spitzkoppe rises abruptly above the arid and sparsely vegetated plains of the Namib. Also known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia”, the granite outcrop is a typical example of Namibia’s recognizable landmarks. It is located in the Namib Desert, between Swakopmund and Usakos, which is also the nearest town (approximately 50km away). The summit of this imposing granite rock formation is 1,728m and the shape of it reflects how it got it’s name, the Matterhorn of Africa. A minor peak – the Little Spitzkoppe – lies nearby. The Spitzkoppe is the country’s top rock climbing destination. Timothy Jackson, in his early [...] Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site – Bushman Engravings Twyfelfontein is situated in the Huab valley in the southern Kunene Region of Namibia, an area formerly known as Damaraland. The rocks containing the art work are situated in a valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. An underground aquifer on an impermeable layer of shale sustains a spring in this otherwise very dry area. The |
Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America is on which archipelago that translates as 'land of fire' in Spanish? | Rounding Cape Horn Panama Canal - References Rounding Cape Horn No sooner had lands been discovered to the westward of Europe than the minds of cosmographers became fixed in the idea of short routes to India in that direction. This ambition would not be abandoned until long after both shores of the western continent had been explored from the Arctic sea to Cape Horn. The necessity of shorter communication between the two oceans becoming more evident from day to day, with, the increase of traffic with the western coast of America, with China, and with the numerous islands of the Pacific. Various projects were entertained to establish such communication either by canal or railway at Tehuantepec, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the isthmus of Panama. There are two routes around the southern tip of South America: the route through Magellan Strait (Estrecho de Magallanes) and the alternative route round Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). The southern tip of South America tapers off into a collection of rugged islands known as Tierra del Fuego. The southernmost headland in this archipelago (group of islands) is Cape Horn. Magellan sailed between the Tierra del Fuego and the mainland in 1520 during his expedition around the world. Magellan named the region the 'Land of Fire' when he saw fires along the southern shore of the Strait of Magellan. On August 20, 1578, the ships of Sir Francis Drake began to traverse the Strait of Magellan, passing through in 16 days. Drake was driven to the south of Tierra del Fuego, and he came to the correct conclusion that the Terra Australis , a hypothetical southern continent, did not reach to that area, as had been supposed. A few contemporary maps were altered to remove the error, but most of them continued to show it until Cape Horn was rounded by Le Maire and Schouten a few years later. Cape Horn is the southernmost point of South America. It is located in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and is itself an island belonging to Chile. The Cape was first rounded by a European in 1616 by the Dutch expedition of Willem Schouten and Jacob Le Maire. Cape Horn is notorious because of the poor weather conditions that made it difficult to round in sailing ships before the construction of the Panama Canal. The route around the Horn was an important path for trade and passenger ships taking goods and people from the East Coast of the US to the West Coast, and was an essential supply route for the Spanish Empire. Before the completion of the Panama Canal, ships had to "round the Horn" in order to move goods or people from the Atlantic side of North and South America to the Pacific. The area is notorious for its sailing hazards: strong winds, large waves, and icebergs drifting up from Antarctica. If weather conditions were unfavorable, this voyage could take as long as eight months. Due to great demand, the ships were often jammed with passengers, and unsanitary conditions prevailed. A number suffered from scurvy from a lack of sufficient variety in their diet. Worse yet, since the crews often took off in search of gold once arriving in San Francisco, many people were left behind waiting for ships in the east. Others failed to account for the reversal of the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere, and suffered from bitter wind and cold as the ships rounded Cape Horn in July or August. Several events occurred which turned the attention of the American people West: the settlement of the northwestern boundary, by which the US came into possession of Oregon, and the war with Mexico, which added California to the Union in 1848. While the accession of these territories was of the highest importance in a national point of view, their distance rendered them almost inaccessible to the class of emigrants who usually settle new domains, as well as inconvenient to the proper administration of law and government. John Sutter was a Swiss immigrant who came to California in 1839 with a dream of building an agricultural empire. When he needed lumber in early 1848, he assigned the task to one of his men, James Marshall. Marshall decided to |
Completely bordered by France on three sides, what is the world's most densely populated sovereign country as well as the smallest French-speaking country? | What Is The Smallest Country In The World What Is The Smallest Country In The World What Is The Smallest Country In The World tweet Have you ever wondered what is the smallest country in the world? Here we have shared a list of the 7 smallest countries by overall land area. These are some of the most cozy islands, countries and places on earth. With more than 200 countries around the world, it’s natural to think that the word “country” is linked to a huge land area with large population of people. Few nations are so small that the cities inside other nations are gigantic when compared to them. Typically found in the Carribean, the Pacific and Europe there are several countries in the world with less than 400 square kilometers area. With their own culture and governments, these small countries are also few of the most secluded, most intriguing and richest, countries in the world. Let’s take a look at the list of “The 7 Smallest Countries in the World” to find out which is the smallest country in the world. 7Nevis and Saint Kitts – 261 km² The Mother Colony of West Indies, these two Caribbean islands are one of the first ones to be claimed by Europeans. Its financial system is reliant on agriculture, tourism and manufacturing industries. The islands also have extraordinary diving sites attributable to copious marine life. A foremost sugar exporter for past few centuries, the huge plantations are currently stunning estates that have been transformed into resorts and hotels. 6Liechtenstein – 160 km² A country with German language, it is the only nation on the planet to be fully sited in the Alps. Situated between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is by far the richest country on earth by GDP per capita, having the lowest unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Getting in this country is a little complicated without an airport. Visitors need go via Switzerland’s Zurich Airport to arrive at this Alpine country which is till date ruled by a prince. 5San Marino – 61 km² Completely enclosed by Italy, San Marino is also recognized as Most Serene Republic of San Marino. Asserting to be the most oldest existing sovereign state of the world, it is also found to be one of the wealthiest countries. It is the third smallest country of Europe, with a population of no more than 30,000, proudly boasting exceptionally low unemployment rates. 4Tuvalu – 26 km² Once famous as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is placed in the Pacific Ocean towards west of Australia. There are around 10,000 residents, with roads about 8kms, and just 1 hospital there on the core island. The country was a long time ago a British territory however in 1978 it became independent. A tricky place to reach to, tourism is not especially noteworthy. In the year 2010, less than 2,000 guests visited Tuvalu, with a large chunk i.e. 65% of the visitors coming there for business. 3Nauru – 21 km² Located East of Australia, Nauru is an island nation and it is also the smallest island country of the world. In 1980’s it was famous for thriving phosphate mining however now it is a silent and calm island and is totally off the radar of tourists. In the past identified as Pleasant Island, its phosphate assets have now exhausted, causing a 90% unemployment rate on national level, with remaining 10% government employees. Nauru is also well-known as the country with the majority of overweight people in the world, with 93% women and 97% men being overweight or obese. For this reason, Nauru is also gets the title of the country with highest level of type-2 diabetes in the world, with over 40% of the population suffering from this disease. 2Monaco – 2 km² Found on the French Riviera, Monaco is the home to the major number of billionaires and millionaires per capita around the world. Famous for its luxury goods industry and gambling, Monaco is a preferred recreational spot for the rich and the famous. Surrounded by France on three sides and the fourth side by Mediterranean Sea, the inhabitants of Monaco are typically French speaking. Monaco is one of the world’s most densely populated countries with |
The name of which Central Asian mountain range where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together and where the mighty rivers Irtysh, Ob and Yenisei have their sources literally means 'mountains of gold' in Turkic? | Jats in Central Asia Jat History Jats in Central Asia If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Not a member? Please register for the members area to access all features such as posting rights, memberlist, chat etc. Please note that the site is focussed on Hindu Jats only at this time. Existing member? You need to log in before you can access your account and post messages and read/send private messages. If you are having a problem with logging in, make sure you delete your browser's cookies and temporary internet files. If you have forgotten your username or password, click here . Login to view details. Jats in Central Asia Central Asia is a vast landlocked region of Asia. According to Prof. B.S. Dhillon [1], The original home of the Jats was in Central Asia. During the early part of the Christian era, most of the Jats were uprooted by the Mongol people from their homeland in Central Asia (after their ruling for over one thousand years, Chinese Authorities constructed the 1500 miles long the Great Wall of China at the cost of the lives of 400,000 workers. Today this wall is nicknamed as the longest cemetery in the world (all the workers who died were buried inside the wall), and the only man-made object visible from the outer space. In turn Jats invaded India to the South and the Roman Empire in the West. Thus, they established themselves as (Alans) in France, Spain, Portugal and so on, in the fifth century A.D. The Central Asia region Though various definitions of its exact composition exist, no one definition is universally accepted. Despite this uncertainty in defining borders, it does have some important overall characteristics. For one, Central Asia has historically been closely tied to its nomadic peoples and the Silk Road. As a result, it has acted as a crossroads for the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Europe, Western Asia, South Asia, and East Asia. It is also sometimes known as Middle Asia or Inner Asia, and is within the scope of the wider Eurasian continent. The nations of Central Asia are a conglomeration of people located in the "centralized" locale of the Asian hemisphere, landlocked on one side with the western-most Asian Turkic regions, demarcation in the Eastern/South-Eastern Indian mountainous regions, and finally the northern Russia. Majority of these nations have spheres of influence included from all of these borders, as they are mostly comprised of countries influenced by Soviet Russia. To a certain extent, it is largely coextensive with Turkestan. Roughly speaking, Central Asia consists of states like Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Mongolia is also part. Major rivers of the region include the Amu Darya, the Syr Darya and the Hari River. Major bodies of water include the Aral Sea and Lake Balkhash, both of which are part of the huge west/central Asian endorheic basin that also includes the Caspian Sea. Both of these bodies of water have shrunk significantly in recent decades due to diversion of water from rivers that feed them for irrigation and industrial purposes. Water is an extremely valuable resource in arid Central Asia, and can lead to rather significant international disputes. History of Central Asia The history of Central Asia has been determined primarily by the area's climate and geography of Asia. The aridity of the region makes agriculture difficult, and its distance from the sea cut it off from much trade. Thus, few major cities developed in the region. Nomadic horse peoples of the steppe dominated the area for millennia. Relations between the steppe nomads and the settled people in and around Central Asia were marked by conflict. The nomadic lifestyle was well suited to warfare, and the steppe horse riders became some of the most militarily potent people in the world, due to the devastating techniques and ability of their horse archers.[2] Periodically, tribal leaders or changing conditions would organize several tribes into a single military force. Many of these tribal coalitions included th |
Scania, Zealand and Jutland have historically been the three lands of which country/kingdom? | Jutland - 必应 Aalborg (Danish pronunciation: [ˈʌlb̥ɒːˀ] ( listen)) (recent modern Ålborg) is an industrial and university city in the North of Jutland, Denmark. As of 1 January 2014, it has a p… www.bing.com/knows/aalborg?mkt=zh-cn Silkeborg, one of Jutland's historic cities, sits at the mouth of the Gudden River. Long known as an upper-class address in Denmark, Silkeborg is home to some of the nat… www.bing.com/knows/Silkeborg?mkt=zh-cn Randers (Danish pronunciation: [ˈʁɑnɐs]) is a city in Randers Municipality, Central Denmark Region on the Jutland peninsula. It is Denmark's sixth-largest city, with a p… www.bing.com/knows/Randers?mkt=zh-cn Vejle (Danish pronunciation: [ˈʋɑɪ̯lə]) is a town in Denmark, in the southeast of the Jutland Peninsula at the head of Vejle Fjord, where the Vejle and Grejs Rivers and their valle… www.bing.com/knows/vejle?mkt=zh-cn 腓特烈港是一个丹麦小镇在腓特烈港市，北日德兰大区，在丹麦日德兰半岛北部的东北海岸。 它的名字翻译为"弗雷德里克海港"。 它原名弗拉德斯特兰。 这个镇有23156的人 … www.bing.com/knows/frederikshavn?mkt=zh-cn Weibull is a Swedish locational surname. The Weibull family originated from and were named after the village of Weiböl in Widstedts parish, Jutland, but settled in Skåne, … www.bing.com/knows/weibull?mkt=zh-cn 2015-9-16 |
Which island, the third largest in the world, is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei? | About Sabah | Essentials | Sabah, Malaysian Borneo Sabah, Malaysian Borneo Getting Around Sabah, Best of Borneo Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. We have it all, from the world’s largest flower - the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia - Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites - Sipadan Island. Sabah is also known for her great natural treasures which include the world-renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin which is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve. Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime! Borneo Island Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of the Maritime Southeast Asia. This island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Nevertheless, for people outside of Indonesia, “Kalimantan” refers to the area which is occupied by Indonesia on the island of Borneo. Malaysia’s region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island, being the wealthiest of the rest. Once known as North Borneo, Sabah was under the British colony during the late 19th century till the early 20th century. Sabah gained self-government on the 31st of August, 1963. Sabah, together with Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963. At 76, 115 square kilometers large, Sabah is the second biggest state in Malaysia after Sarawak. People and Culture The people of Sabah are known as Sabahans. Sabah is the third most populous state in Malaysia after Selangor and Johor; it also has one of the highest population growth rates in the country. There are currently 32 officially recognized ethnic groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Two other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau and Murut, compared to other states in the country; Sabah has relatively very small population of Indians and South Asians. Apart from the Sabahans’ very own diverse mother tongues, Bahasa Malaysia (national language) and English is widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken. In Sabah, we greet people by saying “selamat datang” (welcome) and/or “terima kasih” (thank you) with a smile. Due to religious reasons, some may prefer not to have physical contact with others. However, a handshake is generally acceptable as a way of introducing oneself. It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque as well as homes. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Nude sunbathing is not allowed and is very frowned upon. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom. Traveler |
Since all time zones converge at the South Pole, there is no reason for placing it in any particular time zone. But as a practical convenience, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station keeps the time of which country? | South Pole South Pole 90°S 0°W The South Pole, also known as the Geographic South Pole or Terrestrial South Pole, is one of the two points where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects the surface. It is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth and lies on the opposite side of the Earth from the North Pole . Situated on the continent of Antarctica , it is the site of the United States Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, which was established in 1956 and has been permanently staffed since that year. The Geographic South Pole should not be confused with the South Magnetic Pole. Geography For most purposes, the Geographic South Pole is defined as the southern point of the two points where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects its surface (the other being the Geographic North Pole). However, the Earth's axis of rotation is actually subject to very small 'wobbles', so this definition is not adequate for very precise work; see Geographic North Pole for further information. The geographic coordinates of the South Pole are usually given simply as 90°S, since its longitude is geometrically undefined and irrelevant. When a longitude is desired, it may be given as 0°W. At the South Pole all directions face north. For this reason, directions at the Pole are given relative to "grid north", which points northwards along the prime meridian . The Geographic South Pole is located on the continent of Antarctica (although this has not been the case for all of Earth's history because of continental drift ). It sits atop a featureless, windswept, icy plateau at an altitude of 2,835 meters (9,306 ft), about 1,300 km (800 mi) from the nearest sea at McMurdo Sound. The ice is estimated to be about 2,700 meters (9,000 ft) thick at the Pole, so the land surface under the ice sheet is actually near sea level. The polar ice sheet is moving at a rate of roughly 10 meters per year in a direction between 37° and 40° west of grid north, down towards the Weddell Sea . Therefore, the position of the station and other artificial features relative to the geographic pole gradually shifts over time. The Geographic South Pole is marked by a small sign and a stake in the ice pack, which are repositioned each year on New Year's Day to compensate for the movement of the ice. The sign records the respective dates that Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott reached the Pole followed by a short quotation from each man and gives the elevation as 2,835 m (9,301 ft). Ceremonial South Pole The Ceremonial South Pole is an area set aside for photo opportunities at the South Pole Station. It is located a short distance from the Geographic South Pole, and consists of a metallic sphere on a plinth , surrounded by the flags of the Antarctic Treaty signatory states. Pole of Inaccessibility Another so-called "South Pole" is the South Pole of Inaccessibility, the location in the Antarctic continent that is furthest from the ocean, and therefore more difficult to reach than the Geographic South Pole itself. This location is approximately 878 km from the true South Pole. Exploration See also: History of Antarctica, List of Antarctic expeditions, Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration and Farthest South. Pre-1900 The basic geography of the Antarctic coastline was not understood until the mid-to-late 19th century. American naval officer Charles Wilkes claimed (correctly) that Antarctica was a new continent based on his exploration in 1839–40, while James Clark Ross , in his expedition of 1839–43, hoped that he might be able to sail all the way to the South Pole (he was, of course, unsuccessful). 1900–1950 The first attempt to find a route from the Antarctic coastline to the South Pole was made by British explorer Robert Falcon Scott on the Discovery Expedition of 1901–04. Scott, accompanied by Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson, set out with the aim of travelling as far south as possible, and on 31 December 1902, reached 82°16′ S. Shackleton later returned to Antarctica as leader of the Nimrod Expedition in a bid to reach the Pole. On 9 January 1909, with three compani |
From the Greek for 'going downhill' and most commonly found in Antarctica and Greenland, what is the name of the wind that carries high density air from a higher elevation down a slope under the force of gravity? | Katabatic wind K Katabatic wind A katabatic wind, from the Greek word katabatikos meaning "going downhill", is the technical name for a drainage wind , a wind that carries high density air from a higher elevation down a slope under the force of gravity. Such winds are sometimes also called fall winds. Not all downslope winds are katabatic. For instance, winds such as the Foehn, Chinook or Bergwind, are rain shadow winds where air driven upslope on the windward side of a mountain range drops its moisture and descends leeward drier and warmer. Katabatic winds can rush down elevated slopes at hurricane speeds, but most are not that intense and many are on the order of 10 knots or less. Examples of true katabatic winds include the Mistral in the Mediterranean , the Bora (or Bura) in the Adriatic , the Santa Ana in southern California, and the Oroshi in Japan . Another example is "The Barber," an enhanced katabatic wind that blows over the town of Greymouth in New Zealand when there is a southeast flow over the South Island. It is a wind that is known in the area for its coldness. A katabatic wind originates from the cooling by radiation of air atop a plateau, a mountain, glacier, or even a hill. Since the density of air increases with lower temperature , the air will flow downwards, warming adiabatically as it descends. The temperature of the wind depends on the temperature in the source region and the amount of descent. In the case of the Santa Ana, for example, the wind can (but does not always) become hot by the time it reaches sea level. In the case of Antarctica, by contrast, the wind is still intensely cold. Katabatic winds are most commonly found blowing out from the large and elevated ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland . The buildup of high density cold air over the ice sheets and the elevation of the ice sheets brings into play enormous gravitational energy, propelling the winds well over hurricane force. In Greenland these winds are called Piteraq and are most intense whenever a low pressure area approaches the coast. In the Fuegian Archipelago (or Tierra del Fuego ) in South America as well as in Alaska, a wind known as a williwaw is a particular danger to harbouring vessels. It originates in the snow and ice fields of the coastal mountains. Williwaws commonly blow as high as 100 knots, and 200 knot williwaws have been reported. (Wikipedia) |
What is the exclave of Russia that is surrounded by Lithuania and Poland on the Baltic Sea? | Here's what it is like in Russia's exclave on the Baltic - Business Insider print The Russian exclave of Kaliningrad is a political and geographic anomaly. Separated from Russia and situated on the Baltic Sea, the region is surrounded by NATO-member states Poland and Lithuania. It's closer to Berlin and Prague than it is to Moscow and St Petersburg. Until 1945, Kaliningrad was known as Königsberg, the former capital of East Prussia. But after its World War II victory over Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union annexed the city and the surrounding area, which served as a strategically vital warm-water port on the Baltic. The Soviets mounted a policy of Russification, and what was once an overwhelmingly German quickly took on its current, Russian character. Throughout the Cold War, Kaliningrad was as a dagger pointed at Scandinavia and Central Europe. That part of the Baltic coast was one of the most heavily militarized regions in the USSR. The exclave still has great military and strategic value for Moscow, especially given Russian president Vladimir Putin's appetite for stirring up trouble with his neighbors. Russia's new military doctrine named Kaliningrad as one of three fronts for militarization and Moscow sent nuclear capable missiles to the region as part of war games last week. Annexed in 1945, Königsberg's primarily German population either fled or was deported after World War II in a policy of Russification . Kaliningrad is a seaport city and the administrative center of Kaliningrad Oblast, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. Google Maps/Amanda Macias/Business Insider The city was soon renamed Kaliningrad in honor of Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin, who was one of Stalin's top lieutenants. His statue still stands in the city. Kaliningrad's ultimate strategic value to Russia is that it functions as a warm-water port ... REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin ... As well as a staging area for military exercises. REUTERS/Alexei Druzhinin/RIA Novosti/Kremlin Russia has held frequent exercises in the region and Moscow has often threatened to place nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad, which borders multiple NATO states. REUTERS/Alexei Druzhinin/RIA Novosti/Kremlin Immediately after the collapse of the USSR, Kaliningrad became one of the most economically depressed regions of Russia. Organized crime, drug use, and the prevalence of AIDS skyrocketed . A man arrives at a hostel for immigrants from the former Soviet Union at a former Luftwaffe airbase in Kaliningrad February 19, 2008. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin In response, Russia made Kaliningrad a free-trade zone. In return, citizens in the region were given easier access to neighboring Lithuania and Poland. By 2007, the economy was in a full recovery. Victory Day celebrations in Kaliningrad. Zaytsev Artem Today, European influence is steadily growing in Kaliningrad as its approximately 1 million citizens can freely visit and shop in the surrounding NATO states. But the standoff between Russia and NATO-allied Europe has only heightened its strategic value to Moscow. |
What is the longest river in the world that flows entirely in one country? | Longest Rivers in the World – Top 10 List South America Longest Rivers in the World – Top 10 List When asked, “What is the longest river in the world?” One cannot give you the exact answer because there is no perfect measure of the length of a river. Rivers are not constant and there have always been disputes about where the sources of certain rivers are. In fact there are still arguments about whether or not the Nile is actually the longest river in the world as opposed to the Amazon. Because of this, compiling a list of which rivers are recognized as the longest in the world is difficult. Below is a list of what are generally considered the ten longest rivers in the world. The Nile has long been considered the longest river in the world. It is about 4,135 miles (6,650 km) in length and flows in a northward direction to where it finally drains into the Mediterranean Sea. It passes through ten countries on the continent of Africa, where it has been a main source of water and life since ancient times. The Nile has two main contributories, the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The White Nile is the longer of the two, but the Blue Nile feeds the river more water. The Amazon is approximately 3,980 miles (6,400km) in length and is known as the second longest river in the world. It passes through seven countries in South America and is actually the largest river in terms of volume and flow. In fact, it accounts for one-fifth of the world’s river flow. For these reasons scientists dispute that it should be considered the longest river in the world as well, but this title is not yet theirs. The Yangtze River (also called the Chang Jiang) is about 3,915 miles (6,380 km) in length and is considered the third longest river in the world. It is located in the People’s Republic of China and it flows from its source in the Qinghai Province, to the East China Sea at Shanghai. Because it is the largest river in this region it is important economically, historically and culturally. It also id the home of the world’s largest hydro-electric power system, the Three Gorges Dam. The Missouri-Mississippi River system at about 3,900 miles (6,300 km) in length, it is the fourth longest river in the world. Its average discharge of water makes it the tenth largest river in the world. It is the only river located in North America that made the top ten longest rivers list. Also, its name comes from an Ojibwe word meaning “Great River”. About 98.5 percent of this river is located within the United States, the rest resides in Canada. The Yenisei is thought of as the greatest river system that flows in the Arctic Ocean and at 3,445 miles (5,539 km), is the fifth longest river in the world. It is in Russia and is mainly in the Siberian region. This river includes several hydro-electric dams that fuel a significant part of Russia’s primary industry. The Yellow River (also called the Huang He) is the second longest river in the People’s Republic of China and is the sixth longest in the world being about 3,010 miles (4,845 km) in length. In china it is known by both positive and negative nicknames. The positive one being “the cradle of China” because it is the birthplace of northern Chinese civilization and the negative one being “China’s sorrow” because of the flooding that occurs that causes a large amount of damage. The Ob-Irtysh river system makes up the seventh largest river in the world. The Irtysh is a tributary of the Ob and is actually longer than the Ob. These rivers are located in Siberia and together are about 3,364 miles (5,410 km) in length. They form a major basin in Asia, encompassing most of Western Siberia and the Altay Mountains. The Congo River (also called the Zaire River) is the second largest river in Africa and the eight largest in the world. It is about 2,922 miles (4,700 km) long. It has both the second largest flow and the second larges draining basin in the world, only following the Amazon. The Congo has its name because of the Kingdom of Kongo that inhabited the area at the mouth of the river in ancient times. It is known as the Zai |
Located in Israel, what is the second-lowest lake in the world (after the Dead Sea) on whose shores much of the ministry of Jesus occurred? | NephiCode: The Sea of Galilee is Not a Sea Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Sea of Galilee is Not a Sea While we refer today to the lake Galilee in the biblical lands as a “sea,” it was not called that by those who lived in Palestine in B.C. times. This lake was known as Kinneret (which is the Old Testament and modern name), Lake of Gennesaret, and Lake Tiberias. It is referred to as the largest freshwater land-locked lake in Israel, and it is approximately 33 miles in circumference, about 13 miles long, and 8 miles wide. The lake has a total area of 64-square miles, and a maximum depth of approximately 141 feet, with an average depth of 84 feet. At 685 feet below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the Dead Sea, which is misnamed since it is a saltwater lake. Galilee is partly fed by underground springs although its main source is the Jordan River, which flows through it from north to south. For those scholars and theorists who like to point out the naming of the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea as lakes referred to as seas in Hebrew—they were never called Seas in the Hebrew language, or among the Hebrews that lived in Palestine during the time of Lehi or the time of the Bible. The word “sea” in Sea of Galilee is a mis-translation in the Greek of the Hebrew. The Hebrew word for “sea” is “yam,” but the Hebrew word for “lake” is “yamah”—a simple but critical mistake in the Greek translation, which makes up our King James version of the Bible. It is interesting that “yamah” in Luke 5:1 is correctly translated as “lake,” but in Matthew 4:18 incorrectly translated as “sea.” Mark (1:16) for some reason uses the word “thalassa” that most Greek writers reserve for the much larger Mediterranean, which translates as “sea” while Luke (8:23-24, 33) uses the more proper term for lake, “limne” which translates as “lake.” A note on Mark’s usage of “sea” in “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39), suggests the word lake would not fit in this sentence structure, for it was the water in general being addressed, not the entire lake itself. Christian religious texts call Galilee Lake of Gennesaret, “And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1). The Arabic name for the lake is Buhairet Tabariyya, meaning Lake Tiberias. Other names were Lake Ginnosar, Lake of Gennesar, Lake Chinneroth, and Lake Tiberias, though the Romans called it the Sea of Tiberius. Flavius Josephus reported “a thriving fishing industry at this time, with 230 boats regularly working in the lake” and both historians and religious recorders refer to “Much of the ministry of Jesus occurred on the shores of Lake Galilee” and “one of Jesus' famous teaching episodes, the Sermon on the Mount, is supposed to have been given on a hill overlooking the lake.” In the case of the Dead Sea, a different understanding is needed. First of all, it is never referred to as the Dead Sea in the Bible. Secondly, the word “sea” is used as an adjective, or description, of the lake in “Yam ha Melah,” which means “Sea of Salt” (Genesis 14:3). It is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world, being 8.6 times more salty than the ocean, which leads to its nickname of “Yam ha-Mavet” which means “sea of Death.” It is “al-Bahr al-Mayyit” in Arabic, sometimes called Bahr lut, “sea of Lot.” In Greek it is Lake Asphaltites, and in ancient times was called Lake Sodom, Lake Lisan, and Lake Gomorrah. Consequently, those who try to claim the word “sea” was used to describe a lake in ancient Israel simply misunderstand the usage of the word and that the Greek translates the word inaccurately at times. The Israelites knew the difference between a lake “yamha” and a sea “yam” and did not call streams, rivers, small bodies of water, or even lakes by the term “sea” but by their appropriate designation. In the Land of Promise of the Book of Mormon, the word “sea” has reference |
Meaning 'place of sunset' or 'western' in Arabic, which word is generally applied to the geographic area of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia together? | Culture and Tradition in the Arab Countries Board member Alanna Nelson models a henna application. Henna: An Enduring Tradition By Marilyn Cvitanic Ph.D. For over five thousand years henna has been a symbol of good luck, health and sensuality in the Arab world. The plant has been associated with positive magic and provides us with a link to an ancient age full of good and bad spirits, baraka and jnoun. Generations of women have used a paste made primarily of dried ground henna leaves to cover their hands and feet with designs ranging from simple blobs to intricate geometric patterns designed to ward off evil, promote fertility and attract good energy. While there is some controversy over the origins of the use of henna as a dying agent, the earliest clear evidence of henna application on the body appears in Egyptian mummies whose hair and nails were stained with the reddish brown tones of henna. Botanists believe the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis, originated in Persia. It grew extensively in Egypt and was carried to India where it was used since at least 700 AD for decorating hands and feet. Historically henna has also been used for medicinal purposes, to dye cloth and leather as well as hair, to color the manes of horses and other fur of other animals. Brides throughout the Arab world still participate in the traditional henna party or ceremony. Henna is not only decorative but also carries good luck and fertility; it has baraka and protects against jnoun. In some areas women attend a party shortly before the wedding during which the brides hand's and feet are painted with intricate designs. The henna paste is carefully applied and must remain undisturbed on the skin for several hours to create a strong dark stain. During this time the bride is waited on by her friends and family and has a final opportunity to socialize without the responsibilities of a husband and, ultimately, a family. In other areas henna application can be part of the actual wedding ceremony or is applied immediately before the ceremony. The henna plant has significant baraka attached to it. Legend has it that Mohammed used henna to dye his beard and that the henna flower was the Prophet's favorite. As a result, henna occupies a unique place in the Moslem world. It is used for both decorative and magical purposes and has religious sanction. While the present generation of Arab women may apply henna for fun, some still turn to it for its magical properties. Henna is used to protect against witchcraft or the evil eye and many of the motifs used in henna design are designed to ward off the eye's power. The unique geometry of Moroccan Berber design (pictured) is a result of ancient animistic beliefs and Islam's prohibition of artistic depictions of animals or humans. While the Berbers converted to Islam, many still secretly clung to their traditional beliefs. They developed simple geometric representations of animals, which they used without overtly violating Islamic codes. We see these geometric motifs in rugs, ceramics, and jewelry and in henna design. Each artist has her own recipe and preferred technique of henna application. Until recently most artists applied henna using small sticks and only the most experienced artist could successfully execute a detailed design. Today some artists still use sticks or toothpicks, though many prefer homemade plastic cones or large syringes. Both tools make application easier and faster. In the U.S., artists can also use plastic applicator squeeze bottles (Jacquard bottles) fitted with small metal tips. These were originally designed for fabric paint and are available in art supply stores. Many artists carefully guard their henna recipes, only passing them on to a chosen relative or friend. Most recipes contain some combination of sifted ground henna leaves, strong black tea, lemon juice and a few drops of eucalyptus oil. The thickness of the paste determines the ease of application. Too watery paste means the design will run, and overly thick paste is difficult apply. Factors which influence the intensity of t |
The summit of which mountain in Ecuador is generally regarded as the spot that is farthest from the center of the Earth? | Chimborazo Summit Climb - Ecuador 2011 - justcarpedm.com - YouTube Chimborazo Summit Climb - Ecuador 2011 - justcarpedm.com 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. Uploaded on Mar 7, 2011 The inactive stratovolcano Chimborazo is Ecuador's highest summit. Its summit is generally regarded as the spot on the surface farthest from the centre of the Earth, at a distance of 6,384.4 kilometres (3,967.1 mi). Until the beginning of the nineteenth century it was thought that Chimborazo was the highest mountain on Earth (measured from sea level), and such reputation led to many attempts on its summit during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In 1802 during his expedition to South America, Baron Alexander von Humboldt, accompanied by Aimé Bonpland and the Ecuadorian Carlos Montúfar attempted to reach the summit. From his description of the mountain it seems that before he and his companions had to return suffering from altitude sickness they reached a point at 5,875 m, higher than previously attained by any European in recorded history.[note 5] In 1831 Jean Baptiste Boussingault and Colonel Hall reached a new "highest point", computed to be 6,006 m.[13][14] In 1880 Chimborazo's summit was first climbed by Edward Whymper and the brothers Louis and Jean-Antoine Carrel. If the summit is measured from the center of the Earth its altitude is higher than Mount Everest. For this same reason, the summit of Chimborazo is also the point on the surface of the Earth nearest to the sun. Years later, Alexander Von Humboldt made another attempt. He failed too, but he went higher than any man had ever been. He wrote at the end of his life: "All my life I thought that, of all mortals, it was me who had reached the higher point on Earth". The summit of Mount Everest reaches a higher elevation above sea level, but the summit of Chimborazo is widely reported to be the farthest point on the surface from Earth's center. Join Carpedm Adventures as we take you through the journey from Quito to the top of Chimborazo. Hope you enjoy this film as much as we enjoyed making it. Visit us online at: http://www.carpedm.travel http://www.carpedm.ca for more info. |
What is the largest country located entirely in Europe? | What is the largest country located entirely within Europe? What is the largest country located entirely within Europe? (Scroll down for the answer!) Russia, located on over 6.3 million square miles of land, is the largest country by land mass in Europe (and in the world) BUT it extends across northern Asia as well as northern Europe. If you counted overseas regions, the largest European country would be France, comprising over 247 thousand square miles. The largest country located entirely within Europe is c) Ukraine, situated on over 223 thousand square miles. Once part of the Soviet Union, the Ukraine became independent when the USSR dissolved in 1991. What is your favorite European country and why? Let us know in the comments! Photo of European post cards by clarita (Creative Commons) Share this post: Filed Under: BLOG , TRAVEL TRIVIA Tagged With: europe , Travel Trivia About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama Colleen Lanin is the founder/editor-in-chief of TravelMamas.com. As the author of her book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents not only how to survive a trip with children, but also how to love exploring the world with their offspring. Her stories have appeared online and in print for such outlets as the "Today" show, NBCNews.com, Parenting Magazine, Orlando Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, Expedia, San Diego Family Magazine, and more. Colleen gives tips on television, radio, and as a public speaker. She has a master’s degree in business administration with a background in marketing. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids. Speak Your Mind |
The name of which vast and arid area north of the Great Australian Bight is derived from the Latin for 'no trees' and the crossing of which is a seminal experience of the Australian Outback? | Australia Close Australia , island continent located between the Indian and South Pacific oceans south-east of Asia and forming, with the nearby island of Tasmania, the Commonwealth of Australia, a self-governing member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The continent is bounded on the north by the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea, and the Torres Strait; on the east by the Coral Sea and the Tasman Sea; on the south by the Bass Strait and the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Indian Ocean. The Commonwealth of Australia extends about 4,000 km (2,485 mi) from Cape Byrne in the east to Western Australia, and about 3,700 km (2,300 mi) from Cape York in the north to Tasmania in the south. Its coastline measures some 36,735 km (22,826 mi). The area of Australia, including Tasmania, is 7,682,300 sq km (2,966,151 sq mi). The area of the continent alone is 7,614,500 sq km (2,939,974 sq mi), making Australia the smallest continent and one of the largest countries in the world. The Commonwealth of Australia is made up of six states�New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia�and two territories�the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Australia's external dependencies are the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos Islands, the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island, the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and the Coral Sea Islands Territory. Canberra is the capital of Australia. Land and Resources The remotest of the settled continents, Australia is also the flattest and, except for Antarctica, the driest. The average elevation is about 300 m (987 ft) and only 6 per cent of its area is above 610 m (2,000 ft). The vast interior of Australia, known to white Australians as the Outback, is made up of plains and low plateaux, which are generally higher in the north-east. Low-lying coastal plains, averaging about 65 km (40 mi) in width, fringe the continent. The coastal plains in the east, south-east, and south-west are the most densely populated areas of Australia. In the east the coastal plains are separated from the interior by the Great Dividing Range, or Eastern Highlands. This mountainous region averages approximately 1,220 m (4,000 ft) in height and runs parallel to the eastern coast from the Cape York Peninsula in the north to Victoria State in the south-east. Subdivisions of the range have many names, including, from north to south, the New England Range, the Blue Mountains, and the Australian Alps, including the Snowy Mountains. In Victoria, where the range extends westward, it is known as the Grampians, or by the name given by the indigenous Aborigines, Gariwerd. The highest peak in the Australian Alps, and the loftiest in Australia, is Mount Kosciusko (2,228 m/7,310 ft), in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. The Great Dividing Range continues into Tasmania, which was separated from the south-eastern tip of the continent by the shallow Bass Strait between 13,500 and 8,000 years ago when sea levels rose. The Western Australian Shield occupies more than half of the continent, west of a line running north-south roughly from the eastern shore of Arnhem Land on the Bay or Gulf of Carpentaria to the Eyre Peninsula in state of South Australia, and skirting to the west of the Simpson Desert in the interior. A huge plateau with an average elevation of between 305 and 460 m (1,000 and 1,500 ft), the shield is fractured into a number of distinct blocks. Some of the blocks have been raised to form uplands; others have been depressed, forming lowlands and basins. The lowlands include the Great Sandy Desert, the Gibson Desert, the Great Victoria Desert, and the Nullarbor Plain, which are located in the north-western, central, and southern shield area respectively. The Nullarbor is an arid (its name means "no trees"), virtually uninhabited limestone plateau. It is characterized by remarkable cave and tunnel systems which contain valuable geological information about ancient Australia. The uplands include, in Western Australia State, the |
With 34.8 percent salinity, Lake Assal is considered the most saline body of water outside Antarctica. In which tiny nation in the Horn of Africa is it located? | Geo GS Part-1proved - Documents Geo GS Part-1proved Share Geo GS Part-1proved Embed <iframe src="http://documents.mx/embed/geo-gs-part-1proved.html" width="750" height="600" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" style="border:1px solid #CCC; border-width:1px; margin-bottom:5px; max-width: 100%;" allowfullscreen> </iframe> <div style="margin-bottom:5px"> <strong> <a href="http://documents.mx/documents/geo-gs-part-1proved.html" title="Geo GS Part-1proved" target="_blank">Geo GS Part-1proved</a></div> size(px) Description Text THE UNIVERSE The universe is the largest possible world consisting of all the astronomical bodies from the galactic superclusters to the tiniest of subatomic particles. It has millions of galaxies. It has always been a matter of interest for astronomers that how did such a huge universe originated. Some of the important modern theories of the evolution of the universe are following: 1. Expanding Universe : According to this theory the primordial universe first compressed and heated up. A point reached when it started expanding because of excessive heating. And the process is still going on. 2. Big Bang Theory : It is the most famous theory of the origin of the universe. It was propounded by the Belgian astromer-priest Abbe Georges Lemaitre. According to him an explosion occurred in an extremely compressed matter. The stars and other astronomical bodies formed from the fragments. According to this theory the matters will never revert back to the original position. 3. Steady State Theory : It was propounded by Hermann Boudi and Thomas Gold. According to this theory from the central part old galaxies move apart and new galaxies are formed there. So there is constant formation of new galaxies. 4. Pulsating /Oscillating Universe : It was propounded by Dr. Alan Sandage. According to this theory the universe expands and contracts alternatively. The explosion occurred some 12 billion years ago. Since then the universe is expanding, which will continue to expand for another 29 billion years. And then it will start contrasting for 41 billion years, which will ultimately lead to implosion. THE GALAXY Galaxies are huge congregations of stars held together by the force of gravity. Optical and radioactive studies indicate that there may be around 100 billions galaxies in the visible universe. Galaxies tend to be grouped into superclusters. When the universe started expanding, it was broken into billions of islands of gaseous matter. These changed into proto-galaxies and finally into differently shaped galaxies. Galaxies occur is three structural forms : (1) Spiral Galaxies : They have central nucleus with great spiralling arms trailing around them. The Milky Way and Andromeda are such galaxies. (2) Elliptical Galaxies : They show purely elliptical shape without any spiral arm. (3) Irregular Galaxies : These do not have any proper shape. It is conjectured that the irregular, spiral and elliptical galaxies represent youth, middle and old ages, respectively. Our galaxy the Milky Way is a part of the ‘Local Group’, which has some 24 galaxies. It looks like a river of light in the night . It is a spiral galaxy. It has over a hundred billion stars. THE STARS Stars account for about 98% matters in a galaxy. Stars are self illuminated bodies. They are rich in hydrogen and helium. The nuclear fusion is the source of energy in which hydrogen is converted into heavier matters like helium. So the life of a star depends upon the availability of hydrogen as a fuel. Stars tend to form groups called constellation. Lone stars are a rarity. The stars which seem isolated and single are mostly binary stars, revolving around a common centre. The Sun is the nearest star to the earth, then comes the Proxima Centauri. Stars have to pass through a definite life sequence. After their birth they enter the main sequence stage. This stage has a helium core, becoming heavier, along with expanding outer layers. At this stage they are referred as adult stars. The process continues till they become red giant. After the de |
What is the largest desert in the North and South Americas? | Top Ten Largest Deserts in the World | The Wondrous Top Ten Largest Deserts in the World Nature, Top Ten Pinterest0 10. Kara-Kum Desert, Uzbekistan / Turkmenistan In our list of largest deserts in the world at #10 is The Karakum Desert, also spelled Kara-Kum and Gara Gum is a desert in Central Asia. It occupies about 70 percent, or 350,000 km², of the area of Turkmenistan. Covering much of present day Turkmenistan, the Karakum Desert lies east of the Caspian Sea, with the Aral Sea to the north and the Amu Darya river and the Kyzyl Kum desert to the northeast. In modern times, with the shrinking of the Aral Sea, the extended “Aral Karakum” has appeared on the former seabed, with an estimated area of 15,440 sq. The sands of the Aral Karakum are made up of a salt-marsh consisting of finely-dispersed evaporites and remnants of alkaline mineral deposits, washed into the basin from irrigated fields. The dusts blown on a powerful east-west airstream carry pesticide residues that have been found in the blood of penguins in Antarctica. Lets read about top ten largest deserts in the world. 9. Great Sandy Desert, Australia The Great Sandy Desert is a 360,000 km2 (140,000 sq mi) expanse in northwestern Australia. Roughly the same size as Japan, it forms part of a larger desert area known as the Western Desert. The vast region of Western Australia is sparsely populated, without significant settlements. The Great Sandy Desert is a flat area between the rocky ranges of the Pilbara and the Kimberley. To the southeast is the Gibson Desert and to the east is the Tanami Desert. The Rudall River National Park and Lake Dora are located in the southwest while Lake Mackay is located in the southeast. Image credit: yaruman5 8. Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico The Chihuahuan Desert is a desert that straddles the U.S.-Mexico border in the central and northern portions of the Mexican Plateau, bordered on the west by the extensive Sierra Madre Occidental range, and overlaying northern portions of the east range, the Sierra Madre Oriental. On the U.S. side it occupies the valleys and basins of central and southern New Mexico, Texas west of the Pecos River and southeastern Arizona; south of the border, it covers the northern half of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, most of Coahuila, north-east portion of Durango, extreme northern portion of Zacatecas and small western portions of Nuevo León. It has an area of about 140,000 square miles. It is the third largest desert of the Western Hemisphere and is second largest in North America, after the Great Basin Desert. Via: wikipedia 7. Great Basin Desert, USA The Great Basin is the largest watershed of North America which does not drain to an ocean. Water within the Great Basin evaporates since outward flow is blocked. The basin extends into Mexico and covers most of Nevada and over half of Utah, as well as parts of California, Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming. The majority of the watershed is in the North American Desert ecoregion, but includes areas of the Forested Mountain and Mediterranean California ecoregions. The Great Basin includes several metropolitan areas and Shoshone Great Basin tribes. A wide variety of animals can be found in great basin desert. Look to the rocky slopes around the desert mountain ranges, you may spot a very rare desert bighorn sheep. Other mammals of the desert include kit fox, coyote, skunk, black-tailed jackrabbit, ground squirrels, kangaroo rat and many species of mice. Bird species are very diverse in desert oases. Via: wikipedia 6. Great Victoria Desert, Australia The Great Victoria Desert is a barren, arid, and sparsely populated desert ecoregion in southern Australia. It falls inside the states of South Australia and Western Australia and consists of many small sandhills, grasslands and salt lakes. It is over 700 kilometres (430 mi) wide (from west to east) and covers an area of 424,400 square kilometres (163,900 sq mi). The Western Australia Mallee shrub ecoregion lies to the west, the Little Sandy Desert to the northwest, the Gibson Desert and the Central Ranges xeric shr |
Easter Island in the South Pacific is well-known for its numerous moai, the stone statues located along its coastline. Which country does the island belong to? | History of Rapa Nui History of Rapa Nui From Genocide to Ecocide, The Rape of Rapa Nui Benny Peiser, Liverpool John Moores University, Faculty of Science The 'decline and fall' of Easter Island and its alleged self-destruction has become the poster child of a new environmentalist historiography, a school of thought that goes hand-in-hand with predictions of environmental disaster. Why did this exceptional civilisation crumble? What drove its population to extinction? These are some of the key questions Jared Diamond endeavours to answer in his new book 'Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive.' According to Diamond, the people of Easter Island destroyed their forest, degraded the island's topsoil, wiped out their plants and drove their animals to extinction. As a result of this self-inflicted environmental devastation, its complex society collapsed, descending into civil war, cannibalism and self-destruction. While his theory of ecocide has become almost paradigmatic in environmental circles, a dark and gory secret hangs over the premise of Easter Island's self-destruction: an actual genocide terminated Rapa Nui's indigenous populace and its culture. Diamond, however, ignores and fails to address the true reasons behind Rapa Nui's collapse. Why has he turned the victims of cultural and physical extermination into the perpetrators of their own demise? This paper is a first attempt to address this disquieting quandary. It describes the foundation of Diamond's environmental revisionism and explains why it does not hold up to scientific scrutiny. INTRODUCTION Of all the vanished civilisations, no other has evoked as much bafflement, incredulity and conjecture as the Pacific island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). This tiny patch of land was discovered by European explorers more than three hundred years ago amidst the vast space that is the South Pacific Ocean. Its civilisation attained a level of social complexity that gave rise to one of the most advanced cultures and technological feats of Neolithic societies anywhere in the world. Easter Island's stone-working skills and proficiency were far superior to any other Polynesian culture, as was its unique writing system. This most extraordinary society developed, flourished and persisted for perhaps more than one thousand years - before it collapsed and became all but extinct. Why did this exceptional civilisation crumble? What drove its population to extinction? These are some of the key questions Jared Diamond endeavours to answer in his new book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive (Diamond, 2005) in a chapter which focuses on Easter Island. Diamond's saga of the decline and fall of Easter Island is straightforward and can be summarised in a few words: Within a few centuries after the island was settled, the people of Easter Island destroyed their forest, degraded the island's topsoil, wiped out their plants and drove their animals to extinction. As a result of this self-inflicted environmental devastation, its complex society collapsed, descending into civil war, cannibalism and self-destruction. When Europeans discovered the island in the 18th century, they found a crashed society and a deprived population of survivors who subsisted among the ruins of a once vibrant civilisation. Diamond's key line of reasoning is not difficult to grasp: Easter Island's cultural decline and collapse occurred before Europeans set foot on its shores. He spells out in no uncertain terms that the island's downfall was entirely self-inflicted: "It was the islanders themselves who had destroyed their own ancestor's work" (Diamond, 2005). Lord May, the President of Britain's Royal Society, recently condensed Diamond's theory of environmental suicide in this way: "In a lecture at the Royal Society last week, Jared Diamond drew attention to populations, such as those on Easter Island, who denied they were having a catastrophic impact on the environment and were eventually wiped out, a phenomenon he called 'ecocide'" (May, 2005). Diamond's theory has been around since the early 1 |
As of April 2010, apart from Western Sahara, Tokelau is the only other non-self governing territory in the world that is not administered by the UK, US or France. Which country administers it? | List of sovereign states | Familypedia | Fandom powered by Wikia List of sovereign states Share Ad blocker interference detected! Wikia is a free-to-use site that makes money from advertising. We have a modified experience for viewers using ad blockers Wikia is not accessible if you’ve made further modifications. Remove the custom ad blocker rule(s) and the page will load as expected. “List of nations” redirects here. For other country lists, see Lists of countries and territories . This is a list of sovereign states, giving an overview of states around the world with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty . The list is divided into two parts. It is arranged alphabetically, and contains 203 entries, as of 2010: The internationally recognized sovereign states section lists all 193 widely recognised sovereign states, including all member states of the United Nations , [1] plus Vatican City . [2] The other states section lists ten states which have de facto sovereignty or independence , but are not widely recognised diplomatically by other states. Compiling a list such as this can be a difficult and controversial process, as there is no definition that is binding on all the members of the community of nations concerning the criteria for statehood . For more information on the criteria used to determine the contents of this list, please see the " criteria for inclusion " section below. Contents: Name in English, and the official, national, and other important languages of the state [3] Information on status and recognition of sovereignty [4] A Afghanistan – Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Persian : افغانستان – جمهوری اسلامی افغانستان Afgānestān – Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Afgānestān Pashto : افغانستان – د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت Afghānistān – Afghānistān Islāmī Jumhūrīyat Widely recognized member of the UN . Albania – Republic of Albania Albanian : Shqipëria – Republika e Shqipërisë Widely recognized member of the UN . Algeria – People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Arabic : الجزائر – الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية Al Jazā'ir – Al Jumhūrīyah al Jazā'irīyah ad Dīmuqrāţīyah ash Sha‘bīyah Widely recognized member of the UN . Andorra – Principality of Andorra Catalan : Andorra – Principat d’Andorra Widely recognized member of the UN . The role of monarch is exercised jointly by the two co-princes, the President of the French Republic and the Bishop of Urgell . [5] Angola – Republic of Angola Portuguese : Angola – República de Angola Widely recognized member of the UN . Antigua and Barbuda English : Antigua and Barbuda Widely recognized member of the UN . Antigua and Barbuda is a Commonwealth realm [6] and has a division (dependency), Barbuda , with an autonomous status. [7] Argentina – Argentine Republic [8] Spanish : Argentina – República Argentina Widely recognized member of the UN . Argentina is a federation [9] of twenty-three provinces and one autonomous city . Argentina claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands , which are administered by the United Kingdom . [10] Argentina claims Argentine Antarctica as part of its national territory, officially a department of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands . It overlaps with the claims of the UK and Chile. [11] Armenia – Republic of Armenia Widely recognized member of the UN . Armenia is not recognised by one UN member: Pakistan . Australia – Commonwealth of Australia English : Australia – Commonwealth of Australia Austria – Republic of Austria German : Österreich – Republik Österreich Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU . [12] Austria is a federation [9] composed of 9 federated states (Bundesländer). Azerbaijan – Republic of Azerbaijan Azerbaijani : Azərbaycan – Azərbaycan Respublikası Widely recognized member of the UN . Azerbaijan has one autonomous republic, Nakhchivan and the autonomous region of Nagorno-Karabakh (Dağlıq Qarabağ). [7] In Nagorno-Karabakh, a de facto state has been established (see Other states ). B |
A trans-boundary river is a river that crosses at least one political border (either a border within a nation or an international boundary). Which country has the greatest number of such rivers, including 58 that enter from India or Burma? | Subject: Geography , Science | Topics: Report Definitions of geomorphology according to scientific nature :- * Geomorphology is the study of landforms , and in particular their nature, origin, processes of development and material composition . * Geomorphology is the study of the surface of the Earth. Classically, geomorphologists have studied land forms, which are shapes that have been categorized or named by geomorphologists or other Earth scientists. * Geomorphology is the scientific study of the geometric features of the earth’s surface. Although the term is commonly restricted to those landforms that have been developed at or above sea level, geomorphology includes all aspects of the interface between the solid earth, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Therefore, not only are the landforms of the continents and their margins of concern, but also the morphology of the sea floor. * Geomorphology is best and most simply defined as the study of landforms. Like most simplistic definitions, the actual meaning is somewhat vague and open to interpretation River engineering and morphology For river managers and designers of hydraulic structures, WL | Delft Hydraulics can provide state-of-the-art technology for regulation and canalisation of rivers, river morphology and sediment-transport, hydraulics and hydrodynamics in rivers and canals, hydraulics of structures, inland waterway transport, and closures and protections. We can help solve problems regarding maintenance, management and sustainable development, and initiate new and cost-saving techniques through integration of various skills. A number of experimental facilities and numerical models are at our disposal. Extensive basic and applied research programs are continuously being conducted in order to maintain a high level of technical expertise. Natural water systems are adapted by man to make a more profitable use of the water or to limit hindrance related to excessive natural fluctuations. Storing, guiding or sluicing water and retaining water levels are measures which can enhance irrigation, drainage, navigation, energy production, drinking water supply, fishery, flood control, recreation, ecology and environmental control. To achieve these goals tailored river engineering works are designed and constructed. A wide range of measures to control water have been developed, while new measures are concieved to reconcile the often conflicting demands on water systems. WL | Delft Hydraulics’ approach is to apply in-depth knowledge of hydraulic and morphologic processes to assist the governmental or corporate client in carefully tuning the type, location and sizes of the river engineering works to the demands put on it. Both the proper functioning of a measure itself and as part of the overall system are important points of attention. Hydraulics, hydrodynamics, river morphology, and mechanical engineering are the core knowledge areas, augmented by experience with related phenomena, knowledge of navigation, operational aspects, etc. List of rivers in Bangladesh Bangladesh is a riverine country. Most of the country’s land is formed through silt brought by the many hundreds of rivers that flow through it. Following is a list of some of the major rivers of Bangladesh: • Brahmaputra River BASIN: SOME ASPECTS OF REGIONAL CO-OPERATION The River Basin Scenario The three river basins are briefly described as under: The Ganga: The main Ganga River is the flow combination of the two rivers, namely, the Alakananda and the Bhagirathi, which meet at Deva Prayag in Garwal district of Uttaranchal State (earlier Northern Uttar Pradesh) of India within the mountain range of the Himalayas. The original course of the river is on South- ward direction, then it flows through easterly direction and finally in its last lap, it flows again southward and debouches into the sea. During its middle course on easterly direction, a number of big and small tributaries have joined on the northern side (left bank) from the Himalayan sub-basin, namely, Ramaganga, Gomati, Ghagra, Gandak and Kosi, all of which |
Which borough of New York City is the only one of the city's five boroughs to be situated primarily on the US mainland rather than on an island? | Relocating to New York | Relocation Resources for Moving to New York Beyond the City The New York Metropolitan Area, formally known as the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), continually ranks as the most populous MSA in the United States—not to mention that it’s one of the densest in the world. Furthermore, the New York Metro Area is subdivided into four distinct divisions. Of the subsets, the New York-White Plains-Wayne Metropolitan Division encompasses 11 counties, five of which coincide with the five boroughs of New York City (NYC)—New York County (Manhattan), Kings County (Brooklyn), Bronx County (The Bronx), Richmond County (Staten Island) and Queens County (Queens). The New York-White Plains-Wayne division’s population grew from 11,298,122 in 2000 to 11,680,000 by late 2011—an increase of 3.3 percent. NYC’s five boroughs account for 8.1 million of the division’s populace and about 40 percent of New York’s inhabitants. As the United States’ largest regional economy, Greater New York obtained an estimated gross metropolitan product of $815.4 billion in 2012. According to IHS Global Insight, NYC alone is a larger producer than every U.S. state except California. In fact the city’s gross metropolitan product is bigger than the combined products of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Industries, such as education and health services, continue to lead the area’s economic output with large profits in the areas of trade, transportation and utilities. Other industry supersectors driving the economy are professional and business services along with the government industry. When considering the Tri-State area, newcomers should expect somewhere around 20 days above of 90°F weather and 87 days in which temperatures dip below 32°F. Altitudes range from sea level to a maximum height of 410 feet above sea level throughout the boroughs. The metro division’s high school attainment sits at 81.2 percent although only 35.3 percent of students attain a college education. NEW YORK COUNTY—OVERVIEW New York County, also known as Manhattan, is the most densely populated county in the United States with a population of 1,601,948. The county covers 22.8 square miles of land, on which 21 neighborhoods have been developed. Composed primarily of Manhattan Island, the county is bounded by the Hudson River on the west, New York Bay on the south, the East River on the east and the Harlem River on the northeast and north. Manhattan is loosely divided into downtown, midtown and uptown, with 5th Avenue separating the Big Apple’s East and West Sides. New York County is the cultural and commercial heart of the city, with many famous landmarks, tourist attractions, museums and universities scattered throughout the area. It is also home to the seat of city government. Temperatures range from an average high of 84°F in July to an average low of 27°F in January. Precipitation in the area averages 50.1 inches annually. Major Neighborhoods: Battery Park City, Carnegie Hill, Central Park, Chelsea, East Harlem, East Village, Financial District, Gramercy Park, Inwood, Little Italy, Lower East Side, Midtown, NoHo, Roosevelt Island, SoHo, TriBeCa, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Washington Heights, West Harlem, West Village Demographics Mean Travel Time to Work...........................................30.1 minutes Median Family Income.................................................$67,204 School Districts: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Educational Attainment (Adult Population 2011) High school diploma......................................85% College degrees.............................................57.7% KINGS COUNTY—OVERVIEW Brooklyn is New York City’s most populous borough, with nearly 2.5 million residents. It overlaps with Kings County, which is the second most densely populated county in the United States after Manhattan. The county is located on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares its only land boundary with Queens to the northeast. Several different bodies of water surround Kings County. Northern Brook |
As of 2010, the ten highest active volcanoes are located in which continent? | Which is the world's highest volcano? Answers Which is the world's highest volcano? Answer 1 - highest volcano with historic activity: The highest historically active volcano in the world is Llullaillaco at 6739 m (22,109 feet). Llullaillaco is on the border between Chile and Argentina in the Atacama Desert, one of the world's driest places. Answer 2 - highest active volcano: The highest active volcano in the world is Ojos del Salado on the Chile-Argentina border in the Central Andes. It rises to 6887 m / 22,595 ft. It has not erupted in historic times, but is an active volcano. A major explosive eruption occurred ca. 1000-1500 years ago, and future eruptions are very likely. 10 highest volcanoes in the world All the 10 highest active volcanoes in the world are all located on South America in the Central Andes of Northern Chile, Argentina, and Peru, with the exception of Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, which belongs to the Northern Volcanic Zone: 1) Ojos del Salado 6887 m / 22,595 ft, Chile / Argentina, no historic eruptions 2) Llullaillaco 6739 m / 22,109 ft, Chile / Argentina, last eruption 1877 3) Cerro Tipas 6660 m / 21,850 ft, Argentinia, no historic eruptions 4) Cerro El Condor 6532 m / 21,430 ft, Argentinia, no historic eruptions 5) Coropuna 6377 m / 20,922 ft, Peru, no historic eruptions 6) Parinacota 6348 m / 20,827 ft, Chile, ca. 2000 years ago 7) Chimborazo 6310 m / 20,702 ft, Ecuador, ca. 1500 years ago 8) Pular 6233 m / 20,449 ft, Chile, 1990 (?) 9) Aucanquilcha 6176 m / 20,262 ft, Chile, no historic eruptions 10) San Pedro 6145 m / 20,161 ft, Chile, 1960 (?) |
Which famous bay in Sydney, Australia was the site of a landing by Captain James Cook and sparked Britian's interest in Australia? | History of Australia - Nations Online Project History of Australia HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Aborigines from Bathurst Island (1939), one of the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory. Australian Prehistory: Humans are thought to have arrived in Australia about 30,000 years ago. The original inhabitants, who have descendants to this day, are known as aborigines. In the eighteenth century, the aboriginal population was about 300,000. The aborigines, who have been described alternately as nomadic hunter-gatherers and fire-stick farmers (known for using fire to clear the brush and attract grass-eating animals instead of cultivating the land), settled primarily in the well-watered coastal areas. Some observers believe that poor treatment of the environment by aborigines over many centuries may have led to the barren nature of much of the Australian interior. Higher forms of mammals never reached Australia because the land bridge from Asia ceased to exist about 50 million years ago. Captain James Cook (1728 – 14 February 1779) James Cook was a British explorer, navigator and cartographer, he reached the south-eastern coast of Australia on 19 April 1770, his expedition became the first recorded Europeans to have encountered Australia's eastern coastline. European Discovery and Settlement to 1850: The period of European discovery and settlement began on August 23, 1770, when Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy took possession of the eastern coast of Australia in the name of George III. His party had spent four months in exploration along eastern Australia, from south to north. Unlike Dutch explorers, who deemed the land of doubtful value and preferred to focus on the rich Indies to the north, Cook and Joseph Banks of the Royal Society, who accompanied Cook for scientific observations, reported that the land was more fertile. Cook’s fame in Britain helped to fix the attention of the British government on the area, which had some strategic significance in the European wars of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In 1779 Joseph Banks recommended Botany Bay, named after the profusion of new plants found there, as a site for a penal settlement. A new outlet was needed for convicts to be transported overseas in continuance of British penal policy after the loss of the 13 North American colonies. In 1786 the British government decided to adopt Bank’s recommendation. Considerations other than the pressing need to reduce the convict population may have influenced Lord Sydney, the home minister, in his action. There was, for example, some expression of interest in supplies for the Royal Navy and in the prospects for trade in the future. The first fleet in the series that transported convicts arrived in January 1788, bringing 1,500 people, nearly half of them convicts. On January 26, Captain Arthur Phillip of the Royal Navy raised the British flag at Sydney Cove, which he decided was preferable to Botany Bay, slightly to the south, as a settlement site. The colony of New South Wales was formally proclaimed on February 7, 1788. Transportation of convicts eventually brought a total of about 160,000 prisoners to Australia. The initial character of a penal colony lasted for about 60 years in the areas of major original settlement. It ended in 1840 in New South Wales and in 1852 in Van Diemen’s Land (modern Tasmania), which became a colony in 1825. Western Australia, which was founded in 1830 by free immigrants, added convicts to its population by its own choice from 1850 to 1868. Convicts were not sent to South Australia, which became a colony in 1836. The major continuing problems of the colonies arose from efforts to carry out British policy designed for a penitentiary when other interests—fishing, sealing, farming, and trade—were developing. The economic development begun in the convict phase of settlement included the expansion of agriculture where conditions were favorable, as in Van Diemen’s Land, which started in 1815 to export grain to New South Wales. Roads, bridges, and other transportation facilities nec |
Which feature that is 6380 kms long has traditionally been considered a dividing line between North and South China? | Bhutan travel guide - Wikitravel GMT +6 Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and India . Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbours. Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been called "The Last Shangrila ." Understand[ edit ] Bhutan is a unique country both culturally and environmentally. Perched high in the Himalayas, it is the world’s last remaining Buddhist Kingdom. It has developed the philosophy of Gross National Happiness; where development is measured using a holistic approach of well-being, not just based on gross domestic product. It is still termed as a third world country with subsistence farming practised in much of Bhutan. In broad terms the land is fertile and the population small. In addition, the current generation receives free education, and all citizens have access to free, although rudimentary, medical care. The sale of tobacco products is banned and smoking in public areas is an offence punished with fines. Major sources of income for the kingdom are tourism, hydroelectric power and agriculture. While traditional culture has been very well preserved, the opening of the country to TV and internet in 1999 has had a major effect, and modern-day culture is mostly centred on bars and snooker halls. As a result, there is very little or no evidence of quality contemporary art, theatre or music. Culturally, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist with Dzongkha as a national language (although there are regional variations - such as Sharchopkha , the predominant language in Eastern Bhutan ), and a common dress code and architectural style. Bhutanese people primarily consist of the Ngalops and Sharchops, called the Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese, and Lhotshamphas (Southern Bhutanese), a people of Nepalese Gurkha Origin, respectively. The Ngalops primarily consist of Bhutanese living in the western part of the country. Their culture is closely related to that of their neighbour to the north, Tibet. Because of the danger of their distinct culture being overwhelmed by Hindu Nepalese immigrants—as had happened in neighboring Sikkim , which ended up being annexed by India—some of whom had been in Bhutan for generations, many were expelled or fled as stateless persons to refugee camps in Nepal . Gross National Happiness[ edit ] This ideology was the brain child of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who, having gained a modern education in India and the UK , realised that mere economic success did not necessarily translate into a content and happy society. Consequently, soon after his coronation in 1974, the young king began to float the idea of developing a new set of guidelines by which to govern the country. Slowly these ideas took shape, and in 1998 the GNH indicator was established. GNH stands for "Gross National Happiness" and is defined by the following four objectives: to increase economic growth and development, preserve and promote the cultural heritage, encourage sustainable use of the environment, and establish good governance. While the concept of GNH receives much international praise and is a major draw for tourists, potential visitors should be aware that the idea is very much in its incubation stage, and there is very little evidence of GNH in the country itself. On 19 July 2011, 68 countries joined the Kingdom of Bhutan in co-sponsoring a resolution titled “Happiness: Towards a holistic approach to development,” which was adopted by consensus by the 193-member UN General Assembly. In follow up to the resolution, the Royal Government of Bhutan convened a High Level Meeting on “Happiness and Well Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” on 2nd April 2012 at the Unit |
Two monumental statues of standing Buddhas carved into a cliff and infamously destroyed by the Taliban in 2001 were located in which part of central Afghanistan? | 1000+ images about Bamiyan 巴米掦 on Pinterest | Afghanistan, Buddha and Steve McCurry Forward Bamiyan valley is in the linking path of the markets of China and markets of Western Asia. It was part of the Gandhara kingdom till the invasion of Afghanistan. Bamiyan valley consists of a large number of Buddhist statues carved on the sides of the hill. The two most prominent of these statues were standing Buddhas, now known as the Buddhas of Bamyan, measuring several feet tall. They are the largest standing Buddha carvings in the world. In 2001 the Talibans dynamited and destroyed . See More |
What are the only two South American countries that do not border Brazil? | A Study Of The Country Brazil EDUCATION Brazil The Federative Republic of Brazil is simultaneously South America’s largest country (by both population and geographical size) as well as one of its most diverse and fascinating. It is filled to the brim with intriguing people, plants and animals as well as liberal doses of history, religion, culture and sporting greatness. The most densely populated parts of Brazil are in the south-central regions, which include major urban conglomerates like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Because of the rapid growth experienced by this country in terms of urban development, industrialisation and population at the beginning of the 21st century, Brazil is facing a number of social, environmental and political challenges. Classic view of iconic sidewalk pattern, palm trees, and bright blue sky at Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, it is also because of this growth that it is doing so well in terms of its economy. In fact, it is one of the world’s largest and most significant economies. It is also the only Portuguese-speaking country in both North and South America. This Portuguese heritage dates back to the 1700’s, when Brazil was first colonised by this European nation. During its rich and complex history, slavery was a major part of the Brazilian heritage, although this was never formally recorded in the annals of history. Slaves were brought to the country across the Pacific Ocean from Africa. Therefore, there is also a large proportion of Brazilian inhabitants that have an African heritage. Others of European and Asian descent immigrated to Brazil in the 19th century. These ones were mainly from Japan, Poland, Spain, Italy and Germany. Therefore, this country is now a melting pot of ethnic and cultural diversity. Despite such diversity, Brazil maintains strong national pride and religious devotion. The vast majority, approximately 75%, of the population is Roman Catholic, while the rest are largely Christian or subscribe to the various African-based beliefs. Brazil enjoys an extensive coastline that measures almost 7 500 kilometres (or more than 4 600 miles). Its other borders are made up of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In fact, Ecuador and Chile are the only South American countries with which Brazil does not share its borders. Brazil enjoys an extensive coastline that measures almost 7 500 kilometres (or more than 4 600 miles). Its other borders are made up of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In fact, Ecuador and Chile are the only South American countries with which Brazil does not share its borders There are various groups of islands that also belong to Brazil, such as Saint Peter, Trindade and Fernando de Noronha, amongst others. Its entire area measures exactly 8 514 876.599 square kilometres or 3 287 612 square miles. Apart from being geographically large, Brazil is also naturally diverse. It comprises dense rain forests and jungles, expanses of coastline, towering mountains, oceanic archipelagos (or clusters of islands), rivers, scrublands and rolling plains. Because of such a variation in habitats available to plants and animals, Brazil boasts a rich array of fauna and flora. Copon Building, "S" shape, a landmark in the center of São Paulo city, Brazil. In fact, scientists estimate that this South American country is home to about four million different species. Particularly extensive are this country’s populations of birds and amphibians. In terms of the local culture, Brazil continues to be influenced by the traditions and customs of the Portuguese. This is evident in the architecture, music, literature, cuisine, dance, religion and theatre of the country. Being home to the Amazon Rainforest, many other such natural wonders, cultural attractions and historical remnants makes Brazil a fascinating tourist destination and home. As the Host Country for the 2016 Summer Olympics, it is guaranteed an influx of travellers and footba |
What is the largest landmass that lies entirely in the Pacific Ocean? | Interesting Facts About Pacific Ocean - Fun Facts About Pacific Ocean Fun and Interesting Facts About Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean is spread over an area of 165.2 million sq km, which includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies. Pacific Ocean covers about 46% of the Earth's water surface and about 32% of its total surface area. Pacific Ocean is larger than all of the Earth's land area combined. Mariana Trench in the western North Pacific, at a depth of 10,911 m, is the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean as well as the world. Its depth is more than the height of Mt. Everest. Pacific Ocean reaches its greatest east-west width at about 5°N latitude, where it stretches for approximately 19,800 kilometers. The average depth of Pacific Ocean is 4,280 meters (14,000 ft). There are more than 25,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean, the number being more than count of islands in the rest four oceans. West Pacific (near Asia) is in the Eastern Hemisphere, while the East Pacific (near the Americas) is in the Western Hemisphere. The water temperatures in Pacific Ocean range from freezing in the pole-ward areas to about 30 °C (86 °F) near the equator. Pacific Ocean is almost triangular in shape, narrow in the Arctic north and broad in the Arctic south. Pacific Ocean is the largest, the deepest as well as the oldest ocean in the world. The island of New Guinea, the second largest island in the world, is the largest landmass entirely within the Pacific Ocean. Almost all the smaller islands of Pacific Ocean lie between 30°N and 30°S, extending from Southeast Asia to Easter Island. There are basically four types of islands in the Pacific Ocean - continental islands, high islands, coral reefs, and uplifted coral platforms. Pacific Ocean was first sighted by Europeans, in early 16th century. Even amongst them, Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa was the first. Pacific Ocean is connected with Arctic Ocean by the Bering Strait and with Atlantic Ocean by Drake Passage, Straits of Magellan and Panama Canal. Almost the entire rim of the Pacific basin is ringed with volcanoes and earthquake areas. The coral islands in Pacific Ocean, called atolls, are formed on the top of submerged volcanoes by coral polyps. Pacific Ocean is connected with Indian Ocean by passages in the Malay Archipelago and between Australia and Antarctica. The Great Barrier Reef in Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Australia, is the longest reef in the world. How to Cite |
Located in Botswana, which is the world's largest inland delta? | The Largest Inland Delta in the World The Largest Inland Delta in the World GO Sep 14, 2007 18:07 GMT · By Stefan Anitei · Share: This is a geographic accident located in the desert sands of the Kalahari (Botswana) like the mouth of a large river: a lot of streams and small lakes forming a wet labyrinth where you can see herds of buffaloes and elephants and lions stalking their prey. But the peculiarity of the Okavango is the way it dies. The river springs from the central Angola and after running 1,400 km (880 mi), it literally evaporates in the Kalahari desert, its mouth turning into the world's largest inner delta (15,000 square km, about five times larger than Danube Delta, for instance) and an exceptional place for seeing the most representative species of the African fauna. To the south, Okavango Delta fuels Lake Ngami. During the rainy season, the volume of flow of its numerous arms and thousands of channels in which the river is divided while approaching its final increases significantly, receiving 11 cubic kilometers of water annually. The arrival of the water in a country representing the paradigm of the dryness is an event, that's why 'pula', Botswana's national currency means "water". 10,000 years ago, Okavango still flowed into the area of Makgadkgadi Pan, southern Botswana. The pan is an ancient lake turned today into vast plains of drought and gray land which only harbor water rarely, in years with extremely abundant rainfall. Together with the omnipresent desert, the pans have been gaining terrain and they have pushed most of the population towards the cities. Botswana has a surface almost as much as Texas and a little more than 1.5 million people, and it is surprisingly one of the countries with the greatest percentage of urban population in the world. Only the Bushmen still dare to defy the climate severity of the Kalahari. That's why, even if the territory occupied by the Okavango delta is relatively small, it harbors 90 % of Botswana's waters, a national treasure. Like a store depositing reserves for the times of scarcity, the delta presents its highest water levels during the dry season, between May and July, and empties gradually reaching the rainy season with the minimum lows. That's why when there's no water, the animals start a migration to the wetlands of the river. Your attention may be attracted by zebras or giraffes, but animals adapted to the Okavango delta are the Red Lechwe and Reedbucks, beautiful aquatic antelopes that cross the waters at a great speed. This is also one of the few places in Africa where the African Wild Dog can still be seen. The Okavango's lions are famous as the only ones in the world that do not avoid water and are adapted for hunting in the swamps. Numerous birds feed on the fish of the swamps, like spoonbillls, herons, ibises, and prey birds. Traditionally, both locals and tourists use mokoro, a narrow canoe pushed with a perch, allowing a silent movement. Even if it may look dangerous to travel in mokoro amongst elephants, hippopotamuses and crocodiles, incidents are extremely rare. The delta's vegetation is impressive. In many occasions, the water is covered by waterlilies, while the banks are covered by papyrus and palm trees. In the savanna around the delta, the dominant tree is the mopane, which in some places forms real forests. The oasis can be reached by air or water, and Maun City is its operational center. Chief's Island, in the Moremi reserve, is one of the richest areas in fauna. The difficult access, and the high prices for entry and staying in the natural reserves have turned Botswana and Okavango in one of the most expensive destinations in Africa. In change, you can enjoy one of the least altered areas in the continent. CHECK OUT THE GALLERY (3 Images) |
Among US states with the highest number of national parks, California and Alaska come in first with 8 each. Which state comes next with 5 of them? | Seven of the Most Striking Ways States Have Loosened Gun Laws - ProPublica ProPublica Journalism in the Public Interest Receive our top stories daily optional We're probing the policy and politics of guns in America. Latest Stories in this Project Seven of the Most Striking Ways States Have Loosened Gun Laws It’s only Friends’ email(s) max 10, separated by commas Personal message Connect with Facebook to share articles you read on ProPublica. Learn more » Enable Social Reading Update (12/19): This post has been updated to reflect recent developments in Michigan. Correction (12/27): This post has been corrected . Friday’s deadly rampage at a Connecticut elementary school marked the 13th mass shooting in the United States this year . Among the 11 deadliest shootings in U.S. history, more than half took place in the last five years . During the same period, states have often relaxed their gun laws, making it easier for individuals to obtain guns, extending the places where concealed guns are permitted, or giving gun owners more robust protections. We take a closer look at some of the more striking measures: 1. Five states allow students to carry concealed guns on college campuses A March 2012 Colorado Supreme Court decision held that the University of Colorado could not ban students and employees with state-issued concealed weapon permits from carrying guns on campus. The decision overturned the university’s long-standing gun ban . While school policy prohibits guns at ticketed athletic and cultural events, Boulder and Colorado Springs’ campuses now designate dorms for permit-carrying students. (Guns are still banned in other dorms). “Not a single student has asked to live where guns are allowed,” the Denver Post reported last month . In September 2011, the Oregon Court of Appeals issued a similar ruling , allowing guns on campuses throughout the Oregon University system. Wisconsin passed legislation in 2011 allowing college students in the University of Wisconsin school system to bring a concealed weapon on campus grounds, parking lots and “other spaces that aren’t enclosed,” according to the Wisconsin State Journal . The school can prohibit guns in buildings, but only if signs are posted at each entrance. A law passed by the Mississippi State Legislature in 2011 broadly extended the places where concealed weapons are allowed, including college campuses, secondary schools, courthouses, polling locations, churches, bars and passenger terminals of an airport – places previously off-limits. This year, the University of Mississippi , which previously required students to leave guns in their vehicles, began allowing students to bring concealed weapons on campus, provided they have a concealed weapons permit and take an 8-hour training course. Utah grants the least discretion : Since 2004, the state has prohibited any public college or university from banning concealed weapons, as campuses are considered state property. 2. Some states now allow you to bring guns into daycare centers, churches, and even “gun-free zones” Last week, the Michigan Legislature passed a law that would allow concealed weapons in current “gun-free” zones such as schools, day care centers, bars, churches, hospitals and stadiums. Gun owners are required to receive eight hours of extra training before bringing guns into these places. The bill, which has yet to be signed into law, gives private business owners discretion to ban firearms on their property. On Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed the legislation since it lacked the same opt-out provision for non-private institutions like schools. While Michigan’s legislation has gained attention given its timing to Friday’s shooting, it’s far from the only law of its kind. As we’ve already noted, Mississippi has also expanded the list of permissible concealed carry locations. Elsewhere, loaded guns in bars are now allowed in Tennessee, Arizona, Georgia, Virginia and Ohio. Georgia lawmakers introduced legislation earlier this year that would expand the list of places where you can bring in a concealed |
What is the beautiful onion-domed church situated in Red Square, Moscow that is often confused with the Kremlin? | Moscow and St Petersburg | Select Travel Holidays Select the Perfect Holiday Experience Moscow and St Petersburg Experience Russia's two greatest cities: from the cosmopolitan capital of Moscow, renowned for its fortified historic core, the Kremlin, the symbolic Red Square and the colourful onion-shaped domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, to the elegant boulevards and ornate palaces of St Petersburg, the former imperial capital founded by Peter the Great. Holiday highlights: Discover the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius City sightseeing in St Petersburg Visit the magnificent Peterhof Palace and Park Optional tours and excursions including a St Petersburg canal cruise and Catherine’s Palace (highly recommended) Holiday includes: Flights Overseas transfers and transportation Six nights’ hotel accommodation (one night in a berth on overnight train – single accommodation not available on train) Meals: seven breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners Porterage at hotels and railway stations (one bag per person) Tours and excursions: city sightseeing in Moscow and St Petersburg, excursion to Sergiyev Posad, visit to Kremlin, excursion to Peterhof Palace and Gardens and Hermitage Museum visit Individual Audio System during tour Services of a tour director All local and airport taxes/service charges Full itinerary below Itinerary Days One to Three – Moscow Your Russian adventure starts today as you fly to Moscow, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. There’s some time to settle in and included dinner tonight before your tour kickstarts on day two with morning sightseeing. A local guide will accompany you and show you the city’s many highlights, including the dramatic red-brick towers, extravagant palaces and historic Cathedral Square, and the iconic Kremlin. Situated at the heart of the city, overlooking the Moskva River to the South, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square to the east and Alexander Garden to the west, the Kremlin, a fortified complex dating back to the 12th century, and is renowned for the gleaming gold domes and cupolas of the Dormition, Annunciation and Archangel Michael cathedrals. Tonight, there’s an optional ‘Moscow by night’ tour to see the city beautiful lit up and illuminated. On day three, you have a full day to explore this spellbinding city, with a number of optional tours and visits to choose from: perhaps the State Tretyakov Gallery, a national treasury housing Russian fine art and widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest museums, or perhaps the symbolic Cathedral of Christ our Saviour, destroyed by Stalin in 1931 but faithfully rebuilt in 1994. Day Four – Sergiyev Posad Leaving Moscow, today you’ll head to the Golden Ring city of Sergiyev Posad, enjoying a visit to the splendid Trinity Monastery of St Sergius in the morning. One of Russia’s most beloved architectural treasures, this vast fortified monastery is a favourite film location due to its beautiful five-tiered Bell Tower and attracts thousands of worshippers. Later you’ll return to Moscow for dinner before boarding an overnight train and travelling in a 2nd class couchette (4 berth, mixed gender) to St Petersburg (optional upgrade to a 1st class 2 berth sleeper is available at a supplement). Days Five to Seven – St Petersburg Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg was the imperial capital for 200 years – and today it remains the cultural centre of the country. Inspired by the great cosmopolitan cities of western Europe, St Petersburg is a grand city with wide boulevards, green parks, majestic monuments and elegant, ornate palaces. You’ll arrive in St Petersburg this morning, tucking into breakfast before enjoying the city’s main highlights on a sightseeing tour. Admire some wonderful highlights such as the impressive façade of the Winter Palace and Nevsky Prospect, with its ornate onion-domed Church of the Resurrection and St Isaac Cathedral. Later, you may wish to join the optional excursion to the Peter and Paul Fortress, ordered and planned by Peter the Great in 1703 it’s the historical core of St Petersburg as well |
What is the only nation state of the Commonwealth of Nations on the mainland of South America? | Belize | The Commonwealth The Commonwealth Caribbean and Americas Did you know: Of 13 Commonwealth member countries in the Americas, only Belize, Canada and Guyana lie on the mainland, three of the most sparsely populated countries in the association; all the others are islands or archipelagos. The country’s current Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, is the first of African descent. Key facts Population density (per sq. km): 14 Belize forms part of the Commonwealth Caribbean, and is located in central America, bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. Main towns: Belmopan (capital, pop. 18,326 in 2014), Belize City (former capital and commercial centre, 60,184), San Ignacio (20,027), San Pedro (15,484), Orange Walk (13,692), Corozal (11,427), Dangriga (10,002), Benque Viejo (6,497) and Punta Gorda (5,795). Transport: There is a road network of some 2,870 km, 17 per cent paved, with 1,420 km of all-weather roads. The four main highways are: Northern Highway (Belize City to Chetumal on the Mexican border); Western Highway (Belize City via Belmopan to the Guatemalan border); Hummingbird Highway (Belmopan to Dangriga); and Southern Highway (Dangriga to Punta Gorda). Belize City is the main port; the international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson, lies 16 km north-west of Belize City. International relations: Belize is a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Association of Caribbean States, Caribbean Community, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of American States, United Nations and World Trade Organization. Belize is strengthening its links with its Central American neighbours through its membership of the Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana. Topography: The long east coast is mostly flat with lagoons and mangrove swamps. For 16-32km out to sea the water is only about 5m deep and a barrier reef (second in size only to Australia’s) stretches nearly 297km, with many tiny islands known as cays or cayes inside. Three smaller reefs lie further out. Inland, the terrain rises with Victoria Peak (1,122m), the country’s highest point, in the Cockscomb range to the east, and the heavily forested Maya Mountains to the south-west. Continuing north, the Western (Cayo) District is also hilly, with the Mountain Pine Ridge. The northern districts have wide areas of tableland. There are 17 principal rivers, navigable at best only by vessels of shallow draught Climate: The climate is subtropical, moderated by trade winds. The average temperature from November to January is 24°C and from May to September 27°C; inland there is a greater range. There are two dry seasons: March–May and August–September (the Maugre season). Annual rainfall ranges from 1,290 mm in the north to 4,450 mm in the south. The country is susceptible to hurricanes; Hurricane Iris in October 2001 – the fourth in three years – was the worst for 40 years. Several years later in August 2007 another hurricane, Hurricane Dean, hit Belize affecting the livelihoods of up to 2,500 families in the northern parts of the country. Environment: The most significant environmental issues are deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural run-off; and solid waste disposal. Vegetation: Forest covers 61 per cent of the land area and includes rainforest with mahoganies, cayune palms, and many orchids. Higher in the mountains, pine forest and cedar predominate. Arable land comprises three per cent of the land area. Wildlife: There is a strong emphasis on conservation. By 1992, 18 national parks and reserves had been established, including the world’s only jaguar reserve. Other native species include ocelots, pumas, baboons, howler monkeys, toucans and many species of parrot. |
Flemish Cap, an area of shallow waters in the north Atlantic east of Newfoundland and Labrador is featured in which 2000 film as the final fishing grounds for Billy Tyne (George Clooney) and his crew? | Flemish Cap : definition of Flemish Cap and synonyms of Flemish Cap (English) Map showing the Flemish Cap at far right The Flemish Cap is an area of shallow waters in the north Atlantic Ocean centered roughly at 47° north, 45° west or about 350 miles (560 km) east of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador . The shallow water is caused by a wide underwater plateau covering an extended area of 12,000 square miles (42,000 km²). Depths at the cap range from approximately 400 feet (122 m) to 2,300 feet (700 m). The Flemish Cap is located within an area of transition between the cold waters of the Labrador Current and warmer waters influenced by the North Atlantic Current . The mixing of the warmer and colder waters over the plateau produces the characteristic clockwise circulation current over the cap. The waters of the Flemish Cap are deeper and warmer than the Grand Banks . The 58,000-square-kilometre area may have served as an important refuge for marine species during the last ice age. [1] The waters of the Flemish Cap are noted as excellent fishing waters. Halibut , swordfish , shrimp , scallop , yellowtail and other marine species may be found in abundance there. The Flemish Cap lies outside Canada 's 200 nautical mile (370 km) Exclusive Economic Zone established in 1977, and is therefore in international fishing waters. Overfishing has become a serious issue in recent years. Cod and American plaice are particularly endangered here and the numbers of redfish have shown a significant decline. In recent years, Canada had made an effort to prevent overfishing in the region by use of provisions of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act and the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement. Film This area was also filmed by Wolfgang Petersen in his 2000 film The Perfect Storm as the final fishing grounds for Billy Tyne ( George Clooney ) and his crew. Swordfish were their primary catch. References |
The city of DeKalb, Illinois is credited as the first manufacturing site of what 'restraining' invention that revolutionized ranching in the US? | Barbed Wire History - Invention of Barbed Wire Invention: barbed wire in 1873 Function: noun / wire with clusters of sharp spikes at intervals along it. Definition: Wire fencing constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strand(s). Barbed wire was the first wire technology capable of restraining cattle. Patent: 157,124 (US) issued November 24, 1874 Inventor: Joseph Farwell Glidden Criteria: First practical. Modern prototype. Entrepreneur. Birth: January 18, 1813 in Clarendon, New York. Death: October 9, 1906 in Dekalb, Illinois Nationality: American Milestones: 1865 Louis Jannin of France.patents an unsuccessful pointed wire product. 1867 two inventors tried adding points to smooth wire but failed. 1868 Michael Kelly invented a practical wire with points which was used in quantity until 1874. 1872 Joseph Farwell Glidden files patent application for an improved wire fence 1873 Henry M. Rose exhibited a wooden rail with a series of sharp spikes protruding 1873 Joseph Glidden, Jacob Haish, and Isaac Ellwood have idea to improve upon Rose's fence 1874 Glidden sells Isaac Ellwood half interest in his barbed wire patent for $265.00. 1874 Glidden awarded a patent for his barbed wire fence invention. 1874 Glidden and Ellwood formed a partnership called the Barb Fence Company 1875 Glidden's invention set off a creative frenzy that produced over 570 barbed wire patents. 1876 Glidden sells the other half interest in his patent to Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Co. . 1877 Courts declare Glidden the "Father of Barbed Wire" CAPs: Glidden, Joseph Farwell Glidden, Jacob Haish, Isaac Ellwood, Michael Kelly, Henry M. Rose, Barb Fence Company, John "Bet a Million" Gates, Louis Jannin, American Steel & Wire Company, SIPs: fence, barb wire, barbed wire, invention, history, inventor of, history of, who invented, invention of, fascinating facts. The Story: Barbed wire is composed of two zinc-coated steel strands twisted together and having barbs spaced regularly along them. The need for barbed wire arose in the 19th century as the American frontier moved westward into the Great Plains and traditional fence materials�wooden rails and stone�became scarce and expensive. Of the many early types of barbed wire, the type invented in Illinois in 1873 by Joseph F. Glidden proved most popular. Joesph Glidden was born January 18, 1813 in Clarendon, New York. In 1843, he moved to Illinois with his wife Clarissa Foster and set about farming the land..His wife and their two sons died shortly after the move. In 1851, Glidden married Lucinda Warne and acquired additional farming land. During the years 1852 to 1872 Glidden held various city and county government positions in addtion to his farming duties. Joseph Glidden attended a Dekalb, Illinois county fair where he observed a demonstration of a wooden rail with sharp nails protruding along its sides, hanging inside a smooth wire fence. The fence rail, patented earlier that year on May 13, by Henry M. Rose was designed to be attached to an existing fence to "prick" an animal when it came into contact with the rail and keep livestock from breaking through. This inspired him to invent and patent, in 1874, a successful barbed wire in the form we recognize today. Glidden fashioned barbs on an improvised coffee bean grinder, placed them at intervals along a smooth wire, and twisted another wire around the first to hold the barbs in a fixed position. Legend states that Glidden's wife Lucinda encouraged him with his idea to enclose her garden. Glidden experimented by bending a short wire around a long strand of straight wire, by modifying a coffee mill. Two pins on one side of the mill, one centered and the other just enough off |
Which tiny landlocked European country, also the smallest German-speaking country in the world, has bordering countries that are also landlocked? | Liechtenstein - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger, Sheboygan, Wisconsin FL (F�rstentum Liechtenstein) The Prince of Liechtenstein owns vineyards in Vaduz Rathaus der Gemeinde Valduz in 1968 in 2007, after renovation in the 1980s The Principality of Liechtenstein (German: F�rstentum Liechtenstein) is a tiny, doubly landlocked alpine country in Western-Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to its west and by Austria to its east. Mountainous, it is a winter sports resort, although it is perhaps best known as a tax haven. Despite this, it is not heavily urbanized (in the way that the Principality of Monaco and Gibraltar are). Many cultivated fields and small farms characterize its landscape both in the north (Unterland) and in the south (Oberland). Not only is it the smallest German-speaking country in the world, but also the only European country whose bordering countries are also landlocked. Text from Wikipedia |
After Russia, what is the second largest country in area amongst the former Soviet republics? | Union of Soviet Socialist Republics | historical state, Eurasia | Britannica.com Union of Soviet Socialist Republics historical state, Eurasia Alternative Titles: Russia, Sojuz Sovetskich Socialisticeskich Respublik, Sovetsky Soyuz, Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik, U.S.S.R., Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Spotlight / Geography Learn more about this topic 1 Learn more about the history of the U.S.S.R. 2 This leader succeeded Gorbachev and ushered in the Putin era Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, (U.S.S.R.) also called Soviet Union Russian Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik or Sovetsky Soyuz, former northern Eurasian empire (1917/22–1991) stretching from the Baltic and Black seas to the Pacific Ocean and, in its final years, consisting of 15 Soviet Socialist Republics (S.S.R.’s): Armenia , Azerbaijan, Belorussia (now Belarus), Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgiziya (now Kyrgyzstan), Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia (now Moldova), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The capital was Moscow, then and now the capital of Russia. Flag of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 1922–91. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. During the period of its existence, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was by area the world’s largest country. It was also one of the most diverse , with more than 100 distinct nationalities living within its borders. The majority of the population, however, was made up of East Slavs (Russians, Ukrainians, and Belorussians); these groups together made up more than two-thirds of the total population in the late 1980s. At its greatest extent, between 1946 and 1991 (the figures and descriptions given below refer to this period), the U.S.S.R. covered some 8,650,000 square miles (22,400,000 square kilometres), seven times the area of India and two and one-half times that of the United States. The country occupied nearly one-sixth of the Earth’s land surface, including the eastern half of Europe and roughly the northern third of Asia. The U.S.S.R. extended more than 6,800 miles (10,900 kilometres) from east to west, covering 11 of the world’s 24 time zones. The most westerly point was on the Baltic Sea , near Kaliningrad; the easternmost was Cape Dezhnev on the Bering Strait , nearly halfway around the world. From north to south the U.S.S.R. extended some 2,800 miles from Cape Chelyuskin to Kushka on the Afghan border. Nearly half the territory of the U.S.S.R. was north of 60° N, at the same latitude as Alaska, Baffin Island , and Greenland. Related Topics empire In addition to having the world’s longest coastline, the U.S.S.R. had the longest frontiers. To the north the country was bounded by the seas of the Arctic Ocean , and to the east were the seas of the Pacific. On the south the U.S.S.R. was bordered by North Korea, Mongolia , China, Afghanistan, Iran , and Turkey . On the southern frontier there were three seas: the Caspian Sea , the world’s largest inland sea, as well as the almost completely landlocked Black Sea and Sea of Azov . Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Finland, and Norway lay to the west. The U.S.S.R. was the successor to the Russian Empire of the tsars. Following the 1917 Revolution, four socialist republics were established on the territory of the former empire: the Russian and Transcaucasian Soviet Federated Socialist Republics and the Ukrainian and Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republics. On Dec. 30, 1922, these constituent republics established the U.S.S.R. Additional union republics (Soviet Socialist Republics) were set up in subsequent years: the Turkmen and Uzbek S.S.R.’s in 1924, the Tadzhik S.S.R. in 1929, and the Kazakh and Kirgiz S.S.R.’s in 1936. In that year the Transcaucasian Republic was abolished and its territory was divided between three new republics: the Armenian, Azerbaijan, and Georgian S.S.R.’s. In 1940 the Karelo-Finnish, Moldavian, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian S.S.R.’s were established. The Karelo-Finnish S.S.R. became an autonomous republic in 1956, leaving a tot |
The melting Furtwängler Glacier, sometimes used as an example of global warming is near which African geographic feature? | Glaciers Overview - Geography Geography By Colin Stief, Geography Intern Glaciers are a hot topic these days and are a frequent subject of debate when discussing global climate change or the fate of polar bears. Do you ever find yourself asking what glaciers have to do with global warming? Have you ever wondered what exactly your friend meant when she told you that you moved at a glacial pace? Either way, read on, and learn all about these frozen landforms. Glacier Basics A glacier is essentially a huge mass of ice resting on land or floating in the sea next to land. Moving extremely slowly, a glacier acts similarly to an immense river of ice, often merging with other glaciers in a stream-like manner. Regions with continuous snowfall and constant freezing temperatures foster the development of these frozen rivers. It is so cold in these regions that when a snowflake hits the ground it does not melt, but instead combines with other snowflakes to form larger grains of ice. As more and more snow accumulates, mounting weight and pressure squeeze these grains of ice together to form a glacier. continue reading below our video Test Your General Science Knowledge A glacier cannot form unless is it above the snowline, the lowest elevation at which snow can survive year round. Most glaciers form in high mountain regions such as the Himalayas of Southern Asia or the Alps of Western Europe where regular snow and extremely cold temperatures are present. Glaciers are also found in Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, Alaska, and even South America (the Andes), California (the Sierra Nevada), and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. As tiny air bubbles are eventually forced out by the increasing pressure the glacier appears blue, a sign of highly dense, airless ice. Glaciers may be retreating worldwide due to global warming , but they still cover about 10% of earth’s land and hold about 77% of earth's freshwater (29,180,000 cubic kilometers ). Types of Glaciers Glaciers can be characterized in two ways based on their formation: alpine and continental. Alpine Glacier - Most glaciers that form in a mountain are known as alpine glaciers . There are several subtypes of alpine glaciers: Cirque: a cirque is a bowl shaped hollow at the head of a valley. Within a cirque lies a snowfield, the place where snow accumulates to form a cirque glacier . Valley: any glacier that resides in an area eroded by stream action is called a valley glacier. These types of glaciers tend to be very long and often times pass below the snowline. Piedmont: when multiple valley glaciers come together as one at a large stretch of flat line, the resulting mass is a piedmont glacier . Tidewater: a glacier that meets the sea is known as a tidewater glacier. Usually a process called calving occurs, when a piece of the glacier breaks off in to the sea, forming a large mass of floating ice known as an iceberg. Continental Glacier – An expansive, continuous mass of ice considerably bigger than an alpine glacier is known as a continental glacier. There are three primary subtypes: Ice Sheet: the largest of any glacier type, extending over 50,000 square kilometers. The only places on earth that have these frozen monsters are Antarctica and Greenland. Antarctica alone is home to 92% of all glacial ice worldwide. Ice sheets are so massive and heavy that they literally bend the continental crust on which they sit, a phenomena known as isostatic depression. Ice Cap: similar to an ice sheet, though smaller and forming a roughly circular, dome-like structure that completely blankets the landscape underneath. Ice Field : a smaller version on an ice cap that fails to cover the land and is elongated relative to the underlying topography. Glacial Movement There are two types of glacial movement: sliders and creepers. Sliders travel along a thin film of water located on the bottom of the glacier. Creepers, on the other hand, form internal layers of ice crystals that move past one another based on the surrounding conditions (e.g. weight, pressure, temperature). The top and middle layers of |
Which group of islands in the Caribbean Sea are divided as? Greater ___: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico Lesser ___: Leeward Islands, Windward Islands and Leeward ___ | Lesser and Greater Antilles / Windward and Leeward Islands - What is What? | Caribbean Travel Blog - RumShopRyan Home / Islands / Lesser and Greater Antilles / Windward and Leeward Islands – What is What? Lesser and Greater Antilles / Windward and Leeward Islands – What is What? February 16, 2010 by RumShopRyan 10 Comments Up, down, north, south, Lesser Antilles, Windward islands; it can all be a little confusing. Let’s set sail and figure out this mystery of the geographical names of the Caribbean Sea. (Photo via ( www.definitivecaribbean.com ) Which islands are in the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles? The West Indies are composed of the islands of the Caribbean Sea and can be divided into the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. The Greater Antilles are the four largest islands in the northwestern portion of the Caribbean Sea and include. It’s simple, just look at them on a map. They are called the Greater Antilles because they are so much bigger than the rest of the Caribbean islands. Greater and Lesser Antilles The Greater Antilles islands include Cuba Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) Jamaica Puerto Rico. The Lesser Antilles include the smaller islands of the Caribbean and are divided up into the Windward Islands and Leeward Islands. The Lesser Antilles chain starts in the Virgin Islands and wraps the eastern Caribbean all the way down to Trinidad and Tobago. The Lesser Antilles islands include The Virgin Islands St. Martin (Guadeloupe (north part) and Netherlands Antilles (south part)) Saba (Netherlands Antilles) St. Vincent and the Grenadines Grenada Trinidad & Tobago Which islands are in the Windward Islands and Leeward Islands? The Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands are part of the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea. The Windward Islands are southeastern islands of the Caribbean. They’re called the Windward Islands because they’re exposed to the wind (“windward”) of the northeast trade winds (northeasterlies). Windward and Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles The Windward Islands include St. Vincent and the Grenadines Grenada Trinidad Tabago The Leeward Islands are the northwestern islands of the Lesser Antilles. They’re called the Leeward Islands because they’re away from the wind (“lee”). The Leeward Islands include |
Which Peruvian city was the historic capital of the sun-worshipping Inca empire? | Cusco Peru - Capital of the Inca Empire Read the Spanish version Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are some of the names that this ancient Incan capital is known by. It is a study site for archeologists from all over the world who flock to Peru to marvel at Machu Picchu and the rest of the Inca ruins scattered throughout the valley. Cusco was the administrative center of the Spanish Empire's Viceroyalty of Peru. A vast amount of art and colonial architecture remains throughout the city, especially in the Plaza de Armas. Currently, Cusco is the greatest tourist region of the country and receives over a million visitors a year. Cusco, Peru , is the most ancient urban settlement in all of the Americas, officially over 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic artifacts have been found there that date back 5,000 years. The true history of the first inhabitants of the city has been lost to Incan legends that claim the city to have been founded by the Incas: Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq. Cusco started to gain importance with the Incan society, in the year 1,200 A.C., although as previously mentioned the city existed much before that. Cusco reached its peak at the height of the Inca Empire's expansion, around 1.400 A.C., and its decline began with the arrival of the Spanish in 1533. The Spaniards moved the capital to Lima where the colonial culture flourished. Cusco maintained a relative importance as the administrative center of the Viceroyalty of Peru, as the region was called under the Spanish administration. During this period, Incan nobility maintained certain privileges in the valley of Cusco which allows them to live in relative peace and mix with the arriving Spaniards. We say “relative” because there were some uprisings led by Manko Inka in 1536 that continued until 1572 when the last descendent of the ancient Incan Dynasty, Túpac Amaru I, was executed. During this period, Incan nobility maintained certain privileges in the valley of Cusco which allows them to live in relative peace and mix with the arriving Spaniards. We say “relative” because there were some uprisings led by Manko Inka in 1536 that continued until 1572 when the last descendent of the ancient Incan Dynasty, Túpac Amaru I, was executed. In 1821, after many rebellions throughout all of Latin America , Peru gained independence and maintained Lima as the country's capital. Cusco, however, was chosen as the “Archaeological Capital of South America” in recognition of its historic importance to not only Peru but the whole continent. In 1983 the city was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Along the Inca Trail near Cusco is the sacred city of Machu Picchu (“Old Mountain” in the Quechua language), archaeological ruins of incomparable beauty located on the mountain summit. It is believed that the city was a holiday residence of Pachacútec, the first Incan emperor who lived from 1438 to 1470. The city played two functions: one of a palace and one as a religious sanctuary. Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new recognized Wonders of the World. Contact us |
Which national capital is the only city entirely built in the 20th century to be considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO? | Brazilia, Brazil - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Brazilia Bras�lia is the capital of Brazil. The city and its District are located in the Central-West region of the country, along a plateau known as Planalto Central. It has a population of about 2,557,000 as of the 2008 IBGE estimate, making it the fourth largest city in Brazil, ahead of Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza. However, as a metropolitan area, it ranks much lower at ninth. It is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The National Congress Building. As the national capital, Bras�lia is the seat of all three branches of the Brazilian government. The city also hosts the headquarters of many Brazilian companies such as the Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econ�mica Federal, Correios and Brasil Telecom. The city is a world reference for urban planning. The locating of residential buildings around expansive urban areas, of building the city around large avenues and dividing it into sectors, has sparked a debate and reflection on life in big cities in the 20th century. The city's planned design included specific areas for almost everything, including accommodation � Hotel Sectors North and South. However, new areas are now being developed as locations for hotels, such as the Hotels and Tourism Sector North, located on the shores of Lake Parano�. The city was planned and developed in 1956 with L�cio Costa as the principal urban planner and Oscar Niemeyer as the principal architect. In 1960, it formally became Brazil's national capital. When seen from above, the main planned part of the city's shape resembles an airplane or a butterfly. The city is commonly referred to as Capital Federal, or simply BSB. People from the city of Bras�lia are known as brasilienses or candangos. Bras�lia has a sui generis status in Brazil, given it is not a municipality like nearly all cities in Brazil. In fact, there isn't even a definition of what Bras�lia is. Recently, the First Administrative Region within the Distrito Federal (Federal District) � which used to be called "Plano Piloto" - was renamed "Bras�lia." But while the name "Bras�lia" is often used in contrast with the "satellite cities," it is most commonly used as the name of the whole of the urban settlements of the Distrito Federal. The Distrito Federal, constitutionally, cannot be divided into municipalities. The Brazilian capital is the only city in the world built in the 20th century to be awarded (in 1987) the status of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial. The plan of the central city has been likened to a bird, a bow and arrow, or an airplane. Designed by the Brazilian architect L�cio Costa, its form is emphasized by the Highway Axis (Eixo Rodovi�rio), which curves from the north to the southwest and links Bras�lia�s main residential neighbourhoods, and the straight Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental), which runs northwest-southeast and is lined by federal and civic buildings. At the northwestern end of the Monumental Axis are federal district and municipal buildings, while at the southeastern end, near the middle shore of Lake Parano�, stand the executive, judicial, and legislative buildings around the Square of Three Powers, the conceptual heart of the city. These and other major structures were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. In the Square of Three Powers, he created as a focal point the dramatic Congressional Palace, which is a composition of five parts: twin administrative towers flanked by a large, white concrete dome (the meeting place of the Senate) and by an equally massive concrete bowl (the Chamber of Deputies), which is joined to the dome by an underlying, flat-roofed building. A series of low-lying annexes (largely out of sight) flank both ends. Also in the square are the glass-faced Planalto Palace (housing the presidential offices) and the Palace of the Supreme Court. Farther ea |
After the five oceans, what is the largest sea body in the world? | World's Biggest Oceans & Seas | Pacific & Atlantic Oceans 1 of 12 Intro Water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface , with the largest body of water, the Pacific Ocean, taking up more than one-third of the planet's surface. All of the oceans on Earth are estimated to have a volume of 0.3 billion cubic miles (1.332 billion cubic kilometers) and an average depth of 12,080.7 feet (3,682.2 meters). But the various bodies of water that make up this total ocean area have their own unique characteristics and range in size from the sprawling Pacific to the self-contained Mediterranean. Here are the top 10 biggest seas and oceans in the world, as measured by surface area in square miles (square kilometers). 2 of 12 Bering Sea 873,000 square miles (2,261,060 square kilometers) Located between Alaska and Siberia, the Bering Sea is known as having some of the most harrowing and unpredictable weather conditions on Earth. In fact, the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," a television show that chronicles the real-life adventures of five Alaskan King crabbing boats, takes place on the Bering Sea. The Bering Sea's weather is most unforgiving during the winter crabbing season, when winds can reach hurricane-like forces, frigid waves become violent and ice fields pose a major threat if in a boat's path. There are more than 400 species of fish in the Bering Sea, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. However, commercial fishing has impacted the biodiversity of the Bering Sea, leading to the extinction of several rare species, according to The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 3 of 12 Mediterranean Sea 969,000 square miles (2,509,698 square kilometers) Connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land, the Mediterranean Sea's name comes from the Latin word meaning "inland" or "in the middle of the Earth." The Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the world's busiest shipping routes, also making the sea a prime area for marine pollution. With approximately 400 tons (370 million tonnes) of oil transported annually in the Mediterranean Sea and around 250 to 300 oil tankers crossing the sea every day, accidental oil spills are a common problem. There is an average of ten oil spills in the Mediterranean Sea every year, according to Greenpeace International. A recent study has also found that the Mediterranean is feeling the effects of global warming, having become both warmer and saltier in recent decades. 4 of 12 Caribbean Sea 971,000 square miles (2,514,878 square kilometers) The beauty of the Caribbean Sea is renowned, with its clear, warm water a steady 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). The Caribbean is also less salty than the Atlantic Ocean these qualities help make it a major tourist destination. Possessing a counterclockwise current, the Caribbean Sea's water enters through the Lesser Antilles, exits through the Yucatán Channel and forms the Gulf Stream. Although beautiful, the sea is also dangerous, with frequent volcanic activity, earthquakes and destructive hurricanes . Spain claimed the Caribbean Sea after Christopher Columbus came across it in 1493, making the Caribbean a main route for treasure-hunting expeditions and, later on, trading. There were indeed pirates in the Caribbean, and they preyed on Spanish ships. Today, the top local products traded in the Caribbean are petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, sugar, coffee and bananas. 5 of 12 South China Sea 1,148,000 square miles (2,973,306 square kilometers) Located in the South China Sea are hundreds of tiny islands, with the collective cluster of South China Sea Islands referred to an as archipelago. These islands are mostly uninhabited, with several countries arguing over who has claim over them, according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Also located in the South China Sea are more than 100 identified islands and reefs, most of which are located within the Spratly Islands and are valuable because they are home to rich fishing grounds as well as gas |
Which country became the first sovereign state of the 21st century when Indonesia relinquished control on it in May 2002? | New Countries Formed In The 21st Century - Album on Imgur New Countries Formed In The 21st Century by MargaeryTyrellsCleav Apr 30 2014 East Timor East Timor or Timor-Leste, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia. The country's size is about 15,410 km2 (5,400 sq mi). In late 1975, East Timor declared its independence but later that year was invaded and occupied by Indonesia and was declared Indonesia's 27th province the following year. In 1999, following the United Nations-sponsored act of self-determination, Indonesia relinquished control of the territory, and East Timor became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century on May 20, 2002. East Timor has a lower-middle-income economy. About 37.4% of the country's population lives below the international poverty line – which means living on less than U.S. $1.25 per day – and about 50% of the population is illiterate. It continues to suffer the aftereffects of a decades-long struggle for independence against Indonesian occupation, which severely damaged the country's infrastructure and killed at least a hundred thousand people. The country is placed 134th on the Human Development Index (HDI). Nonetheless, East Timor is expected to have the sixth-largest percentage growth in GDP in the world for 2013. Montenegro Montenegro is a country in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east and Albania to the south-east. Its capital and largest city is Podgorica. From 1918, it was a part of Yugoslavia. On the basis of an independence referendum held on 21 May 2006, Montenegro declared independence on 3 June of that year. It has a population of 625,266 (2011) and is classified by the World Bank as a middle-income country. It is a member of the UN but not the EU yet although that will probably change in the future. South Sudan South Sudan, officially the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in northeastern Africa that gained its independence from Sudan in 2011. Its current capital is Juba, which is also its largest city. South Sudan is bordered by the Republic of Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. A 2008 census claimed 8,260,490 people inhabited the country although that may be a very rough figure. The country is located in one of the poorest areas of the world and has been in a state of almost perpetual civil war since it gained independence and for long before that. It is no surprise therefore that the country is in the middle of a humanitarian crisis. The under-five infant mortality rate is 135.3 per 1,000, whilst maternal mortality is the highest in the world at 2,053.9 per 100,000 live births. In 2004, there were only three surgeons serving southern Sudan, with three proper hospitals, and in some areas there was just one doctor for every 500,000 people. Kosovo Kosovo, officially known as the Republic of Kosovo, is a partially recognised state in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeastern Europe. Its largest city and capital is Pristina. Kosovo is landlocked and is bordered by the Republic of Macedonia to the south, Albania to the west and Montenegro to the northwest; to the north and east, it borders the central part of Serbia, whose government claims the territory of Kosovo as its Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. On 17 February 2008 Kosovo's Parliament declared independence. Its status is disputed; it is recognised as a sovereign state by 107 UN member states. With the Brussels Agreement of 2013 Serbia accepted the legitimacy of Kosovo institutions and its special status within Serbia, but does not recognise it as an independent country. A 2011 estimate put the population at 1,733,842. South Ossetia Abkhazia Now for both South Ossetia and Abkhazia this is where it gets a little bit tricky. Unlike Kosovo |
The Bridge of Sighs was given its name by Lord Byron from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of which beautiful city out of its window before being taken to their cells? | Bridge of Sighs Reviews - Venice, Italy Trendsters Jun 29, 2014 This is along the way, so keep an eye out for it. It's cool if only for legend (as according to Wikipedia here): The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge name, given by Lord Byron in the 19th century, comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells. In reality, the days of inquisitions and summary executions were over by the time the bridge was built and the cells under the palace roof were occupied mostly by small-time criminals. In addition, little could be seen from inside the Bridge due to the stone grills covering the windows. Recommended for:Art & Design LoversHistory Buffs Comment. Art & Design Lovers May 24, 2014 You need to buy special tickets to view the Bridge of Sighs from the inside but looking at it from the outside is the better view of the picturesque enclosed bridge. The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge name, given by Lord Byron in the 19th century, comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells. In reality, the days of inquisitions and summary executions were over by the time the bridge was built and the cells under the palace roof were occupied mostly by small-time criminals. In addition, little could be seen from inside the Bridge due to the stone grills covering the windows. Recommended for:Art & Design LoversLocal Culture Comment. Art & Design Lovers Oct 13, 2013 Most people see the Bridge of Sighs from the exterior, as connecting the Doge's Palace to its adjacent prison. A more insightful experience is to take a tour inside Palazzo Ducale that takes you through the Secret Passageways and through the bridge where you can stop and admire Venice from the other side, as seen through the cracks of the bridge. I took a VIP Access Secret Passages: Doge's Palace and St Mark's Tour with Walks of Italy that I highly recommend which allowed me to spend extra time on the bridge, as well as see the cavernous cells where the Venetian wrongdoers were held - one of which incarcerated the infamous Casanova that managed to escape. Comment. |
By political definition, what is the essential difference between Great Britian and United Kingdom? | Difference Between the UK, Great Britain, and England By Matt Rosenberg Updated February 19, 2016. While many people use the terms United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England interchangeably, there is a difference between them -- one is a country, the second is an island, and the third is a part of an island. The United Kingdom The United Kingdom is an independent country off the northwestern coast of Europe. It consists of the entire island of Great Britain and a northern part of the island of Ireland. In fact, the official name of the country is the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." The capital city of the United Kingdom is London and the head of state is currently Queen Elizabeth II. The United Kingdom is one of the founding members of the United Nations and sits on the United Nations Security Council. The creation of the United Kingdom heralds back to 1801 when there was a unification between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland, creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. In the 1920s, southern Ireland gained independence and the name of the modern country of the United Kingdom became the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. continue reading below our video Test Your General Science Knowledge Great Britain Great Britain is the name of the island northwest of France and east of Ireland. Much of the United Kingdom consists of the island of Great Britain. On the large island of Great Britain there are three somewhat autonomous regions: England, Wales, and Scotland. Great Britain is the ninth largest island on Earth and has an area of 80,823 square miles (209,331 square kilometers). England occupies the southeast portion of the island of Great Britain, Wales is in the southwest, and Scotland is in the north. Scotland and Wales are not independent countries but do have some autonomy from the United Kingdom with respect to internal governance. England England is located in the southern part of the island of Great Britain, which is part of the country of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom includes the administrative regions of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each region varies in its level of autonomy, but they are all part of the United Kingdom. While England has traditionally been thought of as the hearth of the United Kingdom, some use the term "England" to refer to the entire country, but this is not correct. Although common to hear or see London, England, though that is technically correct, it does imply that the independent country is named England, but that is not so. Ireland A final note on Ireland. The northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland is the administrative region of the United Kingdom known as Northern Ireland. The remaining southern five-sixths of the island of Ireland is the independent country known as the Republic of Ireland (Eire) . Using the Right Term It is inappropriate to refer to the United Kingdom as Great Britain or England; one should be specific about toponyms (place names) and utilize the correct nomenclature. Remember, United Kingdom (or U.K.) is the country, Great Britain is the island, and England is one of the U.K.'s four administrative regions. Since unification, the Union Jack flag has combined elements of England, Scotland, and Ireland to represent the unification of constituent parts of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (although Wales is left out). |
Alfred Wegener was the first to publish the hypothesis that these had somehow 'moved' apart but he was unable to provide a convincing explanation for the physical processes which might have caused it. What are we talking about? | Which one is different: gravity, continental drift or evolution? | Uncommon Descent Home » Intelligent Design » Which one is different: gravity, continental drift or evolution? Which one is different: gravity, continental drift or evolution? October 29, 2010 32 Comments Newton’s theory of gravity, Wegener’s theory of continental drift and Darwin’s theory of evolution all have one thing in common: they have all been ridiculed as impossible at one time or another, because they lacked a plausible mechanism. So which theory is different from the rest? I shall argue that Darwin’s theory is unique, in that it has won widespread acceptance despite the existence of weighty scientific arguments showing that its mechanism is incapable of accounting for the phenomena that it purports to explain. However, if Darwin had formulated his theory of evolution in the same way that Newton formulated his theory of gravity, Darwin’s theory would have been invulnerable to these scientific difficulties. It is also a curious fact that although Darwin’s original theory has undergone radical transformation, like those of Newton and Wegner, many scientists and philosophers are proud to call themselves “Darwinists,” whereas no modern scientist would refer to him/herself as a “Newtonian” or “Wegnerian.” In this short essay, I also address the fierce resistance in scientific circles to teaching Intelligent Design in high school classrooms, and I propose a legal strategy for neutralizing the Darwinian crusade. Newton’s theory of gravity In ancient times, gravity was viewed not as an external force acting on bodies, but as an inherent tendency of heavy bodies to fall towards the center of the universe. Experimental evidence in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries overturned the traditional view. The first modern attempt to formulate a systematic theory of gravity was that of Isaac Newton (1642-1727). From the very beginning, Isaac Newton realized that his theory of gravity, while empirically valid, lacked a plausible physical mechanism, as it seemed to require action at a distance. In his fourth letter to Richard Bentley (dated February 25, 1692/3), he wrote: “It is inconceivable that inanimate brute matter should, without the mediation of something else which is not material, operate upon and affect other matter, without mutual contact, as it must do if gravitation in the sense of Epicurus be essential and inherent in it. And this is one reason why I desired you would not ascribe ‘innate gravity’ to me. That gravity should be innate, inherent, and essential to matter, so that one body may act upon another at a distance, through a vacuum, without the mediation of anything else, by and through which their action and force may be conveyed from one to another, is to me so great an absurdity, that I believe no man who has in philosophical matters a competent faculty of thinking can ever fall into it. Gravity must be caused by an agent acting constantly according to certain laws; but whether this agent be material or immaterial, I have left to the consideration of my readers.” (Emphasis mine – VJT.) To make matters worse, Newton’s theory assumed that gravity propagated instantaneously across space: each particle responds instantaneously to every other particle, regardless of the distance between them. Small wonder then, that to some of his contemporaries, Newton’s theory made gravity sound like a spooky, occult force. Indeed, according to two of his friends, Nicolas Fatio de Duillier and David Gregory, Newton himself seems to have thought at one time that gravitation was based directly on the will of God (Van Lunteren, F. (2002), “Nicolas Fatio de Duillier on the mechanical cause of Gravitation”, in Edwards, M.R., Pushing Gravity: New Perspectives on Le Sage’s Theory of Gravitation, Montreal: C. Roy Keys Inc., pp. 41–59); while on two other occasions (in 1675 and 1717), Newton tried to explain the action of gravity in terms of basic mechanical processes propagating through the aether, thereby avoiding the need for action at a distance. Since he was unable |
What is also known as Qomolangma or Sagarmatha or Chomolungma in the native tongues of the people around it? | What is also known as Qomolangma or Sagarmatha or Chomolungma in the native tongues of the people around it? Sign up View the step-by-step solution to: What is also known as Qomolangma or Sagarmatha or Chomolungma in the native tongues of the people around it? This question was answered on May 31, 2016. View the Answer What is also known as Qomolangma or Sagarmatha or Chomolungma in the native tongues of the people around it? godwinbrown2 posted a question · May 31, 2016 at 4:31am Top Answer fentrixrox answered the question · May 31, 2016 at 4:32am Other Answers Mount Everest, also known in Nepal as Sagarmāthā and in Tibet as Chomolungma, is Earth's highest mountain. It is located in the Mahalangur mountain range . peterkivuva61 May 31, 2016 at 4:33am {[ getNetScore(29837454) ]} peterkivuva61 answered the question · May 31, 2016 at 4:32am Mount Everest The Nepali name is Sagarmatha and the Tibetan name is Chomolungma or Qomolangma. In 1865, the... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29837458) ]} Here is the solution... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29837477) ]} Need a World History tutor? rahulbansal 2 World History experts found online! Average reply time is less than an hour Get Homework Help Why Join Course Hero? Course Hero has all the homework and study help you need to succeed! We’ve got course-specific notes, study guides, and practice tests along with expert tutors and customizable flashcards—available anywhere, anytime. - - Study Documents Find the best study resources around, tagged to your specific courses. Share your own to gain free Course Hero access or to earn money with our Marketplace. - Question & Answers Get one-on-one homework help from our expert tutors—available online 24/7. Ask your own questions or browse existing Q&A threads. Satisfaction guaranteed! - Flashcards Browse existing sets or create your own using our digital flashcard system. A simple yet effective studying tool to help you earn the grade that you want! |
The Shatt al-Arab waterway constitutes a part of the border between which countries? | Shatt al Arab Encyclopedia > Places > Asia > Middle Eastern and Iranian Physical Geography Shatt al Arab Shatt al Arab (shät äl äˈräb) [ key ], tidal river, 120 mi (193 km) long, formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, flowing SE to the Persian Gulf, forming part of the Iraq-Iran border; the Karun is its chief tributary. The Shatt al Arab flowed through a broad, swampy delta, but the marshlands in Iraq were drained in the early 1990s in order to increase government control over the Arab Shiites (Marsh Arabs) who lived there. Restoration of the marshlands began in 2003, following the invasion of Iraq by Anglo-American forces, but only half the area has been restored. The river supplies fresh water to S Iraq and Kuwait but the construction of dams and the demand for water upstream has led to a greatly increased salt content. The Shatt al Arab is navigable for oceangoing vessels as far as Basra , Iraq's chief port. Iraq and Iran have disputed navigation rights on the Shatt al Arab since 1935, when an international commission gave Iraq total control of the Shatt al Arab, leaving Iran with control only of the approaches to Abadan and Khorramshahr , its chief ports, and unable to develop new port facilities in the delta. To preclude Iraqi political pressure and interference with its oil and freight shipments on the Shatt al Arab, Iran built ports on the Persian Gulf to handle foreign trade. Iran and Iraq negotiated territorial agreements over the Shatt al Arab waterway in 1975, but by the end of the decade skirmishes in the area became prevalent. Full-scale war between the two countries broke out in Sept., 1980, leading to eight years of attacks on coastal areas (see Iran-Iraq War ). The Shatt al Arab remains a source of conflict, as limited water access and unresolved maritime boundaries in the region persist. See R. N. Schofield, Evolution of the Shatt al Arab Boundary Dispute (1986). The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. |
"Upon seeing which stunning South American geographic feature did Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly say ""Poor Niagara""?" | Ushuaia Tours | Ushuaia Vacation Packages LIMITED TIME OFFER: BOOK NOW & PAY UP TO 6 MONTHS LATER WITH 0% INTEREST RATE! Our Recommended tours for Ushuaia The Beagle Channel Odyssey of Discovery: The Gable Expedition For AWESOME full-screen photos click here! Getting ready for the paddling adventure! Get ready to experience a one of a kind canoeing and trekking adventure at the Ends of the Earth! We’ll explore the mighty Beagle Channel, the same waters navigated by the first founders of Ushuaia and by adventurous explorers like naturalist Charles Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in 1833. As we follow this route in our canoes, we’ll feel a sense of freedom and isolation from civilization, taking us back to a time when the Yamana tribe inhabited this distant part of the planet. We’ll stop by the oldest estancia (ranch) in Ushuaia, home to the first non-native settlers of the area. Once our canoeing journey is complete, we’ll hop on a motorboat and make a quick stop at an island where we’ll observe a colony of penguins from our boat. Last, it’s onto our final destination...taking us off the beaten path on the remote, uninhabited Gable Island, the largest island in the Beagle Channel. Our tour starts in the morning with a scenic ride of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to the starting point of our canoeing expedition. During this ride we’ll see the "árboles bandera" (flag trees), which are trees contorted and twisted into incredible shapes by the strong Patagonian winds. We arrive at Lashifashaj River, where we’ll receive a quick lesson on paddling technique as well as a safety briefing from our guide. We’ll then hop into our inflatable canoes and set off downriver to start our canoeing journey. In this stretch we will row as the wind helps carry us down the river and into the sea of the Beagle Channel. Along the sea trip, we may encounter some wildlife and many different sea birds. It’s also not uncommon to find sea lions sunbathing along the small islands that mark our way to Harberton Ranch. We arrive at the Harberton Ranch (the oldest ranch in Ushuaia), founded in 1866 by the Thomas Bridges, who established the first Anglican mission in Ushuaia. He also wrote the first dictionary of the Yaghan language, which he learned in the course of working with the Yamana tribe in his religious mission. Travelers who prefer to opt out of the canoeing portion of this tour will be taken directly to the Harberton Ranch by vehicle and will enjoy the possibility of touring the ranch, which still preserves its original ambience. Following this, we’ll board a motorboat and navigate the Beagle Channel, making our way to Martillo Island, where we will do a short stop of about 15 minutes. We’ll stay on the boat next to the shore while we see a colony of thousands of Magellanic penguins. After the penguin-watching, we’ll navigate to the uninhabited Gable Island, the largest island in the Beagle Channel. After disembarking on this rugged land, we’ll be treated to a tasty lunch with Patagonian wines before heading out on our trekking exploration of the island. Our trek begins across the island through pastures and vast woods, towards the Southern shore, where we’ll reach the cliffs. The trek takes 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the pace of the group. As we explore the island, we’ll come across remnants of both the Yamana civilization, the first civilization on the island, and the remnants of the first non-native settlers to Ushuaia that once inhabited the Gable Island. An exciting day of exploration following Ushuaia’s founders’ route comes to an end as we navigate back to Harberton Ranch and then return to our hotel. Important: the tour’s exact itinerary and duration may change subject to weather conditions and decisions of the tour guide to optimize your tour experience. Along the Shore, across the Forest and into the Mud: a 4x4 Off-Road Adventure at the Ends of the Earth! For AWESOME full-screen photos click here! From atop the mountains: the view of "Lago Escondido" (Hidden Lake) Prepare for a thrilling and scenic 4x4 off-road experience where natural |
What gorge in the Ngorongoro area of Tanzania is considered the seat of humanity after the discovery of the earliest known specimens of modern man? | Serengeti Itineraries Serengeti is Tanzania�s most famous national park. The park is a region of grasslands and woodlands in Africa that includes parts of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. The whole region is spread over around thirty thousand square kilometers, with eighty percent of the region lying in Tanzania. Its far-reaching plains of grass, tinged with the shadows of acacia trees, have made it the image of a wild and untarnished Africa. It has more than 1.6 million herbivores and thousands of predators. Blue Wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and buffalos are the animals most found in the region. Commonly found in the park, apart from the wildebeest and zebra, are various types of antelope, many herds of thomsons and grants gazelle. Small herds of cape buffalo, topi and waterbuck, as well as giraffe are normally seen. Families of warthog, hyena jackal and lion are a common sight. Leopards, because of their generally nocturnal hunting habits, are not often spotted but when you see them you can usually find them asleep in the branches of a tree. Cheetah can often be spotted out on the open plains particularly in the morning or late afternoon. Groups of hippo are relaxing in the bigger pools and rivers and the crocodiles are sometimes seen sunning themselves on the riverbanks. For people who love birds there are plenty. Serengeti is home to over 500 different species of birds, secretary birds, marabou, ostriches, kori bustards, guinea fowl, lilac breasted rollers, bateleur eagles, Egyptian geese, herons can be seen. Every year around October nearly 1.5 million herbivores travel towards the southern plains, crossing the Mara River, from the northern hills for the rains. And then back to the north through the west, once again crossing the Mara River, after the rains in around April. This phenomenon is sometimes also called the Circular Migration. Over 250,000 wildebeest alone will die along the journey from Tanzania to upper Kenya, a total of 500 miles. The conservation area also protects Olduvai Gorge, situated in the plains area. The Olduvai Gorge or Oldupai Gorge is a steep- sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley, which stretches along eastern Africa. Olduvai is in the eastern Serengeti Plains in northern Tanzania and is about 30 miles long. The gorge is named after the Maasai word for the wild sisal plant Sansevieria ehrenbergii, commonly called Oldupaai. It is considered the seat of humanity after the discovery of the earliest known specimens of modern man, Homo habilis as well as early man Australopithecus boisei. It is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world and has been instrumental in furthering understanding of early human development. Excavation work there was pioneered by Louis Leakey in the 1950s and is continued today by his family. |
What is the only one of the Seven Wonders that was destroyed with deliberate intent? | Sermon : The Seven Wonders of the World [ Sermon The Seven Wonders of the World ] THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD Lonnie Branam Jeremiah 2: 7-13 Jeremiah 2:12,13 says, “Be astonished, O heavens at this and be horribly afraid. Be very desolate, says the Lord. For my people have committed two evils. They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters and hewn themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Jeremiah described an event which was a marvel to the angels of heaven. Israel had changed gods, and the true God called on the inhabitants of heaven to be astonished at such a wonder. The prophet described the awful thing Israel did in poetic and symbolic language. He described the one true God as the fountain of living waters and the Baal gods of Canaan as broken cisterns that can hold no water. Israel forsook Jehovah for the Baal gods of Canaan. The message in this study is a take-off on Jeremiah's statement, “Be astonished O heavens at this!.” God considered this an amazing thing, a wonder hard to believe. You have heard of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. I want to talk to you about those seven wonders of the ancient world and then seven wonders in our present day world. Curiosity is a natural human characteristic. All of us are attracted to wonderful sights. We smile at the Greeks whom Paul said spent all their time in nothing else but to see and hear some new thing. But we all have the same infirmity. We are attracted to the extraordinary, the abnormal, and the unusual. Like Israel we clamor for a sign, for some special evidence, some special religious experience, and for something out of the ordinary. The ancient Greeks and Romans were fond of travel and great buildings, and the people of ancient times delighted to talk to their children about the seven wonders of the world. As an introduction to more serious thoughts, let me refresh your memory on the famous Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The first of those olden wonders were the Pyramids of Egypt, and to this day they are one of the great wonders of the world. They were the tombs of the Egyptian kings, and they were related to Egyptian idea of the spiritual world. Several of the ancient wonders were related to the spiritual realm. Interestingly, they are the only one of the Seven Wonders still in existence. We are told it took the labor of 100,000 men 20 years to build the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The second wonder was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. They bloomed like a living green miracle in that desert city. It was a series of terraces planted with flowers, shrubs and trees. King Nebuchadnezzer built the gardens for his princess to make her feel at home. She formerly lived in the mountains. The third wonder was the 40-foot 2 statue of ivory, gold, and precious stones of the Greek god Zeus seated on his throne in Olympia, Greece. It was carved by Phidias for the site of the original Olympic games in the 400's B.C. His eyes of fiery precious gems made him to seem like a living god to the ancient Greeks. The fourth was the great temple of Diana at Ephesus. that covered nearly two acres. This temple is referred in Acts 19:27. It was 400 feet long, 60 feet high, and it's gigantic roof was supported by about 100 verticle marble pillars, sixty feet high. Nothing remains but a few broken remains, but it is still one of the tourist attractions of Christians.. The fifth wonder was the tomb of a wise King by the name of Mausolus in Halicarnassus, a city in Asia Minor. This Mausoleum was 140 feet high and was built by His Queen to honor his memory. The word mausoleum comes from the name Mausolus. The sixth wonder was the Colossus on the Isl |
What war that did not see a change in the borders or reparations even after nearly eight years of fighting but saw over a million deaths is said to be 20th century's longest conventional war? | Iran–Iraq War | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Iraqi Civil War (2014–present) The Iran–Iraq War, also known as the First Persian Gulf War, [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] was an armed conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq lasting from September 1980 to August 1988, making it the 20th century's longest conventional war . [6] [7] It was initially referred to in English as the "Gulf War" prior to the Persian Gulf War of the early 1990s. [8] The Iran–Iraq War is considered one of the most violent conflicts since World War II. The Iran–Iraq War began when Iraq invaded Iran via air and land on 22 September 1980. It followed a long history of border disputes , and was motivated by fears that the Iranian Revolution in 1979 would inspire insurgency among Iraq's long-suppressed Shia majority as well as Iraq's desire to replace Iran as the dominant Persian Gulf state. Although Iraq hoped to take advantage of Iran's revolutionary chaos and attacked without formal warning, they made only limited progress into Iran and were quickly repelled; Iran regained virtually all lost territory by June 1982. For the next six years, Iran was on the offensive. [9] A number of proxy forces participated in the war, most notably the Iranian MEK siding with Ba'athist Iraq and Iraqi Kurdish militias of KDP and PUK siding with Iran - all suffering a major blow by the end of the conflict. Despite calls for a ceasefire by the United Nations Security Council , hostilities continued until 20 August 1988. The war finally ended with Resolution 598 , a U.N.-brokered ceasefire which was accepted by both sides. At the war's conclusion, it took several weeks for Iranian armed forces to evacuate Iraqi territory to honour pre-war international borders set by the 1975 Algiers Agreement . [10] The last prisoners of war were exchanged in 2003. [9] [11] The war cost both sides in lives and economic damage: half a million Iraqi and Iranian soldiers, with an equivalent number of civilians, are believed to have died, with many more injured; however, the war brought neither reparations nor changes in borders. The conflict has been compared to World War I [12] :171 in terms of the tactics used, including large-scale trench warfare with barbed wire stretched across trenches, manned machine-gun posts, bayonet charges, human wave attacks across a no-man's land , and extensive use of chemical weapons such as mustard gas by the Iraqi government against Iranian troops, civilians, and Iraqi Kurds. At the time of the conflict, the U.N. Security Council issued statements that "chemical weapons had been used in the war." U.N. statements never clarified that only Iraq was using chemical weapons, and according to retrospective authors "the international community remained silent as Iraq used weapons of mass destruction against Iranian[s] as well as Iraqi Kurds." [13] [14] [15] Contents Edit The Iran–Iraq War was originally referred to as the Gulf War until the Persian Gulf War of 1990 and 1991, after which it was referred to as the First Persian Gulf War. The Iraq-Kuwait conflict, while originally known as the Second Persian Gulf War, eventually became known simply as the Gulf War. The Iraq War from 2003 to 2011 has since been called the Second Persian Gulf War. In Iran, the war is known as the Imposed War (جنگ تحمیلی, Jang-e Tahmīlī) and the Holy Defence (دفاع مقدس, Defā'-e Moqaddas). In Iraq, Saddam Hussein had initially dubbed the conflict the Whirlwind War. [16] :219 It was also referred to as Saddām's Qādisiyyah (قادسية صدام, Qādisiyyat Ṣaddām), in reference to the Battle of al-Qādisiyyah . Origins Main article: Iran–Iraq relations The Arvand Roud waterway on the Iran–Iraq border Since the Ottoman–Persian Wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, Iran (known as Persia prior to 1935) and the Ottomans fought over Iraq (then known as Mesopotamia) and full control of the Arvand Roud/Shatt al-Arab waterway until the signing of the Treaty of Zuhab in 1639 which established the final borders between Iran and Iraq. [17] :4 The Arvand Roud was considered an importa |
On what day in 1683 were the conquering armies of Islam thrown back at the gates of Vienna, in what was a major defeat for the Ottoman Empire? | Obama at the Gates of Vienna | The American Spectator Obama at the Gates of Vienna September 16, 2014, 8:00 am Total: 0 Email Barack Obama is at the Gates of Vienna. But America is not at war with Islam! Got that? As a matter of fact, all those ISIS (or ISIL) people cutting off heads in those videos? They aren’t Islamic at all, according to President Obama: Now let’s make two things clear: ISIL is not Islamic. No religion condones the killing of innocents, and the vast majority of ISIL’s victims have been Muslim….ISIL is a terrorist organization, pure and simple. And it has no vision other than the slaughter of all who stand in its way. Never mind that the beheaders have dropped the “In Syria” or “In the Levant” and simply refer to all their accumulated turf — now the size of Great Britain — as just “IS” as in “Islamic State.” Or that they may have as much as $2 billion in stolen assets . Who lives in the kind of fantasy that believes a self-proclaimed Islamic State has nothing to do with Islam? The atheist Sam Harris has noted this presidential assertion, agog. Writes Harris at his blog in a post titled “Sleepwalking Toward Armageddon”: As an atheist, I cannot help wondering when this scrim of pretense and delusion will be finally burned away — either by the clear light of reason or by a surfeit of horror meted out to innocents by the parties of God. Which will come first, flying cars and vacations to Mars, or a simple acknowledgment that beliefs guide behavior and that certain religious ideas — jihad, martyrdom, blasphemy, apostasy — reliably lead to oppression and murder? It may be true that no faith teaches people to massacre innocents exactly — but innocence, as the President surely knows, is in the eye of the beholder. Are apostates “innocent”? Blasphemers? Polytheists? Islam has the answer, and the answer is “no.” Harris makes a point of saying: “In drawing a connection between the doctrine of Islam and jihadist violence, I am talking about ideas and their consequences, not about 1.5 billion nominal Muslims, many of whom do not take their religion very seriously.” However, he goes on to point out that: a belief in martyrdom, a hatred of infidels, and a commitment to violent jihad are not fringe phenomena in the Muslim world. These preoccupations are supported by the Koran and numerous hadith. That is why the popular Saudi cleric Mohammed Al-Areefi sounds like the ISIS army chaplain. The man has 9.5 million followers on Twitter (twice as many as Pope Francis has). If you can find an important distinction between the faith he preaches and that which motivates the savagery of ISIS, you should probably consult a neurologist. Understanding and criticizing the doctrine of Islam — and finding some way to inspire Muslims to reform it — is one of the most important challenges the civilized world now faces. But the task isn’t as simple as discrediting the false doctrines of Muslim “extremists,” because most of their views are not false by the light of scripture. A hatred of infidels is arguably the central message of the Koran. The reality of martyrdom and the sanctity of armed jihad are about as controversial under Islam as the resurrection of Jesus is under Christianity. It is not an accident that millions of Muslims recite the shahadah or make pilgrimage to Mecca. Neither is it an accident that horrific footage of infidels and apostates being decapitated has become a popular form of pornography throughout the Muslim world. Each of these practices, including this ghastly method of murder, find explicit support in scripture. And so they do. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the late Christopher Hitchens took to the pages of the UK’s Guardian to raise the then-new point to a shell-shocked world that the date September 11th had a specific symbolism in the Islamic world. Wrote Hitchens: It was on September 11 1683 that the conquering armies of Islam were met, held, and thrown back at the gates of Vienna. Now this, of course, is not a date that has only obscure or sectarian significance. It can rightly, if tritely, be c |
Andinia plan, Fugu plan, Uganda proposal, and Madagascar plan are some of the attempts for the establishment of what entity in history? | Proposals for a Jewish state : Wikis (The Full Wiki) 9 References Ararat city 1844 Discourse on the Restoration of the Jews by M.M.Noah, page 1. The page 2 shows the map of the Land of Israel In 1820, in a precursor to modern Zionism , Mordecai Manuel Noah tried to found a Jewish homeland at Grand Island in the Niagara River , to be called " Ararat ," after Mount Ararat , the Biblical resting place of Noah's Ark . He erected a monument at the island which read "Ararat, a City of Refuge for the Jews, founded by Mordecai M. Noah in the Month of Tishri, 5586 (September, 1825) and in the Fiftieth Year of American Independence." Some have speculated whether Noah's utopian ideas may have influenced Joseph Smith , who founded the Latter Day Saint movement in Upstate New York a few years later. In his Discourse on the Restoration of the Jews Noah proclaimed his faith that the Jews would return and rebuild their ancient homeland. Noah called on America to take the lead in this endeavor. [3] British Uganda Program Main article: British Uganda Program The British Uganda Program was a plan to give a portion of British East Africa to the Jewish people as a homeland. The offer was first made by British Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain to Theodore Herzl 's Zionist group in 1903. He offered 5,000 square miles (13,000 km2) of the Mau Plateau in what is today Kenya . The offer was a response to pogroms against the Jews in Russia , and it was hoped the area could be a refuge from persecution for the Jewish people. The idea was brought to the World Zionist Organization 's Zionist Congress at its sixth meeting in 1903 meeting in Basel . There a fierce debate ensued. The African land was described as an " ante-chamber to the Holy Land", but other groups felt that accepting the offer would make it more difficult to establish a Jewish state in Palestine (the historical land of Israel). Before the vote on the matter, the Russian delegation stormed out in opposition. In the end, the motion passed by 295 to 177 votes. The next year, a three-man delegation was sent to inspect the plateau. Its high elevation gave it a temperate climate, making it suitable for European settlement. However, the observers found a dangerous land filled with lions and other creatures. Moreover, it was populated by a large number of Maasai who did not seem at all amenable to an influx of Europeans. After receiving this report, the Congress decided in 1905 to politely decline the British offer. Some Jews, who viewed this as a mistake, formed the Jewish Territorialist Organization with the aim of establishing a Jewish state anywhere. [4] A few Jews did move to Kenya, but most settled in the urban centers. Some of these families remain to this day. Jewish Autonomous Oblast in USSR Main article: Jewish Autonomous Oblast On March 28, 1928, the Presidium of the General Executive Committee of the USSR passed the decree "On the attaching for Komzet of free territory near the Amur River in the Far East for settlement of the working Jews." The decree meant that there was "a possibility of establishment of a Jewish administrative territorial unit on the territory of the called region". [5] On August 20, 1930, the General Executive Committee of the Russian Soviet Republic ( RSFSR ) accepted the decree "On formation of the Birobidzhan national region in the structure of the Far Eastern Territory". The State Planning Committee considered the Birobidzhan national region as a separate economic unit. In 1932, the first scheduled figures of the region development were considered and authorized. [5] On May 7, 1934, the Presidium accepted the decree on its transformation in the Jewish Autonomous Region within the Russian Republic. In 1938, with formation of the Khabarovsk Territory, the Jewish Autonomous Region (JAR) was included in its structure. [5] According to Joseph Stalin 's national policy, each of the national groups that formed the Soviet Union would receive a territory in which to pursue cultural autonomy in a socialist framework. In that sense, it was also a response to two s |
During the US presidential elections of 1936, the magazine The Literary Digest conducted an opinion poll using millions of people but still ended up being wrong. Who bested the magazine with his scientific technique using only a small percentage of what the magazine had used? | J J. Michael Hogan George Gallup and the rhetoric of scientific democracy Профессор Майкл Хоган ( Hogan,J.M. ) пїЅ выпускник The University of Wisconsin-Madison, там же он получил Ph.D. в области риторки в 1983 году. Его научные интересы сосредоточены на анализе характера и качества обсуждения в обществе различных социальных проблем. В частности им разрабатываются темы, связанные ходом политических кампаний, развитием социальных движений, дебатами по вопросам внешней политики, общественному мнению и опросам. Его основные публикации: The Panama Canal in American Politics (1986) и The Nuclear Freeze Campaign (1994), под его редакцией вышла книга Rhetoric and Community. Studies in Unity and Fragmentation (1998), объединяющая статьи ведущих специалистов по риторике и дискурсу, идет работа над томом Imperialism and Reform in the Progressive Era. В The Pennsylvania State University профессор М. Хоган читает курсы:Political Campaigns in the Age of Television, Contemporary American Political Rhetoric, Political Communication and the Media, ведет семинар Historical Criticism: The Rhetoric of Social Movements и др. Предлагаемая ниже статья пїЅ является одной из наиболее цитируемых современых работ по методологии исследований общественого мнения, политической риторике и научного наследия Джорджа Гэллапа. Профессор М. Хоган любезно предоставил нам право ее публикации в сети. Борис Докторов Throughout his career, George Gallup, the `father" of modern polling, crusaded tirelessly to establish polling's scientific and cultural legitimacy. In public speeches, several books, and more than a hundred articles in journals and popular magazines, Gallup mythologized polling's history of `progress, "deflected doubts about the polls ' accuracy and technical procedures with a rhetoric of scientific mystification, and celebrated the collective wisdom of "the people." Gallup's "rhetoric of scientific democracy" sustained polling's cultural legitimacy, yet it also diverted attention from its most perplexing sources of error and stifled debate over its deleterious effects on the democratic process. "Everybody believes in public opinion polls-everyone from the man on the street all the way up to President Thomas E. Dewey." Goodman Ace (as cited in Field, 1990, p. 37) Polling has come a long way since 1936. In that fateful year, George Horace Gallup, the father of "scientific" polling, predicted the spectacular failure of the Literary Digest's presidential "straw poll." Over the next half century, Gallup's name became virtually synonymous with polling, and today his legacy is an industry of more than 2000 organizations with annual revenues in excess of $4 billion (Walden, 1990, p. xiii). Promoting polling as "the pulse of democracy," George Gallup sold America on a new scientific "instrument" that he promised might "bridge the gap between the people and those who are responsible for making decisions in their name" (Gallup & Rae, 1940, pp. 14-15). Throughout his life, Gallup preached about polling with "evangelical devotion" (Wheeler 1976, p. 87). In public speeches, several books, and more than a hundred articles in trade publications, academic journals, and popular magazines, [i] Gallup served as polling's unofficial historian as he mythologized the critical incidents in polling's story of "progress." In addition, he campaigned hard to establish polling's claim to science by statistically documenting its record of accuracy and developing lay explanations of its technical procedures. Above all, Gallup promised that polling could make "democracy work more effectively" (Gallup & Rae, 1940, p. 11). Celebrating the wisdom of the "common man," Gallup dreamed of a final stage in the evolution of the American democratic experiment-an age of scientific democracy, in which "the will of the people" would provide continuous direction to policy makers "on al |
"Ted Sorenson, who was called by JFK as ""intellectual blood bank"" made his best-known contribution to the president in what capacity?" | Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training Foreign Affairs Oral History Project THOMAS L. HUGHES Interviewed by: Charles Stuart Kennedy Initial interview date: July 7, 1999 Copyright 2011 ADST Q: When and where were you born? HUGHES: I was born in December, 1925, and grew up in Mankato, a small town in southern Minnesota. Q: Can you tell me a little about your parents and your family? HUGHES: My grandfather Thomas Hughes was a successful lawyer, judge, and civic leader. He was also a prominent local historian. We lived with him in his house until his death in 1934 when I was eight. He wrote several well-regarded books—on the Welsh in Minnesota, on Blue Earth County history, and on Minnesota Indian themes. He was in fact the major frontier historian of Southern Minnesota. For instance, he interviewed Indian chiefs after they lost what we used to call the “Sioux Uprising” of 1862. So I grew up in a house full of his library books and local historical objects. Many years later I edited the second editions of two of his Indian books. Dr. Thomas Lowe, my other grandfather, was a well-known prairie physician in Pipestone, an even smaller town located in southwestern Minnesota. He also served as the town mayor, and in his last years he was elected to the state legislature in St. Paul. I spent some memorable times with both grandfathers in my youth, and I suppose my interest in history, international affairs, and public service derives from both of them. My parents also played active roles in our small town community life. I had one sister, five years younger than I. Q: When you say a small town in Minnesota? HUGHES: Mankato was a then a town of some 15,000, located sixty miles south of the Twin Cities. Mankato meant “Blue Earth” in Sioux for the local blue clay deposits. Q: What was life like growing up in Mankato? 0002 HUGHES: I had all my early schooling there, through public high school. It was a privileged, middle-class, atmosphere. I was surrounded by encouraging parents, teachers, and friends. Even though these were the years of the Great Depression, my youth was more or less problem free—lots of good schooling, lots of devoted attention, and lots of opportunity. In the fourth grade my teacher said, “You're wasting your time taking an hour at lunch. Give it a half hour, come back here, and I'll teach you Norwegian for the rest of the lunch period.” Such attention is rare these days. In school in the eighth grade we all composed autobiographies. Mine touches all my then interests—family trips with my parents and sister to Canada and Mexico, school sports, youthful neighborhood clubs, foreign correspondence, stamp collecting, piano lessons, the family genealogy, and already the writing of small historical sketches. Q: How about at home - the dinner table conversation, that sort of thing? HUGHES: My forebears were very much interested in their own family connections who happened to include several luminaries from early in the century. Grandfather was a cousin of Charles Evans Hughes. Grandmother was related to Grover Cleveland and more distantly to Elihu Root and William Howard Taft. That meant that history and politics had a family setting. My Hughes grandparents were stalwart Republicans while my Lowe grandparents were Democrats. So that spurred lively discussions and gave me some early lessons in diversity and relativism. Q: Was the grange movement established by the time you came along? HUGHES: The grange flourished in the previous century. By the time I was growing up, the plight of Minnesota farmers was a serious one and the Farm Bureau and the Farmers' Union were contesting for political strength. In the middle 1930s Minnesota's Farmer-Labor Party was in power and the flamboyant Floyd B. Olson was governor. By the time I graduated from high school in 1943, Hubert Humphrey had just arrived on the scene and was busy merging the Farmer-Labor party with the Democrats. By then, of course, we were in World War II. It had a major effect on politics. Minnesota had been one of the most isolationist of states with its heav |
"The Khartoum Resolution of 1967 that was organized after the Six-Day War became famous for its ""Three No's"" rejecting what entity?" | The Borders of Israel and Palestine | Religion :: Science :: Peace Religion :: Science :: Peace Posted on June 15, 2014 by walk tall hang loose This is a preliminary working draft for a book with the same title. My understanding of the topic is improving all the time. For a better and more detailed understanding of some of the issues hers, please see my articles on Mondoweiss.net: Understanding the partition plan One of the many things wrong with the current Israel-Palestine peace process is the absence of any attempt at reconciliation between the two peoples. Real peace cannot be achieved without reconciliation, and reconciliation needs to be based on truth. Relationships between the two peoples have been poisoned by different narratives of their shared history, some of them mythical. One of the most widespread and persistent myths is that Israel has never declared its borders. Indeed, Israel is frequently described as a borderless state . The purpose of this essay is to debunk this myth, and bring out the implications for understanding the history of the conflict and for the peace process. (Emphases in quoted material have been added by the author.) 1. Background: the Mandate From 1922 to 1948 Palestine was administered by Great Britain under the Mandatory system established by Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations after the First World War. The Turkish Empire was broken up into a number of separate territories under the tutelage of “advanced powers” who would regard the well-being and development of their peoples as “a sacred trust of civilization” until they could “stand alone” as independent states. The League of Nations Mandate for Palestine differed from the other Mandates in that the British administration was given an additional responsibility: to carry out its policy of the “establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, it being clearly understood that nothing should be done which might prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine”. Nature of the Jewish National Home. Consideration of the Articles of the Mandate shows that Palestine, while becoming the Jewish national home, would at the same time remain the national home of the existing Palestinian population, mostly Arabs. Three of the Articles specifically mention Jews. Article 4 set up a Jewish Agency to help Jews settle the land. Article 6 says that Britain should facilitate Jewish immigration under suitable conditions, while ensuring that the rights and position of other sections of the population were not prejudiced. Article 7 said the Jews should be helped to acquire Palestinian citizenship. In all other respects Jews and Arabs were to be treated on an equal basis. National languages were to be Hebrew and Arabic, and there were to be Hebrew and Arabic school systems. There is no hint anywhere that the incoming Jews should have a position superior to the non-Jewish community, and no mention of a Jewish state or an Arab state. This concept was further explained by the Churchill White Paper of 1922 , which also quoted a resolution of the 1921 World Zionist Congress expressing “the determination of the Jewish people to live with the Arab people on terms of unity and mutual respect, and together with them to make the common home into a flourishing community, the up-building of which may assure to each of its peoples an undisturbed national development”. In other words, Palestine was to be a unitary bi-national state. Failure of the Mandate. To cut a long story short: this plan did not work. The Arabs objected to the inward migration of large numbers of foreign Jews into Palestine, and there was a popular revolt against the British administration from 1937-39, in which Jewish settlers were also attacked. The protests were violently suppressed by British forces working together with Jewish members of the Palestine Police and Jewish militias. In 1939, in the McDonald White Paper , the British authorities introduced severe restrictions on Jewish immigration, and they proposed indepe |
Alamut Castle, now in modern-day Iran, is remembered today as the home of what notorious group between 1090 and 1256 AD? | 2/24/2010 • MHQ An agent of the Order of Assassins (left, in white turban) fatally stabs Nizam al-Mulk, a Seljuk vizier, in 1092, the first of many political murders by the sect. The faces in this depiction, which was contained in an illustrated 14th-century manuscript, were later scratched out (Topkapi Palace Museum, Cami Al Tebari TSMK, Inv. No. H. 1653, folio 360b) During the Crusades, the Muslim sect known as the Assassins tamed more powerful enemies using a shocking means: murder For almost two centuries, from 1090 until 1273, the Order of Assassins played a singular and sinister role in the Middle East. A small Shiite sect more properly known as the Nizari Ismailis, the Assassins were relatively few, geographically dispersed, and despised as heretics by both the Sunni Muslim majority and even by most other Shiites. By conventional standards, the Assassins should have been no match for the superior conventional military power of any of their many enemies. But near the end of the 11th century, the charismatic and ruthless Hasan-i Sabbah forged this small, persecuted sect into one of the most lethally effective terrorist groups the world has ever known. Even the most powerful and carefully guarded rulers of the age—the Abbasid and Fatimid caliphs, the sultans and viziers of the Great Seljuk and Ayyubid empires, the princes of the Crusader states, and emirs who ruled important cities like Damascus, Homs, and Mosul—lived in dread of the chameleonlike Assassin agents. Known as a fida’i (one who risks his life voluntarily, from the Arabic word for “sacrifice”; the plural in Arabic is fidaiyn, or the present-day fedayeen), such an agent might spend months or even years stalking and infiltrating an enemy of his faith before plunging a dagger into the victim’s chest, often in a very public place. Perhaps most terrifying, the Assassins chose not only a close and personal manner of killing but performed it implacably, refusing to flee afterward and appearing to welcome their own swift death. Fanatical and disciplined, Hasan-i Sabbah and his successors were brilliant practitioners of asymmetric warfare. They developed a means of attack that negated most of their enemies’ advantages while requiring the Assassins to hazard only a small number of their own fighters. As with any effective form of deterrence, the Assassins’ targeted killings of hostile political, military, and religious leaders eventually produced a stable and lasting balance of power between them and their enemies, reducing the level of conflict and loss of life on both sides. Today, 750 years after the Mongols crushed them, the Assassins’ pioneering use of suicide terrorism, of murdering systematically though at times indiscriminately to achieve political ends, finds chilling echoes in the tactics of terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and al Qaeda. But for Hasan-i Sabbah, acts of terror were a legitimate means of self-defense precisely because they focused on high-ranking enemy military, political, and religious leaders who had taken hostile actions against the Ismaili community. There is little doubt he would have viewed the tactics employed by modern Middle Eastern terrorist groups—particularly their targeting of unarmed civilians—with incomprehension and disdain. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632, the Muslim world was riven into two groups, Sunnis and Shiites. Shiites believed that only a divinely inspired imam could properly interpret the meaning of the Koran, considered by Muslims to contain God’s revelations to the prophet Muhammad, and the sayings (hadiths) of Muhammad; that only certain direct descendants of Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law Ali were qualified to assume the role of imam; and that the imam should exercise supreme political as well as spiritual authority over the Muslim community. The far more numerous Sunnis believed the Koran and hadiths could be understood through diligent study and the guidance of scholars. They accepted the leadership of caliphs who were not direct descendants of Ali. As the years passed, the Shiite com |
The cartoon Dropping the Pilot was published when which world leader was forced to resign in 1890? | GHDI - Image Images - Politics "Dropping the Pilot" (1890) Bismarck was forced to resign in 1890 , two years into the reign of Wilhelm II. Here, we see a weary Bismarck descending the ladder of the “ship” Germany, which he had steered for almost 20 years as chancellor. A young Wilhelm II looks on from the deck. This illustration, entitled “Dropping the Pilot,” was published in the British magazine Punch March 29, 1890. |
What is particularly common to King Charles II of England and the state of Connecticut's Royal Charter? | The Connecticut Charter of 1662 - Connecticut History Constitution Prior to being the first of the original thirteen colonies to pen a constitution, Connecticut was granted a very generous charter by King Charles II of England, which it very bravely preserved when Charles' brother, James, ascended the throne and tried to have this wonderful piece of Connecticut history revoked. The way it was protected demonstrates pure Yankee ingenuity. After this remarkable document came The Fundamental Orders of 1638-1639, a first attempt at a constitution that defined citizen rights. If you look at the flip side of the new Connecticut quarter you'll find the outline of the "Charter Oak" tree. Estimated at over 500 years of age, the tree was a huge white oak. The paper with which it was involved was a Royal Charter granted to Connecticut by England's King Charles II† in 1662. It defined the state's borders and bestowed ownership of the land as well as giving certain rights to the people of Connecticut. Over the next twenty-five years after it was granted, the British colonies became very attractive to British aristocracy, so much so that in 1687, King James II ordered his representatives to seize the Connecticut Charter. In characteristic defiance, the people of Connecticut refused to surrender it, so the British threatened to claim the land and divide it. Some would go to New York and the remainder to Massachusetts. On October 26, 1687, Sir Edmund Andros, the crown's appointed governor of New England, traveled to Butler's Tavern in Hartford (now Connecticut's capital) and demanded the Charter be surrendered to him at once. Had the people living in Connecticut given it up, their rights would have been revoked, and Connecticut history would have ended there. Considerable debate ensued that night, and during a rowdy argument, the candles lighting the room were suddenly and quite mysteriously extinguished. Captain Joseph Wadsworth, a man fiercely protective of the Charter, was waiting outside. In the midst of the confusion inside the tavern, the Charter was slipped out the door to him. Wadsworth quickly made his way to the Wylls estate in Hartford, where he found an oak tree. An opening in its trunk became the ideal hiding place for the document. The majestic tree, better known as th "Charter Oak Tree, helping in part to preserve the rights of the state's citizens, stood proudly in Hartford until August 21, 1856, when high winds toppled it. It has become as representative of Connecticut history as has the first Constitution to be drafted in this country. It is presented below in its original wording, which is at times difficult to comprehend. Editing it to adhere to modern-day speech, however, would be to deprive the reader of its originality and to provide a glimpse into just how far the "King's English" has evolved. THE CHARTER FOR THE CONNECTICUT COLONY 1662 GRANTED BY KING CHARLES II *The original Charter of the Colony of Connecticut, 1662, is on permanent exhibition at the Museum of Connecticut History, 231 Capitol Ave., Hartford. Note: What's below is the exact wording, punctuation and misspellings of the original document. CHARLES THE SECOND, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the Faith; To all to whome theis presents shall come Greetinge: WHEREAS, by the severall Navigacons, discoveryes and susccessfull Plantacons of diverse of our loving Subjects of this our Realme of England, Severall Lands, Islands, Places, Colonies and Plantacons have byn obtayned and setled in that parte of the Continent of America called New England, and thereby the Trade and Comerce there hath byn of late yeares much increased, AND WHEREAS, wee have byn informed by the humble Peticon of our Trusty and welbeloved John Winthrop, John Mason, Samuell Willis, Henry Clerke, Mathew Allen, John Tappen, Nathan Gold, Richard Treate, Richard Lord, Henry Woolicott |
The Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, which now has a museum, was the scene of whose assassination? | Audubon Ballroom | Welcome to Harlem's Blog Welcome to Harlem's Blog Historian Arrested While Protesting Renaissance Casino Demolition HARLEM — A local historian was arrested over the weekend for protesting the demolition of the historic Renaissance Casino — once the premiere venue for black society from 1920 to 1979. On Sunday morning, Michael Henry Adams, a historian who has written two books on Harlem architecture, staged a one-man protest in front of the Abyssinian Baptist Church , which once promised to preserve the historic structure but sold it for $10 million earlier this year. However the new owners, BRP Development Corporation, filed plans to demolish the building in order to make room for a condominium a couple of weeks ago, as first reported by New York YIMBY. “I chanted for 45 minutes, ‘Save Harlem Now,’ the police came and told me that I was disturbing the peace,” Adams said. When an officer asked him to leave, Adams said, “You’re gonna have to arrest me cause I’m not leaving,” according to the summons for disorderly conduct. The Renaissance Casino, on the corner of West 137th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, was built in the 1920s by followers of Marcus Garvey who wanted to have a catering facility that would be as fine as any comparable facility in the city, Adams said. It instantly became the leading venue for parties and community events not just in Harlem but all over New York. It also hosted Joe Lewis fights and was the home of a local all-black professional basketball team, he added. Former Mayor David Dinkins had his wedding reception there, according to The New York Times. New designs call for 134 mixed-income residential units, retail space, a community space for churches and a 67-car garage. Twenty percent of the units will be affordable, BRP spokeswoman Zoe Tobin said. The plan contradicts what the Abyssinian Development Corporation — the church’s real estate organization — originally intended for the structure when they asked the Landmarks Protection Commission not to protect the building in 2007, according to Adams. The reason they opposed landmark protection was because Abyssinian had plans to save the casino’s exterior and build a 13-story apartment building. Landmark protection, they claimed, would “basically kill the project,” according to a 2007 article by the New York Times. Former mayor David Dinkins and Comptroller Scott Stringer backed Abyssinian’s request. Neither Dinkins nor Stringer responded to inquiries. Because the Abyssinian Development Corp. no longer owns the Renaissance Casino, they declined to comment. “That was in 2007, you will have to speak with someone at the church about that,” a spokeswoman, who refused to give her name, said when asked about their plan to protect the historic building’s facade. The church spokeswoman said all retail questions need to be addressed to Abyssinian Development Corporation. Adam’s fight to preserve the building goes beyond the Renaissance Casino. He has seen a number of historic buildings — including the Audubon Ballroom , Lenox Lounge , and several of the nightclubs made famous during the Harlem Renaissance — be threatened with demolition over the years. When those buildings are destroyed, they are replaced by expensive condos that end up displacing the people of Harlem, Adams said. “Our heritage in Harlem is under threat and the irony is that not only is the destruction of all these buildings erasing the history of African American achievement in Harlem but the buildings that replace these sites are being filled with people who displace the people of Harlem,” the preservationist said. In Central Harlem, only 3 percent of buildings are protected by the designation of historic district, compared to 26 in the Upper West Side and 10 for all of Manhattan, according to a 2013 Community Board 10 report. “It is a place of importance that is equal in terms of black history as Paris and Rome is to white history,” he said. “Yet people are trying to destroy everything that makes it special and that is immoral.” By Gustavo Solis on |
Historians speculate that China attacked India in 1962 as world attention was focused on what other episode? | Argument Without End Argument Without End In Search of Answers to the Vietnam Tragedy By ROBERT S. McNAMARA, JAMES G. BLIGHT and ROBERT K. BRIGHAM with THOMAS J. BIERSTEKER and HERBERT Y. SCHANDLER PublicAffairs Read the Review The Theme and Structure of the Book Most men look at things as they are and wonder why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not? George Bernard Shaw From In Retrospect to Argument Without End The Vietnam War, with which I was personally involved for more than seven years as U.S. secretary of defense (1961-1968), was among the bloodiest in all of human history. It is estimated that something on the order of 3.8 million Vietnamese (North and South, military and civilian) were killed. The United States lost 58,000. Had the United States lost in proportion to its population the same percentage as Vietnam, 27 million Americans would have died. Many times these numbers were wounded. During the course of the war, in addition, North and South Vietnam were nearly destroyed as functioning societies, and America was torn asunder by issues related to the war. Ironically, each principal combatant achieved its objectives: The Hanoi government reunified Vietnam under its leadership; and to the United States, the "dominoes" did not fall, as communism and Soviet and Chinese hegemony did not spread across Southeast Asia. The thesis of this book is that the war was a tragedy for both sides. Both Washington and Hanoi could have accomplished their purposes without the appalling loss of life. There were missed opportunities, either for avoiding the war before it started or for terminating it before it had run its course. I speculated along these lines in my memoir of the war, In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam. But lacking access to former officials and documents from the Hanoi government, I could not pursue the matter further at that time. Since then, however, this thesis has been buttressed by an analysis of formerly unavailable, newly translated Vietnamese and Chinese documents, as well as the six sets of discussions in Hanoi over more than two years between Vietnamese and U.S. scholars and former officials. For the first time, I believe, an understanding has begun to emerge regarding which of the decisions on each side were made on the basis of an accurate understanding of the motives and capabilities of the adversaries, and which were made on the basis of misperceptions, miscalculations, and misjudgments. On the basis of what our analysis adds to the historical record, we propose lessons that should be drawn for advancing peace among nations in the twenty-first century. The Twenty-First Century: A Bloody Repetition of the Twentieth? My earliest memory as a child is of a city exploding with joy. The city: San Francisco. The date: November 11, 1918Armistice Day. I was two years old. The city was celebrating not only the end of World War I but also the belief, held so strongly by President Wilsonand many other Americansthat the United States and its allies had won a war to end all wars. They were wrong, of course. The twentieth century was on its way to becoming the bloodiest, by far, in all of human history. During the century soon to end, 160 million people will have been killed in conflictswithin nations and between nationsacross the globe. If we wish to avoid a repetition in the next century of the tragedy of the twentieth, the time to start is now. As a first step, we should begin by establishing a realistic appraisal of the problem. It is readily apparent, very complex, and very dangerous. A recent report, titled "Carnegie Commission on the Prevention of Deadly Conflict," chaired by David A. Hamburg and Cyrus R. Vance, stated it very clearly: Peacewill require greater understanding and respect for differences within and across national boundaries. We humans do not have the luxury any longer of indulging our prejudices and ethnocentrism. They are anachronisms of our ancient past. The worldwide historical record is full of hateful and destructive beha |
As seen in the movie The Longest Day, paratrooper John Steele saw action during the D-Day invasion of WWII while dangling from where? | February | 2016 | History of Sorts | Page 2 History of Sorts WORLD WAR 2 ,EIGHTIES,MUSIC,FANTASY,ZOMBIES,Hacksaw Ridge,Genocide,Irish WWII Heroes Monthly Archives: February 2016 by dirkdeklein under Book , History , Movie , World War 2 Who is John Steele I hear you say. Well to be honest until recently I had never heard of him either. It’s just that I am a great WW2 movies fan I came across his name. In the movie ” the Longest Day” about D-Day there are a few scenes which made me wonder if they really happened. Some of them are quite funny, there is one scene where a German patrol and an American patrol pass each other by not realizing they are enemies and just walk on minding their own business. Another one where a German officer puts on his boots the wrong way. However there are also some sad scenes. One is showing a paratrooper whose parachute was caught in one of the pinnacles of the church tower. I could not find anything on the patrols or the visually impaired German officer but the story of the paratrooper is true and really happened. This Paratrooper’s name was Private John Steele. he was the American paratrooper who landed on the church tower in Sainte-Mère-Église, the first village in Normandy liberated by the Americans on D-Day, June 6, 1944. On the night before D-Day (June 5–6, 1944), American soldiers of the 82nd Airborne parachuted into the area west of Sainte-Mère-Église in successive waves. The town had been the target of an aerial attack and a stray incendiary bomb had set fire to a house east of the town square. The church bell was rung to alert the town of the emergency and townspeople turned out in large numbers to form a bucket brigade supervised by members of the German garrison. By 0100 hours, the town square was well lit and filled with German soldiers and villagers when two sticks (planeloads of paratroopers) from the 1st and 2nd battalions were dropped in error directly over the village. The paratroopers were easy targets, and Steele was one of only a few non-casualties. His parachute was caught in one of the pinnacles of the church tower, causing the cables on his parachute to stretch to their full length, leaving him hanging on the side of the church to witness the carnage. The wounded paratrooper hung there limply for two hours, pretending to be dead, before the Germans took him prisoner. Steele later escaped from the Germans and rejoined his division when US troops of the 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment attacked the village capturing thirty Germans and killing another eleven. For these actions and his wounds, Steele was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat. Though injured, Private Steele survived his ordeal. He continued to visit the town throughout his life and was an honorary citizen of Ste. Mère Église. The tavern, Auberge John Steele, stands adjacent to the square and maintains his memory through photos, letters and articles hung on its walls. Steele died of throat cancer on May 16, 1969 in Fayetteville, NC just three weeks short of the 25th anniversary of the D-Day invasion But his story as a brave soldier starts much earlier and continued well past the episode in Sainte Mère Église. There is much more to the story of paratrooper John Steele. There are some inconsistencies in various stories that have been cobbled together about him, but it is clear that John Steele was a fearless and brave soldier. He had volunteered his service as a paratrooper and had earlier served in the 82nd Airborne Division in North Africa, prior to parachuting into combat in Sicily with F Company, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. On the night of 9 July 1943, John broke his left leg and was sent to a hospital in North Africa. After he recovered he returned to Italy and fought with his unit from Salerno to Naples. During his jump into Ste. Mère Église on the night of 5-6 June 1944, John was wounded by a shell fragment and was unable to steer his parachute. As he dangled from the church spire while a battle was going on below him, he tried to cut |
An infamous ball in 14th century France hosted by the French King Charles VI is remembered as 'Ball of (what) Men' referring to an incident that occurred in it? | History of Great Britain | Uncyclopedia | Fandom powered by Wikia History of Great Britain Great Britain trying to kick Ireland up the arse. Bog off, Scham-o; you've had your turn There have been many Histories of Great Britain. Readily available are Winston Churchill 's A History of the English-Speaking Peoples (Except the Irish), David Starkey's Dese Kings 'n' Queens be my Homeboyz, Blood or Simon Schama 's famous BBC television series Me History o' Britain. This isn't like those histories of the world's most famous island archipelago. This history is completely true and honest and free from sinister political bias or the unsettling hand of Her Majesty's censors . If you are a mincing effeminate or pearl-clutching old lady called Elizabeth, you might want to look away now. Too late! Read on! Great Britain (or as it is officially known, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The Low Tax Islands , the No Tax Islands, Rockall, Gibraltar, Britland etc.), sometimes known as What's The Matter With Britain?, is an ancient island state located just off the coast of France . On a clear day in Calais, you can see the Off-White Cliffs of Dover welcoming unwary visitors like a row of vagrant's teeth. [1] Geologically speaking, until about 8,000 years ago Great Britain was actually part of the European Continent , but as a mark of contempt for France , the Ancient Britons dug a huge trench, now known as the English Channel . Between Calais and Dover the land was soft, made of chalk, old fountain pens and disgusting things discarded by the Gauls , so the digging was relatively easy. At the end of the Ice Age ,sea levels rose, this ditch flooded with water and, to great rejoicing, Great Britain became an island [2] . But the old French Connection continued, as it was they who named this land 'Grand Bretagne' (Great Brittany) to avoid confusion with 'Petite Brittany' (Little Brittany or Jamie Lynn Spears as she is also known). [3] For those without comedic tastes, the self-proclaimed experts at Wikipedia have an article about British history . Contents [ show ] Prehistoric Britain Bumps, lumps, ditches and giant stones left all over the place. That about sums up 'prehistoric' Britain. Since everyone left school illiterate in those days, nobody wrote down so much as a 'must do list' for later historians to work out what really went on. Everyone is nameless, this has been called ' communist history' and therefore unattractive to those who like to follow the careers of great men and women. And the heritage business. The First Briton? The first Briton was Swanscombe Man. [4] His skull was found when the huge Bluewater shopping centre was built on the outskirts of London . He was probably the first inhabitant of what became Great Britain, but there wasn't much to go on regarding his culture, as only part of a skull, a collection of mammoth teeth and beer bottles were found on the site. (The latter may be what archaeologists call an anomaly and not a period object.) Swanscombe Man seems to have died when he forgot to salt the path outside his hut, as the last great Ice Age came hurtling down from the North Pole and encased everything in ice. He probably died on his way to go out and complain to the local council "about the state of the pathways." Stonehenge When the snow retreated northwards, the first (new) Britons arrived, concealed in secret compartments inside hay carts. They quickly spread throughout the island, hunting, spearing, gutting and generally inflicting death on the native wildlife. Some settled and built villages out of anything that came to hand, mostly mud and plastic bags. Others built a gated community, showing the first signs of class distinction. This site would come to be known as Stonehenge , though most of it has since disappeared into car boots of various later visitors (hence Stonehenge's current construction-site look). A typical druid. Also a Crack Suicide Teamster. These men would rush recklessly at the Romans and stab themselves to death. Celts/Celtic/Keltic/Woad Warriors It was around 300 |
"The phrase ""two plus two equals five"" (""2 + 2 = 5"") popularized by George Orwell is plausibly derived from what developmental policy of the erstwhile Soviet Union?" | Philropost: THE PHILROPOST ENCYCLOPEDIA THE PHILROPOST ENCYCLOPEDIA The Philropost Encyclopedia for Proseminar through Graduation Review and Beyond Incorporating literature, criticism, music, dance, history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, communication, geography, economics, art, political science, rhetoric, criminology, statistics, paleontology, mathematics, globalization, philosophy, and laughter. A Quick Introduction There are people who have inquired during the last seven months, “Why are you doing this?” These well-intended souls were referring to the construction of the book you are now reading. My typical response was that I enjoyed putting together everything known by Greg Jones all in one book. Perhaps the person most perplexed by this answer was the good doctor himself. Granted, he did take the project in good spirit, usually remarking that the book was far too large to represent what he knew, or something of that self-deprecating nature. The real answer is that I wanted to get down under one cover some record of all the things he and I talked about over the past eighteen months or so, plus all the things that those matters suggested in my mind, as well as a large number of things we probably should have discussed and did not. “But how do you know all this stuff?” I have been asked. The reality is that we all know much more than we believe we do until such time as we put ourselves in a situation that requires us to retell all the minutiae. In fact, I found the most challenging part of the task to be thinking up the names and terms about which I wanted to write. To that end—with or without knowing it—I relied on a great number of people who deserve mentioning. However, the ones I remember are Jan Stone, Robert Schambier, Lisa Ann Goodrich, Harlan Ellison, Greil Marcus, Elizabeth Fritze, and, of course, Dr. Gregory Jones himself. Now the book is in your hands. I get to enjoy the laughter, disputes, cursing, crying and occasional nods that I assume accompany an undertaking of this sort. To the extent that anyone encountering this book holds an expectation of anything within one hundred lightyears of either an all-encompassing guide or a near-perfect accounting, I wish that person much luck. However, if a student or other journey-taker wishes to take a glimpse into the nature of what a liberal arts education can actually offer, this is a great place to start. A abacus: An Asian counting devise and calculator. The standard abacus can be used to perform addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. The abacus can also be used to extract square-roots and cubic roots. The abacus is typically constructed of various types of hardwoods and comes in varying sizes. The frame of the abacus has a series of vertical rods on which a number of wooden beads are allowed to slide freely. A horizontal beam separates the frame into two sections, known as the upper deck and the lower deck. abandonment: In the ethical thought of such existentialist writers as Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger, abandonment is the awareness that there are no external sources of moral authority. No deity, for example, provides us with guidance or direction. We achieve an authentic life depending only on ourselves. abdomen: The region of the body furthest from the mouth. In insects, the third body region behind the head and thorax. In humans, the abdomen is the belly, that part of the body that contains all of the structures between the chest and the pelvis. The abdomen is separated anatomically from the chest by the diaphragm, the powerful muscle spanning the body cavity below the lungs. Sometimes people suffer from illnesses of this region of the body. One of the common illnesses is gallbladder disease. Cholecystitis is the term for inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is the organ that stores bile after it is produced by the liver, and then releases it into your small intestine, when needed, to help digest fat. Gallstones, which are hard “pebbles” composed of bile, may form |
Jewish American lawyer Murray C. Bernays (1894-1970) planned the legal framework and procedures for what tribunals? | Murray C. Bernays Murray C. Bernays (1894-1970) "Murray C. Bernays (1894-1970) was an American lawyer who planned the legal framework and procedures for the Nuremberg War Crime Trials after World War II. Bernays was born in Russia and emigrated to the United States with his family as a child. He served in the U.S. Army in France during World War I and earned his law degree from Columbia University. Between the late 1920s and early 1940s, he was a partner in the New York City law firm Ernst, Gale, Bernays & Falk. Bernays rejoined the U.S. Army during World War II and became a colonel with the U.S. Army General Staff Corps in 1945. In this capacity, he planned the legal framework and procedures for the Nuremberg War Crime Trials, basing the trials on the legal foundation of conspiracy and publically trying the war crimes defendants through well established legal methods. For this, he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Bernays retired from the U.S. Army in 1945 and practiced law for several New York City partnerships between the mid 1940s and mid 1960s." [Bio/History, Murray C. Bernays Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming][The Murray C. Bernays Papers include "unpublished poetry manuscripts" and an unpublished book, "This is the Land."] |
The Twelve Tables is usually considered the first attempt of Romans to create what? | Law in Ancient Rome, The Twelve Tables - Crystalinks Law in Ancient Rome Roman law is the legal system of ancient Rome, and the legal developments which occurred before the 7th century AD - when the Roman�Byzantine state adopted Greek as the language of government. The development of Roman law comprises more than a thousand years of jurisprudence - from the Twelve Tables (c. 439 BC) to the Corpus Juris Civilis (AD 529) ordered by Emperor Justinian I. This Roman law, the Justinian Code, was effective in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire (331-1453), and also served as a basis for legal practice in continental Europe, as well as in Ethiopia, and most former colonies of European nations, including Latin America. Historically, "Roman law" also denotes the legal system applied in most of Western Europe, until the end of the 18th century. In Germany, Roman law practice remained longer, having been the Holy Roman Empire (963-1806); thus the great influence upon the civil law systems in Europe. Moreover, the English and North American Common law also were influenced by Roman law, notably in the Latinate legal glossary - stare decisis, culpa in contrahendo, pacta sunt servanda. In contrast, Eastern Europe, though influenced by the Byzantine Empire, was not much influenced by the jurisprudence of the Corpus Juris Civilis; however, they did accept the Roman influence of the Farmer's Law. Roman Legal Development Before the Twelve Tables (754-449 BC), private law comprised the Roman civil law (ius civile Quiritium) that applied only to Roman citizens, and was bonded to religion; undeveloped, with attributes of strict formalism, symbolism, and conservatism, e.g. the ritual practice of mancipatio (a form of sale). The jurist Sextus Pomponius said, "At the beginning of our city, the people began their first activities without any fixed law, and without any fixed rights: all things were ruled despotically, by kings". It is believed that Roman Law is rooted in the Etruscan religion, emphasizing ritual. The Twelve Tables Supplement II Table I. 1. If anyone summons a man before the magistrate, he must go. If the man summoned does not go, let the one summoning him call the bystanders to witness and then take him by force. 2. If he shirks or runs away, let the summoner lay hands on him. 3. If illness or old age is the hindrance, let the summoner provide a team. He need not provide a covered carriage with a pallet unless he chooses. 4. Let the protector of a landholder be a landholder; for one of the proletariat, let anyone that cares, be protector. 6-9. When the litigants settle their case by compromise, let the magistrate announce it. If they do not compromise, let them state each his own side of the case, in the comitium of the forum before noon. Afterwards let them talk it out together, while both are present. After noon, in case either party has failed to appear, let the magistrate pronounce judgment in favor of the one who is present. If both are present the trial may last until sunset but no later. Table II. 2. He whose witness has failed to appear may summon him by loud calls before his house every third day. Table III. 1. One who has confessed a debt, or against whom judgment has been pronounced, shall have thirty days to pay it in. After that forcible seizure of his person is allowed. The creditor shall bring him before the magistrate. Unless he pays the amount of the judgment or some one in the presence of the magistrate interferes in his behalf as protector the creditor so shall take him home and fasten him in stocks or fetters. He shall fasten him with not less than fifteen pounds of weight or, if he choose, with more. If the prisoner choose, he may furnish his own food. If he does not, the creditor must give him a pound of meal daily; if he choose he may give him more. 2. On the third market day let them divide his body among them. If they cut more or less than each one's share it shall be no crime. 3. Against a foreigner the right in property shall be valid forever. Table IV. 1. A dreadfully deformed child shall be quickly kil |
Women groups that could not participate in the 1900 Boxer Rebellion of China organized themselves under what colorful name? Raise the ... | Culture of China - history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family Culture of China The Chinese call their country Zhonghua Renmmin Gogheguo, or Zhong Guo for short. Orientation Identification. The Chinese refer to their country as the Middle Kingdom, an indication of how central they have felt themselves to be throughout history. There are cultural and linguistic variations in different regions, but for such a large country the culture is relatively uniform. However, fifty-five minority groups inhabit the more remote regions of the country and have their own unique cultures, languages, and customs. Location and Geography. China has a land area of 3,691,502 square miles (9,596,960 square kilometers), making it the world's third largest nation. It borders thirteen countries, including Russia and Mongolia to the north, India to the southwest, and Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to the south. To the east, it borders the Yellow Sea, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea. The climate is extremely diverse, ranging from tropical in the south to subarctic in the north. In the west, the land consists mostly of mountains, high plateaus, and desert. The eastern regions are characterized by plains, deltas, and hills. The highest point is Mount Everest, on the border between Tibet and Nepal, the tallest mountain in the world. The Yangtze, the longest river in the country, forms the official dividing line between north and south China. The Yangtze sometimes floods badly, as does the Yellow River to the north, which, because of the damage it has caused, is called "China's sorrow." The country is divided into two regions: Inner China and Outer China. Historically, the two have been very separate. The Great Wall, which was built in the fifteenth century to protect the country against military invasions, marks the division. While the areas of the two regions are roughly equal, 95 percent of the population lives in Inner China. The country is home to several endangered species, including the giant panda, the golden monkey, several species of tiger, the Yangtze alligator, and the red-crowned crane. While outside organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund have made efforts to save these animals, their preservation is not a top priority for the government. Demography. China is the most populous nation on earth; in 2000, the estimated population was 1,261,832,482 (over one-fifth of the world's population). Of these people, 92 percent are Han Chinese; the remaining 8 percent are people of Zhuang, Uyhgur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities. Sichuan, in the central region, is the most densely populated province. Many of the minority groups live in Outer China, although the distribution has changed slightly over the years. The government has supported Han migration to minority territories in an effort to spread the population more evenly across the country and to control the minority groups in those areas, which sometimes are perceived as a threat to national stability. The rise in population among the minorities significantly outpaces that of the Han, as the minority groups are exempt from the government's one-child policy. Linguistic Affiliation. Mandarin Chinese is the official language. It is also called Putonghua and is based on the Beijing dialect. Modern spoken Chinese, which replaced the classical language in the 1920s, is called bai hua. The writing system has not changed for thousands of years and is the same for all the dialects. It is complex and difficult to learn China and consists of almost sixty thousand characters, although only about five thousand are used in everyday life. Unlike other modern languages, which use phonetic alphabets, Chinese is written in pictographs and ideographs, symbols |
The commander Subutai who is credited with conquering more territory than any other commander in history fought for which empire? | Subutai - New World Encyclopedia Subutai Next (Succession (ecological)) Subutai. Medieval Chinese drawing Subutai (Subetei, Subetai, Sübeedei; Classic Mongolian: Sübügätäi or Sübü'ätäi; 1176–1248) also known as Subetai the Valiant was the primary strategist and general of Genghis Khan (Temüjin) and Ögedei Khan . The son of a blacksmith, he rose through the ranks and directed more than twenty campaigns during which he conquered (or overran) more territory than any other commander in history . He gained victory by means of imaginative and sophisticated strategies and routinely coordinated movements of armies that were more than three hundred miles away from each other. He is most remembered for devising the battle plan that destroyed the armies of Hungary and Poland within two days of each other, by forces almost a thousand miles apart. Subutai is regarded in history as one of Genghis Khan's and the Mongol Empire 's most prominent generals in terms of ability, tactics and loyalty, helping with the military campaigns in Asia and Eastern Europe . He commanded many successful attacks and invasions during his time and was rarely defeated. Under Batu Khan he extended Mongol rule into Kievan Rus' , the Crimea, part of the Balkans and defeated the Hungarians at the Battle of Mohi . Mongols remained in control of some of the Russian territories he conquered for the next three centuries. Contents 12 Credits When Batu returned to Mongolia for the election of the new Great Khan in 1242, Subatai did not accompany him nor did he press home his advantage in Europe. Had he done so, European history would have taken a different direction. Before his death in 1248, he led the Mongol campaign in China. Subatai played a major role in helping to establish the largest contiguous Empire in human history, which his master believed Heaven had commanded by Heaven to conquer. That empire would leave an indelible mark on world history. Several centuries of Mongol rule across the Eurasian landmass — a period that some refer to as Pax Mongolica — radically altered the demography and geopolitics of these areas. As a result of Subatai's conquests, a huge territory was unified under a stable and peaceful rule and by the Yasa legal code. Across the empire, merit could earn promotion regardless of ethnicity, religious liberty was in the main upheld, trade flourished and contact along the Silk Road reminded Europeans that the East was home to a great civilization and that Europe were not at the center of all human progress and development. Early life Historians believe Subutai was born between the years of 1160–1170, probably just west of the upper Onon River in what is now Mongolia. He belonged to the Uriankhai tribe, a name Mongols gave to a number of tribes of "forest people". Subutai's family had been associated with the family of Genghis Khan for many generations. His brother Jelme also served as a general in the Mongol army. Subutai joined Genghis Khan while still a teenager. Within a decade he rose to become one of the senior officers, commanding one of four roving detachments operating ahead of the main forces. In 1212 he took Huan by storm, the first major independent exploit mentioned in the sources. Subutai was proof that the Mongol Empire , more than any that had preceded it, was a meritocracy. He was the son of Qaban, who was supposedly a blacksmith, which was a not considered a nobility. Qaban brought his son to serve Genghis Khan when Subutai was about 17 years old, and he rose to the very highest command available to one who was not directly related to the Khan. Genghis Khan called him one of his four "dogs of war", namely Jelme, Kubilai Khan, Jebe and Subutai. [1] His title "Bagatur" (The Valiant) was awarded when he became a member of the imperial guard; it means "knight" but also "Valiant" and although promoted to higher rank, Subutai was known by this title until his death. [2] Mongol histories say that Subutai said to Genghis Khan , "I will ward off your enemies as felt cloth protects one from the wind." [3] Tactical ability Subutai was |
The Cry of Dolores is regarded as the first event in the fight for independence in the history of what country? | Mexican Independence: The Cry of Dolores Mexican Independence: The Cry of Dolores Mexican Independence: The Cry of Dolores The Cry of Dolores. Mural by Juan O'Gorman By Christopher Minster Updated September 16, 2015. On the morning of September 16, 1810, the parish priest of the town of Dolores, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla , declared himself in open revolt against Spanish rule from the pulpit of his church, launching the Mexican War of Independence. He exhorted his following to take up arms and join him in his fight against the injustices of the Spanish colonial system and within moments he had an army of some 600 men. This action became known as the "Grito de Dolores" or "Cry of Dolores" and today Mexicans celebrate September 16 as their Independence Day . Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla: Father Miguel Hidalgo was a fifty-seven year old Creole who was beloved by his parishioners for his tireless efforts on their behalf. He was considered one of the leading religious minds of Mexico, having served as rector of the San Nicolas Obisbo academy. He had been banished to Dolores for his questionable record in the church: namely fathering children and reading prohibited books. continue reading below our video What Is Mexican Independence Day? He had suffered personally under the Spanish system: his family had been ruined when the crown forced the church to call in debts. He was a believer in the new philosophy that stated that it was allowable to overthrow unjust tyrants. The Querétaro Conspiracy: By 1810, a couple of failed attempts by Creole leaders to secure Mexican independence had already taken place, but discontent was high. The town of Querétaro soon developed its own group of men and women in favor of independence. The leader was Ignacio Allende , a Creole officer with the local military regiment. The members of the group felt they needed another member: someone with moral authority, a good relationship with the poor and decent contacts in neighboring towns. Miguel Hidalgo was recruited and joined sometime in early 1810. Preparations: The conspirators selected early December 1810 as their time to strike. They ordered weapons made, mostly pikes and swords. They felt out royal soldiers and officers and persuaded many to join their cause. They scouted nearby royalist barracks and garrisons and spent many hours talking about what a post-Spanish society in Mexico would be like. El Grito de Dolores: On September 15, 1810, the conspirators received the bad news: their conspiracy had been found out. Allende was in Dolores at the time and wanted to go into hiding: Hidalgo convinced him that the right option was to go forward. On the morning of the 16th, Hidalgo rang the church bells, summoning the workers from the nearby fields. From the pulpit he announced the revolution: "Know this, my children, that knowing your patriotism, I have put myself at the head of a movement begun some hours ago, to wrest away power from the Europeans and give it to you." The people responded enthusiastically. Aftermath : Hidalgo would battle royalist forces right to the gates of Mexico City itself, although his “army” was never much more than a poorly-armed and uncontrolled mob more interested in murdering hated Spaniards and looting than any lofty principles of Independence. The army would fight at the siege of Guanajuato, Monte de las Cruces and a couple of other engagements before being defeated by General Félix Calleja at the Battle of Calderon Bridge in January of 1811. Hidalgo and Allende were captured soon thereafter and executed. Legacy of the Cry of Dolores: The Cry of Dolores marked the beginning of the long and bloody Mexican War of Independence, which would not conclude until 1821. Millions were killed or displaced in this long conflict. During his trial, Hidalgo seemed to understand what he had wrought and recanted his actions, perhaps foreseeing the bloodbath to come. The Cry of Dolores was the spark that ignited the tinderbox of long pent-up resentment of the Spanish in Mexico. Taxes had been raised to pay for fiascoes like the disastrous (f |
What political term originates from the interview of a general during the Spanish Civil War who said that as his four groups of troops approached Madrid, another group of supporters inside the city would support him? | The Nazi-Instigated National Synarchist Union of Mexico What It Means for Today by William F. Wertz, Jr. When in July 2003, the leaders of the Ibero-American Solidarity Movement (MSIA)founded in 1992 as a Trojan horse within the LaRouche movementresigned from association with LaRouche over the issue of synarchism. Lyndon LaRouche warned that the MSIA's controllers centered around Spain's leading Francoist, Blas Piñar, represent an Hispanic terrorist threat against the United States in behalf of the circles of Vice President Dick Cheney. The fact that Samuel Huntington, who promoted the Clash of Civilizations which has been the operative principle behind Cheney's war in Iraq, has since authored a book, Who Are We?, which promotes a clash of civilizations between what he describes as the "Anglo-Protestant" culture of the United States and the primarily Mexican Hispanization of the U.S. Southwest, underscores the danger of another Sept. 11, under Hispanic cover. The March 11, 2004 train bombing in Madrid, and former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar's warning that he is certain that there will be a terrorist incident in the United States before the U.S. elections, further point to the danger LaRouche identified last year, of a Reichstag Fire-type terrorist attack under Hispanic cover, as part of a desperate effort to keep the besieged Cheney-centered neo-cons in power. The purpose of this article is to document the precedent for such a danger in the history of the Union Nacional Sinarquista (UNSNational Synarchist Union) in Mexico, an organization created in 1937 by the Nazis, operating through the Spanish Falange and in conjunction with the Japanese. Although vastly diminished in numbers today compared to then, this same organization continues to actively organize in Mexico and in the United States. Moreover, although initially created by the Nazis as a fifth column in Mexico directed at the United States, after Pearl Harbor and after the Nazi defeat at Stalingrad, the UNS was taken over by the same anti-Roosevelt, Anglo-American imperialist faction that is behind Dick Cheney and his allies in the Democratic National Committee today. This is the same faction, associated with the Dulles brothers, which after World War II protected the Nazi apparatus, with which they had worked before and, in some cases, during the war. Especially in light of the defeat of the Nazis, the Italian Fascists, and the Axis-allied Imperial Japanese in World War II, the Synarchists and their apologists vociferously lie about their connection to the Axis powers and attempt to portray themselves as a militant Mexican Christian movement based on the social teaching of the Catholic Church, which they misconstrue in such a way as to continue to identify with the fascist Falange of Franco's Spain and the Romanian Legionaires of Cornelio Codreanu. The thesis of Samuel Huntington's sophomoric book is warmed-over Nazi propaganda. Huntington argues that Mexican immigration into the U.S. Southwest is in effect la Reconquista, the reconquest of territory taken from Mexico by military aggression in the 1840s, and that Mexican Catholic Hispanic culture is in a fundamental clash with the underlying Anglo-American Protestant culture which he claims is the basis for the national identity of the United States. As we shall see, this is precisely the ideology of Hispanidad developed by the Nazis at the Ibero-American Institute in Berlin under Gen. Wilhelm von Faupel, to try to sabotage Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy and to drive a wedge between all of Ibero-America and the United States in the period leading up to the outbreak of World War II. Nazi and Japanese propaganda circulated by the UNS at the time, also suggested that an Axis victory over the United States would lead to the return of the U.S. Southwest to the Mexicans. For example, one declassified U.S. intelligence report dated Oct. 31, 1941 states that "Mexicans are told that their country, under Sinarquismo, will be the great nation of the Northern Hemisphere. The United States is doomed, say the |
How do we better know a list compiled in ancient times by Antipater of Sidon and by an observer identified as Philo of Byzantium? | Geometry.Net - Scientists: Philon Of Byzantium Philon Of Byzantium: I have seen the walls and Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon, wrote philon ofByzantium, the statue of Olympian Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the mighty http://www.unmuseum.org/ephesus.htm Extractions: The Temple of Artemis Artist's conception of the temple 1100 A.D.: A troop of Crusaders stops at a muddy little village in Asia Minor. Their leader looks around. Confused ,he dismounts. This place is not what he expected. He read in the ancient texts that this was a large seaport with many ships docked in its bay. It isn't. The sea is almost three miles away. The village is located in a swamp. There are no ships to be seen. The leader accosts a nearby man. "Sir, is this the city of Ephesus?" "It was called that once. Now it is named Ayasalouk." "Well, where is your bay? Where are the trading ships? And where is the magnificent Greek temple that we have heard about?" Now it is the man's turn to be confused. "Temple? What temple, Sir? We have no temple here..." And so 800 years after its destruction, the magnificent Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World , had been completely forgotten by the people of the town that had once held it in such pride. And there is no doubt that the temple was indeed magnificent. "I have seen the walls and Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon," wrote Philon of Byzantium, "the statue of Olympian Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the mighty work of the high Pyramids and the tomb of Mausolus. But when I saw the temple at Ephesus rising to the clouds, all these other wonders were put in the shade." Basic forms of gears have been in existence since ancient times. philon ofByzantium describes gears used as early as 300 BC to lift heavy weights. http://www.televentures.org/brain.htm Extractions: Brain Power -Gear It up! What is a gear? Gears are frequently thought of as wheels with teeth. Gears come in all sizes, shapes, and materials but have one thing in common: they make work easier. Tire jacks, bicycles, clocks, kitchen appliances, garage door openers and cars are just a few modern machines that use gears. How long have gears been used? Basic forms of gears have been in existence since ancient times. Philon of Byzantium describes gears used as early as 300 BC to lift heavy weights. In Alexandria, Egypt during the first century AD, a mathematician named Heron wrote a book titled, Mechanics, which included illustrations and descriptions of gears. Modern archaeologists have found metal gears dating to 500 AD. Although ancient engineers knew the advantage of using gears, they were too difficult to make with existing technology. They did not come into widespread use until the invention of more precise tools and technology. How do gears work? Gears have become fundamental to the motion of virtually all machines in our society. When two or more gears are connected the movement of one gear is transferred to another gear, enabling the machine to do its job. The transfer of movement from one gear to another can increase either the force of the movement or the speed if the gears are of different sizes. Gears can also change the direction of movement. An important part of understanding how gears increase force is the concept of leverage. A gear may be thought of as series of levers, each one extending from the center of the gear to the end of a gear tooth. Just as a lever moves a load, the tooth of one gear moves the meshing tooth of another gear. The longer a lever is, the greater its force. Hence, the bigger a gear is, the greater its force. By arranging gears of different sizes, machines work with different amounts of force. widely chronicled. Greek writers, Antipater of Sidon, and philon ofByzantium compiled the two most well known lists. Most of the http://www.centralamericaweekly.net/172/english/coverstory.html Extractions: The ancient Greeks were the first to begin compiling lists of the most marvelous structures they knew about. These included historical structures that had long been de |
What historic scandal had its roots in security guard Frank Wills discovering a taped latch of a basement door of an office complex? | Why did Nixon and Bush burglarize the Watergate? font size=6> Howard Hunt, Frank Sturgis, Bernard Barker, Charles Colson, Parkinson, Erlichman, Halderman, Mitchell, AG. In 47 years, what new evidence have we discovered about the ambush of President Kennedy? Plenty. Bay of Pigs = Dallas = Watergate. Do you see what is happening? Powerful people like Jesse Ventura, John Hankey, DA Jim Garrison, Mark Lane, Gen. Fletcher Prouty, Gen. Escalante, Michael Canfield, and thousands more investigators worldwide, leaders of a new movement to Impeach CIA agent Geo HW Bush for the murder of JFK, have arisen. We have achieved critical mass worldwide. Today, 11-29-10, in Manila, a rich powerful sexist clan is on trial. Every journalist in the Philippines is speaking out against this rich Clan. Look at journalism in America. Most journalists are just lap dogs for the rich terrorists like Bush. Now look at journalists in the Philippines. They are not afraid to print & say the truth, about the rich clan of terrorists who murdered their candidate for President, on 11-23-09, and 57 eye witnesses. 47 of them were journalists. Very similar to Dallas 1962, when the Rich Bush clan assassinated JFK & 63 eye witnesses, including top journalist Dorothy Killgallen, (What's My Line ). Journalists in America have been mute for 47 years. All the sexist members of the Ampatuan Clan must be arrested, convicted & executed. Youtube:: paul8kangas font size=6> �Jail Bush� is now a major grass roots movement world wide. Here are the key facts: Bush was in charge of the Bay of Pigs. I know, because I am a veteran of the invasion of Cuba. The US files on the invasion of Cuba are still Top Secret. No one is allowed to look at the files until the year 2038. font size=6> Why? What is so secret about the Bay of Pigs, that the American public can't look at the files? font size=6> Here are a few clues you would see in the files, if we were allowed to look at them: Bush named the 2 war ships, sent by the CIA agent Gen. Fletcher Prouty, to Bush in Guatemala, used to invade Cuba: " the Barbara & " the Houston" after his wife and his home town, where his oil company Zapata was based. Bush named the whole invasion: "Operation Zapata," after the name of his oil company. Bush owned an island, Cayo Sal, 30 miles north of Cuba, where he had an oil rig & big company office, with 100 employees, which was actually a front for running guns into Cuba, to attack Fidel & the Cuban system of free schools and free medical care. British police raided 3 speed boats, leaving the island, heading straight towards Cuba, on Dec 1, 1963, and arrested 9 of Bush's employees, who were caught smuggling machine guns towards Cuba. font size=6> As soon as Bush killed JFK, 2 weeks earlier, Bush, Dulles, Bissel, Cabel, Hunt & Helms re-launched a second invasion of Cuba on Dec 1, 63. font size=6> The British stopped the first wave of the invasion and took away all their guns & bombs. As reported on pg 250, "JFK - The Cuba Files". by General Fabian Escalante, head of Cuban Intelligence. Thanks to the Church Committee investigating the JFK ambush, Cuba released its files of interviews of the 1,500 terrorists from Miami, they had arrested during the invasion. font size=6> Cuba then sent journalists to track the movements and actions of these terrorists in the US, after they were released back to the US. Most of them moved to Dallas, New Orleans and Miami. Cuba was doing this investigation to protect itself from terrorists attacks by the CIA trained Cubans in Dallas & Miami. font size=6> In the process they uncovered the plot to kill JFK. J. Edgar Hoover discovered the same plot at the same time, and sent a FBI telex to the SF office of the FBI, on 11-17-63, warning every FBI office in the US that a group of CIA trained Cubans from Dallas and Miami were planning to assassinate President Kennedy on 11-22-63. font size=6> A copy of this telex was introduced by DA Jim Garrison in the trial of gay CIA agent Clay Shaw. There is a copy |
The Three Pashas of the Ottoman Empire organized what 'fledgling' political group during the early 20th century whose name has now become synonymous with any internal reform group? | Ottoman Empire Ottoman Empire ("The Eternal State") Anthem: Ottoman imperial anthem At the height of its power (1683) Capital Söğüt (1299-1326) Constantinople ( Istanbul ) (1453-1922) 41°00′N 29°00′E Language(s) Ottoman Turkish Government Monarchy Sultans - 1281–1326 Osman I - 1918–1922 Mehmed VI Grand Viziers - 1320-1331 Alaeddin Pasha - 1920-1922 Ahmed Tevfik Pasha History - Foundation 1299 - Partition November 17, 1922 Area - 1914 540,766 km2 208,791 sq mi Population - 1453 est. 410,580 - 1878 est. 26,000,000 - 1914 est. 25,000,000 Density 46.2 /km² 119.7 /sq mi Currency Akçe, Kuruş, Lira The Ottoman Empire ( Ottoman Turkish: دولت عليه عثمانيه - Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye; literally, "The Sublime Ottoman State"), also known in the West as the Turkish Empire, existed from AD 1299 to AD 1922. At the height of its power in the 16th and 17th centuries , the tri-continental Ottoman Empire controlled much of Southeastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa , stretching from the Strait of Gibraltar (and in 1553 the Atlantic coast of North Africa beyond Gibraltar) in the west to the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf in the east, from the edge of Austria and Slovakia and the hinterland beyond Ukraine in the north to Sudan and Yemen in the south. The empire was at the centre of interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries. With Istanbul , (the Ottoman Turkish name of old Constantinople) as its capital, it was the final great Mediterranean Empire and heir to the legacy of Rome and Byzantium in many ways. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ottoman Empire was among the world's most powerful states, threatening the powers of eastern Europe with its steady advance through the Balkans. Its navy was a powerful force in the Mediterranean Sea , Black Sea , Red Sea , Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean . On several occasions, the Ottoman army invaded central Europe, laying siege to Vienna in 1529 and again in 1683 in an attempt to conquer the Habsburgs, and was finally repulsed only by coalitions of European powers on the sea and on land. It was the only Eastern power to seriously challenge the rising power of Western Europe between the 15th and 20th centuries . The Ottoman Empire steadily declined during the 19th century, and met its demise at the beginning of the 20th century after its defeat in World War I in the Middle Eastern theatre with the other Central Powers. In the aftermath of the war, the Ottoman government collapsed and the victorious powers partitioned the Empire. Subsequent years saw the creation of new states from the remnants of the Empire; at present 39 nation-states (40 including the disputed TRNC) have emerged from the former Ottoman territories. In Anatolia, the historical centre of the Empire, an emergent Turkish national movement expelled invading forces during the Turkish War of Independence, which concluded with the birth of the Republic of Turkey. The new Republic declared the Sultan and his family, the Ottoman Dynasty, as persona non grata of Turkey. Fifty years later, in 1974, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey granted descendants of the former dynasty the right to acquire Turkish citizenship. History Russian Wars Near East Wars The history of the Ottoman Empire spans more than six centuries, and primary documentation of the empire's relations with other powers is to be found in the archives of thirty-nine nations. Earlier historiography of the empire was based largely on analysis of Ottoman military victories and defeats; current approaches take a wider perspective, the scope of which includes the social dynamics of territorial growth and dissolution, and examination of economic factors and their role in the empire's eventual stagnation and decline. An examination of Ottoman history from a political and military viewpoint will be presented here; a socioeconomic analysis is treated in separate articles, divided between two periods, the classic period (sometimes referred to as the "era of enlargement"), and the reform period (also called "the era of Westerniz |
When in 1862 did the Mexican army claim an unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla immortalizing the day in Mexican history? | Puebla – THE HISPANIC BLOG Confusion with Mexican Independence Day Many people outside Mexico mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican independence , which was declared more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla. That event is commemorated on September 16, the anniversary of the revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla ’s famous “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”), a call to arms that amounted to a declaration of war against the Spanish colonial government in 1810. The book The Course of Mexican History states “The exact words of this most famous of all Mexican speeches are not known, or, rather, they are reproduced in almost as many variations as there are historians to reproduce them.”The book goes on to claim that “the essential spirit of the message is… ‘My children: a new dispensation comes to us today. Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once… Will you defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government! Death to the gachupines!’ Hidalgo’s Grito did not condemn the notion of monarchy or criticize the current social order in detail, but his opposition to the events in Spain and the current viceregal government was clearly expressed in his reference to bad government. The Grito also emphasized loyalty to the Catholic religion, a sentiment with which both Creoles and Peninsulares (native Spaniards) could sympathize; however, the strong anti-Spanish cry of “Death to the Gachupines” (Gachupines was a nickname given to Peninsulares) probably had caused horror among Mexico’s elite. Cinco de Mayo: The History Behind What this Day Truly Means cPhoto: Battle of Puebla In Mexico, the various factions that fought their civil war had borrowed large sums of money from foreign creditors. The fighting devastated Mexico’s economy, and the country had to suspend payments on its debts. Taking advantage of the relative weakness of the United States during the US Civil War , in December of 1861 the governments of France, Great Britain and Spain landed an allied military force at Vera Cruz to protect their interests in Mexico and to try to collect the debts owed to their citizens. Juárez negotiated with the allies and promised to resume payments, and the British and Spanish troops began to withdraw from Mexico in April, 1862. source unknown The French, however, did not withdraw and instead sent reinforcements to their troops in Mexico. At the time France was ruled by Louis Napoleon, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte . Louis Napoleon was elected President of France , but after the election he proclaimed himself Napoleon III, Emperor of the French (the British referred to him as “the nephew of the uncle”). While negotiations for the Mexican government to repay its debts were ongoing, the French commander, General Charles Ferdinand Latrille, comte (Count) de Lorencez, advanced on Mexico City from Vera Cruz, occupying the mountain passes which led down into the Valley of Mexico. At this point it became clear that Napoleon III planned to turn Mexico into a colony. The French advance was along a route that had been used several times in the past to conquer Mexico, first by the conquistador Hernan Cortes and most recently by US General Winfield Scott during the Mexican War. Napoleon III France declared war on Mexico, and called on those Mexicans who had fought on the side of the Conservative Party in the civil war to join them. Napoleon III planned to turn Mexico into an empire ruled by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Josef von Habsburg, the younger brother of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary. Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Josef von Habsburg General Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count de Lorencez, was the leader of the French forces – the Corps Expéditionnaire – which numbered about 7,300 men. He had been their commander for about two months. He was confident of victory. He boldly proclaimed, “we are so superior to the Mexica |
What is the common family name of the sisters Ai-ling, Chang-ling and May-ling who had a significant influence on 20th century Chinese history? | TIMELINE of Asian American History between 1900 and 1909 HISTORICAL TIMELINE DETAILS (1900 to 1909) Our victories, obstacles and leaders Discover additional specific info on the many links (outlined in "red" or "blue") listed below 1900 1900 CENSUS FIGURES ON INDIAN AMERICANS By the 1900 census, 2,050 East Indians were found in the United States, and one estimate is that the number had grown to 7,000 by 1923. Distinguished Americans of South Asian ancestry include conductor Zubin Mehta, former EEOC Commissioner Joy Cherian, award-winning author Bharati Mukherjee, filmmaker Ismail Merchant and Dalip Saund. Population estimates were 359,000 in 1980, 815,447 in 1990, and over 1.3 million today, including an estimated 25,000 medical doctors. By 1990 census estimates, Asian Indians had a per capita income of $17,777 as compared to the national average of $14,420, and high levels of educational achievement (averaging 15.6 years) and annual household income ($34,300). Indian Americans have served on the state level in Maryland and Wyoming, and run for office in states as diverse as California, New York, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Georgia. 1901 SAN FRANCISCO'S "NEW CHINESE TELEPHONE COMPANY" OPENS The new Chinese Telephone Exchange is open and ready for business, after months of preparation. The exchange differs from all others in this city or in the world in that it is gorgeous with Oriental beauty and a marvel of luxurious good taste and splendor. The telephone company has made it a point to make the new exchange one of the show places in Chinatown. It has spared no expense to obtain this result. The new exchange is in the three-story building at 743 Washington street. The first floor is occupied by a store, which has been refitted and decorated by its owners to be in accord with the remainder of the building. The entrance to the exchange is up a long flight of narrow stairs, at the head of which is a gayly decorated sign in Chinese letters announcing the presence of the telephone, which, strangely enough, is one of the most popular of the American inventions among the Chinese. 1901 SUNG VS. U.S. Sung v US Supreme Court rules that unreasonable search and seizure, cruel and unusual punishment, and trial without jury are acceptable in deportation proceedings. 1901 CHINESE EXCLUSION CONVENTION In November 22, 1901 - a Chinese exclusion convention in San Francisco spells out the reasons why it thinks Congress should exclude Chinese immigrants. Some excerpts are listed below: The effects of Chinese exclusion have been most advantageous to the State. The 75,000 Chinese residents of California in 1880 have been reduced, according to the last census, to 45,000; and whereas the settlement of California by Caucasians had been arrested prior to the adoption of these laws, a healthy growth of the State in population has marked the progress of recent years. Every material interest of the State has advanced, and prosperity has been our portion. To quote the imperial Chinese consul-general of San Francisco: They work more cheaply than whites; they live more cheaply; they send their money out of the country to China; most of them have no intention of remaining in the United States, and they do not adopt American manners, but live in colonies, and not after the American fashion. Until this year no statute had been passed by the State forbidding their intermarriage with the whites, and yet during their long residence but few intermarriages have taken place, and the offspring has been invariably degenerate. SINS OF EXCLUSION Exclusion and the Racial/Ethnic Enclaves However, exclusion was not only an immigration restriction. It became a unique form of racism that also socially defined the situation of the remaining Asians insid |
"Talking about which country did the writer V. S. Naipaul write ""No civilization was so little equipped to cope with the outside world; no country was so easily raided and plundered, and learned so little from its disasters""?" | A reward for Mr. Naipaul - The Hindu A reward for Mr. Naipaul November 10, 2012 00:27 IST Updated: August 18, 2016 10:27 IST Share Article November 10, 2012 00:27 IST Updated: August 18, 2016 10:27 IST more-in lead Honouring Sir Vidia for “lifetime achievement” means affirming not just his great “craft” but also his idea of India With the Mumbai Literary Festival recently honouring V.S. Naipaul for “lifetime achievement,” the ironies of rewarding Naipaul’s work have been resurrected. So have predictable “arguments.” Naipaul is a great writer. Writing has no room for politics. Great men are eccentric. Girish Karnad should have spoken about theatre, not Naipaul. A continuum Girish Karnad was absolutely right to speak up at the venue where Naipaul was honoured. Karnad has reminded us that for writers, all texts, literary debates and political questions form a continuum. As for propriety, why is it that great men like Naipaul are allowed departures from propriety, but not the great and not-so-great writers at home? Karnad added that Indian writers, especially those writing in English, have not challenged Naipaul’s views. Like their counterparts in other spheres of middle class Indian life, many writers are wary of making a “political” statement, or taking on the great — especially the great in London or New York — in public. But to set the record straight: I am aware of at least three Indian writers in English who have responded to Naipaul’s statements in public. In a festival session at Neemrana in 2002, the Great Man threw darts at two of his fears: women and Muslims. He said women writers are banal; he finds them boring. In response, Shashi Deshpande said she found Naipaul’s preoccupation with the loss of an imaginary India boring. Naipaul cut off Nayantara Sahgal as she spoke of post-colonialism, again complaining of banality. Ruchir Joshi made a sharp, timely intervention. Naipaul was not just being rude; he felt Sahgal had not gone back far enough in identifying the colonisers of India. “When did colonialism begin?” he asked, implying that it began with “the Muslims.” This is exactly what Girish Karnad refers to when he speaks of the questionable assumption of a pristine Hindu past sullied by Muslim invaders. Writers are not necessarily historians; but they are not precocious children with a knack either. Nor are they hermits. Any intelligent reader knows that the written work is informed by the writer’s take on history, politics, socio-economic contexts. Two important questions emerge when we debate an Indian honour conferred on Naipaul. One is on the context in which Naipaul’s work is located. The other is about the books and writers we choose to reward and what these choices say about us. To revisit Naipaul’s view of the world, I went back to an essay I wrote when Naipaul won the Nobel Prize for Literature. What I wrote then is relevant to the present debate. On receiving the Nobel in 2001, Naipaul paid tribute to England, “[his] home,” and India, “the home of [his] ancestors.” Trinidad, where he was born and where he grew up, did not merit a mention though it was home to admirable work such as The Mystic Masseur, Miguel Street and A House for Mr Biswas. But then Naipaul thinks Trinidad is “unimportant, uncreative, cynical … [with] an indifference to virtue as well as vice”. In fact, Naipaul’s early novels responded to the painful contradictions in these societies struggling to create a coherent narrative of their postcolonial lives. But the later work, particularly Naipaul’s considerable body of non-fiction, took his acute eye and graceful sentence elsewhere. This elsewhere, where mutinies abound (not dissent or movements) are chaotic “half-worlds”. All of them are, without exception, non-western countries. Many of them are yet to recover from their colonial legacies; many still grapple with chauvinist or opportunist rulers, appropriate successors to their colonial masters. Naipaul places himself outside these struggling worlds. He dissects them fastidiously to arrive at deadly diagnoses. Trinidad is “a place where |
The founding of the Austrian city of Wiener Neustadt by Duke Leopold V in 1194 came about from the ill-gotten gains of whose kidnapping that probably yielded the highest ransom ever? | Austria Austria — Austrian , adj., n. /aw"stree euh/, n. a republic in central Europe. 8,054,078; 32,381 sq. mi. (83,865 sq. km). Cap .: Vienna. German, Österreich. * * * Austria Introduction Austria Background: Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law of that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. This neutrality, once ingrained as part of the Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question since the Soviet collapse of 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995. A prosperous country, Austria entered the European Monetary Union in 1999. Geography Austria - Location: Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia Geographic coordinates: 47 20 N, 13 20 E Area: total : 83,858 sq km water: 1,120 sq km land: 82,738 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maine Land boundaries: total : 2,562 km border countries: Czech Republic 362 km , Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km Coastline: 0 km ( landlocked ) Maritime claims: none ( landlocked ) Climate: temperate ; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showers Terrain: in the west and south mostly mountains ( Alps ); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping Elevation extremes: lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m Land use: arable land: 16.89% permanent crops: 0.99% other: 82.12% (1998 est.) Irrigated land: 457 sq km (2000 est.) Natural hazards: landslides; avalanches; earthquakes Environment - current issues: some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe Environment - international party to: Air Pollution , Air agreements: Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution- Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty , Biodiversity , Climate Change , Desertification , Endangered Species , Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection , Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed , but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol , Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol Geography - note: landlocked ; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere People Austria Population: 8,169,929 (July 2002 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.4% ( male 686,205; female 652,840) 15-64 years: 68.2% ( male 2,814,866; female 2,756,777) 65 years and over: 15.4% ( male 484,313; female 774,928) (2002 est.) Population growth rate: 0.23% (2002 est.) Birth rate: 9.58 births/1,000 population (2002 est.) Death rate: 9.73 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.) Net migration rate: 2.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/ female total population: 0.95 male(s)/ female (2002 est.) Infant mortality rate: 4.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78 years female: 81.31 ye |
The 1940 book To the Finland Station by Edmund Wilson that traces communism refers to the arrival of Lenin at the said railway station in what city? | H-Net Reviews David Wolff. To the Harbin Station: The Liberal Alternative in Russian Manchuria, 1898-1914. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press , 1999. xx + 255 pp. $49.50 (cloth), ISBN 978-0-8047-3266-6. Reviewed by Felix Patrikeeff (Department of Politics, University of Adelaide) Published on H-Russia (October, 2000) The Chimera of Russian Society in Manchuria The Chimera of Russian Society in Manchuria The study of the Russian presence in Manchuria is a complex endeavour. It requires the charting of an often infuriatingly opaque history, an understanding of tortuously-fashioned political equations, a feel for the pathos of a culture-in-exile and, in important respects, a sense of perspective on the economic facets of the question. Was the Russian push into Manchuria in the late nineteenth century the result of politically more benign motives on the part of the Russian court, or the spearhead of a cruder Russian imperialism? Did the Trans-Siberian and Chinese Eastern Railways that were constructed in that period represent a 'bridge of steel' drawing together a European Russia, its underdeveloped Eastern Siberian and Far Eastern regions with the markets of East Asia, or were these the shaft of that spear of imperialism? And what was the part played in this extraordinary adventure by Harbin, a quintessentially Russian city springing up like a mushroom in the relatively desolate heart of Manchuria? A few scholars who have written in English stand out in this area of study. Andrew Malozemoff and his teacher George A. Lensen, John J. Stephan, Peter S.H. Tang and Rosemary K.I. Quested. As Wolff (whose book draws quite heavily on their scholarship) modestly indicates in his generally quite useful book on the subject, he "...aim[s] to complement the North Manchurian aspects of Quested's work by making use of newly released documents from Russian and mainland Chinese archives, both central and local" (p.197). This he does in some ways, but as his only research visit to China for the book appears to have been in 1989 (presumably for his doctoral research), and the work itself was published a decade later, one might ask how "newly released" are the Chinese documents? Moreover, the foreword to the book (by Professor Nicholas Riasanovsky, himself a Kharbinets [Harbinnite]) indicates that the author's task was aided by his polyglot scholarship, employing as he does Russian, Chinese and Japanese archival material. Yet it must be said that it is not at all clear from the images fashioned in the text itself, or from his referencing, how much the Chinese- and Japanese-language sources actually contributed to Wolff's work.. The book is divided, as the author handily points out, into five chapters and an appendix. The first deals with the construction of the Trans-Siberian and Chinese Eastern Railways, and how this "altered Russia's image abroad" (p.9). The second chapter examines the inter-ministerial rivalry surrounding the development of the city of Harbin. Chapter Three looks at the results of this inter-ministerial rivalry, which the author suggests gave rise to "trailblazing policies" that made Harbin "the freest city in the Russian Empire", and uses census data to examine the resulting make-up of the city's population (pp.10-11). Chapter Four analyses Harbin's development during the Russo-Japanese War and the 1905 Revolution. The last chapter moves to a discussion of the place of young "orientologists" (Wolff, influenced by Edward Said's work, refuses to use the term "orientalist" because of the negative ideological connotations of that word, and yet confusingly writes "vostokoved=orientalist" on p.156) graduating from Vladivostok's Eastern Institute, and their contribution to the "specialness" of Harbin. Finally, there is a short appendix which examines the "prehistory" of the Eastern Institute. Despite the fact that the title of the book indicates 1914 as the cut-off date for the study, only Chapter Three contains any sustained reference to the post 1905 period, and even here, it would appear, largely to acco |
A woman named Pompeia was divorced in 62 BC in Rome after she was suspected of a crime despite there being no evidence of her wrongdoing. Whom was she married to? | The Roman Principate: Gaius Julius Caesar Bona Dea Bona Dea was a divinity in ancient Roman religion. She was associated with chastity and fertility in women, healing, and the protection of the Roman state and people. According to Roman literary sources, she was brought from Magna Graecia at some time during the early or middle Republic, and was given her own state cult on the Aventine Hill. Her rites allowed women the use of strong wine and blood-sacrifice, things otherwise forbidden them by Roman tradition. Men were barred from her mysteries and the possession of her true name. The goddess had two annual festivals. One was held at her Aventine temple; the other was hosted by the wife of Rome's senior annual magistrate, for an invited group of elite matrons and female attendants. No men were permitted to attend, but a young patrician named Publius Clodius Pulcher managed to gain admittance disguised as a woman, apparently for the purpose of seducing Caesar's wife Pompeia. He was caught and prosecuted for sacrilege. Caesar gave no evidence against Clodius at his trial, careful not to offend one of the most powerful patrician families of Rome, and Clodius was acquitted after rampant bribery and intimidation. Nevertheless, Caesar divorced Pompeia, with the famous words - "the wife of Caesar must be above suspicion." Governorship in Hispania After his praetorship, Caesar was appointed to govern Hispania Ulterior (Outer Iberia) in 61 BC (remember, the dates go backwards at this period !), but he was still in considerable debt and needed to satisfy his creditors before he could leave. He turned to Marcus Licinius Crassus, one of Rome's richest men. In return for political support in his opposition to the interests of Pompey, Crassus paid some of Caesar's debts, and acted as guarantor for others. Even so, to avoid becoming a private citizen and open to prosecution for his debts, Caesar left for his province before his praetorship had ended. In Hispania he conquered the Callaici and Lusitani, being hailed as 'imperator' by his troops, reformed the law regarding debts, and completed his governorship in high esteem. The Latin word imperator was originally a title roughly equivalent to 'commander' under the Roman Republic. Later it became a part of the titulature of the Roman Emperors as part of their cognomen. The English word emperor derives from imperator via Old French Empereür. The Roman emperors themselves generally based their authority on multiple titles and positions, rather than preferring any single title. Nevertheless, imperator was used relatively consistently as an element of a Roman ruler's title throughout the principate (derived from princeps, from which prince in English is derived). By the time Caesar returned to Rome mid-year in 60 BC, the senate had granted him the title of imperator (see above), a title which entitled him to a triumph, however, he also wanted to stand for consul, the most senior magistracy in the republic. If he were to celebrate a triumph, he would have to remain a soldier, and stay outside the city until the ceremony, but to stand for election he would need to lay down his command and enter Rome as a private citizen. He could not do both in the time available. He asked the senate for permission to stand in absentia, but Cato blocked the proposal. Faced with the choice between a triumph and the consulship, Caesar wisely chose the consulship. THE CONQUEST of GAUL Caesar was still deeply in debt, but there was money to be made as a governor, whether by extortion or by military adventurism. Caesar had four legions under his command, two of his provinces bordered on unconquered territory, and parts of Gaul were known to be unstable. Some of Rome's Gallic allies had been defeated by their rivals at the Battle of Magetobriga, with the help of a contingent of Germanic tribes. The Romans feared these tribes were preparing to migrate south, closer to Italy, and that they had warlike intent. Caesar raised two new legions and defeated these tribes. In response to Caesar's earlier activities, the tribe |
What European ethnicity marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Golden Spurs (1302) fought in Flanders as its official holiday? | The Project Gutenberg eBook of Belgium, by George W. T. (George William Thomson) Omond CHAPTER XVIII THE VICISSITUDES OF ANTWERP When Napoleon was at Antwerp in 1803, he spoke to the Communal Council about the miserable condition of the place. 'It is little better,' he said, 'than a heap of ruins. It is scarcely like a European city. I could almost have believed myself this morning in some African township. Everything needs to be made—harbours, quays, docks; and everything shall be made, for Antwerp must avail itself of the immense advantages of its central position between the North and the South, and of its magnificent and deep river.' Antwerp was indeed a pitiable sight. Its trade had sunk to nothing. Rows of squalid houses, with wooden gables 300 years old, looked down upon canals choked up with slime and filth. The wharves on the banks of the noble River Scheldt were mere heaps of rotten timber. Half the churches, from which the stained glass and rich ornaments of former days had long since departed, [Pg 244] were closed. Grass was growing in the deserted streets; and the walls of this desolate city contained a population which numbered only some 40,000 souls. Such in the beginning of the nineteenth century was the state of Antwerp, which had once been the centre of European commerce and the greatest seaport in the world. ANTWERP The Cathedral—Chapel of St. Joseph. The position of Antwerp, close to the estuary of the mighty stream which brought it within reach of the markets, not only of Flanders, but of every part of the world which could be reached by water, had made it from an early period one of the chief cities of Brabant. But for a long time Bruges and Ghent, after their formidable rival Ypres had sunk into insignificance, absorbed most of the commerce of the Netherlands. These splendid cities fell; the commerce which had made them great found its way to Antwerp; and by the middle of the sixteenth century, when the waters of Zwijn, which had carried so many costly bales to Bruges, were drying up, the broad expanse of the Scheldt was covered by innumerable ships threading their way up to where the merchant princes of Italy, Germany, and England had established themselves, in a city which was now greater than even Venice or Genoa. [Pg 245] Every week 2,000 waggons heavily laden entered Antwerp. Silk, satin, velvet, and tapestry; gold, silver, and precious stones; spices and sugar from Portugal and Spain, now enriched by their conquest of the Indies; wines from France and Germany—all found their way to Antwerp. The manufactures of the Flemish towns were sent down the highway of the Scheldt to the most distant parts of the world; but England, Spain, and Portugal were the countries to which most of the cargoes were exported, and these were so rich that on one occasion the contents of thirteen ships taken by pirates were valued at 500,000 �cus d'or. [45] Already, under the Dukes of Brabant and Burgundy, the city had grown far beyond its original limits; but the wealth, the magnificence, and the vastly increased population which the remarkable prosperity of the sixteenth century brought with it, led Charles V. to issue a decree that the walls must be extended, and the boundaries now became those which enclosed it until recent times. The Cathedral Church of Notre Dame, still the glory of Antwerp, was the largest and the richest ecclesiastical building in the Netherlands. Not [Pg 246] far from the Cathedral was the Vleechhuis, now known as the Vieille Boucherie, a solid building of red brick relieved by courses of white stone, with five hexagonal turrets, erected by the Guild of Butchers, the interior of which was in those days ornamented with elaborate carvings, paintings, and marble statues. It is now surrounded by mean houses in the most squalid part of the town; but its massive appearance, even in decay, gives an idea of the power and wealth of what was not the most powerful nor the wealthiest of the guilds. In the Grande Place, as in the Grande Place of Brussels, were other guild houses, distinguished by their q |
The French military engineer Vauban (1633-1707) who advised Louis XIV on protecting his country's borders was well-known for his skill in constructing what? | Vauban and the French Military Under Louis XIV Vauban and the French Military Under Louis XIV Flag for inappropriate content Related Vauban and the French Military Under Louis XIV The French Foreign Legion: An Illustrated History (2008) German Military Vehicles of World War II: An Illustrated Guide to Cars, Trucks, Half-Tracks, Motorcycles, Amphibious Vehicles and Others (2007) The Fortifications of Paris: An Illustrated History (2006) Medieval Armies and Weapons in Western Europe: An Illustrated History (2005) Castles and Fortified Cities of Medieval Europe: An Illustrated History (2002) |
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