Archive for September, 2008

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Visit North Carolina for History, Hiking, Biking and Beaches

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
history
Andrew Regan asked:


From quiet towns steeped in history, to the tallest dunes on the East Coast, North Carolina offers a vast array of attractions for those who love culture, history and the great outdoors. Situated on the South Eastern Atlantic Seaboard, North Carolina is a geographically diverse state with mountains up to 6000 feet in the west, 4000 miles of rugged coastline in the east, and the beautiful rolling hills of the Piedmont region in between.

Winter sport fans will find ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in any one of the eight ski resorts in North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, which offer the highest peaks east of the Mississippi and harbor some of the lowest winter temperatures in the region. Come summer, the same mountains offer fantastic hiking opportunities through lush forests, with cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas to enjoy. Keen fishermen can take advantage of North Carolina’s many lakes, rivers and streams in which three species of trout can be found; and the 4000 miles of coastline also offer sea fishing for king mackerel, striped bass and trigger fish. For adrenaline junkies, North Carolina offers white water rafting, caving, mountain biking, surfing and scuba-diving amongst sunken shipwrecks. Motor bikers will also enjoy the long, quiet winding roads, with their sweeping curves and mountain top views.

Nature enthusiasts can look forward to the vast amounts of untouched scenery found in the state’s various national parks, which offer hiking and horse riding trails of varying lengths and difficulties, from short, flat woodland strolls to challenging mountain hikes. Be on the look out for North Carolina’s wildlife which includes a number of rare and endangered species such as the Finback Whale, Red Wolf, Eastern Cougar and West Indian Manatee. And if you’re visiting one of the bigger cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte, you’ll find various botanical parks and gardens to visit.

Anyone who’s interested in exploring the state’s culinary offerings will find miles of wine growing regions to visit, hundreds of small farms producing organically grown foods and many restaurants specializing in local dishes made with regional produce.

Art and culture are also alive and well in North Carolina, with plenty of opportunities to watch live theatre, dance, music and visual art. The city of Charlotte, for example, is well known for its array of museums, galleries and arts venues. The Charlotte Museum of History, the Carolinas Aviation Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South are just a few of the countless sites of cultural interest in the city. You’ll also find annual festivals which celebrate this diverse culture, which is heavily influenced by the Native American Cherokees, Bluegrass music and African American history - and there are even defined trails that allow you to absorb North Carolina’s heritage at your own pace.

If you’re planning a trip to North Carolina, there are plenty of options for accommodation in Charlotte and throughout the state. With its unusual terrain, unscripted landscape and stunning cities, North Carolina makes a great vacation destination for anyone who loves culture and the great outdoors.



Jared

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What jobs are there in the military for a history major?

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
history
Road Apples asked:


I’m starting to think more of life in the long-run, and wondering what I can do with a major in History, besides being a teacher. I really enjoy history and analyzing events, but I want to find a way to employ my talents without being near-broke, and I have been toying with serving my country with those talents. Thanks, any constructive input is useful.

Pedro

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Posted in Military | 8 Comments »

Herbal Medicine History

Saturday, September 27th, 2008
history
Paul Courtney asked:


Herbal medicine history literally goes back to the beginning of civilization.

and although it is really impossible to know exactly when herbal medicine history first began, archaeological remains from early civilizations have revealed that plants were used in burials as well as in various other types of rituals.

Modern medicine only started around 300 years ago, from around the end of the industrial revolution, prior to that Herbal medicine was the only form of medicine known to man., and it was considered as being an integral part of the overall development of civilization. Herbs have been used by all cultures throughout history, and much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals and as well by trial and error.

What is Herbal Medicine?

There are many different types of natural medicine that use herbs as a part of their practice, and herbal medicine is considered as being a type of approach that uses plant or plant-derived preparations in order to treat, prevent or cure various different health conditions and ailments.

Today, herbal medicine is considered as being a complementary type of therapy, one which uses plants or plant extracts in order to treat illness. There are also many well-established medicines that come from plants, for instance morphine, which comes from poppies, aspirin and willow bark and which is used quite commonly in the modern day.

Before you take any herbal medicine yourself, you should be aware of the herbal medicine history and as well you should make a consultation to see an herbalist. This first consultation will typically take around an hour to complete, and during this time they will ask you various questions about your health, including your medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional state.

The Importance of Herbal Medicine History

There is great importance behind herbal medicine history, namely that by understanding the history you will be able to make better use of the various different herbs that are available at your disposal. Herbs offer a variety of benefits that you can use to add to your life, and so you should definitely incorporate them as much as possible.

By reading and ubderstanding the history of herbal medicine along with the relevant uses you will be in a better position to discuss with professional naturopaths and herbalists what herbs are best suited for your requirements. With more and more modern research being carried out on herbal medicines, there is a realization of their complimentary nature. Herbal medicines are now becoming recognized by modern medicine as a valuable adjunct to the overall healing process.



Marc

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Where should I start in World History?

Thursday, September 25th, 2008
history
feedazombie asked:


Where is the best place for someone interested in world history, to start learning? What time period should I begin with? Can you recommend any good books that might help me?

Debbie

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Posted in History | 14 Comments »

Chinese Tea History (part 1)

Thursday, September 25th, 2008
history
Leo asked:


Chinese Tea was proved to be beneficial for human body, not just lose weight. Do you know the origin and history of Chinese tea? If you are interested in Chinese Tea history and want to find some secrets, please continue reading. In part 1 of Chinese tea history, you will find how was Chinese tea found in the history.

China is the homeland of tea, taking a leading position in the planting, producing and drinking of tea. The discovery and usage of tea has had a history of four or five thousand years in China. From the earliest fresh-boiled tea taken as a kind of soup to later dried and preserved tea, from the simple green tea to the blooming of six major Chinese tea, which started catching on in the Tang(618 - 906) and Song(906 - 1279) dynasties, has carried itself to the contemporary times. The flavor of Chinese tea, which is sometimes thin and sometimes thick, seemingly bitter but actually sweet. It has flown through the long history from ancient times up to now. What is more, with unique appeal, tea has broken the bound of fields and been brought to all parts of the world.

The origin of tea is lost among history and legends. What can be roughly confirmed is that tea originated in the southwest of China. In Yunnan and other places there still exist wild tea tree over 1,000 years old. It is said that the first man to discover what tea can do is Shen Nong - the father of agriculture and herbal medicine in Chinese legend. In time immemorial, people know very little about plants. In order to find out which plants could be eaten and which couldn’t, Shen Nong tasted various kinds of plants to find out their features as food or medicine. Fortunately, Shen Nong had a transparent stomach, which made it possible for him. One day, after walking for a long time, Shen Nong felt tired and thirsty, so he rested under a tree and started a fire to boil water. Suddenly, some tree leaves fell into the water hollowware on the fire. Shen Nong drank the water and found it not only sweet and tasteful, but freshening as well. He found his exhaust in all gone, so he finished all the water in the hollowware. Another tale is a little different from this one, but more amazing. It is said that Shen Nong tried 72 different kinds of poisonous plants in a day and he lay on the ground, barely alive. At this moment, he noticed several leaves dropping from the tree beside him, giving off gusts of fragrance. What with curiosity and with habit, Shen Nong put a leaves in his mouth and chewed them. After a little while, he felt well and energetic again. So he picked more leaves to eat and thus cleared all the poison in his body. Whatever way his stroy gones, Chinese tea interested Shen Nong and attracted him to do further research on its characteristics. The ancient Chinese medical book called Shen Nong Herbal, which is attributed to Shen Nong, says that “tea tastes bitter. Drinking it, one can think quicker, sleep less, move lighter and see clearer.” That is the earliest to put down the medical functions of the Chinese tea. From that time on, the real Chinese tea history began.

If you want to find more knowledge about Chinese Tea, please visit http://www.tea-sources.com/chinese-tea



Angela

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Archery History and Jolly Old England

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
history
Shawn Burgy asked:


Archery History and Jolly Old England:

When we first think about Archery we often think about England and Kings and Knights of the Round Table. But are we correct in our psychological psychosis in this matter? We probably are correct, When we think about Archery, Were thinking about a great thing of the past. Theres not a lot of call today for Bows and Arrows like there used to be back in the days of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

But in all reality England is where most of us imagine that Archery was founded. We may just be right, Or we may just be wrong. It’s well documented that in the days of Mongolian rule in China. Archery played a big part in there hunting. Mongolians still use this form of hunting and foraging today. But England is almost always the place that we start our journey of thought and enlightenment on the subjects. Remember it was always the Royal subjects who were in the line of fire during turbulent times. Which in the case, England was at war against itself and others most of the time. So a look back into history tells us these things. One also questions the existence of King Arthur during those times.

Many references are made to an Arthur through English history. Whether or not these cases are founded are of great emanate of belief. But what does this tell us about our questions? In itself this question taxes our inner self to answer it. I personally believe there was a King Arthur, It’s documented there was an Arthur and a Merlin. These two figures existed, In my belief also the Knights of the Round Table. Along there sides were there Archers, The beings in which this entire Article exists. Archers truly were gifted individuals who knew what they were doing. Archery is alive and well for us all to enjoy. We should try to learn as much about this great sport. Whether we want to learn for hunting or for fun. Archery is here to stay.

If its only to read and study about the history of Archery.

It still holds a lot of information and learning potential for your mind to develop on something new.

Get the Cat Scratch Fever, See the potential and learn about Archery today.



Brian

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Posted in Extreme Sports | No Comments »

History Of Soccer In The US

Saturday, September 20th, 2008
history
Niv Orlian asked:


Although soccer is not THE sport in the US, the history of soccer in US is one of the longest around, right next to that of the English or the Scottish.

After the English set out to form a set of rules for the game of soccer, these were soon taken to the new World, where Americans learned to love this rising sport, right next to another game that grew strong roots in the US back then: baseball. Actually, the American Football Association is the second oldest sports league in America, after the Major League Baseball one.

Obviously, the history of soccer in US didn’t start with a professional league though (in terms of what we call professional today). The American Football Association, started out in 1884, was a semi-professional competition involving New England and some Midwest areas and it was a rather chaotic environment to play soccer in, but nevertheless it was there and progressing with each year.

A parallel soccer organization, the American Amateur Football Association was founded around the same time and the two coexisted until 1913, when they merged into the US Football Association, the first fully professional soccer organization throughout the history of soccer in the US.

The US football association (or USFA) was one of the first to join FIFA and as such, the United States team participated in the early World Cups, although the game was beginning to become outshined by baseball or basketball.

With American football also on the rise, the organization adopted a new name to avoid any confusion and called itself the US Soccer Football Association. However, the US soccer history would soon witness a new change in its governing body’s name in 1974, when the USSFA dropped “Football” from its tag and instead adopted the title of United States Soccer Federation, which is still used today.

So many will wonder, if the history of soccer in US starts out so early, how come soccer is not the main sport in USA? Well the truth is that the rather modest performances from the men’s national side early on in the 20th century, combined with the high rise of baseball, basketball, football and hockey, meant that the nation soon lost interest in soccer and since American kids had so many alternatives, soccer slowly went out of fashion.

However, with the increasingly good performances from the US men’s soccer team and the huge success of the women’s soccer team (who managed to bring in the first trophies in the history of soccer in US and is still one of the world powers in the game today), soccer is climbing back to its rightful place and with more and more American kids favoring it in school as a start-up sport, things look bright for the future of US soccer.



Lillie

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Why I Think Its not Essential to Dig Into Your Spouse’s History

Friday, September 19th, 2008
history
FRANCIS K GITHINJI asked:


It is a controversial issue subject to debate. Why hurt yourself by digging into your spouse’s past? But again staying in the dark about your spouse’s history is not very ideal. When something directly related to the past happens in future, your ignorance will not be justifiable. This is where the big question comes; is it of benefit to dig into your spouses past? Is your spouses past important now? What are the implications of this past history to your relationship? Will it withstand the shock or it will be shaken to its very foundations? Remember every person alive today has a history to tell you included. Do not pretend to be holier than thou because you are not better in either way.

What is the necessity of unraveling old wounds. The past history of a person has its ugly side and its beautiful side. Many people focus on the ugly side and magnify it to blow it out of proportion. When sniffing into your spouse’s history, consider that some incidents and occurrences are just a stage in life. As a person grows older his or her ideologies, vision, goals, aspirations and dreams change. Many people tend to rate a person with their past. It is suicidal to use your spouses past as a yardstick of his or her current status. No one is perfect and we have our own shortcomings. Everyone can do a mistake in a life and learn from it. A person can change from a bad person into a better person or vice versa. I am saying this because when a person’s past is dug up, we only pay attention to the dark side. We forget the person has a good side also.

Opening classified files from your spouse’s history is not healthy for the relationship. It might affect the way you feel about your partner. You had idolized your partner as a person of unquestionable integrity. You worshipped the very ground that your spouse strode on. Then your spouse’s history which you were craving for starts unfolding before your eyes. Imagine the disbelief, shock, denial and anger that will engulf you. You start seeing your spouse from a very different perspective, from a different angle. You start realizing that your spouse has many sides and faces. There is a face you know and another side you do not know. The trust and goodwill you had built for all this time is adversely affected. It goes to waste. You feel your spouse is a stranger to you. Why not be prudent enough and accept your spouse as at the current value!

Do you realize that your spouse’s history can destroy your marriage? It reveals what you didn’t know about your spouse. The history of your spouse might rear it’s ugly head and force you to run for the hills. It is a situation which can make you regret why you opened the can of worms in the first place. Some revelations are so clandestine. They will make you feel like you had been blindfolded for all this time. Why not remain in your blindfolds and grow grey waiting for the day you will meet your maker.



Eddie

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Top 10 Moments in Football History

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
history
kinoku asked:


10. Luis Figo, a world famous football star, who played for FC Barcelona from 1995 till 2000. He was arguably the fans’ most favorite player in FC Barcelona, until 2000. That’s when “it” happened, Barcelona’s biggest rivals, Real Madrid, decided to splash the cash and break the transfer list fees record by getting Luis to Real Madrid.

The move caused outrage among Barcelona fans, Madrid got him for a world record fee of 38 Million Pounds. And that’s when the fun begins, during the match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, when Luis Figo stepped up to take the corner kick, a pig’s head was thrown at him from Barcelona’s side. Another incident took place during the 2004 EURO Cup Final between Greece and Portugal. A Portuguese fan ran out on the field, managed to outrun the police, and heading towards Luis threw a Barcelona jersey at him, as the whole world was watching.

 

9. 1996 - African Challenge.

1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, The most surprising gold medals went to the hands of Nigerian football stars after they overcame Brazil in thrilling semi-finals, with a 4-3 score. The finals was between Argentina and Nigeria, well over 2 billion people were watching it, of course most of them thought that Argentina will have no problems getting the gold medal, but most of them were wrong. Argentina was in the driver’s seat after leading 1-0. The goal came on a 3rd minute, scored by Claudio Lopez, on the 28th minute Nigeria managed to equalize, as Babayaro scored a perfect finisher. So it was 1-1 on half-time. In the early second half Hernan Crespo gave Argentina the lead again and Argentina was on the way to get the gold medals, but “not so fast” said Amokachi as he scored the equalizing goal and again gave Nigeria hope. Match was almost over and everybody thought it was going to be decided by the penalty shoot out. 90th minute and Amunike gave the lead to Nigeria, it was a shock for Argentina, time was almost over, Argentina had no chance, so it ended with a final score 3-2. Nigeria won the gold medal, for the first time in Olympic Games history.

 

8. 1960, First ever UEFA European Football Championship (EURO) held in France. It was won by the USSR, beating Yugoslavia 2-1 in a tense final in Paris. It is however quite interesting to note that earlier in the competition Spain had withdrawn from its quarterfinal match against the USSR due to political reasons. As an interesting fact, USSR also scored the first goal in the EURO history, during the qualification games.

 

7. 1998/1999 English Premier League season, Manchester United got all trophies possible that season. They became the first ever team in football history to do so in one season. First they got the Premier League title, finishing first in the league table, then they took the F.A. Cup title by beating Newcastle United 2-0, and of course the most famous UEFA Champions League final, when United managed to come back from a 1-0 defeat, and score not one but two goals in an injury time beating Bayern Munich 2-1; it was considered to be one of the greatest comebacks ever witnessed.

 

6. 2002 World Cup, Korea/Japan. Korean fans will never forget that historic moment, when Guus Hiddink took them all the way to the Semi-Finals of 2002 World Cup. Korean national football team became the first ever Asian national football team to reach semi-finals of World Cup. Nobody expected the underdogs to go that far, as they beat Portugal 1-0 in a group stages, then a famous 2-1 win over Italy, drawing with Spain in a quarter-finals and then beating them 5-3 on penalties. In the end however they couldn’t take on Germany in semi-finals, and they lost 1-0. In the game for the third place Korean team met Turkey, but again they lost. Eventually the Republic of Korea finished 4th in the 2002 World Cup, which was still a great success for the country’s football team.

 

5. June 2003, Chelsea FC was bought by the Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich for a record fee of 140 million pounds. Back then it was the biggest sale of an English Football club. Straight away Roman wanted to make Chelsea the best and strongest club in the world. He began buying players for a record braking transfer fees. First season with a new owner Chelsea FC finished as a runner-up. But next year, the 2004/2005 English premier league season, Chelsea became champions of England, for the first time since 1954/1955 season. 2005/2006 Season they took the premier league trophy again as they were crowned the champions of England for the second time in a row. These 2 seasons were the most successful 2 years in the club’s history.

 

4. January 11th 2007. It was confirmed that David Beckham will be leaving Real Madrid to play for the United States “soccer” club, Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckham’s decision was a shock to many, as one of the world’s best football players moves to United States of America, where “soccer” is not that popular. He was the first big player to enter Major League Soccer.

 

3. 6th February 1958, the Munich air disaster. It was the darkest day in Manchester United Football Club history. On the board of the plane was Manchester United football team along with the club supporters and journalists. 23 of the 44 passengers on board died. Captain James Thain, the pilot tried to take off twice, but both attempts were aborted due to engine surging. When a third take off was attempted, the plane failed to gain adequate height and crashed into the fence surrounding the airport and then into a house. Now every year on this day Manchester United holds a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the Munich air disaster.

 

2. 2006 World Cup Final produced one of the most famous moments in football history, when Zidane’s head-butted on Italian defender Marco Materazzi. It was Zidane’s last international appearance for the French national team and 3 billion people around the world were watching it. The next day newspapers all over the world were not writing about how Italy won their 4th World Cup title, but they were writing about how Zidane pulled the “stunt” on Marco. Definitely that was one of the biggest moments in the history of football.

 

1. Edison Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele, the world’s most famous name in football. Football is probably the most famous sport in the world, and Pele is the man who made it what it is today. Pele made 669 appearances in club football, scoring 626 goals. He also made 92 appearances for Brazilian National football side and scored 77 goals. He made his first club appearance when he was just 15 years of age. He made his first international appearance for Brazil when he was 16, and won his first World Cup when he was just 17. Pele is hailed in Brazil as a national hero. The number one moment in football history is when Pele managed to score his first international goal for Brazil, just three month before his 17th birthday.

 

Provided by My Love Calculator



Christian

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Can You Get Health Insurance with a Medical History In the UK?

Sunday, September 14th, 2008
history
Gareth Owen asked:


If you are looking for a new credit card, your credit history plays a role in whether or not you are accepted and what interest rate you pay. Health insurance is no different, though the history that is considered when you apply is the one that your doctor keeps.

Health insurance companies are protecting a risk and, like any insurance company, they try to keep the risks they insure as low as possible. So, the better your medical history is, the less likely they are to have to pay out a claim on your policy and the lower your premium will be.

Your medical history may also determine what type of private medical insurance you will be eligible to get. If you have diabetes, asthma or another chronic, incurable condition, for instance, most private insurers will exclude coverage for anything related to treatment. Some, taking into account the number of other conditions and illnesses for which those are a risk factor, will refuse to insure you at all. In general, that means that if you know you are ill, or that you will require medical treatment in the next six months because of a medical diagnosis, you may have trouble finding private health insurance to cover your needs.

There are many private health insurers who do not require a medical history, or only require a very basic one. In general, their policies will exclude coverage for any condition for which you have been treated in the past five years, or another specified period of time. If you remain free of symptoms and require no treatment for that condition for the specified period of time after you become insured, that condition may become eligible for cover again.

If your prospective insurer does ask for a medical history, you should always be truthful and declare everything you are aware of at the time. Any errors, omissions or outright lies in your application could negate your policy entirely. It is better to have coverage for unrelated illnesses and conditions than to have no coverage at all.

So, should you bother with private medical insurance if you have a pre-existing chronic condition? Most experts would say yes. The NHS is designed to provide care and treatment for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. Your private medical insurance would still provide cover for you for illnesses, injuries and conditions that do not arise from your pre-existing chronic condition. In addition, if you have been treated for an illness in the past five years ulcers, for instance and have remained symptom free for five years, most policies will cover treatment for that condition if it recurs.

Interestingly, a number of UK private medical insurance providers do offer chronic conditions cover for UK expatriates. Most continental insurers do not exclude chronic conditions in their policies, and UK companies doing business overseas are beginning to follow suit. If you are seeking medical insurance for a period of time abroad, shop around to find one that will cover all of your needs during your time away.



Phillip

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Posted in Health | No Comments »

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