The Carnival in France: 13th Century

Based on the historical records, it started in Nice in 1294. The Comte de Provence started going to Nice for the carnivals. Records state that even during the time, masquerades, jugglers and balls were already part of the festivities.

The popularity of the event spread all over the country. One of the most notable characteristics was that all participants wore masks and extravagant costumes.

The Middle Ages

The popularity of Mardi Gras in France spread all over Europe. From 1294 onwards the festivity captivated other European nations including Spain, Austria and Italy. In spite of the revelry and boisterous nature of the event, the Church was unable to put a stop to the practice. Instead they incorporated it into the Christian feast known as Lent.

Fat Tuesday

The words Mardi Gras mean Fat Tuesday in French. The fact that the carnival name is French is proof for some that the carnival began in France.

There are several possible explanations as to how it got this name. Taking place before Ash Wednesday, it’s been suggested that it was the time when people got to indulge in food before fasting on Lent.

Another legend about Mardi Gras in France states that the name was derived from the practice of using all the fats before Ash Wednesday. The name could have also come from the custom of displaying a fat ox in the streets on the said date.

Shrove Tuesday

The day is also known as the Shrove Tuesday. The word was derived from the words to shrive. It means confessing one’s sins and getting absolution. The days from Sunday, Monday to Tuesday was called Shrovetide. It’s possible that the practice began here. After the festivities, people would confess their sins and prepare for Lent.

From Paris to New Orleans

Because Mardi Gras in France was so popular, it was hardly a surprise when the first French settlers in America carried the practice with them. It was in 1699 when the carnival was introduced in New Orleans. Over time the practice became very popular with the residents of the city.

However there are some who believe that the French first imported the event to Mobile, Alabama. Carnival was first celebrated in 1703 in Mobile. There are also records indicating that there were French colonists living in the area.

The people in Louisiana contest this though. They state that their ancestors were the ones who inaugurated carnival in the US. Wherever it began, carnival proved enormously appealing to the people. In spite of the various European influences that would appear, the French flavor has never been lost.

The history of Mardi Gras in France are still filled with some questions. Some are wondering if it really started there or somewhere else. But its role in popularizing the event cannot be ignored. And it was also responsible for bringing the event to the America.

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A multi-talented individual who has shown the world great skills as a dancer, singer and comedian, Carol Burnett came to known as a writer. She was also a highly successful performer, with major appearances in the hit television program entitled “The Gary Moore Show” as well as lead roles in “The Carol Burnett Show,” which lasted for at least 10 long years. Here is a look back at her illustrious life and career including why Carol Burnett sued the tabloid National Enquirer.

The Reason Behind the Lawsuit

Why did Carol Burnett sue the National Enquirer? She filed a lawsuit against the tabloid for libel in 1981. During that very same year, the newspaper reportedly told how she got drunk in public. According to the report, she was sensitive about that particular issue because her parents also had problems concerning alcoholism. It was a big development in the world of entertainment. It served as a landmark case, particularly for celebrities who were subject to defamation and false reports.

The verdict went in her favor, wherein the court awarded her $1.6 million for damages. As the tabloid appealed, the court reduced the verdict later on to about half of the original award, significantly reducing the award to $800,000. In the end, an out-of-court settlement took place between the involved parties. She later on gave part of the award to the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California in Berkeley. According to her, the purpose of the move was to educate the students of journalism the downsides and bad effects of false reports and defamation against other people. For her, principle was one of the major reasons why she filed the lawsuit. Winning or losing was not a priority.

Additional Information and Other Interesting Details About Carol Burnett

Burnett was a highly respected celebrity. In 1998, she went on to become the Grand Marshal of the 84th Rose Bowl Game as well as 109th Rose Parade. The year after, she bagged the honor of becoming one of the first honorees of the prestigious Back Stage West Garland Awards. When she reached 70, she was awarded with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003. In November 2005, then-President George W. Bush granted her the highly special Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In November 2007, the Public Broadcasting Service or PBS made her as one of its major subjects in the documentary “American Masters.” As one of the most influential celebrities of her time, she was given a spot at the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Why the Structure was Built

The end of World War II marked the onset of the Cold War. The nations of Eastern Europe sided with the Soviet Union. Those in Western Europe allied themselves with the US. At the time, the eastern portion of Germany was in Soviet control. The western half was in the hands of the US. The nation was divided into East and West Germany. The wall was the line that separated them.

Changes in the Soviet Union

The reasons why the Berlin Wall was taken down initially had nothing to do with German policies. The events in the Soviet Union led to its fall.

In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the USSR. His rise to power was marked by history changing policies. This included perestroika. Ostensibly it was meant to increase labor efficiency. The end result was loosening of central control in economic planning in Russia.

The second policy was that of glasnost. It meant that people could discuss problems more efficiently. This allowed people to discuss issues more openly.

Effect on East Germans

This had a profound effect in East Germany. The people demanded that the rights being given to the Soviets be afforded them too. Thus, the major reasons why the Berlin Wall was taken down were due to outside factors. In particular, the events in the Soviet Union influenced their policies.

This resulted in mass demonstrations. In 1989, the leaders of the German Democratic Republic Party resigned amidst public unrest. Other government officials soon followed.

The new officials in place then announced changes in economic policies. The government also stated that the wall would be opened for public use. This policy enabled citizens to travel to West Germany. Officially the country was still functioning under the Communist Party. But the signs were unmistakable; the people and government were moving away from it.

Dismantling the Wall

On November 9 1989, people were permitted to dismantle the structure. The people used axes and other tools to bring it down piece by piece. It was only in July 1990 when the last piece was removed.

Free Elections and Reunification

Another reason why the Berlin Wall was taken down included a shift over to the democratic way of life. In March 1990, free elections were held in East Germany. This would pave the way for reunification talks. In October 1990, Germany became one country again.

Even before the two sides were reunited, people from the east were already moving into the west. The unification of the land only made it official.

The unification was not perfect. The newly reunited nation faced economic problems. The eastern section was beset with economic difficulties. These were problems that the west inherited.

However these troubles were worked out. The reason why the Berlin Wall was taken down was to help bring about prosperity in a democratic setting. In this regard, the Germans were able to succeed.

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Called by the names ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ ‘Old Glory’ and ‘Stars and Stripes,’ the flag of the United States is full of meaning, pride and patriotism. The colors, the number of stars as well as the number of stripes are symbols of something very important, especially in relation to the country’s colorful history, culture and tradition. Here is a quick take on what this national symbol stands for including why there are 13 stripes on the American flag.

The Reason Behind the 13 Stripes of the U.S. Flag

Why are there 13 stripes on the American flag? There are 13 stripes of the U.S. flag because they symbolize the 13 original colonies that revolted against British rule. Later on, these places went on to become the Union’s first states. They are represented by alternating white and red horizontal stripes, together with other important symbols, colors and shapes.

The original colonies include New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Meanwhile, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Georgia also rebelled against British rule. Moreover, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Maryland all played part in the success of U.S. independence. Rhode Island, North Carolina, New York and Virginia complete the list of original colonies that made significant contributions to the freedom of the country.

Additional Information and Other Important Details About the U.S. Flag

In addition to the stripes, the American flag also features 50 white stars. These symbols represent the current 50 states of the U.S. The citizens of the United States are very proud. They express their pride on their wonderful accomplishments in the past by displaying the flag. The symbol can be found in various important places including private residences and public buildings. It is also featured on lapel pins, badges and car windows.

At all times, people can expect to find the American flag flown in numerous designated locations. The venues include the Town Green in Massachusetts, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Virginia as well as the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Maryland. Likewise, it is also displayed in other important and historic locations such as the limestone quarry of Mount Slover in California, the National Memorial Arch in Pennsylvania and the Gettysburg College, which is also in Pennsylvania.

Aside from these important locations, it is also important to take note the different dates when the American flag must be flown at full staff. These include Inauguration Day on January 20, Presidents’ Day on February 12 and Flag Day on June 14. The same thing must also be practiced on other special days like Independence Day in July, Labor Day in September and Veterans Day in November.

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Why the Structure Leans

The known facts are the following: in 1172, Donna di Bernado gave some money to the Opera Campanilis petrarum Sancte Marie. The funds were to be used for the construction of the tower. A year later the groundwork was laid down. The foundation was set on poor soil. The result was that less than a year after construction began, it
started to lean already.

Hardly had work begun when it was stopped. It wasn’t just due to the poor soil. The fact was that Pisa went to war against Florence. This would affect the history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It meant that for a century, work stopped.

The result was that the soil started to stiffen. While it continued to lean, the danger of it falling over passed. Had construction not been stopped, it would have collapsed.

Work in the 12th century

It’s still not clear who began the work, but it was continued in the 12th century by Giovanni di Simone. He started working on it in 1272 up to 1284. War followed and work was interrupted again.

By 1319 work had resumed and seven levels had been finished. Other architects that worked on it were Tommaso di Andrea Pisano, Benenato and Guido Speziale. All of these architects participated at various points during the history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Real Architect

Numerous architects have been suggested as to the original designer of the tower. One of them is Bonnano Pisano. He was well known in Pisa for his works. The discovery of his name on a cast at the tower bolsters this claim.

However it’s possible that he just worked on the restoration. Others claim that it was Diotisalvi due to the style similarity. Some dispute this because Diotisalvi left his signature on his projects.

Facts and Figures

From the high side the structure is 56 meters high (186 ft). At the lower point it is 55 meters or 183 ft. It estimated to weigh 14,500 tons. A study of the history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa will show that it has 294 steps. The degree of inclination is at 3.9 degrees. It has eight stories with an outer diameter of 50 ft. There are seven bells in total.

The structure has undergone reconstruction several times. Part of the work done in the 1990s and 2000 was to refurbish and rebuild decaying parts. Another reason is to ensure that it doesn’t lean too much. The last work done indicates the structure can last another three centuries. During the reconstruction public visits to the site are not allowed.

The history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a remarkable story of how a potential disaster can be turned into a work of art. Whoever conceived of it, the outcome may have never been what he or she expected.

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The fighting in the Gaza Strip are due to issues going back thousands of years. In order to understand the roots of the conflict some background information is necessary.

The Zionist Movement

In the 1880s the Jews scattered throughout Europe and America made known their desire to return to the Promised Land. Since they were expelled by the Romans, they had no land to call their own. The desire to reestablish themselves in Palestine was called the Zionist Movement.

After World War I, Britain announced it welcomed the idea of Jews settling in Palestine. However the Arabs residing in the area did not like it. They felt the land belonged to them. During and after World War I, many Jews migrated to Palestine. However the tension between them and the Arabs grew. So even before fighting in the Gaza Strip began, the tension was already there.

Creation of the Israeli State

In 1947, Britain turned the problem over to the United Nations. The Jews argued that they had lived in the land for thousands of years. They also pointed out that the Arabs already had several countries. They also felt they had been persecuted long enough.

The Arabs countered that they shouldn’t be made to suffer so the Jews could have their own place to live. The Arabs also said that they had lived there for centuries. The only solution the UN could come up with was to divide Palestine. In 1948 the state of Israel was created. Immediately thereafter, the fighting in the Gaza Strip began.

The Conflicts Begin

After the Israeli state was created the Arabs launched an attack. They were defeated. After the war several points emerged. The land given to the Arabs was split between Israel and Jordan. No Palestinian state was formed, and the people there became refugees. To this day it remains a problem.

In 1956 Israel attacked Egypt after the latter took control of the Suez Canal. The Israelis defeated the Egyptian Army and took over the Sinai Peninsula. They were helped by Britain and France which had vested interests in the Suez Canal. The US criticized the two countries. Israel was also forced to withdraw its forces from Egypt.

The Six Days War

The fighting in the Gaza Strip resumed in 1967. The Egyptian Army made a pact with Syria and retrained its forces. The Gulf of Aqaba was blocked. Israel responded by attacking again. In the space of a few hours, the Israelis destroyed hundreds of Arab planes.

The Egyptian Army was trounced in the Sinai Peninsula and crushed. In addition, the Israelis took the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights. They also seized the half of Jerusalem that belonged to Jordan and the West Bank.

The October War

In October 1973, the Egyptian forces attacked the Suez Canal. At the same time, Syria invaded the Golan Heights. For the first few days the two Arab countries held the edge. But when Israeli reinforcements arrived, Syria and Egypt were defeated.

To this day fighting in the Gaza Strip continues as the two sides dispute the territory. In the meantime, both Israeli and Palestinian civilians continue to suffer.

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A pilgrim is generally someone who embarks on a religious voyage. This is also the case with the English colonists of North America who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The big reason why did the Pilgrims leave England is to be able to live out their religious convictions. They left and went on what we may call a religious pilgrimage.

Quest for Religious Freedom

Freedom of religion, as a fundamental, is the root of the cause why did the Pilgrims leave England. They were separatists from the Anglican Church. They saw that the break from the Catholic Church which occurred in 1535 was not enough. For instance, they saw that instead of a pope, the Anglican Church substituted the king as the religious head. They, in general, saw England as having recapitulated the very corrupt order which they separated from.

Difference from the Puritans

In the most basic sense, we can say that the Puritans left England for the same reason as did the Pilgrims. The Puritans were also nonconformists and accepts only the revealed word’s authority. While both groups were seeking religious freedom, there is indeed a distinct difference between the two groups. First off, the Pilgrims were separatists. They were breaking off from the Anglican Church.

The Puritans, on the other hand, had no intentions of separating from their mother church. Only that they intend to purify the said church from within. However, when it comes to settling the new found territory, the Puritans came more prepared.

Frustrated Move to Holland and Eventual Landing in North America

North America was not the initial territory that the Pilgrims intended to move to. They initially left England in 1608 voyaging towards Holland. Finding the people in the country morally corrupt, they left heading back to England on the ship Speedwell in 1620.

Due to severe leaking on the Speedwell, all 102 of them journeyed to North America on the Mayflower. They reached what we call today as Princetown Harbor in November of the same year. They settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Challenges and their Heritage Handed Down

The Pilgrims lived a democratic society where there is equal representation and equal inheritance. You may say they were forerunners of what would be later known as democracy. They were practiced tolerance especially when dealing with the American natives. They even had friendly relations with these people for more than 40 years. Indeed, they can be considered as forerunners of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

However, settling a new territory doesn’t come easy. The very first months living in their new home was grueling. More than half of their numbers died during that time. It is true that we all owe a debt to the pioneers of any age.

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Producing Energy

While most DNA is contained in chromosomes, these ones are stored in the mitochondria. These elements are found in the cells around the body. What it does is take the food we eat and turn them into energy. There are thousands of these contained in every cell. Specifically these are located around the cytoplasm.

The way energy is produced is done by oxidative phosporylation. The basic procedure involves taking sugar and oxygen. These are converted into adenosine triphostate. This leads to further processes and become energy. The importance of mitochondrial DNA becomes obvious; it allows the human body to produce the energy necessary for it to function.

Regulatory Functions

It also keeps the apoptosis in check. Apoptosis refers to the cells’ self destruction. Cells are programmed to destroy themselves after specified periods. However it is this DNA that regulates this activity. Without it, the destruction would occur at a much faster rate than normal.

Producing Vital Elements

This DNA also helps in producing important substances in the body. This includes heme. Heme is a part of hemoglobin. This is the molecule that takes oxygen along the bloodstream. In addition, it also assists in the development of cholesterol. The importance of mitochondrial DNA becomes apparent as these are two of the most vital substances in the body.

The DNA has 37 genes. Almost all of these contain information for making enzymes and RNAs. These are crucial for creating proteins and amino acids. These lead to the creation of more proteins. Just like cholesterol and heme, the amino acids are crucial compounds.

Shedding Light on Evolution

Aside from the above, this element has helped in identifying and establishing genetic relationships. This has been used in solving crimes and forensic science. However it can also be used in determining human origins and evolution. In this regard, the importance of mitochondrial DNA will extend beyond the human body.

As technology has improved, molecular anthropologists have used it in numerous ways. By mapping out the genes of various races, it becomes easy to make evolutionary charts. It also becomes easier to study genetic mutations. These are not necessarily illnesses. Rather they are the elements that give people their unique
characteristics.

With DNA technology, the disputes about the evolution theory may be resolved. The first is that all human beings came from Africa. The other is that we evolved from other species like Homo erectus.

By studying human genes, the problem may be resolved. This may not happen in the near future. But there’s no question that it is clarifying a lot of things already about the subject.

As discoveries are made, the value and importance of mitochondrial DNA will become greater. Not only can it make a difference in the future. It can also make sense of the past and the present.

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The Glasnost was a highly influential government policy in the Soviet Union during the latter half of the 1980s. As the head of state of the Soviet Union during that time, Mikhail Gorbachev introduced it to improve the leadership of the Soviet government as well as the Communist Party. This period was marked by greater freedom of information and less censorship. For those who wish to find out the real reason why Gorbachev implemented Glasnost, here is a quick take on Soviet history and the different events that led to such important decision.

The Significance of the Implementation of Glasnost to the Soviet Union

Why did Gorbachev implement Glasnost? The main idea behind this move was to make the Soviet government as transparent as possible. It called for freedom of information and openness from the leaders of the country, especially after the Chernobyl incident in 1986. When the nuclear plant exploded, people in the surrounding areas were harmed because they were not informed properly.

Gorbachev believed that such move was also a very good policy to fight off corruption in the government. Likewise, it also aimed to reduce the abusive power of the Central Committee. After this decision, the country saw enhanced freedom of information and reduced censorship especially in terms of government issues. More importantly, this move called for open debate, which provided its citizens with the right to question things that appeared inappropriate.

The freedom of the people improved extensively with the help of this all-important policy. Libraries and previously prohibited reading materials were opened to the public. The media was the greatest beneficiary of this move. The censorship in television, radio and publishing was reduced significantly.

Additional Information about the Glasnost

After the implementation of this policy, the Communist Party lost its control over the media. It made the government vulnerable. Economic and social problems were exposed for everyone to understand. Among the most influential issues that were exposed included the low-status of women in society, increased mortality rates and pollution. It also increased the awareness of people regarding other issues such as alcoholism, food shortages and poor housing.

This policy led to political openness, which undermined the internal political repression during that time. It also weakened the capacity and power of the central Moscow government of the USSR to control its constituent republics. These republics called for independence including Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Moreover, this move also freed thousands of dissidents and political prisoners. In the end, the primary goal of this policy failed, particularly the reformation of the Soviet Union.

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The Importance of Fireside Chats

Why were fireside chats important? The primary importance of these so-called radio speeches was to put pressure on legislators for the approval of Roosevelt’s proposed measures. This style was highly efficient especially during the period of the global economic downturn, which was popularly known as the Great Depression.

Additional Information and Other Interesting Details About Fireside Chats

Overall, Roosevelt made 30 fireside chats. The first part of the series was delivered on March 12, 1933, which was entitled ‘On the Bank Crisis.’ On May 7, 1933, he made his second radio speech with the title ‘Outlining the New Deal Program.’ The third for the year took place on July 24, 1933, which was entitled ‘On the Purposes and Foundations of the Recovery Program.’ The final installment for the year was made on October 22, 1933, which went by the title ‘On the Currency Situation.’

In 1934, Roosevelt delivered only two radio speeches. The first one took place on June 28, which spoke about the accomplishments of the seventy-third U.S. Congress. Meanwhile, he delivered the second one on September 30, which talked about national security and freedom. On April 28, 1935, he discussed a variety of issues pertaining to works relief program. On September 6, 1936, he delivered a speech about the drought conditions that the country was experiencing during that time.

Additionally, Roosevelt also delivered numerous other wonderful and inspiring radio speeches including one that was presented on October 12, 1937 entitled ‘On Legislation to be Recommended to the Extraordinary Session of the Congress.’ Another inspiring speech came in 1941, when the former president presented three speeches namely ‘On the Declaration of War with Japan,’ ‘On Maintaining Freedom of the Seas’ and ‘Announcing Unlimited National Emergency.

In 1942, Roosevelt made a total four radio speeches. The first three were entitled ‘On Progress of the War,’ ‘On Inflation and Progress of the War’ and ‘On Our National Economic Policy.’ The fourth one was called ‘Report on the Home Front.’ Roosevelt inspired many succeeding presidents of the U.S. to use this wonderful means of communicating with the people. They include Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.

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