What Started It All - The History of Volleyball

Surprisingly, one of the most well loved sports in the world is also relatively young. Despite the game's youth, it has gone through a wide variety of changes and evolution as a part of its rich history.

Believe it or not, but at one time there wasn't Asics or Nike women's volleyball shoes or even volleyball uniforms for sale anywhere, let alone online!

To fully understand and appreciate how much the game has changed and how much work was put into to make it successful, you need to search back to the very origin of Volleyball, and study when and why changes were made.

Just over 100 years ago, in 1895, William G. Morgan developed the first game of Volleyball. At the time, Morgan dubbed the game "Mintonette". "Mintonette" was created for company men as a game that involved less corporeal touch at the chapter of the Ymca where he worked at in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Morgan borrowed aspects from several games to originate his own game. The first aspect was from tennis, borrowing the net. Instead of the standard net, however, he raised it to be 6 foot 6 inches high, so it was just over the heads of midpoint men. Other sports he borrowed from include basketball, baseball and handball. During one of the demonstration games of the sport, one of the spectators commented the game was more about volleying, and the games name was changed to Volleyball.

That was only the beginning.

In 1896, the first lawful game of Volleyball was played at Springfield College. This game signified the first real take-off of the sport, and led into added games being played at a variety of different Colleges. In the year 1900, Volleyball had taken off adequate where a special ball was designed just for the game. Another feat also ended in 1900 was that the Ymca took the sport from America to Canada, the Orient and the southern hemisphere. Five years later, Volleyball also spread to Cuba. This spreading was what signified the start of the Volleyball era. Unlike most sports, Volleyball moved International in its early days, allowing for the game to evolve to meet the players needs world wide.

In 1907, Volleyball received its first recognition of being one of the most favorite sports at the Playground of America convention. This was the first recognition the sport received, and helped to added its popularity. In the following ten years, the Ymca continued to spread the sport to Brazil, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. In 1913, the first lawful Volleyball competition was held in the Far Eastern Games.

1916 saw Volleyball have its first true evolution. In the Philippines, the set and spike offensive pass was introduced, and game play was altered to involve this new form. The Filipinos developed the "bomba", which is the kill, and the named the hitter the "bomberino". In this same year, the Ncaa was invited by the Ymca to alter the rules of the game, and it was initiated into Colleges and other schools as a part of the standard corporeal study courses and intramural programs. A year later, the scoring theory was also adjusted so that a game ended after 15 points instead of 21. This allowed more games to be played within the same span of time, in an attempt to make the sessions a puny shorter for the players.

Three short years later, in 1919, the American Expeditionary forces donated 16,000 Volleyballs to the troops, which in case,granted a stimulus for increase in foreign countries. With this rise in increase of the sport, new rules began being developed. A year later, the three hits per side rule and the back row attack rules were put into place.

By 1928, players and fans of the sport realized that "official" tournament rules and regulations were required. The United States Volleyball relationship was formed, and the first U.S. Open Volleyball tournament was held. The U.S. Open allowed for squads that were not Ymca sanctioned to participate, which was a breakthrough at the time. This evolution permitted lovers of the sport to fully enjoy the game without having to be tied to the society that created it.

After 1928, the game of Volleyball was forever changed. With the "official" rules set down, and a tournament that wasn't private to the Ymca, the popularity of the sport was allowed to sky rocket. The Men's U.S. Open was held every year thereafter, with the exception of three years. 1943, 1944 and 1989 did not have the annual tournaments, due to wars and other obstacles.

In 1934, Volleyball saw Another allembracing turn through the recognition of lawful referees to oversee the games. This turn in particular drastically altered the calls and the fairness of the game.

The 1940's held several special events for Volleyball. Not only was the forearm pass introduced into the game, the first world championship Volleyball game was held. It was During this time that the volleyball movement saw fruition, and squads from all over the world could find out who was the best. This became a annual event, allowing for more publicity of the sport, which aided in its growth. Around this time, over 50 million people were playing world wide, in over 60 different countries.

By 1964, Volleyball had spread adequate to certify introduction into the Olympic games. The first games took place in Tokyo, where a rubber carcass with leather panels was used for the ball. This ball became the one that would be used in most contemporary competitions. As a part of the Olympic games, Volleyball was allowed to grow even further, until it secured a place for itself as the second most played game in the world.

Despite this high level of popularity, it wasn't until 1986 that the Women's pro Volleyball Association, or the Wpva, was formed. With the growing rate of pro interest by both sexes, Volleyball was ultimately allowed to reach its full possible for popularity. Elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges all invested into the game by providing courses in Volleyball in their corporeal education, so that the sport was known in most households Around the world.

While still trailing behind Soccer for popularity, Volleyball has done highly well for a game with roots so young.

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History and Origins of Pole Dancing

This has been colse to a lot longer than many of us would think, but how did pole dancing create and where did come from? The form of pole dance we know today and its origins can be traced back to exotic doing dance arts.

The first recorded striptease dates back to a myth from old Sumerian times captivating Inanna, the Goddess of Love, and her descent into the underworld to find her lover Damouz. At each of the seven gates, she removed an report of clothing or a piece of jewellery. As long as Inanna remained in hell, the earth was barren. When she returned, the earth again became abundant and fruitful. Some believe this myth evolved in the 'Dance of the Seven Veils' of Salome from the bible.

The bible records Salome's dance but the first mention of removing veils rises from Oscar Wilde's play of 'Salome' in 1883. Some have claimed this to be the origin of modern striptease, but other influences may have come from Parisian times and the Moulin Rouge striptease straight through to Middle Eastern belly dancing and American burlesque.

Today many women learn the arts of Belly Dancing and dancing with Veils. Belly Dancing has been carried over from these legendary events. The skill have traveled from old Sumeria and into the Asia counties. It is understood to have been picked up by the gypsies who brought Belly Dancing straight through Europe.

The old Middle Eastern belly dance was understanding to induce fertility in women and to enlarge their bodies in preparation for childbirth.

Throughout history there have been many forms of dance emerging. Many formed from sensual roots and bringing with them much controversy.

Another sensual form of dance, Rumba, is a dance of enticement and teasing. The tango originated in brothels of old Argentina. 'Gouchos' would arrive after working in the fields and the girls would entice them into going upstairs straight through dancing with their heads turned slightly to avoid the smell.

In the early 1900s the strip tease dance was added to burlesques shows to entice men to return. These featured famed strippers together with Gypsy Lee Rose. Traveling tent shows had strip tease acts. The smaller tent dancers started to use the pole in the tent's centre to dance around. These tents became known as the dance pole tents.

Another idea of where pole dance undoubtedly started is related to the Maypole. This Pagan ritual was seen by some as a phallic emblem which may expound why some link it to the pole dancing we know now.

The earliest recorded pole dance was in 1968 with a doing by Belle Jangles at Mugwump strip joint in Oregon.

Today's pole dancing craze is believed to have started in Canada in the 1980's in exotic table dancing and lap dance clubs. Fawnia Mondey, originally from Canada, is one of the worlds first pole dancing champions. While the 1990's Fawnia started teaching pole dancing to every day women. She produced the very first instructional pole dancing Dvd.

Pole dancing fast spread to the Us followed by the rest of the world, helped by multi corporations such as Spearmint Rhino. Pole dancing is recognized throughout the world together with Europe, Australia and even parts of China.

Lap dancing clubs in the Uk grew in 1990's featuring pole dancing on stage. Since 2000 onwards pole dancing has come to be more accepted by the normal public.

Pole dancing as we know it today involves dancing colse to a vertical pole. The old old strip tease became a forerunner to the modern updated variation. Pole dancing provides a display of acrobatics and strength, combined with a mixture of sensual, flowing, feminine dance movements to form the art of pole dancing we now know and recognize.

The modern form of pole dancing has only been documented since the 1980's, yet the origins appear to go back many years prior to this. Only in up-to-date years has pole dancing come to be more acceptable. The stigma attached to this art may be one of the reasons why the dance appears to have minute history documented and appears to have been 'underground' for many years.

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Dubai Lifestyle - The History of the City and Day to Day Life in Dubai

Background facts to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai: -

Dubai is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (Uae); it is located in the Middle East. The Uae borders the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and is situated between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 by the then 'Trucial States' after their independence from Britain.

The Uae is governed by a consummate Council of Rulers, the council is made up of the seven emirs and they appoint the prime priest and the cabinet for the country. Despite being finally ruled by the consummate Council, as with the other six states, Dubai maintains a large degree of autonomy from the Uae when it comes to normal decision making for the city's development.

Oil was first discovered in the United Arab Emirates in the 1950s, before that the country's economy was built on fishing and pearling, since 1962, when Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting the oil, the country's economy has been thoroughly transformed.

Sheikh Zayed, who has been the president of the Uae since its inception, speedily understood the economic potential for the country from the oil industry. He has continued to ensure that each of the emirates benefits from the oil generated wealth, he has insisted on the reinvestment of oil revenues into the healthcare system, the education ideas and the normal national infrastructure.

The development of the oil industry has led to a large influx of foreign workers to the Uae, in fact Dubai's population is the fastest growing in the world and the foreign population makes up about three quarters of the whole Uae population! As a direct succeed of this fact the Uae is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, with other cultures and beliefs tolerated. Dubai has also been quick to understand the need for diversification. Oil in the region is only projected to last for about 30 years and so Dubai has successfully embarked upon a major diversification program aimed to at developing industries and industrial enterprises to take the place of oil as the predominate commodity of the state's economy.

The climate in Dubai is sub-tropical and arid or desert like. The city enjoys almost year round sunny blue skies. Rain is infrequent and if it does fall, it falls in the winter.

Temperatures range from lows of 10°C to greatest summer highs of 48°C. The mean maximum daily temperature in January is 24°C and the mean maximum daily temperature in July is 41°C when humidity is very high.

About the city of Dubai

Dubai is recognised as the industrial and tourism capital of the Uae and is globally regarded as one of the most sophisticated, futuristic and cosmopolitan cities in the world, in fact Dubai is something of a phenomenon! It is an Arab Muslim community with the fastest growing foreign population in the world, and it has successfully industrialized harmony through ethnic diversity. It is a city with unrivalled levels of economic energy and architectural ambition, a unique city of contrasts where the most contemporary and architecturally striking skyscrapers stand alongside former beautiful Arabic structures.

The experiences and attractions available in Dubai are many and varied. From the miles of immaculate beautiful white sandy beaches to the richly exotic Arabian heritage, from the awe curious majesty of the desert to the curious international bars, restaurants and nightclubs - a visitor to Dubai is guaranteed an incredible, never to be forgotten experience.
In 2003 Dubai was voted safest holiday destination in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, and in fact Dubai is recognised globally as one of the safest cities in the world. Living in Dubai you will find that it is virtually crime-free with the Dubai police ensuring personal protection and security. whatever found guilty of committing a serious crime will be severely punished. Alcohol and drug connected offences are determined serious.

The economy of the city of Dubai is a generally service-driven economy, with every enterprise amenity from banking to telecommunications offered. International trading and industrialisation are actively encouraged through the provision of favourable taxation advantages, offshore status, devotee free trade zones etc. modern innovative projects in the city include the foundation of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, bringing 21st century technology to Dubai in the world's very first 'Free Zone' thoroughly dedicated to e-business.

Day to Day Life in Dubai

Accommodation

If you are considering curious to Dubai one of your first thoughts will no doubt be looking somewhere to live. This is not something you'll find too tricky, there are many clubs advertising rental chamber in the classified sections of local newspapers and they offer everything from private villas to luxury apartments or even shared accommodation. whatever your budgetary and lifestyle requirements are, the devotee relocation and housing clubs will be sure to have something to support you. If you prefer to find your chamber conspiratorially and avoid any department costs, many population use supermarkets observation boards to advertise or invite accommodation.

In terms of which areas of the city offer the type of chamber you are after, Jumeirah, Umm Sequiem and the Safa Park area are upmarket and offer villa-type accommodation. Satwa and Garhoud also offer villas but are slightly cheaper. Rashidiya, Mirdif and Al Quoz are generally Arabic areas and they precisely attract a lot of expats.

If you are after an apartment the most favorite areas are around Bur Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Road with economy flats are available in Deira, Satwa and Karama. Some of the more exclusive apartment developments offer shared gym and pool facilities together with garaged car parking and the like.

Education

If you are considering curious to Dubai with house and are curious in looking out about the education ideas and the availability and capability of schools, one of the best ways is to ask around! Because of the numbers of expats in Dubai there is precisely a large amount of former and secondary schools from which you can to choose. Most schools are private fee paying schools and precisely the best way to get an idea of the credit of a school is to ask friends, colleagues and other expats who live in Dubai. Many of the schools also have their own websites where you can learn about the curriculum they follow, after school programs etc.

When it comes to enrolling your child in the Uae there are a few restrictions you should be aware of. For example you are not allowed to turn your child's school during the scholastic year...unless approval is given by the Ministry of education and the circumstances are 'special'. This means that you have to make sure the school you select for your child will undoubtedly suit them. an additional one restriction you should be aware of is that is you move to Dubai on or after the 1st May each year you can't enrol your child into the education ideas for that year. Instead you'll have to enrol for the starting of the new school year which is regularly the starting of September.

Health

Another observation you may have if thinking about relocation to Dubai may be the state of the condition care ideas available there. It is fair to say that Dubai has many very well adequate hospitals and surgeries. Dubai's department of condition and medical Services runs Dubai, Rashid, Maktoum and Al Wasl hospitals, with Dubai Hospital one of the best medical centres in the whole Middle East. Al Wasl is a maternity and gynaecology hospital.

The department of condition also run out patient clinics or surgeries and in increasing there are a amount of capability private hospitals in Dubai gift in and out patient facilities - e.g., The American and Welcare Hospitals. full, both the private and publicly offered condition care services in Dubai are first class.

Working

Working in Dubai you will enjoy a tax free wages and all shop goods can be bought at tax free prices, making it an incredibly curious city to international workers and international companies. Job opportunities in Dubai and diverse and plentiful, particularly since the additions of the Media and Internet cities...Dubai is a city increasing its horizons at an unrivalled rate.

It is leading to mention that some countries worldwide have tax laws enabling them to tax their nationals on their worldwide income. It is leading to check your status with an international accountant before taking up employment in the city.

Lifestyle

Dubai has a successful expat population who make the most of their tax free lifestyle in this breathtaking city of opportunity. The nightlife in the city is excellent, with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or Irish pubs available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well.

High thorough international cuisine is available in the city's many restaurants and if you are looking for curious evening entertainment there are numerous night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract international Djs; there are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs gift entertainment with singers and dancers. Dubai also welcomes international touring singing and entertainment acts which cater to all tastes and ages...from former theatre groups to ballet, from opera to international rock and pop bands - all are regular visitors to the United Arab Emirates.

You can be assured of an curious pace of life in Dubai and a high thorough of living.

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The History of Native American Bone Chokers

Bone chokers originally were made from bird legs. They were seldom used as just ornamentation. They were used as physical protection for the throat from a possible knife attack. The jugular vein is in the neck and is lethal if cut. They were also used in conjunction with physical protection as a spiritual protection for the voice. Because most birds are noted for the sounds they make or for their singing quality. The spirit of the bird could be invoked to protect the person's voice from ailments, jealousy or fatigue. There is also a cultural saying for men - "You become a man when you can speak your heart to the population - clearly and without fear - honor, bravery and victory are yours." The bird was not all the time killed to make the chokers. Most often they were found after a predatory animal had already killed them or they had died a natural death. This was carefully a good sign when found. Not only for the population who needed the chokers but for the bird, so it's life would be of honor, value and service. In all instances every part of every animal was used. Nothing was thrown away. This is done out of respect for the sacrifice the animal made and to honor it's life.   

In some cases, the leg bone of a definite bird was needed. Prayers were made to the bird (usually an eagle, hawk or owl). The hunter would fast and pray sometimes for days on end. He would wait until the bird came to him. A typical story of this sort of thing, is the bird came to the hunter and landed right in from of him and sat without inspiring until the hunter took it's life. They say that while the bird sits in front of the hunter. They converse with their hearts. The bird has to willingly and happily give it's life for the purpose needed or the hunter will not kill it. Among the people, giving of life so that others may live is the extreme ending to our existence on the earth.   Bone chokers made from the bones of bird's legs were practical. They already had a hole through the center where the marrow was. They were already cylindrical and only a microscopic smoothing and shaping was needed. The leg bones were cleaned and smoothed and shaped by boiling them until softened. Flint was used to trim any irregularities and a flat stone was used to shine and flat the surface. Beads were smaller bones which had been sliced or cut. These bones were sometimes colored with a range of minerals, most coarse was red earth (vermillion). The red earth was mixed with fat and then rubbed repeatedly over the bone while the bone was still soft from boiling. To keep the color they were normally rubbed with fat to create a shiny coating. This also kept the bones from becoming brittle.  

Real sinew from the leg of a deer or buffalo was used to thread the bones and beads. Deer or buffalo sinew was chosen because the strips of sinew were longer than other animals. Before needles a bone awl was used to punch holes in the hide spacers for threading the sinew. Each bone choker had very extra and personal meaning for the wearer. Many times they were dreamed prior to their making. It was seldom that the wearer would make their own choker. There were definite population in the tribe that did this. Many times they were assistants to a medicine someone or a medicine someone themselves. On the opening that the wearer made their own choker it was normally because they dreamed it this way. Although, much help and aid was given to the dreamer while development the choker.  

Today it is much the same. You can see all kinds of chokers with symbols and definite colors for the wearer. Wolf, bear and eagle are very common. Purchasing a choker from isn't any separate from the original way of compensation. Which would be contribute the maker with a blanket, a horse, food, etc. Any thing that is requisite to declare life was appropriate payment. So, today we have money.  

As a someone who makes these chokers, I consider it a great honor when someone purchases mine. Prays are made before I even touch one of the materials that go into a choker. Then songs are sung and more prayers are made for the well-being of the wearer as the choker is assembled. Choices in color and symbols come from deep prayer. As if I already know the soon to be owner. Interestingly, as soon as I cease one, an inquiry comes or a purchase occurs.     

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African American History

History shows that African-American history had to pay a heavy price for improvement of the New World. One wonders if Columbus had not discovered the New World, the burden of slavery would not be so difficult to bear. However, the truth is that economies in the New World grew because of slavery as the slaves provided cheap source of labor.

For the Africans arrival to America, life was difficult. The territorial colonies started using these habitancy to sustain their economies and these indentured servants were brought to America where they did not know what awaited them. In addition, many poor whites from England came to America on indentured servitude. Most white workers signed a covenant to work for rich planters for a duration of 4 to 7 years in return for their freedom and a small piece land. During the early period, African slaves had the same covenant and managed to become free and own property.

However, slowly things started to convert for African slaves. This was primarily because the colonies were acquiring more land and the economy started being based on profit. The slave workers started becoming prized commodities because they were dependable and hardworking. In the warmer regions of southern America, the African-American slaves worked on plantations of rice, tobacco, indigo, cotton and sugar cane. In the northern part of America, the slaves worked on small farms and as skilled and unskilled workers in factories. While other slaves worked as dock workers, servants or along the coast as fishermen, and helpers to tradesmen.

All African-American slaves fought hard to accomplish their freedom and keep their culture and identity. Even today, many African-Americans are bitter about the hardships their ancestors had to bear. However, this is part of American history that is best forgotten because it has left scars on the minds of most gift day African-Americans.

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Covered Bridges - Discovering A North American Living History

Covered Bridges first appeared in the U.S. Nearby 1805, but the history of these monuments to another age date back thousands of years to China. Covered bridges had also existed in Europe since medieval times and there were once hundreds of them in Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

But it's here in the Northeastern U.S., where wooden covered bridge construct and building reached its pinnacle in the nineteenth century. A composition of pressing need, plentiful old growth northern forests, and sheer Yankee ingenuity, advanced the development of wooden covered bridges to a rare composition of powerful engineering feats that were also pleasing to the eye.

Why So Many Covered Bridges In The Northeast?

The northeast is a region of rivers, streams and creeks. As the citizen surged out away from coastal areas into the forested interior, villages sprung up near water sources. The water source was used to power mills in these towns, and villages often advanced on both banks of a stream or river. Bridges were the inescapable respond to connect these divided communities, and contribute passage for townsfolk to things like school, worship, and supplies.

But why cover them?

While much speculation has been put forth on this topic; the easy respond is safety against the weather for the bridge. Here in New England, where I live, covered wooden bridges last about three times as long as those exposed to the elements, and sacrifice bridge maintenance as well. during the 19th and early 20th century very few bridges built were not covered.

Interesting Facts About Covered Bridges...

Most historians agree the first covered bridge in America was The Permanent Bridge completed in 1805 in Pennsylvania, originally designed by Timothy Palmer from New England. The longest known covered bridge is The Hartland in New Brunswick, Canada, which at 1,282 feet spans the Saint John River.

But possibly the most famous covered bridges are in Madison County, Iowa. The Bridges of Madison County used to amount 19, but today only six survive. Robert James Waller's novel, and the movie of the same name, popularized these bridges to millions worldwide, and also provided evidence that covered bridges in North America are by no means minute to the Northeast region.

A examine often asked is why so many of the bridges are painted red on the outside?

Historians believe the red coating makes the bridge seem more like a barn to a horse, and as horses tended to be skittish about crossing above flowing water, the illusion helped farmers and travelers navigate the obstacle with minute incident from their four-legged friends.

The Changing Face Of The Covered Bridge In North America

As the twentieth century progressed bridge building changed and metal manufactured truss bridges became first choice over wood. The ease of construction, increased strength, and low cost of these metal bridges became too phenomenal to ignore for funds conscious communities in the U.S.

The "work horse" bridges of the 19th century gave way to economics, and most wooden covered bridges in the U.S. Quickly disappeared, except for the 800 left for admirers to view today. Though many of the remaining covered bridges still carry traffic - even cars - most are kept and maintained for tourism, and as a reminder of our heritage.

Viewing Of Covered Bridges...

For sheer volume Pennsylvania and Vermont take honors, accounting for well over a third of the remaining bridges.

Self-guided tours are also beloved in New England for covered bridge vacations, particularly in Vermont and New Hampshire where many of the bridges are close to other destination and attraction spots.

As a covered bridge enthusiast I can tell you half the fun is seeing the bridges. The major highways bypassed the roads where most bridges are placed many years ago, manufacture the remoteness of a covered bridge sometimes an adventure in locating. While covered bridges make ideal photo opportunities there's much more to view than just a pretty picture.

Experts advise appreciating the bridge by first taking in the construct and massive timbers used in the framework. For authentic bridges these timbers came from virgin forests where 100 feet high trees were common.

As you view an authentic covered bridge remember it was built for a easy functional purpose - getting from one bank to other. But it was constructed with the skill and care of craftsmen, who've unwittingly left a rich legacy for time to come generations to enjoy. Treasure these woodworking masterpieces as you tour rural North America, and rediscover a fastener of the pioneering spirit that embraced both U.S. And Canada during the nineteenth century.

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American Revolution Flags

Flags symbolize many things. They characterize citizen and showcase a nation's pride. They speak volumes about a country's history. Flags have been in use for a very long time. They were earlier used by citizen to characterize the work they did. Over the years, military units made optimum use of flags colors. They state an identity and while battles, flags served as a meeting point when a formation was out of order. Soldiers gathered around the flag to literal, their formation, strike or to retreat. Flags were used to mark important places, such as hospitals, important structure and transportation centers.

Flags have been an integral part of the American culture for most of the country's history. Americans look up to the national flag with pride and respect. Flags and revolutions are synonymous with each other. There were many flags that were designed while the revolutions. One was the Bedford Flag. This flag was flaunted in the battle of Concord in 1775. The Latin inscription meant "Conquer or Die." The Bennington or "Vermont" flag flew over the military market in Bennington, Vermont, in 1777.

Betsy Ross or the "First Stars and Stripes" flag was adopted on June 14, 1777. In order to characterize the country in a more apt manner, The Continental Congress decided to include thirteen alternating red and white stripes. Other changes were the thirteen white stars in a blue field. These inclusions represented initial states from which the present union grew. They hoisted the Bunker Hill flag. This marked the end of a long and epic battle.

Flags are and have been an integral part of American history. There are many flags that have been in existence from colonial times to this day. They are very regarded and command a great sense of respect.

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A Patriot's History of the United States of America

A Patriot's History of the United States of America, written by Larry Schweikart, covers the history of the United States from its discovery by Columbus in 1492, up until nearby 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit. This well-researched and footnoted book gives an overview of history that is rarely covered so extensively in other books. Even if you think you remember quite a bit from American history class in high school, this book will probably bring up points that you either never knew or no longer remember.

What You'll Find

Although this book is about America, the book begins with Europe. It is difficult to understand Columbus's trip without taking a look at Marco Polo and Vasco de Gama. Columbus's trip didn't happen in a vacuum; Schweikart does an excellent job of tying in the events of Europe to the discovery of America. Similarly, the author briefly discusses the Aztecs, even though they lived in South America; although the Spanish were not innocent in their conquering in South America, the Aztecs and other South American natives were not the peaceful citizen that some history books make them out to be. Throughout the book, the author tries to fairly portray both the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the story.

The Patriot's History of the United States covers all the major figures of history, as well as some that are lesser known, but nevertheless, important. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin's contributions, but so are the contributions of citizen like Queen Liliuokalani and Mike Fink. Many of the players in the last part of the book are more customary to us, like Colin Powell and Sadaam Hussein, because their names were all over the news in our lifetime.

The book discusses every major duration of American history. It covers the colonial period, Revolutionary War, the forming of the nation, western expansion, Civil War, reconstruction, the contemporary wars of the 20th century, and the history of the United States that many of the book's readers would have lived through. It tries to take an honest look at each event; some of Andrew Jackson's actions are not viewed with rosy glasses, neither are some of the American's actions towards the Native Americans. The honesty helps you learn things that you may not have seen in school, where the textbooks sometimes go out of their way to paint the United States in an overly-patriotic way.

Structure of the Book

Each episode of A Patriot's History of the United States of America is laid out in a similar format, with a short introduction, a timeline, and then the remainder of the chapter, broken up into manageable sections. This style makes the book easy to read; the layout also makes it easy to look up specific events. Although there is an index in the back of the book, if you cannot remember the name of a specific someone or event, the index will not be of use. If you wanted to look up a rebellion that happened in Virginia in the late 1600s, but couldn't remember that it was called Bacon's Rebellion, this format is quite useful.

Throughout the chapters, there are extra sections that will acknowledge questions that don't de facto fit into the full, description of the story. These sections ask questions like "Did Columbus Kill Most of the Indians?" or "Daniel Boone, Civilizer or Misanthrope?" Schweikart lists his sources after these sections, in case you want to read more about the subject.

At the end of the book, there are 69 pages of notes. As I read the book, I found myself turning to the notes when the author mentioned a fact or a windup that is new to me. Schweikart uses books, original sources, magazine articles, and reputable web sites to come to his conclusions.

If you are finding for a book that can give you an overview of American history that ties it into what came before and looks transmit to the future, A Patriot's History of the United States of America is well worth a look.

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A Kids' Tour of the American Museum of Natural History

Sometime while the 20th of June, my narrative on our tour of New York City with two (8- and 10-year old) great grandchildren. I have already received some e-mails asking what we visited and a host of other questions. Being microscopic to about 1000 words, I will start with the most spectacular of exhibits (and the kids' favorite, the American Museum of Natural History.

The first stop just had to be the American Museum of Natural History. Many, if not most, of its displays are permanent and they are sufficient to keep kids (and most adults, too) enchanted all day. If you're staying in New Jersey, you will probably get to the museum about the time the doors open at 10a.

Fossils and Dinosaurs

The first thing you see when you enter the Museum from Central Park West is the giant Barosaurus -- the tallest, freestanding mounted dinosaur in the world. There are many other exhibits on this floor but we wanted to start our tour on the 4th Level at the Orientation Center. There we watched the film introducing us to the fossil galleries. Kids always want to see fossils but they tire quickly of them. Learning more about them before they get to view them not only educates them but allows them to enjoy the exhibits. We then toured the dinosaurs and other primitive animals.

Today's Animals Exhibits and Dioramas

Next, it was down to the 3rd Level where all the birds exhibits are. The displays (actually stuffed birds realistically displayed in dioramas to show their native environments, all behind huge plate glass windows) are so realistic you admittedly expect them to take flight when you approach. Then we walked, so very slowly, straight through the African Hall where the African animals are displayed (also on those super realistic dioramas, gazed at the giant elephant centerpiece, and entered the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater. This was a surprise for the kids; we hadn't told them about it or we would have had no peace until they got to see it.

Rose center Space Show

The Rose center Space Show makes Disney's look primitive in comparison. Spectators voyage to the outer edges of our universe, examining each of the planets on the way. The show is made inherent by the world's largest virtual reality simulator. When the show is over, it is time for lunch so it is all the way down to the basement (where the entrance from the subways is located) and the Museum's Food Court (like many of our larger shopping malls). There is a welcome surprise after lunch; over by the subway entrance is a special ice cream cafe. They have to finish their Sundaes before we can go upstairs, -- no food or drinks allowed in the exhibition halls.

The Earth's Ocean Life

We resisted the urge to return to the Rv park so the kids could take naps. If they were tired (and all this took a lot of walking though the Planetarium and lunch did supply some welcome respites) they were not willing to let on. So we went up the the 1st Level, toured the Ocean Life with its almost 100 foot long whale dangling from the ceiling. When I was a teenager living in New York in the early Forties, I almost lived in the Museum (we were members). While it was a thrill back then, contemporary technology has elevated the old thrills to stunning, real-life simulations. In the Hall of Ocean Life, for example, video projections seem to thoroughly immerse the kids into the marine environment. The 1st Level has a wide collection of these presentations which could take some days but we only had one, this time.

Imax Theater Sea Monsters Show

Out final stop was the Imax Theater. Maybe you have been to one of these Imax Theaters -- they're all over the country -- and viewed these spectacular 360 degree presentations. You might be able to dream the succeed on an 8-year-old and a 10-year old.

On the way out we stopped by the Museum's traveler shop on the 1st Level and bought two Dvds. These would keep the kids busy in the Rv when they might otherwise be suffering from boredom.

Dvd Players: Blessing in Disguise

Note on the ceiling mounted Dvd player. We do not like to allow the children to ride in the 5th wheel when attractive unless my wife is in there with them. Kids get bored quickly when riding in the back seat of the Ford Quad Cab so we had a 10 inch Dvd player installed in the center of the ceiling so it could be viewed from the rear seat. The sound is directed to the rear and we keep the level low so it isn't too disturbing for us in the front seat. The player cost us less the 0 installed and we have found it to be an excellent investment. It almost eliminates the, "... Are we there yet?" choruses from the back seat.

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Tex-Mex Food - An American and Mexican Cuisine With History and Tradition

If you look up Tex-Mex food in the dictionary, you will find many distinct definitions. Some dictionary definitions say Tex-Mex is Americanized Mexican food, or just a kind of Mexican food in Texas. In Texas, however, Tex-Mex means a large, specific part of Mexican food. If it involves yellow cheese enchiladas with onions and chili gravy, then it is carefully Tex-Mex food. If it is fish tacos in San Francisco, then that is not Tex-Mex food. It is Mexican-American food, but not Tex-Mex.

Tex-Mex foods are ordinarily carefully a aggregate of Indian and Spanish cuisines, which came together to make an all-new cuisine, called Tex-Mex. For many years, citizen who owned the Tex-Mex restaurants would not use that term at all. It was carefully a slur and an insult, because the term Tex-Mex was looked to mean Americanized Mexican food. This insult cost Mexican-Texan families quite a bit of business in the bistro business for generations.

Tex-Mex was still called Mexican food when its popularity began to grow beyond the Texas state lines to other parts of the country. A San Antonio chili stand set up a booth at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Because of that, chili con carne was being canned in Oklahoma and St. Louis by 1910. After that, more and more chili stands started springing up across the country.

Tex-Mex food is now being studied as an American regional food, as it becomes more widely understood and described as a regional American cooking style. Historians now trace Tex-Mex all the way back to Native American peoples. There is even evidence that ties Tex-Mex food to colonists who brought cattle to El Paso in 1581.

Today, Tex-Mex food can be carefully native foreign food, as it in effect does not exist everywhere else. It is foreign because the inspiration comes from another country. The Tex-Mex cuisine has in effect never merged into the mainstream of American cooking, but it remains alive mostly in the region where it began.

Most citizen agree today that Tex-Mex food is not in effect Mexican food at all. Texas-Mexican restaurants has even started to shed the negative connotations surrounding this type of food. Some of the same Texas-Mexican restaurants that hated the term have even started to embrace it, claiming they invented Tex-Mex food.

Tex-Mex food has obviously staked its rightful place in food history. It has achieved worldwide popularity and forced us all to realize it is America's oldest regional cuisine.

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American History - Native Cultures

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of Native Americans, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening report presents some of the most recent news on the branch of Native Americans.

Native-American Cultures

The America that greeted the first Europeans was, thus, far from an empty wilderness. It is now plan that as many citizen lived in the Western Hemisphere as in Western Europe at that time -- about 40 million. Estimates of the number of Native Americans living in what is now the United States at the onset of European colonization range from two to 18 million, with most historians tending toward the lower figure. What is safe bet is the devastating effect that European disease had on the indigenous citizen roughly from the time of preliminary contact. Smallpox, in particular, ravaged whole communities and is plan to have been a much more direct cause of the precipitous decline in the Indian citizen in the 1600s than the numerous wars and skirmishes with European settlers.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one minuscule bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Indian customs and culture at the time were extraordinarily diverse, as could be expected, given the expanse of the land and the many distinct environments to which they had adapted. Some generalizations, however, are possible. Most tribes, particularly in the wooded eastern region and the Midwest, combined aspects of hunting, gathering, and the cultivation of maize and other products for their food supplies. In many cases, the women were responsible for farming and the distribution of food, while the men hunted and participated in war.

By all accounts, Native-American society in North America was closely tied to the land. Identification with nature and the elements was integral to religious beliefs. Their life was essentially clan-oriented and communal, with children allowed more freedom and tolerance than was the European custom of the day.

Although some North American tribes advanced a type of hieroglyphics to maintain safe bet texts, Native-American culture was primarily oral, with a high value located on the recounting of tales and dreams. Clearly, there was a good deal of trade among various groups and strong evidence exists that neighboring tribes maintained farranging and formal relations -- both amiable and hostile.

There's a lot to understand about Native Americans. We were able to supply you with some of the facts above, but there is still fullness more to write about in subsequent articles.

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"American Meth: A History of the Methamphetamine Edpidemic" author Sterling R Braswell:Book recite

Sterling Braswell has written a fascinating book about drug use in America. He begins with the history of amphetamines. It has been used approximately 100 years. Meth was used in the 1920's to treat asthma, hay fever and depression. At this time it was legal and did not carry a collective stigma. Amphetamines were used in the military because it was believed to heighten intellectual carrying out and incite aggression.

Hitler was injected with it. Kamikaze pilots were injected with it before they went out on their suicide missions. Jfk used it combined with steroids to treat Addison's disease. It was attributed to contributing to his abnormally high sex drive. Today meth abusers come from all walks of life: students, soldiers, workers, housewives.

The damage caused by meth use is insidious. Dopamine nerve terminals are damaged to the point that they put population at risk for developing Parkinson's as they get older. Some of the damage is permanent, and some can last up to three years after the use ends. Meth use triggers apoptosis which causes ample cell death in several areas of the brain. The brain is affected in ways similar to the damage caused by Alzheimer's and strokes. The abuser's personality is also affected. They come to be paranoid, delusional and violent. Braswell refers to their reality as "Crazy Town." This becomes the user's world.

In this book, Braswell also includes his own personal story of the hell that he went straight through while he was married to Lucille, an addict. Lucille was unable to overcome her addiction and as a consequent of her meth addicted actions, she nearly destroyed Braswell. As I read his personal story, I kept hoping that their lives would heighten and that Lucille would be able to overcome her addictions. Instead she betrayed him and his house in every way possible.

The history of methamphetamines and other linked drugs is covered in great depth. "American Meth" would be very helpful for substance abuse counselors and population in recovery. For my Master's degree program in restoration Counseling, I did not have any texts that covered the history so deeply.

I think that it is leading for population who believe that drugs should be legalized should read "American Meth." Crime is not just committed by population trying to get money for a fix, horrible crimes are committed by population who are under the affect of this drug. Families are destroyed.

American Meth: A History of the Methamphetamine Epidemic in America

Sterling R Braswell

iUniverse, Inc (2006)

Isbn 0595380212

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (5/06)

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