Faustus
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Posts posted by Faustus
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Here is a free card model of the late Roman villa at Bancroft.
Fascinating NN,
It's always interesting to see how the roof-lines are depicted by architectural archaeologists. This makes complete sense as imputed from the ground plan.
Faustus
edit: here's the view that illustrates ground plan with elevation: http://www.armadamodels.co.uk/for_schools/...a_animation.gif
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This time, focus is on Greenland, and the scientific evidence is DNA analyses of hair from the Disco Bay ice fjord area in north-west Greenland, which are well-preserved after 4,000 years in permafrost soil. The team's discovery makes it necessary to review Greenland's immigration history. Until now, science regarded it as a possibility that the earliest people in Greenland were direct ancestors of the present-day Greenlandic population.
The distance around the Arctic Circle (at the Arctic Circle) is 1075 miles versus 24,920 around the circle of earth at the equator. The northern shores of the North American continent lie within the Arctic Circle and therefore experience several months of continuous daylight. The highest temperatures recorded at the Arctic Circle is 83 deg F. at Deadhorse, Alaska in 1991. Following the northern shore across the North slopes of Canada and then across the Queen Elizabeth Islands and Ellesmere Island to Greenland's West shore is less than 2500 miles.
The Arctic Basin and the North Slopes of Canada and that part part of the Canadian Archipelago within the Arctic circle experience less than 10 inches of precipitation per year qualifying the region as a desert. This suggests that a human populaton's journey over this distance, either over a period of time, or short term would not be unduly difficult for a people whose survival skills were adapted to the climate. Taking note of this CHART of solar activity for the past 7,500 years and Legend we can see that solar activity and global temperatures 4000 B.P. were at much higher levels than now, and continued to be so for the second longest period which has occurred over the last 7,500 year period.
WIKI - 1975 location of the 10 deg C (50deg F) July Isotherm and minimum extent of sea ice in the Arctic
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Try this out for size. The amount of tax received depends on the amount at which the thing taxed is valued at. Thus, if a home is valued at $1,000.00, and the tax rate is 1%, the tax is $10.00. If the same home is otherwise valued at $2,000.00 and the tax rate remains at 1%, the tax is $20.00.
Maybe everybody is right! The Cato Institute, of course, most certainly is Right.
This is precisely the formula adapted in our state for property taxes. To exceed that one percent proportional rate local government entities must get dispensation from the State Tax Board. But there are several other levels of taxation in the system which add to the State and US burden on citizens. Taxing proportionally for benefits and seems to have been a standard system advanced by the Romans because it make good sense, consider The Edict of Venarfrum
Faustus
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It seems that my wife was right, it will be a black (funny how a half-half it's black) long before a women in the US. If he takes Hillary on the ticket maybe they can do what Segolene Royale (half black, full women) did when she was defeated by Sarko (a non-PC white male), I mean divorce the party guru (you ruined me Bill! after all that I've put up with!)
PS [/with a serious face] for those of you who don't understand a foreigner interest in US elections I have to tell that this interest it's born out of the US world leadership.
Very interesting Kosmo,
Indeed watch Hillary
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For this discussion, I am talking (and the original thought) was about "young hoods" or here maybe we would call them just "kids" who aren't headed into the universlity.
Faustus
Ah, well, Faustus - here we call them: Scallies, Scrotes, Chavs, or just plain Yobs.
Believe me, this is a real problem for us at the moment - a serious one. We have yob culture. One might almost say - and it's no exaggeration - that we have a sub-culture, or what the Victorians called 'a residuum'. Gangs terrorise decent kids on street corners. Girls attack people in the street and take photos of the attack on their mobile phones - that's the latest craze. Asking one of these youngsters to step aside while you pass may result in death. No - I'm not joking.
Believe me, we don't know what the answer is, but it sure as heck isn't statistics or classical languages.
Salve Augusta, and thanks
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I'm not american and had no courses on american history but made 75% on the quizz... I'm astounded to discover the results of the common american students on theses matters which they did have to study !
As you no doubt noticed the answers, for the most part came down to just two choices as the others were eliminated by pure logic. I suppose that is the way with most tests. This might result in a 50% score. The final two choices required knowledge of the subject. The test was largely so, but could not be said to be wholly American in content. But indirectly it was in the sense you (as a European) may know about George Washington somewhat in the same vein I know about Karl Marx.
Your own relatively high score (not to discount high intelligence!) may reflect the degree to which the US is a nation of the world, cosmopolitan in nature, such that others feel connected to it and its history. Conversely many in the US don't share those feelings and knowledge, especially among those of college age because US history, as taught, has become largely a history of anti-heroes; it's always a history of: YES, BUT...... This ponderous distortion yields boredom in some, and dissidents in others.
I submit that American students have been convinced that their own country's history is not very important, it's wrong to feel proud of it and, having already discounted its importance, operate from opinion more than from learning.
My own missed Q's were: 5, 9, 18, 26, 31, 36, 39, 43, 53, 54, 58 and I am embarrassed about every single one of them. All should have been answered correctly, and might have been if I had consistently applied the rigor of the first rule I mentioned above, and if I had permitted my self to linger longer on each one, the correct answer might have been found. ( I hate tests! )
Faustus
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Radiocarbon dating of rat bones and rat-gnawed seeds reinforces a theory that human settlers did not arrive in New Zealand until 1300 A.D. The team carbon dated rat bones and native seeds, and concluded that the earliest evidence of human colonization in the South Pacific country was from 1280 A.D. to 1300 A.D.
The archaeological evidence depends on the evidence of the arrival of rats. The Pacific rat (or kiore
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As much as I'd love to see the spread of Latin, I'd prefer to see students introduced to statistics. Of the neglected topics of pre-university study, statistics is the most broadly useful. Statistics--not Latin--is the lingua franca of business, economics, psychology, anthropology, sociology, political science, and all the medical sciences.
Really, both: Latin for the basis of for their own language, and they could us statistics to analyze quality and processes they were involved in. I
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Take the Civics Quiz -
Intercollegiate Studies Institute test on Civics education, with lots of interesting data on US college scores and
Test your knowledge by answering the sixty multiple-choice questions. You may want to register for this test.
(A printable version of the quiz, along with the answers, is available for download for those who register.)
My own score 81.67%
Faustus
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rather pricey 4th of July fireworks cruises you can book, with "dinner and entertainment". Is that the best way to see the fireworks -- or would reserving a table at a rooftop restaurant be a better choice? I'm kind of more inclined towards a quiet meal at a rooftop restaurant, than a noisy party boat (or braving the crowds on the Mall), but I've no idea which restaurants might be good choices for both a lovely meal and a lovely view of the fireworks. Any suggestions? Anyone?
If you are out walking past the White House, a block North is Lafayette Park, and If you were to find a sidewalk caf
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It seems that my wife was right, it will be a black (funny how a half-half it's black) long before a women in the US.
Hillary did enough to lose the nomination on her own. She assumed it was hers (wrong), made no plans beyond Super Tuesday in early February, stayed out of the Iowa Caucus (on philosophical pretensions), and Obama had a chance to pass her while she tried to reconnoiter. (get her team up, and her act together). She gave him a golden opportunity and he capitalized on it.
If he takes Hillary on the ticket maybe they can do what Segolene Royale (half black, full women) did when she was defeated by Sarko (a non-PC white male), I mean divorce the party guru (you ruined me Bill! after all that I've put up with!)
There must be many possible scenarios going through HRC's mind: If Ob loses she can get the nomination in four years with a big "I told you so!" assuming McCain is only good for 4-years. If she were in the VP slot, she would be in a good position 4 years or 8 years hence, and still not too old (she thinks). She still hasn't released her delegates to Ob. Until she does, something could happen to him (she indelicately mentioned Robert Kennedy being shot, but that was only an oblique reference to what she would like to have happen) that would cause a "first vote" at convention to fail, releasing delegates to swing to her. Bill doesn't hurt her; he's her foil, unless he spills the beans.
I don't believe she brings him what he needs on the ticket, but she is a proven "fighter" on the campaign trail.
PS [/with a serious face] for those of you who don't understand a foreigner interest in US elections I have to tell that this interest it's born out of the US world leadership.
That is clear enough, and part of what makes "outsiders" comments helpful, whatever you may think of US world leadership.
When this unfortunate circumstance borned out of misinterpretation of the Holy Book (after some this book itself it's a misinterpretation) will end (to the benefit of the US and the rest of the world)
Sorry Kosmo, this (at least to this reader) IS arcane, and needs decryption. . .
I would care even less then I did about the presidential elections in Argentina where the (good looking, nice voice) wife of the ex-president did win (because no kenyan {luo}-american competed to exploit the guilt [that argentians don't feel] about the mistreatment of ones presumed ancestors by ones presumed ancestors) making full use of the machismo ethics that galantly give priority to ladies.
No decryption needed here.
PPS Did I succsefully imitated GO or I made some sense?
Cpt. Bladder
Close enough.
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I've decided to celebrate this coming 4th of July weekend in our nation's capital. I'll be taking Amtrak from NYC and I've already reserved a room in a hotel that's only a couple of blocks from a Metro station. So, anywhere the subways go, I'll be going.
Can anybody here suggest "must see" things/events? The Smithsonian Museum and Library of Congress are already high up on my list, but any suggestions, tips, etc. from anyone here who's been to Washington, D.C. will be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
-- Nephele
If your hotel will be close to the Train station, it is less than two miles from the Washington Monument, and of course you will want to take a walk all around that. Just south of the Washington Monument (less than 1000 feet) is the Tidal Basin, and assuming you won't be there all alone, you can rent a paddle boat there; the kind you sit and pump with "pedals". Didn't you always want to do that? The whole Tidal "basin" size is about only about 100 acres, which is really pretty small, especially because of the coves and projections into it. It's 500 by 600 yards. If you were to do that you could get within just 250 feet of the Jefferson Memorial, without stepping onto the south shore. If you don't have a partner to "pedal" a boat with, and you aren't too rushed you might just want to sit on the shore and watch others doing that.
Also, from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial is just a mile and a quarter due west; an easy walk along the reflecting pool. On the south side of the pool is the Korean War Memorial and the DC War Memorial. On the north side is the new WWII Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. I would recommend seeing those, but for sure the Korean and WWII Memorials.
Every Friday evening ( and the 4th is on a Friday), The US Marine Corps Band (The Presidents Own) does an Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks at 8th and Eye (I) which is Headquarters Marine Corps. I checked on that and it is booked throught 2008 for guests. If you wre still around there is an Evening Parade each Tuesday Evening or Sunset Parades are held at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington VA. ( Sunset Parades will be conducted every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. beginning the first Tuesday in June, and continuing through the second Tuesday in August. ) Take a lawn chair, blanket, or beach towel and a bag of "chips".
There will be a 4th of july fireworks display on the National Mall which probably is one of the best in the U.S.
Ford's Theater is between 9th and 10th between F and G.
There used to be some good "Bars" and restaurants.on 15th or 16th just North of the White House, if I remember right. When stationed on the East coast in 60-64, I used to blow into town and stay at the YMCA or the S.S.A.M.'s Club, for 75-cents a night. My bride and I drove the Blue Ridge Parkway down to NC Outer Banks (Virginia Dare), Kitty Hawk and Nag's Head, N.C. and Washington, D.C. for our "Honeymoon" in '65.
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A Time Capsule for History Students of the Future:
[At this time t]he Phoenix spacecraft nearing its May 25, 2008 landing on Mars. On board is a silica glass mini-DVD provided by The Planetary Society that includes a quarter-million names (including those of all Planetary Society members) and a collection of Mars-related literature, art, and audio called Visions of Mars.
Phoenix
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Legio II Augusta
Legio IX Hispana
Legio XIV Gemina
Legio XX Valeria Victrix
How do we know that these were the four Legions that invaded Britannica in 43 C.E.? I'm sure it has to do with some archaeological evidence--but what archaeological evidence? Any citations for further reading that actually explains the theories behind why these were the four legions that took part in the campaign would be greatly appreciated.
Salve Taelactin
Here is a quote from page - 20 of
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contrivances that aren't factually accurate or make little sense--like the absurd notion in "Luke" that Augustus had ordered an empire-wide census, and, as part of that census, everyone in the empire had to return to the land of their ancestors in order to participate in the census; so, according to "Luke," Joseph and Mary returned to Bethelem, which was where Joseph's ancenstors were from, ancenstors from a thousand years previous.
Could it have been that they had in the recent past come from there, and during the census returned so as to give the home town proper credit for reasons unknown to us now? I agree, it would seem that people should stay put during a proper census, at least by our own modern concept of a census, however other "political" motivations may have entered into the situation:
...However, (Raymond E. Brown suggested that)
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If you could somehow magically get your hands on an ancient book that now no longer exists..., or may never have:This may be a little silly, but I thought I'd ask it anyway:The " secret memoirs" of Claudius destroyed by Nero and his mother Agripinna, before doing away with the old man, which might have gone a long way in giving him some "respect" from future Romanophiles. . .
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NAMES ON MARS
Members of the PLANETARY SOCIETY (and anyone else who has wanted to) now have their names imprinted on a DVD on Mars. And the longest standing members have their
scattered throughout the solar system, and even beyond the solar system.The Planetary Society is a non-profit, educational organization. (I have been a member since 1983, so as to put my money where my mouth is.)
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Another interesting item: Notice the archers in one picture (gallery mode) seem to be "leading" (well in front of) the aircraft, and not aiming directly at it. This, rather than appearing to be a threat, seems to show intent to actualy hit the target.
Faustus
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Can anyone point me to a scholarly book or article about education during the Republic, especially during the period 170-140 BC? Thanks.
DD: Not a reference but some content; Here's the first paragraph of Chapter IV "LETTERS" of CAESAR AND CHRIST (WILL DURANT), about 250 words. The whole Chapter is about 1750 words. PM me if you'd like it all in a PM sent to you. It is a broad description of education and it's represented by the following quote with notes:
"The Roman was formed not only by the family, the religion, and the moral code, but, in less degree, by the school, the language, and the literature. Plutarch dates the first Roman school about 250 B.c.;(38) but Livy, perhaps romancing, describes Virginia, the desired of the Decemvir, as
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Amazon Indians from one of the world's last uncontacted tribes have been photographed from the air [ . . . ] A Brazilian official involved in the expedition said many of them are in increasing danger from illegal logging...
The Photos (>gallery)
Interesting: Note the linear alignment of their huts, rather than being clustered, with the old growth trees surrounding them, and with a large patch of understory new growth (palms?) in the foreground (best seen in pictures 3, 5, and 7) and off to the right hand side. They have benefit of two forest environments it appears, modified by them for their own benefit or accidentally by their living circumstances.
Assuming these are no doubt Stone Age peoples, and settled not nomadic, they must have stone axes, and other wood fashioning tools with which to accomplish all this. It would be interesting to see it all from their eyes, rather than our own.
A cordon sanitaire should be invoked by the UN. It appears these people have made a choice on their own that in effect accomplishes that, but something formal should be put in place.
(once individually selected, a right click and then "set as background" renders full screen)
EDIT: the numbers of the gallery photos do not appear to remain constant.
Faustus
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Interestingly, there's some reiteration both in historic and fiction literature on the use of eclipse prediction to intimidate allien ("primitive") populations:
- Christopher Columbus refered doing so against Arawak indians in Jamaica by predicting a lunar eclipse (February 29, 1504).
The Legend of the Eclipse of 1806
There is another historical example: William Henry Harrison as Territorial Governor of the Indian Territory challenged the Indian leader Tecumseh, along with his religious brother, the Prophet: "to the Indians gathered at Tippecanoe. He wrote: "If he (the Prophet) is really a prophet, ask him to cause the Sun to stand still or the Moon to alter its course, the rivers to cease to flow or the dead to rise from their graves".
But in this case the Prophet was able to turn the tables on Harrison. (June 16, 1806) The Prophet spoke in a loud and confident voice saying: "when the Sun has reached its highest point, at that moment will the Great Spirit take it into her hand and hide it from us. The darkness of night will thereupon cover us and the stars will shine round about us. The birds will roost and the night creatures will awaken and stir." . . .At around noon on the appointed day, June 16th 1806, a total solar eclipse crossed the region. A long eclipse with a band of totality stretching from near the southern tip of Lake Michigan to just north of Cincinnati . . . close to a thousand had gathered to see the Prophet's sign. The Prophet waved his arms towards the eclipse at the appropriate time, and the people were truly impressed.
"Harrison lost a lot of political ground with this blunder."
The Prophet's ability to make that prediction would seem to have been provided by others and to have been available in published information. The real historical mystery might better be: how did he know?
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Yes - it is also very much appreciated. For some of us, it is quite an important part of our daily lives!
This was a great introduction, and a joy hearing how, in your own words, you have worked and interacted to make UNRV what it is. You're all very modest. Thanks very much!
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Full story HERE.
Predicting that a solar eclipse will occur on earth in general (as a penumbra or "almost"(paen) a
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When it comes to the US worker-CEO pay differential it's instructive to see how many top executives have secured a golden parachute . . . golden parachute-A clause in an executive employment contract that provides the executive with a lucrative severance package in the event of their termination. May include a continuation of salary, bonus and/or certain benefits and perquisites, as well as accelerated vesting of stock options.
L. you cited four cases of apparent gross overpayment and excessive pay-offs (golden parachutes) by American corporations to their seemingly less than stellar CEOs, and doubtless you could come up with more, but so what? Of course abuse of pay and privilege, and lack of proper oversight by the company boards do take place. We don
Make yobs learn Latin.
in Hora Postilla Thermae
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Undersrtood, but some transference of civilized behavior can over time create changes in human behavior.
Faustus