Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Official Monster Raving Loony Party

2007-05-14T16:40:25Z

Jeremiah4-22: rename request, profession of Lord Sutch

{{move|Monster Raving Loony Party}}

'''The Monster Raving Loony Party''' is one of the more "colourful" registered political parties in the [[United Kingdom]], and was founded in 1983 by the late British [[Rock'n'Roll]] performer "Screaming Lord Sutch" (real name "David Sutch", 1940 - 1999). 

Despite its apparent comical nature, because of the nature of British voting - where the candidate with most votes wins regardless of other considerations, the party has often been influential in close by-elections, though never coming close to taking a seat themselves, and indeed, rarely retaining their deposit.

The party is currently lead by Alan "Howling Laud" Hope, and it's headquarters are located in [[Holmfirth]], West [[Yorkshire]] (better known for long running [[BBC]] sitcom "[[Last of the Summer Wine]]"). 

==External Links==
[http://www.omrlp.com/ Website of The OFFICIAL Monster Raving Loony Party]
[[category:political Parties]]

British politics

2007-05-14T16:37:51Z

Jeremiah4-22: /* Minor parties */ MRLP

Politics in the [[United Kingdom]] takes place within the context of a [[democracy|democratic]] [[parliamentary]] system dominated by three major parties.

The political culture of the UK tends to be more liberal than that of the United States, but less so than that of many other European nations.

==Institutions==

===Parliament===

''See also [[Parliament]]''

The cornerstone of the unwritten British [[constitution]] is ''Parliamentary supremacy'', or ''Parliamentary sovereignty''.

Britain is one of a small number of nations without a written constitution, and the British legislature, ''Parliament'', is free to legislate however it pleases. In British law, the only authority higher than parliamentary legislation is the law of the [[European Union]], and Britain is subject to EU law only by virtue of the fact that Parliament has chosen to accept it.

Parliament consists of the Queen, the [[House of Lords]] and the [[House of Commons (UK)|House of Commons]]. The Queen today takes no part in active politics (the last time that a monarch refused to ratify a law passed by the Lords and Commons was in 1714). While the House of Lords is considered to be the more prestigious chamber, the Commons is dominant by virtue of the fact that its members are elected rather than appointed. The Lords can only delay rather than veto legislation, though the Commons rarely chooses to push through laws against the Lords' wishes (it has done so only five times since the Lords' absolute veto was removed in 1911).

Reform of the House of Lords is a current political issue in the UK. The House of Commons has resolved to make it more democratic, so that 80% or 100% of its members are elected rather than appointed.

===The Executive===

The British Government operates in the name of the Queen (or the "Crown"), but power lies in practice with the '''Prime Minister''' and his '''Cabinet'''. The British Prime Minister has one of the most powerful roles of any democratic head of government or head of state (though some, like the French President, have similar or more extensive powers).

===National and regional legislatures===

Scotland has its own legislature, the '''Scottish Parliament''', which is headed by the '''First Minister'''. It is elected every four years: the last elections took place in May 2007.

Wales too has its own legislature (the '''National Assembly for Wales'''), with somewhat more restricted powers than the Scottish Parliament.

Northern Ireland also has its own legislature and executive, which operate under a complicated system designed to ensure balance between the Protestant/pro-UK and Catholic/pro-Irish communities.

===Local government===

Each locality in the UK has its own '''local authority''': there are '''councils''' of various sorts, as well as a number of elected '''mayors''' (most notably in London, whose current mayor is the popular but controversial left-wing politician [[Ken Livingstone]]). The powers of local authorities have been declining for many years, but it is believed that they are due for a significant revival.

It should be noted that most mayors in Britain are relatively powerless officials who serve as mere figureheads (rather like the Queen). However, a number of cities, such as London, have powerful mayors with a full executive role.

==Parties==

===The three main parties===

The British political spectrum has historically been dominated by the '''[[Labour Party]]''' on the left, the '''[[Conservative Party]]''' on the right, and the '''Liberal Party''' (now the [[Liberal Democrats]]) in the centre between them ("liberal" in British political terminology is often used to mean "centrist" or "moderate", rather than "left-wing").

In recent times, there has been a perception that the main parties are crowding together on the centre ground. In the 1990s, Labour moved decisively away from the traditional left (angering many of its more traditionally-minded supporters), to the point where it was perceived by many as being less left-wing than the Liberal Democrats. Since the advent of [[David Cameron]] as its leader in 2005, the Conservative Party has moved away from the territory of the traditional right (in this case too, angering many of its more strongly conservative or [[Thatcherism|Thatcherite]] supporters).

====The Labour Party====

The Labour Party is the current party of government in the UK. It is also the largest party in the Welsh legislature and the second-largest party in the Scottish Parliament.

Following its defeat by Margaret Thatcher's Conservatives in 1979, the Labour Party adopted a strongly left-wing, socialist program. Following a catastrophic defeat in the 1983 general election, more moderate politicians took charge of Labour and slowly moved it closer to the centre ground of British politics, a process started by [[Neil Kinnock]] in the mid-1980s and carried forward enthusiastically by [[Tony Blair]] after his election as leader in 1994. Many more traditional, left-wing Labour supporters see Tony Blair as an usurper whose policies are too right-wing for comfort. This has been the case in particular following the Iraq War.

Blair's policies can arguably be seen as a mixture of left (e.g. higher taxes, higher government spending, greater integration with the European Union, support for the [[homosexual agenda]]) and right (e.g. pro-market reforms in the public services, retention of Lady Thatcher's labor laws, support for the [[War on Terror]] and [[George W. Bush]]'s foreign policies).

====The Conservative Party====

British conservatism has traditionally been a pragmatic, moderate, non-ideological creed: its heroes include such moderate, middle-of-the-road figures as [[Edmund Burke]] in the eighteenth century and Sir [[Robert Peel]] and [[Benjamin Disraeli]] in the nineteenth century. These figures contrasted with contemporary conservatives from other European countries such as the French thinker [[Joseph de Maistre]], who were often strong, ideologically-minded supporters of absolute monarchy and Roman Catholicism.

The Conservative Party became strongly ideologically conservative during the leadership of [[Margaret Thatcher]] (1975-1990). Since Lady Thatcher resigned in 1990s, the strongly conservative element within the party has been more or less eclipsed. It had some influence in the 1990s during the leadership of Sir John Major (1990-1997), but the current Conservative leader, [[David Cameron]], has moved decisively away from "Thatcherism", to the dismay of many Conservative activists.

====The Liberal Democrats====

The Liberal Democrats (or "Lib Dems") were formed in 1988 by the merger of the old centrist Liberal Party with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP). Their current leader is the Scottish trial lawyer Sir [[Menzies Campbell]], who took over when his predecessor, [[Charles Kennedy]], was publicly exposed as an alcoholic in early 2006.

The Liberal Democrats were opposed to the [[Iraq War]], and have capitalized on Tony Blair's waning popularity to reiterate and strengthen its anti-war position.

===Minor parties===

The largest "minor" party is the '''[[Scottish National Party]]''', which is in fact a major force in Scottish politics, being the largest party in the Scottish Parliament. It advocates independence for Scotland.

There is also a Welsh nationalist party, called '''Plaid Cymru''', or simply '''Plaid'''.

Northern Ireland has a number of political parties:
* The '''Democratic Unionist Party''' (strongly pro-British/Protestant)
* '''Sinn Fein''' (strongly pro-Irish/Catholic)
* The '''Ulster Unionist Party''' (moderately pro-British/Protestant)
* The '''Social Democratic and Labour Party''' (moderately pro-Irish/Catholic)

There are several other minor British parties worthy of mention:
* The '''[[UK Independence Party]]''' advocates the withdrawal of Britain from the [[European Union]] and other more strongly conservative policies than those supported by the official Conservative Party.
* '''RESPECT''' is a strongly left-wing, socialist party led by the maverick ex-Labour politician [[George Galloway]].
* The '''[[British National Party]]''' is generaly seen as an extreme right-wing or fascist party. It advocates the repatriation of non-white people from the UK to the countries of their or their families' origin.
*The [[Monster raving loony party|Monster Raving Loony Party]] is a 'joke' party, which however often receives significant numbers of [[protest vote]]s especially in high-profile [[by-election]]s (which may attract a large number, sometimes dozens, of other not entirely serious candidates).

[[Category:British politics]]

Slovenia

2007-05-13T10:24:31Z

Jeremiah4-22: cat

'''Slovenia''' is an [[Alpine]] nation that was once part of [[Yugoslavia]].

Its war of independence was the briefest of the constituent republics of Yugoslavia, lasting just eleven days in 1991. Since then it has joined the [[EU]] and in 2007 adopted the [[Euro]].

Its language, Slovenian, is closely related to [[Serbo-Croat]].

[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:EU Members]]

Slovenia

2007-05-13T10:24:19Z

Jeremiah4-22: cat

Category:Ireland

2007-05-13T10:23:32Z

Jeremiah4-22: cat

[[Ireland]] and Irish-related places and things.

[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:EU Members]]

Jack the Ripper

2007-05-13T10:22:02Z

Jeremiah4-22: cat

'''Jack the Ripper''' was a notorious serial killer who murdered at least five [[prostitution|prostitutes]] in [[London]] in 1888.

[[Category:British Police and Crime]]
[[Category:Mass murderers]]

Battle of Trafalgar

2007-05-12T17:58:12Z

Jeremiah4-22: where

The '''Battle of Trafalgar''' was a sea battle that took place off Cape Trafalgar, off the southern coast of [[Spain]], between [[Great Britain]] and a joint [[France|French]] and Spanish force. The [[British]] fleet was led by the famous hero Lord [[Horatio Nelson]].

[[Great Britain]] won the battle decisively, although Nelson was killed, and [[Napoleon]] was forced to give up his ambitions to conquer [[Great Britain]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Trafalgar, Battle of}}
[[Category:Battles]]
[[Category:Napoleonic Wars]]

Talk:Gary Larson

2007-05-12T00:05:33Z

Jeremiah4-22: /* Cartoon */

== Cartoon ==

*Interesting cartoon. Seems an odd choice for here. I wonder if it is a copyright violation? --[[User:TK|Sysop-TK]] [[User_talk:TK|/MyTalk]] 19:51, 11 May 2007 (EDT)

:A single cartoon can (I think) be justified as fair use for quotation purposes. (Obviously with a larger selection this would probably not be the case.) Most of Larson's cartoons are odd, one way or another. --[[User:Jeremiah4-22|Jeremiah4-22]] 20:05, 11 May 2007 (EDT)

Gary Larson

2007-05-11T22:27:35Z

Jeremiah4-22: cow tools controversy ref

[[Image:Gary larson cartoon.gif|thumb|300 px|A typical Gary Larson cartoon.]]

'''Gary Larson''' is an American cartoonist, born in 1950 in [[Washington]], most famous for his widely-syndicated strip, ''The Far Side'', which appeared in hundreds of newspapers between 1980 and 1995.

Generally a single panel, usually with a caption beneath rather than speech balloons, the cartoons frequently featured animals, especially cows, often incomprehensible (his "Cow tools" cartoon caused weeks of bewilderment to hundreds of readers <ref>http://www.larryjzimmerman.com/prehistory/ctools.html</ref>), and sometimes offensive to some, with scatological or violent content, the cartoons were nevertheless enormously popular, and have been republished in various forms, notably collected in a five-volume series of books.

He is a favourite cartoonist of many scientists, especially biologists, who appreciate the regular inclusion of scientific, and especially [[evolution]]ary themes in his work. He was invited to visit the primatologist [[Jane Goodall]] after featuring her in one of his cartoons, and in 1985 was honoured by having a newly discovered species of louse, ''Strigiphilus garylarsoni'' named after him.<ref>http://www.freeinfosociety.com/site.php?postnum=350</ref>

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Larson, Gary}}
[[Category:Artists]]

Gary Larson

2007-05-11T22:22:57Z

Jeremiah4-22: refs

[[Image:Gary larson cartoon.gif|thumb|300 px|A typical Gary Larson cartoon.]]

'''Gary Larson''' is an American cartoonist, born in 1950 in [[Washington]], most famous for his widely-syndicated strip, ''The Far Side'', which appeared in hundreds of newspapers between 1980 and 1995.

Generally a single panel, usually with a caption beneath rather than speech balloons, the cartoons frequently featured animals, especially cows, often incomprehensible (his "Cow tools" cartoon caused weeks of bewilderment to hundreds of readers), and sometimes offensive to some, with scatological or violent content, the cartoons were nevertheless enormously popular, and have been republished in various forms, notably collected in a five-volume series of books.

He is a favourite cartoonist of many scientists, especially biologists, who appreciate the regular inclusion of scientific, and especially [[evolution]]ary themes in his work. He was invited to visit the primatologist [[Jane Goodall]] after featuring her in one of his cartoons, and in 1985 was honoured by having a newly discovered species of louse, ''Strigiphilus garylarsoni'' named after him.<ref>http://www.freeinfosociety.com/site.php?postnum=350</ref>

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Larson, Gary}}
[[Category:Artists]]

Gary Larson

2007-05-11T22:20:48Z

Jeremiah4-22: image

[[Image:Gary larson cartoon.gif|thumb|300 px|A typical Gary Larson cartoon.]]

'''Gary Larson''' is an American cartoonist, born in 1950 in [[Washington]], most famous for his widely-syndicated strip, ''The Far Side'', which appeared in hundreds of newspapers between 1980 and 1995.

Generally a single panel, usually with a caption beneath rather than speech balloons, the cartoons frequently featured animals, especially cows, often incomprehensible (his "Cow tools" cartoon caused weeks of bewilderment to hundreds of readers), and sometimes offensive to some, with scatological or violent content, the cartoons were nevertheless enormously popular, and have been republished in various forms, notably collected in a five-volume series of books.

He is a favourite cartoonist of many scientists, especially biologists, who appreciate the regular inclusion of scientific, and especially [[evolution]]ary themes in his work. He was invited to visit the primatologist [[Jane Goodall]] after featuring her in one of his cartoons, and in 1985 was honoured by having a newly discovered species of louse, ''Strigiphilus garylarsoni'' named after him.<ref>http://www.freeinfosociety.com/site.php?postnum=350</ref>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Larson, Gary}}
[[Category:Artists]]

File:Gary larson cartoon.gif

2007-05-11T22:19:20Z

Jeremiah4-22: A typical Gary Larson cartoon.

A typical Gary Larson cartoon.

Gary Larson

2007-05-11T22:17:21Z

Jeremiah4-22: New page: '''Gary Larson''' is an American cartoonist, born in 1950 in Washington, most famous for his widely-syndicated strip, ''The Far Side'', which appeared in hundreds of newspapers between...

'''Gary Larson''' is an American cartoonist, born in 1950 in [[Washington]], most famous for his widely-syndicated strip, ''The Far Side'', which appeared in hundreds of newspapers between 1980 and 1995.

Generally a single panel, usually with a caption beneath rather than speech balloons, the cartoons frequently featured animals, especially cows, often incomprehensible (his "Cow tools" cartoon caused weeks of bewilderment to hundreds of readers), and sometimes offensive to some, with scatological or violent content, the cartoons were nevertheless enormously popular, and have been republished in various forms, notably collected in a five-volume series of books.

He is a favourite cartoonist of many scientists, especially biologists, who appreciate the regular inclusion of scientific, and especially [[evolution]]ary themes in his work. He was invited to visit the primatologist [[Jane Goodall]] after featuring her in one of his cartoons, and in 1985 was honoured by having a newly discovered species of louse, ''Strigiphilus garylarsoni'' named after him.<ref>http://www.freeinfosociety.com/site.php?postnum=350</ref>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Larson, Gary}}
[[Category:Artists]]

Cornwall

2007-05-11T21:54:49Z

Jeremiah4-22: sectioned, Mebyon Kernow

[[Image:looe.jpg|thumb|400 px|[[Looe]], Cornwall, in winter]]

'''Cornwall''' is a county in the extreme southwest of [[England]]. It lies to the west of [[Devon]], with which it has its only land boundary.

Principal towns and cities in Cornwall include [[Cambourne]], [[Truro]], [[St. Ives]], [[St.Austell]], [[Falmouth]], and [[Looe]].

== Economy ==

Historically the area relied heavily on [[tin]] and [[lead]] mining as well as [[fishing]], and [[smuggling]] and [[wrecking]] were also significant occupations.

Now, with one of the most favorable climates in [[Britain]], the focus of industry is now firmly on [[tourism]]. [[Newquay]] is Britain's premier [[surfing]] resort. Cornwall is bounded on all sides but one by the sea, also making it a popular location for large-scale drug smuggling.

== History ==

Cornwall is regarded as being one of the Celtic nations, and has its own language, Cornish, related to modern [[Welsh]] and [[Breton]]. Although the language has now died out, it survives in written form and a growing number of people are learning it as part of a wider Celtic renaissance in the county.

The county has its own flag, the flag of St. Pirran, a white horizontal cross on a black background, and its own political party, [[Mebyon Kernow]] <ref>http://www.mebyonkernow.org/Public/Stories/89-1.shtml</ref>, now substantially represented on several local councils, which campaigns for greater local autonomy.

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:UK Counties]]

Talk:Scotland

2007-05-11T18:55:11Z

Jeremiah4-22: /* Cities */

{{Protected|TK}}

One thing; it's slightly disputed that Golf is a Scottish invention, just wondered if it should be in there... btw no offence to Scots genuine concern --[[User:Daerean|Daerean]] 15:03, 20 March 2007 (EDT)

in scottland, the kilt(that spelled right?) isnt that like your family's colors? --[[User:Will N.|Will N.]] 11:54, 1 May 2007 (EDT)

Yes Will N, the kilt is a tradtional dress still worn at weddings and social functions that is made in the clan (think family) tartan. Each tartan is comprised of colours specific to that family.

And Ed Poor, please can you stop removing the kilt picture. It is incredibly disrespectful to the Scots to remove not only a picture depicting their National dress but also their First Minister. The kilt has nothing to do with homosexuality, which frankly, is a topic that is discussed far too often on this site. [[User:Trashbat|Trashbat]] 12:16, 1 May 2007 (EDT)

== Kilts ==

Kilts are an item of dress, it is the tartan that has an association with families, or more accurately, Clan. In addition many public bodies have their own particular tartan. In the picture, Jack McConnell is seen wearing a pin-stripe kilt as part of an effort to promote Tartan Day.

Kilts are often made from Family/Clan Tartans, though not exclusively - there are many designs that have no particular family affiliation (such as Regimental designs) - Kilts are aso worn with somewhat plainer designs as well, and have even been made from leather..
I think the map is more appropriate than the pic of Jack McConnell - he is an elected representative, and does not necessarily epitomise Scottishness (indeed - pending the outcome of the general election on Thursday 03-May-2007, he may or may not continue as First Minister.) --[[User:SpinnakerMagic|SpinnakerMagic]] 17:45, 01 May 2007 (BST)

I've replaced the picture with one more <s>dull</s> appropriate.[[User:LordWhimsey|LordWhimsey]] 08:49, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

== homosexuality and the kilt - the link ==
[[Image:JackMcConnell.png|right|thumb|A scotsman wearing his skirt (known as a [[kilt]] in Scotland)]]'
em there is none - and I suggest any americans who visit scotland don't make suggest that linkage to members of, for example, her Maj's 51 (Scottish) Brigade. A frank and full exchange of viewpoints might then occur! --[[User:Cgday|Cgday]] 15:05, 1 May 2007 (EDT)

:This being Conservapedia, surely one would expect the description of Scotland by the leading [[conservative]] [[Christian]] [[Pat Robertson]], to be included in the article. He described Scotland as a "''dark country full of [[homosexual]]s''"<ref>http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9906/02/scotland.robertson/</ref>. [[User:Auld Nick|Auld Nick]] 05:57, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

::Not in the lead. And not [[out of context]]. Also, a photo of a man in a skirt rather than in a traditional plaid [[kilt]] makes more of a statement about [[homosexuality]], [[gender identity disorder]] or [[cross-dressing]] than it does about Scotland. Try to keep your mind on the purpose of this project. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] 08:33, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

:::What? since when is a skirt and a kilt the same thing? Ed, you're way in the wrong on this one. [[User:Jrssr5|Jrssr5]] 08:42, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

:::Ed, you are wrong - check out this website to see how the kilt is evolving - traditional kilts are only part of it [http://www.21stcenturykilts.com/home.htm].

::::Wrong about what? Please restate the assertion you think I have made. (The fashion photo you showed me of contemporary young people doesn't tell me what you mean.) --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] 08:58, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

::::: You asserted that "a photo of a man in a skirt rather than in a traditional plaid kilt makes more of a statement about homosexuality, gender identity disorder or cross-dressing than it does about Scotland." Whereas the link I provided shows that all kinds of non-traditional materials (denim, leather, camouflage patterns, tweed, pinstripe suit cloth, etc.) are being used to make kilts. The photo is of a man in a modern kilt. You assert that it is a skirt. Homosexuality and transvestisism are in no way associated with modern kilts. You assert that they are. To Scots, such words are particularly offensive.[[User:LordWhimsey|LordWhimsey]] 09:06, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

::[[User:Ed Poor|Ed]], even if the quote was [[out of context]] what is wrong with showing the conservative view of Scotland? Pro-Gaiety and homosexualism is rife in Scotland:
::*The repeal of laws banning the promotion of homosexuality in schools <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/800673.stm</ref>
::*The legalisation of so called gay marriage <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4494882.stm </ref>
::*Allowing homosexuals to adopt children <ref>http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1356432006 </ref>
::*Allowing homosexual teachers to teach homosexual sex to children <ref>http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=754672006</ref>
::*Open encouragement of homosexual soldiers and policemen <ref>http://www.gpascotland.com/050827.htm</ref>
::*The banning of pro-Christian opinions at sports events <ref>http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=387732007</ref>
::Those are just a few from the multitude of examples of how the [[homosexual agenda]] is permeating Scotland. Surely Scotland is a "''dark country full of [[homosexual]]s''" and this should be reflected here?
::[[User:Auld Nick|Auld Nick]] 09:07, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

Kilts are *not* skirts - the difference isn't subtle... it's interesting the connection some draw between 'cross-dressing' and kilt wearing; whenever I wear my kilt (especially in England and elsewhere) it usually attracts lots of attention from women...
'a dark country full of homosexuals' - I'm not even going to be drawn on that one, but featuring it prominently hardly does anything for the credibility of the article as a whole. --[[User:SpinnakerMagic|SpinnakerMagic]] 15:03, 02 May 2007 (BST)

:Spin, your statement that a [[kilt]] is not a skirt disagrees with the caption Nick put on the image to our upper right. The words ''Scotsman wearing his skirt (known as a [[kilt]] in Scotland)'' imply (1) that the man was wearing a skirt and (2) that a skirt is known as a kilt in Scotland.

:Would the two of you please sort this out. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] 10:09, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

I see your point. The article that Jack McConnell is wearing is a kilt. Skirts are not known as kilts - the two words are not synonymous. Although kilts are mostly associated with male attire, this isn't universally true by any means. --[[User:SpinnakerMagic|SpinnakerMagic]] 15:21, 02 May 2007 (BST)

Might be worth clarifying the whole kilt issue, either by adding to this article (Traditional Attire section?) or by creating a separate linked page for the kilt. Perhaps one of our resident Scots would be able to? --[[User:Trashbat|Trashbat]] 13:06, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

I'd be happy that the image be replaced with a piper but I'm having difficulty finding a fair use one. Probably worth noting that most images of pipers will be in full ceremonial garb (kilt, sporran, etc). Perhaps someone will have more luck than I finding a suitable image. --[[User:Trashbat|Trashbat]] 13:24, 2 May 2007 (EDT)

At the risk of going round in circles, again the Pat Robertson comment - with respect, who is this guy? (I don't mean literally - I know who he is) There is no indication of how his opinion is relevant - whether or not you consider it to be true, it just sounds like abuse, which just undermines the credibility of (at least) the whole article. --[[User:SpinnakerMagic|SpinnakerMagic]] 11:04, 04 May 2007 (BST)

:Mr. Robertson's opinion is important as an example of Conservative thinking. Here at Conservapedia [[homosexuality]] is taken very seriously as can be seen at that article and others such as [[homosexual agenda]], [[gay rights]], [[homophobia]] and their accompanying talk pages. It is important that such matters are given a prominent position in Conservapedia, for example the [[Main Page]] news items such as [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Tfa&oldid=139637 this], [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Tfa&oldid=131062 this], [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Tfa&oldid=130326 this] and [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Tfa&oldid=85632 this]. Such conservative facts ([[Conservapedia:Differences with Wikipedia|Differences with Wikipedia No. 9]]) are always displayed prominently and not censored like at the [[Liberal bias|liberally biased]] [[Examples of Bias in Wikipedia|Wikipedia]]. In fact I think the information in question should appear right at the top of the article.
:[[User:Auld Nick|Auld Nick]] 15:12, 4 May 2007 (EDT)

::Ok. Pat Robertson's opinions are clearly in line with many(most? ..I don't know) conservative thinkers, at least in the US. ('Conservative' has a related but slightly different meaning in the UK)

::(from [[Racism]]) 'Racism is making broad generalizations about a group of people based on percieved notions' - articles in the press are designed to be provocative and inflammatory - that doesn't necessarily cast doubt on the truth of the information they refer to, but they are far from a foolproof source, not very indicative of the nature of a culture.
::I'm not accusing Pat Robertson of racism, but he's a bit close to the wire. (I suspect he would argue about 'perceived notions' - and whether he was making a 'broad generalisation')

::I'm not sure what you mean by 'Conservative Facts' - it's definitely a fact that Pat Robertson said that, but the truth of it is a different thing altogether..

::I understand that it is important that the guiding principles of Conservapedia are enforced, but the article seems to have more to say about the authors' abhorrence of homosexuality than it does about it's subject matter - irrespective of your views, that doesn't do any good at all. [[User:SpinnakerMagic|SpinnakerMagic]] 11:03, 07 May 2007 (BST)

==References==
<references/>

== Cities ==

Six? [[Inverness]] is very small for a city. Inhabitants of [[Perth]] (which is much larger) and elsewhere will be annoyed by not being mentioned.

You might usefully put a link somewhere here to [[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]. --[[User:Jeremiah4-22|Jeremiah4-22]] 13:36, 11 May 2007 (EDT)

:That's partly why I added in the word "major" to the section. That way other cities wouldn't feel as slighted since it'd be near impossible to add every single one to the list. [[User:Jrssr5|Jrssr5]] 13:46, 11 May 2007 (EDT)

::I meant to say, ''You might usefully put a link somewhere here to'' <nowiki>[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]</nowiki>. --[[User:Jeremiah4-22|Jeremiah4-22]] 14:55, 11 May 2007 (EDT)

Eagle

2007-05-11T18:39:26Z

Jeremiah4-22: corrected and expanded

[[Image:Eagle.jpg|right|thumb|Bald Eagle]]

'''Eagles''' are a number of species of large raptor, generally distinguished by their prominent heads, deep bills, long, broad-ended wings and majestic soaring flight, and especially by legs leathered right down to the feet.

== Species of eagle ==

Include,
*The [[golden eagle]] of [[Scotland]] and northern [[Europe]].
*The [[fish eagle]] of [[Africa]].
*The [[bald eagle]], the national bird of the [[United States]].
*The [[monkey]]-eating eagle of the [[Philippines]].
*The extinct [[moa]]-eating Giant Eagle ''Harpagornis moorei'' of New Zealand, the largest eagle to have ever existed.

[[category:Birds]]

Talk:Scotland

2007-05-11T17:36:21Z

Jeremiah4-22: Cities

Biggar

2007-05-11T17:19:39Z

Jeremiah4-22: image

[[Image:Biggar Clyde Valley.JPG|thumb|400 px|Biggar, jewel of the Clyde.]]

'''Biggar''' is a market town in the [[Scottish Borders]]. The [[Gas Museum]] at Biggar was the eleventh most visited tourist attraction in Scotland in 2006.

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

River Clyde

2007-05-11T17:16:51Z

Jeremiah4-22:

[[Image:Biggar Clyde Valley.JPG|right|400 px|thumb|The Upper Clyde Valley, and the town of Biggar.]]

The '''River Clyde''' is the most important river on the west coast of [[Scotland]]. From its source in the Lowther hills in the [[Scottish Lowlands]], it runs down Clydesdale (from where comes the Clydesdale breed of large [[horse]]), past [[Lanark]], [[Motherwell]] and [[Hamilton]], through [[Glasgow]] and out into the [[Firth of Clyde]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clyde, RIver}}
[[Category:Rivers]]
[[Category:Scottish Rivers]]

River Clyde

2007-05-11T17:14:54Z

Jeremiah4-22: image

File:Biggar Clyde Valley.JPG

2007-05-11T17:11:14Z

Jeremiah4-22: The town of Biggar in the Clyde Valley.

The town of Biggar in the Clyde Valley.

River Clyde

2007-05-11T17:10:33Z

Jeremiah4-22: New page: The '''River Clyde''' is the most important river on the west coast of Scotland. From its source in the Lowther hills in the Scottish Lowlands, it runs down Clydesdale (from where ...

The '''River Clyde''' is the most important river on the west coast of [[Scotland]]. From its source in the Lowther hills in the [[Scottish Lowlands]], it runs down Clydesdale (from where comes the Clydesdale breed of large [[horse]]), past [[Lanark]], [[Motherwell]] and [[Hamilton]], through [[Glasgow]] and out into the [[Firth of Clyde]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clyde, RIver}}
[[Category:Rivers]]

Middle-earth

2007-05-11T16:58:44Z

Jeremiah4-22:

{{move|Middle-Earth}}

[[Image:Middle-earth.jpg|right|thumb|A map of the north-western part of Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age.|300px]]
'''Middle-earth''' was the name given to the setting of a series of mythological novels written by Oxford Professor [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. The name was derived from [[Midgard]]<ref>http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/norse/articles.html</ref>, the "Middle World" of Norse Mythology inhabited by people and located underneath Asgard (Norse Heaven) and above Hel (The Norse spelt Hell with one L).

Tolkien did not create another Earth for his novels, although the shape of our lands have changed since the Third Age. Middle-earth corresponds to the Eurasian land mass, "east of the Sea." [[The Silmarillion]] tells of how the Noldor, immortal Elves from the West, invade Middle-earth on a quest for three Silmarils stolen by Morgoth. There they find the younger race of mortal Men, whose souls are not bound to Arda but depart beyond the circles of the world upon death.

The First Age of Middle-earth ended with the defeat of the Vala Morgoth, who was cast into oblivion. However, in the Second Age, a Maia named Sauron, who was the servant of Morgoth, rose to great power and took his master's place as the malign spirit opposed to everything good in Middle-earth. He was defeated by the Last Alliance of Elves and Men at the foot of Mount Doom, and his great ruling Ring was taken from him by Isildur heir of Elendil. Sauron's body was slain and his vanquished spirit fled into the wilderness, which ushered in the Third Age. However in doing so the shape of the world was forever changed, the island of Numenor destroyed and the road to Valinor hidden.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Middle-Earth]]

Vestigial structures

2007-05-10T18:39:08Z

Jeremiah4-22: boa

'''Vestigial structures''' are those [[anatomy|anatomical]] structures which have no discernable function in their present form in modern [[species]], but may have had a function in that species' [[ancestor]]s.

Examples of vestigial structures include, but are not limited to, the [[human]] [[appendix]], the [[wing]]s of an [[ostrich]], the [[pelvis|pelvic]] bones of [[whale]]s and [[boa]]s <ref>http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Boa</ref>, and the [[eye]]s of the [[mole]] and cave-dwelling [[salamander]]s.<ref>http://www.bookrags.com/research/vestigial-structures-wap/</ref>

Vestigial structures are some of the best evidence in favor of [[evolution]] and against [[Intelligent Design]] because they are easily explained by [[natural selection]], but it is very difficult to justify why a supposedly intelligent [[creator]] would include seemingly useless structures in the design of numerous [[organism]]s.

==External Links==
* [http://www.progressiveu.org/184956-modern-evolutionary-theory-versus-intelligent-design-vestigial-structures-evolutionary-remnants Modern Evolutionary Theory versus Intelligent Design: Vestigial Structures/Evolutionary Remnants]
*[http://litcandle.blogspot.com/2007/02/dembskis-blissful-misunderstanding-of.html Dembski's blissful misunderstanding of design]

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Evolution]]

Ian Wright

2007-05-09T17:46:59Z

Jeremiah4-22: cat

British association [[football]]er and [[television]] presenter, known as 'Wrighty'

[[Category:Sportspeople|Wright, Ian]]

Folk hero

2007-05-09T16:35:13Z

Jeremiah4-22: New page: Folk hero Robin Hood. A '''folk hero''' is a figure, real or legendary, whose deeds have imprinted themselves upon the popular consciousn...

[[Image:Robin Hood and the Lady.jpg|right|frame|Folk hero Robin Hood.]]

A '''folk hero''' is a figure, real or legendary, whose deeds have imprinted themselves upon the popular consciousness, historically through [[folklore]], tales and songs, but in modern times increasingly via the printed word and broadcast media.

Often outlaws or anti-establishment figures, and so with their acts largely absent from any surviving official documents of their periods, for many folk heroes even the certainty of their existence is unclear. Even for those known to have had real existence, their legendary acts often have little or no foundation in reality, with what few hard facts that were known of them having been repeatedly embellished by balladeers and chroniclers.

Ancient folk heroes include the British [[patriotism|patriotic]] heroes [[King Arthur]], [[Hereward the Wake]], [[Robin Hood]], the Scottish [[Horserider]] and [[William Wallace]], and the Swiss patriot [[William Tell]].

In more recent history, folk heroes have included the [[highwayman]] [[Dick Turpin]], the American frontiersman [[Davy Crockett]], outlaw [[Billy the Kid]], and the bank robbers [[Bonnie and Clyde]] and [[John Dillinger]], and the [[Australia]]n [[bushranger]] [[Ned Kelly]].

[[Category:Mythology]]

Robin Hood

2007-05-09T15:30:23Z

Jeremiah4-22: fixed link

[[Image:Robin Hood and the Lady.jpg|frame|left|Robin Hood and the Lady, by Walter Crane]]

'''Robin Hood''' (otherwise known as Robin of Locksley) was a medieval [[English]] [[folk hero]], who dwelt, and was buried, according to differing accounts, in either the county of [[Yorkshire]] or of [[Nottinghamshire]]. Rivalry between the two counties over the possession Robin is strong, with most modern representations of the legends placing him in Nottinghamshire, but most of the scarce historical evidence supporting Yorkshire's claim. In fact, Sherwood (''Shire Wood'') Forest, Robin's base of operations, at the time stretched unbroken over much of both counties, and the Sheriff of [[Nottingham]] who features prominently in the tales, would also have had authority over the Forest of Barnsdale in South Yorkshire. One legend maintains he is buried at Kirklees, now a highly populated Metropolitan District, having selected his burial place by the shooting of an arrow.

Historians are divided in their opinion as to whether he actually existed or not, or if so, in which century, though he is first mentioned in the thirteenth century <ref>http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhlitbib.htm</ref>. It is likely that the legends are based around the actions of more than one mediaeval outlaw which would explain why it is difficult to assign Robin to one specific era. Dates given range from the time of King John in the twelfth century, to that of [[King Edward II]] in the fourteenth.

Two places named for him are Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, <ref>http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/</ref> and Robin Hood's Cave, in Nottinghamshire, an important archaelogical site, and the most northerly place known to have [[Homo neanderthalensis|Neanderthal]] remains <ref>http://www.showcaves.com/english/gb/showcaves/CreswellCrags.html</ref>.

== Modern Representation ==

[[Image:Adventures of Robin Hood.jpg|thumb|Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland in ''"The Adventures of Robin Hood"'' (1938)]]

Modern retellings of the legend have idealised Robin Hood somewhat, depicting him with his band of "merry men" in [[Sherwood Forest]], he is said to have "stolen from the rich to give to the poor".

''The Adventures of Robin Hood'' (1938) was a Hollywood film version of his adventures, starring [[Errol Flynn]], and numerous other film and television adaptations of his life have also been made, including a musical and a Disney animated version with a cast of animals.

== External Link ==

[http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.stm Robin Hood Project]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Mythology]]
[[Category:England]]

Robin Hood

2007-05-09T15:23:45Z

Jeremiah4-22: images

[[Image:Robin Hood and the Lady.jpg|frame|left|Robin Hood and the Lady, by Walter Crane]]

'''Robin Hood''' (otherwise known as Robin of Locksley) was a medieval [[English]] [[folk hero]], who dwelt, and was buried, according to differing accounts, in either the county of [[Yorkshire]] or of [[Nottinghamshire]]. Rivalry between the two counties over the possession Robin is strong, with most modern representations of the legends placing him in Nottinghamshire, but most of the scarce historical evidence supporting Yorkshire's claim. In fact, Sherwood (''Shire Wood'') Forest, Robin's base of operations, at the time stretched unbroken over much of both counties, and the Sheriff of [[Nottingham]] who features prominently in the tales, would also have had authority over the Forest of Barnsdale in South Yorkshire. One legend maintains he is buried at Kirklees, now a highly populated Metropolitan District, having selected his burial place by the shooting of an arrow.

Historians are divided in their opinion as to whether he actually existed or not, or if so, in which century, though he is first mentioned in the thirteenth century <ref>http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhlitbib.htm</ref>. It is likely that the legends are based around the actions of more than one mediaeval outlaw which would explain why it is difficult to assign Robin to one specific era. Dates given range from the time of King John in the twelfth century, to that of [[King Edward II]] in the fourteenth.

Two places named for him are Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, <ref>http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/</ref> and Robin Hood's Cave, in Nottinghamshire, an important archaelogical site, and the most northerly place known to have [[Neanderthal]] remains <ref>http://www.showcaves.com/english/gb/showcaves/CreswellCrags.html</ref>.

== Modern Representation ==

[[Image:Adventures of Robin Hood.jpg|thumb|Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland in ''"The Adventures of Robin Hood"'' (1938)]]

Modern retellings of the legend have idealised Robin Hood somewhat, depicting him with his band of "merry men" in [[Sherwood Forest]], he is said to have "stolen from the rich to give to the poor".

''The Adventures of Robin Hood'' (1938) was a Hollywood film version of his adventures, starring [[Errol Flynn]], and numerous other film and television adaptations of his life have also been made, including a musical and a Disney animated version with a cast of animals.

== External Link ==

[http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.stm Robin Hood Project]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Mythology]]
[[Category:England]]

File:Robin Hood and the Lady.jpg

2007-05-09T15:22:27Z

Jeremiah4-22: Robin Hood and the Lady, by Walter Crane

Robin Hood and the Lady, by Walter Crane

Robin Hood

2007-05-09T15:21:32Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Robin Hood''' (otherwise known as Robin of Locksley) was a medieval [[English]] [[folk hero]], who dwelt, and was buried, according to differing accounts, in either the county of [[Yorkshire]] or of [[Nottinghamshire]]. Rivalry between the two counties over the possession Robin is strong, with most modern representations of the legends placing him in Nottinghamshire, but most of the scarce historical evidence supporting Yorkshire's claim. In fact, Sherwood (''Shire Wood'') Forest, Robin's base of operations, at the time stretched unbroken over much of both counties, and the Sheriff of [[Nottingham]] who features prominently in the tales, would also have had authority over the Forest of Barnsdale in South Yorkshire. One legend maintains he is buried at Kirklees, now a highly populated Metropolitan District, having selected his burial place by the shooting of an arrow.

Historians are divided in their opinion as to whether he actually existed or not, or if so, in which century, though he is first mentioned in the thirteenth century <ref>http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhlitbib.htm</ref>. It is likely that the legends are based around the actions of more than one mediaeval outlaw which would explain why it is difficult to assign Robin to one specific era. Dates given range from the time of King John in the twelfth century, to that of [[King Edward II]] in the fourteenth.

Two places named for him are Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, <ref>http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/</ref> and Robin Hood's Cave, in Nottinghamshire, an important archaelogical site, and the most northerly place known to have [[Neanderthal]] remains <ref>http://www.showcaves.com/english/gb/showcaves/CreswellCrags.html</ref>.

== Modern Representation ==

[[Image:Adventures of Robin Hood.jpg|thumb|Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland in ''"The Adventures of Robin Hood"'' (1938)]]

Modern retellings of the legend have idealised Robin Hood somewhat, depicting him with his band of "merry men" in [[Sherwood Forest]], he is said to have "stolen from the rich to give to the poor".

''The Adventures of Robin Hood'' (1938) was a Hollywood film version of his adventures, starring [[Errol Flynn]], and numerous other film and television adaptations of his life have also been made, including a musical and a Disney animated version with a cast of animals.

== External Link ==

[http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.stm Robin Hood Project]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Mythology]]
[[Category:England]]

File:Adventures of Robin Hood.jpg

2007-05-09T15:19:36Z

Jeremiah4-22: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Robin Hood

2007-05-09T15:18:49Z

Jeremiah4-22: expanded with references

'''Robin Hood''' (otherwise known as Robin of Locksley) was a medieval [[English]] [[folk hero]], who dwelt, and was buried, according to differing accounts, in either the county of [[Yorkshire]] or of [[Nottinghamshire]]. Rivalry between the two counties over the possession Robin is strong, with most modern representations of the legends placing him in Nottinghamshire, but most of the scarce historical evidence supporting Yorkshire's claim. In fact, Sherwood (''Shire Wood'') Forest, Robin's base of operations, at the time stretched unbroken over much of both counties, and the Sheriff of [[Nottingham]] who features prominently in the tales, would also have had authority over the Forest of Barnsdale in South Yorkshire. One legend maintains he is buried at Kirklees, now a highly populated Metropolitan District, having selected his burial place by the shooting of an arrow.

Historians are divided in their opinion as to whether he actually existed or not, or if so, in which century, though he is first mentioned in the thirteenth century <ref>http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhlitbib.htm</ref>. It is likely that the legends are based around the actions of more than one mediaeval outlaw which would explain why it is difficult to assign Robin to one specific era. Dates given range from the time of King John in the twelfth century, to that of [[King Edward II]] in the fourteenth.

Two places named for him are Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, <ref>http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/</ref> and Robin Hood's Cave, in Nottinghamshire, an important archaelogical site, and the most northerly place known to have [[Neanderthal]] remains <ref>http://www.showcaves.com/english/gb/showcaves/CreswellCrags.html</ref>.

== Modern Representation ==

Modern retellings of the legend have idealised Robin Hood somewhat, depicting him with his band of "merry men" in [[Sherwood Forest]], he is said to have "stolen from the rich to give to the poor".

''The Adventures of Robin Hood'' (1938) was a Hollywood film version of his adventures, starring [[Errol Flynn]], and numerous other film and television adaptations of his life have also been made, including a musical and a Disney animated version with a cast of animals.

== External Link ==

[http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.stm Robin Hood Project]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Mythology]]
[[Category:England]]

Kiwi

2007-05-09T14:25:43Z

Jeremiah4-22: minor expand

'''Kiwis''' are any of the three species of small flightless birds [[endemic]] to [[New Zealand]] of the genus ''Apteryx'' (the only genus in family ''Apterygidae''). At around the size of a domestic chicken, kiwi are by far the smallest living [[ratite]]s, although in comparison to their body size their egg (weighing as much as a quater of the adult bird's weight) is proportionately the largest of all birds. Kiwis are nocturnal and live mainly by foraging with their long beaks for earthworms and other invertebrates in leaf litter.

All three kiwi species are protected and much reduced in range, though the large size of their eggs does offer some protection against the depradations of [[rat]]s, compared to other ground-nesting native birds such as the [[kakapo]] and [[takahe]].

The kiwi is a national symbol of New Zealand, and the term is often used to describe a person from New Zealand.

Creationist scientists have determined this bird also has secret teleportation abilities, as this is the only way this poor slow-moving flightless bird could have got over a sea and halfway around the world to Noah's ark on time.{{fact}}

[[Category:Birds]]
[[Category:Flightless Birds]]
[[Category:New Zealand]]

Thirty Years' War

2007-05-07T21:37:51Z

Jeremiah4-22: cat

The '''Thirty Years' War''' began as a religious conflict in [[Germany]] between [[Bohemian]] [[Protestants]] and [[Hapsburg]] [[Catholics]] in 1618. It soon became a political conflict for power that included [[Spain]], [[Holland]], [[Denmark]], [[France]], [[Switzerland]], and [[The Holy Roman Empire]]. The war ended with the [[Treaty of Westphalia]] in 1648.

[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Germany]]

Hamburg

2007-05-07T21:37:01Z

Jeremiah4-22: cat

[[Germany]]'s second largest city with a population of 2,000,000, '''Hamburg''' is a major port on the ''River Elbe'' in the north of Germany, the second largest [[harbour]] in Europe and ninth largest worldwide.

The city dates its origins to the establishment of a fort by [[Charlemagne]] in AD 808. Much of the historic city centre was destroyed in raids by the allied air forces in July and August 1943 during which some 50,000 people perished.

As well as being a major transport hub, Hamburg is a centre of aircraft production, [[shipbuilding]], the [[steel]], copper and aluminium industries, and publishing.

Hamburg is also famous for its night-life, the Reeperbahn being the pivotal street in the ''Kiez'' district, where popular beat combo [[The Beatles]] cut their teeth.

The current mayor, ''Oberbürgermeister'' Ole von Beust, is a Christian Democrat. He was perhaps the first prominent politician to be outed by his father.[http://www.welt.de/print-wams/article99941/Der_Ole_der_hat_sich_befreit.html]

Hamburg is the point of import of all Germany's bananas.

[[Category:Cities]]
[[Category:Germany]]

Germany

2007-05-07T21:36:05Z

Jeremiah4-22:

{| border="1" align="right" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="300" style="margin-left:5px"
|align="center" colspan="2"|[[Image:GermanyMap.gif|250px]]
|-
!colspan="2" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: white no-repeat scroll top left;"|Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Federal Republic of Germany
|-
!colspan="2" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: white no-repeat scroll top left;"|[[Image:Flag of Germany.JPG|250px]]
Flag of Germany
|-
|Capital
|Berlin
|-
|Government
|Federal Republic (parliamentary)
|-
|Official Language
|[[German language|German]]
|-
|President
|Horst Köhler
|-
|Chancellor
|Angela Merkel
|-
|Area
|137,858 sq. miles
|-
|Population (2006)
|82,310,000
|-
|GDP (2006)
|$3.045 trillion
|-
|GDP per capita (2006)
|$36,975
|-
|}

'''Germany''' is a federally organized [[Democracy]] in Western [[Europe]] with a population of about 82.4 million. The capital is [[Berlin]].

As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation, Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. The central German bank, the [[Bundesbank]], has historically been the most influential force within the financial markets of the European Union.

==History==

The emergence of Germany as a nation in its own right came later than for most European powers. The German-speaking areas of Europe had historically been parts of diverse other nations, among them [[Prussia]], [[Austria]], and the [[Holy Roman Empire]], along with numerous smaller principiates.

===Early Germanic Tribes===
The first distinct Germanic tribes emerged around 100BC in northern Germany, and are usually thought to have migrated south from [[Scandinavia]]. From there, the tribes continued to expand, coming in contact with the [[Celts]] of [[Gaul]] in the west, and Slavic tribes to the east. However, not much is known about the early Germanic people due to the lack of a written language. Most of what is known is due to contact with the [[Roman Empire]] and archaeological digs. To the rest of the world, the Germanic tribes inhabited a region known as [[Germania]], Latin for "Land of the Germans".<ref>[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/tacitus1.html Medieval Sourcebook Tacitus: Germania]</ref> Soon, the Germanic people began low-intensity coflict with the Roman Empire, climaxing at the [[Battle of the Teutoburg Forest]]. From this point, the Germanic tribes began winning battles against the Romans. In 410AD, The Germanic tribes assisted the [[Visigoths]] under [[Alaric I]] in sacking the city of [[Rome]].<ref>[http://www.vinland.org/scamp/grove/kreich/chapter7.html The Sack of Rome]</ref> This was a blow to the Western Empire, but not a killing one as the capital had moved to Ravenna in 402 AD. But in 476 AD, dissatisfied German mercanaries led by Odoacer captured Ravenna and deposed Emperor Romulus Augustulus. Since Odoacer refused to assume the title of Emperor, this date is generally considered to be the official end of the Western Roman Empire.<ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/65/od/Odoacer.html]</ref>

===The Holy Roman Empire (843–1806)===

The medieval German empire originated from the division of the [[Carolingian Empire]] in 843, and was known as the ''Holy Roman Empire''. It gradually expanded through the addition of Lorraine, Saxony, Franconia, Thuringia, and Bavaria, and the German king was crowned [[Holy Roman Emperor]] of these regions in 962. Under the reign of the [[Salian]] emperors (1024–1125), the Holy Roman Empire absorbed northern [[Italy]] and Burgundy. The edict of the Golden Bull in 1356 provided the constitution of the empire; it established the election of the emperor by seven Prince-Electors, each of whom ruled one of the more powerful principalities or archbishoprics. Notably, one of these Electors, George Louis the Elector of Hanover (1660-1727), was recruited by the heirless [[Great Britain]] in 1714 to become its king, taking the name George I.

===The Reformation===

In 1517, [[Martin Luther]] wrote his [[The 95 Theses|95 Theses]] questioning the [[Roman Catholic Church]], an act which began the [[Protestant Reformation]]. A separate [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] church was acknowledged as the new sanctioned religion in many states of Germany in 1530. Religious conflicts known as the 30 Years War pitted Protestant German states against Catholic one, and devastated the former Empire. The [[Peace of Westphalia]] (1648) ended religious warfare in Germany, but the empire broke down into numerous independent principalities. From 1740 onwards, the dualism between the Austrian [[Habsburg Monarchy]] and the [[Kingdom of Prussia]] dominated German history. In 1806, the ''Imperium'' was overrun and dissolved as a result of the [[Napoleonic Wars]].

===Nationalism===

It was not until after the fall of French Emperor [[Napoleon Bonaparte]] in 1814 that the [[German Confederation]], a loosely-organized league of 39 states, began to lay the ground for nationhood. Numerous conflicts between these sates marked the first half of the nineteenth century, and it was not until [[Otto von Bismarck]]'s ascension as Prime Minister of [[Prussia]] in mid-century that something resembling the modern sense of "Germany" came into being. Austria was, however, not a part of this new [[North German Confederation]]. After the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian war in 1871, the German Empire was formally proclaimed, under [[Wilhelm I]], with its capital in [[Berlin]].

Aggressive nationalism fostered under the second empire of 1871, given greater impetus by the hubris of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and perverted into Nazism by the shock of defeat and the economic travails of the 1920s immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious [[Allied powers]] of the [[USA]], [[UK]], [[France]], and the [[Soviet Union]] in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western [[Federal Republic of Germany]] (FRG) and the eastern [[German Democratic Republic]] (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the [[EC]], which became the [[European Union]] (EU), and the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO), while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the [[Cold War]] allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the [[euro]].

[[Image:The_castle3.jpg|left|thumb|Neuschwanstein Castle, a popular tourist destination.]]

== Economic Overview ==

Germany's affluent and technologically powerful economy - the fifth largest in the world in [[PPP]] terms - showed considerable improvement in 2006 with 2.7% growth. After a long period of stagnation with an average growth rate of 0.7% between 2001-05 and chronically high unemployment, stronger growth has led to a considerable fall in unemployment to about 8% at the end of 2006. Among the most important reasons for Germany's high unemployment during the past decade were [[macroeconomic]] stagnation, the declining level of investment in plant and equipment, company restructuring, flat domestic consumption, structural rigidities in the labor market, lack of competition in the service sector, and high interest rates. The modernization and integration of the eastern German economy continues to be a costly long-term process, with annual transfers from west to east amounting to roughly $80 billion. The former government of Chancellor [[Gerhard Schroeder]] launched a comprehensive set of reforms of labor market and [[welfare]]-related institutions. The current government of Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]] has initiated other reform measures, such as a gradual increase in the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67 and measures to increase female participation in the labor market. Germany's aging population, combined with high chronic unemployment, has pushed social security outlays to a level exceeding contributions, but higher government revenues from the cyclical upturn in 2006 reduced Germany's budget deficit to within the EU's 3% debt limit. Corporate restructuring and growing capital markets are setting the foundations that could help Germany meet the long-term challenges of European economic integration and globalization.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gm.html] CIA World Factbook</ref>

==Government==
===Executive Branch===
Germany has a President as [[Head of State]]. However real power is exercised by a Chancellor.
The current Chancellor is [[Angela Merkel|Dr. Angela Merkel]].

==Famous Germans==
*[[Pope Benedict XVI]]
*[[Ludwig van Beethoven]]
*[[Albert Einstein]]
*[[Friedrich Engels]]
*[[Daniel Fahrenheit]]
*[[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe]]
*[[Henry Kissinger]]
*[[Martin Luther]]
*[[Karl Marx]]
*[[Dirk Nowitzki]]
*[[Friedrich Nietzsche]]
*[[Friedrich Schiller]]
*[[Richard Wagner]]
*[[Otto von Bismarck]]
*[[Wernher von Braun]]
*[[Thomas Mann]]
*[[Hannah Arendt]]
*[[Rosa Luxemburg]]
*[[Marlene Dietrich]]
*[[Käthe Kollwitz]]
*[[Anne Frank]]
*[[Angela Merkel]]
*[[Gutenberg|Johannes Gutenberg]]
*[[Franz Beckenbauer]]
*[[Boris Becker]]
*[[Michael Schumacher]]
*[[Günter Grass]]
*[[Heinrich Böll]]
*[[Wim Wenders]]
*[[Roland Emmerich]]
*[[Rainer Werner Fassbinder]]
*[[Bertolt Brecht]]
*[[Loriot]]
*[[Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen]]
*[[Konrad Adenauer]]
*[[Friedrich Händel]]
*[[Joseph Haydn]]
*[[Otto Hahn]]
*[[Liese Meitner]]
*[[Werner Heisenberg]]

==War on Terror==
Germany currently contributes troops to the NATO-led operation in [[Afghanistan]], but did not support the invasion of [[Iraq]].

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Germany| ]]
[[Category:NATO members]]
[[Category:EU Members]]

Canberra

2007-05-07T21:35:40Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Canberra''' (pronounced 'Kan-bruh') is the capital city of [[Australia]], situated within the [[Australian Capital Territory]], and has about 325,000 inhabitants.

Canberra is the seat of federal government, the Parliament House. It has headquarters of various government departments and the Australian Defence Force, and official residences of the Prime Minister and Governor-General.

== History ==
Construction of the capital began in [[1913]] after the territory was ceded in [[1911]] by [[New South Wales]] under provisions of the [[Constitution of Australia]].

Canberra is a planned city that was originally designed by [[Walter Burley Griffin]], a major 20th century [[America]]n [[architect]]. The city centre is laid out on two perpendicular axes: a water axis stretching along Lake Burley Griffin, and a ceremonial land axis stretching from Parliament House on Capital Hill north-eastward along [[ANZAC]] Avenue to the Australian War Memorial at the foot of Mount Ainslie. The area known as the Parliamentary Triangle is formed by three of Burley Griffin's axes, stretching from Capital Hill along Commonwealth Avenue to the Civic Centre around City Hill, along Constitution Avenue to the Defence precinct on Russell Hill, and along Kings Avenue back to Capital Hill.

The urban areas of Canberra are organised into a hierarchy of districts, town centres, group centres, local suburbs as well as other industrial areas and villages. There are seven districts, each of which is divided into smaller suburbs, and most of which have a town centre which is the focus of commercial and social activities. The districts were settled in the following chronological order:

* North Canberra, mostly settled in the 1920s and '30s, with expansion up to the 1960s, now 15 suburbs
* South Canberra, settled from the 1920s to '60s, 12 suburbs
* Woden Valley, first settled in 1963, 13 suburbs
* Belconnen, first settled in 1967, 25 suburbs
* Weston Creek, settled in 1969, 8 suburbs
* Tuggeranong, settled in 1974, 19 suburbs
* Gungahlin, settled in the early 1990s, 7 suburbs to date

== Geography ==

Canberra sits on an area of plains and low hills within a broad loop of the [[Murrumbidgee River]], a major tributary of the [[Murray River]] which is itself part of Australia's major inland Murray-[[Darling River|Darling]] river system. To the west and south is the [[Australian Alps]]; to the east is the [[Great Dividing Range]]; to the north is the Southern Highlands of the surrounding state, [[New South Wales]].

=== Climate ===
Because of its elevation (650 m) and distance from the coast, the Canberra experiences four distinct seasons, unlike the state capitals and coastal cities whose climates are moderated by the sea. Canberra is notorious for hot, dry summers, and cold winters with occasional fog and frequent frosts. Many of the higher mountains in the territory's south-east are snow-covered for at least part of the winter. Thunderstorms can occur between October and March, and the long-term annual rainfall is 623 millimetres (24.5 in), with rainfall highest in spring and summer, and lowest in winter. Drought is common.

Highest maximum temperature: 46.4 °C (115.5 °F) , Canberra, [[1 February]] [[1968]]

Lowest minimum temperature: -13.2 °C (8.2 °F), Canberra, [[11 July]] [[1971]]

====Seasons====
* Summer: November-March
* Autumn: April-May
* Winter: June-August
* Spring: September-October

== Governance ==
Aside from Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory has no settlements larger than a village. The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly performs the roles of both a city council and territory (effectively state) government. The Assembly consists of 17 members, elected from three districts using proportional representation. The three districts are Molongolo, Gininderra and Brindabella, which elect seven, five and five members, respectively. The Chief Minister is elected by the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and selects another four MLAs to serve as Ministers to form, with the Chief Minister, an Executive (known informally as the cabinet.)

== Economy ==
The city's main industry is government administration and defence, which accounted for 26.1% of Gross Territory Product in 2003–04 and employed over 40% of Canberra's workforce. The major public-sector employers in Canberra include the parliament, government departments such as Department of Defence, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Treasury.

A number of [[Australian Defence Force]] establishments are located in or near Canberra, most notably the Australian Defence Force headquarters and HMAS Harman, which is a naval communications centre that is being converted into a tri-service, multiuser depot. The former Royal Australian Air Force base 'Fairbairn', adjacent to the Canberra International Airport, was sold to the operators of the Airport; yet, the base continues to be used for RAAF VIP flights.

Property and business services, construction, health and community services, and education are other significant contributors to the economy of Canberra.

A large amount of Australian and international visitors make tourism a significant contributor to the economy. The most popular seasons are spring and autumn; the annual Floriade spring flower display in September is a major attraction.

== Education ==
Most suburbs are planned to include a primary school and a nearby preschool, and schools are usually located near open areas for play and sports. Preschool is not a compulsory year, but many children attend for the ACT Government-funded 12 hours a week. Primary school consists of seven grades: kindergarten and years 1 to 6. From years 7 to 10 children attend high school and in years 11 to 12 attend a secondary college. The ACT has the highest retention rate in Australia with 89% of students who were enrolled in year 7 in 1999 being enrolled full-time in year 12 in 2004. This retention rate has declined from a peak in 1994 when the rate was nearly 5% more.

In February 2004 there were 140 public and non-governmental schools in Canberra; 96 were operated by the ACT Government and 44 are non-Government. During 2006 the ACT Government announced closures of up to 39 schools, to take effect from the end of the school year and after a series of consultations the Government announced its "Towards 2020: Renewing Our Schools" plan that closed some schools at the end of 2006 with more in 2007 and 2008, while consolidating school campuses and opening 'superschools' (large public schools for kindergarten through to year 12) through to 2020.

=== Tertiary sector ===
The two main tertiary institutions are the [[Australian National University]] (ANU) and the [[University of Canberra]] (UC). The ANU was established as a research university in 1946; it continues to have a strong research focus and is ranked among the best universities in the world in The Times Higher Education Supplement and the Shanghai Jiao Tong World University Rankings. Both ANU and UC also have campuses interstate and overseas. There are also two religious university campuses in Canberra: Signadou is a campus of the [[Australian Catholic University]]; St Mark's Theological College is a campus of [[Charles Sturt University]]. Tertiary level vocational education is also available through the multi-campus Canberra Institute of Technology.

The [[Australian Defence Force Academy]] (ADFA) and the [[Royal Military College, Duntroon]] are near the Defence headquarters in Canberra's inner north-east. ADFA teaches military undergraduates and postgraduates and is officially a campus of the [[University of New South Wales]]; Duntroon provides Australian Army Officer training.

== Arts and entertainment ==

Canberra is home to many national monuments and institutions such as the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery currently housed at Old Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Archives of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia established in 2001 that records Australia's social history and is one of Canberra's more architecturally daring buildings. Many Commonwealth government buildings in Canberra are open to the public, including Parliament House, the High Court and the Royal Australian Mint. Lake Burley Griffin is the site of the Captain Cook Memorial and the National Carillon. Other sites of interest include Telstra Tower and the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the National Zoo and Aquarium, and Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre.

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Bucharest

2007-05-07T21:35:18Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Bucharest''' is the capital of [[Romania]].

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[[Category:Capital Cities]]

Berlin

2007-05-07T21:35:02Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Berlin''' is the capital of Germany, and formerly of the [[Kingdom of Prussia]] and the [[Margravate of Brandenburg]].

During the [[Cold War]] it was divided into an Eastern and a Western part. Both were considered to be under the control of the four WWII Allies. However, in fact, the USSR and East Germany, the German Democratic Republic, made East Berlin to the capital of East Germany, whereas the Western Allies (USA, UK, France) and West Germany, the Federal Republic Germany, insisted on the allied status of all sectors of Berlin and made Bonn to the preliminary capital of West Germany. A [[Berlin Wall|wall]] between the two parts was built by East Germany in order to stop people escaping from East Berlin to West Berlin for economic as well as political reasons.

Berlin is well-known for its liberal attitude and its large "alternative scene". During cold war time, numerous young men from West Germany moved to West-Berlin, in order to dodge the draft to the army. They founded numerous communities, mainly in the city district "Kreuzberg". It is also the district with a strong community of Turkish.

Central yearly events are the Love Parade with techno music and the Cristopher Street Day Parade. Another typical characteristic of Berliners is their so-called "Berliner Schnauze", prompt and sharp comments or replies. For outsiders it is often mistaken as rudeness.

A remarkable political event was the public announcement of the current mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, in the election campaign to be gay. <ref>article in NY Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/23/world/europe/23wowereit.html?ei=5090&en=fab18328b0dbeafe&ex=1316664000&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all]</ref>

===References===
<references/>

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[[Category:Germany]]

Beirut

2007-05-07T21:34:44Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Beirut''' is the capital of [[Lebanon]]. It is known as "the city that will not die" because it has been under near constant conflict for two decades.

Beirut stands on the site of a very ancient settlement going back 5000 years. Its name appeared in cuneiform inscriptions as early as the 14th century B.C. In the first century B.C., Berytus, as it was then called, became a [[Roman]] colony and under Roman rule was the seat of a famous law school which continued into the Byzantine era.

The power and the glory of Berytus were destroyed by a triple catastrophe of an [[earthquake]], a [[tidal wave]], and a fire in 515 A.D. In the following century [[Arab]] [[Muslim]] forces took the city and in 1011 it fell into the [[Crusaders]]. Beirut remained in Crusader hands until 1291 when it was conquered by the Mamlukes. Ottoman rule began in 1516, continuing for 400 years later until the defeat of the Turks in [[World War I]].
In 1943 Lebanon gained its independence.

[[Category:Cities]]
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Bangkok

2007-05-07T21:34:28Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Bangkok''' (กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยามหาดิลกภพ นพรัตน์ราชธานี บุรีรมย์อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์, "''Krungthep Mahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathani Burirom-udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanu Kamprasit''") is the capital and largest city of [[Thailand]]. Bangkok has a population of 6,355,144.<ref>[http://www.bangkoktourist.com/ Bangkok Tourism Division]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

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Athens

2007-05-07T21:34:08Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Athens''' is the capital of [[Greece]].

Historians have not yet established the date Athens was founded but physical evidence documents a continuous human presence since at least 1,000 B.C. It was named after the mythical goddess [[Athena]] and it was one of leading city-states of Ancient Greece.

The Western notion of Democracy was first developed there around the 5th century BC. Since that time, until the end of Antiquity in 5th c. A.D. it was the major center of Philosophy, Sciences and the Arts. The closure of the Plato's Academy by [[Justinian]] (because of its association with paganism) marks the beginning of the decline of Athens. However, intellectual and artistic activity during the Byzantine period continued and masterpieces of Byzantine architecture are still to be seen in Athens.

After further decline under the Ottoman rule, Athens re-emerged in the 19th century as the capital of the independent Greek state even though it was little more than a village. The main reason for that is that Athens represented Ancient Greece which was the main (if not the only) period of Greek History that interested the West at the time. Since then Athens has grown enormously, its population receiving a boost with the arrival of refugees expelled from Turkey in the 20's.

Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 as well as the 2004 Olympic Games.

[[Category:Cities]]
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Ashgabad

2007-05-07T21:33:51Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Ashgabad''' is the capital city of [[Turkmenistan]].

[[Category:Cities]]
[[Category:Capital Cities]]

Amsterdam

2007-05-07T21:33:22Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Amsterdam''' is the capital city of The [[Netherlands]],(north-Holland), although the seat of government is located in [[The Hague]]. Amsterdam is a historic trading center, established on a [[dam]] of artificially raised ground at the mouth of the Amstel river.

It achieved huge prosperity on the back of Dutch independence from Spanish rule (achieved during decades of struggle in the 16th and 17th centuries) and the growth of the Dutch mercantile empire during the'[[Golden Age]]'. It has a wealth of cultural treasures, most notably the works of art, including many by [[Rembrandt]], [[Vermeer]], etc in the Rijksmuseum, and for its charming domestic architecture - long rows of 17th and 18th century houses along the concentric rings of canals that surround the city's heart. A more sombre monument is the Anne Frank House, where the German-Jewish Frank family hid from the [[German occupation]] forces during World War II, and made famous by [[Anne Frank]]'s Diary. Some visitors are more attracted by the notorious Zeedijk [[Red Light District]] where [[prostitution]] is legal, and the "coffee shops" (or "brown cafes") which sell [[marijuana]].

[[Category:Cities]]
[[Category:Capital Cities]]

Budapest

2007-05-07T21:32:59Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Budapest''' is the capital of [[Hungary]].

It was formed by the merger of [[Buda]] and [[Pest]] in 1873. It is known for its many beautiful bridges and its striking Parliament Building.

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[[Category:Capital Cities]]

Kyiv

2007-05-07T21:32:37Z

Jeremiah4-22:

{{merge|Kiev}}

'''Kyiv''' (Ukrainian: Київ) is the capital of [[Ukraine]]. It was founded in the 5th century as a [[Slavic]] trading post.

[[category:capital Cities]]

Kyiv

2007-05-07T21:32:26Z

Jeremiah4-22:

{{merge:Kiev}}

'''Kyiv''' (Ukrainian: Київ) is the capital of [[Ukraine]]. It was founded in the 5th century as a [[Slavic]] trading post.

[[category:capital Cities]]

Sarajevo

2007-05-07T21:32:02Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Sarajevo''' is the capital city of [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]].

It was the site of the assassination of Archduke [[Franz Ferdinand]].

Sarajevo was besieged during the Bosnian war for nearly four years, the longest siege of a city in recent times.

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[[Category:Capital Cities]]

Rome

2007-05-07T21:31:40Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Rome''' (Italian ''Roma'') is the capital city of [[Italy]], as well as the largest population-wise. Rome is located on the western side of the [[Italian Peninsula]], on the east of the [[Tiber River]]. The total population of Rome is approximately 2.8 million. The [[Roman Catholic Church]]'s [[Vatican City]] is in Rome.

Rome is best known as the capital of the [[Roman Republic]] and [[Roman Empire]], and quite possibly the most important city in the world during [[Pax Romana]].

Famous buildings in Rome include the [[Colosseum]], [[Saint Peter's Basilica]], and the [[Roman Forums]]. Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world.{{fact}}

[[Category:Cities]]
[[Category:Capital Cities]]

Moscow

2007-05-07T21:31:23Z

Jeremiah4-22:

'''Moscow''' is the [[capital]] of [[Russia]] and formerly of the [[Soviet Union]].

Alternatively, Moscow is a city in [[Idaho]] across the border from Pullman, Washington, in the rolling Palouse hill country.

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[[Category:Capital Cities]]