Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Chelsea F.C.

2011-07-26T19:04:29Z

Yourperson:

[[Image:Chelsea-fc-logo200.jpg |thumb|300px|]]
'''Chelsea F.C.''' is a [[British]] [[football]] club playing in [[London]]. The team has a winning history in the [[English Premier League]], winning in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2009-10. The team is known as one of the "Big Four" of the Premiership, along with [[Arsenal F.C.]], [[Liverpool F.C.]], and [[Manchester United]]. Chelsea has been considered the "[[New York Yankees|Yankees]] of British Football", meaning that you either love or hate them, there being no middle ground. The team is owned by Russian oil magnate Roman Abramovich, is managed by Carlo Ancelotti, and is sponsored by [[Samsung]].

==History==
Chelsea was formed in 1905 and placed in the Second Division. However, their first trophy came exactly fifty years later, when they won the 1955 league title under the leadership of Ted Drake. Soon after their FA Cup win in 1970, however, the team fell to the Second Division. They climbed back up in 1984 for four years, but in 1989 they returned to Division One and have remained since. Some of the club's greatest successes, however, came under the leadership of [[Jose Mourinho]], now the manager of La Liga's [[Real Madrid]], who won their two Premiership titles in 2005 and 2006.

Avram Grant, an Israeli, led Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008. They lost on penalties to Manchester United. Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian won the League and FA Cup in 2010 but was sacked a year later, replaced by the Portuguese Andre Villas-Boas

==Colours and badge==

Chelsea are one of few clubs to have never changed their home colour of blue [http://historicalkits.co.uk/Chelsea/Chelsea.htm] although the shade was lighter before World War I. The blue stemmed from the horse racing colours of Viscount Cadogan, Earl of Chelsea. Originally with white shorts and blue socks, manager Tommy Docherty reversed the pairing in the 1960s to create a unique look, although by the 1980s Chelsea wore all blue. The white socks returned in 1992 at the start of the Premier League.

Chelsea's away colours were, before the 21st century, often yellow or red. However in recent times, black or white have been more common.

Their badge is based on the coat of arms of Viscount Cadogan and was reintroduced for the 2005 centenary, when it was detailed with gold.

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*1 [[Petr Cech]]
*30 Rhys Taylor
*40 Henrique Hilario

===Defenders===
*2 Branislav Ivanovic
*3 [[Ashley Cole]]
*4 David Luiz
*17 Jose Bosingwa
*19 Paulo Ferreira
*26 John Terry
*33 Alex
*42 Michael Mancienne

===Midfielders===
*5 Michael Essien
*7 Ramires
*8 Frank Lampard
*10 Yossi Benayoun
*12 John Mikel Obi
*15 Florent Malouda
*18 Yuri Zhirkov
*44 Michael Woods
*46 Jimmy Smith
*47 Lee Sawyer

===Strikers===
*9 Fernando Torres
*11 [[Didier Drogba]]
*21 Salomon Kalou
*39 Nicolas Anelka
*43 Miroslav Stoch

==Notable Former Players==
*25 Gianfranco Zola - his shirt number has been retired in honour of his talent, character and philanthropy.

==Sources==
http://www.premierleague.com/page/chelsea-fc

{{nb sl english premier}}
[[Category:Soccer teams]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Chelsea F.C.

2011-07-26T18:58:23Z

Yourperson: /* Midfielders */

[[Image:Chelsea-fc-logo200.jpg |thumb|300px|]]
'''Chelsea F.C.''' is a [[British]] [[football]] club playing in [[London]]. The team has a winning history in the [[English Premier League]], winning in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2009-10. The team is known as one of the "Big Four" of the Premiership, along with [[Arsenal F.C.]], [[Liverpool F.C.]], and [[Manchester United]]. Chelsea has been considered the "[[New York Yankees|Yankees]] of British Football", meaning that you either love or hate them, there being no middle ground. The team is owned by Russian oil magnate Roman Abramovich, is managed by Carlo Ancelotti, and is sponsored by [[Samsung]].

==History==
Chelsea was formed in 1905 and placed in the Second Division. However, their first trophy came exactly fifty years later, when they won the 1955 league title under the leadership of Ted Drake. Soon after their FA Cup win in 1970, however, the team fell to the Second Division. They climbed back up in 1984 for four years, but in 1989 they returned to Division One and have remained since. Some of the club's greatest successes, however, came under the leadership of [[Jose Mourinho]], now the manager of La Liga's [[Real Madrid]], who won their two Premiership titles in 2005 and 2006.

Avram Grant, an Israeli, led Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008. They lost on penalties to Manchester United. Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian won the League and FA Cup in 2010 but was sacked a year later, replaced by the Portuguese Andre Villas-Boas

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*1 [[Petr Cech]]
*30 Rhys Taylor
*40 Henrique Hilario

===Defenders===
*2 Branislav Ivanovic
*3 [[Ashley Cole]]
*4 David Luiz
*17 Jose Bosingwa
*19 Paulo Ferreira
*26 John Terry
*33 Alex
*42 Michael Mancienne

===Midfielders===
*5 Michael Essien
*7 Ramires
*8 Frank Lampard
*10 Yossi Benayoun
*12 John Mikel Obi
*15 Florent Malouda
*18 Yuri Zhirkov
*44 Michael Woods
*46 Jimmy Smith
*47 Lee Sawyer

===Strikers===
*9 Fernando Torres
*11 [[Didier Drogba]]
*21 Salomon Kalou
*39 Nicolas Anelka
*43 Miroslav Stoch

==Notable Former Players==
*25 Gianfranco Zola - his shirt number has been retired in honour of his talent, character and philanthropy.

==Sources==
http://www.premierleague.com/page/chelsea-fc

{{nb sl english premier}}
[[Category:Soccer teams]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Newcastle United F.C.

2011-07-25T19:50:36Z

Yourperson:

'''Newcastle United F.C.''' is a [[British]] [[soccer]] team playing in the [[Football League Championship]]. The current manager of Newcastle United is Alan Pardew and they are sponsored by the nationalised bank Northern Rock.

==History==
Newcastle was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End. The team currently plays at St James' Park in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]]. Their club colors are black and white stripes with black shorts. Newcastle United are nicknamed 'the Magpies', or, more simply, 'Toon' (the local pronunciation of 'town'); its fans are the 'Toon Army'. Newcastle is the largest city in England with only one football club.

Newcastle were successful in the 1950s and then declined until the 1990s when they challenged Manchester United for the Premier League, blowing a 12 point lead in 1996. They were relegated in 2009 and came straight back up.

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*13 Steve Harper
*33 Ole Soderberg
*34 Fraser Forster
*40 Tim Krule

===Defenders===
*2 Fabricio Coloccini
*3 Sanchez Jose Enrique
*6 Claudio Cacapa
*12 Sebastien Bassong
*16 Ryan Taylor
*21 Habib Beye
*27 Steven Taylor
*28 Tamas Kadar
*30 David Edgar
*35 Ben Tozer
*37 Callum Morris
*45 Darren Lough

===Midfielders===
*4 Kevin Nolan
*7 Joey Barton
*8 Danny Guthrie
*11 Damien Duff
*14 Charles N'Zogbia
*15 Nacho Gonzalez
*18 Jonas Gutierrez
*20 Geremi
*22 Nicky Butt
*32 Wesley Ngo Baheng
*38 Kazenga LuaLua
*41 Mark Doninger
*44 James Marwood
*47 Bradden Inman

===Strikers===
*17 Alan Smith
*19 Xisco
*23 Shola Ameobi
*24 Peter Lovenkrands
*29 Fabio Zamblera
*31 Frank Wiafe Danquah
*39 Andrew Carroll
*42 Ryan Donaldson
*43 Jonny Godsmark
*46 Nile Ranger

==Notable Former Players==
*GK [[Shay Given]]
*CF [[Jackie Milburn]]
*ST [[Alan Shearer]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Nb_sl_english_premier}}

[[Category:UK soccer]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Alan Shearer

2011-07-25T19:46:34Z

Yourperson:

'''Alan Shearer''', born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in 1970 is a former English [[soccer]] player and current soccer pundit for [[BBC]] television. He is Newcastle United's all-time top goalscorer and sixth in the all-time list of top goalscorers for the England national team. During his career Shearer became famous for his trademark understated goal celebration, celebrating each goal by simply running with one arm in the air in contrast to the more exuberant celebrations of other players of the period.

He scored a hat-trick in his first ever professional game for Southampton against Arsenal in 1989. He joined a promoted Blackburn Rovers in 1992 and won them the title in 1995. He left for a record fee of £15million In 1997 when joined Newcastle where he beat Jackie Milburn's record as the best goal-scorer in their history (202) in 2006. He retired at the end of that season. Briefly in 2009 he managed Newcastle but they were relegated from the Premier League.

He captained England, he scored on his debut for them in 1992 versus France. He was top scorer at Euro 96 in England when they reached the semi-finals. His only World Cup was the unsuccessful France 98. He retired from England after Euro 2000, another failure.

[[category:Sportspeople]]

Hull City A.F.C

2011-07-25T19:38:55Z

Yourperson: /* History */

'''Hull City A.F.C.''' is a [[British]] [[soccer]] team based in the east-coast port city of Hull. The 2008/09 season was the first that the team had ever played top-tier football. The club's manager is Nigel Pearson and they are sponsored by Karoo.

==History==
Hull City was founded in 1904; they would've been founded sooner had it not been for the popularity of [[rugby league]] in the city. A history of disappointment has marred the team's past, but a fresh look has catapulted them to the top tier, where they hope to stay for years to come. They also hold the record for the fastest ascent from the lowest divison in [[The Football League]] to the [[English Premier League]].<ref>http://www.premierleague.com/page/hull-city</ref>

Their Premier League spell was the seasons 2008-09 and 2009-10. Narrowly escaping relegation in 2009 they went down the year after.

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*1 Boaz Myhill
*12 Matt Duke
*26 Tony Warner
*43 Tom Woodhead

===Defenders===
*3 Andy Dawson
*5 Wayne Brown
*6 Michael Turner
*15 Bernard Mendy
*21 Samuel Ricketts
*24 Kamil Zayatte
*29 Matt Plummer
*30 Anthony Gardner
*35 Liam Cooper
*38 Joe Lamplough
*39 Steve Gardner

===Midfielders===
*2 Nathan Doyle
*4 Ian Ashbee
*8 Nick Barmby
*10 Deiberson Geovanni
*11 Bryan Hughes
*13 Ryan France
*16 Peter Halmosi
*17 Kevin Kilbane
*19 John Welsh
*20 George Boateng
*22 Dean Marney
*27 Nicky Featherstone
*31 Will Atkinson
*32 James Bennett
*33 Jimmy Bullard
*36 Jamie Devitt
*42 Nick McNamara

===Strikers===
*7 Craig Fagan
*9 Dean Windass
*14 Richard Garcia
*18 Caleb Folan
*25 Daniel Cousin
*28 Alberto Manucho
*37 Bill Law
*42 Ryan Kendall
*- Michael Bridges

==Notable Former Players==
*DF [[Ian Goodison]]

==References==
<References/>

{{Nb sl english premier}}
[[Category:UK soccer]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Stoke City F.C.

2011-07-25T19:34:41Z

Yourperson:

'''Stoke City F.C.''' is a [[British]] [[soccer]] team in the [[English Premier League]]. The team is based in the Midlands city of Stoke-on-Trent, and were newly promoted to the Premier League in 2008. They are managed by Tony Pulis and are sponsored by Britannia Building Society. They lost the FA Cup final of 2011 to Manchester City. Stoke are nicknamed the Potters due to the ceramics industry in the city. They play in red and white stripes and are famous for a direct, physical approach to their play which has gained results but few admierers

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*1 Steve Simonsen
*29 [[Thomas Sorensen]]
*38 Danzelle St. Louis-Hamilton

===Defenders===
*2 Andy Griffin
*3 Danny Higginbotham
*5 Leon Cort
*14 Danny Pugh
*17 Ryan Shawcross
*21 Andrew Davies
*22 Stephen Kelly
*25 Abdoulaye Faye
*28 Andy Wilkinson
*31 Carl Dickinson
*33 Ibrahima Sonko

===Midfielders===
*4 Seyi Ololfinjana
*6 Glenn Whelan
*7 Liam Lawrence
*8 Tom Soares
*16 Dominic Matteo
*18 Salif Diao
*19 Amdy Faye
*23 Michael Tonge
*24 Rory Delap
*26 Matthew Etherington
*36 Jimmy Phillips
*37 Tom Thorley
*39 Nathaniel Wedderburn

===Strikers===
*9 Richard Cresswell
*10 Ricardo Fuller
*11 Mamady Sidibe
*12 Dave Kitson
*15 Vincent Pericard
*20 James Beattie
*27 Henri Camara
*35 Marc Grocott

==Notable Former Players==
*RW [[Stanley Matthews]]

{{Nb_sl_english_premier}}
[[Category:UK soccer]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Middlesbrough F.C.

2011-07-25T19:32:32Z

Yourperson: /* History */

'''Middlesbrough F.C.''' ('Boro') is a [[British]] [[soccer]] team based in Middlesbrough, in north-east England. They currently play in the Football League Championship. The team is managed by Gordon Strachan and is sponsored by [[Garmin]].

==History==
The side was founded in 1876 by members of Middlesbrough Cricket Club. Between 1903 and 1995 its home ground was Ayresome Park but in 1995 it moved to the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough were winners of the League Cup in 2004. Middlesbrough were relegated from the Premier League in 2009 and have not been promoted since.

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*21 Ross Turnbull
*22 Brad Jones
*32 Jason Steele

===Defenders===
*2 Justin Hoyte
*3 Andrew Taylor
*5 Chris Riggott
*6 Emanuel Pogatetz
*14 Robert Huth
*26 Matthew Bates
*29 Tony McMahon
*31 David Wheater
*34 Joe Bennett
*36 John Johnson
*38 Seb Hines
*39 Rhys Williams
*40 Jonathan Grounds

===Midfielders===
*4 Gary O'Neil
*8 Didier Digard
*15 Mohamed Shawky
*19 Stewart Downing
*20 Julio Arca
*28 Adam Johnson
*33 Nathan Porritt
*35 Graeme Owens
*41 Joshua Walker

===Strikers===
*9 Mido
*10 Jeremie Aliadiere
*11 Marvin Emnes
*12 Alfonso Alves
*16 Marlon King
*17 Tuncay Sanli
*37 Jonathan Franks
*42 Tom Craddock

==Notable Former Players==
*DF [[Tom Mowbray]]

{{Nb_sl_english_premier}}
[[Category:UK soccer]]
[[Category:Soccer teams]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Portsmouth F.C.

2011-07-25T19:31:00Z

Yourperson:

'''Portsmouth F.C.''' is a [[British]] [[soccer]] team currently playing in the English Championship. The team is based in Portsmouth, on the southern coast of England. Known colloquially as 'Pompey', the club is managed by Steve Cotterill and became the first club to enter administration whilst in the Premier League during the 2009/10 season. Their home uniform consists of blue shirts, with white shorts and red socks. They are sponsored by jobserve. They won the FA Cup in 1939 and 2008 and League titles in 1949 and 1950, all against the odds. Recent financial dissaray saw them relegated in 2010.

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*1 David James
*21 Jamie Ashdown
*31 Asmir Begovic

===Defenders===
*2 Linvoy Primus
*3 Younes Kaboul
*4 [[Lauren]]
*7 Hermann Hreidarsson
*16 Noe Pamarot
*20 Martin Cranie
*30 Armand Traore
*32 Djimi Traore
*35 Marc Wilson
*39 Nadir Belhadj

===Midfielders===
*6 Hayden Mullins
*8 Papa Bouba Diop
*11 Jerome Thomas
*18 Arnold Mvuemba
*22 Richard Hughes
*25 Glen Little
*26 Vitor Pele
*28 Sean Davis
*33 Angelos Basinas

===Strikers===
*10 David Nugent
*17 John Utaka
*27 [[Nwankwo Kanu]]
*29 Theofanis Gekas

==Notable Former Players==
*DF [[Noel Blake]]

{{Nb_sl_english_premier}}
[[Category:UK soccer]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Thierry Henry

2011-07-25T19:27:54Z

Yourperson:

'''Thierry Henry''' is a [[French]] [[football]] player currently signed to New York Red Bulls. He spent eight years as the star player of [[Arsenal F.C.]].

A striker, he has won 136 caps for France, playing at the World Cups of 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010, winning the trophy in 1998.

At Arsenal, under Arsene Wenger, he won the Premier League in 2002 and 2004, the second coming after an unbeaten season, the first occurence since 1889. He is Arsenal's leading scorer of all time, beating [[Ian Wright]]. Arsenal also picked up the FA Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

In 2005 he became the captain after Patrick Vieira joined Juventus and led Arsenal to the Champions League final, they lost to Barcelona. After a dissapointing 2006-07 season where he was wrecked by injury he joined Barcelona, winning the Champions League in 2009. Then he joined New York Red Bulls and has shown fantastic form.

He has also done adverts for French cars Renault.

{{DEFAULTSORT: Henry, Thierry}}

[[Category:Athletes]]
[[Category:Sportspeople]]
[[Category:Strikers]]
[[Category:Soccer]]

Giovanni dos Santos

2011-07-25T19:23:25Z

Yourperson:

[[Image:Giovanni.jpg|left|Giovanni dos Santos, In white]]

'''Giovanni dos Santos Ramírez''' (b. May 11, 1989, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico) is a young Mexican Football soccer player currently playing for the English team, [[Tottenham Hotspur]].

<blockquote>
"An English team intends to sign Mexican Giovani Dos Santos, but daddy Zizinho (retired Brazilian football player) said his son belongs to Barcelona and to Mexico... his golden dream is to play with Ronaldinho, [[Rafa Marquez]], Messi, Eto'o and Henry." (Estadio W channel)
</blockquote>

Young, fast, cold-blooded, 19-year-old boy is the new Catalan "jewel"; he even is compared to Argentine Leo Messi and Brazilian Ronaldinho. <ref> [http://www.sportsya.com/english/news.php?id_estruc=283&id=157014 Committed to Mexico and Barça] </ref>

His career at Tottenham has been poor with him having loans at Ipswich Town and the Turkish club Galatasaray. He did however play for Mexico at the 2010 World Cup.

{{clear}}
==See also==
*[[Hugo Sanchez]]

==External links==
*[http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/ FC Barcelona]

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Soccer]]
[[Category:Football soccer]]

Ashley Cole

2011-07-25T19:20:55Z

Yourperson:

'''Ashley Cole''' is a [[British]] football player. He usually plays in the left-back position. In his career, he has played for [[Arsenal F.C.]], [[Crystal Palace F.C.]] (on loan for the 1999-2000 season), and currently plays for [[Chelsea F.C.]] He has also capped for the English U-20 team and first teams, and was on the roster for the 2002 and 2006 and 2010 World Cups. His six FA Cup medals make him the tournament's greatest player and he is one of three players to have won the Premier League at two clubs.

{{DEFAULTSORT: Cole, Ashley}}

[[Category:Soccer players]]

Chelsea F.C.

2011-07-25T19:19:35Z

Yourperson:

[[Image:Chelsea-fc-logo200.jpg |thumb|300px|]]
'''Chelsea F.C.''' is a [[British]] [[football]] club playing in [[London]]. The team has a winning history in the [[English Premier League]], winning in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2009-10. The team is known as one of the "Big Four" of the Premiership, along with [[Arsenal F.C.]], [[Liverpool F.C.]], and [[Manchester United]]. Chelsea has been considered the "[[New York Yankees|Yankees]] of British Football", meaning that you either love or hate them, there being no middle ground. The team is owned by Russian oil magnate Roman Abramovich, is managed by Carlo Ancelotti, and is sponsored by [[Samsung]].

==History==
Chelsea was formed in 1905 and placed in the Second Division. However, their first trophy came exactly fifty years later, when they won the 1955 league title under the leadership of Ted Drake. Soon after their FA Cup win in 1970, however, the team fell to the Second Division. They climbed back up in 1984 for four years, but in 1989 they returned to Division One and have remained since. Some of the club's greatest successes, however, came under the leadership of [[Jose Mourinho]], now the manager of La Liga's [[Real Madrid]], who won their two Premiership titles in 2005 and 2006.

Avram Grant, an Israeli, led Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008. They lost on penalties to Manchester United. Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian won the League and FA Cup in 2010 but was sacked a year later, replaced by the Portuguese Andre Villas-Boas

==Roster==
===Goalkeepers===
*1 [[Petr Cech]]
*30 Rhys Taylor
*40 Henrique Hilario

===Defenders===
*2 Branislav Ivanovic
*3 [[Ashley Cole]]
*4 David Luiz
*17 Jose Bosingwa
*19 Paulo Ferreira
*26 John Terry
*33 Alex
*42 Michael Mancienne

===Midfielders===
*5 Michael Essien
*7 Ramires
*8 Frank Lampard
*10 Yossi Benayoun
*12 John Mikel Obi
*15 Florent Malouda
*44 Michael Woods
*46 Jimmy Smith
*47 Lee Sawyer

===Strikers===
*9 Fernando Torres
*11 [[Didier Drogba]]
*21 Salomon Kalou
*39 Nicolas Anelka
*43 Miroslav Stoch

==Notable Former Players==
*25 Gianfranco Zola - his shirt number has been retired in honour of his talent, character and philanthropy.

==Sources==
http://www.premierleague.com/page/chelsea-fc

{{nb sl english premier}}
[[Category:Soccer teams]]
[[Category:Premier League Teams]]

Talk:England

2011-07-25T19:15:21Z

Yourperson: /* Socialism? */ new section

== "center(ed)" around ==
I don't suppose there can be a ban on the phrase "center(ed)" around. Not only is it ungrammatical, it is geometrically impossible. ((Surely the thing it is around would be the center! [[User:AlanE|AlanE]] 02:09, 25 May 2007 (EDT)

== Religion ==
23-OCT-2007 - It has to be said your section on Religion leaves a lot to be desired. For a start Religion plays very little part of the daily life of the English; and It has to be noted most of the English are not practising anything and are in fact rather hostile to organised religions, though not the individuals who practise. To state anything otherwise is a plain untruth no matter what you would like to believe. {{unsigned|AJCG}}

:You are free to improve the article, although I'm not sure that I totally agree with your assessment of the situation. [[User:Philip J. Rayment|Philip J. Rayment]] 22:27, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

==History ==
I hope I'm not nitpicking, but Henry VII is one of our best-known kings. The Wars of the Roses are a key part of the history curriculum in state schools, I believe - and every child knows how to remember the colours of the rainbow: Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain. I won't change this myself, but would welcome others' viewpoint.[[User:Sophierabbitte|Sophierabbitte]] 12:36, 10 January 2011 (EST)

== Socialism? ==

Why is this in the intro? Give examples! We have a conservative government for Pete's sake who don't give a hoot about the poor!

England

2011-07-25T19:12:56Z

Yourperson: /* Influence */

[[Image:England.gif|right|thumb|300px|England (highlighted in light green), showing the boundaries of the ceremonial counties.]]
'''England''' is a constituent country of the [[United Kingdom]] located on the island of [[Great Britain]] in the north-west of [[Europe]].
It is home of the [[English]] language currently spoken by perhaps a billion people worldwide, and was the seat of an empire that spanned the globe.
England is the largest of the UK's constituent countries, both in terms of area and population. It is also home to the UK's capital and [[parliament]], making this area politically and economically important to the UK as a whole. England's government is technically a Constitutional Monarchy, although it exhibits many aspects of [[Socialism]].

== History ==

The prehistoric inhabitants of the island of Britain were largely [[Celt]]ic.
From AD 43, the [[Roman]]s invaded [[Britain]] and took control of the southern half of the islands, where they founded the fort of "Londinium", which later became [[London]].

[[File:England900.jpg|thumb|280px|England and its neighbors about 900 AD]]
As the [[Roman Empire]] abandoned Britain in AD410, [[Germanic]] tribes, specifically the [[Angles]], [[Saxons]] and [[Jutes]], began to settle over the majority of the island. Kingdoms formed, such as Northumbria (Anglian) in the north, Wessex (named after the West Saxons) in the south west and Kent (probably settled by Jutes, and now the name of a county) in the south east. Parts of the regions now known as [[Wales]], [[Scotland]], and the county of Cornwall continued to be independent Celtic nations for some time after this. The Germanic invaders were still [[pagan]]s when they conquered part of Britain (e.g. [[Penda]] of Mercia was (allegedly) the last pagan King). The English peoples were converted to [[Christianity]], however, in the 7th Century AD. This happened from two directions: the mission of [[St. Augustine]], emissary of Gregory the Great came initially to Kent, while the (successful) mission to the Northumbrian Angles (and from there to peoples further south) was from the [[Celtic Church]] based in northern British monasteries such as [[Iona]] and [[Lindisfarne]]. The entire [[British Isles]] later came under the sway of [[Roman Catholicism]] as the powerful Northumbrian King, Oswy, chose in favour of Roman practice in AD 664 ('Synod of Whitby').
[[Image:London England.jpg|right|300px]]
Later, in 1066 AD, the Norman French Duke [[William the Conqueror]] defeated the last [[Anglo-Saxon]] King, [[Harold Godwinson]]. William established himself as king of England, and the present day English monarchy traces its descent from William.

Amongst the privileged elite [[French]] language and customs became a part of English culture, however for the most part the common population continued to use their own language and customs. William retained significant territories on mainland Europe, in what is now France. For many hundreds of years England fought a series of wars (including the [[Hundred Years War]]) for possession of northern France. These did not end until 1588 with the loss of [[Calais]]. The [[Channel Islands]] are still a crown dependency to this day.

On the basis of their territories in England and France the Norman monarchs became influential in Europe. In 1215, rebellious nobles forced [[King John]] to sign the [[Magna Carta]], essentially a charter guaranteeing the rights of the king's subject nobles and the church, and setting forward the precedent that the monarch's powers were bound by law. In 1455-1487 a series of conflicts called the [[Wars of the Roses]] were fought between the noble families of York and Lancaster for control of the throne.

After the [[Wars of the Roses]] had been won by Henry of Lancaster, the reign of the [[Tudor dynasty|Tudors]] began. Henry VII, as he became, was more concerned with defending his crown and so concentrated mainly on domestic policies. While Henry VII is one of England's less famous kings he was one of the few monarchs ever to leave the crown solvent upon his death. Henry VIII, unlike his father, was obsessed with winning glory on the battlefield, preferably in France. Henry launched three major wars throughout his reign against France and in the process managed to capture Boulogne. However Henry is most famous for his split with Rome. When the current [[Pope]] refused to allow him to divorce his first wife Catherine of Aragon, Henry declared himself head of the English Church and decreed that the Pope had no power over England. During his reign Henry had six wives, of which only three bore him children. Of these, only one was a son - a sickly child who reigned as Edward VI for just six years after his father's death. His daughter Elizabeth, however, was crowned Queen in 1558 and became perhaps England's greatest and best-loved monarch.

== Religion ==
In 1533 AD King [[Henry VIII]] formed the [[Church of England]] (CoE) after the [[pope]] refused to annul the marriage between the king and [[Catherine of Aragon]]; while originally the CoE followed a policy of [[Catholic]] without the pope, his successors [[Edward VI]] and [[Elizabeth I]] moved the church in a far more [[Protestantism|protestant]] direction. Henry established himself as the head of the church and made it the state religion of England. This situation continues to this day, although in much modified form. The queen is still the nominal head of the church, although purely as a figurehead. Decisions technically taken by the queen are in fact done only on the advice of her ministers, who in matters of the church invariably act on the advice of the church leaders. Until recently certain bishops of the Church of England were automatically given seats in the House of Lords. The Church of England is closely involved with the ceremonies associated with England, for example at coronations or royal weddings.

Since the [[Reformation]] the country has remained primarily Anglican with the notable exception of the Catholic reigns of [[Mary I]] and [[James II]]. More recently, the number of [[Roman Catholics]] is poised to overtake the number of [[Anglicans]] in the country, a trend that is likely to continue with an influx of migrants from Catholic countries such as [[Ireland]] and recent [[EU]] accession countries such as [[Poland]][http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article1386939.ece]. As with the UK as a whole, the significant minority religions include [[Hinduism]], [[Judaism]] and [[Islam]].

A 2001 census gave the following figures for religious affiliation: [[Christianity]]: 71.6%, [[Islam]]: 3.1%, [[Hindu]]: 1.1%, [[Sikh]]: 0.7%, [[Jewish]]: 0.5%, and [[Buddhist]]: 0.3%, No Faith: 22.3%. Approximately 7% of responders did not answer the question.<ref>http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/profiles/commentaries/ethnicity.asp </ref> Unlike American Schools, State run Comprhensive schools in England have a daily act of Christian worship, although there have been efforts in recent times to remove this to properly reflect the multifaith make-up of England <ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/dec/26/scrap-compulsory-acts-of-worship</ref> (as well as this it does support some "faith schools" such as Peter Vardy's Emmanuel Schools Foundation through the Academies program).

== Influence ==

England is the home of the English language, which was later spread to all parts of the world by the [[British Empire]], along with traditional English concepts such as the rule of law, universal suffrage, parliamentary government, the jury system, and freedom of speech. The language and these such rights of man are especially evident in the United States.

== References ==

<references/>

== See also ==
*[[English Bill of Rights]]
*[[English Civil War]]
*[[English Painting]]
*[[English coronation oath]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:England| ]]
[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:British History]]

Sport

2011-07-25T15:51:55Z

Yourperson:

[[Image:Ship....jpg|right|thumb|Sailboats are raced for sport as well as used for general transport]]
[[Image:Delacroix_Frightened_Horse.jpg|left|140px|thumb|A horse, involved in many sports since ancient times]]
A '''sport''' is a game or [[exercise]] that is played to keep humans fit or even just for entertainment. Some examples of some sports are: [[baseball]], [[horse racing]], [[motor racing]], [[go-karting]], [[mini golf]], [[canoeing]], [[rowing]], [[white water rafting]], [[skydiving]], [[rock climbing]], [[rugby]], [[football]], [[soccer]], [[hockey]], [[basketball]], [[golf]], and [[swimming]]. They often help to train self-discipline.

==Virtues of sport==

Besides its obvious physical advantagessport can teach one many virtues, for example fair play and [[honesty]], [[modesty]] and acceptance of defeat.

==Sport as entertainment==

In the [[United States]] and [[Canada]], the four main broadcast team sports are [[American Football]], [[baseball]], [[basketball]] and [[hockey]]. Franchises are spread across the major cities and their arenas attract large audiences. Although many leading players of these sports are rich, they give to [[charity]] as well. However, some have had low moral standards, for example [[OJ Simpson]], a murderer.

In the United Kingdom, [[soccer]] has long been the most popular team sport and its Premier League is broadcast across the world. [[Rugby]] and [[cricket]] are also popular. [[Golf]] was invented in [[Scotland]] and [[tennis]] has its main tournament annualy at Wimbledon in [[London]].

<br>
== See also ==

*[[Skateboarding]]
*[[Balls]]
*[[Physical Culture]]

[[Category:Health promotion]]

[[category:sports]]

Video games

2011-07-25T15:42:26Z

Yourperson: /* Education in Video Games */

A '''video game''' is any electronic game played on a computer or console. They vary greatly in type and complexity, but all games are alike in that they translate player input (from a controller, mouse, keyboard or motion sensor) into onscreen actions. Games are usually stored on some sort of digital media - ROM cartridge, [[CD]], [[DVD]], or even cassette tape for early computer games - though older or more inexpensive games may have dedicated chips which are pre-programmed to play certain games only. In recent years, game developers have moved to digital distribution, allowing anyone with a credit card or [[Paypal]] account to purchase games online.

Home consoles are classified by ''generation'' to indicate their relative power and date of release. The current major consoles (XBox360, PS3, Wii) are considered ''seventh generation''. Handheld consoles are not generally put into generations due to their more irregular release schedules.

Though a popular form of entertainment in America, some video games (especially in modern years) may tend to promote a [[liberal]] worldview, and can cause [[sexual immorality]], [[atheism]], [[obesity]], and [[violence]]. Several prominent murderers in recent years were inspired by video games, for example.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-316491/Teenager-gets-life-Manhunt-murder.html </ref>

Video games have also been shown to help people to become more attuned to their surroundings and increase coordination, and in the future may be used to treat people with visual problems and to train soldiers. <ref> http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/05/0528_030528_videogames.html </ref>

== Various genres ==

Video games in the course of their existence have grown from the simple arcade style games, and have become more detailed and separated from one another. Genres can now include [[first person shooters]], [[racing]], [[Simulation game|simulation]], [[role-playing]], [[sports]], [[action]] and many others. Even then, games can combine genres, such as ''Mass Effect'' (Role Playing and Third Person Shooting), or not fit nicely into any genre, like ''Katamari Damacy''.

== Popularity & Controversy ==

Games have risen in popularity over the years, as is shown in the rise of video games sales from the 1980s until today. This has brought with it a various amount of controversy as the video game industry continues to grow with its original player base.

Video games are addictive activities targeted at teenagers, sometimes with tragic results.<ref>Some claim that 2/3rds of videogamers are over 18 years old, but far more people are over that age and a much higher percentage of minors are videogamers.[http://www.pan-o-matic.com/blog/?p=45 Only a third of videogamers are under 18]</ref> Certain genres of games are becoming increasingly violent and offensive, attracting the attention of legislators in many states to protect the exploitation of children by them. Games such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' are very violent, sexually explicit, and feature [[criminal]] behavior. These games are rated "M 17+" for "Mature," but courts have stricken down laws preventing retailers from selling them to children, under an interpretation that the First Amendment protects offensive video games even for children.<ref>http://gamepolitics.livejournal.com/148962.html</ref> After a ''Conservapedian'' filed an [[amicus brief]] with the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] to consider this issue, it surprised [[liberal]]s by granting ''[[certiorari]]''.

However, in 2011, the Supreme Court denied a ban on the sale of violent video games in California, claiming they were protected as they "qualify for First Amendment Protection" and pointing out that there has historically been no shortage of violent imagery in children's fairytales, classical literature, and comics. Writing for the majority, Justice Scalia pointed out that "disgust is not a valid basis for restricting expression", and continued that any effects of violent video games on children "are both small and indistinguishable from effects produced by other media".<ref>[http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/08-1448.pdf BROWN, GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL. v. ENTERTAINMENT MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION ET AL.]</ref>

It has also been suggested that it is the role of parents to regulate what their children play, and that laws restricting video game vendors are an effort to replace parents' decisions with the government's decisions.<ref> http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/45083/ </ref> <ref> http://www.gameculture.com/2010/11/10/editorial-parental-responsibility-and-today039s-media </ref> <ref> http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-games28-2009feb28,0,1556900.story </ref>

===Violence===

Most of the controversy comes from the rising trend toward violence in video games, as pioneered by ''[[Doom (video game series)|Doom]]'', ''[[Quake]]'', and the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series.

Some people point out that violent video games cause violent behavior in some children. The effects of violent video games on the developing psyche of children and adolescents vary greatly and of course have much to do with the mental stability of the subject in question.
Serious crimes have often been associated with video games. For example, a 14-year-old brutally murdered a video arcade employee one morning and his cousin stands trial for murdering the store manager when he entered the store shortly thereafter.<ref>http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1212467732102240.xml&coll=1</ref>
In the [[United States|USA]], all retail games carry ratings from the [[ESRB]], a video game ratings organization.

Some claim that kids who don't play video games at all seem to show more violent tendencies. Of course, as expected, those who played violent video games for large amounts of time also showed violent tendencies, however the study claims that this is a "risk marker", not an actual cause.<ref>http://wii.qj.net/New-research-reveals-kids-who-don-t-play-videogames-at-all-are-more-at-risk-of-violent-tendencies/pg/49/aid/118505 New research reveals kids who don't play video games at all are more at risk of violent tendencies</ref>

Multiple studies have shown a correlation between violent video games and levels of real life violence, caused by playing some of the aforementioned video games.<ref>http://www.apa.org/science/psa/sb-anderson.html</ref>

===Sexuality===

Although nudity is not prominent in [[western]] video games, there are various products containing sexually-suggestive material. One reason for the relative lack of explicitly sexual material in western games may be the refusal of retailers including [[Wal-Mart]]<ref>http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=440903</ref> (the leading distributor of video games in the United States) and [[Toys R Us]]<ref>[http://www.toysrusinc.com/safety/practices/ See Toys "R" Us's video games policy]</ref> (the world's largest toy themed retailer) to sell games carrying an "Adults-Only" rating. One notable target of controversy is the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series after a third-party mod was released that allowed the player to engage in a mini-game containing explicit sexual material. Mods are, as "third-party" would imply, fan-made and are not the responsibility of the game's developer. Other sources of this criticism relate to the game ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' as it was one of the first games where a female character (the protagonist) is depicted and advertised as a sex symbol.<ref>Ashley, Robert. "The Secret History of Videogame Sex." Official Playstation Magazine Feb. 2006: 96-99.</ref>

== Video Games & Society ==

As video games become more popular, their impact on society becomes ever more present. A prime example of this is the massive ad campaigns for the [[Halo (game)|Halo]] series, as well as [[Grand Theft Auto]]. Advertising, merchandising, and even social pressures have changed in the ever-growing influence of video gaming.

Due to their popularity, various corporations have begun placing advertisements for their products within the context of the game. [[Second Life]], an Internet-based virtual world, has attempted to blur the lines between real-world and virtual world, and companies such as Adidas, Reebok, and Dell have set up virtual stores selling real-world products within the game. [[Reuters]] also operates a news bureau reporting news in the game.

== Education in Video Games ==

While most popular video games are experiencing an increase in violence, language, and sexuality, other gamers and game developers are beginning to view video games as an educational opportunity. Firaxis Games, a noteworthy video game development company, has been creating a video game series called ''Civilization'' for nearly a decade. <ref> http://www.firaxis.com/company/ </ref> Civilization is a simulation game that allows the player to lead a nation from ancient times to modern day. It features a dynamic military system, politics, trading, and historical content. It has been recognized for its unintentional educational properties. <ref> http://www.firaxis.com/community/teacher.php </ref>

Microsoft Flight Simulator is another example of a video game being recognized for its unique educational properties. <ref> http://www.microsoft.com/Products/Games/FSInsider/product/Pages/InfoEducators.aspx </ref>

The popularity of several of the favourite sports video games has led to an uptake in children wishing to take part in them. If an adult plays video games with their children, they can learn about their child's personality and interests.

== Faith in Video Games ==

Faith in Video Gaming has, as a rule, either led to the creation of new and dynamic antagonists, or video games that are mediocre, such as ''Spiritual Warfare'' and ''Bible Adventure'' for the Nintendo, or ''The Bible Game'' for various systems. ''Bible Adventure'' in particular is infamous for its poor design and playability.

The Bible, or other such religious texts, tell a story spanning many different viewpoints. Turning these ideas into a video game, however, most often leads to games that tend to bore most video game audiences.

Religion has, however, taken a prominent place amongst the various heroes and villains in video games. The ''Breath of Fire'' series and the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' games, in particular, use a god as a main antagonist in many of its incarnations. Other games to use religion in some way include the ''Final Fantasy'' series, ''[[Left Behind: Eternal Forces]]'', ''Black and White'', ''Heaven and Hell'', ''Xenogears'', ''Okami'', and the ''Tales'' series, particularly ''Tales of Symphonia''. Unfortunately, many (not all) of the aforementioned games present religion (or it's respective church and followers) as evil, fake, or having ulterior and nefarious motives. Virtually no video games present faith in an honest or positive manner, as few conservatives or Christians work for game companies, then again direct content.

Games may include a fictional religion as part of the setting if the use of a real religion may invite undesirable controversy.

Video game reviewers have sometimes unjustly attacked and reviewed games where real-world religion plays a notable role. One of the most prominent examples of this is the game ''[[Left Behind: Eternal Forces]]''.<ref>http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/left_behind</ref>.

==See Also==
*[[Video game controversy]]
*[[Jack Thompson]]
*[[Video game industry]]

==External Links==
*[http://www.whattheyplay.com/ What They Play - the parent's guide to video games]
*[http://www.leftbehindgames.com/index.php Left Behind Games - a Christian, family friendly video game company]

==References==

<References/>

[[Category:Entertainment]]
[[Category:Video Games]]
[[Category:Computers]]