Did you know…World-famous musical director Zubin Mehta has worked as a permanent conductor with major foreign orchestras, among them the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Montreal Symphony, in the latter half of the 20th century. “Mehta…has the capacity to control every sound made by an orchestra, and he does this with the simplest of gesture, every one of which has an immediate and perceptible effect”, Winthrop Sargeant wrote in the New Yorker in May 1967. “He has a talent for conveying a mood of serenity, or of serene grandeur, to both orchestra and audience that is rare indeed among the younger generation of conductors”. Mehta was born on April 29,1936 in Bombay,India.

Aerospace

Did you know…India’s cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma became the second Asian to fly in space when he flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 in April 1984. Like America, Russia, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, India was one of the first nations of the world to send an astronaut into space.

Cinematography

Did you know…The real breakthrough for Indian cinema came in 2009 when “Slumdog Millionaire” won a leading eight Oscars –Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing — at the 81st Annual Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, CA.This event was the most successful for India, the birthplace of a number of notable performers, among them Julie Christie and Aishwarya Rai, as well as Engelbert Humperdinck and Ravi Shankar.

America & India

Did you know…During a visit by Hillary Rodham Clinton, at that time First Lady, to India in the mid-1990s, she went to Taj Mahal, the country’s most famous ancient palace and one of the New Seven Wonders of the world.

Nobel Prize

Did you know… Surprisingly, Sir Chandrasekhara V. Raman became the first Asian to be a sole recipient of a Nobel Prize for Physics in the 1930s.Between 1932 and 1948, no other non-American/European had ever won it. C.V. Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.

United Nations

Did you know…Beginning in the 1950s,Madame Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the first woman to be elected President of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Like several national idols, she has helped elevate the image of India.

Human Development

Did you know…The state of Kerala is one of the most industrialized regions in the Third World. Great social changes have occurred in Kerala in the last decades. Among other achievements, this region has produced thousands engineers, scientists, researches and educators.

World-famous Individuals

Did you know… This Asian nation has a number of world-famous persons: Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize for Economics (1998); Deepak Chopra, the prolific author; Satyajit Ray, film-maker; actress Aishwarya Rai; Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, Nobel Prize for Physics (1983); and Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian in history to win an individual gold medal at the Summer Olympics (2008). 

Women & Power

Did you know… Indira Gandhi was one of the first female Prime Ministers in the world. She, daughter of India’s first leader Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964),came to power nearly 12 years before the first woman won a democratic election in Britain. By 2007 India took another major step forward when Pratibha Patil, an ex governor of northwestern Rajaltan, became the first female to be elected President of India. “This is a victory of the principles of which our Indian people uphold”, said Patil.

Mahatma Gandhi

Did you know… MahatmaGandhi (1869-1948) is one of the most popular heroes India. Curiously, he, unlike Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, did not win the Nobel Prize for Peace, the world’s highest award.

Universal Wonders

Did you know…India has one of the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Planet. In the meantime, this Asian nation has more universal wonders than the United States (20) and the Federation of Russia (23). The following are the Universal Heritage Places in India:

1.Agra Fort

2. Ajanta Caves

3.Ellora Caves

4.Taj Mahal

5.Group of Monuments at Mahabaliporam

6.Sun Temple Konarak

7.Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

8.Kaziranga National Park

9.Keoladeo National Park

10.Churches and Convents of Goa

11.Fatehpur Sikri

12.Group of Monuments at Hampi

13.Khajuraho Group of Monuments

14.Elephanta Caves

15.Great Living Chola Temples

16.Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

17.Sundarbans National Park

18.Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

19.Buddist Monuments at Sanchi

20.Humayun’s Tomb

21. Qutb Minar and its Monuments

22.Mountain Railways of India

23.Mahabpdhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

24.Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

25.Champaner-Pavagadh Archaelogical Park

26. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

27. Red Fort Complex

Field Hockey

Did you know…After long periods of “Olympic control”, on September 9, 1960, India was beaten by Pakistan (0-1) in the Olympics in Rome, Italy. It was a “bittersweet day” for India. The Indian National team hadn’t lost a match since 1928;it had won the Olympic tournament for the sixth straight time.

Wars/Conflicts (1944-2000)

Did you know… India has had a number of wars/conflicts in the past century:

Civil Conflicts (periods)

1944-1947; 1956-1964; 1966-1967; 1969

Foreign Conflicts

1947-1948 India-Pakistan

1957 India-Cachemira (Kashmir)

1961 India-Portugal (annexation of Goa, Damao, and Diu).

1962 India-China

1965 India-Pakistan

1971 India-Pakistan

1971 India-Bangladesh

1986 India-Pakistan

1987 India-Sri Lanka

1988 India-Nepal; India-Maldives

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Beading Necklace

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam is the home to Historic City of Hue-one of the ancient wonders of the world. During the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), Hue was the capital of Vietnam. More than 10 palaces in Hue provide some of the best remaining examples of Vietnamese architecture in Asia. It is the monument that best symbolizes Vietnam. Hue has been recognised as a World Cultural Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Hieu Ngan Tran is one of the Vietnam´s best known and well-loved athletes. She is a taekwondo athlete who competed in the women´s featherweight category at the 2000 Olympic Games and won the silver medal. The silver medal for Vietnam was the first ever won by that country in Olympic competition.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam is famous for its hospitality, and the average visitor will have no difficulty in adapting to local traditions.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The Vietnamese film industry has been honoured at film festival and award ceremonies around the world. The prizes attained include the Golden Lion for best film awarded by the Venice International Film to Anh Hung Tran´s Cyclo (1995) ; the Jury Prize awarded by the Sundance Film Festival to Tony Bui´s Three Seasons (1999); and the Grand Jury Prize awarded by the Pusan International Film Festival to Luu Hynh´s The White Silk Dress Press (1999).

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Madame Nguyen Thi Binh became the first female vice president of Vietnam in 1992. She became head of the Vietnamese women´s movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Like its Thai cousin, Vietnam is world-famous for its traditional cuisine. At Paris´s top restaurants, visitors can savor the true taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam has long been famous for its magnificent temples and palaces.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Third World.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The development of traditional Vietnamese sports is vital to the preservation of Vietnamese culture. Takraw, or kick volleyball, is a traditional sport in Vietnam. In this sport, a ball is passed from player to player by hitting it with the head and feet. Takraw also is widely played in Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The bio-diversity of Vietnam is one of its greatest riches.The country has six world´s biosphere reserves: Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Cat Ba, Cat Tien, Kien Giang, Red River Delta, and Western Nghe An.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The United States of America recognizes Vietnam as an independent country since 1995. In 1996, president Bill Clinton appointed Douglas Peterson to serve as United States ambassador to Vietnam.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam is world-famous for its animal wildlife. This wildlife -which includes elephants, buffaloes, tigers, monkeys, rhinoceroses, snakes and turtles- attracts thousands of tourists to Vietnam each year.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam maintains diplomatic relations with 140 countries in the world, including France, China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Russia and Malaysia.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Ha Long Bay is generally considered to be the most beautiful scenery in the whole of Vietnam. It consist of 1,969 islands and islets situated in the Gulf of Tonkin. This zone is known for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. It is one of the most popular spots in Asia. Ha Long Bay has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam joined the United Nations in 1977.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. It is the most important economic, industrial and cultural center in the country.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The best-known Vietnamese works of art the thousands of pagodas found throughout the country.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The education has received increased emphasis in Vietnam since the country became independent in 1976. Certainly, Vietnam has greatly increased the number of schools in response to demands for educational opportunities by the people.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…In 2000, Bill Clinton,who was president of the United States (1993-2001), was given a hero´s welcome in Vietnam as he became the first American president to visit the Asian country.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The “ao dai” is the most popular national costume in Vietnam.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam is one of the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Hanoi is well known for its famous restaurants. Some of the restaurants are built along the Red river to provide diners with a riverside view of Hanoi´s sunset.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam hosted delegates from 21 contries at the 2006 APEC Summit.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a World Heritage Site in Vietnam.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…AmeliaVega, Miss Universe 2003,went to Hanoi to attend the 2003 Miss Vietnam pageant.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam competed at the modern Olympic Games for the first time at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The 11th Taekwondo World Championship was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in June 2001.

DID YOU KNOW THAT….Like Carlos Noriega (Peru), Abdul Ahad Mohmad (Afghanistan), Jugdermedidiyn Gurragcha (Mongolia) and Salman al-Saud (Saudi Arabia), Pham Tuan was one of the best astronauts in the Third World. He was the first Vietnamese astronaut and the first Asian in space. Pham Tuan flew aboard the shuttle Soyuz-37 in July 1980. He was in space for more than 7 days. Pham Tuan was given a hero´s welcome when he returned to country after completing its historic orbital space flight.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam is one of the best-watered areas in Southeast Asia. Five main rivers flow eastward across the country. They are Mekong, Red Can, Srepok and Black.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Hanoi hosted the Fifth Asia-Europe Summit Meeting (ASEM) in 2004.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam has rich mineral deposits (oil, coal, gas, manganese, bauxite and phosphates), large forests, and good farm.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The Scent of Green Papaya was the first great Vietnamese movie of the 20th century. This film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Category at the 1993 Academy Awards. The movie enjoyed the highest-grossing opening in Vietnam film history.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam has eight idols:Anh Hung Tran (film director), Pham Tuan (astronaut), Thuy Tran (modeling agent), Nguyen Thi Phoung (ecologist), Hieu Ngan Tan (sportswoman), Madame Ngo Dinh Nho (former first lady of Vietnam), Tony Bui (film maker) and Nguyen Thi Binh (vice president of Vietnam).

DID YOU KNOW THAT…More than 20 million people in Vietnam ride a bicycle.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam has an area about 1 per cent as large as that of the United States.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Le Duc Tho was a diplomat who always worked for a unified Vietnam. He was born on October 14, 1911, in Phan Dinh Khai,Vietnam. Certainly, Le Duc Tho worked with Henry Kissinger (secretary of state of the United States) to end Vietnam war, and in 1973 the two men were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award citation said, “On January 23 of this year a ceasefire agreement was concluded between the United States and the Vietnamese Democratic Republic.At its meeting on October 16 the Nobel Committee of the Norwegian Storting decided to award the Peace Prize for the 1973 to Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho, the two chief negotiators who succeeded in arranging the ceasefire after negotiating for nearly four years…”

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam has been chosen to host the 2008 Miss Universe. Vietnam won the right to host the 2008 Miss Universe by one vote over Japan.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…President George W.Bush became the first U.S. president to visit Vietnam in the 21st century.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam is about 8 times the size of Switzerland.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam competed at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha,Qatar. It finished 19th in the medal count, with 23 (3 gold), trailing China, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Iran, Uzbekistan, India, Qatar, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, Hong Kong, North Korea, Kuwait and Philippines.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…Vietnam is famous for its beautiful beaches along the Pacific Ocean: Bai Chay, Tran Phu, Nha Trang,China Beach,Mui Ne Beach,Hon Chong Beach and Bai Tam.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…The 7th Summit of the Francophonie was held in Hanoi,Vietnam

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rate

You could become a science fiction celebrity. William Shatner (Captain James Tiberius Kirk of Star Trek fame) has been offered a free ride to suborbital space on Virgin Galactic’s new spaceship Enterprise, under construction at Scaled Composites’ Mohave, California facility. Mohave, you will recall, was the site of SpaceShipOne’s X-Prize-winning flights. According to the UK’s Daily Mail, Kirk turned down the freebie, saying he didn’t want to get space sick, then die in a fiery crash with a cloud of vomit hanging over his funeral pyre. Picturesque, no? Probably just a negotiating ploy. Alien’s Sigourney Weaver, however, is going on the two-and-a-half-hour flight.

You could become a teacher. Several of the new suborbital spaceflight companies, working through the Space Frontier Foundation’s “Teacher in Space” program, are planning to give away free rides to pedagogues. Besides providing great PR and a tax write-off, this marketing strategy gives companies a direct link to the next generation of space travelers through people they presumably admire and respect.

How about striking for “outer space correspondent”? That was the title given Japanese private cosmonaut Toyohiro Akiyama (48) during his week-long visit to the (then) Soviet Union’s Mir space station in December 1990. The Tokyo Broadcasting System paid a reported $12 million for the flight. Production costs brought the total to $37 million. As an aside, the Russians rushed a group of Soviet reporters to a space “bootcamp” after many griped about a Japanese citizen becoming the first journalist in space. U.S. efforts to loft a journalist faltered after the 1986 Challenger accident, but there’s plenty of sentiment for trying again to get a wordsmith into orbit. As astronaut Story Musgrave has said, we’ve got to get spaceflight into the culture, or it will die.

Seek a career as a pilot or a crew member for one of the new spacelines. Or you could go with a government job. NASA hires pilots and payload specialists. The Europeans, too, are looking to expand their astronaut corps, according to Aviation Week & Space Technology.

Participate in a space talent reality show. Virgin Galactic’s boss Sir Richard Branson is planning something called “Astronaut Idol”, in which six contestants will vie for a spot on one of his spaceships. Although the first flight won’t take place until 2009, the show could kick off as early as 2007.

Of course, you COULD win the lottery.

Speaking of lotteries, it has become customary to propose a national spaceflight sweepstakes to put ordinary citizens into space on a regular basis. An editorial in Ad Astra, the magazine of the National Space Society, suggested it again this past January (2006). The idea echoed the SpaceShare plan described in Buzz Aldrin’s (yes the astronaut) 1996 science fiction novel Encounter with Tiber. The idea didn’t originate with Buzz. In 1991, a Texas company called Space Travel Services invited people to purchase a $2.99 chance for a trip to the Russian Mir space station (no longer existent). Two months later, the principals were arrested and charged with felony counts of sponsoring an illegal lottery. The Founding Great Grandfathers did a little better. Word has it that the First Great Virginia Lottery of 1612 provided half the budget for the settlers of Jamestown, Virginia — the earliest permanent English settlement in America.

Start small. There are many cheaper alternatives. You can fly to the edge of space on a Russian MIG-25 for about $15,000. You can experience freefall on Zero-G’s modified Boeing 727 for $3,750. Any adult, or a child, can attend the U.S. Space Camp at Huntsville, Alabama for as little as $400.

Space exploration is taking off. Aided by the “iron horse” of the American Space Shuttle and the Russian Soyuz, and all the innovative vehicles of the space tourism industry, outer space is the new Wild West. Don’t give up your place in history just because you are not rich. That ticket to space is practically in hand.

Author: Laurence Winn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Humorous photo captions

Tony R. Sanchez, Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education at Purdue University recognizes that using role models and heroes can be quite effective when teaching values education. He claims that by examining the spirit of heroism, it serves as an invitation for the students to adopt the heroic spirit for themselves.

Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American in space, created the Jemison Group, which aims to bring the technological advancements to people across the globe and hopefully nourish students’ love for science. This explorer hero is very active in her undertakings. Schools on the other hand are actively using her as an example when teaching science. A few years ago, West Clayton Elementary School invited the astronaut to give a talk about space travel. After the visit, a significant number of students became more engaged in the subject matter. Children are inspired to learn of the countless possibilities that await them if they try hard enough to pursue their dreams.

The use of heroes in the classroom is becoming more and more popular. However, careful thought should be put in the curriculum design if educators want to ensure the effectiveness of the method. Here are a few tips:

The instructor needs to find a suitable hero to use. There is not generic hero that can be used across all subject matter, although heroes by and large have universal attributes. For instance, it may be more appropriate to use Michael Jordan as a role model when teaching sports rather than using Oprah.

It is important that the instructor does not take away the human-element in heroes. They are not super humans, and it is important for children and young adults to understand this. They need to know that they can be their idols; they can be the heroes who always put things into perspective, who makes sound decisions based on careful reasoning and who thinks of the greater good more than self-interest. Students need to be able to see the hero potential in each of them.

Author: Robert McKenzie
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital TV, HDTV, Satellite TV

Mexico is famous for its singers.A number of Mexican singers have gained worldwide fame.They include Paulina Rubio, Thalia, Luis Miguel,Emmnauel, Ana Gabriel, Alejandra Gúzman, Isabel Vargas Lizano,Gloria Trevi, José José and Armando Manzanero.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was “re-discovered” by the historian and writer Haydeen Herrera. In 1983, in the United States, Haydeen Herrera published a book called “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo”. Like Eva Duarte de Perón (ex-First Lady of Argentina), Frida Kahlo is one of the most famous women in the world since 1983.

DID YOU KNOW…

Between 1940 and 1958, Mexico became the centre of the international film industry. Great stars of the golden era of the cinematography of Mexico included Jorge Negrete, who was famous as a gentleman, and the actress Dolores del Río. The great actor, Pedro Infante, also started his career in the golden era of the cinema of Mexico. The most popular film of 1942, “El Peñon de las Animas”, starring María Félix and Jorge Negrete, was one of the most successful films in Mexico and Latin America. However, films critics often choose the 1975 film “Letters from Marusia”, as the best film ever.

DID YOU KNOW…

Dolores del Río was a Mexican motion-picture actress.Her great beauty made her a world-famous sex symbol.She was born in Durango,Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

Certainly, Mexico is one of the world’s exotic countries. It is known for its heritage of the amazing pyramids built by Aztecs and Mayas. The Latin American country is famous for its traditions, culture ecology and beaches. There are excellent beaches for relaxing, swimming and sailing. The Cancun beach is one of the most popular travel destinations of the Mexican Caribbean.

DID YOU KNOW…

The 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Octavio Paz, a novelist and essayist. He was the fifth Latin-American to receive the prize.Octavio Paz was the literary patriarch of Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Acapulco Convention Center is one of the main concert and performance centers in the world.

DID YOU KNOW…

Gael García Bernal is probably the most popular Latin-American actor since 1959. He has been called “The Latin James Dean”. However, he does not see himself as a “sex symbol”.Gael said to the media in Beverly Hills, California, “There thousands of “Latin James Deans”.There are always going to be new “Marlon Brandos” and new “James Deans”. That´s why the statement no longer has any importance. Besides, I feel that James Dean´s movies are totally different from mine. And, Well, to begin with, I don´t have enough money to buy a Porsche…”

Gael García Bernal was born on November 30, 1978, in Guadalajara, Jalisco (Mexico), the son of Jose Angel and Patricia Bernal de García. He once said: “I spent a lot of time with my parents. They did not have anyone at home to take care of me, so I had to go everywhere with them. I traveled a lot in Mexico and also to Cuba. I was a lot of fun”.

His movie credits include: “Love`s a Bitch” (2000), “The Crime of Father Amaro” (2002), “And your Mother Too” (2001), “I´m with Lucy” (2002), “Dot the I” (2003), “Dreaming of Julia” (2003), “Bad Education” (2004), “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004), “The King” ( 2005), “Babel” (2006), and “The Science of Sleep” (2006).

In addition to Spanish, Gael speaks English, French and Italian.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico is a study in contrasts.Bustling modern places with all the latest amenities are surrounded by mountains and rainforest.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Mexican people have many idols: María Félix (actress), Frida Kahlo (painter), Mario Moreno( best known as “Cantinflas”), Rufino Tamayo (painter), Diego Rivera (painter), Agustin Lara (composer), Carlos Fuentes (writer), Thalia (singer), Juan Gabriel (composer and singer), José Clemente Orozco (painter), Juan Rulfo (writer), José Vasconcelos (writer), Kathy Jurado (actress), Guadalupe Jones Garay (Miss Universe 1991),Jorge Negrete (actor), Pedro Infante (actor) and Lucía Méndez (actress).

DID YOU KNOW…

On November 26, 1985, Rodolfo Neri Vela. was the second Latin- American astronaut to fly in space. He was ready for his first space mission in 1985 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Rodolfo was born on February 19, 1952, in Chilpancingo, Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

María Félix was an actress who starred in popular Mexican films such as “El Peñon de las Animas”, “La China Poblana”, “Doña Barbara” and “La Generala”.Undoubtebly the most beautiful actress in the history. María de los Ángeles Félix Güereña, always called “La doña” or María Félix, was born on April 8, 1914, in Alamos, Sonora (Mexico). She died on April 8,2000, in Mexico City. Certainly, she was an international celebrity.

She was long considered one of the most beautiful women in the 20th century, arguably, one of the best actresses in Latin America, Spain, Italy and France.If she had spoken English very well, María Félix will be remembered as the best actress of the world.

Different from María Montez and Rita Moreno, María Félix did not accept small roles in Hollywood. She once said: “I was not born to carry a basket”.Like Pele (Brazilian ex-footballer player) and Carlos Gardel (Argentinian singer), María Félix is a symbol in Latin America.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico has had many famous athletes in the past century: Raul González (track and field), Joaquín Capilla (diving), Carlos Girón (diving), Hugo Sánchez (soccer),José Youshimatz (cycling), Bernardo Segura (track and field),Héctor López (boxing), Juan Paredes (boxing) ,Humberto Mariles (equestrian), Felipe Muñoz (swimming), Raúl Ramírez (tennis), Rafael Osuna Herrera (tennis), Ernesto Canto (track and field), Arturo Barrios (track and field),Daniel Bautista (track and field) and Olegario Vázquez (shooting).

DID YOU KNOW…

Elsa Benítez is a supermodel from Mexico. She was born on December 8, 1977, in Hermosillo, Sonora (Mexico). Ironically, she looks like European supermodel. Like Alek Wek (Sudan) and Fernanda Tavares (Brazil), she works in the United States and Europe. Elsa Benítez was the cover girl for Sports Illustrated´s Swimsuit Issue 2001.

DID YOU KNOW…

Dafne Molina Lona was among the few Mexican entering the finals of any international beauty pageant.She almost won the Miss World pageant in 2005.She was a national celebrity when she returned to China after the competition.She was in the hands of Lupita Jones, who is the President of Nuestra Belleza (or Miss Mexico).Dafne was born in Mexico City.

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Make PCB Assembly

Mexico is famous for its singers.A number of Mexican singers have gained worldwide fame.They include Paulina Rubio, Thalia, Luis Miguel,Emmnauel, Ana Gabriel, Alejandra Gúzman, Isabel Vargas Lizano,Gloria Trevi, José José and Armando Manzanero.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was “re-discovered” by the historian and writer Haydeen Herrera. In 1983, in the United States, Haydeen Herrera published a book called “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo”. Like Eva Duarte de Perón (ex-First Lady of Argentina), Frida Kahlo is one of the most famous women in the world since 1983.

DID YOU KNOW…

Between 1940 and 1958, Mexico became the centre of the international film industry. Great stars of the golden era of the cinematography of Mexico included Jorge Negrete, who was famous as a gentleman, and the actress Dolores del Río. The great actor, Pedro Infante, also started his career in the golden era of the cinema of Mexico. The most popular film of 1942, “El Peñon de las Animas”, starring María Félix and Jorge Negrete, was one of the most successful films in Mexico and Latin America. However, films critics often choose the 1975 film “Letters from Marusia”, as the best film ever.

DID YOU KNOW…

Dolores del Río was a Mexican motion-picture actress.Her great beauty made her a world-famous sex symbol.She was born in Durango,Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

Certainly, Mexico is one of the world’s exotic countries. It is known for its heritage of the amazing pyramids built by Aztecs and Mayas. The Latin American country is famous for its traditions, culture ecology and beaches. There are excellent beaches for relaxing, swimming and sailing. The Cancun beach is one of the most popular travel destinations of the Mexican Caribbean.

DID YOU KNOW…

The 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Octavio Paz, a novelist and essayist. He was the fifth Latin-American to receive the prize.Octavio Paz was the literary patriarch of Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Acapulco Convention Center is one of the main concert and performance centers in the world.

DID YOU KNOW…

Gael García Bernal is probably the most popular Latin-American actor since 1959. He has been called “The Latin James Dean”. However, he does not see himself as a “sex symbol”.Gael said to the media in Beverly Hills, California, “There thousands of “Latin James Deans”.There are always going to be new “Marlon Brandos” and new “James Deans”. That´s why the statement no longer has any importance. Besides, I feel that James Dean´s movies are totally different from mine. And, Well, to begin with, I don´t have enough money to buy a Porsche…”

Gael García Bernal was born on November 30, 1978, in Guadalajara, Jalisco (Mexico), the son of Jose Angel and Patricia Bernal de García. He once said: “I spent a lot of time with my parents. They did not have anyone at home to take care of me, so I had to go everywhere with them. I traveled a lot in Mexico and also to Cuba. I was a lot of fun”.

His movie credits include: “Love`s a Bitch” (2000), “The Crime of Father Amaro” (2002), “And your Mother Too” (2001), “I´m with Lucy” (2002), “Dot the I” (2003), “Dreaming of Julia” (2003), “Bad Education” (2004), “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004), “The King” ( 2005), “Babel” (2006), and “The Science of Sleep” (2006).

In addition to Spanish, Gael speaks English, French and Italian.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico is a study in contrasts.Bustling modern places with all the latest amenities are surrounded by mountains and rainforest.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Mexican people have many idols: María Félix (actress), Frida Kahlo (painter), Mario Moreno( best known as “Cantinflas”), Rufino Tamayo (painter), Diego Rivera (painter), Agustin Lara (composer), Carlos Fuentes (writer), Thalia (singer), Juan Gabriel (composer and singer), José Clemente Orozco (painter), Juan Rulfo (writer), José Vasconcelos (writer), Kathy Jurado (actress), Guadalupe Jones Garay (Miss Universe 1991),Jorge Negrete (actor), Pedro Infante (actor) and Lucía Méndez (actress).

DID YOU KNOW…

On November 26, 1985, Rodolfo Neri Vela. was the second Latin- American astronaut to fly in space. He was ready for his first space mission in 1985 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Rodolfo was born on February 19, 1952, in Chilpancingo, Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW…

María Félix was an actress who starred in popular Mexican films such as “El Peñon de las Animas”, “La China Poblana”, “Doña Barbara” and “La Generala”.Undoubtebly the most beautiful actress in the history. María de los Ángeles Félix Güereña, always called “La doña” or María Félix, was born on April 8, 1914, in Alamos, Sonora (Mexico). She died on April 8,2000, in Mexico City. Certainly, she was an international celebrity.

She was long considered one of the most beautiful women in the 20th century, arguably, one of the best actresses in Latin America, Spain, Italy and France.If she had spoken English very well, María Félix will be remembered as the best actress of the world.

Different from María Montez and Rita Moreno, María Félix did not accept small roles in Hollywood. She once said: “I was not born to carry a basket”.Like Pele (Brazilian ex-footballer player) and Carlos Gardel (Argentinian singer), María Félix is a symbol in Latin America.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mexico has had many famous athletes in the past century: Raul González (track and field), Joaquín Capilla (diving), Carlos Girón (diving), Hugo Sánchez (soccer),José Youshimatz (cycling), Bernardo Segura (track and field),Héctor López (boxing), Juan Paredes (boxing) ,Humberto Mariles (equestrian), Felipe Muñoz (swimming), Raúl Ramírez (tennis), Rafael Osuna Herrera (tennis), Ernesto Canto (track and field), Arturo Barrios (track and field),Daniel Bautista (track and field) and Olegario Vázquez (shooting).

DID YOU KNOW…

Elsa Benítez is a supermodel from Mexico. She was born on December 8, 1977, in Hermosillo, Sonora (Mexico). Ironically, she looks like European supermodel. Like Alek Wek (Sudan) and Fernanda Tavares (Brazil), she works in the United States and Europe. Elsa Benítez was the cover girl for Sports Illustrated´s Swimsuit Issue 2001.

DID YOU KNOW…

Dafne Molina Lona was among the few Mexican entering the finals of any international beauty pageant.She almost won the Miss World pageant in 2005.She was a national celebrity when she returned to China after the competition.She was in the hands of Lupita Jones, who is the President of Nuestra Belleza (or Miss Mexico).Dafne was born in Mexico City.

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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DID YOU KNOW THAT… The Costa Rican democracy is considered to be the oldest still in existence in the Third World.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica has four idols: Óscar Arias Sánchez (president of Costa Rica), Sylvia Poll Arenhs (sportswoman), Claudia Poll Arenhs (sportswoman) and Franklin Chang Díaz (astronaut).

DID YOU KNOW THAT… In July 1975, María Milagro París became the first Latin American woman to classify in the finals at the FINA World Championship, where she ended fifth in the 100-meter butterfly style competition in Cali, Colombia.In the 1970s, María Milagro París was the best athlete of Costa Rica.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Franklin Ramón Díaz Chang was the first Costa Rican-American to travel in space.He was born on April 5, 1950, in San Jose, Costa Rica. After successfully completing an intense year of testing and training, he was ready for his first space mission, which took place in 1986 aboard the space shuttle Columbia.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Pope John Paul II visited San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, in 1983.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… In 1987 Óscar Rafael de Jesús Arias Sánchez, who is currently president of Costa Rica, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting peace in Central America. He was born on September 13, 1940, in Heredia, Costa Rica.Like Vaclav Havel (Czech Republic), Aung San Sui Kyi (Myanmar), Nelson Mandela (South Africa) and Jimmy Carter (United States), Óscar Arias Sánchez is a symbol of democracy in the world.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica has had spectacular beauties in the past centuy: Martha Escalante Fernández (semi-finalist at the Miss World 1965), Ana Lorena González (semi-finalist at the Miss World 1986), Marlene Chávez Mata (Miss International 1980), Gidget Sandoval (Miss International 1983), Giannina Facio Franco (former model) and Maribel Fernández Guardia (actress).

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica has one of the richest ecosystems in the world. It contains 5 percent of the world´s biodiversity.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Maribel Fernández Guardia, best known as “La bella” (the beautiful), is an actress from Costa Rica. She was one of the Latin America´s most famous actresses in the 1980s and early 1990s. Before she became a famous actress in Mexican film industry, she had been Miss Costa Rica 1978 and Miss Photogenic-Universe 1978, an experienced which she says helped prepare her for acting. Maribel Fernández Guardia appeared on the covers of many magazines in the 1970s and 1980s.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica now ranks 48th of 177 countries in the United Nations´s Human Development Index. Indices of the high standard of public health in Costa Rica include one of the world´s highest levels of life expectancy (77 years).

DID YOU KNOW THAT… When Spanish navigators first came up Costa Rica in 1502, struck by tremendous beauty of its green mountains… they exclaimed “Costa Rica”.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Like South Africa, South Korea and Barbados, Costa Rica has one of the best democracies in the Third World. For this reason, Costa Rica is called the “Switzerland of the Americas”.
In 1953, under the leadership of president José María Figueres Ferrer, political reform was accelerated. His insight brought about recovery of Costa Rica, establishing on Costa Rica a free and democratic society. Certainly, he had created a “perfect democracy” on Costa Rica for the world to see.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Soccer is by far the most popular sport in the country.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica has some of Latin America´s best beaches, with clean white sand and many types of water sports. For water sports lovers, there´s windsurfing, scuba diving, kayak, swimming, and sailing.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica is bigger than Denmark or Taiwan.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… The Chiripo National Park is great place for relaxing. It is a dramatic national park, where visitors can you see many orchids, birds, and animals.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Giannina Facio Franco was a Costa Rican supermodel and actress. She was born on September 10, 1955, in San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. She was one of the most beautiful Latin American women in the 1980s.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica´s bird life is profuse and contains some exceptionally exotic and colourful species, such as the quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… The Costa Ricans are one of the most homogeneous peoples in the world.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Lorena Marlene Chávez, Miss Costa Rica, was elected Miss International 1980 in Tokyo, Japan. Her title was celebrated by Costa Ricans. She became the first central American to win an international beauty contest.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Costa Rica was the first country in the world to promote ecological tourism in an accelerated form.

DID YOU KNOW THAT… José María Figueres Olsen was the only president´s son also to be elected president? His father was José María Figueres Ferrer, who was president of Costa Rica (1953-1958).

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Gidget Sandoval, Miss Costa Rica,was crowned Miss International 1983. She became the second woman from Costa Rica and the fourth Latin American to win the Miss International title.

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news

When Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith) looks forward to his acceptance by NASA in the astronaut training program, he experiences a rude awakening when strange movements of clouds hover into the area and reveal themselves to be alien spaceships. As the world’s leading governments and militaries go on high alert, the world holds its collective breath waiting to see what will happen next. Against the backdrop of this worldwide event, David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) notices a peculiar pattern in the spaceship deployment. Along with his father Julius (Judd Hirsch), he urgently travels from New York to Washington DC in order to warn the president of impending danger. (He can do this because his ex-wife is an aide to the president, thus providing him with a means of access).

Despite their past differences, David manages to convince President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) that the true intent of the alien spacecraft is invasion, and no olive branch of peace will appease them. When David’s assertion proves to be right, most of the world’s major cities are completely destroyed by a super laser emanating from the undersides of the monstrous, city-sized alien structures. As all-out war ensues, earthlings quickly discover that the alien craft are protected by an impenetrable force field, thus rendering the desperate human counterattacks useless.

As refugees crowd into the rural areas of America, Capt. Hiller is brought to Area 51 and introduced to the president. This once mysterious location is revealed to house an alien spacecraft identical to the ones which now threaten earth, and plans are put in place to make this craft operational once again. But, still, the problem remains of how to go about defeating the alien invaders. In a plot twist reminiscent of Star Wars, the answer comes to David when his father warns him not to catch cold…

Overall, I didn’t expect to like this film, yet I did. Surprisingly unoriginal in its deployment of the same plot device used by George Lucas in the blockbuster film The Return Of The Jedi, Independence Day is nevertheless a fun and enjoyable film. The storyline of a battle between humans and aliens tends to evoke a subconscious adrenaline surge in even the most casual of viewers, leading to an emotionally involved audience anxious to discover the outcome of this modern day war of the worlds. Although by no means should this be considered one of the greatest films of all time, it is thoroughly entertaining. Take a chance and go see it if you haven’t done so already…

Author: Britt Gillette
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PCB Prototype & Manufacturing

Northern Exposure follows the exploits of recent medical school graduate Joel Fleishman (Rob Morrow) who, failing to read the fine print in the government papers accompanying his student loans, is forced to practice medicine for several years in the frozen tundra of Alaska. Even more unsettling is that he’ll be the only doctor in the small logging township of Cicely, a place filled with oddball characters and never short of strange occurrences. The wealthy entrepreneur, ex-NASA astronaut Maurice Minnifield owns Cicely and is determined to turn it into an ideal vacation paradise (with Fleishman being part of his plan). Other notable characters throughout Cicely include beautiful bush pilot (and Fleishman love interest) Maggie O’Connell (Janine Turner), KBHR radio deejay Chris Stevens (John Corbett), aspiring filmmaker Ed Chigliak (Darren E. Burrows), and husband/wife team Holling (John Cullum) and Shelly Vincoeur (Cynthia Geary) who run the local watering hole, The Brick. With its classic “fish out of water” theme, Northern Exposure provides some memorable moments as hero Joel Fleishman learns to appreciate the finer points of rural Alaska

The Northern Exposure (Season 2) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “Goodbye to All That” in which Joel learns that Elaine has left to marry a judge several years her elder. Meanwhile, Holling buys a satellite dish but regrets it when Shelly becomes addicted to international TV Other notable episodes from Season 2 include “All is Vanity” in which Maggie persuades Joel to pose as her boyfriend in order to trick her father, and “Slow Dance” in which Shelly becomes jealous when Holling enjoys a reunion with a woman from his past

Below is a list of episodes included on the Northern Exposure (Season 2) DVD:

Episode 9 (Goodbye to All That) Air Date: 04-08-1991

Episode 10 (The Big Kiss) Air Date: 04-15-1991

Episode 11 (All is Vanity) Air Date: 04-22-1991

Episode 12 (What I Did For Love) Air Date: 04-29-1991

Episode 13 (Spring Break) Air Date: 05-06-1991

Episode 14 (War and Peace) Air Date: 05-13-1991

Episode 15 (Slow Dance) Air Date: 05-20-1991

Author: Britt Gillette
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable Multi-cooker

Northern Exposure follows the exploits of recent medical school graduate Joel Fleishman (Rob Morrow) who, failing to read the fine print in the government papers accompanying his student loans, is forced to practice medicine for several years in the frozen tundra of Alaska. Even more unsettling is that he’ll be the only doctor in the small logging township of Cicely, a place filled with oddball characters and never short of strange occurrences. The wealthy entrepreneur, ex-NASA astronaut Maurice Minnifield owns Cicely and is determined to turn it into an ideal vacation paradise (with Fleishman being part of his plan). Other notable characters throughout Cicely include beautiful bush pilot (and Fleishman love interest) Maggie O’Connell (Janine Turner), KBHR radio deejay Chris Stevens (John Corbett), aspiring filmmaker Ed Chigliak (Darren E. Burrows), and husband/wife team Holling (John Cullum) and Shelly Vincoeur (Cynthia Geary) who run the local watering hole, The Brick. With its classic “fish out of water” theme, Northern Exposure provides some memorable moments as hero Joel Fleishman learns to appreciate the finer points of rural Alaska

The Northern Exposure (Season 3) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “The Bumpy Road to Love” in which Maggie learns of Rick’s extensive past of lovers when a statue is commemorated in his honor. Meanwhile, a disagreement hinders Maurice’s pursuit of Officer Semanski and Joel is kidnapped by a reclusive mountain man and his hypochondriac wife Other notable episodes from Season 3 include “Jules et Joel” in which Joel gets injured, prompting a visit from his twin brother Jules, and “Things Become Extinct” in which Joel experiences feelings of isolation as he searches for other Jews living in Alaska

Below is a list of episodes included on the Northern Exposure (Season 3) DVD:

Episode 16 (The Bumpy Road to Love) Air Date: 09-23-1991

Episode 17 (Only You) Air Date: 09-30-1991

Episode 18 (Oy Wilderness) Air Date: 10-07-1991

Episode 19 (Animals ‘R’ Us) Air Date: 10-14-1991

Episode 20 (Jules et Joel) Air Date: 10-28-1991

Episode 21 (The Body in Question) Air Date: 11-04-1991

Episode 22 (Roots) Air Date: 11-11-1991

Episode 23 (A-Hunting We Will Go) Air Date: 11-18-1991

Episode 24 (Get Real) Air Date: 12-09-1991

Episode 25 (Seoul Mates) Air Date: 12-16-1991

Episode 26 (Dateline: Cicely) Air Date: 01-06-1992

Episode 27 (Our Tribe) Air Date: 01-13-1992

Episode 28 (Things Become Extinct) Air Date: 01-20-1992

Episode 29 (Burning Down the House) Air Date: 02-03-1992

Episode 30 (Democracy in America) Air Date: 02-24-1992

Episode 31 (Three Amigos) Air Date: 03-02-1992

Episode 32 (Lost and Found) Air Date: 03-09-1992

Episode 33 (My Mother, My Sister) Air Date: 03-16-1992

Episode 34 (Wake Up Call) Air Date: 03-23-1992

Episode 35 (The Final Frontier) Air Date: 04-27-1992

Episode 36 (It Happened in Juneau) Air Date: 05-04-1992

Episode 37 (Our Wedding) Air Date: 05-11-1992

Episode 38 (Cicely) Air Date: 05-18-1992

Author: Britt Gillette
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker